Caray, Caray!

This is Part 1, the first hour. I posted the second hour in a separate post. Enjoy!

Poor Marely, she’s always covering for someone, and as we open tonight she’s covering for Paula who Marely tells CL she supposes is not feeling well -- for the second day in a row. CL thinks it’s such a shame things have come to this, doesn’t Marely agree? He insinuates there’s something serious here. Marely, good sis and assistant that she is, gives him no face and no clue if he’s on track. Marely dials Paula and fills her in fast because she’s worried. CL was very strange. Why? Paula wants to know. Marely can’t say for sure, but anyway, he asked how you are. Paula says she’s better. Marely assures Paula that she has everything under control and will call her if anything urgent pops up. Paula thanks her and Marely tells her it’s nothing, and we’ll be in touch.

Ivonne slinks into Pastor’s office and closes all the blinds. Apparently, she’s the only one at Farell who knows how they work. Pastor chuckles about playing hide and go seek. Ivonne tells he there’s serious gossip to share here, the gossip of the year. “Don’t tell me!” Pastor replies cynically. Let me guess. They reduced the price on those blue shoes you saw the other day. She chides him, disgusted—it’s very, but very, interesting! It seems that cretin (taradada) Paula wasn’t sick, she tried to kill herself. Pastor is impactado. He wants to know how she knows. She won’t admit to how she knows, but she was listening. Pastor thinks his plan for CL is working well, he’s a genius. Ivonne tips her hat to him, he’s totally on target. Pastor tells Ivonne this is the act of a desperate woman, they cut their veins, take insecticide (you gotta be kidding us, Pastor), throw themselves off a bridge. So little elegance, so ridiculous. Ivonne says she’d never be so dumb. Pastor scoffs. Then he tells her they have to put the Lic aside and talk about something serious. He tells her she’s going to be fired. What, again? He tells her it’s Monica who wants you out of here.

CL is irritated with Moni, and wants to know what’s the rush, is she bothered? She taps her fingers and tells him she wants to assume the Presidency of Farell ASAP. She doesn’t see anything odd about it, she wants to plan, get some new projects started. CL tells her he knows she’s just a slave to the company, and her problem is that he hasn’t given a specific date. Well, she retorts, at least give an approximate date—a year, a month, a few days. CL asks how about a week? It’s clearer. She confronts him: why a whole week? I thought you were in a hurry?

Pastor is still explaining the situation to Ivonne. This time there’s nothing we can do. I’ve been told to get the paperwork done. He recommends that she get herself the best possible parting gifts. She tells him she’s not going to ask for anything. Pastor reminds her she’s worked in Farell a long time and that she should….Ivonne cuts him off. She just wants to go to Spain with CL. Pastor breaks the news that Spain is a ruse, with the goal of getting Paula back to CL. She argues with Pastor, and he tells Ivonne not to dream. She can’t believe it, but Pastor points out that CL set the trap and Paula fell into it, that’s why she did what she did. He tells Ivonne she’s the one who’s going to lose forever. Monica strides in (who heard the door open?) and greets them, without any trace of a smile in her “good day” message. Ivonne tries to smile, but Moni won’t go there. She asks for a moment with Pastor and Ivonne gets out fast.

Paula is home when Juan comes to visit. He wants to know how she is, and if she’s doing better. He’s brought sweet bread. They exchange chitchat, and Paula gives him a huge smile. She wants to know about CL, though. He confesses that he told CL the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, that Paula tried to kill herself. He did it so Paula and CL would have a free road. She erupts, how could he have told CL this lie? He’s confused; it was no lie. She yells that she didn’t try to commit suicide--she was taking a sedative and drank when she wasn’t supposed to. It was an accident. It’s bad enough that he believed this of her, but then he told this fool CL. He yells back that everyone thought she was trying to kill herself. She never told him anything and he told CL to help her out. She yells that what works for her is her decision and she never wanted him to intervene. He yells back that he was worried. Paula yells that this was stupid, and he retorts it wasn’t stupid, it was for love, so she could be happy with the man she loves. She yells that it’s her life and he shouldn’t meddle and decide for her. She tells Juan she never wants to see him again; he’s abused her trust. (Like CL appearing at the end of the epi and everyone impactado, it seems like we have heard this line before. Are the writers on strike in Mexico? Are they recycling scripts?) She tells him to get out of her house. Juan goes. Paula cries.

