MEDIANOCHE

MIDNIGHT

An Adaptation

By Alvaro Ziga

December 2010

MIDNIGHT: An adaptation - Part 1

The telephone rings and Cora answers the call.

Suddenly a song surrounds the center of the stage

where she is standing. She starts singing

Midnight- the first song of her radio broadcast.

Midnight is also the name of the cabaret where she

works every night. After finishing the show she

goes to her room and sees Daniel. A specialist drug

dealer and owner of the place, Daniel is smoking a cigar when she enters.

-- Are you having fun tonight? - she asks.

-- No more than usual. Tonight Im expecting a cargo from the United States.

Some jewelry that was confiscated, and some friends sent them to me. I will go

to a clandestine airport tonight. Wait until I come back and see the beauty of a

great robbery - he answers.

-- But please be careful, Ramirez is looking for you. You know that he wont stop

until he gets you. Thats his mission - Cora says.

-- I know, but I dont know who is more excited. He knows that he will never

catch me, and that I love it - Daniel explains. Ill be back after midnight. Wait for

me. Please, just wait.

Daniel gets in a car and tells his friend to drive fast but silently. They need to be

at the airports landing road before the plane appears in the sky above.

Ramirez notices the absence of Daniel in the cabaret. He has been sitting on a

chair near the open bar drinking a martini. When he realizes that his suspect

friend is gone, he calls the police station to move immediately to the airport. He

knows about the jewelry and this night finally, is going to be the time to get him.

Daniel arrives at the landing road and flashes a lamp three times as a signal to

the sky. The pilot and copilot in the plane look at the ground and descend the

plane a bit lower than usual in order to drop the bag as close to the ground as

possible.

Daniel sees a small bag falling to the ground; he picks it up and tells his friend to

start the engine. They need to leave the place as soon as possible. On their way

back to the cabaret they see police cars waiting for them. Pancho, his friend,

accelerates and moves quickly into the traffic.

Pancho, move towards the parking area of the new airport.

-- We need to get lost! Daniel yells.

The car stops between some taxis and Daniel gets into one quickly.

-- Are you bringing more luggage sir? the taxi driver asks.

-- No, thats all, just take me to the center of town, now. - he replies.

When he enters his cabaret, he notices the guard selling a small package to a

man.

-- Not here! Not on the street! Are you stupid? Do you want all of us to be

caught?

-- Im sorry Sir. I didnt mean it. - he answers.

Cora is nervous and lights another cigarette.

-- Oh you are back! - she says.

-- You wont believe it Cora; Ramirez knew about the plan, but once again he is

so behind me. You have no idea of how I enjoy this.

-- Life has strange ways to motivate people I guess. I remember when we were

kids, and you wanted to be a detective and Ramirez wanted to be a thief, and

look at us now. We are playing different roles. - she says.

-- But the best thing I could have taken from him is you Cora. Come here and let

me show you these magnificent pieces. With these, we can travel to anywhere

you want, Miami, Havana, Rio; just give me a name.

-- After this is over, lets get out of here and start a new life, a new beginning

Daniel.

-- We will. This is almost over, so take the bag and keep it, I need to go back to

the salon to check if Ramirez is back.

Ramirez has re-entered the salon, and is angry and disappointed. He sits down at

the bar to wait for Daniel.

-- Ramirez, my friend what brings you here? - Daniel asks.

-- You know why I am here, but the question is where you were before midnight,

I didnt see you around Daniel.

-- I was checking some numbers in my office upstairs. Surely, you are not

expecting me to leave this room when we have such a crowd, and you know my

policy; clients are always first.

-- I have doubts about your ways of treating people, but you know that even a

thief can be caught by a tiny detail. - Ramirez responds.

-- Two martinis, please. My friend the police captain is a bit excited tonight. -

Daniel says

-- Come on Ramirez, have one drink with me, for old times.

-- Do you still remember that you made this cut on my left arm when we were

kids? That is something I cant forget. You were the most popular kid and

boyfriend of Cora and now the roles have changed, dont you think? - Daniel

asks with a smile on his face.

-- Of course not, but I still can't figure out how you, being such a neat person,

dressing with the most expensive clothes, have a mud stain on your shoes. Did

you go somewhere tonight? Lets say, did you go to the airfield at midnight?

-- It was a misstep outside on the street, thats all.

-- In that case, I should go, I still need to search for some reports on the thief I

am after. How much for the drink? Ramirez asks the bartender.

-- Oh come on! Its on the house friend, its free. - Daniel says.

-- Of course not, next time you will pay me. - says Ramirez with a smile on his

face.

-- I am still thinking about your details. You are forgetting one thing your hat.

Ramirez takes his hat from the counter and walks to the exit with an angry mood

on his face.

Back in the cabarets suite, Daniel asks Cora to keep the jewels in a safe place.

He needs to clean up any possible tracks that could hint at his participation in

the robbery.

Outside the place, Ramirez finds a policeman holding a man for selling drugs,

and realizes this could be the start of other possible evidence necessary to finally

put Daniel in prison.

