Caray, Caray!

Hugo has come to the Hacienda to ask Alcides for the thermal chamber that is in the basement. He declines Alcides offer of a drink.
A: What do you want it for? Don’t tell me that you are about to have a catalepsy attack?
H: (to himself) My brother continues to be ignorant of the fact that I no longer suffer from that disease.
A: I was in the laboratory when Soledad arrived with my sick niece. How is the child?
H: She didn’t have an attack but I need the chamber in case she has another one.
A: Are you concerned about the baby or are you just trying to get points with Soledad? Because if that’s that case you are losing the game, well, we both are. Daniel von Chirac gave Soledad an engagement ring. They’re engaged.

Soledad thanks Dr. Dan and says that he is always there when she needs him. Dr. Dan says that she is everything to him and what happens to Aurorita affects him as if she was his own. Dr. Dan says that he will take her home but Soledad says that isn’t necessary. The coachman is waiting outside. Dr. Dan asks Soledad to look at him. He says that he knows she isn’t acting this way because of Aurora, “It’s Hugo, right?”

Hercu-less says that he believes Margot. Margot tells him that if he loves her, he has to trust her. Arturo busts open the door. He asks why Herc didn’t meet him like he was supposed to. Herc says he was just leaving. Arturo says maybe Margot won’t let Herc go to Alcides’ house because he is having an affair with Marina. Margot is impactada.

Ursula says that if something happens to Aurora, she’ll die. Boris comforts her. The baby has her mother and father and the doctor, nothing will happen to her. Ursula thanks Boris and says that he is a great guy. She apologizes for what happened with Marina earlier. She should have controlled herself. Boris says that she did the right thing. A kiss happens (finally!).

Hugo and Alcides:
H: von Chirac and Soledad aren’t engaged. They’re together because they are looking for a cure for Aurora’s illness.
A: If that’s what you want to believe, go ahead. I saw them kissing.
H: I didn’t come here to discuss your suppositions.
A: There’s no point in fighting a duel for Soledad’s love, brother. That little doctor is in the way. What is it with you, Hugo? Won’t you do anything about it? Will you let a nobody (don nadie) take her away from you?

Soledad says that she won’t lie to Dr. Dan. She doesn’t know what happened. She hadn’t seen Hugo for a long time and to see him holding her daughter and laughing made her forget all the bad things he has done and I saw him again as the man that I had loved. I remembered beautiful moments. But that’s over. She says that she had a moment of weakness. Dr. Dan says that he will ask her something that sounds odd and it will be hard to do but, if you don’t want to suffer, you have to get Hugo out of your mind and your heart. Soledad says that she knows this but there is something very powerful that binds her and Hugo together – their daughter. Dr. Dan says that he knows that and he will never pressure her to do something that she doesn’t want to do. He tells her not to go the hospital. She should rest. She has a lot of things to think about. Soledad agrees. She says that she has a lot to organize in her mind.

Ursula and Boris are kissing. Ursula pulls away and says that she doesn’t know what happened. Boris says that it was meant to be. She is a very beautiful woman. Ursula moves to leave. She says that he is a married man. This can’t happen. After she leaves, Boris say that there is nothing between him and Marina.

Tearfully, Margot asks if Hercu-less is Marina’s lover. (Poor Herc. He just can’t catch a break here.) Arturo urges Herc admit it. If Marina is his lover, he should let Marina deal with it. “But if you’ve lied,” says Arturo, “you’ll have to deal with me.” Poor Herc is thinking, “What do I do? What do I do? (¿Qué hago?)” Arturo draws his gun. He says that the moment has come. Speak. Herc chooses the lesser of two evils or at least the one that is least likely to get him killed. He says that he and Marina are lovers. “Liar!” says Arturo and knees him in the crotch. Herc falls down. Arturo says that he was with Marina and she told him the truth that she and Herc weren’t lovers and she told him that Herc visited Alcides. Arturo accuses Herc of being the ally of his worst enemy. Now he understands why Herc didn’t keep his appointment; why he wasn’t there to defend Arturo when he lost his hand. It was because of Alcides. Margot asks if this is true. Arturo says that Herc will tell him about all the dirty deals Herc has with Alcides. “Answer!” shouts Arturo while Margot begs Arturo not to hurt Herc.