Moni tells Pastor how it’s gonna be at Farell. She wants them to hurry with several changes at Farell. She wants to revise the organizational chart (organigrama) and she thinks it’s worth the effort to reorganize the four directors’ roles. Pastor tells her whatever she wants. She continues that CL is going away more quickly than she expected and she wants everything ready very quickly. Pastor says whatever she wants, but first there’s something he wants to comment on that he thinks will interest her. Monica wants to know what they are talking about. About Paula Dávila. What about her? Did you know she tried to kill herself? Monica wants to know where he came up with this nonsense. Pastor plays with his fingers (but doesn’t make eye contact) and says he’s no saint, but he had a good source.

At Casa Cachón, Yadi drags her new spouse into the living room (she’s always the height of fashion, tonight with a black mini-falda and jacket, tight white top, and silver mid-calf boots with white knee sox. I guess she’s gotta wear it while she can before the maternity clothes.) She wants to know what Kike found out. Yeah, that I’m one beer short of a six-pack! (güey, an ox or worse, from my Mexican Slang dictionary and a website explaining the word—he’s the biggest ox in the world). Yadi fusses at him; why can’t he ask a simple question? Kike retorts he asked where he had no business and got mixed up in a mess. Yeah, but what did he tell you, Yadira asks. Kike wants to know what it is she doesn’t get here. Yadi mocks how he must have asked. (Actually, she has it down pretty well). She yells at him for being an idiot and pops him one on the arm. He yelps and tells her not to hit him. Nidia comes in and wonders qué the heck? Yadi pretends the kiss Kike, who plays along. Nidia’s friend just smiles stupidly and Nidia tells them to lower their voices because it’s bad manners. She and her friend have some things to do out and they’ll be back in a while. Yadi sarcastically says how nice, you advised us that you’re going and everything. Nidia tells Yadi and Kike that if anyone asks, she’s going here and there….excuse me. Her friend just keeps that smile pasted on. They all say their farewells while Yadi clings to Kike…until Nidia and her friend are gone, when she slaps him away and he yelps again (spousal abuse, if you ask me).

Paula is sitting cross-legged on the edge of her bed, close to falling off, fussing into the phone. She’s yelling about what a gossip he was. Marely’s at the other end in Paula’s office, trying to assure Paula in her best calming voice that Juan had no bad intentions. Everyone thought the same thing, that she had tried to kill herself. Paula acknowledges her culpability because she didn’t bother to clarify for everyone, but that’s no excuse for Juan. Marely wants to know what he said by way of explanation. Paula yells that he said he wanted to help for her own good, he loves her, etc. She grimaces. Marely asks if she still thinks he did it in bad faith. Nope, on the contrary, Marely thinks he’s the most noble man who exists on this earth. Paula retorts he’s also the most dim-witted and meddling. She hates him. Marely, the voice of reason as always, tells her to calm down, she knows Juan did something bad, but don’t forget that you owe your life to him. He took you to the hospital and prayed to God to save you. Do you really think this guy wants to do you dirt? He wasn’t separated from you for a single moment all night! Marely tells Paula that Juan doesn’t care if she goes with CL, as long as she’s all right. Paula retorts that no one asked him to do all that, and he promised to keep this incident to themselves, like Marely has done. Marely wants Paula to put herself into Juan’s shoes. Just think, loving you as much as he does, he’s letting you go. And, you know what? It can’t have been easy for him. His attitude just shows the love he has for you. Paula isn’t going with the program here.

Juan walks outside and thought bubbles about this turn of events. How could have known that the Lic Paula was taking things that could have turned bad? Despite the sacrifices he’s made, he can’t understand why life is treating him this way. His heart is empty, without love. His Palomita won’t be for him; he’s accepted that since the moment he spoke with CL. But, her contempt was something he didn’t expect. Juan is about as downcast as we’ve ever seen the poor boy.

