(Chuks Restaurant)
(Morena and Daniel go to the dish washing area)
Morena: Why do you let Cecilia behave like that towards you?
Daniel: I guess I just want her to like me more.
Morena: You shouldn't put yourself in a submissive position just to please her, You're better than that. Look, The more you keep trying to please her, The more she'll keep disrespecting you and taking you for granted.
Daniel: Well, I've never had a real girlfriend before. All the girls I've dated in the past weren't even dating me back. They were just toying with my feelings... I thought Cecilia was the right girl, Clearly she isn't. Too bad I'm just realizing that now.
Morena: We've all made poor choices but for some of us, It's not too late to amend them.
(Pascaline enters the dish washing area)
Pascaline: Morena, You have a client.
Morena: Alright, I'm coming. (To Daniel) We'll continue our conversation later.
Daniel: Yeah no problem.
(When Morena leaves, Daniel ponders over what she said)
***************************
(That evening)
Morena: Good evening Aunty.
(Aunt Maria ignores her greeting. Morena then attempts to go into her room)
Aunt Maria: Morena get back here!
Morena: Ma?
Aunt Maria: Where the hell were you this morning?
Morena: Umm... I had to go early to work today because my boss doesn't like tardiness
Aunt Maria: So you expect me to be taking my kids to school everyday when I have someone like you at home?
Morena: But Aunty, I can do that on my days off. But I have to leave to work early every other days.
Aunt Maria: Do you know you're very stupid? How dare you try to tell me how to do things around my own house?! Look, As long as you're living in my house, You'll obey my orders. And from now on, Before you go to wherever you work, You'll do all the house chores and take my kids to school.
Morena: But Aunty, if I go to work late I might lose my job.
Aunt Maria: Then so be it.
(Morena sadly goes into her room)
Aunt Maria: Silly thing! I won't allow an outsider come in here and destroy my home!
(In Morena's room)
Morena: (crying) Why is life so harsh? I thought coming to Mexico City would be better for me but everywhere I go, I keep meeting enemies. (cleans her tears) Lord please help me get through this....
***************************
(That night)
Aunt Maria: Juan! Juanita! Come down for dinner!
(Juan and his sister go to the dining room)
Juanita: We're here Mom.
Juan: Let me go call Morena.
Aunt Maria: There's no need. She's had dinner already.
Juan: Okay mom.
(Aunt Maria serves her kids their food)
Juan: Hmm, Mom, your chili's delicious.
Aunt Maria: Wow, Really?
Juan: Yes mom.
Aunt Maria: (smiles) Enjoy your meal.
Juan: I will... Do you know that Morena's chili tastes great too.
Aunt Maria: Juan, Keep quiet and eat your food. Haven't you been taught in school that it isn't good to talk while eating?
Juan: Sorry Mom.
Aunt Maria: Better!
(Later)
Aunt Maria: Morena!!!
(Morena comes downstairs)
Morena: You called me?
Aunt Maria: Wash all the plates in the sink. And when you're done, You can eat the food scraps.
(Aunt Maria goes to meet her kids and they watch TV while Morena washes the plates)
(Next Day)
(At Chuks restaurant)
Nina: Morena hey.
Morena: (sleepily) Hi Nina.
Nina: What's the matter? Didn't you sleep last night?
Morena: I did. But only for a short while. I slept late last night and I had to wake up early to take my aunt's children to school and do all the house chores.
Nina: Your aunt makes you do all the house chores?
Morena: Yeah.
Nina: Is she maltreating you?
Morena: Yeah. She used to be nice to me before, I don't know why she's changed.
Nina: Awwnn you poor thing. Why don't you call your dad and tell him?
Morena: Because my dad doesn't have a phone. Even if he did, If I call him and tell him, He's gonna have a fight with his brother over this and when that happens, I'll have to leave his house and Mexico City and return to Balacar which means I'll be quitting my job.
Nina: Ohhhh...
Morena: Don't worry, I can endure. Besides good things never come easily. I've gotta be strong and resilient even in hard times, If I give up now then all my hopes and dreams may just come crashing.
Nina: All will be well someday.
Morena: I hope so.
Nina: Why don't you go get some rest? Clients aren't coming in until later.
Morena: Thank you Nina, You're a good friend.
***************************
(Later)
(A man and his children enters the restaurant, Cecilia rushes to them)
Cecilia: Good afternoon sir, Welcome to Chuks restaurant. May I take your order?
Man: Don't worry Cecilia, Morena will take it.
Cecilia: (frustratedly) But Sir, I can make any food you want to eat. Just let me take your order.
Man: I already told you its fine! Morena will take it.
Cecilia: But sir, You've been my client for ages and you know how well I can cook, Why then are you suddenly going for someone as low class as Morena?
Man: Her food tastes better. Period!
(Morena goes to meet the man)
Morena: Good afternoon sir. Welcome to Chuks restaurant. May I take your order?
Man: I'd like a large plate of pasta and meatballs and two small plates for my kids.
Morena: (takes it down) Alright sir. Your order will be with you in about 10 minutes.
(Cecilia looks at Morena angrily as she goes into the kitchen)
(In the kitchen)
(Morena cooks the food while Cecilia watches in anger)
Morena: Finally, I'm done cooking.
(Morena and Cecilia exchange angry glares)
Morena: Hmmm, This is gonna be sooo delicious.
(Morena attempts to take the serving spoon but Cecilia takes it away from her)
Cecilia: Have you lost your mind? Why the hell would you try to use my serving spoon?
Morena: No, You're the one whose clearly lost her mind! Who made the serving spoon yours?
Cecilia: I use this spoon everytime so its mine, Go take another spoon from the store.
Morena: So you can use that opportunity to pour another bottle of hot sauce in the food? Look, Am I the one who told the clients to stop requesting your services? Hand me the spoon now!
(Rafael enters the kitchen)
Rafael: Morena, What's the matter?
Morena: I wanted to use the serving spoon to dish out the food for my client and then she collected the spoon, saying its hers.
Rafael: Cecilia. Give her the spoon.
Cecilia: Who the hell do you think are telling me what to do? You better go back to vile pit you crawled out of.
Rafael: You both should calm down before Mr Rodriguez hears your voices.
Morena: Cecilia, If you don't give me that spoon on the count of three, I'm gonna smack the rudeness out of you, 1....
Cecilia: 2,3....Do your worst!
(Rodriguez enters the kitchen)
Rodriguez: What's the noise all about?
Morena: Sir, I was done cooking my client's food and when I was about to dish it out, Cecilia took the serving spoon claiming its hers.
Rodriguez: Cecilia, Give her the spoon, NOW!
(Cecilia does as instructed)
Rodriguez: (looks at Morena & Cecilia) I don't want to hear anymore noise from the two of you or else....You both can say goodbye to your jobs!