Caray, Caray!

Okay, gentle readers, this episode aired on Friday the 13th and that’s always a lucky day for me (reverse superstition, I guess). Lots of good things in my life have been attached to Friday the 13th. So, as I begin to watch Juan, I am hopeful at least ONE good thing will happen tonight. Of course, the one good thing could just boil down to the lovely glass of red zinfandel I have while I recap.

Our Thursday review: Delirio and Marely have stayed in the master bedroom, one of the major scenes in this novela from Day 1, after Nidia has rolled her suitcase over him and left for Angarita. Delirio has gotten himself up off the floor and his pity party is in full swing. He hopes Marely’s Mami will have mercy on him. Marely points out she never felt that way about him, why should she now? She tries to convince him it’s O.V.E. R. and he just moans and grumbles. She furthermore points out how he’s always been in some cheating scheme or trick. Delirio whines that Nidia and he are birds of a feather, flying in the same direction. Marely gives him a final blow—you’d best get your stuff and get out of here. She stalks out while he mourns his fate. [Hm. This could be the First Good Thing for my Friday the 13th.]

Papi Paris is still strangling the stuffing out of Juan, who really could be tossing him off with no effort, IMO. Maybe he doesn’t want it to look too easy. Hillary and the ineffective majordomo are yelling for Papi to stop and yells for Macario (the majordomo) to get his escopete (shotgun). Finally, Papi lets Juan breathe. Juan wants to know if they’ll let him explain. Seeing there’s not going to be help to get up, he scrambles up on his own. Juan shouts that he knows he’s got plenty of explaining to do. Plutarco lunges at him again and Hillary holds him back. They fuss about whether he’s going to get his chance to explain and Macario says he’ll go for the rifle—but Hillary stops him. Juan asks Plutarco to just calm down. Plutarco isn’t calming down when he sees a Don Nobody rejecting his daughter. Juan is a Dead Man. Juan protests that he isn’t rejecting anyone. Least of all does he want to hurt Hillary! He tells them that he began something lovely with a [insert list of great qualities: beautiful, good, pure in heart, generous, etc.] wonderful woman. She’s a woman like few I’ve seen in my life! Juan has the attention of the crowd. Juan continues ---believe me, Don Plutarco….and makes a faux pas with the wrong gesture and tone of voice. Plutarco lunges again. Juan pleads with him to understand—how could he possibly be putting down a woman who is so perfect? Plutarco barks back that it’s too late. Juan stammers that he’s realized that he found himself in a situation that….Hillary chimes in, a situation that we basically forced a little. Plutarco barks at his lovely daughter. Whose side are YOU on? She’s on her own. She lets go of Papi, whom she’s been restraining, and moves to Juan. She retorts gently to Papi that he only wants the relationship for appearance’s sake. Hillary turns to Juan and asks if it’s another woman? Paula? He acknowledges it’s a woman, but it’s Marely. Plutarco screams it’s not one woman, but TWO! Hillary confronts him. She wants to talk to Juan. Alone. Plutarco and Macario fume away while a worried Juan faces Hillary.

Juanito and the step-mama of his dreams are engaged in a heart-to-heart. He’s hoping Papi will come up to scratch and ask her to marry him fast. Marely chuckles about the idea. Juanito earnestly tells her that he and Papi are both lacking something in their lives. Juanito feels the need for a Mami. Marely smiles, impactada for Juanito’s benefit, in pleasure. Well, if that’s what she wants….he shyly adds. Of course! She tells him that before they get married, they have a few things to work through. [Like Paula.] Plus, she needs to get back to work. Juanito wants to know why she can’t work in Farell and Marely sidesteps—she prefers to work someplace else. She smiles, with the net effect of distracting Juanito.

Juan explains to Hillary that Marely has always cared for him and he has for her. He asked her to try him out as boyfriend, but she decided to go to Spain instead. At that moment, he was pretty ….”vulnerable,” Hillary supplies. Yeah, vulnerable. She asks if that was when he decided to accept a commitment to her. Yes, he sadly tells her. Hillary stands up and walks in the garden with Juan following, as he continues that she came onto the scene, with her lovely smile, her great heart, and was so good with him, and he was knocked flat (fell finished- caí redondito). He stayed quiet with the bankers around. He accepted because an angel like her had taken notice of him. Then Marely, who had always said no, decided not to go and take him at his word. No? Hillary nods her understanding, and finally turns to face him, sad. Juan continues that Marely changed her plans for him and turned back her scholarship. Juan didn’t want to hurt Hillary, but at the same time he can’t give her false hopes. He asks her forgiveness. Hillary is sad and a little impactada—she thought Paula would be the danger. She never thought he could exchange her for someone he didn’t love. Juan struggles to assure her he does care about Marely. Hillary tells him not to fool himself. She can eventually accept this, though it hurts. At the end of the story, their relationship was barely beginning and she appreciates that he’s been honest with her. They stroke each other’s cheeks and say their goodbyes gently to each other. She tells him not to say more; what happened between them was so lovely and she’ll always have it in her heart. He tells her it’s the same for him and they give each other a gently kiss of farewell. Juan thought bubbles that at that moment, really he said goodbye to Hillary, and took a piece out of that big heart, but he also was finally forced to be sincere with himself—a very big task. Hillary goes to sit in her garden and reflect on the vagaries of life while Juan is left to reflect on the same thing.

