Caray, Caray!

As always, we open with scenes of yesteryear….oops, yesterday. Tweedle Dumb the Creepy Stalker forces his way into Susana’s hotel room, tells her He’s the Man to take her for a walk by the river, and she deftly defers him right out the door copping a migraine. Herbierto can’t understand why she sleeps so much and her head hurts all the time. What’s so difficult about that? You make my head hurt all the time, too, Herbie. If I were she, I’d be putting that chain ON so he could hear it when I slammed the door in his face and heard him chortling evilly outside.

Paula has sent Juan a message that she wants to talk to him, so he’s dutifully called Ana’s only to find Paula has moved back with CL. ¿Qué the heck? Ana works hard to make sure she doesn’t slip too much at her end and lets him ask a lot of yes/no questions because Laura the Spy is painting at the table, which leaves both her ears wide open and ready for chisme. Ana looks over her shoulder repeatedly while she tries to give Juan the story without really giving him the story. Perceptive niño that our Juan is, he picks it up and is crestfallen. Ana tries to get info from him so Paula can call him, but he’s on the move and doesn’t have a fixed place. So he says. Sitting on his lovely desk in his lovely new office. Ana tries to get him to call Paula at her apartment in the mornings, but Juan thanks her and declines. Ana checks Laura the Spy’s focus as she hangs up….Ana smells a rat.

Back in Achichipico, Juan thought bubbles his way from the office to the waterfall, wondering why Paula sent him messages when she was going back with CL. Did she just want to tell him her good news? Put the dagger into him deeper? Juan philosophically wonders what’s his payoff for embittering his life and he tosses rocks into the pool at the base of the lovely waterfall. As he continues to thought babble [sic] about this being what happens to a blockhead (zoquetón). Suddenly, Paula appears and waves to him from across the water, replete in her bikini and beckoning. They swim and cavort to “Ay, Amor” until we realize, and apparently Juan does, too, that the water is real but Paula is a mirage.

Speaking of the Queen of Rome, Paula tells her Mami about Monica’s reaction; Moni seems way more upset than Paula feels herself. Ana doesn’t buy it. Paula shouldn’t have told Moni what’s up with CL. Paula just can’t help herself when Moni pressures her so much. [Ed. Note: That’s the point of pressure, genius, that she breaks you and you give it up.] Paula will see her Mami in the morning and they’ll talk. Wait, not yet—
Ana has to convey Juan’s message. Paula is predictably impactada. Booooring. [Ed. Note: if you’re old enough to remember “Laugh-In” (oh, how I miss it!) and you saw Joanne Worley --or however her name is spelled—looking like she was picking her nose and saying “boooor-ing” all the time, FYI, that IS the American Sign Language sign for “boring.” Just thought you’d all like to know, if you’re of a certain age.]

Gutis, Delirio and Manny are celebrating their Grand Sof-Where Success in Delirio’s catacombs. They toast, and it’s entirely possible this isn’t the first bottle of the party. Manny toast to the money that will rain from the sky. Delirio gets on a chair, and regrettably, doesn’t fall on his can. He’s toasting to the money that’s coming from all their hard work. [Ed. Note: What telenovela is he talking about? Not this one.] He pontificates about the success and hablablablabla……They toast to the partnership. May it last forever. The Odd Couple is now an Odd Trio. Whatever.

Paula is So Excited to hear ANY news of Juan. What did he want? To know why you’re looking for him. Ana’s face tells it all. She thinks her daughter is barking up the wrong tree. Paula gets positively manic with joy, then Paula fusses that Ana didn’t get the info about how to contact him; Ana KNOWS how Important It Is to Paula. Ana tried, but he’s roaming and not in a fixed place—she pretty much quotes Juan.. Ana explains that she had to tell Juan it’d be difficult to contact Paula in her home and he knew that she’d moved back with CL. Paula whines. Ana wants to know what she could have done. He asked a direct question and Paula KNOWS Ana won’t tell a lie. What’s the problem. Paula tells her in an accusing tone that probably he won’t call again. [Ed. Note: little do you know; when he’s thinking about you he’s like a dog with a bone.] Ana encourages Paula to come over in the morning and he might try to call again.

The Odd Trio continues to celebrate with delusions of grandeur. Manny utters something that clearly is risqué, and there is simply no way a schoolmarm (especially an English-speaking one) would know it, but he’s talking about something “heart-stopping” (de infarto). Delirio wants to know where they’re intending to find…..BLLEEEPP. He gestures an hourglass figure, so we can assume he meant a soiled dove. He continues, gestures, and gets bleeped again for American Prime Time television. We have the picture. Gutis remarks that perhaps they’ve missed a pair of Bombons, and even one for….you. He gestures to Delirio, who wants to know qué the heck, which Bombons? Gutis is talking about those chicks upstairs, the receptionist and the Boss’s secretary. His hands suggest….Ivonne…. The boys are all excited. Delirio is going to call and make sure Ivonne is still there….and he does, but doesn’t speak. Ivonne is puzzled and Delirio is delirious. She’s still upstairs, and it’s Gutis’ great night. He tells the boys to hang on, he won’t be five minutes and goes off on his safari.