In CL’s office, the boys are considering the situation. CL asks Pastor “What, you already know?” Pastor says it wasn’t too secret. CL blames Ivonne for having a big mouth. Pastor tells CL not to blame her, but this information changes all the plans. CL has to be honest, he’s not yet absorbed what all has happened. They muse about all this; it’s time to close the circle and Pastor thinks it’s a clear message from Paula [Ed. Note: Pastor better not quit his day job; he’s not a good analyst for female behavior.] He doesn’t want it to get lost in the shuffle (pasar por alto). Pastor speculates that their strategy has conquered her. CL wants to know what Pastor means by closing the circle. Pastor theorizes that now it’s time to chase after his prey, to close in on her and bring her down.

As Juan approaches, Kike is sitting outside looking bemused. Kike’s so happy to see a friendly face in this house. He gives Juan a high five. Juan’s face doesn’t look so friendly, though. He’d like to say the same to Kike, but he can’t. Nothing’s making him happy. Juan philosophizes about how bad life is. Kike empathizes; he’s utterly fed up with Yadira (estar hasta la coronilla (de) - to be utterly fed up (with), which actually looks like I’m up to the crown of my head). Juan thinks he should be happy. Kike is worried because this sounds like Juan’s heart is breaking again. Juan can only shake his head miserably.

Our questionable heroine rushes to answer the doorbell at home. GUESS WHO, folks?? Oh, you’re all so clever, of course you got it right! It’s CL for his usual visit to Paula to irritate her. That’s all she needed. He wants to know if they can talk. Well, of COURSE we can talk, she informs him with mild sarcasm, because she needs to explain to him. He wants to know why she committed such an insane act. Paula shakes her head disgustedly as we cut to commercial.

Amanda was right. CL’s always showing up in time for a break.

CL and Paula finally get away from the door and into the living room as she storms around accusing him of being high-handed, arrogant (prepotente). [Ya think?] She yells that he thinks she’s crazy because of her love for him. It’s not the case. He tells her she was bad off, depressed on his account, his indifference. He says he drove her to a decision that could have cost her life. She retorts that even if it was the case, what’s the difference between her being dead or alive? Everything, he responds! He couldn’t imagine losing her. That terrified him. That’s why he came. He’s canceling his trip to be with her. [Well, we did wonder how he was going to weasel out of the trip, didn’t we?] It’s not for pity, it’s for love. She yells at him and punctuates it by informing him she never intended to take her own life. What? It was a mistake! CL is impactado.

Kike invites Juan to go out for some good, cold beers (frías). Juan doesn’t think so. Yadi will get mad. What does Kike care? She left him during the honeymoon and spoiled it. He waxes eloquent about the lovely beach, etc. And he had to leave it all-why? So the little girl wouldn’t be angry. Now she’s just yelling and pounding, pounding, pounding him. Kike punctuates by pounding one hand on the other. It’s not worth it. Let’s go! Juan gives in, cheering up a little, muttering about it. As they walk off together, Yadi’s screech skids them to a halt and Kike looks up to see her hanging out the window. Juan turns his attention to catching invisible bugs along the hedge. Yadi wants to know donde the heck he thinks he’s going. To the street, can’t she see? He retorts sarcastically. Nope, sir, you’re not going out while I’m locked up here. Kike lets her have it with both barrels; he’s not going to spend his days letting her spoil everything with her bad treatment. Period. We see Juan’s face leaning over the flowers, as he holds his head like it’s aching and his face screws up in a grimace. Behind him the scene of Kike chewing Yadi out while she tries to chew him out unfolds….He calls to Juan to come along, and Yadi yells while Juan wishes her farewell. Yadi can’t believe he would defy her like this. She screams both their names.

Paula explains so CL won’t have any misconceptions that she was taking sedatives and drank when she shouldn’t have. He doesn’t believe her. They fuss and she looks like she’s caving a little when he gets on his knees, takes her chin in his hand, and tells her ever so sincerely how much he loves her. Hablablablablabla. He wants her back and begs her to tell him she will. It’s just that easy, a single word. She jumps up from the sofa—well, nope. You know why? Because I don’t believe a single word you’re saying. Why? You have the nerve to ask me that, she rejoins. She reminds him of all the lies. He tries to convince her and she won’t be convinced. She tells him it’s better if they’re not together; he disagrees, it’s not better for him. She reiterates that there’s no way this is going anywhere and he might as well go quietly off to Spain. He doesn’t believe her, but she says she doesn’t care, she doesn’t want to see him again. He wonders if she’s sure, and she responds that she is. CL says he won’t ask again. She doesn’t understand what this means; he’s never had to beg a woman. He wishes her luck and storms out while Paula cries.

