Caray, Caray!

Okay, Amigos/as – all our predictions about the end date of Yo Amo a Juan Querendón were off by 48 hours in any direction—they’re having the Gran Final on SUNDAY June 22 at 8/7 central time. So, be sure those recorders are set and your recappers will figure out how to git-r-done!

Also, today I had the privilege and pleasure of attending the very first Fiesta de Quinceañera I’ve ever been to—wow, what an experience. Our Methodist Pastor from Mexico conducted the church service, then a few hours later there was the dinner for several hundred folks and finally the dance (we viejos left before the music got so loud we needed ear plugs). The Quinceañera and her attendants were so lovely, and the jóvenes cleaned up real well, too. All in all, it was super maravillosa!

On to our feature presentation.....

Yesterday’s review: Ivonne tries to convince Paula that she just has to TELL the boy, already—quit waffling! Paula concedes that Ivonne might just be right about that. Okay, she and Ana will invite the boy to dinner over the weekend. Paula can’t imagine what will happen when she spills all that she’s been keeping inside. Paula counts off all the things that trip her trigger—every word, every gesture, every move [Okay, so Paula didn’t say that. I’m speaking for the rest of us here.] She's no gentleman because she definitely kisses and tells. Paula’s just sad she made him suffer so much on the way to this realization. She loves loves loves him!

In the parking garage of the airport, Kike rushes up to a Very Sad Juan. What happened? Juan beats himself up. He’s an imbécil and lost Marely forever.

Pastor describes to Heri how Angarita has suffered—lost the love of his life and his supposed daughter, who doesn’t even want to see the man in a painting. Speaking of art forms, Juan’s resplendent naked self still hangs on Pastor’s wall in the office, for us to admire as the scene shifts. Heri shifts back behind Pastor. It’s like that movie they saw. Pastor says that real life is worse. If Anga doesn’t get his spirits back up, his heart will just stop one of these days. Heri is sorry to hear it and gives Pastor a half hug, standing beside Pastor who sits in his chair. Laura busts in, so to speak, unannounced. She thinks she’s seeing something titillating and worthy of some juicy gossip. Pastor wants to know if anyone ever taught her to knock. Laura insinuates….and Pastor says that she’s not only unmannerly, she’s common/coarse (corriente). Laura demands respect if he wants it back from her. Pastor changes the subject while Heri stands behind him watching this dogfight. What, you’ve got the archives organized? Laura’s sick to death of archives and she’s cut out for more important work! Well, if you don’t like the work, we never keep anyone working at Farell by force. He motions to the door. What, you’re asking me to resign? That’s the basic suggestion, and if you’ve put your complaint on the table, please…..he motions again to the door and Laura sneers and flounces out. Heri congratulates him—that’s telling ‘em! Those cranky employees! Heri admires how he did that. Pastor smiles, pleased and bemused by the flor (compliment).

Laura fusses at S2 (fake Sandro)—how can she advance here when her immediate supervisor disses (pisotear – tramples, abuses, disregards) her? She’s not putting up with it! S2 tells her it’s not really Pastor causing her problems. It’s Paula behind it all. Laura is confused. S2 points out Paula really is trying to get her to resign. Aha. It makes sense now. S2 tells her only Juan can help her now. She just needs to be more aggressive with him. [Ed. Note: Apparently S2 hasn’t been watching with us or he’d know how aggressive she’s been so far.] Juan? Juan who? He’s never around when you need him. He’s got a thousand things to do, and none of them are me. S2 gives her a bunch of flores – compliments about how lovely and intelligent she is-- and tells her she has to go after his bones. Laura can’t buy it. She’s afraid she’ll bother him. S2 urges her to act.

Kike regales Juan with tales of all the calls he had from his women. First, Laura. Hillary. [Ed. Note: Kike doesn’t read the mags because he butchers her name and Juan has to correct him.] And then there was the Very Abundant Licenciada. Kike quotes all her vital stats. Whew, three of them! Juan smiles a little—probably thinking of the fourth Musketeer on the plane. To Spain.

