Caray, Caray!

So this it, folks. All things considered, they wrapped it up better than I thought they could in one hour. It’s been my privilege and pleasure to recap this novella. As I have said, I intend to go back and do recaps of the early episodes. If anyone wants to be notified when one is posted, send your email address to: jmbickal@yahoo.com and I’ll let you know.

Soledad gives Dr. Dan his ring back. She says that she has caused him great pain and asks him to forgive her. Dr. Dan says that he sensed that he was losing her. He asked what caused her to make this decision? Soledad says that she doesn’t want him to feel that way because of her. Dr. Dan says that for two years he ran away from love and lived like a hermit. He felt that way until the day Soledad came into his life. She lit up his life and now her words have left him in the dark again. Soledad says that she is just an ordinary woman with faults. She doesn’t deserve to be thought of that way. Dr. Dan says that she is the woman of his dreams and he loves her. Soledad thanks him for all his feelings and for all that he has done for her and her family but she can’t lie to herself, she can’t deceive herself. She says that she needs to tell him that she has always loved Hugo. Dr. Dan struggles to be able to speak. He says that he always knew that Hugo’s part of the story hadn’t ended yet. He asks if Soledad knows why he didn’t leave her. He says that it was because deep down he hoped that one day she would love him a little bit. Soledad says that she does love him. He is her friend and the love she feels for him is very special. “I know that I have lost you,” says Dr. Dan, “and I have to let you go away from me.” He embraces her and says that at least he has always has her smile and that is something that no one can take away from him. Soledad thanks Dr. Dan for understanding and says that she wishes she could return his feelings but it’s too late for her. The day she met Hugo she gave her heart to him forever. Dr. Dan asks her forgiveness too for not telling her he was divorced. Soledad says that is not necessary. It is all in the past. Dr. Dan has to live in the present now and be happy. “No,” says Dr. Dan, “I just lost the woman of my dreams and I don’t know how to get her out of my heart.” Soledad tells not to do it then. There will always be a very important place in her heart for him. She leaves. “Goodbye Soledad,” says Dr. Dan, “goodbye forever. I hope you are very happy.”

At the cabaret, Eloisa tells Paquito that Manuela is Dr. Dan’s wife brought to town by Alcides to discredit Dr. Dan with Soledad. She says that the plan failed when Hugo unmasked her. Paquito says that he knew she was wicked (‘una fiera,’ literally, ‘a wild beast’). Paquito says that compared to Manuela, Eloisa is a sweet dove (‘una dulce paloma’).

Manrique comes to talk to ‘George’ when she is on break. He congratulates her on the magnificent way she plays. He introduces himself and we find out that Manrique’s first name is ‘Elias.’ He tells Antonia that he wanted to take piano lessons from her but he understands that isn’t possible. He says that he has found someone else to give him lessons or at least he hope so – Antonia de Obragon. He says that he has had problems with her family but he likes her. He says that she is a woman of strong character, like him but a completely a lady. He tells ‘George’ that he finds Antonia very attractive. ‘George’ looks at Manrique like he is crazy.

At Arturo’s house, Gladis walks in and sees Arturo’s stump. “Santo Cielo!” she exclaims, “What happened to your hand?”

Manuela goes up to Paquito and asks him if she isn’t what he needs for his cabaret. Paquito says that he likes what he saw. “Then pay me,” says Manuela. Paquito puts some money in her cleavage as an advance. She leaves with Paquito gazing after her open mouthed. Eloisa comes over and closes his mouth. She tells him that she doesn’t like Manuela. She has a bad feeling about her and thinks that Paquito shouldn’t have hired her. Paquito says he thinks Eloisa is jealous. Eloisa denies it.

Arturo says that now Gladis knows about his shame. This is why he will never get married. His medals and his family name don’t matter because he is a monster. Gladis asks how this terrible thing happened. Arturo says that Alcides chained him up in a cabin full of gunpowder and he had to cut off his hand to escape. Gladis asks why Alcides did this. Arturo says that Alcides knew that Arturo wanted to kill him. Arturo wanted to take vengeance on Alcides because he killed his sister Beatriz. Gladis looks like she is having a heart attack. Arturo says again that Alcides de Medina killed Beatriz. It’s too much for Gladis. She says that it isn’t true. Beatriz is alive and will return very soon. Arturo tells Gladis again that Alcides killed Beatriz and she isn’t coming back. Gladis screams in denial and now she has lost her mind. She repeats over and over that Beatriz is coming back and she will wait for her.