Sandro wonders if CL is going to spend the rest of the afternoon drinking himself into a stupor. CL retorts that, and the evening, too, and plops into a chair with his bottle and glass. Sandro scolds him gently for destroying himself. What are you---er, we---going to do? Conquer her! CL is defiant with a full bottle of booze in his hand. [Ed. Note: Why did he bother with the glass? He doesn’t need it to drink out of the bottle.] CL complains that he’s given her another chance and if she’d accepted he would have forgiven all. All those offenses, humiliations, betrayals. [Ed. Note: Sheesh.] But no, the miserable harpy! [Ed. Note: Has he been reading our recaps?] Sandro points out he’s drunk and with or without Juan around, she just doesn’t love him. CL stares at him and tells Sandro that he’s going to destroy her so she feels as bad as he does. While there’s anything left of César Luis Farell, those two won’t end up together. Is there a plan? Not yet, but before long he’ll give Paula Dávila some of her own poison. He’s still defiant and whew, are his eyes bloodshot.

In the lovely Paris castle Juan strides out purposefully and Plutarco is waiting to yell at him—you’ll pay for my daughter’s tears with blood, Juan Dominguez! Juan does a u-turn and faces off with Plutarco but wisely leaves a few more feet between him and the old despot. Juan yells that they can resolve this right now—where’s the rifle? He heads for Macario who has it in hand and looks terrified as Juan grabs it. But, Juan hands it to Plutarco and tells him to take his best shot (agárrela-hold this!). Okay, here I am—or do you want to shoot me in the back? Plutarco is completely bemused. Look, I was totally sincere with Hillary, asked for her forgiveness, and now I’m asking yours, but go ahead and do the Daddy thing and just kill me already. Plutarco, thoroughly at a loss, hands the gun back to Macario without even looking behind him. He stares at Juan, who urges him to let his daughter live her own life. Let her learn from her own mistakes. It wont’ take long before she finds a good man, a sincere man who’ll respect and love her, with all his heart! This is a woman for whom the ONLY ugly thing she has is a father like you! Macario motions for Juan to shut the heck up and someone—could it be Plutarco ?? -- bellows. With your permission, Juan gingerly turns and gets the heck out of dodge before anyone realizes they could be shooting him in the back. He thought bubbles that with those Sunday words (palabras domingueras—Sunday words—high-falutin’ words) he’s left Plutarco more paralyzed than a cat in a high tree. He watches over his shoulder, musing that at any moment now they could decide to end his wretched life with a bullet. He gets around the fountain and spins so he can rip and tear out the front entrance while the two bemused dragons who guard Hillary are left to wonder what the world has come to. Macario salutes Plutarco and goose-steps off while Plutarco is still in a state of shock—get while the gettin’s good.

CL continues his drunken self-pity orgy. Maybe he and Delirio could hitch up and moan in harmony. CL is hopeful in an ugly sort of way that Paula will suffer every minute of every day until she can’t handle any more. Sandro wisely tells his twin that if he thinks Sandro’s going to loan himself to this scheme, he’s totally nutso. Sandro thinks he’s behaving like an infant and Sandro won’t see folks treated like this. CL says Sandro doesn’t have to be the champion of justice (paladín de justicia). Actually, Sandro can be the test pilot for CL’s schemes (aprobar mi idea – approve of my idea). Sandro, predictably, looks worried.

Papi Plutarco finds Hillary in the lovely garden. Macario has shouldered the rifle, but he stands at the ready to protect and serve. Hillary tells her Papi if he has something to say, make it quick. What does he expect? He can rub it in her face that she chose the wrong man. Papi unexpectedly tells her that HE was the only wrong person here. Okay, he was a jerk [not literal at all, but the general concept], but I have to concede he had guts (tuvo pantaloncitos—he was wearing pants). He told me a thing or two that took me down a peg (lowered me a bit - me calaron). I have to tell you something, my daughter, from today on, I’ll never meddle in your relationships. Plutarco takes Hillary’s hand and looks her in the eye. Really? Hillary is very hopeful. Yes, I give you my word. They hug. He adds that regardless of who she wants to talk with, if something’s not going well, he’ll always be there for her. If she lets him, he’ll begin today! Hillary smiles at her beloved Papi through her tears, nods, and hugs the old Poop again.

