Caray, Caray!

If we have to see stuff from last night again, how thoughtful of the writers to give us the “First Kiss” scene. Ern lists Lorena’s stellar qualities and she chuckles humbly that pretty soon he’ll have her believing it. He could talk all night about her virtues. But, he lied. He spends part of the night kissing her. He loves her, she loves him, and she’s afraid. Anyone wanna lay bets on hearing this dialogue again in the near future? She’s embedded in his soul now and he’s never letting her leave. Goodbye to ‘Slow and hello, daybreak. What? They stood on their feet all night kissing and…uh….talking until the sun came up?? Right. But, the kisses were to die for and we are all in alt. Is there an award for best overall telenovela kissers? They have my vote.

Maruja does a bedcheck and finds out Lore’s MIA. She wakes Rossy up and points out the empty bed. Rossy figures Lore’s ended up spending all night with Ern. Maruja thinks no way, the kiddies are there, and Rossy points out they go to bed early.

Meanwhile, outside, Lore and Ern are saying goodbye for a couple of minutes until he comes back for her with the kiddies to have an outing family style. She tells him she’s never spent the whole night chatting. He chimes in even less for him. Lore grabs it—he wouldn’t dare tell her how he spends his nights. His smile is brighter than the dawning sun when he chuckles. Some ogre. More lovely kissing for your viewing pleasure. She loves him—but he loves her more. Lore frets that Maru’s going to fuss at her for not coming home all night and Ern volunteers to ‘splain but she squashes that fast. Last kisses and the plan for the outing is firm, so Lore hops out to go in and get ready for First Date Part II.

The Interrogator Squad waits in anticipation, in the living room, in their jammies and Rossy speculates about the long night out with Maruja disbelieving when Lore slinks in and wonders why everyone’s up so early. Maruja, in Full Mamá Mode, demands to know what she’s doing coming in at this hour. Lore is impactada at the FMM. Ha, Gotcha! Rossy and Maruja giggle. Rossy picks on Lore, but Lore tells them she and Ern spent the night at the scenic outlook and talked. Rossy is enthralled—they did it at the outlook! In harmony, Maruja and Lorena chime “Rossy!!” “What??” Lore insists they talked all night. Conveniently, she has forgotten the super kissing. Maruja and Rossy are happy for her.

Nurse Augie has taken her patient (only in a vegetative state could we call Snortensia patient) out for a walk in the garden and Vasco thanks her for caring for Granny so well. Augie doesn’t have patients, she has family. Sara fumes behind a corner. The three of them should just die! Shallow is stalking her again as she turns and nearly bumps into him. She chews him out—not in the mood for his jokes. Maybe it’s because she didn’t get to relax with her boyfriend last night? How ugly that her little boy doll left her watching the tele alone on a Saturday night. Hm, smells like…sniff, sniff, he’s mocking you? Sara tells him to go take care of his cars, that’s what she pays him for. Speaking of paying him, where’s his 50 mil pesos ($4,724.67 USD today’s rate)? Sara’s throat twitches in a gulp. Could it be she’s forgotten? He grins to himself as she stalks away.

Al comes to visit his family, all now moved to Paula’s house. Tori comes in and see him, spins and goes off to sulk. They chat about Papi, then he kisses Valeria and the niña. Val’s getting ready to go home to Cabos and she just has to tell Ickturo. She and Al actually look good together. Val hopes Icky will take the news maturely. Sheesh, she’s still in the dark after all these years with him. Paula agrees with me. He’s not worth it if he doesn’t take the news well. Al asks about Bettina. Nope, the boyfriend hasn’t shown up in days. Al goes off to see Bettina while Paula and Val continue their breakfast with the niña. Bettina’s still in bed, moping and Al tries to coax her out. Nope, not hungry. Well, if his Papi said that he’d understand, but Bettina? They have the “love hurts” discussion. He just evaporated into thin air. It’s a no contact situation. How long? Four days, woe is me, it’s horrible. Al thinks she should ask for an explanation. Duh. What part of no calls, hasn’t come by, no instant messages don’t you understand? Bettina thinks it has to do with Lorena being Al’s ex. Al tries to reassure her.

