Caray, Caray!

It’s a lovely day in Achichipico (thanks, K, for your theory on the name of Juan’s town—which we must keep in mind is also Nidia’s, Herlinda’s, Yolanda’s, and Delfina’s town). Paula isn’t getting what she wants from Delfi—the 411 on Juan. Delfi tells her there’s no one who knows, he’s so enigmatic. [That’s a polite word for it.] Ana looks dubious, but maybe she’s just squinting from the glare of the sun. [Oh, I can hardly wait to see how the Tweedles latch on to Paula].

Nidia’s packs her little red suitcase. Juan is nervous about Paula showing up and they tell her he’s not there. Nidia hadn’t thought of that and Juan wonders if he shouldn’t call someone to let them know. Nidia agrees-- Delfina, right? She could tell Paula you’ll show up sooner or later. [It’s already too late, folks.] Juan loves it and drags her over to the phone so she can call Right Now.

In the Achichipico office of the cuartel’s business, the only one who apparently works there now, Molo, is chatting with Delfi. She tells Molo how discomfited she was with all the questions the women asked, and didn’t want to tell them anything even if she knew. The phone rings and Molo picks it up, announcing “office of Juan Dominguez.” Juan is startled and asks “Molondrón?” Molo tells him it’s good he called—he must be reading Molo’s mind and Delfi has something to tell him. Molo hands off the phone. She tells him she has a news flash (thanks to Cap’n Sylvia, “one of eight columns”-Eight Columns being a news periodical for which Sylvia gave us the website). She describes the lovely Paula asking for him and Juan is impactado. Was it Paula? Yep, the very same, with her mother. Juan wants to know if Delfi talked with them and she affirms it, less than 20 minutes, though. “Well, what did you tell her?” Delfi points out she knew nothing so couldn’t tell them anything. Juan jumps up from Nidia’s bed where they’ve been sitting and Nidia jumps with him, excited even at only half the conversation. She’s got to stop Paula immediately, and tell her Juan’s going to be arriving any old time now. Convince her to stay until I get there. Delfi protests that she won’t know where to find Paula since she’s already left the house. Juan speculates that Paula will go around the town asking for him, so just find her and detain her. Delfi isn’t super enthused about the idea. I wouldn’t be, either. One more thing, Doña Delfina, don’t let her talk to anyone else and don’t let her find out I’m somebody important there—especially not what I’m doing there. Delfi whines that he’s putting her between the rock and the hard place. Juan begs her to give him a hand here, and if she needs help, ask Molo. She reluctantly agrees and Juan falls all over himself thanking her before they hang up-he’s leaving right away for Achichipico.

Paula and Ana check into the local hotel. A young man hovers near the door, and seems to be waiting for them to complete the check-in. Since he’s got no bags, we conclude he’s not the next in line. Ana protests that they can’t stay in this town indefinitely. Paula’s figured out that Delfi wasn’t giving up the info and she’s going to nose around. She’s just got to find out about Juan-she’s not leaving until she finds him. Apparently Juan knows Paula’s ways well. Ana asks what about CL? You need to get back to him as soon as possible. Paula shrugs, well, there’s a complication. Aren’t’ they going on a trip This Weekend? Ana challenges Paula. Paula says they’ll be on time for it. They’re wasting time, so they had best get checked in and get to it. Ana complains that Paula’s going to tell lie after lie. Paula tells her to chill and enjoy the moment. The clerk gives her the key, and she thanks him; apparently the lad is the bellhop in a cowboy hat. Paula expounds on her reasoning (and she feels “alive!”). Ana is worried. Paula says they’re just going to resolve the mystery, puts her arm around Ana and herds Ana out to start the hunt.

Delfi, meanwhile, is getting moral support from Molo. First, she has to find the woman, convince her to wait. Molo wants to know how he can help. Delfi tells him about Juan’s request that Paula won’t find out he’s Mr. Big in town, that she won’t know anything about him. Molo looks concerned—for good reason. Why? Delfi doesn’t know. But he was very clear about it, and they’ll have to tell everyone to zip their lips. Molo thinks Juan’s thrown a monkey wrench in it. Yeah, Delfi told Juan that, but Juan says it it’s a matter of life or death. Molo will see what he can do (shrug). Delfi takes off at a dead trot to get back to her part of this.

CL is very irritated to hear his phone, but warms slightly when he hears it’s his wife. She tells him all is well and spins her tale about what she and Ana are doing. It was a long trip, they’re tired, but they’ve found a precious town. CL probes over how far it was and Paula doesn’t say, only that neither of them realized how far it would be. CL probes once more; what’s the name of the place? Paula triumphantly announces it’s “Achichipico.” Funny name, huh? CL sounds it out and grabs a pen to write it down and makes an amiable comment about the name.

