Summaries for months 7 and 8 on Telemundo / resumenes por meses 7 y 8 por Telemundo
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We have integrated summaries from several sources (English and Spanish): diane@telenovela-world.com, telenovelas-internet.com ( now telenovela-world.com), La Opinion, http://www.laciudad.com/entretenimiento/telenovelas. You may share them, but you may not sell them or include them in anything you sell. In addition, you must give credit to all the sources, especially the authors, and to Telenovela-World (for the collection).
Estabamos integrado resumenes de algunos fuentes (en ingés o español):
diane@telenovela-world.com, www.telenovelas-internet.com ( ahora
telenovela-world.com), La Opinion,
http://www.laciudad.com/entretenimiento/telenovelas. Puede
compartirlos, pero no puede venderlos o incluirlos en cualquier cosa que vende.
Tambien, tenga que dar crédito a todas las fuentes, especialmente a los
autores, y a Telenovela-World (por
la colección).
A informação nesta página pode
distribuir-se, mas sem cobrar por ela. Além disso, deve dar reconhecimento a
www.telenovela-world.com e incluir todas as fontes.
Please send
additions, changes, corrections to diane@telenovela-world.com/ Por favor, envia
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USA 1/29/01-2/2/01. Marcia tells Patricia, devastated by the loss of her car, that Betty was the woman in Armando's life. Berta has her baby. Patricia reads the letter of instructions. Betty decides to stay with Catalina when she realizes how much trouble it will be for Catalina to find a new assistant. She tells Catalina everything she did and everything that happened. Catalina takes her shopping, buys her new clothes, gets her bangs cut. Betty still feels uncomfortable, doesn't recognize herself, still walks as if she were trying to disappear. Marcia tells Margarita that Armando confessed he loves Betty. Nicolas attends the board meeting but the lawyers insist on talking with Betty. Nicolas tells Betty's mother all about the financial manipulations and admits that Betty fell in love with Armando.
La Opinion, 2/4/01. Solo telenovelas [summary of previous week] Laura M. López Betty la fea KVEA, Canal 52, lunes a viernes, 8:00 p.m. Betty sufría mucho por estar lejos de sus padres y las amigas de Eco Moda; no obstante, estaba segura que esa ausencia la ayudaría a superar el gran dolor que embargaba su corazón. Catalina escuchó con atención la historia que Betty finalmente decidió contarle... su salida por la puerta de atrás de Eco Moda y los motivos que la llevaron a ello. Catalina no la juzgó, sino más bien la entendió y le prometió que estaba viviendo los últimos días de esa Betty. Cuando ella regresara a los suyos, sería la nueva, con un cambio total en su forma de vestir, de peinarse... y hasta también en su forma de actuar, con una seguridad en ella misma que nadie reconocería. Betty se sentía incómoda en ese ambiente, creía ser el patito feo entre tantas bellezas. Catalina le recordaba en cada momento que ella era quien quería hacer su mundo aparte, ya que todo el mundo la aceptaba tal como era. Mientras tanto, en Eco Moda los abogados requirieron la presencia de Betty para legalizar todos los documentos firmados por Armando. Pero como ella no podía estar, le pide a Nicolás que la represente. Marcela estaba furiosa y no ocultaba para nada el odio que sentía por Betty. Armando estaba cansado de las ironías y el sarcasmo de la mujer con la que estuvo a punto de casarse. Más de una vez tuvo que decirle a Marcela que evitara esos comentarios. Patrici, por su parte, tenía que aguantarse las burlas de las muchachas del cuartel. Ya era de todos sabido que el banco le había quitado el Mercedes por falta de pago y que su situación económica era peor que la de cualquiera de ellas. Armando, en tanto, lamentaba noche y día haber usado a Betty, pero más que nada, haberla perdido, porque reconoció que se había enamorado como nunca lo había hecho antes. Por su parte, Mario no podía creerlo... era la primera vez que veía a su amigo en ese estado tan deplorable a causa de una mujer.
http://www.laciudad.com/entretenimiento/telenovelas. 15-11-2000 Catalina le presenta a Betty a un extranjero amigo suyo. Armando le cuenta a Mario que Betty desapareció. Marcela le muestra a Patricia la carta de instrucciones y ésta le sugiere perdonarlo. Betty no se siente a gusto en el ambiente cartagenero y le pide a Catalina que la deje en el hotel. Mientras Armando ahoga su dolor con trago, Betty lo hace frente al mar. 16-11-2000 Marcela toma la decisión de recuperar a Armando. Nicolás debe soportar las burlas de Román y sus amigos al verlo nuevamente en buseta. Betty le anuncia a su mamá que se regresa a Bogotá. Catalina no puede ocultar su molestia cuando Betty le anuncia su renuncia. Armando y Marcela descubren a Sofía hablando de sus intimidades. Patricia y Hugo rechazan las órdenes de Armando. 17-11-2000 Armando le pregunta a Julia si Betty no ha llamado. Betty conoce a la Señorita Colombia. Por fin Catalina se entera de todo lo que Betty vivió en Ecomoda. Marcela le devuelve a Armando todos los detalles que él le regaló a Betty. Marcela le pregunta si hubo algún motivo en especial para que él quisiera cancelar el matrimonio. Los abogados externos llegan a Ecomoda.
27-11-2000 Catalina lleva a Betty de compras por Cartagena. Margarita y Marcela presencian el show que Patricia le hace a Nicolás. Julia le advierte a Nicolás que si no le cuenta la verdad sobre lo que ocurre entre Betty y Ecomoda, ella misma irá a hablar con Armando. Betty le demuestra a Catalina y a un estilista amigo lo baja que está su autoestima. 28-11-2000 Marcela le cuenta a Margarita que Armando si está enamorado de Betty. Michel se sorprende al ver a Betty. Betty recibe el piropo de un hombre bastante importante. Michel le dice a Betty que le gusta su nuevo look. Mario le descubre a Armando una foto de Betty en la billetera. La nueva Beatriz Pinzón intenta encontrarse detrás de una imagen en el espejo.
USA Subject: Summary Monday 1-29-01 Author: Marcia (172.172.129.48) Date: 01-30-2001 00:57 SUMMARY- BETTY La FEA Monday, 01-29-01 by: Marcia BETTY LA FEA USA CARTAGENA A PARKING LOT BY THE SEA Cata finds Betty, and tells her that she has to go to a cocktail to begin some arrangements for a video, so Betty is to take the beauty queens to the hotel, so that they can be ready by seven thirty. Betty is shocked! Me? Cata notices the uncertainty in Betty's face and tells her "How embarrassing Betty, I know that this is not the type of work you are accustomed to, compared to the position you had at Ecomoda... Betty interrupts her and says "no no no no, Doña Catalina, don't worry, I will do it, it's just that I find it ironic that I will be riding in a bus filled with beauty queens, I might just damage their image, and she laughs. Cata is not amused by Betty's words and shaking her head tells her, Betty, you and I have so much to talk about!, Look, she adds, they are there, go take them to the hotel and I'll send the van for you to take you to the cocktail. Betty goes and tells the queens to get in the bus. Once inside, all the queens are singing, while Betty is sitting near the front, but completely surrounded by beautiful women. As you hear the singing of the queens, a melancholic music also plays softly and Betty's face shows sadness and as if she is feeling misplaced.
ECOMODA Margarita is talking to Roberto from Marcela's office, and tells him not to give so much details about the cancellation of the wedding when people call. She then adds that Marcela is calmer. Margarita invites Marcela to go have dinner with them at their house, but Marcela declines preferring to go to her apartment to rest. Before she leaves, Marcela withdraws "The Letter" from her drawer and puts it in her purse. Approaching the elevator, she finds Patricia crying at her desk; depressed about having lost her Mercedes, Marcela reminds Patricia that she has lost a lot more, both a company and her wedding. Patricia is still thinking of her own misery, and says she can't even go to have a drink because she's so broke. Marcela invites her to her apartment to have a drink. Patricia is excited about that. As they wait for the elevator, El Cuartel comes excited because they just found out Berta had he baby, prematurely. They are excited because the are fine. Aura Maria tells Marcela the reason for their excitement, and asks her if she wants the address where Berta is, Marcela tells her not today, because she's not feeling well, but to she sends her hellos. Patricia and Marcela enter the elevator, and Patricia makes a crack about how fat Berta must be now, Marcela tells Patricia to mind her own business, and Patricia says, if I did, I would only have one name in my mind, Nicolas Mora. Elevator door closes. Inesita asks Mariana if she already called Betty, Mariana says, "let me tell you, I called and Don Hermes, very angrily and stressed told me not to call Betty again, because Betty has left Bogota!. Where did she go? Aura Maria asks. He didn't tell, me, Mariana replies.
CARTAGENA NIGHTIME, A PIER WITH LIGHTS, BOATS AROUND IT. . Camera moves making the viewer feel like we are inside Betty's body. The background music is happy mood. Betty has arrived to a cocktail on a pier. She is walking moving among many people until she finds Cata, who is surrounded by several people. Good evening Dona Catalina. Oh hello Betty, Cata replies, what happened to the queens?. They are on their way by bus, I came ahead in the van. Oh, ok, let me introduce you. Cata goes on and introduces Betty to several people who are handling the beauty pageant. Betty is obviously a bit overwhelmed, but everybody is behaving very friendly towards her. A tall young man approaches behind Cata and greets her at her ear "Bon Soir" Michel!, mon amour!, I thought you weren't coming to the cocktail, and that I wouldn't see you until later tonight?. Neither did I, replied Michel, but I could not wait to see you Look, let me introduce you to Beatriz, my assistant, I already mentioned her to you before. Betty wipes her hand on her dress (her hands are probably sweating from the way she is feeling- which seems to still be overwhelmed by the whole social scene) Please to meet you, Betty shakes Michel's hand. Beatriz Pinzon Solano. Michel smiles at her and introduces himself. Cata then explains that he is a very very dear friend of hers. That he is French and as an adventurer that he is, he came to Colombia, fell in love with a Colombian woman, fell in love with Cartagena, left the Colombian woman, but stayed in Cartagena. No no no, let me clarify things, Michel adds, it was the Colombian woman who left me. Ohh Cata says, smiling, and Betty smiles too. Oh! the queens are here, Cata says. All the beauty queens are now dressed in evening gowns, and they come parading on the pier among the guests. Betty moves aside and gazes at the queens. Cata comes to Betty and smiles, at her but moves on to talk to some other people. Betty alone among the people, is offered a drink by a waiter, she first turns it down, but quickly changes her mind. Her eyes look teary.
BOGOTA A BAR Armando is drinking alone with a somber depressed look on his face. Mario arrives, and asks for details. Armando tells him he is not in the mood. Mario says, what did she say? She wasn't there!. She's left town!, and she's left order that no one is to say where she is. That's great!, Mario adds, she's disappeared and she's still the true President and owner of Ecomoda!. Armando reminds him that Betty said she had left them a power of attorney. Mario says, have you read it? Not yet, Armando says getting anoyed at Mario. I don't like this, that she has disappeared. No, you don't like anything Mario!, Armando says, what are you implying that Betty is going to steal the company? It was you who put in my head thought of doubt against Betty, your letter that got me into trouble. It got me into trouble with everybody, and now Betty doesn't even want to talk to me. I don't blame her though, because after what that letter says, I wouldn't blame her if she even keeps the company. Mario adds, you participated too. Don't just blame me. You were as paranoid as I was. I know I know, Armando adds, but by now he is very agitated and arguing louder with Mario. Ok, don't hit me now, Mario says, and without putting in doubt the sacral, very sacral honesty of Betty, tell me, do you have any idea where she's gone? I don't know, I don't know, she left without her money, and her family is poor. Maybe she went to an aunt's house, who knows, you know how she is, she is a loner, she's always been that way, she's not a worldly woman. Mario adds sarcastically, without world! What? Armando is offended by the comment and asks, What? I mean she is not worldly. Mario adds.
CARTAGENA. STILL AT THE PIER Betty is standing by herself among the crowd. Melancholic music plays in the background. The queens are passing in front of her, as some of them say good-bye to Betty, she replies, with a sadness on her face, she clearly is forcing a smile each time she is greeted. Beautiful women keep passing by, and her sadness is clear. After the last queen passes, Betty walks down the pier to approach Cata who is happily chatting and having a drink with Michel standing on the pier by a boat. "Excuse me Dona CAtalina, if you don't need me for anything else, may I go back to the hotel?, Betty asks. CAta looks at her watch and says, actually I'm going to leave now too, we have to go change so we can go to the club. I can take you to the hotel, Michel adds. We have a van, Cata says, but you can pick us up later at the hotel. Betty asks, can I wait for you in the van? What's wrong?, are you feeling ill? Cata asks Yes, a little, but don't worry. Well, Cata says. Betty extends her hand to Michel and says It was a pleasure meeting you. Michel replies in French. Bon Soir as he smiles at Betty Betty adds in French, Bon Nuit, and she turns and leaves. Cata tells Michel, She is very shy, among other things. Michel, with a concerned look on his face says, Yes, I noticed. Betty is seen standing by a palm tree and by now she is crying. She tells herself. This is not my world, this is not my world!
BOGOTA MARCELA'S APARTMENT Marcela pours drinks as Patricia again says how angry she is. Marcela says, imagine me, and what people must be saying about the canceled wedding. How long is it going to be prolongued? Patricia adds. The cancellation is definite, Marcela adds. Patricia procedes to give her a lecture about the need to forgive a man like Armando, whom although she does not like him, she still recognizes that he is worth fighting for. He has money, he is handsome, and you should even get on your knees because you are going to end up an old maid. Marcela does not agree. Patricia says Marce, you think he's fallen in love with "her"? Do you think he's with "her"? Who is she? Marcela says, you know her, Beatriz Pinzon Solano Oh Marce, don't kid me, who is she? Beatriz Pinzon Solando, Marcela repeats. Patricia says, Don't be so selfish, stop teasing me, tell me who she is Beatriz Pinzon Solano, Patricia can't believe it, she is getting nauseous by the thought. She is in disbelief, and says so. How are you so sure? Marcela hands her The Letter. As Patricia reads it, she gulps her whiskey at once and asks for another drink! THE BAR Mario finishes his drink and tells Armando, let's go! Where? Armando asks I don't know, I don't want to be here drinking like an idiot I do want to stay here, alone drinking like an idiot! Armando replies. Armando, listen to me, we are going to come out of this and get Ecomoda out of trouble. We will come out of this financial hell. Besides, I don't know if it's worth it for you to be worrying about a woman who turned you in, who exposed you! Armando is just staring at his drink and Mario seeing that there's no changing his mind leaves. Armando asks himself out loud "I WONDER WHERE MY BETTY IS?" (his face is sad very sad)
CARTAGENA THE HOTEL Cata and Betty walk in and Cata tells Betty to go change. Betty looks down, and Cata notices, and asks her, What's the matter Betty? Dona Catalina, would you mind very much if I stay here at the hotel? Didn't you tell me in the van that you are feeling better? I really don't. I will do for you whatever you need with the queens or the events, but please don't ask me to go to the social event's. Cata explains that a big part of her work is in the social events and that she needs assistance. Cata is loosing a little bit her patience, but she adds softly, what's the matter Betty? It hasn't been an easy day for me, and I'm entering a new world that I don't know, a world that I don't yet know how to handle, besides, I haven't had a single moment alone to myself. Cata comprehends, and smiling she says, ok, lets go to my room.
BOGOTA MARCELA'S APARTMENT Patricia finishes reading the letter and then asks where did you get it? Beatriz gave it to me. And how do you know it's authentic? Because I showed it to Armando and he didn't deny it. Patricia says, Ay Marce, let me ask you something horrible, don't tell me that he used to go make love to her and then went home to make love to you. No, Marcela replies, he had not touched me in a long time. I imagine he stopped making love to me, when he started having relations with her. Marce, at least he respected you, because what a horror if he had come to touch you after touching her! Please spare me your commentaries. Or.. Patricia adds, don't tell me that it was another reason, don't tell me he fell in love with El Garfio! That's what you conclude after reading the letter? Marcela adds. Well, I don't know, then tell me what is it that torments you then? That when I began to suspect that he had another woman, I could see that this woman was important to him, that she could awaken things in him, that it wasn't a woman that he had to kiss in horror. Then, he was so undecided about our marriage, that I am totally sure that he was going to cancel our wedding today. Ay Marce, don't tell me that El Garfio was able to get him to fall in love with her. But I don't think so, because as hateful as he is, he does have good taste, and with all the beautiful women he always chasing after him, I find it incredible that precisely, he's not going to fall in love with the most ugly woman in the planet. If that should really be the case, then, lets turn off our lives and lets leave this world. Marcela is completely exhausted and she tells Patricia. I would like to be alone, Patricia. Could you let me think alone? Ok but I need money. And another thing, this letter is clear, you just need to play hard to get for a while, but don't leave ARmando alone for too long with all the women that are after him out there.
THE BAR A woman approaches Armando kisses him on the cheek. He is obviously bothered, and she has her arms around him inviting herself to spend the night with him. He tells her to leave him alone. CARTAGENA CATA'S HOTEL ROOM Cata is finishing dressing for the night in front of the mirror. Betty is standing next to her. Cata- When you get back in your room, I want you to order room service and eat something, then I want you to fill the tub and take a bath. I need you relaxed for tomorrow, because we have a lot of activities. Ok, Betty replies. Cata moves to the middle of the suite and asks Betty, how do I look? Betty - Smiling wide. Divine! Doña Catalina, you look good in anything. You don't need to ask. Cata - Aha Door Knock That's Michel, Cata says, as she walks to open the door. Ooo la la!, Cata says, as she sees Michel standing in a tuxedo looking very handsome. He thanks her and hugs and kisses her on the cheek. They come in and he looks impressed by the suite. Cata picks up her purse, and Michel says hello to Betty Hello Don Michel, Betty says Doctor Michel, he corrects her, but smiling adds, but just call me Michel. Betty smiles Michel then says, Are you ready? CAta replies, yes, what do you think? Michel kisses her again on the cheek and says you look very beautiful! Shall we leave, Michel asks as he puts one arm around Cata and extends the other waiting for Betty. Meanwhile Cata says, yes, I'm ready, Betty, if you need anything, call me on my cell phone. Oh? you are not coming with us? Michel asks Betty. Betty who smiles shyly replies, no doc-Michel! and shyly she almost hides behind the wall. She has to rest!, Cata explains, and smiling she adds, No, it's just she had a very tough day. Oh! What a shame, I hope you have a good night. Michel says. Lock well after me, Cata says as they leave, I already have my key. Have Fun!, Betty adds, Thank you they both say, and Cata adds- and you rest!. Betty looks at them leave and then she puts a serious look exhaling with exhaustion.
BOGOTA THE BAR A romantic song is being played and Armando is showing a lot of pain on his face. As the romantic song continues, we see CARTAGENA BETTY WALKING BY THE POOL OF THE HOTEL AMONG MANY PEOPLE BETTY AND ARMANDO'S FACE ARE SHOWN ALTERNATING THE SCENES, WHILE THE SAME SONG PLAYS. BETTY REACHES THE SHORE and she says to herself, El Mar! The Sea! El Mar y no Pensar en Nada! The Sea and I wont think about anything! She walks to the edge of the water still wearing her shoes and as a small wave comes towards her she steps back puts her hands up to her face, like a small child who is playing in the beach for the first time. The wave reaches her and wets her shoes. Smiling she gets her shoes wet more by walking inward a little bit. She smiles more and kneels by the shore touching the water for the first time!. She caresses the water and the sand, feeling its wonder with obvious awe! She then brings her wet hand to moisten her lips with the sea water. She tastes the salty water smiling. She gets up, and she stares out to sea smiling. ARMANDO's FACE is over-imposed, and then clearly you see him still drinking with sadness on his face. MARCELA's FACE is over-imposed, as then you clearly see that she is still sitting at her desk at home, drinking and reading The Letter, once again. You still hear the same ROMANTIC SONG IN THE BACKGROUND, and also Mario's voice is heard, reading The Letter. BETTY again, kneeling by the shore, continues to touch the water. ARMANDO's face AGAIN still drinking Mario's voice still being heard reading THE LETTER on the background. Armando is clearly defeated. He sits at the bar holding his head, in sadness as he closes his eyes. MARCELA also drinking, continues reading THE LETTER.as Mario's voice continues reading the letter. BETTY BY THE SHORE ARMANDO AT THE BAR MARCELA AT HER APARTMENT begins to remember what Margarita said, how it's a good thing that Armando's motive with Betty were only to save Ecomoda. Then she remembers Patricia's voice warning her about leaving Armando alone. Marcela says out loud, ok ok ok, I need to get Armando back!
CARTAGENA NEXT MORNING. BETTY IS AT HER BALCONY IN HER HOTEL SUITE She is gazing at the sea, then she turns around and puts her hand to her mouth and thinks. This is very beautiful, but this is not for me, I want to leave, I want to leave, I want to return to my world!
BOGOTA BETTY'S NEIGHBORHOOD. OUTSIDE HER HOUSE Nicolas comes walking dressed as he used to (like a nerd), and the gang is in front of Betty's house. When they see him they mock him and ask him about his clothes and his car. Don Hermes comes out and sends the gang away. Nicolas explains to Hermes how difficult it is to be poor after being rich. Don Hermes reminds him he was never rich, and he should not have been "Scaring his Poor Status" by pretending to be rich, by being arrogant!. Julia comes in the dining room and asks what's going on, Don Hermes continues calling Nicolas arrogant, etc. and Nico, reminds them that he continued eating with them when he had money. Telephone Rings. Don Hermes answers. It's Betty, who says hello papa. Don Hermes says how are you? and then begins to questions her about whether she partied last night. She says no, and asks to speak to her mother. Betty confides in Julia Mother, I don't want father to know, but I'm feeling badly. I want to leave. Julia looks worried and quietly moves away so Hermes does not hear her ask Betty, Why, did they mistreat you? No, not at all, what happens is that I feel alone, I feel very depressed, I don't want to be here. Why do you feel lonely if you are in an environment of party and joy. We've been looking for you on the TV. Yes, mother, there are lots of people, Cartagena is Divine!, but this is not my world! Julia is concerned, and then Betty asks for Nicolas. He tells her how he is busy organizing his phone book and Betty tells him, "Well then you better get really busy, because I'm arriving today!. I'm leaving Cartagena today! And now I got to go, because there's someone at the door. Betty opens the door and it's Cata who greets Betty as she is walking with her cell phone in hand, where she has the agenda stored. She simultaneously tells Betty to get ready because they have a lot of activities ahead, including the arrival of Tais Araujo, "Xica". That there is lots to be done!. Betty sits down and says, Doña Catalina, I am returning to Bogota! What!?, Are you serious?, Why Betty? Because I'm not good for you. You need a different type of person. Let me decide that!, Cata tells her seriously. I din't expect you to function from day one, but I also warned you that this was not going to be the same type of work as what you did at Ecomoda! Betty, who looks embarrassed and upset, says "I know Doña Catalina and I'm very grateful, but it's not the work that bothers me, it's this world, the events, the people, you need someone like you, someone who can handle this, who can be of this world efficiently. And who told you that you are not from this world? Me, Betty adds, with a nervous laugh. But that's because that's how you've wanted it. Here no one has rejected you, if you feel like you don't belong, it's because you've chosen not to belong! I want to leave, Doña Catalina (Cata is looking at Betty very seriously, with eyes wide opened). Ok, Cata says in disbelief!, ok, ok!, (Cata picks up her cell phone as she adds), you know what Betty?, You were right when you told me that I didn't know the type of Betty that I brought to Cartagena (she is clearly angry as she quickly adds), prepare your suitcase, Cecilia will take you to the airport! FINAL SHOT BETTY'S FACE WITH TEARS IN HER EYES!
Subject: ***Summary - January 30, 2001*** Author: Becky A. (63.44.237.90) Date: 01-31-2001 16:12 BETTY'S HOTEL ROOM After Betty turns in her resignation, Cata immediately calls for help. She orders that someone be sent to her immediately because she can not do all the work on her own. As she's talking on her cellular telephone she walks out of Betty's office. Betty lowers her head and wrings her hand.
POOL AREA Cata is still on the telephone and walking. Betty catches up with her and hands over some keys that Cata had left in her room. When Cata tells her to hurry so that she can make the 9:00 a.m. flight, Betty informs her that she plans on staying. Cata tells her to quit playing. Betty tells her that the Betty responsible worker is staying. Cata tells her that this isn't her world. Betty tells her that neither was Eco Moda and she was able to stay there for a long time and support all that happened to her. She goes on to tell her that Cata had confidence in her and that she can't let her down. The only thing that she asks is that they talk. Betty will not be tranquil until they have done so. Cata promises her they will talk when they go to work on the video where Miss Colombia says her good-bye. However, at this moment they need to go to rehearsals.
AT ECO MODA The Cuartel, including Freddy, are standing by the elevator talking. Aura Maria can not understand how Betty has anything to do with the wedding being canceled. Sophia says that it is logical. If Armando is gone then Betty as his assistant is also gone. Inesita says that she's with Aura Maria and she does not understand. Freddy wants them to clarify what they are telling him. He asks if they are trying to tell him, that during his absence Armando and Marcela canceled the wedding. The Cuartel answers in agreement. Freddy wants to know why it was canceled. Everyone, except for Sophia, say that they don't know. Sophia answers that it must have been because Armando was unfaithful. Freddy wants to know if they are sure that they heard right that Armando is no longer the president. Mariana tells him that those four ears, meaning hers and Sandra's, did not hear wrong. Freddy asks who has taken the over the chair as president. Inesita answers Don Roberto. Freddy wants to know what the circumstances of were. Sophia answers that they do not know. (Sophia has her back to the elevator. Aura Maria, Freddy and Inesita are to her left facing the elevator. Sandra and Mariana are to her right, also facing the elevator.) Sophia continues to say that since they never heard she is now sure that it must have been due to something Armando did with the company. (As she is saying this, the elevator door opens, Armando steps out.) Armando steps out and says good morning. Everyone greets him. Sophia throws her head up, grits her teeth and turns around says good morning. Armando crosses his arms and lowers his head. Sophia hurriedly runs to stand next to Sandra and Mariana. Sophia tries to cover her remarks by acting as though she was talking about a telenovela. Armando stands by the elevator door, crosses his arms and listens as Sophia tries to get herself out of this mess. Armando grins. He asks if any of the girls have seen Betty. They all answer, including Freddy no. Armando tells him, "I said algunas". Freddy says that he understands, but he also has not heard. Armando asks the Cuartel that if Betty calls one of them to please pass him the call. Also, if they find out where she has gone he would like to know. As Armando begins to walk away the elevator door opens and Patricia exits. Patricia steps out, playing with her hair, greets everyone. Everyone returns the greeting, except for Armando. He turns her and tells her "Good Morning no, Patricia". He informs her that it is "Good Evening". He tells her to look at watch and see what time it is. Patricia asks if he can speak to her in private. She grabs his arm and takes him to her desk. Armando has his back to the Cuartel. The Cuartel huddles behind Armando. Patricia tells him, "I'm embarrassed to tell you this, but you don't have to yell at me anymore because you are no longer the President of Eco Moda. Therefore, you are no longer my boss. The only one that can yell at me is Roberto, who is the new President. I know that he will not do it because he is a man who is serene and educated." Patricia clenches her teeth and adds, "Therefore, don't ever yell at me again." Armando grins and tells her, "You are right, Patricia Peletenida Fernandez." He goes on to tell her that while he is no longer president he is still a shareholder and he will continue to yell at her whenever he likes. Patricia tells him that since he let the company become seized there are no longer any shareholders. (The Cuartel gasps in surprise.) Patricia tells him that she is not as ignorant as he thinks. She reminds him that she completed six semesters of finance at San Marino. Armando tells her that what he forgets is that she is a gossip. (The Cuartel is excited about his remarks to Patricia.) As Armando begins to walk away he tells the Cuartel, "What are you looking at?". They saying nothing and take off to their respective desks. As Armando walks away Freddy follows him and Patricia has a grin and tells herself what a relief it is.
OUTSIDE ARMANDO'S OFFICE As Armando is about to enter the office, Freddy stops him. (Freddy has a very sad look and it seems as though he is about to cry.) Freddy tells him that he had heard about the terrible decision to remove him as president. Armando is smiling and tries to say something, but Freddy continues. Freddy tells him that he loves him very much. Armando tells him that he also feels the same. (Armando puts his hand on his shoulder.) Armando asks him what he is going to call his father. Freddy tells him that he will also address him as president because his heart is big enough to recognize both magnificant men. Armando takes out his employee badge and gives it Freddy to archive. Freddy, with Armando's permission, plans on wearing his badge under his own until Armando returns as president. Armando thanks him. Hugo comes walking hurriedly down the hallway saying "Ines! Ines!" "Where can she be with all the work that there is." Armando calls Hugo and asks the status of new collection. Hugo ignores him and continues to talk to himself about where Ines can be. Armando yells, "Hugo!" Hugo wants to know if he is talking to him. Armando repeats his question. Hugo tells him that information will only be told to the president. As he is speaking, Armando grabs him by his jacket. When he does this, Hugo starts backing down. He informs Hugo that he will not go over him. Hugo tells him that it is a shame that he is such a good friend of Marge's because he would like "to go over him." Armando releases him and informs him that he will continue going to the office and supervising the costs and production of the collection. He tells him that he will continue to report to him. Hugo wants to know if he is still going to insist on doing that job. He wants to know if he will still need to give reports to that monster that he hired as an assistant. Armando tells him that Betty will not be returning so he is no longer to talk about her. Armando walks into the office. Hugo yells for help that a crazy person walked into the president's office. Before Armando has a chance to come back out Hugo takes office. Armando glances towards Betty's office. Walks around his desk and picks up the telephone. He calls Betty's house and speaks to Dona Julia. He wants to know if she has talked to Betty. (He has a smile and is excited.) She answers no. (A worried look comes across his face.) He asks if it is not strange that she has not called them. He asks her to tell Betty that he is waiting for her call. They hang up. Armando glances back at Betty's office. (He looks as though he is about to cry.)
BETTY'S HOUSE Don Hermes and Nicolas walk in. Don Hermes asks if it was Armando. He asks why she didn't tell him that Betty had called. Dona Julia says that it was the first thing that Betty had asked. Don Hermes comments that he doesn't like what is occurring. Don Hermes walks out of the room. Nicolas asks Dona Julia of Betty will be returning that day. She tells him that she does not know. ON THE BOAT Cata and Betty are at the boat where the video of Miss Columbia will be taped. Betty makes jokes about how Miss Columbia will be the prettiest woman for a year where there are women like her who will be ugly all of their lives. She laughs. Cata does not. She tells her that there are some women who prefer to be ugly.
BACK BY THE ELEVATOR AT ECO MODA The Cuartel is talking about the cancellation of the wedding. They make comments about all the money that is going to be lost and how they could all have been married with that amount of money. Sandra says that she prefers to stay married than to be in the position that Marcela now finds herself. (Again, everyone but Sophia is facing the elevator.) As the elevator opens and Marcela steps out Sophia makes the comment that if Marcela didn't marry Armando she will now stay as an old maid. Marcela greets everyone. Sophia turns around and greets her. Again, Sophia hurriedly acts as though she were talking about a telenovela. Patricia runs to greet Marcela. Patricia wants to know what she decided. Marcela asks if Armando has arrived. She says yes that he is waiting for her "in-laws". Patricia catches herself and says "ex in-laws". Marcela informs her that they are suppose to meet with the lawyers. She says after the meeting she will have a serious talk with Armando. Marcela asks if Betty has arrived or if she has called. Patricia says no and that it is better for Betty to forget about all of them.
BACK AT THE BOAT Betty is making more jokes about being ugly. She laughs. Cata, again doesn't. Cata tells Betty that know they can talk. Betty says that she prefer to talk bad about herself before everyone else does. Betty begins to tell her story. MARCELA'S OFFICE Marcela is putting the items that Armando have given to Betty back into the trash bag. Patricia wants to know what all of that stuff is. Marcela tells her that it is all of the cards that he had written Betty. Patricia corrects her and says that Mario wrote them. She tells her that it was all part of the plan and that Armando did not become emotionally involved. Marcela says that it doesn't stop the pain. She can't imagine him flirting and seducing her. (While Marcela is speaking Patricia is making a face that shows that she is disgusted with the thought of Armando flirting and seducing Betty.) Marcela says that what leaves her colder and surprised is that what Armando is capable of doing, especially in front of her. She says that he is a manipulator. BACK AT THE BOAT Betty is continuing her story. She's telling Cata that she did everything that Armando asked her to do. She'd doctor the balance sheet and support him because he protected her and he trusted her. She says that it was like being with the man of dreams, though unreachable. (As we hear Betty's voice we see Armando opening the door to her office.) Betty continues that it was like when a person goes to the movies and spends two hours with the man of their dreams, but she had Armando more than twelve hours. She was happy. (Armando is now heading to Betty's desk.) She was happy until he came up with his plan and she fail into his game. (Armando sits at Betty's desk.) Marcela is walking towards Armando's office and Patricia is right at her heels. Patricia asks Marcela what she is going to do. Marcela tells her that she does not want to have remembrances of them in her office. She is going to return the items to their owner. Patricia asks why she doesn't throw it away. Marcela tells her that it is up to him to do as he pleases. She says that he might want to keep them as remembrances of how he turned over the company to Betty, how he deceived her or how he made her fall in love with him. She says that maybe Armando wants Betty to keep them as a reminder of the sacrifice that she had to make. She goes on to say that Betty is now paying for getting involved with Armando. She had no right to believe that she deserved him and did she believe that she was going to be able to keep him. (Marcela takes off.)
BACK AT THE BOAT Betty is telling Cata that she never rationalized after the turning over of Eco Moda that he would begin his plan of conquest that was obviously to protect his company. (Armando is sitting at Betty's desk looking sad.) She could never believe that he would notice her. Much less on a night that he had too much to drink he would kiss her. (Armando pulls opens her desk drawer and pulls out a picture of Betty.) Betty continues to say that Armando sent her flying. (Armando is looking at her picture and smiling. When Marcela walks in he puts the picture in his pocket.) They greet each other. He asks how she is doing. She says fine, "did you think that I would commit suicide or end up in a mental hospital". (Armando has crossed his arms and looks down.) She tells him that she is fine and that she is there to see what can be done to save the little bit of the company that is left. (She puts the bag on Betty's desk.) She tells him that Betty left those items for her in her office. She thought that before she threw them away that she should return them to him. (Armando sits down.) She tells him that he may want to make an inventory to make sure that she has not kept anything. He tells her that he know that she hasn't. She tells him that maybe its Mario's job. (Armando turns his face away from her.) She asks what he did while Mario wrote all those cards. Did he stay indifferent. She goes on to say that he made Betty fall in love, seduced her, slept with her and acted like nothing happened. (By this time, Armando is staring at her.) Armando tells her that he is not going to discuss this with her. Marcela tells him that it was obvious that he was going to cancel their wedding she wants to know why. Was it because of the situation he was living with Betty and the company, because he couldn't be with her while Betty was illusioned with him and had control of the company? "Is there another reason?", she asks. Armando reminds her that he is not going to discuss that with her. He reminds her that the attorneys are coming and he doesn't want them to be fighting. Marcela wants to know what he had planned for her and what is happening to him. Armando answers, "The truth, I don't want to hurt you anymore." Marcela looks a bit in shook and stares at him. (We know here Betty's voice telling Cata that when she began working at Eco Moda she knew that Armando and Marcela were going to be married.) Marcela and Armando are still staring at each other. Marcela turns around and angrily walks out. (Betty is still talking. She continues to say that from the first time she started working Marcela and Patricia would humiliate her, especially Marcela.) As Marcela passes Patricia's desk, Patricia wants to know what happened. Marcela informs her that there is more going on with Betty. Patricia asks for her not to say that Armando has fallen in love with her, because she will throw herself out of the window. Marcela doesn't know what it is, but it has to do with Betty. BACK AT THE BOAT Betty's says that what freed her to love Armando was the certainty that he didn't love Marcela.
BACK AT ECO MODA Mario steps out of the elevator and greets Marcela. Marcela tells him that she has not had the opportunity to congratulate him. She tells him that she didn't realize that the company had a writer as talented as he. She mentions the part of the letter where he states that he will not let him borrow his apartment for a second time. (Mario is just staring.) She asks if it ruined his imagine. He tries to speak, but she interrupts. She continues with parts of the letter. He again tries to speak and before she walks she reminds him that he was going to be the bestman at their wedding. ARMANDO'S OFFICE Armando is looking the gifts and cards that he gave Betty. (Betty's voice is heard saying how she believed every promise that he made and how she thought that he loved her. Until she discovered the letter.) Mario walks into Armando's office. He asks how he is doing. Armando says that he "feels bad everytime I think of this damn letter, the time that Betty had this in her hands, what she assumed, comprehended. All the time that she had the opportunity to know what was happening." He says this is the time that he understands why she began to act as she did.
BACK AT THE BOAT Betty says that she stayed quite because she kept hoping that it was a lie. However, Armando showed her step by step that it was true. She goes on to say how she began to fill with hate and she wanted to get revenge. She tells her the story of how she used Nicolas as her rich boyfriend. She made many errors and did things that hurt her. She tells her how she had lapses. She would kiss him and desire to be with him. Even though she had the letter, she never stopped loving him. Armando tells Mario that the letter ruined his life. (Mario rolls his eyes.) Mario tells him that he thought that they had already discussed this issue. Armando tells him that Marcela just left wanting explanations. Mario tells him that the letter left it clear that he did not love Betty. Armando tells him "no", because Marcela has her doubts. Mario tells him that he could have cleared everything with her. Armando says that he decided not to since they have the meeting with the attorneys. He goes on to tell him that this letter hurt Marcela, but it does not compare to the pain that it has caused Betty. He asks if he realizes that he could have lost Betty for the rest of his life. (Mario rolls his head.) He tells her that Betty has left, he has lost her, forget her. Mario says that Betty hates him. Armando does not believe that she does. She may believe that she does, but he could feel that she loved her. That is what is giving him hope. BACK AT THE BOAT Betty tells her how as the meeting neared she felt compassion for him and that she had to leave. Armando was able to move her. She goes on to tell her about the conversation she overhead between Armando and Mario. She tells him how it hurt her to do that to Don Roberto. He's the one that built the company and he had confidence in her.
BACK AT ECO MODA Don Roberto and Dona Margarita arrive. They hurriedly greet everyone. Patricia excitedly jumps out of her chair and goes to greet her. They brush her aside and make their way into the conference room. BACK AT THE BOAT Betty tells Cata that she wanted Armando to know that she knew everything. Cata asks how Armando reacted. Betty tells her that he denied everything. She says that Armando told her it was all a lie and that he loved her. Up until the end, he denied everything. ARMANDO'S OFFICE. Armando rises from his chair and tells Mario if he only had the opportunity to explain everything to Betty. If he could have told her at what point everything changed. If he could demonstrate which cards he wrote. (Sophia walks in to inform that Roberto and Margarita are waiting for them.) Mario says its time for the second round. IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM Marcela walks in and Armando's parents are concerned about her. Marcela asks for them to treat her normally. Armando and Mario walk in. Armando's parents ignore Armando's greeting. PATRICIA'S DESK Daniel arrives with the attorneys and asks them to go ahead. Daniel asks if Patricia's little boyfriend did not give her the money for the Mercedes, since he didn't see it outside. She tells him that it is not his problem. He answers of course it isn't. He goes on to tell her that she has lost her car and the value has gone down. So what could they give for her, $1,000. (He's looking at her and shaking his down.) He says that they will see what they can do for her. Patricia tells her that she doesn't need his help. He says not his, but his friends. As he walks off he tells her that he hopes that there is coffee in the conference room. CONFERENCE ROOM Daniel is greeting everyone and Don Roberto tells him to hurry up and sit down. Don Roberto explains to the attorneys why they have asked them to Eco Moda. They attorneys state that Daniel has filled them in and they would like to look at the documents. They attorneys asks where Betty is at. Daniel says that she was fired. Armando corrects him and tells them that she resigned. Daniel says that she resigned before they had an opportunity to fire her. He says that she took off.
BACK AT THE BOAT Betty says that they are never going to forgive her for being his accomplice. She says that they never liked her, except for Don Roberto. They discriminated against her. They never thought that she could be his right-hand because she didn't have the correct presence. They always wanted her out of Eco Moda. CONFERENCE ROOM The attorneys have reviewed the documents and will take them back to their offices in order to review them closer. They state that Betty's signature is not enough and that she will be needed. Don Roberto tells Armando to call Betty and to make an appointment with her. Armando says that he doesn't know where she is. His father tells him to locate her. They will meet again tomorrow. BACK AT THE BOAT Betty says that she did not want to hurt the relationship between Armando and Marcela. Therefore, she only put a copy of the letter in Armando and Mario's portfolio. Due to Marcela's hate she demonstrated all the gifts to her and told her that Armando was still Marcela's. Betty tells Cata that is her story and she is relieved to have told her. Cata tells her that her telling her the story is not going to erase her blame. Betty says that she understands that and that she is paying for her errors and will continue to pay for the rest of her life. Cata says that she did bring with her the Betty that she knows. She also tells her that one thing is clear and that the same Betty will not return to Bogata. Betty agrees. She wants to manage her life different and be another. ARMANDO'S OFFICE Armando and Mario are pacing. Armando, "Where is Betty?" I need her here. I need Beatriz. Where the devil did she go?" Mario says that they don't have another option and he needs to call Betty's family. Armando says that he is sure that they do not know what has happened. He says that he is not capable of telling Don Hermes what has happened. Mario gets up and says that he will either have to face either Betty's father or his.
Subject: *** Summary: Wed 1/31/2001 *** Author: Robin N (63.208.70.208) Date: 01-31-2001 22:33 Yesterday… Betty has revealed the cause for her inner turmoil to Catalina, the lawyers want Betty back, and Armando remains adrift without "his Betty". Today… CARTAGENA Betty looks out at the ocean. They finish taping the farewell video of the current Miss Colombia. She looks sadly on at the action around her; Catalina fixing the queen's hair, cameras all focused on her…The taping wraps and everyone exchanges congratulatory kisses all around. The boat heads in to shore. Betty, now on land harbor side is joined by Miss Colombia, dressed in skin tight yellow pants, a sheer blouse and fancy bra. She politely asks how long Betty has been in Cartagena, slightly inattentive. Betty hesitantly asks a question, "Is a woman like you a slave to the mirror?" The beauty queen responds that she has never felt that she was the one destined to be Miss Colombia. Betty can't believe that the queen could doubt her ability to be the queen, but she tells her that her sister is considered the family beauty and elaborates on this theme. Betty asks her when she decided to pursue the crown, what treatments she had to take to become the queen, etc., and the queen shares with her that she reached about 15 and took up the gym to avoid putting on weight but really she's not done that much more. "And how does a woman like you feel now the world admires you so?" asks Betty, curiously, dreamily. To her surprise, the queens concerns are with being happy with her family, not with the public image. Betty's last note is that it seems a happy story, but the queen leaves her with something to think about: advice on feeling happy from the inside.
CASA SOLANO Hérmes berates Julia about the lack of jobs in the paper: the only thing left to him is to start his own job. He hasn't even gotten his severance pay. He continues to grumble about the murky story behind Betty taking a job that takes her away from home and the reason for leaving Eco Moda. Julia shares a little detail with him about Betty and he jumps on this, wanting to know why Betty didn't tell him: what other secrets Julia is keeping from him. She responds that Betty didn't tell him because she knew he'd overreact. Before they can pursue this argument, the phone rings and they both look at each other, not wanting to appear to be too anxious to beat the other to the phone. THE PHONE CALL On the other end is Armando who mildly panics when it's Hérmes that answers. He's not ready to face Betty's papa. He holds his hand over the mouthpiece and insists that Mario talk to him; pretend to be a friend of Betty and ask for her… Mario gets on the line to here Hérmes peremptorily demanding, "Hello! Who's there!" "Ahem… Ah…Ah…" starts Mario. Armando prompts him, "Diego…" and Mario tells Hérmes that he's Diego. "Diego who!" demands Hérmes and the interchange between Armando and Mario repeats itself. "Ah… Ah… Ibanco," responds Mario, winging it. Hérmes tells him that the Niña isn't there, she isn't in Bogota. Armando wants Mario to find out where she is and when she's coming home, but Hérmes tells him that's confidential information and he's not telling. Armando tells Mario to tell him he wants to talk to Betty's mother and Mario does so, to Hérmes' confusion, "Julia? Why?" Julia takes the phone. Armando takes the phone away from Mario and takes over the conversation. "It's Dr. Mendoza, Doña Julia. Please don't let Don Hérmes know that it's me on the phone. I haven't heard from Betty and I'm very worried. I need to speak with her urgently. Betty has to return, I don't want to alarm you, but it's very urgent." Armando continues. "She needs to help wrap things up with the lawyers. There's a meeting tomorrow morning with the lawyers and she needs to be there." Julia asks him if it's serious. "Yes, it's serious." Julia tells him that she'll tell Betty when she calls. Armando pleads with her, softly, passionately, "It's urgent that she communicates with me. Trust me…" Julia looks pensive.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE As soon as Armando hangs up, Mario pesters him for details on whether or not he's learned if Betty will be at the meeting. Armando's frustration explodes and he shouts at Mario that he's told him as much as he can; he doesn't know any more! Mario has had enough of this attitude and says he'll leave him to his hysterical outburst. After Mario leaves, Armando rises from his desk and walks around his desk in the direction of Betty's office. He leans against the wall near her door and tucks his hands under his armpits and looks troubled. CASA SOLANO Hérmes asks Julia for more details as to who that tal Diego was. She tells him that it was a co-worker from the office but Hérmes doesn't understand why he didn't want to talk to him. Julia feels that it has to do with his tendency to bark at people but he can't see this and he wants to find out exactly why. He tells her to call this guy back and let him talk to him. She doesn't respond to this and walks away. Hérmes barks, "Julia!" and then sighs, "I'm going to lay down…" He strides off and she shakes her head.
CARTAGENA It's night and the scene is similar to that of Carnaval: there are fireworks, dancers dressed in costumes similar to those from the samba parades in Rio, drummers and other musicians… At the hotel, Betty and Catalina descend the main stairs. Betty is on Catalina's cell phone confirming some details. They're due to meet Tais Araujo (sp?), the famous actress from the Brazilian novela, "Xica da Silva". A van pulls up and Tais exits. They hand her a bouquet of flowers which she admires. She effuses enthusiastically about the beauty of Colombia. "Cartagena is so beautiful that when I have my honeymoon I'll have to come here!" She feels that the climate is much like Rio's and feels very much at home there. Catalina is pleased by her remarks and they continue this line of conversation briefly while Tais checks in. They head up the main stairs and Catalina outlines the agenda for the evening. "And you are coming with me tonight, right?" Catalina asks Betty, and Betty agrees with a smile. Upstairs, Betty asks her if the evening will be very elegant. Catalina agrees that it will be and asks if she has a cocktail dress. Betty tells her that she does have one and Catalina asks her to hurry, they have lots to do.
BETTY'S PHONE CALL FROM JULIA Betty enters her room to hear the phone ringing. She answers and it's her mother. Julia wants to know what's happening; isn't she coming back to Bogota tonight? Betty tells her that she isn't; everything has been resolved. "Besides, I can't leave Catalina now. She needs me." Julia tells her somewhat sternly that "Dr. Mendoza called again." Betty responds with a cynical tone of voice, "Oh? And what did he say now?" Julia tells her that Armando's message was that he needs her to call him urgently, to return to Bogota for a meeting with lawyers. Betty can't believe this, "It's some pretext. I left everything that he needs all signed. (sigh…) Besides, I can't leave now anyway. If it's serious, have Nícolas deal with it." Julia's a little surprised by this, "Nícolas?" "Yes, he's fully aware of everything there. I have to hurry. Doña Catalina is waiting for me." With that she bids her mother good-night, promising to call later and sending her greetings to her father. (Note the new commercial "bumpers"; the in and out scenes!)
CASA SOLANO Julia opens the door to Nícolas and he notes the phone in her hand and thinks there's a call for him. She disabuses him of this notion so he turns the topic to his favorite subject: food for him. Julia is silent and pensive. After a pause she tells him that Dr. Mendoza called the house and Betty needs him to go to Eco Moda tomorrow morning to a meeting with the lawyers. Nícolas starts at this (running through his brain is the following thought, "Eeek! Go to Eco Moda and face Patricia? Double Eeek!") He says that he thought that Betty was coming home—she could go. Julia tells him that she's not; he'll have to go. Right now Nícolas wishes HE could leave Bogota!
ECO MODA Cut to Patricia fixing her makeup at her desk. She notes Marcela looking like she's heading out for the evening and screeches out her desire for a ride to her apartment. Marcela asks her where Armando is. Patricia jumps on this, "Why? Are you going to talk to him? Well, if I were you, I'd head in there and tell him you forgive him and the wedding's back on!" Marcela doesn't need this type of advice; she just wants to be prepared for the confrontation of the meeting tomorrow.
CATALINA'S ROOM Catalina is putting the finishing touches on her hair and makeup for the evening and Betty enters, dressed in a long-sleeved dress, black sheer nylons, sober shoes… more ready for a funeral than a cocktail party. Noting her expression, Betty comments that she doesn't look good. Diplomatic Catalina tells her that it's just that she's dressed more for Bogota than for the balmy seaside Cartagena. Betty tells her that it's the only dress she has and Catalina suggests that she lend her one. Betty is a little surprised and embarrassed. "We have different styles." Catalina is sincere with her; she tells her that with her feeling isolated perhaps dressing a little differently might make her feel more able to join into the other world. She walks behind Betty and casually mentions doing something a little differently with her hair and Betty shrinks back in mild alarm.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE Marcela enters and preempts any discussion by telling him she didn't come to talk to him, she only wants to be apprised of what to expect for the meeting tomorrow morning. Will Betty be at the meeting? He soberly tells her that he hasn't heard from her yet: he's waiting at the office for her to call him. Marcela can't believe her ears, or her eyes. She can see how he's reacting. He's waiting around for his assistant to call him? He tells her not to worry, she'll be there. He hesitates and she jumps on this, wondering what really happened at the meeting. He confides in her the truth: he really doesn't know where Betty is, but he believes she'll be there, they don't need to worry. Marcela can hardly control her contempt hearing this. She heads to the door with disparaging words for Armando.
CARTAGENA In the hotel lobby, Michele is playing host to Tais Araujo and the others of the evening's party. One comments that she's heard that Rio is lovely and Tais agrees, telling them that they should try to go to Rio during Carnaval when all is crazy and dancing the Rumba, and then take a plane to Bahia for more. She asks where the other woman is from and learns she's from Cali. The two exchange small talk. Catalina comes down the stairs and apologizes for being a little late. Michele asks for Betty and she tells him that she's right behind her. Indeed, Betty is tripping down the stairs nervously in a light blue halter topped knee-length cocktail dress and ugly sandals. Michele greets her very politely and the group is introduced. They head off and enter the van, Betty trailing behind. They're going to spend an hour at the cocktail event then drive around Cartagena to show Tais the night spots of the city. Tais asks if they can put on some music and they do: all sway to the beat (but the nervous Betty).
ECO MODA Patricia asks Marcela for details (she seems pretty well apprised of what went on there... was she listening at the door?) and Marcela tells her that Armando is waiting for Betty to call and she's going to wait too. Patricia's concern is that now she's without a ride home and she demands money from Marcela to pay for a taxi because if Marcela hadn't decided to stay she wouldn't need a taxi. Marcela pulls some bills out of her purse and is stunned when Patricia takes the big ones and leaves her the small one, chattering on about how she shouldn't be stingy with her friend and she's an unconditional friend… CASA SOLANO Nícolas has begun to make Julia nervous with his squirrely attitude towards going to Eco Moda and his reaction to Armando's call. Nícolas backtracks and tries to calm her by telling her that Betty can work it all out when she comes home. "But Betty trusts you," responds Julia. The phone rings. It's Armando again.
THE ARMANDO & JULIA CALL Armando apologizes for calling again, but he tells her that he's very concerned that Betty still hasn't called him. Julia tells him that it's impossible for Betty to return for the meeting tomorrow and Armando, hand over the mouthpiece, panics, "How can she do this to me?" Julia tells him that Betty has arranged for Nícolas to come to the meeting tomorrow. The jealous Armando responds, "Nícolas Mora? Nícolas Mora?" Julia tells him that's what Betty had suggested, wondering if there's a problem with this and Armando reassures her that that will be fine. For now he's a beaten man. He makes one more appeal, "Please, do me a favor… Please tell Betty not to hide from me anymore… I need her…" His voice is full of love and longing and (IMO) Julia hears this. She smiles in wonderment. Armando, after hanging up, wonders confusedly what Betty is doing… what is she planning…?
CARTAGENA The party heads off to a naval ship where the cocktail event is being held. Betty lags behind in her heeled sandals and Michele steps back to smilingly pull her along. Catalina asks her to wait for the bus with the pageant contestants; they'll only be 15 minutes, then come up. Betty is happy to oblige and they show up very soon, a veritable parade with full military honors. Betty greets all of the contestants and they smile happily at her and she at them. Everyone heads gingerly up the gangplank in their formal gowns and high heels and Betty follows. (Hey, was that an ankle bracelet I saw?) On board, everyone mingles and Betty has no one to talk to. She longingly looks around at the small groups of people conversing, particularly at the beautiful women of the pageant. She grimaces in self-deprecating fashion. She slowly edges towards the group with Tais and Michele. She wanders around the fringe: they laugh and she laughs trying to blend in. She adjusts her frumpy heeled sandals and looks awkward. Surrendering to her feelings of isolation, she wanders away from the group towards the railing of the boat.
CASA SOLANO Nícolas gathers some papers and floppies from the sideboard in the dining room for the meeting. Hérmes enters growling about his wornout slippers and confronts Nícolas as to what he's up to. Julia tells him it's just some papers he needs for a meeting tomorrow and Nícolas elaborates that there some miscellaneous details from Terra Moda. Hérmes is suspicious: he thought everything had been turned in and what's the deal with Dr. Mendoza calling? Nícolas tries to deflect this line of interrogation with "you know how papers hide and that guy's a kook" type of jokes. He turns to teasing Hérmes about his clothing and makes his getaway. Hérmes is left growling and Julia can only smile bemusedly and shake her head.
CARTAGENA Betty continues her solitary wandering. In the background you can hear the murmurs of the party. Catalina joins Michele and asks after Betty. He points her out and Catalina cries that she needs her and heads off to reel her in. Betty is staring out at the sea when Catalina approaches. "Betty! I need you to help with the crowd. Tais doesn't speak Spanish…" she lists a few areas where Betty can help her and Betty responds. She heads back into the fray, timidly, moving awkwardly, reminding me of those sea birds, sand pipers or small herons, the way they pick their way along the sand, leading with their heads and necks. She helps a contestant straighten her sash, mingles with the crowd a bit and ends up near Catalina and the ship captain. They chat pleasantly. Betty goes off to try to collect Andrea Cerna, a journalist who's one of the women in their party, who's in the middle of an interview. She swats Betty off like a pesky mosquito and Betty leaves. ECO MODA Armando exits his office, tired, and wipes his face in fatigue. He is startled to see Marcela sitting at Patricia's desk like some attack dog. "What are you doing here?" She responds without any small courtesies, "What time is she coming?" "She's not coming," he says, quietly. Marcela wants to know what is going on here; why is he so tranquil about this? He tells her he's not tranquil about this; she's sending a replacement to stand in for her. Marcela explodes at this, "What representative?" She notes Mariana and Sandra sorting papers trying to look like they're not eavesdropping and asks if they can speak in private. He nods, making a face of resignation.
CARTAGENA The party leaves the ship. The contestants one by one bid Betty a good night. She kisses them good night, they kiss her, she reminds them to be on time… Very pleasant. Catalina asks her to make sure that all are on the buss okay. Michele escorts Tais off the boat. Later, Betty tells Tais how her mother loved Xica and would be so impressed with her having met her. She heard that it was very good, but with work she wasn't able to watch it. (Obviously not a novela addict like some we know…) She asks for Tais' autograph and she happily agrees. Betty brings Tais up to the head of the pageant and introduces them and they make polite conversation. Catalina is very happy with the way the evening has turned out. She asks after the other guests and they collect the last missing one and head off.
MARCELA'S OFFICE Marcela tells Armando that she doesn't want to intrude on his intimate life (this, from a woman who called him every hour on the hour), but she wants to know what happened between him and Betty. Going into the meeting he was so upbeat, as if he thought Betty was going to help him. She doesn't understand how this turned around. Armando tries to explain that things weren't like that. Marcela can't understand how he trusted Betty so much. She can only hope that she hasn't betrayed him, them, the company the way that he betrayed her according to the letter. She wants to know why he had so much faith, so much confidence, so much trust in her. She knows why he made her fall in love with him, but, "I want to know what happened with you… What was she to you? Did you fall in love (shudder of terror/disgust/disbelief) with Beatriz?" There are tears in her eyes and tears in his. TOMORROW Marcela asks Armando point blank if he fell in love with Beatriz. Tais gives Betty some beauty tips and, Catalina tells Betty that the event they go to today will be the last event with the "old Betty."
Subject: **SUMMARY** Thursday, Feb 1 Author: Lupita (12.0.36.227) Date: 02-02-2001 12:28 Armando refuses to discuss Betty with Marcela, but Marcela insists "I've given you three years of my life. I was just hours away from marrying you. The least I deserve is an explanation! And don't tell me you don't want to hurt me…." She pauses as it dawns on her "You're in love with Betty, aren't you?" she sobs. Armando remains silent, looking at her with infinite sadness. "Your silence tells me it's true" . Armando nods stoically. Marcela wails and flails at him with her fists "No! How did this happen? You'll pay for this in Hell!" With a haunted look in his eyes, Armando whispers "I know. I'm paying….." Back in Cartagena, Cata and the gang are having a grand ol' time in the van. Everyone except Betty, who quietly asks to be dropped off at the hotel because she's not feeling well. Unable to dissuade her, they drop her off. A concerned Cata tells Michel to go on to the party and take care of the girls. She follows Betty into the lobby and asks what's wrong. "I just can't handle it" replies Betty. "Nonsense" retorts Cata " Let's talk before you quit on me again".
Out on the hotel terrace, Betty tells Cata that she can wear borrowed clothes and frequent the best spots in town, but inside this dress is the same old Betty. "Yes" replies Cata "The same old Betty that refuses to change. How can you be so strong professionally yet so weak in your personal life? "There are certain things in life you're suited for and others you're not. This life isn't for me" says Betty. "But wouldn't you like to be a part of this life? You're simply denying yourself the opportunity. Experiment for once, take a risk. Trust me. Give it a shot and if it doesn't work I'll put you on the first plane back to Bogota" counters Cata. "Tomorrow we'll go downtown and see the parade and the President. Then I have something special in mind!" Meanwhile, back in Bogotá, a forlorn Armando sits at his desk, gazing at Betty's carnet photo with longing "How long will you keep doing this to me?" he whispers. Early the next morning Betty sits on the beach, gazing at the ocean. She spies Tais jogging towards her and daydreams that it's really herself running, free and wild. Tais runs up to Betty and they chat. Tais asks if Betty has cheered up a bit. Betty replies that it's nothing, it's just that she's very shy. Tais looks at her sharply "That's not what I think. It looks to me that it's 'saudade'. That's a word we use in Brazil when you feel melancholy - when you miss something or someone you love. Don't get me wrong, saudade is not a bad thing. But misery and sorrow is. And in Brazil we know how to get that out of our soul. At Carnival, we dance and sing. We're helped by Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea.". She pulls Betty up and insists that they dance. "Dancing exorcises all the bad and allows the good in. Your body is your temple. Get rid of the bad stuff. Scream, dance, let it out!" Betty giggles and awkwardly lets out a primal scream. Soon she's jumping and running around with Tais, relishing these new sensations. Cata approaches the out-of-breath, laughing girls. She tells Betty they have to leave to go see the President of the republic.
A tired and drawn Armando arrives at Eco Moda and is greeted by Sandra and Mariana. Once again he asks if they've heard from Betty. Again they tell him they haven't. Dejected, he goes into his office. Mariana and Sandra comment on how it seems that both Armando and Mario aren't willing to give up their offices. They also think Armando's fixation on finding Betty is very strange. Armando tells Mario that Betty won't be coming to the meeting - that Nicolas Mora is taking her place. Mario grimaces "Great. A change of gremlin." Armando goes on to say he still has no idea where Betty is. Mario warns him that he'd better hide his misery . They have to put up a good front and not retreat. Out by the elevators, Patty has waltzed in. The Cuartel gives her a hard time about her tardiness. Patty asks if that vulture, Betty, has arrived because she's urgently required to attend the meeting. The Cuartel retorts that she won't be coming because she's out of town. "Well, she's got to be here" snaps Patty "It's not like she's hanging with the President of the Republic, or something!" Actually, that's exactly what Betty is doing. She and Cata sit in the stands and watch the Presidential parade, the marching bands, the Parade of Sail. Pomp and circumstance. Back at Eco Moda, the Cuartel gossips. They can't figure out what's going on. Patty, as usual, orders them back to work and accuses them of taking advantage of the vacuum created at EcoModa by all the resignations. Sofia retorts that the only vacuum at Eco Moda is in Patricia's head. Patty bristles and announces that because Armando and Mario are no longer with the company and because Marcela, Roberto, Hugo and Gutierrez aren't around, she's in charge. "Right now I'm the President!".
At this moment, the elevator door opens and Daniel and the lawyers overhear Patty's last remarks. Embarrassed, Patty mumbles that it's a good thing Daniel has arrived so he can put everything in order. Daniel smirks and orders her to get him coffee. Patty makes a face and asks him not to treat her like a servant. Daniel turns to the lawyers and informs them that if they ever need a maid with great legs, he's got just the person. Roberto and Margarita arrive. They join Daniel and the lawyers in the conference room. Marcela joins them. Then Mario and Armando come in, looking a tad nervous. Daniel asks when Betty will show up. Armando tells him she's out of town., but that her representative, Nicolas Mora, will soon arrive. "Oh? Betty's flaming boyfriend?" asks Daniel, disgusted. Nicolas slinks out of the elevator. Catching sight of Patty, he pulls his coat over his face and tries to sneak by. No such luck. Patty yells "What are you doing here? Get out, you damn rapist!". Nicolas jumps from the frying pan into the fire by escaping into the conference room. Roberto is surprised that Betty is not present. Again, Armando mumbles excuses. Nicolas assures him that he is Betty's legal representative and he's got business cards to prove it. The lawyers disagree, informing him that he's not legally entitled to represent Betty and Terra Moda and that the power of attorney is not sufficient. Nicolas gets cocky and tells them he's got another appointment and if he won't do, they'll just have to wait until Betty gets back. Feathers ruffled, Daniel threatens drastic measures if Betty doesn't appear. Roberto calms things down and tells Nicolas to bring Betty up to date on everything that's happened and they will meet again tomorrow. As Nicolas exits the room, Armando insists on talking to him privately, Marcela's snide remarks notwithstanding. Armando's asks Nicolas to reason with Betty. He says that Betty can do whatever she wants to him, but not to the company - she's giving the impression that she is running away. Nicolas retorts "What makes you thing Betty will change her mind just because you ask her to". "Please tell Betty I have to talk to her. I'm dying for her" begs Armando. "I'll talk to Betty, but I won't intercede for you. Betty just wants to be left in peace. She gave her life for you and now just wants to be left alone". He walks out, as Armando's desperation increases. The cuartel surrounds Nicolas as he tries to get in the elevator, asking him for news of Betty. He tells them he's not a liberty to say. They wring their hands in worry. Just when he thought he was safely out, Patty grabs him "Desgraciado! Maldito! Cobarde!". She pummels him as he beats a hasty retreat. Taking advantage of a momentary pause as Marcela walks up, he quickly ducks into the elevator. "How could you have slept with that thing?" asks Marcela. "Speak for yourself" Patty barks "How could've Armando slept with that gargoyle, Betty?" Back in Cartagena, Cata has just dragged Betty into a boutique and asks to see some outfits…..
Subject: *****SUMMARY – FRIDAY, 02/02/01***** Author: Tuly (166.72.126.6) Date: 02-03-2001 10:40 *****SUMMARY – FRIDAY, 02/02/01***** In Cartagena, Betty and Cata enter a boutique and start to look around. Cata tells a saleslady that they're looking for clothes for Betty. Betty immediately interjects that she left EcoModa on bad terms and one of those bad terms was that she didn't take with her any of the benefits to which she was entitled. Cata tells her not to worry, she will deduct everything from her paycheck. Back in Bogotá, Román and his gang intercept Nicolás as he arrives at Betty's house, they make fun of his new poor status and ask about Betty's whereabouts. Nicolás responds that Betty is in Cartagena, at the National Miss Colombia Beauty Pageant. The news, of course, takes Román and his gang by surprise and they begin to make ironic and sarcastic remarks about a 'fea' participating in a beauty pageant. As the exchange between Nicolás and Román heats up and gets louder, Don Hermes, comes out and, as always chases Román and his gang away. Once inside, he asks Nicolás about the meeting at EcoModa, more particularly as it impacts Betty. Don Hermes tells Nico that if there's a problem because of the way Beatriz left, he's willing to stand up for his daughter because a Pinzón always leaves a place of employment with his or her reputation intact, clean, transparent ... in the same fashion he left the company for which he worked for for 20 years, even if they didn't pay him his severance pay. He reproaches Nicolás the fact that he's doing nothing with regard to the difficult financial situation they find themselves in ... does he plan on living off of his mother's bakery? Hermes adds that he's not willing to live off of his daughter. As Hermes leaves, Doña Julia asks Nicolás how everything went. Nicolás nervously answers that the best thing that could happen is that Betty return as soon as possible and confront the people at EcoModa so that they can put an end to all of their problems. Nicolás' answer makes Julia even more anxious and she asks Nicolás for the full details. Faced with Nicolás' reluctancy to answer these questions, Julia threatens to call Armando Mendoza to ask him everything, or better yet, adds Julia, with telling Hermes that there are real problems surrounding Betty's resignation from EcoModa. Faced with Doña Julia's persistence, Nicolás begins to tell her everything, every last detail, but warns her not to tell Betty that he spoke up because she's capable of jumping on top of him and cutting his jugular with her braces. :o)
In the meantime, at EcoModa, Armando and Mario discuss their difficult situation and Armando's inability to locate Beatriz. The t.v. is on behind them and, in the news, they show images of El Buque Gloria's arrival into Cartagena, and President Pastrana. While Armando and Mario ask themselves where Betty could be, we see a close-up of Betty and Cata on the t.v. behind them. Armando tells Mario that he confessed to Marcela that he was in love with Betty. He asks Mario to please turn off the t.v., he's not in the mood to hear about beauty pageants and beauty queens. Mario does as he is asked. Oh, if only they'd been watching ... At the Pinzón household, Nicolás continues his detailed story about the situation currently facing Betty and him, Terra Moda and EcoModa. Hearing all of these details only serves to make Doña Julia more anxious and worried, and in that state she questions out loud how Betty was able to do all that she did. In order to avoid an answer, Nicolás tells Doña Julia that the answer to that belongs to Betty's intimacy and that is territory into which he doesn't delve. Julia guesses that she did it for love, because she fell in love with Armando Mendoza, and says so out loud to Nicolás. Nicolás tries to change that line of questioning, he has become even more uncomfortable than before, and tells Doña Julia that judicially they did nothing wrong, however, if you think about the ethics surrounding the situation, everything was less than above-board. Julia says that if Don Hermes were ever to find out about any of this, he would be capable of killing Betty and then Nico. Julia says that she's got to get in contact with Betty to try to persuade her to reconsider coming back to Bogotá, and she proceeds to dial the hotel. Don Hermes comes back into the room and begins to question Nicolás (who is enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and 'buñuelos' – sort of like doughnuts, but they're shaped like a ball) and Julia about the long-distance call she is making. He reminds her that their economic situation is difficult and they are living in austere times. Betty and Cata have finished their shopping in Cartagena and Cata proceeds to take Betty to the best beauty salon in town (which just happens to have a huge Pantene sign, LOL). Betty becomes extremely uncomfortable with the situation and is reluctant to go in. She says to Cata that "neither a beauty salon nor a stylist will fix my life." Cata reproaches her attitude and asks Betty to give her the opportunity to help her change, to embark upon a new routine for her life. Though afraid, Betty finally relents and goes in. However, she turns down every single suggestion that the stylist makes. At a total loss and running out of patience, the stylist turns to Cata who intercedes and manages to convince Betty to just go with a shampoo, maybe cut her ends and get rid of her bangs. Betty nervously lets Cata take her glasses, holds on to Cata with one hand and holds on to the arm of the chair with the other hand for dear life.
While at EcoModa, Marcela tells Margarita that Armando has fallen in love with Betty and that she is convinced that she has definitely lost him. She adds that if she once had hope that she could get him back, it's all gone now. Margarita tells Marcela that she can't give in so easily against an enemy of the likes of Betty (this last statement was made despectively). After all, she continues in a venomous tone, Betty cannot possible compare to Marcela, they are not in the same league ... all of this must be another one of Armando's immature and passing whims and he'll get over it when that skinny, badly-dressed and ugly woman returns. Aaarrgh ... I can't stand Margarita! Cata arrives at the pool bar of the hotel and he finds Michel sitting poolside. He asks him if he's seen Franco de Vita, who is scheduled to sing at the beauty pageant. Michel tells her that he hasn't and then goes on to ask where Betty is. Cata tells him that she's coming and, when Michel turns around, he looks totally surprised at what he sees. Michel is pleasantly surprised with Betty's new look -- no more bangs, discreet makeup, a pretty and fashionable blue dress and no stockings -- and he congratulates her on her new attitude. Cata tells Betty that she's going in search of Franco de Vita ... Michel accompanies her and Betty starts to wander around the pool area. As she's walking, she's constantly staring at her new reflection in the mirror of her compact and smiling. Suddenly, she runs into Franco de Vita, who is sitting reading a newspaper at one of the tables. She timidly approaches him, introduces herself as Cata's assistant and tells him that Cata is off looking for him. She asks him not to move (about 3 times) and tells him that she's going to go in search of Cata. But the famous Venezuelan singer/songwriter convinces her to stay with him and have a drink. When the waiter comes over, Betty orders her usual 'jugo de mora' and Franco de Vita does likewise. The singer puts the newspaper back up (rather rudely, IMO) and Betty begins to timidly question him about his impressions of Cartagena. De Vita answers with short quips and puts the paper back up again, so Betty starts to lowly sing "Un Buen Perdedor" (A Good Loser) – one of de Vita's biggest hits. Franco compliments Betty on her singing and adds that she looks fresh and pretty. Betty blushes because she can't believe what she's hearing and tells Franco that that's the first time anyone has said that to her. With that, Cata finally returns and Betty excuses herself to go back to her room. On her way back, she runs into Michel, who sincerely congratulates her on her new look. Betty looks radiantly happy ... two compliments in one night, first Franco de Vita, now Michel. Cata walks up to them and reminds them that Taís Araujo departs tomorrow and they need to give her a big send-off, Colombian style. Michel tells Cata not to worry about it, he'll take care of everything. The ladies say good night and start walking in the direction of their room.
