Caray, Caray!

Or: Who are you people and what are you doing here?

Welcome to yet another exciting TN. I'm 5ft Latina, your cruise director. Everyone got their beanies on? A giant whiteboard to map out character relationships? Snacky cakes? Good! Then let's begin right after the theme song by Il Divo…

A couple is hanging out in the woods in or near Merida back in 1977. And they've got the fashions to prove it. Oh, the horror of that headband! The woman is upset because it won't be long before "Samuel" finds out that she's pregnant. The couple argues over who will be the one to tell him about it. He finally agrees to let her do it.

Later, inside a house, our "embarrazada" (pregnant) hippie chick tells Samuel (who looks non-hippieish to me) that she's pregnant. And right off the bat, we can check a classic phrase off our Telenovela Bingo cards…"no puede ser!" (it can't be!). She realizes that, but it happened. He assumes there's another man, which she doesn't deny, and wants to know if he knows the guy. She breaks it to him that the baby daddy is Antonio Lombardo.

Samuel (not the baby daddy) goes over to Antonio Lombardo's (aka Baby Daddy) house to yell at him that he's they've known each other for a long time, been guests in each other's homes, and this is how he is repaid--Antonio slept with his wife! His righteous indignation would be a little scarier without the toupee and the bright red polka-dotted and ruffled shirt. You gotta be way manlier than this man to pull of ruffles. Antonio, meanwhile is sporting a white satin shirt with some lapels that might just spontaneously take flight on him. Antonio's defense is that he and Victoria (aka hippie chick) fell in love. Yeah, yeah, they all say that. Samuel tosses some stuff off of Antonio's desk. He doesn't want to hear about love. He thinks if Antonio really felt love for Victoria, he would have "respected" her. Antonio says it was "algo más fuerte que nosotros" (something stronger than us). Samuel wants to know how many times they were together. Antonio starts to swear that "since we've been together," but Samuel cuts him off. Antonio tries to explain that now that there's a baby on the way, he's going to divorce his wife. Samuel tells him to forget it--he'll never see his kid in his life. Antonio pulls out another oldie but goodie "en el corazón no se manda" (you can't tell your heart what to do). He loves Vicky and the baby. Samuel threatens that if Antonio comes near his wife again, Samuel will kill him.

As Samuel storms out, Antonio's wife comes up to ask what's going on…she heard Samuel was there. She wonders if they argued, but he says it's nothing to worry about. I call set reuse--isn't this at least part of Santiago's house from Tontas? That staircase looks awfully familiar. Wifey says that someone named Hernán just told her that there's a new fertility treatment available in Canada. She feels like they've tried everything, but now that science has advanced, she wants to give it another go. She hugs and kisses him while he looks worried.

New day, or at least new outfit. Antonio (Baby Daddy) is now in hot pink stripes. He calls Vicky's house, but the maid tells him she doesn't know what happened--a moving company came in last night and cleared out their stuff. The un-happy couple caught a plane this morning. They told her they were going to Europe, but they didn't even tell her which country.

Now there's a Grey Haired Guy in play. He tells Antonio that they went to Paris first, but no idea where they went after that. Their stuff got to Barcelona, but from there the trail goes cold. Ah, Grey Haired Guy is Hernán and Antonio wants his help to find Sam and Vicky. Hernán says he'll do everything within his reach. He then excuses himself.

"Months" later, we are in "Londres" (London), where Vicky has given birth to a boy and a girl and Sam is promising to love them. Vicky thanks him.

Now we go back to Merida, but in 1981 (about three years later). A doctor informs Antonio that his wife is pregnant. Antonio and Wifey are happy, but the doctor says that Ms. Adriana (Wifey) has to be careful. It won't be an easy pregnancy. She's got to get lots of rest, avoid upsets, and eat well. The doctor asks her to please be careful.

