Caray, Caray!

[My apologies for not listing vocabulary here and not doing my usual vocab job, but what I did include is embedded. For the next two weeks I’ll be out of state and out of Univision, and Maricruz has graciously agreed to sub for me. ¡Feliz Navidad a todos Uds., mis amigos!]

Intro notes for tonight: El Rey Tiburón (I just found out that’s the King Shark. Duh!) is playing and they’re still giving us new scenes mixed with older scenes, a very nice way to begin the evening. We get even better close-ups of the little one we think might be Juanito, judging by the boots. ☺

We revisit Juan’s story about the women in his life, which he’s telling Dark Buddy. Palomita plays while he reminisces, lost in another place and another time.

Speaking of the Queen of Rome, here we are with her as Juan keeps telling Dark Buddy how he got in with the execs, rubbing elbows (me codeaba). Man, this chick studied in the U. S. How about that? Paula eats as Chelo bustles in the background kitchen [isn’t that apartment a little small for three to hang out?] Juan continues to tell Dark Buddy how she was crazy about him, while Paula eats dinner miles away with her hubby.

CL is still telling Paula about going to Guadalajara for the weekend for business with the Japanese folks for whom Paula actually initiated the contacts , when he slips and says “we’re ready to go and listen to the proposals.” Paula, educated in the U. S., clearly has extreme mental faculties [Ed. Note: watch my eyes roll here], and her head snaps up. “WE? Who you going with?” He stumbles around about going with Moni. Chelo looks alarmed. Paula gives him a look –sort of “oh, uh-huh,” and goes back to her food.

Laura and Moni are also eating. [Ed. Note: Does Laura work or is she independently wealthy? Can she just stay home and keep house and cook for her cousin?] Laura wants to know the scoop on what Moni expects to get out of this trip. “That Paula will suffer.” Laura isn’t buying it. She thinks there’s an ulterior motive, maybe to get a little action with CL. Absolutely nothing! Well, why do you look so happy? Why is there this sparkle in your eyes, Laura wants to know. You’re hoping for something more. No way, Moni tells her. I’d rather die.

In the Cachón living room, Delirio is delirious on the sofa, all stretched out, with Marely hovering and Yadi and Kike looking on worriedly. We hear a cry? A siren? A screech? Who knows. Whatever. Nidia yells “Bombs away (here come the bombers)!” The kids clear out fast, and suddenly, there’s a glass of water being flung on Delirio’s unconscious face. He comes to, sputtering and looking suspiciously like he’s trying hard not to roll on the floor laughing. Nidia looks like she’s cracking up, too. [One wonders how much else in this novela is ad-libbed.] When they regroup after a second he wants to know what happened. Was it all a dream? Nope, she tells him, it’s real life. Delirio waxes about life being a dream and she’s the dream of his heart, etc., etc., and is she really pregnant? He clasps his hands in entreaty. She makes a face at him; does he THINK she’d be playing games with something like this? Delirio gets off the sofa onto his knees and crawls over to her, grabbing her by the waist and kissing her tummy, bleating sweet nothings. She pushes him away in horror and what? Mortification? [only thinking of what I’d be doing in her place at this age and with an audience]. “Why?” He backs off a little. Nidia wonders if he really wants the details. Marely makes it clear that SHE doesn’t. Delirio gets up and holds his arms out at Nidia, then the kids, then the cameraman, crying with delight, “un hijo!” With each “jota” he spits a little and camera gets spots [okay, I’m giving it a flourish here or there, maybe not spots.] “What a great joy!” He puts his hand on his heart and Nidia looks distinctly uncomfortable. Well, That’s Awkward. “Yes, and for this you fainted like a hysterical woman?” Nidia is irritated. Marely rushes to her, finally coming out of her impactado estupor. Could Mami possibly be wrong, she wonders? Nope, Mami reassures her. Well, why didn’t she say something already? Nidia stutters around—pure embarrassment, at this stage of her life, for Pete’s sake. She wasn’t sure how they’d take it. Marely grins ear to ear and congratulates her. Kike and Yadi come to give their own particular brand of congrats. [Please note, everyone, that they often wear clothes that are the same color to show they’re on the same team. As a matter of fact, so do Paula/CL, and later tonight I noticed Ivonne/Fern with his tie matching her suit. I’m just sayin.] Yadi tells her it’ll all come out okay in the end. ☺ She’ll be right there with Mami, advising. [Uh-huh.]