Speaking of the King of Rome, he’s sulking on the sofa while Fanny paces. He should have told her he would be out all night, she gently scolds as the party boy arrives home. She hastily beats a path out. The kidlets rightfully want to know why he didn’t come home to sleep and Ern kisses Gina, puts her on his lap, and explains he spent the whole night out for a walk with Lore. Ivan thought bubbles. Right, a walk. I wasn’t born yesterday. The kidlets are disappointed they weren’t invited to the party. Ern tells them he had to talk with her. About what? Well, to ask her to be my novia. They all hug because she accepted. Except Ivan, of course. He just mocks because Ern changes girlfriends like he changes shirts. Ern tells Ivan he doesn’t have to put up with the rudeness. He announces they’re ALL going on an outing. Ivan predictably rebels at the thought and Ern gets him on board by telling him to do it for the sibs.

At the Happy New Home of Bruto and Diana, Zulema is hearing that she should go to Cancun with Omar, because the place is a dream. Well, they brought her a few little things. Bruto goes for the bags, how convenient, so Zulema can ask how it’s going. Diana gives her a guarded “fine.” Why is she asking? Nothing, Zulema is happy if she’s happy. He’s back with the bag and “much affection.” Zulema thanks them. Diana tells her they brought everyone a little something – except Sara. Zule’s smile disappears. Diana wants to know if Sara came looking for the folks, asked their forgiveness, anything? Nope. Now she’s just taking care of her vegetative Granny. Bruno is impactado and pries for more info. Zulema fills him in. He sees his promise of fortune going up in smoke. I repeat what I theorized on last night’s episode: “I have a theory about Bruno and Diana, folks. Snorty’s vegetative, so when he goes for his payments in full, she can’t accommodate him. He can’t ask Vasco, obviously. He can’t ask the slimy attorney, who needs authorization from Snorty. So, he’ll be Put Out and either make Di’s life h*** or team up with Sara to rob Snorty, or both. Any way you look at it, he’s not getting his balance boosted soon. And he didn’t even know it because it all came down while he was off on his honeymoon.” Cap’n Sharkbait reminded me that the lawyer knows the deal, so he could follow through. I think Bruno will worry enough, though, that he’ll make Di’s life h*** for a while. Actually, he already is with the no work order. Bruno is commercial impactado.

Diana can’t imagine Snorty vegetative. She didn’t even think Snorty was human in the first place. Bruno wants to know the prognosis. It’s worse than he could have imagined. Diana and Zulema think it’s payback, and this time it’s for real. Diana and Zulema go off for the 50 cent tour of the apartment while Bruno goes into a deep funk.

Barb, always solicitous of the household help, has come to see if Shallow needs help reading the history book. Chalo wants to know if there’s going to be a quiz. She sniffs and asks if he put cologne on. Chalo is excited, she noticed. Heck yes, he must have smeared the entire bottle on. Does she like it? The truth??---NO. Chalo talks her into getting him cleaned up. If she goes to help him buy clothes, he’ll be refined. Barb considers this hesitantly—she doesn’t want to offend him but it costs and she seriously doubts he has it. He assures her he has the money. What, as a chauffer? No, the Srta. Sara doesn’t pay me enough to keep me fed—I inherited it. Well, truth to be told, it’s an inheritance, all right—it’s Sara’s which she decided to tap early to shut him up, but, who’s arguing fine points here? Barb thinks he should just start a business with it. Chalo’s good, though. In the end, they’re going for retail therapy.

Maru’s come to see Jaime but only finds Conchita, the wacky landlady, waving an incense flare around the room. What a shame, Maruja missed him. What makes you think I’m here to visit him? Conchita, wacky but astute, points out Maruja didn’t come to visit her. She doesn’t keep track of his whereabouts, either. Maruja starts to leave a message and decides against it. Conchita snoops—does he enchant Maruja? Maruja retorts that they’re just friends, and don’t be a busybody (novelera, make a novel out of it). Conchita tries to read their horoscope signs into it and Maruja quashes her enthusiasm. Conchita is incensed! She wants to know if Maruja is afraid to hear something she doesn’t want to. Bye bye, Conchita.