-- Take this man to the police station. We will ask him some questions. I'll see

you in an hour as I need to make a report to the sergeant for tomorrows

interview. - says Ramirez.

The next day at the police station he starts interviewing all the taxi drivers who

work at the airport. He interrogates them one by one until he finally finds the

one who took Daniel to the cabaret the night before.

-- Thank you sir for you information. I need an order of apprehension against

Daniel Jimenez. This time he wont escape.

Daniel is informed that some of his co-workers have been interrogated and

decides to escape.

-- You, go to my apartment and pick up all the clothes I will need on this trip, and

take my money from the safety box at my house, and come back in thirty

minutes with the car. We need to leave. - says Daniel.

-- Cora, I must go, I wont give Ramirez the chance to catch me.

-- When am I going to see you again? Is it going to be for long like the last time? -

asks Cora

-- I dont know but you can keep me informed when you sing on the radio.

Please keep me updated on what is happening here.

-- I will, but come back soon. We need to start a new life. Dont forget.

-- I wont. I promise. - says Daniel.

He gets in his car and leaves quickly. The police arrive five minutes after and look

for him, but they cant find him. Ramirez calls to the local authorities to close the

roads outside the city. This time there will be no chance of escaping.

Pancho is driving faster than usual. He knows his boss is in trouble and drives the

car with tremendous skill to avoid the traffic. Soon, they are outside the city, and

they reach the country field.

-- Move faster Pancho. We cant slow down.

-- I am doing what I can Sir. - Pancho replies.

-- Look! We need to pass that bus, move fast. Pull over, let me get out of the car.

I need to get on that bus.

-- Bus sir, do you think it's safe? - Pancho asks,

-- It's the best I can think of at the moment. I'm sure a luxury car moving in a

country field looks more suspicious than a bus.

Daniel stops the bus and gets on. He sits next to man with a particular suitcase

and a distinctive voice.

-- Are you going also to Mazatln? - asks the man.

-- No!

-- This is going to be a long ride, I am glad that someone so elegant is sitting next

to me. I am sure there are a lot of things we could discuss. You certainly look like

a well-educated person.

-- Please let me sleep. I need to rest if is all right with you. - says Daniel.

-- Of course sir. I wont disturb your sleep.

After a few hours the bus stops. There are a couple of police units blocking the

road; its a revision station. A police man get on the bus and yells, -- All man

please step out of this unit. We need to indentify someone.

Daniel wakes up and looks nervous. The man sitting next to him starts to curse

the bus, its service, and how the police dare to think they will find what they are

seeking on this particular bus.

-- We can't travel with safety anymore!

-- I know. It happens to me also. - responds Daniel.

-- Please form a line and uncover your left arm. This wont take more than five

minutes. - says the policeman.

Little does he know, Daniel has asked Pancho and his members to drive behind

the bus in case of some serious complications. Pancho immediately gets out of

his car and moves behind Daniel.

-- Shall we open fire sir?

-- Give me your gun and step behind me. Be ready for anything. I will do it

myself.

The police start checking all the mens arms but when one is in front of Daniel,

he quickly moves his arm to reach his wallet and says to Pancho -- You thief, how

do you dare to steal my wallet from me! Officer, arrest this man!

-- Hey you! You are under arrest.

-- You cant travel safely anymore. - says the man who was sitting next to Daniel.

-- I am sorry sir, please go back to the bus. We will take care of this situation.

Pancho is taken to the police car. Another guy comes closer to Daniel to receive

instructions.

-- Grab this money to get Pancho out of prison. The rest of you keep following

the bus until I get to my destination. - says Daniel.

-- As you wish sir. - the henchman responds.

Daniel gets on the bus and it starts off once again toward Mazatln. During the

trip the man sitting next to Daniel keeps trying to have a conversation.

-- Do you know that the place where I am going is called Esperanza? Its a nice

but small town located in the north of Mexico. First you have to get a boat to

travel to Guaymas in order to get there. I cant wait to see this place.

-- Esperanza, eh?

-- Thats correct. - the man responds.

-- Esperanza, hmm

When they finally arrive in the port city of Mazatln, Daniel looks for a ticket to

get on the boat, but they are sold out. How can I get a ticket, he wonders. Then,

he sees the man who was sitting next to him, crossing the road with his luggage

and a suitcase.

Daniel looks at one of his henchmen and says: -- You know what to do! The man

is left on the floor with no luggage, nor a ticket.

-- Thank you, you did well. Now I should go. Please go back to Mexico city, and

tell Cora I am fine.

-- Yes sir, I will.

Daniel steps on the bridge and gets on the boat. He goes to his cabin and lies on

the bed. When he wakes up a few hours later and looks outside the window, he

sees the ocean. He has escaped. Once again, he has won against Ramirez. He

smiles and looks at his borrowed suitcase, opens it, and finds some books and

children's stories, and he laughs. Then, searching through the clothes, he finds a

pair of glasses, and tries them on. He wonders about the hapless victim's

occupation. He goes back to bed and rests. A few hours after, a cabin steward

knocks on the door and says -- Mister Gonzalez, we have arrived at your

destination. Please get ready.

