Caray, Caray!

We are reminded that Juan is leaving Achichipico, as he gives his farewell pep talk to Juanito, whom he remands to Molondrón's tender care a second time. He boards the bus while Tweedle Dee scrutinizes Juan’s departure protocol.

The Prodigal Mami has come home. She and Yadira admire Nidia Michaela and have a serious mother-daughter facts of life talk. Nidia needs help remembering, so she quizzes Yadi on their financial status right after Papi offed himself. She was surprised when the thugs tried to rob her that she had so much money –at least according to her bank balance -- when she thought they were broke since the funeral.

It must be the day for mother-daughter facts of life discussions, because one on virtually the same topic is happening at Ana’s house. Ana remarks that her attention was brought to the sum of money Nidia had that the thugs got from the ATM. Ana thought Nidia was flat busted. [Ed. Note: Sorry, couldn’t help myself there]. Paula naively thinks it might be that Delirio really earns that much in the catacombs. Ana can’t buy that. She thinks it’s very strange. She goes through the list of stuff Nidia’s done to splash money around the countryside—paying Ana generously for the painting lessons, Yadi’s wedding, the list goes on. Very odd. Paula can’t tell her that’s not a little suspicious. Paula pours too much salt on her food and reluctantly agrees. It’s a puzzlement. [Ed. Note: A nod to “The King and I.”]

Yadi fills more gaps for Nidia….yep, we were broke –because he left every cent to the Dávilas. Of course, we have the house. Nidia is aghast and again wonders about the money until Yadi enlightens her—you and Delirio faked a will that took it all away from them. Vooooiiiicccces echo in Nidia’s stressed out brain.

Pastor tells Anga why he isn’t in the pen because his waiting period in the local jail hadn’t finished. He’s resplendent in a hot pink satin shirt, sea foam green sweater vest, and suit. His toupee is slightly askance. He moans about this place, can his brother imagine him living there? Nope. Unfortunately, the evidence is against him and his own company is accusing him. Pastor begs Anga for love of their dearly departed mother in Heaven to not leave him alone. He weeps convincingly; I’d get him out just to make him quit. Anga puts a hand on Pastor’s shoulder to comfort him.

Yadi continues the sad tale of perfidy as she gives the baby her bottle. Delirio emptied the accounts and faked a will. That’s why Nidia had to marry him, to keep it all quiet and enjoy the money. Nidia is close to hyperventilating.

Tweedle Dumb is doing one of the things he does best—nothing. He plants his okole in a chair as Tweedle Dee lets himself into the unlocked house. What’s up with that? Doesn’t anyone knock in Achichipico? T2 came to give the great news—Juan’s blown the coop again. T1 scoffs—why should he believe that? Casimiro tries to convince Herbierto why he thinks this is important—Juan has blown town so he won’t have to follow through again and marry Herlinda. Herbie breaks his own news—Molondrón's offered for her and Pop’s said you bet, she’s yours for the taking. Casimiro is predictably unhappy and they fuss about it for a few seconds. He wants to know if Herbierto’s going to taking this sitting down, and Herbierto says sure, why not? Juan didn’t have anything to avoid. So, Casimiro takes another tack that’s surefire to rile Herbie---then for sure Juan’s gone after Susana. Sure, he’ll come back happily married. Herbie finally hoists himself up and lets Casimiro know he’s sick and tired of Casimiro’s intrigues. What do you think about that? Apparently, this was not the response Casi expected. He’s frustrated big time.

Yadi bounces her adorable infant. She tells Nidia that this is all logical, while Papi was alive, Nidia and Ana hated each other. What’s more, they would have been left out on the street. Nidia sees it now, she’s really the heroine who saved her family from destitution. She didn’t really commit a barbarous act, it was for love. Punctuated by a hoist. Yadi sets her straight yet again. Nope, not really Ma. Nidia disagrees, because getting married to Delirio makes her eligible for a Nobel Prize. This, Yadi can agree with and so can all of us faithful viewers.