Pastor describes his dilemma to Ivonne. He’s so sweet, that man, the perfect man, the one I’ve always dreamed of. Ivonne gives Pastor virtually the same advice she gave Paula—tell the boy the truth, already, tell him how you feel. Ask him if he feels the same. Don’t set yourself up for a major disappointment (chasco).

This apparently is the night for Relationships. Hillary talks with her Papi about her Relationship with Juan. Papi must be happy, because the relationship with Juan isn’t working. Despite the lovely garden setting, she is Not a Happy Camper. Juan is avoiding her, not responding to messages, nothing. Papi Paris declares him a coward and Hillary retorts that she LOVES Juan. Why doesn’t Papi want to get with the program? Well, because Papi thinks Juan isn’t worth her while. [Ed. Note: Given where Juan’s heart is, probably true, but not Papi’s call.] She points out that Juan sent that car back that she had loaned him while his was in for repairs, though other guys would have kept the loaner for months! He’s not the shameless guy you think he is! Papi Paris has the good grace to look away.

Laura beards the Lion of Farell in his Den. She doesn’t want to bother Juan, but…..he fills the marshmallow dish. [Ed. Note: with all this marshmallow filling, someone is getting a real sugar high.] What bother? It’s always lovely to see you….Laura is So Fed Up! With what? With how Don Pastor treats her! She can’t stand being in those archives! The archives? That’s very strange of Don Pastor. Well, it’s probably Paula behind it all, putting me there. She just wants to get me to resign.

Papi Paris does his level best to appease his lovely daughter. The last thing he wants is to hurt her. But, he IS hurting her, she retorts. Okay, she wins, Juan has a second chance. He tells her that the next day they’ll have a bankers’ meeting and she can bring the boy along. Hillary hugs her Daddy and says she’ll call Juan right away.

Juan is still busy appeasing Laura, and telling her not to worry. [Ed. Note: that verb, apurar(se) has about a dozen very different meanings, gentle readers]. He’ll talk to Paula and work it out. Farell won’t waste (perdiciar) talent like hers. Laura simpers. As usual. Thanks, Juan. He’s SO special with her. Juan, in his glaring orange tie on a green shirt with rolled up sleeves [Ed. Note: we’ve only a short time left with our Juanito, had to stick that in, gentle readers] smiles shyly and looks away. When will they continue those ceramics classes, Laura wonders? He works his hands…..those are too difficult for him. Laura comments on his Very Capable Hands. Strong. Smooth. Like he would caress a woman. Juan thinks back to the pottery lessons. How about we start again tomorrow, she suggests. Perfect! It’s a DATE! Don’t forget now, she warns. Juan ogles her retreating derriere and twirls his non-existent handlebar moustache.

Juan’s telephone rings—if you will—with the Cachi Bombon music. It’s his darling Hillary. He’s invited to an Exciting Banker’s’ Meeting on the next day [Okay, emphasis totally mine, folks.] Juan thanks his Blessed Child of Atocha for healing his heart. It’s a DEAL! He’ll be there. Date with Laura: forgotten already.

Heriberto comes to see Pastor—he’s been summoned. There’s something important Pastor wants him to know. It’s not about work; it’s personal. Pastor tells Heri how it is with him-what’s burning in him. What, heartburn? No, Pastor chuckles nervously. No, more sensitive than that. You realize there’s something very special between us, right? Pastor twitches his hands nervously. Heri affirms that’s right, he even forgets women! Pastor smiles happily at that.