Hugo and Alcides-
A: Why are you so quiet, brother? What about the ‘great love’ that you said you felt for Soledad?
H: Alcides, I’m not interested in talking about that. I only came here because I need the chamber. Are you going to give it to me, yes or no?
A: Send for it. I have no use for it.
H: Thanks. (He starts to leave.)
A: Hugo, I don’t believe you when you say that you aren’t interested in what happens between Soledad and von Chirac. I don’t believe it.
H: I have lost Soledad forever. Believe it. (He leaves.)
A: I’ll have to deal with von Chirac by myself. I’ll get him away from Soledad whatever it takes.

Michelle and Andres are fencing. Michelle is victorious. Andres asks what is the matter with her. She was attacking him as if he were a real enemy. He says he doesn’t understand. She came in, asked to practice and doesn’t say another word. What is happening? Andres guesses that it has to do with Hugo. Michelle tells Andres to pack up everything. They’re leaving tomorrow morning forever. Michelle tells Andres to buy a ticket and take their stuff home the next day. He asks what she will do. She says that she has to think. She will go Europe before she goes home. Andres says that she didn’t answer her question. It’s about Hugo, isn’t it? Michelle says that she doesn’t want to talk about it. Andres should just do what she asks: pack up and leave her swords and some clothes. He agrees. He leaves as Dr. Dan comes in. Dr. Dan says that they knew this could happen. She shouldn’t worry; he has spoken to Soledad. Michelle tells Dr. Dan not to try and convince her. She says that she thought she had an opportunity with Hugo but today she realized it was impossible. She says that she won’t be an obstacle between Soledad and Hugo. They love each other. Dr. Dan says that Soledad is trying to forget Hugo. “You don’t understand,” says Michelle, “You can win Soledad’s heart because you aren’t friends with Hugo but I am Soledad’s friend and I won’t put myself between two people who love each other. I can’t.”

Soledad tells her family that fortunately, it was a false alarm and Aurora is fine. Soledad thanks Ursula for telling Hugo. Naturally, Ester and Antonia are outraged. Soledad tells Ester and Antonia not to blame Ursula. She was only trying to help. Besides if it wasn’t for Hugo, Aurora could have had a catalepsy attack. They should have seen how she stopped crying when she heard Hugo’s voice and her temperature went back to normal. It was incredible. Antonia says it was a coincidence. Hugo doesn’t have healing powers in his voice. Soledad asks Ursula to put Aurora down for a nap. She says that she has something important to tell Ester and Antonia. They need to respect her decision. Soledad tell them that she has agreed to let Hugo come to the house to visit his daughter whenever he wants. That is her decision. Ester and Antonia roll their eyes but we are spared their usual diatribes.

Hugo comes in to where Andres is packing up Michelle’s stuff. He asks what Andres is doing. Andres says that per Michelle’s orders, he is packing her stuff. She is returning to her own country.

Arturo tells Hercu-less that he has betrayed him. He’s been working for Alcides while pretending to be Arturo’s servant. Margot begs Arturo not to shoot. She asks Herc to tell Arturo that it isn’t true. Herc says that Alcides paid him to run errands for him but Herc says that he never betrayed Arturo. Arturo flashes back to Hugo accusing Herc of kidnapping Boris. He says that now he understands that Herc kidnapped Boris on Alcides’ orders. Herc begs Arturo not to shoot him. He says that he didn’t have any money. Alcides gave him the money to buy this house. Arturo screams that Herc betrayed him for filthy money. He cocks the gun but Margot pushes his arm and he misses. Margot says that she won’t let him kill Herc. If he wants to kill Herc, he will have to kill her first.

It was too good to be true. Now we have the diatribes of Ester and Antonia. They tell Soledad that they can’t believe she would let Hugo in the house after all he’s done, the baby has enough love already, Hugo gives Antonia the creeps (escalofríos). Soledad says that she hasn’t forgiven Hugo. That’s not the issue. It’s just that her daughter should be with her father, that’s all. Soledad says that she is sure that her daughter would never forgive her if she kept her away from her father. Antonia asks Soledad to tell her from her heart what she feels for Hugo. Does she still love him even after all the damage that he’s done? Before Soledad can answer, Ester says that Lucas would feel very bad if Hugo came to the house. “We will do what my daughter decides,” says Lucas coming into the room as Soledad looks at him gratefully.