Anga storms into the Farell lobby, replete as always with lobby lizards (where the heck is Julia—either she’s lost 50 pounds and is wearing mini-faldas or she’s gone now to fairer telenovela pastures). Anga greets Ivonne politely but firmly. He wants to see the boss. He’s not here, he’s recovering. Well, then, this Sra. Monica? Yeah, but she’s pretty busy on a call out of the country. Anga, however, doesn’t give a rip if she’s talking to the Pope himself. He storms off toward Moni’s door. Ivonne cuts him off at the pass, making for good lobby entertainment. Anga less politely and more firmly demands her to let him pass because they have some real problems. Ivonne at least wants to announce him. He doesn’t want an intro. Their increasing volume brings Moni shooting out the door to demand qué the heck’s the fuss about. Anga demands to talk with her Right Now. Moni comes within a gnat’s hair of dissing him, and Ivonne slips in that this is Pastor’s bro. Moni does a 180 and invites Anga to chitchat, but he’d best calm down. Ivonne is huffy as they disappear into the office; apparently she needs to go back for a gatekeeper refresher course.

Anga has the best defense—a solid offense. He goes after Farell, because he wonders what kind of company treats an honest, upright and hard-working employee like his baby bro is being treated—sent into the fire? Moni takes issue with the upright part. Anga can’t deny Pastor’s made mistakes. But, he’s given his best years to the business. Moni, being a Very Astute Businesswoman, sees the hook. [Ed. Note: Of course, she and CL discussed the hook while he was laid up, and Anga walked right into it.] Anga continues that his brother shouldn’t be treated like such a criminal. He doesn’t deserve it. Moni agrees that he’s right. They’re contracting an excellent lawyer to get him out. The wind whooshes out of Anga’s sails. [For you, Sylvia.] For real? Moni assures Anga they’re going to do everything humanly possible to get the boy out. She concedes Anga said it all; Pastor’s given the best years of his life to the company. Anga looks bemused and wary. And he darn well should.

Nidia Michaela’s crib is a lovely gilded bronze cage. She’ll really hate that when she’s about 18 months and wants out. But, I digress. Nidia is lamenting the bad thing that’s been done to those poor women, the Dávilas. Nidia’s having an attack of conscience. [Ed. Note: it seems that the bump she took on her head may be good for something after all.] She scolds Yadira de Pilar, who maybe shouldn’t have told her. Yadi tells her to see a shrink and dump the guilt. Nope, Nidia doesn’t want to dig too deep. Imagine if all her dirty laundry began to get aired? Nidia shudders at the thought. Nidia doesn’t think that’s such a terrific idea. Well, Yadi suggests, she could get Ana a little doodad, a luxury gift—sure, why not one of those books about art for her? Nidia tells her not to be so stingy (coda). Yadi suggests giving Ana Nidia’s castoff clothing, but Nidia points out that Ana’s not as chic as she. Well, there’s nothing, then, Yadi says. Nidia thinks a simple apology. Yadi points out the flaw in that logic. You’re going to confess, then, what you’ve done? Nidia panics. Obviously, that won’t do. Nidia moans about how she’s going to sleep with such a load on her conscience. She begs God to open the doors to Heaven as she minces out.

In Eastern Penitentiary, the Odd Couple gets hurled against a wall and a thorough pat down. The bars are opened and the world disappears as the boys are pushed to their new home. They’re measured, weighed, blood pressure tested—in short, the docs leave no part untouched. They get new clothes to fit their new home. Tasteful khakis, understated yet well-pressed, right out of the package—they both got the memo. The boys pose for the cameras in their new duds, at various angles that highlight their best features. Side view, front view, hold the placard with your number on it, boys. They’re ushered down a long green mile. [Ed. Note: Oh, that’s another movie. Sorry.] A few wolf whistles can be heard as they pass by. Fresh meat. The bars close on them in their compact and tidy new quarters.

Outside the local tank, someone is being escorted in and we hear Anga talking before we see him in Pastor’s temporary home away from home. Anga sits on what was Gutis bed until earlier today. He’s describing how Moni gave her word that they’d help resolve Pastor’s problem. Pastor is impactado. She did that? She said she was doing everything possible to destroy me. [Ed. Note: Wake up and smell the coffee, Pastor.] It’s weird. Anga thinks maybe she realized she messed up and is making it right. Pastor figures it was really his beloved CL who fixed it for him. Sure, that’s it. He finally realized all I’ve done for him. Whatever. They’re getting you out of here, bro, Anga points out. They smile at each other, relieved. [Ed. Note: remember what they say about something that looks too good to be true, boys?]

