(Next Day)
(At Chuks restaurant)
(In dish washing area)
Nina: I can't believe this happened. I always suspected that Rafael was jealous of Daniel but I never knew it would degenerate to this.
Morena: I'm really tired. Now Rafael's angry with me.
Nina: And why're you over thinking it? You're the one who's supposed to be angry with him and not the other way around.
Morena: I just don't want to cause issues between Daniel and Rafael.
Nina: Well, There's nothing new. Rafael never liked Daniel, So...
Morena: Are you serious?
Nina: Yeah. Have you ever seen them talk to each other?
Morena: No, I haven't. But that's not enough reason. Besides, I don't really talk to Alicia but that doesn't mean I hate her.
Nina: Either way. Those two guys aren't on good terms.
Morena: (sadly) And I escalated the issue.
Nina: Ugh, Morena I already told you it's not your fault. Stop being overly sensitive....
(Pascaline enters the kitchen)
Pascaline: Morena and Nina, Mr Rodriguez wants to see us all in the kitchen.
Morena: Okay.
Nina: We're coming.
(In the kitchen)
Mr Rodriguez: Listen everyone, I want you all to know that the CEO is on his way here, You all behave yourselves and act prim and well behaved, Understood?
Everyone: Yes sir.
(The CEO arrives and enters the kitchen)
Everyone: Good morning sir.
CEO: Good morning. How're you all doing?
Everyone: We're fine sir.
CEO: (To Morena) Hello.
Morena: Good morning sir.
CEO: You're Morena right?
Morena: Yes sir.
CEO: I want to thank you. You've been making so much money for this restaurant and you're a wonderful cook....So I've heard. One day, You'll be rewarded greatly.
Morena: (excitedly) Thank you very much sir.
(Cecilia hisses at her quietly)
CEO: Okay then, As you all should know, Tomorrow is the restaurant's 2nd year anniversary so I'll be throwing a small party at my house and you all are invited.
(The CEO hands out invitation cards to everyone)
Everyone: Thank you sir.
CEO: You all can also bring your family and friends along. Alright?
Everyone: Yes sir.
CEO: (To Mr Rodriguez) See me in the office.
Mr Rodriguez: Yes sir.
(The CEO and Mr Rodriguez leaves the kitchen)
Morena: Woah. That man is really rich. He looks so fresh and plump
Andrew: Money is good.
Alicia: I'm tellin' you, I'mma need to work harder from now on...
Morena: Me too.
Alicia: Hmm really? You already have clients beckonin' at you feet, girl.
Morena: That still, I shouldn't stop there. I have to challenge myself.
Alicia: You probably right.
Nina: I can't wait to see how the CEO's house is.
Daniel: He'll be living in a mansion of course.
Andrew: Yeah, With well furnished rooms and furnitures. I'm sure he didn't do all that in a short while. Hardwork and determination really pays off.
Morena: (To Nina) So who're you bringing to the party ?
Daniel: It's Andrew of course.
Nina: (blushes) Maybe...
Morena: (suspiciously) Nina...
Nina: Andrew and I are just good friends.
Andrew: Yea. If there was anything going on between us, We'd let you all know.
Morena: Ok then. Nothing is hidden under the sun. (To Alicia) How about you? Who're you bringing?
Alicia: Mind your business.
(Alicia attempts to leave but Morena playfully draws her back)
Morena: Calm down. I was just joking.
Alicia: Don't worry babe, You gon' see him at the party.
Morena: Hmm...Alright
Nina: (mockingly) I wonder who Cecilia is bringing? You know, Because she's a sadist.
Daniel, Andrew & Alicia: (laughs)
Morena: (mockingly) Please forget her.
(Cecilia hisses at all of them then leaves the kitchen)
Nina: Frustrated creature...That girl will run mad in this restaurant.
Andrew: And I'll surely be there, To laugh at her! (he bursts into laughter)
Daniel: Let's not talk about her bro. She isn't worth our time.
Alicia: Guys, I'm goin' to the gazebo by the park to hang out, Y'all comin'?
Nina: Yeah, I am!
Daniel: Me too.
Andrew: Alicia, Save me a spot.
Alicia: Sure bro.
Nina: Morena, Aren't you coming with us?
Morena: Go. I'll meet you guys there.
Nina: Alright.
(Alicia, Daniel, Nina and Andrew leave the kitchen)
(Later)
(Morena goes to meet Rafael)
Morena: Hey Rafael.
