Caray, Caray!

I had to start this quite late, so I’m going to just throw it on the page. Here goes…

Yesterday: Emiliano tells Tia Carlota that Netty tore up the check he gave her to pay for Marienela’s education and wants to pay for it herself. Tia Carlota looks astounded and thoughtbubbles that she’s going to have to check out Netty’s household.

*****

Kristel confronts Mauricio about Ilitia and he pretends to be astonished and reminds her that his cousin Lorena was badly frostbitten by Kristel’s brother’s coldness, and is probably looking for revenge, plus Kristel is so incredibly bitchin that Lorena’s jealous. Kristel of course swallows that whole, but then is all scared Ilitia won’t forgive her for slapping her and she’ll lose her best friend. Mauricio hugs her, while rolling his eyes.

At the station, Brandon tells Oliver that he figures that Caiman (the guy they snagged at Netty’s) can be used as an informant and they can break up the crime ring. Just leave it to Brandon! Either Caiman squeals, or it’s the clinker for him.

At Netty’s, Gretel and Marianela are having tea, and Gretel warmly comments that she had forgotten that a family could be happy. She is hopeful that Axel will be comfortable there. She tells Marianela that the Ruiz y de Teresa don’t deserve someone as good as her after all they’ve done to her. Gretel adds for all she herself has done to her. Marianela is surprised, and Gretel says she’s been a coward but one day she’s going to make it all up to her. Gretel swiftly exits, passing Doris.

Marianela tells Doris that she’s going to give it a try with Brandon. Doris is glad, saying that he has a huge heart just like Marianela.

Kristel calls and asks Marianela why she isn’t there for the contest prep. Marienela is steamed and says she’s not going to enter. Kristel tells her she better, or Emanuel gets the diary handed to him tonight. Mauricio gives Kristel a grinning thumbs up, and she triumphantly flips her phone shut.

Bernardo tells Emiliano, who is looking for Fedra, that she’s with her designer. Emiliano scoffs that surely she has enough clothes, for heaven’s sake. The maid tells Bernardo that Fedra called and he can come pick her up. Emiliano decides he’s coming along, just to lay eyes on this design paragon. Bernardo tries not to look alarmed.

Netty is giving an acting demonstration to her class, who is sitting on the floor, gazing admiringly up at her. How does she do it, they want to know. She says with love! With love everything is possible. Love opens all doors.

It’s not true! says Carlota who has walked in through the apparently open front door accompanied by some menacing cellos, her cotton-candy hair and a sneer. Some doors once they’re shut can’t ever be opened again, she intones.

Ilitia is working with the contestants on a dance number. They take a break (per the captions, a “brake”) and Kirstel comes over and begs forgiveness, saying she just lost it when Lorena told her that gossip. Ilitia tells her to investigate next time before handing out slaps, but right away forgives her and they hug.

Marianela walks in and says she’s going to be in the competition. All the other girls giggle because I guess the writers think that anyone who enters a beauty contest is shallow and catty. Welcome to hell, says Ilitia who we do know for a fact actually is shallow and catty.

Tia Carlota, waving her hand dismissively, haughtily says she’s sorry to have interrupted Netty’s little theater. Netty says quite all right, we were just finished. The students repair to the other room for some coffee.

Carlota says she’s come to discuss the inheritance of Marianela Ruiz y de Teresa. Pavon, corrects Netty. It’s Marianela Ruiz y de Teresa Pavon. She’s a member of my family, and I don’t care to discuss her inheritance with you. Carlota says she spoke to Netty’s lawyer and just wants to clear up some details, if Netty’s not afraid of her. Not at all, says spunky Netty who observes that it’s Carlota who may feel uncomfortable talking to her, just because she’s an actress, a profession, she adds, as honorable as any other.

Netty says that she’s not going to let anybody take away from Marianela what is legally hers.

Kristel ridicules Marianela, and when Lorena figures out she’s Axel’s cousin, she throws mean barbs. Look, says Ilitia, you have a room full of new girlfriends! Marianela stares stonily ahead.

Bernardo tries to say that’s he’s the one who always picks up Fedra alone, and he doesn’t want her having one of her upsets. Emiliano smells a rat. Bernardo says he’ll just go get the car keys, but Emiliano says they’ll take his car and Bernardo better not be hiding something from him.

