Original subtitles

Damn you two. I said I was in a hurry.

You'll both need showers.

Take it easy, man.

Here goes...

here goes...

There goes.

I'm serious. Hurry up. I need to fix up the place.

Man...

Give us a second to catch our breath.

Doesn't your family know

you're gay?

Yes, but they needn't see you two in bed together.

Funny we hadn't met before, being both from Mostoles...

- I never go out. - We should hook up.

Fine by me. The three of us can meet up next week.

- No, I'm busy. - Whatever.

Consider this a farewell fiesta for now.

- See you soon. - Yeah.

- See you. - Bye.

- Violeta! - Pedro! You look great!

- Almost caught you red-handed. - You look great, too.

Really? Must be the mountain air.

Come spend a week in Granada.

With a little tan, you'd be edible.

Look at this handsome young man.

Hi, Bernardo. You remember me or what?

Of course I do.

- The beard is new. - And this is Borja.

- We'll talk later, when we're alone. Great.

Can I have a glass of water? Shit! We haven't much time.

I was so looking forward to catching up!

- You never visit. - Don't start, okay?

Hey, it's not like

a week in the Alpujarras would kill you, you know.

You know I hate the country.

- There are homosexuals, too. - Yeah, female.

Not at all. There's the cutest couple now...

You see? Acouple. Three's a crowd.

Isn't just seeing me worth a visit?

But I'd never see you! You're always too busy

with your tea seminars, your tai-chi and all that self-help crap!

- Let's not argue... - Sorry.

- And how are you? - Just fine.

Don't be angry. Tell me something personal.

There's nothing to tell.

I go to work, see friends, meet guys... That's it.

You're scandalous. You look fantastic.

If you only knew how much I miss you.

Bernardo reminds me of the two of us

growing up together. You two are alike.

- No, we aren't. - Of course you are.

He's gay, you know.

- Violet, please. Don't be ridiculous. - So what? My son is gay.

I'm not reactionary about it. I'm happy and I love him.

You're a pain, like all mothers. He's 8 years old!

He's nine. 9 years old. And he was born gay, just like you.

He doesn't know it yet, because he's shy.

I can't believe you've said that to him.

All I told him was it wouldn't matter,

that I'd love him anyway.

Like I love you. What's wrong with that?

This conversation is over.

I'm just a bundle of nerves! I've always wanted to go to India.

No, sweetie. No television.

I'm going to miss my baby so much!

Maybe we should take him with us.

No, it's better this way. We can't.

I love him so much

and I'm so wicked to him.

It's only two weeks. Can you handle it?

Handle it? There's nothing to handle. Bernardo's my favorite nephew.

- I'm your only nephew. - His only real one.

I'll bet your uncle's friends have plenty of siblings with kids.

You promise to behave for your uncle?

Okay.

Don't let him call me a hippie.

Don't worry, we'll get along fine. Won't we?

Don't worry about leaving Bernardo alone at times.

- He's very responsible. - All right...

Don't pamper him. He's perfectly capable.

He can clean his room, wash his clothes

and he's a great cook.

He has seven dishes, one for each day of the week.

That's each plate twice.

I heard you the first time.

- Yeah, but you don't believe me. - Of course I do.

- You were always a slavedriver. - National or international?

International! International!

- Stop right here! - Here?

- What are you talking about? - Yeah, right here.

Atotal flake for a sister!

The whole day inside the airport? It's beautiful outside!

- The sun metabolizes vitamins. - We should have stayed in the park!

Come on, the terminal is right over there.

- This way is much nicer. - All that

meditation and ecological crap...

And you still act like a damn teenager.

It runs in the family.

At least at my age I don't live like one.

Pedro...

Pedro, please. I'm sorry.

I didn't mean what I said.

I don't mind you being frank with me.

But you make it sound like something

- to be ashamed of. - You do exactly the same thing to me.

Because you include the rest of us in your hysteria.

Please don't say such things. I'm really scared.

Why? What's wrong?

Well, I'm afraid of flying. It's such a long flight.

And I'll miss Bernardo terribly. Thank God he'll be with you.

He's still just a boy,

and you may not have noticed, but he worships you. Just as I do.

Give me a second. I need to go to the bathroom.

- You're not angry with me? - No.

Really?

Why would I waste my time being angry with anyone.

Especially you.

I'm so glad we have each other.

What would I do without you?

I'm starving!

Goodbyes make some people sad,

but they make me hungry.

- Mom... - What is it?

Maybe I should have stayed in the village with Mrs. Eduviges.

What? Her grandson is always trying to kick your ass.

