Caray, Caray!

We open to a replay of Toribio and his new novia chatting with a frustrated Alonslow in the living room. He wanted to read his medical book and she scolds him because life is too short. He makes his excuses and runs. She wants to know if that boy is really Toribio’s son—he’s so serious and Toribio is so niiiice. She flashes him a huge grin and Toribio takes the bait.

Lorena leaves the restaurant to find Ern waiting—she’s surprised. He’s worried about her—she’s been a little off tonight. Has something happened? It wouldn’t interest him. What? Hasn’t he shown her how much it might interest him? He can’t lie to himself---she’s become way too important to him. He puts his hands onto her arms, moves gently in to kiss her, and she gets all weird. This Magic Moment…isn’t happening tonight. Lorena just can’t commit to a kiss with Ernesto. (All of us are rooting for her out here in telenovelaviewerland, but she isn’t listening. Drat, frustrated again!) Lorena gives him all the reasons why she can’t and he agrees she’s right. Their relationship is very different and they have different lifestyles. She points out he likes his freedom and doesn’t like formal relationships. That’s not her ideal. She doesn’t share his ideas, but respects them. Ern bites his lip—there’s really nothing constructive he can say here, is there?

Rossy dashes up and wants to know if he’s giving them a ride. Nope, they’re taking a taxi. The muchachas pile into the cab and Ern looks after it wistfully, hand raised in a feeble wave of farewell. Our mucho macho hero looks like he wants to cry. Does it get a rating on Ferro’s UCS?

The People’s Clinic #23 is busy and the sirens are roaring. Alonslow is in the operating room with Florencia on the table. She’s on her tummy, so we can assume she’s having a spinal tap—she’s getting a local anesthetic. She’s scared to death as he tries to help her stay calm-it’ll only be a little stick of the needle. At least in this, Alonslow knows what needs to happen. She asks him to hold her hand so she can feel more secure and Alonslow complies. Nice Bedside Manner with patients, at least.

Meanwhile, down the hall, Bruno welcomes Snortensia’s Sleazy Lawyer but scolds him—it’s not prudent for him to show up at the clinic. Folks might recognize him. Ya think? Not that he’s been on the tele or anything like that. The lawyer points out that when he sees what’s coming he won’t feel like griping, and opens the briefcase to reveal muchos pesos. Bruno’s eyes get predictably bigger than the make-up already makes them look. It’s 20% -- the first installment. What, she couldn’t just write a check? (Evil chuckle). What, you nuts? (Okay, I paraphrased). Bruno reaches to touch the pile and the lawyer slams the briefcase shut. There’s a little more—his client wants info on the wedding, speed it up already. Bruno assures him he should just tell her to get the second payment ready. They smile at each other, oil oozing.

Rossy comes into the combo bedroom of Lorena/living room shaking her finger. She’s not moving until Lore tells her what’s up with the Profe. Lorena closes her eyes and says “he was at the point of kissing….” Rossy flops back on the sofa “NO!” She knew Lorena would trap him! Lorena tells her to hold on; she doesn’t want something between them. Rossy argues with her. He’s SOOO handsome! Lorena points out he’s got a pile of discarded novias and she can’t really be anything important in his life. He’s not up for a family and sharing a life with someone like she wants. Rossy thinks she could try. Nope, Lorena doesn’t ever want to suffer for love again. Gee, folks, she really IS young, isn’t she?

Tío Ernesto greets his sister and little niece into his living room. He peels shoes off his niece who has thrown herself in his arms yelling “¡Tío, it’s been forever since I’ve seen you!” He exchanges chitchat with his sister. The boys are on a school trip with their Pop. She’s got nowhere to leave the little tyke. Well, what about daycares? Meanwhile his niece plops on his sofa and announces she told her Mami she wants to stay with him. He’s sorry, but he has to work. She promises to be really good and whines charmingly to stay with him. He tries to talk her into staying at his house with Fanny. He can’t take care of her at work. No problem, she’ll take care of herself and be really good. Sis sees her moment of escape and exits, stage left, thanking him before he can think twice. We note that she had a plan—her shoes never came off for a split second. Ern ruffles his hair in consternation. His charming sobrina gives him a gap-toothed grin that would melt Frosty. He smiles back and we know whose grin genes she got. Maybe he can handle one kidlet at a time.

Maruja and Zulema prepare the day’s orders and chat. Zulema’s so appreciative and Maruja’s glad to do it since she resigned from Snorty’s shop. Will she look for work? Later—they gave her a good severance pay. She deserves a good job, and Zulema will miss her so much. Whatever, they’ll always be friends, according to Maruja. Hugfest.

Bruto (sic) slams his briefcase down on the reception desk and Diana jumps—he startled her. That slam had some hostility in it, friends. He wants her to blow the pop stand with him for breakfast and she can’t leave work. Bruno wonders if it isn’t time for her to think about quitting, and Diana is a bit taken aback. Apparently it hasn’t crossed her mind that she wouldn’t be working after they marry, to help pay the expenses. He tells her his salary will cover it nicely. (Yeah, and Snorty’s hefty incentive bonus). She asks about the briefcase—oh, work papers. Vasco passes, greets her and she knows who it is even from behind her. She tersely greets him and Bruno sighs with annoyance as Vasco goes on his way to work. Vasco’s one more reason for her to not work there. Diana assures Bruno she only has eyes for him. He wants to Meet with the Parents tonight. He wants to formalize their relationship. Bruno gets to the point after all the beating around the bush—he wants a date for the wedding. She gives him a lovely smile.