Ivonne finds CL in his darkened office, with his eyes shut, and morbid. She smiles to herself and remarks on the darkness and him drinking alone. What’s up with that? He’s not in the mood. She wants to know if it was that bad with the doc. Yep, worse than you think. He spills the doctor’s diagnosis. Really? She feigns concern for …oh….two or three seconds. But she wants to know if this operation might strip him of his manhood (hombría). [What a dig.] He is Not Amused. She presses her advantage and spells out the possibility of not being able….and how it might be a problem if a guy based his relationships only on that….that’d be like dying while you lived, huh? CL stands up and faces off with her, but Ivonne isn’t done yet. How’s he going to explain to his wife about this self-denial when she comes to him in a diaphanous/sheer negligee? (diaphanous/sheer -vaporoso). He shakes his finger and tells her not to provoke him. Ivonne chortles evilly [Ed. Note: there is a lot of that going around tonight]. She suggests CL can have Pastor present him to some of his little friends. CL looks at her like she’s gone nuts, which isn’t far off the mark. Saved by the ding-a-ling…uh, bell. Gutis interrupts with a cheery greeting, breaking the mood of vengeance just slightly. He excuses himself for the interruption, but he wants a few seconds with his little queen. CL is bemused and Ivonne looks nauseated, then disgusted.

Laura commiserates over this awful turn of events with Monica. It’s terrible. It’s somehow like a divine punishment for CL. [Didn’t sound too divine to us.] Is he miserable? Moni doesn’t want her to talk nonsense, doesn’t she know how much he’s suffering? Laura can’t understand why Monica even cares about this, and Monica tries to explain why it matters to her. Laura thinks they should be realistic. How long will CL’s marriage last without sex? Plus, there’s a third element in this equation: she tells Moni that Juan called, looking for Paula. Moni is excited-impactada. Laura witnessed the call. Moni is pleased.

Ivonne has made it back to her desk, where Gutis is taking full advantage of the View From Above. She tells him she Can’t. CL comes out the door to see what’s up. Gutis is trying to get her to party with the Boys. CL tells her to cheer up; the plan looks phenomenal to him. Ivonne gives him a “thank you for nothing” look. Gutis extends the invitation to CL, too. [He was supposed to pick up more girls, not another guy, but that’s Gutis for you. He’s happy if he’s got one and the heck with the other guys. Ew.] CL says he wouldn’t want to ruin their plans, but Gutis talks him into it. Ivonne gives him the stink eye big time.

Manny is so excited he’ll probably wet himself. He tells Delirio not to be such a wimp (canija, weak or feeble, this is my loose translation). They exchange some chitchat about Gutis and guess who appears with what he promised? Gutis…with Ivonne. And CL. Delirio is Impactado. Gutis asks how about this? Not only is the lovely Ivonne going with us, but the boss. Manny is speechless, a real first.

Paula plays with the remote and twitches nervously. No CL. She calls….the office. No one is there and the answering machine is on.

In Achichipico, Juan and Juanito finish their nightly prayers. Juanito doesn’t want to go to bed; he wants his Papi to help him with something. He’s writing a poem, and he wants to know how to begin. Is it better to say “my sun” or “my bright star (lucero)?” Juan goes into a lengthy explanation that they both work, and it depends on the woman. [Ed. Note: Interesting that Juan IMMEDIATELY assumes Juanito is talking about a woman.] He explains how the woman’s appearance determines whether she’s a sol/sun or a bright star. Juan gets an aha; wait a minute….is Juanito writing about his teacher? She might take it wrong. Nope, Juanito assures him, he has an assignment to write a poem, and he wants his to be better than all the others. [Ed. Note: one hopes that Juanito isn’t learning to dissimulate from his Papi….]. Juan gives him the high five. Of course it will be! It’s in his blood!

The happy five-some has made it to Gutis’ apartment. Gutis, the perfect host, introduces them to the evening’s entertainment. He wants them to sit and get comfortable. As Ivonne tries, followed by CL, Gutis culls her out of the herd. He’d like to chat with her…she invites CL to come chat with her and Gutis. No, CL tells her, no way, he imagines she has a lot to discuss with Gutis. He’ll be comfy there with Manny; he joins Manny on the sofa. Manny is So Pleased to hear it.

Paula Paces.

Gutis exhorts Delirio to wait on CL and Manny, while still clinging tightly to Ivonne. He asks what they want to drink and hustles Delirio to wait on them all. Manny ogles Ivonne’s legs. Ew.

Marely has to tell Yadi (resplendent in a purple silk shorty robe) about Delirio’s mysterious behavior at the office. He has something up his sleeve (algo se trae entre manos - something between his hands, my loose interpretation is something up his sleeve). She tells Yadi about Delirio showing up at the office with some guy with a strange appearance and Gutis. Who knows what they’re up to? Yadi thinks if Gutis is involved, it can’t be anything good. [Amen, sistah.]