Geez, Louise, what have we here?? Nidia is helping Anga out at the market? They’re doing some calculations. She tells him to hold on, she’s not a magician. She’s impressed with the money he earns and Anga tells her he’s grateful for it but it requires hard work first. Nidia’s also impressed with his drive. He points out that years before it wasn’t enough for her to stay with him rather than go with Samuel Cachón. She acknowledges she committed an error. He smiles at her lovingly.

Meanwhile, the husband whose territory is being horned in on by Anga and Fern is shuffling papers in the dungeon of Farell with his trusty sidekick, Gutis. Perafán wants to know if he doesn’t have anything to do in this life. Gutis looks up from the newspaper and says he has lots of free time on his hands now. Delirio makes a crack and Gutis tells him that Gutis is thinking of a solution for Delirio’s problem. Delirio may not believe it but Gutis has a wonderful idea. Delirio’s all ears. Well, they both need cash (efectivo) and Delirio needs some self-esteem because his is on the floor. Delirio needs someone to spy on his wife like a pro. Delirio doesn’t like it. Gutis says he needs some real proof that will help him get a divorce. Delirio REALLY doesn’t like it. Gutis works on him to see why he needs to be divorced and get some of that fortune he made sure Nidia got…..after all, he’s the offended spouse.

Speaking of the guys who are horning in on Delirio’s territory, Nidia and Anga are still talking about life. Anga wants to know about why she married that…..husband she has now. She says she was a blockhead and there were circumstances she didn’t anticipate. Anga wonders if she was afraid of ending up alone. Well, yes, Nidia tells him. She explains that she thought at this stage finding love would be impossible, and this would give her some company. That’s her sad story. He doesn’t understand because she’s always been strong and in charge of her life. She tries to shrug it off; she’s lived from mistake to mistake. He tells her not to talk like her life is over. He asks her why doesn’t she rid herself of this mess (mamarracho) and come to live with him?

Speaking of Nidia’s mess, Delirio tells Gutis he’s just not sure about this plan. When Nidia gets wind of it…..Gutis says it will just require good planning. Delirio tells him that in spite of everything, he actually adores this woman. Gutis thinks that’s the last straw. He thinks his proposal is the best Delirio can do.

Anga escorts Nidia through the store. Nidia tells him he’s crazy; she can’t separate like that. Anga wonders what’s stopping her. She lists the things: her house, her daughters….Alirio. Anga reminds her the girls are grown up, and she just has to explain to Alirio, he’ll understand eventually. Nidia doesn’t think so. Anga offers to tell him. That’s worse. Anga wonders what she’s afraid of—changing her life? Losing that man? Or making a mistake with me? She tells him he might not believe it but yes, she’s afraid of many things. She hedges, and Anga wants to know if her marriage is really bad or not. She tells him she just cannot, period.

Kike leads the way to some cold brewskis and taps the waiter on the shoulder to make his order [oh, they probably don’t have those in Mexico, do they? They just have cervezas and frías]. The boys find a table. Kike talks about his complaints about Yadira and Juan’s troubles with Paula. Juan tells Kike that nothing is going well for him. Juan thinks there’s no reason for him to be in this world and Kike hushes him; he can’t do what the Lic did. Juan tells Kike he meddled to the fourth degree, no, to the eighth. He explains what Paula had told him about not intending to kill herself—it was confused, and he was a blockhead and spilled the beans to CL. Kike thinks he needed to keep his mouth shut (when will he learn?) but Juan retorts that he did what he should because he’s a man in love. But Paula didn’t see it that way. She kicked him out of her house, her life.

Paula is crying as she talks to the teddy bear. Juan, why did you betray my trust? She jerks the bear and throws it to the floor in her bedroom. The phone rings and she ignores it, crying.

Nidia puts her hands on Anga’s shoulders and asks why he wants to complicate her life. Why can’t they live their relationship like this? They can enjoy without taking the risks. What? Anga wants to know if she just wants him as a lover. [Is it just me, or is Anga not exactly the picture of the telenovio?] She bites her lip and tells him “well, well, ….. yes.” He tells her that the problem is that’s not going to please him. She tells him he has to take it or leave it. He tells her he’s waited all his life for her and loved her. She tells him she doesn’t want to go fast, because of her history of bad experiences.

