Friday, February 29, 2008

Salvador goes home

Day 23

Salvador told Dr. Valencia that he was Salvador Cirenza, a peasant married to Cantalicia with a son and he was ready to go back to his family so the doctor should not send him to the asylum. When the Sherriff asked why Salvador has not been moved to the mental institution as agreed, the Sherriff said he could not do that since he's admitted he was Salvador Cirenza. The Sherriff disbelieved such testimony and went to question Salvador himself. Salvador still maintained his confession even claiming he was a nuisance and talked nonsence before. Typical of the Sherriff to be stubborn and insistence on his convinction, he still wanted to move Salvador but he threatened him with violence that will affect his career.
Antonio worried about his father still maintained that he was a good man while Simon countered that he was selfish and irresponsible. He said that he only cared about himself and spent his meagre income on bars. Abigail felt bad after reading the letter left by her husband, Rodrigo for her. She accepted that she still loved him and his leaving hurt but life must go on.
Finally, Salvador taken back to the ranch by the Sherriff accompanied by Dr. Valencia. He thanked the doctor and promised never to forget him. Dr. Valencia was emotional and the Sherriff was surprised asking if he was going to cry too. Cantalicia took Salvador inside the house and as a stranger, he started looking at everything.
Isabel went to see Andre at the factory and they started arguing about the proposed wedding date. Consuelo and Simon watched and Consuelo commented that all the men drooled after Isabel anytime she visited the factoty. She started coming on to Simon and he fell for her. He asked her out to a movie and she accepted. This one looks like a gold digger.
Salvador acting real weird and later went out to think. During dinner he lost his appetite because he was not used to that type of meal served by Cantalicia. Meanwhile in the mansion in the city during dinner, Rebecca wanted the maids in uniforms and also insulted Valeria. She's really turning out exactly like Nina her sister with sarcastic comments. She went into the kitchen and broke a new chinaware claiming it was dirty. She went further to announce that any dirty dish she saw would be broken and the maids sanctioned through pay reduction. Vicky could not stand it and called her 'a piece of work' while Abigail said she was worse than Nina.
Cantalicia's effort to unite romantically with Salvador was frustrated by his refusal to cuddle up to her or even share the same bed. Just when she was wondering what happened to him in the hospital, bedbugs bit him and he left to sleep outside.
Walter whispered that the keys to the basement doors may be in the attic so Rebecca went to search. Angela caught her snooping around and there was a huge arguement. Antonio came to defend Angela. Rebecca went to report to Isabel and she warned her to stay away from the attic as it was exclusively for Angela. To pacify Rebecca, they all went for a picnic. While on the picnic, Rebecca was extolling the virtues of Andre and happy that the lovebirds would soon be wedded. Valeria questioned Rebecca's acceptance of Isabel's infidelity but she said there was nothing wrong with that afterall she did not love Pedro.
Cantalicia cleaning Mancho but Salvador insisted the boy should bathe himself so carried him off to the stream. Cantalicia mused that bathing too much in the hospital had affected Salvador.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Pedro accepted his new body

Day 22

The Specialists asked Dr. Valencia to leave while they examined the patient alone. Salvador realised that they would not listen to him since they had concluded in their mind that he had Amnesia so he kept mute. He did not answer any of their questions. The Specialists Doctors were angry and chided Dr. Valencia for bringing them all the way when the case was not a special one. They eventually recommended a mental institution for him. Dr. Valencia in anger went to Salvador to find out why he refused talking to the doctors but he ignored him too.
Rebecca and Walter strategising on the next step to getting into the treasure room in the basement. Walter suggested telling Isabel but Rebecca forbidded from doing that.
Antonio taking his love to the next level, went to the Attic to see Angela. That has always been her secret hideout as a child. They remembered their childhood love and puppet romance so they started kissing but Angela stopped him. When Antonio left, Angela started going through the boxes and she stumbled on the bunch of keys (the keys to the basement door) and not knowing to which doors they belonged, just dropped it back.
Valeria was admiring the late Mrs. Catalina Donoso when Rebecca came into the study. She asked what Valeria was doing there when Isabel had ordered no entry but Valeria corrected that it was no touching but entry was allowed. When she said Angela's mum was beautiful, Rebecca became angry and insulted her saying she was a repressed and 'mousy insipid thing' living the romance of the others. She claimed she was dead to live so Valeria stomped out of the study and she followed. Simon that was following their voices from the basement came face to face with Rebecca. He went to inform Antonio that they should investigate or inform Angela but Antonio forbedded him to.
Valeria at last saw the lovers kissing but refused to wait for Isabel's excuses for her action. The next morning she had to stay with Isabel at the pool side and she said she's in love with her youth. She informed Valeria that her relationship with Andre was physical while with Pedro it was spiritual( whatever that means). When Valeria wanted to know how long, she said before she met Pedro so Valeria confessed she does not know her.
Salvador remained silent that Dr. Valencia concluded that the Asylum was the best place for him. Cantalicia came to take him home but was refused. Pablo and the others met her and were told that Salvador would be committed to a mental institution. The crowd started protesting and went to the police station. In other to avert the crisis, Lilia went to warn the Sherriff but he did not take it serious till the crowd gathered in front of his office so he had to disperse them. The 'tink tank' group of the father, the doctor, the Sherriff and the ladies came together to decide how to move Salvador without alerting the mob. Savador had a flashback to the sessions with Gayetana the spiritual consultants on death, reincarnation, and energy possessing another body. While remebering all these, he went to the mirror to look at himself and he said as Pedro, he was dead so he finally had to accept the new body and aceept the new personality called Salvador Cirenza.
At last, Andre officially proposed marriage to Isabel and to make their love affairs a public thing.
Based on Valeria's advice, Abigail asked the boys to go look for Rodrigo their father that she wanted to talk to him. At the bar, they were given a letter instead. Pedro Donoso, the intelligent and matured person that he was, decided to accept that he was Salvador Cirenza, a peasant who had never travelled out of his community and married to Cantalicia with a son.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Salvador the phenomenon

