Caray, Caray!

Inaki and Paloma in the park. Inaki says te quiero. Paloma arrives outside the art classes place and thinks He kissed me!

The art teacher, Clara, talks to Mac and Paloma about how she feels that it’s important for students to learn to express themselves. She explains the various media she teaches and shows some of the other students’ work. Paloma is either happy about the classes or she still has a buzz on from Inaki’s kiss.

Meantime Carlota is skulking around the house grumbling that her sister has defied her and she can’t allow it. She’s going around someone’s room (Mac’s?) putting things in a big plastic trash bag.

Now Mac and Paloma are walking home. Mac says Inaki looks like a wonderful guy. She asks if Paloma is happy about going to the bar on Friday and of course Paloma is stoked. Mac says maybe that’s why you were so distracted at the art teacher’s. Paloma says actually yes – it’ll be my first time ever at a bar. Mac says the first time for everything is exciting.

Paloma asks Mac how she’s going to get it past Carlota. She’s worried Mac will have problems with her. Mac says just leave it to me. Paloma says she knows Carlota won’t pay for the art classes and Mac says she has some jewelry she inherited from her folks and she’ll sell some of it. She never wears it anyway. She wants Paloma to have the life she herself never had.

Paloma says will you maybe one day tell me your secret? It must be something big. Mac says why do you want to hear it? Paloma says because it would help me understand why you and Carlota are the way you are. Because you love each other, but at the same time you hate each other.

Inaki is visiting German in his office. He’s all excited about Paloma coming to the club. He’s in love! He’s never felt this way before! German wants to know if Paloma loves him back. Inaki says he doesn’t know, but he’s hopeful. (You know, the usual guy talk.)

Inaki asks if German is bringing a date. German says he doesn’t have a girlfriend right now. German says get one! Ask Romina or Paloma if they know someone for you. Ask Romina? says German. Sure, says Inaki, why not?

Paloma asks Mac if she can stop by Romina’s. Mac says sure, and besides she herself has to go hear from Carlota about how her comportment has not been up to snuff. Paloma is worried, but Mac says she’ll do anything to keep Paloma smiling the way she is now.

Sure enough, Carlota is waiting, sitting straight-backed in the half light under the stairs with a book, and demands to know where Paloma is. Mac says I let her go visit Romina because I knew you were going to put on a scene and I didn’t want her to witness it.

Paloma gushes to Romina that Inaki kissed her and that Mac is supporting her and will let her go to the bar. Romina is happy for her. Paloma says my life is finally changing! Romina gives her a quick romance tutorial. She says if Inaki kissed her, that means more than friendship – he wants to be her novio. Paloma says but we can’t be novios because I’m not sure that I love him. Romina says did you like the kiss?

Oh, yeah, says Paloma. Romina says then go ahead and be his novia, and you can figure out later if you love him. Paloma says he hasn’t asked me. Romina says big deal, Emiliano never asked me and look at us now! Paloma says I want to wait to be asked, I want to make sure he’s not just playing with me. Romina says let things happen and find out!

Carlota is telling Mac off. She sweeps through the house, Mac in tow. Let’s listen in:

M: I’m tired of you just doing whatever you want.
C: You can’t even run you own life decently, much less Paloma’s.
M: I’ve paid dearly for that, and now I’m going show that I can be a very strong woman.
C: Oh yeah? And to what do we owe your sudden development of a backbone?
M: My love for Paloma. I’m going to stand up for her and for myself.
C: Don’t you remember what all I did for you after our father died? And that it was your fault that he died?
M: I live with that burden. But why do you have to take it out on Paloma? Why are you trying to destroy her life?
C: You wrecked your own life. I don’t want to ruin Paloma’s, I just want her raised to be decent.
M: So you keep her locked up like a prisoner in this house?
C: If Javier (the brother killed in the accident) had trusted you to raise Paloma properly, he would have named you as guardian, not me.
M: He knew that nobody could love her as I do.
C: Love isn’t enough. What’s important is limits and discipline. If you keep on like this, I’m going to tell her the truth.
M: Maybe that would be better, and not to keep living all these lies.
C: And what do you think Paloma would think of you if she knew? She’d hate you, she’d despise you for the rest of her life.