The lobby is full of lobby lizards, and even Fern, Ivonne and Laura have joined the throng. Ivonne’s happy that Juan didn’t catch Marely at the airport. The chat….and suddenly blood-curdling screams fill the lobby. Pastor is begging Heriberto….don’t hit me! Everyone is impactado and Ivonne runs to help Pastor. Heriberto is across the desk from Pastor but has hold of his lapels and is beating the living daylights out of Pastor. Heriberto has bloodied and bruised half of Pastor’s face as Pastor tries to get him to stop. Fern grabs Heri from behind and drags him away while Ivonne gets Pastor into his seat to help him; Pastor is bleeding and seriously bruised on his face. Heri’s not done and fights Fern. Heri is a wild, savage animal, uttering ugly things about Pastor who “just confessed his love” according to Heriberto, while Fern struggles to hold Heriberto from doing Pastor in. Pastor sobs.

Fern tries to get Heriberto to calm down and Heri tries to get Fern to let him go. He’s not done with his savage beating. Heri continues to say ugly things about Pastor, who has not raised a hand in anger and is protected by Ivonne –who would gladly do away with Heri given the opportunity—she’ll call security!! Pastor retorts (in between sobs) that Heri’s words hurt more than his punches. Heri screams that he ‘s going to kill …. That….. let him GO! Fern holds on tight. Ivonne sponges blood off Pastor. Fern drags Heri out while Heri screams about going outside and he’ll break Pastor’s face. Finally, Heri is out and the door is shut. Ivonne helps Pastor and security takes Heriberto. Heri says he’s not forgiving. He announces to everyone who is listening about Pastor in terms a schoolmarm won’t repeat. Fern tells him to stop insulting the man and Heri refuses. He strings out the insults about what Pastor “did to him.” Security moves him off. Everyone is impactado again.

Pastor sits in his office, ashamed and bleeding. What an embarrassment! What an absolute humiliation! Ivonne does her best to comfort her friend. How could he be so blind, Pastor continues, and how could he think a guy like Heri could be interested in him? Ivonne assures him Heriberto was not worth it. Pastor blames himself. He’s going to be the joke of the office now.

Kike plays with Nidia Michaela and Yadi tells him he doesn’t need to feel like he has to leave so quickly. Kike informs her he has new digs and Yadi is…what? Jealous? There’s no hurry, though, if you want to stay.

Fern tells Juan what came down with Pastor as they chat in Juan’s office. Who’s picking him up off the floor? Ivonne, Fern tells him. Pastor’s had to go down to the infirmary. Whew, it was that bad? Yep.

Paula, in her office, advises Rosi how the world works when one is Paula’s secretary. Rosi assures Paula she is on the margin of the gossip—and Paula scoffs at her gently. Paula lets her know that the gossip buck stops at Paula’s desk and Rosi swears that Paula will know it FIRST. No info/gossip can be used against Paula, and Rosi knows what side her bread is buttered on, so she agrees to Paula’s rules. Paula hears EVERYTHING first. Paula’s counting on her loyalty and discretion. [Ed. Note: Except that Paula doesn’t want discretion in her four walls, she wants the whole scoop.] Rosi understands perfectly. Now, Paula wants to know when Rosi hears if Juan shows up. That’s easy, he’s already made an appearance. Great! Paula wants to see him.

Pastor sits on an examining table in the Farell infirmary with Ivonne at his side, comforting and still caring for him. [At my office, we have an infirmary, because it’s a boarding school for kids. But I’ve never worked in any other place that had a full infirmary in the office.] Pastor is aware of the seriousness of his mistake and ready to accept the consequences. He’s ready to resign. Juan is there, too, and assures him there’s no need to resign. Juan tells Pastor that Pastor’s only committed a….tactical mistake. That is undeniable. But the penitence came with the sin, Juan continues, and it didn’t become total havoc (zafarrancho). Pastor points out that he took advantage of his position to promote his personal life and not strictly business, and in fact broke the very workplace rules he wrote himself. Juan’s ready to erase the rules immediately. He tries to cheer Pastor, who simply thanks Juan—he’s a prince.