Pastor theorizes to Ivonne about his brother’s business with Juan and how they might be able to work it out with Farell. Even if Anga doesn’t want to do it, Juan might. Ivonne is concerned about the rivalry there. Pastor, dreamer that he is where Juan is concerned, thinks Juan might do business with CL. He just needs to talk directly with Juan. Ivonne wants to know if Pastor calls his brother, will he tell Pastor how to find Juan? Pastor thinks his brother would ask a thousand questions and shave him with a machete. Ivonne thinks that the answer is for Pastor to march right into CL’s office and tell him that Juan’s involved with this business and there’s no way to get it back. Pastor thinks CL would burn him in green wood. Well, Ivonne wants to know, would you prefer to be shaved with a machete or burned with green wood? Pastor tells her not to make fun and she claims she’s not. She warns him sooner or later it’s all going to come out and he’s going to be caught in the tug of war (the torta between the two dogs). She advises him to take his stand, show his strength, and stand firm. Pastor sees the value in that.

Meanwhile, Anga is advising Kike to handle his money carefully. If you don’t handle it carefully, it’s gone forever. The accounts have to be exact! Kike tells him yes, sir and looks wary, but he’s saved by the bell. Anga answers the phone—it’s Pastor. Anga is busy and Pastor says he doesn’t have vision like a telescope to know that. Anga wants to know what’s up. Pastor has something to tell him that Anga needs to know. Ivonne gives him a silent pep talk behind the scenes. So, what’s so important, Anga wants to know. Pastor describes how he was forced to spill the beans about Juan being involved in the business with the Japanese firm. Anga is impactado and upset. He calls Pastor a swine, traitor, Cain [very clever, since he is your bro, Anga. It’s also a low blow]. Anga hangs up and Pastor reports to Ivonne that he hung up. Kike is impactado at the end of the conversation he heard. Anga tells Kike he has to find Juan Right Away.

Yadi is thoroughly put out because Nidia is apparently running off again, this time with her guapíssimo. What about that promise to help Yadi with the baby? Nidia, who has been displaying the traits of about a triple personality split since Christmas, now wants to know why she carries the world on her shoulders. She throws out the references to being the worst Grandma and the worst influence for effect and looks to Juan for his thoughts on the matter. Smart man, he keeps his trap shut. In fact, as Yadi starts in again, Juan makes it clear that he is Not Getting Involved. It’s not his stuff. He only knows they have to Leave Right Now or they’ll miss the bus to Achichipico. Juan grabs the suitcases, picks them both up [Ed. Note: show off, they both have wheels, don’t they?], and Yadi gets in his face. He’s Responsible For Her Mother. At this point, Juan’s agreeing to most everything. He’ll care for her as if she was his very own Mommy. Nidia strokes him in a most un-motherly manner and tells him he’s the sun. Juan looks pained and urges her to go answer the phone, which is ringing. Nidia gives a very formal greeting and we hear the cuckoos sing. But, it’s for Juan—Kike calling. Chinches bravas! Kike has very bad news for Juan. HUH? What news? I’m out of here! Kike convinces Juan he must listen. Farell knows you’re involved with the Japanese firm. ¿QUÉ?? Impactado ‘r’ Juan.

Ana and Paula, dressed to kill in the tropics [whoda thunk we’d see Ana wearing something cut down to her navel? Okay, maybe not that far, but still well below her neck. And, it’s pink and has a lovely pattern.] Paula is on the phone again or still. We can see her in the mirror, which has a lovely black wooden hand cut frame on the dresser. Ana is looking with very narrowed eyes at her offspring who is telling lies again. Paula tells CL she’s not sure when they’ll find the pigments for painting that her Mami is looking for. Ana looks disgusted. I would be, too. Paula assures her enquiring husband that they will be back as soon as they can. Yep, she’s AWARE they have trip this weekend, not to worry. If he needs anything, he should call her cell phone. Paula gets him off as soon as she can and snaps the phone shut. She remarks on how CL seems bothered, cold. Ana can perfectly understand why this might happen. In fact, this man has every reason in the world not to be bothered, but furious. Paula, spoiled brat that she is, can’t get it. Paula wonders if Ana thinks he knows why they came to Achichipico. Ana points out how lame the “pigments” rationale is. Nah, Paula disagrees, he never would have let me come. Ana gives her an exasperated look. The phone rings and Paula thinks CL has called back, but it’s someone down in the lobby looking for Paula. She’s impactada—and has no idea who it could be. Duh. Paula wonders if it could be Juan.