Paula stands at the reception desk at Snortensia’s shop asking for Sara. She’s got all her wares to peddle. The receptionist tells her there’s no SARA Armendáriz, only Snortensia and Jaime (and she conveniently omits telling Paula they’re in jail instead of at the shop). The only Sara is the granddaughter of the Señora, but her name is de la Cruz. Great, she’s my sister-in-law, Paula spits back at the chick—announce me already. The receptionist calls up to announce Paula’s Presence, but Sara’s not in. Paula wants to go up and wait—when the receptionist dials up again for authorization she asks for Sra. Jacqueline Hernández. Paula quickly sees the wisdom in staying downstairs.

Snortensia enjoys a cup of coffee and her morning newspaper, minus the coffee, in her studio apartment that has such tasteful furnishings including very contemporary grid-style bars on the front. The headline screams “Scandal Sinks Food Company.” She reads about her detention in jail, all the facts as they know them, and what it means to some reporter. And fumes. Sara comes to ask how Snortensia’s doing, and it’s about time you got here is the only response. Oh, no, there’s more. How’s the company doing? Fine, Granny. Well, are you going back to work or are you “on vacation?” This with a practiced sneer. Sara whines. “Why are you saying that?” Snorty slaps the newspaper, headline first, up to the bars and demands to know qué the h*** this means. Sara tries to mollify her—they’re exaggerating. Snorty wants to know why Sara hasn’t told her. Sara didn’t want to bother her. Sara tells her not to worry. When she gets out it’ll all get resolved. And, oh, yeah, by the way, I’m taking care of getting some fake docs back into the orphanage. Without your signature on them.

Ern apparently CAN do better with one kidlet at a time. Except that he has to take this one along when he goes to the office. Lorena, all ready for working, is surprised to see him and the little niece. She asks who it is and Ern tells her it’s his daughter. The little one keeps her mouth shut but Lorena’s gapes. Then the little one says hola, all innocence.

Your daughter? Sure. What’s wrong? Lorena is impactidíssima. The niñita says her name’s Gina. You have a CHILD? Then Lorena’s indignant because he hadn’t told her. Well, that’s why he can’t commit to anyone. Ern tells her it’s a joke, this is his niece, and Lorena stalks off, Very Put Out. Ern, glued to Gina’s hand, tries to call Lorena back but doesn’t stoop to dragging Gina so he can follow Lorena. He turns to Gina and shrugs.

Monica’s timing is IMPECCABLE. Probably the director selected her just for her timing. Out she comes from her bat cave under the restaurant. (Okay, I made that part up). She snaps at Ern—what’s this child doing here? Gina gives her a bright, cheery, gap-toothed smile and “hola.” Moni softens for a nanosecond and he tells her this is his niece. She’s with him. Moni wants to know with whose permission the kid’s here. The almost-smile is fading. Ern tells her he doesn’t need anyone’s permission and hustles Gina off to the kitchen. Moni looks bemused and a trifle irritated. Pretty much life as usual.

Sara finds Jacqui hard at work although a tad underdressed for your typical company other than Playboy, Inc. Jacqui wants her to look at some stuff, but Sara has other plans and opens the door wider to reveal Paula with her make-up kit—Sara’s getting a makeover from the sister of the guy she’s making. Paula gives Jacqui a smug look. Of course. Sara is all innocence (there’s a lot of that going on tonight) sweetly asks if they don’t already know each other? Paula retorts that they’re intimates—she’s the hag who took my husband. Jacqui says not her fault. They toss around a couple of insults before Jacqui stalks off. Paula scoffs—on top of it all, SHE’S offended?

With Sara all to herself, Paula’s going to sell her something to change her life. Funny, that’s what Chalo tries to do most nights, too. What, Sara asks, a lottery ticket? Paula’s not surprised her brother likes Sara with her sense of humor. Paula wants to show her the creams and Sara says she’ll buy some-she’s gotta run. Doesn’t Sara want a demo? Nope. Quickest sale of Paula’s life. (Given that she’s sold to two other folks so far.) Sara muses to herself that it’ll get Paula out of her and counts out a wad of cash. Paula grins like a loon.

Lorena’s dejected and Ern finds her in the staff locker room, moping. (Geez, Louise, does he look goooood in a red polo shirt that fits his muscles so well. Do you reckon he has an exercise corner in that apartment, girlfriends?) Lorena wonders what he’s doing here. Got tired of waiting for her to come out, that’s what. Lorena remarks that she’s an idiot and he denies it and says he’s an idiot for trying to make jokes after what happened last night. She protests that nothing happened last night and gets up off the bench, moving away abruptly. He disagrees, lots happened. He starts to tell her what he’s been thinking and she interrupts—he has his way of life and she has hers. Everyone’s happy. Ern walks around the bench she was sitting on toward her. Really, happy? She tells him not to be conceited. She’s not pining after him. He smiles charmingly (and we see why he has piles of novias strewn around the D. F.) and tells her that’s good because he’d never forgive himself for making her suffer. She mutters that’s perfect, he doesn’t understand a thing. (For what it’s worth, I thought I understood until this very moment, so I apparently don’t, either). Lorena strides out and he watches her go—at first bemused and then with a smile. But, it’s a confused smile.