Rosi rushes back to Paula. Juan’s in the infirmary. What happened to him? Paula is alarmed. Rosi hesitates a split second and remembers that Paula authorized her to be the bearer of all tales. Pastor’s there because Heriberto beat the stuffing out of Pastor. It was no fight, because Pastor didn’t raise a hand against Heri. Heri bulldozed Pastor –rolled over him like a tractor. Why? Well, (Rosi reminds Paula that Paula herself gave the chisme-bearing order) it seems that Pastor declared his love to Heriberto and Heri didn’t like it much. Paula rushes off to the infirmary, muy impactada.


Pastor repeats his sad commentary on his future in Farell to Paula. He realizes he can’t stay a second more. Paula won’t hear any of it; he has to rest and they’ll talk later. They pat his hand and leave him resting. In the hall, Paula and Juan discuss how Pastor’s doing—and his spirits are so low, too. Paula asks if they’re going to let him resign. Juan tells her not to even joke about it (guasa). Paula thinks they shouldn’t judge Pastor too harshly. Juan agrees, now if they can only convince Pastor. Juan looks at Paula a little suspiciously—he never though he’d see her defend Pastor so adamantly. He thought bubbles—could it be that Pastor’s doing her some little favors? Paula gives him a song and dance about what a fundamental component of the company Pastor is. Juan wants to know if he can ask her a direct question. Sure. By chance, have you asked Pastor to put up a few obstacles in Laura’s way? Paula is righteously indignant. She denies it—she has NOTHING against THAT woman-- and can’t imagine where he got the idea. Juan pushes a little more—how interesting that she right there under the watchful scrutiny of Pastor. Paula goes on the offensive. Okay, on the one hand you’re defending the man and here it looks like you don’t trust him! Juan cares about him but knows his tricks, though. They fuss at each other about Laura and her position. Paula again declares she’s not conspiring with Pastor and he can take it or leave it, basically. Juan kisses her hand and thanks her. Paula sarcastically retorts that he’s welcome. Back to the situation of Pastor, they know what they have to do.

Delirio should never, ever play poker. As he sits in the bank with a service rep, and looks at the deposit that was just made in one of his laundry accounts, he goes into an apoplexy of amazement about the huge sum of money. She asks if he’s all right. Yeah, but this is SO much money—you’re SURE it’s right?! [Ed. Note: just about now, I’d be making notes. Clearly a person who comes to a bank to see what’s in his account shouldn’t be so surprised about it.] She advises him there are two more deposits that will clear soon, about the same amount. And if that weren’t enough, Delirio hasn’t brought the right card with him to get a withdrawal (retiro) out of the account—but he did bring a check so he can get some $$. The whole time, he’s behaving like a maniac and the girl doesn’t even bat an eyelash. But, she tells him to hurry, because other folks want to see her. Delirio babbles on and still no suspicions. This chick shouldn’t be working in a bank. She does ask “pardon” to one of his nonsense babbles and he tells her about living alone and how one begins to talk to oneself and answer oneself. She smiles at him as she takes the check while he asks her pardon for his nervousness. Sheesh.

Heri has come in to complain about how Pastor has dissed him, and Juan fires back at him. Okay, if you don’t want to work with him fine, I agree—but I won’t hear one more insult about the man! Heri, still all hot and bothered [no, folks, not like that, just ticked off], says Pastor deserves insults and more. Nope, Pastor was wrong with you and that’s all. That doesn’t give you the right to keep on aggravating it for the rest of eternity. Whether Heri likes it or not, lots of folks at Farell respect Pastor. Heri is even more incensed. He’s a real man! Juan tells him no one doubts his manhood. But he doesn’t have to prove it with punches. He declared something to you, right? All you have to do is say, thanks, Don Pastor, but no, and it’s over. ¿Qué????? Juan points out that when Heri does the same with women, they tell him no and that’s that. You don’t fight with the women. Of course not, Heri understands that part. You have to understand, Juan tells him, about Pastor who has his ways—THAT’S it, Heri yells, how come he had to have his little ways specifically with ME? And how about when Heri was wrong with Ivonne—she told him thanks but no thanks, right, and that was that? Heri backs down. Okay, Juan tells him, starting tomorrow you’ll work with Sr. Fernando Lara. Heri does a screaming double-take. What? With Ivonne’s BOYFRIEND? Yep, is there a problem? Yeees!