Over on the other side of the pond in London, Samuel, now in a wheelchair, talks to Vicky about his feelings after, you know, the thing that happened happened. "I felt an immense rage, not towards you, but towards Antonio. He was my best friend and I couldn't imagine that he had done this to me." Wow, I'm thinking they forgot to tell us some years passed, cause these two are looking considerably older now. Vicky reminds him she done him wrong too, but he's not interested in playing the blame game. He realizes there were things he couldn't give her. He says he was only a man "a medias" (halfway). He understands that she fell in love with Tony and she fell in love with him, because she's always been a special woman. She doesn't want to hear this anymore. He asks her, once he's gone, to go back to Merida and find Tony and, if she should find him not married, marry him. Aw, that's generous. Mr. 5ft, you are NOT given permission to find any of your ex-girlfriends in case of my timely or untimely demise. Just putting that out there. He says that Antonio is Bruno and Raquel's father. He thanks her for her "cariño" (caring), "devoción" (devotion) and "sacrificio" (sacrifice). Vicky denies that there was any sacrifice. Sam says he won't be around to see her and he'd be happier knowing she was going to be happy.

Back in Merida, in 1983. A bunch of kids and their parents are at a party watching a magic show. Antonio holds a very curly haired almost-blonde boy. Hernán comments that he's really handsome. Antonio says that even though he was born premature, he's grown up "sano y fuerte" (healthy and strong). Hernán has something he wants to talk to Antonio about, so Antonio hands the baby off to the woman standing next to him and walks off with Hernán. Hernán's big news is that Vicky is back, a widow with two kids, a pair of twins, a boy and a girl, about six years old. Antonio says those are his kids, the dates match up, and besides Samuel couldn't have kids because of his illness. Hernán wonders what he plans to do. Well, go find them, of course.

At a big pink house, a woman approaches the gate and asks to see La Señora Victoria. She is let in and talks to Vicky, who looks like she's had a cut, color, and style since she became widowed. Felipa got Vicky's telegram and came right over. Vicky is glad, because the house is so sad and empty. Felipa has agreed to come back to work for Vicky. Raquel, the female Wonder Twin, comes running in to announce that the bed in her room is ugly. Vicky says they'll get new furniture delivered tomorrow. Vicky introduces Raquel to Felipa, who is surprised to learn that Vicky has not 1, but 2 kids, and twins at that. Raquel takes her leave and goes running down the hallway. Vicky now piles on the impactos by telling Felipa that these are not Samuel's kids, but they don't know it. Felipa guesses that these are Tony's kids. Vicky wants to hear how he's been doing. Since Felipa went back to her pueblo, she doesn't know, except that his wife died when their son was born. Vicky seems kind of happy to know that Tony "finally" had a kid (well, sure if you don't count the wonder twins).

In a fit of TMI, Tony paces his bedroom with his robe flapping open. He's a briefs man, in case anyone was wondering. He thought bubbles that Vicky's back, but she didn't get in touch with him. Does she know his wife is dead?

The next morning, he introduces himself to Bruno outside the pink house. He starts to give off a creepy stalker vibe, but then asks the kid to go get his mom. He walks down the drive a little and then turns around to see Vicky, who runs back inside the house. He chases her and Bruno looks on, confused. Vicky runs right into her room, Tony on her heels. He locks the door and starts to put the moves on her. They give the obligatory "sorry about your partner, I never wished it," Tony brings up destiny, and then the two make up for lost time. Tony hasn't gone a day without thinking of her and neither has she. The clothes go flying.

In the afterglow, Tony wants to hear about his kids. Vicky calls Bruno "voluntarioso" (willful) and Raquel "caprichosita" (capricious), and says Sam spoiled them both. Tony's other kid is only 2, but he's a good and laughs a lot. And btw, he needs a mother, which Vicky is only too happy to be. Tony thinks this is all quite miraculous. Vicky remembers that Sam used to say that life goes round and round and puts everyone in their place. She lets him know that Sam wanted them together, in his last days. Tony thinks they've got to tell the kids that he's their dad, but she doesn't want to do it now. Tony promises he'll do everything possible to earn the kids' love.

Months later, Vicky breaks it to the kids that she's hooking up with Tony. Bruno wants none of it. Vicky goes off an a spiel about how their money's running out, Tony can give them a better life, better education, etc. Bruno doesn't care, he doesn't like Tony. Raquel wants to know about the room/clothes/toy situation and that's enough to win her over. Vicky tells the kids it's going to be a big change, but she promises it will all go well.