Paula and CL have had a loooong dinner discussing this business trip. She assures him she’s not saying anything about it. He points out she doesn’t need to, the face she made is more than sufficient. She sarcastically wants to now if he’s now a specialist in nonverbal communication. He points out [Condescendingly, one might think] that Monica is the Veep for Commercial stuff of the company. Chelo takes it all in from behind. They fuss about whether they should be fussing. Finally Paula asks if she should have reasons to be worried about his business trip? He Assures her that She Should Not. They fuss some more and Paula wonders about their trust issues. [Sheesh.] “Puh-leeze!” he says sarcastically. She tells him it was a joke. After a few seconds, Paula asks him why he just doesn’t take her to Guadalajara with him. Checkmate and impactado.

Dark Buddy wants to know how the story ended. Juan stutters that it ended in the door of the church. [Well, yes, but not exactly how you implied it did, Juan.] Juan looks a little shifty-eyed at DB and assures him yep, that’s what happened, DB can’t know what a scandal it was. He had the curate, the church, the wedding dinner, honeymoon, everything set up. He even had the suit, but then he got some doubts. DB doesn’t understand why he changed his mind (arrepentirse). Juan sputters a bunch of stuff about still being young, these boots and this little chest still have several little beds to conquer [okay, I paraphrased that]. There are several irresistible gals to meet , they need his kisses, and he has to keep teaching them the art of love. He doesn’t want to get pigeonholed (encasillar). DB stops him a minute; he’s going to give Juan the reason. Juan asks where is this woman now? DB says she’s off somewhere hating him. Juan doesn’t think so, because they wanted each other so much.

And the hubby of the Queen of Rome is asking if she’s serious that she wants to go with him to Guadalajara. Paula assures him she does, is that a problem? He assures her it’s no problem, but he thought she was tired of traveling. She’s not, it’s been years since she’s been there. Chelo has on her red rubber gloves and is cleaning the stove hood. [That’s just going to be the cleanest condo in the world before long. Who EVER cleans the stove hood?] He’s worried she’ll be bored while he’s in business meetings, and she tells him they’ll stay for the whole weekend and take advantage of the trip. Chelo is impactada. Paula puts her hand on CL’s. Is there a problem? Nope, he’s decided it’s a stellar idea. Chelo sees the agony of defeat looming.

At a Very Strange bar entrance, we hear Delirio before we see him. He’s celebrating with his bosom buddy, Gutis. Delirio is ecstatic to share his news that he’s pregnant—going to make his mark on the world. ;-) It’s a small step for man, but for mankind…..Gutis isn’t impactado at all, which annoys Delirio. Delirio babbles on, he’d given up all hope. Though he’s not in his best years, where his eye goes, there the ball goes. Gutis makes an off-color innuendo about the ball in question—was it from HIS rifle (fusil)? In fact, Gutis thinks Delirio better think it out—is that baby really his? Delirio is incensed that Gutis would bring such a thing up at such a time. Gutis is just pointing out a possible reality. Delirio remembers his single years, right? Delirio’s bubble has burst. Gutis makes the final point—Delirio has had Few, Few, “encounters” with his wife. Delirio growls at Gutis that no way is he going to let Gutis interfere with his happiness. Whatever, Gutierrez tells him. They say that dreaming doesn’t cost anything.

Juan is in his favorite activity, talking to himself in bed with his boots on. Okay, he has his jammies on - cute multi-colored plaid shorts and tank t-shirt, too. We assume that this lovely flowered bedroom is in Delfi’s house—and she has just as good taste as Nidia. [Ed. Note: in her living room, the painted border work is anthuriums]. He’s excited about finding out he’s a father so suddenly. He’s not sure what to think. He wonders what his baby will be like (pelado -one definition is baby). Juan bounces his arms up and down for sheer joy, and clicks his boots together like we see them in the intro clips, the cartoon boots. Then he asks himself how it’s going to be for himself to take care of a child. He gets a little frown. One thing’s for sure, he’s not going to make himself crazy over the responsibility that this child gives him. The one thing that’s been important from this affair is his son. He smiles proudly, what a great sound that has—my son! Juan is jubilant at the thought of his son!