Dr. Dan tells Michelle not to give up. She is a strong woman who fights for what she wants. “Maybe,” says Michelle, “but I have to be honest with myself. You didn’t see the way Hugo looked at Soledad. His eyes reflected the love he still has for her. A love that I will never have.” Dr. Dan says that Hugo and Soledad hadn’t seen each other in several months. He tells her not to give up for that. She could be very happy with Hugo. Michelle says no, tomorrow she is leaving San Marino forever. Her decision is made. Hugo comes in and says that he saw Andres packing her luggage. He doesn’t want her to go. Dr. Dan leaves.
H: We were all uneasy about what happened at the laboratory. Is that why you left?
M: I understand perfectly that Aurora is your daughter. It’s logical that Soledad and you…
H: Michelle, don’t be mistaken. As Soledad’s friend, you know full well that there is nothing between us.
M: I feel embarrassed.
H: Why?
M: Because after all this time, we finally made love. I was yours on the same day that you and Soledad met again.
H: It was just a coincidence. I was working when Ursula came to say that my daughter was ill and I went to the lab.
M: I know but seeing you together with Soledad and Aurora, I understood a lot and that’s why I’m leaving. (She gets her stuff to leave the room.)
H: Michelle, you can’t leave. Not after what happened between us. I want you to say.
M: Only if I know that one day you and I will have the chance of having a family, a home but without hurting Soledad or anyone. Tell me, is that possible?

Soledad thanks Lucas for understanding her. Lucas says that the presence of that man will be good for his granddaughter, then he has no objection to Hugo coming to the house. Ester agrees but says that she won’t be polite to that man (she never has been up to now, why even think about changing?). Soledad says that isn’t coming to visit them, he’s coming to see his daughter. She wants Antonia’s support for this decision as well. Antonia says Soledad should do as she likes. It’s all for the good of her niece. Ester asks if Soledad is going to the hospital and she says that Dr. Dan gave her the day off. Once again Lucas has to say that he feels bad that all of them are working and he can’t do anything. And once again Soledad tells him that he worked all his life to support them like royalty and now it’s his turn to rest. Lucas says that he realizes that they don’t have enough to eat.

Right beneath their feet. Alcides is making a withdrawal from the Treasure vault. (What an irony!) He says that he has to think of something to separate Soledad from Dr. Dan. He has to find a way to win her. He knows that she won’t accept money from him. “If not with money, how am I going to win her heart?” says Alcides, “How can I win your heart, Soledad?”

Arturo says that Hercu-less with pay for his betrayal with blood. Herc goes for his gun but Arturo makes him toss it away. Margot begs Arturo not to kill Herc. Arturo says that she is the only person who can save this traitor. Margot says that she will do whatever he asks. Arturo says that he will spare Herc’s life if Margot comes to live with him. Margot is impactada.

Hugo and Michelle-
H: Before thinking of yourself, you think of Soledad. You are a great woman, Michelle, with noble principles. (He didn’t answer her question.) Let time help us. Help me heal my wounds. Give me the opportunity to be happy by your side. This is what I want the most. Is that the sword I made for you?
M: It’s a perfect weapon, its curvature, its sharpness. I’ve never had a better one. You should specialize in making swords, you make them very well.
H: Maybe but it doesn’t make sense.
M: If you want, I can show you the secrets of fencing.

Soledad says that they are getting along ok. Lucas says they shouldn’t lie to him. He knows that their money is almost gone and they are having trouble putting food on the table. Ester says that between her sewing work and Soledad working in the hospital, they can live decently. Antonia says that in addition to helping Ester with the sewing (costura) and Ursula with the preserves (jalea), she will put an ad in the paper offering her services.
Ester asks what kind of services. Antonia replies that she will make use of what she learned in the Conservatory – she will offer piano lessons in people’s homes.

Cut to Paquito’s Tavern where his piano player has to leave because of his mother is sick. Where is he going to get another piano player????