Daniel grabs the suitcase and steps out of his cabin. When he gets to the exit

and opens it, he spots a crew of naval soldiers, and quickly reaches for his gun,

but then he sees a group of children waving a flag, two women smiling, and a

man holding a sign.

-- Please start the band! - says the man next to the crowd.

-- Welcome to La Esperanza Professor Arturo Gonzalez!, the kids call out.

Daniel puts on his glasses and smiles at the reception committee.

MIDNIGHT: An adaptation - Part 2

Daniel grabs the suitcase and steps out of his cabin.

When he gets to the exit and opens it, he spots a crew

of naval soldiers, and quickly reaches for his gun, but

then he sees a group of children waving a flag, two

women smiling, and a man holding a sign.

-- Please start the band! - says the man next to the

crowd.

-- Welcome to Esperanza Professor Gonzalez!, the kids

call out.

Daniel puts on his glasses and smiles at the reception committee.

The band starts playing and everyone looks so excited about having a new

professor in the school. One of the ladies, who look older, approaches the center

of the room.

-- Welcome to Esperanza professor Arturo Gonzalez, I, as a director of this

institution, would like to express a few words on your behalf. The community of

students and the professors behind me feel tremendously motivated of your

presence. We believe that one of the best things that could happen to this

country is to help this children giving them education. We are sure that many

possibilities will be presented in their future, serving as educated people to their

country and their citizens alike. We must as paladins of the education help them

to conquer their dreams and expectations. Therefore, we know that your

knowledge and abilities will certainly increase those possibilities and for that, we

feel thankful. says the Director proudly giving the professor a bouquet of

flowers.

The music starts again and everyone cheers up to the new professor.

-- Maybe you have some words to say, Professor Gonzalez. - says the Director.

-- I wouldnt have imaged such a warm and distinctive reception Director. Hardly

have I seen such interest of my presence, believe me, I feel really motivated. The

strength of country is not only measure by its population but for its culture itself.

I will do anything I have learned and practice to give these kids the knowledge

and abilities to make them respected citizens. I will do my best effort and be

sure, all of you; I wont rest until I reach my purpose. And finally, I would say

what the philosopher Chanchomon said to his followers; lets keep the candles

because candles are the light! Daniel responds effusively.

The Director and the other two professors take Daniel to the school area; they

walk in to a big old Mexican ranch.

--Please professor Gonzalez, walk this way, this is your room. Its a old but clean,

I have cleaned before you arrived and I hope it fits your expectations.

-- Oh please Director, I thought I would be staying in a cold and dark room when

I got here. This is really fine for me.

-- Well, then I will leave you so you can relax before breakfast. My niece will

serve it in just a few minutes.

-- Its fine by me, please I dont need all of these attentions.

-- Not at all professor, we have waited for you for a long time. We dont receive

many professors from the capital and as you can imagine, we wanted to give you

the best possible reception.

-- Thank you, I will be at the breakfast table in just a few minutes.

-- Rosita, says the Director, arent you going to say hello to our distinguished

guest?

-- Hello professor Gonzalez, I hope you dont turn out to be similar as your

predecessors.

-- May I ask why?

-- They come with big ideas and then they leave disappointed, professor.

-- I doubt that will happen.- answers Daniel

-- I should go then, welcome to Esperanza.

-- Thank you Rosita.

Daniel closes the door of his room, looks at the bed, and sits on it for a few

seconds, then he opens his luggage, he sees the books and he closes it. He

realizes he is still holding the bouquet looks at the mirror and takes off his

glasses, and then he smashes the flowers on the mirror.

At the breakfast table, the other professor is the Directors husband. An old man

interested in music. He usually plays the same instrument before giving his

lesson; however, he is also told what to do after the Directors approval.

-- Juan stop the music! not again, we are going to eat now, please give a

moment.

-- Of course dear, he answers.

-- Professor please step in, we are waiting for you.

-- Rosita please serve the breakfast.

-- Yes aunt, in a minute.

The four of them sit at the table, and the food is served. The Directors seems

interested in asking more questions about his new worker.

-- So tell me Professor Gonzales, what kind of methodology do you use in class?

Anything I know?

-- Well, you see I have a very particular methodology, is something I learned

back in Mexico City.

-- I am sure I will like to see it once you enter your class. For me everything

needs to be visual, a student will learn easier if the topic is presented visually,

the imagines will stick into their minds and then they will have no problem to

remember.

-- Interesting method, says Daniel. And, by the way, when am I supposed to

start?

-- After you finish eating, Rosita please knock the school bell, students wont

take long to be here for their daily classes.

-- Yes aunt, I see you the classroom then.