The next morning, Achichipico is buzzing with activity. At Casa Chávez, the son is protesting to his Papi Aldemar that Papi wouldn’t give Casimiro a chance to do anything to that wretch Juan Dominguez—Juan deserved it! Aldemar tells his hijo that Juan is now someone important. Hijo retorts that’s blarney (jarabe de pico mere words, blarney). He wonders when his Papi’s going to realize. Papi thinks that Juan bringing the Japanese guy and progress to Achichipico is a Good Thing, and no violence, please. And the first thing he’s going to do is marry Erlinda. Hijo doesn’t like that one bit, Erlinda with this simpleton? Yes, sir, and you’d better get used to the idea. We’re going to convince him for the good. Hijo wants to know if Papi really thinks Juan’s going to accept that. He wouldn’t follow through with it then, much less now. Papi thinks it depends on how they sell him the idea. [Ed. Note: Not to put too fine a point on it, but isn’t there something in the rulebook that says nuns don’t marry? I wouldn’t know, since I’m Methodist, but I always get that impression. ;-) ] Papi continues with his plan: she’s still the best-looking chick in the town. Her brother thinks Papi’s lost track, she’s been in the convent and hasn’t seen the light of day for a while. [Ed. Note: maybe he’s read the rulebook]. He and Papi yell over each other, but Papi cuts him off. The girl is still lovely, she’s hard working, and the most intelligent in the town [Ed. Note: we can’t assume it’s genetic, just looking at her bro.] The girl had a bad hair day, made a mistake, but we’re going to correct her mistake. She’s going to marry, I Have Spoken. “Okay, Pa.”

Delirio stands in the room wistfully watching Nidia sleep. She sputters awake, disgusted at being scrutinized. “What, you watching me again? Just like a broody hen.” Delirio beseeches her that he has a little thing tormenting him and he needs to know. After some typical Delirio-style beating around the bush he gets to it: is the baby his? Can she tell him it’s his? She’s beyond irritated. That’s the Last Straw! She scolds him about this being the worst of the worst, and how low an esteem he holds her in. [Ed. Note: of course, she didn’t say “YES, it’s yours.] He tries to get her to understand his doubt. She gets him a pillow and he gets a blanket; they both know where he’s going to sleep tonight. She tells him she doesn’t even want to see him again in a painting. He protests, possibly torn between wanting desperately to know the answer and wishing he hadn’t even had to ask. He also might not like the sofa any more. Delirio mournfully closes the door, whining pitifully all the way.

Back in lovely, green Achichipico, in a lovely greenhouse full of rows and rows of anthuriums, we hear Akito exulting loudly how happy he is and how much money is in this greenhouse. Delfi’s anxious voice tells him to watch out as he runs around with his arms stretched to the heavens. He falls down in one of the rows, and Delfi disappears after him, to pick him up? Or not. Purring hums come from the row. Up come two heads, with Delfi wanting to know what the heck he’s proposing? He smoothes his hair. She calls him a rogue, and he gets out his little Lingo electronic translator with 10 languages in it, to find out what a “picarón” is. Delfi chuckles. She grabs the gizmo and tosses over her shoulder. She’s going to show him the words that you don’t find in the dictionary (at least not in the ones we use to recap). She grabs him by the face, kisses him soundly and roundly, and two heads disappear again down into the anthuriums. We hear yells and laughs and the anthuriums rock and swish with the motion in between the rows of flowers.

Papi Aldemar tells Hijo they’re going immediately to the convent to break his sis out, then Papi’s gonna arrange a really lovely big party for Juan. “¿Qué?!!” For a welcome. No WAY! Yes, sir. The guy has scarcely arrived, and we’re going to have him eating out of our hand. Get a band, a good hog to kill, we’ll make him feel important, more important than he is. To get the burro moving, you have to dangle a carrot (zanahoria) in front of him.