CL paces his lovely office. Oh, how I wish mine was so neat and orderly. [Not to complain, mine is outstandingly lovely, it’s just not that neat and orderly.] Ivonne comes in to take notes on the steno pad that’s embedded in her hand. CL wants info on a town called “Achichipico.” Ivonne’s impactada. CL continues that he wants to know how it’s connected to Juan Dominguez. Ivonne gives him the “qué the heck” look and he repeats the town name multiple times for our listening pleasure. “Well, what a little name!” She struggles to write it down. She wants more details and he yells that he doesn’t know, that’s why he wants info. If he’s connected, if he’s there, whatever. Ivonne wants to know why he’s complicating things so much. Everyone knows he’s in the D. F. But, CL suspects he’s in Achichipico for “something very important.” Ivonne asks if he’s meeting up with Paula, with her best chisme-gathering face on. CL wonders how Ivonne knows his wife is out of town? Moni told her. Ivonne feeds his suspicions a bit. CL wants to know if she’s going to get on it or just focus on conjecturing? He wants the info now—clear? CL takes a sip of water and works the glass over in his hand. Ivonne escapes and hears the glass shatter—in fact, all the lobby lizards are entertained by the sound of glass tinkling from the big boss’s office. Ivonne makes excuses for CL who’s a “little upset.” It’s his habit.

Paula has found Delfi waiting in the lobby to see her. She tells Delfi she’s surprised that they’ve suddenly heard from Juan after all this time. Delfi assures Paula she’s just as surprised that as soon as Paula asked, Juan called. Paula tries another tack; she knows perfectly well that Delfi is a friend of Juan’s and so is Paula. They both love him well. Why doesn’t Delfi just tell him once and for all where he is? Delfi puts on her most innocent face and assures Paula that no one in the town knows where he is. Paula snidely remarks he’s a man of mystery. [Give it up, Paula, it’s lost on Delfina.] Delfi continues with her tale of the call…he call to ask…..the record scratches to a stop. To ask about family, etc. She babbles on about his call. Uh=huh, Paula responds, our mystery man disappears for months and then calls to ask about family, etc. Of COURSE, Delfi assures Paula. What could the man be thinking? Okay, Paula asks, what did you tell him? Delfi tells the truth that she mentioned Paula had stopped by to ask about him. Wow, it’s like a novela! Paula presses on: when you told him that, what did he say, that I’d come looking for him? Delfi blurts out --that he’s coming here. And Paula is predictably impactada. When? Delfi blows out a breath and shrugs.

While Juan paces back and forth in front of the mantel at the Casa Cachón, Yadi yells that he’s making her nuts (infuriating her) and he’s going to walk a groove in the floor. Nidia tries to intervene and tells him Yadi’s right plus he’s infecting them with anxiety. Juan retorts it’s not for nothing, because if Kike is telling him the whole story, it’s very serious. Juan points out that if Kike has it right, they’re looking at something pretty serious. Yadi retorts that Kike has no reason to lie, and Nidia scoffs at her. Nidia seriously doubts Kike’s info and thinks Juan better scrutinize it with a magnifying glass (lupa). Yadi thinks Nidia only agrees with what suits her. Nidia retorts and Yadi tells that okay, at times my hubby babbles on, but only a little. Nidia scoffs about that office, where the gossip service is the fastest known to man. She strokes her body and tells them to calm down, breathe, calm down, breathe. Juan rubs on his arms in harmony with Nidia, who tells him to hang on until Kike gets here and explains. It’s on Juan’s last nerve, though—qué the heck is keeping him? Nidia assures him it’s probably traffic.

Anga is scolding Pastor for waiting until the last minute to open his mouth. Pastor protests that they were pressuring him and he wasn’t seeing it all clearly. Kike looks on in concern as they stand outside….someplace with a stone building that reminds one of a zoo exhibit. Anga accuses Pastor of toadying up to the bosses. Pastor assures his bro he’s telling the truth now. He’s here, facing up to it, asking for forgiveness. What more does Anga want? Anga wants him to learn and not get into these messes (hacer esas jaladas, make these failures). You, in order to stay in good with Farell, are capable of selling out your own brother. Pastor shamefacedly hangs his head and rubs his face. Anga continues that this is all hogwash, and after all you have done for these people they treat you like a criminal (? jerga). Pastor begs forgiveness again and Kike interrupts, checking his watch. Anga stops him; “we’re going already. He has to face the consequences.” They’re going after he talks with this….traitor! Pastor tries to warn his brother, who hustles Pastor off to the truck with them.