Pay no attention if your uncle and I argue.

He's my brother, it's normal.

And don't worry, I'm the only person who annoys him.

With everyone else he's a teddy bear. But with me he gets real nasty.

Mom, what language do they speak in India?

- They have several. - How will they understand you?

We'll speak English.

Do you speak English?

No, but Borja does.

Think positive.

It'll be like taking a vacation from your mother.

Normally vacations are from work, yours is from me.

I don't need a vacation from you.

Bernardo, please! You're breaking my heart.

You want to trade watches?

Come on, let's trade watches.

Make the most of it.

You're in a big city with your uncle.

You've always loved Madrid!

Come on, don't be sad.

Do it for him, so he won't worry.

- Promise me you won't stay longer. - Of course I won't.

You said that when you went to Ibiza, and then you stayed extra days.

I was going through a rough time.

That won't happen again.

Besides, the flight back home is already booked and paid for.

No, I'm staying in. I've got my nephew here.

He's nine. And he knows how to cook.

I don't care if you believe me.

No, don't come see for yourself. I'll call you later.

Then when you get back.

I've got to go, see you later.

I knew you wouldn't be at the Hot Club.

- Where's Bernardo? - Making dinner.

- He's just a kid. - My sister's all-around training.

Bernardo, looking good.

- Hi. - You've grown so much.

Give me a kiss.

You want to stay for dinner?

Okay, but just a sausage.

Rentals in Madrid are through the roof.

I need a boyfriend to split the rent with me.

But two guys would never fit in my place.

Hey, man!

What? We rolled joints with his mom right in front of him.

He was still a baby, you asshole.

A bit tense, are we?

I can roll a joint.

Yeah? Go right ahead.

- Roll me one. - Cut it out!

His mom's away. I'm responsible.

Go to hell.

If you absolutely must smoke a joint,

please do it elsewhere.

What the hell's your problem?

We're not in the Alpujarras!

I don't want any trouble. This is my home.

Is that all you care about?

Avoiding trouble? You could care less

about what the kid goes through.

Don't lecture me! Kids in this house

don't roll joints, nor need they see

grown-ups smoking them!

What then? We send him to bed?

- No, I send you packing! - But...

Listen to yourself. You're scaring

- the poor kid. - Now it's my fault?

You do the whole "hip, dope-smoking homo" act

and now it's my fault?

Bernardo.

Sorry about before.

For overreacting.

I'm not angry with either of you.

I'm just on edge.

Do you forgive me?

Up and down.

Hey, there, kid. You know who I am?

I'm Lola, your babysitter.

Your uncle gave me this

to show you around, he said.

Pick somewhere you'd like to go. I love buying stuff,

even for other people.

I don't care. Anywhere you want.

What kind of stuff do you like?

I don't know. Animals...

Animals? That would be the zoo, then.

But the zoo is boring. You like clothes?

Yeah, sure.

You dress well. A bit seventies, but...

My mom dresses me.

It's settled. We'll go shopping.

You'll set trends back home.

Open your mouth.

We don't say "ah" here.

You're like a kid.

Stick out your tongue.

Hold still.

Go on.

- Rinse and come in the office. - Am I dying?

Your teeth are fine.

But the back of your throat is full of fungi.

It has seemed a bit dry lately...

It doesn't itch?

No, it doesn't itch.

Okay, look...

Rinse with

Mycostatin...

after brushing,

after each meal and at bedtime.

No offense, but I'd rather

try homeopathic options.

- The treatments take longer, but... - You're aware that

you mustn't suck anything or stick your tongue anywhere...

Fine, I'll use the rinse.

Were you out last night?

No. I've got my nephew staying with me for a couple weeks.

- How sweet. How's it going? - So-so.

He's a nice kid, but I have trouble handling children.

I've been a teacher 20 years,

and it gets harder every year.

I'd like to see a pedophile

try and get near one of my 4th graders.

- Right, see you. - Careful with that tongue of yours.

- Pedro. I have a message for you. - Hi, Gloria.

Some Manuel called.

I was cleaning when the phone rang.

You know I hate answering,

but with the kids on the loose

I was afraid it might be about them.

- What did he say? - That he'd call back,

but that he's coming this weekend.

These aren't for you.

That guy who's coming...

- Is he your boyfriend? - No.

He's a friend. He lives in Paris.

We see each other every few months. It could never work.

You had a boyfriend before.

You remember Eduardo? You were a baby.

My mom has a photo of all of us with me on Eduardo's shoulders.

That's right. It was taken at the zoo.