Gutis and Delirio are enjoying their new home with its classic minimalist décor. They gaze around and fix on each other. Gutis announces he’s not going along any more with Delirio’s program that he’s such a bad friend. He’s not going along with that hogwash. Delirio scoffs at him. They begin to fuss in earnest. Delirio yells at Gutis not to talk to him. The boys in the band down the hall egg them on. Gutis gets to his real point—he’s going to spill it to lawyers. Delirio yells at the others down the hall to shut up as their taunting increases.

CL apparently had a lot more operated on than we realized, because Paula has to feed him. Paula tells him that the doc is optimistic about CL’s recovery and he assures her that their sex life is going to be better than ever. She’s glad he’s feeling confident. CL tells Paula they’ll have to make up for all the time they’ve lost. She puts him off, smiling, and reminds him he’s still recuperating. He admits he doesn’t know when, but one of these days….they’ll be in bed through the night and day. Did the doc tell you when? No, but….I told him I want out of here tomorrow. CL is emphatic and Paula smiles like an indulgent parent.

Yadi pulls Nidia up off her bed and exhorts her not to go and get all depressed. This thing where they stole the inheritance from the Dávilas is buried in the past. She reminds Nidia that they have their house and lack for nothing. [Of course not, but Nidia still has all the cash.] Nidia agrees doubtfully. Yadi’s on a roll—Paula’s married a really clever guy (picudazo) and she’s not lacking anything. Nidia mournfully says she’ll have to swallow her guilt. She didn’t learn how to win at life like Anita, but instead she’s paid with the sweat of her body. She asserts that Yadi is following in her steps. [Yadi, abuzado, careful, that might not be a Good Thing.] Nidia urges Yadi to expand her horizons. Yadi gets in the spirit—her horizons go as far as…..the neighbor’s clothesline (tendedero de vecino). Yadi can’t see beyond Nidia Michaela’s diapers. And then, yikes, she’ll begin to “gatear.” No, Nidia says, she’s never going to “gatear” but she’ll have the best of suitors, a good boy. Yadi realizes her mother’s mind has one track—No, Mom. I meant “crawl,” not “prowl around.” On her little knees and hands—Yadi demonstrates with her hands. [Ed. Note: see vocabulary for all the colorful meanings of “gatear.”] And walk everywhere and see the world and put stuff in her mouth – Yadi gets a disgusted look. She doesn’t want to think about that, what a horror! Nidia tells Yadi not to use the baby as an excuse to do nothing more with her life. Go back to school and get that degree. It won’t be easy but she’ll be glad she did.

Juan patters to himself as the bus rolls into the D. F. about coming this time by his own foot (his own decision, not because he had to?) and with his heart fluttering in his chest. He tells himself there’s still that little thing about his fantasy of his Licenciada. If she’s not the woman for him, then there is none. Everyone sleeps on the bus except Juan, whose adrenaline is in overdrive.

Paula’s brain is in overdrive, too. She clings to her Juan-bear and tosses and turns. She cuddles the bear while Juan, with the mists of the inferno swirling behind him, scowls and scolds in an echo chamber that she can’t say she wasn’t warned. She was foolish and has a head of stone. Juan’s adorable face becomes eerily distorted and we find ourselves surprised he doesn’t have horns and a tail. How come you’re still at César Luis Farell’s side, huh? Deep down, you know you deserve all that’s happened and more. Go ahead, defend yourself. Run, before it’s too late!! The voice becomes shrill and the face mocks and fades into evil laughter. Paula wakes up sweating. She strokes the bear and worries.

How the heck does Marely stand craning her neck up in order to kiss Fern? It’s a lovely kiss, though. He misses by a little, but that’s to be expected when he’s a good foot taller. He asks if she liked the movie. She responds with a smile, yes. Apparently the question has come up before—it’s not the first time she’s answered this one. She smiles fondly at his preoccupation. For some strange reason, Nidia is out and about with no coat or anything and charges up behind them scolding Marely, who looks distressed –Mama, you’re back?-- while Fern tries not to make eye contact. Nidia’s not going to allow liberties. Fern wishes her good evening a little shamefacedly. Nidia thinks the evening’s not so good—maybe for him. She calls him young man. Suddenly a light flashes across the screen and Nidia has a vision of herself and this young man in bed considerably underdressed, and she’s doing all the seducing. Marely sees Mami’s deer-in-the-headlights daze and asks what’s wrong. She escorts Marely to the house –they’ll wait to take up the topic in there. Marely protests as Nidia drags her off, and Fern gazes with concern—and possibly a dash of panic-- after them.

