Caray, Caray!

Disclaimer: I take full responsibility for typos and translation errors. Help is always welcome! ;-)

We revisit CL, on his knees in his office, reassuring a seated Paula that things will calm down, they won’t be beaten by whatever setbacks (contratiempos) occur, and they have to accept whatever comes. Monica’s sarcasm, offensive (hiriente) comments, whatever fury (rabia) she’s feeling. He’s not guilty for what Monica is doing. Paula, who hates being inconvenienced and prefers to feel comfy all the time, whines at him in her best nasal whine. She doesn’t like that psychological warfare. Apparently, I was not the only one who thought Monica’s praise for her dress was a subtle commentary on appropriate office wear. Paula only wants peace. He tries to hug her and she pushes him away. She whines a little more and he kisses her hands.

In the garage, Juan is taking a stand with the boys on resigning. Kike asks what the Doña wanted. She wanted him not to resign, Juan retorts. The boys look at him in disbelief. Juan wonders what’s with the two of them, he’s always told them the truth. The looks get more intense. Fern tries to say something and Juan holds his hands out: at the moment, he’s not into games. Kike hands him the resignation letter. Juan signs it while Kike asks about Monica trying to get Juan not to resign. Juan blathers on rapidly and says he’s going because he’s going. He asserts that he’s good for his word. Excuuuuse me. He puts his jacket on, grasps The Letter in his right hand using his best pincer grip, and stalks off with the print facing any oncoming folks. The boys scoff and chuckle.

Juan walks through the lobby where all the world’s a stage, carrying his letter so anyone who walks by can see it clearly on the fly. His jaw is set, his shoulders back, his posture ramrod straight. He’s a man on a mission. He makes a 90 degree turn toward Pastor’s office. Reminds me of all those years in the marching band in high school. Paula has come out of CL’s office and speaks across the lobby to ensure that Juan and everyone else can hear her ask him to stop a second because they need to talk. He looks over his shoulder and hears Nidia’s voice echoing in her head, telling him to get tough (amarrárte los calzones - hitch up his trousers), never give up (because of) the pain love causes, and look his enemy in the eye. He makes a sharp military turn back to her, and asks her to excuse him but he’s on his way to give Pastor his resignation letter, after that, he’ll be pleased to talk to her. Paula tells him that’s exactly what she wants to discuss, that letter. She walks him a few steps across the lobby, like that’ll muffle the conversation. He tells her there is nothing to discuss. She stops him, with Ivonne looking on raptly from behind them. He wants to know what she wants. She wants him to listen before he talks to Pastor. They fuss a little and she tells him that she doesn’t want him to make a decision under such pressure. He tells her it’s better for everyone, especially her. She tells him no. Ivonne’s blurry face reminds us that she’s recording this conversation for posterity. Paula finally tells him she doesn’t want him to go, she needs him here. He asks her to please let him do what he has to do. Leave things where they stand (de este tamaño, of this size, “where they stand” is my best guess at interpretation). He excuses himself and the lobby potatoes all watch him move slowly toward Pastor’s office, no military precision involved. Paula’s extreme profile moves toward her office, almost in a trance, while Marely frowns at the scene. Ivonne smiles like the cat with the canary but catches herself and pastes on a judgmental glare toward Marely.

A knock at the door sends Pastor into a frenzy of putting his make-up kit away, cleverly disguised as a book. Juan comes in with his letter still gripped tightly in the first two fingers and thumb of his right hand. Pastor wants to know how he can help, and Juan shows his letter of resignation. Pastor sighs and tells him to quit with the jokes already. Juan tells him it’s no joke, it’s for real. “What does it mean?” “What it looks like! My resignation.” Juan tells Pastor he’s leaving Farell Industries, and it’s ire…..irre…. Pastor helps out – irrevocable. Yep, that’s it. That’s what it is. Juan sets his jaw and Pastor shakes his head, impactado and frustrated. [Ed. Note: oh, heck, Pastor, you’ve been frustrated since you first laid eyes on the boy.] Juan’s letter falls onto the desk so we can almost read it.