Florencia looks like she’s been rode hard and put away wet, poor little thing. Alonslow comes in and announces gently that she behaved so well in the morning she deserves an award and pulls out a cute stuffed doggy. How lovely! Thanks! Her eyes fill with tears and she hugs the doggy to her, stroking it. Alonslow gets serious—she asked him not to tell her godmother anything, but it’s time to tell her. This is serious. Florencia panics—no, if you tell her, she’ll die. He tries to tell her she needs someone to be with her. Florencia insists she’s alone in the world. (Who the heck is this child’s godmother?) He hugs her, concern etched on his face. Well, of course, Sara just has to be coming into the patient’s room because she can’t wait quietly in his office, so she sees Alonslow hug this kid half his age. She retreats in a rage.

The rage becomes a raging fire as she lets him have it with both barrels in his office. (You remember the English dicho—the best defense is a good offense—well, Sara is the most offensive person we know). She puts him off balance yet again with her accusations about him hugging patients and that can’t possibly be a medical prescription. Sara wasn’t born yesterday, that’s the patient who supplanted her last night with him. Well, of course! She’s got leukemia! How moving. So, you’ll cure her with hugs? Alonslow thinks he’ll gain ground by telling Sara he won’t permit her to make a scene here. (Hah.) Lorena is helpless, she has no family. Sara catches the huge slip of the tongue—LORENA!!! He denies he said it—her name is Florencia. They fuss about what he called her. Sara’s eye bulge with rage. (Has anyone told her how unattractive that is?) She accuses him of using the wrong name because he is thinking about Lorena. What an acting job. She turns away, telling him not to lie to her, putting her hand to her forehead in “despair.” That’s all she needed, that he’s thinking about THAT girl. Will he turn his back on Sara? She, who has shown him HOW MUCH she loves him. (Oh! Is THAT what all the bedroom scenes were about?) Alonslow tries again to recover. Sara tells him she only came looking for him to go out to eat and be together. Sob. He tries to calm her, so they won’t have a storm in a glass of water. (Pay attention here) They’ll go wherever SHE wants. He hugs her and her jaw squares up a little.

Toribio’s new novia is feeding him again and “did you like it?” would be an understatement. He loved it. He kisses the hands that prepared such delicacies for him. Gee, no one has ever said such lovely things to her. He gets up to walk around a little and she reminds him there’s dessert. He asks who the guys are in the gallery of five black and white photos on her wall. He thought they might be novios. Nope, they are…um…brothers! [Ed. Note: Do we have a Black Widow in the house?] She’s nervous – how could he think they were boyfriends? They grin nervously at each other.

Gina colors quietly at a table until Lorena comes in to set wine glasses in place at the restaurant. Is Lorena still mad with Gina’s uncle? Lorena frowns—me, no. Why? Well, because he told you I was his daughter. Lorena sheepishly tells her it was a surprise to her, but she didn’t get mad…Gina asks the next logical question. Is Lorena his girlfriend? She grins hopefully. Lorena rolls her eyes toward the kitchen. NO. (Guess who’s peeping through the peephole and looking deflated?) They’re just FRIENDS. What a same. Gina wanted Lorena for her uncle. She’s a heap better than all the rest of the novias. Thanks, but nope, we’re nothing. Well, how come you’re not novios? Lorena looks pointedly at the peephole where Ern is peeping and waiting eagerly for the answer. BECAUSE your uncle is not interested in committing to any woman. She crosses her eyes and looks down at Gina sternly. Gina announces that’s what her mother says, too. What a coincidence. But, Lorena and Gina can still be friends, Lorena tells her. They high five on it. Ern grins through the peephole.

Zulema and Maruja occupy themselves productively after all the cooking is done with a count of profits. Zulema wants to pay Maruja, who doesn’t want to be paid but finally gets convinced. Maru goes for coffee, and Zulema suggests they have their coffee and watch Chef Oropeza. Zulema switches it on. Maruja loves his recipes. They settle in for some good fun. (It’s all a matter of perspective, isn’t it?) Zulema’s gotten his autograph and brings it out for show and tell. Not only did she get a bona fide autograph, it’s even on an apron. How authentic! “With affection for Zulema—Chef Oropeza.” They giggle and Maruja remarks that she wishes she could work with a chef like him. Julián interrupts—he though heard Rossy’s voice. It could be head noise, though. Maruja says they’ve been mistaken for each other before. Zulema offhandedly tosses out that if he misses her he should just talk to her. Julián looks skeptical and retreats to hibernate some more. Maruja and Zulema discuss this new twist—if he’s asking for her, that’s something at least. He loves her! Let’s hope he can recover from his problems. Maruja nods sympathetically. The television calls….