Monica meets with Pastor in the jail visitors’ area to explain how she and CL will be helping him get out of jail free, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Pastor is Deeply Appreciative. He will find a way to pay them soon. Moni advises Pastor that he can begin repayment immediately. It’s simple, all he has to do is persuade his big bro to collaborate with them and let them into the business partnership with the Japanese folks. Pastor is vital for this. He’s doubtful. Moni points out it’s the least Pastor can do for them, with all they’re doing for him. Does Pastor want her to tell him how much they’re paying for his pardon (gracia, one definition)? Nope. He gets the picture.

Yadi and Kike are sharing the diaper changing like the good parents they are. Yadi thinks this is a good time to broach the subject-she spent all night thinking [Ed. Note: a dangerous thing] and has made a decision. It’ll change their lives, she hesitantly tells him. He looks up from the baby—¿QUÉ? Wait a sec. He’s gotta sit up and pay attention because with her surprises…..so he sits up, waiting. Okay. She smiles shyly…it’s that she wants to go back to school. For real? She smiles and nods. This means she’s going to need all of Kike’s help, above all with the baby. She pats Nidia Michaela. Well, of COURSE, Kike tells her, not to worry my Queen. With much pleasure! They bill and coo and stroke each other at this welcome news. “¿Te cae?” “Me cae.” “You like it?” “I like it.” She tells him how much time it will mean, she’ll have to study, etc. No big deal, whatever you want, Yadira. They get all kissy-faced. Here’s a refreshing and innovative idea--Yadi being loving with Kike!

Moni works over the po-leeece. She tells him how her business partner, Sr. Farell, explained that it was he and not Gaitán who gave the order to purchase the software. They’ll pay for the licenses, get the real deal, and no charges against Gaitán. How about it? He suggests they talk to the judge ASAP and prevent Pastor going to the pen.

The doc is releasing CL while Paula packs his little suitcase to go. He tells CL that CL’s recovery has been spectacular. [Uh-huh, it might work better when there’s no cancer.] CL apologizes for having doubted the doc, as it wasn’t the doc’s fault. He perseverates a little on those studies, and it’d be nice to follow up to see what happened since they didn’t show cancer…..Paula shushes him. All’s well that ends well. It’s better they were wrong. The doc agrees. CL is cheerier as he realizes it’s time for him to go home now. The doc tells them call if they need anything and they thank him for everything as they leave.

The city market center is abuzz with shoppers hunting down bargains. At Angarita’s, though, there’s more joy than usual—Juan is back! He gets and gives a bear hug from/to Angarita. What’s this miracle? Why didn’t you let us know you were coming? Juan wanted to surprise. [Juan, the man has a Bad Heart. Surprises are not always a Good Thing.] Juan wonders where Kike is, he was always an early riser. Anga explains he’s doing something for Anga. Juan will take advantage of the time to chat with Anga. What’s up? It’s not so good, because Pastor’s in the tank. ¿Qué? Anga explains the pirated sof-where. This time his hands are clean, but he got mixed up in it. Juan laments it, and Anga explains that his boss lady’s working on it. Anga changes the subject to their business, how’s that going? Juan tells him they’ll need another investment, IOW, more cash—to pay the workers. Anga isn’t thrilled; he’s getting tapped out. At this rate Juan’s going to ruin him. Sure, Juan tells him, you say that now but tomorrow there’ll be a spade full---no, a bulldozer, picking up all the profits! Anga chuckles happily at Juan’s charade of scooping up the profits. Remolacho calls Anga to go meet with Don Venancio. Anga tells Juan to stay put, and Juan’s cool with that. He and Remolacho exchange hugs and greetings.