Ivonne gently helps Pastor slip his coat on. He’s patched up and cleaned up but injured and clearly hurting. Pastor thanks her, but he needs to be alone. He hands her his resignation to hand in for him. She tells him that they won’t accept it and he says it’s not negotiable. She points out that the irrevocable ones are always revoked first around Farell. Pastor thinks his will be the exception.

Heri is still steamed and fuming at Juan. This time, it’s about working with Fern. He WON’T. Juan tells him there are two soup choices today: either work under the orders of Fernando or don’t work at all, you choose. Heri threatens—his Papi is a partner of this business and Juan can’t force Heri to go anyplace. Juan retorts that the money’s all been returned to Aldemar that he loaned. Heri knows Juan’s tricks. Juan yells that he can take one of the two choices—and Juan can also call security to have him thrown out. Heri retorts that he’s going out himself. Juan stalks over to the door and motions Heri out—he knows the way. Heri can’t resist one more pointed insult and Juan tells him the next one means Juan will personally kick him out [no doubt with plenty of that pointed boot-toe centered on Heri’s derrière.] Heri glares up at Juan, who glares back. Don’t worry Heri spits back at Juan, I’m out of here, far away, back to my hometown – which I never should have left. Heri leaves and Juan rolls his eyes and brushes under his chin.

Ivonne and Pastor leave his office toward the elevator so he can leave. Heri, now in the lobby, stares hatefully at Pastor with vengeance in his visage. Pastor looks sadly through his one good eye. Paula comes out of her office and calls the lobby lizards to order. A moment of your time. Okay, all those in favor of accepting Don Pastor’s resignation, given that there won’t be any type of reprisals against anyone for your votes, pro or con—you can freely express yourselves, raise your hands. No hands go up. Laura crosses her arms, appearing ready to raise her hand, but thinking better of it and looking sullen. The lizards look around at each other uncomfortably. Pastor, equally uncomfortable, goes over to Paula Please, don’t do this to me. “No one?” Paula looks around at the room where no hands are up. Fine. All those in favor of Don Pastor staying at Farell, as chief of Personnel, who want to give your support to him as a person and boss, raise your hands. Pastor looks sadly and nervously around the room through the eye that isn’t swollen up, and Heri glares into the commercial.

After a crazy-making commercial where we know full well the hands will go up but they didn’t before the break, so we can all wait with baited breath, we’re back and hands go up—first Ivonne, who nudges Julia until her hand goes up, then Fernando, and almost everyone else. Only Laura and Heri glare and refuse to show support. Juan’s hand is up, too. Very good, Paula announces, as Pastor attempts to smile through his pain. For your information, the Licenciado Gaitán IS and will continue to be the VP for Personnel. And not only because of the partners’ decision, but also because everyone here agrees. Ivonne and Julia grin at each other. He’s the right person for the job, Paula concludes. Juan chimes in—that’s right. Don Pastor has not only earned his place at Farell, but in the hearts in each and every one of us. And, if there is any person who has doubts about his authority….ah, Heriberto? Juan looks pointedly at a still glaring Heri….they’ll deal with Juan Dominguez Coral, native of Achichipico. Juan turns to Pastor and asks him to stay. Everyone claps. Except Laura and Heri, of course. Pastor is very touched and Heri is very disbelieving of what he’s seeing.