At the cabaret, Paquito is paying the staff. Eloisa is tired and wants to go home. Paquito says that they have to talk. He asks her what she said to Alcides because Paquito thinks Eloisa touched his heart. Eloisa says that Alcides is not doing well. She says that Paquito doesn’t know the horrible things that Alcides went through. Things she wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy. Paquito tells her not to exaggerate. Eloisa says that in addition, if Alcides keeps up his obsession with Soledad, it will end very badly.

Alcides is dozing in a chair at the Hacienda. “Alcides,” says Soledad, coming into the room. He sits up, “I knew you were looking for me,” she says. Alcides asks Soledad how it went with his brother. Soledad says that she only went to see Hugo to clear her thoughts. She tells Alcides that she has made a decision. “What is it?” asks Alcides smiling at her. “I want to be yours,” says Soledad. She says that she has been thinking about it a lot and Alcides is the man for her. Alcides puts Soledad in his lap and says that she is the love of his life. They start to kiss and suddenly Alcides sees in the mirror that he is alone, holding nothing. It was a dream, a fantasy. In a fury, he throws a bottle and breaks the mirror. Reality hits him like a physical blow. “I’ve lost her, (‘la perdí)” he says, “If she’s forgiven Hugo, I’ve lost her.” He chokes back tears, “I’ve lost her.” Then he gets calmer and speaks to himself in the third person, “Just a minute, Alcides, just a minute. If she isn’t for you, then no one can have her.”

Ursula tells Soledad that she saw Boris and Marina naked in bed. Ursula says that Boris betrayed her. Soledad says that it seems very strange. Boris has always been a very honest person. She suggests that it could have been Marina trying to keep Ursula and Boris apart. Soledad says that Marina is capable of anything. Ursula say that she would like to thing that Marina was behind the whole thing but she has doubts. Ursula says that she can’t believe Boris. She can’t. Soledad hugs her and says that tomorrow they will go to the Hacienda and confront Marina. She will have to tell the truth.

The next morning Arturo is looking for his mother. He finds her in a chair, dead. There is a bottle of some powder by her chair. She has killed herself. (She changed out of her nightgown into a black dress to kill herself.) “What have you done, Mother?” asks Arturo. He kisses her forehead. “Alcides de Medina, I swear your time has come. I swear it.” (We can start the body count: one down. Although she didn’t kill anyone, Gladis knew what her son was up to. She was a nasty piece of work.)

Paquito is stacking up money in his office. He tells himself that he is a genius and very soon he will be rich and Eloisa will marry him. The door opens to the judge and two policemen. The judge tells Paquito that Deborah’s body has been found. The judge says that he understands that Deborah worked for Paquito. Paquito flashes back to finding her body. The judge says that she had a wound in the neck in the shape of a hook. Paquito says nervously that he doesn’t know anything about it. The judge tells him not to be nervous. He isn’t being accused – yet. The judge notices a hand peeking out from under a sheet. Apparently, Paquito didn’t check his office for dead bodies before he started counting his money. The judge pulls back the sheet to reveal Manuela’s body with the same kind of wound in the neck. Paquito desperately says that Manuela just came to town and he just hired her… The judge orders Paquito arrested for the two murders. He is taken out protesting. (That the last we see of Paquito – two down.)

Alcides tells Hercu-less to prepare everything as he as instructed. He says that there is not time to lose. Herc starts to object. “No buts, (‘no hay peros que valgan,’ literally, ‘there are no ‘buts’ that are worth anything.’)” says Alcides holding Herc by the neck with his cane, “this is your most important mission for me.” Alcides tells Herc to go and he goes. Eloisa comes in asks why he sent for her so early. Alcides tells her to go to the treasure vault and get all the gold and jewels she can carry. She asks what she will say? “Eloisa!” yells Alcides, “do what I tell you and don’t ask questions.” Eloisa say that she recognizes his expression and asks him not to do anything crazy. Alcides tells her to be back in an hour or he’ll cut her head off.

