Caray, Caray!

Disclaimer: I am totally responsible for typos, grammar errors, etc. and welcome translation help from everyone! Let the show begin…..

It wouldn’t be Juan if we didn’t have a review every night. Are they planning on giving us a pop quiz some day?

So, our first review is César Luis screaming at Pastor about the computer crash in his office with all the lobby lizards totally engrossed through the not-so-blinds. CL’s gonna hurt Pastor if that inept (Delirio) doesn’t give him a guarantee on CL’s equipment. Delirio cowers at the desk, with the computer still in “SYSTEM FAILURE” mode. CL wants to know what fool [okay, my addition] ordered that this program be installed? Pastor hesitatingly advises CL that ….HE did. Well why did you let me do that? He screams at Pastor, turning six shades of purple. Why were they paying any attention to him? Two days ago the computer was working just fine. There is info he just cannot afford to lose on it. He threatens Delirio and Pastor- if he loses information, they’re dead men. Pastor dives over the desk at Delirio while Monica screams for them to stop.

Juan is happy with how things are going on the anthurium ranch, and discusses details with one of the workers. The worker carries a pot of big, lovely, multi-colored anthuriums. They’re going to look at the technology that will regulate the humidity for the plants, to keep them looking good and the color perfect. Along the side of a big, new greenhouse Susana walks along the rail with beautiful countryside in the background. We hear Juan telling the fellow it’s important that they don’t deteriorate. Susana is fetching in a very demure, yet appealing, orange sleeveless top and trim brown slim-leg slacks. Paula could use lessons from Susi. Juan wraps up the plant discussion and thought bubbles that there goes his new torment. He catches up with her. He continues his thought bubble about how she walks like a leaf in the wind, with a movement that would give goose bumps to anyone. It’s said that love is born on sight, and strengthens through the years. Juan puts his arms around her, turns her and gives Susi a kiss that would knock most women to their knees. [Sigh]. Could it be that he could live forever, fastened to those lips? Juan greets her and Susi wants to know if he missed her. Always! She thought Juan was going to stay all night with her. He excuses himself; he had to take Juanito to school. Susana tells him that’s okay, they’ll have lots of nights to sleep together and hold each other all night. Juan thought bubbles: this was the sign he was hoping for. He asks Susana if for real she would like to sleep with him every night? She smiles broadly and tells him nothing would please her more. Juan kisses her again and she STILL manages not to collapse. “Susana, would you like to marry me?” Susana is impactada and uncomfortable. She tells him she’d love to share her life with him, but she can’t accept his proposal. Huh? “Look, Juan. What happened last night was marvelous. The most marvelous experience I’ve had in my life. No one has made me feel like you. You know how to treat a woman.” Juan thought bubbles: well, there you have what makes one so precious. [Ed. Note: this was tough, and I probably got it wrong, corrections welcome.] Susana continues, “In other words, it’s a night I’ll never forget.” Juan thought bubbles: that makes two of us. Susana tells him that he’s a man with whom any woman could fall in love and give up everything and throw herself into the affair. This gets Juan’s attention. What affair? He wants to offer her something firm, form a family, have a little house, have lots of kids---Juanito’s just the first. She tells him he can’t do it. He’ll never fall in love with her. Juan’s impactado; she can’t tell him that. He swears that……Susana interrupts him. He’s still in love with that woman. Paula Dávila. Juan is speechless and somber.

Delirio is doing serious damage control. He isn’t getting Gutis, but will leave a message, he informs them all (recadito). Delirio leaves a lengthy, and wordy, message demanding that Gutis get his okole in there post haste and fix this serious mess. [Ed. Note: I am forever reminding my hubby that I HATE messages on my machine that go more than a few seconds. I hate listening to them, hate replaying them to get to the number that the caller inevitably leaves too fast at the end of the message so I couldn’t get it all down the first time, just HATE them. Delirio was already on my list, this cements it. He’s bottom of the list.] CL breaks in while Delirio’s talking to the phone. “Tell him, that you’re a pair of imbeciles!” Moni protests that he needs to calm down. Delirio continues with his sermon/scolding/message. He wants drastic action, RIGHT now, he tells Gutis’ machine as he finally concludes and hangs up. Pastor wants to know what they do if he doesn’t show? Delirio, who can’t say anything in less than 3,000 words, tells them he humbly proposes they go look for Gutis immediately…if they don’t have anything else for him to do (if they don’t order any other thing). His voice verges on hysteria and he slinks as if to run. CL shakes a finger at him and tells Delirio that he proposes Delirio get the heck out of his sight, far away. Now. Delirio excuses himself and bows with his arm at his waist while CL keeps yelling “Out! Out!” and Moni tries to get CL to calm down. [How they are all keeping straight faces at Delirio is beyond me.] He disappears out the door. CL slams his water glass down on the desk and glares at a very nervous Pastor.