Ickturo holds his son, and his daughter gives him a drawing she made in school. Valeria gets serious and wants to tell the niños (Dieguito and Yanelis) that Papi isn’t going to live with them any more. Ickturo wants to tell it. Sometimes parents have their differences. They don’t want to live together and this is what’s happened with Mami and me. Dieguito goes off the set somewhere, obviously not with the program. Val takes over and tells Yanelis that they will live with her and Papi won’t. Yanelis tells them not to fight. Ickturo kisses her and tells her he made a biggggg mistake. Val assures her that Papi still loves her and Dieguito very much. Ickturo looks sick to his stomach.

Bettina is still frustrating herself trying to contact Ivan. Paula comes in with a super tight t-shirt that is sure to thrill Ferro. (Paula in Yo Amo a Juan didn’t need the décolletage, all she needed was t-shirts like this Paula’s). Paula thinks they need to talk woman to woman; she shouldn’t be beating herself up because Ivan doesn’t call. Bettina wants a change of subject—how about you and Papi, Mom? They actually discuss what’s coming down with Dario and Paula. But Paula points out it’s not as easy as Bettina thinks. Bettina argues on Papi’s behalf. She points out Mami told her once she still loves Papi. So, get it together already. Maybe they had to go through all this to find out they really love each other! Paula is amazed at her wisdom—sometimes it’s scary.

Yanelis wants to make sure her Papi will visit them. Ickturo’s voice breaks and he assures her he will. Ickturo’s Mami comes in. Yanelis wants to know if Granny knows they’re going to live in another house. So, Granny harasses Valeria about causing others pain, and Val doesn’t bend, you GO girl! She retorts that some folks are really good at criticizing and not at giving a good example. Granny ignores that and takes Yanelis off sweetly for a surprise. Val gives Ickturo the bad news that she’s moving close to her parents in Cabos. He tries to cajole, whine and force her not to take the children away. She tells him she feels it will be better for the children and he can come to see them when he wants. Ickturo looks close to tears.

Al gets yet another call at work that he knows is Sara and ignores it. She fumes—Lorena CANNOT win!

Barb strolls the mall with Chalo and tells herself if she sees anyone she knows, she’ll just DIE. Chalo sees a store he likes—should they go in? Barb asks herself what she’s doing out shopping with a chauffeur, biting her fingernails and scanning the environment for cronies. She must be nuts. Chalo wants to know if she heard him. Sure, let’s go in, she smiles nervously. He tells her he’s in her hands. Uh huh. She smiles and leads, with Chalo grinning at her backside and following. We are treated to a fashion show. First, a 60s holdover nylon splash print shirt. Nope. She actually laughs as she tells him “not that.” Then, board shorts and a t-shirt with wide green stripes. Not that either. Then a nice khaki blazer and print shirt. Approval here. Shopping done, Chalo peels off a wad of bills. Barb muses that it seems like he has some savings. Could it be that inheritance he talked about? Well, it’s somebody’s inheritance, Barb. Could even be yours.

Al, serious as always (a good look for him a) because he’s a doc, and b) because he isn’t required to move his face to execute it), is hard at work in his office when Bruto slithers in. He tries some small talk but Al confronts him—Al was thinking he’d present himself for duty early this morning. Well, yeah, but….Bruno does his level best to ingratiate himself until he learns the cold, hard, truth. While he was sleeping in Cancun, his job was outsourced to Al. Then, Bruno is just impactado for the second time tonight.

An amusement park is usually a source of amusement. Well, some of the happy family are amused on the roller coaster. Not Ivan, though, who is at the end waiting for the Fabulous Foursome to come down from their high. Lore asks if he’s going to join the fun. No. Ern asks if it’s because he’s afraid. Ivan cuts him off at the knees—no, he did those rides with his folks, and today he doesn’t feel like it. They go to a game of skill where if you knock down the little clowns, three in a row, you get a stuffed animal. Gina wants Tío to buy her a stuffed animal and he explains you can’t buy them. So, he gamely throws to win. Boy, oh, boy, are we getting some good muscle shots with the polo shirts lately. How come a chef has to wear long sleeves? But, I digress. Ern asks Ivan if he wants to try. Ivan wonders what part of “I don’t’ feel like it” that his Unc doesn’t get. [Ed. Note: I’ve put kids into In-School Restriction for stuff like this and would be very pleased if Ern sends Ivan to me for a week or so]. The Fabulous Foursome throw, and finally Ivan joins. He gets three in a row and gives the toy to Gina (even though Alex reaches for it). For a moment, all five are good. Then Ern wins one for Lore. Life is good.