Marely brings Paula a bottle of water (green office not) from the cupboard and tells Paula she has to do something to calm herself because everyone has noticed and is talking. Paula says I don't care two hoots (me importa un pepino) about what they think. Marely says excuse me, but these scenes in front of all the employees are causing you to lose respect [Ed. Note: that could be a mild understatement]. Paula wants to know what she’s supposed to do? She’s desperate, feeling she’s mistaken all the time. Marely wants to know if this is about Juan. Paula tells her Juan’s taken his resignation letter to Pastor. Marely tells Paula she knows Paula doesn’t want Juan to go—is it a feeling of guilt? Yes, Paula affirms, and lots more. Marely is worried and wants to know what that means. She tries to convince Paula that she should let him go, because it would be better for him, for CL, for Paula herself. Paula turns, her hands on hips, with way more décolletage than the law allows at work, and retorts that it may be so for them, but definitely not good for her. She’s accustomed to his presence, seeing him every day, his conversation, his little gestures, that smile. Marely protest softly that Paula had promised her…..Paula retorts that she doesn’t want to have something with him, but she doesn’t want to see him go because he means something to her. (El es algo in mi vida – he is something in my life). A brother, a cousin, Paula doesn’t know. Marely looks muy worried about the doesn’t know part.

Pastor wants to know why this decision? Juan whirls around to face him at his desk and retorts that he has nothing more to do there. Pastor points out he can better himself, and study, etc. Juan says he’s going out to better himself and return when the time is right. Pastor gets to the point; does this have something to do with the Licenciada Paula and Don CL? Juan admits it does, he can’t lie. Pastor tells him it’s a bad idea, and he wants to give him some advice. Now is the time when he should least want to throw in the towel. Now is when Juan should fight. What? Fight? It was lost as soon as it started, Juan retorts. Pastor points out if he leaves, he’s leaving the woman he loves in the arms of someone who doesn’t suit her, who isn’t worthy of her. If he really wants to do something for her, the best thing he can do is stay. He can defend her from Don CL, who is going to give her pain! Juan thinks it’s out of his hands. Pastor says it’s not. Juan won’t know a moment of tranquility knowing that he could have saved her from the clutches (garras) of the wolf and he didn’t. Pastor tells Juan he’ll never forgive himself. He points out that even if the Licenciada isn’t for him, not to leave her with someone who doesn’t deserve her. Juan’s unhappiness will be his biggest setback. Juan is impactado and pensive.

Ivonne, always the bearer of glad tidings, is making sure that CL is fully informed of the office grapevine’s activity. She wants to make sure that CL knows how Paula begged Juan not to go in full view of all the lobby potatoes (Lobby lizards? Lobbyists?). She was d*** near on her knees. Everyone saw it. CL tells her “Ivonne, I’m not interested.” She tells him he should be, because this scene was beyond work-related. “You think?” “No, I don’t think, I KNOW.” She tells him his adored Paula is capable of wiping the floor to make sure that Juan stays, and CL hasn’t realized it. He chuckles but there’s no smile. He points out she’s lacking one small detail. The idea for Juan to stay in the company was CL’s, not Paula’s. It was CL who tried to convince Juan to stay. [Ed. Note: ¡MentirOso!] Ivonne scoffs. CL makes a cutting retort and tells her if she doesn’t have anything else to impart, he’d deeply appreciate her leaving him alone, because she gives him grief. She turns, disgusted. He keeps working on his papers.

Pastor isn’t accepting Juan’s letter. He hands it back. Juan yells that he can’t keep torturing himself. Pastor yells back that one only has to pay attention to what the heart says, and Juan’s heart is yelling at him to stay. Juan says he’s not paying any attention to that yell from his heart. Pastor tells him to pay attention to his feelings. He tells Juan to consult with his pillow (sleep on it) and delay the decision. Juan retorts through gritted teeth that he knows exactly what he will do tomorrow. Pastor tells him if that’s right, he won’t insist more, but give it just one more day. Juan takes The Letter back.