And so, at long last, Tony and Vicky get married in a small lakeside service. I'd be more excited if she'd gotten to wear a big pouffy 80's dress, but alas, she wears a white suit. I know, I know, second wedding and all that, but a bride is a bride is a bride and no woman should be prohibited from wearing the meringue of her choice, should she have the available funds, and tradition be damned! They sign the papers, as do the witnesses. There are lots of kids in the crowd. Margarita, who I guess is the nanny, brings up Alejandro (curly-haired baby), then Tony calls Bruno and Raquel up. He tells the kids that from now on, they're all siblings and introduces his kids to the crowd. Everybody claps and Tony and Vicky kiss some more.

Flash forward again, to 1991 this time. A bunch of boys are playing fútbol. One gets knocked over and gets a bloody nose. This is apparently Alejandro (someday to be William Levy, but not tonight at the rate we're going). As he and, presumably, Bruno walk home, Bruno bounces the soccer ball off Alejandro's back and tells him not to cry. Vicky, who gets younger looking as time passes, is shocked to see her little Alex all bloodied up. She hauls him inside the house as Bruno complains that it's Alex's fault for insisting on playing when he doesn't know how. Felipa is also shocked to see Alex's face and gets him inside the house as Vicky gives a dirty look to Bruno.

Later, Bruno complains that Alex is a "metiche" (busybody; from "meter" to get in, or put in, or get into; i.e., someone who sticks their nose in everything) Vicky gripes out Bruno because "le metiste una zancadilla" (you tripped him). Bruno says that (a) he didn't and (b) if Alex wants to play, he'll have to deal with the consequences. (According to my in-house fútbol expert, Alex was indeed tripped, as Bruno made contact with his feet without coming into contact with the ball. He advises me that it was "just" a trip, not a yellow or red card offense, except for being from his own brother.)

A moment to talk about the captions…they were confusing Mr. 5ft as he kept seeing "# años" and wondering why the kids didn't look anywhere near that old. The full caption reads "hace # años" meaning, "years ago" rather than years old.

Vicky tells Bruno that it's his job to protect his little brother, but Bruno objects that Alex isn't his brother. Vicky brings up that it's always something, a push, a trip, Bruno is always "aggrediendo" (attacking) his brother. Bruno gets pouty as he complains that Alex "me cae gordo" (can't stand him, he gets on my nerves, etc.; can anyone explain where they get that from a literal translation of "he falls fat?") because they pay more attention to Alex than to him. Uh, oh. Never did have that talk with the kids, did you. Vicky claims to treat them all equally, but Bruno thinks he and Raquel should be treated just a little more equally since they're Vicky's kids and Alex isn't. Vicky's final try is to say that Alex is a nice kid. But Bruno doesn't care, he just doesn't like him and now he's got to get dressed because he said he was going out to eat with his "cuates" (buddies; although the literal is "twins"). Vicky walks off, upset.

She goes into Alex's room to console him a little. She tells him the swelling will come down in a few days. She tries to explain that it's not that Bruno doesn't like him (um, no, I'm sure he was pretty clear that he doesn't) it's just that he's a big boy and Alex isn't. Alex complains that Bruno always pushes him, makes fun of him, and gives him "coscorrones" (knocks on the head). Vicky praises Alex's big heart and says that with time he and Bruno will grow closer just like two "real" brothers. Oh, Vicky, honey, take the blinders off.

Flashing forward again, to 1999. Tony, walking with crutches, asks Vicky if she now understands why he decided to put the company in Alex's name. Vicky doesn't, since Bruno is the elder. Tony says he's heard rumors that Bruno is a good-for-nothing. Vicky doesn't believe it, but even if it's true, she thinks they should give Bruno another chance. Well, that's why Tony has called this meeting, to find out the truth. Vicky says that Bruno has assured her that he's doing all his work, that he's doing well in his classes. Ah, so this would be Bruno's college that they're going to? And since when can parents of 22-year-olds request parent-teacher conferences? Tony says if they find out that's true, he'll call the lawyer and change his will.

Inside, Bruno tells "Conchita" that he could swear he just saw his parents. Conchita says they're talking to the "coordinador" (coordinator) of his "carrera" (degree--his department head? His academic advisor?). Bruno looks worried as Vicky, in voice over says "expelled? Since when?"

The coordinator says since three months ago because he's not following his degree plan or the school rules. He's been disrespectful to his teachers and he still dares to come and go as he pleases, bothering the other students, especially his brother, Alex.