-- No to spoil your breakfast professor but this maybe the last year we have the

school open, the land where we are located belongs to the richest man of the

region and the doesnt want us to be here. So, maybe we will have to move to

another place or definitely close until we get enough money to pay him for the

rent.

-- Thats terrible to hear; doesnt the local government give money to the school

to keep it active? - Daniel asks.

-- I am afraid to tell you that the representative of the local authority is the same

man.

-- OK, stop politics, this is the first day of the professor here and we dont need

to scare him, please lets go to the school because the bell is ringing.

- - As you wish Director. responds Daniel.

The school has only three classrooms, one for beginners from level 1 to 2, one

for intermediate level 3 to 4, and the graduate students level 5 to 6. Rosita has

the intermediate one while the Director keeps the higher level. Daniel will have

to star on the first one, the beginning level with students age from 6 to 8 years

old.

The first person stepping in the class is the Director, all the students stand up to

say good morning. She moves her hand asking them to sit down. She explains to

the new professor about his abilities to teach, the method, visualization.

--Today I will start the lesson of the discovery of the Americas, look at me

professor. Christopher Columbus thought that the earth was round while others

had a different idea.

The Director starts to represent every conversation Columbus did with the

Spanish Queen.

--My lady Queen, she expresses kneeling on the floor. I need money to navigate

the ocean and discover new lands for you, and she keeps acting the scene.

Daniel, now a new professor is about to laugh because of the Directors behavior,

and keeps looking at her how she is moving back and forward in front of the

students.

--Finally after many days of navigating he sees a land, I see land, I see land! she

screams. Now is your turn professor Gonzalez, - she added.

The Director steps outside and Professor Gonzales sits on the closes bench giving

his back to the rest of the class.

-- I see land, I see land, - he says, turns around to see who is paying attention

and asks one student to narrate what the Director said.

-Hey you, repeat the story!

- Who, me?

-Yes, you!

- Repeat the story!

- Who, me?

- Yes, you! And the rest of the students start laughing at him.

- So you want to laugh about me, right?

- Who, me? - The student says.

Once again the class laughs even harder. Professor Gonzales gets angry and

wants give a punch on the students face, he grabs his neck and when hes about

to do it, the Director and Rosita are standing at the window, checking the

Professor methodology. He quickly notices that and continues:

- - You sailor of disgrace how can you not believe me! and gives three smacks on

the students face. That will teach you not to disrespect the Queen orders, we

have discover a new place for our kingdom! And the next time I will kill you, do

you understand my words?, the professor finishes.

-- The Director and Rosita look satisfy with the Teacher methodology and leave

the place.

-- Continue reading the lesson says the professor, then he goes to his chair and

puts his hands on the desk waiting or thinking maybe on his new status.

Back in Mexico City, Ramirez is sitting at the Sergeants office; he is demanding

more proves because the media and the higher officers need to know what

happen to Daniel, he has disappeared.

-- Give me a couple days more, I have my source, she wont disappoint me.

Sooner or later she will have contact with him Sir, and then I will catch him, trust

me.

-- You dont have too much time, do what you can before it gets worse Ramirez-

-- Trust me, I am really close.

In La Esperanza there is a dinner to celebrate the local festivities. The dinner

takes place at Mr. Carrascos house. Rosita plays the piano and his uncle the

trumpet. The music stops and Mr. Carrasco comes closer to Rosita to

congratulate her for her talent.

-- I guess the beauty of your music equals the beauty of your presence Rosita.

-- Thank your Sir.

-- I am sure you wont have any problems if I designate you the Flower of the

Spring Parade, will you?

-- I think there are more beautiful ladies around the town that deserve that

distinction Mr. Carrasco.

-- In this town everything is done because I say so, therefore if you accept my

petition you will be the next Flower.

-- As you wish, says Rosita with an angry face.

-- Look who is here, the new professor of the town, I am sure you will agree with

me since you look a bit more different from the people around, you will see that

Rosita deserves that title Professor

--Gonzales Sir, and yes I agree with you, shes really the best choice.

-- I knew you were the same as the rest of your predecessors Professor, says

Rosita.

-- But I - responds Gonzalez looking at Rosita leaving the room.

-- Its ten oclock, we should go, classes start early tomorrow and we need to

rest.- says the Director.

-- I dont go to bed until midnight professor; would you like to join me to have a

drink at the local cantina?

-- Of course, it will be a pleasure Mr. Carrasco.

At the local cantina there are four people sitting in Mr. Carrascos table, all of

them are playing poker and having a few shots of tequila.

-- Please come in Professor, something to drink?

-- No, I dont drink at night and then tequila is too strong for me- he says.

-- A my dear professor you dont know how is life outside the capital, this is no

country for old man! , and everyone at the table starts laughing.

--Perhaps you could invite me to play poker.

--If you know how to play it, of course, but be careful because we are betting

higher and we dont want to see you losing your money.

-- I am a quick learner Mr. Carrasco.

--If that is the case, then you split the cards, five for each please.

-- Like this?

-- No one by one.