We find Marely in the ladies’ room, waiting until the others clear out (one apparently walked out of the stall and passed by the sinks, so her hands are still dirty. Blech.) Marely tells herself that “she loves him. Say what she will, Paula loves him.” She looks like she could hyperventilate, pobrecita.

Juan leaves Pastor’s office with The Letter still grasped in the pincer grip. Could it be that he thinks it’s poison and doesn’t want to hold it too tightly? He thought bubbles that Pastor is right. He thought bubbles on and I don’t understand, folks. But Ivonne interrupts his flow of thought, and lets him know that Don CL wants Juan in his office. Juan grits and grinds his teeth, this guy is so inconvenient! He greets Ivonne “bombon” and goes in….awkwardly opening the door with his left hand since his right still carries The Letter like a flag in front of him. At your orders, Patron, he tells CL. CL gives him the “hail fellow, well met” smile and greeting. CL wants to know if Juan wants a drink. Juan declines and sits. CL tells Juan he’s just found out that Juan wants to leave Farell. Is that right? CL grins ear to ear. Juan affirms it, and thrusts The Letter forward. CL puts it on the desk, he’s going to be direct. Juan tells him he’s listening. CL pastes on his biggest fake smile and tells Juan he doesn’t want Juan to leave. Better stated, CL isn’t going to accept The Letter. Juan looks up, muy confused. Then wary. Then commercial.

CL asks him what he thinks. He points out that Juan needs to think about how difficult it is to find work. Here he has a secure salary, and what’s more, if he stays, he’s going to move up. There’ll be a raise, and more favorable conditions. How does being the assistant to Licenciado Perafán sound? Juan is muy impactado. He thought bubbles about how strange this is. The big boss is begging him not to go? Juan tells himself he’s not such a blockhead. There’s definitely something fishy going on here (a cat trapped). It has to be Licenciada Paula intervened. But Juan wants to stay far from his “ex.” He hears Pastor’s voice exhorting him that Juan shouldn’t leave Paula in the wolf’s clutches. He’ll never forgive himself. He sees the scene in his head. He tells CL, okay, I’ll stay, but there is one condition. CL laughs and pastes on the fake smile again. Sure, whatever Juan wants, CL is here to serve. Juan thanks him, and tells CL the condition is that he remains the chauffeur for the Licenciada Paula. CL is muy, but muy, impactado.

Nidia is sitting on the desk, her phone at her ear. She asks Paula if she can see her at Paula’s house at 8:00 p.m.? Paula isn’t so sure. What’s it about? Nidia is coy; she doesn’t want to discuss it by phone. They’ll see each other in person. Paula tries to beg off; her Mami just got home and she doesn’t want….Nidia interrupts. They’ll just have a little cup of coffee….Yadi comes in behind Nidia, suspicious of this call. Nidia wants her to be on time; she doesn’t want to be kept waiting. They hang up, and Yadi, arms crossed, wants to know what she is doing with Paula Dávila. Nidia says it’s private. She tells Yadi not to be a busybody because that’s just ugly. Yadi is incensed. They face off with glares.

CL has recovered slightly from his impactado state. He stands and buttons his jacket, a sure sign of exerting power, In My Experience. CL’s surprised that Juan would want to remain a…..chauffeur, when he has the possibility of moving up in this company. He raises his eyebrows so Juan will know it’s a Bad Choice. Juan passionately tells CL that as much as he wants to accept this wonderful post that CL is offering, and move up in the company….CL asks “well?” Juan continues that he doesn’t yet feel capable of taking on such a great charge, he wants to keep studying, improving his skills and take it easy (pian)….CL interrupts and tells him it’s the main reason why he should be becoming familiar with all the activities of the business, get this experience. Juan gets up, and tells CL he doesn’t know how much Juan appreciates this opportunity, and he would never want to get on CL’s bad side, who believes so much in Juan……CL asks if that’s his final answer. Juan says it is. He asks CL to excuse his insolence, but he’s staying a chauffeur. If not, he’s leaving. CL is NOT a happy camper.