We hear Soledad calling Alcides from downstairs. Alcides tells Eloisa to go without letting Soledad see her. Soledad comes in with Ursula and the baby. Alcides smiles and says that this is a nice surprise. He wasn’t expecting her. Soledad says that they are looking for Marina. Alcides asks why. Soledad says that Marina laid a trap for Boris to make Ursula think that they were still together. Alcides replies that that is completely false. Marina and Hercu-less have been lovers since Marina came back to the house. Ursula gives a sigh of relief.
A: Soledad, no one can touch you here, not your family, not your employees, not your living, not your dead. No one can lay a finger on you (‘nadie te puede tocar ni con el pétalo de una rosa,’ literally, ‘no one can touch you even with a rose petal'). (Soledad and Ursula look at Alcides like he has lost his mind.) (to Ursula) Don’t worry, I’ll see to it that Marina gets what she deserves.
S: Fine. If you’re taking care of it, I’ll be going.
A: Soledad wait. I have something very important to tell you. (he smiles) You’re leaving this house, of course you are, but you’re leaving with me.

Hercu-less says good morning to Margot. She slaps him and asks where he was the previous night – with that slut? Herc says that he slept in the hotel because he wanted her to calm down. Herc says that he is there to say goodbye. He’s leaving with his boss. He says that Alcides has gone mad and is going to kidnap Soledad. Margot says that Herc will go to jail or be killed. Herc says that he doesn’t have an alternative. If he betrays Alcides the way he did with Arturo, he will be a dead man.

In his house, Arturo gets his gun out.

At the Hacienda-
A: Please don’t be upset. Eloisa will be here any moment.
S: Eloisa? Why Eloisa?
A: You’ll know soon enough.
S: We’d better leave.
A: Soledad, the only way you can leave her without me is if I’m dead.
S: What? Alcides.
A: Soledad, you got engaged to my brother, Hugo. You finally told him yes.
S: Hugo told you?
A: No, no, he didn’t tell me. I found out on my own.

Hugo (in a spiffy red jacket) tells Boris in the forge that he didn’t know that making swords could be so profitable. He counts how much the collector paid him. Boris says that the collector ordered more. He tells Hugo that he deserves it after all his hard work. Hugo says that Boris has worked hard too. Margot calls to Hugo (for whatever reason, this was obviously shot when the actors weren’t in the same place). She tells him that Hercu-less told her that Alcides is planning to kidnap Soledad. They are at the Hacienda. She says that Alcides plans to take her away from San Marino by force. She begs Hugo to save Soledad and her Herc. “Let’s go,” says Hugo to Boris.

Marina comes in to see Arturo. He asks what she is doing there. She says that Alcides threw her out of his house like a dog. She has come to offer information in exchange for money. Arturo tells her to tell him all she knows. Marina says that Alcides is leaving the Hacienda with Soledad. He has kidnapped Soledad. Arturo asks how she knows this. Marina says that Hercu-less told her. “Excellent,” says Arturo, “the whole family will be there together.” Marina asks to be paid. Arturo asks her to wait a minute and he will pay her well. Marina says that she hopes he will be generous. Arturo opens a drawer and there is a hook, a la Captain Hook. (Arturo must have taken the one from Dr. Max that he initially refused or gotten another from someplace.) Marina says that the information she gave Arturo is very valuable. Marina is looking around. She notices Gladis and asks what is wrong with Arturo’s mother. Arturo (holding his hook behind him) says that his mother is dead. “It the fate of everyone,” he says, “to die. By the way, here is your payment.” He stabs Marina with the hook simultaneously flashing back to killing Deborah and Manuela. “Now it is your turn, Alcides.” (Three down.)

Eloisa has come to the Obragon house and tells Antonia that she wants to see Soledad. Antonia says that Soledad, Ursula and the baby went out. Eloisa says that she will wait for Soledad in her room. Antonia starts to ask why when the guard comes to say that Elias Manrique has come to see Antonia. Antonia tells Eloisa to wait and goes to see Manrique. Eloisa goes right inside the house.