Dark Buddy and Juan approach a little house. It’s old, cute, needs some paint, and surrounded by green grass and foliage. “This is the house, and your son’s inside” Dark Buddy tells him, urging him on. Dark Buddy has his indispensable guitar, just in case the urge hits him to break into song. Juan parrots his words—this is the house and my son’s inside? What’s his name? Juanito, man. What else? Oh, sure, my name’s Juan and his is Juanito. Of course. Juan stalls but Dark Buddy, looking delightful as always in a totally white casual classic outfit, pushes him toward the door and tells him to go knock already. Finally Juan gets to the door, moves the latch once, and says no one’s home. Dark Buddy tells him to get right back there and knock harder, talking Juan up to get him off the dime. Juan rushes right back to him, there’s no one there. Dark Buddy assures him people are there. The door opens behind Juan, and a little face peers out. All we can see is a really yellow cowboy shirt and a bright, shiny big old belt buckle. A little Xerox of Juan stalks out in his botititos (no, that’s not a typo) and curly almost mullet, jeans, and cowboy shirt with the snaps and rolled-up sleeves. Oh, what’s this? He has a red bandana stuck into his belt just to the right of the big shiny buckle. His little face is somber—what are these two big guys doing out here? He walks right up to Juan and looks him over, top to bottom, assessing the big guy’s really good clothing choices. Juan looks the little one over just as carefully. [I sniffle.] They both posture, throwing their shoulders back, and visibly withholding judgment for a nanosecond or two. Juan tweaks Juanito’s ears one by one. The ears are apparently clean behind. “You are Juanito?” The boy smiles, “Yep.” Juan opens his mouth and checks the teeth. [You’re lucky this kid didn’t bit your finger, Juan.] “Do you know who I am?” The boy shakes his head no. Dark Buddy sniffles, too. [Okay, I interpreted that fond look a little.] Dark Buddy smiles and the boy looks over at him, shrugging his shoulders with a “okay, so what do I do now?” expression. Dark Buddy winks at Juanito and inclines his head Juan’s direction. Juanito gets an inspiration. “Are you my Papa?” He lights up like the son and Juan sniffles. [Okay, I interpreted that one, too.] Juan bends to Juanito’s eye level and nods hopefully. “You’re not going to leave?” Juan assures Juanito he won’t leave. [Okay, this time Dark Buddy DEFINITELY is sniffling. He’s even chewing his lip so he won’t bust into tears like Santiago. Oops, different novela.] Juanito is still beaming. He leaps into Juan’s arms, and Juan picks him up and hugs him. [Everybody Sniffles.] Juan thought bubbles that all it took was feeling this cherub’s hug, and these little arms looking for the protection of his father, and Juan’s heart stopped beating for a second. And, when he came back to earth, he was changed forever. Juanito and Juan look at each other, Juanito beaming and Juan mirroring him. Juan continues to tell himself that he felt like the most powerful man on earth with that single look from his son. This little boy brought him to his knees for life. And we cut to commercial, but first we get the treat of Juanito’s sweet, beaming little clean-scrubbed face with a lovely green hill and a single tree behind him.

Our intro to the next scene is Erlinda peeling back her habit hood with lots of religious symbols on the wall behind her. For a nun, she’s not only lovely, she’s got great make-up. [Ed. Note: in case you hadn’t noticed, she’s the evil Civil Defense supervisor from Duelo who lured Emiliooooo into her tent for a shared bath –when he was busy figuring out how to divorce Thelma and hook up with Floralina, the student nurse]. In a lovely convent garden, Aldemar and Hijo walk with Erlinda, who’s into her good habit and sensible shoes. She’s astonished that her bad habit, Juan, is back in town, and begs her Papi not to do him harm. He assures her she can be at peace, Juan’s come with a trustworthy intent. He’s also very cautious. Her father is going to respect her life. She thanks him. Papi remarks that she’s always loved that guy (pelado, not used as a compliment). Erlinda assures Papi she has, from the first day. He tells her to get herself home and revive herself—she has bags under her eyes and is too skinny. Papi’s going to talk to Mother Superior. Erlinda, smiling from ear to ear, tells Papi she’ll go get pretty for Juan (and her Papi thinks he’d better not see her like this) and thanks him. Her brother continues to stand there like a bump as Papi goes off to the office.

Juanito squats down to talk to Juanito. He’s explaining that no one told him Juanito had been born, then Juan had spent a lot of time in the capital and couldn’t come to see Juanito. Juanito looks somber again. He tells Juan that his Mami has died. Juan sympathetically tells his son he knows. Juanito says that his Mami always told him about Juan, and that some day, Juan would come for him. Juanito smiles shyly, and Juan smiles and tells Juanito she wasn’t wrong, because here Juan is. Juanito agrees, she wasn’t wrong. Juanito gets another inspiration. Is Papi going to take Juanito with him? Juan asks if he’d like that? Yes, but Juanito wants to run and ask Grandma first. Juan holds him; Juan wants to talk to Grandma. Okay, Papi, Juanito tells him. Where will we live? Juan says they’ll live here in town so he can still see his Grandma. After a while they’ll see where else they’ll live. Juanito thinks he’d like to see the capital some day. Will Papi take him? Sure, Juan tells him, and they’ll go all over the world. He has to trust his Papi. And does Juanito know where else Juan will take him? “No idea” Juanito responds in his cute little voice. “No idea? To the MOON!” “For REAL?” “For real!” “Will I be afraid?” “No, you won’t be afraid.” Juan goes off to talk to Grandma while Dark Buddy watches after Juanito. Dark Buddy has been standing by, watching this with pleasure. [As we all have.]