As they walk back out of the school, Tony tells Vicky that he's not going to leave Bruno or Raquel unsupported, even though she must agree that they deserve it. Vicky just wants him to think about it, but he has and if he leaves the company in Bruno's hands, there won't be anything left of in within a few years. Bruno has already shown how irresponsible he is and this isn't a game. He reminds Vicky that this is about his "patrimonio" (assets, wealth) and hers as well. Vicky begs for another chance for Bruno. She thinks he can still change. Tony refuses. Vicky chooses this moment--right in front of the kids', er, young adults' school--to bring up that Bruno is "their" son and Alex isn't. Burn. Tony says Alex might not be "theirs" but he is "his". Vicky's sorry she brought it up. Tony wants her to calm down. He says they have to accept that Bruno wouldn't be able to handle that much responsibility. Vicky thinks he doesn't love Bruno because Sam raised him. Maybe Tony thinks that Bruno isn't like him, but he can't do this to Bruno. Bruno will only become more rebellious and he won't forgive Tony for preferring Alex. Tony insists that he's never made any distinctions between the kids up to now. "Ni modo" (it can't be helped). It's time to recognize the limitations of each of their children. Bruno isn't what they would like him to be. "Because he's felt your rejection, that's why he behaves that way," says Victoria. Tony resents her accusing him of rejecting Bruno. Bruno watches them argue from behind a column. Vicky says they're both responsible in any case and it's not fair for Bruno to pay for their mistakes. She won't support his decision because she doesn't agree with it. She won't keep arguing over it, he knows her opinion and she doesn't support him in this.

Now the crutches/anvils come into play as Vicky walks off and Tony sticks a crutch right into a hole next to a drainage grate. This causes him to fall over a motorcyclist and bleed profusely from the mouth.

Vicky frantically screams for someone to get an ambulance. The bystanders stand by. We see Bruno pull out a huge cell phone and start dialing.

Bruno, with horrible emo hair and dressed all in black, throws darts in his room. Little brother Alex, also funereally attired, comes in to talk. Bruno asks if it's fair that after all this time, claiming that they were like kids to him, he and Raquel were left in "la miseria" (poverty). He guesses it's something Tony said to get Vicky to sleep with him. Alex says he'll forgive Bruno for saying that because he knows Bruno is hurting right now, but it's not true that his dad left them nothing. He left Bruno a house in Cancun and Raquel one in Pedregal. But Bruno objects to Alex having been left the company. Alex, kind-hearted sucker that he is, promises that he'll keep giving Bruno and Raquel a monthly allowance so that they can keep living in the manner to which they've become accustomed. He even offers Bruno a job, and not as a "criado" (servant). He says that if Bruno wants to keep living in the house and just rent out his new place in Cancun, he's welcome to do that too. Alex wants it clear that his dad wasn't an "infeliz" (wretch, poor devil, rat bastard), but a good and fair man. Exit Alex. Once he's gone Bruno says he'd die first rather than accept Alex's "limosna" (alms), and Alex is going to be the one who dies, "fíjate" (just you watch).

Back in the study(?) Vicky asks Alex what happened. Alex says that he explained it to Bruno, but Bruno's very angry, and with good reason. His dad shouldn't have done it. Vicky says if what happened hadn't happened, Tony might have changed his mind. A pretty girl, who I presume to be Raquel, asks Alex what he's going to do now that he owns everything. Alex says nothing is going to change. "Besides," he says, "you know I love you." He hugs the girl as Vicky looks on and smiles sadly.