Ivonne is hot on the trail of Juan, calling the information booth, or what passes for it, in Achichipico. The chic at the desk where there are pay telephones gives Ivonne the scoop; yep, Juan Dominguez is from Achichipico and there isn’t anyone here who DOESN’T know him. She waxes eloquent about our Juan. But, if you’re interested in the beauty pageant, don’t bother. The town is full of beauties. Don’t waste your time. Ivonne is a little impactada. No, she wasn’t thinking of competing. She describes Juan to see if it’s our guy. Yep, it’s him. Couldn’t be two of them in Achichipico. Ivonne is pleased—have you seen him around those parts lately? Gee, now that you mention it, no. Why are you looking for him? Ivonne hustles off the phone, thanking her and hanging up. Molo runs in to the chica (Margarita) to ask for a favor. He tells her not to tell anyone anything about anything about Juan [sic] if she gets any calls asking about him. Too late! Just a minute ago some chick was asking about Juan on the phone. I told her he lives here and I thought she wanted to know about the pageant, but no. Molo wants to know who it was, her name, something. Nope. Nothing.

Meanwhile, Super Sleuth Ivonne has news for CL. So fast? It wasn’t hard. Look into his personnel file and it’s easy to see his home was Achichipico. Your worst suspicions were confirmed. From what she could figure out, he’s the king of the town. CL is muy, but muy impactado.

Ana doesn’t like any of this a bit, though she’s strolling around a lovely pool in a lovelly hotel in a lovely town with Paula while the bell tower chimes in Achichipico. But, Ana’s not happy with Delfi’s sudden change of attitude; it gives her a bad feeling. Paula, on the other hand, feels optimistic. She feels like she finally could clear things up. Close the circle. Ana thinks it might open the circle more, and new problems, more serious ones, could begin. Paula says that’s why she has to talk with Juan and confront the ghost. They argue about what a face to face will bring. But Paula doesn’t want it by phone, but face to face. She just has to shed this doubt and asks her mother to understand and help out here.

Ivonne continues telling CL that’s all she could find out, and it’s not for sure if Juan’s in the town or on the way. She thinks he should call his little wife and ask her. CL tells her that he wants one thing to be perfectly clear—she’s not to utter one word of this to anyone or he’ll kill her. Ivonne tells him not to worry, because she’s aware that he’s recovering from an operation and his wife’s off looking for her lover. CL clenches his hands together. It’s so sad. CL orders her out of his office because he doesn’t want to fight. She points out he’ll never be able to force a woman to marry him. Because, even if it hurts him, Paula is in love with Juan Dominguez, not CL. CL tells her to get out. Ivonne gives it one last shot, though—look at this, the great César Luis Farell losing his woman to a shabby chauffeur. The day will come when he gets on his knees not to beg for love, let’s say, but for a little company. She purses her lips and stalks out as CL stares in anger at nothing in particular.

Nidia, good abuela, holds the baby while Juan lounges on the sofa and Yadi sits expectantly. Juan jumps up as the door slams. Pastor comes first, then Anga and Kike. Juan greets Pastor and looks over him at Kike and Anga. Kike gives him a signal to hold on. Anga tells Juan to look who they brought. They’re going to resolve this right now. The boys all adjourn to the study.

Delfi and Molo are holding a mini-conference; what to do? Why is Delfi so sure that the Lic Paula is going to wait for Juan? Delfi informs him she noted that Paula is at least as much or possibly more interested in seeing Juan than he is in seeing her. As they say, Mission Completed!

Pastor faces the consequences with Juan and informs Juan that he let the Farell folks know that Juan is involved with his brother and the Japanese folks in the business. Juan is Impactado. You told CL that? Yes, and Sra. Monica. Forgive me, Juan. They all stare at each other, some scowling and one with apology written all over him.

Pastor continues that he’s the worst kind of toady, a bad man, but he’s sorry. He tries to apologize to Anga again. Juan calls him back. What did CL and Monica say? Nothing, because Pastor didn’t confirm that Juan was in the business. Pastor tells them about trying to get the two partnerships working together to avoid CL’s vengeance. Juan quietly tells him that Pastor knew perfectly well what could come with that, and so why did he do it? Weren’t they friends? Anga jumps in; this señor is no friend, but a traitor. Kike pipes up that Juan should realize who are his real friends and Pastor hangs his head again. He swears that he doesn’t know the moment when he lost his way, but Juan can see how sorry he is. Juan tells them all fine, let’s calm down. Anyone can have a weakness. The good thing is that we realize and it can be corrected. Kike tells him “oh, sure, correct it now that the damage is done, huh?” It was bound to happen sooner or later that they’d learn I’m involved in the business, Juan tells them. He sits down quietly, tired of it all. Pastor takes hope; Juan is a saint, a marvel of a man. He can’t imagine Pastor’s feeling that the burden has been lifted. Juan looks sadly up at Pastor, who is still standing in front of the desk. Kike eyes Pastor warily and Anga looks disgusted.

