Sunday, February 24, 2008
Yo Amo a Juan – February 22, 2008 – In Which Juan Is a Hit at Televisa and at the Casa Cachón
The studio audience at Televisa is lively and excited to see Juan and the Bellezas on stage, talking about the beauty pageant. The talk show hostesses ask the girls – minus Delfi, who got waylaid – to take a turn for the folks. The schoolmarm does hers flatfooted, of course, and with shy giggles. Juan has to take a turn, too.
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Consuelo is telling Paula about all the healthful choices she has in the frig for the Seña so she can keep her little belly getting all it needs. Paula’s immediately suspicious about who told Chelo she was expecting. Um, it was Don CL, of course. Chelo has a great “huh?” face. And by the way, congrats--what can I fix for you?
Blurry faces in the Televisa studio audience smile and the crowd claps for Juan and the chicas. We note that Juan has dressed in one of his Farell business suits, with a yellow shirt and a Very Short red tie. Life in the D. F. is almost back to normal. One of the stars asks Juan to tell them about the anthurium, so he declares it’s a proudly Mexican flower! Wild cheering greets that assertion. He asserts that the ONLY place they grow it is his birthplace, Achichipico. [Ed. Note: as they say in the South, he ain’t went much.] Juan cues the audience to cheer wildly again and they cheerfully comply. The Achichipiquenses grow ‘em and export ‘em to all over the world! Wild cheering. The other star wants to know what these lovely ladies he’s brought have to do with the flower. Juan tells the audience and the interviewer about the beauty pageant, which will be shown all over on television! He thought bubbles about what Paula’s reaction will be when she sees him on the air. She’ll know what class of man he is! The beautiful hostess in a red evening gown (taping early in the morning??) tells the audience that before they began the show, Juan had mentioned that in addition to being a great impresario, the thing he likes most in the world is to dance. She convinces Juan to get up and do his famous Cachibombo. Juan is always so obliging—he can’t disappoint the lady so he cuts a rug on the teeny stage and gets everyone up to shake it with him. The chicas have varying degrees of expertise…..and Juan finishes with a splash, of course, in a very …..nice……pose. For anyone who wants to know how to do it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMKMRw2-KHg
At Anga’s house, the doctor gives Pastor the news: Anga’s had a mild heart attack (conato de infarto, slight heart attack). Not the first, either. Pastor wonders how the doctor knows—Anga told him. He doesn’t need to go to a hospital but he needs tests ASAP. Is Pastor family? Yes, his half brother. Pastor offers his hand for kissing. The doctor gives Pastor a look and shakes it limply. Anga needs total rest, and to be as calm as possible. Someone needs to watch him 24 hours a day.
Our waylaid Delfina is trying to get Juanito out of the john and exhorting him to get a move on. He protests that he’s giving it his best shot, so to speak. Juanito sits in the stall on the toilet faking it all the way. He’s definitely his father’s son. He moans and groans. Delfi is taken aback.
Pastor calls Kike, who greets him warmly. Pastor gives Kike the news that Anga is out of commission for a while. Kike is impactado when he hears it’s a mild heart attack. Pastor tells Kike he’s in charge of the business, and Kike tells him of course…except I have a lunch date because Juan’s in town. Pastor is ecstatic to hear about Juan and wants to know where he is, which prompts Kike to ask if Pastor needs Juan. [Ed. Note: Silly question, Kike.] Pastor denies it’s urgent but he’d like to see Juan. His brother’s health comes first, of course.
Delfi runs up to the door of the set at Televisa with Juanito, but they can’t go in. She begs and cajoles, but the guard at the door is adamant; no one goes in. Delfi calls out that she’s missing it/they’re missing her.
Pastor has apparently had a brainstorm; he calls to let Nidia know that Anga is sick. Nidia scoffs, so what? She didn’t think the Sr. had human weaknesses. Pastor clarifies that they had a little “discussion” in the morning and he went ape-sh** [Ed. Note: see the sidebar, “se puso como energúmeno”—I think that’s thanks to Ferro who would generally know such things]. That gets Nidia’s attention. She’s sure nothing bugs Anga (he’s always in a good mood). Pastor reports it’s a miracle he’s alive, and that Anga had a mild heart attack. Now Pastor’s really got Nidia’s attention.
CL has Marely on the coals, grilling her about her lunch with Paula at his house. He pushes on what the topics were: Paula’s trip …..Marely tries to give out minimal information, but CL presses and tells her he’s going to be very frank with her. He wants to know EXACTLY what they discussed. Marely swallows hard.
Outside the Televisa studio, Juan tries to put the ladies into a cab, consoling Delfi for her missed opportunity to be on television. He assures her that the next time she definitely will go with him for an interview. That excites our naïve Delfina. Juanito takes it all in; the Maestra and the other chica chat animatedly while Lorena just crosses her arms, irritated that she’s not the Center of the Universe for a few seconds of her life. Delfi is thrilled, she’ll go by herself with him? Yep. But for the moment, he’s going to the Cachón house to eat and taking Juanito. He tells Delfi she’s coming, but she tells him she’s depressed and so Juan decides, he’s sending them all back to the hotel. Three go with the program, but Lorena isn’t buying it. She’s a Queen, not his employee. Juan feigns impactado at one of the others, and all three are astonished at her arrogance. Lorena informs Juan she doesn’t have to follow his orders. Juan sees himself losing control here, and gives her a fine set down to remind her she’s not a queen yet, just aspiring like everyone else. [Ed. Note: Like that’s gonna hold this chick back?] He quotes the rules to her and the three ladies back him up, with Juanito giving her the “what’s up with you, of course he’s right” look. Lorena protests being closed up in four walls, and he retorts, so she tells him she’s “so afraid” NOT. She refuses to get in the cab and Juan thought bubbles about what he can do about this chica. She even threatened him and everything. The other three go toward the cab, and he finally gets his bearings and points out that her threats are going to count against her. He cites the rule about how he has to treat them all equally and not show any favoritism. Lorena makes a snotty remark about those cats, who overhear her, get incensed and rush back to confront Lorena the Pill—“Who are you calling a cat?” Juan tells them to leave her to him. He fusses at her about her lack of respect. No one has a crown yet. Somehow Juan convinces Lorena the Pill to go with the ladies.
Marely continues to tap dance around CL’s questions. They talked about her mother, etc., etc. Nothing more? Did she tell you about her pregnancy? Marely “remembers” that Paula did mention being pregnant, and by the way, congrats. He wants to know how Paula felt about all that. Fine. Fine? Yep, a little nervous. He’s happy about it. So, is Paula happy? Marely gives him a totally ingenuous look—of course.
Delirio has taken over the Cachón office, and stuffs a newspaper away in a drawer as he hears Nidia fussing with Yadi in the hall. He stands up, picks up the phone as the arguing gets closer by the second, and pretends to be on an Important Call. The ladies Cachón enter with Nidia fussing at Yadi about trying to control Nidia’s comings and goings, while Delirio talks to the phone. He yells at them. They get silent for about a second, so he can tell them about his Important Call and they should shut the heck up. Nidia doesn’t give a rip, she’s not in the mood. Yadi wants to go out with her Mami. [Ed. Note: Where the heck is the baby? She’s not with Kike. She’s already a latchkey kid? You’re leaving her home with Delirio? She’s out getting her hair done? She’s cruising the mall with her daycare buddies?] Nidia emphatically tells Yadi she’s not invited. Delirio protests her going out alone. He wants to know what’s up. Nidia retorts that to Him It’s Not Important. She flips a look over her shoulder at them as she stalks mincingly out. Yadi and Delirio are left to wonder and fuss with each other about what just happened. We hear the cuckoos as Delirio worriedly asks Yadi if Nidia could possibly be off the deep end again. Yadi is impactada; he shouldn’t even say that as a joke!
Juan and Juanito have gotten away from the ladies, and as they ride in the cab to the Cachón Casa (with Juanito NOT belted in, let alone in a car seat), Juan gives Juanito a crash course in etiquette. What a thought. He tells Juanito about the greetings to everyone when they arrive, and how there might be little kisses with the ladies, and a hug or whatever, and if he’s suddenly thirsty and asks for water and gets it, he needs to thank them, etc., etc. Juanito listens avidly to his Papi. ¿Estamos? (Agreed? Got it? Literally “Are we?” as in “Are we clear? Are we in agreement?”) Yes, Papa. He’s not supposed to let on that he already knows Doña Nidia. It’s their secret. Right, Pop.
Even with the possibility of Ivonne and all the LLs overhearing the conversation, Marely tells Fern about Monica’s and CL’s interrogations and investigations. They both want the scoop on Paula. Fern points out she’s between fiery crosses. Marely agrees, and she’s going to end up crucified. Fern says maybe nothing bad will happen out of it. Marely’s tried to make sure nothing happened, but they are after all her bosses. For obvious reasons she can’t entirely evade their question as easily as she’d like to. Fern looks at his watch—oops, it’s late! Marely wants to know why and he reminds her they’re eating at her house for lunch today. Marely tries to beg off and he nails her—is it because she doesn’t want to see Juan? Is she so afraid to have him close by? She assures Fern that Juan’s in the past and it’s thanks to Fern himself. He’s the one in her heart now. She pulls him down to her from his vast height, and gives him a little kiss [Ed. Note: this despite the Farell non-fraternization policy we heard so much about last summer]. She smiles and tells Fern okay, they’ll go to her house and he’ll see that Juan has no effect on her.
Anga wants to know if Pastor is trying to torture a sick man, he’ll never get better like this. Pastor says he’s just taking care of Anga, serving this tray of food in bed. Pastor tells Anga he shouldn’t think Pastor’s going to let him eat that greasy food (comidas grasientas) he’s used to, because Pastor’s never going to serve it to him. AND, when he’s better, Anga’s going to exercise so he really gets fit. That’s because the life he’s living is the Cause of All His Ills. Pastor shakes his finger at his bro. Anga remarks that whoever might overhear Pastor would think he’s an Adonis or something. But there’s nothing Adonis-like about him! [Ed. Note: ooh, good one.] Whatever, Pastor retorts fondly, but at least I care about you. Not only will we get you all better, but improve your appearance. Anga groans and mutters about why should he improve his appearance if there’s no one to look at him. Pastor’s not so sure about that, and what? The doorbell rings. Anga gives him a suspicious look. Who’s Pastor expecting? Pastor is expecting that Anga’s going to be surprised. He trots off to answer the door. Anga grumbles to himself as Kike bursts through the door and rushes to give Anga a half hug that’s hampered by the tray—Anga cautions him about it (caldo – soup). Kike wants to know how he’s doing and Anga wonders if this was his surprise? Pastor shakes his head.