Kike is giving Delirio a lesson in pugilism. Apparently, Delirio has asked for help, and Kike’s just the man. He tells Delirio he’ll teach him. Kike batters at Delirio and exhorts him, explaining how it’s done: kicks and headbutts (cabezazos). Rocky-like music plays in the garage. Delirio is ecstatic. He tells Kike that he wants Kike to be his personal trainer. Both wave their arms around and talk about how it’s going to be. Delirio says in this life one has to learn everything, and if Kike is an expert, he’s going to put himself into Kike’s blessed hands. Delirio is so pleased he’s got someone to teach him, and Kike does a 180 and tells him “nope.” Delirio is impactado; he thought it was all sewn up. Kike tells Delirio he’s a peaceful guy (cuate). He doesn’t like rows (brawls) [Disclaimer: the next part is translated but not likely to be an accurate interpretation into English!!!] and when he has fought, they split his cheese up well. He’s a very bad (remalo) spinning top (Soy remalo para el trompo). Slang notwithstanding, the bottom line is he’s not teaching Delirio to box. Delirio wants to know who can help him learn; he has such an urgency (premura) to learn. Kike doesn’t know anyone, but he wants to know what’s up, why so much haste? Delirio tells him case closed and filed. Since you’re not the one who’s going to teach me, I’m out of here. He bids Kike farewell and takes off. Kike speculates on who might be the target. He’s got it figured out—it must be Juan.

Paula is asking Marely if she knows what Nidia wants. Marely has no idea and Paula thinks it’s pretty strange. They can’t figure it out, and CL bursts in with Juan, who is STILL hauling around his letter grasped in two fingers and thumb. CL explains that Juan is staying with them. Paula beams and stands. She tells Juan how happy that makes her. He scowls as CL describes how he offered a promotion, a raise, and Juan was insistent; he turned it all down. He wants to stay her chauffeur and there is no human power to convince change his mind. Paula bites her lip and smiles a little. “Ay, amor” plays in the background as we see The Letter.

Turns out, The Letter is actually with Juan in Pastor’s office. Since Juan’s right hand is full of The Letter, and Pastor is pumping Juan’s left hand with both of his own, congratulating Juan on this decision. Juan wonders if he really had another option. Pastor wonders if his words struck a chord. Juan tells him more than Pastor probably realized. He couldn’t leave the Licenciada Paula at this time, even if she never is his. Pastor is glad he did it in time to save her, and to save himself. Juan scoffs—save himself? He doubts it. But, he’ll see what he can do. Pastor tells Juan to count on him and Juan thanks him.

Juan goes down the stairs to the garage, and as he enters the area where Kike and Fern are hanging out (do they ever work?), Juan tears up The Letter. Kike, who probably spent forever typing the blessed thing, wonders qué the heck Juan is doing. Juan drops pieces into the waste can. Juan says he’s pitching The Letter of resignation. Kike asks if that means he’s not going, and Juan confirms it. The Patron begged him to stay. Oh, sure, Fern tells him. Juan says it’s true! CL told him he’s an indispensable part of this company! It they don’t’ believe him they only have to go upstairs and ask. It’s the gossip of the day! Fern and Kike look at each other. They think this must mean he got a raise at the very least. Juan explains that CL offered him and executive position, but Juan’s not an opportunist, and he’s going to be what he’s always been (at least since June), a chauffeur. That’s what it takes to make him happy, to be a chauffeur. Kike rubs his neck. Juan excuses himself and the boys stare after him dubiously. They look at each other and make that scoffing noise they do so well in harmony.

CL wants to know if Juan’s attitude doesn’t seem pretty weird to Paula. She says it doesn’t, it’s pretty normal. [Ed. Note: Right.] They argue about what’s going on with Juan. CL thinks it’s stupid, and Paula thinks Juan just wants to be more prepared for a promotion. CL tells her no one’s buying this. (Eso cuento no se lo come nadie, no one is eating this story). He tells her Juan just accepted this because he wants to stay close to her. She scoffs but smiles.