Even without Juan, life in the D. F. goes on. Moni arrives at work and sees CL pulling into the garage with Fern. CL gets out and bids Fern farewell, and Fern asks for CL’s pardon because he was late picking CL up. It won’t happen again. CL supposes not since he won’t be driving the car any more. Fern smiles. Moni thinks CL looks pretty happy. Well, he is—Paula is going with them to Guadalajara. Isn’t that just magnificent? He walks off with a terribly annoyed Moni in his wake.

Paula holds a sketch of Juan in all his glory and tells Ana she thinks if they put Juan on ceramics, it’ll sell like hot bread. [Put me down for two]. Ana looks proudly over her shoulder at the masterpiece. How many copies of that ARE there? In how many different forms? Paula wonders where he is, and Ana replies he’s out there wandering. Paula wants to know how Mami knows this. Ana acknowledges he called. Why didn’t Ana tell her before?

Moni and CL talk about the impending trip; CL thinks that Moni and Paula can renew the ties that bind them. [Right, you’re the only tie that binds them, CL.] Moni tells him she totally agrees and doesn’t know why it didn’t occur to her. CL tells her it must be because of the exhaustion she’s feeling from the work. [Condescending twit.] He watches the numbers over the door as the elevator goes up. Moni turns her back to him to get off the elevator and we see she’s totally disgusted with this little change-up in plans. He looks smug behind her when he tells her to go ahead of him. She tersely thanks him.

Paula pushes hard for details about the call. Is it a secret? Ana wonders if she’s committed some crime here, or is this call a matter of life and death for Paula. Paula denies that, but still pushes. Ana can’t give her much, since Juan wouldn’t give Ana much. He’s okay, he’s working in a bar creating a new drink. He’s traveling a lot, going from one city to another. Really? Paula beams at Ana. He talked about coming back to the D. F. some day. Ana thinks he sounded strange. She’s not sure if it was lies or exaggerations. Paula defends Juan. Ana can’t put her finger on it, but it didn’t seem natural. Ana thinks maybe it was just her impressions.

Juan and Dark Buddy walk down a narrow street with Juanito between them, holding his hands. Juan tells his son about feeling a call to return to his hometown and when he arrived he heard he had a son to meet. Dark Buddy tells Juanito that you can take the boy out of the land, but you can’t take the land out of the boy (one can forget about his land, but the land never forgets him). The land, the blood, the guitar of the good-for-nothing bum (molondrón), always call. Juan thought bubbles—who would have believed it? My Juanito kept looking at me like a strange person (bicho raro – strange, odd person). Who knows what’s going through that little head? At this stage he either thinks his father is a hero of a legend or a total villain. [Look at that beaming little face, Juanito’s not got his Daddy pegged as a villain!] Juan knows it all depends on him now, and he needs to recover the time he’s lost. They strut along, and Juan picks Juanito up and tosses him in the air, then hugs him.

Moni tells Laura by phone that she has to admit this move of CL’s was unexpected and left her cold. Laura warns her that she should realize whom she’s fighting with. [Yep, he’s the move-meister.] Moni says the game’s not over. Laura tells her that instead of tilting at windmills, she should look at what’s right in front of her. Guess who’s asking for Moni? Gustavo Rivas. The one and only (him from always)? Yep, him. When’d he get back, I thought he was in the U. S.? No, he got back a few days ago. He was thrilled to hear you’re divorced. Moni brightens up. It’s been centuries since they’ve seen each other. Laura tells Moni he says she’s one of those folks who are unforgettable. Moni thinks it’s very convenient that Laura’s run into him and that she should go out with Gustavo. Laura warns her that Moni better not use him for her revenge. Moni says she’s not going to use him, on the contrary, she’ll be so pleased to see him. He’s going to help her prove certain reactions.

CL regales Pastor with his latest coup, taking Paula to Guadalajara with him when he goes with Moni. He’ll kill two birds with one stone. Pastor wants to know if it gave Moni a heart attack. CL tells him it did, but she hid it. Pastor thinks he shouldn’t be too complacent here. CL doubts it’s a problem. Pastor warns him Moni is more astute than either one of them believes. Something’s going to happen here. “Do you think so?” Pastor continues that the wounded beast fights harder. He warns CL to be careful.