CL’s disembodied voice asks Moni if she’s going to eat. What does it matter to him? Well, they’re business associates—they have to live together, get along. Moni keeps facing away from the door he’s just come in. She tells him it should be a little as possible. He tells her his situation has changed and she has to accept it, but Moni cuts him off. No need to talk about it. She can’t be happy about it, either. Seems that he’s forgotten his wife’s infidelity with the coming baby. She’s been off with her lover….and Moni plants the seed that she wonders if the baby he’s expecting with such excitement (ilusión) is even CL’s. CL is momentarily speechless and Moni gets up to curtly say goodbye and stalk out, no purse, nada. CL follows her out of her office, calling her. She stops in the middle of the lobby, much to the surprise of everyone, and bitterly calls out to anybody who’s listening that she’s sure they haven’t heard the news yet, but congratulations to our President CL, who’s going to be a Papa. She gives a couple of sharp claps and spins to continue her angry walk to the elevator. Some of the LLs note her distress, while the Really Stupid one smiles and claps, fixating on CL. He half-smiles awkwardly to acknowledge them clapping. Ivonne claps but can’t really smile a whole lot. CL slinks back to his office, holding the “talk to the hand” hand up at them and making no more eye contact as he disappears. Ivonne looks hurt and puzzled.
Yadi’s school file has all the info anyone could want about her—especially her photo and phone number. Profe Nacho (short for Ignacio) Topete (gee, this is from a verb that means to butt or bump, bump into-topetar. Hm.) takes a pencil and copies the info into his little black book under the wary and totally suspicious eye of his Profa wife, who’s wearing another of those schoolmarm outfits. Could be the same outfit, really. She probably buys multiples of the same thing so her students recognize her everyday. She gets up from the desk and keeps her eye trained on hubby while she goes to the sofa in the office and picks up another file. The Profe goes around the desk and dials the number. He gets….Perafán Rocha de Francisco and Associates. Oh, in the world’s eighth largest city of more than 8,235,000 people, the Profe finds out what a Small World it is. Perafán knows him from the Profe’s own school days! How can it be? They talk about how long it’s been, and Delirio wonders how he got the phone number. Topete, who has a sneaky streak we are coming to recognize and apparently one that his wife also recognizes, says a former colleague gave it to him. They are both so excited about the prospect of getting together! Topete asks for Delirio’s address. It’s #69 Colina Street. (That wasn’t in Yadi’s record, at least not the part we could see, but her father’s name was so Topete can’t really know that Delirio is her stepfather). Delirio lovingly fondles a blindfolded statue of justice with her scales. The Profa watches her shifty spouse writing. Topete bids Delirio goodbye, and they’ll see each other shortly. He’s got a plan and grinning ear to ear about it. Topete has the good sense to wipe the goofy smile off his face and hangs up, going to the Profa to apologize because he has to go out. He’s getting a reunion of former students organized [Ed. Note: Thinks on his feet well.] He can’t go eat with her. She assures him she’ll be fine, he should go see his friend without another thought (tranquilo, calm). She smiles stiffly as he leaves. Topete looks uncannily (and sounds uncannily) like CL bidding his “amor” goodbye cheerfully when he’s going off to cheat. He kisses her forehead and tells her not to worry about him. She asks him “me worry?” with a pointed look and he tells her it’s just a saying and tells her “ciao” for the second time in a minute. Her smile gets tighter while his gets goofier. She slaps down the folder she was holding, and takes her polyester-clad okole over to the desk [Ed. Note: I see it now—the Profa has to go get a makeover so she can get her hubby back out of Yadi’s sphere. She’s going to have to see Laura for a wardrobe consultation at Skanks ‘r ‘Us. The first step will be getting rid of that panty line in the poly pants. Come to think of it, these folks don’t portray schoolmarms in the best light, do they? They need to be watching the TLC show “What Not to Wear” with Stacy and Clinton.] The Profa stalks over to the desk and hits redial—coming up with Perafán Rocha de Francisco and Associates. She realizes it’s an attorney firm. Delirio affirms and asks how he can help her. She thinks as quickly as Topete does. She needs a consultation. Delirio is delighted to help, and says he’ll take the information down. She’d rather talk to him personally—can she have his address?
CL drinks, the lobby lizards visible beyond the not-so-blinds. Ivonne comes in and wonders if he needs anything more, because she’s leaving. He’s leaving, too. She wishes him luck with the coming baby. He’s going to need it. CL is left to think.
Yadi must not have school today, since she’s reading a magazine in the living room. Juan’s charcoal portrait is behind her on the wall over the bar. Delirio comes out of the office exulting about his appointments—two important clients in one single day! Don’t tell me. Yadi doesn’t even look up and her tone is total boredom. [Ed. Note: Important? One is a former student, that’s it. The other….] Delirio babbles on about being a bit late in achieving success, and not having his own office, but for brilliant minds like his, independence is a good thing. Yadi sarcastically congratulates him and suggests at this stage, he’ll surely want his own office and leave theirs to them. As he replies, there’s a knock. Yadi runs off and leaves him talking to himself. Guess WHO? Juan and….who’s that little shadow—Yadi gives Juanito a very curious look. They both greet Juan warmly and Juan introduces his son.—Junior! [Ed. Note: You could be a Southern Redneck if you are related to anyone called Junior or Bubba. I qualify on the latter. My hubby is still Junior to some of this relatives, despite a doctorate and full professorship for almost 20 years]. Yadi and Delirio are impactado. Juanito is a little shy about these folks who clearly love his Papa. Wait till he sees the drawing of Papi’s gloriously naked self behind them.
Anga appreciates Kike coming, but it makes him feel worse. Kike scolds him to not be rude. Anga points out if Kike’s here, the business has been abandoned. Pastor scolds Anga not to get upset and tenser than ever. Kike assures Anga it’s all super good with Remolacho charged to take care of it. Then he lays it on them—he has a commitment, and guess who’s coming to the house to eat? Juan! Anga wants Juan to come see him. Kike promises to tell him and excuses himself. Anga swears Kike to tell Nidia NOTHING of his illness. Pastor rolls his eyes and squirms. They leave Anga’s room, Pastor thanks Kike and opens the door, and in runs Nidia. She wants to know where he is, has he seen the doc, what’s up? Kike and Pastor try to prevent her finding Anga’s room but Nidia’s on a mission and bursts into the room. Anga is impactado. She calls him all kinds of endearments and runs to sit on the side of the bed, hugging him. Nidia babbles about finding him here this way, and what she can do. Pastor and Kike come in to see if they can do something about this while Nidia babbles and hugs, hugs and babbles. She would never have God’s forgiveness if he died, it’s really her fault. [No, Nidia, it’s not really about you.] Anga is visibly moved by her affectionate outburst.
The Achichipico Bellezas are bored. Juan has left them to their own devices, which is probably not a Good Thing where Lorena is concerned. The chica in blue thinks they’re all dressed up and no place to go, so good-looking, why stay cooped up in the hotel. They should just find a restaurant and party a little. They’re in the central business district, so surely there will be plenty down there. Lorena hops up to attention; she thinks it’s a great idea. The chica in blue informs her that the invite Did Not Include Lorena. Lorena sneers. Delfi tells the chica in blue forget the “Doña” already, you’re making me feel old and Lorena butts in to tell Delfi at her age, why not call her that. Delfi gives Lorena the stink eye and tells Lorena not to mess with her. Lorena tells Delfi to watch herself or she’ll bring on a dizzy spell (provocar un patatús). Delfi tries to go after her but the others hold her back. Delfi threatens her to chill or Delfi will make her life impossible. Lorena sarcastically tells Delfi she’s shaking with fear. The chica in blue defends Delfi and tells Lorena to just go home already—to her OWN town. Lorena says she’s staying, and warns them to watch themselves because if there’s one thing she knows, it’s how to defend herself. [No doubt.] Schoolmarm Teresa says she’s tired and will stay back with Delfi, but Delfi’s not having it and exhorts her amigas to come out with her and enjoy the city. They exit stage left, leaving a petulant Lorena alone. We break to Lorena’s crafty smile before commercials.
If Nidia had had any idea Anga would end up like this, she never would have been ugly with him (said those awful things). The last thing she wants in this life is that anything bad should happen to him. She holds Anga’s hand and they coo at each other a little. He gently brings her over to hug her and tell her to calm down, but she pops right back up, because there’s always something more to say. No, she’s not getting calmed until the doc tells her he’s out of danger. She’s going to be his nurse, Nidia declares, his slave, his guardian angel. She has to fix the great harm she’s done to him. Anga smiles his delightful smile and chuckles in that lovely voice. He pulls her back for a hug as Pastor comes in, and Anga tells Nidia she’s to stop feeling guilty right now. She’s not done a thing to him, but he guilty one is Sr. Pastor Gaitán. The brothers glare at each other. Nidia thinks its’ lovely that he can do this, feeling so bad, and invent whatever reason so she won’t feel so bad. She caresses his cheek and he caresses hers. Pastor tells Nidia his brother is telling the truth. The crisis happened in the middle of a quarrel they were having. Nidia says she’s guilty, too, because if she had been a little more supportive (solidaria) and a little less combative (peleonara), none of this would have happened to him. She’ll make it up to him, she coos and caresses. She’s not leaving here until he’s able to get up out of bed. Pastor grabs his chance; since Anga is in such good hands, Pastor’s going to take advantage of the opportunity to take care of some unfinished business. [Which no doubt has a 6-year old as part of it.] Nidia urges him to go, because she’s not abandoning Anga while she still lives. Nidia and Anga hug, bill and coo while Pastor trots off as fast as his little legs can pump.
Delfi leads the way into a downtown restaurant that is populated by male types, so one wonders if there are ANY female executives in the D. F. She gets the once over from various tables and even a whistle or two before the younger chicas follow, and they get their fair share of attention. If they weren’t whistling, we’d wonder at an all-male restaurant crowd…..the chicas find a table amid many wolf whistles. Suddenly, Lorena has joined them and there are even more whistles, plus some crossed arms at the one table of females. In a surprising turn of events, the ever-kind Schoolmarm Teresa sarcastically remarks on what the cat brought in….er, Lorena joining them. Lorena retorts that she wasn’t staying alone, all dressed up and bored. The chicas apparently are going with Lorena’s program….there may be just the slightest sense that if something Awful Happens they can always push her out in front. Delfi cranes her neck at all the men and gets a few nods and acknowledgements. Not a bad gig for being on vacation, amigas. [Ed. Note: Sorry, amigos who read this blog, there are so few of you and you appear rarely, I am taking liberties here.] Delfi regales the chicas on the great looking guys here, even better than in Achichipico. Lorena reminds them of Juan. Delfi cuts her off and the waiter comes with menus. Lunch should be interesting and it’s possible no one’s going to remember what they ate.
Paula hugs her Juan-bear and looks despondent. She rubs her tummy and talks to her little one, telling the baby that he has a mommy who is very confused and a little nuts. She begs the baby not to think she doesn’t love him. She simply didn’t expect him, especially after she talked to Juan. How is she going to tell Juan she’s expecting CL’s child? She rubs the bear and squeezes it, its sewed-in smile broadening with the pressure.