Margot says that she doesn’t understand. Where would they live? “Where else,” says Arturo, “in my house.” Margot says that Arturo’s mother will kill her. Herc says that Margot is his woman. Arturo tells Margot to decide: come to live with him or he will kill Herc. Margot hugs Herc and says that she doesn’t have any other option. She will go with Arturo and save Herc’s life. She tells him not to worry. She will talk him out of it when he is calmer. Herc says that what Arturo is doing is called kidnapping. He doesn’t have any right to take Margot. Arturo says that Margot is saving his life. He should thank her. From now on Herc and Arturo are enemies and if Herc makes one false step, Arturo will kill him. He wants Herc to understand that he has lost Margot not because she doesn’t love him but because Herc betrayed Arturo with his worst enemy. They leave. Herc says that he swears that it won’t end like this.

Hugo thanks Michelle for teaching him the secrets of fencing. She says that he is a very good student. Now he has a better understanding of how to use swords. Hugo says he is a good listener. (Are we to assume that Hugo never learned fencing as part of his education as a gentleman?). Hugo asks if Michelle feels better. She says that she does and asks him he same thing. Hugo says that with a woman like her, it is impossible to feel bad. He says that she is an exceptional woman.

Alcides tell Hercu-less that he thought Arturo would have killed Herc after discovering him in Alcicdes’ house. Herc says that Arturo discovered everything. He knows that Alcides hired him to spy on Arturo. Alcides asks how is it that Arturo let him live? Herc says that Arturo spared his life in exchange for Margot. He forced her to go live with him. Alcides says that Arturo won’t stop with this.

In Arturo’s house, Margot tells him this is crazy. How can he force her to live in his house? His mother hates her. Arturo says that he will see what he can do. Margot says that she won’t believe him. Why doesn’t he let her go back to her house? In comes Mother Linares and her first words are to ask what this slut is doing in her house?

Ursula comes into Soledad’s bedroom and plays with the baby. She says that someday she will have a baby like Aurora. She tells the baby that the most beautiful thing in her life happened today. She flashes back to kissing Boris. Ursula says that she has to tell Soledad about it. Ursula finds a cowhide bag full of money on Soledad’s bed.

Michelle is at her dressing table. Dr. Dan comes in. He asks if she if feeling better. He says that he saw her teaching Hugo some fencing tricks. He says that he thinks she changed her mind about leaving San Marino. Michelle replies that Hugo convinced her to stay. She is going to send Andres a telegram, telling him to come back with her stuff. Dr. Dan says that she has done the right thing. He is happy that she is staying because between the two of them, Hugo and Soledad will find happiness.

Soledad is on the porch of her house. She sits down and flashes back to Hugo smiling at Aurora in the laboratory.
S: Ah, Hugo, so much time has passed but today, when I saw you, my life was turned upside down. It was as if time had stopped. Your look, your laugh, were the the same but different at the same time. I want to hate you but I can’t. I know that I have to tear you out of my heart. I have to be able to do it!!
For some reason, she is carrying the box with Dr. Dan’s engagement ring. She flashes back to him saying that patience is his greatest virtue. She puts the ring on and Hugo is there.
H: It’s true then. You are really engaged to Daniel von Chirac?
S: (surprised) Hugo!
H: Is this the ring that von Chirac gave you? (Soledad hastily takes the ring off.)
S: What are you doing here? You scared me.
H: You are engaged to him, then.
S: Who told you?
H: I just saw you with an engagement ring (anillo de compromiso) on your finger (dedo).
S: During the months that we’ve been apart, the only person who has supported me, apart from my family, is Daniel. I am very thankful to him.
H: I can imagine. It’s been hard for me, also.
S: Really? It’s been hard for you? It At least you only have yourself to worry about. I have to worry about my family. It has been very hard.
H: Soledad, I came because I need..
S: While you make a new life with Michelle, I’m trying to support my family and do you know who has been there all the time to help me? Daniel. For that reason, he is a very important person to me. It’s not just that he’s helping to get my father out of his wheelchair, he also helping my daughter by looking for a cure for her catalepsy.
H: Then you are engaged to him.
S: No, I haven’t given my answer yet.

Dr. Dan tells Michelle that she made the right decision and he is sure that she will be as happy with Hugo as he will be with Soledad. He says that he thought Hugo was here. Michelle says that he went to see his daughter. Dr. Dan says that it is inevitable that they see each other. A child is a tie between them that will never break. He says that they’ll have to get used to it. Michelle agrees that is the best thing if they don’t want to suffer. Michelle flashes back to seeing Alcides’ look of hatred towards Dr. Dan. She tells him that she has to tell him about something she saw that bothered her a lot (‘me dio muy mal espina,’ literally ‘gave me a very bad thorn’). It has to do with Dr. Dan and Alcides.