Long, lovely legs very high heels trip lightly down the stairs to the garage. [My hubby would be so excited. Too bad he’s not the least bit interested in the novelas. His loss. Do Ivonne’s shoes mean the same things as Paula’s?] Ivonne has a gift in her hand. [Check out the color of her lovely suit and Fern’s tie. They’re a team, that’s how I read it.] “Genius at work?” She asks Fern. More likely studying, he says. Have to be ready for whatever comes in a day. She hands him the gift (obsequio) box. She didn’t come down to interrupt him. He thanks her; it’s an executive agenda book. Well, she responds, he needs it now. He tells her thanks for the nice gesture, but what’s this all about? Is there some hidden motive for this? She stands behind him with her hands on his shoulders. She laughs and tells him that on the contrary, she’s very sincere. [Uh-huh.] Since he’s going to stop being a chauffeur, she might have a renewed interest in him. [Sheesh.] He turns around and asks her what if he’s not interested. Well, that’d be my bad luck, Ivonne tells him. But, she doesn’t think that’s going to happen, or will it? She leans over so he gets a superb view and she gives the distinct impression she’s going to kiss him but pulls back. She chuckles and tells him to enjoy. Fern, his eyes totally glazed over, thaaaaaanks her as he watches the long, lovely legs and very short skirt lightly trip up the stairs. Red leather suit, that? Four-inch heels? Fern sighs deeply and goes back to his desk.

Delfi babbles to Akito that his kisses have made her vibrate anew. She brings in drinks to the living room that has the anthurium wall borders. He’s awakened the sleeping Princess. Her humble home is her palace and she’s going to take care of him as he deserves, like an Oriental Prince. Akito, of course, is getting none of the details but he’s got the big picture as she gets closer and clooooossser. He beams at his good fortune. He gets the reference to the Orient, Tokyo, Japan. Yes, she tells him. She asks if he feels the same as she does, right? Doesn’t he realize that when they kissed in the field of anthuriums [looked more like a hothouse to me], their lives changed forever? He takes the only word he understood and tells her he likes the anthuriums very much. Delfi seizes on the word she wants to hear—he LIKED it? He was pleased? [What we have here is a failure to communicate.] She begs him to tell her she’s the most beautiful flower in the field. Yes, he tells her, very lovely. Moooo bonita, pretty. She asks if he wants to marry her. Akito looks wary, and rightly so. Isn’t this all happening a little fast? ;-) He asks if it would be lovely? [At least he knows she asked a question.] She tells him very lovely, they’d be together. Together. She gives him a little kiss to whet his appetite. He gets that part. Yes. Lovely. Delfi’s proposal is interrupted, how inopportune to have someone at the door! A little boy is so excited he can hardly wait to tell her there’s a big party to welcome Juan with rockets, music, a roast pig, the works! Bring Sr. Akito! Who’s putting the party on, she wonders? The Chávez! She’s muy impactada. She turns back to Akito with an impactada smile, and he’s puzzled impactado.

Ana and Paula look over a book and Ana thinks it must be one of the designs for ceramics. She notes Paula’s distraction and wants to know what’s up. Ana’s just talking to herself like a crazy and Paula’s off in another world. Paula says she wasn’t thinking of anyone special. Oh, of course not. Ana advises her to get Juan out of her head, stop thinking of him. If he’s far away, it’s for a reason. Okay, I’m busted, Paula retorts. [Well, she actually said “you discovered me.] But don’t tell me YOU’RE not curious where he is? Ana says she’s not.

Anga is working off one H*** of a hangover. Or, maybe he’s still working on it. Kike looks at Anga worriedly as he works on the merchandise. Kike goes over and scolds Anga for not telling about the pregnancy, for sure he knew it. [Just what Anga needs now.] Anga groans. What? You feeling bad? [What was your first clue, Kike? His green color?] Anga says he wants to go. Kike doesn’t follow. Home? Nope, far away. Where he doesn’t know a soul and no one know him. Anga asks if he leaves, can Kike take charge of the business? Kike tells him to slow down, because he’s not following. Where’s Anga going? To the other side of the world, to the fifth hell. (estar en la Conchinchina to be miles away, be on the other side of the world). Just far from here. He looks defeated and Kike is really worried.