Paula is creative in her pursuit of Raimundo. She’s found what trips his trigger and looks up movies in the newspaper—Italian movies. She would love to see them and thinks he would, too. Does she dare to call him? They’re modern adults after all. She debates with herself and calls after she remembers that Greta tells her “all’s fair in love and war.”

Dra. Serrano strides purposefully into Bruno’s office and is greeted with his usual smarmy grin and hello. She gets to the point—she’s been looking for him since this morning. Where’s he been? Hospital-type meeting. Our highly qualified slime ball has degrees from Northwestern University and the University of California on the wall over his left shoulder, folks. She rails at him that there are lots of patient complaints because he’s screwing his patients over with poor attention. (Okay, I beefed that up a little). He blames the victims and points out that vulnerable sick folks complain a lot. We’re the docs. Can we assume he means the docs are gods who must be set on a pedestal and allowed to do what they please? She ignores this and points out that before he became the Chief of Staff, complaints were virtually non-existent. He goes on the offensive—are you implying I’m failing here? She retorts that he’s supposed to be taking care of patients, and the complaints are serious. There are some that say he’s denied lab services. There’s one patient for whom you’ve cancelled consulting services five times, and there’s a lack of medicines. He vows to be keeping his eye on things better. She continues that she’s not sure he understands that his position here’s at stake. She doesn’t want a single complaint more, because she’ll be forced to consider a new Chief of Staff. Dra. Serrano spins around and leaves, with Bruno shrugging and telling himself he’ll go with the program for the time that he has left here. His future’s secure.

Peeping Julián leans down to look through the glass door outside the Les Magueyes Restaurant telling himself he only wants a glimpse of Rossy. The hostess indignantly asks from behind him if she can help him. Does he want a reservation? Julián says nothing and runs off. The hostess looks alarmed and rushes inside. Lorena is the first person she sees and tells about that strange guy who made her nervous. Where? The hostess points excitedly—there! Lorena rushes out and sees Julián, calling to him. He looks startled and runs, leaving Lorena chuckling. He still loves her!

We come into a lovely valley with a small town in it. An old man in a Mom and Pop store greets Chalo—he never expected to see Chalo back. Chalo scoffs, how could he not visit the town where he was born and raised? They talk about how he’s been while Chalo chomps down on a snack. What’s he up to these days? Oh, some business. If it all does well, he’ll be able to retire soon enough. Sister Trinidad and her long shadow come in and greet Don Cipriano. Chalo is impactado as he realizes he is probably busted. Madre Trinidad asks “Gonzalo, what are you doing here???” Now we know why he goes by Chalo. The nuns’ eyes show how impactadas they are to see him. “Visiting.” His frown is the only sign that he’s panicking. Sor T notes that he disappeared into thin air. Where’d he go. Chalo responds he went north, and Don Cipriano throws in that he went to the capital but Chalo quickly recovers and says Don C misunderstood, Chalo was really in the capital of Durango. Chalo keeps chomping, blathering, and eyeing the nuns a trifle anxiously as if he’s studying whether anything will dawn on them. Chalo muses to himself that he’s busted—those nuns are super holy (read that naïve), they’re not going to think they smelled anything fishy.

Things are hopping at Les Magueyes. Rossy rushes over to Lorena and asks if she’s seen who’s coming in the door. “Julián?” Rossy is confused, but directs her attention to Slimy Sara with Alonslow. Rossy offers to take over for Lorena, or Felipe can take the table, since they’ve been seated at one of Lorena’s stations. Lorena wants to soldier on—she’ll do her work. Rossy wishes indigestion on the witch and Lorena scolds her to stop. Lorena’s going to find out for herself what’s going on between the two of them. Rossy tries one more time to get her to give up the table to Felipe. No.

Sara flirts with Alonslow. She is so grateful he’s brought her to this divine place and Alonslow is relaxed enough for a change—until Lorena comes to wait on them. She announces her name and tells them she’s their server. Duh. Sara scowls and Alonslow is commercial break-irritated.

Alonslow can’t make eye contact and tells Sara they’re leaving. Sara looks defiantly up at Lorena and tells him no way, she wants to stay. Lorena tells them she’ll give them a moment to get their act together. Alonslow’s jaw twitches and squares as he grinds his teeth—gee, he’s really working on that facial expression stuff, isn’t he? Sara begins the trash talk litany. She’s glad this chick is waiting on them—it’s what she deserves. Alonslow tells her please, enough already. What? Does it bother you to see her? Of course it doesn’t bother him. Then let’s stay. Or, are you beginning to think about her again—first that Florencia and now her. Alonslow is getting provoked.

