Caray, Caray!

This was a 2-hour show, so I’m doing one part tonight, and I’ll try to get the second part posted by tomorrow mid-day. If I can’t figure out how to add to this text, so I’ll make a second header for it.

We’ve left the neuropsych ward where Francois just got stuck with a giant traqnquilizer syringe after saying I’m going to kill Constancio for having taken my place! and now we’re in Luci’s bedroom. She is asking Braulio how she looks and he says lovely and distinguished as always. She thanks him for being the only person in the house she can really talk to. She said she had just one little drink, for the pain, to try to be a little happy. Braulio asks her if she’s ever regretted coming back from France. Francois had disappeared, says Luci, and Alex was a baby – my father pressed me to marry Connie. I had no choice.

Did you ever see Francois again? Braulio asks. Yes, says Luci. A few times – he came looking for me. He wanted to take Alex, he was kinda like nutsy. Did you love him, asks Braulio. Yes, with all my heart. But it wasn’t the same for him as for me. Same as with Constancio, I’m not important to him. Must be my destiny.

Damien and Karla are tied up back to back on two chairs in their romantic getaway and Julio has a gun to them. I was gonna call, honest! says Damien. Karla gets hysterical and Julio points the gun at her which shuts her up.

Mili is praying to convent Jesus with Lina in the background. Why do you make it so I’m happy and then everything is taken away? I can’t let Alex’s child grow up hating him like I do my vanishing dad. Lina puts her arm around her and they leave to go home.

Sor Cachete is in the kitchen with Gloria – Mili was here and didn’t say hi to me? No, says Gloria, she just came to pray to Jesus, her boyfriend is going to be a daddy. Gloria exits. That’s nice, thinks the Sor. It takes a bit before it dawns on the good Sor that Mili must be pregnant – she is shocked. Dios mio!

Rorgan gives the flowers that were for Valeria to Socorro, keeping the card. It’s to cheer you up, he says, since she’s so upset about the missing Karla. He then calls the florist and orders up a funeral wreath.

Back to our little love nest where Damien and Karla are still tied up. The baddies are gone, and Karla is jiggling her legs. I’m hungry and I’ve gotta pee soooo bad. Why did you lie to me about all this? Oh, I gotta goooo. You’re a man and it’s easy for you, but not for me. Shut up, says Damien, now I’ve gotta go too. They squabble, Karla twists her legs practically into a knot and jiggles some more.

Lina and Mili have arrived in the kitchen. Mili tells Lina if Regina asks for her, she’s sick or something – she wants to be alone to think. Uh oh, here comes Alex says Lina. Mili splits. Alex asks where Mili is, and Lina fudges around and finally says at the convent. Alex says guess what? I’m going to announce our engagement this evening to my parents. Lina is looks a bit doubtful, but congratulates him and Alex looks puzzled.

The funeral wreath has arrived at the front door. Braulio receives it - it’s for Valeria. She reads the card and takes a fit – from Bobby?! Alex says maybe it’s a mistake. She utters a few choice words about Bobby, who then arrives and asks how she likes her flowers. She smacks him. Alex laughs behind his hand and Rorgan is gleeful.

Hijinks in the kitchen – Rorgan is falling about laughing about Bobby getting smacked. Lina asks how could Bobby see anything in Valeria? Rorgan describes her in juicy terms and then catches himself. Some more goofing around when Horacio finds out Rorgan gave Socorro flowers.
Back to the bondage scene. The baddies are back with the gun – maybe they went to the bathroom. Apparently although she’s tied up again, they’ve let Karla go too and she is grateful. But not Damien – his bladder is about to pop. Let my people goooo! Or at least me! Why worry says Julio to Damien, you’re going to die anyway. Damien tries to sweet-talk him that a fine businessman like him wouldn’t gain anything that way. Revenge, says Julio. Plus he’d make a great example for other deadbeat customers. Karla flips out that she doesn’t want to die. They tell her to shut up. Well, you could call your brother-in-law. Great, says Damien and gives the number while Julio dials his cell phone.

