Caray, Caray!

We revisit Nidia commenting on Marely’s “new boyfriend,” Fernando. He sounds perfect, according to Nidia. Nidia scolds Marely for not letting Mami know she has a new BF. Behind the girls, Fern and Kike exchange looks. Kike is thoroughly titillated by this. Just wait, muchacho, your time is coming later tonight [Ed. Note: like a carpenter I always measure twice and cut once—watch twice and recap once]. Marely informs Mami that Fern has asked her out and Mami isn’t delighted. She scarcely knows him. [Ed. Note: oh, the irony here, but I’m not going there, gentle readers.] Mami’s worried if Marely makes things easy for a guy, he’ll lose interest. But maybe the fact that he has a car will change all that. He’s a catch if he comes with a car. She tells Kike to pass a message to Samuel’s ghost that she’s expecting him to eat at home. Kike agrees to let him know. [Sorry, couldn’t resist that. I know it was bad of me.] Off she goes with Fern in tow and Marely trailing, eyes rolling.

Juan is enjoying the lovely climate of Achichipico and thought bubbling about not understanding a word of what Susana and Sunyu are talking about. He wants help from the Blessed Child of Atocha. The gals come over and Susana gets serious with him; they’ve made a decision. Juan is wary….and Sunyu grins a little while Susana tells him they’re business associates now. Susana continues with a few details as he grabs her hand. He pumps their hands with all the force his incredible arms can muster. The gals look a little shell-shocked, if delighted with all the proprioceptive [fancy word for tactile/kinesthetic, and it’s actually English ;-) ] input. They are princesses, no, queens, no angels! Juan thanks them early and often, finally grabbing each of them by the face to kiss them. Susana and Sunyu stand frozen and dazed, smiling like loonies. Sunyu is counting on Susana explaining qué the heck this is all about later [Okay, I’m interpreting here a bit. Poor Sunyu is getting all the information that most deaf folks get in crowds of hearing people when there is no interpreter…..lots of hablablablabla and “later, I’ll tell you later” and single sentence summaries from the hearing companions. Unacceptable interpreting!] But Sunyu is so enchanted with Juan she isn’t complaining.

The granite sign for the Hospital San Arcangel looms in front of us; Fern and Marely are going to turn Nidia in. Marely apologizes, but Nidia needs to be seen and diagnosed. Nidia’s irritated and tells him to get out of here immediately, and swats him. She’s perfectly fine and they are nuts. Nidia screams for help in the closed car; her daughter and the girl’s boyfriend are kidnapping her. Marely tells her to calm down and Nidia refuses. Marely tries to explain that Nidia hasn’t been well and this is for her own good. Nidia denies she needs help and asks what language she has to use that Marely will understand. She asks Fern if he prefers to get out of there or have a broken window? Marely caves and they go while Nidia fusses about the kids trying to order their parents around.

Back in Achichipico, Juan addresses his buddy, the Blessed Child of Atocha. He thanks the Child for a laundry list of things, asks for help with the new business and apologizes to the Child for any inconvenience (pena, loosely translated), and prays for everyone he loves in Achichipico and the D. F., and even Akito though he’s in the Other World now, falling on his knees to make sure the Child knows he is serious. He especially prays for Juanito, thanks the Child and tells Him that he wants Juanito to be proud of his Papi. Joyful that he’s covered the waterfront with his prayer, Juan gets up to leave, making his customary bow/curtsy to the Child and realizes he’s forgot something Really Important. He goes back on his knees to pray for Paula. He loves her So Much and all he wants is for her to be happy.

Speaking of the Queen of Rome, Paula is sitting on the sofa in Ana’s living room, sad Palomita music playing, and she’s pensive about the lovely times with Juan as the phone rings. Surprise, it’s CL. All he wants to do is see how she is, greet her and he hopes she’s having a good evening. He realizes he’s surprised her because they usually fight or are settling some issue or other, but all he wanted to do is hear that voice he loves. She warms to his charm….of course. What a nice gesture. Oh, my, he hasn’t been enough of a caring hubby and he’s let those small bad things become big ones. Gee, what a shame. But he has such an enormous love for her! He just has to fight to save the relationship. Paula doesn’t know what to say to him. [Ed. Note: just ask us, we’ll give you some talking points here.] He wonders if he’s such a bad hubby that she’s surprised by something that should have been obvious? He loves her So Much and wants to be with her for the Rest of His Life. They wish each other goodbye, he with a kiss. Good job, CL, she’s hooked again.