Delirio is being his usual obnoxious self, remarking on Juanito’s bad luck at inheriting none of his mother’s looks since he’s the spittin’ image of Juan. Juan, however, is pleased—you think so? Juanito is being manhandled by Papi. Yadi comments positively, but Delirio continues his litany of insults and even Yadi looks embarrassed and annoyed. How come Juanito isn’t talking? Cat got his tongue (not literally). He shakes Juanito, who is beginning to Dislike This Creep. Yadi reminds Delirio if he can’t say something nice, say nothing at all. Or close enough to that. Juan defends his boy, who is well-mannered. Delirio says Juanito’s a country boy, but leave him in the city a month—he’ll sharpen up….Juan thinks his boy’s bright enough, the Lic just doesn’t know Juanito yet. Delirio says Juanito doesn’t appear to be. [Ed. Note: I can’t stand it. What an IDIOT, making such stupid remarks about a child in front of him. So there.]. Juan tries to get Juanito to strut his stuff, but they’re interrupted. Fern and Marely are here! Hugs and greetings around, and Marely is impactada about Juanito. Delirio tells her this criatura/child is the newest joke (la última gracia) of Sr. Dominguez, [Ed. Note: Hold me back, gentle readers, before I BELT Alirio one.], who never leaves off surprising us each time he appears, right? Juan timidly tells Marely that Juanito is his son. She is muy, pero muy, impactada.
Nidia is spoon-feeding Anga—soup. She’s also brought good old green Jello, just like my Mami fed me years ago when I was sick. She’s brought him a tray of chicken, bread, juice and the green Jello. She’s got all the spices and herbs and chicken giblets in the dish [Ed. Note: she was doing just great up till the giblets. Ew.] He tells her it’s way better than what Pastor was giving him. Sock soup. (That’s what he said folks, agua de calcetín – water of sock). Nidia chuckles. He tells her there’s nothing like the flavor of female. She replies in kind, and tells him she has nothing against his brother, though. Anga wants to know if this idiot (Pastor) told her the gossip about Anga. She says Pastor was worried about Anga and keeps feeding him.
Juanito displays his best manners in greeting Marely. He calls her Sra., and Juan says he’s an innocent, it’s Srta. Everyone except Marely chuckles. She looks at Juan—he never told her he had a son. Juan nervously tells her—and everyone-it’s a long story. But now you’ve met him and by the way, where is YOUR Mami? Delirio butts in and complains about how she’s flown the coop again with no explanation. She probably didn’t leave us any lunch, either. Delirio tells Juan and Juanito how nice it has been to see them, and…..Yadi sees where he’s going and interrupts. Nope, they’re STAYING for lunch. Delirio thinks they surely must need to go shopping in the city. He makes Juanito do a spin for him. He babbles and sounds totally incoherent to me, but maybe Maricruz can tell us qué the heck he’s talking about, someone in Guatemala. Juan is looking distinctly uncomfortable and the others are annoyed. Delirio laughs at his own wit, which apparently only he understands. Yadi tells him he’s an expert in being tedious. He’s hateful! [Amen!] She leans over and assures Juanito that he shouldn’t pay attention to this bitter old man, because Juanito is in His House. [Hoorah, Yadira!] Marely jumps up to help save the day—neither Juan, nor Juanito are going anywhere. Delirio is quiet for a change, beaten by popular consent. Fern grins broadly. How gorgeous this guy is when he grins!
Anga tells Nidia it’s very curious, she’s caring for him just as if she were his wife. Nidia gives him an enchanting smile at that. Then he finishes the thought—the wife she never was to be for him. He wants to know if she was so caring with Samuel. She evades his question a bit, but tells him it was like that with Samuel only in the beginning. After the resentment between them got too big, that changed. She worried about him, of course, about his things…but…..maybe she didn’t show him this much caring. You know? Why not? Why are you asking me these questions? Can’t you see they hurt? Anga tells her that he often thought of her and wondered how her life was at Samuel’s side. He was envious thinking of Samuel enjoying her company, her attention. She tells Anga not to think that…her life with Samuel wasn’t a bed of roses. Anga says he didn’t know how to appreciate her like Anga does. Anga would have given everything for the privilege of seeing her. He clears the drinks off the tray and moves it away from him. He wanted to feel her heat, eat at her table. He would have loved to change places with Samuel, get the scraps of her love [I might have that wrong, but the thought is right.] Nidia points out that life with her wasn’t anything easy. Anga thinks he would have been happy at her side, not the bitter old man he is now. She starts to protest, but Anga won’t let her take this idea from his head. He makes her come and sit near him. They’re happy now. Nidia can smile again. He tells her that idea in his head was the only thing that kept him alive much of the time. If she takes it from him, he won’t have anything left inside. They smile lovingly at each other and hug.
Kike’s home for lunch, and sees Juan and Juanito, so there are another round of hugs and greetings. Kike does remember to kiss his wife first. Juan pats on Kike’s belly before Kike sees Juanito. Juan tells Juanito this guy is like his soul-brother. Kike demands a hug and Juanito happily gives it. Kike feels like he’s known Juanito forever. He tells Juan how nicely Juanito’s turned out.
Lunch at the Casa Cachón is a lively affair with Fern, Marely, Delirio, Yadi, Kike, Juan and Juanito all home to enjoy it. Juanito has Nidia’s place, because she’s MIA. Marely tells them she doesn’t have her mother’s flair (sazón – flavor, ripeness, but in this context flair made more sense), but she let her fingers do the walking (has a finger for asking for dinner for the home-- she ordered out? I’ve very loosely interpreted here). They make dinner chitchat, with Delirio being his usual annoying self. Kike asks Juan how the organizing for the beauty pageant is going and tells the family about how Juan’s involved with that. Juan tells them he was down at Televisa taping this morning. Marely doesn’t believe him, but Juan assures her if they watch, they’ll be able to see the program in the coming week. Kike tells him they’ll even record it. Juan thought bubbles that Fern and Marely make a cute couple, one has to recognize that, but it makes his chest constrict (gave his chest a blow) to see his rose garden grow lovelier every day. [Hm.]
CL tentatively comes in to Moni’s office and greets her, but she can’t be bothered to look up. What can she do for him, she tersely asks. CL tells her that he doesn’t want to lose the friendship they’ve achieved. Friendship? Moni sneers. Well, it seemed like that before you knew Paula is pregnant. Moni retorts that she wants him to leave her in peace. He’s taken aback that she’s answering him that way. Then, don’t come to me with your stupidity. He tries to tell her he’s worried for her, and she interrupts—just leave me in PEACE! Understand that I don’t want to see you, I want to be alone. Okay, he replies, and throws up his hands in surrender. I’m going, goodbye. He slinks out the door, muttering to himself--what a temper she’s in! Laura strides across the lobby in her artiste clothing—not so skanky as usual, and greets CL warmly. She asks how he is—he tells her bad and indicates Moni’s door. Why is Laura here? Well, she was just passing by and thought she’d check in with Moni. CL says fine, she’s in her office, but I recommend you go in with a whip and a chair because she could bite. Laura points out she has reasons, doesn’t he think? CL flatly denies it. If Laura can calm her down, he’d appreciate it. He stalks off across the lobby to his office. Laura just shakes her head at his cluelessness.
Juan tells Fern and Marely not to be like that, why are they leaving so early? They stand at the door, where Fern and Marely are ready to go back to work. Juan knows how things are at Farell, Marely tells them. It’s the price of success, Fern adds. They have to pay it. Delirio yells a sarcastic remark from the other room. [Anyone have a roll of duct tape?] Yadi, hanging all over Kike lovingly, asks if anyone is hearing a buzzing fly around there. What a nuisance! That puzzles Juanito as Juan gestures to Marely and Fern. They’re going to have to fumigate the vermin out of the house! Marely, Juan, Kike and Fern chuckle. Juan, Marely and Fern say their goodbyes [Ed. Note: at this point, as always happens at some point with my DVR, the captions really got garbled for about a minute. Usually I can just listen and get it, but not this time. I heard it and played it back repeatedly, but couldn’t get what Juan was telling them. If anyone heard anything important in this leave-taking, please add it! Thanks!] Kike asks Juan why he won’t come and stay at the house. Juan says he can’t leave his son alone at the hotel. Kike says bring him along to the house, the girls can take care of him, right? Marely gets all excited at the prospect. She’d love it. They’ll get a movie, popcorn (palomitas!!!!). Her eyes get big as she leans down to tell Juanito all about their fun, [and Juanito will surely fall in love again]. Does that sound good to him? Juanito pumps Marely’s hand and thanks her very nicely. She kisses him, tells Juanito goodbye and tells him to behave himself, and kisses Juan. Juan calls her back hesitantly to ask a favor. She sighs—okay, what does he want her to tell his Licenciada? Well, um, that he needs to see her and talk to her. Marely says she’ll tell Paula when she sees her. They try the goodbye again [honestly, and I thought the Deaf Goodbye was long!] Kike asks Juan what he thought about all the billing and cooing (Tortolitos, from tortoleo, billing and cooing). Juan thinks it’s good, lots of affection there. Kike says that Marely is so lovely, and what a shame he let that one get away because she could have been the love of his life….Juan tries to shush him, and so does Yadi. Kike makes a remark to Juanito about Juan making all the girls crazy about him. Juan swats at Kike and says the most important thing is that she’s happy, please, in love with a good man. Juan thought bubbles that this was the whole truth. If anyone in this world deserved to be happy, ti was Marely. Fern and Marely stroll to the car talking about Juan’s success. Too bad it’s just in business. Fern wonders if she’s referring to Paula’s pregnancy. Yes. Fern thinks that some day Juan will realize that the relationship’s not going anywhere, some other woman will be as good, and he’ll forget his Licenciada. Marely doesn’t think so; it’ll never happen. Paula is the love of his life. Well, Fern wonders, what happens if it just can’t be? Marely responds that he’ll be like Fern, and find another woman. But for Juan, he’ll never love her like he does Paula. But, that’s his problem, right? Fern agrees.
Moni is unloading on Laura. She’s tired of it all, of César Luis Farell, of this work, of Licenciada Paula Dávila. Moni wants to leave the country and go where she’ll never again hear of those despicable people. Laura says she’s in no condition to make a decision, especially in a mood like this. Why not? Because she could be mistaken. Besides, if she can’t just leave all this because those two have resolved their problems [little do you know]. This is her business, too. Moni doesn’t care. She’ll leave them with all of it. Let CL take care of it the rest of his life. And the two of them deserve each other. Laura is sad to see Moni like this, bitter and full of rancor. Moni tells her cousin not to feel sorry for her, because she feels like she’s finally seeing it all clearly. Moni’s going to do what she should have done from the beginning, and which Laura advised her to do, right? Laura agrees, she did advise that, but circumstances were different. Now Laura is advising Moni to calm down and not make any bad decision. Moni declares that she cannot do this any more, and her decision—she’s not going to change her mind. She’s resigning from Farell, and what’s more, right this minute she’s going to make CL aware of it. Moni strides to the door, and Laura tries to call her back. Calm down and think about it, please!