Rafael: (ignores her)
Morena: Rafael, I want us to talk.
(Rafael ignores her again)
Morena: Oh well, I tried.
(She leaves him)
(That evening)
(At Uncle Roberto's house)
Morena: Good evening Uncle, Good evening aunty.
Aunt Maria: (spuriously) Evening.
Uncle Roberto: Good evening Morena, Welcome back. How as work today?
Morena: Fine sir. Uncle Roberto, Aunt Maria, I need to tell you something.
Uncle Roberto: Hmm... What's that?
Morena: The CEO of the restaurant I work in, is throwing a small party at his house tomorrow to celebrate the restaurant's 2nd year anniversary. I want you all to come.
Uncle Roberto: Hmm, That's good. I would've loved to come but I'm on a tight schedule this week.
Morena: I understand.
Uncle Roberto: Maria, How about you?
Aunt Maria: (bluntly) I'm not going.
Uncle Roberto: I'm really sorry Morena....
Morena: It's alright Uncle.
Uncle Roberto: When you've freshened up, Come downstairs, I have a present for you.
Morena: (smiles) Ok sir.
(Aunt Maria looks at Morena with scorn as she goes into her room)
(Later that night)
Uncle Roberto: I called you all to give you some gifts. I actually bought them when I traveled overseas but they weren't to be delivered until today.
Juanita: (curiously) Ooooh Dad, What are they?
Uncle Roberto: Juanita, I got you this...
(Uncle Roberto takes out a pack of shiny and expensive jewelries and gives it to Juanita)
Juanita: Woah, They're so pretty. And i'm very sure they'll go well with all my dresses. Thank you Dad. (She hugs him)
Uncle Roberto: You're welcome sweetheart. Juan, You get something bigger.
Juan: Oooh, I wonder what that is.
Uncle Roberto: Follow me...
(Uncle Roberto takes Juan outside to the garage)
Juan: Woah, A new bicycle?
Uncle Roberto: Yea, Its all yours.
Juan: Thank you Dad.
(Inside the house)
Juanita: Dad, What about mommy's present? Aren't you going to give her anything?
Uncle Roberto: Don't worry. I'm gonna give her something special.
Aunt Maria: (smiles)
Uncle Roberto: And last but not the least. Morena...
Morena: Sir?
(Uncle Roberto brings out a huge laptop from his bag and gives it to her)
Uncle Roberto: This is for you.
Morena: (shocked) A laptop?
Uncle Roberto: Yeah, Just for you.
You'll really need it.
Morena: (she hugs him) Thank you so much uncle. This is wonderful.
(Aunt Maria and Juanita stare at her in anger)
Aunt Maria: Darling, You got her a laptop? Does she even know how it works or even how to operate it?
Morena: Yes Aunty, I do.
Uncle Roberto: You see...
Morena: Thank you once again sir.
Uncle Roberto: You're welcome.
(Morena goes into her room)
Uncle Roberto: (To Juan and Juanita) It's already past your bedtime. You both should go to bed.
Juan & Juanita: Good night Mom. Good night Dad.
Aunt Maria: Good night my darlings.
Uncle Roberto: Good night my little angels.
(Juan and Juanita go to their room)
Aunt Maria: (angrily) Darling, You bought a laptop for Morena while you bought a bicycle and jewelries for your son and daughter?
Uncle Roberto: I'm confused. What did I do wrong?
Aunt Maria: Where is Juan and Juanita's laptop?!!!
Uncle Roberto: And what would they be using a laptop to do at this early stage? It'll really distract them and sway them from their studies. Besides, I bought that laptop for Morena because it'll really help her with her work stuff and all.
Aunt Maria: Wow. So because Juan and Juanita are still kids that's why you refused to get them a laptop?
Uncle Roberto: Maria, I already told you they don't need a laptop!
Aunt Maria: First of all, What will Morena be using a laptop for? She doesn't work in a bank neither is she a cashier or an accountant or a.....
Uncle Roberto: (interrupts her) Are we really having an argument over a laptop?
Aunt Maria: It's more than that!
Uncle Roberto: Really?
Aunt Maria: YES!
Uncle Roberto: Maria what's your problem? Why can't you ever behave mature and comprehensive? Must we always argue about every little thing? Why are you so DIFFICULT?!!!
Aunt Maria: Me? Difficult? You're insulting me and calling me horrid names because of Morena isn't it? (smiles) No problem...
(Aunt Maria goes into her room)