Not at The People’s Clinic #23, though. Bruto is having a major meltdown. Al stole his job, and while Bruno was on his honeymoon at that. Al points out he married in haste and maybe should have waited. Bruno thinks Al waited until he was gone to sink Bruno. Al points out Bruno did it to himself with his lousy work. After ranting and raving at each other a while, Bruno declares he’ll just go see the regional authorities to restore him to his position and Al tells him whatever. Bruno storms out.

Ern and Lore grin like loons and Gina grins at her Unc grinning at a girlfriend. Ern thanks Lore for getting Ivan on board and tells her he adores her. Lore tells Ern they have to be patient with Ivan while he works out his rage. He’s not sure he can but she’s confident he loves his niece and nephews. More kissing. Gina approves. Like most kids, though, she gets bored with the oldies kissing and runs off when she sees a clown making balloon figures. Ivan and Alex come back with the goodies. Suddenly Ern and Lore come to. The goodies get passed out to Ern and Lore…. and there’s no Gina. Yikes. Lore yells her name and Ern clenches up, commercial impactado and worried sick.

They all scan the scene and see nothing of Gina. Ivan gets angry and sullen again, possibly with good reason this time, but it’s still not helpful. It’s all Ern’s fault for getting wrapped up in kissing Lorena. Heck, Ivan wasn’t even around so he must have second sight or something. Ern gives orders, and he and Lore run off to search in different directions leaving Ivan in charge of Alex, who is very worried about his sis. Ivan tells him that Ern doesn’t know how to take care of them. All that matters to him is making out with women. They sit down to wait. Lore runs and calls for Gina. She looks on the rides and in doors, but nothing. Ern runs and looks for Gina. He asks people if they’ve seen her, describing her with gestures. Lore asks folks if they’ve seen her, describing Gina with gestures. Ivan brainwashes Alex—they’ve never mattered to their Uncle. Alex stands up for his Uncle. Ivan says he has a funny way of showing how he cares, losing their sister through his own fault. Ivan swears that if they don’t find Gina, he’s calling the police to slap Uncle in jail. Alex has no retort for that but frets.

Ern is still on the run, looking. This is one BIG amusement park. More gestures to ask if people have seen Gina. More shaking of their heads, nope, they haven’t seen her. Lore runs out of the mouth of a biiiig clown with lots of other people, yelling Gina’s name. More gesturing and asking if people have seen Gina. More heads shaking no.

Gina is chatting happily with a sweet-looking old guy with a suit, tie, white beard and moustache. Ern sees her and grabs her, chewing the old guy out. Don’t you DARE put a hand on her! Gina wonders why he’s so mad. Perps like him should be in jail. The man just smiles gently and tells him that he’s made a mistake. He was just asking Gina who she came with. Gina protests to Ern the old gentleman was taking care of her. Lore runs up, finding them, and hugs Gina. Thank heavens! She notices the old fellow—it’s her friend from the park bench when she just arrived and everything was going wrong! What, they know each other? Lore nods to Ern—yes.

Ivan is still working on Alex about how bad Ern is. He’s not their father! Alex pragmatically points out they don’t’ have one any more, he’s the only one left to them and Alex loves him. Ivan keeps at it—Alex should be on his side, they are brothers, after all. He gets Alex convinced that Ern didn’t really mean it when he said he’d take Alex to football games; but Ivan will do it—every weekend. He’ll even get a famous player’s autograph for Alex. Alex bites his lip and thinks about it.

Ern leaves Lore to talk to the fellow while he gets Gina back with her brothers. He gestures for her to sit, and they smile at each other broadly. How has she been? Lore fills him in. Her life is becoming clearer, just like he said. It’s one thing to see the light, but another to follow it. He asks if the Sr. and the niña are Lore’s family. She tells the fellow that she just agreed to be Ern’s girlfriend, and that’s his niece. She’s afraid, though. Her track record in love is bad. He nods and murmurs, and lets her keep talking. The fellow reflects that Ern seems like a guy man, though a bit impulsive/violent (both definitions possible). Lore can only give him an eyebrow raise and chuckle. She rests her chin on her elbows on the table, and looks a little bemused by it all.