Marely looks good in hot orange. It’s tasteful, too, no deep décolletage nor a single underside (Melinama’s term) showing. She focuses intently on her work; it’s all handwritten since the computers are still MIA. The phone rings and there’s no voice at the other end for a split second. Then Juan starts to announce himself but can’t even get past her name. She shouts into the phone joyfully. Where the heck are you? Um, here and there prowling around. What would it cost to call once in a while, she scolds fondly. You need to see your goddaughter, and don’t you know we miss you, ingrate? Juan takes it seriously—he knows, but….work is pretty heavy. How are my people? How’s Nidia? Well, she’s recovering, although she never changes with her you never have time to get bored. [Ed. Note: there’s the understatement of the century.] She didn’t want to be a nuisance to us so she’s gone to live with Ana Dávila. Juan marvels at the idea—Nidia and her hookups (who she gets together with – juntadas, my best guess). Marely drops her voice to almost a whisper to tell Juan that the real problem is Delirio; he’s in jail. Juan is impactado. BTW, the girls still call the old boy Licenciado Perafán, which is a true indicator of how remote he seems to them as a family member. Just an observation. “What, him, too?” Juan is dismayed that both he and Pastor are in jail. Qué the heck is going on here? Marely sighs, it’s a long story about pirating and I’ll tell you. But it’s looking bad. Juan commiserates and asks about Marely. Marely smiles; she’s fine. Well, is everything all right with….everyone? Marely nails him. You mean Paula, right? Not so well with her. Juan tries to deny he meant Paula but now that she mentions Paula, is there anything? Marely says it’s CL, who had an operation. Juan presses and Marely tells him it was something a little sensitive. Juan is Muy Impactado.

Speaking of the King of Rome, he’s a little sensitive, all right. He gingerly Lowers himself into a seat in the apartment. He couldn’t stand that d*** bed at the hospital. Paula cheerfully helps him settle down. He couldn’t stand those quacks, either (matasanos). Just being home helps him feel better; Paula and a beaming Consuelo stand ready to help with everything here.

Meanwhile, Moni stands at the nurse’s station. The doc just has the bad luck to happen by, informs her CL has been released, and gets a blast over why the hovering ex wife wasn’t informed. So fast? Yes, he’s recovering very well. The doc is pleased and Moni yells. The doc is baffled, as we all are.

Juan orders something big on the phone, no matter how much it costs. He tells himself as he hangs up that it’s a shame—some opportunities never come again and you can’t let them pass by. He just wishes he could be there to see his victims’ faces when they get it.

At CL’s and Paula’s, Consuelo brings a little cuppa something warm and Paula covers CL on the sofa while telling him she’ll buy his newspaper pretty soon. The doorbell rings; they speculate on who it might be as Consuelo rushes off to get it. Could be Moni, Paula muses with no enthusiasm. No, CL tells her, we didn’t even tell her I was leaving the hospital. At the door, Consuelo is lost as she struggles behind a GIANT floral arrangement. Paula tells CL that really, Moni could know since she’s a witch. CL chuckles and Consuelo endeavors to keep a grip on the flowers while getting the door closed. They brought you these flowers! Consuelo is way excited about it; the arrangement is awesome. Paula exclaims on how pretty they are, too. Who sent them? They check the card the boy said came with the flowers. CL says maybe it was the witch. Paula reads: With my best wishes for a speedy recovery. Juan. Juan Dominguez. Chelo looks distressed while Paula is simply impactado and CL is simply annoyed.

Chelo excuses herself while she scuttles off as fast as her little legs can carry her, not wanting to experience the geyser of CL’s fury. Paula is still sitting on the edge of the sofa where CL reclines; she can’t help but gaze at the humongous flower arrangement in front of her. CL can’t believe this pig. “Could he be making fun of me?” Paula hurriedly denies that’s a possibility and points out it’s not a sure thing that he sent them. CL complains, convinced it’s Juan and he’s an imbecile. “What’s he trying to do, spoil my life?” Paula does more damage control. She doesn’t think Juan sent it. CL accuses her of defending him, but she’s just trying to get it into perspective. Probably someone with very bad taste is playing a joke. That’d be someone who knows that Juan’s name is going to infuriate you. CL confronts her; who would do something so wretched. [Well, the witch, for one.] Paula tries to calm him, because that’s just going to please whoever sent it. The important thing is that she and he are together.