Day 21

Fatima told Dr. Valencia that Salvador bewitched her friend Lilia and she hoped that he would not drive Fr. Giacomo into desperation. Eventually, Pablo won the chess game courtesy Salvador and throughout the week while waiting for the specialists to arrive, he defeated the Priest on the game of Chess. Pablo said he was a genius and should be celebrated so he told the people and they came. They gathered at the front of the church refusing to leave thereby making the church some sort of a 'Mecca' where people go to see the 'resurrected' according to one of the town folks. To them Salvador was a phenomenon. Fr. Giacomo then decided to talk to them by disabusing their minds on the resurrected story. He told them that he was a simple man incapable of supernatural deeds so they should not ascribe any power to him even though knowledgeable on so many things.
Antonio invited Simon to the University's party but was so love-struck with Angela that he was all through in a corner admiring her pictures while Simon had fun that he got home drunk.
Andre came to see Angela to convince her of his love but she saw through him and walked him out of her room. Isabel came back, saw Andre's car outside and on being told he was with Angela rushed off to confirm. Rebecca that was condemning the flowers as cheap could not even get a second attention from her. Angela opened the door to let out Andre and behold, Isabel was at the door. Angela was amused at the lovers reactions of jealousy and shock. Andre explained that he knew she would be coming home that day so he decided to visit. Isabel was so angry and disgusted with his attitude that she said she was crazy to ever believed him. She warned him that the relationship could be off anytime because they are joined by only desire and interest. She now realised that Pedro was better than him because he's a coldblooded bastard who is only good at manipulating people. The confrontation between the two brought Valeria and Rebecca to the bedroom so Andre had to leave.
Salvador on his part was really restlesss and not able to stand the prying eyes of the paintings decided to force the door to his room opened. He stepped out and saw the piano covered for years. He hit the first key and unable to resist the lure, pulled the stool and started playing. Every flashback to the past made him to increase the tempo. After the talk with the understanding that he had convinced his listeners, the Priest asked them to pray. They were still praying when the sweet melody from the piano wafted into their ears. When asked who could be playing the piano, the Father could not say. The congregants then rushed to the parish and behold Salvador was playing with much dedication and passion. The people were mesmerised initially but later snapped out and rushed at Salvador to 'pray' for them. It took the combined effort of the Priest, the Sherriff and the doctor to rescue Salvador from the mob if not their fanaticsm could have killed him. Fr. Giacomo tried exorcising the spirit of Pedro out of Salvador but he become a wreck that Salvador had to begged him to get a hold on himself.
Rebecca the next morning reported Valeria to Isabel but she was very angry with her for trying to replace Angela's mother. She invited everyone to the study and warned that the door would be open but no one was to go in henceforth.
The Scientists finally arrived and after examination gave Salvador a clean bill of health. Salvador told them, that was not his body but they attributed his words to Amnesia or profound case of split personality. He got aggressive and told them they cannot help him so Dr. Valencia should set him free. He wanted to rush out but they held him back.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Isabel gone for Nina's burial

Day 20

While the others were mourning the death of Nina, Rebecca and Walter were planning how to tear the house down to get the treasures. Walter came to whisper to Rebecca that the door at the basement leads to the study at Mrs Catalina Donoso's portrait. They now decided to do something when Isabel would be away. Simon and Antonio went into the basement to find out what they were looking for and seeing nothing left.
Fatima went by Lilia's place to apologise and they forgave each other and hugged. Lilia wanted to go see Salvador but Fatima advised her against it. The advice was selfish because she did not want Salvador to keep seeing her.
Simon and Antonio at the stable discussing their adventure and their mother came to find out where they were the previous night. Angela went to talk to Isabel offering her help but she was rude to her by saying she does not need her help or pity but she later apologised for her rudeness.
Dr. Valencia and Fr. Giacomo went to the Sherriff to explain that the scientists had seen the report aired and were coming in eight days to examine Salvador. The doctor wanted Salvador back in the hospital but the Sherriff refused insisting that the church was better. The doctor and the Priest went to see Salvador and met all the pictures on the floor. The Priest asked that all the pictures be hunged back. Dr Valencia told him everyone wants to help and he finished the sentence dat everyone wants to help but no one does anything.
Isabel left to bury Nina. Antonio took Angela to the door to the basement and advised her to be careful and watchful of Walter and Rebecca because they have been snooping around the house looking for something. He wondered if they were looking for the same thing as Angela but she said what she was looking for was special and known to herself and Pedro alone. While out there Gayetana came to offer her condolences on Nina's death but was asked to leave and not come back to the house again by Angela.
Back from seeing Isabel off, Andre took Rebecca out for lunch and during conversation, realised that they both have evil minds so they became friends. Imagine Rebecca running down Nina and Pedro. She even supported his affair with Isabel saying 'he's the ideal man.' What a terrible woman she is.
In Las Crustas, Father Giacomo prayed and Salvador interpreted the latin words so they quarrelled again over his knowledge so he left claiming he's lost his appetite.
Cantalicia came on a visit and the puzzled Priest asked again where Salvador schooled and she replied no where.
Walter and Rebecca were back in the study with their tool box to dismantle the portrait in order to get into the hidden treasure room. Vicky saw them when she came to lower the drapes for the night so she called Angela. Angela confronted them and their defence was that they wanted to replace the portrait with Isabel's and surprise her on her returns. Valeria for once, boldly stepped forward, rebuked them, took the key from Walter and ordered everyone out so that the study door can be locked. The next morning, Rebecca thinking Valeria was acting to impress the others, demanded for the key but Valeria refused releasing the key and informed her the study was staying locked.
Fr. Giacomo and his friend, Pablo were playing chess when Salvador forced the door opened and came and joined them. Seeing that the priest was winning, Salvador helped Pablo and the game turned in his favour.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Salvador moved to the Church