Nidia roars into Yadi’s room to ask why Yadi hadn’t informed her Mami about signing divorce papers. Yadi points out she’s a grown woman of an age to make her own decisions and Mami doesn’t have to hear everything, or be consulted. Nidia points out that’s why Yadi is as she is, and that’s why she’s going to lose the best man in the world. Yadi says she’s not up for scolding at the moment. Nidia tells her it’s not a scolding, and men like Kike don’t grow on trees (no se dan en maceta – they don’t give them out in bunches of flowers). Someone like him you won’t find again for the rest of the days of your life. Yadi sullenly purses her lips, quiet for a change.

Paula tells Juan that this gossip will feed the rumor mill in Farell for a while. Juan agrees—until they find a better item for gossip. He remarks they should invent a bomb about him and her to get the spotlight off Pastor. Paula chuckles. [Ed. Note: Whatever makes you think you’re not a topic anyway?] Really? Paula seizes the moment to invite him to dinner on the weekend. Juan thought bubbles that his Palomita is lowering her guard? He warns himself about getting his hopes up. He asks her if that won’t make Sandrito mad [using the “-ito” which could be a real insult to the shorter guy]. Why should it? Paula seems surprised. Is she sure? Juan wants to know. It’s a date! Of course he’ll come.

Pastor has returned to his office and Fern is with him. He tells Fern that Paula and Juan gave him the afternoon off so he’s going home to rest. Fern is glad to hear that. He should rest and try to cheer up a bit. Pastor thanks Fern for having defended him. Without Fern, they’d be giving Pastor a wake at the moment. Fern replies that of course, he would be defending Pastor-he’d never let him die alone, how could Pastor think that? Pastor sadly tells Fern he just couldn’t raise a hand against Heri in his own defense. Fern understands.

S2 is telling Paula that what Pastor did is extremely serious and he can’t understand why she’s letting it drop so easily. Paula thinks it better to forget it, and S2 wants to think about the example it sets for the employees. [What? An example of acceptance and mercy? Gee.] Does Paula think Farell should be a place where there are all types of scandals? She points out there have been scandals here before he came, and that she herself was in the middle of some with CL, like fighting in the middle of the lobby at 120 decibels [Okay, I added that editorially]. And then CL fought with Juan. S2 lectures her in true CL mode about this being a mistake to let it go. She points out that his only mistake was to be in love with the wrong man. S2 looks back at her sharply. [Hm, are they talking about Pastor, really?] S2 comments that he hopes not to be doing something similar. She tells him she’s sorry to have to say it, but yes. What does she mean? That he’s looking for love in all the wrong places. And please be sure to close the door after himself, she’s got work to do.

Juan promises Laura a better place, and a promotion. She runs around the desk to hug and thank him. I don’t remember doing that when I got a promotion. Ever. They exchange flirty chitchat—he’s always so lovely with her, she comments as she strokes his arms. She wants to be his assistant but he points out he doesn’t have any. She acts like she’s thinking. How about with “Sandro?” Juan tells her this little man can’t be trusted. Laura hugs him from behind and tells him she loves it when he’s jealous. Juan’s look gives us hope that he might actually have registered a tactical error on his part.

Safely home in Angarita’s little casita, Pastor and Anga commiserate on their pains of body and love. Anga scolds that Pastor alone has brought this on himself [Ed. Note: no need to rub so much salt in the wounds, Anga.] If Pastor had only behaved totally like a man, it wouldn’t have happened. He continues laying it on thick—Pastor should be thanking God that the Licenciada Paula and Juan took pity on him and didn’t put him out on the street. Pastor keeps quiet, but we hear the sighs. Pastor then thanks heaven that Paula and Juan own Farell and not César Luis. And I was so critical of them! Now I have to acknowledge how much heart it takes to run a big company like this, and those two have it. He sobs a little as he speaks. Anga’s sorry he’s ill, or he’d be looking for Heriberto to tear his face off for laying a hand on Pastor. Pastor sighs. It’s better to let it go (leave it this size). Pastor sobs again, “Ah, Angarita, it looks like the two of us are doomed to be rejected by the people we love. Anga pats his brother’s shoulder.