Kike tells Juan he should have accepted the raise and promotion that CL offered. Juan denies this. He didn’t stay for the money. He stayed to fight for Paula. Here we go again, Kike tells him. Juan says this is the final battle.

Paula and CL are still going to it; she wants to know what he’s always making these absurd conjectures. CL asserts that Juan wants revenge. He doesn’t want to lose. Paula points out that now CL is the paranoid one. She doesn’t think those are Juan’s intentions at all. CL wants to know why she thinks that. But of course, everything that Juan does, Paula will see as up front, transparent. Paula tells him to drop the jealousy. CL tells her he sees it, Juan is her hero. She retorts that’s not true. He says it sure is, and this cretin is still feeding his hopes and you’re helping. She tells CL that’s enough. He dives across her desk at her, and grabs her hand to kiss it. He begs her to marry him. Just about the time we think he could actually be sincere, he gets the wolf grin on his face. Paula looks at him warily, yet there’s a little triumph in her eyes.

Juan and Kike walk around the garage, Juan’s arm on Kike’s shoulder. Kike tells Juan he won’t be insistent because once Juan has an idea in his head, no one can convince Juan otherwise. Kike changes the subject to tell Juan about someone who came to see him. “He asked me to teach him to fight, to box….” “Who?” Juan’s inquiring mind wants to know. Kike tells him it was Licenciado Perafán. He wants to come after you. Juan is impactado. That’s what he told you? Kike denies it, the truth is he didn’t say exactly that. He indicates that’s what it must mean, though. Juan says that’s all he needed to make the picture of tragedies complete. Kike says it’s Juan’s brawl now, but suggests he talks with the Lic to avoid problems. Juan agrees he would have to do that. He makes a gunslinger move.

Paula wonders if CL is feeling all right. Doesn’t he realize what he’s proposing? He says he does. Paula tells him matrimony isn’t a game. It’s not something you just decide to do one day to the next. Why not? CL wants to know. Well, because those are heavy words, it’s a tremendous commitment. [Ed. Note: Well, we all knew that Paula hasn’t been paying much attention or she’d know that CL has never viewed marriage as a tremendous commitment.] She yells at him some more and tells him not to pressure her. He tries to persuade her, and she yells some more about him not pressuring her. He grabs her hands again, and tells her he only needs to be sure of one thing: love. The love he feels for her. She takes her hand back and turns away, muttering to herself. He follows her around the desk and puts his arms around her, trying to turn her head back toward him, telling Paula he adores her. He’s loved her since the first second he saw her. When he lost her, he almost died. He’s never been so sure of anything except that he loves her. Etc., Etc., Etc. Paula says she’s afraid; he’s so jealous. There not an adequate reason to marry him. Plus he’s STILL married to Monica. They argue more. He wants to know if they don’t deserve to be happy.

There’s a knock at Pastor’s door, and an unsmiling Moni is ushered in. Pastor tries his best to make her welcome, toady that he is when it suits him. Pastor wonders how he can help her, why did she come? Two things: to congratulate him on resolving everything with CL, and she appreciates his intentions to find out if everyone in the company knew except her. Her tone of voice suggests she doesn’t believe for a minute that he intended to find out for her. Moni says she’s referring to the “adventures” of the big boss. Pastor stops toadying and has the good grace to look guilty. However, he swears he knew nothing. Moni isn’t buying it. She points out that no one in the company moves a paper without him knowing it. She likes that. She relaxes a little and Pastor warily tells her he admires the maturity and dignity with which she’s handling things. Moni tells him she’s not going to fool him. She’s not so mature as he thinks. That’s all she had to say to him, and she excuses herself. Pastor is left looking after her warily.