Day 19

Valeria was in the study when Walter and Rebecca were hitting and trying to force the door from the basement to the study opened. Not succeeding on their task and suffocating, they made their way out of the stuffy basement alas the door was locked outside.
Angela came into the study and saw Valeria. She ordered her out but apologised for being rude to her at the corridor after. She said she still found it difficult to accept that her father, Pedro was dead. Valeria agreed and both of them embraced and consoled themselves.Isabel saw them and felt jealous. In Valeria's room while brushing her hair, Isabel questioned why she never showed her love and care as she did with Angela. She stated she was all alone after Pedro's death because he was different and understood her and loved her just the way she was. Valeria swore that she loves her unconditionally and would always be loyal to her.
Abigail scolded Antonio for going into Angela's room. She wanted him to respect her as the owner of the house. Simon came in and begged the mum to give them a break and not behave like an old hag. When Abigail left, Simon told Antonio that Walter and Rebecca are lovers because he saw them entering the basement and he had locked them in. Antonio was shocked at Simon attitude and ordered him to go unlock the door immediately. He did and the two 'treasure hunters' came out sweaty and angry.
Lilia saw Father Giacomo and after telling him how polished and cultured Salvador was, called him God's emissary to counter the priest negative comments on him being ignorant peasant.
Rebecca suspecting Abigail's boys called them for questioning. She wanted to know who locked her in the basement the previous night but the boys feigned ignorance and wondered what a respectable lady like her was doing in the basement and with whom. They advised her to report the incident to Isabel for investigation but Rebecca refused and warned them not to intimidate her with reporting to Isabel. Walter came in and informed them of the plane crash involving Nina. Isabel was devastated and left to see Andre for consolation. The insensitive Andre' comment on the tragedy almost caused quarrel but he quickly amended his comment and offered to take care of the burial plans.
Salvador saw the plane crash on the television and and wanted to go be with Isabel claiming Isabel needed him more now than ever but how? He asked Lilia to help him escape but Llia refused. Later she changed and insisted she has to go with him anywhere he goes. She grapped his shirt and started professing love which to me is insanity. Salvador stopped her and asked her as a respectable lady to respect his old age. That only infuriated Lilia and made her rushed to the Parish demanding that Salvador be moved from her house and she be liberated from his spell.
Isabel came back and Angela went to console her. She told her she understood the pains of losing a loved one.
Father Giacomo went to see the Sherriff and together, Salvador was relocated to the church. The room he was given in the church was not welcoming nor the bed comfortable.
While Lilia was crying at her lost of Salvador, Fatima and Sherriff Campo went out for a drink to celebrate but Fatima still wanted Salvador back at the hospital. The Sherriff asked whether she wanted him to drive her crazy like he did Lilia?

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Rebecca transformed

Day 18

Andre promoted Simon and transferred him to the spare parts section. Simon was surprised considering their closeness to Angela and their attitude to her. Infact he thought there was more to it and Antonio concluded that Andre and Isabel want to buy his conscience and trust.
Sherriff Campo acting on a tip off by Fatima went to raid Lilia's place but met opposition from Lilia and Fr. Giacomo. Not able to accomplish his mission, Sherriff Campo left to confront Dr. Valencia in the hospital and was followed by the priest. Nurse Fatima wanted to follow but Lilia invited her in for questioning. Fatima claimed that Salvador was better off in the hospital than in her house where she was all over him like white ants on a jelly. Lilia countered that she was jealous because she was the one who drooled over him but got no attention and insisted her home was more comfortable than the hospital. Lilia slapped Fatima and the two started fighting. It was a funny sight to see supposedly best friends fighting each other over a man they don't know much about. Salvador, the man at the centre of the quarrel watched their fight. They separated on sighting him and Lilia was embarrassed at their behaviour. Salvador opted to leave but Lilia was desperate to have him stay.
The meeting with the Notary for Angela and Isabel was on while Abigail's boys were worried that Angela would be robbed silly. Immediately after the meeting,, they met and asked about the decisions taken. She told them everything was complicated but she would not give up especially the house due to all the fond memories. She had decided to stay too.
Isabel took Rebecca for shopping and she was picking the most expensive clothes and shoes which made her to say 'the most expensive is not always the most elegant'. Even in the boutique, Rebecca read about the weird story of Salvador but they did not believe it just like Simon who claimed it was made sensational in order for the media outfit to have a better rating.and would
Father Giacomo and Doctor Valencia asked for more time and advised Sherriff Campo not to do anything foolish over Salvador's case. The clown of a sherriff now gave them 48 hours. Dr Valencia said that Salvador's case was unknown therefore would require specialist doctors for further investigation so he would continue to stay with Lilia.
Cantalicia came to see Salvador with her son but Lilia refused her seeing him asking her to go get permission from the doctor in the hospital. Despite her plea, lilia refused and ordered her maid to show her out.
Angela was in the sitting room when Andre came in and started lying about his relationship with Isabel but she would not hear of it so she left. She got to her room and picked up Pedro portrait saying that he should not have trusted Andre and Isabel.
Salvador watching telly and Lilia came in trying to seduce him. She took permission and kissed Salvador and Fr. Giacomo came in and saw them. The surprised Priest left and Lilia rushed after him to the church where she was asked to confess.
Rebecca came back a transformed and elegant lady with the labels of the clothes unremoved. While the discussion of Rebecca's transformation was going on, Simon went to walk the dog but met it chained. He suspected something and waited to confirm his suspicion. He saw Walter and Rebecca entering the basement. After a while he took a rope and locked them in.
Antonio went to see Angela and they talked but she stopped him from kissing her. He left her and at the corridor he met Abigail. Abigail took himto their living quaters for a serious talk. Valeria watched them go so she stole into the study.