He drove me nuts, always calling me Mowgli

and himself Baloo and I had no idea

- what it meant. - It was a compliment.

Yeah, I saw "The Jungle Book" last year

at a friend's house and finally understood.

Hello? Violeta!

Mom!

Finally! When did you arrive?

Fine, everything's fine.

Hold on, I'll get him.

Mom, what took you so long? I was worried.

Fine, I made him fried eggs

yesterday and today we had

grilled ham.

I was with Lola,

the concierge's daughter. She babysits,

but she's thinks she's a go-go girl.

She bought me pants and she's gonna teach me to dance.

You should see how beautiful it is here.

I wish I had brought you along.

- Will you stay the whole two weeks? #Yes, darling. #

I had no idea I'd miss you so much.

Violeta, don't get all sappy. You'll upset him.

- Pedro! You're eavesdropping! - Because I know you.

- Oh, you're right. - Of course I am.

Tell your son about all you've seen

and don't be sad. He had a great day.

- Did you, honey? - He's even getting a tattoo.

I'm getting off. You two have a nice chat.

Bye, Pedro.

Mom, can I get a tattoo?

No... Well, some guy's coming from Paris

to visit Uncle Pedro.

- This is your nephew? - He doesn't look like me.

No.

Definitely gay.

- What? - He looks like a fag.

How can you say that? He's just a sleeping boy.

- Maybe it's the pajamas. - #The pajamas... #

My sister bought them. She wants a homosexual son.

He's very handsome.

Where is that babysitter? Not sleeping in my bed, I hope.

Pedro, I'm here.

Did my mom hear you?

I don't think so. She was snoring.

Sometimes she fakes it.

Were they short, jerking snores or one long inhale?

Jerking snores.

Then she wasn't faking.

- Hello. - This is Manuel.

You mind telling her you got back late and I had to stay

- the night? - I don't want any trouble.

No, it's just that

my friend fell asleep...

Jesus, Lola. You should have asked me.

I didn't know he was coming.

He was at the rave, the one I missed

because I had to babysit.

He's a go-go, like me.

Right. Say no more.

You don't mind, do you?

No. Good night.

Good night. And don't worry, I'll only charge until 2 AM.

Good night.

Sorry we didn't get a chance to speak.

Alone at last.

You'd never made me wait so long.

Be quiet.

- You're not in the mood? - I don't know.

I feel bizarre.

Have you recently slept with someone else?

Have you fucked someone else?

I haven't fucked anyone all week.

Aren't you well?

No.

I'm not used to having kids around.

- Yes? Who is it? - Good morning.

- Does Pedro Navarro live there? - Yes, but he's asleep.

- Sweetie, is that you, Bernardo? - Yes.

Open the door, precious. It's me, Grandma Teresa.

- Who was it? - My grandma Teresa.

The one from Valencia?

How did she find you here?

She's coming up.

Holy shit. I'll get dressed.

Bernardo, sweetie...

Grandma?

Do you remember me?

You're so precious.

You look just like your dad,

my poor son.

Tell me how you are.

What have you done all these years?

Nothing.

- Go to school... - Yes, darling.

I know all about it. And what a good student you are.

You like Spanish, English and Social Sciences...

and you hate gym class.

Your teacher tells me all about you. She's even sent photos.

Can I come in, precious?

Uncle!

Can I let her in?

Of course, I'll be right out.

Bernardo, look.

I've brought you some things I've always wanted you to have.

They were your father's.

Doña Teresa.

It's been a long time.

- Good morning. - Excuse the state

- of my apartment... - No matter.

- Take a seat. - I just came to see my grandson.

I don't mean to intrude...

- No, we just weren't expecting you. - I can't blame you for that.

Bernardo's teachers

keep me informed. I've always managed to find a sympathetic one.

I'm crazy to just show up like this,

but when I heard his mother was away

and that he was here... Can't we spend the day

together? Have lunch, maybe?

The zoo, or a movie... Anywhere you want.

I don't think my mom would let me.

Then do it for me. Give Grandma one day

for all the years she's missed.

Try to understand. He's a bit surprised.

He's all I have left.

Come back later, after lunch. I'll talk to him.

- How about...? - Let me talk to him.

See you later.

- I don't want to. - I can tell.

I know.

She used to call when I was little

and say bad things about my mom.

- Hello. Good morning. - Manuel, Bernardo.

Hi.

Can't you just go along with it

and go have a snack with her?

I don't know.

If you want me to.

Why would I want you to?

You're welcome here. Perfectly welcome.

You don't want to see her?

Fine, that's all I needed to know.