It’s night at Santa Rita hospital and Yadi isn’t feeling so dizzy from the bloodletting, so she tells Pastor she’s going to go now, and thanks him for the sandwich. The second shift of Cachónes is arriving as Nidia trots up. She wants to know what’s happening with Angarita. Yadi tells Nidia Anga is in his room. They’ll operate early tomorrow. Pastor remarks there’s not much to be done now and Nidia retorts that there’s something to be done—she’s staying with the sick guy. Yadi and her presumed Uncle exchange fond looks. Yadi sticks in a comment about Nidia’s….uh….hubby. Nidia doesn’t want to hear any mention of him. This farce of a marriage is OVER. Since very recently, she’s officially in the process of divorcing the Licenciado Delirio Perafán Roaches etc. ;-) Pastor snaps his fingers in Just the Right Place with her and grins slyly. Nidia mumbles nonsense about Pancho Villa and both Yadi and Pastor stare, bemused. Nidia proceeds to give Pastor directives about paying the taxi driver, getting her suitcase, etc. She has no thought to be far away from her man for even one more second. Where’s the room? They both point down the hall and off she scoots.

The nurse makes Angarita more comfortable as Nidia sails in. The nurse asks Nidia to please speak softly (bajito). And if you really care about him, don’t go near the equipment. [Ed. Note: Apparently the Word has gotten out.] Nidia is ashamed and assures the nurse she won’t touch it as the nurse leaves. Nidia draws a stool over to sit by Anga, who is sleeping, oxygen on and all his cords intact for the moment. He rouses and sees Nidia. Anga wants to know what she’s doing here, and Nidia tells him she’s gone through the darkest afternoon of her life thinking he had died and taken all her fantasies of a life with him. He smiles and tells her “see, I’m still alive.” He’s not sure why, though, he teases her (a little). She retorts it’s so he can spend the rest of it at her side. What about your husband? You didn’t want to leave that nobody (pelagato, from earlier lists). She tells Anga to listen up, even if it gives him fits…..she’s just abandoned the Licenciado Perafán. Anga is muy, pero muy, impactado and muy, pero muy, contento (pleased).

Our lead-in after the break is a very healthy and happy looking Angarita polishing the apples at the market stall he owns. This is a Very Good Sign of Things to Come. Pastor jumped to Nidia’s orders and got the suitcase and the taxi taken care of. Yadi and he stand by the nurses’ station chatting. Pastor wonders if he can drop her at home. She gladly accepts the lift (aventón, earlier vocab list from months ago) because she feels like a lump (estoy en calidad de bulto—I have the quality of a lump). Not so fast, folks. Here come Ivonne, Paula and Fern. They greet the newcomers. At their question—how are you, Pastor responds that they’re worn out and expecting a tough day tomorrow. They ask how his brother is and Pastor responds that he’s stable, but the surgery doesn’t save everyone. Fern tries to reassure him. Ivonne wonders if they’ve left him alone and Yadi tells her that her Mami is with Anga. The look around at each other awkwardly as Yadi adds that it looks like her mother has given the boot (le dio cuello - given the collar, my best guess) to that useless Don Delirio. She exchanges a glance with Pastor who makes a modified Delirio Perafán de Roaches, etc. hand gesture and Ivonne and Paula exchange something that looks like a meaningful glance.

Nidia is lecturing. She’s actually lecturing herself and explaining to Anga how she ended up with Delirio. Pure ambition. But the sin brings the penitence—all those lies, inertias. Anga smiles indulgently. Nidia tells him she wants to leave that all behind, if Anga will still accept her. Nidia comes close and sits on the side of his bed. She wants to be at his side every minute to the end of their lives. They can marry or shack up (arrejuntarse). She doesn’t care. Whatever he wants. The hold onto each other’s hands—his with wires coming out. He mumbles an endearment and asks why she had to wait all these years to get around to this—but he’s smiling fondly. She asks forgiveness and tells him to kiss her because time’s flying. And Die Eltern* kiss, much to Paula’s, Ivonne’s and Fern’s fond amusement. Angarita’s monitor show a nice steady resting heart rate of 62. [Ed. Note: The machine was made in the US of A since it says “hr/bpm” on it. I’m just sayin’.]