Monday, February 18, 2008

In His Likeness

In His Likeness

In the garden of Eden God created man in His image and likeness to fellowship with Him. But when man fell into sin the glory was taken away, the body became corruptible and lost its ability to stand in the presence of the Living God. Although we still appear in His image, many have lost His likeness.

Beyond looks (image), we are required to be like Him in thoughts and in deeds (likeness). Can Jesus rely on us to hold our peace when we are provoked? To lay down our “rights” for His own righteousness (not ours which is like a filthy rag before Him)? To allow the love of the Lord to constrain us when we would have reacted otherwise?

These perishable bodies will one day melt away and we will wear a new and glorious body created to be like Him in holiness. The Bible speaks about when He will appear, we shall be like Him. And the prerequisite for this; everyone that has this hope in him purifies himself even as He is pure.

It is our inner qualities that will trigger this evolution at His appearance. It is after we have met the requirements of the inner qualities that the outer manifestation becomes inevitable.

Friday, February 15, 2008

The botched board meeting

Day 17


Not finding Angela at home, Simon told Antonio that Ronderos, the lawyer introduced by Gayetana was in the factory to see Andre. So they left to confront Gayetana Charlie. They called her and her lawyer, traitors and con artists.
Back home, Isabel sought audience with Abigail boys. They told her that their sympathy and loyalty would continue to be for Angela. She warned them not to provoke her that she respects them as Pedro did. She even tried buying their love and affection. She practically begged them to accept and respect her as Don Pedro widow so that they can continue living in peace in the house but they were not impressed. Angela was at the staircase so she heard all. Isabel now told her she's not as bad as she thinks.
The clothes bought by Llia were tried by Salvador. Lilia hid by the door to spy on him. She became disoriented in thought and prayed for strength to overcome the spirit of lust that has possessed her. Sherriff Campo came to see her that evening but she turned him back. He was surprised at her rejection but quickly realised that Salvador may be hiding there. The next morning, Fatima stopped by Llia's place to attend to Salvador but was not happy that she was buying him new clothes. They argued because she wanted him back in the hospital while Lilia wants him to continue living with her. Outside she met Sherriff Campo who was spying on them. He asked why she came to see her friend with her professional bag. Fatima asked Dr. Valencia to bring Salvador back to the hospital. Doctor Valencia asked why but she could not give any reason so he became amused.
Rebecca was furious that Isabel forgave Abigail's boys but Isabel told her that her own strategy was to join them if she cannot win them. She even advised Rebecca to emulate her and not turn her house into a battle field.
Antonio and Simon went to see Angela in her room and encouraged her not to give up but to stand up for her rights as Pedro's daughter.
Isabel was going out on a date with Andre to celebrate their victory at the 'fall' of their perceived enemies especially Angela when Azur started barking at her. She looked at the dog and said the dog does not like her. That's a fact.
Walter put the dog on leech because it might attack him and went into the basement to search for Pedro's safe. Rebecca saw him aand went after him.
Salvador contemplating going back to his house. Would he or would he not.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy valentine

Today is Valentine day. A day set aside for the display of love and reaffirmation of commitment by couples whether married or not. Its a day to propose marriage, declare love or mend broken ones. I am told in some countries especially in Asia, its a day of mass marriages.
As people celebrate love this day, most do not even remember or know the origin of the day. Tragically according to history, the man Valentine was executed on the orders of Emperor Claudius 11 of Rome in the third century. He was known for his kindness of heart to others. He brought joy and happiness to people and helped no matter what. He was said to have wedded a couple who were in love against a decree by the Emperor and when the Emperor heard, he ordered for his arrest. He was sentenced to death and eventually killed on the 14th of february. Before he died, he charged the sympathisers including the newly weds not to mourn but celebrate his memory, live in peace, be kind and help others.
In a world of hatred, deceit, intrigues and envy, I fondly extend my arms of good tidings clothed in an emblem of love to everyone. May your hearts together with those of your loved ones be filled with LOVE today and forever.
Remember love is not selfish, love is not proud, love endures and seeks the good of others above self.
Happy Valentine

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The eve of the Board Meeting

Day 16

The reporter went back to the hospital to confront Dr. Valencia but he insisted he was protecting his patient. Even the threat from the reporter did not sway him. When told the refusal of Dr. Valencia to produce SAlvador, Sherriff Jamie Campo swore to fish him out.Meanwhile in Lilia's place, Salvador felt lost. Though he has gradually accepted his new body, he's still confused and worried.
Simon went to see Andre and insisted on working parttime as Pedro wanted. He even sarcastically agreed that Angela was incapable of managing a company like Donoso's Citrus.
Ciara Lavorio, one of the directors came to commiserate with Angela and also update her on the happenings in the factory especially important positions. Rebecca watched and told Isabel who rushed out to stop the informal meeting. But Angela had listened and agreed to visit the factory the next day. The next day, Angela was at the factory and Andre challenged the group and questioned her presence in the factory but Lavorio answered that they are giving her a tour of the factory. Andre did not like the fact that he was not taken into confidence. During his usual meeting with Isabel, he promised to return each blow they dish out to them.
Angela met the boys and confided in them her decision to use the company's lawyer instead of the one suggested by Gayetana.
Lilia shaved Salvador but he still looked depressed. He tried explaining that he was an old man of 70 and not this young man in the mirror. But Lilia claimed he's unsettled. She went to see Dr Valencia and Fr. Giacomo on Salvador's condition.
Realising, money was slipping out of her grasp, Gayetana Charlie came to follow up and convince Angela to retain the services of her recommended Lawyer. Antonio told her to forget it if Angela did not get back it means she was not interested in using her lawyer. When told by Gayetana back home that Angela was using another lawyer, the con man decided to go see Andre with the information from Angela.
Isabel went for Shopping and when she came back, she met Angela in the sitting room and informed her that the board meeting was the next day.
Valeria went into the study and while there Walter came in and started searching as intensely as usual.She hid a while but later emerged to Question him on the search.
Sherriff Campo went to the store and met Llia shopping for Salvador. Lilia tried hiding it that the shirts were for a man but the big shirts gave her away.
The lawyer went to see Andre in the Factory and Simon saw them but Andre stopped him from going out immediately to tell Angela.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Salvador in Lilia's place