Chalo has found cologne he doesn’t like. Barb picks up one she likes and does a commercial for it. Pretty expensive, though. Chalo, in full charming eye contact mode with his ingenuous baby face reflecting delight to Barb, comments on it, peels out some bills, and buys it. Rather, his godmother in heaven is buying it. He wants to get something for her and she won’t let him. She has to refuse his offer, cannot accept it. Chalo thinks she is refusing because he’s a lowly chauffeur. He just wants to show his appreciation for all her trouble helping him. She makes her final refusal and walks off, with him calling after her—for the record, I had the intention. He smiles to himself and picks up the packages to follow.

Jaime’s home with Vasco in tow. Jaime supposes that Barb is thrilled to be back home. Vasco imagines so, too, but they never talk since she’s always out power shopping. Jaime tells Vasco he’s got to move on the divorce—it’s something he really should have take care of long ago. Vasco’s not happy about it, but resigned. Did Jaime stay on his account? No, kids always think that, but no. Jaime just though he and Barb might have things in common [Ed. Note: Sheesh, how did he ever get that idea?]. And what’s more, it’s always a good thing to have a woman who could put up with a guy like Jaime. Vasco chides him for putting himself down. Jaime changes the topic purposely—it’s been a while since they watched a game of football together. How about it? Vasco pretends to think about it…..then grins.

The Happy Family is momentarily together, but Ivan and Alex look a little glum. Ern comments that they’ve learned a lesson about staying together and Ivan caustically retorts that the lesson was for Ern. It was his fault Gina was lost. Gina defends Tío—she got distracted and ran after the clown with the balloons. Ern says no arguments, just everybody hangs together. Period. Gina wants to go into the big castle amusement, but Ern tells her she can’t go alone so Alex volunteers. Ivan mutters sure, Alex, you go—YOU will take care of her. Ern sighs and the kidlets run off happily, leaving Ern and Lore talking and Ivan sulking. Alex falls and yells; they all run to pick him up.

Chalo hovers close to Barb as they walk down the mall hallway again. He wants to buy her a snack. No, she’s got another commitment and has to get on the way home. She’ll take a taxi and he can get something to eat. He nails her—he tells her he thinks she’s ashamed to be hanging out with someone like him. He puts on his best Disappointed and Humble face. Barb, who must have a shred of heart left in her soul, tells him that’s nonsense. He says the words she’s been thinking to herself—if someone sees you with me, imagine what they’re going to say: “Look at Barb—what’s she doing hanging out with that trashy guy?” Barb tells him it’s not because he is trashy, and he shouldn’t see it that way. Well, how should he see it? She points out he’s much younger, not her nephew, not her relative….it’s that. But her eyes say she’s interested like Cap’n Sharkbait told us last night. Chalo knows all the right answers here—he convinces her she’s found the fountain of youth and no way will people think there is so much age difference. They’ll just be jealous, that’s all. (Well, what was it that the nuns called Chalo in the beginning? Over self-confident? Presumptuous? With self-esteem that’s over the top? All of the above? He’s still pretty naco—he called it Right.) She tells him not to be such a liar, but he slathers on the flattery oil. When he begins to tell her about her body—enough, Gonzalo! He puts on his Most Earnest Look. Not everyone gets to hang with such a beautiful woman. Eye contact and a sigh from Barb. Chalo will be taking her home.

Lo and behold, Alex is Bleeding Buckets from the forehead. The Happy Family examines it with concern. Ivan notes that it’s bleeding a lot. The go off to find the nearest emergency room.

Rossy and Julian celebrate life with a lovely outdoor picnic. Or, at least Rossy celebrates while Julian moans his fate at being a model who can’t eat because he has to watch those love handles. They bicker about Rossy eating what she feels like eating and Julian eating nothing. She tries to lure him by smearing her mouth with lovely food (G-R-OSS). If she wanted to eat alone she could do it at home. They bicker a little more and Julian tries to tell her his work isn’t her enemy. Rossy isn’t so sure.