CL looks irritated. Resign, why, Monica? She tells him it’s because the situation has gotten out of hand and she wants to salvage a shred of dignity. CL replies he knows it’s been difficult for her, but it’s still her company and she doesn’t have to go. She says she just has to. For all her efforts, all she has tried, she just can’t stay near him and his ….woman. And she’s not prepared to keep living with this torture. CL suggests she gets some distance. For example, manage one of the branch offices. Moni isn’t interested. She’s leaving the company, and get some distance, but real distance. She’s leaving the country, and that’s that.
The smaller family group is gathered in the living room at Casa Cachón, laughing about some joke that makes Juan tell Kike he’s a goofball (bruto-fool, rough, gross, idiot). The doorbell rings and Delirio jumps up to get it; that’ll be his client. Juan lowers his voice and asks Kike what Delirio did that they let him go? Well, it seems he proved his innocence. But they won’t accept him back (admitir-accept) at Farell. And now what do you think? He put his office here in the house! Really? Yadi chimes in that Juan can just imagine how happy that makes them all [not] and suddenly calls out with surprise to see Profe Topete. [Imagine that.] The Profe expresses his amazement—Yadira Cachón, what are you doing here?? Well, I live here, she tells him as he walks past Delirio into the living room. Really? What a coincidence! Yadi stutters a little—yes. Delirio is impactada, Yadi is uneasy, and Topete gets a cat-that-ate-a-canary smile.
CL doesn’t get it about Monica, because he thought she had gotten over their separation. [Sheesh.] She bitterly asks what happened to him. Has he been able to erase his head of all they lived through together the last few days? CL sighs. What happened? Moni shouts at him to not be cynical. She doesn’t hop in the sack with every guy who offers. All those days he was looking for her (hitting on her), until that finally happened. Moni’s composure cracks and she gets close to tears. CL says he’s truly sorry and hopes she believes him. She retorts that she is sorrier and it’s the worst thing she’s done in her life. CL tries to reach for her but thinks better of it—he doesn’t know what to say to her. He feels bad, and guilty. She tells him to save his apologies. They’re not going to change a thing. She’s not going to waste more of her life. Moni gets up to leave, but adds a parting shot. Goodbye, CL, I hope you never find someone in your path like yourself. Although now that I think about it well, I believe you already have. CL looks ashamed, irritated, and at a loss for words.
Moni’s gone back to her office, and Laura is urging her to come along home. No, Moni tells Laura, she has too many unfinished tasks. Laura points out that Moni doesn’t have a head for it. Moni storms out of the office, sees Marely with Fern, and tells Marely to bring her a tea, please. She’ll be right back to the office. Fern and Marely are impactados; Fern wonders what now and gives Marely a quick kiss [so much for the non-fraternization policy again. It seems the lobby is the place for PDAs now.] He goes off and Marely puts her purse up, when the elevator opens and Paula strides off. She certainly isn’t looking pregnant. Marely looks up to see her half-sister—and this? What are you doing in these parts? They smile at each other fondly. Paula has come to see CL and she’ll talk to Marely later. Paula notices that Laura is sitting in her old office—which she’s swapped with Monica, who has the office while Paula has CL. [If you ask me, the office is the better bet and I’d swap back.] Paula wants to know what that woman is doing here? Marely wonders if Paula knows her. Marely reports that the woman’s a friend of Monica’s and has been up several times to visit her. She looks bemused as Paula stalks into Moni’s office to confront Laura. Paula quietly says “good afternoon, ma’am” and closes the door. Laura looks…busted. And we realize yet again that any similarity to reality is purely coincidental.
Monday: Will Paula tell Juan her news? How will Juan take the news? Will there be an all-out three-way catfight in the Vice President’s office?
Vocabulary
Conato de infarto - slight heart attack
¿Estamos? - Agreed? Got it? (Literally “Are we?” as in “Are we clear? Are we in agreement?”)
Comidas grasientas - greasy food (ew)
Caldo – soup
Va a provocar un patatús - she’ll bring on a dizzy spell
La última gracia - the latest/newest joke
Solidaria – supportive
Peleonara - combative
Palomitas - popcorn
Tortolitos, from tortoleo – sweet nothings, billing and cooing
Sazón – flavor, ripeness, but in this context “flair” made more sense
Bruto – goofball, fool, rough, gross, idiot
Admitir - accept
Jeanne
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Consuelo is telling Paula about all the healthful choices she has in the frig for the Seña so she can keep her little belly getting all it needs. Paula’s immediately suspicious about who told Chelo she was expecting. Um, it was Don CL, of course. Chelo has a great “huh?” face. And by the way, congrats--what can I fix for you?
Blurry faces in the Televisa studio audience smile and the crowd claps for Juan and the chicas. We note that Juan has dressed in one of his Farell business suits, with a yellow shirt and a Very Short red tie. Life in the D. F. is almost back to normal. One of the stars asks Juan to tell them about the anthurium, so he declares it’s a proudly Mexican flower! Wild cheering greets that assertion. He asserts that the ONLY place they grow it is his birthplace, Achichipico. [Ed. Note: as they say in the South, he ain’t went much.] Juan cues the audience to cheer wildly again and they cheerfully comply. The Achichipiquenses grow ‘em and export ‘em to all over the world! Wild cheering. The other star wants to know what these lovely ladies he’s brought have to do with the flower. Juan tells the audience and the interviewer about the beauty pageant, which will be shown all over on television! He thought bubbles about what Paula’s reaction will be when she sees him on the air. She’ll know what class of man he is! The beautiful hostess in a red evening gown (taping early in the morning??) tells the audience that before they began the show, Juan had mentioned that in addition to being a great impresario, the thing he likes most in the world is to dance. She convinces Juan to get up and do his famous Cachibombo. Juan is always so obliging—he can’t disappoint the lady so he cuts a rug on the teeny stage and gets everyone up to shake it with him. The chicas have varying degrees of expertise…..and Juan finishes with a splash, of course, in a very …..nice……pose. For anyone who wants to know how to do it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMKMRw2-KHg
At Anga’s house, the doctor gives Pastor the news: Anga’s had a mild heart attack (conato de infarto, slight heart attack). Not the first, either. Pastor wonders how the doctor knows—Anga told him. He doesn’t need to go to a hospital but he needs tests ASAP. Is Pastor family? Yes, his half brother. Pastor offers his hand for kissing. The doctor gives Pastor a look and shakes it limply. Anga needs total rest, and to be as calm as possible. Someone needs to watch him 24 hours a day.
Our waylaid Delfina is trying to get Juanito out of the john and exhorting him to get a move on. He protests that he’s giving it his best shot, so to speak. Juanito sits in the stall on the toilet faking it all the way. He’s definitely his father’s son. He moans and groans. Delfi is taken aback.
Pastor calls Kike, who greets him warmly. Pastor gives Kike the news that Anga is out of commission for a while. Kike is impactado when he hears it’s a mild heart attack. Pastor tells Kike he’s in charge of the business, and Kike tells him of course…except I have a lunch date because Juan’s in town. Pastor is ecstatic to hear about Juan and wants to know where he is, which prompts Kike to ask if Pastor needs Juan. [Ed. Note: Silly question, Kike.] Pastor denies it’s urgent but he’d like to see Juan. His brother’s health comes first, of course.
Delfi runs up to the door of the set at Televisa with Juanito, but they can’t go in. She begs and cajoles, but the guard at the door is adamant; no one goes in. Delfi calls out that she’s missing it/they’re missing her.
Pastor has apparently had a brainstorm; he calls to let Nidia know that Anga is sick. Nidia scoffs, so what? She didn’t think the Sr. had human weaknesses. Pastor clarifies that they had a little “discussion” in the morning and he went ape-sh** [Ed. Note: see the sidebar, “se puso como energúmeno”—I think that’s thanks to Ferro who would generally know such things]. That gets Nidia’s attention. She’s sure nothing bugs Anga (he’s always in a good mood). Pastor reports it’s a miracle he’s alive, and that Anga had a mild heart attack. Now Pastor’s really got Nidia’s attention.
CL has Marely on the coals, grilling her about her lunch with Paula at his house. He pushes on what the topics were: Paula’s trip …..Marely tries to give out minimal information, but CL presses and tells her he’s going to be very frank with her. He wants to know EXACTLY what they discussed. Marely swallows hard.
Outside the Televisa studio, Juan tries to put the ladies into a cab, consoling Delfi for her missed opportunity to be on television. He assures her that the next time she definitely will go with him for an interview. That excites our naïve Delfina. Juanito takes it all in; the Maestra and the other chica chat animatedly while Lorena just crosses her arms, irritated that she’s not the Center of the Universe for a few seconds of her life. Delfi is thrilled, she’ll go by herself with him? Yep. But for the moment, he’s going to the Cachón house to eat and taking Juanito. He tells Delfi she’s coming, but she tells him she’s depressed and so Juan decides, he’s sending them all back to the hotel. Three go with the program, but Lorena isn’t buying it. She’s a Queen, not his employee. Juan feigns impactado at one of the others, and all three are astonished at her arrogance. Lorena informs Juan she doesn’t have to follow his orders. Juan sees himself losing control here, and gives her a fine set down to remind her she’s not a queen yet, just aspiring like everyone else. [Ed. Note: Like that’s gonna hold this chick back?] He quotes the rules to her and the three ladies back him up, with Juanito giving her the “what’s up with you, of course he’s right” look. Lorena protests being closed up in four walls, and he retorts, so she tells him she’s “so afraid” NOT. She refuses to get in the cab and Juan thought bubbles about what he can do about this chica. She even threatened him and everything. The other three go toward the cab, and he finally gets his bearings and points out that her threats are going to count against her. He cites the rule about how he has to treat them all equally and not show any favoritism. Lorena makes a snotty remark about those cats, who overhear her, get incensed and rush back to confront Lorena the Pill—“Who are you calling a cat?” Juan tells them to leave her to him. He fusses at her about her lack of respect. No one has a crown yet. Somehow Juan convinces Lorena the Pill to go with the ladies.
Marely continues to tap dance around CL’s questions. They talked about her mother, etc., etc. Nothing more? Did she tell you about her pregnancy? Marely “remembers” that Paula did mention being pregnant, and by the way, congrats. He wants to know how Paula felt about all that. Fine. Fine? Yep, a little nervous. He’s happy about it. So, is Paula happy? Marely gives him a totally ingenuous look—of course.