Day 15

Sherriff Campo convinced Cantalicia to go demand for the release of her husband, Salvador from Doctor Valencia. Cantalicia then went straight to the hospital to cause a huge scene. She threw stones and broke the glasses of the hospital windows. Salvador heard the commotion and asked an attendant who explained that his wife came to demand for his release so they can go home. He said she was not his wife and his home is very far away. Father Giacomo came and demaded that Cantalicia stop her madness. She quickly becqme repentant claiming the sherriff advised her to do that and more. The father calmed her down and told her that her husband needs more attention so he has to be in the hospital for more examinations
Once again Angela and the boys all went out to see Gayetana Charlie and her Lawyer. Simon in his usual self was calling Gayetana names but Angela cautioned him to hold his tongue especially before her. Angela went in first and announced that she came with two friends who are like brothers to her. The lawyer and Gayetana did not like that but as the discussion progressed the lawyer confessed that the boys are more willing to talk than Angela. Angela was actually trying to protect the family's honour by not revealing that her late father's widow was an adulterer. She begged the others not to stampede her into hasty decision and took her leave. On the way, the boys asked her to be strong and bold if she does not want to end up in the street and to allow seek other lawyers' opinions.
A reporter with one of the television houses came to interview the Sherriff and investigate the case of the 'resurrected'. She was directed to Sherriff Campo's office. He was going to use that to make himself famous but Dr valencia and the others denied him that because Salvador was moved to Lilia's place. When he escorted the reporter to the hospital, he was told Salvador has gone back to the ranch. He did not believe them so he searched the entire hospital's building and even the church to look for Salvador Cirenza. Not finding him, he vowed to throw him out if he ever showed up. In Lilia's place, Salvador was not comfortable but Lilia and Father Giacomo helped him to settle in.
Abigail caught Walter seaching so she warned him to desist from such evil. Walter in between searching for Pedro's safe had time to be spying on Angela and Abigail's boys. Immediately, Isabel came back, he told her Angela and the boys had gone out probably to plot against her.Isabel become worried and went on a horse ride to calm herself while the people that are causing her worries were being read what the laws says on inheritance. Not calmed by the horse ride, Isabel went into the house and warned Abigail about her sons and their unnecessary interferences in an affairs that does not concern them. She then went out to wait for them and instructed Walter to follow them anywhere they go. Later in their private place, She told Andre that they should leave but he objected because that would jeopadise their plans.
Abigail scolded her sons later but the boys told her they are protecting Angela against the rip off by Isabel and invariably protecting every one. Since the boys' mind were set on helping Angela, Abigail was worried and confided in Valeria her worries and insecurity.
On asked about her coming home late, Isabel told Valeria about her past, how she was raped by an old trusted friend of her father and why she detested old men. She talked about her admiration of Pedro and eventually finding out that he was different because he treated her with respect. Her final confession that she loved him and would have killed him herself to save him the agony and suffering drew an alarm look from Valeria
The reporter went to the ranch to inquire about Salvador but Cantalicia told her Salvador was in the sospital. Present or not, the reporter got enough information about Salvador from Cantalicia.

strategy for takeover

Day 14

Simon set Azur loose to run around and protect the house. Andre came to see his lover and pretended he brought some papers for Angela to check before the Board meeting of Donoso's citrus factory. Azur the sensitive and loyal dog attacked Andre. It was the timely intervention of Walter that saved him. Andre was treated and on enquiry it was realised that Simon set him loose. Isabel summoned Simon through Abigail but Andre stopped it saying he was there for more important business. Angela was called but she rebuffed them saying she would meet them at the Board of Directors' meeting instead.
The next day, Isabel acting on the advice of Andre to get rid of Azur urgently, asked Walter to take the dog for rabis test. The understanding was that the dog would be killed and not returned back to the house. Simon rushed to Angela and she came and ordered that Azur be released and no one should lay their hands on him. She announced to all that she ordered for his release at night so that the house can be guarded. Back in the room, Rebecca chided Isabel for giving in easily to Angela. Valeria supported the others saying Azur was the closest friend to Don Pedro. Rebecca called her an ingrate for siding with their 'enemies'. She advised Isabel to hold on tight to the rein of the house if not they would all be swept away by the tide of oppositions in the house.
Gayetana Charlie saw Angela and decided to help her find a good lawyer. She contracted a lawyer and told him that the case would be like hitting a jackpot because the young lady was the heiress of a very wealthy but dead industrialist.The Lawyer accepted and a date was set for the meeting with Angela.
Salvador was back at the hospital. While sitting in the garden with Dr. Valencia and he wanted to know more about him, he told him he was not who he thought he was. On the doctor's persistence, he told him about himself, his business, failing health, family and life. The look on Doctor Valencia showed that he did not believe him and the taking away of Salvador by the attendant for lunch saved him more confusion and bewilderment.
Isabel went out for a horse ride and party with Andre. Andre informed her of the favourable response from other directors he consulted. He said that they would support them against Angela during the Board meeting. While Isabel was worried about Angela and marriage to Andre, Andre was happy that Donoso's fortune would soon be theirs.
Fatima and Lilia were discussing about Salvador and wondering why he married someone like Cantalicia. At that moment, Cantalicia showed up demanding the release of her husband Salvador from Sherriff Campo. The Sherriff advised her to go to the hospital and stand up to Dr. Valencia till her husband is released.
Armed with the Sherriff's 'advice' and her own aggressive disposition, Cantalicia marched to the hospital. She screamed that her husband should be released and started throwing stones on the windows. The window glasses were shattered and people's attentions were drawn to her little scene. Father Giacomo came and stopped the madness.
Rebecca on her self imposed assignment of spying on Angela, Saw her reading in the garden and went to talk to her. She asked Angela to confide and trust them instead of being alone or associating with Abigail's boys who she claimed were losers. Angela stood to discourage any closeness and informed her that she was not alone and that those losers are her family.