In their corner, Rossy tells Lore “what nerve.” They’re staying. Sure, Lorena assures her, no way is Sara wasting an opportunity to humiliate her. Rossy thinks she should throw boiling soup in Sara’s face and see who’s humiliated then. Ern emerges from the kitchen in the nick of time to embrace a startled Lorena (likely excuse) so Alonslow will see she’s not missing him. Ern calls her his soul-mate. Let’s hope he takes those words to heart. He asks her to come to the kitchen a minute. Let’s note here that most of us don’t get this kind of reception when co-workers come looking for us. Rossy is impactada and Alonslow looks up just in time to see the embrace with Lorena facing off a little defiantly at him once she’s overcome her shock at being manhandled. Sara watches his sullen face, puzzled, as Alonslow remarks that now he understands. Sara wants to know what he understands and he leans over, grabs her face with quintessential finesse, and lays a big kiss on her in the middle of the crowded restaurant. Ern looks at the scene in concern, arms folded around Lorena, who looks on, distressed, while Alonslow sneaks glances at them and continues kissing Sara. Sheesh, talk about macho junior high boy behavior. Lorena looks up at Ern and Alonslow grabs Sara by the hand to drag her out. They’ve overstayed their welcome. Sara protests but they’re out of there. Lorena turns to Ern and tells him he didn’t have to hug her. He said he was just helping, since he saw her ex and thought because they were friends….Lorena cuts him off. If he thought it affected her to see them, he thought wrong. She stalks off leaving Rossy with big eyes. Ern shrugs and goes off to cook, leaving Rossy grimacing at the skirmish.

In the parking lot of the restaurant, Sara goes on the attack. So it didn’t affect you to see her? Alonslow says he thought better of it. They fight and he tells her to get over it and reminds her he’s with her after all. Sara keeps pushing. She hopes that’s true and his thoughts are with her as well. She scowls at him, willing him to be hers alone.

Back at the orphanage, Madre Carmelita scurries in where Madre Trinidad is helping one of the children. There’s a citation to appear in the D. F. –police biz. It’s for the Mother Superior but she’s in Rome. Should they send it to the Diocese? No, it’s urgent. Holy moley, Sara is involved in a private investigation! They want her adoption file. Surely they must want to be sure she’s the granddaughter of this woman, right? But wait, the file disappeared and couldn’t be found any place! Lorena’s and Sara’s, both are gone. They want an appearance day after tomorrow! Well, files or no, we have to go. They decide to look one more time in the archives. Before they leave the little girls, they do what every good teacher does when s/he leaves kids unattended—give directives for them to stay put and keep working.

Meanwhile, Chalo (aka Gonzalo) artfully breaks and enters the unlocked convent. He finds the right drawer and slips two files into separate places, flashlight skillfully held between his teeth. Hearing the frantic voices, he utters a curse and gets behind the door, grabbing a huge brass candlestick guaranteed to drop even the strongest of men. As the nuns open the door a little voice yells for them to come because Lupe has a tummy ache and she’s going to hurl. The nuns decide to go take care of Lupe together, being as they never go anywhere separately. Chalo breathes again, puts the candlestick back, and listens at the door, anxious.

Rossy hustles around the locker room, asking Lorena why she talked about Julián when Rossy told her Sara and Alonslow had come in. Lorena fibs—it would have been a surprise if he’d showed up. Rossy is successfully diverted and comments that he’s foolish. They could be so happy together if not for his nonsense. Lorena is sure they’ll work it out and Rossy wants to know how she can be so sure. Lorena’s part witch—hadn’t Rossy realized? Rossy gives her a smile of mild reproach. Then she frowns a little—something’s not quite right here. She crosses her arms and stares at Lore.

Alonslow has come for juice in his jammies when he finds the Widow in her robe and a towel around her head is wandering out of his bathroom. She greets him and a very startled Alonslow jumps behind the island in the kitchen so we can only see his shirtless torso. (Okay, we have to concede there are some pluses to having Gabriel Soto as a protagonist). Alonslow, trapped in the kitchen corner, screams for his Papa. Toribio wants to know if he realizes he’s in his jockey shorts. Alonslow whispers “What, did she stay to sleep over?” The Widow laughs charmingly. She’s plenty modern but not that modern. No, it’s that she has no water. Toribio is totally amused. What, Al wonders, first the gas and then the water? (Anyone betting on her handyman ability to turn off her water and turn off her gas?) Toribio laughs that he had nothing to do with the problems. The Widow goes off to dress, and she’ll return to make them breakfast. She turns over her shoulder—how does Tobi like his eggs? With salsa verde, please. Over a tortilla, like this. He demonstrates. Ranchero style. Got it. She ambles out. Alonslow is impactidíssimo at his Papi.

Lorena stops by the Lesser House to greet Zulema out in her yard. Julián is with her, and Lorena is glad to see them because she wanted to let them know that Rossy is leaving town and they need to tell her goodbye. She’s leaving to live in Mexicali. ¿¿¿Qué??? You heard me. Our boss lady asked her if she’d like to go to a new restaurant down there and she didn’t think twice. Lorena tried to convince her to stay, but…..There’s nothing left for her here. Maruja joins them and Zulema tells her it’s such a shame about Rossy, one never wants to say goodbye to the children. Maruja is impactada—huh??? Zulema explains what Lore just told them and Lorena looks her in the eye and tries to send Maruja signals, telling her it will all work out Just Fine. Maruja fusses about that chit not telling her this plan, she’s going to get an EARFUL! Lorena says it’ll all be fine, she only wants to forget Julián. His Mami reams that One, see what he’s caused? Julián rushes off to the rescue. Lorena cackles and Maruja fusses at her. It was a little white lie, Lore explains, to get Julián off his duff and back with Rossy. Does Rossy know? Nope, better to let him find her and they’ll work it out. The Mamas roll their eyes and they all chuckle.