The boys and Nidia have finally made it to the bus station, with the lovely bag that looks like a Gateway computer should be in it. Kike and Juan chat about having made it to the bus, even though it was close. Juan thanks his Blessed Child of Atocha they made it. Kike wants to know what Juan’s going to do now. Well, what can he do except wait for CL’s retaliation? They break into street talk and Juan says what worries him is working it out in person with his little dove, before anyone else gets to her. Meanwhile, next to them, Anga tries to engage Nidia. What’s going on in her life? Forget it, no need to ask questions that don’t really interest you. What, don’t tell me you’re still mad since the last time we saw each other, he wonders. What, me mad? No, man, especially not with a man who is disloyal—like you. What, he asks, just because I refused to go on a binge with you and your friend when you came by the market center? She says that since he has a conscience, he probably hasn’t forgotten that day. Nidia tells him it’s better they keep their distance and pushes him away. He wonders who can possibly understand her; one days she’s all joy and smiles, another she’s a stranger. [Ed. Note: we had the telenovela device of amnesia so far, how about a little split personality thing next?] Nidia lectures him about thinking on people who believe in loyalty, respect, solidarity. But that’s hablablablabla. What’s important is the emotions and ties of friendship that they say are worth so much. Anga remarks that he had forgotten that Nidia is sensitivity made woman. She retorts that it’s nice that he agrees. Anga protests that it’s better for him to invite her to eat so they can talk like civilized and mature adults. Nidia asks him if she’s buying a ticket, has a suitcase, what part of her traveling doesn’t he get? It’s her turn to get a ticket, and she buys it gleefully. [Ed. Note: the agent says she’s in luck, it’s the last one left, so one wonders how Juan is going to get on the bus.]

Delirio is deliriously happy to see the cop coming into the yard at the pen. Gutis looks on as Delirio attacks the cop and tries to convince him that Gutis is the guilty one and Delirio himself is innocent. The cop tells them to calm down, he has to talk to them. They’ve found Manny. He’s on his way to the pen. Delirio’s hands clench as if to strangle….

Ivonne shakes her head as Pastor approaches her desk; what’s he into now? Pastor tells her he had to go with his bro on an urgent matter. Did he tell Anga the truth? Yes. She congratulates him on doing the right thing. He supposes it was. Well, Ivonne wants to know, what did he say? Pastor tells how Anga preached at him. And Juan? Is on his way to his hometown. Anga took him to the terminal. Pastor proceeds to tell her what a great guy Juan is, a sun. He told me not to worry, he understood, the important thing was I corrected it all. So why do you have this long face? Because he felt totally deceived by me. Well, for good reason, Ivonne tells him. But don’t you feel a burden is lifted? Yes…..somewhat. But, I still need to do the worst part. He indicates CL’s door behind Ivonne. Ivonne advises him not to go in because CL is breathing fire because the Lic Paula has gone to look for Juan in his hometown. Pastor says he understands Juan’s rush to leave now. Ivonne gets the glimmer of chisme look in her eyes. She ooohs about what will happen when they get together and advises him again to leave it until tomorrow. Pastor decides it’s better to get it over with today (never leave until tomorrow what you can do today--to the bad step, give speed). Ivonne wishes him good luck, because he’ll need it. Pastor crosses himself, tells her that he hopes that’s God’s will, and that he doesn’t want flowers on his grave.

CL is pensive, smoking with his back turned to the door. Pastor clears his throat and CL turns around, asking what he wants. Can’t Pastor see he’s busy? Pastor apologizes for the interruption but he needs to have a few words with CL. CL says not now. But, it’s urgent. Nothing’s urgent in this life, especially not a conversation with you. But, if it weren’t so important, I promise I wouldn’t be bothering you. Well, then, what language will Pastor understand? CL doesn’t want to talk with ANYBODY. What part is it that Pastor doesn’t understand? Does Pastor want him to draw a picture or what? Or, will he be compelled to forcibly eject Pastor? Pastor finally gets in that he spoke with his brother. Why the h*** does Pastor think CL would be interested in Pastor talking with his brother, his mother, or whoever? Pastor objects to CL bringing his mother, may she rest in peace, into this discussion. Don CL, my brother’s business partner is Juan Dominguez. If looks could kill, CL’s would do worse. And they’re doing business with the Japanese folks. CL’s voice drops 40 decibels to a whisper. “I’m going to kill him.” CL vows to destroy Juan. He’ll make sure that Juan is very sorry for having gotten involved in CL’s business negotiations. Pastor is going to have to help him, though, and that wretch is not going to know what happened to him. Pastor tells CL that Juan already knows that CL is aware of his business. Juan himself authorized Pastor to say so. He knows everything about which CL and Pastor have spoken. CL comes around his desk, rabid. “¿Qué?”