overcoming by using obstacles

A very dear friend sent this mail to me and i decided to share with all. The moral of the story is using the obstacles on our way for survival or using it to step up to greatness.
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
By the way, do not expect so much from people even those you have served with all your heart.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Valeria made a housekeeper

Day 13

With the confirmation from the doctor that Valeria was okay, Isabel matched into her room and ordered her to throw away the veil and start living her age. To help her out, Isabel made her the new housekeeper over Abigail. Vicky did not accept it and challenged their decision and imposition of Valeria on them. Back at the kitchen, she insisted that Abigail should have stood up to Isabel and not behave as if she does not care. Vicky then reported the injustice of replacement of Abigail with Valeria to Angela. Angela went to the kitchen to find out but Abigail advised her not to get into any problem with Isabel on her behalf that she was fine with the arrangement. Valeria was not comfortable with her appointment either. As she discussed with Aunt Rebecca that her cousin Isabel was walking over everyone in the house without due consultation with Angela, Rebecca advised her not to disobey Isabel but emulate her and enjoy Pedro's wealth.
Cantalicia was told how Salvador read but she insisted that he was a poor peasant that has never set foot on any school.
Dr. Doherty calmed Angela and asked her not to go to town with her suspicion that Pedro Donoso was poisoned or killed because he was terminally ill and refused to abide by instructions on his health.
Salvador dazzled as he read the books given him. He was taken to the police station and everyone that knew him came to confirm Cantalicia's claim that he cannot read and write. After the debate on his mental state, Father Giacomo challenged those present to ask him any guestion. His intelligence, knowledge, confidence and mastery of all subjects, music, medicine,current affairs, and foreign languages amazed them all but when he could not say where he was, they became shocked and confused the more. The Sherriff asked for his release from hospital so that he can go back to the farm with his wife and son but he refused saying Cantalicia was not his wife and he never met her before. Even Dr Valencia rejected that suggestion and transferred him back to the hospital claiming further examinations of his mental state are still to be conducted.
Rebecca scolded Isabel for not taking care of her and making her look like the poorest of the servants. She does not have clothes to wear to portray her as Isabel's Aunt. She even wanted to pick some of her clothes but Isabel told her there are for Valeria. Rebecca mocked saying, Angela behaves as if she was the widow of Pedro by wearing black and being moody always.
Going through Pedro's belongings, Angela saw the address of Gayetana so she went to see her. Walter offered to take her but she opted for a cab instead.Angela being the naive young woman did not know that a woman like Gayetana would only look for her own gain. She promised helping her by recommending a very respectable lawyer who did not behave as one afterwards. When Angela got home she went in search of Antonio and met him at the stable with Simon. When she wanted to excuse them, Antonio told her that Simon was aware of Isabel and Andre's relationship even before the death of Pedro. She confided in them her visit to Gayetana Charlie and her promise to help her. They did not trust Gayetana and warned Angela to be wary of her promises or help.
During their lunch date, Isabel was jealous that Andre showed concern for Angela. Andre just waved off those silly talks and declared they are about to achieve their dreams.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Salvador's weird behaviour

Day 12

The crowd that followed the resurrected to the police and the hospital refused to leave. Sheriff Compo had to threaten them with arrest and charges of public nuisance before they left. By this time, the doctor had sedated Salvador so they all left including Cantalicia who was taken to Lilies place to pass the night.
Angela searching the drawers in the study for that necklace known to only herself and her dead father.She told Antonio that the doctor said that Pedro died of a natural cause - old age. Rebecca spied on them and ran off to inform Isabel. Isabel on her own part was packing out Pedro's personal items from the bedroom claiming depression anytime she looks at them. What wickedness!Rebecca advised Isabel to stay ahead of Angela and take an inventory of every valuables in the house as she saw her searchng for documents in the study.Isabel too went to search the drawers and Angela came and started questioning her.They started arguing but later decided to respect each other and stay away from the study. Isabel packed the clothes out and asked Walter to give them out as chatity but Angela came out and ordered the clothes to be moved into her room.
Salvador Cirenza did not recognize Cantalicia and his boy.He called what he was going through a nightmare.The sheriff says he's suffering from shock occasioned by forced burial. But the doctor said that he was suffering from Amnesia.
The whole community is worried and confused about Salvador's weird behaviour. Meanwhile he was screaming that he wants to leave claiming the whole experience to be a dream. Cantalicia was questioned about his life and she confessed he's talking differently. Left alone, he saw himself in d mirror and was shocked. He started crying saying '...this is not me oh God.' He stripped naked and sat on the floor dejected and confused all night. The doctot thinks he's lost his mind.
Simon as usual went to care for Azur. He fed the dog and wanted to set it loose but Abigail stopped him.
Isabel and Rebecca with Walter went to the study to force the lockers open apparently searching for valuables but Walter told them valuables were kept in a safe.Finding nothing, Isabel asked for the door to be locked and collected the key from Walter. She left later to see Andre her lover. She tried hurrying Andre and he reminded her that she was a free woman now. She equally reminded him that Pedro's daughter could create problem by accusing her openly thereby keeping everything but Andre cut in that Angela cannot hurt them because she knows next to nothing about Pedro's businesses or wealth.
Rodrigo came to see his family on Pedro's death. Simon was rude towards him but Antonio rose to his defense. He was sorry that Pedro is dead saying he would have exchanged his useless life for his. He wondered why the good people always die while the wicked ones stay.
Salvador rejected the rags that was given him as clothes and requested for a bath. Nurse Fatima saw him bathing naked and was transfixed in one spot just staring at his macho and strong body.She later told her friend Lilie about the experience. After bathing and dressing, SAlvador went to see the doctor. Father Giacomo and the doctor came in and saw him reading. The Revd Father mocked him saying he cannot read or write but he translated the french book. He was given another book where he read brilliantly that the father and the doctor were amazed.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Pedro Donoso in Salvador's body