Yadi has retired to her room with Kike. Yadi talks to him while she prepares a bottle for the baby. She asks her big baby, in perfect baby talk, if he wants her to make him something for dinner, too. Nope, he ate before he came home. He just needs sleep, he’s rendido (exhausted). But first, he needs a kiss from his little doll. Yadi puckers up and he chuckles and leans over to kiss her as he comes around the bed…which little doll did he mean? Oh, now he wants to give one to his little, itty-bitty doll (muñequitititita). Yadi gives him a “qué the heck?” look and Kike goes to the crib (cuna) and lifts the covers to discover…nothing. There’s no baby here! No. Where is she? Well, with my Mamá. Kike is Very Unhappy; what do you mean she’s with your mother???? Yep, Mami wanted the baby to sleep with her. Yadi looks at him like he’s a nitwit and explains how Nidia gave the last feeding (biberón) and took advantage of that opportunity. Kike’s already out the door before Yadi notices he’s moving. She yells and follows him. They quietly slide into Nidia’s room and we see one adult head and very little of a very little head peeping out of the covers together. [It’s cute but Very, Very Unsettling]. Yadi oohs and aahs about this tender scene as we hear Brahms’ Lullaby in the background. Kike, who clearly doesn’t give a rip who wakes up, lectures Yadi. He doesn’t see it at all that way, and Nidia could squash (aplastar) the baby when she’s sleeping so soundly. Yadi tells him not to exaggerate. She thinks it’s lovely and for that reason doesn’t want to awaken them. Kike tells her it’s not good, nothing good. He’s looking like he thinks his wife has gone off the deep end. [Ed. Note: Nope, Kike, she was already there.] Yadi gazes at the sleeping pair fondly. Kike continues that Yadi’s mother is already interfering plenty (bien metiche, my loose interpretation), and Yadi should realize it. Yadi retorts that he shouldn’t make a federal case out of it (don’t be so tragic about it, don’t be a tradegian and see the worst side of it). What bad could possibly happen to the baby? She loves her!

Paula paces. And phones. Monica. ¡Ay, caray! Moni is impactada to hear from her nemesis, and at this hour. Paula wonders if she interrupted something? Nope, what’s happened? Paula apologizes for bothering Monica, but she’s worried about CL. Now Moni is worried about CL. Paula wants to know if Moni knows anything about him. NO! Why? Paula’s called the office and his cell phone and no one answers. She’s afraid he’s done something foolish. Moni fusses at her not to say that even in jest. Paula tells Moni very seriously that it’s true and she doesn’t know what to think. Moni assures Paula he’s not capable of….well, she knows him well. Paula can be calm because he won’t do anything foolish. Paula asks Moni to promise to let her know if Monica hears anything or gets a call from him. Moni agrees that she will, and Paula tells her it doesn’t matter what hour it is. They agree to both do the same, regardless of the hour. [Ed. Note: what I want to know is why she knows Monica’s number, and isn’t it the same as the one she uses to call Laura?] Moni tells Paula now she’s caught Paula’s worry. Paula thanks her and says goodbye and apologizes for the bother once more. Both hang up, muy preocupadas (worried).

At Gutis’ nest, Ivonne is suffering the host’s attentions, wedged against the arm of the sofa as he moves closer and closer, while the other boys are getting their glasses filled by the butler…oops, Delirio. Gutis pushes a little too hard, telling her he’s serious and she finally gets Very Fed Up and pushes him away. Gutis, who never learned the word “no” as a toddler, drags her up from the sofa, kicking and screaming [okay, only figuratively, but she’s fighting back a bit], and tells her the party lacks something. Music. He twirls her, lets her go and asks what she’d like to dance? Salsa? Ballroom? Don’t tell me, let me guess? CL sees Gutis trying to get Ivonne to dance, and chips in his 2-cents’ worth; she is fascinated by the big band sound, in the office, she dances marvelously. [¿Qué? She dances in the OFFICE? Did I hear that right?] Gutis strips his jacket for action and makes a few moves; some years ago he took ballroom dancing (de salón-in English we’d say ballroom). Ivonne protests; she doesn’t like to dance. CL is getting in the festive mood, cigarette in hand and drink in the other, and he scoffs. You’re such a liar, Ivonne, he smiles broadly. Gutis won’t let her deny him the opportunity to dance a piece with him. He runs to put on music. They boys are enthralled by what they’re going to see. [Ed. Note: I’m feeling like I need a shower. Four major sleaze balls against one vengeful woman –the odds are lousy here.] The boys cheer him on, “go, matador!” Gutis slinks back and demands that she show him her moves. He throws himself at her, throws her arms around her neck (not noting her nauseated expression, apparently), and throws his head down on her….shoulder. Gutis bounces Ivonne around so her derriere faces the boys; Manny is mesmerized and drooling. Gutis steps on her foot; Ivonne grunts, give one huge push, and throws Gutis off while she calls him a beast and slaps at him. [Ed. Note: Good one, Ivonne!!!] He looks bemused, startled, and crestfallen and apologizes while she looks down at her injured foot. Gutis notices the boys staring and yells at Delirio to go get ice. Ivonne looks back with disgust at the three of them, especially CL. “I’m out of here this moment!” She goes for her purse. Gutis, who needs a language lesson, struts and postures and tells her the night is still young. She retorts that she doesn’t like him in the least (Ud. me cae muy, muy mal, I fall myself over you very, very bad, literally). She continues that she hasn’t like this a bit. The boys chip in commentaries and she talks over them to ask the Lic Farell to take her home. Gutis tries to touch her and talk to her again, possibly to tell her he’ll take her, and – shades of Pastora, que descanse en paz, she hits him with her purse. Gutis backs off and CL comes to, his stupor at this ludicrous scene broken. He says he’ll take her and he has to leave, also. The music blares on. More conversation is exchanged and CL gets himself and her out while the boys wave and probably wonder why their party crashed.