Carlota heads up the stairs, leaving Mac with tears in her eyes.

Now we’re in for some juicy gossip! Angelica hands Inez (!) her rent envelope and Inez puts it in her purse. She says she wishes all her renters were so punctual with their rent. Does Angelica miss the capital? No, says Angelica, I love it here. It’s so peaceful. Inez asks if she’s liking her work. Angelica says yes, but it amazes her that there are families that are like something out of the last century (meaning probably the 1800s, not the 1900s). Oooo, like who? says Inez. Angelica says the Espinoza de los Monteros! They are so strict with Paloma, poor thing.

Inez pops her eyebrows. She says Carlota is unique, she’s very respected around here. I’d go so far to say that she serves as an example of rectitude to many people here in town. I’ve heard that when she was young, she was a terror. I didn’t live here then, but my aunt told me she was a real hypocrite. My aunt has since died and at the time I didn’t pay a lot of attention. But since Carlota is so respected now, I think it’s better I hold my tongue.

Angelica says I have a professional interest in this - I’d like to learn more about the family. Paloma is one of my students and she has tons of potential. If I could find out more, maybe I could help her.

Okay, we know gossip is bad, and we know a psychologist talking about people’s private matters is also bad, but wasn’t that fun anyway?

We see the exterior of a fancy house at night. Emiliano is inside working, and his boss Orlando comes in and asks him what he’s doing. He says he’s looking over the publicity campaign. Orlando is very pleased with his hard work and long hours. He admires his ability and self-confidence. But don’t forget families and girlfriends need time too!

Emiliano says do you have a wife? Orlando turns serious. I did, he says, but I’d rather not talk about it. Good night.

Paloma is studying. There is a framed photo of her and Inaki on her desk. When was that taken? Won’t Carlota see it? Anyway, she looks up from her book and remembers their kiss. Her cell rings and it’s Inaki. She’s thrilled. He was hoping she’d show up in the park. She said her aunt couldn’t take her. He wants to see her! He wonders if she can look out her window.

She goes out onto her balcony and they reenact Romeo and Juliet, only with cell phones. He wants her to come down and talk in person, but she says that her aunt is out and could come back at any moment, she doesn’t dare. He just wants to know if she’s as happy as he is. Yes! He says he’ll look for her at the park tomorrow.

Goodbye, my love, he says. Paloma’s knees almost buckle. She wobbles back into her room. Inaki stands in the bushes, smiling broadly. Paloma is thrilled. He said my love!

Mac is in bed having tea. She asks Rufi where Paloma is. Rufi says in her room studying. Mac says don’t tell her I’m not feeling well. Rufi says I bet it’s because of that big fight you and Carlota had. Mac says just watch, she’s going to change into a strong woman.

She wonders about her torn-up photo. Was Rufi able to tape it together? Rufi says no and teases her a bit, then presents her with the big 8x10 she had made. Mac is thrilled.

Turns out Carlota is at the coffee house pumping the waitress for any information about Inaki. The waitress has found out that his mother, who is Spanish too, has a house in town and the musicians stay there every year during the festival. His parents are divorced and his father has remarried and lives in Mexico City. She doesn’t know what his profession is, but apparently he’s quite rich. Carlota says is your information reliable? The waitress says my aunt cleans his mom’s house when they’re din town.

Emiliano stops by Camila’s shop where she’s just closing up. He thanks her for helping his father out by discussing his designs. She’s happy to help. He says he’s going to ask Romina if she wants to go to the movies – she wanted to go the other day, but he had too much work.

Camila says Romina’s used to things going her way because over the years she was trying to make up for what Romina was missing. She had hoped she’d mature. He says why don’t you come along to the movies? Camila is charmed, but says that wouldn’t be fun for the young couple. He insists that it would be. She says she’ll just finish closing up and she’ll come along.