Delirio has taken over the Cachón office, and stuffs a newspaper away in a drawer as he hears Nidia fussing with Yadi in the hall. He stands up, picks up the phone as the arguing gets closer by the second, and pretends to be on an Important Call. The ladies Cachón enter with Nidia fussing at Yadi about trying to control Nidia’s comings and goings, while Delirio talks to the phone. He yells at them. They get silent for about a second, so he can tell them about his Important Call and they should shut the heck up. Nidia doesn’t give a rip, she’s not in the mood. Yadi wants to go out with her Mami. [Ed. Note: Where the heck is the baby? She’s not with Kike. She’s already a latchkey kid? You’re leaving her home with Delirio? She’s out getting her hair done? She’s cruising the mall with her daycare buddies?] Nidia emphatically tells Yadi she’s not invited. Delirio protests her going out alone. He wants to know what’s up. Nidia retorts that to Him It’s Not Important. She flips a look over her shoulder at them as she stalks mincingly out. Yadi and Delirio are left to wonder and fuss with each other about what just happened. We hear the cuckoos as Delirio worriedly asks Yadi if Nidia could possibly be off the deep end again. Yadi is impactada; he shouldn’t even say that as a joke!
Juan and Juanito have gotten away from the ladies, and as they ride in the cab to the Cachón Casa (with Juanito NOT belted in, let alone in a car seat), Juan gives Juanito a crash course in etiquette. What a thought. He tells Juanito about the greetings to everyone when they arrive, and how there might be little kisses with the ladies, and a hug or whatever, and if he’s suddenly thirsty and asks for water and gets it, he needs to thank them, etc., etc. Juanito listens avidly to his Papi. ¿Estamos? (Agreed? Got it? Literally “Are we?” as in “Are we clear? Are we in agreement?”) Yes, Papa. He’s not supposed to let on that he already knows Doña Nidia. It’s their secret. Right, Pop.
Even with the possibility of Ivonne and all the LLs overhearing the conversation, Marely tells Fern about Monica’s and CL’s interrogations and investigations. They both want the scoop on Paula. Fern points out she’s between fiery crosses. Marely agrees, and she’s going to end up crucified. Fern says maybe nothing bad will happen out of it. Marely’s tried to make sure nothing happened, but they are after all her bosses. For obvious reasons she can’t entirely evade their question as easily as she’d like to. Fern looks at his watch—oops, it’s late! Marely wants to know why and he reminds her they’re eating at her house for lunch today. Marely tries to beg off and he nails her—is it because she doesn’t want to see Juan? Is she so afraid to have him close by? She assures Fern that Juan’s in the past and it’s thanks to Fern himself. He’s the one in her heart now. She pulls him down to her from his vast height, and gives him a little kiss [Ed. Note: this despite the Farell non-fraternization policy we heard so much about last summer]. She smiles and tells Fern okay, they’ll go to her house and he’ll see that Juan has no effect on her.
Anga wants to know if Pastor is trying to torture a sick man, he’ll never get better like this. Pastor says he’s just taking care of Anga, serving this tray of food in bed. Pastor tells Anga he shouldn’t think Pastor’s going to let him eat that greasy food (comidas grasientas) he’s used to, because Pastor’s never going to serve it to him. AND, when he’s better, Anga’s going to exercise so he really gets fit. That’s because the life he’s living is the Cause of All His Ills. Pastor shakes his finger at his bro. Anga remarks that whoever might overhear Pastor would think he’s an Adonis or something. But there’s nothing Adonis-like about him! [Ed. Note: ooh, good one.] Whatever, Pastor retorts fondly, but at least I care about you. Not only will we get you all better, but improve your appearance. Anga groans and mutters about why should he improve his appearance if there’s no one to look at him. Pastor’s not so sure about that, and what? The doorbell rings. Anga gives him a suspicious look. Who’s Pastor expecting? Pastor is expecting that Anga’s going to be surprised. He trots off to answer the door. Anga grumbles to himself as Kike bursts through the door and rushes to give Anga a half hug that’s hampered by the tray—Anga cautions him about it (caldo – soup). Kike wants to know how he’s doing and Anga wonders if this was his surprise? Pastor shakes his head.
CL’s disembodied voice asks Moni if she’s going to eat. What does it matter to him? Well, they’re business associates—they have to live together, get along. Moni keeps facing away from the door he’s just come in. She tells him it should be a little as possible. He tells her his situation has changed and she has to accept it, but Moni cuts him off. No need to talk about it. She can’t be happy about it, either. Seems that he’s forgotten his wife’s infidelity with the coming baby. She’s been off with her lover….and Moni plants the seed that she wonders if the baby he’s expecting with such excitement (ilusión) is even CL’s. CL is momentarily speechless and Moni gets up to curtly say goodbye and stalk out, no purse, nada. CL follows her out of her office, calling her. She stops in the middle of the lobby, much to the surprise of everyone, and bitterly calls out to anybody who’s listening that she’s sure they haven’t heard the news yet, but congratulations to our President CL, who’s going to be a Papa. She gives a couple of sharp claps and spins to continue her angry walk to the elevator. Some of the LLs note her distress, while the Really Stupid one smiles and claps, fixating on CL. He half-smiles awkwardly to acknowledge them clapping. Ivonne claps but can’t really smile a whole lot. CL slinks back to his office, holding the “talk to the hand” hand up at them and making no more eye contact as he disappears. Ivonne looks hurt and puzzled.
Yadi’s school file has all the info anyone could want about her—especially her photo and phone number. Profe Nacho (short for Ignacio) Topete (gee, this is from a verb that means to butt or bump, bump into-topetar. Hm.) takes a pencil and copies the info into his little black book under the wary and totally suspicious eye of his Profa wife, who’s wearing another of those schoolmarm outfits. Could be the same outfit, really. She probably buys multiples of the same thing so her students recognize her everyday. She gets up from the desk and keeps her eye trained on hubby while she goes to the sofa in the office and picks up another file. The Profe goes around the desk and dials the number. He gets….Perafán Rocha de Francisco and Associates. Oh, in the world’s eighth largest city of more than 8,235,000 people, the Profe finds out what a Small World it is. Perafán knows him from the Profe’s own school days! How can it be? They talk about how long it’s been, and Delirio wonders how he got the phone number. Topete, who has a sneaky streak we are coming to recognize and apparently one that his wife also recognizes, says a former colleague gave it to him. They are both so excited about the prospect of getting together! Topete asks for Delirio’s address. It’s #69 Colina Street. (That wasn’t in Yadi’s record, at least not the part we could see, but her father’s name was so Topete can’t really know that Delirio is her stepfather). Delirio lovingly fondles a blindfolded statue of justice with her scales. The Profa watches her shifty spouse writing. Topete bids Delirio goodbye, and they’ll see each other shortly. He’s got a plan and grinning ear to ear about it. Topete has the good sense to wipe the goofy smile off his face and hangs up, going to the Profa to apologize because he has to go out. He’s getting a reunion of former students organized [Ed. Note: Thinks on his feet well.] He can’t go eat with her. She assures him she’ll be fine, he should go see his friend without another thought (tranquilo, calm). She smiles stiffly as he leaves. Topete looks uncannily (and sounds uncannily) like CL bidding his “amor” goodbye cheerfully when he’s going off to cheat. He kisses her forehead and tells her not to worry about him. She asks him “me worry?” with a pointed look and he tells her it’s just a saying and tells her “ciao” for the second time in a minute. Her smile gets tighter while his gets goofier. She slaps down the folder she was holding, and takes her polyester-clad okole over to the desk [Ed. Note: I see it now—the Profa has to go get a makeover so she can get her hubby back out of Yadi’s sphere. She’s going to have to see Laura for a wardrobe consultation at Skanks ‘r ‘Us. The first step will be getting rid of that panty line in the poly pants. Come to think of it, these folks don’t portray schoolmarms in the best light, do they? They need to be watching the TLC show “What Not to Wear” with Stacy and Clinton.] The Profa stalks over to the desk and hits redial—coming up with Perafán Rocha de Francisco and Associates. She realizes it’s an attorney firm. Delirio affirms and asks how he can help her. She thinks as quickly as Topete does. She needs a consultation. Delirio is delighted to help, and says he’ll take the information down. She’d rather talk to him personally—can she have his address?
CL drinks, the lobby lizards visible beyond the not-so-blinds. Ivonne comes in and wonders if he needs anything more, because she’s leaving. He’s leaving, too. She wishes him luck with the coming baby. He’s going to need it. CL is left to think.
Yadi must not have school today, since she’s reading a magazine in the living room. Juan’s charcoal portrait is behind her on the wall over the bar. Delirio comes out of the office exulting about his appointments—two important clients in one single day! Don’t tell me. Yadi doesn’t even look up and her tone is total boredom. [Ed. Note: Important? One is a former student, that’s it. The other….] Delirio babbles on about being a bit late in achieving success, and not having his own office, but for brilliant minds like his, independence is a good thing. Yadi sarcastically congratulates him and suggests at this stage, he’ll surely want his own office and leave theirs to them. As he replies, there’s a knock. Yadi runs off and leaves him talking to himself. Guess WHO? Juan and….who’s that little shadow—Yadi gives Juanito a very curious look. They both greet Juan warmly and Juan introduces his son.—Junior! [Ed. Note: You could be a Southern Redneck if you are related to anyone called Junior or Bubba. I qualify on the latter. My hubby is still Junior to some of this relatives, despite a doctorate and full professorship for almost 20 years]. Yadi and Delirio are impactado. Juanito is a little shy about these folks who clearly love his Papa. Wait till he sees the drawing of Papi’s gloriously naked self behind them.
Anga appreciates Kike coming, but it makes him feel worse. Kike scolds him to not be rude. Anga points out if Kike’s here, the business has been abandoned. Pastor scolds Anga not to get upset and tenser than ever. Kike assures Anga it’s all super good with Remolacho charged to take care of it. Then he lays it on them—he has a commitment, and guess who’s coming to the house to eat? Juan! Anga wants Juan to come see him. Kike promises to tell him and excuses himself. Anga swears Kike to tell Nidia NOTHING of his illness. Pastor rolls his eyes and squirms. They leave Anga’s room, Pastor thanks Kike and opens the door, and in runs Nidia. She wants to know where he is, has he seen the doc, what’s up? Kike and Pastor try to prevent her finding Anga’s room but Nidia’s on a mission and bursts into the room. Anga is impactado. She calls him all kinds of endearments and runs to sit on the side of the bed, hugging him. Nidia babbles about finding him here this way, and what she can do. Pastor and Kike come in to see if they can do something about this while Nidia babbles and hugs, hugs and babbles. She would never have God’s forgiveness if he died, it’s really her fault. [No, Nidia, it’s not really about you.] Anga is visibly moved by her affectionate outburst.
