Pulling Strings

Mr. Fernandez, we asked you to come

because we're worried about Maria.

She's been distracted for weeks

with her drawings or making up stories.

Well, she's a 9 year old girl.

- You couldn't expect...

- Maria...

...needs more order at home.

We're concerned she is not receiving

proper indications.

Why?

Is it because her father is a mariachi?

Let's just say a father

who is absent at night...

...is not exactly

the role model a girl needs.

We don't say

you are not trying, but...

But, yeah, I think I know

what you are saying, Mother.

- Do you see what I'm saying?

- Maria.

Are you sending me to Arizona

with my grandparents?

What...? How...?

And who's going to buy me chips?

- Good morning.

- Your documents, please.

These are my documents.

Why would you like

to visit the United States?

I want to buy some Phenom Il x6

processors for my computer.

Stationery.

Only four days.

Tax declaration.

Proof of residence. Bank Statement.

You are very kind.

I'm really thankful.

Take a brochure, young man. It includes

a 10 percent discount on your event.

- Thank you.

- Whatever you need.

Good environment, music.

Music, quinceaera, weddings...

We could use this

for our next child's baptism.

Cheeky.

What's up, bro? Is it done?

Are you going to the U.S?

No?

Did you show them the records?

- Yes.

- Did you tell them we're experienced?

One hundred and forty weddings,

70 baptisms.

- Yes, I told her.

- And nothing?

My cousin didn't even have documents.

But he was sure and confident...

...with a smile and a speech,

and they gave him the visa.

Yeah, without documents. A speech.

She didn't even look at me, Canicas.

- Because of your attitude.

- What attitude?

What did I tell you about being positive?

You have to see yourself,

decree the thing, and say:

- You'll get it.

- I'm not flirting. It's the embassy.

I won't say,

"Mamita, give me the visa. "

I won't do that

in the American embassy.

Mexican Fiesta and mariachi,

young lady.

Look at that.

What do you think?

That's Canicas marketing.

Hello, is this the ant roller skates

factory? Listen, I have a big problem.

The ants are angry

because they can't find their skates.

They're so angry

they're now getting all over the phone.

Ants don't wear roller skates, Dad.

That's because they don't have

the phone number of the factory.

Come on.

Get dressed, it's late now.

Do I really have to wear

this old lady uniform?

We've talked about it. That is

the school uniform, you have to wear it.

Dad...

...why is Mrs. Chelo always

my babysitter at night?

That's because of my job, honey.

I finish very late, you know.

When my mom was here...

...was Mrs. Chelo my babysitter?

No, honey, when your mom was here...

...the three of us

looked after each other.

But now that it's just you and me, we have

to sort things out as the team we are.

Okay, but I want chips for lunch.

Okay, but you have to eat the banana

and all the nutritious things.

Look, this is what I will wear for the fair.

Do you like it?

It's amazing.

- So you will be a...

- A nurse.

Nurse? Why not a doctor, Maria?

Look what I just found.

You're right.

It takes a lot of years of studying.

You finally showed up, little mariachi.

I'm always looking for you

and I can never find you.

- I will pay you in one week, Hapi.

- You better do it, "potrillito"...

...or next time your guitar

won't be the only thing I crush.

Oh, look at that.

What an elegant uniform.

Okay, we're done, Hapi.

One week. The bus is here.

CAUTION:

SCHOOL BUS:

- Take care.

- You too, okay?

- Don't you touch my daughter again...

- Come here.

Calm down, a**hole.

Neron, Neron.

Calm down, Neron!

Calm down, Neron! Calm down!

Calm down!

We'll give them one chance.

I think they have understood.

You have two days left.

Two!

Damn Pinky and the Brain.

Are you okay?

Yes, bro. Thank you.

I can't believe you still owe that guy.

In addition to the previous amount, he

gave me a loan to pay for Maria's school.

And then he comes

and threatens me in front of her.

- Don't worry.

- How could I not be worried?

Maria deserves the best.

I can't calm down.

She asked for her mom

again this morning.

She misses her mom, Canicas.

She needs her.

Maria needs a woman in her life.

What could I know about little girls?

I think you are overreacting.

No, I think what Maria needs

is more safety.

And she'll get it from her grandparents in

Arizona. They know how to raise women.

They raised Maricruz and she did well.

Look, let's focus on how you're going

to pay this guy, and then...

Then I'll owe somebody else...

...and then somebody else,

and I'll get home at 6:00 a. m.

How do I explain that to Maria?

You don't understand.

I do understand.

I understand

that you are screwing things up.

First, you send Maria to an expensive

school you can't even pay for.

And now you're moving her

away from you?

Is that it? You want her away?

You're going to screw up her life.

You know why?

Because she loves you.

But the real tragedy is that

I lost my lunch standing up for you...

...and I'm starving.

Let's go to get something.

I don't want to go get lunch.

I want a visa for Maria.

Yes.

The gringa from the embassy.

And you said my flyers didn't work.

And you wanted a visa.

God really likes us.

- Why did you slap me in the face?

- It was petting.

Checkmate.

How are you today, Mr. Gus?

Hey, Alex!

- Canicas!

- Hey, Cosme. How are you, Mr. Gus?

What do you say, Alex? One match?

No, I watch my money.

I came to see if it's ready.

It's more than ready.

You should take better care of it.

Wow, this is amazing, Mr. Gus.

What did you do?

It's better than new.

We'll break the tie later, Mr. Gus.

- Sure, Cosme.

- Good to see you, Alex.

Don't leave, Cosme.

Canicas, I'm glad

you are still growing up.

Just look at you.

Somebody stole a taxi from you

around the corner.

Let's go.

Is that one of yours?

It's one I'm composing.

He's been composing it for two years.

Alex doesn't want to compose anymore.

Since Maricruz...

No, no.

Let's give this guy a chance.

And that's how inspiration works.

It comes when you least expect it.

No, Mr. Gus, inspiration exists...

...but it always finds you working.

And my friend doesn't want to do it.

He has a block.

And he's a great composer,

but lately he's just a drama queen.

Come on.

Hello. Good morning.

Let's do it!

Canicas, that's the gringa

who denied my visa.

The blond?

She stared at me.

Pretended she didn't know me.

Like they deal with so many people

at the embassy.

You have to go there and sing.

Shine. You have to shine.

Make her regret denying your visa.

You know something?

I have something to tell you

And I don't know how to start explaining.

What I want to tell to you.

Maybe with a rose

I can convey this to you.

When will you bring me my black woman?

I want to see her here.

With her silk shawl.

I thank the heavens.

For letting me meet you.

For letting me meet you.

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