At the bus station, warm hugs and farewells are happening. Anga hugs Juan and looks somberly over his shoulder at Nidia. The men say their farewells, Anga wishes them “good trip,” and Juan tells him to take care (abuzado-careful). He moves toward the bus and Kike tells Nidia farewell. He tells her to behave herself with Juanito, and he doesn’t mean the 6-year old. Kike tells Nidia not to get Juan all mixed up in her silliness. We hear the cuckoo clock…..Nidia throws back a retort and Kike gets a real kick out of it. Anga looks like he wants to get in on the fun.

CL erupts and accuses Pastor of being on drugs, drunk, cursed--something for sure. No, Pastor replies sadly. Well, what then? Don’t you realize what you’ve just done? Pastor stammers that he does, and he’s sorry, but….CL interrupts, turning purple again. Pastor continues—what could he have done? He had betrayed his friend, his own brother, and that’s not good. YOU are talking to ME about what’s good and what’s bad? A person who had not the slightest qualms or scruples about robbing me. A person who, by his negligence, got the company involved in buying pirated software. And it doesn’t seem to be important to you that I have paid the consequences of this stupidity! Pastor stammers again that he knows, but CL needs to understand…. “NO, YOU UNDERSTAND” CL screams at Pastor, you’re a good-for-nothing (mequetrefe-inútil--good-for-nothing) piece of trash (pacotilla)…..(our view moves to the lobby where Ivonne, the lizards, everyone is hearing with us this terrible reaming out as if it were in a wind tunnel or on a megaphone). You’re garbage who doesn’t know how to return a favor, who prefers to bite the hand that feeds you and to defend jerks like Juan Dominguez. I should NEVER have hired a nonentity like you…..(Monica joins all of us out in the lobby, looking as concerned as everyone—no one has the glitter of chisme in the eyes at the moment, including Ivonne or the lobby lizards). Marely looks Very Upset and Fern is somber behind her. I never should have hired a man who is nothing like a man. [Ed. Note: That was just unacceptably low, CL.] Pastor raises a finger—“Pardon me, you are offending me.” CL, totally beside himself, screams—what, you want me to congratulate you? You want an award? Pastor struggles to keep his composure. “No, I only want you to put yourself in my place.” “In your place??? I would die before I would put myself in the place of someone like you!!” The lobby lizards, for the first time in memory, look uncomfortable and even upset for Pastor. CL lowers his voices a little and asks Pastor to do him the favor of getting the H*** out of his office, of his business, and above all, of his life. CL never wants to see Pastor again and Pastor’s presence gives CL nausea. “You disgust me, Gaitán.” Pastor is devastated, but keeping as composed as possible under the stress. “You’re fired. Get out NOW. Don’t put a foot back in this office or I’ll kill you with my own hands. You’re a traitor, hypocrite and an ungrateful dog.” Moni grabs Ivonne and hustles her into Moni’s office. Ivonne sees a good angle and smiles a little to herself as we hear CL continue to yell at Pastor when we thought everything that could possibly have been said was already said.

As the yelling continues in the background, Moni asks if Ivonne knows what’s happening in CL’s office. Ivonne is surprised she doesn’t know. Well, that’s why she asked, if she knew, she wouldn’t be asking! Ivonne smugly reports that CL’s gone hysterical because he’s just found out about the Lic Paula. [Not exactly, Ivonne, but that’s probably your story and you’re sticking to it, no doubt.] Ivonne explains how she had invented an excuse to go find Juan in his hometown. Monica asks how Ivonne knows and Ivonne fills in the dirty details about how CL had her call this little town, Achichipico to see what it had to do with Juan because Paula was going there with her mother, she said. Ivonne wonders why Paula is such a fool to mention the name of the town, and tells Moni how she found the name in Juan’s personnel file. Anyone can find all kinds of things in there. Moni has a look of admiring impactada.