No sooner has CL hung up than Moni comes in to ask why he’s still hanging out. She needs a ride because Fern has her car. But, by the way, she’d like to get a bite to eat before going to the apartment, wouldn’t he like to eat, in exchange for the lift (a cambio del aventón), she’ll treat? If he’s hungry, that is…..But, of course he is! [Very deftly done, Monica.]

Nidia seems to have acquired Fern’s jacket to keep her warm, and is working her magic on Fern outside the gates of La Casa Cachón. She thinks they can trust him now, but she of course needs to vet her daughters’ BFs. Fern and Marely play along. Nidia fishes for a compliment—isn’t she in the flower of her age? Fern tells her she’s lovely (guapa). She draws him aside to tell him the daughters might be a little envious of her. Marely scolds for talking in secret. Nidia swats Marely’s head and tells her to respect her elders and invites Fern in to eat. They can get to know each other better. Fern and Marely exchange wild looks over her head; she’s just out of control flirting. Nidia babbles about it seeming strange to him that her hubby (Samuel’s ghost) won’t be eating with them. She drags him into the yard while Marely sighs and follows.

Behind a pillar in the Farell lobby, Ivonne hides to watch CL and Moni get the elevator. Pastor comes and taps her as the door closes, and Ivonne jumps. He wants to know what she’s doing and she retorts that he almost scared her to death. She tells him that she’s hiding to avoid CL, she didn’t want him to see her while he was leaving. Her purse was in the desk, too. Pastor wants to know if this was part of the Master Plan. Nope, she just wanted to avoid CL’s insistence. Pastor tells her to tell CL enough, already! Ivonne responds that she’s tried. She doubts he’ll stay quiet, today he’s with Monica but tomorrow, who knows? Pastor tells her to hold firm, it’s her only opportunity to show him that she’s not going to continue to be his…….um….crying towel. Ivonne gives him a look as he modifies what he started to say. She tells Pastor it’s likely too late; Fern appears tot be interested in another woman—Marely. Pastor scoffs. That muchacha is no expert and no match for Ivonne. Ivonne has more resources! Ivonne smiles fondly at his encouragement.

Juan babbles to Juanito about the new business, and Juanito obligingly looks on with feigned interest. Juan explains that he and Juanito are going to make up for what they have lacked for so many years (privaciones – wants, privations). Juanito’s trusting little face looks up at his Papi. Will they be rich? Yep, they’re already rich in their hearts. Hasn’t Juanito noticed that the Blessed Child of Atocha has filled their hearts with blessings and gifts? [Ed. Note: Awwwww.] He points to the painting of the Child above the head of Juanito’s bed. [Which probably was his when he was a joven, since Delfi probably took Juan in when his Mami passed away. Just a guess.] Juan and Juanito will be millionaires, his Papi will be the Czar of Anthuriums. Juanito wants to know what’s up with this Czar thing. Juan puts it in terms that Juanito can wrap his head around---Juan’s toasted pigskin will be the best. [ ;-) Thanks, Maricruz!] Juanito wants to verify—Papi will be the boss, or will….?? The record stops. Juan assures Juanito that his Papi will be the one. Juanito is not so sure; it seems sometimes that the other one orders Juan around. [Anga, we presume.] Juan denies that’s the case; he’s the king. Juan tells him their exports will be everywhere. Juanito will attend the very best prep school/boarding school (colegio). He’ll have a room the size of a restaurant/wine cellar, whatever, with wall-to-wall games [my best guess for recatado]. Can Juanito imagine his birthday party? Juanito’s little face gets serious—he tells his Papi he’s never had one. His mommy could never manage to have one for him. Juan is muy impactado. We see his big heart squeeze with pain.