I'll explain it to her.

And this afternoon we'll hit the amusement park.

Pedro.

They offered me a job on the ground.

- What? - Ajob on the ground.

Really? That's great.

- Isn't that great? - I don't know.

Couldn't you keep flying? As a tourist...

Yes, I can keep flying.

So what's the problem?

There is no problem, I think.

My new post could be in Madrid.

What do you say?

Do you want to live in Madrid?

Live in Madrid? I don't know, Pedro.

- Afternoon. - Good afternoon.

Teresa, my friend Manuel.

- Hello. - Pleasure.

Can I buy you a coffee?

I'd rather not waste any of my time with Bernardo...

Let's get a coffee.

I spoke to Bernardo, I tried to reason with him...

But he'd rather spend the day with us.

He doesn't want to be with me?

Not evenjust a chat, with you present?

Look. His mom hates you, he hardly knows you...

How can he if I can't get near him?

I understand, but so far all you've done is upset him.

Upset him? Me? The poor thing...

Young man, serve me a brandy!

I upset him? He's all I have left...

This okay, ma'am?

I know, but try to understand.

Yes, I understand perfectly.

I understand you, I understand my grandson...

I've always been very understanding. I lost my only child because of it.

I should've stopped him from playing around with drugs and your sister...

We've all been very understanding, everyone except her.

Work that out with her. Bernardo...

How can I? She won't talk to me.

I've called, written letters, sent messages...

I send Bernardo gifts at Christmas, birthdays...

She sends them back unopened! He doesn't even know!

I'm no longer seeing my grandson today.

No one will care if I get sauced.

Don't be so shocked.

You're probably no saint, either.

Stop looking at me like that, you're making me nervous.

To think you almost had me feeling sorry for you.

Sorry for me?

I even tried to convince Bernardo to spend the day with you.

Yeah? I had you guessing?

That's because you know your sister as well as I do.

Goddamn.

- Manuel. - Yes?

I want to thank you.

You've been so patient with my nephew and me.

We had a great time, dummy.

Don't be angry.

Manuel,

I don't want to live with you.

I love you,

but I don't want to live with you.

I know.

I like living alone, too.

I don't want to live as a couple either.

No?

Right.

Why do you say you love me?

Because it's the truth.

People who love each other live as a couple.

Or not.

If two people agree,

they form a couple.

If they don't,

they do not.

And if only one wants to, he's screwed.

- What? - Nothing.

Bernardo...

Alone at last.

Uncle...

Isn't it odd that my mom hasn't called?

No, why?

She's probably in some remote village in the Himalayas

with no phones around.

I'm okay in the daytime,

but at night I think of her and I worry.

Nothing bad ever happens to your mother.

Everyone used to protect her

because she was so flaky

we thought she might get into trouble.

But it was always me, the big guy,

who would fall, slip, cut myself or crack my head open.

- Bad things happen to her, too. - Like everyone.

Just trust me. Nothing bad will happen to her in India.

She's probably made friends.

It's normal she hasn't called.

But yes...

When she does call I'll give her an earful.

- You want to sleep in my bed? - Really?

Just for one night. Don't get used to it.

Was your uncle upset?

- No. - Damn, kid.

You don't know how lucky you are.

I have the other extreme.

My mom's not even 50 and she's right out of WWI.

- Like my neighbors back home. - Exactly. Redneck old bags.

She even wears wool stockings and an apron,

like she's about to milk a cow.

- Did she have cows? - No, goats.

She says she misses them. That they were nicer than me.

Because goats don't talk back.

Right, come on.

I don't want to start the week

fighting with the boss.

Yes?

No, I'm the babysitter.

Hold on, I'll write it down. Ministry of what?

Maybe you should call him at his practice.

I'll give you the number.

915377810.

Come in.

Let me know as soon as possible.

Sit down, please.

These dolls from hell...

I wish they'd go out of style already.

What an ugly, detestable thing.

And sewing on that damn cloth gives me a static electricity shock.

Go on, touch me if you don't believe me.

You see? That damn material makes me electro-static.

I get a shock every time I touch a tap.

I bet the vermouth tap doesn't shock her.

Lola, can you get that? I'm sewing.

I'll get it.

Hi, Uncle.

Hi, Gloria.

Good afternoon.

- How was your day? - Fine. Gloria let me help her

with the dolls.

Someone from the Ministry called, I left a note.

They called me at work.

You don't look so great. Are you okay?

I had a rough root canal.

Don't get sick now, you have to watch the kid.

I'm just tired. Shall we go upstairs?