*German for the Oldies--which is New Zealand for the Oldsters--which is US. Is that sufficiently vague? ;-)

Kike and Delirio are holding down the fort, if you can call it that, in the Casa Cachón living room. Delirio continues his pity party and Kike is the scolder of the hour. He’s shameless, Kike tells him, and Nidia’s never going to pardon him. He shouldn’t have done it! [Ed. Note: I missed something. When did Kike hear about Delirio’s perfidy?] Delirio cries that he doesn’t want to lose her. [Ed. Note: Not to put too fine a point on it, but can one lose what one never had?] Kike scolds that he should have thought of that before he did those dumb things. The bell momentarily saves Delirio, Kike and us. Kike answers the phone—after a struggle for it. It’s his new “wife,” Julia, wondering where he is and why the heck he’s not answering his cell phone. He explains that he’s with his daughter since Yadi’s at the hospital. Delirio sinks back into his “poor-me” stupor. Julia asks how it’s going and Kike updates her—it’s better, but he’s not going to make dinner with her. She guilt’s him by making sure he knows she’s fixed some healthful (dietéticas) enchiladas. Kike swears to her he’ll hurry and get home to eat. He hangs up and Delirio tris to engage him again but Kike isn’t having any part of it.

Paula’s made it home to sit ramrod straight on the bed and chat with Ana, who is painting her nails. If we look closely, Ana’s LEGS are showing! Wow, Ana asks Paula if Nidia’s decided to leave Perafán? Yep, and never leave Angarita’s side. Well, it’s about time. With that news, Ana is sure, Anga will get well in no time (en un dos por tres). She looks over her shoulder in the mirror at Paula, whose dress still leaves me cold where work attire is concerned even if it did impress our male commenters. Ana notices Paula’s quiet—what’s wrong? Paula can’t stop thinking about “Sandro.” Ana approves that she made things very clear for “Sandro.” Paula says Ana should have seen what Paula saw in his eyes—a profound sadness. Ana thinks she’s exaggerating. Paula thinks that he took the rejection so sharply that it affected him so much. Ana applauds her for thinking about it and acting with maturity—there’s a first—and Paula agrees that she’s satisfied. They exchange loving looks.

Ivonne lets Fern know the latest, that Paula gave Sandro the brush-off, or CL, whoever it is. She’s serving coffee as they finish dinner in a quiet at-home evening. She warns that this could have its consequences because that guy won’t stand by quietly for it. Fern comments that he’ll have to be more cautious (pendiente) in his movements or he’ll give himself away. Ivonne changes the subject—she’s been looking for lifesavers at various stores that sell sporting goods (deportivos-sports). She’s not sure—something that would explain how he survived. Well? Nothing so far. Fern thinks they need to shift their focus—they need to hire someone to watch over CL’s apartment. With what money, Ivonne wants to know. Fern has a friend he thinks won’t charge a lot. [Ed. Note: with onlythismuchtimeleft, we’re going to get a new character???]. Ivonne is worried about how much he’ll have to tell his friend about why they’re spying. He tells her not to worry.

One of the twins has come to see Marely. It appears to be Sandro, but who knows? Kike looks at him in shock as Sandro asks for Marely, who is coming down the stairs. He apologizes for dropping by without any warning but he has to see her. Kike is looking muy impactado. He’s so glad she didn’t go to Spain….Marely interrupts—why the heck is he here? He’s come to ask her to return to Farell. He wants her to work directly with him. Marely is not pleased.

She challenges Sandro—she thought his personal assistant was Laura Berrocal. Yes, but Marely is much more qualified than Laura is. Kike watches this all from behind Sandro very warily. Sandro tries to convince Marely that she and he could make a great team. Marely is wary. She doesn’t understand why he would offer this. He wants her to grow professionally, have a great salary—Kike is gesturing wildly behind Sandro to get Marely to refuse. But, Juan comes home to save her. What the heck is going on here? He rushes in, greets Kike, ignores Sandro, and kisses Marely. Juan muses to himself about how been p.o.’d at what he found here (mosquearme la sopa – be offended at the soup? Juan must be mixing some metaphors here?). He kisses Marely and she welcomes him, still looking warily down the stairs at Sandro. Kike grins—his hero has shown up to save the day yet again. [Ed. Note: Juan protecting Marely from the big, bad wolf really gives the sense of how good they might be together.] Marely tells him he can’t imagine….yep, Juan assures her, he heard. He faces off with Sandro—how interesting, Sandro beat him to it, as he himself had been thinking about doing this very thing. Sandro points out that Juan hadn’t said anything to him, and he’s in charge of the Administrative VP things….so he thought…..Juan interrupts—he’s in charge of all the hiring, ultimately, so what part of that doesn’t he understand? Marely tries to interrupt and break up the P***ing Match the boys are having, while Kike grins in glee over the match. Marely thanks Sandro for coming, but as he heard, Juan’s taking care of it. Wait a minute, Juan, Sandro counters—perhaps you can consider having Marely work in my area. Sandro needs a person like her working with him. Juan thought bubbles—do you want me to gift wrap her, Papá?) Juan retorts that he’s the only one, the exclusive one, dealing with his girlfriend/sweetheart/fiancée. Sandro argues that they need to be practical—he has very few personnel in his area. Juan spits back that by some coincidence, his presidential area needs well-qualified folks, too. Marely rubs her brow –what a headache! The two break into full-scale yelling and Marely yells to quiet them. She thanks Sandro again and hustles him to the door. Sandro leans in to her and whispers that he’ll expect to see her in the morning, with Juan giving him an A+ stink eye from the stairs. Sandro goes with a glance back and Juan brushes under his chin in derision. Kike gives him the cutthroat sign and quietly slinks off upstairs while Juan gives him a pensive look. Marely returns—Juan, had you really considered having me back at Farell, or did you just say that because Sandro offered me work? He assures her he’d been thinking about it, but what with Angarita’s emergency he hadn’t had time to address it. Marely wonders if it would really be correct for the two of them to work in the same place. Juan tells her it would, of course. She’s worried it will cause problems with their relationship in the workplace. What problems? With such a lovely, intelligent woman there could never be a problem. He gallantly kisses her hand, then hugs her, as she looks worried. [For a girl who frowns in worry all the time, she doesn’t have the wrinkles she should. Life is SO unfair!]