The nuns have gone through all the drawers in the archives except one. Madre Carmelita suggests they eat breakfast and then continue. Nope, Madre Trinidad wants to look just a bit more. Madre C is astonished at the amount of work the orphanage has done on behalf of children, reflected in the files. They come back to the drawer they originally looked in and the files weren’t there months ago. Well, lo and behold! BOTH of the files are there! (Not too obvious, either, as they stick up a little from the others with names prominent). Gasps and prayers of rejoicing. Madre T notices that’s a little strange, though—how did they miss them the last time? Must not have looked as well as you thought. Madre T looks into Lorena’s. She gasps again. Lorena will die of shame.

Speaking of the Queen of Rome, she’s taking her leave from Maruja and Zulema, who stops her to thank her for the info Lorena supplied. The police are going to get a statement from the Mother Superior. Lorena tells her they won’t find anything in the orphanage. Madre Trinidad checked everything. Sara for sure must have the papers. Well, the nun will be here tomorrow. Lorena will be excited to go see Madre Trinidad.

Rossy makes a promise at her little altar, candle burning. If God returns Julián to her, she promises to behave right, help him and not scold. The bell rings. It’s Julián, of course. He drops to his knees, grabs her by hers, and begs her not to go. Where could she possibly go with him clutching her legs? He practically knocks her over in his anxious quest to keep her in the D. F. He babbles about Mexicali and she thinks he’s drunk. She begs him to explain. What, you’re not going to Mexicali? Not that she’s aware. He gets up and wonders why he’s there, then. Rossy casts an eye to the altar with thanks San Antonio for bringing him back and answering so fast. She tells Julián he’s there because San Antonio sent him; the saint knows she can’t live without him. They kiss. Lorena must be clairvoyant—she comes in and grins at the reconciliation she’s wrought.

Moni, with her usual calm good humor, encounters Raimundo and greets him. Yesterday she wanted to see him urgently but he was nowhere to be found. She has a question. Is this a restaurant or a daycare? Raimundo is bemused. Is it a trick question? She demands a response. Stop playing games, then and get to the point. Monica snitches about Ern daring to bring his little niece HERE to work with him. All day. Oh. And? Well, it’s a WORK place. She’s not going to permit it to get filled up with brats. Well, did she break something? Lose us some customers? No. Well, then, what’s the problem? If Ern does whatever he feels like, before long they’ll all make their own rules and the place will be full of kids. Monica looks around the lovely restaurant in disgust at the very thought. Gee, won’t she make a great Mom some day? Raimundo gets creative—if they bring their kids, we’ll need a play area. (Sort of like the playgrounds at McDonald’s?) She warns him he’s going to be sorry for giving Ernesto such a long leash (tener or dar manga ancha—have a wide sleeve, or colloquial --be lenient with). He accuses her of being full of spleen/liver stones because of her foolishness (like gall stones—this is a historic reference, probably, to stones that were found in the Amazon and “it was pretended that (they) came from the country of the women without husbands.” Quote from “The Discovery of the Large, Rich, and Beautiful Empire of Guiana” by Sir Walter Raleigh. This is from a 1596 text that was re-edited with comments and printed in 1848 in London by Sir Robert Schomburgk. I found it on Google Book Search—it’s been scanned and uploaded from a London archive. The stone is probably Amazonite.) Moni insists they need to impose some rules on the peons. Raimundo is sorry, but today he has an inescapable appointment. What, with his chicks? Exactly. She smiles until he’s out of sight.

Alonslow finds that Florencia’s bed is empty. Val tells him Bruno had her moved to the Women’s Hospital. Alonslow fumes.

Maruja, Julián, Zulema, Lorena and Rossy toast with orange liquid stuff (doesn’t look like our orange juice, but could be tamarind juice). They toast to Rossy and Julián—and Zulema hopes Julián doesn’t give them so many problems any more. He scolds Lorena for making him suffer—he bought the whole story about Rossy. They all chuckle. Rossy thanks her and loves her a bunch. Salud! Clink, clink, drink.

Alonslow runs down the gurney with Florencia, who is in a panic. He assures her he didn’t order her transfer and demands the EMTs put her back in her room. They have orders from Dr. Palma. Alonslow yells that this is his patient and it’s not important what Dr. Palma told them. One of them tries to protest, but Alonso tells them it’s an order. He’s the treating doc and he’s doing what he sees best for his patient. He strokes her head in comfort. Gee, whiz, she looks like Lorena. He’ll go talk to Dr. Palma. They take her back, leaving Alonslow catching his breath.