Constancio gets the call in his office. Damien says I’m in trouble. Constancio says what else is new? Solve your problems and get your sorry a** back here to the office. Damien says no, come to Cuernavaca or they’ll kill me. Karla screeches they’ll kill us! The baddies cut off the call. Constancio looks troubled. What chaps me is that they get cell phone reception in Cuernavaca and here I am in Los Angeles and can’t get a signal. No fair. Constancio tells Andrea to order him up a car – he’s going to Cuernavaca. He looks exasperated.

Bobby is telling Valeria that he ordered red roses! With no thorns so she wouldn’t prick her fingers. Braulio is there, and Alex too, getting a quiet laugh out of it. Alex says Bobby is right, it must’ve been a mix-up at the florist, but Valeria isn’t buying it. I want you out of my sight in 5 seconds says Valeria to Bobby. Bobby evaporates and Braulio totes off the offending wreath. Alex reproaches Valeria, but she says who cares? I already have a boyfriend.

Bobby and Valeria run into their ma. Que haces aqui? they ask her kindly. She said she had to come back, she didn’t want to be without her children. Good thing says Alex, I have some big news to tell you later. He takes off. What news Luci asks Val. Val guesses maybe he’s back with Andrea. Oh horrors, says Luci. Why are you that way says Val – poor Andrea, she’s suffering due to Alex. Don’t believe it, says Luci.

Constancio must’ve had some really tight coordinates because he’s found his way right to the casa de bondage. He berates Damien briefly. Julio wonders if a brother-in-law like Damien is worth saving. Julio explains that it’s just business, he wants the debt paid. Will Connie pay? I don’t know, says Connie. Damien is shocked, begs him. Connie hauls back like he’s going to smack him, but Julio stops him. Let’s all be civilized! Connie asks for a moment alone with Damien. Oddly, the baddies agree, and go to untie Karla. What are you going to do to me, asks Damien. Constancio smiles at him with a kinda crazy look in his eye.

Bobby is at the florist and finds out about the second flower order. Rorgan has been there earlier to pay and the flower lady describes him. Bobby is furious. Rocky!

Constancio is telling Damien that he’s going to make a proposition. If Damien says yes, he’ll pay the debt. If Damien says no, Damien will die.

“Yes!” says Damien. Wait’ll you hear, says Connie. He wants all of Damien’s 20% of the shares. Damien says then I’ll have nothing. Finally he bargains Connie down to leaving him 5%. (I’m not sure I got this right – please correct if it’s wrong.) Connie laughs demonically.

Back in the kitchen Socorro is telling Lina and Horacio how worried she is about Karla – she’s never taken off like this. Lina says Don Damien is missing too – she noticed when she went to clean his room. Socorro wants to go pray to her santo and she and Horacio leave. Mili comes in and tells Lina she’s going to help serve dinner tonight because it tears her up that Alex wants to announce their engagement and she wants to be there.

Rorgan and Bobby are out front arguing about the flowers. They both tell the other that Val’s not interested in him. Meantime, the handsome new novio pulls up, goes to the front door and is greeted by Val who throws her arms around his neck and cries out “mi amor!” Bobby and Rorgan both curse him – they are brothers in rejection.

Alex runs into Mili in the hall. He sees her unhappiness and takes it for nerves. He says everything is going to be great tonight and he takes off.

Back at the convent, Sor Cachete is trying to tell the padre that Mili is pregnant but it takes forever for her to finally spit it out. He is shocked.

The family is gathering in the foyer that as usual doesn’t have enough chairs, so most of them are standing around. Even Andrea is there, and Hugo arrives, saying Alex really urged him to come. Connie and Damien walk in, looking like nothing had happened. Regina descends and somebody has to get up off the weensy couch so she can sit. Alex starts his announcement by saying it’s something that makes him very happy. Andrea looks smug. Excuse me for interrupting says Mili, but I want to be the first to congratulate you. Congratulate me? Alex says. Yes, says Mili, you’re going to be a papa. Andrea gloats. Alex is impactado.

The family party is in a shambles. Constancio tells Mili he didn’t expect that of her. She says what? Regina says to him with your past, better not talk. Luci is shocked. Hugo tells Alex he’s trash. Alex says he doesn’t know what’s going on. Regina heads up the stairs telling she wants the two of them in her room right now. Andrea is really enjoying all this. But it’s Damien who gets off the worst insult – he tells Alex “you’re worse than I am.” Wow - I didn’t know there was a level below Damien.