- Okay. - Thanks. Put it on my tab, Gloria.

- Have you eaten? - Yes.

- Did my mom call you at work? - No. Come here.

What's wrong?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called. Your mom had some trouble

in India.

Apparently it's no big deal,

just a border thing. I didn't quite get all the details...

She was detained without I.D.

At a border checkpoint.

Borja as well.

But they said it wouldn't take very long to sort out.

She had drugs on her,

right?

Why don't you tell me the truth?

Leave me alone! Don't touch me!

Everyone always lies to me!

Bernardo, please forgive me.

She promised this time she wouldn't. She promised!

- Hi. - Hey.

How is he?

- Is he asleep? - Barely.

- I gave him a sedative. - To a kid?

I'm a doctor. A sedative for children.

- Sorry. - It's okay.

- And you? - I haven't taken anything yet.

I mean, how are you?

Waiting for him to fall asleep so I can cry.

Don't cry, man. I hate that.

Seeing you cry will depress me.

How could she do such a thing?

How can she risk losing a kid like Bernardo?

- Pedro, please... - I have to get her out of there.

Actually, I could wring her neck.

Don't think like that.

What can you do?

I haven't got many options.

They said not to go,

that the trials over there take forever, so...

Do they know Bernardo's with you?

Yeah, they said not to bring him. That he shouldn't see the jails.

I don't even have custody.

Pedro, you know that I'm useless

and I lack ambition, but...

if there's anything I can do for you, well...

just say the word.

Thanks.

What will you do with the kid?

What can I do? Take care of him.

I know that. I meant how.

I don't know, I haven't had time to...

Maybe take him to see a shrink.

Right now I really can't...

- I'll talk to mine if you want. - Hold off.

We don't know how he'll react. He just found out.

- It was just an idea. - And I'm grateful.

No offense, but...

your shrink might not be such a great idea.

- Nothing against you... - Against who, then?

I've just never heard of a kids' therapist

treating his patients at age 30.

Thanks to him, I've made it this far without killing myself.

So I'd say he did a pretty good job.

Sorry.

I'd say normal, I guess.

Very well for his age. It would be a shock to anyone.

Of course.

Sure, I'll see if he's awake.

No, he's out cold.

Don't worry, he'll call you this weekend.

Okay? Great, thanks.

Right, goodbye.

Your teacher back home says hello. Your mom and her are friends.

Not such great friends.

She sent the photos to my grandma.

Bernardo, sooner or later we'll have to go for the important stuff.

Your clothes, your things...

I don't want to go.

I'll figure something out, don't worry.

Is she going to be in India for years?

That we don't know. It's possible.

Those countries have

very harsh drug laws. They want to set an example for everyone.

Can we go and see her?

No, I already told you. Not right now.

Wait a minute. What did we say before?

We've been crying how long?

One of us is always crying. This can't go on.

- Just... - Just nothing.

Your mother got caught doing something very bad

in a faraway place.

We have to stay strong and keep our spirits high.

I don't see why.

Because...

So we'll be ready when she needs us.

If we threw in the towel

it would crush her.

She needs us strong, Bernardo.

Our hands are tied right now, but...

she needs us strong.

Uncle.

What?

I'm sick of long hair.

Will you cut mine like yours?

Are you sure?

Next time we leave him at home. He's a pain.

Hey, I had a great time.

Yeah, I saw you tapping your feet.

Did you see all the gay men there? They outnumbered the kids.

- It's a musical. - Yeah, but for kids.

It looked more like the sauna on a Sunday.

- Let's have dinner at my place. - Did your mom buy you too much food?

Can't you be polite and accept an invitation

without insulting me?

Sorry, you've just never invited me.

Well then it's about time I did.

Surprise!

We brought the party to you.

What have you done?

- What is all this? - It's a party.

You've forgotten what they're like.

Hi, Bernardo. My name's Jorge.

- Hi. - I'll introduce you.

It'll be hard at first because

we all look alike. People confuse us all the time.

This is Juan, the ma... patriarch.

- Hi, Bernardo. - Hi.

- He's a teacher. - Yeah, he's a wise guy.

I tried to get you a transfer to my school

here in Madrid, but there was no room.

It's a party. Don't talk about school.

Right. Let's party!

- Party, party! - Hi, there.

We're Juanjo and Ramon. We heard you liked parties.

So we brought you this. Here.

- Was this your idea? - No, I see you all the time.

It was them. They missed you.

I'll kill you.

- What is it? - The latest craze, kid.

- "Space Channel." - Let's set it up.

Hello!

The pink mafia's deed of the day.