By now the blood is All Over the Face as Ern carries Alex with the Happy Family trailing. Quick, get out the Bloodborne Pathogens Clean-up Kit! The nurses at the clinic rush Ern and Alex into an examining room. Lorena cranes her neck to look over the desk. Ivan wants to know what she’s looking at. Nothing. She covers up well enough and says it’ll all turn out okay. Sure, Ivan comments, and one these times he’ll just die. Lorena raises her voice in retort and he insolently tells her not to yell at him. Gina yells at her brother not to bother Lorena. Lore asks that they agree to calm down. Ivan sighs in disgust and ignores that.

Meanwhile Ern puts Alex onto an examining table while the nurse reassures him it’s only a superficial wound. Looks a heck of a lot worse than it is, apparently. Very convincing. Ern holds Alex’s hand and tells him there’s no need to worry. Alex points out he’s fine but Ern’s hand is shaking. He grins up at Tío. The doctor, surprise, surprise, is Alonslow. They greet each other before they realize what they’re facing here and are commercial impactados.

While Alonslow gathers his wits, the nurse tells him about the contusion. She obviously doesn’t realize it’s going to take more than that for ‘Slow to gather his wits, as few as they are. He goes around to take a cursory glance—they’ll have to disinfect it and take a few stitches (puntos).

Zulema has left , and Diana watches an agitated Bruto pacing the apartment. He’s yelling at her—does she realize this injustice? They took away his post as Chief of Staff because he went on a honeymoon! Right. She murmurs supportively indignant words. He’s sure Alonslow had something to do with it. Diana points out that if he’s doing his work well, they shouldn’t be taking away his post. Good point, Di, and that’s the main point. She doesn’t know Alonslow. He must have done something to make the boss take away Bruno’s post. Diana hauls herself up off the sofa and tries to comfort Bruno by caressing his arm and speaking gently. He pulls it away abruptly and snaps at her to leave him alone. She points out it’s not her fault, she did nothing. He turns around, rabid, and snaps at her to leave him in peace. He thought bubbles about the old dying broad and him demoted—where will he get the bucks to pay for this house? Probably a good thing it’s just in his name and not hers. Honeymoon’s Over.

Maruja brings coffee and snacks to Zulema, who seems to be making the visiting rounds today. How’d it go with Diana and Bruno coming back from their honeymoon? Zulema beams—she seemed so happy and lovely with her little tummy so noticeable. Maru thinks Zulema looks radiant and so young. That sets Zulema off in a tirade of how fat, old and ugly she is. Maru tries to stop her but Zulema tells Maru what she thought she heard Omar saying. The discussion deteriorates to “women just get old while guys get more interesting.” Zulema is sure he has a lover and Maru thinks she should just talk to the man. A sigh and headshake from Maru.

Speaking of the King of Rome, he’s dialing for help. “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!!” He stammers around, asking if that’s the place one calls if one is having …. Um …. Problems having relations? Yep. The ad in the newspaper doesn’t tell the whole story—it’s herbs, massage, and other quackery. Omar hangs up fast. But he can’t keep on like this. He wants to be good as new, a whole man.

Maru changes the subject—have they thought about Jaime at all? Thought about what? Forgiving him. Zulema gets sharp with Maruja. What is her obsession with that man!??? Listen once and for all, I’m going to be very clear, Zulema tells her angrily. They can never forgive him for taking away their opportunity to raise their child. Maru can see that. Zulema pours out more grief. Maru says she promises to never bring the subject up again and asks Zulema to forgive her, looking down dejectedly. Zulema looks at her, annoyed and disgusted, and rolls her eyes.

Gina wants reassurance that Ivan is not right, that Alex won’t die. Lorena swears that won’t happen. She explains it was just a wound on the forehead and lots of blood comes from the head, but it’s not that serious. She tells Gina she’ll go see if they’re done and asks Ivan to watch Gina. Ivan, always the cooperative one, tells her no and makes a smart-aleck teenage remark. (For the record, deaf kids can do this masterfully in sign language with expansive movements and forceful signs. Also for the record, I can chew teens out with even more forceful signs and expansive movements. I’m way older and have way more practice with those very signs). Do you think I’m such an imbecile that I can’t care for her better than y’all? Lore chides him and reminds him they’re all going through a tough time but that doesn’t give him license to treat folks badly, especially his uncle. Has she finished with her sermon, he cracks, with arms tightly folded and a scowl. Go see if Alex died already. Lore is irritated as she goes to see how Alex is. Ivan sits down next to Gina, who has been watching him closely. He pulls out his phone. Who’s he calling? Someone who can help. It’s Auntie Gladys. As he talks to Auntie, Gina looks up warily.