The bell at CL’s apartment rings and Paula jumps up, sure it’s CL coming home. Nope, it’s Moni. She excuses herself for showing like this, but she couldn’t help herself (no pude evitarlo, I couldn’t avoid it, literally). Paula is resigned but invites her in, though how she could have stopped Moni only heaven knows. Moni was left disquieted by the call and had to come, she couldn’t stay with crossed arms. Paula tells her not to worry. Moni makes herself at home, removing her coat and sitting on the sofa. No news yet? None. Moni offers to go if Paula wants, just say the word. The last thing Moni wants is for Paula to be in an awkward situation. [Yeah, right.] Paula says she can’t deny that she’s very surprised by this ….visit….but she’s not going to make a scene, much less ask her to leave. Moni thanks her and Paula continues that if they want to keep on being sincere, she has to tell Monica that she’s not sure if she’s doing the right thing or not. She offers Moni a drink. If Paula has coffee….no, but she’ll fix it. They exchange polite “not that’s not necessary” chitchat and Paula needs a cup, too. Moni looks around to see what’s changed in the place since she was the dueña.

CL drives Ivonne up to her building. Ivonne waits until it’s time to get out to attack. “And what was that? Vengeance? Sure. If you’re going to hell, take everyone with you.” CL tells her she mocked him, about what’s happening to him. She retorts that he deserved it. He’s destroyed her dreams, played with her. He took away her one opportunity to have a good man at her side. He’s bemused and bitter—it gave her pleasure to hear he has cancer? Ivonne tells him straightforwardly and equally bitterly that it did give her pleasure. He swallows and looks grim; he tells Ivonne he knows she’s not really serious. He looks at her and tells her she still loves him. Ivonne looks back and tells him she does not. Not anymore. He tries to tell her she’s very upset and he was just trying to distract himself and forget all this. He wants her to try and understand. She scoffs; that’s all she needs, for him to ask her to invite him into her house. He denies that’s what he’s wanting. She retorts that’s good, because she’s not in the mood, not now, not EVER. He replies that life is punishing him; he never thought anything like this would happen to him….he feels lost. He doesn’t know what’s going to happen and he’s afraid. Ivonne gets distinctly uncomfortable and tells him not to get too anxious, maybe his punishment won’t last long. [Ed. Note: She apparently doesn’t realize how lame that sounds.] Ivonne gets out on that note and stalks off to her house.

Dawn is lovely over the mountains outside the D. F. Paula wants to know what Moni thinks….she probably knows CL way better than Paula herself. Moni goes into a monologue; she’s not so sure. Until one moment, she thought she knew César Luis, and with that idea she had constructed her world that was apparently happy. When it all came crashing down (when what happened, happened), when she found out what she had refused to see about him, believe it, she realized she was living with someone about whom she knew very little. Paula focuses, listening quietly and soberly to every word. This is the paradox, Monica continues; you should know more about him than I do. Paula gently disagrees. How could she think that? With Paula, he should have far fewer reasons to lie, to hide things. Paula disagrees on this, too. He’s told her lots of lies. Moni replies that then they must facing a man of a thousand faces. Paula wonders if even he doesn’t know who he is. Paula doesn’t understand why they’re both in this state for a man who’s been equally bad with both of them. Monica tells her it’s simple: we women fall in love with men who make us laugh, or who make us suffer, and César Luis is a specialist in both of those things. Paula thinks for her the laughter was very short. Monica agrees; for years of pain there were months of laughter. Paula thinks she’s exactly right. Paula asks her directly: is she trying to get CL back? Monica replies equally directly: no, if she was, she wouldn’t be able to exchange more than two words with Paula. But, Paula tells her, you still love him. Monica corrects her: I loved him. But along with love grows a sense of responsibility. Ultimately, all of us wives (mujeres-women or wives) of the world end up feeling like the mothers of our men, too. And once love ends, this is the feeling that remains. The door opens and César Luis comes in. Paula jumps up. Where were you? Monica jumps up, too. César Luis looks back and forth between them.

Marely stands with a tray in her hand and calls to Nidia outside the bedroom door; she’s brought Mami’s medicine. A very distressed Yadira opens the door to let her in. Marely quickly sees why Yadi’s distressed and calls out “Mamá” again, but the bed is empty. Yadi chews on her finger. “She’s gone!” “What do you mean she’s gone!!???” Yes, our mother has disappeared, Yadi confirms. And she’s got the child. “What are you saying???” Marely, always the pragmatist, searches the room. The bathroom’s empty, maybe she’s in the kitchen? No, Yadi’s searched the whole house and she’s NOT here. Yadi wants to know what they’re going to do. She realizes Kike is going to kill her. Marely assures Yadi that Nidia is incapable of doing anything bad to the baby. Yadi knows, but how’s she going to explain to Enrique? [Ed. Note: especially after she already scoffed at his fears last night.] Yadi has a terrible thought: what if Mami’s flipped out again? (si otra vez se le cruzaron los cables, if again she got the cables crossed?) Marely issues orders to Yadi for what she’s got to do, and Marely’s going to begin calling the list of friends again.

Ana’s door opens a crack, and she’s alarmed to see Nidia with the baby in her arms. Ana is commercial impactada. “Nidia!”