Manrique says to Antonia that he is a man of few words. He has come to insist that she accept his offer to teach him to play the piano. (Cut to Eloisa going into Soledad’s room and opening the door to the treasure vault.) Antonia tells Manrique that she has only heard bad things about him. Manrique says that he isn’t proud of what he did. He regrets it and want to make it up to the family, especially Antonia. Antonia says that she isn’t interested and turns away. Manrique says that he won’t bother her for very long. He has a terminal illness and not much time left. He begs Antonia to fulfill at least half of his wish and teach him to play the piano.

At the Hacienda-
S: Alcides, Please. Let us go.
A: Soledad. Be patient. We’ll leave soon.
Hercu-less comes in and says that everything is ready. The coach is waiting.
A: You see. Now all we have to do is wait for Eloisa and we can leave.
S: Eloisa will go to the police. You know that she is my friend.
A: Money is her only friend, my love.
S: Alcides, you’re not well. Please, calm down. Let us go.
A: My brother always gets the best part (We see Hugo coming up the stairs, gun in hand.) This time he won’t.
Alcides simultaneously shoots the guns out of Hugo’s and Boris’ hands.
S: You’ve killed him!
H: You’ve gone crazy!
A: Don’t worry, my love. I have the world’s best aim (all those watermelons didn’t die in vain!) (to Hugo) One more move like that and I’ll forget you are my little brother.
H: You can’t take Soledad. Not with me here.
A: Who said I was taking her?
H: I knew you would do something crazy when you found out that Soledad and I had reconciled.
A: (to Hercu-less) What are you waiting for? Tie them up, stupid. (to Soledad) You’re dressed as Snow White (she’s actually wearing pink but Alcides has gone crazy so maybe he’s seeing things) You are more beautiful than ever. (He holsters his guns.) Eloisa won’t be long.

Eloisa is stuffing a bag with treasure. She says that she has to hurry before that witch Antonia finds her. She finds the tiara and says that this time she is taking it with her. She sees Michelle’s sword and picks it up. “Poor (stupid) thing,” she says, “to think that you are buried down here.” She says that she has to hurry. She puts the sword down and in doing so, she cuts a trip wire and is shot by an arrow.

At the Hacienda-
A: Eloisa is taking too long. We’d better go. We’ll come back for Eloisa. Let go.
S: No. I’m not moving from here.
A: (talking like a little boy) My love, let’s go. Soledad, what do you call a person who is capable of killing his own brother? A fratricide?
S: No, please don’t.
A: Let’s go.
Hercu-less goes to where Hugo and Boris are tied up. (Hugo either knows that it is useless to argue with his brother or we don’t have time for that.) Herc tells Hugo that the knot he tied can easily be undone and he leaves Hugo’s gun with him. Alcides says that it is time to go and Herc says that he is just making sure that Hugo and Boris can’t escape.

Antonia says that she agrees to teach Manrique to play the piano. Manrique thanks her and says that she doesn’t know what this means to him. Antonia says that she does know. Dr. Dan appears. Manrique leaves. Ester comes running out and says that someone is in Soledad’s room calling for help and the door is locked.

Eloisa has made it back to Soledad’s room with an arrow in her stomach. She manages to break the arrow off. She tries to close the door to the treasure vault but at that moment, Dr. Dan and Ester break in. Ester, Antonia and Lucas ask where the heck that door came from while Dr. Dan tends to Eloisa.
E: Daniel. Don’t let me die.
DD: What happened?
E: (gasping) Stupid Michelle …
DD: Michelle?
E: Michelle is down there…
DD: Michelle is down there?
E: She got her revenge. Daniel, don’t let me die…
DD: Calm down.
E: Don’t let me… (she dies)
Dr. Dan says that Eloisa is dead. Everyone is impactados. Lucas says that they have to inform the authorities.
(Four down)

