Caray, Caray!

Alcides presents the divorce decree and renunciation of paternity documents to Soledad. Once she signs them, she is a free woman. Soledad is suspicious. Alcides explains again that he has changed and he wants to demonstrate that. Soledad asks the judge if the documents are legit and the judge says that they are.

Lucas stands there watching the flowers burn and calls on Antonia and Ester to bring water. He sees the plant pyromaniac running away.

Michelle tells Hugo that they found the flower in a garden at Soledad’s house after Antonia recognized the picture in a book. Hugo says that it is amazing the that flower that he has people looking for all over the world is growing right in San Marino. He wants the tests to determine if he and Aurora have the right blood stuff to be done as soon as possible. He says that Soledad will be so happy to find out there might be a cure for Aurora.

The judge stamps the agreements and gives copies to Alcides and Soledad. Her civil marriage has been dissolved. She asks the judge about annulling her church marriage on the grounds that it was never consummated. Alcides acknowledges that is true and the judge says that he will start the paperwork. Soledad says she doesn’t know whether to thank Alcides or… Alcides finishes the sentence - or despise him . She has despised him since he was a boy. He says that he hopes that one day she will appreciate that giving up their marriage was terribly hard for him since that is what he has always wanted but he doesn’t want to force her to do anything.

Boris asks Marina how he can blame Hugo for the death of their baby. Marina says that Hugo pushed her down the stairs. Boris replies that isn’t true. He was there. Marina says that Hugo didn’t reach out to save her. Boris says that she stepped back and fell. It was an accident. “I lose my baby and you defend Hugo,” says Marina bitterly. “You can’t imagine how much I hate you.”

Hugo wants the baby’s blood tested first but Dr. Dan says that it is dangerous. The treatment is risky and has never been tried on babies. Michelle says that they will test Hugo’s blood first and the baby later. Dr. Dan says that they will need the mother’s permission to test the baby. Hugo says that he will speak to Soledad. For his test, Hugo should come in an hour to Dr. Max’s lab (and bring a referral from his primary care physician, oh sorry, wrong period). Dr. Dan says that Dr. Max is away and they are using his lab. “I’ll be there,” says Hugo. Hugo kisses Michelle’s hand and thanks her.

Lucas, Antonia and Ester put out the fire. Ester says that it was no big deal, it didn’t reach the house. Antonia doesn’t understand how it got started. Lucas says that he saw someone set the garden on fire on purpose and he thinks it might have been a woman. Ester and Antonia think that he is crazy. Why would someone burn a garden? Ester thinks that maybe Lucas wanted to burn the house down.

Eloisa returns to her room in Rebeca’s house and says that the flower has been destroyed. Too bad for Hugo and his little baby. Alcides will pay her well for what she has done. Paquito and Rebeca break in and demand to know where she has been and what she has been up to. Paquito says that he knows she has a deal with Alcides.

Reviewing the documents, Soledad concludes that Alcides was honest with her. Ursula tells Soledad that if she hadn’t seen the documents, she wouldn’t believe Alcides had done it. Soledad says that she only needs the annulment of the church wedding and she will be free. Ursula asks if she believes that he has changed. Soledad says that a man who was capable of burying his brother alive doesn’t change overnight. What are you going to do? asks Ursula. Instead of replying, Soledad says, “If only he hadn’t hurt me with that plan of vengeance. It could have been so different. We were so happy when we were together and Aurora is the product of that love and now there is nothing left of it. Ursula tells Soledad that time heals all wounds. Give her heart some time. When the wounds are healed, she can find happiness again. Soledad says that she believes that it’s too late. Ursula says that it isn’t too late. If later Hugo … Soledad says not to mention Hugo to her. Doesn’t she realize that she still loves him?

Sobbing, Boris tells Marina that what happened was an unfortunate accident. He understands her fury and pain because he is suffering inside as well. He says he is very sorry. Hugo appears in the doorway. He knocks and comes in. He kneels by Boris and says that he wants her to know that she has all his support. He wants her to know how sorry he is for what happened. She tells him to get out. Hugo starts to get up and Marina says, “Have you ever had a child taken from your body? No, right? You can’t know how I feel because that is what happened to me. I lost my baby. You killed it.” Hugo says that she is confused. He tried to stop her from falling. “You pushed me down the stairs because you thought I had robbed the investors' money,” says Marina. Boris tells her not to say that. It was his fault. He thought… Marina interrupts, “You don’t think” she says sarcastically, “You’ve spent your whole life obeying your lord and master like a faithful dog. Get out, both of you. Leave me alone.” Hugo helps Boris up and they back away from her and you can see they are both thinking, ‘guys don’t really belong here.’