Day 11


While going to the cementary, the wooden box conveying the remains of Salvador Cirenza started rocking from side to side on the shoulders of the carriers. This was because Pedro woke up in the body of Salvador and started suffocating. Others did not notice it but Cantalicia did and was trying to draw the attention of the others who were crying more than the bereaved. When those carrying the coffin could not take it anymore, they dropped it and Salvador burst open the coffin. Everyone was shocked and stared at him. He stared harder because he did not know anyone amongs them so he just started running and the crowd pursued claiming he has resurrected.

Isabel went to Angela's room to talk about the incident before the death of Pedro while two maids lingered around to listen to the conversation. Angela opened the door and told her she does not want to talk to her because she is a hypocrite and adulterer. Isabel said she cannot judge her since Pedro agreed not to have any intimate relationship with her due to his failing health. Angela was furious and told her father cannot agree to such an arrangement. Aunt Rebecca hid by the door and heard all the juicy details. She emerged from there to separate the ladies and took Isabel back to her room.

Finally, the crowd overpowered Salvador while the Priest went to the Police. The Sherriff of LA Crustia is a clown. After mocking the Priest for his weird and unbelievable story, he decided to accompany him to see the resurrected. The Sheriff finally saw the resurrected so they shooed away the crowd and arrested Salvador for questioning.

Aunt Rebecca took tea to Isabel in the morning and asked Walter and the maids to redo the bedroom since she does not want to change to another room. Isabel was angry and started yelling at them all to get out.She was suffering more from guilty conscience than grief. She needed Nina at this time and Rebecca gave her the phone number she had of Nina but when she called she was told she has travelled to Europe.
Sheriff Compo was surprised that SAlvador was to be buried alive. Meanwhile Salvador was looking like a frightened and caged animal. He was quiet and Cantalicia says he's generally shy but when he approached him, he became violent. Nurse Fatima explained that he may have gone into a coma to warrant the hasty burial. Lilie says he's lost his mind. It was decided that he be taken to the hospital for proper examination.
Isabel went to see Andre and he warned her not to provoke Angela so that she does not prosecute them. He says Angela was defenceless so she should stop unnecessary argument with her. Isabel apologised.
Angela confided in Antonio about Isabel and Andre cheating on Pedro and betraying his trust in them. He believed her.
Salvador was taken to the hospital and after examination the doctor confirmed him to be strong as an ox. He says that he only has cardiovascular fit.
Andre went to search for Simon to encourage him but he saw through his pretense. He told Andre it might be easy for him to pretend but but he cannot.
The doctor came to see Valeria to assess her progress and confirmed her perfectly okay. So Isabel went to see her and advice her to change her attitude from that of an old grieving maid to the 24 years old young woman she is.

The winner takes all

THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL - Part 1

It was the group Abba that sang ”The Winner Takes It All”. Must have been in the seventies, because we met the song as evergreen (indeed). Its lyrics? Not our subject. Its title? Our topic.

The Winner Takes It All. Sounded like someone has read Paul’s letter or heard John the beloved.

Needless to consult Oxford revered dictionary, we all know that winner means victor, over comer. Winner connotes that there had been a battle or competition or race.

Paul in his letter to the Corinthians recognized his ministry as a race. Paul will stop at nothing to see that he concluded the assignment. Known for his zeal, Paul wrote:
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but only one
receiveth the prize?” I Corinthians 9:24a

So he advised:
“Run that ye may obtain” I Corinthians 9:24b

Didn’t he run? Didn’t he preach? Didn’t he conquer? He was so sure of his pace, so sure that he could say I labour more…

Oh yes he recognized the grace. You know grace is like a catalyst, it supports the raw material and makes the impossible possible in no time. But Paul knew that even though the catalyst is available there is need to put the raw material together otherwise the catalyst will be wasted. It was with this mindset that Paul wrote to the Ephesians:

“…do not let the grace of God be in vain” II Corinthians 6:1

Perhaps we should walk down the Chemistry lane in an attempt to explain Paul’s admonition on grace. Catalyst provides an alternative route to products/result, the catalytic route being subject to lower activation energy than in the uncatalyzed reaction, just as grace gives alternative route to what seems impossible. Salvation for example came to man through “The Grace Boulevard” and no other way.

“For by grace ye are saved not by works least any man should boast…”
(Ephesians 2:8-9)

That is what grace does. It takes the equations of life and makes the impossible possible. It takes the seed and turn it to a forest. He takes the poor from the dunghill and places him on the table to dine with princes and kings (I Samuel2:8). He takes the labour of your hands and multiply the fruits of your righteousness (IICorinthians9:10).

It was the last dinner of “The Council”, farewell for the one that sits at the head of the table. The chairperson will soon depart. And the departure will not be enviable. Sorrow looms over the room; fear in the hearts of men, betrayal lurks in a corner. The treasurer gave in to 30 pieces of silver.

The night was unusual. The young man looked at the face of the Master, He had never been like this before. He found solace in the Master’s bosom, he was called John the Beloved.