Delirio is back in Gutis’ rat hole, carrying on his pity party. Gutis just wants to know if he’s put the money back. Delirio can’t think about such mundane things when the holder of his heart has dumped him. And, it’s all Gutis fault, by the way. Gutis doesn’t give a rip about Delirio’s problems. Why hasn’t he done it? Delirio hasn’t had time, and how could he, when his heart’s been ripped in half—in fourths—in eighths? All he can think about is his terrible grief!!! Hablablablabla…llorababababa. Gutis puts a stranglehold on Delirio to help him focus on the real issues in life. The clients will kill them if they don’t get their money back. They know where he lives and they’re dead men. [Ed. Note: Not to put too fine a point on it, but Delirio doesn’t live there any more. He got evicted.]

Yadira sadly tells Kike the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth as they sit in her bedroom with the baby. Kike is predictably muy impactado. Kike can’t imagine where Anga got the idea that Yadi was his daughter, but now it’s clearer and Kike owes the Don a major apology. Yadi reminds him it’s not visiting hours now. He’ll go the next day, and thanks her for telling him. She gently thanks him for taking care of her “gorda” [Ed. Note: I had a chat with our pastor from Mexico recently about how calling someone “Tubby,” “little fat one,” “Chubs” or other nickname that talks about fat might be seen as insulting in the US and he was impactado. It’s obviously a cultural thing!]. He tells her no thanks are necessary because he could spend lots of time with his daughter. They both glance at the crib fondly. Yadi thinks it’s late and he could stay and sleep over. Kike tells her nope, he doesn’t live here now and anyway, Julia has a nice healthful supper ready. He comments on his figure and she makes a fond little joke “your figure? Go figure.” Though Yadi doesn’t explode with jealousy this time, she’s profoundly sad as he says his farewell and goes off to the new life she pushed him to.

Juan and Marely eat their late dinner and chat about Nidia going to stay at the hospital with Anga all night. Really? Whew, he can only imagine the Licenciado Delirio’s expression at that. Juan, what you can’t imagine is what happened! She tells him about the newest revelation that Delirio never really went to jail in order to keep Nidia out of it like he led her to believe! Marely describes the theatrics that ensued and how Nidia threw Delirio out of the house. Wow, your Mamá even got rid of this albatross around her neck (carga de encima—burden hanging over her). Marely remarks that the need to get some rest so they can get up early. Juan thanks her for the coffee and they fondly say their good nights. She loves him so much and wants to make him very happy. Juan tells her she does make him very happy. A gentle kiss and lovely hug seal it.

Sandro reports on his field trip to his drunk twin, whose glass is still in hand, and who is barely sitting up in the chair. Marely will return to Farell and that’s what matters, right? What difference did it make that Sandro himself wasn’t the one who did it? CL agrees that it’s important for Marely to return so Paula will suffer more. Sandro reminds CL that he’d promised that Marely wouldn’t be hurt. CL scoffs a little. Sandro warns him that if Marely is hurt, CL can’t count on Sandro any more. He’d better not go back on his word. CL looks up from his stupor. That got his attention.