Pastor is miserable as he slowly leaves CL’s office to encounter all the LLs watching closely. Marely and Fern look a bit guilty as Pastor takes his glasses off and wipes his eyes. The concern of all is tangible as sad violin music plays. Pastor hurries to his office through the crowd. Ivonne comes out of Moni’s office and Marely quietly gets her attention to ask what has happened to Don Pastor in CL’s office. Marely’s genuine concern and Fern’s serious demeanor don’t sway Ivonne—“What do you mean, what happened?” “Well, you heard CL screaming in his office and Pastor just came out with such a terribly sad, devastated face. Ivonne sternly tells them to get on the ball (lively) and most likely they’ll be looking for a new head of personnel. [Ed. Note: Dreamer! These folks don’t have a clue how to get on the ball.] Fern is impactado—WHAT? What happened? Ivonne desperately tells him not to ask because it’s so ugly and sooner or later it’s going to happen to everyone. [Ed. Note: Especially if CL and Moni ever get a clue and notice how much Lobby Lounging is happening.] Fern and Marely are concerned and impactados.

An exceptionally unlucky Manny, no glasses or slicked back hair, but wearing the understated tailored khaki uniform that seems to be quite the rage here, is thrown into the exercise yard at the pen, face down. Guys laugh and mock. A crowd surrounds him to toss him around and let him know who’s boss. Gutis and Delirio hang back, waiting…..But Gutis shakes out his arms to get ready to deck Manny at the first opportunity. Delirio, predictably, is impactado. Like he never thought to see his old chum again or something. Manny tosses an insult over his shoulder at the crowd, breaks away from them and sees the Odd Couple, holding out his arms in relief and running to greet them…..only to be decked by Gutis. A great prison yard faked fight ensues. Delirio just hangs around hanging onto Manny’s shirt and yelling for Gutis to calm down. The correctional officers (politically correct term, right?) drag Gutis off of Manny and Gutis is on his feet yelling at Delirio. “Have you forgotten it’s because of this scumbag we’re in the tank? That he disappeared, didn’t face the consequences while you and I were thrown in here?” Delirio looks baffled. Then Delirio slowly moves to Manny, murmuring comforting words while Manny checks to see how many teeth he has left. Poor thing, Delirio tells Manny as he puts both hands on Manny’s face. Gutis watches this in total disbelief. “Sure. Gutis, look.” As Manny relaxes a little at this tender welcome, Delirio bellows to Gutis “BREAK HIS FACE!” Gutis loses no time in diving back at the impactado Manzano. A new faked prison yard fight ensues. We see the back of Manny’s head as he moves around on the ground, Gutis hand on Manny’s shirt as he manhandles the boy, and hear the guys’ yells. Manny wiggles out and stands up to face off with Gutis, the CO standing near. “Just a minute,” Manny snaps at Gutis. Manny says he just gave his declaration to the authorities and absolved the Odd Couple of any guilt. They believed everything he told them. Delirio asks if Manny for sure declared them innocent. Gutis gives him a disbelieving glare. “Of course I did!” He points out that with Gutis it wasn’t such an easy thing. Gutis turns to deepen the scowl. “Yeah?” Manny explains that since they had done some business together, there were documents that compromised Gutis and Manny couldn’t help him much. Delirio wants to know about himself. [Of course.] With you, Manny tells Delirio, it was easier. I told them you were clueless about the pirated programs. I told them you were innocent. Delirio, delirious with joy, exclaims and hugs Manny, kissing and caressing his face until the guys in the yard are totally titillated and hooting. Gutis distances himself fast. [As much as one can in a prison yard with 20 guys that’s about 12x12.]

Pastor is packing his meager belongings and Ivonne is telling him how sorry she is as the sad violins play. Pastor asks if she heard that wretch screaming at him. She did. “Terrible,” Pastor shakes his head and Ivonne agrees, but thinks he did what he had to. Pastor wants to know why, when a person does something he shouldn’t, they pardon him, reward him, they get him out of a jam. But, when a person does what he should, it’s the opposite. Ivonne helpfully tells him that’s life and you have to accept it. Pastor continues—it’s such sadness, so many years dedicated to this company, for what? To end up out in the street like a dog. The LLs watch raptly through the not-so-blinds. Ivonne continues to be helpful, telling Pastor to look on the good side. He’s leaving with his head held high, with his dignity intact, and no one can take it from him, not CL nor Monica, not anyone. Pastor says he can at least go with a calm conscience. “Does that seem so little?” Ivonne asks. She tells him he should feel proud. Pastor didn’t let himself be bought by people whose only interests are their own. Smile, today is the first day of the rest of your life, she exhorts Pastor. Pastor sniffles and looks around distractedly.