After a break, we note that Paula looks as good in a bikini as she does in most everything else. It’s got as much coverage as everything else she wears, too. As they eat, Paula tells Ana that CL disconcerts her. There are times when it really looks like he’s changed and wants to be with her, that things between them could actually work. But just about that time she remembers so many things he’s done that contradict it and give her doubts. Then she thinks this new and improved CL is just a strategy he’s using to get her back, and when he has it all in the bag, everything will be the same old-same old. Ana comments and looks wary. Paula continues that he just talked with her and seemed very caring. She kept on the defensive because he threw her a curve. She feels guilty. Ana doesn’t think she should be guilty about having doubts after all this. Paula notes that this is a critical point between her and CL; in some way, Juan continues to be like a ghost imposed between the two of them. Ana thinks Paula is getting tangled in too much thinking and analysis about it. Paula worries she’ll live with uncertainty the rest of her life. CL is real, and there is always the possibility that this time he means what he says, wanting to resolve things with her. Juan is a ghost. Ana notes that maybe for some reason or other Paula wants to go back with CL. What will happen after they resolve things? Will they be happy? Paula thinks happiness is relative. Ana doesn’t believe it; people can try to get as close to happiness as possible. It’s not a consolation prize. Paula repeats that Juan is merely an illusion for her. CL is real and has shown he wants to be with her. [Ed. Note: huh.] Isn’t that a more solid principle than this idealized love for Juan? Ana doesn’t know—she turns the question to Paula—is that what it seems? Paula can only shrug.

Juan has quietly come into Juanito’s darkened room and is smiling at his hijo who is supposed to be getting off to sleep. Juanito’s lamp is still on and he pipes up; what’s Papi up to? Juan replies that he’s just watching his son. He tells Juanito there’s a B-52 cockroach in the living room and he’s terrified, so he needs Juanito’s help to take care of the cockroach. Juanito wonders why such a great big guy like Daddy is such a wimp (coyón – cowardly). He shakes his head and goes down with Juan on the cockroach safari. Juan babbles on for him to be careful and follows Juanito into the room, turning on the light to a delightful mini-party with their favorite three folks—Anga, Delfina, and Molondrón. There are party hats, balloons, noisemakers, the works! Juanito joyfully smashes his face into a dessert and gets it all chocolate-y. Juan thought bubbles as we watch the party that he’s found a treasure and has learned that the greatest possible joy is always in giving joy to another person. Juan is enchanted with his son’s smile, and rejoices that they have been able to celebrate “Juanito’s first birthday party.”

Afterward, in Juanito’s room as Juan cleans his little face, Juanito points out is wasn’t really his birthday. Juan denies that this is a problem, it was simply an “un-birthday party.” He sings “happy un-birthday to you.” He hugs and kisses a delighted Juanito. Juan explains he wants to celebrate to make up for all those years that they couldn’t be together. Juan realizes that all those years, Father God had been saving a piece of heaven for him. Juanito is pleased with that idea. Juan assures Juanito that he is Juan’s greatest joy, his “motor” and his strength. Juanito thinks he’s so happy he won’t be able to sleep. Juan cajoles his son with a strategy to sleep; close his eyes, and imagine when they will celebrate the birthday for real, with clowns, and electronic games, and a swimming pool. Juanito is excited; will they have their own swimming pool (alberca)? Juan assures him they’ll have an enormous one at their house. He picks Juanito up and twirls him. Juanito tells his Papi that even if they have all that at his birthdays in the future, he’ll never forget THIS party and he loves his Papi a lot. Juan gets misty and gives Juanito a big kiss while they exchange loving looks. [Ed. Note: Awwwww.]

Speaking of bed, Anga and Delfi are sharing a quiet moment in hers in their jammies, Anga’s arm protectively around her. They chat about Juan, his amazing luck, and establishing a business with Anga and Juan. Put faith in it and the dreams will come true. Delfi wonders about that, and Anga points out that the people of Achichipico love Juan and he has the contacts and clout that will make it a success. Delfi talks fondly about Juan’s head in the clouds all the time and his big stories [read that: lies] and how you just have to overlook that in the boy. He’s basically good people and noble. Anga agrees. Delfi changes the subject: talking about rascals with good luck, she has a proposition for him. [Ed. Note: seems a little late for a proposition at this stage, Delfi…] What, he wants to know, does she want to be in the business with them? Nope, it’s something else. How about they get married? Anga is muy, but muy, impactado and sits bolt upright, and looking distinctly nauseated.