In Bogotá, we find Armando still at EcoModa and still drinking. He looks extremely sad and he lovingly stares at Betty's picture once again. Mario comes in and asks Armando whether he's received any new information as to Betty's whereabouts. Armando answers that he hasn't heard a thing ... he still has no idea where she could be. Mario sights Armando's wallet laying on top of his desk, reaches over, and opens it. When he sees Betty's picture stare back at him, he reacts with such fright that he almost drops the wallet (I'm sorry ... I have to admit that I laughed at Mario's antics). Armando gets extremely angry at Mario and demands the return of his wallet. Mario gives it back and remarks that his friend certainly finds himself in a very strange mood of reflection (referring, of course, to his continued contemplation of Betty's picture). Armando once again yells at him and Mario gets out ... he senses his life is in danger. Finally in her room, Betty walks over to the mirror, stares at the girl that looks back at her, and asks, "Betty, Betty, are you in there? Hello Betty!!!". She looks at herself from head to toe and sideways and is apparently starting to believe this is indeed her. The phone rings ... it's Doña Julia. Betty excitedly begins to tell her mother about the Buque Gloria, that she met the President of Colombia and Franco de Vita. But Doña Julia just answers with a short, "that's nice, honey" and tells her that Nicolás needs to talk to her. When Nico gets on the phone, he tells Betty that she must return, that they're facing a very delicate situation. He also tells her that Armando Mendoza begged him to tell her to call him. Betty responds that she doesn't care about any of that ... she doesn't care what happens to him and to his company, they can wait until she returns because she can't leave Doña Catalina alone in Cartagena. Nico asks her when she's coming back, and she answers that she'll be back next week. Hermes walks up to Nico and tells him that he wants to speak to his daughter, but Nico ignores him and says goodbye to Betty instead. Don Hermes reacts in his usual fashion ... grumpily, that is ... and tells Nicolás that he has a right to speak to his daughter and that he better not forget that for the next time. As Hermes walks out, Julia anxiously tells Nicolás that he's got to go back to EcoModa tomorrow and tell them that Betty can't come back just yet, but she'll be back next week. Nico tries to tell her that he can relay this information over the phone, but Doña Julia insists that if he doesn't show up in person they will begin to suspect there's a negative motive for Betty not returning. Nicolás finally accedes to do the deed in person. With that, the telephone rings ... it's Armando again, sounding even more anxious than the previous times. Doña Julia tells him that Betty will not be back by tomorrow and that Nicolás will once again be her representative at the meeting. Armando, who is sitting at Betty's desk, tells her that he doesn't need Nicolás, he needs Betty. But Julia responds that those are the instructions Betty left. Armando asks when Betty's coming back, but Julia keeps her promise and doesn't give him any information. When Armando hangs up, his frustration at this entire situation finally gets a hold of him and he bangs his desk very hard three times, knocking his glass of whiskey over and yelling, "No more, Beatriz, no more!!!" Nicolás asks Doña Julia what Armando said, and she relates that he will expect him tomorrow morning. But, she adds, the one thing she doesn't understand is that she knows that the people at EcoModa always treated Betty badly, but she always spoke highly of Armando Mendoza. She could never stop talking of how he stood up for her and protected her ... what happened? Why is she hiding from him? Nicolás tells her that Don Armando made a big mistake in regards to Betty and he doesn't think that she'll ever forgive him, as a matter of fact, he thinks that she's right in not wanting to forgive him. Doña Julia, even more anguished (if that is possible), asks, "But what did he do to her?" -- FREEZE!
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USA 2/5-9/01. Marcie confronts a drunk Armando. Michel spends time with Betty. In Caragena, Betty gets a slightly new hairdo (no bangs) and makeup. She still feels uncomfortable in her new skin. At Eco Moda, they discover that Terra Moda now owns the company. In spite of the efforts of Nicolas, it appears that the court case moved of its own accord. Armando can't believe he was betrayed by Betty, who still hasn't appeared. In Cartagena, Michel and Betty watch the fireworks. He kisses her. Later she tells Catalina that she doesn't want pity but Catalina insists that Michel is acting on his own. Armando gets drunk in a bar and starts fighting. He keeps coming back for more. Two friends of Marcela call her and she comes and takes him home, cleans him up. At the board meeting, Roberto says he is going to hire a criminal attorney to investigate matters because Betty has stolen Eco Moda. He tells Armando to call Betty's parents. Meanwhile, Betty's mother has read her diary and knows the whole story. When Armando calls her, she tells him she knows all and tells him to leave Betty alone. In Cartagena, Betty meets Cecilia Bolocca again and Catalina arranges for Betty to have a ballgown for the final reception.
La Opinion, 2/11/01. Solo telenovelas [summary of previous week] Laura M. López BETTY LA FEA KVEA, Canal 52, lunes a viernes, 8:00 p.m. Mientras Betty comenzaba a sentirse mucho mejor en Cartagena, Armando era todo lo contrario. El bebía constantemente y lo que era peor... buscaba pleitos en los lugares donde iba a tomar. Quizás en el fondo deseaba que durante una de esas peleas, alguien lo matara, pues tal vez era la única manera de olvidarse de Betty. Perder la empresa y su título de presidente de Eco Moda, quizás era lo último que le importaba a Armando. Mario en cambio no lo miraba de ese modo ni tampoco el resto de los accionistas y mucho menos Daniel. Ellos querían su dinero y con esto presionaban cada día más y más a Armando. Ellos exigían la presencia de Betty en la junta de accionistas para que firmara unos documentos. A pesar de que Nicolás representó a Betty en la junta, don Gustavo y por supuesto sus abogados, querían a Betty inmediatamente. Ella en tanto, se sentía muy mal de sólo pensar en dejarle el trabajo tirado a Catalina para ir corriendo a Eco Moda. Aunque la verdad era que Betty quería hacerles pasar a ellos, lo mismo que le hicieron a ella. Doña Julia estaba muy preocupada por su hija, y por más que le pedía a Nicolás que le dijera qué pasaba, no lograba conseguirlo. Un día doña Julia no pudo más y comienza a leer el diario de Betty... ¡ahí estaba todo, no había que preguntar más! Michelle se sentía muy atraído por la nueva Betty, además no tenía que fingir que la pasaba bien a su lado.
29-11-2000 Nicolás le cuenta a Betty que la Junta Directiva la necesita urgentemente. Betty empieza a mostrar un cambio que va más allá de lo físico. Margarita trata de restarle importancia a la relación entre Betty y Armando. Betty le cuenta a Catalina la situación que exige su presencia en Bogotá. Catalina le recomienda a Michel no dejar sola a Betty, él accede complacido. Marcela le echa en cara a Armando el que Betty lo haya abandonado. 30-11-2000 A pesar de haber logrado integrarse, Betty alcanza a sentir la desesperación de Armando. Michel intenta borrarle la tristeza. El grupo le hace despedida a Tais quien debe viajar a Miami. Michel y Betty se quedan a la orilla del mar escuchando vallenatos.
04-12-2000 Nicolás intenta explicarle a la junta que Betty no tiene intenciones de apropiarse de la empresa, pero ellos amenazan con sus abogados. Mariana y Sandra deben rescatar a Nicolás de las garras de Patricia. Armando y Daniel tienen un nuevo enfrentamiento. 05-12-2000 Armando le cuenta a Mario que pasó la noche en un taxi. Mónica Agudelo se encarga de informarle a Marcela sobre la borrachera de Armando. Catalina le cuenta a Michel que Betty piensa que él le tiene lástima. Nicolás le informa a Betty sobre la situación en Ecomoda y las amenazas de los Valencia y los Mendoza. Betty le dice a Nicolás que se ponga en contacto con los abogados, pues ella no regresa aún a Bogotá. 06-12-2000 Margarita intenta acercarse a Armando en su papel de madre. Catalina le advierte a Betty que lo mejor es volver a Bogotá a hablar con la Junta Directiva. Sánchez, el abogado de Terra Moda, le informa a Nicolás que el proceso de embargo ya es imposible de detener. Margarita le pide a Mario ayudar a Armando a salir de la crisis. Catalina convence a Betty de arreglarse en el salón de belleza para un nuevo evento. 07-12-2000 Betty se siente afectada cuando Catalina le pide que se a Michel. Marcela le dice a Patricia que lo mejor para todos es que Betty regrese.
11-12-2000 Mario no puede creer arregle para elogiar lo que Armando le cuenta sobre el futuro de Ecomoda. Mario le dice a Armando que Betty montó todo un plan para quedarse con la empresa. Los dos hombres discuten fuertemente. Marcela y Margarita los escuchan, por lo que Mario debe confesarles que Betty es dueña de Ecomoda. Mientras tanto, Betty es escoltada por Michel durante una celebración con juegos pirotécnicos. 12-12-2000 Claudia Helena Vásquez y Adriana Arboleda se sorprenden al ver la nueva Betty. Michel le pregunta a Betty quien es Armando Mendoza. Armando se va a un bar y se muestra muy pesado con un grupo de fornidos hombres que se encuentran allí con sus novias. Los trabajadores del lugar intentan calmarlo pero él está dispuesto a hacerse matar. Una amiga de Marcela se da cuenta de lo que está sucediendo y le avisa. 13-12-2000 Mónica le advierte a Marcela que es mejor que vaya con ayuda a rescatar a Armando. Julia se asombra cada vez más con lo que lee en el diario de Betty. En Cartagena Betty se niega a seguir la rumba, Michel se solidariza con ella y la lleva hasta el hotel, donde parece quedar hechizado con la nueva Betty e intenta demostrárselo.
18-12-2000 Armando le confiesa a Mario que sintió alivio a sus problemas mientras estuvo en el apartamento de Marcela. Betty le pregunta a Catalina porque se ha convertido en su cómplice. Sin proponérselo Patricia le devuelve a Armando algunos golpes. Mario le recomienda a Armando hablar con Hermes. Nicolás nota que Julia sabe algo. 19-12-2000 Patricia y Gutiérrez intentan evitar que El Cuartel vea la ceremonia de elección del reinado en la sala de juntas. Bertha se entera que Betty está desaparecida. Armando le dice a Mario que no siente ninguna compasión por Betty. Julia se porta muy seca con Armando cuando llama a hablar con Hermes.
Subject: Summary---Betty La Fea--Monday, February 5, 2001 Author: Maria (65.80.37.186) Date: 02-05-2001 22:53 Summary—Betty La Fea—Monday, February 5, 2001 (In order to get this summary out to you sooner, it was prepared with the help of the summary written in Spanish by Javier Santamaria from the Columbia Forum for "Betty La Fea.") The scene opens with Nicolas telling Dona Julia that the things she wants to know about belong to Betty's privacy. In Marcela's office, Margarita is telling her that love is more than a physical attraction, or "chemistry." That it is also solidarity, something that Betty hasn't given Armando since she turned him in, has made him suffer, and then disappeared. Margarita tells Marcela that they need Betty to come in, sign whatever papers are necessary and then disappear again! Marcela tells Margarita that Betty will never let go of a man like Armando and that when Betty returns, Armando won't let go of her either. Margarita makes Marcela promise her that she won't give up. Margarita leaves and tells Marcela she will see her the following day at the meeting. Cata tells Betty that if she needs to return to Bogota, it's ok, not to worry about it. Betty informs Cata that she'll stay in Cartagena until all their work is concluded there. Tais Araujo tells them that she is returning to Miami and that she had a wonderful time in Cartagena. Tais is very happy that Betty has changed her appearance.
Patricia asks Marcela why Nicolas Mora is coming to EcoModa instead of Betty (El Garfio). She threatens to squash Nicolas if he ever returns to EcoModa. Michel insists that Betty be happy and enjoy the party with them. Betty begins to get into the party mood. Armando continues to drink inconsolably. Patsy-Pat hangs around the office for Marcela to take her home. Marcela instead gives her money for the taxi. Patsy-Pat says her friend is cheap. Marcela goes into Armando's office to talk to him. Marcela asks Armando if he has spoken to Nicolas Mora. He tells her he hasn't. Marcela asks if he has spoken to Betty and he tells her that he hasn't spoken to Betty either. Marcela tells him that she doesn't want him to feel pressured and that she knows that he has told her that he doesn't want to hurt her but that her body is numb and that she doesn't care. Marcela asks Armando what he plans to do if Betty doesn't come back. Armando tells her that he'll speak to the attorneys so that they can…… Marcela: No, no, I'm not referring to the legal status of the company. I'm referring to you personally. Have you thought what will happen with your life if she never shows up? Or better yet, if she doesn't want anything to do with you?" Armando: No, no I hadn't thought of that. Marcela: Does that mean that you still hold on to the hope that she'll come back to you? Armando: Marcela, really, I don't want to, nor can I discuss this with you. Marcela: Of course not! But don't worry; you've said it all! Don't look at me that way; I haven't come here to interrogate you. You have all the right, you have the freedom….. I just want you to answer a few questions." (I though she said she wasn't going to interrogate him? hmmm) Marcela sits down. Marcela: What do you understand by love? What is it you look for in a woman? What do you find in a woman that makes you fall in love with her? Because frankly, where Betty is concerned, I'm a bit disconcerted. I don't mean physically although it did surprise me that you broke out of your mold (couldn't find the right word for this in English folk—sorry). I am referring to what you expect from a woman who is apparently weak, submissive, who has principles, but is willing to get mixed up with her boss, a man who is about to get married, who is capable of having a clandestine romance. Armando walks over to the desk to sit on it. Marcela: Don't sit there. Sit here (she points to the sofa). Armando: Marcela, really, I am not willing to have any more questions directed against Betty. I just won't put up with that. Marcela: Of course not! Love is blind. And this example is more than obvious. Not only is it blind, it's deaf, irrational……………What do you expect of a woman who was capable of getting involved in the dirty dealings you orchestrated with this company and who turned you in at the board meeting? Armando: Marcela you've asked me these same questions a million times! Enough! Marcela: She turned you in to the woman with whom you were to be married. She turned you in with evidence and proof; with all the little things (detalles) you gave her. What do you expect from a woman who you ask, you plead to come to your aid when you are in over your head and she sends you a "messenger." Armando: She's hurt, you know that Marcela. Marcela: Armando, many times I have been hurt, but I have always been at your side. I want you to understand that she only loves you in the good times, and not in the bad times. She doesn't consider you, it's as if she felt nothing. I would have been incapable of abandoning you in this fashion, especially if I had been a part of the problem you were in. I want you to understand that she has left you up to your neck. That's all; I only wanted to let you know. I feel sorry for you! Armando is sitting in his office and in the solitude of it all he leans back and screams "Betttttttyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy." (Again, this reminded me of Rochester calling out for Jane Eyre) <grin>
Betty seems to hear Armando! She seems to lose her balance and seems almost to feel faint for a second. Her lips form the words "Don Armando!" Tais Araujo seems to bring her back to reality. Tais says that when she gets married she wants to return to Cartagena, although she still doesn't have a boyfriend. Tais makes Betty promise her that from now on she will be happy. Betty promises her that she will be happy. Armando enters a bar in the hopes of continuing to drown his sorrows. Michel and Betty dance and drink. Cata excuses herself shortly thereafter because she wants to go to bed. Betty insists on going to bed when Cata does and Michel asks her to stay. Cata discreetly tells Betty that it would be discourteous to Michel if she were to turn him down. Betty feels uncomfortable staying with Michel because she thinks he's Cata's boyfriend. Cata explains to Betty that Michel is only a good friend who doesn't deserve to be stood up. Betty and Michel are alone at the beach. Betty and Michel talk, drink, and enjoy the evening. Betty tells Michel how much she has enjoyed seeing the ocean for the first time in her life. She also tells him that she has to return to Bogota where a lot of problems are waiting for her.
Armando, drunk at the bar, asks the bartender for another drink. The bartender asks him to stop drinking, but Armando insists causing a major scene. Armando ends up telling the bartender all his woes. He tells the bartender that he's in love with the most wonderful woman, but she has one heck of a temper. He keeps getting the poor bartender confused because he keeps talking about Marcela and then Betty. He shows the bartender a picture of Betty (the one he is in love with and left him, he says) and the bartender tells him he understands why he is drinking (very funny scene)! :) Michel takes Betty back to the hotel and when he says goodnight, he kisses her softly on the cheek. Betty enters her room and sees her beloved Armando looking at her accusingly in the mirror. She calls out "Leave me alone Don Armando, leave me in peace." Armando is asleep at the bar at closing time. The bartender calls a taxi for him. Monica Agudelo (Marcela's friend who called her to tell her she had seen Betty and Armando at the restaurant) shows up and asks Armando about his cancelled wedding. He avoids answering her and calls her a busybody and runs her out of the bar. Armando sees Monica Agudela again outside of the bar before getting into the taxi and calls her Monica Agudelo Lewinsky and asks if he can take her somewhere to take some pictures! Armando continues with his self-pity and introduces himself to the taxi driver as Armando Mendoza, the ex. The ex-fiancée of Marcela Valencia, the ex-love of Beatriz Pinzon, the ex-President of EcoModa, on and on (very, very funny scene). The following day at the beach, Catalina asks Betty how things went with Michel. Betty tells her that things went well and she supposes that Catalina had asked him to be very nice to her. Cata tells Betty that if Michel was special with her, it's because he truly likes her and he want to be, not because she asked him. She asks Betty to have more confidence in herself. Marcela arrives at EcoModa and Patsy-Pat wants to know what Marcela and Armando spoke about the night before. Marcela informs her that nothing unusual transpired. Mario Calderon arrives and is ignored by both Patsy-Pat and Marcela. Don Roberto and Dona Margarita arrive with Daniel and ask if Armando is in. Patsy tells them that he hasn't arrived. Marcela goes into Armando's office. Daniel reminds Patsy-Pat that she needs to get coffee for the meeting. Everyone in the boardroom wonders why Armando is late. Armando arrives at Eco-Moda hung over and disheveled on his cell phone with Calderon who is sitting in the boardroom ready for the meeting (funny). Don Roberto asks if Betty is coming and Armando tells him, no, that she is sending a representative. The elevator door opens and Nicolas steps out. End.
Subject: ***SUMMARY - Tuesday, February 6, 2000*** Author: Becky A. (63.30.41.254) Date: 02-07-2001 01:41 IN FRONT OF SANDRA AND MARIANA'S DESK Nicolas exits the elevator and greets Sandra and Mariana. (He is hiding something before his back.) As he excuses himself, Patricia approaches him and he offers her a red rose and tells her that it is nice to see her about. She grabs the rose out of his hand and throws it to the floor. As he tries to leave she grabs him by his coat and he tells her that he has an important meeting with the Mendoza's. She tells him that he has some nerve to show up at the office and look ridiculous. He tells her that she has to understand his situation. (He pulls out the inside of his front pockets to demonstrate that he is broke.) He walks off. Sandra and Mariana look at Patricia, then at each other and say "Aye". Patricia makes a face at them.
BOARD ROOM Nicolas enters the conference room. He informs the Board that Betty will not be returning until next week. Marcela wants to know why not until next week. Nicolas tells him that she has some very important engagements outside of Bogata. Daniel asks Nicolas what it is that they want? Nicolas tells him that he doesn't understand? Marcela clarifies by asking how much money Betty wants in order to return the Company. Nicolas tells them nothing. One of the attorneys steps in and says that it is important that Betty appear to sign documents in order to stop the legal action that Terra Mora has against Eco Moda. Daniel wants to know where Betty can be located. He informs them that he is not authorized to give out that information. Marcela says that Betty wants to stay with Eco Moda. Nicolas tells them that they are wrongly judging the situation. Daniel says that there aspiration is to keep the Company. Marcela informs him that they already have the Company. Nicolas says that they are wrongly judging Betty. Daniel says that it doesn't seem that way since she is hiding. (During this entire conversation, Armando stays quite and looks at everyone.) After they thank Nicolas for crossing, Marcela informs him that they are not going to stay still with their arms crossed while Betty takes away the Company.
IN THE HALLWAY Nicolas is hiding from Patricia as she speaks to her father on the cellular telephone. She is explaining to her father that she can't decide if she should keep her credit card which she has not been able to use for three months and to move into an apartment that is more economically feasible. Or should she stay in her apartment and get rid of her credit card. Sandra and Mariana come around the corner and they are discussing the scene between Patricia and Nicolas. They are wondering why Nicolas has brought a flower for Patricia. They walk upon Nicolas and he asks that they not say his name outloud. They ask what's the situation between him and Patricia. He tells them that since she hates Betty, she hates her. He asks that they get the elevator for him. Patricia is still speaking to her father and informing him that if she doesn't pay the credit card the bank is bound to show up at her place of employment and take her paycheck. She tells him that she can't afford to make a telephone call on her cellular telephone and that she is fortunate that he is the one that called her. Mariana has obtained the elevator for Nicolas and Sandra escorts him to the elevator. (Sandra is walking beside him in order to hide him from Patricia.) Patricia is telling her father that all she has left is the jewelry that her mother left and that she is going to use that to pay for her burial. She catches Nicolas trying to sneak into the elevator and yells in English "STOP". She runs and blocks the elevator and puts her leg up against the elevator to keep him from getting in. As Sandra is arguing with Patricia Nicolas crawls under her legs to get into the elevator. Mariana pulls her away from the elevator and as Patricia argues with Mariana and Sandra, Sandra threatens to beat her up if she doesn't leave Nicolas alone. Patricia accuses them of being Nicolas and Betty's accomplishes. As Nicolas pushes the button to close the door he thanks Sandra and Mariana and throws Patricia a good-bye kiss.
BOARD ROOM Daniel tells everyone that he is in agreement with Marcela and they have to do something. He tells the attorneys to proceed with the action. Armando speaks up and tells them that they can't do that to Betty. They are in no condition to take action against her. Daniel tells him that no one asked him for his valuable opinion and tells him that he has no say so. He reminds him that he left them in ruins and he turned over the company to her and he know defends hers. Armando gets up and starts to yell at Daniel. Daniel rises from his chair. Marcela steps in and makes comments about his appearance. Daniel makes comments about him being drunk. Robert speaks up and tells Armando that he does not have the right to speak and then goes on to speak about his appearance. He tells him to be respectful and never to show up in again in that condition. Margarita tells everyone to calm down. Daniel continues with his remarks about Armando. Daniel begins his sad story about how he lost his opportunity to invest in the new venture and that they have also left what their parents left them. Armando speaks up and tells him that he is not going to let the Company go. Daniel wants to know how much longer they are going to have to support the drunk. Roberto tries to calm things down and tells them that they need to look at other avenues and that they will meet tomorrow to discuss those options. Roberto begins to leave and Margarita tells him that she wishes to stay behind to speak to Armando. Roberto says that he is not capable of speaking to him and he leaves. (During this entire scene Marcela is staring and her anger is rising.) After Roberto leaves Daniel wants to know if they should have a toast. Armando gets up and heads toward his office. Daniel asks him when he plans on moving out of that office. "Do you not realize that you are no longer the president". Armando informs him that he plans continuing to occupy that office until a new president is appointed or his father steps down from his position. Daniel asks him if he realizes that a Japanese would have already committed hara-kari for doing less. Armando turns and walks away. Mario gets up to follow Armando into the office. As he is walking towards the office, Daniel makes a comment about Mario being Armando's accomplice. Mario doesn't say a word, but closes the door. Daniel excuses himself from Marcela and Margarita. Marcela's telephone rings.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE Mario asks Armando what is happening to him. He wants to know how he dared to show up in those conditions. Armando tells him that he just didn't want to go home to sleep last night. Mario asks where he was. Armando answers in a taxi. BOARD ROOM "In a taxi", says Marcela. It is Monica Lewinsky from the previous evening notify her of Armando's whereabouts the previous evening. She asks Marcela questions in regards to her relationship with Armando, are they still together and does she have any intention of trying to recoup him. Margarita wants to know if maybe they are doing the wrong thing by leaving him alone during this time. ARMANDO'S OFFICE Mario wants to know what is happening to him. Does he not realize what Betty has done to him. She is destroying him. She turned him into the entire company and to Marcela and now she disappears. Armando gets upset and calls him "Marcela #2". He tells him that he is tried. Everyday Marcela comes in and reminds him of what Betty has done to him. Mario tells him yes he is "Marcela #2", because he agrees with her. He is more concerned about his small romance with Betty then what is happening with the company. He tells him to slap himself and wakeup, "We have lost the company". Armando tells him that is not Betty. If she wanted the company she would have sent the lawyers and not Nicholas. Mario tells him that he hopes he is correct. Mario leaves the office.
HOTEL AT CARTEGENA Betty and Cata are speaking in the hotel lobby. They are making arrangements to leave in 30 minutes and Betty informs Cata that she needs to call Bogata to check on the status of the events at Eco Moda. As she is about to leave Michele arrives. Michele wants to know how Betty passed her evening. "Listening to the ocean", says Betty. Cata decides to have a heart-to-heart talk in regards to Betty. She explains that Betty has gone and is going through a tough time, with a past love and at her previous place of employment. Michele states that Betty talked a little bit about it and that it shows. Cata explains that Betty believes that he is only being nice to her because of his friendship with her. Michele explains that this was so in the beginning but that things have changed. Since then he has seen a new Betty, one that smiles, dances and is beginning to enjoy herself. He tells her that when she had asked him to pay special attention to her on the bus that it was no problem for him. He says that with no special interest, he wants to be nice to her. To him, she is a special person. Cata agrees. Cata explains how intelligent she is and how she ran Eco Moda. When Betty informed her that she was resigning Eco Moda she didn't have any second thoughts about asking her to come work for her. She tells him that she is a simple and solidarity person and that is the person that she is trying to change. It is that woman that she wants to help her come out ahead. It would be both of their benefits. Cata tells him that she doesn't want her to fell that he is only being nice to her because of Cata. She asks him to make that clear to her.
BETTY'S HOUSE Right after Nicolas arrives the telephone rings and Don Hermes will not let anyone other than himself answer. Betty assures him that all the events that she has attended are work related. As he is speaking to Betty, he gives her advice on taking care of her skin. He tells her not to spend to much time in the sun, because it will wrinkle her skin. He also advises her not to go into the ocean because it is not the same as her bathtub at home. Nicolas informs Betty of how bad the situation is at Eco Moda and that she should return immediately and sign the papers. Betty says no. Nicolas goes on to explain that they don't trust her and believe that she is trying to keep the company. Nicolas asks for permission to tell them where she is and what she is doing. She tells him that she doesn't want to cause problems for Dona Catalina. She also doesn't want to deal with Armando's telephone calls. She explains that she is going through a very important process in her life and that she wants to finish what she is living at the moment. Nicolas wants again asks her to return. She tells him that Armando and Mario had no consideration for her and she will not have it for them. They can wait until she returns. She tells him that she realizes that it is boring for him to go and show face with them. He tells her that it is not with them but with Patty. Anytime he runs into her it is like a action movie. He tells her it is terrible. Nicolas wants her to realize that they are a powerful that are not going to sit there with their arms crossed. They are capable of ruining them. Betty tells him that if that is the way they are playing then the attorneys need to speak. Nicolas tells her that it if the attorneys get involved it would make matters worse. Betty disagrees. They will facilitate matters. They can review the documents that they want her to sign. She says that just like they don't trust her, she doesn't trust them either. Nicolas agrees to help Betty, "boss", even though it is without pay. Betty tells him that she needs to live through this moment. He tells her not to worry, that he will cover her back. Nicolas says that he is worried about Don Hermes finding out, because he will strangle him. After they hang up, Dona Julia wants to know what Betty said. Nicolas tells her and Dona Julia wants to know why she is behaving this way. Dona Julia wants to know what Armando has done to her. Nicolas tells her to wait until Betty returns to speak to her. As Dona Julia gets up to leave the table she makes the remark that Armando has done something very horrible to Betty.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE Dona Margarita walks in, asks how he is doing and gives him a hug. She tells him that they haven't talked in quite awhile. He wants to know if she doesn't believe what the Board has said to him isn't enough. He says that he realizes his errors. He knows them well. He has lashed himself plenty for everything that he has done and for not marrying Marcela. Dona Margarita says that she has not come to lash out at him or to talk to him about he has done with the company or Marcela. She is there to talk to him like a mother and she is worried about him. Armando tells her that he is fine. He only had too much to drink. Dona Margarita asks how far does he plan on drowning himself. She says that he has turned over the company to that woman who has disappeared and all he can do is go the bars and drink. She asks where does he plan on taking his life. He assures her that he is only going through a rough moment. She says that no he is doing more to himself. Not only that, instead of trying to work out the company problems he spends his time at the bars. Armando tells her that he has committed many errors and that he cannot be the hero she wants him to be. He is barely picking up the pieces of his life. He doesn't want anyone to look at him with compassion or pity. He has put himself in this situation and he alone will take himself out. She says by going to bars. He know it's not the best way, but it's just a process. He is trying to get his life back in order and when that happens he will be the hero that she is expecting. Dona Margarita wants to know when that will happen, "when she appears, if she appears and returns the company". "What if she doesn't appear", she asks. "What is going to happen to us and to you?" "Are you going to die?" Dona Margarita continues and says that he is not upset about the company, but over her. Over the woman who hates him and is trying to get revenge. Armando calls her another discreet Marcela. She tells him that he has never been discreet. She says that she is trying to do them all in. Armando tells her Betty is not like that. Dona Margarita says that what is probably true is that Betty hates him. That she is trying to get on with her life. That she has someone new by her side. This upsets Armando and he goes over to his desk and leans towards his mother and says, "That she has someone by her side, forget it mother".
HOTEL BAR Betty rejoins Cata and Michele. Cata and Michele make plans to meet later that evening for a party. Michele approaches Betty, takes off his glasses, and tells her that he expects her to join them and he will not accept any excuse. Betty, shyly agrees. Michele leaves. Betty informs Cata what is happening in Bogata. Cata tells her that it might be better for her to return. Betty says no that she needs to get Armando out of her and return a different person. She also doesn't want to cause any problems for her. Cata assures her that she is not afraid of her, but if that is the way Betty wants it, so be it.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE His mother is still talking to him telling him that above everything that he has done and has been said about him, she is the only one that has not said a word against him. She says that she even justified his actions due to the pressure that Daniel put on him. She recognizes his errors and all that she can do is support them and asks that he amend his errors. (Armando has his face looking down at his desk, but his eyes raised to see his mother. When she makes this last comment his eyebrows raise and he rises out of his chair.) Armando wants to know what else she wants him to do. She tells him that she doesn't want a hero, she wants the human being that is inside of him. She wants him to reflect on the life that he has thrown away, on the people that love him, those that are by his side and with valor to recoup what he lost. He asks if she means Marcela. "Do you detest her, hate her", Dona Margarita asks. Armando answers, "I don't detest her. I don't hate her. I don't love her". He tells her that he is not going to marry her. Dona Margarita wants to know if he fell in love with that woman. Armando says that he can't discuss that with her. (Dona Margarita is crying.) She tells him that he needs to talk about it. She wants to know if the woman that left him is the woman of his life. She asks him to reflect and realize that he is destroying himself. She tells him that he is finishing with what is most sacred, his family, his company and himself. She asks him to profoundly reflect and to realize that there is a marvelous woman next door, unconditional who loves him immensely and will not throw him out and leave him on the street. Margarita leaves his office crying. Armando looking at the door and shaking his head, "Betty is not like that. My Betty is not like that".
BETTY'S HOUSE Nicolas is speaking with the attorney and informs him that they are having problems with Eco Moda and ask that he speak with their attorneys. Nicolas informs him of what has occurred and that Betty didn't sign the proper documents. The attorney informs Nicolas that the process of taking over Eco Moda can not go back. Neither Betty nor Nicolas contacted him to stop the process. Nicolas orders him to stop the process. MARIO'S OFFICE Mario is watching the beauty pageant and when Dona Margarita enters his office he makes some type of excuse that he is trying to clear up items, since there is no one to do his work. Dona Margarita informs him that he is Armando's best friend. She says that Armando didn't die alone, that he helped him. She wants to know why he left Armando alone. She tells him to help him in order to clear his own conscious. Dona Margarita wants to know if he is in agreement with Armando's and Betty's relationship. Mario answers no. Dona Margarita says that it is up to him to help Armando. After Margarita leaves Mario returns to watching the pageant. OUTSIDE THE HOTEL Cata is discussing the evenings cocktail. Betty really does not want to go. Betty wants to know if the cocktail is an elegant occasion. Cata tells her that Betty already promised Michele that she would attend. After Betty states that she doesn't believe that Michele would notice, Cata acts as though she is going to call to ask him. Cata wants to know what the problem is, she has clothes and her hair has given her a new look. Cata recommends that they go back to the beauty salon. She suggests that they now work on her eyebrows.
Subject: *** Summary: Wed 2/7/2001 Author: Robin N (63.215.119.92) Date: 02-07-2001 23:11 When last we left Betty it was with a very suspicious look as Catalina asks her to leave her next level of transformation in her capable hands because after all, Michele asked her specially to come… OUTSIDE THE HOTEL "Why say that to me?" asks Betty. "Well, he did ask for you especially," replies Catalina slyly. "You want to look good for this important evening, don't you?" Betty agrees, but for herself, not for Michele. Catalina smiles and as they enter the van she calls out for air conditioning because they're "cooking." ECO MODA Patricia asks Marcela if the harpy is going to come back to EM; she needs to know if she's going to have to put up with that weasel Nícolas Mora, because if she sees that rat again she could strangle him! As she's exaggerating her death wish for Nícolas, Armando walks up behind her. Startled, she blurts out that she was referring to another rat. He sighs and walks to the elevator and tells the uncaring Marcela that he's going to his apartment to change and will return. We see him tiredly enter the elevator and leave, depressed, beaten down. Patricia thinks it's a good thing that he's going to change those rumpled clothes but doesn't know why he bothers to return. Marcela bitterly tells her that he's coming back to wait for a call. "From that harpy?" clamors Patricia noisily? "Yes," Marcela replies curtly heading towards her office. Patricia can't figure out why anyone wants Betty to return. Marcela tells Patricia that it will be best for the business if she does return but it will be hell for her." Patricia chases after her for more details.
THE SALON Catalina and Betty enter the same salon as the previous day and greet the hairstylist. She introduces Betty to a makeup artist of great renown and Betty in an aside tells her that he may be a great makeup artist but he'd be working on her. Catalina tells him that she's thinking of something soft, simple for Betty and he agrees. The hairstylist tries to reassure Betty and indiscreetly mentions how good it will be for her to have her brows tweezed and mustache waxed, alarming Betty incredibly! ECO MODA Patricia presses Marcela for more details. She wants things spelled out for her. Marcela tells her that the panic isn't for the problems the business is in, the problem is elsewhere. "That face you've seen on Armando isn't because of the problems of the business, or the problems with his parents… it's because of her." This has Patricia confused, "Why? Is he worried that she will come back?" "No, he's worried that she won't." She tells the shocked Patricia that Armando confessed to her that he loves Betty. "Stop! You're making me nauseous!" cries Patricia. "He just said that to you to mortify you." Marcela tells her that there's no reason for him to do so. Patricia can only attribute this strange hold Betty has on Armando to witchcraft. Marcela doesn't care, "The only think I know is that he is in love with that woman!" Patricia spins the advice machine into action. She encourages Marcela to continue fighting for Armando, "It's not like he's some clown like Nícolas Mora. If he were you'd be saying, ciao, bye-bye, out of here… No, this is a catch here. Armando is someone you have to fight for!" "I've fought for him for years and I'm tired," counters Marcela, exhausted. Patricia gives her a pep-talk. After all, it's not like Betty is someone who could hold a candle to Marcela. "Now, if it was someone with long, blonde hair, blue eyes, a fabulous body…" This obnoxious and oblivious self-paen to feminine loveliness almost wins a smile from Marcela. "Thank you for your advice." "Marcela… compared to you she's nothing!" SALON In the salon, Betty's just had her brows shaped and tweezed and her mustache is gone. She rubs the space between her browns and then the newly-soft upper lip, feeling the recent agony of depilation. The makeup artist tells her the pain is over; now it's time for makeup! He dabs on foundation, next come the lips, finally powder. He calls softly to her, "Okay, Betty…" She puts on her glasses and takes a closer look at her new face and smiles.
ECO MODA Margarita is taking the reins of the business into her own hands. She and Marcela are walking near the workshop with Hugo and Ines. She wants Hugo to tell her some of the details of the production work in progress for the next collection but he's a little complainer. Part of the problem is that they haven't hired a talle model to replace Jenny. Hugo continues his litany of complaints and then opens his big mouth and insults Armando, first to Marcela, telling her that he's delighted that she isn't marrying that beast. Then, realizing his error, he turns to Margarita and tells her that her son isn't a beast, "he's a tyrant, a despot." LOL He continues on putting his foot more firmly in his mouth, and unrepentantly, even as Ines tries to shush him. "I can't hide my feelings," he says. "You can hit me all you want." They walk into the lobby where several models are waiting. Hugo complains that they won't do but he shoos away Sandra and Mariana who are looking on and has the models do a pirouette. He has the peliteñida and another, "Marge, this one could be your double!" and dismisses the rest. As this is going on, a freshly-garbed Armando returns and he asks what's going on. No one responds to his query: Hugo even turns his back on him deliberately. He asks again and Margarita tells him that they're working on some of the details on getting the new collection into production but that they need a new talle (sizing) model. Hugo tells her that she doesn't need to explain things for him to Armando and insults him, then leaves. Marcela looks sneeringly at Armando and walks past. Armando walks up to his mother and kisses her "hello." He tells her not to worry, he's no longer drunk and she tells him that he looks better. Then she tells him that this is the way she wants to see him in the future… but with a tie. She heads off after Marcela. Armando walks up behind Patricia who's tip-tap-tapping away one-finger at the keyboard straining her gray cells. He asks quietly if there have been any calls but she deliberately ignores him. He asks again, louder, but Patricia ignores him still. Now he's losing his temper and demands that she respond to him. She, bold as brass, tells him that Roberto asked her to do something and she doesn't have to do things for him because he's not the president! He leans over and turns off her monitor causing her to whine, "Heeyyy!" He tells her that he is not at the moment the president but he will be again and when he is there is someone who he will be firing the minute that happens, "Someone with a big mouth… You know who that is?" Even more boldly Patricia talks back to him and reminds him that they don't have a company any longer for him to recapture the presidency of… This inflames Armando more than we've ever seen him before. He grabs a hank of her hair and pulls her close, "Look you sea lion! This company DOES continue to exist and while I'm here you'll continue to take my calls and give me my messages!" He releases her hair and she responds angrily, bringing up the way he treated her when she was first hired, not allowing her the responsibility of handling his calls. He's beyond politeness… waaayy beyond politeness. He tells her that she'll take his calls and pass them to him and oh, he's waiting for one from Betty that she WILL pass on to him and… "Oh yes, another one from a Dr. Nícolas Mora… who I believe you know…!" He sarcastically refers to her pursuit of Nícolas for money leaving Patricia wordless. He then calmly turns to Sandra and Mariana who have had a big eyeful during these scenes and asks if Betty has called. "No, Doctor!" they chime sadly. Freddy dances up to Patricia and hands her some papers. He comes up to Armando and shows him that he still guards his employee ID underneath his, next to his heart and assures him of his unconditional support. Armando is grateful but needs to shut him up. He asks Freddy to do him a favor: take his keys and pick up his car from where he left it. Freddy is confused and wonders if there's a problem, then why didn't Armando get it himself, then why was Armando busy… Armando tires of politely countering his questions and raises his voice. Freddy looks a little hurt and Armando soothes him by suggesting he dance over to where the car is and pick it up. Armando goes towards his office and makes a face at Patricia. Freddy notes the tense atmosphere but Sandra and Mariana shush him.
MARCELA'S OFFICE "You know, Hugo has the right of it," says Margarita confidentially. "We're paralyzed here." She ticks off the problems with the men: Armando mired in the dilemma, Mario doing nothing to help, and Roberto working around the clock to try to find a way out financially. She tells Marcela that they two will have to work to get the firm out of this mess themselves. Marcela looks at her cynically, "I don't know why you're telling me this! I've been doing my job, managing the sales offices." Margarita tells her that she's been thinking of calling Catalina Angel. Marcela is irritated by this idea, "Why?" "Well, she's a very capable woman and I was thinking that perhaps..." "We don't need Catalina Angel. Besides, she's in Cartagena…" responds Marcela even more tersely.
THE HOTEL Catalina approaches Betty's hotel room and knocks. Betty calls out that she's still dressing and Catalina tells her that she's going to go on ahead because she has a lot to do. Betty wants her to wait but Catalina wants Betty to take her time. She leaves even as Betty is calling after her through the door to wait, she'll be right there.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE Mario slides into Armando's office and to the back of the seated Armando comments glibly on how this is the way the president should look: clean and fresh and with a tie. "Is there any news of Betty?" Armando turns around and heavily says, "Nothing… I'm sitting here waiting for a call that never comes, and without a tie. Don't you think I have other things to worry about besides clothing?" Mario tells him of his mother's visit and her mission for Mario. He's to help him work through this problem, act presidential, show up in a tie, get Betty out of his mind… Armando doesn't care for the tone of this conversation; putting this mission on his mother's shoulders (even if it is sourced there). Mario starts in on the "forget Betty" part and suggests to Armando that he can begin by remembering that his computer is filled with a database of beautiful women, perfect for a pair of men like them. "So, you're going to have me go out with another woman to forget about Betty?" counters Armando. "Not 1 woman, 80 women!" says Mr. Smooth. He waxes rhapsodic about the charms of the women in the database and the fun they could have with them. Armando tells him he's wasting his time. "Besides, isn't Betty a woman?" Mario dismisses this idea and Armando responds with rising ire on ways they could verify this idea. "My mother was mistaken in sending you as an emissary. It was the worst thing to do. If you want to help me your real mission is to take me out of the clutches of Marcela. Neither Marcela nor any other woman is going to rid Betty from my heart. If you have any other plans," he warns Mario, "they're going to fail." Mario tries to skip out of any culpability and blames the idea on Armando's mother. Armando is fed up with this intrusiveness. He tells Mario what his mother said to him earlier. "Do you know that she told me that at this moment Betty is probably seeing another man?" he tells Mario incredulously. Mario starts commenting on the pure absurdity of this idea and Armando reacts menacingly. "Just why is this absurd?" Mario realizes he's on thin ice here and backtracks, "Well, the idea isn't so much absurd as it is remote…" He tells Armando to calm down, the last thing he has to worry about now is being jealous. "No one is going to fix their interest on her. If I can say this without offending you, no one is going to pay attention to that fea!" THE HOTEL Michele saunters up to Betty's hotel room and knocks. Her voice calls out, "Enter," and he does. We see his reaction to her new look. "Good evening!" Betty, in a silvery top and looking very sweet comes out and greets him nervously. He asks her if she's ready to go and she tells him that she's not. "What do you still need to do? You look very well." "I'm not referring to the clothing," starts Betty, hesitantly. "I'm not sure I want to go…" "Again with this?" cries Michele. "Look, señor…" He says in exasperation, "Stop with the señor!" Chastened, Betty starts again and explains that she's not given to this world of parties. It's not something that she's accustomed to; her world is one very quiet, surrounded by her small family. "It's the world I'll return to when I leave here. Were I to go to this party I'd feel as if I were at a costume party and I'm the only one in disguise." Michele tries to stop her from calling him señor again. She continues, "You saw a woman arrive here, a timid woman, assistant to Catalina. Now you see the woman she wants me to be, but I know that I'm not that woman. I have to fake that role…" She thanks him for his patience and consideration and tells him to go enjoy himself with Catalina. Michele responds sternly, "Look, I'm here for you, not for Catalina. I'm here for the timid woman, the woman who was on the chiva, the woman who was beside me on the beach last night. I'm not a tour guide, no one makes me be here. I'm here because I want to be! Betty, Catalina is right in what she's done for you and I'm enchanted by the woman I see. All will be fine, you'll see! Hey… Let's go." He takes her by the hand and they go.
HOTEL/ARMANDO'S OFFICE We see Mario speaking of a possible date Betty might be having, intercut with scenes of the real thing. "So, right now Betty might be on the arm of a tall, fair type, who helps her into his car…" That's exactly what Michele is doing. He starts the engine but noticing Betty's face tells her they're not going until she smiles. She does so. Mario continues his cynical recitation of the evening and morning after that might await Betty (in a French accent) and Armando is fed up. "Calderón, I'm not in the mood for your mocking. Go! Leave me alone!" "So, I see… What are you going to do? Wait here all night for a call that will never come? Waiting for Godot?" He tells Armando that she's playing with them but Armando responds passionately, "No, she's just not calling us because she's hurt, she's very hurt. She's not like that! I know because I feel her here!" (he gestures to his breast). "Ah hah… and so, you have confirmed this with her mother or with Nícolas Mora?" asks Mario pointedly and challenges Armando to call her house and see if he can't find out the truth.
CASA PINZÓN/ARMANDO Nícolas sits and waits for Julia to bring him his two eggs, which she does. Hérmes pulls her aside and wonders what the heck he's doing there every night: he's going to eat them out of house and home. Julia tells him that Nícolas is there waiting for calls from Betty concerning business dealings at EM. The phone rings and Julia answers: it's Armando. This makes Julia nervous. Armando begins pleadingly, telling her that he's waiting and waiting and Betty never calls. "Did Nícolas tell her to call me?" Julia wants to off load this call onto Nícolas, but Armando continues. "This lack of communication is causing great problems." Julia tells him that she's told Betty, but that she doesn't care. "Please, Doña Julia, if she calls again, would you ask her to please, please give me another opportunity? Please?" Julia can't listen to this pleading Armando anymore and she calls Nícolas to the phone. "Who is it?" asks Nícolas. "Your mother," lies Julia, not wanting to alert Hérmes' suspicions. "Tell her I'll call her later." "Nícolas, come here!" He saunters over and she whispers that it's Dr. Mendoza, "talk to him once and for all." Nícolas goes into the other room and greets Armando tersely. Armando responds politely, "Dr. Mora." He asks him if he's spoken with Betty regarding the points of the meeting and Nícolas tells him that he has. "Well, what did she say?" Nícolas tells him that Betty told him to put it into the hands of the lawyers—it was her response to their threats. Armando panics at this bit of news, "For the love of god, what are you trying to do to me!" "It's not me, it's all the lawyers now," counters Nícolas. Armando's panic rises and he asks Nícolas what their game is, are they trying to keep the business? He tells Nícolas this won't be so easy. Nícolas plays his next card, "Sorry, but the courts have ruled in favor of TM, Betty is now the head of EM." "What!!! That's not what we talked about, that's not what we wanted!" Nícolas tells him that it's out of their hands. Armando responds angrily and tells him that he can tell Betty that he won't leave his business in her hands. "Tell her!" He hangs up, leaving Nícolas to report surreptitiously to Julia what's transpired. "It's serious," he tells her. Hérmes wants to know what they're whispering about and Nícolas tells him that it's nothing, just his mother's gossip, don't worry about it or he'll get indigestion. He tells Julia that Betty will have to clear this up when she returns.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE Armando pours himself a stiff drink and tells Mario that the courts ruled against them. Mario goes turncoat and says that he warned Armando that they were going to do this to them, "…but no, always the optimist. Armando who believes in everyone!" Armando can't believe that Mario is shirking any blame and counters that this all came about because of his plotting. Mario counter-counters with, "Now isn't the time to assign blame. Let's talk of what we to do… Shall we call papa, mama…?" Armando wants to know why he should call them, tell them what? His panic grows. CASA PINZÓN Julia enters Betty's bedroom pretending to dust. She approaches her bed and looks towards her books on the nightstand. Hérmes enters and asks her what she's doing and she tries hard not to look at Betty's diary and tells him she's just missing Betty. He tells her not to indulge in nostalgia and leaves. She picks up the diary and opens it, leafing through the pages. She begins to read. We hear Betty say, "I'm afraid of what will happen…" And so begins Betty's recounting of her transactions between EM and TM.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE "I can't believe it! I can't believe it!" Armando is stunned by the way things are going. Mario cynically comments on the fact that he's beginning to wake up to the game of cat and mouse that Betty's been playing all along. Armando can't believe his ears, "You believe that this has been a deep plan of Betty's and Nícolas', that they would know that the courts would rule against them? We're being paranoid here." Mario has no doubts, "Of course, who could mistrust that dog-faced virgin look that Betty has?" "It's not so! Don't say this! She's offended with me, nothing more! No! No! No! It's not true!" Mario counsels him to accept it and put his feet on the floor. "At this moment, she's probably happy…"
CARTAGENA PARTY Michele and Betty drive up to the party site and he tells her she looks very pretty. She thanks him graciously and gets out of the car. Catalina greets them and asks why they were late. Both Betty and Michele try to take the blame. Catalina doesn't really mind. She tells them the party is filling up and oh, Betty, you look very good. "Yes, so Michele told me," says Betty, blushing.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE "Brother, I can't believe it! I can't believe that she would do this to me! I have to get out of here!" says Armando, desperate to put some distance between himself and the office. Mario wants to know where he's heading but Armando is developing a spine against Mario, "You're not needed as a watchdog. We're not novios. Stop asking me questions!" Mario responds equally tersely, "Look, you know what your problem is… You're acting like a victim!" He continues coldbloodedly by telling Armando that he can't continue going out bingeing and drinking in bars, telling everyone his sad story of woe. No one cares. And imagine what will happen when Betty comes back… no help there. Armando is furious with Mario and his total dismissal of Betty, him, and his true love for Betty. "I don't need compassion from you nor from anyone!" He's walking out of his office. Marcela and Margarita are leaving her office and overhear this scene. Margarita looks troubled, Marcela just looks bitter. Armando continues, "I don't need you as my partner in working through this disgrace! I'll face this alone! I'll be here, tomorrow, early, ready to pick up the pieces and you don't have to show your face!" Mario is not taking this lying down, "Look, I'm a stockholder here too. You forget that I'm someone who has lost assets here too. I'll be here tomorrow to working to resolve this!" "That's right, Calderón! But you're not president! You're not responsible! I'm the one who has all of the responsibility! Me! So don't worry about your capital because the responsibility is in my hands!" Margarita and Marcela watch like statues. TOMORROW Betty runs into two of the EM models who tell her that Armando has been dying to see her. We also see a tousled, satisfied Betty saluting her mirror the next morning.
Subject: Summary, February 08, Thursday Author: Milly V. (205.188.192.56) Date: 02-09-2001 14:57 From last night's episode where Armando and Mario fought over the first's unconditional confidence in Betty, even after the court's decision favored her with the embargo and Betty's and Nicolas's lawyers would take over from there, Marcela and Margarita had witnessed the whole argument and waited in front of the elevators. Margarita quickly explained why both she and Marcela were still in EcoModa, saying, "We were revising a few things for the upcoming collection. Armando," exasperation in her voice. "This company is becoming paralyzed!" Armando, hands tucked under armpits and looking tense, bobbed his head in agreement, cynicism on his face. His mother continued, eyeing him carefully, "And you? Where are you going?" "Where am I going?" Sinister laugh. "I'm going to go look for a church, Mother, to see if they can manage to do an exorcism on me." He giggled at his own sarcasm. "But, calm yourself. I'm not going to drink holy wine. No mam! Tomorrow, very early, I'm going to be right here...so that you can all finish devouring my viscera, and my liver, and the little that's left of my heart and mind. Because that's what you all want, isn't that right? Calm yourselves. You're going to have them..." He got into the elevator and left, having ignored his mother's order to wait. With Armando not there, Margarita desperately questioned Mario about what was going on, that he should tell her exactly what was the matter. Mario was hesitant in replying but finally took a seat, defeated. ""Margarita," he began. "I would've preferred waiting till tomorrow to talk about this but, oh well. I think it's better that both of you find out for once and for all." Pause. "The court's decision was in favor of Betty. There's no way that we could recover the company." Margarita felt faint and replied with an, "Oh my...Oh my God" while leaning on Marcela's shoulder, who's expression was as icy as ever and convinced of what she'd predicted all along. Margarita's desperation grew as she began raising her voice, "And Armando left...alone like a madman! Why did you let him go, Mario?" "Margarita, you know him! He's like a gladiator! I fought with him!" Marcela's thoughts are elsewhere, "The only thing that imbecile is looking for is that Armando kills himself." *********************************************************************************** The queens of Colombia are walking down the runway amidst rehearsals, with music, and Betty, Michele, and Catalina are applauding at the smooth way the show is running. "Well," Catalina said. "Everything came out very well. Hmm?" Betty looks enthused in answering, "We have to coordinate the queen's exit to the hotel." "No Betty," Catalina explained. "There's a firework display. We have to take the queens to the Plazoleta. You will take them. I got myself a balcony right here on the second floor to be with my special guests so I'll be right there with them...I'll wait for you, ok?" Betty nods, Cata leaves, Betty seems genuinely excited (the resplendour of her braces are amazing!), Michele acted very courteous in opening the door for Betty and telling her, "Shall we go?" Betty nodded again, said thank you, and both walked out together. *********************************************************************************** Armando enters a bar and sees everyone around him with eyes of a true madman, suspicious but mostly lost. He makes his way up to the bar, setting the empty bottle he'd been drinking from EcoModa. The barman greets him and Armando, sounding every bit the drunk lunatic, immediately orders, "The bottle is empty. Give me a whiskey, Libardo." "Of course, Don Armando," said the barman. "What would you like in the whiskey?" "Vodka." "Vodka?" He begins to complain. "Don Armando, but..." "No, don't start telling me, Libardo, don't start....Give it to me pure, fine, but give it to me now!" As predicted, Armando has raised his tone. The barman laughs at little and says, "Yes, yes, sir, with much pleasure.." "Goooooooodd..." Armando leans on the bar and fixates his stare in one place, his mind very far from anything in the bar scene, and asks himself, so sadly, "Why Betty, huh? Why like this?" Drink in hand, he slowly takes a swig and Betty's diary voice is heard over the bar music, of Betty saying, familiarly to the viewer, "Tonight, I was his! Completely his, and it was the most beautiful night of my life!...." Armando has turned away from the bar, his lovely and sorrowful browns covered with a glistening film of tears, as her voice continues... "Finally, love has shown me a beautiful facet..." We see Julia, sitting on Betty's bed, reading her daughter's diary, and taking in deep breaths while shaking her head in disbelief at the shocking content. "...a sincere facet, far away from the disasters my first experience caused. I was his, and he was mine!" Her mother shakes her head some more. "At first, he had doubts and was hesitant on being with me. I felt agonized...I felt that, that he didn't desire me, but he clarified everything (Armando is seen once more at the bar, his eyes shinier, depressed, pouty, about to break out crying while they switch scenes to the past, the second time Betty and Armando made love, when they had fallen on the couch and the kisses were devouring, the passion increasing...we see Armando's face again, lost, the tears ever so close to falling down his cheeks) with words, because he told me for the first time that he loves me! And he confirmed it with deeds! There, in that dark room, I confirmed it and felt...that he really loves me!" Julia is crying, shaking her head over and over.... *********************************************************************************** Betty and Michele enter the room where Catalina and her special guests are, and she immediately stops, spotting Claudia Helena Vasquez and Adrianita Arboleda. The music played is the suspenseful one "tic tic..tic tic"... "Something the matter?" Michele asks. Betty is extremely uncomfortable, indisposed at continuing. "Yes," she responds, nervously. "There are two people that I recognize from my past." Michele gallantly takes her right hand, wraps it around his left shoulder, holds tight to it, and confidently says, "Let's go." Cata comes up to them, kisses Michele on the cheek, urging Betty and him to continue. "Claudia Helena," she says. "You know Betty, right? I mean, you recognize her?" Claudia, always the sweet and cordial woman, remarks in surprise, "Betty? No, I can't believe it. Beatriz Pinzon Solano?" "How are you, Dr. Claudia Helena?" She still seems a bit stiff and twittery. Michel looks on at her, proud. "Good. No, I see you very well. I see you so changed! I almost didn't recognize you. What are you doing here? Are you on vacation?" "No, I'm working with Dona Catalina." "What?" she's even more surprised. "No, I can't believe...so then what happened with EcoModa? You left Armando Mendoza by himself?" "Umm, yes...ahh..I resigned a few days ago." "No, Betty, I can't believe what you're telling me. What do you mean that you resigned? Armando can't live without you! Wh-What happened?" "We came to an agreement." Her discomfort grows, but Claudia ends the interrogation and introduces them to a friend. Adriana turns to Catalina and asks her something about the show, Catalina leaves to figure it out, and Betty greets Adriana. Adriana leans over for a better look...what is that on the supermodel's countenance? Astonishment? "Betty? Betty, I almost didn't recognize you! You look so different!" Claudia agrees with her, and Adriana asks Betty what she's doing there. Claudia informs her that she resigned from EcoModa and is working for Catalina, to Adriana's further shock. "No," she gasps. "You left Armando alone? No, that man must be dying because you'd give your life for him, wouldn't you, Betty?" "Yes," she answers tentatively. "But...things have changed very much. He'll have to get used to living without me." After some small nervous laughter from Betty, Adriana praises her new look, Betty introduces Michele to the ladies, and excuses herself, walking away to leave Adriana and the rest to share surprise at Betty's new look. Michele takes Betty aside and, not letting go of her right hand and reaching for the other one, asks who Armando Mendoza is. Betty's uneasiness doesn't seem to dwindle. "He's a...character from my past." "But he's someone important, right?" She nods while she answers that he was her boss. Michele continues to stare at her, admiring.. ***********************************************************************************
Armando calls the barman over. "Libardo, come here," he says. "Look at my face. Do I have the face of an imbecile?" The barman laughs. "Dr. Please. How could you think that?" "Accept it, Libardo! I have an imbecile's face. You realize? You know why? Because I am an imbecile." He takes a drink, his limbs getting looser and his act getting less coordinated. Turning around, he sees three ladies walking over to the bar and laughs wryly. "Look, Libardo! Libardo! Here come three problems our way!" He greets each girl, respectively, "Hello, Problem Number One! What's your name, Problem Number One!" "And here she makes her entrance, Problem Number Two!" He makes noises at her. "And this one is Problem Number Three!" The three girls ignore him graciously. The barman calls his attention, to which Armando replies, "What do you mean 'please', Libardo? It's the truth what I'm telling you! Look, just get involved with any of those three problems right there and see how your face ends up! I'm going to demonstrate it because I'm going to let my experience talk to show you, because you're an ignorant. For example!.." He turns around and contemplates his surroundings through the distorted eyes of a drunkard, choosing a couple having a drink and referring to the lady as a "Pelitenida", relating like a broadcaster the tragedy that the man is going to face when his lady betrays him and leaves him. Armando laughs again, moving on to another couple, who are also sharing a drink. Armando cooes... "Oh, how tender! Oh, how pretty! My heart is breaking! What are they celebrating, Libardo?" "Their anniversary." "Their anniversary? Their anniversary?!" He's indignant. "You don't celebrate an anniversary like that, Libardo! One shouldn't come to a bar or a restaurant to celebrate an anniversary! One goes to a travel agency, buys two tickets! One to Uganda to send HER! And the other one to Jamaica for one to have fun!" Then he spots yet another couple, making out, to which he says, "Oh, look! That right there is the most PATHETIC case of all, that I've seen in all my life! The dwarf! The dwarf with the crazy tattoo that is kissing Death herself! That's the worse I've seen! BROTHER! BROTHER!" The couple stop kissing and the dwarf turns out to be not-so-dwarfy-looking considering his HUGE pecs, arms, and HUGE everything. Armando doesn't stop there... "See, I'm sorry to bother you but the thing is that you're kissing a woman that is betraying you! Go over to your friend (referring to the guy's girlfriend) that he must kiss much better than you!" The guy lifts a thick arm, pointing at him, and warning him, "Shut up, imbecile!" "What did he say?" Armando asks the barman, or anyone in particular. "What did he say? No, no...it's that I didn't hear what he said." The barman is desperately trying to calm him down. "Oh no! What a scare! No no, I died from fright!" He laughs. "I died from fright!" He leans his head on the shoulder of another man who is sitting on a booth in the bar. "I died from fright!" He keeps saying this over the barman, who's telling Armando that there are several men that he's provoking and they could leave Armando like... "Shut up!" shouts Armando. "I died from fright." He turns to the man who he just leaned over to. "Are you friends with them, big-head? Huh? HUH?" More of Armando's crazy giggles. The barman is saying, "Doctor..." The man doesn't reply at first, but then admits that he is. "Libardo, I'm going to tell you one thing and here to my companion, too, who's name I don't know but I will baptize him as 'The Poopi'. Look Poopi and Libardo...I'm going to tell you straight up! I'm not afraid that they kill me, because I'm used to dying at any place and I'm already a deadman walking. My certificate of functioning was expediated a long time ago...you're talking to a phantom, and one doesn't kill a phantom twice, or am I wrong, Poopi?" "Doctor, please," says Libardo. "What, Libardo? What did the dwarf do?" He takes a drink. "Look, Libardo, I'm not suicidal. I simply need to advice that good man of such good....DWARF! DWARF?!?..." He walks away, calling the dwarf while Libardo calls after Armando. Hands in pocket, Armando finds the dwarf kissing his lady who sits on his lap. At seeing this, Armando purrs, sarcastically, and taps him harshly on the head. "What's up, dwarf?" He smiles, not all there. "Were you the one that called me an imbecile?" The dwarf stands up, his lady beginning to look frightened and angry. "Yes, that was me." His lady sits him back down and tells her boyfriend to leave him alone, that he's DRUNK! "That's right, my love, defend him," Armando says. "Because I could turn him to nothing!" "What's wrong with you, idiot?" The dwarf is getting angrier and angrier... "Leave us alone, already. Stop looking for trouble!" Shouts another man, who's also accompanied by his girlfriend and a few other men with their own ladies. "Trouble? Me?" Armando asks, innocently. "What more problems could I be looking for?" An employee of the bar comes up behind me, trying to calm him down. "Don Armando..." The barman is trying to hold him back. "And you, DON'T TOUCH ME!" Armando loosens the barman from him. "Come with me..," the man insists. "DON'T TOUCH ME!" He turns back to his seething and fuming audience. "I'm not acting like a hard-head, right, gentlemen? Because I'm not a hardhead! The only hardhead here is you, fatso! The fatso is pregnant! The fatso is pregnant!" Cynical laugh and slight turning of the head in speculation. "Where's the baby? And your husband ...where is he?" He looks up at another man. "Are you his husband, BARFFACE?" That man stands up and begins, "Look, here..." His girl stands up alongside him and tells her boyfriend the same thing the first girl said, to leave him alone b/c he was drunk. She turns to the bar's employee and asks him to take him away. Quickly agreeing, he starts pulling him away while Armando stares at the dwarf's chic and gives her a drunkard playboy's smile, "Oh, how pretty...." Armando realizes he's being escorted away and jumps out of his grip. "DON'T TOUCH ME!" He goes back to face his audience, remarking, "You guys...seems like everybody's defending you, isn't that right? You have a lot of people that stick up for you. Could it be that you all need your mothers to come and defend you from this skinny man or what?" Evil laughter. "Because, pardon me, I came to tell you one thing, with all due respect ...You and you and you have little girl faces.." Pointing to three very tough-looking men. "You're ALL chickens." He turns to leave, while the bar worker says to the men to pardon Armando, he's very drunk. "Too late!" One of them shouts and ALL the tough-looking men stand up to go after him. Armando has walked away. One asks, almost screaming, "Who are you calling chicken?" Armando returns, the deadman's walk... "You!.." His beady eyes focus on another guy. "And you!" Glances to yet another guy. "And I'm also calling you chicken, just like I'm also calling YOU crazy and fat, whatever I WANT to call you... CHICKEN!" He looks around, a small, sinister smile playing on his plush lips. "Let's see! How many are there here? Two, four, six, divided by four , three...NO! I don't see any real men here! I'll beat you up like this!" And he snaps his fingers four times to demonstrate his amazing skill. He looks at the one he referred to as fat, straight in the eye, defiant and provoking, "What, fatso, do you know how to fight? You want to fight me, fatso? Or WHAT?! WHAT?! LET'S SEE?!!? WHO WANTS TO FIGHT ME FIRST?!?" The bar worker is panicking and pushing Armando away from the men while Armando continues shrieking for the brave one that will stand up to him first! As the bar worker is pushing him, the men begin revolting and asking who will beat Armando up first, one happily volunteering and chasing after him! The bar worker holds him in a tight clutch...Armando's voice shrills for a fight!!! A BLOODY FIGHT!!! (DON'T TOUCH HIS FACE!) The barman is up on the counter and shouting to everybody to calm down! Armando shrugs off the guy. "Please, gentleman," the bar worker pleads. "Calm yourselves, calm yourselves...." A tough-looking guy wearing a tablecloth for a shirt stands away from the rest of the fiery men, to face Armando who stares right back at him, a bold glint in his eye. They wait for the first punch...positioned in fighting stances, the checkered-shirt guy takes a whack and, OH NO, right into Armando's face, tilting it backwards and causing a giggle from Armando. "Nohohoho..." Guy number one takes another punch that Armando avoids by ducking but catches him off guard through another punch to his left cheek, sending Armando falling backwards and holding on tipsily and foolishly to the bar while the barman begs him to stop! Armando recovers his footing slowly, eyes shut and hand brought to his face in clear expression of acute pain. Taking his hand away, we see BLOOD! THE DUMB GUY HAS KNOCKED HIM IN THE MOUTH AND HE BLEEDS! Armando's pearly whites have turned to pearly reds! He faces Guy number one, throwing his arms up in the air and saying, "Gentlemen, please! I feel very embarrassed with all of you but you're going to have to forgive me because I have to tell all of you something." Pause. "YOUR MOTHERS....no no, better said, the MOTHER OF ALL OF YOU passed by this little man right here so if you would PLEASE TELL YOUR MOTHER THAT I LEFT MY DRAWERS ON TOP OF HER NIGHT TABLE!" He grabs a stool and waves it violently over his head, screaming, screaming, SCREAMING! "WELL NOW! WITH THIS I KILL ANYONE!" And he throws the stool towards the men, who crouch, the stool breaking against the wall. Armando in his fighting stance again, another skinny fellow comes out and declares his turn! He goes in for the punch, Armando ducks, retaliating with a punch to Guy number two's stomach and, grabbing him by the shirt, sends him flailing through the air, people begin to scream at the augmenting violence. Armando, blood oozing monstruously from his lips, turns and faces the rest of the tough-looking men, shouting, "WHO ELSE WANTS TO DANCE ME? WHO ELSE WANTS TO DANCE WITH ME? LET'S SEE!?! WHO ELSE WANTS TO DANCE WITH ME? WHO'S NEXT?" His arms are waiting. Guy number three comes up and says it's now HIS turn! This guys arms are the size of Betty's glasses...HUGE! But our Armando stops his first punch, lands a BIG ONE on his face, and ends it with another shiver-causing, goose-bumpin' hit on the guy, making him fall to the arms of some other men there. Dwarf Man enters the ring...Armando smiles and says, "UUY! LET'S GO, DWARF!" BOOM! Armando's first blow causes no pain to Dwarf Man..neither does the second, third, fourth, fifth, six, seventh, or eighth punch as Armando begins to lose it even more while the guy just fends them off like nothing and stares at him, waiting for the REAL PUNCH! Looking up, Armando smiles and assures him that THIS ONE will HURT! But he SWINGS! AND HE MISSES! AND DWARF MAN GRABS HIM BY THE BACK, TWISTS HIS BODY BACKWARDS...ARMANDO SCREAMS...BLOOD DRIPPING LIKE AFTER A VAMPIRE FEAST THROUGH HIS TEETH, ON HIS LIP, DOWN TO HIS NECK AND SHIRT! THERE'S A STRANGE NOISE...HHMMM..BONES BREAKING? SOUNDS LIKE IT! Our baby keeps bellowing...ohhhh! Only through gaps through my hand was I able to watch! DWARF MAN COULD BEAT EVEN BEAT UP CHYNA FROM THE WWF! He takes Armando on a Merry-Go-Round ride, unceasing and bones, not popcorn, CRACKLING! *********************************************************************************** In sharp contrast to the not-so-peaceful bar scene, the pyrotechnic display is looking gorgeous. Catalina, the models, some guests, Michele and Betty are all there, with wondrous smiles on their illuminated faces as they watch each firework explode! Betty moves to the front and Michele follows, placing his hand very protectively, and slightly possessively?, on Betty's left arm, squeezing it. Betty sooo sloowly turns over to see his hand holding her and makes a queasy face. Michele looks at her, grinning and adoringly. *********************************************************************************** The ride is over, Dwarf Man puts Armando back down from the trip, and Armando has trouble finding his balance. Fatso comes in and takes another punch...BAM! Armando falls head first to the bar, gripping it to keep from falling a devastating fall. The bar worker tries to help, advising him to STOP! But Armando is not done just yet. Punching the bar worker who can't get a good grip on him in the face, he cooes whom he calls fatso over, in a Hugo-like way, and the guy comes over...BAM! ANOTHER BLOW TO ARMANDO'S SCRUMPTIOUS TUMMY, knocking the wind out of him. Guy number four grabs him to keep him from slipping to the floor and, like the fun but high-emotion game of Hot Potato, lurges him to the punches of Guy number three, who grabs him like a ragdoll and, with a farewell punch, sends him off and more bruised to Guy number two, adding in his two punches....PLOP! They kick Armando out of the bar, pushing him out the door and unto the street, the music quickly changing from the dramatic one to the grievous, sorrowful one...Armando is on the floor, breathing heavily, condemned and doomed as he looks up and erects to his knees...oh, noooooo....his face is a collage of bright purples and blues and crimson. He shakes his head, slowly, and closing his eyes, his feelings soo keen and felt, calls his love above a whisper, "Betttyyyyy...." *********************************************************************************** Betty is amazed watching the fireworks... *********************************************************************************** Armando, out of a miracle of the Higher Power manages to stand while Betty's choked up diary voice drifts over the melancholy music.... "The one that writes in this diary today is a collection of various pieces of who was once a woman. (Julia is seen pacing her daughter's nostalgic room, reading...)Today I understand that my life is nothing more than a cycle where tragedies keep repeating themselves in a way each time more vicious and cruel (Armando walks over to the bouncer) It's like if I hadn't learned from my past errors, of my past deaths." "No, I'm sorry, Don Armando. I can't let you go in anymore." "I have to go in...I haven't paid my bill and I really blew it off in there...I have to go back in and apologize." The bouncer agrees and lets him enter, telling him to keep his composure. Armando barely listens as he walks in and marches right into the corner where the tough-looking men were with their girlfriends, after the bar keeper warns him to watch himself! Of course, Armando pushes him out of the way, anyhow... As soon as he walks in, the men are on alert! Armando rapidly raises his arms and tells them to calm down! Calm down! Don't hit him! He came in peace to apologize to them... "You're all gentlemen and deserve my apology! I just came to say that I have not touched or done anything to any of you fine women (the men are watching him very closely! one of them even sits) Really, I was just bothering....I...uhhhh...and about my underwear on your mother's night table wasn't true, either. NOW! If your mother is talking, well then that's her problem because the one that I had fun with was the little one over there..." pointing to Dwarf Man's girl, and laughs, making the guys stand up once more. Dwarf Man turns to "Lucia" and asks her if that was true?!? Lucia looks heated and furious, telling him how dare he believe that? Armando asks, "How so?" and begins throwing punches every which way, all over again! But the men soon have him under their control...or better said, punches, Dwarf Man grabbing him by the collar and Armando giving him a Sandra knockout! Right on the forehead! The one referred to as "fatso" sends him swinging out of their corner and Armando flies right by Monica "Chismosa" Agudelo and a friend, who warns her that they better leave...the bar was beginning to get dangerous. As they're about to, Monica sees that its Armando and, being a true gossiper, decides she can't leave because she can't miss the beating! Monica says hello but Armando excuses himself, saying that he's "dancing" with a couple of friends. Roaring like a tiger, he charges towards the waiting, fiery tough-looking men but doesn't get one punch in because they beat him like a rag doll. Monica's friend advises her to at least help him. Dwarf Man's girlfriend then comes out, enraged and Armando falls in her arms, purring, "Oh! I'm in the arms of a woman! Are you going to spoil me, my love?" "Hey, stupid, why did you say that to my boyfriend? And how dare you punch him? Fool!" She shoves him away and, in front of the WHOLE bar, does a martial arts kick in the face. He winces but looks at her... "It didn't hurt." She kicks him again, this time on the other side of his face. "It didn't hurt." She kicks him down to the floor, his legs agape...she goes in for the kill and punches him in the groin!!!!!!!!!!!! "Yes, yes...that hurt..." He faints.