Marely’s found her way to the garage to ask Fern if Juan has returned. Fern tells her no, but the last time Fern saw him, Juan was in the doldrums (de capa caída). Marely says she imagines so. All Juan gets is insults…..he’s the most lovely man she’s ever known. Fern tells her that, or the most stupid. They say their goodbyes, but Fern tells her if she needs a friend to talk to, call him. She thanks him and gives him a hug.

Moni and Laura are talking about how ridiculous Paula is, playing the dramatic Juliet without CL’s Romeo. Moni is only worried that Paula and CL are birds of a feather and he’ll be moved by the drama. Laura tells Moni if CL has a lick of sense he’ll run from this crazy woman. Moni thinks his vanity will be totally flattered by this. They speculate on the Paula situation. Monica is worried that this woman will do whatever it takes to get her man. Laura points out that a suicide attempt demonstrates the bad stuff going on in the woman’s head. Laura asks if Moni would do something like that because of a man. Moni nibbles on fruit in a martini glass and looks shocked; of course she wouldn’t. No matter how enamored she was. She asks Laura the same question. No, Laura responds, how could you think that? Moni would love to know what’s up with CL at the moment. They dissect it some more and Moni says she thinks this is a really big gamble on Paula’s part. Laura shrugs.

The bell is ringing in CL’s dimmed apartment as CL downs his usual glass of booze. He thinks it’s Paula and rushes to the door. What do you know? It’s Ivonne. Surprise. He lets her in and rubs his forehead. What? You expected someone else? Ivonne wants to know. He’s already back in his seat as she finishes letting herself in and closing the door. She invites herself to join him in a drink and makes herself at home, coming over to sit on the arm of his chair, clinking his glass—“salud.” He looks irritated. Apparently, this doesn’t meet his criteria for getting lucky tonight.

Paula is still crying into her pillow when Ana arrives home. It’s dark outside the window, and Paula’s room is dim. Ana worries about her. What are these tears? Ana says she called and no one responded, so she was anxious. Paula replies that at least she was able to sleep. She’s realized no man is worth the trouble. Ana hugs her.

Kike tries to reason with Juan about his relationship with Paula as they drink their beer. Kike thinks he’s always been able to reconnect, but Juan says this is the end. He really hurts. [In the background, we see Kike’s mother-in-law being manhandled affectionately by Angarita; the boys must be in the market area restaurant or the telenovela rule about the world being a small place kicked in—that’s how it is, folks. In the D. F., which has millions of people, there are only a few restaurants and bars.] Kike tells Juan to look who just arrived. The boys are impactados as Anga lovingly caresses Nidia!

That maid who has no name and no regular hours serves Yadi’s dinner. She calls Yadi Srta., and Yadi corrects her. Alirio shows up for supper, as always. He wants to know if she knows anything about her Mami. Yadi pours lots of ketchup on her French fries, apparently that’s the extent of her dinner. “She’s not here.” “Yes, I can see she’s not here.” He wants to know donde the heck she is. They exchange veiled barbs, and Yadi tells him to ask Gladys. He wants to know why Gladys? Well, she left with Gladys, that’s why. Delirio wants to know if Yadi has Gladys’ telephone number? Nope. He’s frustrated. He sees the fries and wants to know if Nidia left food. Nope. So, what’s that you’re eating? She picks up the plate and shows him the fries. “With ketchup?” “No, with caramel.” She smirks at him a little and he laughs sarcastically at her put-down. She offers him some and he tells her not to bother. Oh, my, what a civil conversation. He’s going to find this Gladys’ phone number, to find out where the lady of the house is. Yadi pours on more ketchup and tells him that the two went off partying, and when they do that, they lose all track of time. Delirio gets disgusted and mumbles at her as he leaves. Yadi keeps munching with her eyes closed in rapture.