Juan is taking Paula home. He thought bubbles that he wonders what his Licenciada is thinking about so seriously, because she hasn’t said a word since they left the office. He wonders if she’s thinking about him, and all the blunders (regadas) she’s made with him, and that’s why she’s feeling like a shoe (???). She wants to know why he didn’t accept the position CL offered. He thought bubbles that he didn’t want to tell her the truth, and then he tells her he wants to study, prepare himself, before he accepts a position of such responsibility. She wants to know if that’s it, or is there anything more. He tells her that’s it. Why? She fumbles around and tells him it might have been for her. Juan thought bubbles that if she wants him to say that he stayed because he adores her forever and forever, she’s very wrong. He basically tells her that was then and this is now, and he knows perfectly well the difference between the work relationship and a personal one. She protests she didn’t mean that. He tells her he learned his lesson very well. Moreover, he’s going to handle his emotions perfectly well. What’s more, she will have no kind of conflict with Juan Dominguez Coral. She smiles a little and tells him it’s very good to know that, and sighs deeply.

At Paula’s, Juan lets her out of the car and she says she’ll see him on Monday. He doesn’t make eye contact as she goes to her gate. She calls him as he walks around the car; she just wants him to know that having him near her calms her, and she thanks him for staying. He thought bubbles to his saint that these tests confuse him more.

CL has his customary drink as the dark overtakes the D. F. The bell rings and he welcomes Moni to the apartment. He thanks her for coming; she thinks she had no other option. CL acknowledges that. She’s dressed for a cocktail party; good thing, he’s got one ready. She tells him “what kindness.” He cheerily asks if she wants a drink. She says no and takes off her coat; we note that she has a little black dress in her wardrobe, and it suits her way better than the Mrs. Claus suit. He asks her to sit and Moni responds that she supposes this isn’t exactly a social visit, right? They chitchat, and she asks if this is the time when he’ll ask her to come back. No. CL says that since their lawyers have communicated, here’s the divorce paperwork for them to sign. She looks a little disgusted.

Nidia has arrived at Ana’s home, and is drinking a cup of coffee. She asks Paula if Paula is sure she wouldn’t like to go out to a café. Paula says no, her mother called to say she’d be late, and they really wants to see her. Nidia asks for Paula’s pardon for meddling in her life, but lamentably, she can’t keep her mouth shut. Juan is Nidia’s friend. No, he’s more like a son, really, and she can’t stand to see him suffer. He’s changed into a sad man, distressed (acongojado). He’s like a ghost, wandering about the house without rhyme or reason (sin ton ni son). Nidia’s soul aches because he’s carrying a very deep pain in his heart. Paula gives her a guilty look. The love this man feels for you, Nidia continues, is killing him. Ana is slipping in the door behind them, and overhears Nidia’s voice. Paula tries to interrupt, but Nidia continues that Paula says that CL is the man who interests her, but when a woman accepts sharing the bed with a man, it’s for something. Ana stops and listens a second, and decides to move back into the shadows and listen more. Nidia tells Paula she’s sure she’s one of those women who gives in on account of love. Nidia looks at her hopefully and Paula won’t make eye contact. Ana has her customary frown as she holds herself against the wall just inside the door.

Moni looks at the divorce papers and tells CL there are several things she wants her attorney to see. CL agrees, but as quickly as possible, please. Why such a rush, CL? CL can’t make eye contact and admits he wants to marry Paula as soon as possible. Moni bitterly tells him this marriage won’t work. CL tells her he’s going to run that risk. She reminds him that what begins badly, ends badly. If Paula was his lover, they were in agreement with their infidelity; it could happen again. He tells her perhaps, she’s right, but he’s only going to discover by living and fully committing. He’s not going to live with speculation and fear. He could be defeated, but he has to do it. Moni tells him that the ghost of his first marriage will always be there, and Paula will never live calmly, thinking that history could repeat itself (the same thing that you did to me, could happen again). He chuckles without humor; is she condemning before it even begins? She accuses him of playing the adolescent, looking for passion, love, ideals that don’t exist. He’s losing what he’s built—what they’ve built together –with such strength. Just to begin from square zero with a woman he barely knows. CL tells Moni “I love her. I love her. For me that’s more than enough.” Moni knows she’s lost the war. She slaps the papers down on the table, and stands to announce that everything in life ends. He agrees, and says unfortunately their relationship is at an end, which he regrets. The last thing he wants in this world is to give her pain. But, this is something he has to do. She says she supposes that he’s not going to recognize his mistakes until he crashes with the consequences. Moni tells CL if he’s worried she’s going to deny him the divorce, don’t worry. He can count on it from this moment. She wishes him much luck, because she knows he’s going to need it. She stalks to her coat, and he tries to call her back. She can’t go like this. She tells him to have his lawyer send her the papers; she’ll sign them, and be well. He tries to call her back again, half heartedly and sighing, while she stalks out.