Nidia and Anga have a lovely mini-reunion with the machine cords well out of her reach. Anga chuckles that it seems like a dream to have her there, without the need for rushing out or worrying. Nidia gives him a lovely big smile. That’s over. Anga tells her that no matter what happens the next day, he’s a peace with his life and at the end of the story, she’s by his side, and in spite of everything, she chose him. They both sniffle. Nidia tells him he’s wrong and he looks up, startled. She works to convince him they’ll be together a long time—it’s not the end of the story, it’s the beginning. They’ll grow old together! (envejecer) Will you look at that? It doesn’t even make me afraid to say it! I know you’re going to be here with me, looking at me like you did when we were kids. Anga tells Nidia he loves her so much. She tells Anga she loves him, too, and kisses him. Without disconnecting anything. He tries to talk about tomorrow, what if not…..Nidia puts on a brave smile and tells him through her tears that tomorrow when he’s come through the operation successfully, they’ll have a couple of little shots of tequila to celebrate like crazy folks because everything is going to come out well. He nods with a hopeful smile on his face and misty eyes.

Morning has arrived and the hospital hall outside Angarita’s room is filled with loved ones he never had before this last year—Pastor, Nidia, Yadira, Juan, and Marely. Juan leans on Marely’s shoulder and wants to know how the sick guy (patient) was when he woke this morning. He’s good, Nidia tells Juan. They’re prepping him for the O.R. (quirófano, from our list months ago when CL was going in for his little procedure). Juan wants to go in, but Kike and Remolacho are in there.

The monitor beeps, the nurse moves around, and Angarita groans. Kike moves in humbly to ask Anga’s pardon for thinking the worst. He acknowledges he was plenty ugly with Don Angarita. Anga scoffs gently; Kike had his reasons, Anga tells him. Kike says he shouldn’t have judged him so harshly, Anga didn’t deserve that. Anga asks him to return to the central market—he doesn’t want to run the shop without Kike. Kike is shyly proud as he tells Anga he’s starting his own transport business and hopes Anga will be one of his first customers. Anga’s wit is intact—he asks for a big discount on Kike’s services. Remo exults that Angarita is about to go under the knife and he’s still making jokes. Kike gives Remo the stink eye for being such a tonto. But, they all smile. The nurse asks their pardon—it’s time. The guys with the gurney come in and she tells Anga they’re going to transfer him to the gurney (camilla, stretcher).

Out in the hall, the crowd continues to gather and chat. Paula has come and Fern and Ivonne hover down the hall a bit, waiting, also. ATTENTION, GENTLE READERS!!!! For the first time in history, Paula is wearing a TOTALLY appropriate business pantsuit, in a lovely ivory color, with a red cami that gives her FULL coverage!!!!! Someone sound a trumpet! [Ed. Note: This is the Second Good Thing on Friday the 13th.] I’d hire this professional! She greets them and glances briefly at Juan, whose arm is completely around Marely from behind her. She, too, asks to see Anga and Pastor tells her they’re about to take him to the O. R. On cue, the nurse opens the door and out comes Anga on the gurney. Pastor pats Anga and tells him “it’s going to be okay, brother.” Yadi jumps in next, and then Marely and all the rest, giving him words of encouragement and comfort. Kike and Remo follow the gurney out and throw their words in. Nidia adds her thoughts for Anga, and Juan takes his turn, then Paula. Anga simply glows at all the positive energy coming his way. This, from the old cynic! He tells Paula thanks for coming, too. As he’s wheeled down the hall, Ivonne tells Anga they’ll be waiting right there for him, and Fern adds his words. The crowd draws in together, united in the cause of supporting Angarita. Yadira notices Kike and wonders qué the heck he’s done with the baby if he’s there and so is everyone else. Well, he’s left the baby with Julia and Yadi has a mini-meltdown. She doesn’t like it one little bit. So much for her sad and mellow mood. She calls him an idiot and inconsiderate. He yells back that she shouldn’t be talking to him in that tone. Nidia pulls the boxers apart and sends them back to their corners. She tells them to knock it off, there are sick folks here. Kike says the sick one is this one (Yadi). The fight begins again….this time, it takes Nidia and Remo both to get them separated. [Ed. Note: Even Yadira has a Totally Tasteful and Unrevealing top on today. Imagine this! Both of them at the same time! Now that I’m thinking about it, Ivonne is pretty restrained as well.] Nidia scolds Yadi—is she a blockhead or what? This is no way to try to get her hubby back. Yadi fumes and ignores Mami’s wise words. Nidia tries to get her to breathe in, breathe out.

Yadi stalks off while the other half-sisters come to the fore. Guess who came to see me, Marely asks Paula. I don’t know, who? Sandro. He offered me a position in the VP Administrative area, with him. How nice for you, Paula remarks. What does Juan think? Well, he wants me to work in the President’s office, and you’re a partner, so you have to agree, right? Marely watches Paula’s face hopefully for her reaction. Paula hedges…no, I’ve told you you’re welcome, wherever you choose to work, it’s fine with me. Marely comments that it might not be healthy to work with the boyfriend. Paula tells her that it depends on how you manage the situation. Juan watches Paula’s face from behind Marely and Paula makes eye contact nervously with him. She thinks it won’t be a problem for Marely. Juan thought bubbles about his Palomita and his little rose garden are talking like the two friends they are, sisters, even. He edges toward Kike and Remo, both leaning on the nurses’ station. Juan continues thought bubbling—there they are—my future and my past. Paula keeps a wary eye on Juan while Marely is oblivious to the unspoken interaction.