Nidia entertains Anga, who looks annoyed, Kike, and Juan. The world is funny. She explains to the boys about the Coincidences of the Day. She was getting a taxi and came upon Anga, who invited her for a beer. Kike looks skeptical. And she’s so glad they came on Kike and Juan, because she’s going to be late getting home and with the bad stories one hears about ladies out late….Hablablablablabla. Anga’s earlier loving looks have mutated to irritation. He tells Nidia he never thought to leave her alone. He would be delighted to accompany her home. Kike and Juan watch the interchange with interest. Anga grins widely at nailing Nidia with this offer of taking her home. She thanks the Sr. Calvo. Anga asks what’s up with this Sr. Calvo stuff? You spent the whole day calling me Angarita. He smiles some more. Nidia giggles, how funny! She looks at Juan to scope out his reaction. She makes a remark about how that sounds like many years they’ve known each other. He smiles and asks if that isn’t the case? She hedges and calls him Sr. Calvo again, giggling nervously, and telling him how funny it is. Anga gets serious and tells her that Juan and Kike aren’t fools, so drop the drama. She grits her teeth and mumbles through them to try to get him to shut up, “what are you saying?” He proceeds to tell the boys that the story about them meeting by chance is a lie, and they wanted to see each other, period. Nidia gives Anga her very best stink eye, but he’s immune. Kike smiles nervously; she’s nailed. Nidia looks toward Juan, maybe more worried about disillusioning him than her son-in-law. She smiles a little and grimaces.

Delirio is on the phone in the bedroom, holding a book in his other hand. He’s found Gladys, and she wants to know who is calling. He explains he’s Nidia’s husband and Gladys bolts up from the sofa. She regroups and asks how he is. He is fine, and by the way, is Nidia Estela there? Nope. Well, but you two left together, right? Gladys regroups and says they were, and what?? Hasn’t she arrived home? She just left a while ago. No, Delirio tells her, and he wants to know when Nidia left. She hedges and “can’t remember” but has something happened? Delirio tells her no, nothing’s happened, and not to worry. He tells her Nidia will be along any time, and he hears someone knocking, so it must be her now. He says his goodbyes and gets off the phone. Delirio throws the book and storms around the room, growling.

Ivonne and CL are watching the tele, still fully dressed, each occupying an opposite edge of the king-size bed. CL is lamenting that poor Paula denied it, but she wanted to die for him. Ivonne tells him it’s simple, the supposed suicide was a symbolic act. That was her way of definitively renouncing his love. He sarcastically asks if she couldn’t be a little more direct. They analyze the situation. CL doesn’t believe Paula could stop loving him. [Arrogant son of a buck.] He keeps analyzing and Ivonne basically tells him to shut it so she can watch her program. He doesn’t shut it; he says Paula looked so convincing. He mouths some words while Ivonne sighs with disgust.

Ana and Paula sit on Paula’s bed and Ana says she feels responsible. She didn’t explain to Juan that it was an accident. Paula doesn’t want her to feel guilty since she had begged Juan not to talk about the incident. She tells her mother that CL wants back with her out of pity, and he’s thinking she’s nuts (bad in the head). Ana reminds Paula what’s done is done. Paula won’t be comforted; she wants it all to be over with.

Ivonne and CL are still where we left them, watching the tele and talking. Ivonne asks if he knows that Monica wants her out of the company. CL wants to know who told her that. Ivonne tells him Pastor told her. CL actually makes eye contact—“really?” Yep, my days at Farell are numbered. Huy! She asks what he thinks. CL offers her no support—yep, Pastor is right, you better start looking. She tell him there are other plans. “Really?” “Yep, I’m going to live in Spain.” He smiles and tells her she surprises him more every day. She tells him they’ll go together and he tells her nope, he’s going alone. She’s staying. She gapes at him, totally irritated.

Marely is at her favorite window in her shorty jammies, checking for Juan’s return, as Yadi, in her shorty jammies, sneaks in and says “don’t tell me, you’re waiting for Juan.” She’s waiting for Kike and they’ll just see what time the boys return. If they do. Marely says they just got home and leaves the room, with Yadi trailing.