Ester continues to accuse Lucas of wanting to destroy the house because of the whole Jeremias, father of Soledad thing. Lucas says she is crazy. Antonia tells Ester that she knows perfectly well that Lucas didn’t burn the garden. Antonia says that she told Ester the secret of the flower. Someone wanted to harm Soledad and they succeeded.

Eloisa denies that she has a deal with Alcides. The argument deteriorates into fighting and Eloisa tries to bite Paquito’s ear off. Eloisa decides that she needs to leave Rebeca’s house.

Lucas can’t believe that anyone would destroy a flower garden on purpose. Antonia tells him that Dr. Dan told her that the flower might cure Soledad’s baby of catalepsy. Soledad overhears this and wants to know what she is talking about. They explain it again. Soledad remembers that Enrico told her to take care of the flower because it would save someone’s life. She wants to know where this Dr. Dan is. Antonia says that he is at Dr. Max’s. They all run off and leave Ester behind.

Hugo tells Boris that he doesn’t have words to express what he feels for what happened to Marina. “Believe me,” he says, “I understand your pain.” Boris says that he knows he did everything possible. His wife is young and he is sure they can have more children. Boris points out that it is almost noon. What is Hugo going to do when Arturo and the investors return for their money? Hugo says that he doesn’t know. He doesn’t have that much cash. He doesn’t know what to do.

Arturo, the investors and Los Burque are hanging around at the mine waiting for the time to pass before they go demand the money from Hugo. Manrique says that if there is gold in the mine, there’s no fraud. Guillermo suggests they ask the guy who is in the mine right now. The guy comes out and it turns out he is a mining engineer hired by someone he’s never met to check out the mine. He says that there is no gold in the mine. Arturo says that now they have proof that Hugo defrauded them. It’s time for Hugo to pay for what he had done.

Alcides returns home to find Eloisa there. He says that they aren’t supposed to be seen together. She reassures him that no one followed her. She has come to share her good deeds for the day. Alcides says that everyone was impressed by the slaps she gave him in front of Soledad. “No one can deny that I am a great actress.” She repeats one of her insults but Alcides is not amused since she says exactly what Beatriz would scream at him. She tells him about burning the orchid garden and said that she wants to be paid.

Michelle flashes back to Hugo kissing her hand. She sighs. Dr. Dan says that they say a sigh is air that you lack or someone you miss. He bets he knows who she is missing. She agrees that Hugo seems like a good guy. She notes how he treated his employee whose wife had lost her baby. She can’t understand how he could hurt Soledad so much. Andres comes in and says that they are ready to test Hugo’s blood. Soledad, Antonia and Lucas hurtle in. Dr. Dan introduces himself and Michelle. Michelle says that after what happened at the fiesta, she is an admirer of Soledad. Soledad is very courageous. Soledad says that her aunt told her the flower that was in her garden is the cure for catalepsy. She needs to know if that is true. Michelle asks why she used the past tense in speaking about the flower. Soledad tells them that the flowers got burnt up. There isn’t a single living flower. She asks if there is hope for her daughter.

Arturo and the investors are banging on the door of Hugo’s house (why don’t they just walk in like everyone else?) Boris says it is dangerous to open the door but Hugo says that he has to show his face. He opens the door. Arturo says that it’s noon. Time’s up. Hugo says that he needs more time. Inspector Duarte arrests him for fraud. Hugo orders Boris to stay with Marina. She needs him. He is handcuffed and led away. Arturo says that he hopes he will rot in jail. Boris says to himself that if Hugo is locked up, he will get a catalepsy attack and die. Marina overhears with satisfaction.