Kike notices Juan and sends Remolacho off for a drink of water—whether he wants it or not. Kike whispers to Juan. What happened with Hallary? Hillary, Juan patiently responds. Well, did you resolve it? Yeah, they almost strangled me and beat me to death, but it’s resolved. Wow, it was that ugly? No, it wasn’t the princess, it was her Pop. She’s mannerly and knows how to conclude a relationship. The father, though, wanted me dead. Juan makes the cut-throat gesture. Kike is impactado. Paula comes over; she wants a piece of Juan. ;-) He tells her if it’s what he’s thinking, it got resolved the night before with Hillary. Paula confronts him—you sure? Or is this another of your lies? Juan is incensed. He hands her the cell phone and tells her to feel free to call Hillary. Paula retorts that it’s not necessary –for now-as Marely hovers behind, looking wary and concerned.

Nidia sees Marely’s expression and grabs her by the elbow to zoom her away from the interaction. “Despabílate, mamita.” Buck up! Marely doesn’t look too bucked up. Nidia reminds her she’s the girlfriend, and has the rights and privileges. Marely frowns yet again. My counsels tell me that when it feels so bad, it isn’t love. What do YOU think, gentle readers?

The doctora, dressed in Very Blue operating clothes, strides into the nurses’ station area where they’re all waiting. They all wait while she spits it out—the operation was a total success. [Ed. Note: This is the Third Good Thing on Friday the 13th.] He’s stable though fragile. He’ll be transferred to his room soon. Nidia hugs the doc, then Pastor. He needs rest; once he’s transferred we’ll let you all know when he can have visitors. Pastor follows the doctora as she goes to the nurses station. No one except Yadi notices since they’re all busy rejoicing. Yadi scoots up to them. Pastor asks about the DNA test. The doc tells him that they need to see her in her office in a few minutes and goes off. Pastor tells Yadi they need to invent something so as to not raise suspicions. So, they do implement their grand escape plan—Yadi loudly announces she’s off to the bathroom and rushes away-- and Pastor chimes in that he’ll go with her and trots off on her heels. Looks are exchanged all around.

The envelope, please. Yadira and Pastor mentally debate who will take it out of the doc’s hand and open it. Yadi decides it’s her and joyfully grabs it. Pastor agrees it should be hers. Yadi opens and reads it. Pastor sits, frozen in his seat and unable to look up. It says….positive. ?? The doc explains this means beyond the shadow of a doubt that she is the daughter of Mr. Angarita Calvo. Yadi is commercial impactada. [Ed. Note: This is the Fourth Good Thing on Friday the 13th, depending on your perspective.]

Delirio strides through the Farell lobby for the first time in ages. He notes that Rosi is hard at work reading a magazine. He hates to interrupt….Rosi gives him the stink eye but slaps the magazine shut. [Ed. Note: Now that Rosi has a real desk, the lobby lizards don’t hang so much. They just walk back and forth through the lobby.] Delirio wants to see Juan, who is surely right there in his office. Nope, he’s not there. What? Delirio will wait right here in the lobby. Well, he’ll be a while because he’s at the hospital for the operation of Don Angarita Calvo. Delirio mutters that Angarita Calvo should eat s*** and die. [Ed. Note: Okay, I took liberties with that translation.] Rosi is impactada at the venom.

Yadi, whose earrings should be dragging her lobes to the ground, stands at the nurses’ station with Pastor, in awe that she’s actually a Calvo. What did he tell her, he responds. Despite looking like a Cachón. Like her Papa, Yadi remarks—well, the one she thought was her father. Really, she has nothing of him. Yadi babbles on about this new info—she’s more like her mother, but Marely is more like her father. Now, Yadi understand so many things. She bites her finger, deep in thought. Pastor looks like the indulgent and proud uncle he now is, and chimes in that he doesn’t understand anything now.