**********************************************************************************
The firework exposition is over.
**********************************************************************************
They kick Armando out again. We hear Betty's voice again..... "I don't have any more breath to resucitate. It's not worth it, and not only because the man of my dreams turned into a monster and condemned me once more to solitude and suffering, and it's not only because of my history with Miguel and his bet, or of Don Armando and his lies to keep his company. It's the story that repeats itself since I was born." Julia is bawling...she closes the diary and cries... ********************************************************************************** Armando gets back up and goes up to the bouncer, who tells him that this, definitely, he cannot let him in. To leave! That he doesn't trust him anymore! Armando tries, but the bouncer says no. Armando ends up kicking him in the groins, as well. He goes in, the bar keeper tells him that they're going to kill him, but he's adamant in facing the men again! "Let them kill me! Let them kill me that my life isn't worth anything...I'm going for them..." Entering the room, he begins to say that...but we never hear what it was because somebody breaks a bottle over his head. Like a cuckoo doll, Armando stops him, says "ay" and falls to the floor! *********************************************************************************** Back in Cartagena, Betty wants to go back to the hotel and Michele offers to take her. He asks her, after Catalina leaves, if there's something wrong. She blames it on the shoes and laughs. He escorts her to his Beamer, opening the door for her and closing it after her. *********************************************************************************** Marcela has tried calling Armando but he doesn't pick up the cell phone, when she receives a call from Monica who tells her what's going on at the bar. She hangs up on Monica, after she says some really stupid stuff, and leaves right away. *********************************************************************************** Now in front of the hotel and still in the car, Betty converses with Michel. "Well, I hope the night was exactly like I promised you." "Yes," Betty smiles. "Thank you very much." "Really, it wasn't boring to you?" "No, how can you think that?" "It was a pleasure being with you and I loved seeing you so confident, despite the fact that you were facing your past.." Betty looks down "..and I loved looking at you like that (referring to her physicque)." "Thank you very much," Betty replies, a bit nervous. Michel continues, "Everyday, you surprise me more, Betty." She looks down, embarrassed. He gives her a queer but fascinated look. "Betty," he says, lifting her chin. "I have a curiosity. I want to see something. If you will allow me." And he removes her huge glasses. He's stupified staring at what is yet occult to the viewer. He keeps on staring, mesmerized, and LEANS OVER FOR A KISS...Brushing her lips, she recoils and he asks what's wrong? Nothing, nothing happens, Betty says, and flees from him, up to her room. Michel sighs and drives away. Once in her hotel room, she touches her lips and, worried, looks at her reflection in the mirror and asks, "What is this? What is happening? Why is this happening to me?" *********************************************************************************** Back at the bar, Armando is looking as lifeless and grotesque as he feels with bodily fluids coming out of EVERYWHERE while Monica keeps on ranting with her dumbness, introducing her friend to him as the President of EcoModa, to which Armando could barely respond with disgruntled moans, saying he wasn't anymore. Marcela comes and rescues him, while the tough-looking men pass by and explain what happened. Armando wants to keep on getting beat up, tries to provoke further but Marcela doesn't let him. They escort him to her car. *********************************************************************************** Marcela looks very unhappy and tells Armando he's coming to her apartment, even if he doesn't want to. He can't walk, but before they put him in the car, he tells her very gravely, "You don't deserve this, Marcela." They drive off, after Armando stupidly tells her for him to drive b/c she's not well. She tells him to shut up. *********************************************************************************** At her apartment, Armando lies on Marcela's bed, after Marcela inadvertently calls him "my love". She tells him she'll call a doctor, while he tells her to call a priest instead. He can't stand himself, he repeats... She tells him to calm down, that she'll clean his wounds. He groans that nooooo, he can't sleep there. She looks offended, says she won't touch him more than to clean his wounds, he apologizes and says it's completely unfair that she help him out, unfair for her. He doesn't want her to see him like that. "Why didn't you leave me there? Why didn't you? You should've left me there." She tells him that her feelings for him were above anything, her feelings weren't relative. After her speech, she leaves while he looks around guiltily and sees the picture of the both of them still on her night table. He then sees the wedding dress. She comes back to heal him (she unbuttons his shirt and is shocked at seeing the wounds...he says they should've killed him, that the tough-looking men didn't finish their mission). He asks her why she still has that picture. She says, "Because it's not easy throwing something so sacred away." Her hand goes to her forehead, as if she's about to cry. He's breathing heavily. "Can we change the subject please b/c this isn't easy for me?" "Marcela," he says softly. "Why do you love me?" "The heart is a traitor that one has inside." "Can you give me a hug?" "You know it harms me." "But I need it." She hugs him, feels his heaving chest and starts getting teary-eyed while she says that it does hurt her, while he explains it gives him peace. THEN...the little ...Marcela moves to his face and kisses him twice, then (as if she just realized what she was doing) stepped back. "I imagine that kissing me is like kissing a monster...I understand..." "I'd kiss every wound if I knew you were mine," she says. "Sleep, you need to rest. I have fought a lot for you, sacrificed a lot for you, and now this...the time came for me to start thinking of me...the time has come for met to forget you..." And she leaves... And he stays, looking worse than before but contemplative. *********************************************************************************** It's morning in Cartagena, the phone rings while Betty sleeps, waking her. It's Catalina, telling her they need to meet. Betty gets up, puts on her dreadful glasses, robe, and walks to the bathroom. Surprised at seeing her pretty reflection, she smiles bravely and says, "Good morning, Betty!"
Subject: *****SUMMARY – FRIDAY, 02/09/01***** Author: Tuly (32.100.14.4) Date: 02-12-2001 08:44 *****SUMMARY – FRIDAY, 02/09/01***** Armando looks hard at himself in the mirror of Marcela's bathroom. While he's there, he notices that everything is still the same ... his aftershave is still there, his toothbrush, his clothes ... everything is intact and in place. As he walks out of the bathroom, Marcela comes in with a breakfast tray. She tells Armando that she is on her way to Eco Moda and that she will see him there ... today will be a most difficult day. She tells him that she can use any of the suits he's still got in her closet and takes a couple out, along with a small suitcase so that he can pack his stuff and remove it from her apartment. She then proceeds to leave and a saddened Armando starts to pack. Cata arrives at the beach where Betty is waiting for her. She asks her how everything went the night before, and Betty coldly begins to ask questions regarding Michel and his behavior toward her. Betty asks Cata if she and Michel planned that he take her to the cocktail the night before, but Cata explains that it was not a plan and that Michel did it of his own volition because he wanted to spend some time with her. Betty tells Cata that she is confused at Michel's behavior and that she deems it an act of charity. Cata, who is quickly losing her patience as Betty continues to put herself down, assures Betty that Michel is a very nice man and he would never take advantage of her, that he just has been a part and a witness of her transformation and he's very pleased with everything that has happened. Betty responds that it's very difficult for her to really become interested in another person because she still has Don Armando inside (her heart). Cata gives her some advice: live the moment.
At Eco Moda, Margarita tells Marcela that Roberto is up to date on the most recent developments and that's caused him to be depressed and in a bad mood. As a result, she thinks it's in his best interest if he is only marginally involved while the Betty situation is straightened out. He won't be coming to today's board meeting, though he will be available by telephone. Marcela doesn't waste a minute and relates to Margarita all that happened the night before, how she rescued an almost-demolished Armando from a bar, that they kissed at her apartment and his surprise at finding everything of his still at the apartment and not in the trash, as he supposed. Margarita wonders out loud if this can signal the beginning of a reconciliation between them, but Marcela tells her that she cannot let herself become confused by a mere kiss. As a matter of fact, she adds, she left him a suitcase so that he can begin to pack his belongings and if he does so, that would mean that there would never be a reconciliation between them. Patricia is involved in her usual battle of wits with Sandra and Mariana when Margarita and Marcela walk by. Marcela takes the opportunity to reprimand Patricia on her usual tardiness and Patricia, in turn, reprimands Marcela because she hasn't given her any money for a taxi. Marcela ironically tells her that she should take a bus. Patricia almost faints at the mere suggestion and tells Marcela that she would never take a bus, she would rather walk than be subjected to such humiliation. Daniel arrives in the elevator behind her and suggests to Patricia that her best bet would be to find a boyfriend that's a taxi-driver, that way she can kill two birds with one stone: her love situation and her transportation problem. :o) As Margarita, Marcela and Daniel walk into the boardroom, Margarita informs Daniel that the court has issued a final judgment in favor of Terra Moda: Betty's company is now the owner of Eco Moda. Daniel is flabbergasted. Back in Cartagena, Betty tries to get out of going to tonight's beauty pageant with the same old excuse she's been trying every since she arrived: she doesn't have anything appropriate to wear. Cata, who saw that one coming, asks Betty to accompany her to see a famous designer, Silvia Teracchi.
The "remains" of Armando arrive at Eco Moda, causing everyone to stare. Not only are his bruises apparent, but he's wearing extremely dark sunglasses. Daniel begins the attack immediately and asks him if he was drunk and crashed his car. He adds that Armando's decadence knows no limits. Margarita immediately begins to defend her son, but Daniel tells her that it's not fair that he continue behaving this stupidly and questions Armando on whether he's come up with a great strategy to save the company or maybe, he adds, he's come ready to defend Beatriz Pinzón Solano. Armando responds that he's not here to defend Betty, that's over. Marcela and Margarita exchange surprised looks. Daniel goes on to state that he can just imagine that Betty is somewhere far away, spending all of their capital. And Betty is spending, but not Eco Moda's money, rather Cata's allowance. She and Cata meet with Silvia Teracchi and Cata tells her that she designed Cecilia Bolocco's dress for tonight's Miss Colombia pageant. Betty's mind does a "trip in time" and she remembers the first time she met Cecilia Bolocco, the day that she found Mario's letter of instruction. To break the spell, Cata introduces Betty to Silvia Teracchi. The designer hands Betty a bag with a dress in it and suggests that she try it on. Betty is reluctant at first, but Cata insists and Betty goes off into the fitting room. In Bogotá, everyone has arrived for the board meeting and they place a call to Don Roberto. From his home, he explains that the only conclusion he's been able to reach as a result of Betty's current ownership of Eco Moda is that she stole the company from them. He even brings up the possibility of criminally prosecuting Betty (Armando is shocked at these news) in order to block any maneuver that she may have planned with the company from now on. Roberto continues with this tirade and calls Betty a delinquent and a thief. He asks Armando to contact Betty's family, and Armando reacts as we would expect him to ... uncomfortably.
In Cartagena, Betty and Cata have arrived at the walls of the city, where Cecilia Bolocco is getting ready to tape an edition of her t.v. show "Viva el lunes". When Cata greets her and introduces Betty, Cecilia cannot believe her eyes at the changes that are so evident in Betty. She pulls Betty off to the side so that she can speak to her alone, and they begin to talk about that fateful day in which they met at Eco Moda. Betty tells Cecilia that the pain hasn't entirely gone away and part of it is still locked up inside her. Cecilia assures her that, sooner or later, all of her exterior changes will be reflected in her interior. Also, she adds, everyone is where they believe they should be and if Betty found herself in that hole of an office before, it was because she considered that to be her rightful place, and that if she was now in Cartagena, it was because her new attitude demanded the change. Just then, Michel walks up and tells Betty that he would like to talk to her privately. Betty takes advantage of the interruption and introduces Michel to Cecilia. Once Michel walks away, Cecilia remarks on how good looking he is and even wonders aloud if he is Betty's new love interest. Betty immediately tells Cecilia that that is not the case, he's just a very good friend of Cata's and now hers ... she's had more than enough with two love affairs turned sour. Cecilia gives Betty one last piece of advice: liberate that warm and sensual Colombian woman you have hidden inside of you ... maybe that is what the good-looking Frenchman has already discovered in Betty ... let herself be loved! As Cecilia walks away to continue working on her show, Betty walks up to the city walls and stares out into the ocean. Back in Eco Moda's boardroom, Daniel threatens Armando with the fact that he will go ahead and contact Betty's family if Armando fails to do so. Armando tells him that he will go ahead and contact them, but in private. The lawyer interrupts and informs everyone that soon Eco Moda will be liquidated and sold, that Terra Moda will have priority on its debt and the remaining capital will be then distributed among the shareholders. Daniel doesn't like anything that he's hearing and states that there's probably not going to be any remaining capital because Armando signed a bunch of blank promissory notes in favor of Terra Moda. The lawyer once again ratifies that Terra Moda will have priority and then any assets of Eco Moda will officially belong to Beatriz Pinzón Solano. As an angry Daniel stares after him, Armando leaves the boardroom.
Nicolás finds himself in Sanchez's office trying to get him to stop the process against Eco Moda. He assures Sanchez that that is not what Betty would want and asks him to represent Betty in the Eco Moda board meetings until everything is resolved. Sanchez asks Nicolás when Betty will be back and then concludes that this whole business is very messy ... not the type of case they (he and his partner) usually take on. In other words, he needs to know what is behind all of this big mess between Beatriz and the people of Eco Moda because it certainly seems like they're navigating in murky waters. From the office of the president, Armando calls Julia who, after having read Betty's diary, is extremely angry to hear his voice. She is short with Armando and demands to know what he wants. Armando tells her that time is up and they can't keep waiting for Beatriz ... he's going to have to explain to her and her husband the motives why Betty is not acting in good faith. Very offended at Armando's words, Doña Julia immediately begins to defend her daughter and tells Armando that she already knows everything and that if he and his family are trying to suggest that Betty is a thief, well that's certainly not the case. She tells Armando to leave them alone and not to even consider telling any of this to Hermes because he certainly doesn't hold any moral ground to do so ... after all, wasn't he the one who got Betty into this mess and now he's washing his hands? Armando is floored at Julia's attitude and can't really get a word in edgewise, so Julia ends up the conversation by telling Armando that he should talk to Betty's lawyers because she won't take one more of his calls ... and she angrily hangs up the phone. As Armando stares surprised at the receiver, Mario comes into the office and asks how things went. A depressed Armando tells Mario that it seems Doña Julia knows everything and she is very upset ... they're not going to be able to take that route (talking to Betty's parents) in order to pressure Betty into coming back. Mario tells Armando that maybe he should anyway ... wouldn't it be better that he tell Don Hermes everything that's going on rather than wait until cold-blooded Daniel Valencia and all of his lawyers do it instead? -- FREEZE! To be continued ...
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USA 2/12-16/01. Betty enjoys her last days in Cartagena and returns to Bogota. Hermes meets with Roberto, as two civilized men, and assures him that Betty has no intention of stealing Eco Moda, that he raised her to be honest and decent. Roberto proposes that all the stockholders liquidate their personal property to pay Eco Moda's debts but the assets aren't sufficient. Dr. Santamaria suggests that Terra Moda not be disbanded; if it is, the banks, etc. will take over Eco Moda. Moreover, Terra Moda is in good financial shape and it will only take Eco Moda six months to recover. Daniel and Marcie don't want to depend on Betty but Roberto is proposed to listen. Nicolas tells Betty that her father knows about the business dealings but not about her personal relationsihp with Armando. He tells her also, however, that her mother does know and Betty guesses that her mother read her diary but forgives her. Roberto makes an appointment with Betty. Before going to Eco Moda, Catalina calls and arranges to meet Betty, then takes her to get new glasses.
La Opinion, 2/18/01. Solo telenovelas [summary of previous week] Laura M. López BETTY LA FEA KVEA, Canal 52, lunes a viernes, 8:00 p.m. A pesar de que Catalina estaba muy ocupada con las participantes del concurso, siempre estuvo al pendiente de Betty para que no decayera su entusiasmo y continuara con ese deseo de ser alguien nuevo. Michelle por su parte, le hace prometer a Betty que nunca lo olvidará y que siempre mantendrá esa seguridad que aprendió a tener en ella misma. Mientras todo esto sucedía en Cartagena, en Bogotá, los socios de Eco Moda, ahora encabezados por don Roberto, estaban de unos nervios pues al día siguiente entrarían en litigio y Eco Moda pasaría a ser parte de Terra Moda, la empresa de Betty. La mesa directiva exigía la presencia de Betty para que les aclarara todo, sin embargo, ella no podía regresar así nomás a Eco Moda. Mientras, enviaba a Nicolás como su representante y él se mantenía fiel a las órdenes de Betty. También los abogados suyos habían sido informados y todos esperaban el regreso de la muchacha para ultimar detalles y ver el resultado final de ese mal manejo por parte de Armando. Pero nadie contaba con que don Hermes tomaría cartas en el asunto, y una vez que se enteró casi de toda la verdad, él mismo se presenta ante don Roberto para decirle que Betty sólo siguió órdenes, además que las intenciones de su hija no eran de quedarse con la empresa, sino todo lo contrario. La plática entre ellos duró bastante ante la incertidumbre de los que permanecían en la sala de juntas. En tanto don Roberto y don Hermes platicaban como dos grandes conocidos, lo que ayudó a la comprensión del problema por parte de Roberto. Tan pronto llegara Betty a Bogotá, deberá presentarse inmediatamente en Eco Moda para escuchar la propuesta que le tenían, sugerida por el abogado de la empresa, quien les dijo era por el momento, la mejor solución.
20-12-2000 Freddy debe ir nuevamente en busca del carro de Armando hasta el bar. Armando piensa que está delirando cuando ve a Betty en la pantalla del televisor. Marcela le pide a Armando que recoja todas las pertenencias que hay en su apartamento. Mientras Betty parece iniciar una nueva vida en Cartagena, Armando decide romper con los recuerdos de Betty. 21-12-2000 Se presentará un especial de las escenas más recordadas hasta el momento de Yo soy Betty, la fea, pero interpretadas por niños. De esta forma se podrá apreciar al Cuartel de las feas, Daniel y Marcela Valencia, Armando, Mario, Nicolás y la misma Betty en miniatura.
02-01-2001 Especial de Betty con niños 03-01-2001 Especial de Betty con niños 04-01-2001 Especial de Betty con niños
09-01-2001 Resumen de la novela 10-01-2001 Resumen de la novela 11-01-2001 Hasta el 12 de enero se presentarán, en el canal RCN, resúmenes de la telenovela Yo soy Betty,la fea y a partir del 15 continuará la historia con sus nuevos capítulos. 12-01-2001 Hasta el 12 de enero se presentarán, en el canal RCN, resúmenes de la telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea y a partir del 15 continuará la historia con sus nuevos capítulos.
15-01-2001 Luego de una jornada de curación, Catalina y una renovada Betty alistan su regreso a Bogotá. Margarita le pregunta a Marcela sobre su reconciliación con Armando. Hermes sorprende a Nicolás y a Julia asegurándoles que tiene que ir solo a una importante diligencia. Sandra y Mariana se asombran con un personaje que llega a Ecomoda. 16-01-2001 Hermes pide hablar con Roberto Mendoza, aunque Patricia intenta impedírselo. Armando recibe un duro desplante de Hermes quien le exige a Roberto que la conversación sea sólo entre caballeros. Luego de hablar de la honorabilidad los dos hombres arreglan las diferencias entre los Mendoza y los Pinzón. 17-01-2001 Roberto le informa a la Junta sobre sus acuerdos con Hermes. Marcela se preocupa al saber que Betty llega a Bogotá. Hermes regresa a casa y Julia le dice que Nicolás necesita hablar con él. Los abogados de Terramoda asisten a la Junta para acordar los documentos a firmar. Betty llega al barrio. 18-01-2001 Román y su combo tratan de averiguar quien es la mujer que llega a casa de los Pinzón Solano. Cuando Hermes espera a Betty, una extraña para él llega a su casa. Betty debe escuchar pacientemente el discurso que su padre le tiene preparado y aceptar que él tiene toda la razón. 19-01-2001 El abogado Santamaría hace una propuesta para evitar la desaparición de Ecomoda. Patricia intenta llamar la atención del abogado a quien considera el partido perfecto. Los servicios de Freddy son solicitados por una hermosa rubia.
Subject: Summary 02-12-01 USA Author: Marcia V (172.146.28.55) Date: 02-13-2001 01:50 01-12-01 BETTY LA FEA SUMMARY USA Episodes by: Marcia V. ************************************************************************ CARTAGENA A plaza in Cartagena, filled with umbrella covered cafe tables. Betty wearing a summer white blouse and light blue skirt, walks among the people (as she is going to meet Michel). Two young men pass next to her and one of them gives her a compliment. She looks back and realizes it is she he is talking to. She quickly walks away from them, but stops to once again look at them, who are still looking at her, smiling. She turns around and walks away from them, smiling with obvious disbelieve, as she has just received her first compliment ever! from a stranger in a street. She passes next to a table where Michel is sitting waiting for her. He gets up to ask her to come join him, and walks her to his table. Betty- Good evening Michel Michel- Come sit down. He helps her to her chair, and then sits next to her Michel- Would you like something to drink? Betty- No, thank you Michel- First and foremost, I would like to apologize for what happened last night. (for those of you who don't know, Michel tried to kiss Betty on her lips, last night). I don't know what happened to me. I never behave in that manner. Betty- No, no, calm down, you don't need to apologize. Michel- I ask you not to take a bad impression of me. Today is your last night in Cartagena, and the last thing I want, is for you to leave feeling upset towards me. Betty- I am not upset. What happens is that I am not accustomed to have things like that occur to me. I have come here from just having lived a very difficult situation in Bogota, and I am just barely trying to move ahead, trying to breathe some air; and I am very hurt, I am on my guard. Besides when it comes to love, I have had very few relationships, and in those very few times that I have fallen in love, it has been a disaster, they have left me feeling nearly dead. So you really do not need to apologize. You have been very kind towards me, and I have enjoyed very much the time we have spent together here; but maybe if I would have been a different kind of woman, I would have reacted differently, but this is how I am, (yo soy asi) and I bet I am never going to change. Michel- (Who has been smiling) Well, that's the Betty that enchants me!. I have to tell you because you are going to think that what happened last night was premeditated, or it was a thing I take lightly, and that is not how it was. It was spontaneous!, it was natural! it came from within me to do it. Betty- But, what did you see in me? Michel- A sensible woman, who is very particular, that has been undergoing a very tough battle, and it has moved me to see that process, and I love in a certain manner, to be part of it. I think behind that woman, there is a little girl that becomes enlightened by the world! So don't blame me Betty, because I was simply there, and you enchanted me! Are we friends? (He extends his hand towards Betty). Betty- Friends!, (she replies, smiling and shaking his hand). (Michel kisses her hand and she smiles shyly as a photographer approaches them and asks them if they want to have their picture taken). Michel- Oh yes yes, please, because this woman is leaving tomorrow, and I don't want to be left with just my sad memories. Betty gets closer to Michel as he puts his arm around her shoulder bringing her tightly next to him and they pose. As the Polaroid comes out, Michel asks her without letting her go: Michel- Would you like to take one like this one, to take to Bogota? Betty- Yes, of course, yes! They smile again and have their second picture taken. As Michel pays the photographer, Cata greets them. Cata- Ahhhhh, souvenirs! (memories), how are you doing? Betty- Fine, Doña Catalina, thank you (as she looks at the pictures smiling). Michel takes one for him, and Cata tells Betty that they need to go get dressed because they only have an hour before they have to leave to the Beauty Pageant Michel- Shall I come pick you both up? Cata- No, frankly I have to go ahead in the van to got pick up some people. Go for Betty! Michel- (looking at Betty) Would that bothered you? Betty- No, not at all (smiling) Cata- Well I'll see you later. Michel- (He kisses them both on the cheek, looks at Betty and tells her) I'll pick you up in a little while. Betty- Thank you. Michel leaves Cata- (Smiling widely at Betty) Soo? Betty- He behaved divinely, Doña Catalina!, he apologized to me. Cata- I told you, Michel is a very particular type of person. I am glad you two made up. Betty- I am too. (smiling) As they both walk away, Cata asks to see the picture Betty-(shyly hands her the photo) I always come out horrible in pictures! Cata- Noo, you look divine in this picture! How endearing Betty! *********************************************************************
BOGOTA ECOMODA ARMANDO'S OFFICE Armando admits to Mario Calderon that he thinks that he is beginning to be able to loose some of the anxiety for "her" and that he is accepting reality and that he has regained the sense of all that's surrounding him, especially after he tried to destroy himself. He admits that he felt very unworthy, and he is very grateful to Marcela for his realization, because it was she who went to rescue him., it was she who took care of his wounds, his pain. He tells Mario, that their night together was a night filled with beauty, cruelty and that it was very difficult. He tells Mario that he was very moved when he saw all of his belongings still at the same place he left them, at Marcela's apartment, as if she didn't want to get rid of them. I know she is still in love with me. Mario asks him, does this mean you are reconciling? Did you have a night filled with love? Armando hesitates. Mario says, I see you are hesitating. Armando then tells him, that they had a night filled of a love, but not the kind of love he (Mario) is thinking. and then he says he recognizes the great virtue that Marcela Valencia possesses, and admits that he was unable to take his belongings from her apartment.
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MARCELA'S OFFICE in ECOMODA Marcela talking to her ex-mother in law tells her that she is tired from the long day, and after Margarita invites her to go to her house, Marcela tells her that she is just going to go to her apartment. She admits that she wants to see if Armando took his belongings. Why don't you call him? No, he will think I am trying to be pushy But that is what you are hoping for, Margarita tells her. Margarita- But that is what you are hoping? Marcela- Oh, Margarita, I am trying to have dignity, and I also don't want to make illusions. He is confused, he feels betrayed. What I really need to see is how he reacts when she returns!. Margarita- Marcela, please, you don't understand, she is not going to come back, she is just going to let her lawyers handle things and she won't show her face!. Don't you think that what she has done against Armando, doesn't make him fall out of love with her? Who knows in what new story she is involved now! ***********************************************************************
CARTAGENA CATA AND BETTY ARRIVING AT THEIR HOTEL LOBBY Cata- Well Betty, I will help you get ready and then I'll leave you. Betty- Thank you Doña Catalina. I would like to ask you a small question, Why do you do all this for me? Cata- I'll make you a confession! When you first told me you were going to quit Ecomoda, I clearly knew I wanted to hire you, because I know your level of professional knowledge and I wasn't going to let that opportunity pass!. That you were going to leave with all the problems you left, I didn't have that calculated, I learned them here. Betty- In other words, from the start it was purely a professional interest? Cata- (smiling) At first, Betty. I have to watch for my business! My idea was to first bring you here, expose and introduce you little by little to the events, and give you little assignments. But I also knew you needed to get out of there. And now I'm going to make you another confession! Having gotten to know you more and more, has turned that purely business interest of me in you, into a friendship category. Betty smiles moved by Cata's words. Cata- I understand your conflict, and I hope I have been able to help you in being able, in some way, to solve it a bit. Betty- No, Doña Catalina, (not in a bit) you have helped me a lot! I sincerely appreciate all you have done for me! That you took me out of Bogota, that you have given me all these opportunities, that you put me in front of the sea!, that you introduced me to your friends, I really appreciate all of these past days and nights that we have spent here, and most of all, I appreciate that you introduced me to Michel!. Cata- (who has been smiling, laughs), I am very glad that you have met each other!, Let's go get dressed. ************************************************************************
BOGOTA ARMANDO'S OFFICE at ECOMODA Armando tells Mario that in any case he knows it is now time to return to his straight path; to take charge of things again. Calderon tells him that he also needs a new body after that fight! As Armando is describing all his bruises Mario tells him why not go to a doctor, Armando refuses, as he is standing next to the sliding doors, which are abruptly opened by Patsy Pat, hitting Armando on his back, making him bend over with pain, not even able to scream! Patsy Pat comes into the office and says, ohhhhh you are trying to scream Armando?, and she proceeds to tell him that his lawyer is on the phone and she leaves. Barely able to walk, Armando goes to his phone, and talks briefly with his lawyer, after he hangs up, he explains to Mario that the lawyer recommends a reconciliation with Beatriz rather than to get involved in a penal case, but also explained that to be able to proceed with such reconciliation, Betty's presence is required. Armando- I hope she understands that! Mario- So we are back to square one!, Will Betty agree?, Will Betty want this? Will Betty show up? Mario insists that it is best if he talks to "Don Herpes" Don Hermes!, Armando corrects him!. Mario- Well, your father in law!, Talk to him! ************************************************************************
BETTY'S HOUSE Don Hermes is getting ready to see the Colombian Beauty Pageant on television. He is bringing his TV from his bedroom down to the living room because he is certain that Nicolas is going to show up any minute and he doesn't want him in his bedroom, because "El Diablo es Puerco!" Sure enough, the door bell rings, and it is Nicolas, who informs Julia their attorneys are not very enthusiastic about representing Betty, because at the beginning of the whole mess Betty and Nicolas did not tell them the whole truth. Julia is very concerned and tells Nicolas that on top of everything, Armando called again! and that he wanted to talk to Hermes, but that she refused because after all he's done he now wants to ruin her daughter even further by talking about her to Hermes. Nicolas notices that Julia is very angry and she tells him she knows everything, and that she can't allow Hermes to find out all the dirty things they did. Nicolas adds that, it is best to wait until Betty's arrival tomorrow. Hermes sees them chatting quietly, and tells them that it is rude to exchange secrets in front of others.
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ECOMODA HALLWAY BY THE ELEVATOR NIGHT TIME (quitting time) El Cuartel de las Feas is discussing how they are going to make it to Berta's invitation to her house to see the Beauty Pageant, as it is so late already, and there is no way they can make it in time by bus. Mariana suggests that they can see it in La Sala de Junta de Ecomoda! La peliteñida who has been eavesdropping meddles again. She first mocks them, telling them that Beauty Pageants are seen by simple people, like them. She then adds that the meeting room is not for mere employees like them, that it is meant for executives. She then calls Gutierrez and tells him to come right away. Gutierrez comes and he too, tells the Cuartel that the meeting room is only for executives, and thus, he will not allow them to view the Beauty Pageant in there. Margarita and Marcela walk by and see the commotion, Marcela asks, What is going on? El Cuartel explains and Marcela tells them they may watch the show in the Meeting Room, that there is no problem. El Cuartel thank her. The elevator door opens and it is Berta (who has been off on maternity leave) coming to pick up the gang. They all say hello including Marcela, who asks about her newborn daughter, and Berta says she is fine. (By now Berta knows the change of plan, that they are going to watch the show at Ecomoda) Berta explains to Marcela that the baby's daddy is taking care of her tonight, because he allowed her to stay to watch the show with her friends. El Cuartel go in the meeting room, where Berta also takes several bags filled with chips. Meanwhile, la peliteñida sticks to Marcela (as usual) inviting herself to Marcela's apartment, so she can watch the beauty pageant. Poor Marce accepts (while she asks "what have I done to deserve this?") ******************************************************************
CARTAGENA BETTY'S HOTEL LOBBY Michel dressed in a black tuxedo calls Betty and tells her that he is waiting for her at the lobby, and then asks, are you ready? Good! I'll be waiting. He begins to whistle happily! ******************************************************************
BOGOTA ECOMODA MEETING ROOM EL Cuartel is sitting watching TV, waiting for the show to begin. Berta announces that her maternity leave has left her STARVING FOR GOSSIP! She want's details of all she has missed! She can't believe that so much has happened in her absence! She proceeds to ask details about Betty's departure, and El Cuartel tell her they still don't know the details. They do tell Berta about Nicolas' visits to Ecomoda, and Patricia's rude behavior towards him, making it obvious that something happened between them. ******************************************************************
BOGOTA ECOMODA ARMANDO'S OFFICE Mario-No matter what that lady thinks, you are going to have to face the father! Now, I don't think it is absolutely necessary that you mention all the details of what happened between you and Betty! Armando- It's going to be very difficult! Mario,- Yes, but we don't have another choice, you will need to insist! Margarita (opens the door) Good evening Armando and Mario stand up Margarita- Armando I'm going home now, and I am sure that your father is going to ask me the same thing he's been asking me all day long!, Have you talked to that woman's family? What do I tell him? Armando-(first looking at Mario) Mother, it's just that it's been very difficult. Look, I shall try to do so first thing in the morning. Margarita- I hope so!. Excuse me. (She exits) Mario- Well well, my dear Frankenstein, I think the time has come, so I want you energetic without contemplations in your head, or is it that you still feel compassion towards Betty? Armando- No. No. I hope she disappears from my life, man! I hope that she finds someone and that they marry and that he takes her far away!. ******************************************************************
CARTAGENA BETTY'S HOTEL LOBBY Michel is waiting by the long marble stairway, whistling, as he sees Betty who is walking down the stairway. She is wearing a long peach colored dress. It is sheer at the bottom (where the legs are). She is covered by a long sheer "estola" in the same color. He shoes also match. Her smile is big and Michel sees her with awe on his face as he runs up the stairs to meet her. Michel- Hello Betty (and he kisses her on the cheek) Betty- Hello Michel. (she puts her arm in his extended arm) Michel- (Smiling still) You look very beautiful! Betty- (smiling) Thank you! They walk towards his white convertible and you see the dress flow as she walks. He gallantly opens the car door and she sits, smiling, clearly very happy to be there. He gets in and the happy couple leaves en route to the Pageant. ******************************************************************
BETTY'S HOUSE The TV show the announcers (one of them is Cecilia Bolocco) Hermes is sitting directly in front of the TV blocking the view of Nicolas and Julia who sit behind him quietly. The phone rings and Julia runs to get it in the dining room. (Nico follows her). It is Mario Calderon and he asks for Hermes. Julia asks who it is, Mario tries to avoid answering and tells her it's personal. She becomes upset and tells him that Mr. Pinzon is not home. Mario adds, when can I find him home? You won't, he won't be here in the next few days. At that moment Don Hermes says loudly, Julia, Betty must be there!, pointing to the TV. Mario overhears him and tells Julia to forgive him, but that he has heard Don Herme's voice and would like to speak with him, She asks again who it is that's calling. Mario doesn't answer, and Julia says, I imagine you are calling for Mr. Mendoza, no?, Then tell Mr. Mendoza, to stop calling my house, to stop bothering! Mario adds, please Senora? Armando (grabs the phone from Mario) Dona Julia, this is Armando Mendoza, don't complicate matters any further. Stop covering up for your daughter. This is all getting worse than I ever imagined. Julia- (looks very upset and distraught) respect my house! And she hangs up on him! Julia- (To herself out loud) Desgraciado! Armando is left staring at his phone. Don Hermes asks Julia Who was it? Julia- Just a salesman Julia whispers to Nicoals that she is going to disconnect all the phones. Don Hermes is oblivious to the whole thing and he is looking for Betty in the TV. He is sure he will see her! Nicolas makes fun of Betty's looks, as Don Hermes tells him to be quiet that he is sure he will see her! ******************************************************************
CARTAGENA NIGHTTIME A STREET WITH A FOUNTAIN Michel's white convertible arrives. He parks in front of the fountain and comes to open Betty's door. Cata comes to greet them. She is wearing a low cut white long dress. Her hair is up and she too looks very beautiful! Cata- Hello Michel, she kisses him on the cheek and looks at Betty! Betty you look very good! Betty smiling widely grabs Michel's extended arm and Cata says, let's go inside. The others are waiting! ******************************************************************
BOGOTA ECOMODA ARMANDO'S OFFICE Mario is upset complaining that it all now looks like a child's game and that now they are playing the nagging mother! Armando- I told you so. That woman is like a wall! Mario-Then you are going to have to find another way to reach him. Armando- I know I know. Calderon, what was Betty's father saying when you overheard him? Mario- I don't know, something like Come on dear, Betty must be there! Armando- There? Where there? Mario- How am I supposed to know? Maybe in the washing room? or in the closet?
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CARTAGENA AERIAL VIEW OF THE CONVENTION CENTER BY THE SEA! WE THEN SEE THE INTERIOR OF THE CONVENTION CENTER, AS CATA, BETTY AND MICHELE SMILING, HAVE JUST WALKED UPSTAIRS AND ARE WALKING DOWN A LONG HALLWAY TOWARDS THEIR SEATS, FOLLOWED BY OTHER FRIENDS. WE SEE THEM FROM THE FRONT. One can see Betty is Very different from the Betty in Bogota!. She is smiling, talking to Cata and Michele, and you can see the dress, like Cata's is low cut and has a slit down her leg. (the reason I comment on these details is that Betty in Bogota was always completely covered from neck to toes, always hiding from the world. When she first wore a sleeveless dress in Cartagena, she was clearly very uncomfortable. She walked hunched over, trying to cover herself with her posture and of course her old hair style. Today, Betty is uncovered in a way that I think symbolizes that she is becoming more open to others. For the first time she seems more at ease among the crowd.!.) ******************************************************************
BOGOTA MARCELA'S APARTMENT Marcela and Patricia walk into her bedroom. On Marcela's bed, Armando's clothes and suitcase are still there. Marcela quietly smiles! Patricia questions the mess, and Marcela tells her not to touch it. Patricia tells her, "Marcela, you are going crazy" ******************************************************************
BOGOTA THE MEETING ROOM AT ECOMODA El Cuartel is still gossiping about Nicolas bringing a rose to Patricia, etc. They also comment on how pretty Cecilia Bolocco looks. Aura Maria then begins to go crazy over the man announcer. She thinks he is very handsome. As she is complimenting him as Freddy walks in and asks her if it is he she is referring to. Mariana says, no, it is the announcer. Freddy then pretends to be an announcer and when they show a contestant wearing a bathing suit on the TV Freddy, Wilson and now Gutierrez who has just come by, begin to stare at the TV, Gutierrez is salivating, Freddy is just staring at the TV as Aura Maria gets jealous. The three men are almost falling over looking at the beautiful women. Aura Maria is very serious. ******************************************************************
BETTY'S HOUSE Don Hermes mouth is open and Julia closes it. Nico is quiet and Don Hermes asks him about the women, as Nico says he can't see the TV well over his head. He also confides to Julia that he is sad because the beauties remind him of Patricia (as he shows Julia the picture he still carries in his coat) ******************************************************************
BOGOTA MARCELA'S APARTMENT Marce and Patty are on her bed watching the show, as Patricia begins to badly criticize the women on the contest. She begins to describe how "they should walk" Marcela is clearly bothered by all the talking and walking in front of the TV, and as Patricia continues to bother, Marcela tells her to sit down and watch the show! ******************************************************************
BOGOTA ECOMODA ARMANDO'S OFFICE As Armando is going over details with Mario, he remembers that Betty's father is unemployed, and therefore, he is always at home. At that moment his cell phone rings, and he is surprise to notice that it is Marcela! Marcela-I just called to ask you if you had been able to talk to Beatriz' family. (In the background you see Patricia making poses, pretending to be one of the beauty queens, as she makes gestures that clearly are disagreeing with what she is seeing on the TV) Armando- No, I still haven't been able to communicate with them! I'm trying to see if I can talk to her father. Marcela- I see!, Oh, another thing! I also noticed you didn't take your suitcase with your stuff. (and she smiles anticipating an answer) Armando- Yes, what happened is that I had to leave in a hurry. Marcela (her smile has vanished) Oh, I see, well I'd like you to come by and pick it all up, because they are in my way, and could you do it tonight!? if it's not too much bother!? Armando- Yes, of course, I will try to go by tonight! Marcela-(serious) Thank you (she hangs up) Armando tells Mario what just happened Mario-Decisions Decisions my dear Frankenstein! Lets see you have three options 1. Go to Marcela's and solve or not solve the issue. 2. Go to Marcela's go to sleep and play dumm. 2. Go to a bar so they can make your bruises more even. Armando- The option about a bar is over!. Why don't you leave me alone to think? Mario exits as he tells him how happy he is that he is getting himself together. Armando exits his office and hears all the people in the Meeting Room. He opens the doors and says hello to Berta and asks about her new baby. Berta gets up and when she sees his bruised face she wants to know what happened. Armando tells her "No details" he then tells Freddy to go pick up his car. Freddy- Excuse me, but in which slum did you leave it parked this time? Armando-Looking at him seriously. In no slum!, I left it at a bar, and you already know which bar. Freddy-Yes! Armando-Go for my car Freddy-Yes yes, but what a shame, could it be that maybe we could continue seeing the pageant for a little while longer? Armando- No Freddy- Yes, ok. Freddy exits Aura Maria- Ay Don Armando, don't you want to stay with us just a little bit to watch the pageant? Armando- No, no, calm down, I'm not interested in those shows. At that instant on the TV ARMANDO SEES BETTY! (who is sitting next to Cata clapping and smiling). ARMANDO MOVES HIS HEAD AND BODY TOWARDS THE TV IN SHOCK! HIS EYES ARE WIDE! EL CUARTEL (who had been distracted by him) ASKS HIM WHAT'S WRONG DOCTOR? To be continued!
Subject: Summary 02/13/2001 Author: JAV (129.21.213.1) Date: 02-14-2001 10:44 Betty La Fea, Summary 2/13/2001 From the previous episode: At EcoModa, Armando is speechless as he sees Betty appear on the screen like a ghost. "El Cuartel" thinks he is not feeing well and try to help him. Armando however, is still in trance as he walks out of the meeting room, back to his office. In Cartagena, Betty is having the time of her life at the Miss Colombia contest with Michel by her side. Back at EcoModa, while looking for Inesita, Hugo runs into Armando and looks at his bruised face and starts cracking the usual jokes: "el protagonista de el monstruo retorna"... He offers to comfort Armando but the offer is impolitely refused. Armando continues his painful journey into his office and eases himself into the company's executive chair. Hugo opens the sliding doors that lead into the meeting room and sees "El Cuartel" plus Inesita watching the beauty contest. Never missing an opportunity to insult the members of "El cuartel." he makes a snide remark on the ugliness of the group assembled there. Then he seats down to watch the pageant with interest while commenting on the beautiful dresses and the beautiful women. Meanwhile, in his former office, Armando is suffering from both physical and emotional pain. Ever so slowly he pulls Betty's picture from his wallet, and looks at her one last time; then lets it fall into the trashcan by his desk. As he lets the picture off of his fingers, he makes a painful gesture: Betty and him are now enemies. In Cartagena, the beauty contest reaches its climax as a beautiful woman is crowned Miss Colombia.
Meanwhile, at Marcela's place, Patricia is doing all she can to invite herself to dine at Marcela's. Of course, Patsy Pat is broke and a free meal, however simple, would be a nice complement to a somewhat uneventful night. But Marcela is not paying much attention to Patsy's gastronomic aspirations... she is preoccupied with the time and looks at her watch constantly... picks up on Marcela's preoccupation with the time and callously asks her what the deal with the time is. Marcela explains her that she is hopeful that Armando will show up. As if hit by 10 thousand volt jolt, Patsy jumps off the bed and almost disregarding Marcela's statement suggests they both go to Cartagena to get some sunshine, relax, and find a "Principe Azul"... Little does she know that at that very moment, against the beautiful Cartagena night, Betty is once more flirting with happiness while she is still broke and alone. In Cartagena, Cata has had a very long day and, as she gets off Michel's car, reminds herself and Betty of the busy schedule they both have for the next day: Breakfast with the beauty contestants and then back to Bogota. She says farewells to Michele and kisses him warmly on the cheek. Betty however, wants to enjoy her last night in Cartagena a bit longer and accepts Michel's invitation to take a car ride with him. They both ride away as Cata walks into the majestic hotel lobby. Back at Marcela's apartment, Patsy Pat is lazily watching TV when a brilliant idea pops to her otherwise empty head: "Marce" says she, "I think we both should live together. Your apartment is much to big for yourself only and I could be wonderful company. When you were seeing Armando, it was okay not to think of this but now you are single ("solterona") and so am I, I think I should move in. I like this room!" Marcela is speechless, incredulous, and entertained at the same time when like a ghost, Armando appears. He still has the key to Marcela's sumptuous apartment... and her heart. Patsy Pat offers to get him something to drink but he pays no attention to her. Marcela is visibly excited and grabs Patsy Pat towards the front door and asks her to leave. Patsy, leaves not before expressing her disappointment. Marcela walks away and Patsy's words get lost in the hallway. Marcela helps a slow-walking Armando to her bedroom where the suitcase he was supposed to take with him that morning still lay open on the bed. Armando makes a feeble attempt at getting things in it while Marcela says that she'll help because he is still in pain. As she tries to leave the bedroom to get the rest of his personal belongings, Armando asks her to stay. With emotion and physical pain, Armando utters the words Marcela had been waiting for. As he goes down on his knees perhaps more out of pain than as a gesture of forgiveness, he asks her to forgive him and to give him time to heal: "if you think you can forgive me and if you can give me some time to heal, I'd like for the two of us to get back together again"... the words came out his mouth and electrified a receptive and anxious Marcela. This is the first time in years she'd heard him pronounce words like that. She'd waited long enough, and yet, she was cautious: Rhetorically she asks: "do you know what you are asking me?" Armando replies with a firm "yes" and they embraced and kissed passionately while this writer grabbed the tall glass of red Kool-Aid and took another swallow.
Later that night, Armando and Marcela lay in bed and Armando excuses himself for not being able to function that night. He explains that his entire body hurts. But lovingly, Marcela calms him down. She is going to help him heal... Of course Marcela is not talking of Armando's physical pain. She is concerned with his emotional pain. She is very understanding and tells him that "I am going to be very patient even if this is the last time I ever do it." Back in Cartagena, Michel is not giving up so easily and asks Betty to stay a few more days and enjoy the Cartagenean Sea. Betty explains that she must go back to Bogota and face all her problems back there. Michel understands as he asks her if her for a hug... she obliges and eases herself into his arms in tender embrace. Always the gentleman, Michel helps Betty get off the car and asks her not to forget him while reminding her that she's got a friend in Cartagena. Betty on her part invites Michel to visit Bogota and asks him not to ever forget her. Both are kidding each other, as the emotions are too close to their skin to allow themselves to forget any of what has happened in those few days... Betty walks away while a sad Michel looks at that almost ethereal figure disappear into the lights of the hotel's elegant lobby. Betty steps into her sumptuous suite smiling. She now feels it herself: this is another Betty. Marcela awakes and realizes that Armando is not with her. She calls his name but silence is her reply. She is unaware that Armando has gone once more in search of Betty's family. This time though, he is determined to talk to Don Hermes. At the Pinzon's home, a noisy Don Hermes is getting his breakfast as the doorbell rings. Nicolas appears. It is breakfast time. Nicolas has hardly been a few minutes at the Pinzon's when the doorbell rings again. Julia reaches for the door and an angry Armando pushes in as he starts yelling that he needs to speak to Hermes. Julia tells Armando to leave while Nicolas threatens him. Completely oblivious to the reason of such hostility, Hermes interferes and asks for an explanation. Armando is accusing Betty and Nicolas of stealing his company. Hermes does not understand a single word. Armando presses on and Nicolas charges against him and hits him on the face. This time is the other side of Armando's bruised face. Armando retreats in pain complaining that he did not have to hit him in the face. To Nicolas, it was sweet revenge. To Armando it is humiliation and more pain. Nicolas kicks Armando out of the house and closes the door on him. An angry Hermes is seating at the dining table asking for an explanation. Julia insists that Nicolas call Betty to Cartagena to tell her of Armando's visit and give her a full account of the recent events. A shaken Nicolas obliges. Betty is hardly able to get upset when Hermes grabs the phone away from Nicolas and orders his daughter to come back to Bogota "today".
Betty is very upset when she runs into Cata as she tells her that she hates Armando Mendoza and that she has to get back to Bogota. An angry Betty tells Cata that "If Armando Mendoza thinks that I am going to take his company away, he is right. I am going to destroy those people". The humble and submissive Betty is now gone. When Betty and the sea of Cartagena became one, only one of them would change. Like many others before her, Betty came to Cartagena to find herself. The sea retained it emerald-bluish color. Betty is not the same that left Bogota a few days hence. Cata tries to cool Betty down as she continues to pronounce her sentence against Armando Mendoza and the Valencias. Cata realizes that unless she does something quick, the Betty going back to Bogota will be angry and resentful. In her typical kind and tactful way she tells Betty that they'll go to the social event they have scheduled for the morning and that later in the day, before they depart back to Bogota, they'll go to "Isla del Rosario" to forgive. Betty looks perplexed by the suggestion but by know she is used to Cata's resourcefulness but still manages to ask her who they are going to forgive. Matter-of-factly Cata replies: "Armando Mendoza".
At EcoModa Freddy is asking Armando, who is hurting from the injury inflicted by Nicolas, in what bar he's left his car this time. Freddy by now is used to seeing his former boss, come to work all beat up and half drunk. But this time Armando is sober and his car is safely parked at EcoModa's underground parking garage. At Marcela's office she and Margarita are talking about the previous night Marcela spent with Armando at her own place. Margarita is hopeful that things will get back on track, her track that is. But Marcela is not 100% convinced as she explains Margarita that Armando still has some feelings for Betty. In Armando's office, Calderon is awaiting for his friend. In his usual playful mode, Calderon questions Armando about last night and wonders also whether or not Armando was able to talk to Betty's father. Armando ignores Calderon's jokes about him and gets to the point: He was unable to talk to Hermes. Julia got in the way and Nicolas beat him on the face. Calderon cracks another one of his subtle jokes.
At the Pinzones, Nicolas is talking to Sanchez and asks him and his partner to go to Ecomoda and solve the problem any way they can. Hermes is upset beyond belief. He asks Nicolas not to ever return to their house. Nicolas is upset because he'll never be able to see Betty or Julia or the refrigerator. Hermes on his part, storms out to the street as Julia asks him where he is going. Hermes says he's got to run some errand… Julia and Nicolas are clueless as to what is in Hermes' mind. He is going to a place he wished he'd never had to go. At Armando's office: Marcela is smiling and concerned that Armando's face is now evened up... She is upset that Armando went to Betty's house again arguing that those people are trouble. The tenderness is so obvious that when she leaves the office to get some cotton and disinfectant, Calderon starts singing "amaneci otra vez, entre tus brazos,..." Marcela realizes the sarcasm but Calderon tells the two of them that he is very happy for their renewed relationship. Patsy Pat sees Marce walk towards the company's kitchen and asks where she is going. Marcela says she is going to get some ice. Patsy Pat wonders if she is now serving him his scotch. Marce gives her a Marce look and says "no." Don Roberto, Daniel and the lawyers step out of EcoModa's elevator. Daniel introduces Patsy to Dr. Juan Manuel Santa Maria and in his usual derogatory tune, he informs Juan Manuel of all the details regarding Patsy's fate. Patsy is understandably upset as Daniel adds that he wants a cup of coffee with sugar this time. In Armando's office, Marcela is taking care of Armando's newest facial feature and then asks him if he is ready [for the meeting]. Armando replies with a doubtful "yes" and Marcela adds that "you can count on me for the meeting".. Armando feels the reassurance flowing down his veins. Juan Manuel starts the conversation by saying that Armando is supposed to have contacted the Pinzones etc. etc. Armando replies that he has not been able to contact them and starts to explain what happened that morning. The doors of the EcoModa's elevator open at the management floor. A very determined, yet humble Don Hermes emerges as Sandra and Mariana watch in disbelief. He informs them that he's come to talk to Dr. Mendoza. Roberto Mendoza that is. They inform him that he is busy in a meeting but he insists that when he learns who he is, he'll want to talk to him. Patsy Pat gets involved just when Sandra is about to go and interrupt the meeting. After a few exchange of words between Patsy, Mariana and Sandra, Patsy goes to the meeting room to inform of the new visitor.
Don Roberto agrees to meet with him but Marcela tells him that it is not a good idea. Roberto insists and Armando calms Marcela down by saying he'll come out with his father. Marcela feels better. Armando and Roberto walk towards Hermes and introduce themselves. Hermes shakes Roberto's hand as Armando extends his. Politely Hermes declines and makes it clear that he's come to talk to Roberto. Marcela comes up and tries to find out what Hermes wants. Hermes, again politely, replies that he's come to see Roberto Alone. Roberto agrees and leads him to the company's President's office as preoccupied Armando and Marcela watch. Hermes has come to straighten things up; he is far from knowing the details of his daughter's troubles with these powerful people. He is about to find out that his own daughter, though well educated is also imperfect, but most of all, he's come to the boiling pot of her daughter's troubles for the family's honor. Saludos, JAV
Subject: *** Summary: Wed 2/14/2001 *** Author: Robin N (157.198.3.50) Date: 02-15-2001 09:46 Roberto invites Hérmes to sit down and he's all ears for what Hérmes has to say (in Armando's office). Hérmes tells him that finds himself very troubled by the problem he's just learned about this morning. Roberto is glad to hear this because he'd like to avoid legal problems and felt that speaking with them would be the best way to do so. Hérmes agrees and feels that this is a situation not for lawyers or judges, but best resolved amongst gentlemen, decent people. "My daughter isn't going to hold on to your business, Doctor. She'll return it to the last penny!" We see Betty and Catalina along the edge of the sea. C tells her that they'll sit here and they do, settling down into the warm waters of the Caribbean. "That's no problem for me!", says Betty in agreement. Catalina assumes the Lotus position and tells her that they're there—before they go back to all that awaits them in Bogota—for Betty to face all of the things that trouble her, caused her pain... Dr. Armando Mendoza. You need to take control of yourself, to get hold of the hates and find balance. You can continue with the hurts but to find true peace you need to leave vengeance behind, you need to forgive. Close your yes and call to Armando and call for him to come." Betty is ready to do what she says but she's a little confused. "Come where?" "Tell him to come here, that you need to speak with him," instructs Catalina. Betty calls out, "Don Armando, please come. Come Don Armando." Ahead we see this ghostly figure of Armando walking towards her through the water, all dressed in white. Betty opens her eyes and sees him approach and looks a little nervous. "Is he here now?" asks Catalina and Betty shakes her head apprehensively. "Good, tell him to sit down; you need to talk to him." Betty shakes her head in fear, "I can't." "Yes you can! You have to talk with him." "No, I don't want to! I want him to go! I want him to go!" "No, Betty, confront him! Talk to him! Tell him what you've wanted him to know! He has to listen." Betty regroups and he approaches closer still. He smiles sweetly at her and comes to kneel in front of her. "Don Armando," begins Betty, "I've been here several days now and I still don't know why you hurt me so much!" We see Armando's eyes glaze with anguished tears. "Since I met you, you have always caused me much inquietude. Since the first, I've respected you so much. There you were, such an elegant man, who had confidence in me, and I did everything possible to prove to you that I was the person you needed." His eyes are mesmerizing in their intensity as he notes her pain. "In that dark office alongside yours was a woman," Betty continues, "that would die for you and did so much to prove that to you. I would be incapable of betraying you. Didn't you see that? Couldn't you feel that? How could you? How could you be so cold-blooded as to make me fall in love with you?" Armando looks deeply sad and ashamed. "How could you play such a cruel game? If you knew that I felt more and more for you; I came to love you so much! I trusted you, Doctor, and at least you should have had some affection for me," Betty says, sadly. "But you went on with your sinister plan, destroying me, in spite of everything I'd told you about my disastrous love life! At one point I considered forgiving you and continuing to love you but you continued your game up to the last second. You destroyed my life! I'm sorry, but I can't forgive you!" Betty shakes her head and lowers her gaze from the sight of Armando in front of her. We hear Catalina, "Yes, you can forgive him! It's for your good, Betty! If you don't you can't return to Bogota in peace. Run, go on, forgive him!" Betty sidles closer to Armando in the water and reaches up to touch his cheek. "I, BPS, forgive you Don Armando," she begins, as if she were reciting wedding vows. We see his eyes close and he savors her hand caressing that cheek ("Oh that I were a glove upon that hand!") "In spite of the sorrow you've caused me, in the name of the love that I had for you and the life that I've found, I ask my heart not to hat you and leave me in peace. I love you still, and in the middle of all of the sorrow, I don't wish you any harm. I want you to go on your way in peace, but far from me. With all of the love that was born in me, by you, and the sorrow, I forgive and wish that you leave my life without hate and with the same sweetness that I found in you, I wish that you would leave me." She pulls her hand from his face and we see the pensive, heart-in-his-eyes gaze. "You can go now, Don Armando." She reaches to him and hugs him in farewell and backs away from her, leaving her calmly seated. We see him walk away through the shallow water, turning to look back at her. She follows him with her eyes. He turns back and walks away. Betty and Catalina rise to their feet. "He's gone now?" asks Catalina and Betty shakes her head, yes. Catalina tells her that she'll feel much better, she'll see. Betty and Catalina are by a boat. "You feel better?" "Yes, I feel much better," replies Betty. "I believe I can return now." "Good, let's go." They get on the boat and head back across the sea to Cartagena.
Roberto tells Hérmes that he appreciates his words but actions aren't bearing them out. The last message they had was strange: that they'd have to work it out with lawyers. Hérmes is annoyed and wants to clear up the record. There has been a misunderstanding. It's been his son whose attitude hasn't been so good. Roberto agrees that he knows his son's ways. Hérmes tells him that his daughter has no intention of holding on to his business, or of Terra Moda, that he'd raised her with the highest ethical standards. Roberto nods his head. Hérmes tells him that he worked to those same standards for over 22 years himself in the food industry. Roberto asks him if he'd worked for the Mayorga family and Hérmes agrees that he did, although they still haven't paid him any severance! Hérmes tells him that he can ask any of the family and none will say that Hérmes Pinzón Galarza has done a thing in error. He has always been characterized as a man of honor: at work, in his neighborhood, everywhere. That's the same way he raised his daughter and she has an impeccable resume. Hérmes starts to recite her credentials and Roberto agrees, because he was there at her interview, plus he's gotten good references from Banco Montreal. Hérmes goes on and on: no Pinzón would dream of using hunger as a pretext to cheat another. They're ready to work with their hands! Hard! Roberto thanks him for his words and tells him that he needs his daughter to show her face and help them resolve the situation. "Tell me," he leans forward, "When does she return?" Cut to Armando listening in outside his office door. Ah hah! This is the answer he's been waiting for! We hear him lift up his head as he hears Hérmes say, "Precisely! My daughter returns this afternoon!" Catalina and Betty leave the hotel and Betty comments expressively how much she'd like to come back to Cartagena. Catalina assures her with a smile that she will when she resolves her issues at home. They get in the van and it pulls away. They drive along the ocean and Betty looks out, pensive. Catalina notes her gaze and smiles, taking her hand. "How do you feel, Betty? Ready to return?" Betty smiles and tells her that she is ready.
Hérmes is still defending Betty and he tells Roberto the thing that bothers him most is that his daughter is being accused of being a thief. The one who's really at fault is Armando, in his eyes. Roberto nods his head. Hérmes continues, acknowledging the blot on his daughter's resume, but Roberto interrupts him. "You have to understand that this hasn't been easy for us either." He wants Hérmes to imagine how they felt to learn that their business has been left with barely a penny and his daughter had disappeared. How does that look? Hérmes understands and assures him that if he had known what was going on, he wouldn't have let this come to pass. He defends Betty by saying that she had felt that the documents she'd left signed would be sufficient, but that wasn't the case. He'll make sure she is there to answer for the consequences. Roberto interrupts again and says that Armando too has been responsible in the matter: that's why he removed him from the presidency. "Never! Never will I forgive him for what he's done to us!" He talks of the 35 years he'd worked honorably to build the business. He's indignant too. Hérmes is somewhat amazed by this show and admits that he knows about the Mendoza family, how respectable they are, etc. He starts to reminisce about the days way back when working in Bogota was a much different place, more "sensorial". The two men sit on the sofa and smile over the old days. Hérmes wonders if he knew his rich uncle. Roberto is wondering how he can get out of this conversation now. Outside the office, Armando is still eavesdropping when he hears Sofia telling someone else that Betty's father is there. He looks over their way and heads towards the cuartel to hear better. Sandra is recounting the details about the arrival of Don Hérmes and how the Peliteñida behaved. Aura Maria is upset because she wants news of Betty and they didn't get any. Sandra wants to know how could they with that toad Peliteñida around. Sofia tells them that things are indeed very delicate. They head off chattering and walk smack into Armando, bearing down on them with a determined face. "Ay, Doctor!" Sofia is startled and tries to cover up by telling him that they were just talking office talk. "Office talk or gossip?" he asks firmly. They deny it and he tells them to get back to work.
In the meeting, Daniel is holding court. Armando enters and his mother asks what's going on. He reassures her that they're fine, talking civilly. Daniel hands around papers and Armando takes his seat. Mario leans over for more details. Armando tells him that they're only speaking of the business and it seems like the old man knows nothing of the story between he and Betty. Mario agrees because Armando's still living. "Imagine that," responds Armando. Roberto and Hérmes leave the office and Hérmes is still going on about the old days versus the status today and Roberto is trying to head him out. He does agree, however, when Hérmes touches on the topic of ethics and admits that he too doesn't understand the ethics that today's youth follow. Hérmes jumps on that and says that's the reason that the country's in the state it is: the people are corrupt. You have to take the children by the hand. He sees the sign plate for the office and comments that the word, "Presidency" clouds the mind. He reminds Roberto, "El diablo es puerco!" shaking his finger. "And has no social class!" Roberto chuckles and agrees. Hérmes tells him it's been a pleasure to meet him, even if under these circumstances and Roberto responds in kind. Hérmes tells him that his daughter's lawyers will be by in the afternoon to clarify what papers really do need to be signed. He asks a favor of Roberto; that he watches over this situation closely. Roberto assures him that he will. Hérmes takes his leave and invites him to his house, for dinner, to enjoy his tango collection. Roberto agrees politely. Hérmes leaves and Sandra and Mariana jump to see him and ask for news of Betty. They tell him how worried they are for their friend but he's pretty terse and tells them that she's never coming back to that business. He doesn't want to speak any further about this and he hits the elevator button fiercely. The two jump back in surprise. Good afternoon! "What could Betty have done that would make her father act like that?" wonders Mariana. Roberto enters the meeting and he tells them things are calmer now. It appears that they've been suffering from a war of nerves and now there's no need to proceed legally against Betty. Marcela asks, more than a little tensely, "Why not?" He tells her that he's reached an accord with her father. Armando's eyes light up at this and Daniel turns to look at him. The two exchange a look of animosity. Daniel wonders that he's going to trust those people but Roberto says that he will. "And that woman, what... I she going to stay unseen?" asks Marcela bitterly. Roberto says that this afternoon she's returning to Bogota. Marcela's face reveals alarm and she looks over to Armando for his reaction. He tries to maintain a "...y eso, que?" look of nonchalance.
Betty and Catalina are on the plane heading back at this very moment... Margarita wants to know when Betty is going to show up and Roberto tells her that she won't, the lawyers will be able to handle everything. We see Marcela and then Mario looking both a bit relieved at this. "We won't have to see her again," continues Roberto. Marcela's eyes shine as she smiles in triumph at Armando. He looks downcast, his eyes dull. Roberto turns back to the topic of paying down debt but Daniel interrupts him. He wants to know about verify that they're going to return the business." "Yes." On the plane Betty and Catalina savor a glass of wine and we see the coastal islands below. Julia serves Nícolas some lunch but he tells her not to worry about him. She looks at him like he's grown another head. He continues by saying, "I can't receive another thing from this house!" (He has been banished, you may recall, after today.) "You realize that I'll have to cut my sentimental ties to your cooking too." Julia worries about him but he tells her that he has his dignity. She assumes, then, that he doesn't want the mushroom sauce, nor the eggs and ham, nor his jugo de morita. Well, she'll just take them into the kitchen. He relents. "Consider it a farewell to Nícolas Moda." The door opens and he hides.
Hérmes enters and tosses his coat to Julia, asking if Betty has returned. Julia coaxes Nícolas to come out of hiding. Julia tells Hérmes to sit down and he does in front of the plate set for Nícolas. "No, not there, that's for Nícolas. I have yours over here." says Julia, firmly setting the tone. Hérmes looks back at Nícolas with a mocking sneer. Nícolas assures him that it was all Julia's idea, to serve him breakfast. Hérmes barks at him to sit down. He needs to talk to him. Nícolas says he'll sit but not eat. "Don't you know it's a sin to waste food?" counters Hérmes. Nícolas doesn't want to give in. Hérmes takes away the food and Julia returns. Hérmes tells her that Nícolas doesn't want to eat. "Can you wonder? You did eject him from the house," she replies. "Eat!" commands Hérmes and Nícolas gives in. "Well, only half the soup," he says, then adds to the list. Half a juice, half a potato... "Shut up!" barks Hérmes. Julia asks him where he was and when he replies Eco Moda, Nícolas nearly chokes. Julia's eyes bulge in alarm. Hérmes tells her that he went to resolve things and speak like gentlemen. Nícolas tells him that anything that they said to him would be an exaggeration. Hérmes tells him that he spoke with Roberto, a respectable man and resolved the issue of their children. Julia wants to know what they spoke of. "Of the business, of life, of my uncle Lazaro..." Hérmes is off again! Nícolas tells him that he didn't steal a single penny but Hérmes tells him that he participated in the affair and is complicit. He's going to give Betty a piece of his mind when she gets home. Julia pleads for him to recall that this was Armando's idea, not the boy's (Nícolas) nor Betty's. Hérmes tells them that's been resolved too: they've kicked him out of the presidency. Nícolas is happy about the news of this sanction, but he doesn't think everything can be resolved so easily. There are lawyers involved, judges. Hérmes tells him that of course the lawyers will be involved. They'll straighten this all out. AM and Sofia hear the latest from Sandra and Mariana and are concerned. The elevator opens to reveal Dr. Sanchez and his cohort. He asks for Armando and Sandra points to Patricia as his secretary. The two head over to where she's sitting, leafing through a book. She doesn't even look up at them and tells them he's in a meeting but he asks that she inform him that he and Dr. Rosales are there. She repeats that he's in a meeting and they'll have to come back another day. He tells her that they're the representatives for Terra Moda and her head snaps up, that they've come to work out a peaceable accord, but what a shame she doesn't want to attend to them. (He's bluffing) They turn to leave. Wait!
Patricia goes to the office and Rosales admires the view; Sanchez is not impressed and cautions him, pointing out how "antipatica" she is. Rosales tells him that she has to be like that. After they chat, then go out to lunch, get to know each other a bit better, she'll sweeten up. Patricia, as if it was one of the eleven labors of Hercules, enters the boardroom and excuses herself for her interruption but that the lawyers are there. She hands the cards to Armando and flirts with the lawyer. Roberto dismisses her. Sofia asks the others if they heard right: that those were Betty's lawyers? They whisper amongst themselves and Aura Maria recalls that she's seen them there before. They were there for something to do with an embargo. This is news to the others. They encourage Sandra to go over and verify the details. She trots over and asks if they'd want anything. Sanchez looks stricken with love at the sight of the tall woman and tells her that they're here to see Armando. She asks if they're Betty's lawyers and she offers to help. We hear Patricia's snotty voice call them to the meeting. As they head in Sanchez enthuses to Rosales about Sandra. Rosales still prefers Patricia. Rosales says that they'll have to do good work there because women like them will cost them a lot of money! LOL Patricia tells them to continue in to the meeting, playing with her hair. They open the door and remove their hats. Everyone turns to look at them. No one stands so Sanchez tells them, "Don't trouble yourselves, stay seated." Roberto, reminded of his manners, asks them to take a seat and greets them. As they get all assembled, Margarita and Marcela look on with a "okay, show me what you got" kind of look. The two introduce themselves most cordially and Daniel points out that they've been there before under the pretext of an insurance audit, when in reality they were there gathering data for the embargo. Mario and Armando look embarrassed but Sanchez isn't. Sanchez says that he never imagined that they would be misunderstood in this regard but continues to explain their purpose there. Daniel cuts off the introduction. Sanchez gets down to brass tacks: they're there at the behest of Dr. Nícolas Mora to fulfill his express instructions. That's to suspend the legal actions proceeding against Eco Moda. Marcela can't believe her ears, nor, apparently can Daniel. Roberto looks pleased and says that's what they'd hoped to hear. He introduces Dr. Santamaria and Sanchez smacks his head. How could he not have recognized him? The two little lawyers effusively greet the eminent Dr. Santamaria and recall a mutual acquaintance. Dr. Santamaria is pleased with this news and he suggests that they proceed with this action tomorrow morning. Sanchez agrees most pleasantly and says that they need only one thing: the physical presence of Betty. Armando looks hopeful. Betty and Catalina have landed and are finding a taxi at the airport.