You mean the bear mafia.

Hey, faggot.

- You came from Barcelona! - Not quite. We were at

the bear round-up in Seville.

I never would have guessed there were so many gays around.

If you noticed the people I have over...

Hey, I'm not like my mother.

But I don't see the tall guy. He was strong,

tan... the guy who helped you move in.

- Eduardo? - I forget his name.

- But he seemed like your boyfriend. - He was.

What happened? You broke up?

No.

I don't know.

He died.

Oh, sorry.

Look, Manuel Martinez at the Peineta.

How gruesome!

You say that about everything.

- Not about you. - Thank God.

If only I'd seized

the moment...

If only...

I'd heard that little voice

telling me it was all right,

that's just life,

someday both of us...

will forget.

His grandmother might come back. Know any good lawyers?

Yeah, a couple. Three.

- Call the best one. - I don't know them professionally.

Call the one you trust most.

- Your concern is so sweet... - Please. Typical queers!

Why?

You drool over any guy raising a kid alone.

Depends who, jerk-off. I already did my drooling on you.

I ain't got it, it can't be bought.

This isn't what I want and it's all you've got.

Some people bet heavy and choose to love,

though they don't know how long you'll be around.

You know I'll always be by your side.

Am I the right person to raise my nephew?

Why not? I would have loved a father like you.

- I'm serious. - So am I.

If it were some uptight lady's kid maybe not, but in this case...

Jorge's right. Your sister...

At times I'm not so sure.

- That Mouskouri sure is ugly. - She's awful.

I think she's cute.

She makes me horny.

How's the kid?

- Terrible, I guess. - Don't exaggerate. He's fine.

You're fantasizing like them.

First losing a father, and now this.

His dad died when he was four. He can't even remember him.

He got lucky there.

He'll be better once he starts school.

Hey.

Bernardo's asleep on the sofa.

Pedro...

I'm sorry I put my foot in it earlier.

What do you mean?

Asking about your boyfriend like that.

Don't worry about that, Lola.

I'm glad people remember him.

Great party, man. Yes, sir!

Shall I take Bernardo to school Monday?

No, I want to. I took the day off.

Okay, I'm here if you need anything.

Thank you both.

You two were fundamental.

- See you. - Bye.

- See you next time. - Goodbye.

Hey, Pedro...

You mind me rolling a joint?

Don't hold that night against me forever.

It's good stuff. Fancy a bit?

What I fancy is a fuck.

Yeah, me too. Now you know how it feels.

- Yeah, but mine is worse. - I don't see why.

- Because I was used to more. - Tough shit.

This'll calm you down.

This makes me horny.

I had the party here so Bernardo could sleep over

and you could take the night off.

Do I need my arm twisted?

Just don't lecture me about how to behave.

It's a deal. Bernardo's all yours.

Pedro.

There's a man on the phone. A lawyer.

Just a moment.

You're easily followed.

My client is proposing a deal between the two of you.

And you should know, her offer is fair. Generous, even.

My nephew wants to stay with me.

The boy's never had the chance to know his grandmother.

He's a free spirit.

He's grown up in a very progressive environment.

Alternative, you might call it.

My client might use another word.

She considers herself very progressive as well.

She simply wants to offer the boy another style of upbringing

and discipline.

I'll be as frank as possible.

I sometimes wonder myself if I should be raising him.

You shouldn't tell me that.

I don't care.

He's had an unstable life.

Now he's with me and wants to stay.

That's all that matters to me.

His grandmother can offer him emotional stability.

- You think I can't? - I can only put myself

in my client's shoes.

Then we'll have to fight this out.

I wouldn't advise it. We can make a deal.

To me the kid moving out isn't a deal.

It'll happen, like it or not.

With or without a fight.

Look, we already have enough evidence for the City of Madrid

to file a complaint and place the boy in a center.

The negatives aren't there.

I know. I just wanted to scare you.

You see this man?

He's from Social Services.

He's a good friend of mine.

He'll keep me informed.

And he bought it?

I was very emphatic.

- She'll hire a private detective. - Let's hope she goes broke.

- How bad is it? - Lf Social Services get involved,

they gain legal custody

and they decide who he lives with.

Meanwhile, he'd be in a center.

But it's obvious that Bernardo wants to stay with you.

His wishes are merely taken into account.

If they deem me fit to raise him...

Why so serious?

Serious? Do we look serious?

We hate washing dishes.

Hey, I forgot to ask. How is school going?

- Fine. - Have you made any friends?

Friends, no. A girl.

How cute! A little mite.