Ten years later (that would be 2009) church bells ring and a young woman in a bright yellow t-shirt happily greets Candi from Tontas. She's there to do an inventory, since she's leaving her job soon. She tells yellow t-shirt girl to leave the postcards or Candi will be charged for them later. Yellow t-shirt girl is off from school since the computer teacher wasn't there today. Did Candi go pick up her dress? Sure did. Nothing fancy, but yellow t-shirt girl is still jealous since Candi will be marrying a hot guy who will take her away from work. But Candi objects that just because it's future hubby's plan, doesn't mean it's hers. She still has to support her dad and yellow t-shirt girl until ytsg finishes school and gets a job. Besides, "Alejandro" isn't rich. He has a good job, but he's no millionaire. YTSG says he has more money than them, and a nice apartment. She wonders if his family are coming to the wedding. Candi doesn't think so since his mom and sister live in the US. Doing who knows what. Candi figures if he didn't tell her, he must have his reasons. She says maybe they're servants and he's embarassed to tell her. YTSG wants to know if she gets a dress for the wedding, but Candi says it's only a civil wedding, and besides YTSG looks good in the green one. But YTSG wants to "estreñar" (wear something new, debut something). Candi says she'll see what she can do. YTSG says it's so exciting that in less than a week Candi will be "Mrs. Lombardo." Sounds fancy, but "Alejandro" is a simple guy. Candi crows that they're both in luuuuurve. YTSG asks for a cell phone for her next birthday. What? You can buy them "en plazos" (in installments) and some places even give them away. Sure, says Candi, but then you've got to buy the cards, etc. She promises that if YTSG passes her classes and if she can afford it, she'll buy her the cell phone. YTSG is ecstatic.

In a cantina, a white-haired guy tells Pedrito that he done good. Pedrito doesn't like hiding things from his daughter, like the time they hid the bootlegged merchandise in the warehouse. WHG says that's just what he wanted to talk to Pedrito about…Rufino wants to do bidness with them again. "Again, with bogus stuff? You know how risky that stuff is!" WHG says Rufino's going to pay twice what he did the last time. Pedrito points out that it won't be enough money to get them out of jail, plus the cops would confiscate the merchandise and then they'd end up owing Rufino.

Back to the two sisters, strolling through the plaza of an evening. Candi says they'll live there at least for a while, but she thinks "his" bosses really like him and they might give him a bigger and better job. "Oh, Paula, I'm so happy!" So now we know Yellow T-shirt Girl is Paula. Paula says her sister's boyfriend is ok and all, but he needs more money before he can be perfect. Ah, says older sis wisely, money isn't everything and besides, "Alejandro" is perfect. They stop to listen and clap along to the music.

Pedrito tells WHG the money wouldn't be bad. WHG says Pedrito could even buy his daughter a wedding present with the money, but the girls don't like daddy getting mixed up in dirty dealings. He doesn't want problems with them, especially now when the elder is marrying a decent guy. If people find out, she'll be embarrassed of him. WHG swears nothing will happen. Pedrito keeps trying to beg off. WHG starts planning.

Candi tells Paula that she's serious about Paula getting a job. It's hard for Dad, as an older man, to get a job, and besides he's got a bad leg. Paula says he sure is sick, but from…she mimes drinking. Paula can't understand why "Alejandro" doesn't want a party. Big Sis explains that there will be a party, but after the church wedding. Paula is disappointed that they can't even invite a few friends, but "Alejandro" doesn't want to. Paula goes off to Big Sister's room to sneak a peek at the wedding dress. The phone rings and Big Sister answers it, delighted that "Alejandro" has called. She misses him too and wonders when he's getting here. Paula comes into the room, saying loudly "Ay, no Maria José" (which I presume is the Big Sister's name and not that Paula is cursing), "this is too big!" When she figures out it's "Alejandro" on the phone she asks Maria José if "Alejandro" is okay with her wearing "típica" (traditional) clothing to the wedding. So Mary Jo obligingly tells "Alejandro" that she's planning on getting married in a "huipil" (http://www.anthro.fsu.edu/wovenvoices/weaving/huipil.html a google image search also brings up some nice pictures), if that's ok with him. She pumps her fist in victory and tells him she loves him too, "and thanks for doing this for me". She tells him not to delay his plane since she doesn't want the judge to get there before the groom. She laughs giddily.