Alex is all cleaned up and Alonslow is cutting the thread after the last stitch. Alex moans a little while Alonslow tries to reassure him and Ern assures him it’s over already. What a brave little boy, ‘Slow remarks as he takes his protective gloves off wrong after working with bodily fluid and HANDS THEM TO THE NURSE instead of throwing them into the hazmat container. Alex tells Ern it’s not his head that hurts, it’s his hand because Ern is squeezing it so hard. Ern looks a little sheepish and lets it go. Lorena sticks her head in the door to see how it’s going, excusing herself. Ern looks at her, gets up and looks at Alonslow in concern, who is staring at Lorena. She enters, staring back at Alonslow out of the corner of her eye while addressing Ernesto—is everything all right? Ern says it is, fortunately, it wasn’t serious. ‘Slow tells them in a few days Alex will need to be seen again. Then he turns gently to Alex and assures him not to worry and there won’t be a scar. What a relief. Lore doesn’t make eye contact and mutters thanks. ‘Slow continues to tell Alex congratulations and they give the macho guy handshake/knuckle touch. ‘Slow warns Alex not to move much, but he can go home. He tells Ern that Alex just needs to rest for today and Ern thanks Alonslow politely. Ern turns to Lorena. My love, shall we go?? Lorena looks up at Ernesto and there’s a ‘Slow simmer on the other side of the bed. Count on Sara to just pop into patients’ rooms whenever the spirit moves her. I thought that violated HIPAA or something. Oh, yeah, they don’t have HIPAA in Mexico. Alonslow?? She sees Lorena and Ernesto, and four adult faces exchange varying degrees of stares. Shall we go love? Ernesto repeats himself, arm around Lorena, and Lore hastily agrees. Alex very politely thanks Alonslow and ‘Slow rises to the occasion. He tells him Alex it was a pleasure, my little friend, and here’s a lollipop. Alex is happy and of course doesn’t register the tension in the room. Ern thanks ‘Slow but gives him a warning glance and ushers Alex and Lore out. Alonslow watches them leave with a slight scowl.

Sara, on the other hand, is never one to waste a moment when she sees the golden opportunity to prove her point. My love? And they’re holding hands? How lovely. ‘Slow’s got his constipated look. Why the heck is she here? She wanted to talk to him when he couldn’t ignore her phone calls, that’s why. She decided to visit, and what luck! See! It’s exactly like I told you. ‘Slow says he has lots of work to do—it’s not the time for this, looking as annoyed as he ever looks. Poor Ernesto, Sara continues, ignoring his work. You see how Lorena’s got Ernesto wrapped around her finger (engatusar – coax)? It’s clear she’s got him all crazy. Sara can only imagine her skills in the sack (under the sheets). ‘Slow comes around the bed, scowling big-time. He opens the door and tells her she’s going. Sara tells him he can’t keep obsessing on this woman. Come back with me! I need you! She grabs his face and tries to kiss him while he fights her off. He tells her to cut it out and she says it’s not fair for him to reject her for Lorena. Look at how happy she is with her lover, and I’m here just beggin’ for a little lovin.’ Well forget it, and don’t beg. Why have you lost all your dignity? Because I love you, Sara retorts. ‘Slow stalks out, saying he’s going to work, leaving Sara fuming yet again.

