Episode 3

Isadora is a bit reserved and shy; it's normal since she has never seen Emma before. She approaches her and sits on the carpet.

Emma: Can I play with you?

Isadora: Yes.

Emma: Do you like Peppa?

Isadora: Yes, my dad gave it to me.

Emma: That's great, it's a really beautiful toy.

Isadora: Do you have a dad?

Emma: I do; will you teach me how to play?

Isadora: Yes.

She picks up some dolls and hands them to Emma, teaching her in her own little way as they play. Emma is Mama Peppa, and Isadora is the daughter. They played late into the afternoon, and Isadora became more relaxed, more at ease, even hugging Emma. Emma felt comfortable and enjoyed playing with her; it was a bit crazy, but she could already say she was attached to Isadora, with her innocent and naive demeanor, yet with a sweetness that enchanted.

At noon, Diogo returned home for lunch and found Isadora playing with Emma in the living room. There were some toys on the carpet, and he watched for a moment as Isadora ran to him and hugged his legs.

Isadora: Dad.

Diogo: Hi, sweetheart, go wash your hands for lunch... he says, running his hand over her head

Isadora: Okay.

Isadora returned to the carpet, and Emma began putting the toys into a box. Diogo went upstairs to his room, took a shower, and changed into more comfortable clothes before heading down to the pool area.

Emma took Isadora to wash her hands, and then they went to the table. Emma picked her up and ran with her, causing Isadora to laugh heartily, her giggles echoing through the house. Diogo heard and walked into the living room; Emma placed Isadora in a chair, but she wanted to get down again. Diogo sat at the table and took a deep breath.

Diogo: It's time to eat, Isadora.

Emma: I'll get your lunch ready.

Isadora: Okay.

They served themselves, and Emma helped Isadora eat. Isadora was eating on her own, but when she needed to use a knife, Emma assisted her. Diogo ate in silence, occasionally observing the two. Vilma, since she was part of the family, also had lunch at the table with them and always smiled at Isadora’s interactions with Emma.

After lunch, Diogo went to his office and asked Vilma to call Emma. She left Isadora playing and went upstairs. She knocked on the door, and he told her to come in. The atmosphere seemed tense for Emma as he pointed to a chair, and she sat down facing him.

Diogo: What did you think?

Emma: Better than I expected; Isadora is charming.

Diogo: So you’ll accept?

Emma: Yes.

Diogo: Okay, you can sign the contract.

He handed it to her, and after she signed it, he locked it away in a drawer and turned his attention back to her.

Diogo: If you want this weekend to organize, you can take it, but be here on Monday.

Emma: That's fine; it will be better that way.

Diogo: You already know the rules: if anything leaks, you'll pay.

The house rules are that every meal should be at the table with Isadora, and you must be punctual.

She has a schedule: every day she wakes up at 7:20 to go to school because she starts at 8. On Thursdays, she has ballet class in the afternoon at 4, and at night she sleeps at 9 or even earlier, as she plays a bit after dinner before going to sleep.

No going out without permission; ask first.

Only call me if it's something urgent; I don’t like being bothered with trivial matters.

You will live here, but don’t think you can run the house or feel like the owner; you will only be Isadora's mother, remember that. No entering the office or my room.

Lunch is at 12:30, dinner at 7:30 or 8.

Take this list; everything is noted down.

Emma: Okay, thank you.

Diogo: Oh, Isadora liked you; take care of her.

Emma: I will; I would never harm her.

Diogo: Okay.

Emma left and returned to the living room, sitting on the carpet to play again, while Diogo settled on the sofa, fiddling with his phone.

Isadora: Daddy, come play with me.

Diogo: I'm busy, Isadora.

Emma: Princess, how about a bath now?

Isadora: Okay.

Emma gathered the toys and took them to the bedroom, where she looked for an outfit for Isadora to wear during her bath. They lay down on the bed, and Emma turned on a cartoon. Isadora snuggled up to Emma, hugging her as she gently stroked her hair and watched the show.