Eloisa says the old Alcides would have rejoiced in what she told him. (Eloisa is probably the only person in San Marino who wants the old Alcides back). She says the without the flower, Hugo can’t be cured and he can’t interfere with Alcides’ plans. Alcides tells her not to do anything without telling him. She did a dumb thing by burning the flowers. Eloisa doesn’t understand what the problem is. If Alcides wants Soledad, he needs to get Hugo out of way. Alcides says he wants Soledad but he wants to do it fairly. The flower is important to Soledad because it could help Hugo and her baby. If she suspects that he had anything to do with destroying it, she won’t forgive him. Moving towards Alcides from behind, Eloisa says that she realizes she made a mistake. From now on, she will consult him before doing anything. She reaches under his coat and strokes his leg. (I don’t know if she wants sex or is just looking for more money.) Alcides turns around and coldly tells her that from now on, they will communicate by letter (good idea – leave a written record of what you are doing). They can’t risk being seen together. Eloisa asks who will be the messenger. Alcides replies that she’ll know when she sees him. He pushes her firmly away from him.

Soledad tells Dr. Dan and Michelle that the flowers were burned on purpose. Lucas corroborates by saying that he saw someone running away. Soledad says that whoever did it must know about the healing power of the flower. Michelle sends Andres out into town to investigate. Dr. Dan says first his father was murdered and now this. He jumps to the astonishing conclusion that someone wants to prevent a cure for catalepsy being found. Soledad asks Dr. Dan if there is any other cure for catalepsy and he has to say that unfortunately, there isn’t. One again he explains that it is flower + blood with stuff = cure. Dr. Dan mentions Hugo and Soledad is surprised to hear that he knows about this. (Hugo has catalepsy, too, Soledad). Michelle says that Hugo’s first thought was to help her baby.

Arturo and the judge lock Hugo up in a cell. He tries to tell them that he can’t tolerate being in confined spaces. No one appears to listen. He asks the judge to let Boris bail him out. “No bail,” say the judge, “this is a serious offence.” With a parting, “I hope you rot in here” from Arturo, they leave. Hugo sighs, looks around uneasily and says, “This horrible place is colder than ever.” He tells himself that he has to think about Soledad and his daughter. He can’t suffer a catalepsy attack now.

Los Burque don’t know what to do. They have no money, the job in the gold mine is over, Alcides hates them, Hugo is in prison and Dr. Max has left town. They are all alone.

Andres is at the police station. He asks Hercu-less what is going on. Herc tells him that Hugo has been arrested for defrauding the investors in the gold mine. Hugo passes out in his cell. He says that he can’t give up; he has to fight the catalepsy. I guess he loses the fight because he whispers in his mind, “I’m going to die. I’m going to die.”

Michelle tells Soledad that when she read about her daughter’s illness in the paper, she dropped everything to come to San Marino. Michelle and Dr. Dan are here in San Marino to help her daughter. Soledad thanks her. Soledad muses about how strange it is that the flower was in her garden all the time. She hopes that her daughter’s blood has the right stuff to cure her. Michelle asks where got the flowers. Soledad says that her friend Enrico gave them to her. They should find him and see about getting more. Soledad realizes that she hasn’t seen Enrico around lately. Michelle tells Soledad that she should try and prevent her daughter from getting in situations where she is upset. That could provoke an attack. (How can you keep a baby from being upset?) Soledad responds that the baby had an attack once and Hugo saved her. Michelle says to Soledad that she has reason to be grateful to Hugo in spite of all the harm he did to her. She says that she thinks Soledad still loves Hugo. Soledad says she prefers not to talk about that and after what happened, there isn’t any point.

Back in his cell, Hugo has flashbacks to various bad things that have happened to him. He tries to fight the attack for Soledad and his daughter.

Andres comes back to report that Hugo has been arrested and there’s a lynch mob at the police station. Soledad says that Hugo can’t tolerate being locked up. When he was in jail before, he got very ill. Dr. Dan says that if they wait too long, he could die. Soledad says that they have to help Hugo. Michelle says that her team could get Hugo out but they need some place to hide him where no one would look. Soledad raises her hand, “He can come to my house,” she says. Lucas and Antonia think that is a terrible idea but Soledad says that he is the father of her daughter. Are they going to tell Aurora that they stood around and did nothing? Michelle tells Andres to break out the swords (uh, the police have guns) and Dr. Dan has his Indiana Jones whip. Soledad tells Lucas to go home and get things ready there. (I can just see him telling Ester that Hugo, always one of her favorites, is coming to hide at their house as a fugitive from justice.)