Bruno sits calmly at his desk, doing paperwork (it’s about time) when Alonslow storms in. What’s in your head? Why did you order a transfer for Florencia? Who’s that? You signed the paper work and she’s MY patient. Oh, yeah. I know the girl with leukemia. Bruno tries to make a case for the transfer—the situation is grave, sooner or later the money will run out, it’s better she gets treated elsewhere—someplace they cost less. Oh, sure. You’re only thinking of the self-interest of the clinic. Alonslow wants to find financial support for her treatment here. He pounds on the desk for emphasis. Why get ourselves into complications? What’s more, the treatment will go on for a long time, and it’s not worth our while to keep someone here that long. Alonslow accuses him of thinking like a bean-counter and not a doctor. Bruno brings out his ace—she’s probably going to reject the treatment, have you seen the results of the tests? Alonslow just stares at him in defiance. (Yes, folks, it’s an actual stare of defiance and anger! Like a real doc would have on behalf of a patient!) This girl has the worst form of leukemia. Her youth in this case is an even greater risk factor. Alonslow protests hotly and Bruno says “sorry, decision’s been made.” Alonslow continues to stare in anger and disgust. Bruno smiles smarmily and wonders what he’s got going with this patient. Alonslow attacks—he doesn’t have to explain to Bruno, but this patient’s here as long as he’s here. Alonslow shakes his finger in Bruno’s smug face and then storms out. Bruno gives an unaffected shrug and eyebrow raise.

Zulema’s cheery as she arrives home with Julián. He’s just as cheery, picking her up and declaring he’s come back to life. She’s happy to see him happy. Will he go and look for work? Yep. For Rossy, for Zulema, and for himself. He asks her to forgive him. She hugs him, her darling. Meanwhile, he’ll keep helping her with the orders she gets. She tells him how much she loves him—and hopes that some day they’ll be able to regain Sara as they have him. Julián tells her that they shouldn’t be sad—it’ll all work out some day. Around mid-November, by my rough estimate.

Dra. Serrano studies a paper and there’s a knock on her door. It’s a hot and bothered Alonslow (professionally speaking). How can she help him? He wants to report an injustice. He proceeds to tell how Dr. Palma ordered the transfer of one of his patients to save money. That’s not his responsibility, notes Dra. Serrano. Alonslow continues that she’s got leukemia and he feels that this hospital is the place where she’ll get the best treatment. Dra. nods in agreement. If money is the problem, Alonslow tells her, he’ll find the funds to cover it. The Doctora tells him he can count on her support—in this hospital they never make medical decisions based on the economic ability of the patient to pay, but on the well-being of the patient. PSA time, folks. He thanks her with Serious and Sincere written all over his face.

Moni comes into the main dining area of the restaurant at the same time Ern comes looking for Lorena. He wants her to test this new dish he just invented. Moni crosses her arms when she hears he’s looking for Lore. He’d ask her, he tells Monica, but….Sure, you don’t trust my palate. No, it’s not that I think you have bad taste, but I think you don’t have any appreciation for me. Moni looks a little startled to hear him put it to her so directly. She squirms. Lorena comes in and he offers the dish to her to test. He wants her sincere opinion—this just came to him. Monica warns her to be careful with what she says, because he really only accepts the opinions of his staunch cronies. She sneers while Lorena looks taken aback. Ern says “correction, of those who care about me.” He extends the dish to Lorena—try it. Moni grabs a fork, dives in, tastes and say she’s going to test it anyway. She declares it divine, like one would want to have for a night of pleasure, just as Sandra said. Ern sighs. Moni looks over her shoulder at a still bemused Lorena, smiling snarkily. She turns and struts off. Lorena reluctantly notes that she was pretty jealous, wasn’t she? Ern asks “and you?” Lorena turns without a word and strides off, leaving Ern to muse to himself that for sure she’s jealous. Lorena was jealous. He gets a wide grin. Over in her corner, Lorena sighs to herself—she wanted to try that new dish. She scolds herself. She CANNOT fall in love. No. Ern is still grinning as he tests the dish. Mmmm. His face is blissful.

Alonslow reassures Florencia there’s nothing to worry about; they’re keeping her here and giving her the best. She thanks him and he reminds her he promised. He looks down at her arm, beat up with the testing and all, with an IV drip taped in place. He lifts her forearm off the bed and there’s blood on the sheet. He gravely tells her he hasn’t gotten the results from the latest tests. Her eyes take on a worried cast.

Night has fallen in the D. F. We know that’s where we are by the winged victory statue. Sara sits in the office with Chalo telling her “mission accomplished, I’m back and I want my reward!” She tells him she’ll see him in a little while and asks if he put them back where they found the files. Yep. And no one saw him in town? He doesn’t say yes. “I’m a professsssional.” That satisfies Sara, perfect. She tells him goodbye and goes to pour water. Ickturo knocks and walks right in, closing the door a little loudly. You rang for me? She tells them they have to prepare; tomorrow the press is going to be at the courthouse/prison. Ickturo tells her that Granny wouldn’t like that. Sara wants her Granny to be freed and with witnesses so everyone will know that she’s not guilty. All the theatrics will be over tomorrow. (Yeah, right). How can she be so sure? She tells him “You just obey.” His eyebrows go up a little. He smiles knowingly as the music with the ticking clock plays in the background.