Molondrón and Juan, on the other hand, are sharing a quiet moment on the patio and talking about the lovely ladies. Molondrón thinks Juan’s charm convinced Susana to go in with him on business. Juan postures. He hasn’t lost it yet! Molo wants to know if Juan doesn’t like Susana at least a little, and don’t lie about it to your Molo. He acknowledges there might be something, but his heart is still wounded. Still, he’s not closing off the possibility. Molo is pleased with that, it’s his old Juan back.

Delfi and Anga are right where we left them, in bed, and she’s telling him her reasons for wanting to marry. She doesn’t want it to go from mouth to mouth—that she’s sleeping with a guy who isn’t her husband. [Ed. Note: Ah, yes, small towns….] Anga sounds doubtful….but to MARRY? She urges him to just give it a thought; he’ll have everything with her…..a home, a warm meal, and someone who loves him like no other can. She reaches over to tickle under his arm that’s raised behind his head. He chuckles and then grimaces as she cuddles up to him, and mutters to him to tell her yes.

CL has stopped by Laura’s apartment with Moni after they’ve eaten. He wonders if she’s going to tell her friend Gustavo Rivas that she and CL had dinner, won’t it bother him? Moni wants to know where that question is coming from. He gives her a lame reason – but she’s not going answer the question. She’s a free woman and doesn’t have to inform CL about her relationship with Gus. He murmurs and she reaches to straighten his lapel as they sit on the sofa facing each other [Ed. Note: my back hurts even watching it.] She coyly tells him it went well for them; she had forgotten what a pleasure it was to just chat with him. CL tells her he’s the salt of the earth (un pan de Dios, a/the bread of God—I thank Marycelis for translating that for me once long ago). He tells her he doesn’t understand why women like her are determined to look for defects in him that don’t exist. [Sheesh.] She grins coyly and exclaims “how modest!” He acknowledges that would be his only flaw. She smiles as she tells him that in spite of this tiny flaw, it was good. Does he realize that when they let down their guard, they can be good friends? CL, true MCP that he is, doesn’t know because he’s of the mind that it’s strange for men to be friends with women. Moni tells him that’s just his bias and asks if he’d like a drink. CL thanks her, but no. They’ll see each other tomorrow, he has to go. She bids him goodbye and gives him a tender kiss on the cheek; he looks a little bemused and pleased. Monica bites her lip, watches him leave, and sighs heartily.

Of course, Cousin Laura is in the wings waiting for her turn on stage. Is it just her ideas, or did actually she hear CL’s voice, she wonders? He’s just left, Moni tells her wistfully. Laura thinks it looks like her strategy to make him jealous is working. Moni looks calculating as she tells Laura that while Paula is acting like a prima donna/diva, Moni herself is gaining ground. She and Laura grin broadly at each other.

Outside of La Casa Cachón, Fern and Kike are recapping what just happened with Nidia. Fern laments that it’s difficult (cañón) to see poor Nidia like this. He doesn’t like to see Marely so sad. Kike agrees, poor Marely. He gives Fern a speculative look that isn’t lost on Fern. Fern retorts that he has cared a lot about Nidia, but now he cares about her in a different way. They laugh about Nidia thinking that Fern is Marely’s BF. Kike comments that Fern’s looking pretty happy in his role of BF. Kike warns Fern off—and Fern wonders if he likes Marely, so what!? Neither of them has any commitment. Marely is JUAN’S girl! What? Did he buy her or what? Kike talks to him like Fern is a preschooler—this is the woman my compadre needs. Fern wonders who named Kike the guardian of all Juan’s women? The fuss at each other a little—Fern thinks there is no reason for him not to get involved with her and Fern gives his reasons for liking her: she’s pretty, intelligent…..Kike is mildly impactado. What, you really care for her? Well, yes! Fern is annoyed that Kike would think otherwise. Kike stares in disbelief.