Nidia asks Paula if that was it—love? Paula says she understands Nidia’s worry, but her feelings for Juan are very complicated. Why? Because at times it’s not easy to define how one feels. Nidia tells her “you care about him.” Paula admits she cares about him a lot, or better said, she admires him, esteems him. Ana shakes her head in dismay. Paula says she can’t see him as her boyfriend, the man for her life. Nidia says she’s going to tell Paula a story, so she’ll realize that at times we women are blockheads and don’t think clearly (think with our legs). Paula smiles. When she was young, (not a long time ago, of course) she had gobs of suitors…she describes the long list white, black, tall, short….. there was one insignificant fellow who was hopelessly in love with her. But she wasn’t so much in love with him. Ana is listening raptly back in her corner, too. Nidia loved to play hard to get (me chiqueaba), and he put up with her whims, gave her gifts, told her she was lovely. But, this man wasn’t worth her trouble because he was poor. Then, when she married Samuel (Ana looks startled), Nidia realized that a love like this man had for her, she would never have again in this life. And because she had aimed at something “more lofty” she let the happiness of love escape her. She chuckles a little sadly and asks Paula what she thinks, now Nidia is rich and powerful. Paula smiles gently and tells her it’s a shame, and wipes a tear away. Ana looks a bit sad, too. Nidia tells Paula the same might happen to her. True, most men aren’t worth the trouble, but she shouldn’t be turning her back on Nidia’s Juanito. He’s worth gold. Paula smiles and responds she knows full well he’s worth a lot, but she’s in love with César Luis Farell. Nidia fusses at her that with this man, she’s going to suffer the rest of her days. She tells Paula she knows what she’s talking about.

Juan comes into the dining room to find Alirio, and greets him warmly. Juan’s so glad to see him because they have to talk seriously. About what? How did it occur to you to ask Enrique to teach you to fight? Do you think that blows are going to resolve differences? You’re a learned man, a lawyer, don’t you feel ashamed? Alirio protests—“okay, but when I can’t see another way, blows!” Juan interrupts and they fuss at each other, with Juan demonstrating his muscle strength until Alirio finally realizes Juan thinks Alirio wants to fight with him. What? This matter has nothing to do with you, Juanito! No? No! The person Alirio wants to give a good lesson about strength is NOT Juan. But it is someone from the office. Alirio doesn’t want to be humiliated by those despicable people, that’s why he needs an instructor. Juan says, permit me. He runs to close the door. Alirio should have told him this before. Alirio is excited; here’s his help. He gets up from the table, and Juan shows him how it’s like a dance. They choreograph feet and hands. [Ed. Note: I hope Alirio isn’t considering Bailando por La Boda; he’s not ready.] Juan gives him a pep talk and coaches the moves. “That’s it!” Alirio asks “you would do this for me?” “Yes, because I don’t like injustices.” He chuckles about Alirio’s moves and tells him he’d just better sit and finish dinner. He’ll teach Alirio the theory tonight and tomorrow they’ll practice. Juan wants to know whose the subject in question. Alirio won’t tell, it’s not important, his lips are sealed. Juan says that’s not important, but he just needs to be ready for the world title…..in…..featherweight. (pescuezo pluma, feather neck, my best guess). He touches Alirio’s tummy and tells him to eat the chicken, it’s protein.