The same John was caught up in the Spirit and once again saw the Master, and wrote repeatedly …He who overcomes, He who overcomes, to the loveless church, to the persecuted church, the compromising church, the corrupt church, the dead church, the faithful church, and the lukewarm church.
To all the churches he wrote: “He who overcomes”. Perhaps we should just discuss the first church – the loveless church. Clearly they might have read Paul’s letter or at least share the principles, for the One who described Himself as the owner of the keys of Hades and Death testified to their works (Rev 2: 2-3). They laboured but have lost track of their relationship with their first love.

Winning includes labour but total Christian victory requires more than labour, it includes that which the loveless church lacked – Relationship.

To be continued…

Dead of Don Jose Pedro Donoso

Day 10

Andre pursued Isabel and caught up with her on the corridor. To show that she's the love of his life, he kissed her deeply and asked whether that was the way he kissed Angela. They both allowed their desires to take the best of them and they ended up making love on the table in one of the rooms downstairs under the nose of Pedro.

Pedro stood up from his sick bed and asked Walter to help him to the study to play the piano. Despite Walters' insistence on obeying doctors order, Pedro left for the study. On the piano he started playing like a possessed person. The music was electrifying, soothing and beautiful. All the household were captivated by the melody coming from the study that most satayed up to listen. Abigail and the sons were so happy that he was playing the piano again.

At the same time Salvador Cirenza went to the field to work. He needed to fix the fence so he went out with a lantern. While hitting the wood for the fence, he had an attack. Being alone and suffering an excruciating pain on his head, he fell down holding his head. Pedro was displaying all these reactions in the study and he was drenched with his sweat but he paid no attention but continued hitting the piano's bars with intensity and determination. It was his last strength used to play and he did not care any more.

Angela came downstairs and met Vicky, 'the tongue in the cheek woman' at the foot of the staircase enjoying the music and telling her how lovely it is to hear Pedro playing the piano again. Angela went out and saw Andre's car still parked outside. She came and asked Vicky if Andre was still around but she had no idea. Angela became suspicious and went in search of Andre. Her search led to the room where they were and behold there were making love. She ran out to the study calling ...Daddy. At that time Pedro was breathing his last because Salvador had died too. Pedro slumped on the Piano and died before Angela could get to him with the shocking news that his beloved 'Son' was his wife's lover. When she got to the study, Andre was right behind her but the state they met Pedro stopped all arguement so the doctor was called. The doctor confirmed Pedro dead and the whole household was thrown into despair and sorrow. Angela came into the room where Pedro corpse was laid and wept profusely for her father who she believed was murdered by Isabel. Pedro's spirit went by Gayetana's place and she felt it. Pedro saw himself in a tunnel and saw the light that Gayetana talked about.

Salvador was taken home and the doctor confirmed him dead too. Cantalicia could not contained herself. She wept bitterly while Salvador was prepared for burial the next day.
Pedro was buried with all his loved ones especially Angela devastated. Gayetana came for the burial but Isabel instructed Abigail to send her off. When they left the house, Pedro was in the house and he played the piano. Valeria heard and rushed out to the study but he was outside stroking Azur. He went by the cementary but only Gayetana saw him before he disappeared and entered the body of Salvador who was being taken for burial after mass.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Andre and Isabel caught

Day 9

Isabel went to see Andre due to that emergency call she received from him. He told her how Angela overhead her on the phone talking to him and now she knows that she has a lover. He advised her not to say anything to Angela or talk about the cancelled trip.

Angela went to find Out about Isabel's background from Aunt Rebecca. She told her that Isabel's father was a butcher and her parents struggled to send her to school. She also told her that Isabel had to use her male friends to accomplice a lot in her life. At that moment Isabel called Rebecca off and warned her never to reveal her background. She even threatened Rebecca with eviction.

Gayetana came to convince Pedro to visit a renowned medium who can help to unravel the mystery and the recurrent nightmares. She even told him about what happens after death. Salvador Cirenza, the man in Pedro's nightmare at this time was working on the field and Cantalicia came to give him water to drink.

When his spiritual consultant left, Pedro went down and saw Angela and he wanted to know why she cancelled her trip. She blurted out that Isabel has a lover. Pedro could not stand the accusation and warned Angela to desist from slandering his beloved wife. Angela's insistence on her story drew the anger of Pedro who demanded proof of Isabel's infidelity and made to hit her. In that confusion and aggression, Pedro had another heart attack and this time it was worse. The old man does not believe his beautiful and innocent wife was cheating on him. The doctor was called to examine him and while he was at it, Isabel dragged Angela to the side for a talk. Angela asked her to stay away from her as she was an adulterer.

Gayetana came to see Pedro the next day and had to push pass the servants including Abigail to enter the house. Isabel stopped her from entering the bedroom and accused her of taking advantage of Pedro's generosity to manipulate him. Gayetana on her way out went by Azur and told the dog to be on the alert and devour all the serpents surrounding Pedro.

Valeria with her veil on came to see Pedro on his sick bed. He asked her to promise that the next time she comes to see him that the veil would be off and he would continue to delight her with his music.
Isabel and Andre went to the restaurant and Andre warned that weakness could be dangerous because Isabel said that Pedro was an extraordinary good man. Andre warned that the old man was not to recover from the present attack so Isabel should speed up the his death with the poison. What a cold hearted evil man. Back home, Pedro was freezing despite the duvet because Salvador was having his bath. Walter had to cover him with mor blankets.
Andre came to see Pedro and he advised him to forget Angela and look for a good woman like Isabel who is homely and caring. What an irony. Andre pretended to be hurt saying that he sincerely loves Angela. After the visit on his way out, he spoke to Angela and she confided in him that he was the only one she could trust. They kissed and Isabel saw them and became extremely jealous. Andre went after her.