The boys and Nidia come in the door. “Home, sweet home,” she waxes eloquent. There’s no place like home. When one’s away from home all day, the only thing one wants to do is get home, right? [Who DOES she think she’s fooling?] They chat about the serenity in the place. Juan wishes her a good rest and kisses her cheek. Kike tries to excuse himself, too, and Nidia makes them wait. She says there’s something they need to discuss. The boys act like there isn’t an elephant in the hall. Kike says they should leave it for another day. Nope. She appreciates all their efforts that she won’t feel any worse, but she feels it and they will talk about it once and for all. The girls peek around the landing. Nidia drags the boys into the office to talk. The girls peek again as they disappear into the office. Nidia persuades the boys to sit. She gets to the point (al grano). She imagines they’d like an explanation of her presence in that place. In Anga’s company. Juan protests, it’s not necessary, it’s the most normal thing in the world. Right Kike? Right. Nidia starts again. It’s not normal for her. For her, it was shameful that the boys had seen her in a situation that was so …. Um…. Compromising. Juan assures her that her private life is hers. Right, Kike? Right. She interrupts again. But she feels the need to explain. They’re both family, after all. She tries to tell them that nothing happened between her and Anga. They share a look, and Juan raises one eyebrow at Kike, then they try to look like they believe her. She explains how she’s encountered him on more than one occasion and flirted. It really meant nothing to her, because her feelings weren’t involved. She asks if Juan will excuse her frankness. Juan and Kike share a skeptical look again. She explains she’s known their boss, Anga, for many years. [No kidding!] She tells them with him, everything is different. The boys share a slightly impactado look. Then she confesses that this is the love (man) of her life. We see the boys stand slowly in unison and hear their jaws hit the floor in harmony as they share a LOOK. She tells them how she lost him because of Samuel and the boys cross themselves, may he rest in peace. The girls have their ears glued to the door with a very strange look on Marely’s face. She asks Yadi what she hears. Yadi hears nothing. Marely thinks they ought to get out of there, it’s ugly to spy on Mami. Yadi wants to stay, and does, as Marely takes off to sleep.

Nidia wants to know if the boys understand. Yep, sure, Juan tells her and taps Kike so he’ll agree. She begs them not to tell the girls and much less Don Alirio de Perafán Rocha y etc. They won’t understand and it’ll just cause unnecessary suffering. Juan assures her there’s no worry, they are a pair of tombs. He taps Kike again for agreement. That’s what Nidia hoped for. She stands and the boys pop up respectfully. Nidia bids them good night and they dutifully bid her a good night, in unison. She grasps Juan’s muscled arm and sighs a little as she thanks them for their …. Um…. Understanding. She goes out, leaving Yadi to scramble out of sight.

Kike rubs his head and wonders aloud to Juan if Juan understood all she told them and does it mean that Alirio is getting cuckolded? Juan understood what she said, but he can’t believe that. Juan warns him not a single word to anyone and reminds him that he knows Kike tends to let his jaws flap. Kike looks sheepish and agrees to keep quiet—he zips his mouth shut. He “opens it up again” and says but he can’t believe it and with no less than Don Angarita—and zips his mouth again. Juan gives him an eyebrow raise. Kike unzips again and says “poor Don Alirio.” He’s got the title and all….Kike zips again. Juan muses that Don Anga is a well-established guy, too, right? Kike unzips again – “and he’s rolling in dough, right?” Juan laughs about Perafán. Kike zips again and gestures—he’s done.

Speaking of the King of Rome, he’s in his jammies and robe in bed waiting for his errant wife. He accosts her when she creaks the door open—“And where was the Sra., if one might know?” Nidia goes on the offensive—once again the same refrain. What if I went to the disco, or what? Every day with the questions. He wants to know where she was. She looks a little worried as she gives him her back and slinks off to the bathroom muttering “out there.” He yells again, asking about the disco. She tells him she was with Gladys, and don’t bother her. Alirio tells her how strange, it seems that Gladys has lost her memory. Nidia, on the other side of the bathroom door, looks really worried and asks why? He reports that he called Gladys at home and she said she wasn’t with Nidia. Nidia breathes out deeply and says nothing.

And we are reminded that any similarity to real life is pure coincidence.

Part 2 to come.

Vocabulary

Taradada – cretin, idiot
Organigrama – flow chart
Pasar por alto – get lost in the shuffle
Estar hasta la coronilla (de) - to be utterly fed up (with), which actually looks like I’m up to the crown of my head
Prepotente – high-handed, arrogant
Frías – cold beers
Efectivo – cash
Mamarracho – mess
De capa caída – in the doldrums
Al grano – to the point (to the grain)

Schoolmarm Jeanne

Labels: Juan