Mac is still talking to Rufi, wondering how she can get Paloma to that bar. Rufi says why don’t you go with her? Mac says at my age? Rufi says you only live once, plus adults like music! I’m older than you and I like it! Mac says what would I do in a bar with Paloma and her friends? Rufi says take Camila! She said she’d help, remember.

Mac says you missed your calling – you should have been a matchmaker! I’ll give it careful consideration. Rufi says sleep on it and then I’m sure you’ll like the idea. You have the right to go out and have some fun too. They share an affectionate laugh.

German has arrived at Romina’s. He checks that his breath is okay, then rings. She comes to the door and he says can he come in? He just wants to ask a favor. She is smilingly skeptical, but she says he has to hurry, her mother is due home any minute.

Carlota tries to get into Paloma’s room but it’s locked. Paloma opens it and says the lock must have set itself. Carlota presents her with some large art paper and says she approves of Paloma’s art classes. In fact, she wants Paloma to feel free to take her into her confidence and to talk to her as she would to her mother. Carlota says even if you don’t believe it, I love you. And indeed, Paloma looks skeptical.

Romina is flirty with German. She says he mustn’t forget their pact. Your pact, says German, I never agreed to it. She flops on his lap playfully. He says he just came because he wants her to find a date for him for Friday when Inaki is playing. Me? No way! she says.

They hear the door and pop up and sit in opposite chairs. Camila looks surprised and Emiliano says German? ¿Qué haces aquí?

Commerical break and there’s that panting again! Could it be that this show is haunted by the wraith of the Yorkie? Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! Or maybe the Dog Whisperer?

Romina runs over and gives Emiliano a kiss. He repeats ¿Qué haces aquí? German says he came to find both of them so see if they could rustle up a date for him for Friday night. Camila excuses herself. Emiliano runs after her and says what about the movie? He invites German too who says okay. Camila begs off and after they leave, her eyes dart around.

Paloma looks out her window and sees Romina leave with her arms looped through the arms of her two galans. Paloma wonders what’s up with that.

Camila has tea alone and thinks of Romina saying she won’t let Emiliano cheat on her like her father did to Camila. She remembers Romina wondering what became of her father – does he still live out of the country? Does he care that he abandoned us?

Camila thoughtbubbles that she will never forgive him for his abandoning his daughter.

Mac is holding the paintbrushes that Carlota bought and wonders how she knew exactly what Paloma needed. Paloma doesn’t know. Mac notes that they are high quality and Paloma wonders how she knows about paintbrushes. Was she an artist once? Mac says you can just tell that they’re very fine.

Paloma wonders if Carlota is starting to see her as a woman and not a child. Mac says I hope so, but with her you never know. Paloma says she said I should be able to confide in her. Maybe I should tell her about Inaki. Mac says it’s best to take baby steps and not say anything yet.

At the theater, Emiliano leaves German to get the popcorn and sodas and he heads to the bathroom. German grabs Romina by the arm and says he needs her to find him a date. She smilingly says no way. He says this all very uncomfortable for him. She says you’re crazy about me and you’d rather share me than be alone. She gives his ear a nibble.

Carlota is in her room praying and sighs deeply when Mac comes in and interrupts her. Mac wants to know how Carlota knew exactly what Paloma needed for art class. Carlota says I’m supporting your idea – I just asked around. Mac says she wanted the pleasure of buying those things for Paloma. You should have consulted me at least.

Carlota says look at you – I’m trying for us to be at peace, and you want to start up a war. Mac says I hope that’s your motive.

Paloma is in bed and she gets a text message. It’s Inaki saying sweet nothings. She texts back that he’s her good-luck charm. Since he came into her life, things have started changing. He texts back that she has made him the happiest person on earth. He’ll wait for her by the school. Te quiero. She’s thrilled. She jumps out of bed and says a heartfelt prayer of thanks.

Mac is looking through her drawers for something she can’t find. We see Carlota dumping some prescription meds in the toilet. (Is that all she put in that huge trash bag? One pill bottle? Also, why are the 5 or 6 pills different colors?)