Apparently Paula (looking fine) and Raimundo have had a fabulous day of cinema. Paula comments that there are some actors who just shouldn’t die. Raimundo smiles at her and tells her Marcelo didn’t die; he’s eternal. Paula smiles widely back. The film enchanted her—she could see it a hundred times. Raimundo gets serious and faces her. There’s something that enchants him more. Being with her. And that could also be eternal. Paula smiles a little shyly. His phone rings and he sighs. It’s an emergency. Paula’s going to take a taxi home, but Raimundo insists she let his chauffeur take her and he’ll take a taxi. She somewhat reluctantly nods in acceptance. (Now we have a little more info on Raimundo—he’s muy, pero muy rico).

Bruno gets off on the right foot by thanking the Parents for receiving him. Diana sits next to him, smiling. Bruno knows they’ve been up to their eyeballs with the denunciation. Omar remarks that’s why he is surprised Bruno was so insistent. Diana breaks in—it’s for something very important. Bruno takes a breath and announces they’ve decided to get married before the end of the month. Zulema is startled—that’s quick. Why? Bruno takes Diana’s hand and Omar studies him skeptically. Bruno says they don’t want to wait more and Diana adds they want to live together, so the baby can be born in his own home. Omar notes that this means they’ve actually come to let the folks know, not seek permission, right? Bruno squirms and acknowledges he’s right. Omar comments that they’re adults—what more can the parents say? (Well, there’s a real welcome to the family if we’ve ever seen one!) Bruno suggests to Diana that she could bring some glasses of wine for a toast. That’s just great. A medical doctor suggesting that his pregnant fiancée toast. She goes off to comply, leaving Bruno squirming with the Parents. They all smile a little uncomfortably at each other. (Who said that Bruno reminds them of Eddie Haskell on “Leave it to Beaver?” He’s at his Haskell best tonight.)

Snortensia has a morning visitor at her premium lodgings. Is Sara sure that what this nun will say is going to favor their case? Sara points out that whatever she says, it’s not as important as the documents they’re bringing. Snorty asks if Sara confirmed that everything went according to plan. Yep. Good, well, then all they can do is wait. The hours she spends here seem eternal.

Joel is questioning Madre Trinidad. She’s spent a lot of years at the orphanage—does she have information or knowledge about the origin of Sara de la Cruz? Madre T reports that she had it right from Lorena de la Cruz’s mouth that Mother Asuncion, may she rest in peace, told Sara that Sra. Armendáriz brought Sara to the orphanage and is her grandmother. Joel notes that according to his understanding those who work in the orphanage can’t divulge the origins of the orphans. That’s RIGHT! Madre Trinidad cannot imagine what the reasons were that M. Asuncion did that. But she has faith that this was a person of integrity, decent, upright and fair. Period. Snorty’s Sleazy Lawyer breaks in. He understands that what she’s telling them is second-hand from Lorena dlC. It’s not really direct from Mother Asuncion. Right? Yes. Madre Trinidad asserts that Mother Asuncion NEVER talked about the origins of any of the orphans. The lawyer asks if there is a registry of the orphans in the orphanage that would support what Lorena says? That supposedly Mother Asuncion received Sara from the arms of Snortensia? She hands over the document that records Sara’s entry to the orphanage. The court reporter continues to type furiously. I feel his pain. The judge reads the document and reports that this document does record the entry of Sara into the orphanage, but it doesn’t include the name of the person who brought her. The sleazy lawyer jumps up to read. Joel looks disgusted. The sleazy lawyer smiles smarmily at the judge.

In the lobby, Sara accosts the sleazy lawyer—what happened? (Like she has no clue). He reports the declarations went all in favor of them. The Mother brought a document that clearly showed when you came into the orphanage, but no one was named as the one who brought you. Perfect! That means neither my Granny nor my Uncle can be declared guilty? Right. The lawyer’s going to inform them, ask for their release and there’s just paperwork that remains. One thing is still a question mark in his mind, though and he would like Sara to clear it up. Ask away, licenciado. If those papers didn’t name Snortensia as the one who brought you, why did she think you were her granddaughter? Sara thinks fast and tells him that Snortensia better than anyone that she is Sara’s grandmother. The lawyer needn’t ask any more questions. She turns, gives us viewers a look at her irritated and possibly anxious look, and walks away. The sleazy lawyer looks after her, understanding dawning in his brain, with an eyebrow raise.

Omar is indignantly talking to someone on the phone—how is it possible there’s nothing more they can do? They’re going unpunished, then? Joel explains the best he can. There isn’t enough evidence to take it to court. Then, the deposition of Mother Trinidad didn’t help. Nope. Sorry. Omar hangs up; he and Zulema look at each other sadly. The bell rings. It’s Sara to ream them out once and for all (from her perspective). She won’t come and tell them again, but everything they tried against her Granny was ineffective. And by the way, you’ve left yourself without a daughter—you can just forget about me forever. She spins and stalks away. The violins play. Zulema and Omar, impactados, close the door and face each other. They embrace, defeated.

Monday: Sara starts thinking of 50 ways to lose her lover. Ern tries to tell Lorena how he feels. Monica kisses Ernesto. And Lorena still hasn’t.

Have a great holiday, everyone!

Jeanne

Labels: enemiga