Val’s new novio Sergio excuses himself. Bobby and Alex are puzzled. Mili says I’m not expecting! Alex begs her to be more clear. Andrea smiles and says with relish “I’m pregnant with our child.”

Socorro and Horacio are in the kitchen when Karla comes in. Socorro throws her arms around her, but Karla doesn’t care. I was so worried! She spies the rope burns on her arms – did Damien do something bad to you? You were gone all night! Well, get used to it Ma says Karla, I’m going to shake off the uniform and I’m shaking off you and your life too. If this weren’t a comedy, I’d predict an early and agonizing death for Karla. Horacio comforts a crying Socorro.

Constancio is on the phone with the padre, Damien is listening. Connie says he’s heard – Mili confessed in front of the whole family. He says he’s very upset. After he hangs up, Damien says why are you so pale? This doesn’t really have much to do with you – why is it bugging you so much?

Valeria and Luci are in Luci’s room lamenting this turn of events. The shame! What will Valeria tell her friends? What will she tell Sergio? Luci says my son is having a child with a servant! It’s the end of the world! And it’s maybe my fault because… no, never mind. But there is one way out, says Luci – you know what a super Catholic I am, but abortion’s the only way out. Mama! Vale is shocked.

Confab in the kitchen – the staff are discussing the latest developments. Rorgan says they’ll just have to marry. Horacio observes that they’ve been broken up for a while and yet she’s pregnant? Nobody follows up on that. Socorro makes a sweet speech about how important a child is. Mili listens sadly and Lina notes she’s quiet. Mili says she just wants to go to bed and be alone.

Regina and Luci are facing off. Luci is blaming Regina – Luci wanted Mili thrown out a long time ago. Regina says she never thought Alex would go so far. Luci says don’t blame Alex, but Regina notes he a man and not a saint. Luci says she doesn’t want a bastard for a grandson, Regina says Alex is going to do the right thing by Mili, to which Luci says he’s not your real grandson. Luci doesn’t seem to notice any holes in her argument, but we all sure do.

Regina says their love is pure and she’s going to defend it. Luci says over my dead body. Now Regina finally speaks for all of us: What’s wrong with you Luci? Your own son is not legitimate! Naturally Luci has no good answer and she stomps off.

Mili is out on the nighttime lawn talking to Hugo. He says naturally the family isn’t exactly chinking glasses over her news. After some back and forth, he mentions that she’s pregnant and she says not me, it’s Andrea. And it’s just like you and everyone to think that of me! Hugo says that’s what it sounded like. Mili is furious.

Now Luci is telling Constancio that she doesn’t want a grandchild by a servant. He tells her to shut up for once. He says he’ll take care of the matter tomorrow. She says that
I wanna see.

Alex is telling Mili in the kitchen that this won’t impact the two of them. She says now we have nothing and she runs off.

Constancio and the padre are in the study. Constancio says Alex can’t marry a servant, it would wreck his political career. That’s not what’s important, says the padre. Constancio says he must do the right thing, and that thing is to send her away, back to the convent. The padre looks exasperated.

In her room, Regina is telling Mili how she supports her and how she and Alex will marry and have the baby. You too? says Mili. It’s Andrea having the baby. Regina’s eyes pop.

Alex is talking to Andrea and wondering about the timeframe. She says it adds up. Alex said he thought she’d been in charge of being careful and she notes that it’s not just the responsibility of one person. She takes responsibility for consequences – she’s an adult. Can I count on you? I’ll think about it, says Alex. Fine, let me know, says Andrea and she starts to vamp off. Oh, and by the way, I think your family misunderstood. Please tell them the baby is mine.

The padre and the MS are in conference – what to do? She says that the two are victims of circumstance and it’s time to tell them that they are brother and sister.

End of part I.


Andrea comes into Constancio’s office. How ‘bout the news last night? You’re going to be a grandfather. It turns my stomach, says Connie. Alex is an idiot.

Alex and Bobby are in Alex’s room. Alex is agitated and pacing. Mili is ignoring him and now surely Andrea will expect him to marry her. I don’t want to even think of the baby. What do I do? Bobby says he’ll support Alex whatever he decides. The phone rings – it’s the good padre. Alex agrees to come see him.