Juan and somebody at the market are hand squeezing juice and giving it out to customers in a very unique little squeezing press. He talks across the fresh produce to Anga—is it all in order? Anga is beaming ear to ear. Juan’s done a great job looking after the finances. “Well, I told you to trust in me, that you wouldn’t regret it, or no?” Anga nods and smiles. Yep. Anga thinks this business will bring them lots of cash. So, what’s Juan going to do with the $$? Juan has a lot (chorro, from my Hamel’s Diccionario Bilingue of Mexicanismos) of plans to discuss with Anga. Anga innocently smiles, not knowing how big the plans are, when a joyful scream comes from behind- “Compadre!” Kike and Juan give each other big bear hugs and thumps on the back. “Well, what are you doing here?” “Well, I have new ideas, very innovative (frescas/fresh), but look—now that we’re all here together….” He tells them about the First International beauty pageant in Achichipico to pick the Anthurium Queen. Anga and Kike go blank. Huh? Juan fills in details. A spectacular way to promote the product. It’ll put Achichipico on the map, too. Juan glows and waits expectantly to hear how they like it. The silence is deafening. And from where is the money supposed to come for this thing? Because from what I hear, these things cost a lot of bucks, right? And you know full well we ain’t got none. [Ed. Note: In all fairness to Anga, he DID use the King’s Spanish, perfectly grammatical.] Juan’s balloon shoots out across the room as the air whooshes out.

Herlinda is focused on her work and Molo apparently needs a break, because he comes over from his desk to ask her to read back her work so they can be sure it goes out perfectly correct and no spelling errors (falta de ortografía - spelling mistake)—they have to pay more attention to what she’s writing. She asks what it mistakes, and reads “The Sr. Molondrón receives 5000 pesos …for his work….” Okay, it’s well written, where’s the mistake? He points it out. She has “p” instead of “b” so it reads “5000 pesos” when it should read “5000 besos-kisses.” She laughs at him shyly. There’s a reason he has that name Molondrón (good for nothing). He gazes on her intensely as she smiles shyly back.

Fern is nosing around about how much memory Nidia seems to have recovered. Marely says that the meds have helped, but she has to help her Mami fill some of the gaps and there are just some things she just has buried still. Fern tries to brush it off. Marely sighs.

Speaking of the Queen of Rome, who knew that Queens visit the lock-up? Delirio is pleading his case with her in the visitors’ room. She shouldn’t abandon his sinking ship. He waxes eloquent about constant love until she cuts him off. She didn’t come for all that. She came so he could ‘splain something to her. Nidia informs him that she’s been informed herself of his treachery. What is this thing about this inheritance? “What inheritance are we talking about, my love? Enough already! She spills what Yadi’s told her about them faking a will so they could steal everything from the Dávilas and not leave them a blessed cent, and he emptied the accounts so there’d be a big fat ZERO in them. He tries to get her to see he had to do it because she is the legal wife. He didn’t leave her rights very protected. Nidia attacks—and what about the rights of the Dávilas? Delirio looks at her, impactado—when did she turn so ethical? She retorts that she doesn’t know but it seems to her one of the basest, most cruel things she’s ever heard of. It’s because of folks like him that this country is going to hell in a hand basket (cayendo a pedazos-falling to pieces). Corrupt! Delirio denies it. He’s not going to put up with that. And because she has so recently acquired ethical feelings, it turns out he is getting insulted. Him! The only one who loves her! He leans across to touch her and she slaps him with her purse. She frankly can’t believe she’s ended up married to a horrendous monstrosity like him. ME? A horrendous monstrosity??? Yes! At this very moment, I’m leaving to go to the Dávilas’ house and tell them the whole truth. I’m going to talk to Ana. She gets up to leave and Delirio gets up to beg. The guard eyes him suspiciously as he clasps his hands in supplication that she won’t spill her guts. Think twice, my love! There’s nothing to think about. He begs some more as the guard comes close behind him, looking distinctly annoyed with Delirio. Nidia, don’t be so ditzy (bewildered). We could lose everything! Nidia minces off huffily at that. The Drama King of the D. F. collapses on the table, moaning over his anticipated fate.

Juan is drawing pictures in the air for Kike and Anga about the coronation party. He names off stars; even Shakira could be there! His belt buckle wiggles suggestively up and down and Anga’s eyebrows raise. Even El Payaso Tenebroso (the gloomy clown, Brozo, as opposed to Bozo, the cheerful clown). Kike and Anga are dubious in two-part harmony now. Anga says he can see it and he can’t believe it. He wonders how many anthuriums those folks will buy—he imagines the pageant costs will far outweigh the profits. Juan tries to explain that the profits aren’t all tangible, because the PR will be worth a bunch. Kike thinks maybe Juan could be right, huh, Anga? Anga shakes his head in doubt. Oh, sure, it just seems SO logical, it’s painted very pretty. He reminds Juan they haven’t harvested even the first anthurium and he’s already throwing away the profits. Juan thinks a well-organized pageant isn’t going to leave them broke. Anyway, in the town everyone will cooperate. Anga doesn’t know about that. If they want to organize it, fine, but he’s got to go bail his kid brother out of jail. He warns Juan not to disappear and Juan assures Anga he won’t. He calls after Anga to give Pastor his greetings.