Back in Merida, Alejandro stops Bruno on his way out of the house. He's heard that Bruno authorized the construction of the "fraccionamiento" (subdivision or housing development) of San Felipe. Yep, he sure did. Even though there are "minas de arena" (sand mines?) on the land? "Who told you that nonsense?" Fernando, and he knows what he's talking about. But Bruno says Fernando is a poor devil who makes up stuff to make himself look important and justify his job. Alejandro tells Bruno not to pull that crap, he knows Fernando is a good "topógrafo" (surveyor). Besides, says Alex, "building on that land"…"is cheaper," Bruno finishes. Alex is astounded. He always knew Bruno was a big fat liar, but he didn't think Bruno was stupid too. Bruno takes offense. Alex says that he's not going to let Bruno keep working in his business if he pulls another stunt like this. He orders Bruno to call "Martinez" and cancel the work. Vicky comes down the stairs and asks, "Are you arguing with your brother again?" Bruno says not to call that dog his brother again. "The fact that you married his dad is just a disgraceful coincidence." Vicky (sporting a nice blingy V necklace to make her more easily identifiable) wonders why they were fighting. Bruno claims it's because Alex tries to act like the good little boy when really they both hate each other. Vicky tries to say that Bruno has a "carácter" (character) that…but Bruno doesn't think Alex is such a saint. He complains, for what I suspect is about the millionth time, that Vicky shouldn't have let her husband leave everything to Alex. "What are you complaining about? After Alex you're the most important person in the company." Bruno says he's nothing more than a servant and it has to end. With that ominous utterance, he walks out, leaving Vicky calling after him that if maybe he were just a little friendlier…. But he is outta there!

Pedrito sneaks into the house, tripping on a chair. He brought home some leftovers, too, which he hands off to MaryJo. In the process, she smells the alcohol on his breath. Pedro claims he was celebrating her upcoming wedding and asks if she's happy about that. She is, of course. He tries to give her a statue that maybe she can sell at the store. But MaryJo has told him before, the owner won't sell stuff without a "factura" (invoice). Pedro says he bought it off a poor old lady who needed the money, so where's she supposed to get an invoice from? MaryJo agrees to try to sell it and give Pedro his commission. Now he puts a bracelet on her wrist and says he's going to miss her when she gets married. Pedro says the bracelet is "full" of saints to take care of her. That "Alejandro" seems like a nice boy, he says, and MaryJo agrees.

Bruno sits in a darkened room, with a projector on, practicing Alejandro's signature. Or so I suspect. There's a knock on the door from someone named Erick, last seen as Manzanares on MEPS. He comes in and confirms that Bruno is practicing "the signature." "So, when are you getting married?" Saturday. Bruno wants him to get him a plane ticket in Alejandro's name. "In the name of that disgrace!" And after? What they've planned. Alejandro has to go to Zarco. The road is "sinuosa" (sinuous, winding), and that's where he will die. And Bruno will get the widow and the money. "And will the girl agree, sir?" "Of course! I have her eating out of my hand."

The next morning at breakfast, Vicky swans in, announcing that Maura called. She wants to come to dinner tomorrow. Alejandro laughs, saying she can come over if she wants to, but he's not going to have time for her. He's got a very busy weekend. He says he'll go to Zarco the following week. He needs to check out some wild land that Dad bought a few years ago. He's thinking of building a hotel or a spa. Bruno announces he's on vacation as of tomorrow, maybe to Cancun. Then he gets offended when Alejandro asks if he has any pending business at the office--"Of course not! And if I did, your brilliant brain would take care of it all!" Bruno storms off and Alejandro and Vicky try to laugh it off. Vicky asks him to be patient, but Alejandro says he's been too tolerant with him. Vicky reminds him that he's jealous and feels humiliated because everything he has, he owes to Alex. Alex agrees, but what can he do about it, "I wasn't going to reject my father's inheritance just to please him!" Vicky says Bruno had gotten hopeful, and deep down is a good kid. Alex says it must be way deep down. He reminds her that she's seen him do his best to make friends with Bruno, but Bruno has always hated him, ever since she married his dad and came to the house. "Besides, he doesn't do anything so that we can get along better. And if I put up with him, you know perfectly well it's for you." He excuses himself to go to work. He says he won't be home for dinner and he'll see her later tonight.

Outside, someone's getting Alex's convertible ready. Alex drives off, top down, while Bruno watches from the lawn. Erick approaches Bruno and says he's talked with the judge, everything is ready, the witnesses too. He'll bring over the plane tickets this afternoon. Bruno says that Alex has to go to Zarco the following week. He instructs Erick to pay attention to the day and hour of Alex's departure. Erick agrees.