-- Oh, ok, I am sorry.

-- Are you changing?, the Professor asks.

-- Yes, one. Says one person- For me two. says the other one sitting next to

him. I need three.

--Ok, I will take four.

-- Are you still playing or leaving Professor? - asks Mr. Carrasco.

-- I think I will put all my salary, Sir? The rest of the players leave the game.

-- I will put one hundred. I have four asses! And Mr. Carrasco starts laughing.

What do you have?

-- Curious, all my cards have the same symbol.

-- Beginners luck! Take the money then.

--Thanks, but I think I should go its midnight and I still need to do something.

Daniel says goodbye but Mr. Carrasco tells his friends the possibilities of making

some business taking advantage of the Professors shyness. Meanwhile he gets

back to the house, walks into the living room and turns on the radio, he hasnt

heard any news from Cora in many days and needs to listen to the radio

broadcast from his cabaret.

MIDNIGHT: An adaptation - Part 3

The following day Daniel wakes up ready thinking

about the message from Cora. He knows he has to

keep his secret identity as far as possible. In her

message she told him to stay hidden and to be

careful, the situation at the Cabaret hasnt changed

much, Ramirez was looking for him after many

weeks.

He puts on his clothes, grabs his school books and

goes to the classroom. He is teaching spelling of

words, and with his own methods he doesnt have much patience hitting the

students with a rule.

-- The word Authorities, have an h, you ignorant!

Outside the class an indigenous man is walking towards bringing his son. Hes

only 4 years. Rosita is cleaning the garden when she notices him.

--Good morning Camilo, What brings you here? - She asks.

--Good morning Ms. Rosita, I am bringing my son to the school, I want him to

learn how to speak, he doesnt know how to communicate.

-- So noble for you doing this. Of course we can teach him. I will take him with

the new professor; I am sure he will be more than glad to take him in to his class.

-- Sitatita, - the kid says while hugging Rositas legs.

-- Professor Gonzales, I am sorry to interrupt your class but I am bringing this kid

to be part of it. I hope you dont mind accepting him.

--Of course not Rosita. He answers.

Daniel sits on the bench while Rosita leaves the class. He notices that the kid is

really young, afraid and indigenous.

-- Kid, come on here!- he says. Tell me, whats your name?

--Sitatita- the kid responds and the class laughs.

- Quiet! I am asking you, what is your name?

--Sitatita- the kid responds and the class laughs again.

- I said quiet!, are you trying to tell me that you will make fun of me as well?

Angry and desperate by his lack of control, Daniel starts to smack the kid on the

face.

-- Professor! What do you think you are doing? yells Rosita. Dont you see hes

indigenous, he doesnt know the language, hes a poor little kid that needs you,

he wont say anymore but I few words. I feel so sorry I didnt tell you that.

Immediately Daniel feels ashamed and sorry about his actions. He kneels to

reach the kids face and looks at his eyes. Hes afraid and almost crying.

-- I am sorry I didnt know.. I..

--Please forgive me, - he says.

The kid comes closer and hugs him tied, and says- Sitatita.

The rest of the day is different for Daniel, he feels sorry for many things he has

done in the past, the way he has treated people and how his life is changing

after arriving at La Esperanza.

At the cabaret Cora is wondering where Daniel is, she hasnt heard any news

also and is starting to feel worried. Where he would be? She questions herself.

Outside the room someone is knocking at her door.

-- May I come in?

-- One second please, I need to clean up. Ok come in- Cora says.

-- I am wondering if you have any news about the jewelry that was robbed

months ago.

-- And why do you think I will have an idea, do I look to you like the person who

has them?

-- Well, you have always loved jewels and if Daniel has them, I am sure he might

have showed them to you.

-- I dont know where he is, he left me here. So if thats the only reason why you

are here, I am going to ask you to leave, I need to get ready for my show.

-- I dont know what you looked on him. Cora you more than anyone know that

he will only bring you terrible things. You are a very special person; I dont want

to see you ending up in prison. I could..

-- You could what? Save me, maybe?

-- The only thing I am asking you is to leave Daniel, get away from him, you dont

need him.

-- Even if I could, are destiny was placed a long time ago, I cant leave him, I

wont- she says.

-- Then you leave me no choice but get to him, and when I do it, it will be too

late for him and for you.

The door closes and Cora sits down feeling even worse, she has no information

about Daniel and at the same time she knows she needs desperately to see him

so they can finally escape.

That afternoon in Esperanza, classes are over and Daniel is sitting on his desk

marking papers. Rosita notices that her colleague is working hard trying to write

down the grades. She offers help and checks that he has done nothing. They

both try to finish the reports. Daniel tells her that its not necessary to complete

the reports, no one will doubt about his grades. She explains him that the

regional inspector could come and then, not only him but the school will be in

trouble. Professor Gonzalez sees that Rosita is really beautiful and feels an

attraction to her. She feels the same way and even by a very conservative life

style she also tries to get closer to him.