It’s morning and Romina comes down for breakfast. Camila is stern with her about coming home twice and finding German alone with her. It’s not proper. Romina argues, then stomps out to school.

Rufi is cooking breakfast and now Mac is looking for her pills in the kitchen. She’s supposed to take them every day! Rufi says she’ll go pick some up at the pharmacy. Mac says she’s going to go talk to Camila before she leaves for work. She’s going to ask her if she’ll go to the bar on Friday night.

Carlota has called the mother superior at the school. She says she wonders if she is aware of the kind of people she has working for her. Of course she means Angelica and she complains that Angelica is poking into their private life. The MS agrees that that’s not appropriate.

Mac is talking to Camila but hasn’t come to the point yet.

Romina and Paloma are walking in the halls at school and Paloma reproaches her for going to the movies with both Emiliano and German. She says Romina knows German is interested in her. Romina says that’s German’s problem; she’s novios with Emiliano.

Romina tells her nothing happened, Miss Perfect. She says if Emiliano ever asks, Paloma is to say that she and German don’t have anything going on. Paloma isn’t happy and Romina says I don’t live a cloistered life like you.

Camila thinks it would be a great idea! They might feel a bit odd, but it would be fun to go to the bar and hear the music. She tells Mac she’s a little unhappy about Romina who seems to have a bit of an attitude. Is it Romina’s age or how she raised her? Mac assures her she’s been a wonderful mother. Camila is afraid Romina’s had her way too much. Mac says at our house it’s the opposite and she’s worried that Paloma has been too repressed. She wants to stand up for Paloma so she can spread her wings. She herself was never able to.

Now the MS is having a stern talk with Angelica, telling her not to mess in the students’ private lives. Angelica says she explained to Carlota that she was worried about Paloma’s emotional development. The MS points out what a terrific student Paloma is. Angelica says yes, but she’s shy and frightened of her aunt. The MS says you can help her, but don’t get her aunts involved.

Angelica is impassioned. She says Paloma needs a boost to her self-esteem. She needs to know how to live in her own home. Their household seems to be incredibly rigid. The MS says your job is to pay more attention to students who are falling behind, like Romina. Angelica says her situation is very different.

The MS says Carlota has an irreproachable reputation in this school and in town. Stay out of it. Angelica says I will do as you say, but that doesn’t mean that I approve of the repression that Paloma has to live with.

Rufi comes home and tells Mac that all the pharmacies are out of her med. Mac says she’ll just go to the doctor and get a different prescription.

Rafael and Joel come by Camila’s shop to talk about the ceramics designs.

Carlota hovers outside some house and sees Inaki leaving. She goes and rings and a cleaning lady answers. Carlota says are you Arcadia? I’d like to make you a lucrative offer.

Mac gets in to the doctor’s the same day! What a great medical system. The doctor is surprised to hear that she had a fainting spell. Mac says but Carlota called at the time. She didn’t call me, says the doctor. He has a new med that’s supposed to be even better, but she’ll have to inject it. She says that’s fine if it helps. He steps out the room and she clearly remembers her sister calling Dr Bermudez.

Paloma and Romina are coming out of school arm-in-arm, laughing and talking. Inaki shows up. Romina complains that her teachers have it in for her. Inaki gives Paloma a peck on the cheek and two roses. Romina flirts none for me? Inaki snaps Paloma with his cell phone. He has Romina take a picture of the two of them. Romina says she’s not headed directly home and leaves.

Inaki asks Paloma if he can walk her home. He promises to leave her at the corner so her aunt doesn’t see. On the way, he stops and tells her he can’t hide his feelings. Will she be his novia? She says she doesn’t know what she feels for him and his face falls. But she says she thinks it’s love, so yes! They hug happily. He says together they can overcome all obstacles. They kiss.

Guess who’s driving by? Carlota. Busted!

Avances: Romina is leading on both of her admirers.

Labels: amor