The Achichipico Bellezas are bored. Juan has left them to their own devices, which is probably not a Good Thing where Lorena is concerned. The chica in blue thinks they’re all dressed up and no place to go, so good-looking, why stay cooped up in the hotel. They should just find a restaurant and party a little. They’re in the central business district, so surely there will be plenty down there. Lorena hops up to attention; she thinks it’s a great idea. The chica in blue informs her that the invite Did Not Include Lorena. Lorena sneers. Delfi tells the chica in blue forget the “Doña” already, you’re making me feel old and Lorena butts in to tell Delfi at her age, why not call her that. Delfi gives Lorena the stink eye and tells Lorena not to mess with her. Lorena tells Delfi to watch herself or she’ll bring on a dizzy spell (provocar un patatús). Delfi tries to go after her but the others hold her back. Delfi threatens her to chill or Delfi will make her life impossible. Lorena sarcastically tells Delfi she’s shaking with fear. The chica in blue defends Delfi and tells Lorena to just go home already—to her OWN town. Lorena says she’s staying, and warns them to watch themselves because if there’s one thing she knows, it’s how to defend herself. [No doubt.] Schoolmarm Teresa says she’s tired and will stay back with Delfi, but Delfi’s not having it and exhorts her amigas to come out with her and enjoy the city. They exit stage left, leaving a petulant Lorena alone. We break to Lorena’s crafty smile before commercials.
If Nidia had had any idea Anga would end up like this, she never would have been ugly with him (said those awful things). The last thing she wants in this life is that anything bad should happen to him. She holds Anga’s hand and they coo at each other a little. He gently brings her over to hug her and tell her to calm down, but she pops right back up, because there’s always something more to say. No, she’s not getting calmed until the doc tells her he’s out of danger. She’s going to be his nurse, Nidia declares, his slave, his guardian angel. She has to fix the great harm she’s done to him. Anga smiles his delightful smile and chuckles in that lovely voice. He pulls her back for a hug as Pastor comes in, and Anga tells Nidia she’s to stop feeling guilty right now. She’s not done a thing to him, but he guilty one is Sr. Pastor Gaitán. The brothers glare at each other. Nidia thinks its’ lovely that he can do this, feeling so bad, and invent whatever reason so she won’t feel so bad. She caresses his cheek and he caresses hers. Pastor tells Nidia his brother is telling the truth. The crisis happened in the middle of a quarrel they were having. Nidia says she’s guilty, too, because if she had been a little more supportive (solidaria) and a little less combative (peleonara), none of this would have happened to him. She’ll make it up to him, she coos and caresses. She’s not leaving here until he’s able to get up out of bed. Pastor grabs his chance; since Anga is in such good hands, Pastor’s going to take advantage of the opportunity to take care of some unfinished business. [Which no doubt has a 6-year old as part of it.] Nidia urges him to go, because she’s not abandoning Anga while she still lives. Nidia and Anga hug, bill and coo while Pastor trots off as fast as his little legs can pump.
Delfi leads the way into a downtown restaurant that is populated by male types, so one wonders if there are ANY female executives in the D. F. She gets the once over from various tables and even a whistle or two before the younger chicas follow, and they get their fair share of attention. If they weren’t whistling, we’d wonder at an all-male restaurant crowd…..the chicas find a table amid many wolf whistles. Suddenly, Lorena has joined them and there are even more whistles, plus some crossed arms at the one table of females. In a surprising turn of events, the ever-kind Schoolmarm Teresa sarcastically remarks on what the cat brought in….er, Lorena joining them. Lorena retorts that she wasn’t staying alone, all dressed up and bored. The chicas apparently are going with Lorena’s program….there may be just the slightest sense that if something Awful Happens they can always push her out in front. Delfi cranes her neck at all the men and gets a few nods and acknowledgements. Not a bad gig for being on vacation, amigas. [Ed. Note: Sorry, amigos who read this blog, there are so few of you and you appear rarely, I am taking liberties here.] Delfi regales the chicas on the great looking guys here, even better than in Achichipico. Lorena reminds them of Juan. Delfi cuts her off and the waiter comes with menus. Lunch should be interesting and it’s possible no one’s going to remember what they ate.
Paula hugs her Juan-bear and looks despondent. She rubs her tummy and talks to her little one, telling the baby that he has a mommy who is very confused and a little nuts. She begs the baby not to think she doesn’t love him. She simply didn’t expect him, especially after she talked to Juan. How is she going to tell Juan she’s expecting CL’s child? She rubs the bear and squeezes it, its sewed-in smile broadening with the pressure.
Delirio is being his usual obnoxious self, remarking on Juanito’s bad luck at inheriting none of his mother’s looks since he’s the spittin’ image of Juan. Juan, however, is pleased—you think so? Juanito is being manhandled by Papi. Yadi comments positively, but Delirio continues his litany of insults and even Yadi looks embarrassed and annoyed. How come Juanito isn’t talking? Cat got his tongue (not literally). He shakes Juanito, who is beginning to Dislike This Creep. Yadi reminds Delirio if he can’t say something nice, say nothing at all. Or close enough to that. Juan defends his boy, who is well-mannered. Delirio says Juanito’s a country boy, but leave him in the city a month—he’ll sharpen up….Juan thinks his boy’s bright enough, the Lic just doesn’t know Juanito yet. Delirio says Juanito doesn’t appear to be. [Ed. Note: I can’t stand it. What an IDIOT, making such stupid remarks about a child in front of him. So there.]. Juan tries to get Juanito to strut his stuff, but they’re interrupted. Fern and Marely are here! Hugs and greetings around, and Marely is impactada about Juanito. Delirio tells her this criatura/child is the newest joke (la última gracia) of Sr. Dominguez, [Ed. Note: Hold me back, gentle readers, before I BELT Alirio one.], who never leaves off surprising us each time he appears, right? Juan timidly tells Marely that Juanito is his son. She is muy, pero muy, impactada.
Nidia is spoon-feeding Anga—soup. She’s also brought good old green Jello, just like my Mami fed me years ago when I was sick. She’s brought him a tray of chicken, bread, juice and the green Jello. She’s got all the spices and herbs and chicken giblets in the dish [Ed. Note: she was doing just great up till the giblets. Ew.] He tells her it’s way better than what Pastor was giving him. Sock soup. (That’s what he said folks, agua de calcetín – water of sock). Nidia chuckles. He tells her there’s nothing like the flavor of female. She replies in kind, and tells him she has nothing against his brother, though. Anga wants to know if this idiot (Pastor) told her the gossip about Anga. She says Pastor was worried about Anga and keeps feeding him.
Juanito displays his best manners in greeting Marely. He calls her Sra., and Juan says he’s an innocent, it’s Srta. Everyone except Marely chuckles. She looks at Juan—he never told her he had a son. Juan nervously tells her—and everyone-it’s a long story. But now you’ve met him and by the way, where is YOUR Mami? Delirio butts in and complains about how she’s flown the coop again with no explanation. She probably didn’t leave us any lunch, either. Delirio tells Juan and Juanito how nice it has been to see them, and…..Yadi sees where he’s going and interrupts. Nope, they’re STAYING for lunch. Delirio thinks they surely must need to go shopping in the city. He makes Juanito do a spin for him. He babbles and sounds totally incoherent to me, but maybe Maricruz can tell us qué the heck he’s talking about, someone in Guatemala. Juan is looking distinctly uncomfortable and the others are annoyed. Delirio laughs at his own wit, which apparently only he understands. Yadi tells him he’s an expert in being tedious. He’s hateful! [Amen!] She leans over and assures Juanito that he shouldn’t pay attention to this bitter old man, because Juanito is in His House. [Hoorah, Yadira!] Marely jumps up to help save the day—neither Juan, nor Juanito are going anywhere. Delirio is quiet for a change, beaten by popular consent. Fern grins broadly. How gorgeous this guy is when he grins!
Anga tells Nidia it’s very curious, she’s caring for him just as if she were his wife. Nidia gives him an enchanting smile at that. Then he finishes the thought—the wife she never was to be for him. He wants to know if she was so caring with Samuel. She evades his question a bit, but tells him it was like that with Samuel only in the beginning. After the resentment between them got too big, that changed. She worried about him, of course, about his things…but…..maybe she didn’t show him this much caring. You know? Why not? Why are you asking me these questions? Can’t you see they hurt? Anga tells her that he often thought of her and wondered how her life was at Samuel’s side. He was envious thinking of Samuel enjoying her company, her attention. She tells Anga not to think that…her life with Samuel wasn’t a bed of roses. Anga says he didn’t know how to appreciate her like Anga does. Anga would have given everything for the privilege of seeing her. He clears the drinks off the tray and moves it away from him. He wanted to feel her heat, eat at her table. He would have loved to change places with Samuel, get the scraps of her love [I might have that wrong, but the thought is right.] Nidia points out that life with her wasn’t anything easy. Anga thinks he would have been happy at her side, not the bitter old man he is now. She starts to protest, but Anga won’t let her take this idea from his head. He makes her come and sit near him. They’re happy now. Nidia can smile again. He tells her that idea in his head was the only thing that kept him alive much of the time. If she takes it from him, he won’t have anything left inside. They smile lovingly at each other and hug.
Kike’s home for lunch, and sees Juan and Juanito, so there are another round of hugs and greetings. Kike does remember to kiss his wife first. Juan pats on Kike’s belly before Kike sees Juanito. Juan tells Juanito this guy is like his soul-brother. Kike demands a hug and Juanito happily gives it. Kike feels like he’s known Juanito forever. He tells Juan how nicely Juanito’s turned out.
Lunch at the Casa Cachón is a lively affair with Fern, Marely, Delirio, Yadi, Kike, Juan and Juanito all home to enjoy it. Juanito has Nidia’s place, because she’s MIA. Marely tells them she doesn’t have her mother’s flair (sazón – flavor, ripeness, but in this context flair made more sense), but she let her fingers do the walking (has a finger for asking for dinner for the home-- she ordered out? I’ve very loosely interpreted here). They make dinner chitchat, with Delirio being his usual annoying self. Kike asks Juan how the organizing for the beauty pageant is going and tells the family about how Juan’s involved with that. Juan tells them he was down at Televisa taping this morning. Marely doesn’t believe him, but Juan assures her if they watch, they’ll be able to see the program in the coming week. Kike tells him they’ll even record it. Juan thought bubbles that Fern and Marely make a cute couple, one has to recognize that, but it makes his chest constrict (gave his chest a blow) to see his rose garden grow lovelier every day. [Hm.]
CL tentatively comes in to Moni’s office and greets her, but she can’t be bothered to look up. What can she do for him, she tersely asks. CL tells her that he doesn’t want to lose the friendship they’ve achieved. Friendship? Moni sneers. Well, it seemed like that before you knew Paula is pregnant. Moni retorts that she wants him to leave her in peace. He’s taken aback that she’s answering him that way. Then, don’t come to me with your stupidity. He tries to tell her he’s worried for her, and she interrupts—just leave me in PEACE! Understand that I don’t want to see you, I want to be alone. Okay, he replies, and throws up his hands in surrender. I’m going, goodbye. He slinks out the door, muttering to himself--what a temper she’s in! Laura strides across the lobby in her artiste clothing—not so skanky as usual, and greets CL warmly. She asks how he is—he tells her bad and indicates Moni’s door. Why is Laura here? Well, she was just passing by and thought she’d check in with Moni. CL says fine, she’s in her office, but I recommend you go in with a whip and a chair because she could bite. Laura points out she has reasons, doesn’t he think? CL flatly denies it. If Laura can calm her down, he’d appreciate it. He stalks off across the lobby to his office. Laura just shakes her head at his cluelessness.