-- Why do you always make the same mistakes Professor Gonzalez?

-- call me Arturo please.

-- Why do you always make the same mistakes Arturo?

-- Because I am getting distracted, -he responds.

-- May I ask why?

-- Certainly these glasses dont let me see what type of person you are?

-- And may I ask you, what type of person do you think am I?

-- I would say you are a very hardworking teacher.

--thats all, dont you think I am the person who always tries to keep this school

in use, not only with the students, but with my family and now you. But the

worse think is that everyone thinks I am a person whos only worried about the

beauty and well do I look in parades. Get this information Professor, I am more

than that!- she responds firmly.

-- I would say, you describe yourself better that anyone else!

-- You are the same as everyone else!

Rosita tries to give him a smack on his face but he stops her.

--No Rosita, I am not the same.

Daniel takes off his glasses and gives her a kiss. She responds to it. After a few

seconds she leaves the classroom.

At night he decides to go to the local cantina, he sees Mr. Carrasco sitting on the

same table; he doesnt really want to talk to him until he calls him to join the

game.

-- Professor good to see you around. I wanted to ask you something but be sure

this is a very private favor.

--Tell me Mr. Carrasco, what can I do for you?

-- Youll see, I have to deliver a suitcase at the other side of the border. The

mission is to cross to the United States and deliver the package to a person,

thats all.

--thats all? Daniel asks.

--yes, thats all

--But what about my classes, I can miss classes during the week.

--I will pay you for a month salary, kids wont lose much time, what do you

think?, do you accept the deal? I will pay you enough to live for the rest of the

year.

--If that is the payment then, consider it a deal.

--Excellent professor, the moment I saw you I knew you will be smart enough to

work with me- Mr. Carrasco explains.

Daniel leaves the place and goes into the leaving room, he turns on the radio

and listens to Cora broadcasting, he notices her concern and understands that

Ramirez visited her during those days. While hes listening to her songs, Rosita

comes closer to him. He realizes hes been too busy paying attention to the radio

without noticing the presence of her.

--What are you doing here so late?

--I know that every midnight you come to listen to the radio. I wanted to hear

that singer that you pay too much attention, she sings lovely. Rosita says.

--I will stop this, I need to sleep. Would you excuse me?

-- I thought no nothing.

-- You thought what?

-- That what happened today would mean something to you- she responds.

-- What happened today was a mistake, please I need to go.

-- But I thought, you you have no idea what a first woman kiss mean, please go.

--Rosita, I love you.

Daniel kisses her again and walks out of the living room. She says nothing, and

then she smiles.

The next day Daniel decides to take Domingo on a field trip, he is learning a lot

of new words and his vocabulary is expanding. He asks Domingo to describe

every single thing he sees, the plants, the air, the rocks, the animals, everything

he wants to express in his new language. Suddenly he looks at down the river

and mentions bad flowers.

--What did you say Domingo?

--Yes tatita, bad flowers there!

Daniel looks carefully and realizes what the kid says. He calls Camilo, and asks

him what those bad flowers are.

-- Those are poppies Sir. Mr. Carrasco has ordered to plant many of them

outside the town.

-- Poppies, the suitcase, Mr. Carrasco, so thats how he gets his money. Listen

Camilo, will you do something against the law but it on the favor of the whole

community?

--Yes sure, anything you ask.

--Look sometimes we have to do good even if its dangerous.

Daniel is talking to Camilo when Rosita shows up behind the hill. She is bringing

some sandwiches and a jar of lemonade.

-- You do you have some free time today while you are giving your visual class?

--Sure give me a minute.

Soon after, both of them are sitting on the field. She questions him why he never

talks about his past. Why everything he doesnt like to talk about it?

-- Every time I ask you about your family, you never seem happy.

--Before arriving to La Esperanza I had a difficult life, I did so many mistakes. I

dont want to think about them. I am happy here in this new life, I enjoy the sun,

the flowers you put on the table every morning. I live happily here, please dont

ask me this anymore.

--Arturo, I wont ask again, I feel good with you.

-- I feel I could live here the rest of my life.

Little do they know, a man of Carrasco is spying on them. Daniel and Rosa go

back to the house. He receives a note than Mr. Carrasco wants to see him at the

cantina. He decides to see what is he looking for and attends the meeting. When

he arrives he sits on the table.

-- Did you have fun today?

-- No more than usual

-- Dont give such a stupid answer, you idiot! Dont you think I know you were

making out with Rosita? I thought she was something special but never could I

imagined she was a prostitute!- yells Mr. Carrasco throwing a glass of tequila on

Daniels face.

--Come on, are you leaving? Are you man enough to fight for you woman? -He

continues-

Daniel as a response punches him on the face so hard he throws him on the

floor.

--Nobody moves or I will kill him!- Daniel says taking out his gun and pointing at

everyone at the cantina. He leaves walking backwards and leaves the place.

--Shall we kill him, says one of Carrascos men.

--No not now, hes time will come. I dont kill rats.