Boris is in Hugo’s cell. He says that Hugo is very cold and is barely breathing. He says that Hugo is about to have a cataleptic episode. He has to get him out of the prison or he might die. We hear Hugo’s mental voice whispering, “I’m dying. Get me out of here.” Boris tries to tell the guard that Hugo is having a catalepsy attack but he doesn’t care. He says Boris’ visit is over and hustles him out. Boris goes back to the station where Arturo and the other investors are milling around. Arturo asks why Boris, Hugo’s known accomplice, isn’t in jail. At this moment, Team Michelle comes in. Boris tells Soledad that Hugo is in bad shape. Boris is called away so he doesn’t get to hear the plan. Soledad will create a diversion so that Michelle, Dr. Dan and Andres can get into the cell block. They’ll get Hugo out the back door.

Eloisa is visiting Marina. Marina says that Boris is off getting Hugo out of jail. Eloisa says that Hugo ought to be in jail for what he did to Marina. Marina says that she fell. Hugo didn’t push her. Eloisa asks her to think a little more about that. She is sure that in a fit of rage, Hugo pushed her down the stairs to kill her and her baby. Since Marina is still weak, Eloisa will send Inspector Duarte to see her. (Once again, Eloisa is using her initiative without consulting Alcides.)

Soledad starts haranguing the crowd about how justice needs to be done after Hugo deceived all the investors. It’s not terribly clear how this makes it possible for Team Michelle to enter the cell block but they do so using ropes. Soledad takes a short break from her harangue to ask God not to let Hugo die. Boris, who is not in on the plan, concludes that Soledad really hates Hugo. Soledad is on her way out of the room when she runs into Alcides. He says that he heard what she said and it left no doubt in his mind that Soledad hates Hugo for what the did to her. Team Michelle, with fencing masks on except for Dr. Dan who has a bandido mask, get into the cell block. Dr. Dan shoots off the lock of Hugo’s cell. Michelle says Hugo is very cold. Dr. Dan hopes it is not too late. Dr. Dan uses his whip to knock the guns out of the hands of the stupid guards who don’t fire and Michelle and Andres incapacitate them with swords and fists. Dr. Dan grabs Hugo who probably weighs more than he does.

Soledad tells Alcides that she has to leave. He tells her that he came to get his brother released. “Even though Hugo doesn’t deserve it,” says Alcides, “I’ll make them release him.” Soledad says, “Fine, do whatever you want. I don’t care.” She leaves and Arturo tells Alcides that his brother isn’t getting out of jail until he pays for his fraud.

Soledad runs out to where Team Michelle have Hugo. She asks how he is. Dr. Dan says that it is bad. They’re losing him. Michelle asks Soledad to speak to Hugo. She begs him to wake up for their daughter, for their love. She asks him to please not die.

Inspector Duarte comes to see Marina. She says that she wants to accuse Hugo of attempted murder. Because of him, she lost her baby.

At Rebeca’s house, Paquito comes to see Eloisa. He asks if she is still mad. The bite she gave him still hurts. She ignores him. He persists. Finally, she says that she wants him go away and leave her alone. “That’s going to be hard,” says Paquito, “We are more connected than ever.” He hands her a note from Alcides. “You are Alcides’ messenger?” she says.

Soledad tells Hugo that he himself told her that love can conquer anything. She begs him to wake up. Dr. Dan says that it’s too late. Michelle says that she knows he can still hear them. He knows that there is nothing they can do. She experienced this. Dr. Dan says that Hugo is not breathing and his heart has completely stopped. Crying, Soledad says, “Please, Hugo, don’t go. I love you, Please don’t go.” “Wait a minute,” says Dr. Dan producing a syringe, “I have some of the flower extract I made this morning.”
“Give it to him!” says Soledad. Dr. Dan says that if Hugo doesn’t have the blood stuff, this will finish him off.” Michelle says, “You yourself said that he was already dead.” Soledad grabs the syringe and says, Hugo is not going to die,” and injects its contents into his chest. The credits roll.

I guess they needed some drama and now that so many people know Hugo has catalepsy, he’s not going to be buried alive again but they just made catalepsy go from a disease that makes you appear to be dead when you aren’t to one that kills you. Hugo has had many catalepsy attacks before; he appears to be dead and eventually he wakes up. Having an attack doesn’t kill him. Why is he in danger of dying now? It doesn’t make any sense. We recall that when Michelle got her shot from Old Dr. Chirac, she lost her memory and ran off into the woods. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen to Hugo. The fact that Los Burque are at loose ends is suggestive that they may end up taking care of Hugo. Maybe they can hide at Enrico old place?

Labels: la traicion