Speaking of the Queen of Rome, Yadi is telling her sis that Nidia has had her good points. Marely’s not happy that Nidia’s insisting that Fern is her boyfriend. Yadi pokes at Marely—it doesn’t look like Marely is angry about that idea. Marely denies it’s true. He’s a good friend, good people with her, nothing more. Yadi points out that he’s charming, not bad looking…..Marely goes on the offensive. “Don’t tell me you still like him?” She grins slyly. Yadi tells her sis they’re not talking about Yadi, they’re talking about Marely. She tells Marely that she should be at least considering Fern and option. Marely retorts she wasn’t looking for one. Yadi says she should. They take turns scoffing at each other over it. Yadi thinks Fern is the perfect candidate to help Marely get Juan out of her head once and for all. Marely is definitely not thrilled with that idea.

Meanwhile, outside, Kike says he’s only telling Fern the same thing he told Juan; Paula only took up with Juan to forget CL. Fern thinks the vibes he’s getting from Marely are different. Fern thinks with himself, Marely will forget Juan forever. Kike thinks it’s going to be difficult. Fern tells Kike the one enamored of Juan is Kike, not Marely. Kike says don’t be a fool, I’m serious here. Fern says it all remains to be seen. Kike shakes his head.

Back in Tweedle-land, Tweedledum and Tweedledee are engaged in one of their favorite pastimes—drinking while they discuss how to get Juan. T2 tells T1 that Juan’s got Aldemar hooked into his scheme, and T1 says his Dad’s just a toady around Juan. T2 fans the flame—he notes that Herbierto is irritated. Herbierto decides they need a plan. It’s not just Juan who can get people to do what he wants; the Tweedles are going after the girls—now the question is who gets whom? The girls have money and some should be Herbierto’s, he contends. Casimiro chuckles, but he’s interested.

Susana’s hooked on Juan. As she lies on the bed, musing about him, she hopes she’s not mistaken and he’s a man of his word. Why, a gal could easily fall in love with a guy like him!

Juan’s thinking about her, too, as he lies in his hammock while Juanito sleeps in the background—with the light on??? Juan thought bubbles that if Molondrón is right, Susana’s got her sights on Juan. Wow! Gee, Juan, a precious executive, he thought bubbles. It’s his specialty. Then he remembers it’s his specialty for embittering his life. He continues to wonder about Susana—she might be a good mother and a good woman to help him heal his wounds. He glances at Juanito and encourages himself to go for it.

The Tweedles clean up, but not so good, folks. It must be an Achichipico thing to wear clothes that don’t match when you go formal. They’re hot to trot and trotting for the local hotel to find the ladies. Both have white pants (how DO they keep them clean?) Herbierto has a jacket and both have red ties. [Does someone know the name for that kind of tie?] Caismiro’s actually goes with his shirt….mostly…..Each of them clutches a bunch of flowers tightly. They are pure determination. Herbierto wants to know how he looks. Casimiro tap dances around it, as most self-respecting folks would. Casimiro wants to talk about who gets who. They argue—Herbierto tells him he gets the Japanese girl, she fits his personality better, and Herbierto gets Susana—nothing is solved. Casimiro’s cousin who works in the hotel sees them and chuckles about them being dressed for a costume party. Casimiro tells him not to mock. They’ve come to call on the foreign girls. Cuz is skeptical and is reluctant to go knock on the girls’ door; it’s pretty late—if they’re lucky (perhaps, a lo major) they’re already sleeping. But, he goes. The boys giggle and Herbierto turns on Casimiro—what’s HE laughing about? T2 mutters that he doesn’t know….the truest words we’ve ever heard….