Juan protests to Susana that Paula remains in the past. For always. Susana firmly responds that’s not so. This woman is still present, she realized yesterday. Juan’s face falls and continues to fall as she speaks without any rancor. She points out that last night in bed, it was all surface despite the heat. There wasn’t love there. She doesn’t know what to call the flames between them, passion, caring, friendship, desire, all that mixed together. Maybe they were both feeling the lonely urges of affection, that you find for a moment and make magic. Susana doesn’t know, but on one thing she’s clear. Marriage without love for both of them would be a lie. That’s why she can’t accept his proposal. Juan tells her he wants to make her happy. She points out that he makes her happy, but there are some things he cannot change. But, he continues, he’s trying! She tells him he’s taking out one nail with another (forgetting the old love with a new one). Who’s he trying to fool? He can’t compel his heart to love someone, no matter how lovely or nice the person is. She’s not reproaching him. She just doesn’t want to ruin what could be an incredible friendship between them. What, Juan wants to know, then he won’t be able to kiss those divine lips again? Susana chuckles a little. What, he won’t be able to caress her lovely skin? No, not even because he fascinates her so much and is the best man in the whole world. Juan, always pragmatic, thought bubbles his agreement: render unto God what is God’s, and unto Juan what is Juan’s. [Ed. Note: he apparently learned his catechism but it’s sort of morphed over the years. It used to be “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s.] Susana tells him that in time they’ll both come to appreciate having made this decision. Juan thought bubbles “Both? But you didn’t give me a chance.” She continues that from now on they’ll be friends, the best of friends. Juan thought bubbles in mourning about this turn of events—he’s barely holding himself in check from grabbing her body which give him so much pleasure-- and looks plenty distressed. He stammers around and asks if there isn’t some way….what they’ve begun….they could be “Friends with Rights,” as it’s called, and then she might realize…..? He leans in with his lips poised for a kiss. She chuckles again…no. Juan continues to negotiate, some kisses….no! But she’s going to give him something better than that, some good advice. He doesn’t want advice. How can that compare with this woman’s skin? She tells him to fight for this love he has for Paula. Do what he has to. If he doesn’t, Paula will always be there, nailed in his heart. He protests that he’s already tried to fight; she has no idea how Juan tried to conquer Paula. Susana points out that maybe the time wasn’t right. Maybe he has to leave her to live what she has to live first. But, now he has a new opportunity. The worst thing he can do is try to erase her memory in the illusion (espejismo) of some other woman. Juan looks very somber, indeed. This is not going how he thought it would.

Paula sits on the steps at Ana’s, waiting for the door to open so she can tell her Mami they have to talk. Ana gives her that look. If she’s going to insist they keep that business…. Paula promises that she’s sufficiently clear on Ana’s thoughts, and as usual, and to Paula’s misfortune, Ana’s right. Ana informs her that since the morning she’ll looking for work, and promoting her paintings. Ana just wants confirmation; the business is cancelled definitely?? Paula asks for her forgiveness instead of confirming it. Ana shrugs and smiles a little sadly. What can she do. She’s Paula’s Mami. Please, Paula whines, the last thing she wants to do is stay like this, fighting. Ultimately, they’ve already quarreled enough. Ana points out that for 20 years they’ve been arguing about one thing or another. Paula tells Ana that the only thing she needs is a hug, and they hug. Ana chuckles and smiles. “What’s wrong?” Paula replies that she feels like she’s losing the one secure thing in her life. Every day she’s losing ground with CL and Monica is gaining it. Ana thinks it’s clear that Paula’s repeating the same history that happened with Monica and CL. But, it’s the wrong way (al revés). And Ana doesn’t want to remind her how that ended. Paula whines that now Ana’s left her even more worried. Ana’s sorry, but she’s telling Paula so she can stay alert, do what she has to do, and not fool herself. Her marriage is going to depend a lot on how she handles this situation. Paula is irritated and worried.

Moni and Laura discuss the business that’s folded. Are you sure? Yep, seems to me. Ana Dávila was hysterical. [Ed. Note: I don’t know where YOU were, Laura, but Ana NEVER gets hysterical. Very firm, yes, sometimes close to shrewish, but never, EVER hysterical.] Laura reports on how it folded in part because Paula wants to go back to work at Farell. Moni thinks Paula is more unstable than she thought. Laura points out that in the long run, Monica has lost her inside track in Ana’s house. But it might not be such a loss, since she’s going to have Paula up close and personal (in living color) at the office. Monica vows that she has the rest of her life to put a stop to this marriage. Her jaw is squared; she’s determined. We break to commercial with Moni smiling like the Cheshire Cat.

Fern comes to Marely’s desk and pulls her out to ask qué the heck’s happening in CL’s office, with Perafán, Pastor, Monica and CL all closeted (encerrados) in there. Lobby lizards motion behind him to the tête-à-tête. Marely comments on Perafán’s face when he emerged, which was white like pambazo [for which I found a bit of definition that really made me drool on my keyboard—that’s for you, Judy B -- “… there's the pambazo, which is a special bread (white bread with a crust) dipped in a red guajillo pepper sauce and filled with something like potatoes and Mexican sausage or refried beans and then is garnished with shredded lettuce, salsa, cream and queso fresco.”]