Lina and Mili are in the kitchen – Mili is really down. Lina says that sometimes it helps to talk, but Mili just wants to forget. Excellent girlfriend Lina says don’t forget you’re not alone. The phone rings in the kitchen and Mili picks up (do they have a switchboard operator somewhere?). It’s the padre and Mili agrees to come see him.

Julio is walking into a restaurant and walks up to a table – where Connie is sitting. They look seriously at one another and then crack up laughing. What a great plan! They compliment each other on being geniuses at getting the shares away from Damien. Connie tells Julio he’s a great actor. Julio whips out a briefcase and says here’s your money. Money? Says Connie. I didn’t quite catch what that was about, but I think it’s left over from their swindle and Julio gets to keep it.

Connie’s cell rings. It’s the padre, natch. Connie says okay, but does it have to be now? Apparently yes. Julio and Connie look at each other and crack up again.

Damien is in his office talking to himself. I’ve lost everything! Everything!

Vale is by a different pool with Sergio – it’s a semi-indoor pool, but she’s not in a bathing suit, she has a little short spring dress on. She apologizes for having neglected him a bit due to everything happening. Rorgan appears behind a pillar and watches. They smooch and he gets agitated. Sergio drops to one knee and Rorgan panics. Sergio proposes, and Rorgan runs out saying she’s mine! He tackles Sergio and they both fall in the pool and wrestle around while. Vale says stop stop!

Braulio has brought a tea to Regina, but she says I don’t need it, I’m not tense. She is worried about Mili. Braulio says it’s just like with his sister – a pregnant servant. And Mili is the same age as Rosario was and has the same innocence. He said he couldn’t sleep all night thinking of his sister. And you know how the family handles such problems.

Mili isn’t pregnant, it’s Andrea, says Regina. Braulio pops his eyebrows, but tries to not to look ruffled. What’s happening, he asks. I don’t want to talk about it says Regina. But excellent friend Braulio sits next to her on the couch and says sometimes it helps to talk. Regina says it’s that she’s frightened for her son – there’s someone who wants to kill him and is crazy enough to actually do it. Braulio suggests calling the police, but Regina says the guy is in a nut house, they wouldn’t take it seriously. Who is this guy asks Braulio. Regina says a person who wants to kill Connie and then she pops out the truth – it’s the real father of Alex. This time Braulio can’t hide his astonishment. He takes up Regina’s teacup and has a slurp.

Mili is walking to the convent. Alex comes up. Que haces aqui? I’ve been thinking he says – I want us to continue. No, says Mili, I can battle everybody, but not a baby. I don’t want to steal a baby’s father. I have to go now, I’m off to see the padre. Me too, says Alex. They are both surprised.

Connie is already with the padre. Padre says the best way to keep them apart is to tell the truth. Connie is reluctant but says okay. Mili and Alex come in. Alex spots Connie and says Que haces aqui? The padre says Connie wants to tell you something important.

Connie tells about when I was your age, I fell in love a servant and she had a baby. I know, says Alex. Connie continues, it’s hung over me ever since. I need to tell you the truth, now that Mili is pregnant. Mili is exasperated and after some back and forth, Alex tells Connie and the padre that it’s Andrea who’s pregnant. The padre is ecstatic. And what was the truth you wanted to tell us asks Alex. That you are… you are… you are an idiot for getting Andrea pregnant. Connie stomps off. The truth must wait for yet another day, it seems. (It now occurs to me that though he never mentioned it, Connie must’ve been thinking there were 2 Alex spawn in play.)

Braulio is still seated next to Regina. She tells him that one day years ago the police found an injured vagrant with no papers. All he had on him was the phone number of the mansion. She answered the phone that day. She knew it was Francois because she’d heard him arguing before with Luci. The hospital cured his physical wounds, but not his mind. Regine decided to be responsible and since then has sent money for his care. But what scares her is that someone had attacked him, someone who obviously wanted to kill him.

Out by the pool, Sergio and Rorgan are out of the water. Sergio would still like to take a swing at him. Vale tells Rorgan he wrecked her marriage proposal. Rorgan says you shouldn’t get engaged to somebody you hardly know. Vale orders him out of her sight, out of the house. You’re fired! Sergio wants to hug her but ick! He’s all wet.