Ana tells Nidia she’s really not going to tolerate this, but Nidia tells her to calm down. She pats the baby comfortingly. She tells Ana she comes “in peace.” (en son de paz - in peace lit. in the manner of peace). She asks Ana not to worry, she won’t be long. Nidia’s come to ask her forgiveness for what she’s done. And, she wants Ana to meet the granddaughter. One more thing; she wants to know if there was a time Samuel loved her. The phone rings; Nidia begs her not to answer because it surely is the kids looking for her and she doesn’t want anyone to interrupt them. Nidia tells Ana she has to clear up the gaps in her head (laguna – gap, one definition) Ana is wary but lets her in.

Kike is revving up to go postal. ¿Qué? Where IS the baby??? How COME she is not here???? His voice raises to unprecedented levels of volume. Yadi, cowering on the end of the bed, tentatively tells him it’s that her mother took the baby. Kike’s voice goes up several decibels and a few pitches. Well, what happened with your mother? Is she nuts?? Wellllll……yes. Yadi chews on her finger, eyes wide with fear. Well, WHERE did she take her? I don’t know; we don’t know. Yadi’s voice holds a pleading note as she gets up and tries to put her arms around him. Kike is having none of it. He grabs her wrists and puts her away from him, shaking her as he pushes her back onto the bed and yelling about how they’re going to have to fine the baby. Her own grandmother kidnapped our baby! He lets Yadi go and she rubs her wrists, yelling at him that her mother didn’t kidnap the baby; she not capable of doing something so bad to the baby. Kike points out that Nidia is a danger to herself and everyone around her. He yells at Yadi to quit defending Nidia. He heads to the door and Yadi goes after him to drag him back, yelling. Kike yells that he’s going to search! If needed, he’ll move the heavens, the earth and the sea, and when he finds his daughter, they are all getting far away from this house, better said, out of this crazy house! (manicomo – insane asylum, mental hospital) He heads to the door again, furious. As he jerks the door open, Marely falls into the room. She’s called Thelma, Gladys, she lists them off. Mami’s not there with the baby and there’s no answer at Ana’s. Kike shakes his finger helplessly.

Paula, still in her jammies, is lecturing CL while Monica sits uncomfortably listening. What, he isn’t going to give her any explanation? [Ed. Note: while I can’t STAND César Luis, I wouldn’t want to be in his seat at this moment, with 66.6% of the women in his life ganging up on him and the other 33.3% he’s just left fussing at him when he let her off, all while he’s contemplating losing his manhood and having cancer treatment. In that order]. Moni excuses herself; she’ll leave them alone. The important thing is that he showed up. She tells him she’ll see him later and hustles out. CL just looks at Paula somberly. What HAPPENED to you? What are you thinking? Because you are sick you can just do as you please? (puedes hacer lo que se te venga en gana: from venirle en gana a algn - do exactly as you please, whatever you feel like). She rails at him about the anxiety his actions provoked and without a word, CL gets up, walks into the bedroom, and closes the sliding door with a resounding clunk that’s hard enough to bounce it partially open again. Paula is Righteously Indignant and Sputtering.

Ivonne just has to talk about CL to her buddy, Erika. She tells Erika that she saw CL last night and it didn’t seem like him; it was a stranger. Erika looks a little worried, and well she might. She wants Ivonne to tell her what to do; should they stop this little “joke?” [Ed. Note: My quotes-heaven save us from “jokes” like this.] Ivonne thinks so and wonders if Erika has the correct papers for the diagnosis. Yes, Erika does, but no one is in yet at the doctor’s office, and she’s not quite sure how to hand them over when someone DOES arrive. Ivonne wants Erika to let her know. Erika agrees and they say their farewells; Ivonne thanks her. She gets off the phone and tells herself to calm down. This despot (sátrapa, from Latin) deserves this, and more.

Paula follows him into the bedroom, where he has changed his clothes and is wearing another lovely pink tie that goes nicely with her pink shorty silk robe. She fusses at him that now HE’S the one who’s angry, this is the last straw. CL walks to her and says only “con permiso.” (Excuse me, as in I’m taking my leave now, not forgive me). The Harpy in Paula continues to press and nag; “Please, what’s happening with you?” It’s not a polite request for information. We were worried for you and it’s the most normal thing, taking into account that…..What? CL finally retorts. That I’m sick? Say it, Paula. No, she tells him, taking into account that you’re in this state of mind and have had better days. He mutters. What do you want? That I should hop around on one foot? No! What a shame! I have the right to feel the way I want to, CL replies bitterly. Paula wants to know what he expects of her. It’s logical for her to worry about him. Oh? Sure; you worry about me and tell all to my ex-wife. Now CL is indignant. Paula fusses about him being out all night without any calls, nothing. She thought it could be…..CL cuts her off again. Paula, this isn’t going to work. What? We left it very clear that if you came back to the house, it would be because you want to, not because you pity me. And that’s just what you are doing. You’re treating me like I’m a terminally ill person. Like I’m not able to control my life or do anything for myself. CL, you ARE ill. He yells back “Ill, not DEAD, Paula! Are you clear?” He walks away and Princess Paula raises her hands in irritation, facial expression full of annoyance and indignation.