Subject: **SUMMARY THURSDAY 2/15/01** Author: sandy (63.28.120.88) Date: 02-17-2001 21:21 At the meeting room They are trying to decide what to do so that Betty would not have to come to Ecomoda. They talk for awhile and decide that the lawyers and Betty should meet at Santamaria's (Ecomoda's lawyer) office and do the signing. Betty's lawyers leave. They come out and one of the lawyers goes right to Patty and tells her that if she needs any thing to call him and he gives her, his card. Sandra goes to the other lawyer and tries to get him to tell her what is going on with Betty and the company, but he says is not the right place that she should call him and see what happens. HE kisses her hand and both lawyers go in the elevator. Outside Betty's house. Betty and Cata are in the taxi, Betty tells her thank you for everything and Cata tells her that she should only thank herself the hug and Betty comes out of the taxi. Roman and his gang are out there and as they see Betty going out they start to follow her tell her names like "mamita" then they ask her if she is Betty's cousin because she resembles her. She turns around and says that she is Betty, they are all surprised and keep on asking out and yelling names, she tells them to leave her alone and they leave still telling her names and blowing kisses to her. Inside Betty's house the doorbell rings and Doña Julia answers and she looks at BEtty surprised with her appearance. DOn HErmes goes right ahead with the lecture just after telling her that she knows everything that happened. HE stops for a moment to tell her that he does not recognize her. He keeps going talking about values, morals and typical Hermes from there on. Betty interrupts to say that he tell it like they were criminals and he answers that they knew that Terramoda was only there so the banks won't ask for money. He keeps going. Hermes tells Nicolas something and the phone rings, it is the lawyers saying that they will meet to sign papers tomorrow at Santamarias office. After this Hermes tells Betty that why. Did all this happen? She says that she never meant any harm that she never sis any of this out of personal gain. In the meeting room Santamaria recognises that Betty and Nicolas did a great job with Tarragona and that it is a shame that they will have to close Terramoda. HE says that they owe 8 million dollars. And that Terramoda does not have that money. Marcela asks if they have to sell their actives? Roberto answers that everyone will have too that he will sell his apartment in London and the house, and everything and tells Armando, Mario and Daniel that they will have to sell them too. Daniel refuses to do so saying that it is not his fault that Armando did this to Ecomoda and that all his money is on a project and his apartment. Santamaria says that then they should by seeing how much is Daniels apartment worth.
At Betty's house Hermes is saying that how embarrassing with that family and he keeps going on ... but Betty says that she will not feel sorry for someone that only insulted her that the only person she is sorry with is Roberto. Hermes asks that what made this all happen and she explained that because she and Armando had "roses" she just told the board meeting the truth. Betty asks for forgiveness form his father and tells him that she is glad everything will be over the next day. Hermes says that saying sorry does not cut t that she will have to pay and Betty answers that she paid enough and that she is back "para poner la cara". Nicolas then says and the pretty face you have now. Then she says that she is going to start a new life. And she excuses herself to go to sleep and unpack. Hermes wants to go to her but Doña Julia does not let him. At the meeting room Santamaria says that the actives is not enough money to pat their debts but that he has a "propuesta" and that he is sure everyone thought about but that no one has said anything. He says that the only way to pay their debts and not have Ecomoda destroyed is to keep TErramoda. Marcela almost dies and says that she will not accept to be in that woman's hand s again (meaning Betty), Margaritas says the same Marcela is almost leaving but Roberto stops her.
At Betties room She is folding clothes and she takes one of her old skirts then Nicolas comes in and asks her that what did she do to herself. She explained how Catalina took her to a salon and that she bought new clothes. Nicolas tells Betty that Doña Julia knows everything including about her relationship with Armando/. She is surprised and Nicolas swears he did not tell her anything. Betty walks to her bed and takes her diary and then says that she probably read her dairy. Nicolas wants to see it both she takes it way from him and says that she is getting rid of it like getting rid of her past. Nicolas asks if she hates Armando she says no but that she will throw away her past even if it will take time to forget Armando. At the meeting room Santamaria says that Betty is there only savior and that they should talk to her and ask her to not give the company back. (My little sister turned the TV off here by mistake, by time I turned on the TV it was a commercial.) At Betty's room Betty and Nicolas are talking about TErramoda and she tells him that that is not their problem anymore, Nicolas asks her what is she doing after everything is over she tells him that she will continue to work with Catalina. Nicolas says that he will have to keep looking and that it will probably be really hard to find a job because of his face but that she does not have that problem anymore. Betty tells him to still come to the house buy Nicolas tells her that Hermes kicked him out of the house. Betty tells Nicolas that she will talk to her dad the next day. He says thank you for that and Betty asks him if he forgot Patty already he says no and shows her the photograph on his coat. At the secretarial area The cuartel is leaving and Patty tells then that where are they going they answer that home because it is 8, she tells them that they cannot go because the board meeting is not over they answer that she is the one that is the presidential secretary no them and they leave. Patty wines of how she is getting to her apartment. Hugo is leaving and Patty goes to him telling him that he has to give her a ride home he answers that his chesito is coming for him and he leaves. At the meeting room Santamarias says he will leave so they will decide.
At the secretarial hall Santamaria comes out and Patty tells him if wants some coffee. She thinks that she needs a boyfriend like Santamaria. She goes for some coffe At the meeting room Roberto says that they have to talk to Betty. Daniel says they should just forget it and leave. Roberto gets mad and tells him that he is tired of his arrogance and that he wills not his company die. Armando says the same thing. Margarita, Armando and Roberto vote to talk to Betty and Mario says the same thing. Marcela says that even if she wants Betty far from here she will do it for the company. And votes to talk to her. Daniel says that they could do whatever they want but that he expects results. Marcela goes out to call Santamaria. Outside Patty is with Santamaria Marcela calls him and he goes in. Patty wines and suffers of how he asks god for a boyfriend who can take her home. And suddenly Freddie comes out and Patty says I told a boyfriend with car not motorcycle and after everything he has a girlfriend. Patty asks him if he could give a ride he accepts and they leave. At the meeting room Roberto tells Santamaria that they decided to talk to Betty. Mario says that it would not be right for someone Betty does not even know to talk to her. HE says he will accept gratefully but Betty hates his guts Daniel says they are totally enemies. Margarita says they barely talked one, Marcela says the only time she talked to her was to insult her. (Freeze Frame)
Subject: *****SUMMARY – FRIDAY, 02/16/01***** Author: Tuly (166.72.126.39) Date: 02-19-2001 10:53 *****SUMMARY – FRIDAY, 02/16/01***** Everyone looks over at Armando as the person to approach Beatriz about helping EcoModa. Armando replies, "Don't count with me. All of you know the hate that she must be feeling for me nowadays." Daniel, of course, asks what caused that hate, but before Armando has to answer, Roberto steps in and says that he will be the one to talk to Betty since it seemed to him that she respected him (due to her apology to him at the board meeting where she resigned), and tells Santamaría to begin figuring out what steps they must follow regarding the banks, that way they will have a plan of action if Beatriz decides not to help them out. The board meeting concludes and everyone starts to exit the boardroom. When Marcela reaches the corridor, she is surprised to find that Patty is not still at her desk ... she supposed that she would be waiting for her to give her a ride home.
Outside EcoModa, Freddy impatiently waits for his passenger (Patricia, jejeje) to put on her helmet. Patricia gives him a myriad excuses as to why she can't put it on, from the fact that Aura María has worn it to the limp excuse that it would mess up her hair, but Freddy reminds her that it's not an option, it's the law. He further tells her that if she doesn't put it on, he won't be able to give her a ride home. As Patricia is about to make further protests, Daniel exits EcoModa talking on his cell phone. Upon hearing his voice, Patricia becomes anxious and puts the helmet on just so that he won't recognize her. She immediately gets on Freddy's bike and begs him to get her out of there before someone else comes out. She also makes Freddy promise not to tell a soul that he took her home :o). As Freddy pulls out, Daniel notices the legs of the rear passenger of the bike and recognizes them as belonging to Patricia. He immediately starts to laugh and says, "Ay, Patricia Fernández, peliteñida ..." I wonder when Daniel will throw this in Patty's face? It probably won't be long. :o) Back inside EcoModa, Armando thanks Santamaría for his help and sees him to the elevator. Marcela asks him whether he is coming with her or if he's leaving on his own. Before he can answer she adds sarcastically that she knows he must be very anxious because of Betty's required appearance at EcoModa and asks him if he will seek her out. Armando responds that he was perfectly clear at the meeting with regard to Betty ... he has nothing to speak to her about and she hates him. Armando then tells an unconvinced Marcela to gather her stuff because he's leaving with her to the apartment.
At the Pinzón's, Julia goes in to Betty's room ... Betty is holding her diary. Upon seeing her, Betty asks her mother why she read something so private and sacred to her. Betty asks her daughter to forgive her, but to her her daughter's wellbeing is even more sacred. Furthermore, she needed to find out what was going on with her because they've always been friends and confidantes and she was extremely worried about everything that was going on. Betty tells her mother that Don Armando was conducting "ugly business" that no one must know about and even though Nicolás knew about this business, he wasn't aware of how intimate her relationship with Don Armando was. Julia tells her daughter that if she would have confided in her from day one everything would have turned out differently. They then hug tenderly. The subject of the diary is dropped and Doña Julia questions Betty on her new look. Betty tells her that she felt the need to change, to leave the old Betty behind and see a new Betty in the mirror ... a Betty that rose up from ashes. She promises her mother that she will overcome this latest tragedy in her life and will forget Armando Mendoza. Betty, I don't think you believe that one, do you? Armando and Marcela arrive at Marce's apartment. Marcela can't let go of the subject of Betty's return and the fact that Armando will see her again, especially under the present circumstances where they are asking for Betty's help. Armando tells Marcela that he's trying to forget about all of that and leave it behind ... and for that he needs her help. Marcela backs down a little and confesses that she's very afraid and hugs Armando.
The following morning, Betty receives a call from her lawyer, Sanchez. He tells her that her meeting with Santamaría has been cancelled ... he doesn't know the reason behind this and she should wait for them to get in touch with her. Betty finds this turn of events very strange; she wants to get this over and done with. Armando and Marcela arrive at EcoModa and, as they exit the elevator, kiss and hug in the presence of Sandra and Mariana. As they leave to their respective offices, Mariana and Sandra can't help but comment on the apparent reconciliation and how long it will last. Armando stops at Mario's office first. He finds him getting an eyeful of pictures of pretty women from his computer. Some things never change! :o) Armando -- Geez, Calderón, I'm very worried because it seems that the only solution for saving this company is asking for Beatriz's help again. Mario -- Yes, yes, I'm also worried, but what do you think? Will "Vampirín" help us out or not? Armando -- Well, it's already a miracle that Betty, with all of the hate she must be feeling toward me, didn't keep the company. But now to ask her to come in and help us ... I think that will be very difficult. Mario -- Well, and you, are you tempted to speak to her? Armando -- Of course I'm tempted, Calderón!!!! God, the only obsession that I've had for days is to talk ... to talk to Betty. This has been especially difficult, Calderón, since I learned that she came back to Bogotá ... I already knew she was here. Mario -- Well, what did you expect? Armando -- It's Marcela, Calderón. Marcela is very afraid that I'll run back to Betty and at this point in time I can't let her down. I asked her for another chance, it wouldn't be fair to her. Mario -- Man, I think that's very responsible on your part! Armando -- Furthermore, Calderón, I don't know ... talking to Betty at this precise moment, when things are so difficult with her ... she hates me!!!! It would be like setting her feelings even more against me and then having to ask for her help ... I don't know, I'm confused, I think my father is the correct person to talk to her without me getting involved at all. Roberto comes in and asks Armando for Betty's phone number. As Armando jots it down [from memory, might I add :o)], Roberto tells them that he will wait for them in the boardroom to discuss the details of his conversation with Betty. As Roberto leaves his office, Mario makes the sign of the cross, wishing him luck. :o)
At the Pinzón's, Hermes is being his usual grouchy self and reproaching Julia about his undercooked eggs. As Julia rolls her eyes, Hermes asks who called earlier. Julia informs him that it was the lawyer for Terra Moda. Betty comes in, all dressed up, and Hermes goes off on that tangent ... Betty's "daring" clothing and her makeup. He tells her that she doesn't need all of that because she's as beautiful as his aunt, Florencia Pinzón. Julia stops him in his tracks and tells Betty that she resembles her aunt, Rosalinda Solano. While Hermes and Julia argue about Betty's gene pool, Nicolás arrives and he informs Betty that Dr. Sanchez called him and told him that the meeting with Santamaría was off for today. After his message is delivered, Nicolás acts hurt because he is not allowed to set foot in this house and says goodbye, but Betty tells him to stop acting so immaturely and orders him to sit down. :o) The phone rings, Julia picks up and tells Betty it's for her. When Betty asks who it is, Julia just hands her the phone and asks her to answer the call. Betty -- Hello? Roberto -- Good morning, Beatriz, it's Roberto Mendoza. Betty -- How are you, Dr. Mendoza? Roberto -- Well, you can imagine how I am, I'm very worried ... Betty -- Well, I don't understand why, doctor. I know that my father, Nicolás, the lawyers, everyone's told you that I have no intention of doing you harm. As a matter of fact, I was going to sign some papers today in court, but the cancelled my appointment. Roberto -- Yes, Beatriz, I was the one that asked that it be cancelled. Beatriz, in any event, I want to tell you that I appreciate your attitude in all of this mess. Getting back to what we were talking about, I asked that the meeting be cancelled because I must speak with you personally ... and alone. Betty -- With me? Why? Roberto -- I need to tell you some things and I need to ask your opinion about them. You know that we're really in a hurry. Could it be today? Betty -- Well, yes doctor, where would you like to meet? Roberto -- Could it be here at EcoModa? In 'presidencia'? Betty -- At EcoModa?!?! I don't think it would be very wise if I showed my face there again, doctor. Roberto -- On the contrary, Beatriz! I think it's what makes the most sense. After you and I talk, I have to take a series of decisions and I need the approval of the full board. I don't want to keep delaying this matter, I want to resolve it once and for all and know what the future of EcoModa will be. Beatriz, please listen to me ... I'm begging you to come in and talk to me. Betty -- If you consider that's a wise move, then we'll see each other at EcoModa, doctor. Roberto -- Thank you very much, Beatriz. I'll be waiting for you.
After Roberto hangs up, he walks over to the boardroom. Margarita immediately asks him if he was able to speak to Betty. Roberto confirms that he did and Marcela sarcastically asks whether she made herself easily accessible or whether she put on airs and acted "like a star". Roberto promptly puts Marcela in her place and tells her that they spoke and she is on her way over (to EcoModa). Marcela overreacts again, this time her fear showing, and says, "She's coming here?!? To EcoModa?!?" Margarita doesn't like this either and asks Roberto why he asked her to come here. Roberto tells them that he had no alternative and that he surely couldn't tell her that none of them wanted to see her and then ask for her help ... he couldn't very well ask her to meet him at her house or at a restaurant when the business they have to discuss has to be resolved immediately. He chastises them all and reminds them of what Santamaría said ... they have to put their pride aside and can't continue to stop Betty from having access to EcoModa if they want her help ... she's on her way over and they are going to resolve the matter once and for all. Upon hearing that, Marcela gets up as if to leave, but Roberto stops her and says that he would like to ask a favor from all of them ... if yesterday they agreed that to save the company they would have to ask for Beatriz's help, then that (and he points to Marcela) is not the attitude that they must take. He reminds them that it hasn't been easy for him to beg Betty to help them, as a matter of fact, it was a sacrifice, but they all have to pitch in. And, he adds to Marcela, this is not the way to do it! Marcela acknowledges that she is not acting as she should, but excuses herself nonetheless with the excuse that she's not feeling well and leaves the room. Back at the Pinzóns', Betty tells her parents and Nicolás what she agreed to with Roberto Mendoza. Don Hermes offers to take her over to EcoModa in his car, but she turns him down and tells him that she will go alone and face the music, especially if it's only Don Roberto she's got to see. The phone rings again ... this time it's Cata calling from a clothing boutique. Betty tells her about her meeting with Roberto at EcoModa and Cata immediately asks her how she's dressed. Betty tells her she's got the gray sweater set on and brown pants. Cata suggests that Betty meet her at the store before heading over to EcoModa; Betty accedes. Don Hermes insists on driving her daughter, but as Betty tries to decline again, Julia intercedes and convinces Betty to let him. Nicolás wishes her luck and sends his regards to Patricia :o). Doña Julia asks her daughter if she's ready (emotionally) to set foot again in EcoModa and to see "him" again. Betty firmly responds that she thinks she is. As Betty follows Don Hermes out, she is immediately surrounded by Román and his gang, who even call Don Hermes "father-in-law"! Don Hermes doesn't like all of this attention one bit, gets angry, and chases them all away. After they leave, he reproaches Betty her new clothes and her makeup again. :o)
In the boardroom at EcoModa, the board members remember their last encounter with Betty ... the day she left. Armando reminds them that, one way or another, they were never able to treat Betty with dignity. Way to go, Armando!!! Betty meets Cata and the first thing Cata remarks upon are her broken glasses. Betty tells her that she fell asleep with them on the night before and she's got to get them fixed. Cata tells her she knows just the place and off they go.
At EcoModa, Margarita goes in to Marcela's office to see how she's doing. Upon seeing her, Marcela asks if Betty has arrived yet and Margarita tells her that she has not. Marcela once again sarcastically remarks how Betty is making herself out to be so important. She even remarks to Margarita that she will take vengeance on them all and adds that she can't believe that Roberto asked her to come here, especially when he knows that no one wants to see her. Margarita tells her she understands, but neither Robert nor Daniel are aware of what happened between Betty and Armando ... she never thought it opportune to make a comment regarding that, but she will if Marcela wants her to. Marcela becomes even more flustered and begs Margarita not to. She tells her that she doesn't want her intimacy to be discussed by Daniel and what's worse, she wouldn't ever want Robert to find out ... it's already enough with everything that's happened. Margarita hugs her and tells her that she has to get emotionally ready and has to calm down and relax ... she can't fall apart when she sees Betty because if that happens, not only would Marcela lose, but they would all lose. As Betty and Cata walk into an eyeglass place, Cata tells Betty that she can't lose her composure when she goes to EcoModa ... she has to remember that she forgave Armando. Betty assures Cata that she has, in fact, forgiven Armando and that they feel more hate toward her than she toward them. As Cata shows Betty's glasses to the attendant, she "accidentally" breaks off the remaining leg. Cata sorrowfully looks over at Betty, apologizes, and tells her that the only solution is to buy new glasses. Betty tells her that she doesn't have the money right now, but Cata reminds her that she will need them ... to better get a look at Armando Mendoza. In the meantime, our galán goes in to Betty's old office and he is assaulted by the memories of the last time he saw Betty. He remembers when Betty reproached him the intentions he and Mario had to send her far away so that she wouldn't mess up his wedding with Marcela, how he insisted that she hear him out and let him explain, and how in a last desperate attempt he hugged her, almost like a drowning man, but was interrupted by Marcela and had to let her go. Mario walks in and interrupts the walk down memory lane and asks him what he is doing in Betty's office. Armando replies that he is remembering the last time he saw Betty. Mario sarcastically says, "Ay! How horrible! The memory, that is, not Betty!" Aaaaaay, Mario, baaaaaaad boy!!!!! As Armando rolls his eyes and walks out of Betty's office, Mario tells him not to get so upset over everything, he's sure that when he sees her, he will see her in a different light, more coldly, and will realize that he was just the victim of circumstances, that he did it all in order to save the company and that now nothing else exists between him and Betty. Armando asks Mario to clarify what he means by "seeing her more coldly" ... does that mean that he will see her as an ugly woman? Mario is funny as heck with his response and says, "Ugly, ugly, no ... let's just say she is aesthetically unfortunate". What a dog!!!! Armando advises Mario to stop being so stupid and assures him that he will see Betty just as he feels her. Way to go again, Armando!!!!
Out in the hallway, Aura María and Sofía discuss the fact that Bertha is running late and that, at this rate, Aura María may never get back to the reception area. Gutierrez walks out of his office, asks after Bertha, and when he finds out she's not there yet, tells them that he has just found a motive to replace her and he will fire her. Sofía and Aura María don't like this threat at all and ask Daniel, who is standing in the hallway talking on his cell phone, to intervene on Bertha's behalf. But Daniel, instead of helping Bertha out, tells Gutierrez: "Listen, Gutierrez, if you're going to hire a new one, make a good choice and don't hire someone like Beatriz." Gutierrez defends himself and reminds Daniel that he didn't make that choice, Don Armando did. And upon saying that, he smiles to himself just thinking of all of the beautiful candidates he will interview to fill Bertha's position. A stressed-out Patty barges into Marcela's office and asks her for $10,000 pesos to pay her taxi driver. In order to get rid of her, Marcela gives her the money but warns her that she will not lend her one more peso. Patty asks Marcela why she's in such a bad mood and Marcela confesses that Beatriz is about to come back to EcoModa. After her initial shock, Patty tells Marce, "Why are you so afraid, Marce? You look great and with only one look you can humiliate her." Patricia walks out promising to pay Marce the money as soon as she receives her next paycheck. Yeah, right! A taxi arrives at EcoModa and Betty exits it -- FREEZE! To be continued ...
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USA 2/19-23/01. Betty returns to Eco Moda and all are surprised by her appearance. The board members talk about what they should do. Betty's lawyers attend. Betty suggests that Roberto be the president of both companies but he refuses. Dr. Santamaria and Betty's lawyers suggest that she head both companies. Marcela offers her resignation. At first, Betty refuses but Roberto talks to her privately and she accepts. She makes one condition, however, that Marcela stay. Roberta convinces her to do so and suggests that Betty receive the same salary that Armando received. Marcie and Roberto's wife are shocked; Betty says she will accept what is appropriate but won't return for the same salary she earned as a secretary. Hugo threatens to resign. Hermes arrives. Roberto has hired him to provide accountings of all financial matters to him. Betty assures the board that the shareholders will continue to receive their monthly payments. Both Armando and Mario decline theirs and announce their resignations. Patricia is very rude to Betty when she exits the boardroom; then she discovers that Betty is her new boss. Betty meets with Marcie who admits she never liked her, tells her she wants her to stay because the company needs her. Marcie says she is staying to preserve her father's work, not because of Betty's request and she trusts that the truth about the sordid goings on will not be made public. Betty says of course not because it would only open her up to being made fun of and she will never again permit that. She also assures Marcie that there will be nothing between her and Armando. The cuartel is thrilled with the news although they don't understand it. They go out to celebrate and Betty tries to explain without giving away the details. Armando takes Freddy out for a drink. Patricia, Marcie and Roberto's wife dine together. Hugo hires Jenny back. Sofia's husband is out of jail but broke and unable to find work. Betty calls Nicolas and tells him he will be the new VP of Finances. At the club where they are celebrating, a man asks Betty to dance, then asks for her phone number. Freddy finds Aura Maria dancing with a man and is jealous; she lies and says he is a cousin. Armando asks to talk with Betty. She tells him she has forgiven but wants as little to do with him as possible; he tells her he loves her. Meanwhile, Marcie tells Armando's mother and Patricia that her biggest advantage is that Betty doesn't know that Armando really loves her. That night in her diary, Betty admits that it was hard to resist Armando. Armando goes home to Marcie who questions him about where he was, how he feels about the new Betty. He tells her that he has committed himself to their relationship.
La Opinion, 2/25/01. Solo telenovelas [summary of previous week]Betty la fea KVEA, Canal 52, lunes a viernes, 8:00 p.m. El cambio de imagen de Betty causó gran revuelo en Eco Moda. Las muchachas del cuartel estaban impresionadas por la nueva Betty, sin embargo, la que más sorprendida quedó fue Patricia Fernández. No podía creer lo que sus ojos veían. Marcela ni se diga, sin embargo, el odio y los celos que sentía por Betty no la dejaban aceptar el cambio tan positivo. Hasta el mismo Gutiérrez como Hugo juraban que la muchacha había hecho algún tipo de brujería. La entrada triunfal de Betty y la seguridad en ella misma, le permitieron mantenerse a la altura de las circunstancias. Roberto pidió guardar compostura a todos los socios, que por cierto ni Armando ni Mario podían articular palabra. Roberto fue muy claro en lo que quería... era necesario que se pararan las críticas y las ofensas hacia Beatriz, pues estaban a punto de pedirle que aceptara ser la nueva presidenta de Eco Moda... la única manera en estos momentos para salvar la empresa. Betty dudó un momento en aceptar, pero finalmente fue convencida aunque las condiciones no podía ponerlas por lo pronto, ya que la presencia de los abogados era necesaria. Lo que sí dejó muy en claro era que si ella se quedaba, también debía hacerlo Marcela. Una vez a solas con Mario, Armando tuvo que aceptar que miró poco a la nueva Betty, pues Marcela estuvo muy pendiente de eso. Las chicas del cuartel estaban muy contentas de verla de nuevo por ahí, aunque tenían curiosidad por saber qué había sucedido. Otra cosa que les extrañó a todos fue la presencia de don Hermes, el padre de Betty en la misma junta de ejecutivos. Don Roberto lo citó para ofrecerle la posición de contador de Eco Moda. Tanto Armando como Mario estaban conscientes de que sólo ahora eran socios de la empresa. Las muchachas del cuartel invitaron a Betty a celebrar su nuevo título. Como Freddy no fue invitado por ser sólo cosa de mujeres, a Armando se le ocurrió invitarlo con el pretexto de platicar con alguien, aunque el objetivo era saber a dónde se habían ido. Marcela escuchó la promesa de parte de Betty que ella nunca se acercaría a Armando pero eso no la tranquilizaba del todo, ya que no estaba segura de si Armando tampoco buscaría a Betty. Otra sorpresa más que les daría Betty a todos es que nombró a Nicolás vicepresidente financiero de Eco Moda, cosa que a él lo puso de lo más feliz.
29-01-2001 Betty insiste en ayudar pero no en quedarse en Ecomoda, sin embargo las condiciones la obligan a permanecer al frente de las dos empresas. Jenny regresa a Ecomoda y tiene un enfrentamiento con Sofía. Roberto se niega a aceptar la presidencia de Ecomoda y Terra Moda. Marcela renuncia a su cargo. Roberto pone a Betty entre la espada y la pared. 30-01-2001 Nicolás le pide a Betty que acepte las condiciones que le piden en Ecomoda. Una vez tomada la decisión más importante de su vida, Betty empieza a exigir con voz de mando. Roberto habla con Marcela para evitar que renuncie. Por fin Patricia logra un acercamiento con Santamaría pero un pequeñísimo inconveniente se interpone. Hugo recibe de la noticia sobre el nuevo presidente de Ecomoda. 31-01-2001 Betty aclara a los accionistas que seguirán recibiendo su mensualidad. Roberto decide contratar a Hermes para el manejo financiero de Ecomoda. Armando ordena darle a Betty la oficina de Presidencia. Gutierrez se encarga e darle la noticia a los empleados. Patricia no puede creer que será su nueva jefe. Mario le dice a Armando que el cambio de Betty justifica un affaire. 01-02-2001 Betty le pide a Marcela que establezcan las normas del juego por el bien de Ecomoda. El Cuartel invita a Betty a celebrar. Marcela le dice a Margarita que siente miedo por la reacción de Armando con Betty. Hugo amenaza a Betty con renunciar sino le contrata de nuevo a Jenny. Marcela besa a Armando delante de Betty. 02-02-2001 Freddy le cuenta a Armando a qué lugar irá el Cuartel a celebrar. Aura María engaña a sus amigas y termina llevándolas a un rumbeadero. Hermes se molesta al saber que Betty salió de celebración. Nicolás se entera que es el nuevo Vicepresidente Financiero de Ecomoda. Armando lleva a Freddy a tomarse un trago.
05-02-2001 Betty se sorprende al ver el éxito que tiene en la discoteca. Armando manipula a Freddy y se ofrece a llevarlo a El Santuario. Betty debe responder al interrogatorio de El Cuartel. Marcela, Patricia y Margarita analizan la situación de Betty y Armando. Aura María hace una conquista. Freddy llega al lugar. 06-02-2001 Betty no puede despegarse a un conquistador de la discoteca cuando Armando llega. En su intento de excusarse ante Freddy, Aura María y su acompañante quedan como mentirosos. Freddy acusa al Cuartel de traidoras. Betty accede a hablar con Armando quien le reitera que la ama. Marcela llama a Armando al celular.
07-02-2001 Betty le pide al Cuartel que no comenten nada en Ecomoda sobre el encuentro con Armando. Betty le cuenta a Julia sobre el rumbo que está tomando su vida. Armando llega al apartamento de una apasionada Marcela. Julia encuentra la foto de Michel y Betty. Nicolás le advierte a Hermes que ahora será su jefe. Patricia se ve obligada por Marcela a defenderse por sí misma para llegar a Ecomoda.
Subject: Summary, Monday February 19, 2001 Author: Maria (65.80.37.215) Date: 02-19-2001 21:22 Summary: Betty La Fea February 19, 2001 Betty arrives at EcoModa!!! Wilson looks at her but doesn't recognize her. He asks her if he can help her. Betty says "Hello Wilson". Wilson is surprised and can't believe it is actually Betty. Betty informs him that she has an appointment with Roberto Mendoza. Wilson makes his way to the phone and informs Betty that he has to call it in first because Marcela Valencia has barred her from entering EcoModa. Betty replies, "Yes, of course…………." Freddy and Aura Maria are putting her belongings in boxes to take them to reception. Patty runs in giving Freddy money to pay her taxi. Daniel is nearby and makes sure to tell everyone that he saw Patty on Freddy's motorbike. This upsets Aura Maria. Daniel tells Aura Maria to keep an eye on Freddy before Patsy Pat steals him! Bertha arrives with her baby daughter. Patty asks Bertha how many tons the baby weighs?! The phone rings and when Patty answers it, it is Wilson announcing Betty's visit. Patsy-Pat asks Roberto if he is waiting for Betty and he replies in the affirmative, and tells Patty to have her go to the president's office. Roberto goes to Armando's office and informs him that he is going to see Betty there so Armando and Mario exit the office. Mario asks Armando if he wants to see Betty and Armando tells him that the time isn't right. Patty gives the ok for Betty to come up. Wilson exclaims "Que linda" (how beautiful)! On the way to see Don Roberto, Betty runs into Aura Maria and Freddy, but they don't recognize her! Finally, they recognize her and Freddy asks her if it hurt! Betty tells Freddy to stop being a pest. Aura Maria tells her she turned out "remamita." Betty arrives on the second floor and says hello to Mariana and Sandra who also do not recognize her. Patty interrupts her and asks if she can help her. Betty informs her that she has an appointment with Roberto Mendoza. Patty informs her that that isn't possible because Dr. Mendoza is waiting for someone else. Betty insists and Patty looks up at her. Patty says that she recognizes that horrid voice. Patty says "Betty, is that you?" Betty replies, "The one and only." Mariana and Sandra realize it is Betty and are overjoyed. Just then Marcela walks over to Patty's desk and asks her if stupid Betty has arrived. Marcela stares right at Betty without realizing who she is looking at. Patty responds, "It's her, Marce." Marcela is dumbfounded and says "BEATRIZ?!" Betty replies, "Good day Dona Marcela." "Dr. Mendoza is waiting for me." Marcela replies, "Yes, he's waiting for you." Both Patty and Marcela look at Betty from head to toe. They can't believe their eyes! Mariana and Sandra are very happy to see her. Betty tells them that she has an appointment and excuses herself. Patricia is beside herself and tells Marcela, "She's stolen all of the company's assets and spent them on a plastic surgeon!!" Patty just says, "I hate her Marce, I hate her……….." Betty sees Bertha, Sofia and Gutierrez who also don't recognize her. She promises to talk to everyone and fill them in when she is done with Roberto Mendoza. Roberto's back is to Betty when she enters and he receives quite a surprise when he turns around. ROBERTO: Thank you for coming. BETTY: There's no need to thank me. You can count on me to do whatever is necessary so that we can get out of this mess as soon as possible. ROBERTO: I'm glad to hear that you are here to collaborate with me and that I can count on you. The only thing I am not in agreement with is that we will be able to be done with this in a short period of time. Betty, we have studied this problem from every angle and we've come to the same conclusion that I am sure you have come to. If you give TerraModa back to us, it will be the end of EcoModa. BETTY: Surely there are other formulas to help save the company. ROBERTO: We have studied every single one of them and none is viable. The moment you turn TerraModa over to us, the banks will exercise their rights and we will only have pieces to pick up. Betty asks Don Roberto to talk to the banks himself, but he tells her that he doesn't have the nerve to do that. That he spoke to those same banks assuring them that his company was in good hands with his son when he retired. He informs her that she is the only option open to them. ROBERTO: Please don't return TerraModa to us. BETTY: What?! What are you saying? It's absurd?! ROBERTO: We need to continue things the way you had set them up for at least six months until we have paid all our debts. The same way we have been doing up until now. BETTY: Don Roberto, please don't ask me to do this! We need to be done with this once and for all. I realize that I shouldn't have allowed myself to be dragged into this by Don Armando, but I have paid in blood! I am paying with my life! You made me leave through the backdoor, something I had never experienced and didn't believe I deserved. Then on top of that, Don Armando went to my house and told my father that I wanted to steal the company!! He told my father!! My father who is sacred to me!! I am here to respond for what I did and I do it because I have had you on my conscience. It tore me apart to see your face the day of the board meeting when you found out what we had done to your company! But PLEASE don't ask me to continue with this nightmare!! I don't think this can be good for anyone…………… ROBERTO: I am sure it's not good for you, but we need you Betty. I too, would like for all of this to end as soon as possible! The last thing I ever imagined was that I would have to call on you and ask you, beg you not to return the company to us!
BETTY: Don Roberto, I am sure there are many things you are unaware of that transpired here at EcoModa. Perhaps you are convinced that this is the best solution, but I had a lot of problems with Dona Marcela, Don Armando and Don Daniel. ROBERTO: I do know, and they are all aware that you are the only solution and are currently awaiting your response. They are waiting for you to accept. For the love of God Betty!! You have accepted your share of the guilt yet you want to wash your hands of this?! If it is true that your conscience is bothering you, that you don't want to disappoint me, you have to help us. This is the only way you can redeem yourself, because otherwise I am going to believe that you are that woman everyone is talking about and not the woman your father described to me! Do something good for the company you helped destroy. We are all stuck in this infernal situation. Let's try to make it as bearable as possible and see how we can get out of this situation. BETTY: Well, if everyone else is in agreement and you feel this is the only way of redeeming myself, I accept. ROBERTO: It's the best decision you could have made Betty. I have to let them know what you have decided. They have been anxiously awaiting your response. BETTY: I'd like to talk to my father and the attorneys first. I promised them I'd consult them before doing anything. ROBERTO: Go ahead and call your attorneys. As for your dad, don't worry; I'll handle that. I'll wait for you in the boardroom. BETTY: The boardroom!!!! ROBERTO: Yes, Betty. We are going to deal with this as your dad said, "between gentlemen." We are going to forget old hurts and put all our cards on the table. Of course, I'll expect for you to be present. Go ahead and make your phone call, then meet me in the boardroom. Roberto tells everyone that Betty accepted his proposition. He tells Margarita to call Marcela. Daniel asks Roberto what Betty's attitude was. He tells Daniel that it wasn't easy to convince her. Betty has a great deal of resentment, that there's still a lot of hurt. Daniel turns around and faces Armando. With each of Don Roberto's words, Armando and Mario look at each other as if wondering whether his father is talking about the personal side of what happened. Betty finishes talking to Sanchez who is on his way to EcoModa. She takes a deep breath and stands in front of the cave (her former office). She opens the door and stares at the interior, remembering the kisses she received from Armando Mendoza, the day she packed up her black bag filled with cards and gifts and Marcela threatening to call security if she didn't show her the contents of the bag…………………………….. Patty and Marcela are talking. Marcela is sure Betty is there to get back at them. Margarita comes in and tells Marcela what Betty has decided and that she is needed in the boardroom. Marcela is scared and doesn't want to go. Margarita convinces her and leaves. Patty encourages Marce. The cuartel is trying to figure out why Betty is back. Bertha decides she'll try to find out even if the assignment is as difficult as "Mission Impossible." Marcela catches them talking about how surprised she (Marce) and Patty were when they saw Betty's new look and makes them get back to work. Bertha admonishes Sandra for not being a good lookout and tells her that she's the antenna for EcoModa! She should have seen Dona Marcela coming!! (Very funny) Betty talks to her mom who reminds her that she is a new woman and that she should hold her head high. Betty's head is still filled with memories. She remembers the day that Daniel Valencia was so cruel to her because of her first "new look." Betty enters the boardroom. BETTY: Good afternoon. (Her voice cracks) (Armando turns to look at her and is stupefied. He and Calderon exchange confused glances). ROBERTO: Betty please sit down. Betty sits close to Marcela, but across from Calderon and Armando. Armando can't take his eyes off of her. She looks at him for briefly. Marcela realizes what is happening and gives Armando a killer look (poor Armandito). Roberto asks that they leave aside old resentments and think of the next six months of hard work they have ahead of them in order to pull the company out of the hole. DANIEL: And now, the million dollar question, Dra. Pinzon. What are your conditions in order to help us get out of the predicament you and Armando put us in? BETTY: Conditions?? I'd prefer to wait for my attorneys to arrive and let us know what it is we have to do. MARCELA: Of course!! I want Dr. Santamaria to be here also. ROBERTO: Don't worry, he is on his way. Betty and Armando keep exchanging glances. Sanchez and Rosales arrive. (These two are always grooming themselves!!!) They bring candy for Sandra and Patsy-Pat. They seem impressed by these two "Amazons!" hahahaha Patty doesn't want to tell Betty her attorneys are there so Sandra offers to do it. They get into a little verbal confrontation. Patsy-Pat finally goes into the boardroom and tells Betty that her attorneys are there and that she needs to go outside to see them. Roberto tells Patsy-Pat to let the gentlemen in; they're expected. Sanchez and Rosales enter the boardroom looking for Betty but don't recognize her. She finally tells them that it's her. Patty comes in and says that Dr. Santamaria has arrived. Roberto introduces Betty to Santamaria and tells him what has transpired up to the moment. Sanchez informs everyone (in a round about way) that TerraModa must continue to exist and that Betty must still continue to be at the helm of the company. End of episode.
Subject: ***Summary - Tuesday, February 20, 2001*** Author: Becky A. (63.44.232.244) Date: 02-22-2001 01:09 ? Behind the closed doors of the executive conference room the fate of Eco Moda is still under discussion. Dona Margarita doesn't quite understand what the Terra Moda attorneys are saying. They suggest that attorney Santamaria might be better able to explain it to her. Attorney Santamaria tells Dona Margarita that Terra Mora has taken over Eco Moda and that Terra Mora legally belongs to Betty. Daniel asks if Betty is willing to let Terra Moda continue as long as she has management of the Company. (Armando sitting in his chair, as quite as a mouse, looks at Betty). Betty hurriedly informs the group that she wants no part of it. Betty's attorneys are in agreement with her desire to cooperate with Eco Moda, however, does she really want to resign from a company that has her name. Her attorney turns to the group and tells them that this is an opportunity to make sure that the Company is being run on the up and up. "In the end", he says, "it is her company." (While her attorney is speaking, attorney Santamaria is looking at Betty and trying to read her thoughts.) He continues to say that it is her name that is being put in front of the banks and the law. (Armando looks back and forth from Betty to her attorneys, still not saying a word.) Marcela questions there proposal. The attorney explains that what he is trying to say is that Betty has the right to inspect how the Company is being operated, while it is being operated under her name. The attorney, directing his question to Don Roberto, asks if he is incorrect. Don Roberto agrees that Betty would be in her rights. (Armando turns his head and looks down at the floor and then up at the ceiling.) Betty informs the group that those are not her aspirations and that she has no problem for the company to continue as is. Daniel, relieved, stands up and says that it is perfect, they will continue and they will provide reports to Betty on a regular basis. Armando finally finds his tongue in order to clarify that Terra Moda is not just a paper company. Its name is on the bank accounts of Eco Moda and that, he explains, is how Terra Moda has been able to make payments on behalf of Eco Moda. (Armando glances towards Betty. Betty looks down.) Daniel staring at Betty, asks if she would be the legal representative in order for Eco Moda to continue. Armando tries to explain to Daniel in words that he may be able to understand, "the President of Terra Moda is much more important than the President of Eco Moda". (As he speaks these words, he looks at Betty and has a small grin. Betty looking uncomfortable turns away from him. Daniel continues to stare at her. Marcela turns to stare at her and gives her the look that Patricia had previously advised her to give. Mario stares.) The room is silent and Betty's attorneys look at her and shake their head in agreement. reddy is down at the receptionist desk processing his devotion for Aura Mario and finally asking if there is any information on Betty. In walks Jenny with er "Buenas" and wearing a load pair of zebra stripped pants, halter top with a deep tan underneath and a fresh head of red hair. Freddy immediately changes his tune and falls all over himself greeting her and calling for the elevator. Jenny has come to Eco Moda to receive her last paycheck which, according to her is being denied by Sophia on person. Aura Maria informs her that she is not authorized and must first be announced. While Jenny is waiting for authorization she begins to fix Freddy's name badge and Aura Maria immediately tells her to take her hands off of Freddy. Upon hearing Aura Maria's news, Sophia asks that Aura Maria pass the message that her paycheck is not ready and that she would return another day, in the evening at that, to pick it up. Jenny becomes upset and decides to continue up to the executive floor. After Aura Maria hangs up she lets Freddy have it for not being respectful by flirting with Jenny. Freddy, for his part, tries to hide behind the plant that is located by the elevator. Jenny upon making her way past Mariana, Sandra and Patricia has words in regards to the paycheck. (Mariana, Sandra and Patricia are at the other end holding on to each other while they witness the argument.) Jenny informs Sophia that she plans on staying until she has the opportunity to speak to one of the executives regarding her paycheck. As she heads towards the waiting area, Mariana, Sandra, and Patricia realize that they are holding on to each other and quickly release and go there separate ways. Daniel has taken the lead in the meeting and recommends that since Betty is in favor of the group managing the company, they select a new president. Betty states that as owner of Terra Mora she wishes for Don Roberto to continue as President. Marcela comments that Betty has finally said something intelligent and she is in agreement for Don Roberto to remain as President. He speaks for a second time, Armando reminds everyone that the President will have to face the bankers and the suppliers. Don Roberto angrily gets up and says that he won't do it. He will not face the suppliers, the banks and much less the Bank of Montreal. He has had enough with the nightmare that he has been living knowing that he is having to support a company that has come to these extremes. He reminds everyone that he is only the interim president and that day they are to elect a new president in order for Betty to get Eco Moda out of the mess that it is in. Dona Margarita, worried about Don Roberto quickly rises and tries to calm him down. She informs the executives that her husband can not do this and another name will need to be selected. Attorney Santamaria advises that the company must continue in the same manner since Armando turned over to Betty and before she left. He states that it is time to put the house in order. Daniel tells him that it out of the question to continue with the previous management.
Attorney Santamaria begins to lose his patience and tells Daniel that is the way it has to be. It is imperative that Betty continue to be in charge of the company. (Another silence comes over the group.) Attorney Santamaria says that the company cannot continue with more crisis. (Marcela directs another stare at Betty.) He continues to explain that electing a new president and a legal representative is just adding more crises. "The company needs to continue through the same course." Daniel asks Santamaria if he is recommending that Betty stay in charge of the company. Betty immediately refuses. She does not want to be a part of it. Santamaria tells her that she has to continue. She needs to be in front of the banks and suppliers. (Armando again stares at Betty.) Santamaria tells her to remember that she can not be replaced from one day to the next. Attorney Santamaria tells Don Roberto that he spoke to the banks, per his request, and as long as Betty is in front of the company they take it as a guarantee that they will be paid. However, if she is removed they would proceed to go after their money. Betty protests and states that she will not be an employee of Eco Moda and rises to leave. Attorney Santamaria places a hand on hers to stop her and tells her that she will not be an employee and that her conditions need to change. Marcela would like to know what he means. Daniel explains that Santamaria is suggesting that Betty head the company. The group becomes silent. Santamaria quickly tells them not to look at him as though he is the enemy. They are the ones that brought him in to find a solution to their problem. Betty says that she cannot except it and Daniel tells her not worry because no one plans on accepting it. Santamaria becomes upset, rises and apologizes for not being able to come up with a solution and he wishes them the best in finding a solution. Don Roberto stops him from leaving and asks that if anyone has a better plan it is time for them to speak up, now. The room becomes silent. (Betty won't make eye contact with anyone and Armando continues to stare at her.) Since no one offers a better solution, Don Roberto orders that Santamaria's proposal of Betty becoming the temporary President be accepted. Marcela immediately turns in her resignation. Before Marcela has an opportunity to exit, Betty tells her that it is not necessary. She is not asking for her resignation. Marcela interrupts her and tells her that she realizes that this is the only solution to save the company, but she does not plan on staying and begging her to help. (Mario puts his head down. Armando seems to get a little worried as the conversation continues between the two and looks from one to the other.) Marcela tells her to stay and she will leave. She reminds her that they both know why she is leaving and of their pact. As Marcela heads to her office, Jenny and Patricia try to speak to her. Marcela angrily lets them know that she does not care to speak to anyone at the moment. Mariana and Sandra look on in amazement. Back in the boardroom Betty repeatedly says that this is not what she wants. She rises and leaves the room. Dona Margarita tells Don Roberto that she can't believe that he is in agreement with this plan. She will not allow Marcela to resign in order for Betty to take over their company. Don Roberto tells her that he is not in agreement, but this is there only option. He tells her that Betty will not be allowed to run the company as she pleases and that Armando, Mario and Daniel will be there to make sure that she doesn't. He states that Marcela will not be allowed to resign. (Daniel has stood up and is pacing in front of his chair. He rubs his chin, stares at Betty and is obvious that he is trying to figure out what is going on.) Don Roberto finds Betty sitting on the coach in Armando's old but still present office. He asks if she does not believe that she is capable of running the company. She says "not under these conditions." She doesn't care to see Armando or Mario. She goes on to say how she is hated by everyone and that running Eco Moda would be hell for her. She tells him that she realizes that Dona Margarita would die before seeing her in that position and she can see the pain that it is causing him. He agrees that it will be hell, but that this is the only solution to the mess that she assisted in creating. It's a hell that she is going to have to pay. He tells her that assuming the presidency is not a reward. It is responsibility that she has to accept to help them out as promised. He asks what it is that she needs. He asks if she hates Eco Moda that much. She quickly responds that she does not hate Eco Moda., "Eco Moda was my life" and she has many great friends there and knows it perfectly.
Don Roberto wants to know her conditions. Betty asks to be excused in order to make some telephone calls. Don Roberto grants her request and asks that she pass on a message to her father for him to give him a call. Nicolas arrives at Betty's and wants to know if there is any news. Dona Julia tells her that all that she knows is that they don't want her to return the company. Nicolas becomes excited and says that he knew it and that Betty will end up running the company. Dona Julia orders him to stop staying such ridiculous things. The telephone rings and it is Betty informing her mother of the events at Eco Moda. Her mother can't believe it. Betty tells her that she doesn't want to it. Betty tells her that she doesn't want to see Armando or Mario. Betty tells her mother in a whiny voice that everyone hates her. Her mother tells her that she realizes that, but she has to face up to it and help as she promised. Her mother goes on to advise her that this is her opportunity to show them who she is, her titles, her studies. Show them that she is not just a little girl painted on the wall. Show them who is Beatriz Pinson Solano. Nicolas talks to Betty and advises her to think it over. He asks her if she wants someone else to run a company that has her name and that they worked so hard at forming and making successful. He asks if she wants to remain being Dona Catalina's assistant. He thinks not. He knows that she is capable of running that company and this is their dream. He tells her that her bringing a company out of trouble will look great. He asks that she do it for both of them. "Do it for yourself", he says, "You have suffered so much." Don Hermes appears wearing his shirt, tie and sweater. Along with plastic cleaning gloves and a sink stopper. Nicolas tells him that he is becoming domesticated. Don Hermes asks if that is Betty on the line and Nicolas answers no that it is his daughter. Upon hearing the news, he asks if she has started drinking. When Betty tells him that Don Roberto asks to speak to him he wants to know if those people have gone made. After speaking to her, Don Hermes has a look of great pride that his daughter will be the new president. Nicolas wants to know why he is so surprised when they have her degrees on the wall to show how her capabilities. Nicolas tells him that she didn't become president because of her looks and it is obvious that she didn't get them from him. However, by what he can tell she is improving. Don Hermes suggests that his mother may be looking for him at the bakery. Betty returns to the boardroom. (Armando stares at her as she walks in.) Betty informs them that she has spoken to her family and that she will accept the position. Daniel slaps Armando on the back and says "what happiness". "Should we give her out thanks," he continues. (Armando is still staring with a small grin.) Don Roberto tells Daniel to be quiet. Betty informs Daniel that her staying is not a pleasure for her, especially when she has begun a new life. (Daniel looks down in some embarrassment as Betty stands up to him.)
Don Roberto asks for her demands. Betty tells the group that she has no interest in staying for six months and wants to get the company back on its feet as soon as possible. In order to accomplish this, she needs total autonomy to design new business plans. She doesn't want to depend on anyone. She doesn't want to take orders from Armando or Mario. (Armando stares at Mario. Mario stares at Betty.) Daniel gives a small laugh. He says that they are there to solve the company's problems. Betty quickly lets Daniel know that she will not allow him to humiliate her. (Daniel becomes quite and stares at her.) Daniel asks if she wants to boss everyone around and do whatever she feels like. Don Robert speaks up and says that all she is saying that she won't put up with his humiliating her. Don Roberto tells Betty that Daniel is in rights to review her work. Betty says that she has no problem with the review. All that she asks is that he respect her. (Daniel looks down at the table and raises an eyebrow.) Betty goes on with her requests and says that if she is going to be in charge of the company she will need to reorganize the executive floor. (Armando stares at her in puzzlement. Mario just stares and bites his bottom lip.) She also wants to hire Nicolas. Attorney Santamaria is very pleased and goes on to praise Nicolas for the great economist that he is. (Armando is taking a little aback by this request. Mario quickly turns to look at Armando) Her last request is that Marcela stay on with the company. If she leaves, she will not accept the presidency. (Armando looks away with a worried look coming across his face.) The room becomes quite. Don Roberto tells her that he is not in disagreement with her, but he would like to know what the pact is between them. (Armando is getting ready to hang on to her every word.) Betty tells him that they have had many problems from the beginning. (Mario looks at Armando, Armando looks at Mario and Daniel looks at both them - maybe realizing that there is more to this.) Betty tells him that this is not the time to discuss this. She tells her that she respects her and needs her as an executive. Dona Margarita wants to know what the pact consists of and Betty tells her it has to do with her last day at Eco Moda. Betty begins to remember the conversation between the two. Marcela is in her office remembering the same conversation. Don Robert has gone in to visit with Marcela, who appears to be packing her desk. (All she has is a store bag with handles that obviously is not going to hold much. Therefore, probably not real serious about leaving.) Don Roberto asks how long she has been working there. She answers 9 years, did he forget. He says of course he does. He begins his story about the time when she first started working, officially at Eco Moda. He gives her dates of her graduation and the date of her first day on the job. Marcela is very surprised and moved that he would remember. Don Roberto goes back in time when she was a little girl and would go to the company after school and play designer, etc. He tells the story of the conversations that he had with her father in where her father told him with pride that their life has arrived, Marcela. Her father realized that the person show loved their company more than both of them it was Marcela. (Marcela is crying.) To Daniel, it was just another business and to Beatriz, well she was just out having fun. He commented to her that her father knew that when he passed, he could go in peace because he knew that his company would be safe with her.
Marcela asks him to stop. He tells her that he doesn't believe that her father would ever have imagined that she would throw it all away for another woman. Marcela tells him that he doesn't what is behind all of this and what all has happed between them. She tells him that she won't discuss it with him. He says that he also doesn't want to discuss it and neither does Betty. Don Roberto tells her of Betty's request for her to stay. Marcela is certain that Betty wants to see her on her knees and begging. He doesn't believe so and he tells her that Betty had stated that she respected Marcela and needed her as an executive. He is in total agreement with Betty. He goes on to tell her that he can't allow her to leave and Betty to assume the presidency. It would be like giving the company as a gift to her. He tells her that her father, wherever he is, would suffer more than he. Marcela says that she can't do that to her father or to Don Roberto. Don Hermes calls for Don Roberto. Patricia informs him that he is in a meeting. Don Roberto approaches her and she wants to know if he would like for her to get rid of him. Don Roberto tells her not to even think about it. Don Roberto asks for him to come to the office and without us being able to hear tells him his plan. Patricia wants to know why she has been crying. Don Roberto comes to get Marcela to go back into the meeting. Jenny approaches Don Roberto about her paycheck, but he tells her that he can't speak to her at the moment. Don Roberto hears Bertha's baby cry. He comes over to greet the baby and tells her to take the baby home. Bertha explains that she didn't have anyone to take care of the baby. Don Roberto tells her not worry about it. Don Roberto asks Patricia to track down Hugo and Guiterrez and inform them that they are wanted in the boardroom. Betty's attorneys are telling a story, which no one seems to have an interest and Betty seems to be a bit embarrassed. Her attorneys inform that they need to meet before the judge. They will be present with Betty, but when they ask who will appear for Eco Moda, Daniel states that it will be the sad celebrity Armando. (Armando stares at him.) Armando says that he has no objection and gives a sideways glance at Betty. Marcela and Don Armando walk in and Dona Margarita explains how happy she is that Marcela has decided to remain. Marcela says that she is staying because she has a mission and Don Roberto asked her, not because Betty asked. Betty tells her that she didn't ask for herself, but for the company. (Armando gives a slow looks towards Betty.) Betty's attorneys invite Santamaria out for a drink. It is obvious that Santamaria does not want to join them. Betty's attorney's agree that it would not have been a good idea, because it would have been too expensive. On their way out the door, Santamaria stops to speak to Patricia and suggests that they go out for dinner sometime. Patricia tells him that she would like to, but that she needs enough notice in order to consult her calendar. While they are talking, one of Betty's attorneys interrupts and tells her that he is leaving, but that he will be calling and that they will go out. Patricia is surprised. Santamaria is laughing. The attorney asks if she liked his gift, what gift she asks. He reminds her of the candy. Santamaria tells her that he understands that she needs to consult her calendar because of the tiny details that has. He tells her that he will call tomorrow. Sandra tries to get information from Betty's other attorney and he would like her to join him for a drink. Mariana is having difficulty holding his laughter. Sandra tells him that she can't make it because it will still be awhile before she can leave. Sandra is not happy about the situation. The attorney leaves with a promise to call her. While all the attorneys are waiting for the elevator, the door opens and out comes Hugo and Inesita. Hugo is complaining that if he does not find another model like Jenny he will not design. Hugo immediately notices Santamaria and gives him a quick look over. He also notices Betty's attorneys and asks Inesita if they are looking for a bonsai tree to hang their swings. Inesita tries to keep from laughing and tries to get Hugo to stop talking. Patricia tells Hugo that Don Roberto wants him to join the meeting. Hugo wants to know why.......
Subject: *** Summary: Wed 2/21/2001 *** Author: Robin N (166.90.84.213) Date: 02-21-2001 22:33 Yesterday: Betty accepts the presidency—only if Marcela stays—AND Nícolas joins the company! Eco Moda 2nd Floor Reception Call 911 and have the paramedics on hand… Hugo is about to come face to face with the new and improved Betty! Patricia tells him that Betty is in the sala de juntas with the executives and she's been asked to send him and Gutierrez in immediately. He wants to know what's going on but since she doesn't know she tells him that she's not given to gossiping. He asks if her contact lenses aren't in right and she responds to his retreating back that those eyes are hers from the crib. Jenny grabs hold of Hugo and tries to bug him about her check, how Sofia won't give it to her, how Sofia always speaks ill of Hugo… He asks her if she's still without work and she pouts that she is, that she's wasting away. He has her spin for him and admires her figure. Gutierrez approaches the sala and we hear the baby cry. Hugo asks about the noise and Berta begs 'perdón'. Hugo wants nothing to do with babies! Jenny applies to Gutierrez too for her check and Sofia reacts angrily, but Gutierrez promises to attend to her later. She's happy as a clam and swishes away. Gutierrez, admiring the view, swishes too and backs into Hugo who reacts playfully. Sala de Juntas Hugo and Gutierrez enter and Hugo asks where 'la moscorrofio esa' Betty is. Roberto greets him and asks him to sit and Betty says hello. Hugo draws back in horror, "What did you take? Are you possessed?" Roberto calls him to order and tells him that he and Gutierrez are there to learn about the new direction that Eco Moda is going to take. "Great! Just whatever we do, I'm ready, as long as I don't have to see that woman!" "Hugo," says Roberto, "Betty is the new president of Eco Moda." "Eeee…! Okay, I get it, this is black humor," says Hugo, "Okay, the joke is over now… Who is it? Really?" Daniel responds, deadly serious, "Beatriz Pinzón Solano." "Be serious!" laughs Hugo, nervously. He looks around the table at the execs and counts, "Eeeny, meeny, miney, moe…" He's greeted with silence. He looks expectantly at Marcela, "Maaahhrge…" he starts softly, "Is it you?" The stoney-faced Marcela shakes her head 'no'. He starts to feel palpitations and calls for his valerian, then offers to quit. Roberto reins him in. "Sit!" Hugo looks at Margarita, shocked, "Does he yell at you like this?" "Never!" she replies, firmly. Roberto continues explaining that he needs their solidarity in this difficult period and that Betty will occupy the post of president for a short time. He is tired and can't stay on; he wants to go rest. Daniel is still fighting this turn of events. He wants to clarify the situation with Betty changing the executives and employees at Eco Moda. Roberto tells him that Betty will be making those decisions and they'll have to respect her decisions. Armando puts forth that he has been president in the meeting and company during this troubled time in order to help them navigate through the problems but now that things look to be resolving, he offers to step aside. Mario offers to do the same. Margarita doesn't like this, "Wait a minute!" She reminds them that they're still stockholders and must have a voice in what transpires. Daniel cynically commends her maternal impulses but asks her "stockholders of what company." She replies, "The pieces that remain."
Armando protests but Betty interjects that Armando should remain because he'll maintain a legal position within the company as president/figurehead; the same for Mario as representative for the minor stockholders. Roberto agrees with this sound decision and decides that Betty should draw a salary equal to that Armando drew as president. Marcela can't hold back an angry protest but Betty says that there's one point she's clear on: she won't accept the same salary she took as secretary! Armando shakes his head in agreement. Marcela continues, "So, Armando won't have a salary, fine, but what will Maria Beatriz live on? And what about Daniel? Or you and Margarita, Roberto?" Margarita looks troubled. Eco Moda 2nd Floor Reception The elevator opens and Hérmes exits. He greets Sandra and Mariana most cordially and asks for Roberto, who has invited him to call. Sandra calls the Peliteñida to order and tells her that Hérmes is there to see Roberto. Patricia wants to know who Sandra is to be giving her orders and she tells Hérmes that Roberto is in a meeting. He responds quite acerbicly that he knows, 'descolorada' and he's there to be part of that meeting. She's pretty miffed at this presumption, but grudgingly walks over to the sala to verify the appointment with him. Sala de Juntas Betty addresses the issues of the monthly stipends and though it will be difficult, they'd made allowances even in their difficulties to ensure those payments. Daniel is most annoyed with this: it means that after all the screwing up Armando has done he won't have to suffer financially! Armando responds calmly but angrily to this. He rejects the need to pay him anything; indeed, he offers any and all of his shares in Eco Moda to help the business if need be to help them resolve the difficulties. "I don't want anything!" He walks towards the door and stands behind Mario, placing a hand on his shoulder in a silent command. Mario, picking up on the hint, chimes in that he'll do the same. At that moment, the door opens and Patricia thrusts herself into the room, announcing the arrival of Hérmes. Roberto tells him to enter and Hérmes appears behind her. He greets the room confidently and upon his introduction by Roberto, Hugo jokes that he could tell that he was related to Betty. Hérmes shakes hands with Daniel and Roberto tells the room that he asked Hérmes to join them. He tells the shocked room that Hérmes will handle the overseeing of the accounting for the two businesses. Margarita exclaims, "Why? Isn't it enough that his daughter is here? That he has to work here too?" Roberto explains that Hérmes won't be working for Betty, he'll be working for him; kind of as his fiscal eyes and ears. He tells the room that he and Hérmes share similar approaches to running a business. Armando looks more than mildly alarmed at the idea of Betty's father present all the time at Eco Moda. Hérmes starts to make a typical speech, thanking Roberto for his confidence… how he'll work to organize things… etc. Roberto thanks him and takes his leave, telling Margarita that he'll see her at home. Gutierrez starts to excuse himself to go make the official announcement to the employees, but Roberto heads out. He walks past Armando without even a look or comment. Betty takes the role of head of the meeting and nervously suggests that they meet again tomorrow morning. She acknowledges their feelings and recognizes that they're unhappy with the way things have been resolved but hopes that they'll be able to put those sentiments aside and work together with her. "Let's go, papa."
Hérmes tells the group remaining that he, Hérmes Pinzón Galarza guarantees that his daughter will work in an unreproachable fashion for the company and they can rest assured that it's in capable hands. A quick pan around the table shows faces hard and inflexible, uncertain. Father and daughter exit the room and Hérmes tells Armando, "Hasta luego." We see Marcela's petrified stone-face last. Eco Moda 2nd Floor Reception Betty tells Hérmes that she didn't know that Roberto would ask him to take this role and he admits he's equally surprised. Berta sees that they're out of the meeting and urges Sofia to go speak with her and Sofia rushes up to do so. Betty and Hérmes are still reviewing their plans and she asks him what he wants to do. He'd like to get started immediately reviewing the financial statements but as they haven't worked out the details of an office for him, Betty suggests tomorrow would be soon enough. He doesn't like to put off til tomorrow what can be done today but accedes. Sala de Juntas Hugo is still in shock: he can't believe that as of tomorrow he'll have to take orders from 'that woman'! He threatens to quit but Marcela tells him he's not quitting. He can deal with her. Gutierrez, before heading out, wants to know which office she'll have. To conflicting emotions it's decided that as president, she'll occupy the official office of the president. Armando is nearly emotionless at this decision and Marcela is increasingly bitter but resigned to the new situation. Eco Moda 2nd Floor Reception Aura Maria gets off the elevator and joins the cuartel for news of Betty but no one has heard anything yet. They see Betty and her father approach and Berta begs them, "No more!" She can't live with the uncertainty of what's happening. Sofia reproaches her, "Don't be cruel!" They've all been waiting so long. Aura Maria chimes in that they've had no news of her and now she show up looking so pretty. Mariana adds, "What stress…!" Patricia horns in and mocks them for not working. Sandra responds testily and asks her if she doesn't have any coffee to serve. Patricia continues trying to sound important, telling them to get back to work. This makes no impression on the women and Patricia tells Betty that she know's that she'll leave and never set another foot at Eco Moda. Trying to avoid a fight, Betty tells Patricia to relax, she's leaving. Patricia bows ostentatiously and thanks her excessively. Hérmes won't have anyone dissing Betty and tells the 'descolorada' that she must respect his daughter. "Hah!" This is a laugh, thinks Patricia. Sandra is ready to slap her and defend Betty, but Gutierrez approaches at this moment and wants to know what's going on. Sandra explains that Patricia is being most disrespectful to Betty and her father who are invited guests of the company and Patricia snottily responds that she's defending Eco Moda against the insulting presence of Betty. Gutierrez chastises Patricia and tell her that she should not speak that way about her new boss. "¡Qué!?!" Gutierrez takes the moment to make the formal announcement to all present that Betty is the new president of Eco Moda and Patricia swoons into his arms. "Noooo…!" she wails. "It isn't true! This is serious!" Gutierrez continues on that it true and that now she's no longer secretary to Roberto, she's secretary to Betty. Betty smiles a little at this turn of events and Patricia's discomfort. Ines asks Betty if indeed it is true and when she smiles and nods her head 'yes', the cuartel mob her and shriek in unified joy. Patricia can only cry, "Imbeciles!" as she rushes off to verify the news. Sala de Juntas Inside the meeting room the noise made by the cuartel startles those present. Mario is about to see what it's all about but Patricia barges in and demands to know the truth. Marcela confirms that it is true and Patricia makes a fool of herself. "What is this? April Fool's Day? Don't be cruel! Where are the hidden cameras?" We see her search the room wildly with her tear-stained eyes for the hidden camera. "Where are the hidden cameras? This isn't a dream, this is a nightmare!," she asks Hugo to pinch her, "Ouch!" Armando watches this tantrum calmly, his chin resting on his hand… Patricia wants to know what power Betty will have and Marcela tells her that she'll have as much as she wants. This is horrifying news for Patricia: Betty will fire her! "Marcé, you can't leave me in her hands!" She turns and sees Daniel and tells him not to mock her. Marcela tells her to wait, tomorrow there will be a meeting and they'll know more then. Eco Moda 2nd Floor Reception Things are marginally calmer now; the baby is asleep (!) and Bert asks for more information and Ines too, but Betty can only say that she'll explain more later, this isn't the time and place. Sofia gleefully asks if this means that Betty will now be in charge over even Marcela and relishes what this means. Once again, she's busted as Marcela and Patricia walk up behind her, overhearing her wicked joy at the idea that Betty can now lord it over Marcela. Marcela gets in a pointed barb, "…in novelas there are gossips too!" LOL Sofia frets a bit that she's been caught yet again being indiscreet but Sandra wonders why she bothers; after all, Betty, their pal, is now the president! Hérmes is ready to go but Betty tells him that she has a few things to attend to. He cautions her to not let being president go to her head: remember the devil is a pig. Besides he has a bad feeling about the place.
After he leaves the cuartel again mob Betty jubilantly. Mario's Office Mario and Armando enter as if in shock. Mario wants to know what the new plan is but Armando has no answers. He's still dazed by the appearance of the new Betty: it's another Betty. "Yes, but she's buenissima!" smirks Mario. Armando can only repeat that she's different, that she's another woman. Mario wants some details: could Armando see that woman hidden beneath when he was with Betty before? Was he holding out on him? Armando is disgusted but Mario pressures him to get working. Armando responds in frustration, "Don't be ridiculous! She detests me and she won't let me near her! Besides, have you forgotten about Marcela?" They have more to worry about, like Betty kicking them out. Mario continues on in the same vein and Armando responds angrily, "Shut up! For the first time in your life shut up! I don't want any more of your advice!" Mario knows when he's not wanted; he leaves Armando alone to 'rest'.
Marcela's Office Patricia begs a troubled Marcela to help her but she can only respond that Patricia will have to wait until tomorrow to find out what Betty has in store for her. The door opening hesitantly interrupts Patricia's rant and it's Betty. Patricia jumps up and snootily asks her what she wants, then remembers the new status quo and amends that to, "what can I offer you?" Betty quietly asks to speak with Marcela, alone. She repeats her request and Patricia leaves the two women alone. "I'm listening," says Marcela, acidly. Betty has come to 'put her cards on the table' in light of the change of the rules. "From now on, the two of them will be working together closely as part of a team." She wants to clear up a few things but Marcela also has things to say, "I didn't stay because you asked me to; I'm staying because Roberto begged me to and because there's no way I'm leaving my family's company in your hands!" Betty is a little taken aback at her vehemence but respects Marcela's candor. "Good." Marcela tells her that she feels that Betty's actions are all part of a vengeance plot—that she just wants to get even with them for what happened to her—but Betty tries to set her straight. She tells Marcela that if that was the case then she wouldn't be trying to return the business. "I don't want vengeance, least of all on you. I asked you to stay because—in spite of our differences—I respect you professionally and feel that you're fundamental to this business." She goes on to tell her that she knows that Marcela has always despised her and Marcela finds something she can agree with. "I've never wanted you here, not as secretary and certainly not once you became Armando's 'celestina'" She's seen nothing since to change her mind about hating Betty. "Don't expect me to retract my words." Betty actually understands this and because of her own guilt explains that she doesn't expect any retractions. Marcela won't back down and adds to her recriminations, insulting Betty for the idiocy of being involved with Armando and still certain that Betty wants vengeance for that. Betty sadly tells her that she can't know what it's like to be in her skin. She asks about her and Armando and Marcela makes a point to tell her that she and Armando are trying to rebuild what Betty destroyed. This shakes Betty for a second. She regroups and tells Marcela that she'd hoped that's what they would do. Marcela doesn't feel reassured by this and wants to know how Betty can prevent anything similar from happening again. Betty reminds her that she has in her possession a letter that if she rereads it will prove to her that Armando feels nothing but disgust for Betty. That should be reassurance enough. She's trying to pick up the pieces and she tells Marcela that she's going to do her best to stay as far away from Armando as possible. Marcela isn't pleased, but she'll drop this issue. But, before Betty leaves there's one more thing: she doesn't want any of the cuartel to find out a single thing of the sorry business between Betty, Armando and Mario, and certainly not any of the shameful business between her and Armando. On this they're in agreement. Betty is offended that Marcela could even bring this up because if there's one thing she's clear about it's that she'll never discuss this because she will never allow herself to be the subject of mockery ever again.