Alcides, Soledad, Ursula, the blanket named Aurora and Hercu-less are outside the Hacienda.
S: Alcides, please, listen to me. You are acting very strangely. You’re not yourself.
A: Soledad. Life is strange. Death is strange. Love, it’s all strange. Please, get in (the carriage).
S: No. I’m not going anywhere. I’m not leaving with you. I love Hugo. I’ve always loved him. You can’t make me.
A: Of course I can.
S: Then you’ll have to kill me because I’m not leaving with you (‘con tigo no me voy.’).
Alcides tosses Herc his cane. He smiles very strangely and kisses Soledad. She slaps him. He grabs her and kisses her by force.
A: You are mine. You are mine and no one else’s. You are mine.
Arturo come up, “Alcides!” he yells. Alcides pushes Soledad away and tells her to take cover. Arturo shoots Alcides and then Hercu-less. He shoots Alcides again and Alcides falls to the ground. The baby is crying. “I hope you rot in hell, Alcides de Medina,” says Arturo. He turns to Soledad, “Now it’s your turn, Soledad. It’s nothing personal but you and your daughter must pay.” Ursula begs him not to do it. They are innocent. Arturo raises his gun and he is shot in the chest by Hugo who is standing behind him. Arturo turns towards Hugo and Boris who just stand there while Arturo raises his gun again. This enables Alcides to get his guns out from underneath him (he was lying on his back) and shoot Arturo several times. (Five down)

Hugo comes over to Soledad and asks if she is all right. “He killed your brother, Alcides,” says Soledad. Hugo kneels beside Alcides. “You won again,” he says, “You won the last battle.” Hugo takes his hand. Alcides calls Soledad. “I’ve always loved you,” he says, “Always,” He kisses her. “My only sin was to have loved you.” He dies. Hugo leans over and closes his eyes. “He was shot in the heart,” he says, his eyes full of tears. (Six down, I guess)

Ursula interrupts to say that something is wrong with Aurora. She thinks the shots frightened her. Hugo says that she is very cold. She needs to go to the chamber. They run into the house leaving Arturo and Alcides dead (and presumably Hercu-less) dead on the ground.

In the treasure vault, Ester asks how it is possible that such a treasure could have been under their house. Lucas says that it has to be Jeremias’ treasure. The judge is there too. Dr. Dan is holding Michelle’s sword. He tells the judge that he knows this sword. It is Michelle’s and he has bad feeling about that. An officer says that they found a will in one of the chests in which Jeremias leaves all his fortune to Soledad. Impactados looks all around. Boris comes running in and says that Aurora is very ill.

At the Hacienda, Soledad asks that nothing bad happen to her baby. Hugo is operating the thermal chamber. “Nothing bad will happen to our daughter. It’s just that this time she has had a very serious attack. It was too much pressure: the gun shots, the screaming.” Soledad says that she must live. Dr. Dan arrives. Hugo says that baby vital signs are very weak. Soledad begs them to save her. Dr. Dan says that there is only one thing left to do. He says that a blood transfusion is the only thing that can save the baby. Hugo says then let’s do it. His daughter must be saved. Dr. Dan says that it is risky. Since he hasn’t had time to finish his tests, if Hugo and the baby’s blood aren’t compatible they could both die. “Do it, Doctor,” says Hugo, “I will do whatever it takes to save my daughter. I am ready to take the risk.” Dr. Dan says that he needs Soledad’s authorization as well. Soledad asks what their chances are. Dr. Dan says that he won’t know the results until the transfusions are over.

Five years later. Soledad is on the steps of the Hacienda reading a letter she has written:
Dear Daniel:
It’s been five years since you left San Marino and your letter brought back such memories. I am very glad you know that you are married and happy with your wife. I am pleased that you decided to name your daughter, Soledad, after me. Here in San Marino, many things have happened. For example, Boris and Ursula got married and have two precious babies. In addition, Boris and Hugo are world famous for the swords they make. Margot bought the tavern and runs it with Hercu-less. Their latest show is doing very well. My father finally recovered. Mother and father forgave each other and spend their time writing love letters to each other. It’s a way of showing how much they love each other. They finally made their peace with Hugo and they get along very well. Every year we visit Michelle’s grave in her city. We remember her with great affection. It was terrible for us to find out that she had died at the hands of Alcides. We gave Jeremias’ fortune to charity in the city. You can’t imagine how big a hospital we have now with lots of doctors. I didn’t deserve that inheritance since I’m not Jeremias’ daughter. With respect to my daughter, Aurora, she is so big and pretty and she loves her father. I am very happy.

Hugo comes down the stairs of the Hacienda with Aurora as a little girl. He kisses another baby.
H: Our life couldn’t be any better. Our daughter was finally cured. Huguito was born healthy. We love each other.
S: Our dreams are a reality. I love you.
H: And I love you. I love you.
They kiss.
Fin.

Labels: la traicion