- What's that? - Pay no attention.

Forget it.

I got along much better with girls, too.

Wait a minute.

My school wasn't co-ed. The teachers, I guess.

But the teachers were men...

Who the hell did I get along with?

Stop treating Bernardo like he's a homosexual.

How should I treat him? Like he's straight?

Like a child. That's what he is. He's not interested in sex.

- Is that too much to ask? - You're impossible.

Being a father has ruined your sense of humor.

You get laid less, too.

What are you laughing at?

- I just realized. - Realized what?

You were flirting with that salesman.

No, sweetheart.

He was checking me out. It's different.

Did you hold back because of me?

No. He wasn't at all my type.

If you'd liked him, would you have?

No, because I was with you.

Your friends. Manuel, for example.

Do they leave early because of me?

- What an interrogation! - Sorry.

My friends have never stayed long. Nothing has changed with you around.

Don't you worry.

You're not cramping my style.

You're the perfect excuse

not to live with anyone else.

What nerve!

Don't stare at people like that.

Finish up, we're leaving.

What about that girl you mentioned to Javi?

- Her name is Sara. - And?

- She has a friend. - Is he nice?

I think he's homosexual.

How do you know?

I don't know. Were you gay as a kid?

- I guess so. - At my age?

I think so. Before, even.

Then I must not be.

- Does being gay worry you? - No, I don't care.

I just wondered when I'd know.

Some people realize as kids,

or when they're 15, 20, 30, or 40.

Some people never realize. Or they aren't.

- How did you know? - Well, at the beach

I imagined men naked instead of women.

- At a nude beach? - There weren't any back then.

- My mom and I go to nude beaches. - I prefer them, too.

Well, I think Adrian... His name's Adrian...

He must be gay. He always wants to see everyone's pecker.

- Maybe he's just curious. - Curious, right.

But he's not curious about the girls. And he's friends with all of them.

- He sounds well on his way! - I asked him.

- Asked him what? - Lf he was gay.

How unbelievably rude of you.

He was pretty angry.

Of course he was.

Kids shouldn't talk about things like that.

We must be raising you wrong.

- I didn't mean anything by it. - Yeah, yeah.

At least I don't call him "fruitcake" like the other kids.

Hey, you can't fool me.

Look, there they are.

You see? They weren't at home.

This lady was convinced

I should know where you two were,

as if having to watch my own daughter weren't enough.

Go inside.

My lawyer tried to convince me not to come here.

He says with what he's charging me he should handle it.

But I've never been afraid to grab the bull by the horns.

And since we're going all the way, it's better to be straightforward.

Well? I'm waiting.

We have your medical history.

That's a serious crime. Your lawyer should have told you.

Well, we have it.

Go ahead and sue me.

Your patients don't know you have AIDS.

- I'm HIV positive, it's different. - So what?

What about Bernardo? What will happen when he finds out?

If you tell Bernardo

I swear I'll kill you myself.

Fine. Now let's talk about how we can avoid

Bernardo and your patients ever finding out.

- He doesn't want to go with you. - I know, I'm not senile.

Well then?

I don't expect him to live with me.

I know I have to win his trust little by little.

My lawyer has advised me

to propose a compromise.

A good bilingual, non-religious boarding school.

In Valencia. I'll pay for it.

Shall we talk about visiting rights?

Bernardo... Remember when we decided

you had to be strong until you're 14?

- That's far away. - Don't say that.

Why let her take me away?

I'm not letting her.

We chose the school together.

You'll learn English for our India trip. Why do you make me repeat

everything so many times?

I'm sorry.

Forgive me.

I'm furious with myself because

there's nothing I can do.

Can't I tell them I want to stay with you?

That's not how it works.

I know it's hard to understand, even for grown-ups.

It's just how it is.

Bernardo...

Be nice to your grandma.

We have to outsmart her.

Even if you want to kill her, just be nice to her.

I don't want to go with her.

I know, kid.

Just pretend.

I don't want to leave you alone.

Don't worry about me.

Behave yourself so we can keep seeing each other.

Don't keep her waiting.

- Uncle... - What?

What if my mom calls and I'm not here?

What will you say?

I'll explain it all to her so she won't worry.

- Uncle... - Yeah?

When my mom left me here, I didn't want to stay.

I didn't want you around, either.

But now I love you.

I love you more.

I love you.

Well, at least this won't happen

with your grandma. Don't you worry.

Don't keep her waiting.

Excuse me, Ana. Bernardo, come outside.

Hi, Bernardo. How are you?

Fine.