The rest of Don Anga’s supporters are still in the waiting area. Paula is the first one to decide she needs to go and tells Nidia goodbye. She asks for them to tell Pastor goodbye for her. Nidia tells her goodbye; Nidia is staying with the young lovebirds while Anga gets out of the recovery room. She smiles widely at Paula. Juan and Marely watch, standing close enough that Juan’s arm is around Marely -- again. Paula almost makes it out when S2 shows up a day late and dollar short. He wanted to come personally to see how it went for Pastor’s brother. Paula tells him it went well and Anga’s in recovery. S2 is so pleased to hear it. Juan thought bubbles—chinches bravas! He mutters to himself about S2 showing up late and his Palomita’s reaction. [Ed. Note: Jealously doesn’t become you, Juan, when we’re talking about the one who is NOT your fiancée.] Juan turns to Marely and tells her they need to be going to the office to see where she’s going to work, and gives her a little kiss on her head. Marely smiles shyly. Paula uncomfortably occupies herself with “Sandro.” Marely, Nidia and Juan say their farewells. Juan wants Nidia to let them know if there’s anything that comes up. He hustles Marely off, leaving Paula with S2. Paula makes a gesture to S2 and charges off after them, leaving him with Nidia, Kike, Ivonne and Fern. Kike says his farewells, looking at his watch. He’s going after the baby and gives Nidia a message for Yadi that he’ll be at the house with the baby later. They exchange kisses and he goes. S2 comes to say goodbye to Nidia, who suddenly gets a sense that something’s not right and gets a strange look. Ivonne and Fern look uncomfortable about S2 as well.

Juanito comes out of the school to find Flor. Flor wants to know what they called for him. Juanito tells her that they called him because his father wanted him have the message that Don Angarita’s operation went well. Flor thinks that’s great (suave, from my Mexican slang dictionary). She knows that Jito was way worried about it. Jito tells her that he liked Anga when Anga came to Achichipico, and he wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to Anga. Flor tells Juanito that when he told her, she let her mother know so she could light a candle for Anga to get better. Juanito thanks her and kisses her on the cheek, pleasing Flor.

Marely, S2 , Paula and Juan hold a pow-wow in Juan’s office to seal Marely’s fate at work. Paula’s got Juan’s chair, which leaves Juan standing. S2 thinks they should put Marely into his area; he thinks her skills would be put to the best use there. Paula politely disagrees—a manager’s post in the office of accountability would be much more appropriate. Juan chimes in, and the bottom line for him is that Marely’s happy with the assignment. They all sound good to her, and she likes working with numbers. Juan’s got the best idea of all—why not make her the Vice President for Finance? How does that sound? S2 rolls his eyes. Marely protests mildly. Great, hearing no opposing votes, Juan’s appointing her the VP for finance. Marely is muy pleased-impactada. Even Paula smiles in the most sincere possible way. [Ed. Note: Is this the Fifth Good Thing on Friday the 13th?]

Yadi has come to share the good news with Anga. You said you would have liked it if I were your daughter, right? She starts hesitantly. He gets misty. More than anything in the world. But you were right in lots of those things you said to me. I had such fantasies that I invented the story and fell for it myself. He looks hopeful that she won’t reject him again. Yadi looks a little sheepish and sad. Well, it’s about that she’s come to talk. He assures her that even if she isn’t his daughter, he’ll always look on her as that—the daughter he would have loved to have, but never had. Yes, you had her, Yadi tells him. What are you saying? Yadi explains that she donated the blood he needed, and oh, by the way, I had a DNA test performed. I’m your daughter. Anga is delighted-excited impactado. [Ed. Note: This is the Final Good Thing for this Friday the 13th.]

Pastor shares breakfast with Nidia. He needs to tell her something. What? Don’t tell me you’re not going to eat with me? No, it’s not that. I want to thank you for what you’ve done for my brother. Really, I didn’t expect it and now we feel like family. He beams at her and Nidia is equally pleased. How tender! You’re like my….brother-in-law! Well, he tells her, it would be even better if you see me as the uncle of your daughter Yadira. Nidia puts her fork down and stares at him, impactidíssima. And why that? Pastor spits the news right out. The doc did a DNA test to see if his brother is indeed Yadira’s father. Guess what? He is this girl’s real father! Nidia is beyond impactidíssima. And, we knew this, but they remind us that any similarity to reality is purely coincidental.

Vocabulary:

Escopete - shotgun
Champion of justice - paladín de justicia
He had guts - tuvo pantaloncitos—he was wearing pants, and the “-cito” is a contradiction in terms, because it literally means little or short pants but is used to suggest very big pants
Me calaron - Lowered me a bit, brought me down a peg
Bajito - softly
Le dio cuello – given the boot (given the collar, my best guess)
Arrejuntarse - shack up
En un dos por tres - in no time
Mosquearme la sopa/mosquearme – get ticked off, p.o.’d at something (and sometimes way stronger translations)
Carga de encima—Albatross around the neck, burden hanging over her
Envejecer – grow old
Camilla – gurney, stretcher
Despabílate – buck up, wake up, and several other definitions

Jeanne

Labels: Juan