Eco Moda 2nd Floor Reception Patricia struts and frets to the enjoyment of Sandra and Mariana. They laugh at how someone will soon be out of work but she responds that she won't be without money. She has rich friends, and job offers, and she'll leave there to go home and sit in the jacuzzi, have a glass of wine, maybe a bubble bath… Margarita walks up asking for Marcela and Patricia tells her that she's in her office with the 'garfio' (Betty), probably trying to save her job. Betty walks out and Sandra tells her that Patricia is worried that she'll be fired. "Will you?" Betty tells her that tomorrow they'll figure these things out. Sandra and Mariana tell her that the cuartel want her to come out with them to celebrate her new role but Betty demurs. Mariana chides her for her attitude and Sandra warns her not to speak so to the new president. Betty tells them not to be silly and allows herself to be persuaded. Marcela's Office Patricia asks Marcela when she has to hand in her resignation but Marcela can't deal with her now. Margarita suggests that they need to go and chat and Patricia agrees, inviting herself along. Margarita tells her that she needs to figure out what path she's going to take, it's a new era for her, for Armando, and for this woman. "You need to figure out how to proceed." Marcela buries her head in her hands and tearfully confesses her fear. Eco Moda 2nd Floor Reception Betty is still chatting with Sandra and Mariana when they hear Jenny and Sofia kicking up another fuss. Betty heads over to see what's happening. Jenny is trying to get in to see Gutierrez and Sofia's trying to prevent her. He comes out and invites her in. He'll help her; how about they go someplace quiet and talk about how he can help her… Betty asks for a clarification and Sofia explains that with her gone and Armando mired in the problems there's been no one to sign checks. Betty calmly explains that if Jenny will come back tomorrow she'll make sure that Jenny gets her check. This makes Jenny very happy and she thanks Betty. Hugo has walked up and notes this last interaction. He asks her why she's still there and, striking a blow at the new president, he offers Jenny a job. "Show up tomorrow and report for work!" Tomorrow: Freddy is unhappy at being left out of the cuartel's celebration with Betty but not to worry: he has a new buddy… Armando!
Subject: SUMMARY**THURS22,01*** :P Author: elizabeth (209.214.2.208) Date: 02-24-2001 00:32 Llega Inesita y Hugo; quien se queja por la falta de su modelo de tallaje. Se encuentran con los abogados y le comienta a santamaria(que que bueno esta!!) sin pecado concebido y santamaria le dice buenas y se monta al elevador ( adios patty) y Hugo tan comico ase uno de sus ZZzzzzzz!!! Y se burla de los abogados chaparritos y les pregunta que que es lo que tanto asen aca? Hugo le dice a Inesita que estan buscando un bonsai para colgar sus culumpios. Inesita le llama la atencion y le dice no ve que son los abogados De Betty!!!! -Si, pero parecen los abogados de Blanca Nieves( los dos se rien) "No dejen de ver a Pulga y Borona los defensores de fealdad!! ¡parapapan!!!" Patricia –Huguito, Huguito, Roberto te esta necesitando que pases a la sala de Juntas... Hugo--Y como para que sera....?????? Patsy--No me dijo nada simplemente me dio la orden..esta alla dentro con Betty. Hugo--Con Betty??? Y esa que hace aquí ..esa no la habian hechado -Yo no se, tendras que preguntarselo tu mismo a Roberto -Tu sabes muy bien que a mi no me gusta meterme en chismes -Patsy Pat ..dejame ver una cosa esos lentes de contactos como que se te estan empañando! Hugo, Hugo tu sabes muy bien que estos si son de cuna!! casi llorando..refiriendose a sus hermosos ojos verdes mientras ve a Sandra y Mariana quien se burlan de ella. Jenny –Don Hugo, don Hugo Hugo--Usted que esta haciendo aquí, niña??!!?? -Don Hugo no me han pagado mis prestaciones y Doña Sofia me esta trancando el cheque.. Sofia- Desgraciada!!! Jenny-Y no es justo Don Hugo yo siempre cumpli con mis horarios yo siempre hice lo que usted me pidio y como ella yo nunca hablo mal de usted . Jenny--Y es que yo no me meresco que me hagan esto! Hugo--Y es que usted esta sin trabajo???esta pasando hambre??? Ella le dice que esta pasando hambre..le muestra su cuerpo a Hugo..el confirma que ya no tiene derriere. No tengo trabajo ni mi papuchurro tampoco Ella le explica que Sofia le esta negando el sr. Gutierrez Llega Gutierrez avisando que estara en la salas de juntas Jenny--Si ve, si ve que estaba!! La bebe de Bertha se escucha... Hugo---y esta griteria dice Hugo..y esa niña??? Desenchuflela ¡!...Imaginense yo embarazado!!!!! Entran Hugo y Gutierrez a la sala de juntas.. Hugo--Me citaste Roberto ??? Sientense por favor dice Roberto Hugo--Y donde esta el .....moscorropio que asiste a Armando Betty--Como esta Don Hugo??? Hugo--Y esto ..esto que es??? Betty...... Armando este es el chimbilay que tenias encerrado alla en esa...cueva del horror. -Hugo ella es Beatriz Pinzon dice Roberto. Hugo--Usted que tomo ,ah???Digameeee....que menjurge se hecho, que brevage.... esta poseida ..a quien le chupo la sangre..digaaa!!!!!!??? don Roberto--Hugo!!! los hemos llamado aquí para informarles de la eleccion que ha hecho la junta del nuevo presidente de EcoModa Hugo--Ah!!Pues bueno me parece bomby...la verdad si me llamaron para que aceptara el cargo ...lo acepto... voy a poner una sola condicion a mi no me van a poner a esta mujer como asistente ni como secretaria por que cuando le pase el hechizo, ese que le hicieron va a quedar mas fea que antes. (Hugo se rie y Gutierrez tanbien como dos bobos!!) Roberto--Hugo ,Beatriz es la nueva presidenta de Eco Moda Hugo--Ja,ja,ja...Bueniiisimo!!! Con ese humor negro..que tienes ....pero no..pongamonos serios,venga,dejemonos de chistes... soy todo oido..quien es el nuevo presidente de Eco Moda??? Daniel--Beatriz Pinzon Solano y deja por favor esa risita. Hugo no lo cree por nada no quiere solo llora por su valium!hehe hugo--No,no en serio ,venga , pongamonos serio... yo se que estamos de un chiste bien subido ,ya paso...yo se que hay emocion pero bajemoles de tin marin de dos pingüe ...titirimacara....Quien es ...vamos??? hugo-Marge, a caso eres tu?? Marcela niega con la cabeza Hugo--No?? Quien???...ay no!!!es en serio, ay no!!! me fui, me fui... mi valeriana...la tension (que exagerado) yo me muero de la pena pero yo renuncio!!! Don Roberto--Hugo,Por favor!!! no molestes.mas ..llevamos horas metidos aquí tratando de tomar decisiones muy importantespara venir ahora a soportar tus pataletas ..,,,SIENTATE!!! Hugo--De tal hastilla tal palo...a ti te grita asi??? Le pregunta Hugo a Margarita Margarita--Jamas!!!! Hugo---Bueno, Roberto con todo el respeto que te mereces.. Yo me reservo el derecho de continuar en esta empresa!! Me muero de la pena Roberto le explica que la empresa esta pasando por momentos muy dificiles y pidiendo la colaboracion de todos y sobre todo que olviden las antiguas recriminaciones.. Roberto--Beatriz va a ocupar temporalmente la presidencia de EM y va a necitar la colaboracion de todos ustedes de no ser asi..vamos a asistir muy pronto al funeral de esta empresa y yo ya no voy a estar aquí para enmendar entuertos y hacer las pases entre todos por que yo.... me quiero ir a descansar daniel--Roberto muy bien estas en todo tu derecho pero aun faltan temas por tratar con la Dra Pinzon por ejemplo la extension de sus funciones para negociar para contratar gente nueva . Roberto--Daniel , le vamos a dar a Beatriz el plazo que ella requiera para solucionar todos estos asuntos..yo pienso tambien que ella debera hacer algunos ajustes a la planta ejecutiva ...que tendremos que respetar Armandi---Para la comodidad de Beatriz ..quiero recordarle que yo fui destituido como presidente de EcoModa . Si estoy aquí en esta junta directiva simplemente es para tratar de enmendar de alguna manera todos los errores que he cometido con esta empresa y con ustedes pero.. como veo que ya todo esta claro creo que...llego el momento de retirarme y lo voy ha hacer desde este preciso momento . Betty mira a Calderon como pidiendole lo mismo mario--Mi cargo tambien esta vacante...Igual que Armando yo venia desempeñando la vice presidencia Commercial mientras encontrabamos un presidente y ya que lo tenemos pues mi cargo esta a su disposicion. margarita--Un momento Armando tu no te puedes marginar de todo de esta empresa....Perdoname pero el sigue siendo accionista, vendra a las juntas , tendra voz y voto podra opinar. Daniel--Muy conmovedora tu actitud maternal pero..... Armando es accionista de cual empresa????? margarita---De los pedazos que quedan..Daniel..... pero Armando no sale de EcoModa por que yo no lo voy a permitir !!! armanie---No, no mama ese no es el tema ,Por favor ¡!! Betty le explica que tanto Armando, que es el representante legal como Mario que es representante de los accionistas minoritarios podran tener cualquier informacion de igual manera Daniel o Margarita.. Tambien podran convocar a una junta extraordinaria y se le dara toda la informacion. Roberto--Perfecto Hablan de el sueldo de betty -Como??? Dice Marcela, va a recibir el mismo sueldo que Armando??? betty--Establezca el salario que usted cree que me meresco..Doña Marcela pero quiero ser muy clara con usted..bajo ningun motivo voy a aceptar el sueldo que tenia cuando era asistente de presidencia que ademas no era consecuente con mi trabajo y de eso siempre fue conciente el Dr.Armando. marcela--Yo no voy a discutir su salario... La empresa esta embargada...Armando no tiene sueldo y tu Roberto.. nos pedistes que vendieramos nuestro patrimonio para abonarlo a la deuda de los bancos . Tengo una sola pregunta...de que va a vivir Maria Beatriz, que cheque se le va a girar mensualmente, de que van a vivir tu o Margarita??? Llega Hermes Pinzon Galarza a Eco Moda...Sandra y la otra chica le saludan Hermes explica que viene por invitacion de Roberto. Sandra--Oiga peliteñida ..atienda a don Hermes que viene hablar con Don Roberto, a ver..muevase Patsy--Lo que pasa es que Roberto esta..... Don Hermes--en una junta y me esta esperando. Patsy --Es que no le puedo interrumpir .. don Hermes--Pues si le puede interrumpir pues fue el que me invito a que viniera Patsy--Lo que me faltaba que vinieran a darme ordenes Don hermes--Pues como le parece, como le parece????. Sala de juntas ..Betty explica que no es necesario vender su patrimonio eso no solucionaria el problema. Ademas como venia manejando los ingresos de la empresa estaba reservado el ruro de los accionistas y se seguira contemplando dentro del presupuesto. Daniel--Increible Armando!!! No sientes un repentino alivio ..dice Daniel Quebraste EcoModa y no te pasa absolutamente nada . armanie--Te equivocas Daniel, mi patrimonio sigue a disposicion de EcoModa Beatriz..mi patrimonio sirve para solventar algo de la empresa ..esta a su disposicion. Tambien dice que no va a recibir la mensualidad que anteriormente estaba recibiendo pues no lo cree correcto marcela--Ay Armando!!! Armanie---La verdad es que yo... ya no quiero nada de esta empresa. Daniel---Que mas querias , Armando? Mario---Igual que Armando dejo mi patrimonio a la disposicion los dos se marchaban de la Junta cuando llega Patricia ..anunciando a Don Hermes. Roberto presenta a Don Hermes como el papa de Betty , Hugo se presta a decir –si se le nota.. Roberto----Hugo, por favor!! Hermes pide que continuen sentados y Roberto explica lo buen contador publico que es ..y lo bien que manejo Terra Moda. Como Terra Moda continuara existiendo Don Roberto le explica que desea que Hermes maneje la parte contable de ambas empresas. Margarita---Pero por que Roberto??? no es suficiente que ella maneje la presidencia como para que el papa venga a asumir la parte contable. Roberto---Es que Don Hermes no va a trabajar para su hija ..va a trabajar para mi, el me estara enviando reportes para mantenerme informado de cómo va la empresa. . Don Roberto se marcha a descansar y le dice a Betty que le deja la empresa en sus manos . confiemos en que todo salga bien!! betty---Claro que si Don Roberto Roberto le dice a Gutierrez que hay que elaborar un memorandum para informar al personal del nuevo presidente -Margarita te espero en la casa Betty les informa que mañana podran reunirse a las 12 despues que ella llegue de donde el juez para diseñar un cronograma de trabajo y dice unas bonitas palabras de que espera que todos se colaboren Don Hermes--Yo ,Hermes Pinzon Galarza les garantizo de que mi hija Beatriz va a trabajar de una manera intachable.... Betty le toma del brazo y se lo lleva. . betty---Papa..no sabia que Don Roberto le iba a proponer que se encargara de eso. Bertha con la bebe en los brazos manda a Sofia a convocar un 911 Con el cuartel, cuando salio a betty antes de que se les escape. Don Hermes quiere saber donde va a trabajar los dias que venga a EcoModa, Betty le dice que esperen hasta mañana cuando le entreguen la oficina.
Hugo-- -A partir de mañana hay que recibirle ordenes a la cosa esa reformada de plastico..Poseidom!!! Yo primero enterrado !! Renuncio!!! Marcela le llama la atencion Margarita no aceptan que le den la oficina que era de Armando y Roberto. El cuartel quiere saber sobre Betty..ella le dice que mañana pero el cuartel no quiere. Patricia les dice que se pongan a trabajar y arman tremendo chisme!!! De que Betty le esta interrumpiendo su labor. Patricia le dice que ella desea que Betty jamas regrese. Hermes pide respeto para su hija. -Su hija es la que tiene que respetar a Eco Moda y ella sabe por que. Sandra y Patricia pelean; Sandra le explica a Gutierrez que la peliteñida esta tratando mal a Betty.y a su papa. patsy----Es que esta Betty esta distrayendo estas vagas y señala a Betty con un dedo..como culpandola. gutiguti---Patricia, calmese and relax..Por favor no trate mal a la doctora Pinzon Se encuentra bien Dra.??? betty---Por favor..no quiero peleas Patsypat-----Pues vayase. gutigut- - Calmese Sra Fernandez!!! Por favor esa no es la manera de tratar a su jefe!!!! patsy----Usted de que me esta hablando??? El cuartel se asombra , Inesita se pone la mano en el corazon Gutierrez les informa que la junta directiva de esta empresa acaba de facultarme para comunicarles que... La ilustre y venemerita Dra. Beatriz Pinzon Solano es la nueva "president" de EcoModa -QUEEEEEEEEEEEEE dice el cuartel y.. PATRICIA CAE DESMAYADA EN BRAZOS DE GUTIERREZ!!! : Patsypat--¡que es ese chiste de Gutierrez que le esta diciendo a todas las empleadas de que ustedes, la junta,nombraron a betty de presidente!!! MARCELA PARCA AFIRMA: Marge--se nombro a betty de presidente... Patsy pat no lo puede creer!!!--------marce, hoy no es el dia de los inocentes marce, ¡¡donde esta la camara, donde esta la camara!!!( Marge---Patricia, Beatriz es la nueva presidenta de ecomoda. Patsy---ESTO ES UNA PESADILLA!!(SE CACHETEA)esto es una pesadilla, ¡¡despierta patricia, despierta!!!, ¡¡pellizcame huguito!!! aaayyyyyy¡¡¡¡....marce, esto no es un sueño...¿y que tanto poder tiene?. Marcela--Todo el que quieras... Patsypat--mas que tu...Marce, esa mujer me va a echar, me va a echar, acabo de sacarla de aquí y de insultarle al papa, me va a echar, marce tu no me puedes dejar en manos de ella. Marcela--pues mañana hay una reunion y ella decidira quien se queda... Patsy-y tu no te burlesI DANIEL!!! -llora desconsolada. Sofia-betty es cierto que usted va a quedar por encima de todo el mundo MARCELA Y PATTY VIENEN PASANDO... SOFIA--incluso la doctora marcela y que le va a dar ordenes a doña marcela tambien marcela---en las novelas TAMBIEN ECHAN A LAS CHISMOSAS...PERMISO. CALDERON LE MANIFIESTA A ARMANDO LO "BUENISIMA" QUE ESTA BETTY AHORA Y LE PREGUNTA SI NUNCA PERCIBIO ESE "POTENCIAL" OCULTO EN SU ASISTENTE PATTY Y MARCELA HABLAN, LA PELITEÑIDA LE SUPLICA QUE NO LA VAYA A DEJAR EN MANOS DE BETTY...EN ESE INSTANTE ENTRA LA NUEVA PRESIDENTE DE ECOMODA Patsy---Y USTED QUE HACE AQUÍ!!perdon, perdon...¿qué se le ofrece betty???... BETTY: hablar con doña marcela, nos puede dejar solas por favor, ¡¡por favor!!. LA PELITEÑIDA ACATA LA ORDEN... MARCELA: la escucho... BETTY:Vengo a que pongamos las cartas sobre la mesa y establezcamos las reglas del juego.De ahora en adelante usted y yo vamos a tener que hablar mucho, de trabajar en equipo y quiero que todo este muy claro entre las dos, si yo pedi que se quedara... MARCE---Haber!!, ¡¡yo me quede!! por que roberto me lo pidio y porque no voy a dejar en sus manos el trabajo de mi padre y el nuestro BETTY:me parece muy bien, creame que para mi es muy bueno que usted vea y participe de lo que voy hacer con la empresa. MARCELA: No creo que su idea de que me quede sea solo por eso, aquí yo siento un aire de venganza, usted lo unico que quiere es cobrarse todo lo que le paso aquí. BETTY:Si fuera asi ¡jamas!! les devolveria la empresa, mire doña marcela, yo no tengo la mas minima intencion de tomar represaras, no de vengarme de usted ni de nadie...si yo le pedi que se quedara, es por que yo se que la empresa la necesita y claro yo tambien la necesito...a pesar de todas las diferencias que han existido entre las dos, siempre he considerado que usted es una persona fundamental para ecomoda y no tengo por que vengarme de usted, usted siempre me detesto, siempre estuvo detras de mi puesto y siempre que tuvo la oportunidad me ofendio y me humillo. Marce--usted nunca me agrado. Desde que vi su hoja de vida, nunca estuve deacuerdo en que fuera la secretaria de armando y termine de convencerme cuando usted se convirtio en su celestina y hasta este momento no dejo de sentir lo mismo, y no me pida ahora que me retracte por que usted asumio la presidencia de ecomoda. BETTY: en ningun momento estoy pidiendo que usted se retracte, lo unico que quiero es que no piense que yo quiero vengarme por lo que usted me hizo. MARCELA: No me hable de reproches por lo que le hice, por que es una idiotes frente al desastre que usted me hizo a mi. BETTY: usted no estuvo en mi pellejo para que diga que es una idiotez, yo se que fue muy grave lo que hice, y se que cometi un error al involucrarme con don armando y todo lo que hizo...podriamos decir que estamos a mano.
BETTY: ignoro lo que ha pasado entre ustedes despues de que me fui de ecomoda... MARCELA--Regresamos...estamos tratando de rehacer, lo que usted destruyo. BETTY--Era de esperarse que regresaran...eso le deja en claro que la historia no se va a volver a repetir. MARCELA:¿por qué no se va a volver a repetir?, que carta me garantiza eso. BETTY: usted tiene una carta demoledora que dice exactamente que fue lo que paso entre don armando y yo, y si la vuelve a leer detenidamente, se va a dar cuenta que lo unico que yo le producia a don armando era: ¡¡asco!!.Y o tambien estoy tratando de rehacer mi vida con los pedazos que me quedaron, yo ¡¡jamas!1 hubiera vuelto aca y no la hubiera vuelto a ver y no lo quiero ver mas...por eso voy a mantenerme alejada lo mas posible de don armando, ¡¡se lo juro!!! MARCELA-- Entiendo... BETTY: y creo que le he demostrado que tengo palabra, bueno eso era todo, mañana nos vemos en la reunion. Marcela----BEATRIZ!!, sus amigas las del cuartel estan ansiosas por saber lo que paso entre usted y la empresa, le pido discresion, por ningun motivo quiero que los empleados sepan algo tan turbio como lo que ocurrio aquí, que lo que usted, armando y mario hicieron con la empresa ¡¡y mucho menos!! de que haga alarde de lo que paso entre usted y armando. BETTY----Jamas!! haria alarde de algo tan siniestro por que seria para vanagloriarme, ¡¡yo tengo dignidad doña marcela!! y si cuento lo que paso, seria ponerme nuevamente en el centro de la burla y eso es algo que jamas voy a permitir otra vez en mi vida. MARIANA Y SANDRA LE HACEN UNA INVITACION PARA CELEBRAR EL GRAN NOMBRAMIENTO... Fin con un poquito de ayuda les pido mil dislulpas por la tardansa es que e estado trabajando y hasta ahora e podido sentarme al frente de la computadora imaginense tengo emails up the wahhooo!!! Bueno un saludo a todas y todos con mucho carino ely
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USA 2/26/01-3/2/01: There are some problems at the hearing before the judge but things apparently work out ok. Nicolas and Hermes start working. Gutierrez finds an office for Hermes, but he decides to stay in Betty's old office so he can be near her. Marcie fires El Cuartel for being late after their celebration; Betty rehires them and reaches an agreement with Marcie: they will be fined a day's pay and if any are late again, including Patricia, they will be fired. Betty calls a meeting. Hugo refuses to come until Marcie orders him to. They discuss a strategy. Betty proposes that they sell to less exclusive shops and make a line of clothing and accessories for the ugly women in the world. There is a really interesting discussion or argument with Hugo over the design and sale of clothes but Betty appeals to his ego by suggesting that he can design only for women who will look good in anything but not for the ordinary women. She suggests that they start with El Cuartel. Hugo accepts the challenge but insists on having Jenny as a model (what a change from his previous attitude!). Betty makes some more changes: Sofia will be secretary to Nicolas and Hermes. Berta will stay with Gutierrez. Sandra will be secretary to Armando and Mario. Ines with stay with Hugo. Aura Maria will be Betty's secretary. Patricia will work for Marcie. Mariana will be the new receptionist until a new department is opened up. Betty tells the Cuartel they're not fired but will have a day's pay docked. All accept the changes. Betty takes Sofia aside and tells her that Hugo made the hiring of Jenny a condition of his staying and she hoped that Sofia would understand. Betty tells Jenny not to bother Sofia.
La Opinión, 3/4/01: Solo telenovelas [summary of previous week] Laura M. López BETTY LA FEA KVEA, Canal 52, lunes a viernes, 8:00 p.m. Betty tomó las riendas de Eco Moda en contra de lo que piense Marcela, Daniel o cualquiera de los ejecutivos. El objetivo de Roberto de nombrar a Betty presidente era por dos motivos... porque así lo recomendó el abogado y porque sabía de la capacidad de la joven. Al igual que Marcela, Patricia estaba furiosa pues ahora tenía que obedecer órdenes de quien hacía apenas unas semanas podía burlarse frente a ella sin ningún remordimiento. Pero lo que más le molestaba es que ahora las muchachas del cuartel se sentían apoyadas por su amiga. Betty le promete a Marcela que las reglas de la empresa se harán respetar, incluso por sus amigas, pero lo que no aceptará es que se sigan burlando de ellas de ninguna manera. Otra cosa que molestaba a Marcela es que tanto Nicolás como el papá de Betty entraran a trabajar a la empresa. Sin embargo, la ayuda de estas dos personas de mucha confianza de la nueva presidenta de Eco Moda, ayudarían a sacarla del mal estado financiero en que se encontraba. En la primera junta de ejecutivos y Betty al frente, provocó varios comentarios al grado de que Hugo quería renunciar, ya que la estrategia que Betty proponía para recuperar la buena economía, era que él diseñara para gente regular por no decir fea. Hugo estaba acostumbrado a diseñar exclusivamente para gente con medidas perfectas, pero que al final de cuentas era un porcentaje muy limitado comparado con el resto de la gente común, quien abarcaba un gran número en el país. La estrategia de Betty parecía excelente para Armando y Mario. Aunque ni Marcela ni Hugo lo quieran aceptar, reconocían interiormente que era verdad.
08-02-2001 Sánchez le cuenta a Armando y a Betty que el Juez está enojado y que posiblemente no acepte la conciliación y decida rematar Ecomoda. Patricia se enfrenta con un conductor de buseta y amenaza con demandarlo. El Juez hace varia advertencias. Armando le pide a Betty hablar sobre una propuesta laboral. Betty piensa qué hacer con Patricia Fernández en Ecomoda. 09-02-2001 Patricia llega muy deprimida a Ecomoda luego de su experiencia de pobre en un bus. El Cuartel se siente amenazado por la posibilidad de despido ante su llegada tarde. Marcela le advierte a Patricia que su futuro en Ecomoda es incierto. Betty llega a la empresa y los sentimientos de los empleados son confusos.
12-02-2001 Hoy no se pudieron presentar los avances de la telenovela porque la programadora no los envió.
Subject: 2-26-01 Monday-SUMMARY Author: Marcia (172.156.84.68) Date: 02-27-2001 03:16 2-26-01 Monday USA Summary by: Marcia BETTY'S HOUSE It is morning and Betty and Nicolas are getting ready for their first day of work. Nicolas asks Betty to tell him if he's dressed like a Vice President, and Betty smiling replies by asking him if what he wants to know is whether he looks good for la peliteñida, then the answer is yes, he looks good! Oh, that's good, because she hates me, Nicolas says, but I still have to project a good image so that she can see what she missed, an elegant man who was there for an elegant and distinguished woman. Smiling they both exit Betty's house. A SIDEWALK IN BOGOTA Patricia is whining to herself, as she walks up an overpass. She is talking outloud wondering how she is going to get to Ecomoda, since she hardly has any money. Her cellular phone rings, and it startles her. It is Marcela. Patricia-Marce, how do scare me like this, Marce? Marcela-Where are you? Patricia-Here, on a dangerous overpass, wondering how I'm going to get to Ecomoda Marcela-I'm very sorry, but you can no longer have the luxury of getting late to work. Look don't give Beatriz a reason to get rid of you. At least come early today. You could do that when we were running the company, but if you wanto to keep your job now, don't get here late! Patricia- But Marce, the money I have is not enough!, you are going to have to give me some for a taxi! Marcela- Ah no!, everyday I give you money for a taxi. Patricia-But Marce, all I have is coins, I would have to go by bus! Marcela-Perfect, come by bus! and she hangs up. Patricia-Marce, Marce!. She looks at her phone and then says, "Me in a bus?" THE HALLS OF THE COURTHOUSE Santamaria is talking to Armando and to Betty's lawyers. Santamaria explains that he has already given the paperwork to the judge, and that now he (Armando) Beatriz, and Mr. Mora need to talk to the judge. Betty's lawyer Sanchez explains (after bragging about how good a friend he is of the judge) that the judge is very upset because he does not understand what they are trying to do. Armando asks Sanchez to explain further but in clear words, because he is nervous about this; is the judge not going to accept the conciliation? Armando asks. Sanchez-ok I will explain. In the far background you can see Betty, Don Hermes and Nicolas approaching. Betty is dressed very much like an executive. She is wearing a gray suit, with a pale blue blouse. She is wearing clear hoses and high heels. As she walks towards the group, in a typical Betty Pinzon move, she stumbles a bit, having to hold to Don Hermes' arm, she does a little one of her laughs but quietly, as she looks at her father. Don Hermes also smiles as he holds her! By this point the are right behind Sanchez. Armando and Santamaria are facing them. Sanchez hearing them, turns around and says-Dra. Pinzon, what a pleasure!, how are you? as he shakes her hand. Betty-How are you? she shakes his hand and then his partners'. Sanchez then introduces himself to Don Hermes as they also exchange handshakes.
While these greetings are going on A SEMI-DRAMATIC MUSIC IS HEARD, A CLOSE UP ON ARMANDO'S FACE. HE IS MESMERIZED BY BETTY!. HE IS LOOKING AT HER, CLEARLY MOVED BY HER APPEARANCE. BETTY ALSO LOOKS AT HIM NERVOUSLY, AS SHE TRIES TO AVOID HIS EYES. AS SHE IS LOOKING AT THE OTHERS THERE IS A CLOSE UP ON HER FACE AND ONE CAN SEE THAT SHE IS VERY AWARE THAT ARMANDO'S EYES ARE UPON HER. ARMANDO WHO HAS BEEN QUIET UNTIL NOW SAYS Armando-Betty, Hello! Betty-Good morning doctor. (she takes a quick deep breath) Armando eyes move from her face downward, as he stares in obvious admiration. Don Hermes is noticing, and Armando senses this, as he adds. Armando-Good morning Don Hermes Don Hermes-How are you sir? Armando-Fine, but I think we are going to have problems. The judge is undecided about our reconciliation. Betty-Why? Sanchez-Excuse me doctors, as he steps between Armando and Santamaria literally pushing them a bit. Excuse me, (he continues) but I want to explain to the little doctorcita (Betty) Pinzon- As I was saying earlier, I am a friend of the honorable judge that's running this case, and he feels that your are playing with the judicial system. He doesn't understand what's happening here, but I think the best thing to do here is to go inside and explain things to him, I've been a very good friend of his for many years, so I could convince him, I have had many cases with him previously...(as he is glorifying himself Betty is clearly not very convinced by his words, neither is Armando as he asks Armando-and have you won those cases? Sanchez-Ehhh Ehhhh, well let's hope we have better luck with this one. Let's go inside, let's go. They all go to see the judge and Sanchez pulls his partner to the side and asks him why he has been so quiet and has not helped him. The partner explains that he is very distracted thinking of Patricia. Sanchez explains that to be able to continue to see those two beautiful women at Ecomoda they have to keep this case. THE OVERPASS Patricia is talking to her self outloud. She is asking why, why she has to ride a bus. Then she wonders which bus she has to take. A stranger passes by her and she asks him to explain how to get to Ecomoda. The guy doesn't even know what Ecomoda is. She then explains the area of town and he indicates which bus she should take. As such bus is arriving she has to run (in her high heels) to get the bus. She cuts in line in front of everybody, disregarding them, and she then has to ask how much it costs. She begins to talk loudly complaining about "how expensive" it is. She is holding the line of people trying to get on the bus and the driver tells her so. She pays, and the bus driver tells her to go to the back as he touches her leg. She gets very upset with him threatening to sue him. She is bumping into other people (because the bus is really full) as she puts a face of panic!. JUDGE'S CHAMBER They are all sitting facing the judge who sits behind his desk. Betty and Armando are sitting next to each other in the front. The judge is looking over papers as he says: Judge-Definitely I don't understand either one of you representatives of either side. Armando looks at Betty, as she is focusing on the judge, who continues... Judge-Terramoda uses the courts for justice. It asks this office to go on with the process, and as we are about to enter the "remate" phase, you come here and ask for a reconciliation?, Please! Betty's attorneys in the background begin to speak at the same time, and the judge is clearly not happy as he motions with his hands for some order. Betty and Armando give them a look also. The men soon quiet when a lady comes in and begins to give them each some coffee. Armando turns back to face the judge and says. Armando-Your Honor, we have reached an agreement. We want to have a reconciliation. Judge-Yes, I know, you want it for six months. Looking at Betty. Are you sure? Betty-Yes Your Honor, Mr. Armando and I reached an agreement. Judge-Well, then in the next six months Ecomoda is in the obligation to pay Terramoda every month it's responsibilities that were made in the agreement. Sanchez-Definitively, I agree... Judge-Excuse me Doctor (talking to Sanchez) I'm talking. Sanchez-Doctor forgive me. (as he sits, Sanchez pours booze into his coffee). Judge-Thank you, very kind of you. He then continues. Should you have any additional problems, or try to use the court to do your job, there will be no more exceptions and there will be no more reconciliations and the court will do the "remate". Betty's lawyers and Don Hermes all begin to talk at the same time, trying to assure the judge that that won't be the case. Betty and Armando seem a bit exhasperated by their behavior, as Armando looks back at the judge and says. Armando-Your Honor, we have simply gotten to an agreement, that we consider will be definite. And we have gotten to an agreement with LA DOCTORA PINZON... (he has difficulty saying this words, he kind of stumbles on the words as he looks at Betty) He then moves his hands which he has been using while he talks towards the arm rest of his chair and ACCIDENTALLY TOUCHES BETTY'S HAND. AS IF HIT BY ELECTRICITY BETTY RETIRES HER HAND QUICKLY PLACING IT OVER HER LAPS. ARMANDO QUICKLY LOOKS AT THEIR HANDS AND BACK AT THE JUDGE AS HE CONTINUES... Armando ...and I think this is definite, right? He asks Betty. Betty- (now it is she who speaks kind of hesitant at first) Yes, both of us reached agreements, which are clear and definite. (Don Hermes pats Betty's shoulder showing his support) Judge-Well in that case I will not delay this any longer. They all get up to leave, except Betty and Armando who are kind of staring at the judge, as Sanchez is trying to invite the judge out to lunch. The judge explains to Sanchez that he has a hallway full of cases waiting. Betty and Armando get up simultaneously, and Armando lets Betty walk in fron of him.
STAIRWAY IN THE COURTHOUSE Betty and Armando head the group as they come down the steps. Sanchez (who sounds tipsy) says: Sanchez-I hope the judge's decision has remained absolutly clear to both of you. There must be lots of peace! Lots of Love among you! He stops them at the middle of the stairs, as the rest of the group continue pass them. Sanchez-Reconciling is a golden rule of the modern laws... Right Don Hermes? (Don Hermes is passing by Betty at this point, and he says yes, yes, but hearing that SAnchez is like giving a sermon, Don Hermens continues walking away from them. Armando is quiet listening, as Betty is also looking in disbelief at Sanchez who is inspired, giving them the lecture Sanchez-...The reconciliation should be among both of you a sacred act!, an act of faith!, and act of comprehension that should be translated into an act of mutual respect! Both Armando and Betty keep looking at Sanchez and then in front of them (avoiding each other's eyes). They are both silent. Sanchez- ...We only have six more months to get out of this my dear doctors, thus, lots of peace, lots of love, lots of love! Betty-(looking at Sanchez) yes, yes, Doctor, thank you veery much for everything, everything is going to end well. She turns to leave as she kind of widens her eyes, and Sanchez stops her Sanchez-Excuse me my dear little doctora, am I sensing a kind of good-bye here? Betty stops and looks at him seriously. Sanchez-With all the respect you deserve me, I want to remind you that as long as this case is opened, I continue being the attorney of this noble cause! Armando continues just standing there at the stairs staring at Betty. Betty continues looking at Sanchez waiting for the point to be made. Sanchez-...therefore, I respectfully will need to remind you that I will need to continue to be given my humble payments. Betty-Of course doctor!, she assures him. Sanchez-Well good, my dear doctora, although you are not giving me an upfront payment today, to continue matters (Armando looks at him in disbelief widening his eyes) ...but it's ok, no problem, everything is fine! Betty turns to leave once again and this time her other lawyer Rosales, stops her. Rosales-My dear doctora, I would like to ask you a favor, could you take this small present to that blonde you have as a secretary? Betty-(taking a small box with a card) Ah, Patricia Fernandez? Rosales-Yes, exactly her!. Please tell her that it is sent by Jose Ambrosio Rosales, and that my card is included with all my phone numbers. Betty is speechless as she smiles a bit, and he excuses himself to leave. Betty-Yes you are excused, go on. Rosales goes and grabs Sanches by the arm as he updates him on what he has just done. Sanchez then tells him that he is going to have to catch up by trying to do something sweet for his dear Amazone woman.(Sandra), but now, lets dedicate ourselves to celebrate (go drinking) because we are still employed. They both leave kind of arguing about who is going to pay.
Santamaria approaches Armando smiling. Santamaria-Well Dr.Armando, if you need anything, I will be at my office. Armando-Thank you Santamaria-Dra.Pinzon, lots of luck! Betty-Thank you. He leaves as he says goodbyes to Nicolas and Don Hermes. Don Hermes, Betty and Nicolas get ready to also leave as Armando who is still there calls. Armando-Betty, could I speak a moment with you? Betty looks at him with doub in her face Armando-...it's about some business matters of Ecomoda. Betty-Yes, of course. Don Hermes doesn't look very happy but he and Nicolas politely leave their side. Armando- I will not speak to you about anything personal, because last night our situation became very clear... Betty nods in agreement Armando...I simply want to speak to you about my situation at Ecomoda. I know you don't want to see me over there... Betty interrupts- It's for the best, as she turns to leave. Armando- OK, Betty, OK. I only want to tell you that I can't remain with just my arms crossed (doing nothing) Beatriz, I have to help regain the capital, to pay the debts... Betty-I know perfectly well what I have to do, Doctor. Thank you very much! She turns to leave again Armando-raising his voice ARE YOU GOING TO LET ME TALK? Don Hermes and Nicolas hear him and look at him Betty stops and looks at them and then at Armando who realizes what he's done and he adds. Armando-I'm sorry! He calms down and continues as Betty is listening again. Armando-Beatriz, I wanted to say that this financial disaster was created by me! Betty-Doctor, I have never denied my responsibility in all this, nor in having accepted all the proposals you made to me. Armando-No, but I am not talking about your responsibilities, I am talking about my responsibilities. (by now Don Hermes has come to stand behind Betty and he is listening) Armando-...that is why I need you to help me (Don Hermes goes back to talk to Nico)...I have a business plan a strategy that I know will work, but I am going to need your support at first. I need to have physical access to Ecomoda.(Don Hermes comes back to stand behind Betty)... I need you to lend me an office for a few days, while I find a space elsewhere. Betty- Do you want your office? Armando-No, of course not, I was thinking of Mario's office, and if you could lend me a secretary for a few days, maybe Sandra, I would appreciate it. Betty-And would Dr. Calderon also be there? Armando-(hesitating on his answer), yes, I am going to need him. Betty- Well, I really can't deny you entry at Ecomoda, Doctor. You are still an associate and... Armando-Beatriz, you put a series of conditions when you accepted the Presidency, and the members approved them! and I understand if you don't want to see me, you have every right! Betty-(with a sigh) Look Doctor, take Calderon's office, but (and she looks back to make sure Nicolas and Don Hermes are not listening, she lowers her voice adding) I implore to you, that you remain away from me, please. (she turns to leave again) Armando-I assure you we will only talk whatever is absolutely necessary.
Bettty-(coming back towards Armando with an afterthought) Oh you know what Doctor, I want to tell you something. You have a business strategy and I have another one, that I am going to propose today in the meeting at Ecomoda, I don't want to wait six months to solve this situation, I want to do it in half the time. The idea is to put both strategies to work together so we can get rid of this "karma"(?) as soon as possible. Armando-Yes, don't worry, I am going to try to liberate us from all this as soon as possible! Betty-I'll expect you at the meeting. Armando-Thank you very much. Excuse me! Don Hermes- You are excused GENTLEMAN! (then looking at Betty) my daughter, shall we leave? Betty-Yes, of course father. Don Hermes- I will go for the car (looking at Nicolas)take care of her! Nicolas-What did that gentleman want? (refering to Armando) Betty-I'll tell you later, but the case is that I'm not going to be as far away from him as I wanted to. Nicolas_And what is that? A gift? Betty-Ah, it's a small present for your peliteñida (and she laughs-her funny laugh). lol Nicolas-How is that? Betty smiles at him Nicolas-Betty how is this tie? Does it look good on me? Betty-(smiling and speaking dearly to Nicolas) I already told you that she is going to love your tie. Nicolas-(pulling out his tie from the suit) and what if she uses it to strangle me? Betty-(getting serious she puts her hand in Nicolas' arm as they begin to leave) Today I have to decide on the future of the peliteñida! INSIDE THE CROWDED BUS Patricia is holding on to a pole, standing among the crowd when her cell phone rings. Patricia-Marce, what do you want? Marcela-I want to know why you haven't arrived yet! Where the devil are you? Patricia- In hell, Marce, in hell!. But I'm almost there! Marcela-You better, because nobody has arrived here, yet! (she hangs up. Patricia-Hanging up, filled with anguish says outloud. It seems there is a shortage of gentlemen here!(looking at the men who are sitting) A Man-A shortage of Gentlemen not, of seats! lol lol lol Everybody laughs. A woman in front of Patricia gets up from her seat to leave and a man comes and grabs the seat before Patricia could. She looks at him in shock!
ECOMODA The elevator opens Freddy walks out looking at his watch. He notices Sandra and Mariana are missing, he then sees Marcela sitting at Patricia's desk. Freddy-Good morning Doña Marcela Marcela-(upset)Where is everybody? Freddy doesn't know. Marcela questions him further, and all he says is that they were out celebrating Betty's Presidency last night. Marcela then tried to get more information from Freddy who almost gave her more details just as Gutierrez comes to join them. He too is upset that Berta and Sofia are not in either. Gutierrez expresses to Marcela that he feels this is a lack of respect on the part of El Cuartel. She agrees and leaves angry. Freddy becomes very worried. OUTSIDE ECOMODA El Cuartel is walking very leisurely gossiping about Betty's version of what has been happening recently. They all think something more is going on. Berta goes as far as to imply that maybe there was a romance between Betty and Armando, because of the way they were treating each other last night. Inesita stops Berta from making such comments. While they are standing gossiping in front of Ecomnoda, Patricia tells the bus driver to stop in front of the building. When Patricia sees El Cuartel, she tells the bus driver to go on, that she's changed her mind. (Both, asking the driver to stop and them telling him to continue is a series of exchanges between Patricia and the bus driver, where they argue back and forth because Patricia is complaining and complaining about everything!. Inesita tells El Cuatel to stop speculating about things and that they need to get to work because it's late and they are going to get fired! Berta replies, "and who is going to fire us?" They all laugh as they go inside the building. INSIDE THE BUS Patricia is still arguing with the bus driver loudly as the bus is moving down a street. Now that they are not in front of Ecomoda, she wants him to stop to let her down. She yells at him (from the back of the bus) that she used to have a Mercedes, and assures him that she will never ride again on this trashy bus! The bus driver stops the bus and says Ciao Mamita I'll see you tomorrow! and he thows her a kiss. Dream about it! Patricia yells back. You will never see me again! and as she is getting off a hand holds her hand to help her down. When she sees that the hand belongs to a young man with a huge set of dreadlocks, she screams of fear! Oh noooo!. Oh my God, I'm not meant to be poor!. She whines. As she walks on the sidewalk there is a close up of her legs and her hoses are full of runs! ECOMODA Freddy is trying to apeace Marcela and Gutierrez who are both standing by Patricia's desk waiting for El Cuartel! The elevator door opens, and you hear laughter! El Cuartel comes out laughing and Sofia is saying loudly (as she walks out of the elevator backwards, failing to see Gutierrez and Marcela) Sofia-Who is going to dare to bother us, if last night we put in our pockets the President of this company!, besides, if they are going to fire us, they will have to fire her, and that's going to be difficult! (she laughs and as she turns around she bumps into Marcela who is very serious and has been listening to her) Sofia is caught once again, and she tries to lighten things up by complimenting Marcela's clothes. Marcela is not happy at all and reprimands them for arriving at this hour. Aura Maria tries to promise that it won't happen again, and Marcela tells her that she is tired of hearing this same old story. Gutierrez then says that they already have two warnings and this being the third means they are all fired! Berta tries to explain that the reason they are late is because they were up late partying with The President! Marcela tells them that there are rules and guidelines that have to be observed and they go beyond any President! You are going to fire us? Berta asks. Aura Maria begins to beg and Marcela tells them that she can't stand them any more! The elevator doors open and it's Patricia. She walks in as if she were the President and stands next to Marcela as she says. Patricia-And now what is happening with all these witches? What is the problem? Marcela-That they are going to be given a letter of dismissal. Patricia -(shows a happy face), oh, and why? Marcela - For being late! Patricia's face looses the smile and she excuses herself (quickly going to her desk). Inesita tries to reason with Marcela, pointing out that they are aware that they did wrong, but wonders if the punishment isn't a bit extreme! Marcela replies that it is them who have gone to the extreme! Marcela then goes on to point out that ever since Beatriz came to Ecomoda, and took liberties that Armando gave her, they (El Cuartel) took the same liberties with her. Marcela then tells them that what she had forgotten to point out to them is that Beatriz' Presidency is temporary, that she (Beatriz) continues to be an employee of the company and therefore, she too needs to follow the rules. She tells them that if they chose to go out partying the night before, that's their problem, but that the guidelines will not change during nor after the Presidency of Beatriz. Berta then tries to point out that they understand how stressed Marcela must be because of what is happening. Marcela says, yes I am stressed, but you mean to tell me that my stress has made me halucinate that you came in late today? Gutierrez then backs Marcela up. Sandra then asks, whether this rules apply to all! Yes, it does!, Marcela replies. They look Patricia's way, and Patricia begins to make a scene! Marcela leaves. El Cuartel tells Patricia that as soon as Betty comes she will take care of her. Gutierrez tells El Cuartel to go to his office, and he leaves. El Cuartel then try to get Freddy to help them, and push him to go to talk to Gutierrez. Sofia begins to once again talk in a very assured manner, stating that she's not worried because as soon as Betty comes, she will fix everything. Patricia tells her that she's dreaming, that it seems as if they haven't heard a word of what Marcela said. She goes on to say that El GARFIO can not overide Marcela's decisions, and that EL GARFIO (the elevator door opens and it's Betty with Don Hermes and Nico. Betty hears Patricia and stops Hermes and Nico so she can continue hearing Patricia. Patricia, not knowing Betty is there, continues badmouthing her loudly) Patricia...El GARFIO is nothing more than someone who just showed up and got lucky! Sandra-(aware that Betty is listening) What GARFIO are you referring to? (she asks Patricia) Patricia-WHAT GARFIO am I going to be talking about?. Betty! at that moment, out of the elevator comes a Betty with a wide smile on her face saying Betty:Good morning Patricia Patricia is shocked! Patricia-Good morning Betty! (with a little fear? on her tone) Nicolas-Good morning (he waves at Patty) Patricia-and what are you doing here? Don Hermes-And why does this woman treat you so rudely!(asking Betty about Patricia), she is not an employee, she is an enemy! Betty looks at him with an I'm not surprised kind of face. Don Hermes-(continues getting a bit angry)I would't think twice to fire her! Patricia-Nooooooo Nooooooo Don Hermes. Betty what is happening is that I am very agitated because these (pointing to El Cuartel) are taunting me to fight with them, and you know how I get, Betty, and they MAKE me say things that I wouldn't usually say! El Cuartel-Ahhhhhhhhh Betty-(very calmly, still smiling, and not affected at all by the scene)Well, I would like to communicate to all of you that Mr. Nicolas Mora is going to join us as of today. Patricia-(with surprise on her voice) Oh yes? Betty- He will be the new Financial Vice President! Patricia-Magnificent! Sandra-If you have any inconvinience peliteñida, speak now, because since you say that Betty has no authority in this company...! Patricia-Look Giraffe-Old Maid, stop making me look bad in front of Betty! Stop provoking. Patricia begins to walk towards Marcela's office and she is stopped by Sofia who makes fun of her for having dirty hands! Patricia looks at her hands and they are in fact filthy! and worse, Sofia adds, "...and with runs on your hoses!" Everybody laughs, and Don Hermes says "El Diablo es Puerco!" Patricia runs to Marcela's office screaming Nooooooo Noooooooo. Betty tells everybody Betty-Please, please, don't speculate about decisions I haven't yet made. Unfortunately, I still haven't decided what I am going to do with Patricia. Sofia then says, you may not know what you are going to do with Patricia, but as far as Gutierrez and Doña Marcela go, they do know what they are going to do with us...
Berta finishes the sentence by saying "Betty, they fired us!" MARCELA'S OFFICE Patricia comes in complaining about Nicolas and how Don Hermes is also here. Marcela tells her to get used to them because Nicolas was one of Betty's conditions and Don Hermes works there too. Patricia can't believe it and she tries to put things in Marcela's head about what they are all saying outside about her. She is saying to Marcela that she allowed El Cuartel to influence her to give her (Patricia) a warning that now goes in her record. Marcela tells her "You deserved it!" How many times did I not call you this morning to tell you not to be late? Patricia then tells her that she has no idea ABOUT HER HUMAN DRAMA that she lived this morning! Marcela-and what drama is that? Patricia-Today I came by bus! Today I had to come by bus! Marcela is not moved by her "human drama" and Patricia goes on to describe the experience. She shows Marcela her dirty hands, her torn hoses, and how she, Patricia Fernandez who has Seis Semestres en La San Marino and was married to Mauricio Brickman had to ride a bus. Marcela asks her about what she is going to do tomorrow? Patricia says. it's not going to be the same, because how can Marcela's best friend be riding buses? Marcela tells her to get used to it, because she is no longer going to be able to be her fairy godmother. She tells her that now things are also difficult for her financially and that if there is anyone who can help her now, it's going to have to be Betty! Patricia can't believe what she is hearing and she tells Marcela that Betty is outside with El Cuartel who is trying to convince Betty to fire her. She also says that they are outside saying that Marcela is "a nobody" now and that the only decisions that count are Betty's. Meanwhile Berta is telling Betty how Marcela told them that Beatriz is not the one who handles things and that her Presidency is temporary. Sandra adds that Marcela just wants to act superior. Aura Maria says, no, she just wants to humiliate you again, Betty! Inesita tries to calm them and asks them not to put things in Betty's head. The rest of El Cuartel don't agree and as they are trying to convince Betty of what happened as well as to what she ought to do, Gutierrez comes saying no no no, I don't need mediators (referring to Freddy). When he sees Betty who is sitting he greets her and says to excuse them, but that he has summoned a meeting with the ladies in his office.(el cuartel). Aura Maria-Oh noo we are going to the slaughter house! EL CUARTEL- Ayyyyyy Bettyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Betty-(gets up) One moment Dr. Gutierrez, they have informed me what has happened, and I don't accept that decisions like this be taken without my consent! Gutierrez-Excuse me, but hey broke the rules! and Doña Marcela... Betty-(interrupting him) You heard me Dr.Gutierrez. Nothing will be done without my concent. We will take this up at the meeting today, and there it will be discussed with all the other board members, but before then, nothing will happen! Gutierrez-As you wish, doctora.
Betty-(changing the subject tells Gutierrez) He is Nicolas Mora and he will begin today as Vice President.(they shake hands)and this is my father, Don Hermes Pinzon, and at the request of Mr. Roberto, he will do the accounting for Ecomoda. as they shake hands. Betty-(Talking to El Cuartel) Girl, I can't guarantee anything, but I will try. Betty then tries to send Mariana to tell Marcela that the meeting should begin shortly, but Mariana politely tells her that until the situation is settled in the meeting, Marcela is not going to allow her in her office, as in her eyes, she is fired! Betty-Don't worry. (Betty sees Patricia coming back to her desk) Betty-Patricia Patricia-WHATTTT!. When she catches herself, she changes her tone and says, yes, Betty? Betty-Please tell Doña Marcela that the meeting is starting shortly. Patricia with an attitude goes. Betty-(to Gutierrez)-Dr.Gutierrez, we need to see their offices (pointing to Nicolas and Don Hermes) and mine. Gutierrez-Of course, of course que yes! This way please. He motions with his hand and Don Hermes and Nicolas go first. as Betty follows them, passing in front of Gutierrez, she quickly senses that Gutierrez is LOOKING at her in an inappropriate manner. She quickly stops, turns around catching him in the act, and says: Betty-Dr. Gutierrez Gutierrez-Yes Doctora? Betty-Quiero pedirle un favor. deje de mirarme asi! Betty-I want to request a favor-Stop looking at me that way! Editorial-To me this was the best moment tonight! Betty being very assertive to a man who deserve to hear what she told him! Gutierrez-(Surprised, but not really stopping what he was doing replies, as he is following after her) But of course Doctora!, but let me tell you that you are very very beautiful! (and a grin is seen on his face and then he shakes his head with admiration! MARCELA'S OFFICE Patricia-(exagerating the truth) Marcee, Dra. Pinzon send me to inform you that she has arrived and to get ready for a meeting and that it is an ORDER! Marcela-smiling Ha ha, it's an order? Patricia-Yes Marce, and I say that by the tone she used! Marcela-And where are the Cuartel? Patricia-Betty ordered them to return to their places to work. Marcela surprised Patricia-You see, I told you, I told you!. She is not going to allow that they get fired. She is going to go over you like a tractor that flattens things! MARCELA IS LEFT WITH HER MOUTH HALF OPENED. END OF TONIGHT'S EPISODE.
Subject: ***Summary - Tuesday, February 27, 2001*** Author: Becky A. (63.46.223.52) Date: 03-01-2001 00:08 Betty, Guiterrez, Don Hermes and Nicolas are in Nicolas' new office, Olarte's old office. Nicolas is concerned about the changes that need to be made to his office and whether or not he will have a secretary. Don Hermes tells him to stop worry about temptations and to worry about his work. On their way to Betty's office Sophia asks if Nicolas is going to be her new boss. Betty informs her that the personnel needs to be reviewed and that no decisions have been made. While they are speaking Hugo comes shouting for Inesita. He ignores Betty and her father and begins speaking to Bertha. He wants to know if the contracts for the models have been prepared. When Betty tries to inform him about the meeting, he puts his finger in his ear as if to clean it out. He asks Sophia and Bertha for Marcela. Betty's father is a bit irritated with him ignoring Betty and begins to hit him on the arm with his file folder. Hugo turns to look at him and Don Hermes wants to know if he doesn't realize that the President of Eco Moda is speaking to him. Hugo answers Don Hermes by saying that he realizes that he is there working under the request of Don Roberto, but he needs to realize one thing, "I am my own boss". He goes on to tell him that he takes orders for no one and if they don't like it they can fire him. As he walks away he gives Don Hermes his famous "zzzzzzz". After Hugo walks away, Don Hermes wants to know who he is and Betty tells him that he is the designer and not to worry about him because he is "loco". Don Hermes says, "loco, no loca". Don Hermes tells Betty that she needs to stand up for herself and make people respect her. Betty reminds him that she warned him that this would not be easy. She tells him that while she has great friends there, looking at Sophia and Bertha, she also has many enemies. She tells him that the company is hard to manage and that she is just beginning, but for him not to worry that she does not plan on being the same embezzle that she was before. She tells those listening at the moment that there are going to be many changes for herself and for everyone that works there. Betty, Guiterrez and Don Hermes walk into Armando's old office. Betty sits at the president's desk and swivels the chair and ends up looking at Armando and Marcela's portrait. She hurriedly gets up and asks when Armando will be removing his personal items. Guiterrez tells her that as soon as he can he will tell Armando to remove his belongings. Don Hermes heads back to Betty's old office followed by Guiterrez. Betty has sat down on the coach. Guiterrez tells Betty that the only available office at the moment for her father is Mario's. Betty tells him not to touch that office. Betty's father comes up with the idea that instead of time being used to locate an office for himself, that her old office will suit him just fine. Don Hermes does not realize that he is in the doorway of Betty's old office. He wants to know where it is located. Betty tells him that Marcela gave her old office to someone else. Don Hermes asks who worked in that closet, meaning Betty's old office. After making some other comments about the office Betty confesses that it belonged to her. He wants to know how she could allow that to happen after all the money that he spent on her school. Betty tells him that it wasn't that bad. It was only meant to be a temporary thing and that it got to the point where Armando needed her at his side all the time. Betty takes her father into her old office and gives him the tour. She explains how the computer is connected to the company's network and all information is accessible on the computer. Her father wants to know how it works. Betty calls for Sophia to come explain the computer system to Don Hermes.
While they are waiting for Sophia, Don Hermes wants to know why he wouldn't let Guiterrez touch Mario's office. Betty explains that she made an agreement with Armando for him and Mario to use that office. Her father looks surprised. Armando and Mario walk into Mario's office and Mario comments that Betty must not hate them that much for her to allow them to share an office. Armando tells him that it is not about hate, but that he believes that Betty thought it was too excessive not to let him have an office in his own company. Mario makes the comment that it doesn't matter because the "Tiger" is back. Armando tells him to forget. Betty told him that she didn't want the story between them to repeat itself. Armando tells him how he has tried to get close to her, but that Betty will not allow it. She believes that he is only doing it in order to keep an eye on the company. Mario tells him not to worry that eventually they will be able to speak to each other little by little. Armando says that he doesn't know what to do. Mario offers to speak to her. Armando tells him not to be a clown. Mario tells him that if he can't make her believe that she loved her before then he needs to let her know that he is in love with her now. He tells him "attack, attack, attack". Armando, his voice getting a little higher, tells him that it is not that easy. He tells him that she is a wounded woman. He tells him about the conversation between himself and Betty the previous evening. Armando says that Betty has no confidence in him. He doesn't know how to tell her what he has been feeling since she has been gone. Mario asks if he really thinks that Betty's feelings for him has changed. He asks, "How long does it take a man to get a rid of a woman that is in love with him.?" Armando answers that with everything that he has done it was sufficient. He says that while she was gone all he could think about was how to get her back and all that she did was forget him. Mario tells Armando that he feels very deceived by him. He believed that Armando knew how a woman worked. Mario says that when a woman has been hurt by a woman, she loves that man more. He says when they cry, they live, they are revived and feel like women. They call their friends to tell them how depressed they are, they don't eat, drink, work or sleep. The woman finally admits that they are in love with that man. Mario asks, "How many times have you seen a woman cry due to happiness". Armando shakes his head no. Mario says, "That only happens in the telenovelas". Mario goes on to say that someone that has been hurt as bad as Betty doesn't stop loving from one day to the next. Armando wants to know if that is true why didn't Betty marry the first guy that hurt her. Mario answers that it is due to the fact that he caused her more hurt than the first guy. "The more suffering the more love." Armando says that on he would like to be the voice of the town and tell him what they all want to tell him and that is that he is nothing but a rat. Mario laughs. Mario asks if he really believes that Marcela is in love with him because he is the most wonderful person on the earth. He goes on and says that they have been together for more than three years and she has been suffering like a crazy. He assures him that he if were to propose to her right now she would accept. Armando won't look him in the eye. Mario asks if they have not spoken about marriage, or is he incorrect. Armando says that he is wrong. He has not caused Marcela half the amount of pain that he has caused Betty. He tells him that he does not know Betty, but that he does. She is not a conventional woman. He tells Mario that he can go on believing as he does, but for him when a woman makes a radical decision it is made. Unfortunately, Betty has decided against him. Mario continues and says that when a woman says no she means maybe and maybe means yes. Armando gets a little frustrated and tells him that Betty has come back as a different woman. Mario tells him to do something, "did you tell her that you love her". Armando says that he did and as they were talking his telephone rang and guess who it was, Marcela.
Mario recounts the conversation that he and Betty had outside of the restaurant. He tells him that the only thing that he has accomplished is her allowing them to use Mario's office. Mario reminds him that it will be for six months which leads Armando to explain that Betty wants the company solvent half of that time. Armando, himself, is also hoping for the same. They began discussing their shared office space and Armando tells him to have his boxes removed as they will need the extra space. Mario asks if he has removed his items from his office. Armando shrugs and says not that he still has to and then there is a look as though he just remembered something. Betty is watching from the door of her old office as Sophia explains the network system to Don Hermes. She goes back into her new office and glances at Armando and Marcela's photo. She then begins to open drawers to a desk stand and finds the gifts that Armando had given her. Guiterrez walks in to inform her that he has found an office for her father. Don Hermes decides to stay in her old office. If she were capable of working those long hours in there, then he can. Betty tells him no. He sends that he prefers to stay that way he can have her close by. Betty tells him to do what he wants and picks up the telephone to arrange her meeting with the executives. Patricia picks up her telephone with Betty on the other end. Betty request that she ask Marcela to join her in the board room so that they can meet alone before everyone joins them. Betty also requests that she track down Armando. Right before she hangs up Patricia makes a face to the telephone. Patricia goes and informs Marcela that Betty wants to meet with her. However, Patricia has translated the manner that seems as though Betty is ordering for Marcela to meet with her. Marcela gets upset and informs Patricia that Betty does not order her. On her way to the meeting, Patricia tells her to put an end to Betty and if she is not able to take care of her position. Otherwise her debt to Marcela will be internal. Betty exits her office and finds Aura Maria standing behind Bertha's desk. Betty tells her that she should be down in the reception area and that she should not be looking for anymore problems. Aura Maria says that is exactly her reason for being there. She explains to them that Freddy is downstairs, upset, accusing her of being unfaithful. Aura Maria and Bertha inform Betty that they are worried about their jobs. Betty asks Bertha for a report that list all of the administrative personnel. Marcela comes around the corner with an attitude, "You needed me"? Betty explains to her that she does need to speak to her and Marcela asks why didn't she go into her office instead of sending orders to her. Betty tells her that the meeting will be held in executive conference room. Marcela tells her that she had heard that Betty wanted to speak to her alone. Betty nods yes and informs her that their meeting alone is part of the executive meeting. As Marcela enters the meeting room she says, "Come in and let's see what you want". Aura Maria, Bertha and Sandra don't like the way that Marcela is treating Betty. Bertha tells Betty that Marcela is sweeping the floor with her and making it seems as though Betty being the president is a lie. Sandra is rubbing Betty's shoulders and telling her to go in their and be done with her. Betty nods in agreement. Betty enters and Marcela is sitting at the head of the table, in Armando's old chair. She points to a chair beside her and tells her to sit down. Betty goes to the other end of the table and sits at the head chair. Marcela wants to know what she would like to talk about. Betty answers that the company, of course. Marcela answers "of course". Betty begins to talk and tells Marcela that she asked to meet with her. At this point Marcela interrupts and tells her that she wants to make it clear that Betty does not give her orders. She tells her that she may be president, but that she has a long way to go before she is above her. Betty asks why doesn't she assume the presidency so that no one can tell her what to do, she can do as she pleases and they won't have to worry about possible confrontations. Marcela asks if she's threatening that she is going to resign. Betty answers no and that all she is doing is leaving the road open for her to do as she pleases. Betty gets up to leave.
Marcela points a finger at her and tells her "Look, you can't resign. However, if you want my head why don't you ask me for it?" Betty says that all she wants is for Marcela to respect her. Betty tells her that they put her as president to save the company, but if they believe that they will be able to continue to treat her as before, they are mistaken. Betty tells her that she won't allow them to continue to humiliate her. Marcela tells her that she expects the same from her. She goes on to say that she will not allow Betty to come in from one day to the next with her friends and family and change the company routine. She also won't allow her friends to come in at any time that they wish and disobey her orders because their friend is the president. Betty goes on to say that she is not going to allow her to get fire the Cuartel. Betty also gives examples of what each one is living through at the moment and the time that they have put into Eco Moda. Marcela just shakes her head back and forth. Betty tells her that she is in agreement that they can not continue to come in late. Marcela tells her that it is obvious that they will never agree and that they need to come up with a solution to this problem. Betty tells her that she is correct. Neither of them want to be there, but they are both pressured to be there. She goes on to say that Marcela never had intentions of firing the Cuartel. She tells her that Marcela has always defended them and they see her a just person. She realizes that she is not upset for the tardiness, but for the simple reason that she is upset that they were out celebrating her presidency. Had she been upset with the lateness of their arrival then Patricia would also have to be fired because she arrived later as always. Marcela tells her that she realizes this is a game of if the Cuartel gets fired so does Patricia. If Patricia stays, so does the Cuartel. Betty tells her no. She says that the company can not continue to be managed in the same manner as previously and in order to put a stop to it they will need to communicate directly. Betty says that Marcela has said some strong words about her and that the versions that they are both receiving are not the most reliable. Betty tells her that a war is being rage outside those doors and that their relationship is about to explode by itself without them being able to talk to each other directly. Marcela asks if she is suggesting that they forget what happened with the Cuartel and to allow them to continue arriving late. Betty says no. She suggests that they are giving a warning, deduct a day of pay, put a copy of the warning in their file and informing them that they will be fired the next time. Marcela asks if this is only for the Cuartel. Betty says that it also applies to Patricia. Marcela rolls her eyes. Betty tells her that they cannot continue to play favorites or things will never change between them. She reminds her that Marcela said that the law is the law and Betty says that it should apply to everyone. Marcela wants to know what her plans are for Patricia. Betty says that she would like to review all of the secretaries situations. Betty puts her head down and begins to review her report. Marcela has a surprised look and stares at her. Sophia comes around the corner and catches Bertha, Aura Maria and Sandra trying to listen to the conversation behind the closed doors. Sophia wants an update, but Bertha has not been able to hear anything. Patricia comes around the corner and threatens to go in and tell on them. The Cuartel leads her to believe that she will be the one getting fired. Patricia tells them that it won't happen to her. Sandra says that she is correct especially since she and Betty get along so well. As Patricia begins to walk away Sophia starts giving her hard time about hose. After Patricia leaves, Sophia says that she doesn't want to hear that the are the ones that get fired and Patricia stays. Aura Maria tells Sophia that they torment her until they find out what is going to happen. Patricia returns to her desk where she continuously repeats, "They fired me. They fired me." Betty calls Patricia and asks they she inform the remaining executives to join the meeting. Betty can tell that something is wrong and Patricia tells her that she knows that Betty has fired her. Betty wants to know who said it. Patricia tells her the Cuartel. Betty tells her that they will inform everyone of the decisions that are being made. Marcela wants to know what is happening and Betty tells her. Marcela then mentions that she was not aware that Armando would be attending the meeting. Betty tells her that she believed Armando would have told her. Marcela answers "no". Betty informs Marcela about Armando having a plan that he wants to propose to them and that he requested the use of Mario's office. This part surprises Marcela. She was not aware that he planned on working at Eco Moda. Betty assures her that she is keeping her part of her promise to her. However, if Marcela does not like the idea of Armando working there then that is something that she will need to discuss with Armando. Marcela gives her a look that says I don't believe you. Back in Mario's office Armando is telling Mario that he hasn't informed Marcela about his having an office at Eco Moda. He also says that if he has to tell her everything he is going to go crazy.
Patricia opens the door and then knocks. She tells them that the Doctora Pinson is ready for them. Armando wants to know why she shows so much respect towards Betty. Patricia says that know that she has been named president is that the way she's suppose to be called. As she is heading out the door Mario and Armando laugh at the tear in her stockings. Mario blesses Armando before the leave his office. Upon entering the meeting room Armando heads straight to Marcela to give her a kiss. Mario follows, but Marcela receives it coldly. While Armando sits Mario proceeds to Betty, places his hand on her shoulder and greets her. As he is heading back to his chair Betty stares at him. Mario is uncomfortable. After sitting down Betty gets out of her chair, yanks Mario out of his and throws him on the table. (Armando and Marcela are surprised. Marcela gets out of her chair.) She tells her that he better never touch her again. She has enough to deal with Armando's dirty looks. Armando looks at Marcela. Marcela stares at Armando and hits him on the shoulder. Mario tells Betty that he hasn't touched her. Betty tells him that she felt as though he had. She reminds him of all the cards that he wrote and that he makes her nausea. She throws him to the floor. BETTY'S DREAM IS OVER. Armando and Mario are very uncomfortable and they ask at the same time where the rest of the people are and Marcela's answers that they are coming. Armando begins to explain to Marcela his reason for having an officer at Eco Moda. She tells him not to bother that Betty has explained it. As Armando continues to speak she cuts him off. Marcela says that she was not aware that he planned on working there. He gives her his reasons for having an office there. She tells him that she understands. She just thought it was odd that he didn't mention it. Patricia orders Bertha and Sophia to enough Guiterrez and Nicolas about the meeting. They remind her that she won't be there much longer and Patricia informs them that Betty already told her that she was staying. Patricia explains that she distributes the orders that are given to her . Sophia and Bertha still refuse to help. Patricia informs Guiterrez, but does not want to talk to Nicolas. Sophia refuses and she has no other choice. Nicolas is in his office and talking to Patricia's picture. Patricia informs him that his girlfriend is ready for him to join the meeting. Nicolas explains that Betty is not his girlfriend and that he is now alone and single. Patricia tells him that it doesn't interest him. Patricia head s to Hugo's where he informs her that she doesn't take orders from anyone but Marge and he tells her to go tell her. On her way out, Hugo makes fun of her hose. Inesita tells Hugo that she believes that he should attend the meeting. Hugo tells her Betty can fire him as far as he is concerned. He can't believe that Betty has been named president and he cannot accept it. Patricia goes to the meeting room and repeats what Hugo said. Betty says ok that they will meet without him. As Nicolas enters he bumps into Patricia and she tells him that she will never forgive him for what he did to her. Betty has Nicolas sit by him. Marcela gets up and rushes towards the telephone. Hugo is in his office blowing bubbles with one of those soapy bubble kits. The telephone rings. Marcela yells at him and tells him to go to the meeting room. On his way out, he gets his sunglasses and a magazine to read during the meeting. Hugo is upset that she is yelling at him and tells her that he is glad that he is not her husband. While they are waiting for Hugo, Guiterrez offers to get a drink for Betty. Once Hugo arrives he wants to know what Armando and Mario are doing there. Marcela orders him sit beside her. Hugo asks if he can be named president since there is no requirement. Marcela tells him that he is correct. She says that no qualities are required to become president. Nicolas glances at Betty. Armando gets a tad upset and asks if they should start the meeting. Betty tells them of her mission to put the company back in order in half the amount of time.