Hasn’t Delirio learned yet? He sneaks into the dark bedroom, crawls into bed with Nidia, and wakes her up. Nidia yells “Samuel” at him. Delirio just mumbles and she says it’s high time he arrived (bonitas horas de llegar - good hours to arrive). She flips on the light. Delirio keeps his back to her and pretends to snore, but no luck. She’s ticked that he just arrived and now he falls asleep—she drags the blankets back and realizes it’s Delirio. Nidia erupts again with screams and throwing pillows. He’s a degenerate! Depraved! He’d better get out of there! The kids come running in their jammies. Is she okay? No, of course she’s not okay, for Pete’s sake! Get this violator out of here! Delirio begs her to calm down; things are not as they seem to her. She yells more insults about him thinking he can justify being in her bed. Kike drags Delirio out while Nidia yells insults at him; she wants him out and never wants to see him in her house again. Delirio protests his eviction, of course. Yadi sends Marely off to bring Mami something and tries to calm Nidia. She tells her Mami that Kike will take care of Delirio. The light bulb goes off in Nidia’s head—qué the heck is Kike here this late and in his jammies????? Yadi, never a fast thinker, somehow pulls it off—pajamas are the fashion now, people wear them all the time! She ignores the late part and hopes it’ll work.

Downstairs, the rest of the family, in jammies, has reassembled for tea and decompression. The maid has magically appeared, fully dressed [obviously never sleeps] with a tea tray. Marely scolds Delirio for his foolishness in going into he bedroom. It was logical Nidia reacted like that. He asks what he’s supposed to do; he’s her hubby. Marely acknowledges that as Yadi joins them, and Marely points out that Nidia’s not in her right mind (no está in sus cinco sentidos, she’s not in her five senses), she’s in some other world. The girls and Kike chat about the tea while Delirio whines. It’s the last straw! He’s been exiled from his nuptial bed and displaced from his own bedroom. Kike tells him to quit using the Sunday words. (palabras domingueras). [Delirio uses the terms “lecho nupcial” and “propria alcoba,” instead of cama and habitactión –his words are antiquated and pompous]. Kike tells him to get a grip (grab the wave, agarre la onda), can’t he see that Nidia is bad off? Yadi scolds Delirio—didn’t it occur to him not to go into Nidia’s bed? He whines that he still has stuff in there, what’s he supposed to do? Marely tells him to wait until Nidia’s not around, get the stuff, and put it into Juan’s room. Delirio moans.

The Tweedles are still negotiating a partner switch. T2 doesn’t LIKE the Japanese girl. Herbierto looks at him in feigned disbelief—doesn’t Casimiro KNOW that the Japanese girls are the best lovers? They’re all geishas! [Ed. Note: Gag me with a spoon. All my Japanese-American friends in Hawaii would be in shock with this line. Especially my girlfriends.] Casimiro wonders if that’s true why Herbierto doesn’t want her for himself? Herbierto chuckles with oil dripping down his chin [I’m just saying] and tells Casimiro Susana already has her eye on him. Casimiro doesn’t buy it, but Herbierto talks faster. Speaking of the Queen of Rome, Susana wishes them a terse good evening, what can she do for them, as she walks up in her lovely white silk robe. Casimiro gives her a thrice-over with impactado eyes and Herbierto, sleaze ball that he is, giggles repeatedly as he presents their case. Casimiro wanted to see if the Japanese girl would go out for a walk with him, and by the way, if you’re not doing anything, maybe you and I could accompany them? Casimiro is impactado at Herbierto’s chutzpah. Susana is, too, as Herbierto thrusts the flowers at her.

Nidia is calming down with her tea. She tells her girls she had told them about that man (Delirio). These types of depraved men don’t listen to reason. She babbles on and they humor her. They’ll do everything they can….tomorrow. Finish your tea. Nidia wants to wait for Samuel to take care of it. She’s afraid this lecher will get into the girls rooms and go too far with them. The girls assure her nothing so serious will happen. Nidia thinks with these degenerates you never know. Haven’t they seen the news? Nidia is definitely not going to be able to sleep tonight. The girls sigh and Nidia babbles on. Their lazy father hasn’t shown up, either (shown his nose). So, that lecher is hanging around her house! She sighs in frustration.

The Tweedles leave the hotel musing on the welcome they didn’t get. Casimiro doesn’t believe they were really tired like they said. Herbierto thinks they got some points anyway. Casimiro tells him there’s no one so blind as one who refuses to see. They argue about what Susana’s refusal to go out with them meant.