What’s more, Fern wants to know why Monica left. Marely doesn’t know; she took one of those mysterious private calls. She left with a face of tragedy. What about Don Pastor? Fern chuckles a little—even the hairs on his toupee were standing on end. Ivonne tries to overhear the conversation from behind him.

Gutis is chastising Delirio – who told him to get into business with someone of such bad reputation? Delirio is astonished – qué the heck is he saying? Gutis says he was always clear, and told Delirio that Manzano wasn’t exactly a model citizen. Perafán indignantly points out that Gutis himself recommended Manny. Nope, Gutis smarmily denies, he just introduced the guy, but that’s not the same. He brushes off Delirio’s shoulders and smiles. But, he continues, Manny always gave Gutis himself a bad feeling (bad spine or suspicion). Perafán retorts that all Gutis did was pressure him, and pressure him…and tell him he couldn’t lose this business. Gutis points out that they’ve not seen a cent. Perafán doesn’t give a rip about that—his head is on the chopping block (es mi cabeza la que está de por medio).

CL, still in his office lecturing Pastor, doesn’t give a rip about how it gets done, but he wants this imbecility resolved by tomorrow, or Pastor is the first one who’ll be far away from here. Pastor asks him to please calm down, and he’s asking for CL’s own good. CL declares that no inefficient nobody, and thick-headed (bestia, one loose definition) is coming to tell him how to behave. Pastor, to his credit, remains cool. He tells CL he’s pale, and need to think of his health. He continues and CL cuts him off. Enough already. He says it’s nonsense that he’s sick. Pastor, in the true spirit of helping, dares to suggest to him to go rest. CL doesn’t snap at him, but makes an offhand remark about having plenty of time to do that when tomorrow he has an operation. Pastor seizes on it and CL denies he used the word “operation.” Nope, a CHECK-UP. That’s it, not operation, my CHECK-UP, I misspoke. Pastor tells CL no, I know what I heard, you said OPERATION. CL faces off, jaw squared as he looks up at Pastor – surely you misheard me, Gaitán. I said CHECK-UP. Why would I say operation? What they’re doing to me is a CHECK-UP. That’s it. Pastor repeats what he HEARD, talking like he would to a child. CL gets up, tired of this game. He scolds Pastor, who asks pardon for himself. CL makes a snide remark to deflect the operation issue; he’s getting out of here before the deaf and dumb (stupid) director of personnel provokes him to do something. He directs Pastor that he’s in charge in CL’s absence—[I think].

Juan is not happy, though he’s in his lovely, clean office chatting with Molo. He tells Molo it’s incredible. Molo has been his witness that he’s had to escape women who wanted him for most of his life, and now that he wants to marry one, she’s brushing him off to fry asparagus???? [Ed. Note: some of us adore fried asparagus, but apparently to Juan this is not a Good Thing. Or, it’s a dicho with a very unique meaning. News update: after JudyB read it, she informed me that sending someone to fry asparagus is telling him/her to get lost. It's not a Good Thing for Juan and it's a unique dicho. Mandar a algn freir esparragos.] Molo wants to know what it was that Susana told him, and about their falling out. She realized that he’s still stuck on Paula. Juan, in frustration, explains it’s one of those things. Not only couldn’t he marry Paula, he can’t seem to marry anyone on account of her. ¡No hay derecho! it's not fair! Juan wants to know if he’s supposed to end up dressed like a monk, or what (captions were wrong on monk – it said “movío”). Molo makes light “Friar Juan Dominguez!” Molo doesn’t think so. The day that happens, he’s going to eat his guitar and all the strings. How does he like that? Juan is bemused at the idea. Nope, Molo continues, it’s not that, he just moved too fast. Juan agrees sadly, and what a shame for him and Juanito. Molo tells him that what he needs to do is show that he has forgotten the other and can love Susana with his entire soul. Juan knows, but at the moment, he can’t think about it any more. He’s confused (hecho camotes – made sweet potatoes, from my Diccionario bilingue de Mexicanismos by Hamel). Juan tells Molo he’d rather talk about Molo—how’d he end up with that goofy Don Aldemar? Better than he expected (pretty well), Molo tells Juan. Don A accepted him as fiancée for Herl and at least he can make his little fight for her. And it’s all thanks to Juan. Juan protests that he’s just been an obstacle to the two of them. Molo tells him no, thanks to Juan he finally has an opportunity with the woman of his dreams. Today, Molo is SOMEONE in this town. Juan corrects him; Molo has ALWAYS been someone in this town. More importantly, he’s been the singer and the town crier for the area (pregonero), the one who gives all the news and in verses. (The one who tells the story of the region and keeps it alive, implied). He is the soul of this place. Molo looks pleased and humbled by this praise. Molo shrugs that the soul isn’t going to pay for a wedding. And even less if it’s for the daughter of Don Aldemar. He swears that he’ll never be able to repay this debt to Juan. Juan jumps up. Molo’s in love with Herlinda and has forgotten about Juan. He tells Molo to just love Herlinda, and Juan himself will be well paid. Molo thanks him with a heartfelt sigh, high fives, a hug and handshake.