Subject: ***SUMMARY*** Thursday, March 1 Author: Lupita (12.0.36.227) Date: 03-02-2001 11:09 Betty informs the committee meeting that Eco Moda's international sales need to be strengthened, particularly at the unprofitable Palm Beach location. A belligerent Marcela objects. Betty, in a conciliatory tone, suggests adding a warehouse to handle additional volume, thus increasing their presence in the market. They could then supply additional boutiques in the area and increase sales. She gives the floor to Nicolas, who explains the advantages of adding a warehouse in the area, since the government is offering attractive export incentives. Hugo bristles at this suggestion, claiming that his exclusive designs will be available on every street corner. "Exactly" replies Betty "Eco Moda can't have the luxury of only exclusive designs. We need to move volume". Armando agrees and goes on to say that Betty's plan meshes well with the new strategy he and Mario have devised. His new strategy is to sell Eco Moda franchises all over Latin America. He states that despite its financial problems, Eco Moda's image is intact in the marketplace. He mentions that Eco Moda's distribution system is an integral part of being able to market itself internationally. Marcela's hostility increases when Betty mentions that they also need to make fundamental changes in the way Eco Moda brands their product and in their advertising strategy. Marcela starts to object, but, at Armando's insistence, agrees to listen to what Betty has to say. Meanwhile, Sandra tells Freddy to move some boxes out of Mario's office. Freddy is offended at having to do grunt work and claims the Cuartel is out to get him because he broke up with Aura Maria. Back in the conference room, Betty is saying that, up to now, Eco Moda has been very conservative in the way it does business. Hugo huffily says that Eco Moda is what it is today only because of his designs. "You may have gotten rid of the glasses, shaved your mustache and murdered your old hairdresser, but that doesn't give you the right to teach ME about fashion! What? Now I'm going to have to design for ugly women?" he bristles. "Yes, that's the idea" replies Betty calmly. "That's the new strategy." Hugo pales, grabs at the chair and staggers against the blinds. "Get me a valeriana….It can't be….Inesita…" He manages to sit down. Betty asks him point blank if he doesn't feel capable of designing for less than perfect women. After all, she proceeds to say, there are many more plain women in the world than there are beautiful women. Hugo replies that the sheer numbers of ugly women are what make his esthetic stand out and be so exceptional. As Betty continues to expound her ideas, Marcela starts to look interested, in spite of herself. Mario and Armando look at Betty in admiration.
Gutierrez nods off. Betty explains how Eco Moda must address the needs of the average woman by making designs that fit and look well on a less than perfect body. She suggests adding a fashion consulting service in their stores to help women choose the most becoming designs. This idea, she says, makes good business sense and will ultimately increase sales. Hugo has calmed down and makes a valid point: that women are vain and will not purchase a dress unless it is modeled by a beautiful woman. He goes on to say that Betty can't change established fashion concepts overnight. Betty agrees, saying that she simply plans to target the average woman and meet their needs as consumers. Marcela asks if she's done a study to support this. Betty replies that it's based on the experience of thousands of women, herself included. She goes on to describe her own humiliating shopping experiences as an ugly woman. Her sad story doesn't seem to affect anyone except Armando, who looks as if Betty just sunk another dagger into him, by indirectly emphasizing his heartlessness and cruelty towards her. As Betty finishes, Armando enthusiastically backs Betty's plans, stating that in conjunction with his franchise idea, Eco Moda now has a viable and attractive business plan. Hugo is still offended, however, and continues to refuse to design for ugly women. Betty craftily pulls his strings by suggesting that he does not have the ability to rise to the task. Hugo swallows the bait "Look, doctora, I have all the esthetic requirements to design for any woman!" "Yes, I know you can. And Eco Moda must show the world that we can make an ugly woman look fashionable". "And exactly how do you want me do this?" asks Hugo. "By dressing the Cuartel de las Feas!" Betty answers, as jaws drop around the table.
Subject: *****SUMMARY – FRIDAY, 03/02/01***** Author: Tuly (166.72.68.6) Date: 03-04-2001 14:22 *****SUMMARY – FRIDAY, 03/02/01***** Sofía and Bertha hear a strange sound emanating from the boardroom, like a high-pitched strangled yell, and speculate on what it could be … they likely attribute it to Hugo Lombardi. Of course they are right … Hugo has just reacted to Betty's plan to design for El Cuartel. Freddy and Sandra come by with the tall stack of boxes Freddy has removed from Mario's office [eating spinach lately, Freddy? :o)] and Sandra asks him to set them down in front of Bertha's desk while they await further direction on their permanent relocation. Out of the boardroom comes Hugo yelling for his tea (valeriana), and Inesita comes running to the rescue with a cup in hand. After taking a sip, Hugo goes back into the boardroom. Hugo (disdainfully addressing Betty) – Very well, I won't resign and I'm going to show everyone of you what my genius is capable of producing. If I have to dress witches, I'll dress witches and leave them to you as an exposition, but I'll warn you that when this collection is over, I'll resign from this company!! But in order to work I have one condition, I want my fitting room model. What happened to the 'pupuchurra'? Did you hire her again? Betty – Don't worry about that, Don Hugo, I'll take care of it. Hugo (getting ready to leave) – Well then, I won't ask anyone's permission to leave because there's no one in this company from whom to ask permission. (Then he addresses Gutierrez). Excuse me, Guti-Gut! After Hugo leaves with a flourish, Betty tells Gutierrez that she would like him to go over the restructuring of the stores with Nicolás. Gutierrez asks her what Nicolás' salary should be and about the expense account of the president. Betty responds that Nicolás will earn the same salary that Olarte used to earn and as to her expense account … she will assume all costs because the company is going through austere times and the president should set the example. Gutierrez would like to know one more thing: did they reach a decision regarding the employees that arrived late? Marcela tackles this question and tells Gutierrez that no one will be fired, some of the positions will be changed that's all. Mariana will become receptionist, Aura Maria will become her secretary, Sofía will be Dr. Mora's secretary, Sandra will be secretary to both Armando and Mario, and Bertha and Inesita will remain in their current positions. "And what about Patricia Fernández?" Gutierrez asks. Marcela answers that Patricia will now be her secretary … we see a sly smile illuminate Armando's face. :o) Gutierrez is further informed that each one of these employees, including Patricia, will be docked one day's pay for their tardiness and a corresponding comment will be included in their personnel files. Marcela then asks if the meeting is over and Betty informs them all that there will be a future meeting to approve the proposals laid out at this meeting. Marcela's reaction is, "To study the proposals, not to approve them!" Betty immediately disavows her of this notion and tells her, "To approve them. Otherwise, my remaining as president of this company makes no sense." After this is said, Betty tells them all that the meeting is officially over. Betty walks into her old office, now Don Hermes' office, as her father is finishing up and getting ready to leave. He tells her that he's gone over all of the figures and they seem to be fine. Betty tells him that he doesn't have to be in such a hurry to do it all, but he reminds her that it's always better for everything to be clear. He asks Betty how everything went in the meeting, and Betty avoids an answer with specifics by just answering, "Fine, father." She accompanies Don Hermes out. Outside in the hallway, El Cuartel is speculating about what took place at the meeting … were they fired? At the same time, Patricia is on the phone with her father telling him the same thing … that her future at EcoModa is uncertain. As Don Hermes and Betty come out and pass Patricia, Patty makes an effort to be nice to him and says a nice goodbye [she certainly knows where here bread is buttered :o)] As Don Hermes is about to walk into the elevator, he bumps into Jenny who is coming out of the elevator … Don Hermes can't help but notice Jenny's attributes as she excuses herself. When he leaves, Jenny can't hold back her curiosity and asks Patricia about the identity of Hermes. Patricia tells her that that is Betty's father and Jenny smiles. She tells Patricia that she will wait to speak to Betty. What does she have up her sleeve? Betty asks El Cuartel to come into her office to discuss what happened at the meeting. Once there, Betty tells them, to their great relief, that they weren't fired (smiles break out all around), but that they will receive a punishment: one day's pay will be docked from their paycheck. Some start to whine, but both Mariana and Inesita step up to bat and thank Betty for sticking up for them and saving their jobs. The rest have no alternative but to follow suit. Then Betty informs them that their jobs will change a little and informs them that Sandra will be Mario and Armando's secretary [Sandra comments that she will have to get earplugs to tune out Don Armando's screams :o)], Sofia will be Nicolás' secretary (Sofia is happy at the news … she seems to like Nicolás), Aura Maria will become Betty's secretary, Mariana will move down to reception (but she is assured this is only a temporary move until a new division is created in the company for which she has Mariana in mind), and Inesita and Bertha will remain in their current jobs. Everyone will retain their same salary. As El Cuartel is heading out the door, Sandra asks Betty who will sit next to her if Mariana will move down to reception? They are sure that the Peliteñida has been fired! But Betty explains that she was not, and that she will now be Doña Marcela's secretary and will occupy Mariana's spot. El Cuartel is shocked to hear this and Sandra can't believe that her worst enemy will be sitting next to her. I can only imagine the battles these two will have! Overall, though, El Cuartel is grateful and Inesita makes a special point of thanking Betty again as she closes the door. Betty asks Sofia to stay behind … she has something she'd like to discuss with her. In the meantime, Marcela tells Patricia that she will have a new job … she will no longer be 'secretaria de presidencia', she will now be her secretary. Patricia, of course, is not happy with the move … especially when she finds out that she will be sitting next to Sandra. In Presidencia, Betty tells Sofía that that Jenny will come back to work at EcoModa … Hugo Lombardi almost quit during the meeting and that was the only condition that he put to his staying. Betty asks Sofia for her understanding and cooperation because her hands are tied. Sofia, though extremely unhappy at the news, has no choice but to accept Betty's decision. Out in the hallway right outside the boardroom, Gutierrez asks Armando to remove his things from Presidencia because Betty wants to start using the office right way. Armando tells him to get someone to remove them for him. Jenny comes out of Betty's office and immediately heads over to Jenny, who is still waiting to see Betty, and tells her that Betty will see her now. Gutierrez tells Freddy that Don Armando's things must be removed from Betty's office and to please tell someone from the technical department to remove Don Armando's computer and bring a new one for Dra. Beatriz. Freddy leaves to do as he's bid. Gutierrez then turns around and spies Nicolás, who is standing around, and tells him that he will be at his service. When Gutierrez leaves, Nicolás starts rubbing his stomach [it's obvious he misses Doña Julia's cooking :o)] and Bertha asks him if something is wrong. He answers that he's only a little hungry and asks Sofía to order him the following: jugo de mora, two buñuelos and two empanadas. As he turns around to go back into his office, he tells Sofia to remember the order because that is his everyday snack. When Nicolás leaves, Bertha remarks that it seems that Nicolás eats more than she does … how does he manage to remain so thin? :o) In Presidencia, Betty tells an exhuberant Jenny that she has been rehired at EcoModa as a fitting room model for Don Hugo. As Sofía smiles and thanks her, Betty warns her not to bother Sofía and to make sure to leave her alone. Jenny rises to leave and Freddy and the technician [who's at eye level with Jenny's attributes and can't help but stare :o)] arrive. Betty asks Freddy to remove everything single belonging of Don Armando and she goes to sit on the couch while he starts the job. The technician advises her that he's also taking the computer away and will bring her a new one. Betty tells him that fine and continues making notes on the sofa. Meanwhile, Freddy has packed Armando's pictures, his oversized jacks, and a few files in a box. He tells Betty that he thinks he is done … or is there anything else she can think of? Betty immediately rises from the couch and tells him that there is. She heads over to the file cabinet, opens the bottom drawer and takes out the black garbage bag. She hands it over to Freddy and tells him to get rid of it -- FREEZE! To be continued …
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USA 3/5-9/01. no episode on the 7th. The secretaries take up their new positions and there are some funny scenes between the "giraffe" and Patricia as they mark off their territories. Betty and Nicolas leave to buy a car, with her money for her own use, followed by Mario and Armando. Patricia tells Marcie who is sure that Armando is meeting Betty. Hugo has Ines take the measurements of the cuartel. The "giraffe" while going through the boxes of Mario's papers finds the letter he sent to Armando about Betty. She starts reading it, tells the cuartel. They all listen and try to work out what it all means. Nicolas wants Betty to buy Patricia's car but she doesn't. They both get cell phones. Sofia finds out more and fills the cuartel in on the info re Terra Moda. While talking in the bathroom about Marcela, Betty and Armando, the former walks in.
La Opinión, 3/11/01. Solo telenovelas [summary of previous week] Laura López BETTY LA FEA KVEA, Canal 52, lunes a viernes, 8:00 p.m. A Hugo no le quedó más remedio que aceptar el reto que le hizo Betty de vestir a las muchachas del cuartel. De lo contrario su reputación como diseñador quería por los suelos. También hubo muchos cambios en el personal. Patricia pasó a ser la secretaria de Marcela, Aura María es ahora secretaria de presidencia y Mariana cambió a recepción. Bertha continuó con Gutiérrez y Sandra sigue siendo la secretaria de Mario y ahora también de Armando. Betty pasó a ocupar al oficina que antes era de Armando, volviendo a ella una infinidad de recuerdos, pero la mayoría de ellos muy tristes. Betty no quería saber nada de Armando, sin embargo Marcela estaba supercelosa... cualquier movimiento de Armando la hacía pensar que era para encontrarse con Betty. Gutiérrez ordenó sacar todas las cosas de las oficinas de Armando y Mario, para pasarlas a otro lugar. Un montón de cajas estaban en el pasillo, lo que causó enojo en Gutiérrez y le pide a Sandra que revise las cajas para separar lo que es importante. En eso estaban, las chicas del cuartel cuando en una carpeta se encontraron con la carta que Mario le había dejado a Armando con las instrucciones. Todo estaba muy claro ahora para ellas... las dudas que tenían respecto a la destitución de Armando como presidente de Eco Moda, la salida por la puerta de atrás de Betty y ahora el regreso, pero ya como presidenta... ya todo había salido a la luz. Incluso que Betty y Armando habían sido amantes. Mientras esto sucedía en Eco Moda... Betty y Nicolás compraban un auto nuevo, pero pagado con el sueldo de Betty. Ningún gasto correría por la empresa... incluso su celular, si llegara a tener uno.
Subject: Summary, Monday March 5, 2001 Author: Maria (168.221.171.242) Date: 03-06-2001 14:49 Betty La Fea Summary March 5, 2001 Armando and Mario are in Mario's office getting settled in. They are discussing Betty and how she seems to have come in with a great deal of confidence. Marcela comes into the office to see if Armando is leaving. He informs her that he and Mario have some errands to run. Just then, Freddy comes in with a box that contains Armando's belongings from his office and the infamous "black bag." Marcela sees the black bag and asks him why he stills has it. Armando informs her that she was the one who brought it to his office. After some more of Marcela's recriminations, Armando instructs Freddy to put the black bag in the trash! Marcela continues and tells Armando that she wasn't pleased with his agreement regarding all of Betty's propositions. Armando tells Marcela that she herself knows that Betty's ideas are good and they're just what they need. Nicolas and Betty are in her office talking. Nicolas suggests that Betty make her mom the supervisor of the cafeteria in EcoModa. He misses her cooking. Betty dismisses the ides. Betty asks Nico to accompany her to buy a new car. This one she tells him will be more in accordance with the austerity program at EcoModa. Aura Maria is moving all her things and complains about the lack of gentlemen to help. After some coaxing, Freddy comes to her aid. When Aura Maria arrives at Patricia's desk to put her things down, she notes that Patricia hasn't yet moved her things out. They get into a confrontation. The phone rings and Aura Maria and Patty fight over who should answer the call. Patty finally commandeers the phone and answers it. Patty gives the phone to Aura Maria. Betty is on the phone and wants her to get a hold of Catalina Angel. Betty speaks to Cata and updates her on everything that has happened to her. Dona Catalina can't believe that Betty is the new president of EcoModa and promises her to go see for herself. Betty asks Cata to come help her with the launching of the new collection. Yenny and Nicolas run into each other and Nicolas introduces himself as the new vice president of finance. Yenny is her usual flirtatious self. Patty is on the phone talking to her dad about her difficulty getting to work. She is trying to convince him to give her a lift to work each day. She sees Nicolas and tells her dad she's just seen the man who is responsible for all her troubles. She gets off the phone and gives him a lengthy discourse on how he lied and cheated her. Nicolas tells Patty that he still remembers her. Patty asks Nicolas to hold the box she is carrying. When he does she smacks him hard. Nicolas continues flirting with Patty and she asks him to hold the box again—but this time Nico says no. When Patty gets to her new desk, she and Sandra have a go at it. Sandra draws a line on the floor separating their work areas and tells Patty she best not step over it. They get into an altercation and start choking each other. Betty and Nicolas are walking toward the elevator and observe the exchange. Betty tells them that she will not permit this type of behavior. Both Sandra and Patty tell Betty that they are just welcoming each other. They smile and pretend to be hugging each other. Nicolas and Betty leave to look at cars. Marcela walks out of her office and Patty runs toward her and asks her what's happening. Marcela tells Patty that she believes that Armando and Betty are going to meet each other somewhere. To be continued………………………… Subject: ***Summary - Tuesday, March 6, 2001*** Author: Becky A. (63.62.170.226) Date: 03-07-2001 00:32 AT THE ELEVATOR Patricia and Marcela are continuing their conversation, in which, Marcela had asked where Betty had gone and then commented about her suspicions that Armando and Betty were planning on meeting outside of the office. Patricia doesn't understand what she is talking about, but Marcela tells her that she knows perfectly what she is talking about. Marcela, angry, takes off and as Patricia tries to follow she is stopped by Sandra. IN FRONT OF PATRICIA'S NEW DESK AND SANDRA'S DESK Sandra jumps out in front of Patricia and she halts her in her tracks. Sandra wants to know where they had left off . Aura Maria butts in, pokes Patricia on the arm and wants to know where they left off. Patricia turns around and pokes her on her chest, Aura Maria looks surprised, and tells her to be careful. She faces Sandra and informs her that she will return and they can continue their conversation. Sandra warns her not to delay. IN MARCELA'S OFFICE As Patricia bursts in, Marcela is watching a fashion show. (In the background Gwyneth Paltrow's and Huey Lewis' are singing their new song. The one that has the words, "If you want it, you got it, forever".) Patricia, with her speedy voice, demands to know if she believes that Armando and Betty have begun seeing each other again and if Betty has broken her promise. Patricia says that she would not find it strange if she broke the promise. Marcela turns around from watching the television and admits that there are some strange things happening at Eco Moda. First, Betty allows Armando to have an office when she claimed that she wanted him as far away as possible. Second, Armando agreed and backed all of her reforms for marketing. (Patricia's eyes grow wide and you can see the white portions of her eyes.) Patricia is shocked the Betty has gone into Marcela's department. She asks Marcela, "Did she go into your area"? "Yesss", Marcela answers. Patricia wants to know if Marcela just sat there with her arms crossed. Marcela reminds her that she just informed her that Armando backed Betty's reform plans. Patricia asks who is Armando, he does not exist and he is not President. According to Patricia, he is just someone watching from the sidelines. Patricia tells Marcela that she needs to do something. Marcela informs her that there is nothing that she can do, because Betty threatened to quit. Patricia tells her to let her. Marcela says that she doesn't understand, Betty can't leave. Patricia looks a little taken aback and tells Marcela that she can "capture and understand it". What she can also capture and understand is that Betty is trying to humiliate her, bore her, take her out of the company, but most of all she want's Armando back. Patricia gets up to leave but before doing so she says, "She's finished with you! She tore you into pieces! She buried you!" (Patricia does the sign of the cross as though blessing Marcela.) Marcela tells her to stop mortifying her. Patricia tells her that she is doing it to herself. Wasn't Marcela the one that just told her what Betty had done to her in the meeting, that Betty is not finished with her and her suspicions that Betty and Armando could be deceiving her again. Patricia tells her that Mario left with Armando and Nicolas with Betty. Marcela says of course, Mario probably made the date for Armando and Nicolas is covering for Betty. He already admitted that he had previously done so. Patricia doesn't want to be reminded of Nicolas. Marcela tells the story of how Freddy was sent by Betty to Armando's office with the black trash bag full of the gifts that he had given Betty. She tells her that he instructed Freddy to throw it away. Patricia wants to know what she thinks of this act. Marcela thinks that it is a way to provoke him and then they both leave the office. She finds it all too strange.
ON A STREET IN BOGOTA Betty and Nicolas are walking and Betty is explaining to Nicolas why she returned the bag to Armando. Nicolas asks her why she didn't she throw the bag away. She explains that those items were her life, she loved them and they were sacred to her. (Nicolas puts his arm out to help Betty down the curb and cross the street.) She tells him that it was a hard decision for her to make, that is why she decided to return them to him. Let him make the decision. (Nicolas again puts his arm out to help her up the curb.) Nicolas tells her that with Armando being at the office it is going to be very hard on her. Betty assures Nicolas that she did not permit Armando to stay at Eco Moda in order to have him close by. She had promised herself never to seek vengeance against him and not allowing him back into the office would kill him. Nicolas tells her to that she needs to recognize that Armando, with a stubborn head acted like one of those "galans in the telenovelas" and backed her plan. She said that it benefits him to do so. She tells him that she doesn't want any of them to think that she is taking advantage of her position and that is why she wants to purchase the car with her own money. She wants to be able to move and escape Eco Moda whenever the need arises. They continue into the dealership's showroom and the salesman approaches them and Betty asks to see a certain car that she had previously viewed. AT
THE MINISTRY (Armando and Mario are going down the stairs.) While Armando is telling Mario how hurt he was to have to throw away his gifts to Betty, Mario has turned around to look at a girl that has passed by him. Armando continues by saying that he realizes that the gifts meant nothing but deceit to Betty, but to him they were memories and had turned into honest things. Mario talks about how all his literature was thrown away. He gives Armando compliments on the cards that he wrote. Armando tells him to stop bothering him and that he can't stand the thought of having to give Betty up for the rest of his life. He is starting to second guess the decision of having an office at Eco Moda. Mario says that they are poor and Armando tells him that they need to spend the least possible time at the office. Armando's telephone rings and he shows Mario that it is Marcela. Marcela begins asking all types of questions, where are you, who are you with and where do you plan on going next. Armando answers her questions, but wants to know why she wants this information. Marcela gets upset that he asks why. She says in order to organize her life. He tells her not to get angry. He tells her that if she has the right to ask him those questions, then he has the right to know why. He finally tells her that he is on his way to Eco Moda and then they can go to her apartment if that is what she wishes.
MARCELA'S OFFICE Patricia wants to know what he said. Once she tells her, Patricia wants to know if she was able to prove what he was saying was true. Marcela is curious as to how she would be able to prove if he was lying or no. Patricia tells her that it is easy. She tells Armando that her battery is running low and then she needs to call him at a telephone at the Ministry's office. Marcela tells her that she is not going to play those games. Marcela sits down, frustrated and throws her hands to her head, she says that she can't take this hell anymore. She's tempted to take all her belongings and resign. Patricia says that if she resigns, she resigns and asks Marcela to take her with her and not to leave her there. AT THE MINISTRY Armando tells Mario that he doesn't know what Marcela wants or is planning. She also didn't ask that he and Mario be together. Mario reminds him that for Marcela that is not a guarantee and that he also isn't going to be with Betty, since she is at Eco Moda's.
IN FRONT OF AURA MARIA'S NEW DESK Aura Maria is telling her Freddy problems to Sandra. Patricia shows up and Sandra gets upset because she has crossed the line. Patricia becomes upset and begins to clean the line off the floor. While she is bending over, almost showing everything, two young male workers are staring at her butt from the elevator. Patricia notices and asks what they are looking at. They get into the elevator and leave. Sandra becomes upset that Patricia is erasing the line and begins to redraw the line. Sandra warns her that she will kill her if she crosses the line. Patricia draws a second line and threatens her life. They begin to fight over the piece of chalk. As they are fighting Marcela walks by and notices the line. She demands to know who drew it in order to sanction that individual, neither answer. Marcela threatens that if they are fighting and going to tear up the reception area she will impose a sanction and move them to different departments. Patricia tells her that they are not fighting. Sandra informs her that they are taking measurements in order to make both of them more comfortable. Marcela orders that they clean up the line.
BY THE ELEVATOR As Marcela heads towards the elevator the doors open. Sophia, Bertha and Mariana are in the elevator laughing. As they come out they greet Marcela and Bertha notices the line and wants to know what happened. Marcela again orders for them to clean up the line. Inesita comes calling for the Cuartel tells them that Hugo needs them in his workroom. They yell, "Us!". Marcela tells them to go. Patricia wants to know if she is required to go. Marcela says no and again orders them to clean up the line. After Marcela leaves, Patricia tells Sandra that she needs to clean it up. Sandra tells her she'd rather die first. Sandra informs her that by the time she returns from Hugo's she expects it to be cleaned up. Patricia tells her to keep dreaming and that she wasn't born to clean floors but that it fits Sandra
HUGO'S WORKROOM Hugo is measuring Jenny and telling her how much he missed her. She then tells him that she missed him. Jenny grabs his cheeks to pinch them and he tells not to touch him because he is liable to poke her with the pin. He tells her that he is all nerves and she wants to know why. He says that he is having to do something that goes against his style. The Cuartel walks in and Inesita informs him that the girls are there. "Girls", says Hugo, "my grandmother". He orders them to take off their jackets and shawls. (Sandra covers up with her jacket.) He tells them that he wants to see very little clothing on them. Bertha, with a big smile, wants to know what they are going to do to them. Hugo tells them that he wants to see them naked and laughs. (Jenny joins in his laughter.) He immediately tells them not to be crazy that he does want to end up blind. He orders Inesita to rapidly take their measurements. They want to know why. He tells them so that they can appear in National Geographic. (Hugo and Jenny laugh again.) He tells them that he has taken on a job of the same magnitude as the Titanic. He is too dress them well. "What!", thet all say in unison. He says that he realizes that it is crazy and absurd, but he has to do it. He says that his imagination is going to be at its maximum. He asks Inesita to take the measurements because he doesn't want to touch them. Sophia tells him to wait a minute. Is he saying that they are badly dressed. Each one of the Caurtel explains how she believes that she is dressed in style. (Hugo is laughing.) They are upset about his comment. Hugo says with a tone that is apologetic, "No, no, no, I have never said that you dressed bad." (This makes the Cuartel a bit happier.) Hugo continues, "You don't even get dressed. You just throw rags over yourselves to cover your bodies." (He and Jenny laugh.) He informs them that this is not his idea, but Betty's. Sophia wants to know what is going on with Betty and Bertha comments that Betty must know think that she comes from a better family. Inesita tells them not to misinterpret what Betty is doing and that the Company is going to dress them in nice clothing made by a famous designer. Hugo tells Inesita that she will also be dressed. "Me", say Inesita. Hugo asks if they agree to accept. He tells them if they don't that would take away numerous problems away from him and he would be thankful. Sandra says that they accept, but that Betty will have to explain. Hugo asks for some large instrument in order to measure Bertha. MARCELA'S OFFICE Patricia walks in and wants to know why the Cuartel is meeting with Hugo. After Marcela explains, Patricia says that they can't do this to her. She says that it would have been easier to fire them and hire women that have more class. Marcela tells her to explain it to Betty. Patricia wants to know if they are going to dress her. Marcela explains that Betty does not believe that she is dressed badly and since Eco Moda's clothing is not her style. Patricia tells her that was another period and she is her best friend. Now she rides the bus, she's bankrupt and her hose are torn. Patricia says that if Hugo dresses her, he will have to design outfits that are exclusively for her because she can't wear the same uniform as the rest of the Cuartel. Marcela tells her to tell Betty and see if she will include her in her plans. She asks her to leave her office so that she can work. She also tells her that the next time she sees her desk she expects that line to be wiped off of the floor. Patricia insulted, tells her that instead of asking Hugo to dress her why doesn't she ask Guiterrez for one of those aprons that they provide for the housekeeping crew. She leaves Marcela's office crying.
BY BERTHA'S DESK Guiterrez is by her desk on his walkie talkie want to know what has happened with the rat poison. The Cuartel is on their way back and Sandra is commenting on how they have to be careful with Hugo. Just as he is capable of making a woman beautiful, he is also capable of making her ugly. Guiterrez yells to Bertha and demands to know why Mario's boxes have not been removed from in front of her desk. Bertha says that she didn't know what to do. Guiterrez then yells at Sandra and asks if he did not order her to review the boxes and throw away what was not needed. Mariana is wondering if they will have to pay for their clothing. Sophia says that she can't afford it. Aura Maria says that if they plan on dressing them on a daily basis the Company will have to pay for it. Sophia asks Sandra her opinion (Sandra is reading some of Mario's documents with a strange look on her face.) Sophia continues to say that with Sandra being so tall, lots of material will be needed and that will cost the Company a great deal of money. They ask her what she is reading. Sandra says that he doesn't understand but it is a budget from the last meeting. She is reading a letter from Mario to Armando, "My Dear President, Here are the instructions so that you can continue your routine of horror with Betty........
Subject: *****SUMMARY – FRIDAY, 03/09/01***** Author: Tuly (166.72.126.109) Date: 03-10-2001 09:23 *****SUMMARY – FRIDAY, 03/09/01***** Due to her perilous and ever-worsening financial condition, Patricia resorts to calling her ex-husband, Mauricio Briggman, to ask him for financial help. The call is answered by his secretary and Patricia asks her to tell Mr. Briggman that his "wife" is on the phone. It seems that the secretary tells Patricia that she cannot be his wife because Mr. Briggman is currently in a meeting with his wife ... judging by her reaction, the fact that her ex has remarried is obviously news to Patty. At Aura María's desk, Aura María and Sandra listen to Patricia's conversation and make fun of her situation. :o) Meanwhile, Patricia concedes to Mr. Briggman's secretary that she is the ex-wife. In response to whatever the secretary says, Patricia angrily answers, "What do you mean the witch?!?!" – it seems that that is Mr. Briggman's pet name for his ex-wife. :o) Patricia, now angry, barks out an order to the secretary to just put her through. While Patricia is holding to speak to her ex, El Cuartel gathers in the corridor and they agree that it's time to go to their boardroom so that Sofía can give them a detailed analysis of the report rendered at the meeting. Once in the bathroom, Sofía informs them that it seems that Eco Moda owes Terra Moda the sum of 96 billion pesos. The girls instantly recognize the name of Terra Moda as being the company that Nicolás used to manage and they wonder why such a rich man would now be working at Eco Moda. Meanwhile, at her desk, Patricia finally gets put through to her ex-husband and demands that he help her out financially. She reminds him that when they got married it was "for better or for worse" and she explains that she's in dire need of financial help and he is still bound by those vows ... she claims that it was until death due them part and not divorce (she's really ingenious, isn't she?). Betty and Nicolás walk into a cell phone store ... apparently Betty has given in to Nicolás' suggestion that they each need one. They ask the attendant to show them the various models of phones that they have available and Nico, of course, goes for the flashiest looking one ... a silver model. He asks the attendant to get out from behind her desk so that Betty can look at him with the phone and give her opinion (he's really only doing it so he can see the attendant's legs while she strolls the store waiting for him). Betty tells him he looks great with the phone and suggests that he buy that model. On the other hand, Betty chooses the most inexpensive model available. The attendant offers them various plans ... Betty goes with the least expensive one and Nicolás is left with no choice but to follow suit. Back at EcoModa, since it seems that Mr. Briggman is not willing to cooperate, Patricia tells him that she still uses his name and everyone knows that she's his ex-wife and it will make him look bad once she starts telling everyone the way he left her in misery. Apparently Mr. Briggman has heard enough because he hangs up on his darling ex-wife. :o) As Patty stares and yells indignantly at the phone, Betty and Nicolás exit the elevator ... Betty asks Patricia what the matter is. Without realizing that Betty is the one asking the question, Patricia automatically begins to blab her story of woe, but she soon realizes who she's talking to and instead nicely answers, "I have problems, Betty, just problems." Noticing that no one seems to be around, Betty asks Patricia where El Cuartel is and Patricia is happy to oblige and tell her that they are in the bathroom and they have spent almost the entire day there in a meeting. Just then, a cleaning lady walks by carrying a black garbage bag ... Betty notices it and asks her if she's taking that to the dumpster and the cleaning lady answers affirmatively. Betty's face acquires a look of sadness ... Armando getting rid of the 'detalles' seems to be affecting her rather more than she thought it would.
Patricia snaps Betty out of her thoughts by telling her that she needs to speak with her, but Betty tells her that she can't just at the moment and asks Patricia to send El Cuartel in to Presidencia. As Betty walks away, Nicolás seizes the moment and tells Patricia that he would like to see her in his office later, he has to talk to her (Nicolás seems to be holding something inside his trench coat). In response, Patricia looks at him with disdain. When Betty is about to enter her office, Nicolás catches up to her and asks her if the black garbage bag was the one with the 'detalles' (is that the only black garbage bag in EcoModa???). Betty assents and asks her if she expected Armando not to get rid of it. Betty responds that she expected him to get rid of it, but she still held out the slim hope that he'd want to keep it. :o( In the bathroom, Sofía tells El Cuartel that Nicolás is obviously not a rich man and she surmises that Armando and Mario somehow used Betty in some unethical moves and Betty brought in her boyfriend (Nicolás) into the picture. While the girls are now seeing a more clear picture of what took place during the "upheaval days" of THE BOARD MEETING at EcoModa, they still don't have all of the facts and not everything makes sense to them ... they especially question how this letter came into Betty's hands. Sandra then remembers the blue bag that she found in Mario's office and which she gave to Betty, but which Betty brought back not much later and asked her not to say that she had ever seen the bag. It was after that, Sandra adds, that Betty started crying like Mary Magdalene. Mariana adds that she thinks she has the perfect way in which to go about getting the rest of the information out of Betty to complete the puzzle. What could it be ... another tarot card reading? Marcela walks out of her office and, upon also noticing that no one seems to be at their desks, asks Patricia where El Cuartel is. Patricia immediately runs the bus on them and ironically tells her that they must not be feeling well because they've spent the entire day in the bathroom. Marcela immediately heads in the direction of the bathroom. As Marcela enters the bathroom, Sofía tells the rest of the girls, "Can you imagine Doña Marcela's face upon finding out that an ugly woman, a woman as ugly as Betty, stole her fiance?" Everyone burst out in laughter ... everyone, that is, except Marcela (whom the girls haven't seen yet). Sofía continues her jokes by imitating Marcela's looks, moves and voice when she finds out the horrible truth. Just then, Marcela makes her presence known and all of the girls totally freeze, not knowing what to say ... they've been cauth red-handed. Sofía comes to her senses first and assures Marcela that they weren't talking about her, but about a soap opera (what else?). However, Marcela doesn't buy the story and tells them that she knows she is the subject of gossip all over EcoModa and tells them that if they've got anything to say to her, they should say it to her face and not behind her back. The girls are all frightened out of their wits because their jobs could be on the line once again and they all say they've got nothing to say to her and, one by one, they start exiting the bathroom, leaving an angry Marcela staring after them. Armando and Mario get off the elevator as El Cuartel comes out of the bathroom and they immediately start whispering to each other about what he did to Betty. Armando notices their whispering and when he asks if anything is wrong, they smile and say that there isn't and start to head toward their respective desks. But Patty stops them and tells them that Betty awaits them in Presidencia. As El Cuartel heads off in that direction, a surprised Armando asks Patricia whether Betty is back and Patricia confirms that she came back a while ago with Nicolás. Marcela, who has just come out of her office to hear this last question made by Armando, cynically says, "As if you didn't know that already," and gives him a killer look. Armando, a little perturbed, answers, "No, I didn't know that. Calderón, let's get to work in your office." Mario and Armando walk away in the direction of their office. When they are alone once again, Marcela tells Patricia: Marcela -- Patricia, I think that Beatriz has told all, El Cuartel knows everything that happened between Armando and her (referring to Betty). Patricia -- Why did you trust her? Marce, did you know that the thief that we now have as vice president of finance asked me to come into his office. Why do you think that is? Marcela -- Go ahead and find out. (Ironically) Maybe he'll give you a raise. Call me when El Cuartel comes out of Presidencia. Patricia (referring to the possibility of a raise) -- Could it be?!? :o) In her office, Betty discusses the clothes that Hugo will be designing for El Cuartel and asks them for their cooperation with the project since it implies a high cost to the company. She also tells them that she knows they've spent a lot of time in the bathroom today and asks them not to continue doing it because that will give Doña Marcela grounds to take action against them. She then asks what the reason for the meeting was, and they all look at each other and evasively answer that it was just gossip, regular run-of-the-mill gossip ... In Mario's office, Mario tells Armando that he's going to have to start taking Marcela everywhere with him ... didn't he notice that she was acting angrily because she thought he was with Betty? Armando firmly answers that he will do no such thing, it's bad enough that he has to put up with her in the first place. He then looks down at the waste paper basket and notices that ... the black garbage bag is gone! He remarks to Mario that they took it and Mario responds that of course they did, that's what he gets for putting up such a valiant show in front of Marcela about throwing the bag away! Did he want to keep it? Isn't it better that it's finally in the trash? Armando gets up out of his chair and heads over to a corkboard on the wall and tells Mario that yes, it's better that they took it away, he didn't want to keep it (liar!!). Immediately after he says that, he nonchalantly asks Mario if he knows when the garbage truck comes by to pick up the garbage. Mario answers, "I don't know ... it's never come to pick me up. Why???" :o) -- FREEZE! To be continued ...
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USA 3/12-16/01. Marcela accuses Betty of having broken her word and told the cuartel everything. Betty denies it and promises to find out what is going on. Armando goes through the garbage to recover the garbage bag with all the gifts exchanged between him and Betty. Everybody makes jokes about the runs in Marcie's stockings. She refuses money from Daniel but, after a first refusal, accepts a new pair of stockings from Nicolas. Daniel decides he will have to talk with Betty and asks her out to dinner, makes it a challenge "is she afraid to". When he makes another nasty comment to Patricia, Nicolas defends her and all of a sudden we see a change in her attitude toward him. Betty invites the cuartel to a meeting and ask where they got the information that Marcela overheard. They heard, Betty tells them she knows they're not telling the truth, that they aren't the friends she thought they were, and leaves. The girls talk together and decide to tell the truth; Betty returns. Sandra tells them about the letter Mario wrote and Sofia explains how she came by the financial information. Betty tells them that the letter was a bad joke in which there was no truth. A meeting is held in which they talk about the new sales outlets. Catalina attends. Mario suggests that Marcela should go to Miami for the opening and take charge of the store. Marcela doesn't like the idea. Since Hugo is planning to include some male fashions, Betty tells him to include Gutierrez in the "makeover". Armando's plans require him to travel to several countries. Pat's cellular phone service is cut off. Freddy advises her to call her lawyer to find out when he is going to pay her the difference between the value of her car and the embargo. She can't get hold of him. Nicolas continues to try to arrange to buy Patricia's car. Catalina asks Betty how she feels: confused. It is hard to have Armando around but she will miss him when he is gone. Catalina tells her that Marcel is upset because she has never contacted him.
La Opinión, 3/18/01. Solo telenovelas [summary of previous week] Laura M. López Especial para La Opinión Betty la fea KVEA, Canal 52, LUNES A VIERNES, 8:00 P.M. Armando encuentra por fin la bolsa de basura donde estaban todos los recuerdos de su relación con Betty... los detalles y las tarjetas que escribiera Mario y las pocas que él escribió cuando aún no se daba cuenta que estaba enamorado de Betty. Para él, esa bolsa de basura era un tesoro y la guardó celosamente, sin darse cuenta que también Betty la buscaba. Betty quería enterrar su pasado y por más que lo intentaba había muchas cosas a su alrededor que aún se lo recordaban. Las muchachas del cuartel encontraron la carta que Mario le envió a Armando y la sorpresa no se hizo esperar... entre ellas comenzaron a hacer deducciones de todo y llegaron a la conclusión que por eso la boda entre Marcela y Armando se había cancelado. Marcela estaba furiosa por los comentarios que se escuchaban en Eco Moda respecto a su rompimiento y le advirtió a Betty que era mejor parar esos chismes. Tampoco a Betty le convenía que se supiera lo sucedido entre ella y Armando por eso citó al cuartel a una junta. Sus amigas hacían chistes todavía respecto a eso, incluso Aura María quiso que le explicara detalle por detalle de su experiencia. Y aunque Betty no quería decirles nada, simplemente que se limitaran en sus comentarios, terminó contándoles toda la verdad. Ese mismo día, en la junta del comité, Catalina les dijo que el cambio de Betty se debía a ella, ante la sorpresa de todos. Hugo se quiso pasar de listo y se sentó en el lugar destinado al presidente de la empresa, no sin antes lanzar sus comentarios hirientes hacia Betty. Pero la inteligencia de Betty fue más rápida y tan directa, que hizo a todos analizar que la muchacha no sería un títere en sus manos. Catalina estaba más que sorprendida por la seguridad con que Betty se desenvolvía.
05-03-2001 Debido a que la programadora no ha enviado los avances de la novela, no podemos actualizar el resumen de hoy. Esperamos que disculpe el inconveniente, que trataremos de solucionar lo más pronto posible. 06-03-2001 Debido a que la programadora no ha enviado los avances de la novela, no podemos actualizar el resumen de hoy. Esperamos que disculpe el inconveniente, que trataremos de solucionar lo más pronto posible. 07-03-2001 Debido a que la programadora no ha enviado los avances de la novela, no podemos actualizar el resumen de hoy. Esperamos que disculpe el inconveniente, que trataremos de solucionar lo más pronto posible. 08-03-2001 Debido a que la programadora no ha enviado los avances de la novela, no podemos actualizar el resumen de hoy. Esperamos que disculpe el inconveniente, que trataremos de solucionar lo más pronto posible. 09-03-2001 Debido a que la programadora no ha enviado los avances de la novela, no podemos actualizar el resumen de hoy. Esperamos que disculpe el inconveniente, que trataremos de solucionar lo más pronto posible
Subject: SUMMARY Monday 3-12-01 Author: Marcia (172.134.58.181) Date: 03-13-2001 01:00 3-12-01 Monday Summary by: Marcia PRESIDENCIA EARLY EVENING Betty is sitting at her desk in deep thoughts while Miguel (the computer technician) installs her computer. When he finishes, he tells her so, but she is so deep in her thoughts that she doesn't hear him. Miguel taps her shoulder and tells her that he has finished. Betty thanks him and stares ahead again as he looks at her. Betty noticing thanks him again and he leaves. As Miguel leaves, Aura Maria walks in with a bright smile. She is carrying Betty's agendas, and Aura Maria notifies Betty that she has finished transferring all the information to her computer, therefore she is ready to make any telephone call that Betty may need. Betty thanks her and as Aura Maria turns around getting ready to leave Betty stops her. She asks her whether she knows at what time the garbage truck comes to pick up the garbage at Ecomoda. Aura Maria says, I don't know, why? Betty says, no its nothing. Aura Maria (full of enthusiasm) runs to Betty's desk and picks up the phone as she tells Betty she is going to find out. In her flirtatious manner Aura Maria asks at what time the garbage truck will come. At 7:00p.m. the person replies. Aura Maria tells Betty who says, "that means they are about to get here". Aura Maria asks her, "do you need anything?" "No no", Betty shakes her head, and Aura Maria says Ciao and leaves. HALLWAY (RECEPTION AREA 2ND FLOOR) AT ECOMODA Armando walks out of his new office and approaches the cleaning lady who is dusting the area behind Aura Maria's desk. (quietly and looking over his shoulder to make sure la peliteñida nor Sandra over hear him) he too asks at what time is the garbage truck is coming, to which she replies, it is coming at any minute now, or maybe it's already come. Armando leaves in a hurry as the cleaning lady stares him as she bites her lower lip as if she is lusting after him. As Armando leaves the phone at Sandra's desk rings; it is the call that Armando has been waiting for from Caracas, Venezuela. Sandra calls after Armando to tell him, but he ignores her and continues rushing towards the stairs. Calderon overhears Sandra calling Armando several times, and he asks her (as he comes out of his office), what is the matter?. Sandra explains, and Mario if he can receive the call. No, Mario replies, because Armando is the one who is dealing with them and knows all the details; tell them to call back in ten minutes. (As this was happening, Patricia has been flipping her long blonde hair in front of Mario's face, almost slapping him with her hair). Freddy arrives as the elevator doors open. Sandra asks him to go find Armando right away. She tells him to go find him anywhere he may be, whether it is in the second floor, or in another part of the building or somewhere in Bogota!. Freddy leaves singing. As he turns the corner, he stops singing as he sees Aura Maria who is returning to her desk (coming back from Betty's office). She has a big smile on her face, and asks him at what time he is going to take her home. Freddy replies that until he confirms that she does not have any kind of relationship with the guy she was dancing with at El Santuario, he is not going to be taking her anywhere. Sandra sees him chatting with Aura Maria and tells him to go and find Don Armando now! Aura Maria goes to her desk whining about how she is going to have to catch a bus to get home. Patricia makes fun of this fact and Aura Maria tells her that she was already used to having a 'motorized boyfriend" (something to that effect), to which Patricia tells her that she is going to have to get used to riding the bus again, something which has been created for people like her. and she (Patricia goes on to quote a song) adds, "as the song goes, if you want to get to know the people of Colombia, ride a bus" Sandra tells Patricia, I can't wait to see you on a bus, and I know that will be very soon. Never will your eyes see such a thing, Patricia replies. SOFIA AND BERTA Sofia and Berta are still gossiping about Betty and Armando. Berta: I am sure something went on between them. Sofia: Nothing surprises me anymore. (she moves her chair closer to Berta to whisper). Look, Betty had Nicolas as a boyfriend while at the same time she became Armando's lover, she ruined the marriage for Doña Marcela, and at the same time Nicolas was dating Doña Marcela's best friend, while he was Betty's boyfriend!. No, what promiscuity! Berta: No!, what a good gossip! They both laugh while you hear from his office Nicolas yelling Sofia's name asking her to go into his office. Sofia: I'm going! Sofia: (to Berta) he is more demanding than all the executives put together!) they laugh and she goes into his office.
NICOLAS' OFFICE Sofia: Yes doctor Nicolas: Sofia, how are you? Look give this to Gutierres Sofia: Anything else? Nicolas: Yes, call this cellular number and transfer it to me. (and he hands her a big envelope and a slip of paper with the cell number) Sofia: Yes doctor (Sofia leaves and Nicolas removes a magazine that is covering Patricia's picture, he picks up the frame and kisses it) Outside Sofia hands Berta the big envelope and tells her to give it to Gutierrez as soon as she sees him. Sofia then picks up the phone and dials the number Nicolas gave her. Nicolas is seen behind Sofia, (at his window opening with one hand the venetian blinds to look at Sofia as he holds his new cell phone with the other hand to his ear, as he says) Nicolas: Hello! Sofia: Yes sir, please hold a moment as I transfer you to Dr.Nicolas Mora. Nicolas: I am Nicolas Mora! Sofia: No, you are going to be talking with Nicolas Mora! Nicolas comes out of his office and stands behind Sofia as he is still talking on his cell phone Nicolas: No Sofia, you are talking to me, Nicolas Mora! Sofia: I don't understand Doctor! Nicolas: I am testing my new cell telephone, to see if it sounds good. Sofia: Oh, so is it ok? Nicolas: Yes, yes, it's perfect, you can hang up now. (he closes his phone and makes little circles in the air with it) (Berta is staring at him with an incredulous look on her face) Sofia: Doctor, do you need anything else? Nicolas: No no no, oh! yes yes yes, why don't you call me that little girl; what's her name? the blonde one?, oh, Patricia Fernandez, to come to my office, just as I told her to do so a while ago; to come quickly! Sofia: Yes of course Doctor, I will call the blonde, but little girl? Huh! . Nicolas smiles at her remark.
HALLWAY RECEPTION AREA (2nd FLOOR) Sofia approaches Aura Maria's new desk and leaning against it she calls Patricia. Sofia: Hey! ex-black haired, or better yet, peliteñida, my boss says he called you to his office and that you haven't gone yet and he's waiting. Patricia: What for? Sofia: I don't know, you ask him! NICOLAS' OFFICE Nicolas closes the venetian blinds then he puts cologne under his arms and then splashes himself with it as Patricia walks in. Patricia: Tell me what it is you need. Nicolas: Yes, Patty, last time we spoke you blamed me for you loosing your car, and I feel very badly, although I don't agree with you; I do want to help you. Patricia: You do? How are you going to help me? are you going to give me a raise or are you going to give me a loan? (she sits down crossing her legs and thus showing the big runs on her hoses) Nicolas: No no no, I can't help you in that manner, but look what I bought for you. (he shows her a new pair of panty hoses) look they were recommended to me. Do you like them? Patricia: Give them to me. (she grabs them) Nicolas takes out of the little bag a receipt and adds: Nicolas: yes Patty, and look, if they don't fit you (he hands her the receipt) you can exchange them. She takes the receipts, thanks him and immediately begins to hit him with the packaged panty hoses several times as she says: Patricia:DESGRRRRACIAAAAADO! You are not going to treat me like a poor person, did you hear me? What do you think I am, dying of hunger or something? Even if I were dying of hunger, I would not accept this from you! DESGRRRRRRRACIAAAAAAADO! I hate you Nicolas Mora! I hate you! She leaves the hoses. (Nicolas who has been protecting himself from her attack has a little smile on his face as she leaves his office). Nicolas: Patty! (he calls after her as she slams the door) Uy! Nicolas, this is what happens to you for trying to be romantic! I wonder if they fit my mother, probably so. The color is perfect too, it will cover her varicose veins. Well, I will save them for her birthday! HALLWAY Patricia is walking back to her desk angry saying outloud: Patricia: Imbecile! Sofia: (to Berta)Ahhhh! She yelled at him again! Berta: I think she even hit him!, ha ha This confirms for me that there was definitely something between those two. I think between them there was a Carnival mi hijita! ha ha Sofia: ha ha ha Patricia: (mumbling outloud to herself as she approaches her desk) This one is not going to humiliate me, no one is going to humiliate me! Sandra: Hey Patico, what's wrong, tell me what is wrong? Patricia: Are you crazy? Are you crazy? You are mad if you think I am going to tell you my problems. Sandra: Uy no, you don't need to tell me, because you are always voicing them to the four winds. We already know your ex- husband has remarried, that he doesn't send you a penny, let's see, what other problem does little Patico have; tell me? (in the background there are two unknown employees standing by the elevator, laughing at what Sandra is saying). Patricia: Look, giraffe, old maid, meddler, resentful, tall woman! Look, I have problems that you would never understand!, these are problems that only people of a certain class have, (as she says these words the elevator doors open and it's Daniel who steps behind Patricia without her knowledge, and listens to her words as he looks at her torn panty hoses). Patricia:...as I said, you would never understand these problems, so move it, move it!, let me get by. (Daniel is smiling as he was leaning down to look at Patricia's hoses closer and with a big sigh he says): Daniel: Good Evening! Patricia jumps of surprise and turns around to look at him, with her mouth opened! She quickly seats at her desk and says: Patricia: Good evening Daniel. Daniel: And Marcela, where is she? Patricia: In her office. Daniel facing Aura Maria: Daniel: Aura Maria, what are you doing there? Aura Maria stands up and smiling replies: Aura Maria: It's because I am the new secretary to the President! Daniel: Oh yes? How well, how well!, and Patricia, what are you now? Patricia: I am Marcela's secretary. Daniel: Soon we shall see you in the cafeteria, but of course this has it's advantages, for you can have a uniform that is so long that it will cover your torn hoses. Patricia: (pretending to be innocent of the situation and laughing) Oh my God!, my hoses are torn? What a surprise! Sandra: Doctor, since this morning when she arrived late, we told her about her hoses, but she has not done anything about them, what an embarrassment! Patricia sits down serious playing with her hair and embarrased. Daniel: Patricia, I could request for you a quick transfer to cafeteria. There you can wear a daily uniform that is provided to you by the company. This would solve a lot of your problems for you, because the uniforms includes shoes and hoses! Patricia: Look, Daniel Valencia, you will not humiliate me because of a simple little accident that can happen to any woman! Daniel: Yes, but any woman would have already solved the situation by buying herself a new pair of hoses. (he opens his jacket and takes out a bill from his pocket) Daniel: Here, buy yourself a new pair of hoses. Patricia: Look Daniel Valencia, I am not going to accept your money! Don't humiliate me! Daniel: Don't get confused Patricia, this is mere charity to help you solve your problem! Patricia: Well, you will see that I can solve this problems just like this! (and she snaps her fingers as she leaves her desk and goes towards Nicolas' office)
NICOLAS' OFFICE Nicolas is working at his desk when he hears someone opening his door. He gets startled and stands up. The door is quickly opened by Patricia who closes the door behind her and quickly demands! Patricia: Give me those hoses! Nicolas: Which? Patricia: The ones you offered me, Idiot! Nicolas: You want to hit me on the face with them again, Patty? Patricia: (She shakes her head in a no motion as she says) Give them to me because I need them. Nicolas: No problem, please! and he hands them to her Patricia grabs them and quickly Nicolas: Look, here's the receipt, just in case... Patricia leaves slamming the door behind her as he is telling her as Nicolas is still saying Nicolas:... you need to exchange them. Who understands them? Who understands them? (Then he looks up talking to God, and adds) Do you understand them? ha ha, You don't understand them! RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR Aura Maria (talking on the phone): ...but you can take me in your little car, right, ha ha. pause (in the background we see Patricia who is walking quickly coming from Nicolas' office with the panty hoses in hand. She goes into the bathroom) Aura Maria:...what do you mean your car is broken?, well in that case, we'll have to go out another time. (and she hangs up looking upset) Sandra: (answers a call) Vice Presidencia Comercial. (pause) Ah, yes, Doctora how embarrassing, Doctor Armando has not returned yet, it must be that he is solving a very important problem in the company. GARBAGE DUMPSITE ECOMODA BACK ALLEY Armando digging through the garbage. Armando: Damn it, My God where did they hide the bag? Two employees approach him. Employee 1: Who is that? Employee 2: It looks like Dr. Mendoza. Employee 2. Excuse me Doctor, we've come for the garbage. Armando: You two don't touch this garbage. Employee 2: It's just that the garbage truck won't return again for two days. Armando (loosing his patience and kind of yelling a little). Look Alirio, and you Parfan, big head!, didn't you understand me? I am going to have to send you a memo with a warning if you touch this garbage. Ciao, I don't want to see you here. Good- bye! The two employees leave. Armando continues squeezing bags and now it is Freddy who approaches him. Freddy: Doctor? Doctor don't tell me that you have reached such a bad economical situation now that you are having to dig through garbage! Are you getting involved with Patricia Fernandez? Armando: Freddy! Don't be idiotic! Freddy: As you command, doctor!, from this moment on, I shall cease being an idiot!. The thing is, that they are calling you from Caracas. Caracas, how I love that city! Armando (who by now has climbed on top of the garbage looks up at Freddy) Caracas! , why now? Caracas! (he shakes his head and adds) This is more urgent (as he points to the trash). Freddy: Each person has his priorities, right? Excuse me. He turns to leave and Armando says: Armando: No no no no, Freddy, it's not that... what has happened is that I have some important papers that were thrown away accidentally by the cleaning lady, so I am having to find them. That's all!. Freddy: (unbuttoning his jacket) Please doctor, don't soil your aristocratic hands, let me do it Armando: (screaming in a hurry) No, don't touch my garbage! Freddy leaves both his hands in the air in shock as Armando adds: Armando: This garbage is... mine! Freddy: Doctor, I understand that everything in the company is yours, including the trash. Continue Doctor! Armando: Could you leave me alone, Freddy? I want you to disappear, to leave, to go away! Freddy: Of course Doctor, I understand that we all need times of thoughts, and of solitude. Armando: Iron (flat) face, leave! Freddy waves good-bye as Armando once again keeps digging. He takes out of bag, which when he squeezes it, he hears the sound of the little gremlin, (the gift that he gave Betty for her birthday) ARMANDO HUGS THE BAG TIGHTLY AND A BIG SMILE COMES TO HIS FACE and he says: THANK YOU LORD! FOR HELPING ME FIND MY TRASH BAG!
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RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR Sandra is seen, as Marcela and Daniel walk in front of her. Marcela:(talking to Daniel) Wait for me a moment, I have to go discuss two things. Daniel: And I have to talk seriously with you, so please don't take too long. Marcela goes towards Presidencia. Aura Maria is sitting at her desk with a sad face. Daniel who is looking at her says: Daniel: Aura Maria, Aura Maria: (standing up) Yes Sir? Daniel:...allow me to congratulate you, this new position suits you very well! Aura Maria smiles widely and thanks him and offers her assistance, should he need it. Daniel: (smiling)We shall see! In the background, Armando arrives from the stairway, holding the trash bag. He stops suddenly, as he sees Daniel. Daniel: Don Armando! Armando: Don Daniel! (hiding the bag behind his back) Daniel... You finally found a position here that suits you! Garbage recycler! Armando: What do you think? Daniel: Congratulations! Armando: Thank-You! Sandra: Doctor (talking to Armando) they called you from Caracas, do you want me to get them on the phone? Armando: No, Sandra, later! (and he walks away) Daniel (walking towards Sandra asks her) Who is calling him from Caracas? Sandra has a worried look, as the scene changes to Armando and Mario as they talk in the conference room. They both whisper to each other the following conversation: Mario: Where have you been?, they are calling you from Venezuela! Armando: I was at the garbage dumpsite. Mario: I already smelled it! Armando: Man, I found the bag, I found the bag! Mario: That's Betty's bag? Man, you are crazy!, how can you walk around with the evidence in hand, please what will happen if she catches you!. put it in the office! Armando: Calderon, if I put it in the office, everybody is going to notice, and they are going to tell Marcela that I got it from the dumpter! Mario: So, then, what are you going to do? Armando: (after a small pause) Hand it to it's owner! Armando turns to leave, and Mario grabs him as he says (still whispering) Mario: Are you crazy? Armando: No, I'm not crazy!, I'm going to hand it to Betty! Mario: Over my dead body! PRESIDENCIA Marcela is in Betty's office sitting in front of her desk. Betty: Tell me, how can I be of service? Marcela: I have to talk to you about two things: The first is about the meeting tomorrow, and the second- you went back on your word! Betty shows a puzzled look. Marcela:...All the Cuartel already know about the beautiful story between you and Armando! Betty: (very surprised!) No!, no no, no, that can not be possible! The double doors are opened and... IT'S ARMANDO! MARCELA AND BETTY ARE BOTH LEFT STARING AT HIM VERY SURPRISED! End of tonight's episode! To be continued!
Subject: ***Summary - Tuesday, March 13, 2001*** Author: Becky A. (63.62.170.224) Date: 03-14-2001 21:42 BETTY'S OFFICE After opening the doors to Betty's office without taking the precaution of knocking, Armando is surprised to see Marcela sitting in front of Betty. They all greet each other and he says that he came to talk. He doesn't make eye contact with either one so Marcela asks if he came to speak to her. "Not precisely", he says. This answer draws a sad look from Marcela. When Armando informs Betty that he came to discuss business, Marcela states that she is there for the same reason. She invites him in. He hurriedly says no and as he is saying no he's sliding the trash bag drop down to the floor. After dropping the bag, he steps in and closes the doors just a tad in order to keep them from seeing the bag. Armando says, "After seeing you sitting there, I believe that it would be best that we talk at the meeting tomorrow. Marcela rises from her chair and offers to leave them alone. Armando says that it won't be necessary that they will talk tomorrow and closes the door on his way out. Marcela asks Betty if she had interrupted something, Betty answers no. IN THE HALLWAY Heading towards his office, Armando grabs his head in a gesture that quickly states, "That was close". On his journey, he is approached by Bertha and Sophia who offer to take the bag. He answers no. After rounding the corner and speaking to Sandra about the telephone call that is waiting for him, he is approached by Aura Maria. While offering to take the trash she tries to take it from him. He angrily says no and clings it tighter to his body. (He clings to the bag the way a running back on a football team hugs a football in order to protect it from being punched out of his hands.) ARMANDO AND MARIO'S TEMPORARY OFFICE Mario asks if Betty didn't receive the trash bag. Armando informs him that Marcela was there and that it was a disaster. Mario makes believe that his computer is a keyboard and begins to sing, "I'm a little trash bag. I'm a little trash bag." Armando gives him one of his mad looks where he looks at a person through the corner of his eyes. BETTY'S OFFICE Betty is telling Marcela that if she is not happy with the numbers that Nicolas presents she is more than welcome to refute them and propose other alternatives. Marcela answers, "Very nice", not meaning it. Betty, taking the conversation back to what the Cuartel may know about her romance, says that she doesn't know where they would have obtained the information. She does not want the story to come out. She goes on, "It is not something to be proud about and it is very painful." She informs Marcela that she has put it in her past. Marcela asks if she has forgotten about it. Betty answers, "It's something that I left in the past". Betty promises to speak to the Cuartel to find out what they know. Marcela believes it's a good idea, because they have very precise information. The Cuartel, as Marcela informs her, is going around saying that she called off the wedding due to Betty. Betty was not aware that it had been called off due to her. Marcela wants to know what she expected after Betty showed her the bag and Mario's letter. Betty reminds her that she did not want to show her the contents of the bag. Marcela had obligated her to do it. She goes on to remind her that she, Betty, was the one that wanted the bag opened in privacy. Again, Marcela states that the Cuartel knows something. Betty promises to find out what it is and to put an end to the rumors. Marcela in an angry tone, "That's perfect", gets up and walks out. After Marcela walks out of her office, Betty sighs and seems a bit nervous and states to herself, "That damn black bag". ARMANDO AND MARIO'S TEMPORARY OFFICE Mario tells Armando to stop looking ridiculous carrying that bag around and putting himself in danger of being found out by Marcela. He asks if he hadn't told him that he didn't want anything to do with Betty. Armando answers yes but that he couldn't get angry enough to throw the bag away. Mario says that is fine and proposes that he put all the items from the bag on his shoulders and walk around the hallways of Eco Moda to show everyone the gifts and the cards. Mario gives advise on how to get Betty out of his system and that is by throwing away the bag and its contents. Mario tells him that he doesn't want to see an executive crying. He picks up the toy that talks and fakes a cry and says, "Oh, Betty I can't live without you." Armando gets mad and tells him to stop. Mario yells no. It is time for him to react. He tells him to stop playing the role of a "galan" and a man being in love. He asks if he actually believes that there is a chance with Betty. Armando answers no. Armando says that Betty is another woman. She has converted into a woman who is distant and sad. Mario asks if prefers the ugly Betty. Armando shakes his head yes. Mario asks why are they speaking about a woman that has died. Armando agrees and says that his job will be to forget the ghost of Beatriz Pinson Solano. Mario is happy and before leaving asks him if he remembers what time they come to pick up the trash. On his way out, he sings his song, "I'm a little trash bag. I'm a little trash bag."
MARCELA'S OFFICE Upon her return Marcela finds Daniel sitting at her desk. He informs her that the government had terminated his job. He also reminds of her of the money he lost in the investment due to the problems at Eco Moda. She asks what he plans on doing and he says that he is waiting for an offer from the private sector. He has no capital. She reminds him of Armando's offer of his car, apartment, etc. Daniel says no way. Marcela wants to know if he has come there to tell her his problems or to finish with Armando. He reminds her that Betty had stated that there was money in the budget for the shareholders. He now plans on living off of that money. Marcela tells him to speak to Betty. He looks at her. Marcela asks if he is asking that she speak to her. This is exactly what he wants. Marcela refuses to speak to Betty. She states that this is something that he will have to do on his own. She informs him that he has given Betty the opportunity to hate him on the few occasions that he has appeared at the office. She, on the other hand, has given her that opportunity everyday. Marcela orders him not to humiliate her when he speaks to her because they are in her hands and is not the same woman. After kissing her goodbye he says, "She's not as ugly". Marcela stares at him. BETTY'S OFFICE Betty hears a telephone ringing and can't figure out where the ringing is coming from, it is Nicolas. He is trying out her new cell phone. (Betty smiles) Nicolas tells her that since she doesn't have a boyfriend to call , it is his job to call her. Betty asks when he plans on bringing in his reports. He says that they are on their way and as he continues to speak to her on the telephone he walks into her office with the reports. Nicolas comments how good it is to see her laugh. He says that she has looked sad lately and wonders if it is due to her recent trip, the job or no boyfriend. He reminds her that she is no longer ugly but she probably doesn't have a boyfriend due to her being an old maid. Betty wants to know how it went with Patricia and Nicolas gives her all the details. He tells her of her brutal reaction and reminded him of how much she hates him. Betty tells him that she warned him, but he continues his story about how she returned and accepted the hose. Nicolas says that he was right. It was due to his female psychology. Betty says that it had nothing to do with that. Rather it was a necessity. A necessity that Patricia needed the hose. As they are talking Daniel opens the doors to her office without knocking. He greets her and asks how she is doing. He says that he needs to speak to her. Betty apologizes and informs him that she is too busy to talk. He says that it is urgent. She tells him that she has a meeting to prepare for and that she needs to speak to the employees. He invites her to dinner and sits down in front of her desk without her asking. Betty stares and makes a face. He wants to know why she is looking at him in that manner. "Has no one ever invited you out to eat?", he asks. She answers yes, but never anyone that told her that she dressed like a clown and that she had no business working in a fashion house. Daniel looks down to the floor. He says that it was a different time. Now she is a different woman. One that he can invite out to eat. She informs him that she is the same woman and turns down his invitation. Betty says that she can check her calendar for tomorrow and they can meet at the office. He wants to know if she is not trying to seek revenge by turning down his invitation. Betty tells him that this is the only way that they can speak. While Betty is reviewing her calendar he looks her up and down. Betty feels his eyes and asks if something is happening. "Many things", he answers. When they can not agree on a time during the day, Betty states that the only other time would be at 8:00 p.m. He asks if she has another meeting afterwards. She answes no and he says that he will pick her up. Betty wants to know what he means. He says that they can go to a restaurant. She reminds him that she had previously told him that she would not go out and eat with him. He wants to know what frightens her. She states that he should ask what disgusts her. He says that since it is disgust, she can feel it either at an office or a restaurant. Betty wants to know why they can't just meet at the office. Daniel goes on to explain that he discusses important matters in conference rooms and restaurants. He asks if she is afraid that he will make an advance or seduce her. Betty answers no. He says that he believes it is terror more than disgust. He tells her even though she has a new look, her presidency, and her voice of command she is still an insecure woman. Betty says that is his opinion. He tells her that she can prove him wrong tomorrow. On his way out, he tells her that he will pick her up at 8:00 p.m.
NEAR THE ELEVATOR AND PATRICIA'S DESK After having put on the new pair of hose Patricia has regained her swing as she walks. The Cuartel, who is preparing to leave, immediately notice. They laugh and state how she must have second hand hose. Patricia tells them that she doesn't use anything second hand, and if she did, she would ask for the locations where they purchase their clothes. The Cuartel leaves with a huff. Patricia is feeling her new hose when Nicolas appears. He tells her that they look good and she tells him to be quite. He reminds her that she put them on. She informs him that it was due to an emergency and that she will pay him back tomorrow. When Daniel appears and asks if there is anyone in their office Patricia hurriedly faces her desk with her butt towards Daniel. While answering yes, she gathers her hair in a ponytail, sticks her butt out and moves her legs in order to swing her butt in order to catch his attention. "Whow", Daniel says, "New hose". Daniel asks if a friend lent them to her and she informs him that she would not wear second hand hose. He asks if he has a boyfriend at Eco Moda and right away she answers no. He asks, "a lover"? However, he must be a bad lover because he won't give her money for hose. She tells him to stop. He says that she could find lovers that would provide more. Again, she tells him to stop. He reminds her of his friends. She orders him to stop. (Nicolas is witnessing the event.) He tells her that his friends would prefer to see her without hose. She continually asks him to stop. When he begins again Nicolas steps in. Nicolas says that Patricia has asked him to shut up. Daniel wants to know who called the clown. Daniel tells him that he has nothing to do there. Nicolas tells him to stop offending her and to show her some respect. Daniel asks Patricia if this was the lover they were speaking about. "Noooooo", Patricia answers. Nicolas steps in and tells him that he is not her lover, but he is a gentleman Daniel tells him to go take care of his girlfriend, referring to Betty. He informs him that this is between him and Patricia. Nicolas says that it is Daniel against Patricia and that he is a man, but only when it comes to offending women. Nicolas tells him that he doesn't know who he is getting involved with and Daniel insults him. As Daniel enters the elevator, Nicolas goes after him. Patricia stops him by putting herself between them. She tells Nicolas to let Daniel leave. Patricia and Nicolas are chest to chest. They look into each others eyes, for a moment. Patricia hurriedly turns and heads back to her desk. In a softer voice, she tells him that he shouldn't have gotten involved. Nicolas tells her that no one can offend her while he is present. Before he walks away, Nicolas says that he was close to killing him. Patricia has a small smile on her face.