Back at the Casa Cachón, Kike tries to convince Delirio he needs to make himself scarce for a few days. “Qué????????” Kike presents his rationale: he doesn’t see any other way. Yadi nods vigorously. Delirio wants to know why HE has to make the sacrifice? [Ed. Note: It isn’t obvious to you, Lic? Sheesh.] It’s just not fair. Marely explains that his presence disturbs Nidia. But he adores Nidia, Delirio whines. He can’t let go of her. Yadi says if he loves her so much he shouldn’t be such an egotist. Think of her rather than yourself! Kike says it’s for everyone’s good, while she gets better. Delirio just isn’t interested. They’re just plotting to get rid of him and this is the perfect excuse. It’s not going to be that easy! Yadi yells at him to not be paranoid. Marely begs him to please just leave the house for a short time for Nidia’s sake. He looks at her, pensive. Kike begs him to pay attention, and to do it, too. It’s for the good of the Doña. They all beg Delirio to do this for Nidia. It gets quiet and we hear the crickets chirping. The three kids think it’s a done deal, and they sigh and begin to relax….until Delirio comes to and tells them no, no, no and NO! He’s not budging. How do they like that?? They all sigh in frustration as we go to break and see Delirio counting his billetes.

Juan stretches out under the late night sky, clad in his botitas, tank t-shirt and jammie-shorts. The moon is high in the sky with a steeple behind him…how idyllic….. Anga joins him—is Juan a night owl? (Ave nocturna, night bird). No, he tells a jammie-clad Anga, he used to sleep like a bear in winter but since he went to the capital, he’s lain awake nights thinking and thinking, with insomnia. He wonders why Anga’s awake at this hour. Anga tells Juan that he’s been thinking about a delicate issue—Juan wants to know if it’s the business. Nope, personal-- Delfi proposed. For once, Juan is speechless, but he chuckles. Anga wants to know why he’s laughing. Juan responds and they sit companionably for a while. Anga tells Juan he asked her if he could think about it a little while. He’s tired of being alone and stuck to the memory of Nidia. Juan congratulates Anga, because he can reclaim (recover) his life, and fast. Juan continues that others of us want to but can’t. Anga scoffs. He knows he’s no Adonis and bald (calvo - a pun, since his last name is Calvo and it means bald), but he still has time to begin something new. And Juan is young; why can’t he do the same? Juan is glib (labia que tiene, you have glibness), so he should be able to do it….Juan is the King of this town! There must be several little gals willing to fix his wounds and cure them. But time passes, and when you realize it, it might be too late. Anga’s spent the best years of his life waiting for someone who would never be his. He looks at Juan meaningfully.

Marely is still trying to get hardhead Delirio to cooperate with the program. It’s just for a few days. Nope, Delirio’s having none of it. Not even one day. I’m staying because I’m staying. Nidia has apparently been awakened by his whining and wants to know qué the heck is all this. Delirio calls her his dear and tries to explain. She tries to throw him out again. It’s Doña Nidia to you! She doesn’t know what language she has to use for him to understand that she doesn’t want him coming back to her house. [Ed. Note: apparently it hasn’t occurred to her that they still are all in their jammies in the middle of the night arguing about him being there.] She’s just amazed by his audacity. He whines and she scolds; it’s all because Samuel Cachón is….wherever he is….Delirio tries once again to call her his love and she tells him to get out or she’ll kick him out. Delirio goes off stage right while Yadi cheerfully bids him farewell. They hear Delirio slam the door and Nidia remarks he almost broke it. She notices that Kike is still around and wonders when he’s going to get out.

Well, apparently everyone’s going with the program, as Kike and Delirio sit freezing their okoles off on the front steps of the house. They wonder when this Sra. will get to sleep so they can sneak back in. Delirio emphatically doesn’t want this scene repeated every day. Yadi comes out to get Kike, and Delirio doesn’t want to have to sneak into his own home like a criminal, that’s the last straw, but Kike tells him it’s fine if he wants to stay outside all night and Delirio thinks better of it.