Far away in the D. F., Marely is remarking to Yadi on the mysteries and vagaries of their step-Papi (padrastro). Marely says it’s going to be nothing good, as they eat a delicious looking dinner. They talk briefly about that gloomy old man’s situation in Farell, which isn’t looking so great from Marely’s viewpoint. The topic abruptly changes; what’s Mami going to say when she finds out. Speaking of the Queen of Rome, Yadi tells her, she’s been missing all day, no call, no nothing. Marely is alarmed. What if something’s happened to her? What if she’s lost? Yadi scoffs that she’s been lost for years, it’s her habit now to do a disappearing act. Marely pictures her lost, alone, not remembering where she lives, hungry and cold, on a street someplace…..

Catchy disco music blares and we find that the prodigal Mami is dancing the night away with her galán Don Angarita. Her sparkly cap catches the disco lights and glitters as they smile broadly at each other and twirl.

Paula packs a small suitcase, and CL wonders what the heck that’s about. He’s having an operation, not going on vacation. He won’t need much. Paula wants him to be comfortable, since he’ll be there a few days. Would he like to check what’s in there? No, CL trusts her. CL is dejected and twitchy. Paula drops the packing and goes to comfort him, telling him to calm down. He just can’t believe it’s happening to him. He feels his life is ready to collapse and there’s nothing he can do. Paula reassures him it’ll be fine and tells him he needs to rest. She caresses him comfortingly as he looks very grim.

Delfi has cooked a marvelous meal. Enfrijoladas de campeonato – incredible enfrijoladas (from an Oaxaca restaurant review online “an enfrijolada, a classic Oaxacan dish…. simple but stupendous: nothing more than homemade corn tortillas awash in black bean sauce served with tasajo, salt-cured thin-cut flank steak. But the trick is in fine touches, such as wild avocado leaves boiled with the beans. That, and a thousand years of practice.”). Juan thanks her as she babbles on and finally goes out to the kitchen. Juanito wants to know if he’s going out with Susana. Juan explains that they broke up. He tells Juanito she gave him a pumpkin- me dieron calabaza, she gave me the brush off, jilted me (dar calabaza or also calabacear, give someone the brush off, give a pumpkin or gourd made into a verb). Juanito is disgusted; of course! He doesn’t like pumpkins, they’re gross (horrible). He wants to know what that has to do with them not being sweethearts any more. Juan attempts to explain without too many details, sadly. Juanito cheers his Papi up; happen what may, I will ALWAYS love you. Even if you give me pumpkins and force me to eat them. He goes to hug Juan, who hugs and hold Juanito on his lap lovingly.

The gloomy old man (viejo mustio, with a nod to Yadi who called him that) [Ed. Note: I remember when I was very young and reading Winnie the Pooh, my mother once told my father, who was being pessimistic one evening, not to be an Eeyore. Dad asked who Eeyore was and she, who never uttered a bad word in her life, retorted that Eeyore was a gloomy old a**. Now that Yadi has called him a gloomy old man, I will think of Eeyore every time.] paces in front of the mantel complaining to the rest of the family seated there, true martyr style, about how when he needs a loving, understanding wife the most, his wife is not at his side. Where the heck is she? Kike begins to fidget. He knows where she is. Yadi says she’s not a witch that she can guess that just today he’d get into a mess. Delirio retorts he’s not in a mess, he’s a victim of the conspiracy. The girls scoff. Kike makes weird hand signals at the girls behind Delirio, who continues to complain about where Nidia might be and this is the last straw. Marely chides him about always thinking the worst of her mother. Yadi thinks he should be grateful that her Mami hasn’t found out yet about his recent mess. Delirio pontificates about his terrible situation and scolding them for thinking he might somehow be responsible for his own problem, while Kike makes Very Weird Gestures behind him. The girls are glued to the Very Weird Gestures. Who knows what they really heard of this sermon from the gloomy old guy.

Angarita and Nidia have taken a short break from whooping it up. He wonders if she isn’t going to go home? Nope, she doesn’t want to, just to listen to the tedious refrain (cantaleta) of Delirio. [Ed. Note: she’s a mind-reader.] He tells her no one will make her go, but maybe she should phone home. Nidia agrees to do that, and goes off to call, telling him not to move. She gives him a sensual little kiss and shakes her booty, while he sweats hard. What a WOMAN! Anga shakes his head, his eyes glazed over, and tosses back a quick tequilita.