Kike turns back to Juan and asks for the truth; someone hit him hard on the head, right? Juan gives Kike the “qué the heck?” look. Kike is frustrated—don’t tell me you came back here just to organize this pageant. Does this have something to do with the Licenciada? "Why would I tell you it doesn’t?” Juan asks. “I wouldn’t want to tell you lies.” Juan declares he came to fight for his love. Kike can only look at him and Juan has gotten very somber.

Paula reads while CL rests and talks on the phone. He asks Monica, who’s engaged in a game of chess with Cousin Laura, what’s happened in the office? She’s spoken to the judge to drop the charges against Gaitán (waive him from the fault). She’s also talked with Pastor to plant the conditions under which they’re helping him. Good, what did he say? He’s got no choice, really, he helps us or he helps us. Great. What about the computers? The authorities have them still and we’ve come to an agreement. We’ll get the legal programs in them. But, whew, it’s going to cost us dearly (nos va a salir en un ojo de la cara, which I have no idea about other than the context).

Kike whines a little at Juan—he thought Juan had buried this affection for Paula. Apparently not. If it didn’t die, so how could he bury it? It’s more alive than ever and it fills this little chest. She’s nailed into his soul. So, is the pageant deal just make-believe? No, no, no. It’s for real. Juan jumps up to call television companies. If they get people involved, Anga can’t say no. He dials and gives up before it even rings once. No answer.

Monica and Laura aren’t getting much chess playing done. She whines that the little boy decided to get discharged, and that other irresponsible one (the woman) took him home. Laura asks what is bugging Moni more, that he left put his health in danger or that he’s out of her reach? Moni honestly tells her both. Moni complains about Paula whisking him home and he probably is ignoring the risks or doesn’t know them. But Moni was gaining ground and that seems to have gone up in smoke. Poof.

Kike talks Juan into putting some of this off and going home to eat. Juan agrees-how he feels like he needs to see the Cachones! “And my daughter?” “My goddaughter, for sure!” “You brought her a gift, right?” Juan keeps chuckling—he didn’t, so he’ll have to scramble. “Everyone is going to be SO happy to see you, Juan!” And Nidia? Who knows…..They hurry off to Casa Cachón. By my estimate, Kike’s worked about 45 minutes. But what do I know?

CL has moved to his bed, and Paula seems to always gravitate to the edge of whatever he’s resting on. He proposes they should take advantage of his enforced rest and take a trip for a few days. Paula doesn’t think it’s a good idea. He promises to behave himself, and it could be something like a second honeymoon, or something similar….Paula doesn’t think so, not now. Why not? It’s perfect! He has to take some time off, and she’s not working so it’d be a real rest for him. How about it? Well, if the doc approves, it seems fine. But her face and voice don’t agree. “Approved?” “Approved.” He draws her to him by her hand in his, and kisses her hand lovingly.

Herlinda has moved over to Molo’s desk in the cheery office. All the candidates’ applications are ready. All that is left is for them to come and enter the contest. Molo’s going to find a car with a megaphone (carro con alta voz) where he can go through the streets and announce it. They hope all the girls will enter. Will she go with him? Herlinda is falling by the second here. Up there they have very tasty ices (sorbets, nieves, like snow) and you’ll like them. Delfi comes rushing in, dressed to the nines. Children, children, where do I sign up? The Kids are impactados and Molo doesn’t want to offend her, but tries to talk Delfi out of it, since she’s um….of a certain age. Delfi points out that Juan told her there was no limit and Herl encourages her and gives her an application. Molo sighs and sits down. For a guy who’s so loving most of the time, this is way out of character.