Alcides says that by taking Hercu-less’ woman instead of killing him with a bullet, Arturo has hit him where it hurts the most – in the heart. Herc asks Alcides to help him get Margot back.

Gladis tells Arturo that she knows who this whore is and how dare he bring a woman off the streets into a house of a family of noble descent (‘una familia de abolengo,’). Margot asks whose family is of noble descent. Gladis is horrified about what the neighbors will say. She hopes no one saw him come in with this ‘sinvergüenza’ (literally, ‘shameless person’). Has Arturo no respect for her, this house, etc.? Finally, Arturo says that Gladis has insulted Margot enough. She is a decent woman who doesn’t steal for a living. “Decent!” says Gladis, “My clean, ironed underwear is decent” (‘Decente es mis calzones que siempre están limpios y planchados’) Margot laughs at this. Gladis asks if Arturo is drunk or crazy and orders him to get Margot out of the house. Arturo says that he isn’t drunk and Margot isn’t leaving. From now on, she’s working in this house. Gladis is scandalized.

Ursula wonders who could have put a bag of money in Soledad bedroom when they barely have enough to eat in the house. “It can’t be,” she says and grabs the bag calling for Soledad only to meet Antonia in the doorway who asks where that money came from.

Hugo and Soledad-

H: You haven’t given him a response but you are planning to accept his proposal, is that what you want to say?
S: I’m sorry, but I don’t think that is your business.
H: Yes, I’m interfering in your life and I have no right to do so. But it hurts me to see you engaged to another man.
S: It’s better not to talk about pain Hugo. Our wounds are still fresh.
H: I think that I had better go. I will come visit my daughter some other time. It wasn’t my intention to bother you.
S: You can see Aurora.
H: Have you talked to your family about permitting me to be here?
S: It wasn’t easy but they accept it. They know, as I do, that it is best for our child.
H: Thank you.
S: Michelle told me that you two were doing well, that things between you were better than ever.

Michelle asks Dr. Dan what Alcides was doing in the laboratory when she and Soledad came with the baby. Dr. Dan says that Alcides came to talk to him. Once, Alcides had offered him money to find a cure for catalepsy and he had rejected it. He didn’t understand that it wasn’t a matter of money. (I guess you forgot, Dr. Dan, that Alcides said that he had a score to settle with you.) Michelle says that she is sure that Alcides knows that Dr. Dan asked Soledad to marry him or saw them together. Michelle tells Dr. Dan that she saw Alcides looking at him with such hate (odio). From what she knows about Alcides and his obsession with Soledad, she thinks Alcides might try and harm Dr. Dan. Dr. Dan says that if Alcides tries to challenge him for Soledad, he will be waiting for him.

Alcides tells Herc that as far as Arturo is concerned, they don’t have to wait any longer. Everything is out in the open (‘Las cartas con Arturo están echadas y sobre la mesa,’ literally, Arturo’s cards are face up on the table). Herc doesn’t understand. He thinks that Alcides doesn’t need him anymore and without Alcides’ help, he is lost. Alcides says that Herc was loyal and he rewards that. Herc says that Arturo was planning to kill Alcides. Herc was going to warn him but Arturo came to his house and stopped him. Alcides says that he will have to be careful.

Hugo and Soledad:
S: Michelle is my friend. She is a great woman, independent, she doesn’t let herself be blinded by love easily. She won’t be as easy to fool as I was, Hugo.
H: I would prefer not to talk about Michelle.
S: And why not? You asked me about Daniel. I answered. Then why don’t you want to talk about Michelle? Why? I felt terrible when she ran out of the laboratory. I know she was uncomfortable because we were together again.
H: Michelle didn’t feel well. She was a little indisposed. She asked Andres to take her luggage ahead because she was going to leave San Marino.
S: What! I didn’t know that.
H: Yes. Later we talked and she changed her mind. She realized that she was wrong.
S: Then she didn’t leave?
H: She didn’t leave. She changed her plans.
S: Oh. Good. That makes me very happy. (She doesn’t seem very happy.) Come into the house to see the baby.
H: Thanks for letting me see my daughter. What you’re doing shows your good heart.

The credits roll.

Monday – Alcides is not happy with Eloisa.

Labels: la traicion