Juan tells Fern and Marely not to be like that, why are they leaving so early? They stand at the door, where Fern and Marely are ready to go back to work. Juan knows how things are at Farell, Marely tells them. It’s the price of success, Fern adds. They have to pay it. Delirio yells a sarcastic remark from the other room. [Anyone have a roll of duct tape?] Yadi, hanging all over Kike lovingly, asks if anyone is hearing a buzzing fly around there. What a nuisance! That puzzles Juanito as Juan gestures to Marely and Fern. They’re going to have to fumigate the vermin out of the house! Marely, Juan, Kike and Fern chuckle. Juan, Marely and Fern say their goodbyes [Ed. Note: at this point, as always happens at some point with my DVR, the captions really got garbled for about a minute. Usually I can just listen and get it, but not this time. I heard it and played it back repeatedly, but couldn’t get what Juan was telling them. If anyone heard anything important in this leave-taking, please add it! Thanks!] Kike asks Juan why he won’t come and stay at the house. Juan says he can’t leave his son alone at the hotel. Kike says bring him along to the house, the girls can take care of him, right? Marely gets all excited at the prospect. She’d love it. They’ll get a movie, popcorn (palomitas!!!!). Her eyes get big as she leans down to tell Juanito all about their fun, [and Juanito will surely fall in love again]. Does that sound good to him? Juanito pumps Marely’s hand and thanks her very nicely. She kisses him, tells Juanito goodbye and tells him to behave himself, and kisses Juan. Juan calls her back hesitantly to ask a favor. She sighs—okay, what does he want her to tell his Licenciada? Well, um, that he needs to see her and talk to her. Marely says she’ll tell Paula when she sees her. They try the goodbye again [honestly, and I thought the Deaf Goodbye was long!] Kike asks Juan what he thought about all the billing and cooing (Tortolitos, from tortoleo, billing and cooing). Juan thinks it’s good, lots of affection there. Kike says that Marely is so lovely, and what a shame he let that one get away because she could have been the love of his life….Juan tries to shush him, and so does Yadi. Kike makes a remark to Juanito about Juan making all the girls crazy about him. Juan swats at Kike and says the most important thing is that she’s happy, please, in love with a good man. Juan thought bubbles that this was the whole truth. If anyone in this world deserved to be happy, ti was Marely. Fern and Marely stroll to the car talking about Juan’s success. Too bad it’s just in business. Fern wonders if she’s referring to Paula’s pregnancy. Yes. Fern thinks that some day Juan will realize that the relationship’s not going anywhere, some other woman will be as good, and he’ll forget his Licenciada. Marely doesn’t think so; it’ll never happen. Paula is the love of his life. Well, Fern wonders, what happens if it just can’t be? Marely responds that he’ll be like Fern, and find another woman. But for Juan, he’ll never love her like he does Paula. But, that’s his problem, right? Fern agrees.
Moni is unloading on Laura. She’s tired of it all, of César Luis Farell, of this work, of Licenciada Paula Dávila. Moni wants to leave the country and go where she’ll never again hear of those despicable people. Laura says she’s in no condition to make a decision, especially in a mood like this. Why not? Because she could be mistaken. Besides, if she can’t just leave all this because those two have resolved their problems [little do you know]. This is her business, too. Moni doesn’t care. She’ll leave them with all of it. Let CL take care of it the rest of his life. And the two of them deserve each other. Laura is sad to see Moni like this, bitter and full of rancor. Moni tells her cousin not to feel sorry for her, because she feels like she’s finally seeing it all clearly. Moni’s going to do what she should have done from the beginning, and which Laura advised her to do, right? Laura agrees, she did advise that, but circumstances were different. Now Laura is advising Moni to calm down and not make any bad decision. Moni declares that she cannot do this any more, and her decision—she’s not going to change her mind. She’s resigning from Farell, and what’s more, right this minute she’s going to make CL aware of it. Moni strides to the door, and Laura tries to call her back. Calm down and think about it, please!
CL looks irritated. Resign, why, Monica? She tells him it’s because the situation has gotten out of hand and she wants to salvage a shred of dignity. CL replies he knows it’s been difficult for her, but it’s still her company and she doesn’t have to go. She says she just has to. For all her efforts, all she has tried, she just can’t stay near him and his ….woman. And she’s not prepared to keep living with this torture. CL suggests she gets some distance. For example, manage one of the branch offices. Moni isn’t interested. She’s leaving the company, and get some distance, but real distance. She’s leaving the country, and that’s that.
The smaller family group is gathered in the living room at Casa Cachón, laughing about some joke that makes Juan tell Kike he’s a goofball (bruto-fool, rough, gross, idiot). The doorbell rings and Delirio jumps up to get it; that’ll be his client. Juan lowers his voice and asks Kike what Delirio did that they let him go? Well, it seems he proved his innocence. But they won’t accept him back (admitir-accept) at Farell. And now what do you think? He put his office here in the house! Really? Yadi chimes in that Juan can just imagine how happy that makes them all [not] and suddenly calls out with surprise to see Profe Topete. [Imagine that.] The Profe expresses his amazement—Yadira Cachón, what are you doing here?? Well, I live here, she tells him as he walks past Delirio into the living room. Really? What a coincidence! Yadi stutters a little—yes. Delirio is impactada, Yadi is uneasy, and Topete gets a cat-that-ate-a-canary smile.
CL doesn’t get it about Monica, because he thought she had gotten over their separation. [Sheesh.] She bitterly asks what happened to him. Has he been able to erase his head of all they lived through together the last few days? CL sighs. What happened? Moni shouts at him to not be cynical. She doesn’t hop in the sack with every guy who offers. All those days he was looking for her (hitting on her), until that finally happened. Moni’s composure cracks and she gets close to tears. CL says he’s truly sorry and hopes she believes him. She retorts that she is sorrier and it’s the worst thing she’s done in her life. CL tries to reach for her but thinks better of it—he doesn’t know what to say to her. He feels bad, and guilty. She tells him to save his apologies. They’re not going to change a thing. She’s not going to waste more of her life. Moni gets up to leave, but adds a parting shot. Goodbye, CL, I hope you never find someone in your path like yourself. Although now that I think about it well, I believe you already have. CL looks ashamed, irritated, and at a loss for words.
Moni’s gone back to her office, and Laura is urging her to come along home. No, Moni tells Laura, she has too many unfinished tasks. Laura points out that Moni doesn’t have a head for it. Moni storms out of the office, sees Marely with Fern, and tells Marely to bring her a tea, please. She’ll be right back to the office. Fern and Marely are impactados; Fern wonders what now and gives Marely a quick kiss [so much for the non-fraternization policy again. It seems the lobby is the place for PDAs now.] He goes off and Marely puts her purse up, when the elevator opens and Paula strides off. She certainly isn’t looking pregnant. Marely looks up to see her half-sister—and this? What are you doing in these parts? They smile at each other fondly. Paula has come to see CL and she’ll talk to Marely later. Paula notices that Laura is sitting in her old office—which she’s swapped with Monica, who has the office while Paula has CL. [If you ask me, the office is the better bet and I’d swap back.] Paula wants to know what that woman is doing here? Marely wonders if Paula knows her. Marely reports that the woman’s a friend of Monica’s and has been up several times to visit her. She looks bemused as Paula stalks into Moni’s office to confront Laura. Paula quietly says “good afternoon, ma’am” and closes the door. Laura looks…busted. And we realize yet again that any similarity to reality is purely coincidental.
Monday: Will Paula tell Juan her news? How will Juan take the news? Will there be an all-out three-way catfight in the Vice President’s office?
Vocabulary
Conato de infarto - slight heart attack
¿Estamos? - Agreed? Got it? (Literally “Are we?” as in “Are we clear? Are we in agreement?”)
Comidas grasientas - greasy food (ew)
Caldo – soup
Va a provocar un patatús - she’ll bring on a dizzy spell
La última gracia - the latest/newest joke
Solidaria – supportive
Peleonara - combative
Palomitas - popcorn
Tortolitos, from tortoleo – sweet nothings, billing and cooing
Sazón – flavor, ripeness, but in this context “flair” made more sense
Bruto – goofball, fool, rough, gross, idiot
Admitir - accept
Jeanne
Labels: Juan
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Thanks for that "provocar un patatus", Jeanne. There was so much fast dialogue in this one that even watching it twice, I missed mucho.
Lots of suffering going on..Monica getting her hopes up and heart broken all over again, and Kike is surely going to be dealing with some insecurity and jealously in the next few days. Marely, mixed feelings for sure. Fernando too, if he figures out she still does have a weak spot for Juan. Of course I'm rooting for Nidia and Angarita to get together...no one could ever tolerate Alirio. And Paula?...well, I gotta say the actress in that blue dress was stunning...but the character is as off-putting as ever. With Cesar Luis, mixed feelings too but it's hard to picture him suffering in the emotional sense, injury to pride maybe, but that's all.
Thanks for a wonderful recap and great vocab, amiga!
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Thanks for that "provocar un patatus", Jeanne. There was so much fast dialogue in this one that even watching it twice, I missed mucho.
Lots of suffering going on..Monica getting her hopes up and heart broken all over again, and Kike is surely going to be dealing with some insecurity and jealously in the next few days. Marely, mixed feelings for sure. Fernando too, if he figures out she still does have a weak spot for Juan. Of course I'm rooting for Nidia and Angarita to get together...no one could ever tolerate Alirio. And Paula?...well, I gotta say the actress in that blue dress was stunning...but the character is as off-putting as ever. With Cesar Luis, mixed feelings too but it's hard to picture him suffering in the emotional sense, injury to pride maybe, but that's all.
Thanks for a wonderful recap and great vocab, amiga!
Lets all watch for Paula's shoes on Monday (we will see if my theory is correct). Friday's episode (when Paula walked in to Monica's office) did not reveal what type of footwear she had on.
After the potential cat fight in Moni's office, (monica, may spill the beans about CL's love afair with her and Ivonne) the impending conversation with CL ... is she staying with him or leaving...Let's see if the shoes are really a barometer. (open toe = CL, closed toe = Juan)
I am taping all next week, so I will not know until Thursday or Friday.
After the potential cat fight in Moni's office, (monica, may spill the beans about CL's love afair with her and Ivonne) the impending conversation with CL ... is she staying with him or leaving...Let's see if the shoes are really a barometer. (open toe = CL, closed toe = Juan)
I am taping all next week, so I will not know until Thursday or Friday.