The phone rings at Casa Cachón—any bets on who will get there first? Four bodies dive for it and Yadi is quickest. She doesn’t even ask or say hello. “Mama?” Yes….Yadi wants to know where she is. Nidia lays the biggest guilt trip since forever on her. It’s not important, don’t wait up for me. Kike plays with some knick-knack back in the corner while the other three hover near the phone. Nidia continues that she’ll be anywhere, where her presence won’t bother anyone. [Hear the martyrdom dripping from her voice?] Yadi begs her not to think anyone wants her out of her house. Nidia continues that she’s doing it so Yadi and Kike won’t have to look for a roof over their heads, hablablablabla. She wants Nidia Michaela to stay in that house. Someday she’ll remember her grandma fondly, that Nidia left her something more than her bad example. [Ed. Note: Sheesh]. Yadi wonders why she’s abandoning them. Delirio is alarmed. Nidia says its best for everyone……and hangs up. Yadi yells for her not to hang up and then sadly informs the family. “She hung up.” Kike hides behind the goofy knick-knack. He knows who she’s with and has an idea what she’s up to.

Nidia informs Anga she’s ready; from this second, she’s a liberated woman! What’s he going to do with her? What hits his fancy? Anga may hyperventilate. “Look!” She strokes her body. “I’m all yours.” Anga is definitely going to hyperventilate.

Yadi is wailing that her Mama has abandoned them. They’re all sitting around, mourning. Delirio is upset that she’s abandoned them just when they really needed her. Pragmatic Marely wants to know where she is and who she’s with, did she say? Any clue (pista)? Kike tries to reassure them she’ll show up, before the rooster sings. Yadi fusses at him; he’s happy because he finally got what he wants. Kike beams smugly. She yells that he’s a monster! “Moi?” [Captions say “¿muá?”] Yadi fusses on about him bothering her mother. Marely wants to know if that’s true and he can’t believe she believes it. Delirio gets in the act; is Kike harassing Delirio’s wife-if so, he’s going to know the ire of a Perafán Francisco de Rocha. Kike is flabbergasted. And irritated. He tells them NO, he isn’t to blame for her goofiness. That’s all he needed. The only thing he did was inform her of their decision to find their own home. But, the Sra. was offended so he ended up the scapegoat (chivo expiatorio - scapegoat). Yadi cries that he made her feel like an awful grandmother. Is he going to deny it? Kike stammers, no, but um…it wasn’t exactly like that. Doña Nidia turned things around and made it seem like….Marely interrupts. She didn’t ever think he was capable of something like that. Delirio thinks he should be ashamed. He shouldn’t have two last names like Bueno (good) and Lindo (lovely), neither of which he is. Delirio shakes his finger at Kike, who is now being reduced to rubble by everyone. Kike starts to swear…but is interrupted by Yadi who tells him not to swear. He’ll be blaspheming. Delirio threatens that if anything happens to Nidia, Kike won’t be able to pay him in this life or the next for it! Kike is impactado-distressed.

Juan muses to himself as he rests in his hammock and Juanito’s sweet face peeks out from the covers as he sleeps peacefully next to his Papi. Juan tells himself that in one moment Susana was a lifesaver in the middle of the stormy ocean, then he batted well and nicely (gave it his best shot?), and to be legal about it, he deserved the home run that he imposed on himself (he got what he deserved).

Back at Casa Cachón, the gloomy old man continues his self-pity party about his wife’s departure. It’s the greatest sadness he’s ever known. She’s really maltreated him. Over his shoulder we see the semi-nude reclining relief sculpture of a female…..Sheesh. Marely tries to get him to see it differently. Nidia’s going to show up any second. He mourns that the bad thing is, who knows if he’ll still be alive by then, by the time she crosses that threshold.

In the Bueno Lindo family’s little orange room, made smaller by a crib and baby gear, the Bueno Lindo family is fussy. Not the baby, you understand, the adults are fussy. “Go ahead, sleep!” Yadi fusses at Kike. That’s what he was trying to do. His conscience is peaceful? Yep, very peaceful, thanks. While you’re there so peaceful, you egotist, where’s my mother? Like a chick abandoned at a bazaar (kermesse)! She babbles on about the awful things that surely are happening to Nidia; cold, abandoned, etc. He gives up and gets up. Enough already! I was good! “Your mother is not in any type of martyrdom!” He says he knows where she is. Yadi wants to know what hogwash this is. He tells her he was sworn to secrecy by none other than Nidia, but he’s going to tell Yadi because otherwise she’s not going to leave him in peace all night: Nidia is with her galán--in singular happiness—in the arms of Don Angarita Calvo! Yadi gasps.

Marely is still stuck with the gloomy old man. She tells him not to suffer for her mother any more, but better he should think about this matter with the computers. He thought the subject was closed. How could it be closed if it’s getting bigger all the time? Why not tell me what happened, she suggests. Then we can find some way to find a solution. She wants to know the facts. Delirio touches her cheek, almost fondly. What are you, my lawyer, or what? She scowls a little, then smiles encouragingly. C’mon, tell me. How is it that you wiped out all the info on the boss’s computer? That’s what they told you? Ah, how folks report news to suit them. Then, it wasn’t like that, she asks. Of course not. When Gaitán took him up to the Prez’ office, the computer wasn’t booting up (arrancar, boot up, one of millions of definitions. Okay, I’m exaggerating.) Not forward, not backward, the keys weren’t moving. (Teclas – keys). Marely wants to know why they called him; he’s not a techhie. Delirio explains that the traitor Gutis, and the deserter Manny and Delirio himself sold the programs. Marely didn’t know. He points out they’ve both disappeared. He lets it slip they the programs might be pirated. Marely is IMPACTADA!!!