Back on the couch with Regina and Braulio. She says there is something worse, but she doesn’t want to talk. It’s terrible to carry such a secret alone says Braulio. Let me be your confidante. Regina says ever since she heard Francois say Constancio’s name, she’s afraid that his insanity has something to do with Constancio. Braulio says that telling things helps chase away phantoms and suggests she have a nice nap and she’ll feel better. She pats his gloved hand. Sweet!

We’re in the padded cell. Francois is wide-eyed crazy still. He is thinking, maybe remembering. He sees himself in a field, bloodied, with a couple of thugs holding him. One holds a gun to him. And there is Connie, laughing. The odd thing about this scene is that Francois is pudgy and middle-aged looking, and Connie’s hair is salt and pepper under his cap. If this is real, when would it have taken place?

In the kitchen, Rorgan is telling Horacio and Socorro that he’s fired. Horacio jokes around a little bit, and then says don’t worry, she’ll forgive you. Yes, it’s love says Rorgan. Really she loves me. This guy’s a more benign form of nuts than Hugo and Francois.

Andrea comes in to Luci’s room. They are frosty polite to each other. They agree they need to have a chat. Luci congratulates Andrea on her pregnancy. Andre wants to talk about the other thing, but Luci says she doesn’t want to go there. She wants to know if the baby is Alex’s or Connie’s. Alex’s, says Andrea. How can you be so sure asks Luci. I just know says Andrea. Luci’s not convinced and says she wants to know if she’s going to be a grandmother, or if Alex is going to have a half-brother.

Luci gets tough. She’s tells Andrea that she’s not going to entrap her son with a pregnancy and she’s not going to get to marry him. She says she intends to enjoy the rest of her life. Andrea says drinking as you go along? Luci says don’t think I’m weak. You’re going to have an abortion and pretend it happened naturally. At your age, that happens a lot. Andrea protests she’s a good age to be a mother. Luci says I put up with Constancio, I know he’s always had affairs with grasping women, But when it comes to my son – watch out!

Andrea says so you’re saying you’re willing to share Connie with me. That’s right, says Luci, but you have to end your pregnancy. They glare at each other.

Vale and Sergio are on a couch. He wants to get married right away – she says why the rush, it’s fun being novios. He just can’t wait. She says like when? Today, tomorrow! Within a month. But she says Andrea and Alex are going to get married, they better wair for them. Sergio says he just can’t wait and Andrea says how sweet and says yes. A month will give her time to prepare. Rorgan watches from the doorway and sees them kiss. Mili appears, sees what’s going on and drags Rorgan away.

Rorgan is in the kitchen lamenting to Mili. She says why be interested in Vale? Find someone else. Besides, she and Sergio hardly know each other. Rorgan grabs some of Regina’s lunch from the tray and says he has to eat to fill the void. Mili sweetly tells him there will be a woman for him who loves him. I’ll find her? Asks Rorgan. No, she’s find you, says Mili. Rorgan cries. Jesus will help finding someone for you. Rorgan hugs her and says thank you.

Andrea and Luci are still at it. Andrea says no deal, but she notes that Luci is willing to pay a big price, sharing Connie. Luci says yes, and it’s just between the two of us. Andrea thinks it over and says again no. I’m going to have this baby and I’m going to marry Alex.

Andrea says that being Connie’s lover hasn’t just gained her money, it’s gained her information. I can destroy your family and if you think this is hell now, it’s nothing compared to what it will be if you try to thwart me. She flounces out. Luci grabs the handy hooch from the bedside table and has a slug. She wonders if Andrea knows that Alex isn’t Connie’s real son.

Alex comes to Regina’s room for counsel. He is crying and tells her how he was looking forward to telling the family about him and Mili – how they would protest, the look on his father’s face. How he would stand up to them, how he is a fellow who knows what he wants. Regina says everything has changed – you’re going to have a baby. Alex says he doesn’t love Andrea and he wants to be with Mili. They hug and he weeps some more. What am I going to do?

Regina says once you hold that baby in your arms, you’ll feel totally different, believe me. I know a man who was so happy he was going to be a daddy and then he never got to see his child. My father asks Alex. Yes, says Regina.