Night has fallen in the D. F. and Vasco visits Tío Omar. Did you tell Auntie yet? Tell her what? About your problem, Unc that you told me about the other day. Omar plays dumb. No, there’s no problem; last night I got the job done like I should have. Vasco id happy for him. He thought Tío looked worried. Omar smiles and chuckles, swearing Vasco to silence—not a word to anyone, especially your Tía. Well of COURSE people don’t tell others about their intimacies. End of topic. Omar changes it to how all is going with Vasco. They talk about Vasco getting back into the company—not easy, he’s out of the swing of it. Omar tells him if his goal is to protect the interests of his Granny, Omar won’t fault him on that. Vasco notes that Jaime said the same thing. And by the way, are you ever going to forgive him? Omar tells Vasco pretty much what Zulema told Maruja, but with less anger. He’s your dad, and it’s good you’re helping him, but don’t expect us to forgive him. Vasco asks him to consider it. It’s time to give up the rancor. Omar disagrees.

Zulema comes back from her day of visits and is thrilled to greet Vasco—she’s missed him. How’s everything? Where’s Julian, she wants to know. On Sunday? No way he’s going to be home early. He’s out with Rossy.

Speaking of the King of Rome, he’s going over pictures from the ABC Sports mag with Rossy, pointing out the best features of the photos of him and the lovely models. He wants her opinions of which are his best shots and profiles. Duh. Predictably, Rossy is increasingly annoyed. He accuses her of being jealous again. No way! She’ll never be insecure with him again. Her arms cross, she scowls and taps her foot. Why’s she mad, then? Because all he thinks about are the photos, models and all that. Julian points out they love each other and walks over to her hesitantly. Is that so little? Rossy starts to protest but Julian cuts her off, asking why she doesn’t believe in his love. It’s about them and when they have enough money, they’ll get married. Today he’s modeling and some day he may be in Alaska looking for crabs. He earnestly peers into her face. She smiles shyly, still doubting. If she wants, he’ll never look at the magazines again. He lifts her hands to his lips. Would he do that for her? Of course! She throws herself into his hug. They smile and hug each other tightly.

Lorena has apparently told Maruja about her Terrible, Awful, No Good, Very Bad day with the Happy Family. How incredible! So many things happened to her today, Maruja sympathizes. Yep, and it was the last straw to see Alonslow at the hospital. Well, if you’re going to People’s Clinic 23 in the daytime, the likelihood of seeing ‘Slow there is exponentially higher than it would be at any other hospital, honey. Maru wonders how it made her feel. Really nervous. Seeing him face-to-face felt very strange. But the worst moment happened when Sara turned up. Maru is incensed. What was SHE doing there? Who knows? But Ern saw my reaction and immediately took my hand. I felt very protected. Very good, Maruja approves. Lorena confesses she liked that a lot, with a smile and nod. Being with him, and the children, is like really having a family that she never has had. She smiles, then sighs and shrugs.

Ernesto is a bit surprised to see Gladys at his door and welcomes her. She excuses herself for not calling ahead. They tap dance about taking shoes off; she obviously doesn’t come here often, if ever. Or, she thinks it’s a silly rule and is purposely playing ignorant even though a dozen shoes are lined up near the door. He imagines she’s come to see the children. Well, yes, how are they. Fine, considering the circumstances (dentro de lo que cabe – under the circumstances). Today we went on a lovely outing (which part of lovely was the trip to the hospital?). Does Gladys want to see them? She shakes her head, and we note her décolletage is a bit pronounced. She really wants to talk to Ernesto. Ivan sneaks out of his room to listen around the corner. She doesn’t want to fight with Ern, but it doesn’t seem to her that the children should be left in his care and she’s going to fight for custody. Ivan seizes his chance to come out and trash talk Unc. He agrees with his Auntie. Ern has no morals. Gladys is taken aback. Why would he say that? Because he’s messing with so many women at the same time. Ern tries to deny it and Ivan goes into the litany of Ern sleeping late and not getting the kiddies to school, and himself locked out for hours with no keys. Also, Alex fell and cut his forehead, and Gina was lost at the amusement park. Why? Because Tío was making out with his girlfriend. Gladys gives Ern a look of disappointment and censure. Ernesto looks at Ivan in irritation and worry, his jaw working.

Monday: Monica shows up and yells at Ernesto that she knows Lorena is the other woman. Ernesto yells back that Lorena is the ONLY woman he’s in love with. Then he thinks better of it as fast as the words are out of his mouth. Alonslow comes looking for Lorena at her house. The rain begins and he begs. Is Ernesto sitting in his car waiting for her and seeing this touching scene?

Jeanne

Labels: enemiga