Gutis is enjoying a quiet night at home with the tele and his jammies. Beer bottles and food litter the coffee table. The door knocker insistently sounds off and Gutis asks who it is several times before he tears himself away from his entertainment to answer. Two guys flash badges. They have some questions. Nervously, he tells them to come in and pardon the disorder, the girl just left. [Sheesh.] They want to know what he knows about Manuel Manzano. Gutis finds about three ways to deny ever hearing the name. Could be a neighbor? Look, it may be dirty but there are no cockroaches or rats here. [Ed. Note: no mirrors, either, or he’d see both a cockroach and a rat.] The cops are Not Amused. Sure he doesn’t know that man? Gutis assures them he’s never heard the name in his life.

Kike is still telling Yadi about her “boss,” Nidia. Nidia compelled him to take her to the city market with him why? So she could see Don A. Yadi is very anxious about this new info. Really? Yep. Her mother is probably dying of laughter at the moment because she’s got them all fighting here at home. Yadi denies that her mother is capable of something like that. Kike assures her Nidia IS capable. Yadi hyperventilates. There’s a lot of that going around. She wonders what they should do. Nothing, Kike tells her. Yadi isn’t happy with that. She wants Anga’s phone number. Kike thanks God he doesn’t have it, and if he did, he wouldn’t give it up anyway. He doesn’t want to mess in Anga’s life. Yadi reminds him they’re talking about HER mother. Kike reminds her they’re talking about HIS BOSS! He’s not risking Anga throwing him out on the street. Her mother will show up when her wiring is working right again. We hear the cuckoo clock again, and Yadi simmers.

Marely is incensed with Delirio. It’s a CRIME! How could he get into such a dirty business? You, who are a LAWYER, and knows about the exposure! Well, he has to make the best of it now, he says with resignation. (a lo hecho, pecho we must make the best of it now). Gutis had convinced him it would be absolutely no problem. Marely exclaims “what an absurd explanation!” “Well, it’s the only one I have.” This is bad, Lic, she tells him, you could end up in jail. What will we do now? He admits that’s his question, too. Gutis, his ex friend, has thrown in the towel. And Manny’s not even going to appear at a séance (en una sesión de espiritismo – a spiritualism session). [Marely bites her cheek so she won’t crack up on screen.] What’s more, he’s not even sure that’s his real name. Marely tells him if he wants some good advice, tomorrow early he’ll go to talk to CL and tell him the truth. How can she think that? It’d be suicidal! But, she continues, it’s the best thing he can do! Denounce those two! Or, he can end up paying for the damage. Delirio sighs in resignation.

Fern seems to be the only executive type in the lobby when the cops show up at Farell. He greets them. They want the Prez, but he’s not here. How about some other legal representative? They flash the badges. It’s of some importance. Nope, no one here. Fern asks what he might do to help. They need to inspect the computers. They have info that supposedly there are pirated programs here. [Ed. Note: What? Did Manny set them up? Was he a PLANT???] Fern is MUY but MUY impactado.

At the Hospital of the South, with 24 hour urgent care, CL is checking in with Paula at his side. The nurse thought he’d changed his mind, he’s so late. Moni’s cheery voice asks them what’s up? CL bites his lip and turns to her. Paula looks muy, but muy irritated and rolls her eyes as Moni greets her cheerily. CL notes That Look. Moni is the Picture of Innocence and Helpfulness.

Fern is filling Pastor in on the details, of course, in Pastor’s office where we get a great glimpse of Juan’s assets. Well, most of them. Fern is trying to reassure Pastor that this visit of the po--- leece is routine (Think Southern Pronunciation here). Pastor doesn’t think so. Don’t tell me that these police don’t have faces like dogs that track. Well, yeah, they do. But everything’s in order, right, why worry? If one doesn’t have debts, one isn’t afraid. Pastor thinks so. He’s worried about what Delirio’s done, though. Fern tells him they just have to wait for the inspection, and see what happens. Pastor is doubtful. It smells like trouble to him, very serious trouble. Ivonne bubbles in cheerily. Pastor orders her to shut the door. She wants to know what’s up outside. Who are those guys with the look of bad friends? Pastor tells her they’re her to inspect the computers. Ivonne is relieved, it’s about time they were fixed. Pastor tells her to use her brain. They’re POLICE! They think we have pirated programs! Us? Why? Fern explains it’s because they are inspecting all the businesses that operate using software like Farell uses. Pastor fires off a series of orders to Ivonne; he wants her to find Perafán and those guys who sold them the programs, get the paperwork that verifies that all the programs they have acquired are legit programs, etc. Fern asks if they shouldn’t notify CL? Nope, Pastor says, he’s got enough on his mind. Pastor hurries Ivonne out to begin to find that useless Perafán…..he’s worried.