Moni hands CL some information and moves around to the far side of the desk. The Japanese will be in this hotel and call when you arrive in Guadalajara. What do you mean, when I arrive? Well, I’m not going, she tells him. Why? I don’t feel like it, she responds. Paula is going, you’ll be fine. She made the initial contacts. CL protests and Moni cuts him off to say they shouldn’t lie to each other, going as a threesome isn’t a good idea. The trip will be torture. “You think so?” She tells him that to be honest, she can’t stand to see him in a romantic situation with another woman in a city where she and he had some of their best times. She cheers up and tells him not to put on that face. It’s really in her favor to cancel her trip; this weekend she has a date. He’s impactado. Just great. The greatest, she turns with a smile and struts out smugly as he stares unhappily at her retreating figure. Moni sails across the lobby calling out to Marely. Yes, Ma’am? Change my ticket for Paula Davila. Marely is impactada. Yes, Ma’am.

Nidia has joined Ana and Paula, who is telling Nidia that at the end of the story, it’s most important that the truth is known. They talk about how the family was worried for her and were going to bring in the doctor. Ana wants to know what they said when they knew she was going to have a child. Nidia describes the show Delirio put on fainting dead away. The rest behaved well with her. All was going to turn out well. Things went better than she thought they would. Ana says she has a proposal for Nidia. Paula tells Nidia that she and Ana want to establish a business, a store that sells paintings, sculptures, etc. Original works of art, designs and patterns. People can come, sit, get a little cup of coffee or something to drink while they shop and look at everything. Nidia thinks it’s a divine idea. She always said Paula was good at business. Nidia wants to know what’s her part (what music she will play). A smiling Paula tells Nidia they thought she could be in charge of sales. Nidia is excited impactada. Moi? [Okay, I paraphrased.]

Kike tells Anga hold it, time out, you need to tell me more slowly ‘cuz I’m still not gettin’ it here. Anga tells him “look, boy, you’re responsible and a hard worker. I’m not giving you my business, just want you to be in charge while I’m gone a while. I want to go.” Kike responds that he’ll be pleased to be the administrator while the boss is gone, but he doesn’t think Don Anga should even go. The truth is you’re doing the same thing as Juan, he tells Anga. Anga pensively replies if he stays, nothing’s going to be resolved. Anga needs to rip Kike’s mother-in-law out of his soul. Forget that she’s expecting a child with her husband. Forget the stupid fantasy that Anga invented for himself. He gets up and walks away from Kike. He turns back to Kike; if he leaves this business in Kike’s hands, he’ll be untroubled about it. He knows that Kike won’t fail him. Kike looks dumbfounded. He smiles shyly, but proudly, and pumps Anga’s hand, thanking Anga for his trust.

The reality of Paula’s business proposal has sunk in, and Nidia is on Cloud 9. She grabs Paula on one side and Ana on the other, hugging them tightly to her and babbling about how wonderful it is! Her, a salesperson in an art gallery! Ana and Paula take the bouncing and hugging in stride, looking alternately pained and pleased. Nidia wants Paula to break out a little tequila so they can celebrate. Paula scolds her that she knows perfectly well it’s bad for her to be drinking. Nidia responds that next time she’ll bring her little bottle in her purse. Getting this kind of news is something else! (el colmo, something else). A squeezed Ana reminds Nidia she hasn’t accepted the proposal. Absolutely she accepts, Nidia declares several times, bouncing up and down on the sofa still holding on tight to the ladies Dávila. Finally she lets them go. Paula tells her that’s perfect, that’s what they hoped she’d say, and now they have several things they have to plan definitely (concreto). Nidia, still bouncing, tells them “then let’s begin!” She hops up and minces around the living room, hands on swaying hips, thinking about the clients and how they’ll go about attracting them. It occurred to her they could use one of those “monkeys on stilts” [??? Anyone? Help! That’s literal but who knows?] and they could have confetti, and “frightened mothers-in-law” [yep, that’s what she really said, so feel free to give me any help here, too]. Paula and Ana are looking increasingly mystified and downright concerned. [I confess, I’m increasingly mystified, too. I might as well mention Nidia’s leotard-type top and skirt tonight, the top bright blue, with bright green leopard print patch worked over it. This top is long-sleeved but has cut outs. Right at the armpits. Which gap when she raises her arms. And shows whatever’s below, possibly a nude colored bra. Go figure. Just had to mention that. Maybe her hormones are raging if she’s really pregnant. She’s certainly a nut case tonight.] They’ll have megaphones when they inaugurate the [??? repair place???? More help please.]. She babbles on and dances back and forth, making us all dizzy. Paula and Ana give each other a look. Qué the Heck??? And girls in little miniskirts, etc., etc., etc. She herself will design the clothes. And there’s more….They’ll have some papi ricos with chomis chomis (Nidia punctuates by air-squeezing the chomis chomis) while Paula and Ana both develop frown lines. It’s all for art’s sake. The guys will have little shirts that show their muscles, that’s for the gals who shop, muscles sell a lot. She asks Ana and Paula if they see any problem with the program she’s outlined. They exchange a glance….and Nidia keeps babbling, back to the short skirts….