Next day Cora is talking to one of her friends. She knows where Daniel is, she has

received a letter. She knows hes ok and wants desperately to see him. She has

prepared a decoy to help her leave the city. She will be back at night so she

doesnt have to be worried if Ramirez looks for here. She rents a small plane and

leaves Mexico City.

In La Esperanza Daniel is giving a great class, he has finally understand his new

role and life as a teacher of that school. Suddenly he hears a voice, he knows

who she is, turns around and sees her.

-- Daniel! How are you? Cora says.

-- Cora? What are you doing here?, Kids the class is over for today.

All the kids run out the classroom while Cora seems surprised about his new

occupation.

-- I didnt know you have the talent to teach children.

-- Cora I told you not to be here, why did you come?

--Because I wanted to see you Daniel!- Cora gives him a kiss while Rosita enters

the classroom. She sees both kissing and leaves the run. Daniel notices that and

tells Rosita to stop.-

--Where are you going Rosita?, shes my sister

--Your sister?, yes shes Cora, my beloved sister.

-- But I saw you kissing-

-- Its a family tradition, I havent seen Daniel in so many years- Cora says.

--Daniel? Hes Arturo and not Daniel.

-- Thats how I like to call him since we were kids, he read the book of a

policeman called Daniel Benitez, and since then I call him that way.

--Oh in that case, Im sorry to be so disrespectful maybe you will like to rest for a

moment after your trip. Please come to me, I will show you the guest room.

Cora goes with Rosita while she explains how she feels about Arturo; he has

changed her life since he arrived to the town. Everyone looks happy, even the

students like him a lot.

--I like this place, the flowers smells like a garden, they are beautiful, I dont see

them in Mexico City.

--Well this is very humble house, everything we have is from the countryside

nothing much.

--But I couldnt imagine my life here, this is gorgeous, I know why Arturo finds

this place, exciting- Cora says.

The day pass as if Cora visiting her brother, she meet everyone in the school

including the Director and her husband. She said goodbye to everyone before

leaving. At the nearest airport she talks to Daniel and invites him to go with her.

--I have all the jewelry you gave me, lets go now that we can, our future lies in

front of us. Lets go Daniel

--Cora, I cant leave now, this place is a safety refugee, and then I can put you on

a dangerous situation. Please go back to Mexico City and tell everyone I am fine.

--I see you have a different life, and maybe a different love. How nave is Rosita

thinking you love her. I can imagine the poor girl having her hearth broken.

But Daniel stays quiet

--Or is it that you really love her? Is that the new life you always talk about?

--Cora, I just..

--Please, stop, say no more. Maybe she will give you the things I will never give

you. I understand it. I will go then- says Cora with a tear in her face. Have a great

life Daniel, you deserve it!

Cora gets on the small airplane she had rented for the day and takes off the

area. Daniel looks how slowly the plane disappears on the sky.

MIDNIGHT: An adaptation - Part 4

Back in Mexico City Cora opens her room at the cabaret

and thanks her girlfriend for having helped her when

she went away. She turns around and sees Ramirez

sitting on the other chair.

--I know you went to see him, tell me where he is.

--I cant tell you, I am sorry.

--Cora please, let me help you, I want to help you.

--You cant help me, my destiny is gone now.

--Cora, I love you. I have always loved you since we were kids.

-- I know, but you cant delete my pass, you know what kind of job I do, none can

delete my pass. Daniel has already changed his but I cant

--If he has so, why cant you change yours?

-- Its easy for a man to do it, a woman cant.

-- I will take you no matter what.

-- Your are different, and I appreciate that, but if you really want to help me,

help Daniel. What if I give you the jewelry you have been looking for? Will you

help him?

--If you ask me that, I would.

--Ramirez, heres what you want.

--Cora tell him on your radio broadcasting that hes ok, I wont look for him no

more.

--Are you telling me truth?

--I would never lie to you.

--then give me a few minutes, I will change my clothes and I will go on stage to

tell him the good news.

Daniel that night is next to Camilo putting fire at the puppies harvest, he ready

to fight against Carrasco and take the property of the school back to the town.

When Cora shows up on stage, Daniels henchmen know that shes is going to

send him the message that Ramirez knows about his location and that he will

need to escape again, but when Cora starts singing a different message is heard.

The message says that theres no more search, he wont be search, he is safe

and he can continue with his life. When this happens one of Daniels henchmen

grabs a gun.

-- Shes lying She has agreed with Ramirez to put Daniel in prison, this woman is

lying. Kill her!

The sound of a gun is heard at the cabaret and Cora touches her stomach with a

pain on her face.

-- No! screams Ramirez. Get them now!

The police grab Daniels henchmen and arrest them. Screams of people around

the stage make everything confusing. Cora in her last breath takes the

microphone and says - Daniel you will always be my love, slowly faints to the

floor and dies.

Ramirez takes the microphone with tears in his eyes and says- Daniel, you could

have taken everything from me, but not what I loved most in my life, now, listen

Daniel, I will trace you, search for you, look for you anywhere in the whole world

until I get you, you will pay, you will have to pay!