Moni is all solicitation and caring. She asks how CL feels. He’s dying of nerves. Did he sleep last night? Paula interrupts that he slept like a lamb (divinely). They had a wonderful night, massages and all before they went to bed, and he slept. He faces Paula and says if not for Paula, he is sure he wouldn’t have been able to close his eyes. Moni is a little annoyed. Okay, that’s good, the advantages of a good wife. CL diverts them back to the topic at hand; the registration and all these preliminaries that seem to take an eternity. He makes no eye contact with either of his women, though Paula still holds his hand. Moni encourages him to be patient; all this will be behind him tomorrow. Can she help register him? Paula tells her no, thanks. They’re good. Moni says she has some pull here. No, THANKS! Paula is insistent, too. She puts her arms around CL to mark her territory, and thanks Moni for her solicitous help. Moni tells them she’ll just wait—over there. Paula advises her it’s not necessary, surely Moni has lots to do in the office, right? Moni tells her it’s not important, work can wait. She’d just as soon hang out to see what happens. [In other words, she has a death wish of her own.] Paula turns CL, who has been very quiet, around to register and he rests his head on his hand, elbow on the counter.

Ivonne wants to know who’s calling her. Surprise, it’s Marely answering the phone in her own house, where Ivonne has called nervously looking for Delirio. Marely gestures to him to be quiet. What’s up, Marely wants to know, we were just leaving for the office. Ivonne fills her in that two police guys are here and Delirio needs to get his sorry okole in there Right Now because he and his buddies installed the software on the computers the cops are asking about. Marely will give him the message. She hangs up and tells Delirio – the office needs you in there with the highest urgency. Why? Seems there are problems, and Very, but VERY serious. Delirio is impactado, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out why. It’s not like he couldn’t have seen it coming or anything. He moans and puts his head on his hand, elbow on the table. There’s a lot of that going around.

Nidia, still dressed in her fetching dancing outfit, knocks on Ana’s door early. Nidia humbly asks for Ana’s pardon for showing up like this, by surprise and looking like this (en esas fachas- in these slovenly clothes). Ana says not to worry, but she looks worried. It is, after all, highly irregular. She asks if she can offer Nidia anything, and all Nidia wants is a little tequila. Ana basically ignores that and says she was referring to a coffee or a little tea. Given those options, Nidia’s good, nothing thanks. Nidia awkwardly stumbles on; Ana might be asking why she’s here like this, in such strange circumstances. Ana says she can’t deny that. Nidia can’t, just can’t go home. Ana listens and says not a word, but her face tells all. She is worried, exasperated, and a whole host of other things, while Nidia tells how she didn’t go home to sleep, and had to invent a little lie. Ana is the only one who can help Nidia.

Marely has apparently marched Delirio into the study and is lecturing him about the police in the office. She has assumed the position behind the desk. If the police are there, it’s because they’ve found out something. And they won’t stop until they’ve nailed the responsible ones for those pirated programs. There’s just no other option than to go in and to be…… he interrupts, to be what? Not to be involved in problems that are even MORE serious [like becoming a fugitive?] where no human being can get you out!

Outside in the hall, the Bueno Lindos are glued to the door. Yadi wonders what they’re saying. Kike shushes her—nothing. She tells him to pay attention. He hushes her again, more loudly. He can’t hear anything, and even less so when she is talking. She smacks him and fusses, disgusted.

Ana eyes Nidia warily and wonders if it isn’t pretty radical to leave her home? She suggests that Nidia could just divorce Delirio and live her life. Nidia can’t, she tells Ana. If she stays in that house she’d going to wither away (marchitar). She’ll be like a raisin (uva pasa - raisin) in less time than it takes for a rooster to crow. She really needs to take advantage of her “memory loss” to start from scratch (para empezar de cero). She’s going to dump this little problem and be born again (nacer por segunda vez). Nidia beams at her brilliance in finding a creative solution, which is thoroughly confusing to anyone else who is listening to her. Ana smiles a little and listens while Nidia talks about her desire to live without limitations (ataduras), without commitments, to be FREE! Ana says fine, but what I don’t understand is what I have to do with this, how can I help? Nidia drops the bombshell; she needs a place to live. Ana’s light bulb flips on: “here?” Sure, Nidia tells her, beaming, she’ll come and live with Ana. She’ll share costs, of course, not to worry. Think about how well we’ll get on together! It’ll be splendid! Ana is impactada. Splendid? NOT.

Juan strolls down the narrow street in Achichipico near the hotel. He muses that Molondrón may not be so far off the mark, and Susana’s rejection is just a test for Juan. Maybe what she’s looking for is for Juan to show that he can forget it all and begin to live for her. He freezes on the street and a couple of passers-by look him over—[because he’s goofy and not quite in this world, or because he’s adorable? We’ll never know for sure]. He stands and flaps his hands up and down in the American Sign Language “maybe” sign—or darn close to it—weighing his options.