Subject: *** Summary: Wed 3/14/2001 *** Author: Robin N (157.198.3.50) Date: 03-15-2001 09:16 Betty pulls out the photo of her day in Cartagena with Michele, and her diary too. She opens it to the next blank page and begins to write. "I'm writing tonight in a place different from my usual spot. I can't leave it at home, so I must write here in my office, in surroundings that were his, that were mine... that were ours. But this is a sad place, proved again by the day's events, when I was reminded again that what we lived, what he felt for me, what he gave to me, was nothing more than garbage. At this hour, all of the mementos, all of the remembrances, all of the detalles that were my life now repose." As we continue to hear her voice, we see Armando reviewing one of the inscriptions of a card written by him to Betty, contemplating it sadly, alone in the office he now shares with Mario. "... In the place where he believes they should lie... in the trash can." A wider shot shows Armando, turning towards his desk which is piled high with the many detalles—prominently to the front of the desk is the Furby—and he bows his head in bitter nostalgia. "I'm going to make an effort too," she continues, "...to give my story a proper burial. I'll bury it meters deep, without a grave, without a marker or names on a headstone so that no one learns of it, so that disappears and so I won't be tempted to go there and mark it with flowers or my tears." Armando gathers up the detalles and places them in the increasingly crumpled black trash bag and locks them away in a blue file cabinet in the office. He turns away, a pensive look on his face. Betty finishes writing in her diary and caps the pen. She picks up the photo of Michele and looks at it, recalling a pleasant moment, and tucks it into the diary and into her red purse. The door to her office opens and it's Nícolas come to go home with her. She is ready, the computer's off and she's just packing up. She reminds him that tomorrow morning she needs him to come by early so that they can then go pick up her new car. She notes his odd behavior but he says that it's nothing, 'let's go'. Marcela asks Patricia if Armando's left yet (my, she sounds chipper) and Patricia replies that she hasn't seen him leave yet—he's probably in his office. She knocks coolly and when he opens the door, a little startled looking, she stands there and without looking at him, idly asks him his plans because she's going to her apartment (nice welcoming touch, Marcela). Trying to be cheery, he says he's going to leave with her and at her reply of a cold 'bueno' he turns aside with a grimace at her attitude. Marcela, turning back to Patricia notes with surprise her new stockings and asks where she got them. "Someone who appreciates me," replies Patricia, "someone who would give their life for me (unspoken, "unlike some friends I know")..." Marcela retorts that she just asked where she got them, not for a philosophical discourse. Patricia tells her that they're from Nícolas Mora. "What!" laughs Marcela, incredulously. "What are you talking about?" Patricia tells her that her situation moved him, because her brother and the other desgraciadas were mocking her. "And you accepted them?" says Marcela with an 'ooh ick' expression. "Well, I prefer one humiliation to dozens," replies the practical Patricia. It seems everyone's ready to leave at the same time. Betty and Nícolas walk up to the elevator under the watchful eye of Patricia and Marcela. At that moment, Armando leaves his office and five pairs of eyes meet — two in particular. "May you all have a good night," says Betty, trying to avoid a scene and make her getaway from the searching gaze of Armando Mendoza. "Good evening, Betty," says Armando with an attentive, chock-full-o'emotion-gaze, Marcela fuming at his side. Nícolas adds his good night too, but Armando's gaze hardens. Patricia volunteers a very friendly, "Good night, Nícolas," and Betty and Nícolas are the first to leave. As the elevator door shuts, Marcela turns to Armando, still looking after Betty, "Are you sure that you prefer to go with me?" she asks. "Of course," replies Armando, politely, and heads towards the elevator. His back to her, his lip curls a little in revulsion and her face sours, as if sensing it. Patricia calls to Marcela and asks if she'll stop by and pick her up in the morning but Marcela tells her to forget about it. She's got her plate full dealing with Betty and she's got to be there at eight AM. She starts to whine but she's stopped by Marcela's options, "You can take the bus or I'll pick you up with Armando." Faced by those choices, Patricia prefers the bus. Armando, controlling his temper at display, gets in the elevator with the two women and Patricia moves behind Marcela away from him. The next morning the cuartel is walking the last bit before arriving at the office. Inés is concerned that they should avoid trouble with Betty and Marcela—she's particularly troubled with the idea that Betty should believe still that they're abusing her friendship. Berta plays a little on words and implies that others have abused Betty, particularly Armando—but as her boss, of course. They hear the honk of a car horn and turn to look. It's Betty in her new blue car. The group exclaims in surprise and she greets them happily, noting their punctuality with a smile and a laugh. Sandra teases back that sure, with a car like this, it's easy to be on time but for them it's an oddessey. Aura Maria asks for the details on the car and Betty grins, "I bought it!" More admiration, but Sofia opines that she expected her to buy a car worthy of a president, like the one Nícolas had. Betty demurs because those days are over. Besides, it's not the car of the president, it's her personal car. She's not going to disguise herself as a president with the trappings of a president; she's going to have a car that reflects her and this is it, one she'll pay for with her own salary. Everyone laughs and wants to try sitting in the new car. Patricia, meanwhile, has managed to snag a seat on her bus ride and is dozing. She wakes up in time to see she's in front of Eco Moda, but noting the crowd in front—again!—she wants to be left off down the block at the corner. It's another battle with a cantankerous driver, but she does get off, eventually, and makes her way to the office where she questions the group as to what's going on. Aura Maria, as you might imagine, is in full flight of fancy about a big night on the town, courtesy of Betty's wheels—until she notes Nícolas's disapproving gaze. Sandra is only too happy to be the one to tell Patricia that they're not aspiring to any car; they're admiring Betty's new car. Mariana: "The cuartel has a new car!" Berta: "Not one loaned by a novio, but bought with her own paycheck!" Sofia's quip points out that it won't be repo'd either, and the cuartel laughs at Patricia's expense. Nícolas observes this from behind, feeling her pain. Betty suggests they head in and Nícolas stays behind to lock up the car. Chirp, chirp!
As they walk in, Aura Maria feels a little bad at having joked about the car in front of her ex-novio but Betty discounts that. "What's serious is what you've been heard saying in the corridors of Eco Moda; what do–a Marcela has heard you saying." The cuartel, minus Inés, have the grace to look guilty. "We have to talk," says Betty firmly. Inés asks Berta what Betty's referring to but Berta disavows any knowledge. "Who knows what kind of gossip runs around this place?!?" Upstairs, Patricia is morose but when she hears the ding of the elevator bell she jumps up perkily—she won't show them her suffering side. The cuartel trail Betty and ask what they'll talk about. Betty suggests that they can't speak in public, they'll talk in the boardroom. Berta announces their plans regally, for Patricia's benefit. Nícolas exits last and observes her. He hesitantly greets her and asks how her morning finds her. "Here," she says, sadly. He doesn't know what to make of this and beats a hasty retreat. "Okay... We'll speak later." She looks after him with a sad, pouty little face. Betty asks the ladies to take a seat. Berta wants to ask her something but Betty has an agenda and wants this to be a short meeting. She begins by saying, "You know that my relationship with Doña Marcela has never been good..." The women agree but Sofia interrupts and notes that it's not right for her to still call her " Doña". After all, she is the president and it's not fitting for the president to call a simple manager " Doña". Betty brushes this off by explaining that there are some things you can't change overnight. Sandra gets in a joke about " Doña Sofichurra" but Betty calls the group back to order. She tells them that Marcela came to her with a complaint because she overheard them saying that the wedding between Don Armando and Doña Marcela was cancelled because of Betty. "And wasn't it?" asks Berta in surprise. "Where did you get that idea?" asks Betty in alarm. Berta and the others try to cover their tracks. Mariana proposes that Marcela misheard them but Betty's not buying what they're selling. She tells them that Marcela isn't that kind of woman and if she came to speak to her, then that's what she heard. "Where did you get this idea? Where?" pressures Betty. Excepting the mystified Inés, the group exchange worried and guilty glances. Inés volunteers that she's not heard any of the women speak of this; she doesn't know. "You didn't, Inés, but Doña Marcela did." More guilty faces. Berta pipes up, "The gossip came from Systems. It has been circulating in Systems!" Betty can't believe her ears. Berta assures her that the folks in Systems are inveterate gossips and she must be very careful with them. Sensing a lifeline, the other women agree complicitly. Betty looks a little disappointed but asks if they heard it from there and commented on it. When they agree, her face shuts down a little and she suggests they get to work. She rises and heads towards the door. Sensing her attitude, Inés asks if she's satisfied with the explanation. Clearly hurt, Betty tells her no, but "it's become clear that they're not the friends they used to be." This plain speaking surprises the group. "I know that you're lying to me but I'm not going to take action against you. Just do me the favor of no longer making similar commentaries in the corridors. You don't have any idea of what you're talking about!" She turns to leave and the women are now really ashamed. After she leaves the fret. Aura Maria: "Betty is furious with us! I'd rather have her kill us for gossiping than think we're bad friends!" Mariana agrees, "We have to speak with Betty!" Berta thinks this over quickly and goes to get Betty. She opens the door and there's Betty! LOL Their old friend has judged them pretty shrewdly! She's been waiting for them to come and confess! Berta tells her that they DO know what they're speaking about. "How's that?" asks Betty. "It's first-hand information," Berta says, hurriedly. Betty takes a seat, a little stunned, no doubt with a growing sense of dread. "What information?" Sofia urges Sandra to go fetch the incriminating documents and she does, but not willingly. Patricia is answering phones and dabbing her eyes like crazy, "No, he's not here, call later..." Sandra dashes up for the folder and Patricia tells her to answer her phones and those of her little friends but Sandra tells her she's in a meeting, she'll have to do it. "If you don't like it, tell the president. And take good messages too!" Armando and Marcela arrive, he with a hearty "good day", Marcela with a pointed remark that Patricia is there on time. Patricia tells her a tale of woe, of having to rise earlier than usual, "earlier than when I had a car, earlier than when a friend would come and pick me up". She tells Marcela how she met all of her class. "What, from San Marino?" "No," replies Patricia, "workers, newspaper vendors, secretaries of Eco Moda... The poor! But they had breakfast and me no!" Marcela smiles at her friend's discomfort and is unmoved by her story of falling asleep on a fellow passenger's shoulder and being rudely nudged awake. The only recourse? To talk with Betty, but there's no getting in to see her. Marcela recommends that she needs to make an appointment, talk to her, and prove to her that she's making an effort to show up early. Patricia is not convinced because Betty did see her show up early but all she could think of was showing off her new car. This makes Marcela take note. "And where are they now? Taking a tour of Bogota?" She's in a meeting with the cuartel right now. Marcela is dismissive.
Sandra shows Betty the folder from the meeting and explains that she came across it in the boxes that were removed from Mario's office. She swears to Betty that it was an accident that she read the material in it. Opening it up, Betty covers her face, knowing full well what she'll see inside it. "My God! You read this letter?" "Um hum..." they reply. "What a stupid question..." Berta: "It wasn't our fault. There was some gossip there, waiting to be shouted. It was begging to be discovered." "I don't want to speak of this," says Betty, decisively. "There's no need to," offers Sofia. "Everything was very clear." "That letter," says Betty, pointedly, "Was a bad joke on the part of Mario Calderón. Got that?" "Yes..." they all say. "Besides, you'll note that nowhere in that letter does it say that Armando and Marcela would cancel their wedding. Where did you get the idea that it was because of me?" Sofia begins, hesitantly, "That letter brought up a number of curious coincidences..." Berta starts to get into this topic and says that there was already some gossip and with the little bit of information they began to put two and two together and make conjectures—they're only human! "But, since everything is a joke of Don Mario as you say..." Betty looks bewildered, lost, sunk. "Besides," volunteers Sofia, "Along with the letter there were the additional coincidences of the balances of Eco Moda that were in the folder..." Betty is now fully realizing the gravity of the situation—her nightmare has just grown tenfold. "You read the balance sheet?" "Of course," replies Berta, "Because that was the confirmation in numbers. When it comes to gossip they're professionals. But, if it's a joke of don Mario..." Sofia presses on and brings up the fact that they've seen the real balance too and know the sum of the debt, they knew the connection with Nícolas as manager of Terra Moda, and made the connection to her being there as president. Aura Maria takes the high road, she thinks it's too delicious that she was stepping out on her novia with the delicious Armando. Betty denies that she ever did this to Nícolas. "Aaaahhh... yess..." they agree sagaciously. "Enough!" reproaches Inés. "The letter was one of Don Mario's bad jokes. Don't accuse Betty any more!" The cuartel are chagrined and get up to leave, so as to not pressure her any more. "Betty, Betty!" begins Sandra. "Tell us one thing." She wants to know if the letter was in that bag that she picked up that one day and brought back later. "Sandra, please. I don't want to speak of this." The women start to leave, Berta still harping on the 'Mario lie/joke' angle but Sofia shushes her by saying it wasn't a lie so much as they way they treated Betty. "Is it true that they used you?" Sofia asks Betty. "Enough!" cries a frustrated, hurt Betty. "I'm going to tell you the truth but only so that this topic dies here!" The women rush back to their seats and are all ears. Betty gathers her thoughts... Tomorrow: And just why is that bag back in the office, asks Mario. Marcela begins to try to get along and Catalina returns.
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USA 3/19-23/01. Catalina and Marcela talk; she offers to give up her role as publicist if Marcie wants but she doesn't repent being a friend to Betty. Betty tells the cuartel about Michel. Marcie refuses to lend Patricia money for her cellular phone. Patricia asks Betty for a salary raise and an advance but doesn't get it. Mariana reads the cards for Betty: two men and a woman who will make her life a misery. Daniel sends a chauffeur for Betty but she takes her own car instead. Daniel is his usual obnoxious self at dinner, even asks Betty about her sex life, but Betty holds her own. When Daniel admits the purpose of the dinner, he needs an advance, she tells him that is impossible and leaves. Outside, Armando confronts her, warns her that Daniel will try to romance her to get what he wants. She asks him if he really thinks she is fool enough to fall for that again, tells him that Daniel's obnoxious behavior towards her was at least open and direct as opposed to his. Armando tells her goodbye, and not just because he is going on a business trip. Betty discovers that Nicolas has given Patricia his cell phone. Marcie decides to go to Miami to deal with the new stores and decide about her life but she wants Patricia to stay in Colombia. Elizabeth Kohler arrives to help Hugo dress El Cuartel. Nicolas buys Patricia's car; she is upset at first, then thinks he bought it for her, learns he didn't. Betty can't believe he did it.4
La Opinión, 3/25/01. Sólo telenovelas [summary of previous week]Betty la fea KVEA, CANAL 52, LUNES A VIERNES, 8:00 P.M. Betty se vio forzada a aceptar la invitación a cenar de Daniel. Además, era una buena oportunidad de demostrarle que ya no era la misma Betty de antes. Y en efecto, así fue... ella dejó bien claro su posición de presidente de Eco Moda y su posición como mujer. Betty en cambio sentía perder seguridad cuando estaba frente a Armando, quien tuvo la osadía de esperarla fuera del restaurante. Los celos de él y la ansiedad de hablar con ella, lo hacía actuar de esa manera, como si la estuviera espiando. Marcela por su parte, cada día estaba peor... ni siquiera Patricia la soportaba algunas veces. Marcela no desaprovechaba momento para menospreciar a Betty, pero ésta no se dejaba intimidar... ya le había demostrado a Daniel la nueva Betty y Marcela muy pronto lo confirmaría también. Nicolás en tanto estaba ganando terreno con Patricia... él sabía sus debilidades. Para Patricia, una de las cosas más importantes y necesarias en su vida, era su celular... pero desafortunadamente su situación económica era tan precaria que la compañía de teléfonos se vio obligada a suspenderle el servicio. A Nicolás le partía el corazón verla llorar, por eso no pudo resistir el impulso de prestarle su recién adquirido aparatito. Sin embargo, cuando Betty se dio cuenta, le exigió que se lo regresara, ya que afectaba el buen funcionamiento de la empresa. Mientras, Hugo seguía trabajando en la elaboración de los nuevos diseños para vestir al cuartel, tal como se lo ordenaran de presidencia. El no se mostraba muy entusiasmado, pero había que cumplir, además iba de por medio su reputación.
20-03-2001 Betty inicia el desfile de la última colección de Ecomoda con una presentación. Marcela y Patricia llegan al evento pero no se dejan ver de nadie para poder vigilar de cerca los movimientos de Armando con la venezolana. Hugo Lombardi promete una gran sorpresa al cierre del desfile. 21-03-2001 Debido a que la programadora no ha enviado los avances de la novela, no podemos actualizar el resumen de hoy. Esperamos que disculpe el inconveniente, que trataremos de solucionar lo más pronto posible. 22-03-2001 Debido a que la programadora no ha enviado los avances de la novela, no podemos actualizar el resumen de hoy. Esperamos que disculpe el inconveniente, que trataremos de solucionar lo más pronto posible. 23-03-2001 Debido a que la programadora no ha enviado los avances de la novela, no podemos actualizar el resumen de hoy. Esperamos que disculpe el inconveniente, que trataremos de solucionar lo más pronto posible.
Subject: Summary, Monday March 19, 2001 Author: Maria K. (65.80.37.184) Date: 03-19-2001 20:48 Betty La Fea Summary March 19, 2001 Catalina tells Betty that Michel called her at her office thinking that Betty was working there. Betty asks what Michel said. Cata tells her that he thinks of her and he'd like to see her soon. Betty tells Cata that right now she doesn't have much time for anything but work. Cata tells Betty that she'll see her tomorrow that she's on her way to talk to Marcela. Patricia is complaining to an employee from her cell phone company because they turned off her service. Catalina walks by and goes into Marcela's office. Patricia continues on the phone requesting that they connect her phone back on. Patty swears that she's always paid on a timely basis and those overdue accounts must belong to someone else. Cata enters Marcela's office and says hello. Marce tells Cata she's very happy to have her back at EcoModa. Cata tells her she's glad to be back too, that they've always been able to count on her. Cata tells Marcela, that this however, is not the reason Marcela wants to talk to her. Marcela wants to know what type of relationship Cata has with Betty and why Cata helped Betty transform her looks. Cata tells Marcela that when Betty left EcoMoca, she (Betty) went to work for her in Cartagena. Cata says that if they didn't need Betty at EcoModa, she certainly wasn't going to let someone with Betty's talent go to waste. Marcela asks Catalina if she knows under what conditions Betty left EcoModa. Cata tells Marcela that she knows Betty the professional and that she doesn't know much about Betty's problems at work. Marcela says she's noticed that Catalina is quite impressed by Betty. Marcela tells Cata that the only thing she can tell her for sure is that Betty made her life a living hell. Cata tells Marcela that she had always wanted them to know that Betty was working with her because their friendship was at stake and because she had nothing to hide. She also tells Marcela that she knows that everyone in EcoModa made Betty's life impossible while she worked there, beginning with her (Marce). Marce tells Cata that she seems to be enjoying the way things turned out at EcoModa with Betty as president. Cata tells Marcela that just because she helped Betty doesn't mean that she is her enemy. Cata tells Marcela that if her relationship with Betty is an obstacle for her to work at EcoModa to please tell her now as there is plenty of time to get a replacement publicity firm. Marcela tells Catalina that she imagines that Betty has had a lot of time to tell her about the things that happened at EcoModa but that she wants her intimacy to be respected. Cata tells her that she doesn't know how important what she knows is, but if she had wanted to tell anyone she would have had ample time to do so and that the gossip would be running through the corridors. She tells Marce that she is there to work and just because she backs Betty doesn't mean that she is against her. They say goodbye. Marce smiles but her smile quickly dissipates as soon as Catalina walks out.
Sofia reminds Betty about their lunch date (to have a card reading). Betty tells her she's terribly busy and to order in. Patricia runs into Marcela's office screaming, "It's dead, it's dead!!" Marce looks at her worried and asks her who died. She tells her her cell phone died. They get into the usual exchange about money and Marcela suggests Patty see Betty for help. Patty goes to see Betty and tells her she is owed a raise and she also needs some of the money now. Betty laughs and tells her that she doesn't have a valid argument because she doesn't have a motive, there's no budget for her raise and she's the highest paid secretary at EcoModa. Patty tries to get a loan and Betty reminds her that she already has two loans with EcoModa. Betty tells Patty about some of the plans EcoModa is working on to help the employees and Patty thinks they're going to finance a car for her (Mercedes). Betty offers to help Patty get her finances in order. Patty reminds Betty about her six semesters at the San Marino. Betty tells her that she needed the other four. The six taught her to spend, but the last four would have taught her to save! She leaves telling Betty to forget about it. Marcela leaves for lunch and tells Sandra to please tell Patty that she left. Freddy gets off the elevator just as Marcela is getting on and she asks what he has in the bags (he's brought lunch for el cuartel). Marce tells him he should have brought it through the back entrance (not the smell of a fine restaurant). Freddy informs her that it's lunch for Betty and the cuartel and that they will be eating lunch in the boardroom. Marce makes one of her remarks and says that the boardroom is an extension of el "garrotazo" but Aura Maria corrects her and says it el "corrientaso." Sandra tells her friends that she thought Marcela was going to fire them over this. Aura Maria tells her that orders from the president's office are "orders" (In other words, Betty is the boss). Patricia sees them with their lunches and makes fun of them after telling them that the boardroom never saw any lunches except those from exclusive restaurants before. She tells them that she is off to an expensive restaurant with Marcela for a truly good lunch—not like what they're having. Aura Maria tells her, "Oh, by the way, Dona Marcela wanted you know to know that she left for lunch—alone, without you!" They all laugh at Patty and Patty's stomach starts rumbling. She tells it to wait that she'll be giving it water soon! Freddy starts to pass out their lunches and Betty asks how much it was and sends him for her purse to pay for all their lunches. Aura Maria offers to go for her purse. Mariana asks her what she wants to do first, eat lunch or have the cards read. Bertha suggests they all eat while Mariana reads the cards <grin>. Aura Maria offers to take the money out for Betty and when she reaches in Betty's purse, the picture of Michel and Betty falls out. Aura Maria takes it and calls him a "divine apparition". Betty reprimands her and takes the picture away from her. The rest of the cuartel also wants to see the picture and make their usual funny comments (like triple –x papito). Inesita asks them to respect Betty's privacy. However, Bertha announces that Betty's private life is part of the public domain of the cuartel!! To be continued………………………
Subject: ***Summary - Tuesday, March 20, 2001*** Author: Becky A. (63.62.170.179) Date: 03-21-2001 00:26 EXECUTIVE BOARD ROOM Betty and the Cuartel are continuing their lunch hour with Betty telling her story about Michele. Sofia asks if he is married. "Nooo", Betty answers. As soon as they find out that he is French the Cuartel goes romantic. They picture Betty with the Frenchman and the ocean. In unison, they beg to see his photograph. Betty shyly pulls it out of her purse. The Cuartel SCREAMS and rush to her side. As they begin to yell their approval of Michele, calling him a "pappacito" and "divine" Betty laughs embarrassed. Inesita is the only one that stays in her chair and as always is embarrassed by the Cuartel's actions. While the Cuartel is singing the praises of Michele, Nicolas enters. The Cuartel hush as he enters, but the last word that he has heard upon entering is "divine". Nicolas, being Nicolas, assumes that they are talking about him. "Thank you, thank you", he says. The Cuartel stares. Nicolas informs Betty that he is going to eat at her mother's because the food in the neighborhood is making him sick. As he leaves he tells the Cuartel, "Good taste, good taste. I congratulate you". As soon as he walks out the girls continue with their adjectives describing Michele. Nicolas is listening by the door and hears Aura Maria say the word "pappasote", and of course, believes that she is talking about him. Immediately he puts his hand in front of his mouth to test the smell of his breath, touches his underarm and notices that he is missing his cellular telephone. Sofia wants to know if Michele is married and Bertha answers that it doesn't matter that they will separate him. Mariana asks if he speaks Spanish or only "Parli frances". The Cuartel is laughing and having such a good time that they are able to make Inesita laugh. Aura Maria runs to Inesita in order to share Michele's photograph.
PATRICIA'S DESK Patricia has her head down and is spinning her cellular telephone on her desktop and looking very depressed. Nicolas is making his way to the elevator when he notices her. He asks if there is a problem. Patricia lifts up her head and while holding the telephone in her to demonstrate it to Nicolas says, "It's died. It will never ring again". After Nicolas asks why Patricia informs him that her service has been disconnected and that she doesn't have the money to pay for it. She also tells him that she has not received the money that was left over from the repossession of her car and that she won't receive her paycheck until the end of the month. Therefore, she will be without her telephone until that time. She begins to cry and puts her head back on her desk. Nicolas heads toward the elevator. All of sudden there is a hand placing a small silver telephone on her desk in front of her. Patricia lifts her head and it is Nicolas. Nicolas lets her borrow his telephone until she is able to reconnect her telephone. He writes down his telephone number. Patricia is holding his telephone in her hand and looking at him shocked. Before he heads out he tells her that he doesn't like to see her crying. He gets in the elevator and leaves. Patricia continues to stare at his telephone.
EXECUTIVE BOARD ROOM Every single member of the Cuartel is in tears, except for Betty. Betty has been telling her romantic story about Michele. She begins to tell them about their last night together, how they drove through the old part of the city in his convertible to say good-bye to the city. The Cuartel's sobbing is getting a bit louder. Bertha asks if she saw the ocean and Betty tells her that she could see it from her hotel. Bertha says that she would just die. Aura Maria, holding Michele's photograph, says that she can imagine being with such a "pappasote" driving around in his convertible and going to the beach. Aura Maria tells Betty that she wouldn't have left him. Sofia tells them all to be quiet in order to allow Betty to finish her story. Sofia would like to know what happened once they arrived at the hotel. Betty says that Michele told her to stay if she was not ready to say good-bye to the ocean. However, she had to back come and face the problems at Eco Moda. She tells them that he told her that whenever she wanted to return there would be a Frenchman waiting with his arms open. This makes the Cuartel cry harder and saying how "divine" he is. While the Cuartel continues to cry, Betty continues to smile as she remembers the time she spent with him. Betty tells them about their long hug and that he said that he would never forget her. After that, she got out of the car and never saw him again. Bertha crying, says "No, no, it's not just". Sandra says that if she had been Betty she would have found the closest church and married him that same night. Aura Maria, having to stop to catch her breath a couple of times, says that she can't imagine leaving Michele and asks how could she leave him. She also says that someone has probably come and taken him away. Inesita finally steps in and tells the Cuartel to leave Betty alone. She reminds them that there is only enough room in someone's heart for one person. "Isn't that true?", she asks. Betty looks at her sadly. While Betty doesn't verbally agree her eyes are in agreement. Aura Maria says that when a man like that enters your heart it kicks out the one that is in there. Sandra tells Betty that Michele had to strike some feelings in her. Betty tells them that she has told them the whole story and finishes at that point. After taking a deep breath, Inesita tells her that she is still happy that everything went well for her during that trip. She's also happy that she met such nice people and came back looking beautiful. "And without giving a plastic surgeon one dollar", adds Bertha. The Cuartel is back to laughing. Betty tells them that the same thing can happen to them and for them to wait and see what Eco Moda has planned for them. Mariana is ready to read the cards. Betty looks down and doesn't seem too sure. While Mariana prepares the cards after Betty cuts the deck and picks her cards, the Cuartel waits in anticipation and silence. Finally Mariana tells them that there are two men. The first one is very somber, very sad and going through the worst time of his life. She continues to say that Betty has a lot to do with it and also with his low spirits. Bertha wants to know who the man is that Betty is tormenting. Sandra says that naturally it is "Armando Mendoza". Betty believes that it is him because after the meeting he began the darkest period in his life and she had a lot to do with that. Bertha wants to know who is the other man. Mariana describes the second man as being pure sun, life and being tranquil. She continues by saying that even though he is far away he is always thinking of her. Sofia says that it must be the frenchman. The Cuartel begins to laugh. Sofia asks Mariana if it could be another man and she answers no. Betty is looking down at the table and is looking sad. Aura Maria jumps out of her chair with Michele's photograph in her hand and wants to know if looks as "pappito" in the cards as his photograph. After comparing the two she says "no" and looking at the photograph, says that he is more "pappito" here, referring to the picture.
The Cuartel is laughing. Mariana says that the man is going to give him a surprise. Bertha wants to know what the surprise is and Mariana reminds her that she can only read the cards and that they are not a telegram. Mariana continues that there is a bad part. She will be facing a turbulent time with much anguish and confusion. Bertha wants to know if it is in relation to the men and Mariana answers yes. She goes on to say that a woman is going to appear that is going to cause her great pain. Sandra asks who she is and what is her name. Mariana describes Sandra and says that the woman works at Eco Moda. It takes Sandra a moment to figure out that she is the one being described. Again, Mariana reminds them that these are only cards and that she interprets them. Sofia believes that the woman is Marcela, but Sandra disagrees and says that Marcela is already there and has already caused her pain. She reminds them that the cards said that the woman would be appearing. The Cuartel looks worried. BY SANDRA'S DESK Armando and Mario come rushing by and Armando is telling Mario that he has not packed for the trip. Armando picks up the telephone to place a call. Sandra offers to make the call for him but he says that he needs to make the call rapidly. He asks if she has packed the catalogs and brochures and she answers that is what she is doing. Aura Maria who has been assisting her greets a man that has just arrived. The man informs her that he is Daniel's driver and he has come to pick up Betty. Armando and Mario immediately react to this piece of information and Armando rolls his head. While Aura Maria takes off towards Betty's office, the driver speaks to Patricia and calls her "Beautiful". Patricia is visibly unhappy about this and flips her hair and turns away from him. Armando and Mario, who had been staring at him, also turn away.
BETTY'S OFFICE Nicolas enters and wants to know when they will be leaving. Betty answers soon. Aura Maria appears to inform Betty that Danial's driver is there. Nicolas wants to know what is going on and Betty tells him that he has invited her to dinner. Nicolas begins to state his objections and Betty asks Aura Maria to leave them alone and that she will call her in a few minutes. Nicolas tells her that he is dangerous and why can't they meet in her office. Betty tells him that she is not looking forward to the dinner and all that he is trying to show that she is not certain of her social skills. She says that he is trying to show that she is afraid of elegant restaurants. She reminds him that Daniel is a shareholder and she doesn't want anyone saying that she is arrogant and has stood up a shareholder. Nicolas tells her to do what she wants, but he doesn't like it. Betty tells him that all she plans on doing is making her presence known and then she will leave. Nicolas asks if she is going to go with the driver. She answers "noooo". She says that she plans on driving herself and that is why she has her car. Nicolas asks what about him. Does that mean that he is going to have to walk home. Betty tells him to take a taxi. Betty wants to know what happened to his plans on purchasing that car. Nicolas says that it is in the works. He also tells her that if she needs anything that she is to call him on his cellular telephone. He remembers that he doesn't have his telephone and tells her to call him at her house because his telephone will be turned off. Betty is surprised and asks why would he have his telephone turned off. He comes up with the story that since they discussed saving money at the last meeting he decided he should do the same. He asks what a different country it would be if they all saved money. BY SANDRA'S DESK Sandra is showing Armando that all the binders are ready and asks if he wants them packed in a box. "In a box, a box", he answers sarcastically and impatient. He wants to know how it would if he were to travel with a box. He tells her to put them in a briefcase. When they begin to walk off Aura Maria's telephone rings and when they hear her say Betty's name they stop to listen. Betty asks her to tell the driver that she will be driving herself and asks that he leave directions to the restaurant. AT AURA MARIA'S DESK As Aura Maria is giving Betty's message to the driver and he is giving her the information, Armando and Mario are looking at each other surprised and suspicious. As the driver walks away to leave he again calls Patricia "beautiful". Patricia gives him one of her dirty looks. Armando is visibly upset about his remarks and Mario says that he is strange and then says, "how elegant".
ARMANDO AND MARIO'S OFFICE Armando tells Mario that he knows exactly what Daniel is doing. Mario states that Daniel doesn't see her ugly anymore. Armando says that Daniel realizes that he is in Betty's hands and he is trying to get her on his side. Mario says that he is trying to seduce her. Armando says that what bothers him the most is that after the hurt that Daniel caused Betty she would accept a dinner invitation. Mario asks what does he expect, she has a good position, she's pretty and has money. At this point, Marcela enters without knocking and asks Armando if he is ready. Armando's expression gives no doubt that he is upset over her arrival. He says that he is not ready and she asks what time his flight is scheduled to leave. After he answers she wishes him a good trip and is about to kiss his cheek when he looks up at her and informs her that when he is finished they will see each other at her apartment. Surprised by his reaction she agrees and leaves the office. Armando makes a gesture of frustration towards Marcela. BY THE ELEVATOR Marcela is on her way out and Patricia stops her to ask her for a ride. Marcela informs her that she will give her a ride on two conditions. The first one is that she not speak during the ride home and the second is that she not expect a ride in the morning because she will be taking Armando to the airport. Armando appears looking for Sandra. Mario stops Armando in order to get the telephone numbers to the hotel. At this point, Betty appears and says good evening. All talk comes to a halt and Armando stares at her. Marcela, Betty and Patricia ride down the elevator together. After the door closes, Mario immediately realizes that Betty has put on perfume for the occasion. He asks Armando if they are going to leave Betty alone with Daniel while they are gone. "Are you going to leave her alone for a whole month", he asks. Armando looks very worried.
AT THE RESTAURANT Betty arrives at the restaurant where she finds Daniel waiting at a table. Daniel doesn't bother to get up but puts down the magazine that he is reading. He informs her that she has kept him waiting for 30 minutes. Betty, laughing, tells him to be thankful that she didn't keep him waiting all night long. Daniel asks if she would like a bloody mary, etc. to drink. She informs the waiter that she would like some "Mora Juice". Daniel asks if she ever drinks anything stronger before a meal. She answers yes and names another type of juice. However, she only does so on special occasions and those are when she is with her friends, her family and those that she feels affection and has confidence. For everyone else, it's Mora Juice and she laughs. He asks if she does not believe that this is a special occasion. She answers, "Of course, especially boring".
Subject: **SUMMARY*** THURS MAR 22 Author: Lupita (12.0.36.227) Date: 03-23-2001 11:38 A somber Marcela informs Patty that she's going to Miami to try to put her life in perspective. Patty immediately envisions herself the livin' la vida loca in South Beach with Marcela and tries to convince Marce that she should take her along. Disgusted, Marce says no. Patty immediately switches to plan B and asks to borrow Marce's car for the duration. Marce totally ignores this last Pattyism and bluntly tells her to make the travel reservations because that's what she's paid to do. Patty beats a hasty retreat to her desk, talking all the while to Daddy on Nicolas' cell phone. She tells her father to let everyone know the number to "her" new cell phone. A artsy looking European lady arrives. Hugo greets her effusively. It's Elizabeth Cookler (?). Hugo informs everyone that she's here to take on the titanic job of helping him make over the cuartel. He tells her to make sure to Eco Moda charge big time, because her neurons will be shot by the time she's done. At this point pushy Patty buts in an introduces herself. Hugo caustically remarks that Patty needs a make-over too, but an economic one! Hugo proceeds to mention the hideousness of the cuartel, and points to Aura Maria. Elizabeth looks perpplexed, and says that Aura Maria is quite lovely. Hugo drags Elizabeth to his studio, pointing out Eco Moda's contagious viruses (Bertha and Sofia) . He introduces Elizabeth to Ines, explaining that Elizabeth is a color expert and is here to help him in the monumental task of dressing the cuartel. Meanwhile, Betty is in her office trying to track down Nicolas. She calls Aura Maria and asks her to get Nicolas' cell number. Sofia and Bertha are called in to Hugo's studio. Elizabeth looks them over in a business-like way and tells Bertha she has a lovely face, but she should always wear make-up. She informs Sofia that she needs a new 'do and should never wear yellow – she should wear pink and pearls instead. Aura Maria, trying to locate Nicolas for Betty, calls his cell phone. Patty answers and hangs up when she hears Aura Maria's voice. Sandra goes over to Aura Maria and whispers that she thinks it was Patty who hung up on Aura Maria. Aura Maria proceeds to inform Betty of their suspicions. Marce stalks out of her office and orders Patty to arrange her travel advance, tickets and airport transportation. Bewildered, Patty whines that she doesn't how. Marce won't put up with her whining and tells her to just take care of it. Back in Hugo's studio, it's Aura Maria and Mariana's turn. Elizabeth makes suggestions as Ines madly writes everything down. Elizabeth even suggests a color and fabric for Ines. For once, Hugo agrees and gives Inesita a hug and kiss. Betty calls Nicolas' phone. When Patty answers, she walks out and confronts her. At this point, Marce impatiently asks when the finance manager is due back, because she needs her advance and tickets ASAP. She asks why he can't be reached on his cell phone. Betty looks at Patty and asks her to give Marcela and explanation as to why Nicolas doesn't have a cell phone and returns to her office. Marcela is seething. Patty comments that Marcela also was a bit uppity towards Betty. "Fine, defend your ex, your lover!" Marcela snaps. "He's not my ex! I hate him" Patty objects. "Then why did you accept his cell phone?" While this interchange is taking place, Sandra's eyebrows shoot up when she hears the lover part. She rushes over and informs the cuartel that Nicolas and Patty had an affair, then goes into Hugo's studio. In the studio, Elizabeth tells Sandra she has potential and that she has the perfect little number for her. She seems a little less sure about Gutierrez's possibilities, but still manages to be diplomatic. Back in the lobby, Nicolas exits the elevator. Patty immediately warns him that Betty knows about the cell phone and tries to return it. Nicolas tells her not to worry about it – to keep it because he can get another one. Marcela has barged into Betty's office demanding money for her trip. Betty says there is nothing she can do until Nicolas returns. She also informs Marcela that she has no right barging into her office like that. "If you can't stand me, then why don't you do whatever it takes to get rid of me?" Marcela asks facetiously. "That way you have the path clear to go after Armando". Betty is at the end of her rope. Barely containing her rage, her eyes shoot daggers at Marcela "I demand that you respect me and my position. I don't have to take this anymore! You stay here. I'm the one that's leaving!" Marcela smirks……
Subject: SUMMARY March 23, 2001 FRIDAY Author: Marcia (172.170.139.82) Date: 03-24-2001 14:42 March 23, 2001 Friday Summary by: Marcia ECOMODA BETTY'S OFFICE (she is wearing a Blue Suit with a white undershirt). (last night's ending) Marcela is planning to take a trip for a month to Miami. She is yelling at Betty, because Nicolas can't be located. Marcela has accused Betty that this is all a plot against her, and that she (Betty) is a very resentful person, who is filled with vengeance, and who is filled with the hope of staying with Armando. Betty is shocked at the accusations and tells Marcela, that she can't stand her behavior anymore. That she has respected their agreement and has no interest in chasing after Armando. She then added, (very upset) that there is no need for her to leave because the one who is going to quit is her (Betty grabs her purse ready to walk out). Today's Episode (3-23-01) Nicolas, who was standing at the doorway hearing most of the exchange between Betty and Marcela, walks in. Nicolas: Hello Betty, excuse me, what's going on? Betty: (upset) Where have you been, Nicolas? Nicolas: (in his nervous manner) I went to the bank and to the Minister of External Affairs Office, just as I had told you. Betty: (still with an upset voice) You needed to be at the bank before noon! (stressing the last two words). Nicolas: (looking at both Betty and Marcela as he explains) Yes, yes, I went before noon, and signed the papers and did the transfer of funds, What's going on, Betty? Betty: That the "Mrs" has to travel to Miami and since you were not here to sign and authorize the airline ticket and the money for the expenses, she thinks that it is a plot against her. Nicolas:(looking at Marcela, who is just standing there with a sour look on her face)-"Que pena Señora" but you didn't tell me you were planning to travel today. Marcela-(snapping at Nicolas) I don't have to be giving you details about my life!. You should have all these things ready, (sorry for my personal comment, but Marcela is being very irrational here) or weren't you both the ones who invented things this way? Nicolas-(In a calm manner) There is no problem, if you want, right now I can go to my office and I can call the travel agency so that they can have your tickets ready for you at the airport, and I can transfer the money for your expenses to your personal account. (he then looks at Betty and adds) Well, none of that about quitting; the new collection is about to be launched and this is the time to be united so that everything will come out alright, just as we agreed at the meeting. Marcela-Yes, the convenient thing would be for everything to come out all right, so that we can get out of this HELL! then looking at Betty she adds, "you say that you can have this company back on track in three months..." Betty-(interrupts) and if I can sooner, even better! Marcela-...well, for now we will not have to see each other for one month, which means we'll still have two more months to share, let me tell you something Beatriz, I hope that by my return either you or I have come up with something so that we won't have to share the same roof for two more months! (she turns around and starts to leave. Betty-You can be sure that it will be like that! (Marcela closes Betty's doors) Betty-(exasperated, exhales her frustration, puts her purse down on her desk, and sits as she angrily says) Nicolas, why in the devil did you decide to give your cell phone to la peliteñida! Huh?., had you had it, because after all that was the purpose of buying it, you would have avoided me all those problems with that Mrs.. Nicolas-(who had been scratching his head, as Betty was yelling at him) Ay, Betty, look, what happened is that Patty's cell phone was cut off! (Betty looks to the side exhaling and showing an expression of disbelief on her face) Nicolas...because in a way, what happened to her is my fault, therefore, until they re-activate her cell phone, I am going to have her use mine. Betty-(her eyes are wide and she is looking straight at Nicolas) how long are you going to carry that guilt, Nicolas? How far are you going to go with that woman?, Huh?, Do you know how much that account is going to cost?, (and now even angrier) Do me a favor, go and get your cell phone back! Nicolas-(stretching both arms forward motioning Betty) Calm down, look don't force me to do that, look, I will take care of all the costs. Betty_(in shock, eyes getting wide again) Whaaaat? Nicolas-yes, calm down, calm down, worry instead about what we need to do here at the company; in what's coming up (he is exiting as he is talking) and about the upcoming collection!, Good-bye! (he shuts both doors) Betty rubs her temples with frustration on her face and then she throws the big metal jack (paperweight) that is on her desk to the floor. RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR Patricia is talking to an aunt on Nicolas' cell phone during working hours. She is announcing to her aunt that she is inviting herself to her house this evening, and even invites herself to dinner. Sandra in the background mocks her, as Patricia is acting innocently with her aunt regarding the dinner invitation. Patricia sees Marcela approaching, so she quickly tells her aunt that she has to hang up. Patricia- (talks before Marcela reaches her desk pretending to be a hard worker) Marceeeeeeee, Nicolas Mora has arrived. Marcela-(still with a serious look on her face) Yes, I know, I am leaving for Miami now. Patricia-(in desperation) and where are your car keys? Marcela fixes her sweater as she looks to the side in silence, ignoring Patricia's question. Patricia-Ay Marceee!, what difference will it make to you, besides, I have a dinner invitation tonight. Marcela exhaling pulls out the car keys from her pockets and as she hands them to Patricia Patricia-Ay thank you Marcee! (big smile which quickly disappears as Marcela pulls back her hand before giving her the keys) Marcela-With one condition! (Marcela then moves closer to Patricia as she whispers) that you maintain me informed of all that Beatriz does while I am away, especially if she takes any trips. Patricia-(whispering back) Marce, do you think she is going to prepare something to go meet Armando somewhere? Marcela (still whispering) I don't know, but if that's the case, I want to be prepared! Patricia-Marce, you know very well that even if you don't let me borrow your car I am very good at keeping you informed. (Marcela smiles and hands her the keys) Patricia (smiling again) Marcee, thank you, and have a very good trip! Marcela (still smiling) Thank you (and she walks away). Patricia picks up Nicolas' cell phone and holding it with one hand, she begins to talk to herself outloud) (Sandra-who has been sitting by Aura Maria- and Aura Maria look at her smiling) Patricia- "Patricia Fernandez, you have again become the person I knew, you have become a person again! (she then does the sign of the cross and she gazes at the ceiling as she prays outloud) My Lord, don't allow for me to be poor again, don't allow it! Dios mio, no PERRRRRRRRMITAAS que yo vuelva a ser pobre, no PERRRRRRMITAAS! commercial break (oops, sorry, I forgot this is a commercial free summary)
ECOMODA BETTY'S OFFICE Betty is sitting at her desk working with papers and her calculator. The double doors open and it is Nicolas again. (Betty keeps working without looking up, she does not seem angry just very focused on her numbers). Nicolas: (who is STILL wearing his coat) Betty, I don't aspire anything with her, I am like you here, trying to get this company back on it's feet and then leave! Betty puts a small smile on her lips but she keeps doing her calculations. Nicolas-...it's just that as soon as Ecomoda pays all it's debts, you and I are not going to be wanted here anymore, right?; they are going to kick us out of here. Betty-(she stops writing for a moment) Yes, Nicolas, in three months the company gets back on track, and you end up totally ruined!, because that woman only needs ONE MONTH! (she also shows "one" with her index finger) ...to get rid of all your capital! Nicolas (approaches her desk and sits in front of her as he adds) no no no, don't believe that, I know very well what I am doing. In one month I'm going to be intact, but you, on the other hand, wont! (Betty is seen working again, but listening to every word he says) Nicolas...because that "Mrs" (meaning Marcela) embittered and all, put things very difficult for you! Betty-You know what Nicolas, I'm not going to loose my head over that! Her ill feelings are due to Don Armando. The one who is going to have to solve all this is him, in one month when he arrives. He is going to have to solve his life and hers. Nicolas (nodding in agreement, and pointing a finger at Betty adds) and yours too, Betty! (he gets up to leave as she quickly replies) Betty-I don't expect anything from him! Nicolas-(looking back at her as he is leaving) ah no no no, it could be that other people think that I am an idiot, but you don't!... (Betty stops working to look up at him again) Nicolas...I bet that in a month, you are going to faint, when you see him! (he exits and closes her doors, as she remains with at little smile of sadness on her face shaking her head in disagreement) TRANSITION OF TRANSPARENCY CHANGE THE SCENE FROM BETTY AT HER DESK TO EL CUARTEL WALKING OUTSIDE ECOMODA AS THEY ARRIVE ONE THE MORNING. (THE LETTERS) Un Mes Despues A MONTH LATER ARE SEEN ON THE SCREEN. El Cuartel Berta: Do you think that Betty is going to invite us to the launch of the new collection tonight? Aura Maria: Yessss of course, they are not going to bother making us look like triple mamitas, just to send us home! The others laugh, as they are reaching the front door, where Wilson is eating a huge baguette. Sofia: Besides, it would be the top, that if now that one of us has been crowned president, she would leave us out of the company's events, don't you think? El Cuartel Ah Yesssssssssss Sofia: Oh look, Betty has arrived! They all get excited and happy. Aura Maria screams of joy, and they all run together to meet Betty at her car. Aura Maria-(goes and opens the car door for Betty)-Welcome Doctora. Beatriz Pinzon Solano! Betty (getting out of her car with a big smile. Wearing Gray Suit with the gray skirt white undershirt). Thank You! (and then looking at the others she adds) Good Morning! They all greet her-Hola Betty! (Wilson does it with his hand because his mouth is full of bread). Mariana-Listen Betty, what happened to Dr.Nicolas Mora, hah? Betty-(still with a big smile) Ah, he went to pick up a car that he bought! El Cuartel- Ohhhhh Sandra-And are you ready for the big night tonight? Betty-I think so!
Today, is the most important day for me as President of this company! Inesita-Well, Betty, we are all doing everything that we can to make sure things go well for you, besides we are always praying to the lord so that things always go well for you! Betty-(Big smile on Betty's face) Thank you! (the rest smile too) Berta-Of course, we could be of more help to you if you would, for example, invite us tonight! El Cuartel-Beeertaaa! Betty-Of course you are invited tonight. (El Cuartel begins to jump and clap with joy)... it's not going to be an easy day for me, so I need to count on all your support! and well, Don Hugo promised to bring your new clothes today, therefore, tonight, you are all going to have a new look! El Cuartel continue to express joy Berta: Didn't I tell you that we were going to be invited? Sandra-and today Don Mario and Don Armando arrive! DDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNN (dramatic music!) BETTY'S EYES WIDEN AS HER SMILE DISAPPEARS! Betty-Did they confirm? Sandra-Yes, Betty, Don Armando called me last night to ask how things were going and to confirm about the launching of the Collection tonight! Betty-and Doña Marcela? Aura Maria- Ah!, that you'll have to ask La Peliteñida. (a car honks several times-it is Nicolas waving -arriving in PATRICIA'S MERCEDES!) They all walk towards him. Betty stands in front of the group with her hands on her waist and her face is very serious. Aura Maria-Hey, isn't that La Peliteñida's car? Berta-and isn't that Nicolas Mora? What is he doing driving that car? Nicolas-(gets out of the convertible) Hola Hola, he waves at everyone as he walks very quickly in front of the group. Betty-NICOLAS!!! (her strong voice makes him stop!, Aura Maria looks scared) Betty: Where did you get that car? Nicolas:(trying to sound casual) ah from a garage, it was looking horrible and it had been embargoed, ok? Betty-(very very angry) Don't tell me that you were such an IDIOT! (el Cuartel moves away from her side showing fear on their face) Betty-...TO HAVE PAID THE DEBT FOR LA PELITEÑIDA AND TAKEN OUT THAT CAR!!!!! Nicolas-Calm down, Betty, calm down!. Yes, I paid the debts to the attorneys, and I paid for the car, but it's for me, not for her. (he attempts to leave but she blocks him with her body, still showing a very angry expression on her face) Nicolas-Beeetyy!, I warned you that I was going to get a car that was embargoed, and I got it at a good price, do you like it or not? Betty: NOOO, I DON'T! I DON'T LIKE IT! Nicolas: (walking away) Ohhh, well, it's prettier than your car, and I am the one who is going to drive it not you. Betty-(still angry) THAT'S WHAT I HOPE, NICOLAS! (he goes into Ecomoda (she shakes her head in disbelief as El Cuartel comes towards her again Aura Maria-Let's see mi hija, let us guess, your virtual ex-boyfriend got this car to give it back to La Peliteñida Mariana-Humm Aura Maria...and he also gave her his cellular phone! Mariana-How do you like that? Betty- He swore to me that he bough it for him. Mariana-Humm(expressing disbelieve) (El Cuartel also show skepticism on their faces), Sandra-we now need to see if it's true Mariana-La peliteñida is going to die when she sees it! INSIDE A CROWDED MOVING CITY BUS Patricia is standing on the isle surrounded by other passengers, as she carries a conversation on Nicolas' cell phone with her father. She is saying to her father that now that if something should happen to her, at least now he has the license plate of the bus and the description of all the people who are surrounding her. (the people around her give her "a look" when she says that about them). As the bus approaches Ecomoda, she notices that her car is parked in front of it. She gets nervous and tells her father, Patricia: Papi, papi, I'll call you back, because I think I'm having a hallucination! This is urgent! She hangs up on him as she begins pushing people our of her way so she can move towards the back of the bus. Patricia: MOVE, MOVE, YOU FAAT WOMAN!, MOVE MAN! (She reaches the back door and she begins to yell at the bus driver) HEY, HEY, STOP HERE DESGRAAAAAAACIADOOOO, I TELL YOU TO STOOOOP! (the bus driver stops and the door opens as we continue to see Patricia yelling at him, but this time our angle is from the outside of the bus) Patricia: ...WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO, ALLOW FOR ME TO BE SWEPT OVER!, YOU MOVE THIS BUS BEFORE I GET OFF, AND I'M GOING TO SUE YOU!!!!!! El Cuartel, Betty and Wilson are still standing in front of the Mercedes looking at the scene. Berta: Hey look, it's la Peliteñida getting off that bus! (they show Patricia, still struggling to get off, she is half hanging out of the bus, but her big bag seems to be stuck to something or someone) Sofia-It can't be!, It must be a double! Aura Maria-Double nothing, it's that stupid one! Patricia finally gets off right in front of her car, and she runs towards it and begins to hug it and kiss it (even the antenna, lol lol) Patricia: My car! My car! Sandra approaches her as Patricia gets inside the car. Sandra-What do you mean your car?, this is Dr. Nicolas Mora's car! Patricia-This is my car, I can identify the smell! (she is very joyous), by it's taste!, (she rubs it with her finger licking it afterwards), (the rest are looking at her in amazement!) Patricia-This is definitely my car, even the license plate matches! Who brought it? Who brought my car? Sofia-Is it that you don't understand?, this car is no longer yours, it was brought by Nicolas Mora! Patricia (still smiling widely and inspecting every inch of her car) It was brought by Nicolas! (she widens her smile) Betty-Yes!, but he brought if for him! Patricia doesn't seem to be listening, she is still caressing the inside of her car, and smiling Sandra-And what were you doing riding a bus? Where did you leave Doña Marcela's car? Patricia-Oh, that is none of your concern! Aura Maria-But it is the concern of Doña Marcela, you probably pawned her car to use the money to pay your debts. Patricia-Nooo, it's well put away. Sofia-And what were you doing riding the bus? Patricia-Sofia, you seem to forget that I did Six Semesters of Finances El Cuartel-EN LA SAN MARINOOOOOO! Betty looks at them with a little smile on her face Patricia-Ok, girls, ok, you see it was time for me to experiment how you, the poor, transport yourselves. (then talking to her car)Well my love we'll see each other soon! (talking to Sofia who is leaning against the car) Move away, stop touching it, you are going to scratch it!, and don't breathe near it, because it's going to think that it is in a stable!, Wilson, Wilson, take care of it for me!!!!! (and she runs inside the building) Mariana (talking to all but facing Betty)-girls, it seems that La Peliteñida doesn't;t understand that Nicolas Mora bought that car for him! Betty-(as they all start to walk towards Ecomoda) It's not that she doesn't understand, it's just that she doesn't want to understand Mariana! (as all of them walk inside, we see the Mercedes parked, Wilson sitting on it still eating the French bread!) ECOMODA RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR Elevator door opens, a woman is in front of Patricia, but Patricia pushes her to the side a litlle so she can run out of the elevator. She then goes towards her desk, leaves her purse and makes a u-turn, still running, she bumps into the same woman, and she tells her to get out of the way! Patricia is running towards Nicolas' office.
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NICOLAS' OFFICE Nicolas is sitting at his desk, pretending he is driving with his hands moving as if he was making a big turn with the imaginary steering wheel, and then as he pretends he stops the car, he looks to his side smiling and says outloud. "Patty, you want to go for a ride?" at that instant his office door really opens, Patricia walks in with a big smile and says: Patricia: Good morning Nicolas Nicolas-(getting up with surprise on his face, and moving from the front of his chair taking little steps to stand behind it) Good morning Patty, how are you this morning? Patricia-Very well, Very well, Nicolas!, I almost died for my good luck, when I saw my car outside! Nicolas (smiling), Yes, I know, it is pretty, isn't it? Patricia-It is just as I left it!, and what agreement did you have to reach so that the attorneys would hand you the car? (Nicolas not knowing what to do with his hands, he leans with one arm against the wall, and as he does, his hand rests on the upper part of a picture that's hanging on the wall. He takes it off the wall and continues talking while he is holding the picture, which he then looks for a moment, and hangs it right back on the wall) Nicolas-Oh, Patty, look, since they were having difficulty selling the car, I offered them some money, gave them a check, financed the rest, and so they handed it to me today! Patricia-Ahhh how fine!(closes the door of the office) ... and so, Nicolas, how are we going to negotiate?( at this moment she sits crossing her legs, showing most of it because of course she is wearing a mini, mini skirt) Nicolas-(stuttering) Negotiate what Patty? Patricia-The money that you had to give the attorneys for my car.Well, I don't know, I was thinking that I could make you monthly payments, of course those monthly payments have to be very flexible, Nicolas! Nicolas-No, Patty, don't worry, you don't have to pay me anything. Patricia-(crossing the other leg and showing amazement she adds) Oh noo, Nicolas, I don't aspire to receive the car, without giving you anything back in return, I don't know... you could accept a little money at least!, of course I can't pay you anything today, because with what I'm being paid today, I have to pay some of my other debts, and I can barely pay those, but I was thinking maybe in a month I could make you a payment, what do you think? Do you want me to sign anything? Nicolas-(motioning with both arms a lot as he adds) No Patty, no, I insist; you don't have to pay me anything, nor do you owe me anything! Patricia-(still sitting, shows amazement in her face) Ay Nicolas! you are going to give me the car just like that? Nicolas-No, no Patty, I can't give you the car... you see, I bought it for me! Patricia (closes her eyes as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown on her- then slowly gets up from the chair) What? Nicolas-Yes, yes, like I was telling you, I made a good deal, and I congratulate you, because you had a good car. Patricia-(pointing a finger at Nicolas) Nicolas, you are playing with me, right? you are playing with me? Nicolas-(calmly) No, Patty, why would I? Patricia-(getting excited) What do you mean, why?, because you promised me to give me the money so I could pay for the car, so I wouldn't loose it, instead what you did was allow me to loose it, so that you could then buy it from my attorneys at a cheaper price! Nicolas-No, Patty, you are mistaken, you are mistaken, this was just an opportunity!, I am a businessman! Patricia-(very upset) WHAT DO YOU MEAN A BUSINESSMAN, WHAT BUSINESSMAN, WHAT YOU ARE IS A DESGRRRRRRRRRACIADO NICOLAS MORA, BECAUSE THAT CAR IS MINE!, I GOT THAT CAR WITH MY SWEAT!, AND MY EX-HUSBAND'S SWEAT, NICOLAS, AND YOU HAVE TAKEN IT AWAY FROM ME! Nicolas-(moving closer to her) Calm down, Patty, calm down, if you want we could go out, do you want to go for ice cream? Patricia - NOO!, WITH YOU I AM NOT EVEN GOING TO GO TO THE CORNER, NICOLAS! ( and she SLAPS him hard making his whole body turn) (Patricia takes out his cell phone and starts dialing a number while Nicolas adds) Nicolas-Patty, please, don't damage our relationship, which was going so well! Patricia-Hello Papa? Papi, I've been cheated AGAIN!, do you have time to talk? PERFECT because this conversation is going to be A LONG ONE! ( she exits his office flipping her hair on Nicolas' face and shutting the door on his face) Nicolas-Don't over do it with my cellular phone, Patty! (by this time he is alone and he sits at his desk in despair) ay, again, oh my God, and I had had several days that Patty hadn't slapped me! (he touches his face where she slapped him, looks up to the ceiling and continues talking to God outloud) Huh?, why, why? RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR Patricia is walking and talking on the cell phone. Patricia-(whining) Yes papi, he is the same man who was going to lend me the money, he is the same one, and now he has bought it cheaper (she reaches her desk) (The elevator doors open and it is the whole Cuartel along with Betty. They all stop in the center of the area, and notice that Patricia is sulking at her desk, with her hair all over her face) Betty-Patricia, did you notify Mrs.Marcela that the launching of the new collection is tonight? Patricia-(still hiding her face behind her hair, and looking down, talking very softly with a voice of disappointment)-Yes, she was going to be catching a flight, so she could arrive today. (El Cuartel disperses, each going to their desk, and as Betty, Sofia, Inesita and Berta walk towards their respective areas, Berta adds) Berta-(kind of whispering) It seems that she got the bad news. (Sofia laughs, as Inesita and Betty look kind of serious) NICOLAS' OFFICE Nicolas is still sitting at his desk, he seems sad and he is trying to open an envelope. Betty walks in, and sits in front of his desk. Betty-(shaking her head a little bit) How did it go with La peliteñida? Nicolas-With Patty? Betty-With Patricia. Did she not come to talk to you about your car? (turning his chair so that he is no longer facing Betty-the melancholic music begins to play) Nicolas-Yes, yes, she came to talk to me all kind of things about that car, asking how had I negotiated it, and what had I had to do to get it. Betty-Only that?, She didn't ask you whether you had gotten it as a gift for her? Nicolas-(still facing away)No no no, she thought I had negotiated it for her, and that she was going to be making payments to me. Betty-in other words, she thought you were going to give it as a gift, and it seems she didn't like the news, no? (Nicolas turns to face Betty in silence) Betty-(her voice is kinder now) Nicolas, why did you have to buy precisely that car?, huh? and don't tell me that it's because it's a good deal. (Nicolas begins writting or doodling but remains silent) Betty-Nicolas, you knew that she was going to react this way. What were you pretending? (still silence from Nicolas) ...of course you are so taken with her, that you are probably going to give her the car. Nicolas-No, Betty, it's not like that, I am still not that rich to be able to give it to her, although that's what I wish I could do, but..no, what I wanted was for her to notice me, that's all. (Betty looks at him tenderly as he continues) Nicolas-...I just wanted to get her attention, and share the car with her, that's all, but she didn't like the idea at all. Betty-Nicolas, understand something!, that woman is not satisfied with just anything, and if you don't give her the car as a gift, you are not going to reach anywhere with her...and to give her the car would be the worse business deal in your life! Nicholas-Yes, yes, yes, I know.(he says sadly, as the melancholic music continues playing) and what about you? (Betty just looks at him with a little smile) Huh?, you are a little nervous, huh? You are nervous because that guy arrives today... (Nicolas gets up) (Betty shakes her head a little and looks to a corner with sadness on her face), Nicolas-...and here you were, setting me straight, when you are obviously dying for that guy. Betty-(looks him in the eyes and gets up) The difference is that I learned the lesson, while you are still after a lost cause, Nicolas. (she exits and Nicolas stays looking sad standing by his office window) Nicolas slowly goes back to his desk as we hear Betty's voice along with the melancholic music Betty's Voice Over- Yes, I am dying to see him, although I clearly know that it is a lost cause! We now see Betty walking into her office as we still just hear her voice Betty's Voice over- It makes me restless just to wonder if he is going to complete the sentence that he "cried to me" the last night we saw each other, where he said he would change towards me forever, and that he would return a changed man. (Betty sits at her desk, pulls out her diary from one of her desk drawers, and begins to write:) Betty's Voice Over- I have anxiety!, a permanent "tickle" in my stomach, just to know that soon I will see him! (Elevator doors open ARMANDO IS BACK!) (He pulls out a sheet of paper from his briefcase, begins to read it as he exits the elevator, he then looks around him and says "Good Mornig" he continues reading the sheet of paper as Sandra and Aura Maria greet him respectfully and joyously, while Patricia just looks at him but ignores his hello. (as Armando walks towards his office while he is reading) Betty's Voice Over-... and I also have anxiety just to find out... (Armando stops in the middle of the hall with a smile on his face as he is still reading the piece of paper) Betty's Voice Over-...how he will solve his life! I hope you enjoyed the summary and this was one of my favorite lines tonight, good for the new millenium! (Aura Maria talking to Betty about Nicolas) ...your virtual ex-boyfriend Bye bye
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USA 3/26-30/01. Preparations begin for the next fashion show. Armando returns from Venezuela with Alejandra and shows her around the factory. Patricia calls Marcie and tells her to come home fast. The cuartel follow Alejandra and Armando around, try to find out who she is, report back to Betty who insists that she isn't interested. Aura Maria tells Freddy she can no longer stand his rejection and from now on considers herself to be a free woman. Armando refuses to discuss Alejandra with Mario. Betty and Alejandra talk about her new sales plans. The cuartel appears "made over" but the changes are not drastic. Betty is pleased and Armando compliments them.
La Opinión, 4/1/01. Sólo telenovelas [summary of previous week] Laura M. López Betty la fea KVEA, Canal 52, lunes a viernes, 8:00 p.m. Hugo estaba furioso porque sentía que estaba trabajando para la casa de los horrores. Jamás en su vida había sido humillado tanto. El tener que vestir al cuartel de las feas, era un sacrilegio para el reconocido diseñador de Eco Moda. Sin embargo, el reto venía de la presidencia y no tenía alternativa. Las muchachas del cuartel en cambio, estaban felices por esa nueva imagen que pronto tendría la compañía. Hasta Gutiérrez fue incluido en la lista de los empleados a cambiar. Marcela por su parte tuvo que viajar a Miami para promover la nueva línea que pronto saldría al mercado. Armando tenía mucha confianza en la estrategia de Betty y estaba seguro que sería un éxito. Catalina apoya a Betty cien por ciento y también al igual que el cuartel, la motiva para que el día de la presentación esté al nivel del evento, como debía estar cualquier presidenta de una empresa, sobre todo, tratándose de una de diseño de ropa. Armando ya está cansado de las preguntas de Mario sobre si tuvo relaciones con ésta o con la otra, y le pone un alto. Mario todavía no comprende que el ex presidente de Eco Moda está verdaderamente enamorado de Betty y que sufre por la nueva actitud que ésta ha tomado.
Subject: 3-26-01 SUMMARY-MONDAY Author: Marcia (172.156.116.237) Date: 03-27-2001 10:53 3-26-01 Monday Summary by:Marcia ECOMODA RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR Wearing a dark suit, white shirt and a light yellow tie, a Very Handsome Armando Mendoza, has just returned from his trip. He is standing in the middle of the reception area and reading a sheet of paper he had pulled from his briefcase. As he reads, he shows a little smile on his face. (Aura Maria makes signals with her hands to Sandra so that the latter one will go talk to her new boss, in other words, be more attentive). (Sandra stands up; is clearly nervous around him) (Armando still reading, senses something is going on behind him and without looking back he asks) Armando-What is going on Sandra? Sandra -(composing herself and smiling) Doctor...that I wanted to ask you...How did your trip go? Armando:(still looking at the paper and serious now) Fine, it went very well for me. What has happened here? Sandra-ahhhh, I have your messages, here (Armando approaches Sandra's desk) Armando-Tell me, has Marcela arrived from Palm Beach yet? Sandra-No, Doctor, she hasn't arrived yet. Armando seems upset as he goes to Patricia. Patricia-Why hasn't Marcela arrived from Palm Beach yet? Is it that she doesn't know that tonight is the launching of the latest collection? Patricia-(with a depressed look on her face and voice) Yes, Armando, she knew, but what happens is that I haven't been able to get her an airline ticket. Armando-Oh, Look Sandra, do me a favor. You see? I'm waiting for a very important visitor from Caracas, (the rattle sound is heard) Armando-...be on the lookout, OK? Sandra-Yes, Doctor. (he walks towards his office) Aura Maria follows him with her big eyes, as Sandra then goes quietly tip toeing to Aura Maria's desk. Aura Maria-He didn't even ask for Betty! Sandra-He didn't even mention her! (they both look upset or disappointed for Betty) The phone rings- Betty- Aura Maria, please, bring me the list of the international visitors and of the hotels where they will be staying so I can see how things look, OK? Aura Maria-yes m'am ECOMODA-PRESIDENCIA BETTY'S OFFICE BETTY IS SITTING AT HER DESK, WHERE SHE IS VERY BUSY WORKING ON MANY FOLDERS. [A LIT, BIG, BLUE CANDLE IS SEEN ON THE SHELVE BEHIND HER]. (Aura Maria enters Betty's office; she hands Betty the list) Aura Maria-The underlined names have arrived and are already registered, the rest we still await. Betty-Well...(she begins to examine the list) ...thank-you very much Aura Maria. Ah, (looking up)get me Catalina Angel on the phone, it's urgent, I need to know how the rehersals for the fashion show is going. Aura Maria-OK...Betty (AM begins to walk away, then she hesitates, turns around and whispers to Betty) Aura Maria- Betty, Don Armando already arrived! (DAAAAN! DRAMATIC MUSIC; Betty's eyes get really big!), Aura Maria-...and he is in his office, do you want me to communicate you with him or send him a message? Betty-Did he ask for me...did he send a message? Aura Maria-He asked how things were going in the Company; why Doña Marcela hasn't arrived; and that he is waiting for a visitor to arrive from Caracas. Betty-but, he didn't send me any message? Aura Maria shakes her head (no). (AM leaves) (Betty sits back on her chair exhales and just stares ahead, looking sad).
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ECOMODA RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR (Aura Maria returns to her desk, Sandra comes to ask her) Sandra-Did you tell Betty that Don Armando arrived? Aura Maria-Yes Sandra-And? Aura Maria-Nothing, she asked me whether he had asked about her... (They are interrupted when suddenly the elevator doors open and a very happy Freddy comes out singing) Freddy-Hear me, listen to me...(Aura Maria smiles widely) Freddy-...because happiness has arrived!. (He dances still in front of the elevator, and he is holding the mail.) Freddy-(still kind of singing and talking in rhymes) Hello, how are you? Greetings, greetings, how are all of you? Here's a very special hello from Freddy Estuart, who is here to bring you... (he walks over to Sandra (who is at her desk now) Freddy-Sandrita, your correspondence for the day, Freddy-my dear Patty, your tragic monthly news... (Patricia takes her mail and Freddy's arm, but he quickly pulls it back) Freddy-please, this month, bite your own hand. Aura Maria_(on the phone) Yes of course, Doña Catalina, I will tell Betty that you are on your way here. See you later. (AM hangs up, seeing Freddy in front of her, she removes a big jacket that she has been wearing, revealing a light orange dress that is tight and as usual reveals a lot of her "Pechugon", and in a flirtatious manner she greets him again) AM-What's new Freddy? Freddy-Your correspondence Miss Aura Maria Fuentes. Aura Maria-Oh thank you Señorito , the brave one! the worthy macho man! Freddy-Lets see; look Miss Aura Maria Fuentes, the truth is, please abstain from your commentaries, because I am during working hours and that affects my productivity, and the productivity of my adored Ecomoda!. Aura Maria-(with a voice that's almost in tears) Oh no!, until when am I going to have to support you like that? ...that you treat me like that? Why don't you decide and tell me that we have...that we have finished and that's all!...don't keep me in the freezer, OK? Freddy-What is it, do you have other offers? Aura Maria-No, I have not seen any offers, did you hear me? ....but this is enough! it's done, I'm not going to end up in a nursing home still asking, (she changes her voice to an old lady's) Freddy, please, decide, decide because I am turning 90!, decide, please. Well, No! Freddy-Well, no. I also see myself in the same nursing home telling you, (he now speaks like an old man) Forgive me but Excuse me, but is that 104 years old gentleman next to you, another one of your cousins? (Aura Maria gets upset but still sounds like she's going to cry) AM- Tan Bobo!, You don't treat me like this!; what's that?. You know what? This ends right here, and as of today, I declare myself completely free! Freedy-Oh how scary!, No? Well, go, go with your cousins, of course!, go out tonight you'll have "Francacella Fiesta, Comelona y Puñaldengue, right? [excuse my spelling here] Aura Maria-Noo, tonight I am going with Betty to the launching of the new collection! DRAMATIC MUSIC PATRICIA LOOKS UP! Aura Maria-...and there will be a lot of very special guests, did you hear me? Patricia-Ha Ha Ha (she walks to the front of her desk) don't even dream about crashing the launching, as you just said "pechuguin" Only special guests will be there, not a constellation of poor witches! Aura Maria_Hey, dear (mi hija) don't suffer! Little monkey!, the one who invited us was Betty!, did you hear me?... The President of Ecomoda, my love!, Sandra-And don't talk about being poor, because you are the poorest of us all, the new poor! and she even has to ride the bus! (Freddy widens his eyes! and stuttering asks) Freddy-You you you Patty?!!!! Patricia-Ay, Freddy, I already told them that it was intentional, that I am doing a study to analyze the customs; the behavior of the poor in their natural habitat. Freddy-I wish you lots of luck; I for one have a motorized vehicle with 2 horsepower, therefore, I have not had to try those tasteless urbane services! (as he turns to leave, Aura Maria slaps him on his shoulder) Aura Maria- Remember that I have warned you! I have warned you! (she pauses hoping for a response from Freddy but he just stands there)...as of tonight, I am a free woman! Freddy-(trying to look strong) Message completely captured! It came in this ear and came out this other one! (he pauses and then stuttering)...and and it doesn't affect me! (he walks away and you see the pain on his face and on hers who looks like she is about to cry) Sandra- Ay Aura Maria, just as the peliteñida said, tonight the poor can't enter the fashion show! I wonder who is going to stay outside? Aura Maria-It's clear! The NEW POOR! Sandra- The new poor of all the rich people! Patricia-Ha ha ha ha ha, Don't even dream that I won't be at the launching, because I don't need an invitation from the President, I simply go with Marce! Sandra-Ha!