Ivonne feels guilty about what happened to Pastor and Paula wonders why she feels like that. They’ve gotten home from a very strange day and are setting the table for dinner. Well, Ivonne told him to be sincere with Heriberto, and not keep fantasizing without Heriberto knowing Pastor’s intentions. Look what happened. Paula says that Pastor let it get out of hand. Ivonne continues that the worst part is that she never had seen him so in love with anyone. He’s suffering so much. Paula hopes that some day he’ll find the person who is just right for him. Ivonne wonders if they should set a place for Ana. Nope, she’s head over heels with her boyfriend, Paula smiles—she’s not likely to get here to eat. Ivonne chuckles that she’s on a binge (parrandera). Paula’s so happy to see her Mami living like she should have been living since she was young. The bell rings and Paula shoots over her shoulder that at least it’s probably not Heriberto. Whoa. It’s Marely. It’s a mini face-off.

Try his best, Juan can’t give Juanito a good enough explanation for why he let Marely slip through his fingers at the airport. He rubs Juanito’s ears and hair down from the bath. When he missed her at the plane, there would have been no way but to take a plane and catch up with her on the other side of the pond (charco – puddle, pool - Atlantic Ocean?). Juanito protests that he should have stopped it all by force. Juan tries to comfort him—he knows how hard it is for Juanito, but it’s hard for Juan, too, to think she didn’t want to be there with them. They have to accept it and get on with life. Juanito shakes his finger and demands that Daddy promise. Juan raises his right hand. Juanito wants him to wait her out for the year and when she gets back, make her accept and marry Juan. Juan’s hand fumbles around. He’s not promising. He stutters….and Juanito tries to nail him again. He warns Juan that he simply won’t accept any substitutions for a step-mama.

Paula is impactada, and so is Ivonne. What, she’s not already in Spain? Nope. [Ed. Note: Duh.} Ivonne ducks out to her bedroom as fast as her long legs can carry her. Paula wants to know what happened. Marely was about to get on the plane—and was paralyzed. She couldn’t get through the door. Her legs shook, she got cold suddenly, and a voice inside her said, “Marely, don’t go. Don’t go, because you’ll be sorry.” [Ed. Note: Juanito must have had an altar in his room and was sending up powerful prayers.] Now I’m here and have not the remotest idea what I’m going to do. Paula is muy impactada. What do you mean you couldn’t do it? I thought you were so sure of your decision. Marely admits that she thought that her dream of bettering herself was stronger than her love for Juan. Apparently not. Nothing, nothing is stronger than what she feels for him. Paula looks like she might hyperventilate.

Kike has arrived “home” at Julia’s apartment. She’s still got her pink suit on from work, Kike’s got his bright pink shirt on and the apartment is Very Pink. We have visions of Walt Disney. Kike is charmed by the apartment. He tells her that her “rum-mate” has arrived, like the Yankees (gabachos, Mexican definition, also defined as “froggy” “Frenchy” “Pyrenean” “foreigner or outsider” depending on where you are) say. The laugh shyly together. Kike likes how prettily she’s decorated the house. She bought fresh flowers because it’s a special day for the two of them. Also, she’s fixed up his room nicely, with new sheets (sábanas) and a large pillow. Kike is touched—she shouldn’t have bothered. No, it was no bother! They smile shyly at each other again.

Juan and Nidia sit sadly together in the living room. Juan comments that it was only this morning that Marely left and it seems like it’s been so long. He tells Nidia to cheer up; she’s depressing him. She tells him it’s not just for Marely she’s sad, but for Kike, too. He’s left the house now. Oh, yeah, he told Juan something about that in the morning. Maybe it’s good for both him and Yadira. How can that be good? Nidia doubts it. Juan tries to comfort her, but she’s hurting. Her daughter’s left and so has Kike, who has been like another child for her.