I see you're still upset with me. Sweetheart,

I hope someday you'll realize it was for your own good.

I've come to tell you that your uncle is ill.

My uncle is just fine.

He has a disease, darling.

That's why I don't think he'll be able to take care of you.

He's HIV positive, but he's okay. He's strong.

You knew? Did he tell you?

My mother told me.

She's HIV positive, too. She always took care of me.

I don't see why my uncle can't.

I was born with the antibodies

and then I got cured without medicine or anything.

They'll have a vaccine soon.

Bernardo, your uncle

is in the hospital.

He's been in bed for a week.

He has pneumonia. You might not know

what that is, but it's very serious.

You're lying. He would have told me.

I would never lie to you.

Especially about this.

You told me lies about my mother.

I took care of him

and cooked for him, like I did with my mom.

If he's sick it's because you took me away.

Don't talk to me like that.

Your uncle's disease has nothing to do

with anything I've ever done.

I was taking care of him, you idiot. You have no idea!

I hope you die!

May we come in?

Hey! Fucking awesome.

More homo-comics.

- Good morning. - Hello.

Hey, gorgeous.

- How are things? - Fucking awesome.

- Actually, yeah. Pretty good. - They just got even better.

I've got a letter for you from Bernardo.

My mom sends her regards and cherries.

- Bernardo knows I'm here? - I don't know.

The letter went to your house.

Look, he's finished with us.

Next time we'll wear shorts so he'll pay attention.

I see you, sugar.

Hey, watch it. My boyfriend will kick your ass.

He won't care if you're convalescent.

Easy, baby. Don't get all bent out of shape.

You two are monsters.

What does it say?

I could kill her. It's really time to kill her.

Yeah, but what does it say?

I let her take Bernardo so he wouldn't worry about me

and the old bag goes and tells him that I'm dying.

What a bitch.

That you're here?

No, that I might never get out. Unbelievable.

Relax, man. Just call him and tell him.

He can't see me unless he passes his exams, and she tells him I'm dying.

How's he supposed to concentrate?

Hey, if you need anyone stabbed, I get out in two days.

You're in no shape to stab anyone.

Just forget about that old bag.

- How are you feeling? - A little better.

This guy's only problem

is first-time jitters.

Wait till you been in here nine times, like me.

And now that you're pissed off

you'll be cured in no time.

Being pissed off heals you.

I know from experience. I only get sick

when I'm too nice to people.

Hi, Uncle.

I'm so happy because Grandma said you're out of the hospital.

I'II try and pass all my exams so I can come visit.

Everyone's very nice here, even the teachers.

I've made three friends, besides a girl named Lucia.

I got into trouble once, but it was nothing.

The other kids are worse than me.

I hope I can come see you, I miss you a lot.

Goodbye. A big kiss and hug for you and Lola.

I love you very much, like other kids love their parents.

Bernardo.

P.S. I miss Mom, too.

Dear Violeta...

I doubted whether I should write this letter,

but I finally decided it was time.

After this first year of school,

I think it's fair to say that my "kidnapping"

is starting to obtain the results I was hoping for.

Bernardo's getting good grades.

He's made friends

and he's still very tight with your brother Pedro,

who he visits whenever possible.

Your son is a wonderful boy

and I'm aware that it's undoubtedly due

to the way you reared him.

Dear Mom,

Uncle said you two spoke and that you were in high spirits.

I was sad I wasn't there to talk to you as well,

but I was still happy.

Uncle is doing great, he's fully recovered.

Grandma said I can spend a couple weeks with him this summer.

She said I could go anywhere I wanted,

but I'd rather stay with him so you can call me there.

THREE YEARS LATER

- Let's you and I go somewhere. - I'd rather hang in here.

Dearest son...

I get less letters from you, your grandma and your uncle.

I suppose it's normal. Time moves on

and we get used to anything,

even the bad stuff.

Valuable things can be learned, even in a place like this.

I've learned that people aren't good or bad,

we just each do what we think is right,

and sometimes it still isn't enough.

I'm not making excuses for myself.

I'm talking about your grandma.

From here, so far away,

I've realized how much she loves you,

just as your uncle and I do.

Hey.

Don't cry.

You're crying, too.

Because your grandma died.

You look great.

Grandma called me last month and said...

Let's not talk about her.

Let her rest in peace.

Uncle...

All these years,

whenever she spoke ill of you,

or wouldn't let me come visit you...

I wished she was dead.

Holy shit! It must have worked!

Now you need to concentrate

on finding a vaccine.

Come on.

Forget about it.

She was bound to die someday,

just like the rest of us.

Go on.