At the local jail, Pastor is FREE! He floats around a little and waxes on how one’s freedom is so meaningful if one is locked up even a few days. He feels like the birds that have the whole sky to fly through. Anga wonders if he breathed fumes in there (smoked something). No, locked up, one loses all sense of time. Okay, it was scarcely a few days but for me it was an eternity. Whatever. And we thought Delirio was a Drama King. He reminds Anga that they have to remember that the Farell folks behaved like princes with him. Weren’t they good with Anga, too? He’s not sure. He’s too old to believe in women’s tears and the good intentions of rich folks. Look who’s talking, little bro says. Seems to me you have more money than them. Yeah, but I came up from the bottom. Pastor wheedles Anga to give up the negativity, and the least they can do is make a little gesture. Anga gets suspicious –is Pastor trying to sell him something? And Pastor beats around the bush a little until he gets to the point—how about letting the Farell folks in on the anthurium deal with the Japanese folks? Wouldn’t he like to do some business with Farell? He tells Pastor to not waste his time. He stalks off and Pastor chugs after him.

Nidia arrives at Ana’s to be greeted by her cheery friend welcoming her in. Nidia is clearly anxious as she greets Ana so Ana anxiously asks about her. A little better than usual.... Nidia takes her hand and drags her over to the sofa so they can “sit and talk about something very sensitive.” Ana is downright alarmed. Go ahead….Well…..Nidia can’t get it out. She’s nervous. Why? Well, there are some things that are so complicated to say. “You’re making me nervous now.” Nidia suggests they need a little tequila to break the ice. Ana reminds Nidia “you’re talking to me, Ana Dávila.” They know each other. That’s not it, Nidia assures her anxiously. She just needs the drink for courage and Ana might need it more than her. Ana goes to get it as we hear Delirio’s voice talking about her going to Ana to snitch.

Gutis listens to Delirio as they pace in a circle in the exercise yard of the pen. Gutis wonders how the heck she knows about the fake will if she lost her memory? Yadi told her. Now what? Well, now I don’t think the Dávilas are going to stand around with their arms crossed when they find out what we did to them. Gutis is p. o.’d because they’re going to spend the rest of their days in the clink because of that crazy old lady-his wife! Gutis pushes Delirio to punctuate. If she betrays them, he’s going to lay it all on Delirio. Delirio asks if he doesn’t realize that all they can do here is wait for the worst to come? The Odd Couple keeps pacing and making us dizzy. Delirio wipes at the corner of his eye while Gutis tells him that Gutis plans to claim Delirio blackmailed him, and forced him and took Samuel’s checks and manipulated everything and was the brains behind this dirty plan. Sheesh, there really is no honor among thieves.

Nidia throws the shot of tequila back in one gulp while Ana watches in disbelief. It’s morning, for Pete’s sake! Nidia stammers and stutters and “how do I say this, Anita?” She covers the history in a nutshell, they’ve gone through so much, from being rivals and hating each other, and hating each other, and hating each other…..to this lovely friendship. Nidia looks deeply apologetic. Then she cheers, because the friendship has allowed them to have some real adventures like the one the other night. They both chuckle a little. “To the point, Nidia.” Nidia tries again….”Well, I have to tell you something, yes.” “So you’ve been telling me since you got here.” Nidia begins to cry, which alarms Ana. “Are you crying?” “Yes, because I was very selfish with you. Because I allowed your ruin and….Ana, I need for you to forgive me!” Nidia takes her hands and they look at each other, one in great concern and the other in great sadness and guilt. We are reminded that any similarity to reality is purely coincidental.

Monday: Will Nidia remember Juan? Will it even matter to her? What will happen when Paula sees him? Do we care?


Vocabulary

Coda – stingy, in Mexico
Picudazo – someone who’s clever
Tendedero de vecino – the neighbor’s clothesline

Gatear – multiple meanings, below, from the Collins online dictionary
a vi
1 (=andar a gatas) to crawl
(=trepar) to climb, clamber (por up)
2 (LAm) to be on the prowl
b vt
1 (=arañar) to scratch, claw
2 * (=hurtar) to pinch * , steal
3 (CAm, Méx)
* (=ligar) to try to pick up *
(=seducir) to seduce

Chorro – a lot, from my Hamel’s Diccionario Bilingue of Mexicanismos
Falta de ortografía - spelling mistake
El Payaso Tenebroso- The gloomy clown, Brozo, as opposed to Bozo, the cheerful clown

Jeanne

Labels: Juan