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: Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 10:07:00 PM EST
: Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 10:07:00 PM EST
Thanks, JudyB! I had to hunt for the dizzy spell, but it was in one of my dictionaries. You are so right, there was so much fast dialogue! I have been watching my DVD of La Fea Más Bella that just arrived and realize now there is very little of this degree of fast slang in it. I realize that I understand virtually all, though I have the English captions on for hubby, I'm not using them much. Wow. That much change in a year's time with a total of six or so novelas under my belt. Well, eight if you count Amor Real and Alborada which I also have on DVD, but watched with English captions.
I want Nidia and Anga together, too. Alirio just annoys the living daylights out of me. And, he's not a very nice person, either.
Poor Marely. I hope Fernando is right for her.
Thanks again!
Jeanne
I want Nidia and Anga together, too. Alirio just annoys the living daylights out of me. And, he's not a very nice person, either.
Poor Marely. I hope Fernando is right for her.
Thanks again!
Jeanne
Jeanne, Thanks for the superb capturing of this always crazy dialog. I love that you really take the time with Friday's capitulo to get all the facts and phrases right in so much fine detail.
I have been a defender of Alirio for his humorous bombastic speeches, I even got a chuckle out of noticing that the paper he so quickly hid in his desk drawer had cartoon squares and drawings on it. What a buffoon. BUT, I am not amused and I could tell that you were not at all amused at his bullying, brutish behavior toward little Juanito. He was actually cruel. And you are right in saying that an adult should never criticize or make fun of a child like that. I don't know what the writers were thinking unless they want us to go from being tolerantly dismissive of this fool to developing a real dislike of him. I'm there when it comes to Juanito. If or when Nidia shoves him aside to be with Angarita, I don't think I will shed a tear for Alirio. How are we to believe that this googball got through law school or will we find out something fishy here too. Also isn't he a lot older than Dapper Profe Topete? How did they end up being classmates?
I think we are getting a bit of filler here while they shift gears again. More dallying with Juan's feelings I fear are in store.
Again, thanks for the lovely piece of work complimented with another fine vocablulary list.
I'm going to go off and mutter to myself about Juanito being mistreated and WHERE IS THAT BABY, you are so right, she is way too young to be ignored like this.
I have been a defender of Alirio for his humorous bombastic speeches, I even got a chuckle out of noticing that the paper he so quickly hid in his desk drawer had cartoon squares and drawings on it. What a buffoon. BUT, I am not amused and I could tell that you were not at all amused at his bullying, brutish behavior toward little Juanito. He was actually cruel. And you are right in saying that an adult should never criticize or make fun of a child like that. I don't know what the writers were thinking unless they want us to go from being tolerantly dismissive of this fool to developing a real dislike of him. I'm there when it comes to Juanito. If or when Nidia shoves him aside to be with Angarita, I don't think I will shed a tear for Alirio. How are we to believe that this googball got through law school or will we find out something fishy here too. Also isn't he a lot older than Dapper Profe Topete? How did they end up being classmates?
I think we are getting a bit of filler here while they shift gears again. More dallying with Juan's feelings I fear are in store.
Again, thanks for the lovely piece of work complimented with another fine vocablulary list.
I'm going to go off and mutter to myself about Juanito being mistreated and WHERE IS THAT BABY, you are so right, she is way too young to be ignored like this.
Wow, another lovely mini novela Jeanne! Thanks so much for your thoroughness!
I'm going to say this about the treatment of Juanito. I winced while I watched it too, but I remind myself that this is novela land, and aside from that, it's Mexican novela land, and generally, very generally - because I won't speak for every situation and there are definitely extremes, and someplaces more or less than others; but children there overall have a tougher time from our perspective here.
My observation is that generally they are not as "coddled" shall we say, emotionally or physically, as kids here are. I noticed a difference but, right or wrong, I recognize that culturally, it's not what most of us are used to so it may not sit well, but...
Honestly, I try not to judge too much, because I know generations have managed to grow up ok on the receiving end of some of these attitudes. I just kind of remind myself, instead, to be thankful of the resources we have, and down the road, that kids here are not as likely to face even harsher "survival" issues as they turn into adults navigating in the real world, which we know can be horribly cruel.
I'm going to say this about the treatment of Juanito. I winced while I watched it too, but I remind myself that this is novela land, and aside from that, it's Mexican novela land, and generally, very generally - because I won't speak for every situation and there are definitely extremes, and someplaces more or less than others; but children there overall have a tougher time from our perspective here.
My observation is that generally they are not as "coddled" shall we say, emotionally or physically, as kids here are. I noticed a difference but, right or wrong, I recognize that culturally, it's not what most of us are used to so it may not sit well, but...
Honestly, I try not to judge too much, because I know generations have managed to grow up ok on the receiving end of some of these attitudes. I just kind of remind myself, instead, to be thankful of the resources we have, and down the road, that kids here are not as likely to face even harsher "survival" issues as they turn into adults navigating in the real world, which we know can be horribly cruel.
Wowee, another fantastic recap from our Schoolmarm! My oh my they really do talk rapidly in this show, especially Juan and Kike.
Yes, it feels like the winds are shifting a bit. I'm liking Fernando more and beginning to think that he might be OK for Marely after all. Delirio's attitude toward Juanito was dreadful and he deserves to be kicked out Out OUT of the house and their lives. I'm definitely rooting for Nidia and Anga to get together; they'd better hurry for his sake! Also, I don't care for the idea of Delirio and Profe Topete pairing up. That could be a rather dreadful combo, especially for Yadi.
Thanks Jeanne, great recap and outstanding translations and vocab list!!
Yes, it feels like the winds are shifting a bit. I'm liking Fernando more and beginning to think that he might be OK for Marely after all. Delirio's attitude toward Juanito was dreadful and he deserves to be kicked out Out OUT of the house and their lives. I'm definitely rooting for Nidia and Anga to get together; they'd better hurry for his sake! Also, I don't care for the idea of Delirio and Profe Topete pairing up. That could be a rather dreadful combo, especially for Yadi.
Thanks Jeanne, great recap and outstanding translations and vocab list!!
Thanks, CherylNM, K and Cap'n Sylvia! I really appreciate your support.
We're all into some interesting takes on all that's happening here. For me, Alirio wanted to be a bit rude to Juan and used Juanito to get at Juan. I don't tolerate that well. It's one thing to be firm with a child, and to have high expectations (and K, I agree wholeheartedly about kids in the US being way too coddled these days--hence SuperNanny). My feeling about Alirio, though, is that this kid was being polite and minding his own business, following Papi's etiquette rules so he didn't kick Alirio in the shins or anything when Alirio called him "Juan's latest joke," and Alirio just kept picking at Juanito when what he really wanted to do was pick at all of the family's adoration of Juan instead. So, he didn't attack Juan straight out, he tried to make it sound like a dry joke.
I recognize this because I had a very close relative who did this to me all my childhood years, and I had a 4th grade teacher who did mocked in front of everyone because I was the interloper in the class who came in during the middle of the year. I will never know why she singled me out, and if there was someone before I arrived to the class from another city in December on whom she picked. It was dreadful and some of what Alirio said to Juanito sounded very much like what both of these adults did. That's adult harassment of a child and it wasn't meant to be funny if you look at it closely enough. It was Alirio feeling sorry for himself because he is not so welcome in his own home and Juan is revered.
That's my 2 cents' worth. On the other hand, I do have a feeling some of my relatives' children need SuperNanny because they have indeed been coddled and allowed to run their parents' homes. We definitely agree on that, Kris--US kids are often coddled and spoiled these days. That's why I as a school administrator have a challenge with discipline. Moreover, the parents aren't always supportive of what I need to do when their children break rules--because they are the coddlers at home.
Jeanne
We're all into some interesting takes on all that's happening here. For me, Alirio wanted to be a bit rude to Juan and used Juanito to get at Juan. I don't tolerate that well. It's one thing to be firm with a child, and to have high expectations (and K, I agree wholeheartedly about kids in the US being way too coddled these days--hence SuperNanny). My feeling about Alirio, though, is that this kid was being polite and minding his own business, following Papi's etiquette rules so he didn't kick Alirio in the shins or anything when Alirio called him "Juan's latest joke," and Alirio just kept picking at Juanito when what he really wanted to do was pick at all of the family's adoration of Juan instead. So, he didn't attack Juan straight out, he tried to make it sound like a dry joke.
I recognize this because I had a very close relative who did this to me all my childhood years, and I had a 4th grade teacher who did mocked in front of everyone because I was the interloper in the class who came in during the middle of the year. I will never know why she singled me out, and if there was someone before I arrived to the class from another city in December on whom she picked. It was dreadful and some of what Alirio said to Juanito sounded very much like what both of these adults did. That's adult harassment of a child and it wasn't meant to be funny if you look at it closely enough. It was Alirio feeling sorry for himself because he is not so welcome in his own home and Juan is revered.
That's my 2 cents' worth. On the other hand, I do have a feeling some of my relatives' children need SuperNanny because they have indeed been coddled and allowed to run their parents' homes. We definitely agree on that, Kris--US kids are often coddled and spoiled these days. That's why I as a school administrator have a challenge with discipline. Moreover, the parents aren't always supportive of what I need to do when their children break rules--because they are the coddlers at home.
Jeanne
Hee, SuperNanny! I'd love to see SuperNanny take on Delirio and teach him some respect. That would be a hilarious exchange!! Something tells me he'd be slinking away with his tail between his legs never to be seen rearing his ugly head again! :)
Ha, what a great idea! I finally got a chance to watch this episode last night and Delirio REALLY irritated me. In fact it was a rather angst-filled chapter. I think Delirio and Profe Topete could both use some Super Nannying.
The cranky and suspicious Profa really does need some fashion help. That VPL has got to go!
The cranky and suspicious Profa really does need some fashion help. That VPL has got to go!
K and Cap'n Sylvia-- ;-)
I think the Profa is going to get a makeover ala Lety so she can entice her errant hubby back. If not, the writers will have missed a stellar opportunity.
Sylvia? VPL?
Jeanne
I think the Profa is going to get a makeover ala Lety so she can entice her errant hubby back. If not, the writers will have missed a stellar opportunity.
Sylvia? VPL?
Jeanne
Are you really asking Jeanne? It's been a long time since I heard anyone talking about Visible Panty Line but it IS a wonderful little "costume touch" to add to Profesora's lack of charm. Still, my sympathies are with her!
JudyB (blush) Yeah, I really was asking. I realize I wrote about the panty line but had never seen this reference--I love it! The Profa is turned out perfectly for a nerdette.
Jeanne
Jeanne
I had no idea what VPL was either. While watching, I kept wondering if that was on purpose or just a bad fitting...I've seen so many people walk around like that in real life, so I can't help but think some people just don't care or realize it, or realize they can do something about it. I guess you think it was engineered, then. That is a wonderfully conscious touch then. :)
Yep, K, I definitely think that the profa was dressed this way on purpose. I still am voting for a makeover.
Jeanne
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