In the Achichipico town center, a local band is playing as Juan, Juanito and Dark Buddy descend the stairs to find out what’s up.


Juan and Dark Buddy chat with each other on the way down about what could possibly be happening. Below, Delfi is waiting with Akito. Lots of people line the street at the bottom of the long staircase. The people begin to clap as Juan reaches the bottom, led by cheerleader Akito who bounces around as much as Nidia was earlier. Dark Buddy gives Juan a high five as everyone yells “Viva, Juan!” Juan asks Delfi what all this means. She explains they’re happy he’s returned, and that he’s brought progress with him. Juan never expected to receive such a warm welcome, much less in his own home. Dark Buddy wants to know who organized this. Juan says Doña Delfina, who else? She denies it; it was the Chávez family. Juan is impactado. One eyebrow goes up in alarm
He turns and sees Don Aldemar looking at him. Almost protectively, he picks Juanito up. Aldemar tips his hat toward a wary Juan. Juanito asks his Daddy “is it all for you, Papa?” Juan just grins at Juanito and tweaks his little cheek. Juanito grins back. Juan looks back at Aldemar, a little less wary, smiling.

Casimiro and the rejected novio of Erlinda come out of a storefront. They look down, disapproving of the big to-do. Casimiro is really p.o.’d at this all. The ex-novio wants to know what’s going to happen. Casi tells the guy that Aldemar’s called Erlinda down from the convent so she can marry Juan. The guy is totally incensed: with Juan Dominguez? [The ex calls Casi “brother-in-law” even though they weren’t. But, it doesn’t bode well for Juan.] Casi tells the guy he knows how Aldemar is. He wants to see Erlinda well married and it looks like Juan’s become an impresario. The ex says no way is he letting this happen and he’s going to ruin the wedding. Juan’s not going to want to marry her. It’s not going to happen. “Over my dead body!” The boys exchange looks.

Back on the plaza, the dance goes on. The musicians are really in the swing of it, and Juan never misses a chance to dance. He, Juanito and Dark Buddy (with his trusty guitar, of course) dance together in a trio. The music stops and the crowd yells “cachi bombon” and claps. Dark Buddy and Juan exchange hand slaps and Dark Buddy gets it on; he’s the cachi bombon guy! The music we love plays and Juan dances with Juanito and everyone else. There’s singing, clapping and dancing while Juan boogies down. Juanito emulates his Papi very skillfully!

In front of a mirror that doesn’t look like it’s in the convent, Erlinda is brushing her hair. She’s changed into civvies, and is talking to herself. She tells her father that he’s right, though he’s not there. She’s not the same as before. What if Juan doesn’t like it, doesn’t love her? He came back in spite of the threats, and that must mean that he wants to marry her. Erlinda is excited and hopeful….

Hands grip two tequila shots. Aldemar hands Juan a shot, ready to drink together. Juan thanks Aldemar, who tells Juan that this humble celebration is going to mark an historic reconciliation. Juan hoots with laughter. [He who laughs last, Juan, keep that in mind.] Juan babbles about it being a shame in advance, and thanks him for the reception and says he has chicken skin [Hawaii term for goose bumps—piel chinita—china skin]. Aldemar continues as Juan dances around and drinks his shot. Aldemar wants Juan to know that when he makes a promise, he follows through, and they know how to behave as gentlemen. Juan tells him it’s all right using words I didn’t really register (universal, for example, didn’t really fit the context). Aldemar is altogether too jovial and assures Juan they have a lot to celebrate. “Really?” Yep, they only have to talk about his daughter, Erlinda. Juan’s face freezes in a half smile. Aldemar beams at him. “We have to set a date for the wedding, Juan.” Juan’s eyes are saucers. He tosses back the rest of the shot and grimaces. He looks warily back at Aldemar, who has a cat-that-ate-the-canary smile. AND we are reminded that any similarity to real life is merely coincidental.

We have a new ending! Dark Buddy leads the dancers in a rousing chorus of Cachi Bombon! AND there are lovely shots of Juan without his shirt below a glorious waterfallllllllllll…..

Monday: How deep is the crisis for CL’s and Paula’s marriage? Does anybody actually give a rip? Will Juan and Erlinda have a date set for the wedding by sundown?

Jeanne

Labels: Juan