The next day is the final day of the school term, everyone in town is attending

the event. Parents and children as well, are so excited that another school year

has ended. Authorities of the Minister of Education are there, some politicians,

directors from other schools, and the rest of the school members. The director

thanks everyone for attending such an important event, and then she introduces

Arturo Gonzalez as one the few teachers who have come to the town and

particularly to the school and change it completely.

--He has done so much for the school, besides getting the money so we can still

operate in this area, you can see how many chances he has promoted with the

aid of parents a students. We have new gardens, there is a soccer field, the

school is painted, let me say in a few words everything looks beautiful.

Everyone applauds to Professor Gonzalez.

--And for the last number of the ceremony I will introduce Domingo, a kid who

came without any knowledge, he had to learn the language, he didnt know how

to write and hes the best prove of what the Director is talking about.- says

Rosita.

--Go on son, you can do it- says Daniel motivating Domingo.

--Mexico, I believe on you like the spine of an oath, you smell tragedy, oh my

land. However, you laugh, maybe because you know that laugh is what

surrounds you quiet pain. Mexico, I believe in you even without a form, because

I have you inside, because I feel you. How close are you similar to my soul, that I

know it exists but I cant see. Mexico I believe in you, in the softness of your

songs, that are born because they do, they are born in the pledge that I learned

to call my country.

When Domingo finishes everyone is excited and amazed. Camilo is almost crying

looking at his son saying those words. Daniel is looking happy to see that he has

done something good in his life. He wont regret, his life changed when he

arrived at La Esperanza. Slowly he looks at the audience and turns on his right.

He is shocked to see Ramirez standing at the end of the plaza.

The ceremony ends and people start leaving when Ramirez comes closer to

Daniel.

--Please not here. I promise you I wont go. Just let me finish this, they dont

need to know.

--Are you making fun of me, Daniel?

--Congratulations professor this was wonderful ceremony.

--thank you

-- And this man next you, who is he?

--Me Madam, My name is Inspector Ramirez, I came from Mexico City to capture

a fugitive.

--Here, in this town, maybe you are mistaken.

--I hope I wish but the man I am looking for is standing next to me.

-- Im sorry what did you say?

--Yes, listen everyone! This, so called Professor Gonzalez is Daniel Benitez, an

international criminal, thief and now an impostor, he has broken the law many

times and I have been looking for him. Please everyone leave this place!-

Ramirez Orders.

--Everyone left the place.

--Rosita looks at him, and Daniel says no words.

-- How dare you doing this thing to me, right here in front of these people. Dont

you have moral Ramirez?

-Moral?, You talking about Moral?, Yesterday you asked your henchman to kill

Cora, you imbecile! How could you do that do her?

--What happened to Cora? What are you saying? I didnt nothing, where is she?

-- You have no shame, you will pay until the day you day Daniel.

--Lets finish this now- and Daniel takes out his gun. Only of us should be alive!

--So you are going to kill me?, asks Ramirez

Suddenly Domingo holds Daniels gun. --No Tatita, No!

-You are right Domingo, you are right and he gives the gun to Ramirez. You know

you saved me one, and now you are doing it again. You are the first person I

asked forgiveness and you changed my life. I promise you I will be back

-- Dont listen to this criminal boy.

-- How dare you stop his dreams says Rosita. Daniel has done much for his area,

maybe he has a terrible past but he changed, he transform this area, he has

giving back everything he could to the citizens around La Esperanza.

--Come on Daniel is time to go. Says Ramirez-

-- Rosita I will be back I promise, Domingo keep your dream never give up, fight

for what you want. Dont forget that hope is the last thing that dies. I promise

you I will be back some day, at midnight.

Epilogue.

Few years have passed. Camilo grew up and went to the state capital to become

a teacher. Mr. Carrasco finally decided to escape due to police research around

the area. He was caught years after and all of his properties were confiscated.

Ramirez after taking Daniel to prison was promoted but left the country, he

wanted to start a new life in another place. Before leaving he went to see Daniel

and to say goodbye to Coras grave. In La Esperanza The school increased with

the number of students. Rosita kept working at the same school, she has

finished many terms and each time shes waiting for Daniel. This time is especial

its the beginning of a new course and Rosita has invited all the parents to give a

warm welcome to Camilo, this will be his first term and he will teach not only to

kids who regularly attend classes but he also will give classes in his own native

language. When Camilo enters everyone applauds him, he says thanks to

everybody, hes proud to be a member of that community and now a person

who can give and show that dreams are possible. Suddenly a voice interrupts his

speech.

--Mexico I believe in you!

Camilo and Rosita turn around and see Daniel. They cant believe it. Rosita runs

towards him almost with a misstep on the stairs and they finally hold each other.

- Camilo says to the public. My mentor is back!

Everyone is surprised by happy to Professor Gonzalez, slowly walking back the

same place they saw him before.