In Achichipico, however, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Juan is bouncing into the office to greet Herlinda, who is finally dressing for the 21st century. He tells her good day, and she goes into a diatribe about it being good for some, but no way is it good for others who are on tenterhooks (estar en ascuas)-and makes a subtle reference to Juan being with others. Juan’s happy mood skids to a halt momentarily. Juan registers that she might be ticked off and asks her directly if she’s mad with him. (¿Sigues enchilada conmigo? From enchilar, annoy, bother). He pulls her over to the desk and tells her to cut it out, because he was very clear with her. Their thing is done. Why isn’t she understanding that between the two of them there is nothing more than a sincere affection of friends? She know what his feelings are, but she knows what she feels and it’s nothing like friendship. And when Herlinda sees that Susanna she feels like choking her. [Ed. Note: Was this a nun-wannabe?] He chides her gently that she would have more productive feelings. Herlinda wants to know what’s left for her. Juan reminds her she could be looking elsewhere, right in front of her. Molondrón, she says with resignation in her voice. Is she going to accept him? Herlinda is doubtful. He’s good, doesn’t deserve the rejection, but…..But? But? Juan presses. She tells Juan Molondrón came later, after Juan himself. She puts her hands on his knees and he sits back up like a ramrod, lips pursed. She asks Juan to tell her how to stop loving him. He sternly picks her hands up and puts them back in her space, and gives her a long spiel with the bottom line that he’s not good for her. He tells her all his bad qualities. Capricious, a storyteller, (liar, politely), who easily falls in love, mañoso- which means: crafty, cunning, lazy, vicious, obstinate, shy, nervous, difficult (esp about food), thief –it depends on which country you’re in. I am guessing that Juan means either lazy or obstinate. Herl calls him a liar; he’s got lots of good qualities. He says he’s like a plush toy, pretty on the outside and inside, no good. Herl denies it again; he’s a good man. They play a denial game; Juan tells her he’s not and she needs a man with marrow in his bones, committed, with solid feelings and good principles. With a heart of gold, and it’s invaluable that it be compatible with hers. Romantic, a singer, who will offer her the moon, stars and heavens. Well, that’d be Molondrón. She walks over to Juan and tells him that Molo would be that and more, but….as she sees it, Juan’s still going to be in the picture. They grasp hands, and he tries to convince her again. He only asks that she doesn’t close her mind but opens a little window in her heart and if it doesn’t work, okay, what else can she do? (So be it.)

At the Casa Cachón, the kids have prepared for battle, changing out of jammies and coming downstairs to start the Big Search for Nidia and the baby. Marely is exhorting Kike and Yadi that they need to focus and contact the authorities when the phone rings. They all dive for it and Marely gets there first. It’s a very quiet Ana, who is hiding behind a corner out of Nidia’s line of view. She lets Marely know that Nidia and Marely’s niece are there. What a relief! Kike and Yadi beg to know what’s up. Ana sticks her head around the corner, holding the cordless phone out of sight and asks if Nidia wants one lump or two in her coffee. Nidia sweetly asks for three. Ana nods and pops back out of sight. Ana tells Marely Nidia’s calm, but she thought it better that they know. Marely thanks her; they were all tortured about it. Ana whispers in distress; what should she do now? Marely tells her they’re on the way; distract her mother. Ana thanks her hurriedly and gets off the phone. She hides the phone and slinks into the kitchen, depositing the phone on the counter and fixing the coffee quickly. You wanted three, right?

Pastor is fussing at Remolacho about Enrique being late and his brother leaving the business with someone so unreliable. Remolacho points out Kike’s in charge and he doesn’t have a fixed hour to arrive. As they chat about this situation, Angarita puts in his first appearance in weeks. Anga is bubbly, Remo is delighted, and Pastor is annoyed. As Remo and Anga greet each other warmly, Pastor scolds Anga about finally showing up. Anga cheerfully asks how his brother is, how everything’s going? Bad! The worst! It’s a debacle and it’s your fault!! Anga remarks that this is such a lovely reception. All it lacks is a mariachi band. He and Remo laugh. Pastor continues his harangue; he’s been looking for Anga for days. He’s IRRESPONSIBLE. Anga notes that his brother is raising his voice, or….he sarcastically asks Remo if it’s just his nerves? Remo confirms that Pastor’s yelling. They joke about Pastor getting into Extreme Sports and laugh like crazy. Pastor, however, is not laughing. He tells Anga that because of Anga, he’s in a mess up to his neck. Anga tells Pastor first to give him an appropriate welcome, then makes him calm down to explain with all the details (con los pelos y señales). He points out that Pastor is screaming like a diva (vedette – star, starlet, chorus girl). Pastor agrees to calm down.