Nidia remarks that it should suit her that Paula’s ended up in CL’s arms. Paula asks why she’s saying this. Well, she dares to say it because she cares so much about Juan. And about Paula. A horn sounds, and Nidia says it’s her taxi. She picks up her purse and thanks Paula for the coffee, while Ana scrambles off through a door near the front. Nidia asks Paula to think about it; it’s easy for Nidia to give her advice that she forget Juan exists, but that boy loves you so well! Nidia minces away and turns back, wagging her finger at Paula. “And you, you’re not indifferent!” And there’s nothing you can do against it! Paula smiles uncomfortably and tells Nidia she’ll walk her out. Nidia asks her to give regards to Ana, and they exchange parting chitchat. Nidia tells her to think about it well. Paula smiles, sighs, and closes the door as Nidia goes to the taxi. Somehow, Ana zips out of her hiding place after Paula is out of sight, and catches Nidia. Nidia is impactada and Ana says she heard part of it. If Nidia doesn’t want her anxiety to mount, she needs to tell Ana qué the heck is going on. Nidia drags her into the cab and the viejas go off to a café for a chat.

Ana wants to know why Nidia didn’t call her to let her know about all this. Nidia says it was because she thought Ana knew about Juan’s and Paula’s “engagement.” Ana says the only thing she knew is that this girl promised to talk to Juan. And she ended up more involved with him. Nidia adds that she’s destroying his heart when it wasn’t necessary. Now that CL is getting a divorce, her Juanito is going to be the leftover (sobrando). Ana had no idea. She shakes her head sadly. Nidia wonders why Samuel left them both with such willful daughters, such obstinate ones. Well, yes, Ana agrees. She tells Nidia she knows CL won’t make Paula happy. She knows it, can just feel it. And there’s nothing she can do to prevent it from continuing. Nidia agrees, and trying to chase after the girls is much worse. Just look at Yadira, thanks be to God she’s going to get married. Ana’s frown deepens and they mournfully stir their coffee.

Paula sits on her bed, haunted by Nidia’s voice. With this man, you’ll suffer for the rest of your days. I know what I’m talking about. Paula bites her lip and thinks. She hears her mother saying that she’ll never believe in this man; anyone who lies once always lies.

In the morning Ana is getting ready to go out when Paula comes down from bed. Paula wants to go with her mother, but Ana prefers to go alone. They give each other a kiss and Paula goes off to the kitchen while Ana goes to the front door. She opens it and CL walks right in. Ana glares at him. CL greets her and apologizes for showing up without an invite. Paula turns at his voice—she’s got her fetching shorty robe on, so maybe Ana is going to stay home? CL tells Ana it’s necessary for him to speak with her. Ana purses her lips. Whatever. Paula looks distinctly nervous. CL tells Ana that above all, he loves her daughter. Paula looks irritated. CL continues that he’s not going to commit the errors of the past again. Ana asks if he’s sure. CL says he wants to marry Paula. Everyone faces off and we are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely coincidental.

Monday: Will Paula say yes? Will Juan haunt her? Will Marely’s heart be dashed to bits again?

Vocabulary

Contratiempo – setback
Hiriente – offensive, wounding
Amarrárte los calzones – hitch up your trousers, get tough
Me importa un pepino – I don’t care two hoots (also on our list that Sylvia posted on 11-3-7)
Garras – clutches, paw, bite
Consultar con la almohada – sleep on it (consult with the pillow)
Pian - take it easy
Cabezazos – headbutts
Entrenador – coach, trainer
Cuate – guy
Premura – urgency
Eso cuenta no se lo come nadie - no one is buying this story (no one is eating this story)
Regadas - blunders
Acongojado – distressed
Sin ton ni son - without rhyme or reason
Me chiqueaba - to play hard to get
Pescuezo pluma – featherweight boxer (feather neck, my best guess is featherweight)
Sobrando – leftover

Jeanne

Labels: Juan