Juan is all excited to greet the ladies at the hotel as the rooster crows the next morning; he’ll give them a great guided tour of the town or walk by the river with them. He thought bubbles about Susana—could she be his future? He greets the ladies with bows and a cheerful “hola.” But, what are those suitcases? Susana tells Juan they have to return to Mexico City to take care of some loose ends. He tries to convince them to stay in Achichipico, this wonderful place. Nope, they’ll have to come on some other occasion. He thought bubbles –what should he say, that he thought she could be the mother of his child, that she could rip the bad love away from his heart? She smiles at Juan and he bucks up, trying to make the best of it. Can he carry the suitcases? They’d love that, Susana tells him. Juan goes between them and flirts a little with Susana as he passes her. Sunyu smiles at Susana’s look. They arrive to the red car that Akito had driven, and Juan tells them that parting is such sweet sorrow [Okay, I paraphrased that] and that’s life. But, they’ll be returning very soon, right? Sunyu reaches up to kiss him. He tells her “sayonara” and she goes around the car. Susana is left facing Juan, who tells her to remember her promise. She says she will. Then he takes her aside. Will she be in contact with folks at Farell? She’s puzzled and a little wary. Yes…..why? He wants a favor that’s very special. Don’t, under any circumstances, tell them she knows Juan. Susana is impactada.

Marely comes into the office, greeting co-workers, and finds a gift at her desk. She opens the card, which tells her it’s just a little token (detalle) for someone sweet. It’s signed “yours faithfully, Fernando.” (Atentamente). She reads it aloud and Ivonne is impactada.

Susana doesn’t understand. Why? Well, he worked at Farell for a short time, was a highly placed executive…..What area, Susana wants to know. In the VP Commercial area. He left with some problems. What problems, she wonders? Well….with a woman. That’s why he doesn’t want the people there to know he is here in Achichipico. Susana wants to know if it’s really that. He swears it is. If she has to mention someone, why not mention Anga—they know him well at Farell. He asks her again to please not mention him. She tells him he’s a very special (peculiar) man. He thought bubbles that he’s not sure if it was a compliment or insult. She tells him he can count on it, not to worry and tells him she has to go. Sunyu gets into the car behind her, so it’s clearly time. He kisses her cheek and she’s impactada and pleased….as we all would be….. Juan thought bubbles that there went his future, all his hopes were placed in this little doll. His, and those of his son. He sighs to himself about her lips and hugs, and tells her to return soon, very soon as he waves them off.

Moni is meeting with Fernando to tell him the ladies have called to her them know they’re on the way. She wants him to have all the documentation ready for them when they arrive. Fern asks her if this business deal is very important for the company, right? Moni affirms it’s the opportunity for them to open a new business in the Orient, and for nothing in the world can they lose it.

On the other side of Mexico, Juan is telling Anga that no way in the world can they lose this business deal. Anga agrees, and for that reason he wants all the business details clear from now on. The first thing is to define the partnership. Juan thinks they should see a notary. Anga wants to know how they’ll divide the percentages of profit; Juan says it’s 25% each. Anga disagrees, it’s just Juan, Anga and Aldemar. What about Molondrón? Anga says he doesn’t want Molondrón as a partner. Juan tells him very politely he’ll make it easy; if it’s three people, it’s Molondrón in and Angarita out. Anga is impactado.

At the Farell lobby, Julia has lost weight and all the lobby lizards still live in the lobby. Paula strides in, blue jeans and casual top, smiling uncomfortably. She greets Marely, who’s excited to see her. The lizards speculate evilly. Paula complains about how the whole world is watching her. Marely reminds Paula she knows how they are and asks if she’s come to see CL? Nope, she’s come to see Monica. Marely is muy, pero muy, impactada. We are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely coincidental. [Ed. Note: has there EVER been a better ending sequence than Juan cachi-cachi-bonboning in the waterfall, sans shirt??]

Monday: Will Monica forgive Paula or slap her? Will CL have a hissy that Paula’s with Monica? Will Juan pine away for Susana, whom he’s known and adored for all of two days?

Vocabulary

A cambio del aventón – in exchange for the lift/ride
Privaciones – wants, privations, what has been lacking
Colegio – prep school, boarding school, like mine but for hearing kids
Coyón – cowardly
Alberca – swimming pool
Un pan de Dios – salt of the earth, literally a/the bread of God
Cañón – difficult
No está in sus cinco sentidos – not in her right mind (lit. she’s not in her five senses)

Jeanne

Labels: Juan