MaryJo and Paula watch some folkloric dancing and gossip. Turns out MaryJo is pure as the driven snow, despite many visits to "Alejandro's" apartment. Paula would never be so puritanical. Of course, "Alejandro" has asked MaryJo for a sample of the milk before he buys the cow, but MaryJo refused. And she doesn't feel she's missing out on anything. She'll get some of his sweet, sweet loving once they're married. She thinks that Paula, on the other hand, will end up doing something she regrets. Just out of curiosity, MaryJo asks if Paula's "noviecitos" (little boyfriends) are using "preservativos" (and no, that's not preservatives, it's condoms). Paula laughs off the idea of boyfriends.

Bruno packs. There's a knock on the door. It's Vicky. She wants to know why Bruno didn't tell them earlier about this sudden trip. You know, despite the fact that it covers her up too much, I really like the flowiness of her dress. And maybe the belt at the waist to cinch it in makes it ok. Still, awfully formal for a family breakfast and just hanging around the house, no? Bruno gripes that he's old enough to not have to inform her about everything he so much as thinks of doing. Besides, he needs a few days away from there so he doesn't have to look at that "imbecíl presumido y autoritario" (presumptious and authoritarian imbecile). Vicki objects to his description. She reminds him that Alex has always tried to be his friend and of course, he was bound to get tired of it sometime. Bruno says he's tired of Alex too, and if she hadn't contributed to "the old man's" death, maybe things would be different now. Vicky says it was an accident, but Bruno asks her if she's sure. Vicky says, sure, they were arguing, but…. Bruno says if she'd been at his side he wouldn't have died, or at least not so quickly, and she would have had time to change his mind about the will. "So, you see, it's all your fault." Go on, Vicky, give him a kick on the way down the stairs. Ungrateful little brat, making his mom cry like that. Bruno takes his luggage and leaves. Vicky sits down in his chair and says that he's right, it was her fault Tony died. She tells Dead!Tony that she's sorry and that without him the family is a complete disaster.

A few days later, MaryJo and Bruno, calling himself Alejandro, get married. He has a little trouble signing the document, but then pulls off what we can only assume is a passable imitation of the real Alejandro's signature. As they kiss, Fake Alejandro tells MaryJo that whatever happens, she needs to remember that he loves her. She's curious, but he says he's just saying it because he loves her and he's happy. The judge says he'll give them a "comprobante" (receipt) so that they can pick up their marriage certificate. Paula congratulates them and hands out wine.

Out on the street in front of the house, MaryJo tells Paula and her dad that she'll be back for her clothes tomorrow before she goes on a trip with Fake Alejandro. For now, they're going to his apartment to do the nasty. What, isn't that what all newly married couples do? In the car, Fake Alex won't tell MaryJo where they're going. He says it's a surprise and it'll only be for a few days and when they do their church wedding, they'll do a bigger trip. They bump fenders with another driver, but when Fake Alex gets out of the car, the other guys drive off fast. While he's out of the car, his cell phone rings. It's Erick telling Bruno that Alex is going to Zarco the following day. Bruno gripes and Erick suggests scrapping the plan. He looks back at MaryJo waiting for him in the car and tells Erick that he'll take the next flight. MaryJo is surprised to hear this. Bruno/Alex gets back in the car as she asks, "you're leaving?"

And tomorrow: Felipa wonders if it's not about time the kids learned who their BioDad really is; Alex takes the long and winding road to Zarco, with disastrous results; Vicki cries over Alejandro.

Finally! I think I got a little long winded, but they really crammed a lot in there to set this story up. Just as a review, the list of players:

Antonio=Tony=Baby Daddy=the father of all three kids
Samuel=Sam=Non-Baby-Daddy=the guy who raised Bruno and Raquel, now dead
Victoria=Vicky=lover of Antonio, later his wife; first Samuel's wife, mom to Bruno and Raquel, stepmom to Alejandro
Hernán=Antonio's friend who we may or may not even see again
Bruno=Fake Alejandro=snot nosed brat with a huge chip on his shoulder
Raquel=no impression yet
Alejandro=Alex=dumbass guy too nice for his own good
Maria Jose=Candi from Tontas=MaryJo=virginal bride of Alejandro, or so she thinks
Paula=MaryJo's not so puritan younger sister
Pedrito=Pedro=MaryJo's dad; bound to get in trouble with the law
Erick=skeezy accomplice of Bruno

Labels: sortilegio