Ana sits, still in her robe, and chats with Nidia as Nidia gives the baby a bottle. [Ed. Note: this baby – or these babies – is/are the most mellow little ones in the world. Have we ever heard a peep?] Ana explains that Nidia has a very special (peculiar) personality. She pauses before “special” like the Church Lady on Saturday Night Live. But, Ana continues, Nidia is not a bad person. Nidia agrees, but remarks that she’s feeling very ashamed of all the ruckus she’s caused in the last few days. Ana comforts her and excuses her because of the memory loss; Nidia shouldn’t worry. Nidia bemusedly tells Ana that fortunately Marely had told Nidia that some time ago Nidia and Ana had “resolved our differences” and it seems we’ve become good friends. Ana smiles gently and nods to her. Who would have said it? The bells rings and Ana grimaces a little before excusing herself to answer. Kike bursts in, followed by Yadi—they almost knock Ana over running into the living room though Kike does say “excuse me” and asks where “she” is. Ana indicates and Kike demands that Nidia give him his baby. “You have no right to take the baby out of the house!” He shakes his finger at his mother-in-law. Nidia disagrees; she has a right as the grandmother. Kike agrees she’s the grandmother, but she took her, that was bad and behind their backs (escondidas - hidden). Yadi tries to move him away and move in front of her mother. She pleads gently with Nidia to give her the baby. Nidia points out she did nothing bad to the baby. Kike yells about it being purely a miracle, because Nidia is nuts. She could forget where she lives, and could lose his baby. Yadi resumes gently pleading to get the baby. Nidia confronts Yadi: is she also going against Nidia? [Ed. Note: Yadi is wearing a very…um…different top, with only one shoulder strap, if I am seeing right. But, it’s very Yadira.] Ana watches anxiously in the background as Yadira assures her mother it’s not that, and don’t play the victim, but give up the baby. It was an atrocity (salvajada). She has no idea how worried they all were, how scared. Kike decides enough is enough and goes in for the baby. Although he says excuse me, his tone is harsh and he demands her to give him the baby. Nidia whimpers and doesn’t want to comply. Kike asks Ana’s pardon. He and Nidia fuss at each other; she didn’t think it was such a big deal. She’s going with them; she left with the baby and with the baby she’ll return. Into this melee comes Paula. The door is still open, after all…Nidia tells Ana it’s such a shame, and Ana gives her a sympathetic look. Kike tells Yadi if Nidia goes nuts, he swears he’ll put her out of the truck. Yadi snaps back. Nidia begs that they let her take care of the baby and she promised to behave well. Kike yells “NO!” Nidia is crushed and backs off. He and Yadi storm out the door. Nidia looks at Ana, crestfallen, then walks out with Ana patting her back a little as she and Paula watch Nidia’s sad departure.

Anga is astonished that Pastor is suspected of being an industrial spy. A spy? You? Pastor explains how the one person who could have gotten him out of the mess is Anga. He has to explain to the bosses that Pastor had nothing to do with that matter. Anga looks at him, offended—do I have the face of a liar, or what? He wonders how Pastor could actually blame the boss, given Pastor’s history. The landscape is looking pretty dark for Pastor, Anga notes. Pastor tells his bro that Anga has to mitigate (ablandar) this with Don CL. Anga shakes his head and looks back at Pastor, eyes wide. Does he mean no way, or is he simply totally impactado?

Ana is fussing at Paula. Nidia Cachón is not the only crazy here, Ana’s own daughter is competing, and every day Ana has more evidence. Paula is indignant (her customary stance), and retorts, asking why? Because she has buried the hatchet [Ed. Note: could be a wrong translation, in fact, opposite of what she said “no me agarré del chongo] with Monica like Ana did with Nidia? Their case is similar. Ana points out the differences. Samuel was already dead, for example. Paula doesn’t think she had to wait to resolve all this with Monica. [Ed. Note: you haven’t resolved it, Paula, but you’re too nitwit to see that.] Just because they’ve been involved with the same guy doesn’t mean they have to be enemies like her mother believes. This is part of the therapy that Paula is taking. Ana retorts that it sounds lovely, very civilized. The only thing needed is that Monica feels the same way. Ana doubts it. Paula gives Moni the benefit of the doubt; deep down, she’s a decent person, and sincere. And if Mami doesn’t object, Paula wants to change the subject. Anyone especially? Paula wants to talk about Juan. NO! And Ana doubts that he will call again. Well, Paula thinks Ana has lots of doubts about him. Ana retorts that she’s a realist, and if she has doubts, it’s because Juan was not the least bit amused to learn that Paula has returned to CL. Why? Did Juan say something? No. But his tone of voice changed immediately. These things are easy to note. Paula obsesses on Juan calling again because she just HAS to talk with him. Ana shakes her head in disbelief at Paula’s obsession.

Marely strolls into the office, with a cute sparkly pair of jeans and nifty white jacket. She finds a lovely boxed arrangement of white, pink and green anthuriums on her desk. They’re huge—look just like the ones they grow on the windward side of the island of Hawai‘i (aka, the Big Island) just outside of Hilo. But, we know they’re from Juan’s tierra. Fern comes up behind her and leans into her ear to ask softly if she likes them. From her impactada-pleased look, we can safely say she does. Marely turns and beams at him, affirming her pleasure. They’re precious…did he bring them? Fern makes a shy, nervous gesture with his hands. He saw them where he was and brought them, a little gift, so pretty and he thought of her. She thanks him for the lovely gesture; she didn’t know he’d returned. She loops her hand in his arm and they walk around the desk. He tells her he couldn’t spend so much time far from the people he cares about. The lobby lizards look on.

In Achichipico, Juan and Susanna watch some workers, while Juan holds a potted plant and tells Susanna about the land—it lives, it has a life, is full of passion and colors like that anthurium. He philosophizes on, comparing it to a bleeding heart. What about white anthuriums? He hands the plant off to someone and changes the subject a little, showing where there will be lots of anthuriums and pulling out a brochure of plants. Juan explains how they’ll grow to the sky and have lots of colors. Susanna says she can picture it. For most folks, though, it’s just a business. She remarks that for Juan it’s more, something into which he’s putting his heart. He confirms it; for Juan Dominguez Coral it’s all or nothing. It’s not just a business, it’s a passion. Not just for him, either, but for all the people of Achichipico. She smiles lovingly at him and Juan thought bubbles about how this put a lot of cream on his tacos that day (made him feel pretty darn terrific). He wasn’t telling her any little lies, it was coming from his soul. He continues about how he has been bleeding for Paula and what’s developing with Susanna.