Somehow Monica has wormed her way into CL’s hospital room, where Paula is hovering protectively over him, holding his hand. CL has on a frown and his hospital gown, lying on the bed awaiting his fate. Ivonne still hasn’t gotten him out of jail free. A nurse comes to start his IV (canalizar??). [Ed. Note: Ferro would be disappointed; this nurse doesn’t look a thing like the telenovela nurses we’re used to—Floralina and Nurse Susy from Duelo de Estupidos]. The nurse is also going to take samples (muestras). She has a handful of medical stuff. Paula tells her WE’ll wait in the waiting room (salita is a waiting room?). Paula is obviously including Monica in that WE. She touches CL’s face and his frown gets deeper. Paula leaves and Monica trails after her, looking longingly back at CL. The nurse preps her gear.

Just outside CL’s room, Paula waits as Monica closes the door, looking back at CL still. Paula goes right on the attack. “Thanks a Bunch for Your Kind Company, but, you can go now because the show’s over.” Moni, the total picture of innocence, replies that perhaps that’s Paula’s thing, because for Moni it’s not a show. And it seems to Monica that’s EXACTLY what Paula’s doing. She walks away from Paula, who grabs Monica’s arm and spins Monica around to face her. “What IS it that you’re intending to do, Monica?” “What are we talking about?” Monica inquires snippily. Paula launches in again. Nobody asked Monica to come, and there’s nothing for her to do here. What’s more, Monica’s presence ends up making everyone uncomfortable. Monica retorts mildly it doesn’t seem like that to her; CL appears more calm when he knows she’s there. What’s more, Monica doesn’t think Paula is the best person to decide who should come and who shouldn’t come. Paula throws out the biggest spear. “I’m his wife and you? You’re nobody in CL’s life.” Monica sighs in feigned exasperation, and points out she’s his friend and business partner. And what a shame that Paula is a woman so insecure that she can’t understand that. Gee, this seems a little like you’re afraid I might take him away from you, huh? Monica feigns a smile as she delivers this blow. Paula feigns a smile in return and says look at that! Finally we learn what your real intentions are! Monica tells Paula that CL doesn’t interest her as a man now. Paula tells Monica she can say that, but her actions tell a different story. Moni tells Paula they aren’t the same. Monica is not accustomed to swimming in the same mud as Paula is. Paula tells her to shut up, she’s tired of Monica’s games. She’s tired of the role Mónica is playing of the inoffensive, innocent woman. She’s not that at all, she’s a hypocrite. Monica wants to know how Paula dares to insult her? Paula points out since Monica has not once ceased to interfere in her life with CL. Isn’t it about time Monica realized Paula and CL are husband and wife? That they have a marriage in which there is no place for Monica, not as a friend, not as anything? Moni retorts “Look who’s talking! A woman who thought nothing of meddling in the life of a married man! To whom it didn’t matter that she was destroying a marriage of many years!” Paula retorts that CL didn’t really love Monica. Monica feigns pity for Paula. Is that excuse what she learned from her mother’s example? Had she learned those tricks for taking away a husband? Paula lunges at Monica to slap her silly, but Moni’s hand is faster than Paula’s and Moni blocks her. Paula asks her how she DARES!? Moni has Paula’s wrist tightly in both her hands and tells Paula “Don’t touch me, you wretch!”

And we are thankful again this week that any similarity to reality is purely a coincidence. Our collective blood pressure goes down with visions of Juan in the waterfall, half dressed, dancing his heart out while the credits roll.

*See the vocabulary list to decipher the title

Monday: Can Juan stop thinking about Susana after she’s left in a hurry? Will CL have the operation? Will Ivonne pay for her treachery?

Vocabulary

Recadito – message
Espejismo – illusion
Al revés – the wrong way, backwards
¡No hay derecho! it's not fair!
Hecho camotes – confused, befuddled – lit. made sweet potatoes, from my Diccionario Bilingue de Mexicanismos by Hamel
Pregonero – town crier
Padrastro – stepfather
Me dieron calabaza – jilted me, gave me the brush off (lit. dar calabazas a - give a pumpkin or gourd to someone)
Pista –clue
Chivo expiatorio – scapegoat
Kermesse – bazaar
Arrancar – boot up, one of millions of definitions ;-)
Teclas – keys, as on a keyboard, not like llaves, keys to a door
A lo hecho, pecho - we must make the best of it now
En una sesión de espiritismo –at a séance (a spiritualism session)
En esas fachas- in these slovenly clothes
Marchitar – wither away, dry up
Uva pasa – raisin
Para empezar de cero – to start from scratch, start from zero/nothing
Ataduras – ropes, tethers, commitments
Nacer por segunda vez – be born again, born for the second time

New addition, thanks to JudyB - Mandar a algn freir esparragos - tell someone to get lost

Jeanne

Labels: Juan