Marely cries and explains to Paula that she’s always been the one with her act together (cuadrada- to tally, to fit together, squared off, standing at attention, coming out on top). She’s never let herself go with her gut. Sometimes she’s been pretty hard on herself. Paula adds that she’s been cautious (precavida), and that’s a different thing. Paula can’t make eye contact and looks darned uncomfortable. Marely is impassioned, pointing out that she’s never had a drink, because she didn’t want to be seen drunk, she’s never escaped to a party, because she didn’t want to put her Mami in a bad mood. She’s never done anything for which she would have to be sorry later. So, what’s wrong with that? Paula is a little impactada. Marely continues her impassioned speech—doesn’t Paula realize, Marely’s always felt she had to be the rational one in her house, who made the right decisions, level-headed (ecuánime), fair, the one who perseveres, the responsible one in the house—and not just at home, but everywhere. She’s always assumed this role where she was and she feels like an old woman who never, never gave herself an opportunity to be wrong (never took a risk). And that bothers you? Yes! It bothers me a lot, because being so cold and calculating I sometimes feel I’m going to lose the one chance I have for happiness in this life. Paula hesitates a little—sure, with….with Juan? Yes. Yes, Paula, with Juan. Paula looks like she’s been hit with a truck.

Kike’s changed and has come into the living/dining room of the apartment. He hopes Julia isn’t bothered that he took a bath and changed into his jammies. [Ed. Note: Kike’s jammies are NOTHING like Juan’s, for which we probably are grateful.] Julia assures him it’s fine, it’s his house, too. She always gets more comfortable when she gets home from the office, putting on her robe (bata) and slippers (pantuflas). She’s fixed a salad for dinner, if that doesn’t bother him too much. If it’s not, she can prepare something more. She thinks he could benefit from her diet. He smiles widely and chuckles about needing to lose some of that belly. They chitchat about helping each other with the diet [Ed. Note: Like the New Julia really needs a diet or anything.] They won’t break it then. He wants to be like the thin folks on the ads.

Marely continues to tell Paula why couldn’t get in the plane. Maybe this is a test for her that God put into her path; for the first time she’s done something really crazy, totally wild (descabellado). Paula wonders if she’s going to carry on, doing these crazy things with a blindfold on (con los ojos vendados—with bandaged eyes), just because she’s so tired of being cerebral? Marely explains that she’s always thought life was a question of having a strategy, and perhaps what’s lacking in her life is changing the strategy. She’s going to need lots of help from Paula because no one knows she’s in Mexico and only Paula can help. ME? Yes, Marely’s had all day to think and refresh her memory about their history with Juan. Marely wants to ask Paula a very direct question, and they need to be very sincere here. Paula’s response may direct the course of Marely’s own future and Paula’s. Marely moves to the seat next to Paula and touches Paula’s hand, but Paula looks away. Marely says they’ve been the best of sisters and the best of friends. Because of this, she’s asking with her heart in her hand. Tell me—do you love Juan?

And we are reminded that any similarity to reality is purely coincidental.

Monday: Who knows? All they can talk about is the June 22 Gran Final!

Vocabulary

Me pisotea – he disses me (pisotear – tramples, abuses, disregards)
Chasco – disappointment
Zafarrancho - havoc
Guasa – joking, teasing, kidding
No se dan en maceta – they don't grow on trees (they don’t give them out in bunches of flowers)
Parrandera - binge
Gabachos - Yankees (gabachos, Mexican definition, also defined as “froggy” “Frenchy” “Pyrenean” “foreigner or outsider” depending on where you are)
Sábanas nuevas - new sheets
Cuadrada- to have one’s act together, tally, to fit together, be squared off, standing at attention, coming out on top
Precavida - cautious
Ecuánime - level-headed
Bata – robe, dressing gown, housecoat
Pantuflas – slippers
Descabellado - wild
Con los ojos vendados - blindfolded, with bandaged eyes

Jeanne

Labels: Juan