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(As Freddy walks towards Berta and Sofia he makes a stop on the hallway, puts his head against a wall and tells himself outloud) Freddy-This does not affect me!, this does not affect me at all! (he then takes out his breath spray, and because he is so upset he sprays his ear by mistake and then his mouth) (He hands the mail to Berta and then to Sofia who tells him) Sofia-Why don't you hand Doctor Mora his correspondence directly, because he needs to see you anyway. Freddy-I would like to inform you of something my dear members of the Cuartel, that "it" does not affect me! (as he enters Nicolas' office) Sofia-(whispering to Berta) I wonder what would happen if it did affect him, ha ha ha Berta-ha ha ha NICOLAS' OFFICE (Nicolas is working at his desk) (Freddy enters and still talking to himself outloud but quietly he is saying) Freddy-Stay calm, be tranquil! Freddy-(to Nicolas) Doctor, do you require my professional services? Nicolas-(looking up at him) Yes, yes, of course, what is your name? Freddy-Freddy E. Contreras Nicolas-Freddy Estuart, right? Estuart! Nicolas-Look Estuart, (he hands Freddy the work) I need you to price these before noon today.because we have to pay the providers of the launching. Freddy- Yes, yes, of course. Freddy-Look Doctor (He hands Nicolas his mail) your correspondence. Nicolas-Thank you Estuart Freddy-Freddy (Nicolas opens a big envelope and when he takes out the paper, he jumps up from his chair in shock! Freddy-Is something wrong? Nicolas-What do you mean is something wrong!, Look at this statement of my cellular phone. Freddy-Doctor, I had only seen that look of anguish before on Patricia Fernandez' face. Nicolas-Of course Freddy, she has had my cell. phone for a month now. Freddy-Forgive me but Excuse me, but a Vice-President of your caliber can not be lending his cellular phone to a woman like Patricia Fernandez, that is the best way to impoverish illicitly; that condemns you... Nicolas-(interrupting the truths he doesn't want to hear) OK OK Freddy, OK, Please! go on go on. (Freddy leaves) Nicolas-(in despair) how am I going to ask her for my cell. phone, when I already left her without a car?, although, she did promise me that she would return it in a month, when we paid her! and today we pay her ECOMODA RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR Patricia-(looking at her bills) It can't be, It can't be! Sandra-But now what are you complaining about peliteñida, since you don't have to pay for the cellular phone. Patricia-Ayyy, but now I have to pay for all the other debts that I hadn't been able to pay; don't meddle in my affairs, "larguirucha" Sandra-Uyy, I meddle, because you don't let me do my work because you are always whining Uyy! Patricia-Shut Up! Ayyyyyyy (looking at her bills again and whining to herself outloud) This month I still don't have enough money, Patricia's Voice Over- (she is thinking) but that idiot better not think that I am going to give him back his cell phone. He better not dare ask me for it! (Armando approaches Sandra's desk-he is holding a yellow folder) Armando-Sandra, did Doctora Pinzon arrive to her office? Sandra-Yes, Doctor, she's been in her office. (Armando walks en route to Presidencia!) (Aura Maria looks at him and then gives Sandra a look of... mischief?") (Patricia's telephone rings) Patricia-Ecomoda(pause) Patricia-Marce! are you at the airport yet?(pause) Patricia-What do you mean? That you are on a waiting list?(pause) Patricia-(now whispering) Marce, you have to come any which way you can, Immediately!, because Armando has arrived and he already went to be behind closed doors with El Garfio!, how do you like that? (pause) Patricia-Yes, I know you can't do anything from there, but I'm telling you, you need to come now!, Marce, get in a cargo flight, or hide in a turbine, I don't know, whatever Marceeeee, besides, the witches of El Cuartel are already saying to my face that they are guests at the launching tonight, and that I can't go, what do you think about that Marceee! Ecomoda is in their hands! (pause) Patricia-Yes, Marce, at this very moment they are together in her office. Patricia-I told you so, I told you so!, this is the great reunion! (Aura Maria motions to Sandra to try to listen, and Sandra replies also with hand motions that she can't hear a thing!) Patricia-OK Marce OK Marce
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PRESIDENCIA- BEATRIZ'S OFFICE BETTY IS WORKING AT HER DESK. THE DOUBLE DOORS OF HER OFFICE OPEN SUDDENLY! IT'S ARMANDO! (Armando walks in, decisive, looking very self assured, with a pleasant smile on his face and a very polite attitude) (and very very handsome, lol) Armando-Good Morning Beatriz! (Betty-as if hesitating to look at him, very slowly looks up) Betty-Ah, Good Morning Doctor. (She looks down and back at him and smiling) Betty-(lying) I didn't know you had arrived. (Armando moves closer to her desk but remains standing) Armando-I arrived a while ago, but I wanted to prepare this before I came here (he shows her the yellow folder) (She looks a little nervous; she is fidgeting trying to place a paper on a set of pages. She looks down at her papers and then at him, back and forth trying to look calm) Betty-Ah! Good, Doctor, ....and...how did your trip go? Armando-(still very casual) Fine, very well, precisely, I have here for you a set of counter proposals so we can study them... (at this point Armando continues talking but simultaneously he extends his arm handing her the folder, yet when Betty tries to take it, he maintains a hold of it, she pulls a little and he holds back she pulls he holds - [none of them really wanting to let go!] she is seen nervous, maybe a little confused...) Armando-...If all goes well, next week we will be closing the business deal of more than two million dollars! (...and when he finishes talking- at the same time that she has also looked him straight in the eyes with a smile on her face, he releases the folder!) Betty-(Betty takes the folder gets up from her desk and goes to get a binder at the shelve by the window of her office) That's very good, Doctor!!! (and she laughs outloud, her typical Betty laugh!) Armando-(smiles a little) Well, and now we need to wait for Calderon, I think he is bringing us good news. How is tonight's launching going? (Betty, who is now holding the thick binder and the yellow folder, turns around to walk back towards her desk, she stumbles on the way a little, she quickly recovers sits, and continues talking acting as if nothing had happened) Betty-Ah, everything is going very well Doctor, and right now, Catalina Angel and Don Hugo are on their way here, we are going to do a little meeting of re-evaluation, it would be good if you were also present, right? Armando-Yes, of course, yes. (now Betty is again looking down at some papers as he continues talking-she's listening, but it's as if she doesn't want to make too much eye contact) Look Beatriz, I wanted to remind you that my guests are also coming. Many of them will also be the future buyers of the franchises of Ecomoda, and we have to treat them very well... (Betty although still looking through some papers, is nodding at his words) Armando-...and besides they are going to attend the fashion show, and I also want us to show them what is up for sale. Betty-(motioning agreement) All that has already been taken care of Doctor, I was even just going over the list of the international guests... (Armando smiles)- (as if looking proud of his Betty!) Betty-...and some of them have already arrived, and they have settled in their hotels; everything is going very well. (Armando continues standing, smiling and nods) Armando-Good, good. (he pauses) ... I think we can settle the business deal of Caracas today, God willing. There is going to be a very important person, very special arriving today to take care of that. Betty-(nodding and looking at him)-Don't worry, everything is prepared. (pause) Sit down. Armando-(just smiling and not answering her invitation to sit) OK, well we'll see each other at the meeting. (she looks down again at her papers. He leaves and when she hears the doors shut, Betty looks ahead and takes several deep breaths!
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ECOMODA ELEVATOR - RECEPTION AREA 2nd FLOOR Hugo and Cata are arriving, Cata is dialing a number on her cell phone while Hugo tells her: Hugo-I don't understand why I have to be taken out of a moment when I am inspired by my muse, only to be brought here to listen to "Madame Transformed" Cata-Enough, Huguito, leave her in peace, besides it's a last minute general revision and Betty can't move from here. (they exit the elevator) Cata-(smiling) Good morning niñas, AM, Sandra, Patricia-Good morning. Cata-is Betty in Presidencia? AM-Oh yes, Doña Catalina, she has been waiting for you. (they walk towards Presidencia, and run into Armando who has already reached the reception area) Armando-Hello Cata-Hellooooo, Come, (they kiss) and how did it go? Armando-Fine (he smiles) Very well, Cata! (Hugo who is still standing next to Cata, is now facing away from Armando and has placed his sunglasses backwards on his head, as if to mock Armando) Hugo-And if it went so well, why didn't you stay there? Armando-Lets see Hugo, I came because I have to kill a designer. (Hugo turns to face Armando, and puts his sunglasses on) Hugo-Ay no no no, no, Do it slowly, not rough. (and then talking to Cata) Hugo-I don't understand why they let this type of people enter this country. We were so happy here, there was harmony, there was comprehension in this Company, the truth is that we did not need you at all. Armando-Hugo, don't kill me, don't mistreat me with the whip of your indifference, because I'm going to die, Hugi! Hugo-Keep talking like that and you are going to end up like me! (Cata laughing a little) Cata-Hey listen, we are going to do a little meeting of re-evaluation; it would be good if you attended, huh? Armando-Yes, the meeting; Beatriz has already invited me, just let me know when. (he goes to his office) Hugo-(to Cata) Well call me when all is ready, I'm going to be in my work area. (and then looking at Aura Maria) Hugo-...and what is "pechuguin" doing here, "receptioning of "pechito"? Aura Maria-I'm working! (and she truly was, lol lol) (Hugo goes his way laughing outloud, AM looks at Sandra and says) AM-How do you like that? (Sandra motions her with her hands to just let it go, while Patricia laughs outloud)
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ECOMODA PRESIDENCIA SOFT MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND. A DREAMY BETTY SITTING AT HER DESK RESTING HER CHIN ON HER HANDS. (The double doors open suddenly and "dreamy Betty" jumps a little. She picks up some papers and begins to shuffle them a little) Cata_Hellooo Betty! (very cheery) Betty-(big smile) Doña Catalina! how is everything going at the hotel? Cata-Well!; Very Well! The whole morning was spent organizing the lights and the sound, while Hugo had the models rehearse. Everything is very well! Betty-(still smiling and organizing papers), Ah, good! (a small Betty's laugh) Cata-(sitting in front of Betty and whispering) and, did you see Armando yet? Betty-(acting casual and talking normal instead of whispering) Ah, yes, yes, he came by...he gave me a report on his trip... it seems that it went well for them, no?... (Cata is serious and listening but also observing Betty very closely) Betty-...It seems that next week they will close the deals of the franchises. Cata-(smiling now) Aha, and? (Betty looks at her, opens her mouth a little as if to say something but doesn't) Cata- (moves her head closer toward Betty) He only talked to you about business? Betty-Yes, nothing more, but I saw him very optimistic, Doña Catalina! (Cata is again observing Betty closely) Betty-...He seemed very well, he seemed to me renovated...(a Betty laugh) ...but he didn't talk to me about anything other than business. Cata- Nothing?, he didn't say anything to you about what he told you the last night you saw each other? Betty-No, but you know?, I did see him very changed, Doña Catalina, as if the trip did him a lot of good. Cata-(smiling) and you would have preferred to have the old Armando back? Betty-Nooooooo (Betty laugh) I prefer this one! At least he seems willing to leave me in peace, ha ha ha Cata-ha ha ha Ay, Betty! (more smiles) Cata-Well, what, shall we start the meeting? Betty-Yes, yes.(grabbing her phone) Aura Maria, please tell the executives that we are ready for the meeting. (Cata observes her in action with a smile- maybe also of pride?) (Betty is focused on organizing some more papers, while Cata-serious now, is observing Betty very closely again)
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MEETING ROOM Nicolas and Gutierrez run into each other as they both try to get into the room at the same time. Gutierrez-(in English) Excuse me doctor, please come in come in. Nicolas-(comes in and in Spanish replies) Thank you thank you. Gutierrez-(mixing English with Spanish) Are you going to go tonight... this evening.. .to see the launching of the new collection? Nicolas-Collection, what does that mean? Gutierrez-The new garments.... Nicolas- (repeating the same terminology but in Spanish) Ah, the launching of the new collection! Gutierrez-yes Nicolas-No, I don't think so, because that's not so much for financial executives... Gutierrez-Doctor Nicolas, listen to me, there you will find Great Women! (Nicolas' eyes get big!) Gutierrez-...Uyyy!, Models!, Invited Specials (this is how he was talking in English trying to say special guests) !Nicolas has a big smile now) Gutierrez-(salivating)... Better said, it will be an Ocean of Women! (he makes a sound with his mouth as if he is tasting something delicious) ....where I am going to go to drown! Ha Ha I recommend it! ha ha Nicolas- In other words, IT IS for financiers! (They both laugh and do a high five as Hugo approaches and can't walk in because they are blocking him with their high five) Hugo-Well, well, (they stand apart so that the three of them are now standing at the doorway) (Hugo stops) Hugo-The two of you are the only ones here? Ay, I can already see tomorrow's headlines- Distinguished Designer Dies at the Hands of Two Sadistic Exotic Men!. Gutierrez-ha ha Hugo-You, don't laugh! (and he goes to sit where Marcela usually sits but then he sees Cata and Betty come in and he says) Hugo-Ay Cata, come sit here (he holds Marcela's chair at one of the heads of the table for Cata to sit, and then he sits next to her) Betty-(smiling but saying nothing, sits at the other head of the table) Hugo-Here I was, with these two (pointing at Nicolas and Gutierrez) looking at me with a face of "I want a boyfriend" CAta-ay ay ay (Betty continues smiling as she opens her folder, than she looks at the door because Armando has also arrived) Hugo-Ay Ay Ay, The most perverted has arrived! (Armando sits next to Hugo) Hugo-Why don't you tell us a few gossips about your adventures in South America, did you leave a lot of "Armanditos Mendozas" all over? (did he get many women pregnant) (Betty's smile disappears and she looks up to look at Armando) Hugo-...which one did you prefer, the Venezuelan, the Argentinean, the Mexican? ... (looking at Cata) Poor Marge! Her forehead must be filled with horns! She must look like a Canadian "Alce", of course the horns are international! Armando-(smiling) Horns like the ones you are getting from your Argentinian. Hugo-(serious) That was a low blow, Armando! Armando-Do the low blows still hurt you? (Gutierrez laughs and Betty clears her throat as if to stop the exchange and to call the attention) Betty-Well, Could we begin? (Hugo looks upset and serious and taking the sunglasses from his forehead he holds them in his hands as he replies) Hugo-I started a while ago, Doctora! Betty-I would like for us to quickly go over some things. (Hugo is still very serious)... Catalina, is the presentation of the invited artist coordinated? Catalina-yes yes Armando-Who is the invited artist? Catalina-Mario Duarte Armando-Who is that? (Hugo rolls his eyes at Armando) CAta- Ay don't tell me that you haven't heard of Golpe de Ala? ...He is a Colombian young man, he just launched his first CD, he is very good! Hugo-He looks like a marionette on top of a chest, and he moves like this! (he swings his arm back and forth)...and he is all disjointed.... (Nicolas also mocks Mario Duarte by looking at Betty and sticking his finger in his mouth and making a gagging sound. Betty hits him on the arm with her elbow) Betty- Nicolaaas, Please! Armando-(to Nicolas)What's the matter? Nicolas- Well, I don't want to meddle in this things, but it seems strange to me that you invite this dude that hangs around wearing strange and street clothes; no, he doesn't deserve to be invited to this launching, no, there are some people that are so strange, and soo "loca" (looking at Hugo) (Hugo laughs) Cata-No no no,Betty, everything is organized, don't worry! OK? Armando_ I would like to see how the guests are going to be seated. Cata-Yes, here look, I just made this little sketch. (MUSIC IS PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND, BETTY'S IS SHOWN CLOSE UP GAZING AT ARMANDO, WHILE ARMANDO'S FACE IS ALSO SHOWN BUT HE IS LOOKING DOWN AT THE PIECE OF PAPER THAT CATA GIVES HIM) Cata-Look, this is going to be... Armando interrupts her and talking very quickly asks Cata Armando-Where is going to be Sims? That's the only thing that concerns me! ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN A beautiful woman with long black straight hair, wearing a tight red top, a black skirt with a slit that reaches high up her leg and a big smile, enters the reception area (2nd floor). Woman-Hello Sandra-(standing) Hello (Aura Maria and Patricia stare at the woman) Woman-(smiling)Armando Mendoza, please. (Patricia stands directly behind Sandra and crossing her hands stares further at the newcomer) Sandra-(looking her up and down) and who shall I say is calling? Woman-(smiling)Alejandra Sims. (Sandra now also crosses her arms, and looks at Alejandra up and down) Sandra-and do you have an appointment? Alejandra-(with a smile)Yes, yes, of course, I come from Caracas, and he is waiting for me! MUSIC YO SOY ASI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, I shall say no more because I don't know what to say after this last scene!
Subject: ***Summary - Tuesday, March 27, 2001*** Author: Becky A. (63.62.170.198) Date: 03-28-2001 00:08 BY THE ELEVATOR Sandra, Aura Maria and Patricia are checking out Armando's visitor. Sandra excuses herself in order to notify Armando that his special guest has arrived, leaving Aura Maria and Patricia trying to look as though they are working while they continue with the inspection. The special guest smiles. IN THE EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM Betty is asking Hugo what has happened with the clothing for Guiterrez and the Cuartel. Answering rudely, as always, he informs her that Inesita is working on it. Which Betty responds that she needs it to be ready before 6:00 p.m. Hugo, holding his huge sunglasses, tells her that he is too nervous and worrying about the fashion show in order for her to bother him with the clothing for her little friends. Betty - "The clothing for the Cuartel is just as important as the clothing for the collection". (During this entire conversation, Armando is the only one who doesn't look at either one. He keeps his head down turning the pages of some photos that he seems to be studying.) Hugo realizes that it is just as important and that is why he is putting so much pressure on Inesita finish in order for her to assist him and he is going crazy working alone. (Sandra opens the doors to the conference room.) Hugo insults her by calling her a horse and a giraffe. Sandra does not respond to his insults, just stares. Sandra tells him that she wouldn't have interrupted had Armando not told her that he was expecting an important guest. She says that Alejandra Sim (I'm sorry I had trouble catching the last name.) has arrived. Finally Armando reacts. Catalina looks at Betty, who looks at Armando while he is conversing with Sandra. Armando asks if she has attended to her; offered her coffee and told her where to sit. Armando not liking the answer excuses himself because he has to go and attend to a very important client. Hugo shouts - "Aye! You are going to be missed." as Armando leaves the conference room. Hugo then turns to look at Cata who is laughing at his remark. Betty makes an eye gesture to Sandra who returns it with her own as if though saying "trouble". After Sandra closes the doors, Betty has a look of concern which is immediately noticed by Cata. BY THE ELEVATOR Armando reaches his "special" guest. "Alejandra", he says with the same smile and tone that he used in the old days when he was making a play for a woman. She asked if she interrupted something, and of course, he answers that she didn't. They greet each other with the traditional kisses on the cheeks. Meanwhile, Aura Maria and Patricia are looking on with interest. Armando welcomes her and tells her that he is happy that she is there. She tells him that she is there as she promised and that she is there to disrupt his life. Sandra and Patricia look at each other in shock with their mouths left hanging open. Armando - "Like in Caracas?" - he asks with a smile on his face. Now its Aura Maria's turn to look shocked. Alejandra - "It will be a pleasure." Armando - "I'm going to demonstrate to you that the nights in Bogota can be as pleasurable as the nights in Caracas." Alejandra - "You talked a lot about that and I am here to confirm it." Armando orders Aura Maria to go and inform those in the meeting that he will not be able to return because he needs to attend to an "important" person. Alejandra - "I told you that I was here to disrupt your life." Armando - "Ooooh, that's good." Aura Maria, Sandra and Patricia just stare as they walk away until they enter Armando's office, who closes the door. After he closes the door, Patricia and Sandra look at each other and in unison say, "Aah". They turn towards Aura Maria and all three say, "Aah". Sandra and Patricia notice that they are standing shoulder to shoulder and rapidly separate and begin to insult each other. Aura Maria gets up from her chair in order to go to the conference room.
EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM Hugo is stating that all he demands is punctuality, because he intends to begin the fashion show at exactly 9:00 p.m. Cata tries to calm him by informing him that she invited everyone to be there at 7:30. Aura Maria opens the doors without knocking. To which, Hugo tells her that all of the Cuartel should just go ahead and come in and sit on the table. Aura Maria delivers Armando's message, all the while looking at Betty, and says that he is attending to someone "very important". Hugo, a little perturbed, wants to know if it is someone more important than all of them. Aura Maria shrugs her shoulders in a "I don't know" manner. Cata looks at Betty who is looking concerned. SECRETARIAL AREA Upon arriving back at her desk, Aura Maria is approached by Sandra who wants to know if Betty knows. Aura Maria informs her that Betty knows that he has a visitor but that she could not provide her with all the details, as they had seen, in front of that many people. Aura Maria and Sandra are whispering and Patricia is at her desk trying to catch part of the conversation. The elevator doors open and Mariana runs out and wants to know what they know about the woman who came to see don Armando. Sandra informs her that she is a woman that "came to disrupt his life" and that she's from Caracas. Mariana is excited that she's from Venezuela. Aura Maria goes on to tell her how they greeted each other they almost melted. Mariana, with a big smile on her face, reminds them of the saying, "Romance in Caracas". Sandra says that with don Armando and Aura Maria says that is what it looks like. Mariana wants to know where the couple is at the moment. Sandra tells her that they are locked up in Armando's office. The three turn to look towards Armando's office and notice that Patricia has been leaning over her desk in order to catch their conversation. The three of them single to her to mind her own business. To which Patricia responds with one of her faces. IN ARMANDO'S OFFICE Alejandra has made herself comfortable in a chair and Armando is stepping around to his chair and unbuttoning his coat. Armando is informing her that the fashion show begins at 9:00 p.m. and that they have plenty of time for him to show her the offices and the factory. She replies that she is at his deposition. She leans closer towards his desk and he smiles that smile he has used so many times when he is picking up women. (The music that is always heard when we see scenes between Nicolas and Patricia begins to play.) Alejandra - "If you want to be with me." (She is now sitting back in her chair.) Armando - "Don't say that." "You make me nervous." Sandra interrupts them by opening the door to his office without asking and asks if they would like anything to drink. Behind her, in the hallway, we can see Aura Maria, Mariana, and Patricia scramble out of their huddle in order for Armando not to catch them trying to catch a glimpse into his office. Armando, very angry, yells at Sandra and wants to know why she entered in that manner. Sandra apologies that since she hadn't offered anything previously she thought that she would check to see if they needed anything. Armando yelling wants to know if it is not possible for her to get rid of that impulse of not knocking before entering. (Patricia slowly walks by to catch a glimpse inside the office.) She apologizes for interrupting. He informs her that she did not interrupt anything, only scared him to death. (Aura Maria and Mariana bump into each other as they try to catch a glimpse inside.) After they inform her that they don't care for anything Armando asks that she securely close the door behind her. (Patricia does another pass.) Sandra apologies for being imprudent. Armando tells her that she wasn't imprudent, but could she do him the favor of closing the door and leaving. (Aura Maria and Mariana make another pass.) Sandra is about to speak again when Armando yells at her to shut the door. Alejandra is obviously shocked at his behavior. Armando regains himself and smiles at Alejandra. She tells him that she had never seen him in such bad character. Armando - "In Caracas it is difficult to put yourself in a bad character." Armando continues to say that Caracas is a beautiful city with beautiful women. Alejandra says that there are beautiful women there. He tells her that the women of Eco Moda are not working women, but rather a sect. Alejandra looks at him puzzled. Sandra is explaining to Aura Maria and Mariana, with Patricia trying to listen, that she opened the door without knocking in case they were doing something she would be able to catch them. They want to know if they were doing anything. She answers no. They want to know how her makeup looked, her clothing or was her hair messed up. She answered no to all of their questions. Armando and Alejandra come out with Armando telling Alejandra that he is going to show her their showroom. Sandra and Patricia run back to their desks with Mariana following. Aura Maria bumps into him and apologies and hurriedly makes her way to Sandra's desk. All four women are staring at the couple and then Armando stops and turns to look at them. Immediately they all make believe to be busy. Alejandra observes the scene. Hugo exits the conference room and says that he can't take it anymore. He bumps into a cleaning woman who is pushing a vacuum cleaner and accuses her of hitting him. As she departs, he tells her to vacuum herself. He passes in front of Sofia and Bertha and asks what they are looking at. Armando and Alejandra come around the corner and he is pointing to the offices of all of the executives. Alejandra greets Sofia and Bertha. She then begins to rub her left hand over her right arm. Armando asks if she is cold. She answers yes. She informs him that when she left Caracas it was in the 70s. As Armando begins to go around her, Aura Maria arrives at her desk where she can witness the entire scene. He puts his arm around her and tells her not to worry that she will become accumstomed. They are in front of Betty's office and he tells her that this is the office of the president. He just stares at the doors. Alejandra - "The President." "What did you say her name is"? Armando - A smile on his face, "Beatriz Pinson Solano". Alejandra - "I suppose that she is in the meeting." Armando - "Yes, her name is Beatriz Pinson Solano and you are going to meet her." As they walk away, Alejandra states that she is anxious to meet her since he has talked so much about her. Armando - "She's a brilliant woman, you know." BACK TO SOFIA AND BERTHA Sofia comments that this is very strange and Bertha tells her to dial 911. Bertha asks Sandra who that woman is with don Armando and we hear her say, "What!".
HUGO'S SHOWROOM Hugo is asking Inesita for the cell number of his boyfriend, who he is about to call. He believes that he may be cheating on him. He then tells her to hurry because Betty wants her friends dressed and he needs her urgently at the hotel. Armando and Alejandra arrive. Hugo quickly hangs up the telephone and his attitude changes. He has a sweet angelic look on his face. Armando introduces Alejandra as a very important business woman from the fashion sector in Venezuela. Alejandra extends her hand and tells him that it is a pleasure to meet him. She has heard so much about him. Hugo - "Good things or bad things. I believe good". Hugo tells her that she is a very chic woman and asks if she has modeled. To which she answers, "yes". He tells her that they will discuss that later, but right now he has to give her some warnings. The warning was something to the extent that he was the typical macho man that keeps trying to reproduce. Alejandra - "I haven't proven that yet." Hugo - "I hope that you won't have to." Armando interrupts and asks Hugo if it would be possible to demonstrate to Alejandra what is done in his showroom. Hugo answers that he is "flying" to do that. Hugo to Alejandra - "This is where pure art is created. I want you to be still and feel the magic and atmosphere." He goes on to tell her that he doesn't understand why all the attention goes to the administrative area since here is where all the light, color and brilliance are located. Inesita receives a 911 call and when she informs Hugo that she will return immediately he demands to know where she is going. He tells her to bring him back some of his famous drink since he is beginning to get nervous. (While Hugo is demonstrating his showroom Armando grabs a zipper and opens and closes it. He then grabs some material and extends it.) Hugo asks him what he is doing and calls him ex-president and laughs.
SOFIA AND BERTHA'S AREA The Cuartel, minus Inesita, is listening to Sofia and Bertha's stories regarding the scene with Armando and Alejandra. Sofia explains how Armando put his arm around her and Bertha tells them how her eyes sparkled looking at him. Inesita arrives and they want whatever information she can provide in regards to Alejandra. Inesita tells them that she is just an executive from Venezuela. Betty and Cata come out of the conference room and after a few words Betty joins the Cuartel and asks them what is happening. Aura Maria informs Betty that Armando's visitor is a "mamacita". Betty has a nervous laugh. Aura Maria goes on to explain how they greeted each other and Sandra adds in the statement that she was there to disorganize his life. Sandra continues with her version of the events. Mariana tells Betty that she believes that there was an affair in Caracas and Bertha adds that they were caressing each other. Betty tells them that she doesn't understand why they are telling her all of this and Aura Maria tells her that it is of interest to her. Bertha adds that if it isn't, it is at least good gossip. Betty tells them that whatever Armando is doing or has done is Marcela's problem and not hers. She walks away leaving the Cuartel with their mouths open and in shock, with the exception of Inesita. Inesita shakes her head in agreement. PATRICIA'S DESK Patricia is on the telephone informing Marcela of the events that are occurring at Eco Moda. She tells her that there are now two that want to take Armando away from her and the new one is dangerous. She believes that Armando has brought her to live in Columbia. Patricia tells her that it is not to worry her, but rather to warn her. She tells her that it is important that she return immediately. Patricia tells her not to worry that she will be keeping an eye on things.
AURA MARIA'S DESK As Inesita, Aura Maria, Sandra and Patricia walk over to her desk Inesita tells them that she doesn't understand why they caused a commotion. She says that all she sees is a business relationship and nothing strange. Aura Maria informs her that she doesn't understand how things work nowadays. She tries to tell her that national and international relations are different. Inesita does not understand why if it didn't bother Betty why would it bother them. After Inesita leaves, Sandra tells the remaining two that she believes that Betty was dying. Mariana reminds them of the card reading that she did for Betty where the woman that was going to cause Betty appeared. They all believe that Alejandra is that woman. BETTY'S OFFICE Betty is all alone in her office and says to herself, "Affair in Caracas". IN THE HALLWAY Nicolas and Guiterrez come out of the conference room and make plans to see each other at the fashion show. Before Nicolas enters Betty's office he sees Armando and Alejandra approaching. He stops to stare. Armando tells Inesita to hurry and take Hugo his drink because they may not have a designer for that evening. As Alejandra and Armando pass, Alejandra puts her arm through Armando's and greets Nicolas. Armando doesn't bother to introduce her, but as they pass him Armando turns his head slightly to look at Nicolas. Betty catches Nicolas staring out in the hallway. It takes a couple of calls of his name to catch his attention. Betty wants to know what he was looking at for so long that his eyes almost popped out. He tells her about the beautiful woman that was with Armando. Betty looks concerned. After saying that she was very pretty and he notices Betty's look he says that she wasn't that pretty. Nicolas informs her that he is going to run company errands and then will be going home to get ready for the fashion show in order to look his best for all the beautiful women. He includes the "button" that he just saw. He then tells Betty that she is also a "button". After he leaves, Betty begins to feeling her clothing and her hair in an insecure manner. IN THE HALLWAY Armando and Alejandra are walking by and she tells him that she liked Hugo. She also recommends that he not be so stressed out. He tells her that he knows and he offers to take her to the factory. After he gets in, he glances side to side. After the door closes we see that the Cuartel had been watching him. After the elevator doors close, Sofia and Bertha rush over to Aura Maria to find out where they were going. Aura Maria whispers that they were going to the factory. Bertha wants to know if it is true. Sandra wants to know why he would lie. Bertha notices that Patricia is trying to listen in order to report to Marcela. Patricia understands that they are talking about her. They begin to insult each other. Sandra tells her that she is there to spy for Marcela. Patricia tells them that they have her at Eco Moda for her work. She reminds them that she completed six semesters of finance and she is not there to spy for Marcela. Patricia takes off in the elevator and they know that she is on her way to spy. The Cuartel picks one of their members to go down in order to do their spying.
Subject: *** Summary, Wed 3/28/01 *** Author: Robin N (157.198.3.50) Date: 03-29-2001 09:45 Touring the Plant Armando is explaining the production levels and capacity of the plant to Alejandra. They work one shift and the 1200 machines produce 2500 units daily. "In this area we have the most current technology… Swiss, Italian… In the other area is the computerized machinery. Right now we're working at 75% capacity, but if we succeed with our franchise agreements, we expect to be at 100% capacity. " She looks impressed. "Yes, and for a business that's 35 years old, it appears well structured." Armando explains that he's tried, since taking the reins of the presidency, to incorporate modern production practices, "as well as an ambitious sales plan," he adds, a little chagrined. In the background we see the Peliteñida skulking, her hair wrapped in a red cloth like a scarf. Alejandra congratulates him on the apparent success of his efforts but then the awkward question arises. "Armando, why did you retire from the presidency?" He looks pained by this, but confesses, "Alejandra… I told you that I developed an ambitious sales plan… it didn't go well." She notes his expression and decides to leave this topic. "You don't have to tell me anything. After all, I told you that I came to add disorder to your life, not to mortify you." She flashes a Colgate smile at him and he takes her hand in gratitude. "You came to bring happiness to my life," he says, caressing that hand. "I'm very glad you did, Alejandra." Just then, out of the corner of his eye he spots la Pata Hari. "Will you excuse me a second?" Striding over to where she's lurking, he calls out, "Patricia Fernandez, what are you doing playing a Bedouin?!? Do you think this is an oasis? No, ma'am, this is Production!" She looks up in alarm and whips off the fabric. "What are you doing here?!?" She scrambles to come up with an excuse that will calm him, but it's a doomed effort. "Armando, I was just taking a look at what this place looks like…" Armando's not buying what she's selling and continues to pressure her for an explanation. Excuse number 2: "I was looking for some catalogues that Marcela needed." Armando sarcastically asks if she expects to find them under the machines and Pata Hari continues her lying scramble, "Well you know, I didn't find any here, but then I don't have much experience in this," she assures him. Armando decides to play with her head. "You know, I know why you came… Come on!" He takes her by the arm and starts pulling her towards Alejandra. "Armandoooo, were are we going?" "I'm going to satisfy your curiosity. I'm going to introduce you. Come!" She drags her feet and tries to pull back. "No, I don't want to meet her!" "Come!" he insists, overruling her protests all the way. "Alejandra, I'd like to present Patricia Fernandez. She's the secretary and best friend of the manager of Point of Sales, Marcela Valenciaaaa." He does the introduction with a flourish and a big grin and Alejandra responds to the name "Marcela" with an informed look in her eyes. Patricia does the effusively phony, "mucho gusto, welcome to Colombia," part of her usual introduction and Alejandra responds politely. "A pleasure, I'm Alejandra Sims." Armando continues with the introduction. He explains to Patricia that Alejandra represents one of the most important fashion groups in Venezuela and she's there to check out their plant, their outlets, their business… and (placing his arm around her shoulders and drawing her closer for the big "zing"er) "a great friend of mine! Is there anything else you'd like to know about Alejandra?" All the while his eyes don't leave Alejandra's (nor her his) as if to say, "Play along with this joke. See what I put up with?" Patricia pretends that Armando's just being playful with her and gushes, "No, how can you think so? You know that doesn't concern me! (Armando muttering, "I didn't think so.") Well, you know, I have to go now! You know," she leans forward towards Alejandra, "one day we have to do lunch. I know a super restaurant! Ciao!" Alejandra smiles broadly and thanks her. As soon as Patricia is out of earshot, Alejandra's expression changes to one of mild concern for her friend Armando. "Marcela Valencia… the one you told me about in Caracas?" she asks him. Armando looks a little sad. "Yes, the same." She looks a little more worried and tells him that she hopes that she didn't cause any more problems for him. "Don't worry," he tells her. "You don't create problems for me. On the contrary, I think you will solve my problems," he says a little cryptically. She inclines her head at this and looks at him in amused speculation. They continue the tour and we see Berta Hari peering out at them behind a sewing machine. They enter the pressing room of the plant and he explains some of the area's details. The come upon a rack of the garments for the show and they take a look. She hands him her purse to hold and starts to examine the clothing. (He looks cute with a purse <vbg>) She admires the cut and quality of the items, particularly the way the shoulders of a suit jacket are set and comments on the fabric blend. He suggests that she try it on and helps her do so. She pirouettes and he looks at her approvingly. "Alejandra, you kill me!" he says admiringly. Berta, now hiding behind a rack of jackets, overhears this exchange and looks shocked. "Really?" asks Alejandra, playfully. "Truthfully!" he replies. "Liar!" Berta is even more shocked, but in her moment of surprise she's let down her guard and has managed to come into Armando's line of sight. He looks a little annoyed and asks Alejandra if she'll excuse him a second. "Of course." "Berta!" Berta starts rolling away with the rack in a panic, "He called, my God!" "Berta!" He strides after her with a purpose. She turns to face the music, "Agachese, Doctor." "Why?" Hands tucked under the arms in his "okay, this had better be good pose". "Why are you here?" she asks him because offense is a good defense :-) He sarcastically tells her he's come to press clothing, imagine. She quips that things are bad after the presidency for him and he asks again what she's doing there. She tells him that she came for some production plans and he wonders if they're pressing plans now. She chuckles nervously and explains that she just happened to be passing through and thought she'd (help) move the clothing. He continues his interrogatory and asks why she's taken the long route but Berta's quick on her feet and explains that since she's a little chubby still after the pregnancy she thought she take the opportunity to get a little exercise. Armando listens with a stern face. "Who sent you here!" "Huh?" "Who sent you here?!?" he repeats. She tells him Gutierrez and he gives her a hard look but decides not to press the issue. "Okay, okay… You can leave." "Yes, Doctor," she says with a relief. "Leave. Quickly!" he shoos her away with a wave of his hand and heads back towards Alejandra. Berta wheels the clothes for a few steps and turns to spy again but Armando, as if sensing her gaze, turns to give her a sharp look and she flees. He heads back to Alejandra with a little smile on his face. "You like those dresses?" he asks her. She does, noting their suitability for a warmer climate. "And who's secretary is she?" she asks, casually. Armando explains Berta's title, "secretary to the V-P of Administration" and she asks if it isn't more like "intelligence service." Armando chuckles and tells her that it's more likely that her appearance has caused a few heads to turn in the feminine sector of the company, but "that's natural." She smiles good-naturedly and agrees. "Very natural." He hands back her purse and they head off to tour the Point of Sales area next. 2nd Floor Reception Berta and Mariana dash off the elevator and Sandra rushes to join them by Aura Maria's desk for an update. "What happened?" Berta reports with great shame that she's failed in her mission: she was captured by the enemy! She excuses her failure, explaining that she's out of practice handling such and important mission, but is cut off by Sofia. She's in a frenzy not to be left out. Aura Maria tells Sofia the mission failed and she's shocked. Sandra hopes she didn't say anything to Armando and wants to know what explanation she gave him for being there. Berta explains about the story that Gutierrez wanted some production plans. She tells them that he made her leave but she has one consolation: the Peliteñida failed in her mission also! This is news to the rest of the cuartel. Mariana asks for more, "How's this? You mean the Peliteñida was also doing intelligence work?" Berta reports that Armando caught her and pulled her by the arm and put her in front of the Venezuelan novia. This makes the group laugh and turn to laugh at Patricia. She makes a face back at them. "He pulled her over, he introduced her, and he kicked her out!" reports Berta. Sofia gets down to business. She wants to know if she learned anything at all. The only thing Berta can report is that she happened to see them together. Armando picked out an outfit for Alejandra and helped her put it on and then they were billing and cooing together. She imitates Ms. Sims: "How do I look? I'm all yours! You see?" The women are scandalized by this misrepresentation by Berta. Inés rushes up, all sweaty and stressed out and whispers hoarsely that they have to hurry, Hugo needs them in his shop because it's time for them to get dressed. Berta, the wiseacre, cautions her to "stop shouting at them." The excited cuartel hurry after Inés, except for Aura Maria, who wants to make sure that Betty doesn't need her first.
Betty's Office Betty's more than a little stressed out too. She's talking with someone about a letter of credit already signed and demands some action. Aura Maria barges in on the call, but Betty hardly misses a beat. She complains that she can't believe that the caller is still tying things up when it's already approved and asks that they keep her informed. She hangs up and Aura Maria asks if she can "escape" a few minutes because Hugo needs her in the studio. A frazzled Betty only asks that she not be ten hours in the process. Aura Maria leaves with a chastened, "Fresca!" but it occurs to her to tell Betty the funny story of how the Peliteñida was caught spying on Armando giving the Venezuelan the tour of the factory, "no doubt preparing a list for Doña Marcela." Betty pays her little heed. "But you know what was the worst?" asks Aura Maria. "He caught Berta too!" This gets Betty's attention. "What do you mean he caught Berta? She too was following them?" Aura Maria thinks this is very funny and starts to tell the tale of how the cuartel chose their expert to spy on Armando. A blush rises in Betty's cheeks. "She saw them in the pressing plant and the Venezuelan was trying on clothes and modeling them like so…" Aura Maria thrusts out her sizeable chest. "Please, Aura Maria!" cries a shocked Betty. "I want to ask a favor of you and the others: don't follow them! They'll think that I sent you and that's not so. I'm not interested in what they do. Don't make any more comments to me on them. Leave me in peace on this theme!" Aura Maria is taken aback and a little ashamed, "Qué pena! Forgive me!" She heads out and Betty shakes her head. She's on her way out too and stops in the doorway to her old office and turns and looks in sadly and then sighs. Hugo's Studio The cuartel enters the studio and Berta's been telling Inés the details of her failed espionage and what she "saw". Inés counsels her that she's going to get into trouble but her advice falls on deaf ears. Hugo is cracking up. He thinks that his "chesito" is "putting the horns" on him… his head hurts… She informs him that the cuartel is there for him and he reacts to the news with sarcasm, noting that he hadn't seen them, seeing as how they move so imperceptibly. He asks God why he's put such a hard challenge before him and tells them he doesn't want to see them until another guy has worked them on. That man has the "Titanic" task of doing their hair and makeup. He notes that Aura Maria is missing and asks where the "pechugin" is; said "pechugin" rushes in at that moment. "I'm at your entire disposal!" she giggles and bounces. Just what he's afraid of ;-) He leaves to go do some Tai Chi, but not without a final disparaging comment. The cuartel clusters around Aura Maria to see if she's spoken to Betty. She tells them that she thinks that Betty took the news hard; and she was upset with them. "And she told me to leave her in peace." Inés feels that this is what she's been trying to tell them all along. Betty's Office Betty is pressing hard on her phone calls. She's on the line with another caller and urging them to comply with her request. (Note: she's replaced Armando's jacks with a statue of the Virgin Mary!)
She needs all of the stores to be cleaned because after the show there will be a lot of press. She explains too, to the caller, that Marcela Valencia is out of the city at the moment (which explains the frazzled Betty—she's doing her work and some of Marcela's). Hérmes enters mid-call. She hangs up with a sigh and he notes that she's tense. "Yes, papa, it's just that I have the collection upon me and this is all craziness." He wants to know where her help is. "Where's that group of ninfeas?" he asks her, with a wry pun. She explains that they're getting ready/arreglando for the show. He wonders why, since there's no arreglando/put them in order. Bad joke, but it gets a chuckle out of Betty. Hugo's Studio The studio is a veritable hen house with the cuartel demanding the attentions of the hair and makeup man, Johnny. Hugo enters and demands that Johnny finish with the freak show as soon as possible. The women look angry at that remark, but he mockingly retracts and calls them beautiful women. He reminds them that this night isn't about them, "you all are simply a work of charity." Gutierrez shows up and Hugo grabs him and harasses him for being late. "I was in my office working," he protests and Hugo tells him that, "You know, you're the most difficult man I've ever had to dress in my life!" Hugo asks Johnny to make the "matachin" presentable. Johnny wonders if Gutierrez would consider shaving his beard—it would make him look younger—but he's not having that. Hugo's calling out for the "pervert's clothing" and all in general is a hubbub. Inés brings up Gutierrez's suit and calls for a little calm, "You're going to give a heart attack!" Hugo turns his attention on her and tells her she's got to get ready to because, "you're part of this science fiction!" She protests that she's got too many other people to get ready. Hugo takes charge, "I'll dress him (Gutierrez)!" he cries and pulls him along. This makes the women laugh. "Lot's of luck!" cries Berta. Betty's Office Betty is on the phone again. She needs catalogs sent along to the show and to the sales outlets. In her old office, Hérmes is working and calls out to her for some information (totally ignoring the fact she's on the phone). He needs some reports for the account books. She finishes her call and goes to see to what he wants. She asks him to wait until the secretaries return so that they can get them for him. This isn't good enough for him. He tells her that he needs them now to handle some paperwork and correspondence. "Tell me where they are and I'll go get them." He rises to go do just that. She sighs, knowing what a stubborn, bossy old goat he is. "Fine, come with me. I'll show you where they are." The Punta de Venta In the sales outlet, Armando is wrapping up his tour with Alejandra. They're in the largest outlet they manage. "Eco Moda handles the store layout, displays, placement of clothing on the racks, everything," he explains. She'd like to speak with their architect over the details of the layouts and wonders if it will be convenient for him to come to Venezuela to review their needs. She tells him that she'd also like to speak to the person who handles the conceptualization, the colors, etc., of the outlets. Armando tells her that the architect with pleasure will be able to assist her, but he must tell her that the person in charge of the color and decoration was Marcela Valencia. Alejandra makes a wry face, "Now I understand you. I don't know if she would want to come with me to Venezuela." Armando wants to be fair to Marcela and put Eco Moda in a good light. "Marcela right now is in Palm Beach. You recall that we have another outlet there. Besides, we're putting together another boutique in Miami. She's due to return tonight—perhaps we can meet and speak with her then." "Perfect," says Alejandra, satisfied with this news. "Should I wear a bullet proof jacket? Come armed?" she teases at the idea of meeting Marcela. "You've painted a picture of her as being so temperamental, I have to take precautions, no?" Another friendly Colgate smile… Armando smiles back, "No… she's only that way with me!" Alejandra tells him that she's only joking. In truth she's very impressed by what she's seen of Marcela's handiwork. As they walk in another area of the store, they come to a point where he wants to explain their new strategy in development. They eavesdrop on two women. He tells her that they don't have sales people so much as they have advisors. The Eco Moda stylist is advising the customer on why a jacket's color will favor her skin tone, make her look slimmer. It's not about selling clothing to sell clothing, it's about the assessment and helping the customer feel at ease with their decisions, to choose based on informed decisions. More important, it's not just to dress beautiful women, but all women. He's really embraced this idea of Betty's and run with it. Alejandra is impressed with the strategy too and wants to know whose idea it was. He tucks the hands under the arms and with a pleased look proudly says, "Beatriz Pinzón Solano, our president. I told you, she's very intelligent." "Well, I don't want you to talk to me more about her: I want to meet her!" says Alejandra. He beams, "Of course. I'll introduce you to her myself!" Tomorrow The meeting! The cuartel! Marce's marooned in Miami!
Subject: RE: ****summary****3/29/01 English Author: Gabie (24.234.166.94) Date: 03-31-2001 03:08 Patty calls the hotel to find out if Marcela is coming, but she is not there. Mario arrives and asks for Armando, Marcela and other people. Patty tells him that Marcela has not arrived. Mario asks why and Patty says she has not found a flight to return because she did not study six semesters of finances at the San Marino to be booking flights. Mario answered yes, almost as saying "I know that." Don Hermes and Betty arrive. Betty greets Mario and they talk about the launch. At that time Armando and Alejandra arrive and get out of the elevator laughing. Armando introduces Mario to her; he does the typical kiss on the hand. Armando then introduces Hermes and he starts to talk about his family. Betty asks him to stop. Then Armando introduces Betty to Ale, and they start talking about business strategies. They go to Betty's office at Ale's request, although Betty seems surprised at that. Mario and Armando are back at their office with Mario going crazy asking where, when, how, and what happened with the sudden appearance of Alejandra. Armando answers "Calderon, it's very simple, very simple. She is not for you." Mario, with a look of a little kid asking for a candy says "I didn't ask to get her for me, I am only asking the mandatory questions when a treat like that shows up. Please! But OK, if she is your private property already, I'll step back, I won't get in the way. I'll take back my love, my affection for the Venezuelan. But that does not get you off the hook of telling me the details! Armando can't stand Mario at this point. Mario asks "So how was the banquet in Venezuela, how was the first night? Was it love at first sight? Armando is fed up "Calderon, please! I am not going to tell you anything about Alejandra. I am not going to serve her to you on a silver platter so you can delight yourself with your comments. No, sir, Alejandra is not for that. Alejandra is a very special person to me and I will tell you something, I will not allow you to fondle her with your lascivious comments and your vulgar language, OK?" Mario (still thinking what to say next): "So tell me, my dear ex-president, what did they do to you out there that we are so sensitive? No, no, stay calm. If she is yours, I won't get involved. We have always respected each other's acquisitions, but we told each other the intimate details. Chamo (Venezuelan term for buddy), tell me a little. Armando (now totally fed up): "Those were other times!!" He leaves the office slamming the door. Betty and Alejandra are sitting in Betty's office and start to talk. Betty: "Do you want something to drink?" Ale: "No thanks, Armando has offered me all kinds of things! He has been so good to me." Betty: (looking disappointed): "Yes, of course, he is very courteous. So… did you meet in Caracas or did you know each other from before?" Ale: "No, no, in Caracas. He requested a meeting with the fashion house that I work for and when he arrived in Caracas I took care of him." She explains that they met with the Board of Directors of her company and toured the fashion section of Caracas. "I think it was a very productive trip for him.: Betty: "Of course, I can imagine. From what I understand he spent several days there, no? Ale: "Yes, five days… I thought he had told you?!" Betty: "Ah, well, truth is we have not had much time to talk. But he did warn me that he was expecting a very special person from Caracas (laugh) seems he was very anxious to see you (laugh). Ale: "Oh, Armando, he is so crazy. He is convinced that since I took him to dinner several times and showed him places he likes, well, he has to turn cartwheels to show me things in Bogota." Betty: (with a tinge of sarcasm): "No, he loves to take good care of his guests. He wants to be as special to you as you were to him over there." Ale: "Yes. I think nobody is going to get that thought out of his head. You know him better than I…" Betty: "No, no, not that much… The truth is that Don Armando has surprising behaviours at times.(laugh)" Ale: "Well, it seems that he knows you very well. He spoke a lot about you." Betty: (surprised) "Yes??, and what all did he tell you about me?" Ale: "Every time we talked about the business he would mention you. In fact, when he did the presentation to the Board he said that a very brilliant economist had replaced him at the presidency of Ecomoda, that the company was in very good hands; that you were making very profound changes and opening up to new international markets. In all, a true Ode to his President." Betty becomes very serious, almost to the point of crying. Ale: "Is something the matter? Did I say something wrong, or what??" Betty: "No, no. Like I said, Don Armando sometimes does very surprising things. (laugh)" Ale: "I am surprised that you are surprised, because he admires you a great deal, and after seeing the company, the strategies, he has every reason to admire you!!" Betty: "Thanks (nods her head appreciatively) Well, then what were your questions about the strategy at the stores? Ale: "Armando was explaining to me as we left the store that you proposed a brilliant theory, that the strategies of fashion should not be exclusively directed to beautiful women. He said something very attractive, to dress well the ugly women!… Where did you get that idea?" Betty: "Well, from an ugly woman!" Ale: "From you??? No!!!! I'm sorry but I don't see you ugly anywhere!!!" Betty: "Well, she is sitting right in front of you! (laugh) only that a little better dressed and made up. But I can't believe that Don Armando hasn't told you that he had an ugly assistant and that this same assistant, with a few minor fixes, took over the presidency at Ecomoda. Ale: "No, no… he has always spoken of you as a wonderful person!!!" Don Hermes is speaking to Freddy in the hallway when Betty and Alejandra leave the office. Freddy sees her looks her over head to toe. Betty tells Ale "Don't be modest. You are a very beautiful woman." Ale responds: "There is no woman, no matter how beautiful that does not chastise herself in from of the mirror at some time of the day."
Freddy whispers to Hermes that Where did this 1.75meters of provocation come from. Don Hermes explains that this is the lady that Dr. Mendoza brought. Freddy asks if he brought any more. Then he asks "Do you know where this company's bunch of horrific secretaries might be?" Hermes tells him they are with Hugo getting "Fixed up." They both laugh. Hugo comes out screaming: "Dear God, forgive me for going against the laws of nature, but having betrayed my esthetic values, Forgive me." He continues to rant, as Ale and Betty watch. Betty (somewhat worried): "What's the matter, Don Hugo?" Hugo: "I have just left the lab of horrors where I did everything possible to give life to the dead nature I was given. (to Ale) I imagine that our president told you what he forced me to do…" Ale: "No" Hugo: "No??? Well, welcome to the horror show, where the only thing you will not see is the bearded woman and the 2 headed woman, cause everything else is here! The circus can come out now (he screams towards the shop) and judge your deed for yourself." First Ines comes out with a light colored suit and long stole with white polka dots. Next comes Sofia with a dress and jacket of the same color, lilac and with her hair up. Then comes Berta wearing a black suit and her hair down, carrying a bag of chips in her hands. Sandra with her hair up, turtleneck sweater and a skirt and jacket suit in a light color. Mariana, also with her hair up and blue suit and blue boots. Aura Maria also has boots but a light colored suit and her hair very straight. Her bust is noticeable but discreet. And last Guti-gu with a dark suit and coiffed with lots of gel and a part to the side. Alejandra asks what is going on. Betty explains that Hugo is implementing the store's strategy starting here with the employees, at her request. Freddy asks: "Who made my little queen up like this." Ale comments that they all look very nice. Hugo asks "Well, child, are you satisfied with your deed?" Betty: "Very satisfied." Hugo: "God forgive her for she doesn't know what she sees or what she does. Ines (whining) put on some slippers and get walking, we have to get to the hotel." Ines: "Slippers? And ruin my look?" Hugo grabs her by the arm and takes her away. He runs into Armando and tells him to go look at his new company staff. He looks at them, crosses his arms and smiles saying "Wow, you look beautiful!!" All the ladies are super happy and giggly. Gutierrez spins into a dance and Armando says "I said the ladies Gutierrez" Ale then tells Armando that she has to go to the hotel to change. Armando asks her if she wants him to take her since he has to go home and change himself. Alejandra says goodbye to Betty, who gives her a kiss in the cheek. Aura Maria sees Freddy admiring Ale and starts to hit him in the shoulder; but he doesn't care and leaves. The group asks about the long conversation with the witch and the "Kiss of Judas" they gave each other. Betty explains who she is and finally she says: "She is not the witch you think she is." They all go "What???" Betty: "She is a very special lady. She is even more dangerous because she is a very worldly woman. We should be leaving now, shouldn't we?" Group: "What, aren't you going to get fixed up? You saw she went to change. You have to look wonderful so you can show Armando you are not lacking anything that lady has. Go change and look like the President of Ecomoda should." Betty enters her office looking sad, and Hermes leaves her former office and tells her that her Mom in on the phone. Hermes: "What is the matter?" Betty: "Nothing" Hermes: "Well get the phone, that your Mom wants to wish you good luck for tonight." Betty: (picks up the phone): "Mom, don't give me your blessing over the phone. I want you and my dad to be with me tonight… Yes ma'am, I am inviting you, so start getting ready that I'm on my way home to change and we'll all three leave together." Hermes: "Honey, that Venezuelan girl, where did she go?" Betty (annoyed): "She went to her hotel to change, why?" Hermes: "No, nothing, I was kind of worried that she should be well taken care of. We need to strengthen the bonds with our sister nation." Betty: "Humh, right, sure." Hermes: "What are you insinuating, Betty." Betty: "Well, that your eyes are wandering all over her." Hermes: "Listen to me, young lady, Hermes Pinzon Galarza has never dared place his eyes on another woman than you mother, Julia Solano de Pinzon Galindo, in the thirty years since we met on that beautiful spring afternoon in Bogota. Since then I have never betrayed her… even thought the devil is a pig!!! A terrible pig!!! Betty: "Well go home and get your wife so you can go to the launch tonight." Hermes: "Me? And your Mom?" Betty: "Yes, why?" Hermes: "No, I think that is fine. It's what I've been doing for the last thirty years, honey. I'll go home and change now." Betty: "Fine" Hermes leaves. Betty looks for her cell phone in her purse and makes a call. Betty: "Doña Catalina? How are things over there?? … Oh, OK. I'm going home now to change. Would you be able to come and help me? …. Yes it's important. It's just that I want to look very good tonight!"
Subject: ***Summary, 3/29/01, ENGLISH Version*** Author: Merci (209.49.118.20) Date: 03-30-2001 10:45 Patricia calls Marcela's hotel to see if she's on her way to Bogota and is told that she's not there. Mario arrives and asks about Armando and Marcela's whereabouts. Patricia tells him that Marcela hasn't arrived yet and he asks why. Patricia answers that she wasn't able to get a flight and that she didn't study six semesters at the San Marino to be making flight reservations. Betty and Don Hermes come from Presidencia and Betty asks Mario about his trip. He tells her that he needs to talk about it and she says it'll have to be tomorrow because of all the lanzamiento stuff. The elevator door opens and Armando and Alejandra come out laughing (Armando was telling her about the drag queen episode) Armando introduces Alejandra to Mario, then to Don Hermes who starts on a one of his "my uncle Pinzon was in Venezuela… stories" and Betty asks him to stop. Then Armando introduces Alejandra and Betty and they start to talk about the puntos de venta strategies. They then go to Betty's office to talk.
In the meantime, Mario (who was especially obnoxious and lascivious last night) starts firing questions at Armando regarding Alejandra. Armando responds – it's very simple, she's not for you! Mario, looking like a little kid waiting for a piece of candy, tells him that he wasn't asking for her, he was just asking the usual questions necessary when such a "specimen" shows up. If she's his (Armando's) private property, I'll step aside, I won't get involved, I will keep my affection for the Venezuelan to myself. But that doesn't prevent you from sharing all the details about what's going on… Armando is pretty much fed up with Mario by now. Mario says – so, how was the "banquet" in Venezuela, how was your first night together, was it love at first sight? Armando (really fed up by now) – Calderon!! Please. I'm not going to tell you anything about Alejandra, I'm not going to hand her over to you on a silver platter so you can make your usual comments. No sir, Alejandra is not for that. Alejandra is a very special woman for me and I'm going to tell you something, I'm not even going to let you manhandle her with your lascivious comments, ok? Mario (thinking about what to say) – then tell me, my dear ex-president, and what did they do to you over there that you're so sensitive all of a sudden? No, no, fine. I know, she's yours, I'm staying out of it. We've always respected each other's "acquisitions" but we did share all the details. He then starts asking him – using a Venezuelan accent and words typically used by Venezuelans (such as chamo – pal) to tell him more… Armando (completely fed up now) – those were other times! He then leaves the office slamming the door. Mario mumbles some complaints about Armando and then spits!
Betty asks Alejandra to sit down and they start talking. Betty: would you like something to drink? Ale: No thank you. Armando has offered me so many things, he has been very gracious with me. Betty (definitely sad): Yes, of course. He's very gracious. And, did you meet in Caracas or did you know each other before? Ale: No,no we met in Caracas. He asked for an appointment with the fashion house where I work and when he arrived in Caracas I took care of him personally and explained what we were all about. I think it was a very productive trip for him. Betty: Sure! I guess, because I understand he spent several days over there, right? Ale: Yes, five days, I thought he'd told you. Betty:Ah!!! No, really, we haven't had much time to talk. But he did warn me that someone very special from Caracas would be here; it seemed like he was very anxious to see you (poor Betty can't help but interject her nervous laugh while she's talking here). Ale: Ay!!Armando… he's so crazy, he's convinced that because I took him out to dinner and showed him around Caracas he needs to go out of his way while I'm in Bogota. Betty (not meaning to sound sarcastic, but it comes across that way): Of course, he just loves to be a good host to his guests, he wants to be as kind to you as you were to him. Ale: Yes, I think that no one is going to get him to change his mind about this, you know him better than I do… Betty: No, no..not really. The truth is that Don Armando sometimes behaves in a very surprising way (she laughs). Ale: Well, my impression is that he knows you very well, he talked about you quite a bit. Betty (surprised): Really? And, and, what did he tell you about me? Ale: Every time we talked about the business he mentioned you, and actually when he made his presentation to our Board of Directors, he said that a brilliant economist who'd taken over the Presidency at EcoModa was making deep changes to EM to open new international markets. Really, a complete "gush" session about the new President.. Betty gets very serious, like she's about to cry Ale: Is something wrong, did I say something wrong? Betty: No, no like I said before, Don Armando sometimes acts in very surprising ways (laughs). Ale: I'm surprised that you are surprised about this because he admires you very much. And, after seeing the company, the strategies, he's right to admire you! Betty: Thank you (she nods). Well, and what were your questions about the strategies and the puntos de venta? Ale: Armando was telling me that you introduced a brilliant theory. That the strategies should not be exclusively targeted to beautiful women. He said something very innovative, to dress ugly women well. Where did that idea come from? Betty: Well, from an ugly woman! Ale: You? No! I'm sorry, but I don't see anything ugly in you! Betty: Well, here she is! Only better dressed and made up. But I can't believe that Don Armando didn't tell you that he had an ugly assistant and that this same ugly assistant, with some modifications, is the one that is now EcoModa's president. Ale: No, no... every time he spoke about you he referred to a wonderful woman! Don Hermes and Freddy are talking outside Betty's office. Betty and Alejandra come out. Freddy pretty much undresses Alejandra with his eyes. Betty: (to Alejandra) Don't be so modest, you're a very beautiful woman. Alejandra: There isn't a woman, no matter how beautiful she is, that doesn't see something wrong with herself when looking in the mirror every day.
Freddy, whispering, asks Don Hermes where did this "1 m 75 cm" of temptation come from. Don Hermes explains that she's Don Armando's guest from Venezuela. Freddy then asks why Don Armando didn't bring any others with him! Freddy: Excuse me Don Hermes, but would you happen to know where the horrid cuartel of secretaries is? Hermes: They're over there, with that weird guy, that Hugo!! He's supposedly fixing them up. They laugh. Freddy & Don Hermes: Fixing them? (they both laugh) Hugo arrives and starts one of his tirades… Hugo: My dear Lord! Please forgive me for going against nature's laws, for having betrayed my own sense of aesthetics. Forgive me! Betty asks – is something wrong Don Hugo? Hugo: Don Frankenstein… I just left the laboratory of horror where we did all we could to give life to the dead "nature" I was given to work with. Because (this he addresses to Alejandra) I assume that our president told you what she forced me to do. Ale: No Hugo : No??? Well, welcome to the fright show! Where the only thing you won't see is the bearded lady and the two-headed woman. Because, the rest are all here! Well, the circus parade can start, and you can judge for yourself… Ines with a light colored suit and stole. Sofia with a lilac dress and her hair up. Bertha, eating a bag of chips, with a black pant suit. Sandra with her hair up (no BIG bump, though) with a turtleneck and suit. Mariana with her hair up and a blue suit. And Aura Maria with her hair straightened out and a beige suit. And finally, Gutierrez in a dark suit with his hair gelled back (I also think they trimmed his beard). When Alejandra asks what's going on Betty explains that Hugo is implementing the puntos de venta strategy, at her request, through EcoModa's employees. Freddy: who did this to my "queenie"? Alejandra says that they look beautiful. Hugo: Well, missy. Are you satisfied with your creation? Betty: Very satisfied. Hugo: God, please forgive her because she doesn't know what she sees or says. Ines put on some flip flops (Ines is wearing heels, of course) that we're going to the hotel. Ines: Flip flops? And mess up the look? They leave. Hugo runs into Armando and tells him to go see the new EcoModa. Armando smiles as he sees the "new Cuartel," crosses his arms (his trademark pose!). Armando: WOW! Ladies, you look extremely beautiful! They are very happy at his comment and laugh… Gutierrez twirls around (like dancing) and Armando tells him Armando: I said LADIES, Gutierrez. Alejandra tells Armando that she needs to go to her hotel to change. He offers to take her since he also has to go home to change. Alejandra kisses Betty goodbye and tells her she'll see her at the lanzamiento. Aura Maria notices Freddy ogling Alejandra and yells at him. The Cuartel starts the inquisition with Betty, about why she talked so much to "that woman," and how about that Judas kiss… Betty says that it's not what they think and finally adds… Betty: She's not what you think! Cuartel: What? Betty: She's a worldly woman. She's more dangerous (than an "evil" woman). Because she's very special. By the way, we need to get going, right? Cuartel: What? And you're going to change, right? Since she went to change, you need to go make yourself look "divine" to show Don Armando that you're not missing anything that the other one has. You need to change to look like what you are, EcoModa's President. Aura Maria: Very remamita!!
Betty goes into her office and leans against the door, she looks very sad. Don Hermes leaves the "cave" and tells her that her mom is on the phone and wants to talk with her. Hermes: What's wrong? Betty: Nothing. Hermes: Well then, get on the phone that your mom wants to wish you luck tonight. Betty: Mama don't give me your blessing over the phone because I want you and dad to be with me tonight. Yes, ma'am, I'm inviting you. Go get dressed that I'm on my way home to change and the three of us can go together. Hermes: Sweetheart, what happened with the young lady from Venezuela? Betty (not very happy with this question): She went to her hotel to change, why do you ask? Hermes: No, nothing. I just wanted to make sure that she was being looked after. We have to make sure that our fraternal links (between Colombia and Venezuela) are taken care of. Betty: Yeah, right! Hermes: What are you insinuating? Betty: Well, your eyes were coming out of your head when you saw her… Hermes: Listen to me missy, Hermes Pinzon Galarza has never dared look a woman other than your mother, Julia Solano de Pinzon Galindo, since that beautiful spring afternoon 30 years ago when I met her. Since then I've never cheated on her. Even though el diablo es puerco, puerquísimo! Betty: Then, go pick up your wife at home for tonight's lanzamiento. Hermes: Me, with your mom? Betty: Sure, why do you ask? Hermes: No, I think it's great. It's what I've been doing for 30 years, mija. I'm leaving for home to go change! Betty: That's fine. Betty gets her cell phone from her purse and dials Cata. Betty : Doña Catalina.. How are things going over there (at the hotel)? Oh, okay. Doña Catalina I'm going home to change and fix myself up. Would it be possible for you to come with me? Yes! It's very important. I want to look very beautiful tonight!
Subject: *****SUMMARY – FRIDAY, 03/30/01***** Author: Tuly (166.72.126.118) Date: 04-02-2001 09:10 *****SUMMARY – FRIDAY, 03/30/01***** Due to unforeseen emergencies which popped up over the weekend [not bad, just things I hadn't planned for :o)], I was not able to do this Friday's summary until today ... and as a matter of fact, because of the restricted time, it's bare-bones summary. I hope you enjoy it nonetheless! :o) While the "New and Improved" Cuartel is on their way to the elevator so they can leave EcoModa and attend the launching of the new collection, Patty remains behind, arguing with an airline employee about whether Marcela is on a flight. Since she is otherwise engaged, El Cuartel takes the opportunity to model their new attires right before Patricia, whose mouth is wide open at seeing them dressed up and made up. As soon as Patricia hangs up, having had no luck with the airline, she starts attacking El Cuartel and calls them a circus with five clowns: 1) Sandra, Goofy's wife; 2) Bertha, Orca the killer whale; 3) Sofía, Miss Bitterness; 4) Aura María, Miss Chest; and 5) Mariana, Little Piece of Coal. But El Cuartel doesn't take any of her barbs seriously because they can tell she is jealous that she cannot go to the launching (until Marcela arrives, that is). They call Betty over and Patricia takes the opportunity to ask if she can go to the launching, but Betty smartly replies that it's not convenient or professional that she should go without before knowing what's happened with Doña Marcela. El Cuartel and Betty enter the elevator and while the door closes on their smiling faces, a morose Patricia sits back at her desk.
On his way out to the launching also, Gutierrez (also "new and improved"), gives various tips to Freddy, who, like Patricia, is dying to go to the launching tonight. He tries to convince Gutierrez to take him along, but Gutierrez flatly turns him down. As Gutierrez leaves, Freddy turns to Patricia and invites her to go out somewhere on his motorcycle. Patricia immediately turns him down. :o) At the launching, El Cuartel is ogling the men in attendance when Cata arrives. Cata immediately notices the change in their appearance, they all smile back proudly and thank her, and Cata asks them if they can be of help in the launching. As they assent, Gutierrez comes in and immediately starts making his suggestive remarks to Aura María, but she is having none of it and flat-out tells him to leave her alone and that things have changed now that she's the President's secretary. Before such an unequivocable turndown, Gutierrez is left with no choice but to seek another target ... a girl who just happens to be passing by :o). As he walks away, Betty and her parents arrive. Betty is wearing straight hair, a silver no-sleeve blouse, and black pants. El Cuartel immediately starts to compliment Betty on her looks and while she laughs her "goose" laugh at accepting the compliments, Cata tells her that the international press is arriving and the first one she brings over is Gloria Calzada of Telemundo. After a brief introduction, Gloria, who is amazed at how young the President of Eco Moda is, interviews Betty, who seems ill at ease with the whole situation. After the interview is over and Gloria walks away, Claudia Ramírez of TV y Novelas (Mexico) arrives and Cata introduces her as well. However, there is no interview this time and Betty just tells her to go ahead on in. Back at EcoModa, Nicolás arrives to find a somber Patty, sulking at her desk. He asks her if she's going to the launching, but she tells him that she can't because Marcela hasn't arrived yet and she doesn't even know if she was able to catch a plane back from Miami ... and, most importantly, she doesn't even have an invitation. Nicolás then whips out his invitation and invites Patricia to come along with him. Patricia immediately perks up and accepts the invitation. She tells Nicolás, however, that she's got to stop by her apartment first to change and fix herself up a little, but Nicolás tells her there's no time and anyway, she looks beautiful just as she is. Ayyyy, Nico!!! Patricia, with a pout, tells him that then she'll only make a pitstop in the ladies' room to touch herself up a little. As she walks away, Nicolás notices (how could he not, when she's pouting?) that Patricia is still very, very sad. At the launching, Don Hermes starts his regular critiquing of Betty's attire … the top is too tight and too revealing (LOL!). As Betty tries to explain, Sofía steps in and tells Don Hermes to leave his daughter alone, she looks just fine. After that little exchange, Cata brings over another representative of the international press, the hostess of the Venezuelan TV show, "De Boca en Boca" (the hostess does a weird motion with her fingers to her mouth as she says the name of the show). Another interview takes place and Betty takes the opportunity to let the t.v. audience know that they've got a very important guest from the Venezuelan fashion world who will be attending the launching ... Alejandra Sims. After this particular interview is over, Cata, who overheard Betty's answers, asks Betty who Alejandra Sims is. Betty quietly informs her that she is Don Armando's friend, the one that he had been expecting. Betty's demeanor tells Cata more than any words could have ... the sadness that has overtaken her face is plain to see. Just then, Armando arrives with Alejandra, who is dressed to kill [again! :o)] in a long black dress. Armando looks over to where Betty is standing and does a double-take when he sees her appearance ... his heart seems to have stopped and leaped into his mouth. Betty holds his look for a fraction of a second and immediately looks down.
Meanwhile, Patricia's saga continues at EcoModa. As she is getting ready to leave with Nicolás to attend the launching, Marcela steps out of the elevator … a Marcela that looks impatient and upset. Marcela immediately starts to attack Patricia for her inefficiency and incompetence in even making plane reservations, and while Patricia ineptly tries to defend herself and explain to Marcela that it wasn't her fault (yeah, right!), a very angry Marcela notices that Patricia seems to be on her way out. Marcela asks Patricia if she was leaving without even making sure that she made it back in time, and Patricia ineptly says that she had waited around long enough and confirms that she was just about to leave for the launching. Marcela gives her a killer look and tells her she can't believe she was leaving without even knowing the status of her return to Bogotá -- FREEZE! To be continued ...
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