I know I’d love a baby, says Alex, but the time’s not right. But it is the time, says Regina, babies come when they come and you have to love them and take care of them. Alex says it isn’t that I wouldn’t love a baby, it’s just that.. That you don’t love the mother finishes Regina. Yes says Alex, it’s so different with Mili. He breaks down lays his head in her lap and sobs. She pets his hair and kisses his head.

Mili comes in to see Hugo in his room. He says so you’ve forgiven me? Of course, she says. She says she feels sad, odd. She says it’s funny, she was just comforting Rorgan, and here she is in the same straits. I came because you’re my friend, you can tell me everything will be all right. Except that nothing will ever be all right again – I feel like I’m dying inside. She sobs and he puts his arms around her and comforts her.

Andrea is in Connie’s office telling him about Luci’s offer. Connie agrees with Luci, better get rid of the kid. Andrea says how do you know it’s not yours? I had a vasectomy after Valeria; I’m shooting with blanks, says Alex. The main thing is that nothing change between us even though you’re pregnant. I’m not pregnant smiles Andrea.

Regina is asking Luci about Francois. Luci doesn’t want to talk about it. Regina rubs in about their having been lovers before she married Connie. Did she get together with him after her marriage? Yes, says Luci, but not as lovers. He was very upset about Alex seeing Connie as his father and taking his name. He wanted his son.

I didn’t see him for a long time after that, says Luci. When Alex was about 13, Francois called and said he was here and wanted to tell Alex the truth. I told Connie about it. And what happened? Asks Regina. Well, it was strange, he never showed up. Regina looks shaken. What is it asks Luci. Nothing, lies Regina.

Connie is smilingly telling Andrea she’s a bad girl for her tricks. He says what if I tell? She says you wouldn’t or you’d be done with me forever. He wants to know what Alex’s got that he hasn’t. She says you’re married. He says what if I were a widower? She says I’m not gonna wait for that. She says she wants a better job and a good position in society with a rich husband with a good name and Alex is just the guy for that. And we can keep being lovers. Oh, you’re perverse says Connie, and I love it. They start necking.

Regina and Luci again. Why are you asking all these questions Luci wonders. Oh, just curious. Well, I guess I should have mentioned all this before, but I didn’t want to stir up troubles. Regina asks if Luci has ever thought about what would happen if Alex found out what she’s been hiding all these years. Luci says she forbids the mention of Francois’s name and that the secret will be forever buried. Are you so sure of that asks Regina.

Connie is in the office telling Damien that he’s going to go start arranging for the marriage of Andrea and his son. Your son and your lover? asks Damion. It’s for appearances says Connie, for my political career. You’re trash, says Damien. Hey, nice words, I just saved your life, says Connie. Next time I’m gonna let them shoot you. And if you incur any more gambling debts I’m not paying, you’re going to pay them with your shares. He pinches Damien’s cheeks like you would a baby’s.

Horacio is making a prison visit. It’s Roxana he’s visiting! Seems she had some illicit dealings. He said she should have called Connie to help her out. She says no I have lawyers taking care of things - I want to tell you that I lied. I want to tell you about our daughter. Horacio is confused. She says yes, I never loved her, maybe because she was from you and I hated you so much. Our daughter works in your house as a servant. Horacio is impactado, says he always felt some special closeness with the girl. Go and tell her says Roxanna, who gets up and leaves. Horacio weeps and says my daughter!

Connie is talking to Andrea and a pony-tailed Alex at home. He says he will have everything arranged in 2 weeks. Alex says leave that to me. Connie says Alex has to take care of his responsibilities. Andrea says let me talk to Alex alone. Connie says okay and leaves.

Alex fidgets. Andrea strokes his hair and says how happy they all will be. Alex jumps up and yells no! Mili is descending the stairs unnoticed. I’m never going to marry you! I will give the child my name, we can be friends, but I’m going to marry the woman I love, Milagros! Mili is impactada. Okay, says Andrea, in that case I’ll get rid of the kid now. Mili rushes down the stairs. No! Don’t do that. Freeze frame.

Avances: Braulio finds his sister’s photo in Mili’s book. Mili gimme my mother’s photo!

Labels: guapos