Moni has gone to see CL in his office, and asks what happened. He growls, “Oh, please. Don’t tell me you don’t know because I’m not buying it.” He points out that Ivonne surely has already made sure she had the gossip. Moni brings him a glass of water from his desk while he pours from his decanter. She trades the glasses and tells him it’s better for him to calm down first. She reminds him he’s convalescing and could do himself harm. CL wants to know how she proposes that he should calm himself. Especially since he’s dying because of what his wife is doing right under his nose. Moni gives him the feigned wide-eyed innocent look. He warns her to not even think about making a commentary because he won’t stand for it. Moni’s innocent look is honed to perfection. She wouldn’t think of it. She just doesn’t like to see him so upset and it worries her. CL mutters, more to himself than to her, how much he hates this d*** man. He continues on his rant against Juan, hitting himself and declaring that they cuckolded him in the most cynical and insolent way possible. CL smiles with no humor at all.

Meanwhile, that d*** man has a woman’s head on his shoulder in the bus, but it’s not the Licenciada Paula. Nidia is enjoying her time with Juan, and he’s miserable. Nidia’s hand rests on his shoulder, too. She sighs in happiness and tells him this trip seems like something out of a movie—“don’t you think so, treasure?” Juan asks why like a movie? Nidia proceeds to tell him about movie she saw recently with two gals, okay, maybe girls, like herself, who went off to explore the world. She hablablablabla about the plot of the movie while the cuckoo clock sounds. Juan looks at her, bemused by her babbling. He nods periodically and begins to thought bubble—seems that when one is in a hurry to get some place lots of obstacles and problems pop up. He remembers something his mother told him about giving oneself time to have a cool head and things resolve better. But it wasn’t just any old thing he needed to resolve, instead it was with the woman he loved. Juan continues to slip Nidia glances as she babbles on about the hero of the film, with a lovely build like Juan. They got drunk, and….robbed folks, and got into lots of dangerous situations, but how amusing! Juan jumps on her—where’s the amusement in that, I want to know! Nidia is offended at his outburst and wonders what brought that on. It was just the adventure of the movie, that’s all. She fantasizes about herself and Juan on a trip and they could end up on the coast, or a desert island, or…the cuckoo clock goes off again as Juan looks at her in some alarm. Juan tells her to calm down. What was the first thing he warned her? Not to smoke, Nidia wonders? Juan scolds her for messing with him (chistosa-joker). Nope, it’s to be calm. If you couldn’t, you should not have come with me. He scolds that she’s got these “movies” in her head that she shouldn’t. [Ed. Note: Since when is this a new thing, Juan?] He scolds her a little more about these tales and makes her put her head against the backrest to calm down, talking to her as if she’s a preschooler. [Ed. Note: Well, yeah.] She sputters at him—whatever you say, Papi Rico. The bus goes on.

Paula orders tea after the meal for herself and Ana at a lovely outdoor café. [Ed. Question: In Achichipico?] The waiter takes their plates and Paula keeps talking. She whines that she’s nervous and Ana wants to know about what? Paula says about her future, the uncertainty, what might happen—especially with her marriage. Paula continues that since they arrived, she’s had the strangest sensation that her life is about to turn 180 degrees and nothing will ever be like it was. Ana assures her that life is like that, constantly moving. The waiter interrupts and asks if they want anything more, but they don’t. Ana says that she’s not afraid of anything because surprises really don’t turn out to be surprises. On the contrary, things tend to repeat themselves. Paula interrupts and tells Ana she hopes it will move rapidly because Paula feels like she’s in a whirlpool that never stop. Ana tells Paula that her life is really in her own hands, her future, and she shouldn’t leave things to run wild. Paula continues about her fears. Hablablablabla. [Ed. Note: Sorry, folks, I got so tired of whiny Paula all of a sudden I stopped translating.] Ana and I sigh in unison.

While Nidia sleeps on his shoulder, Juan prays to the Blessed Child of Atocha that Paula hasn’t left the building…er, Achichipico.

CL doesn’t want any more of whatever it is that Moni is forcing down this throat and she’s not taking no for an answer. The cup goes up to his open mouth as he protests, NOPE, don’t want any. She insists it will calm him and relax him. [Ed. Note: Probably Valerian tea, which tastes VILE. I wouldn’t want any, either. Take mine in capsule form and it’s over faster.] Finally, he takes it and drinks. Judging by his grimace, it was definitely Valerian tea. Moni asks if he feels better and CL snaps at her. NO. He feels worse. You know what he’s going to do? Moni hopes it’s not some insane thing. Nope, he’s going to look for Paula in that d*** village and he’s going Right Now. We are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely coincidental.

Monday: Juan hears voices on the bus, and he and Nidia get off the bus in the middle of nowhere. CL breathes fire on his desk—could it be all the scotch?

No vocab at the end today, discúlpanme. Soy floja. ;-)

Jeanne

Labels: Juan