Fern has bent down in front of Marely’s desk to face her, and they have a little tête-à-tête. She’s concerned that her boss has asked for her in hysteria. He tells her she’s lucky; he hasn’t seen anyone else yet, not their bosses nor Pastor. He’s been waiting to give Monica his report. She’s jokes about what saint to thank for this miracle. Ivonne walks through the lobby in the background, eyeing them suspiciously. Fern makes a sarcastic crack when he notes her presence about how nice the day had been until this moment, what a shame. He smiles mischievously down at Marely who smiles back equally mischievously and rolls her eyes.

Juan gets a lovely little kiss from Susanna across the desk and tells him she’s going to the hotel. Will he come by later? They could eat together, or something. He thought bubbles as he gazes at her, preoccupied by that “something,” and aloud tells her yes, they’ll talk. But his demeanor changes and Susanna notes it as he goes off in his thought bubble again. He didn’t want to give her hopes, because not even he himself knew what would happen. Susanna nails him-Why? Has something happened? He hurries to tell her it’s not that, he has lots of unfinished tasks. She eyes him with a question in her eye, while he thought bubbles that what he’s really thinking about is calling his Palomita again. [Ed. Note: apparently Paula knows Juan better than her mother does.] Susanna touches his face and tells him fine, if he decides, she’ll still be there. She has No Plans. He thought bubbles that this is how he likes them, well behaved. He tells her he’ll let her know one way or another in a little while (te hablo o te caigo, my loose interpretation, tell me if I’ve missed the meaning, someone). Juan ushers Susanna out of the office in a little bit of a rush, with his hands on her shoulders, while he thinks about calling Paula, because according to her mother at this hour the marble rose would be at Ana’s house.

Well, Juan is right and probably a mind reader, because she’s there to answer the phone. Unfortunately, so is Laura, who is painting some little artsy objects with Ana. Juan thought bubbles when he hears her voice that his legs were turning to jelly at the moment. Paula asks who is it several times while he’s lost in thought and not responding, but is predictably ecstatic to hear his voice when he finally finds it. Laura is totally tuned in as soon as she hears Paula yell “Juan,” too—she and Ana turn around to look at Paula, in unison. Paula babbles on…. she’s so happy to hear his voice, so how has he been, etc. Juan is all business, fine, he’s simply returning her call—Licenciada. Paula doesn’t pick up on the tone of voice or choice of words. She thanks him for calling and tells him Ana had let her know he called, what a shame she wasn’t there. Juan’s spine stiffens as she stands tall in his office, listening to her voice and steeling himself to not fall into a trap. His voice gets harsh. “Yes, yes, she told me about you returning to your house with Don César Luis.” Juan thought bubbles that after that moment he doesn’t know what happened to him. But, he felt the urgency to tear this woman out of his heart (lit., let go of this woman), and all the irritation, spite, doubts, that had immobilized him such a long time. His face screws up with rage as Paula continues softly –with a rapt audience behind her – that she wanted to talk to him. He asks about what, Licenciada? Paula, still not registering the bad vibes, says she doesn’t know, for nothing special, but to now how he’s been. She’s excited that finally she can talk to him. Juan cuts loose and lets her have it with both barrels: frankly, he doesn’t understand her insistence in looking for him to call just to ask such stupid questions. Her face falls, she’s finally getting it. She stutters and he interrupts. Did she just need to tell him how happy she is with CL? Paula protests, no….and he interrupts again, yelling, what is it you want? To see if you still have the power to mess with my mind? Do you want to know if here, at your feet, I can offer you anything? Paula feels desperate; she’s lost control of this conversation and doesn’t understand qué the heck is happening. Why is he talking to her like this? He tells her they better drop the stupid games, because they’re not going anywhere, and do him the favor of LEAVING HIM IN PEACE because though it’ll be hard for her to grasp, he’s better off far from her and he’s succeeded in regaining his life there and he has no place in his life for her, nor for her damn memory. Is that clear, Señorita? He quiets and breathes again, while Paula’s tears come.

We are reminded that any similarity to reality is purely coincidental. And we are deeply grateful for that tonight.

Monday: Paula’s devastation, Moni’s comfort for CL, Juan’s remorse.

Vocabulary

Zoquetón – blockhead
Hombría – manhood, manliness
Vaporoso - diaphanous/sheer
Rendido – exhausted, worn-out (also submissive or obsequious)
Cuna – crib, cradle
Biberón – feeding, bottle, baby’s bottle
Aplastar – squash, crush, overwhelm
Bien metiche – already interfering enough, a great meddler
No pude evitarlo – I couldn’t help myself (lit. I couldn’t avoid it)
Con los pelos y señales – in great detail, with all the details
Si otra vez se le cruzaron los cables – if she’s flipped out again, lit. if again she got the cables crossed
En son de paz - in peace (lit. in the manner of peace)
Laguna – gap, one definition
Manicomo – insane asylum, mental hospital
Enchilada – annoyed, mad with someone, from enchilar
Puedes hacer lo que se te venga en gana: you can do exactly as you please (from venirle en gana a algn - do exactly as you please, whatever you feel like)
Estar en ascuas – to be on tenterhooks
Sátrapa – despot, from Latin

Jeanne

Labels: Juan