<><><><>>>> OCTOBER <<<<><><><>
— Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, may you have a happy birthday! Happy! — sings the film crew and the journalists in the office as one of them brings over a cake with a "36" candle.
— Oh, thank you so much, you really didn't have to go through all this trouble! — Says Tadeus with a smile.
— Make a wish — Bran tells him, holding the cake. Tadeus closes his eyes and blows out the candle.
After eating cake, receiving hugs, and a few gifts, his coworkers invite him out for lunch, then to continue the celebration at a bar for the rest of the afternoon, but he postpones it until the weekend. He decides to take the day off and leave work early.
Alexander picks him up from work as usual. This time he greets him with a bouquet of multicolored carnations. — Happy birthday, my love — he says.
— Thanks, honey — Tadeus replies, somewhat surprised. Once he takes the passenger seat, they kiss passionately for several minutes until Strauss says,
— I have something special planned for you.
— I think it's better if we meet up later. I haven't seen my grandmother in a while, and my sister won't forgive me if I don't go home today.
— Just have lunch with me, and after you have dinner with them, you'll stay with me tonight — Alexander asks, pressing his cheek against Tadeus' and nibbling his ear.
— Okay — he replies, laughing a little at the tickling sensation.
Alexander drives to a restaurant in the northern part of the city that looks like a castle inside, with thick gray brick columns and separate rooms, each containing one or two antique-style tables made of intricately carved wood. There is a decorative fountain, animal statues, a fish pond, and many flowers strategically placed in the corners of the space. When they reach the back where the reserved table is, Yenedith stands up to greet him with a big hug. Tadeus turns to look at Alex with a smile, then steps forward to greet his grandmother.
— I'm so sorry I don't visit you more often, Grandma — says Tadeus — So much has happened.
— No, I'm just worried that you're both okay — says Daisy, placing her hands on her grandson's shoulders. Tadeus notices that his grandmother's gaze seems somewhat distant, even though he's standing right in front of her.
— How's your eyesight? Can you still tell colors apart? — Tadeus asks.
— We're not here to talk about me. Let's celebrate your birthday.
Then they order their food. After lunch, Tadeus returns to Alexander's house to spend the rest of the afternoon and have dinner.
— I made pasta Alfredo — Alexander says.
— Yum, yum… — as he receives the food — What's today's secret? — Tadeus asks after eating.
— I've always wanted to start a family. I know it's a bit early to talk about this, but I'd like to have four kids — Alexander replies.
— I've never thought about having a big family, but I have thought about getting married.
— How would you like me to propose to you?
— Don't even!
— Time goes by faster than you think — Alexander grins. He gets up to clear the dishes and heads to the kitchen to wash them.
— Let me help you.
— No, it's your birthday.
Tadeus decides to go up to the master bedroom, where he's waiting for him, wearing only a white T-shirt under the blanket while watching a movie. Alexander enters the room and starts taking off his clothes.
The movie ends, and neither of them remembers what it was about. The night continues amid moans of pleasure until they both come once more on the sheets. Alexander wraps his arms around Tadeus' waist and lets himself fall back. They both stare at the ceiling in silence as their breathing calms down. — I'm so afraid of losing you — Alexander says.
— You won't, not today, not tomorrow. I promise you that — Tadeus sighs, turning his body to kiss his beloved on the lips.
— I love you so much — Alexander whispers with shiny eyes.
<><><><> A week later <><><><>
Yenedith stares out at the horizon as she listens to Jimena on the other end of the phone. — The lawyer's plan is to seek a thirty-year prison sentence with no possibility of parole. She says the defendants will also be called to testify at the trial, which could put William at greater risk. We might be able to get him sentenced to at least twelve years in prison for complicity in a sex crime.
— Yeah, I just think what they proposed is unfair. It's like they're only giving that bastard six years — says Yenedith — And have they given you a date for the trial yet?
— Apparently it's going to take at least another year — replies Gem.
Yenedith falls silent, wondering what else to say, but afraid to ask.
— I think I'm going to have the baby. I haven't decided if I'll put it up for adoption or keep it — says Gem. — Knowing that neither of them is the father gives me some peace of mind because they won't have any rights over this.
— Actually? Are you sure? — Yenedith asks. — His DNA matched one of the men who was there that day. What will you do if he shows up one day, if he comes looking for you and wants to be part of your baby's life?
— I've thought about it, and I think I'll leave the country after the trial. I've been talking to my parents, and they're going to support me; they won't tell anyone about me to keep that man from finding me. The thing is, I don't even know who he is. I don't remember anything about his face. It could be anyone.
— If that's your plan, I'm behind you. Don't leave me out, remember, whatever you need in this new life, I want to be there to help you — says Yenedith.
— Thanks — says Gem — We'll talk later; I have to go to the doctor.
— Is everything okay?
— It's just a prenatal checkup; my dad's coming with me. I love you; see you later.
— Yeah, see you. Take care.
Yenedith takes a deep breath and wipes the traces of tears from her eyes when she hears a knock on her bedroom door. She enters from the balcony and sees that it's Elena with what appear to be two cherry cocktails. They both sit at one of the tables on the rooftop to get some fresh air. — I know you've been seeing someone, one of the workers.
— It took you long enough to figure that out — says Yenedith.
— It was easy to guess. You're never seen hanging out with other guys, and those weekend trips — says Elena — But the reason I'm bringing this up now is because I've noticed you don't even look at him anymore. Did you get bored?
— I've just been really busy with the company's expansion campaign in Greece. I've managed to get two commercials launched from the office, and it's been complicated — says Yenedith.
— Why don't you go there to coordinate everything from there? You could even spend some time with your brother. Of course, Fount would go with you to make sure you're safe.
Yenedith smiles, takes a sip of her cocktail, and nods at the idea.
— I'll just ask you for one favor in return — Elena says — I have an account your father doesn't know about; if I make a transaction, he'd notice because he's very strict with money, and well… a woman should always have a safety net. You understand?
— How much are we talking about?
— Maybe one or two… millions. I'll check the luggage, and you just have to pick it up at the airport — Elena says.
— I don't know, that's too much money.
— Just this once. Usually I do it myself with the help of a friend, but she left the country, and none of your father's men do anything without telling him.
That same day, Elena helps her stepdaughter pack for a stay of at least two weeks in Greece. D'mitri drives them to the airport with Charles as the co-pilot. After checking the luggage, Elena gives him the tag numbers for the other two suitcases he needs to pick up and a physical photo of what they look like to avoid leaving any digital traces.