Fedra is trying to get dressed, but Lorenzo doesn’t want her to go yet. She says she has to – she can’t go missing for long with Carlota in the house, and besides, since the thing about Marianela’s money coming to her, things are a little rocky with Emiliano. Lorenzo keeps smooching on her. What about Muñeca? she wonders. He says that he’s found a way to keep her plenty busy – the orphanage is losing its building. Ah! says Fedra. So you’re behind that? Bad boy! She’s so turned on by his clever evilness that it’s back to bed to romp some more.

Muñeca is pleading with a Mr. Salamanco to let her buy the property. She has an assessment, and the price she’s offering is fair. Begoña adds that the orphans will be out in the street. Salamanco says, sorry, I got a much higher offer. This property is going to be a commercial center (which is probably a euphemism for mini-mall).

Emanuel shows up with the urchin from yesterday. Muñeca tells him they’re being thrown out (didn’t he call ahead in last night’s show?). He’s incensed and grabs the paperwork from Salamanca’s hand and rips it up.

Ilitia fake apologizes to Marianela, telling her it’s just that she was quite a shock to the other girls. Marianela smiles and says they can say whatever they want. Ilitia goes over to Kristel to confer over the fact that Marianela isn’t in tears as they’d hoped.

Ititia goes over to Marianela and pets her and tells the others not to say things. Marianela says it’s water off a duck’s back. Kristel says of course, she must be used to people saying things about how she looks. I don’t need anybody to defend me, says Marianela, giving Kristel the stink eye.

Apparently Netty and Carlota have covered some territory, because Netty tells her that she’s offended that Carlota would think she wants to take her Marianela’s money. Look at my home! Does it look like it was given to me? Everything I have I’ve earned by the sweat of my own brow. Carlota observes that people can change, or dissemble. Netty, all righteous, says she’s never used anybody. She’s made it on the applause of her public, and she doesn’t regret any of it. Carlota thinks Netty’s disastrous financial situation sure could be improved with inheritance money.

Why is Netty fighting for something that isn’t hers? Because, says Netty heatedly, I think that someone wants to take the money from Marianela, who’s an orphan, and a minor. Fedra? deduces Carlota. She wouldn’t try something like that. I disagree, says Netty. You have no idea who, and what, Fedra Curiel is.

Bernardo is driving, and Emiliano is in the back seat, asking him why they’ve passed the same spot three times in a row. Bernardo says he always gets a little lost there. He tries to mess with his cell phone in his lap, out of sight of Emiliano. How can he warn her? he wonders frantically.

Fedra has managed to get out the front door of the apartment building, but Lorenzo is still all suckered octopus arms, grasping on to her and smooching her, and doesn’t want to let her go. Fortunately for them, the entrance is in an alcove, off the street.

Salamanca seems to have evaporated, and Muñeca thanks Emanuel, but says she’s afraid Salamanca is going to bring a lawsuit. Emanuel says he knows lots of people. Muñeca introduces him to Begoña, who works at his agency. He greets her and says he’s heard of her.

Oliver and Brandon are interrogating Caiman who resists and blusters. Brandon tells him to calm down, that he’s going to give him an opportunity to change his life.

Fedra’s cell is ringing, but Lorenzo takes it from her and keeps kissing on her while she tries to get it back. In the car, Emiliano asks Bernardo how he can get lost, seeing as how he drives Fedra there all the time. Bernardo stops the car and honks, saying it’s a very dangerous neighborhood.

It’s Emiliano! says Fedra. Lorenzo keeps kissing her and says Emiliano would never come to her designer’s. Fedra grabs his chin and turns it street-ward and sure enough he sees Emiliano purposefully striding across the traffic. Lorenzo jumps behind a decorative wall.

What a surprise! says Fedra. Emiliano sternly asks her if this is the building she sees her designer in. Darned odd, because Lorenzo has an apartment here. Lorenzo cowers in his corner, unseen while Emiliano gives Fedra a laser look.

The girls are working their dance routine moves in front of the studio mirror. Kristel and Ilitia are on each side of Marianela and they bump her time to time during the practice. After practice is over, Marianela leans on the barre and catches her breath. In the background, Kristel and Ilitia figure they’ll run her off yet. Ilitia tells the girls to go home and tells Marianela she can’t be dancing like a hippo.

Ilitia hands out diet brochures and Kristel says no point in giving Marianela one, she won’t try, she won’t even have a bypass. Ilitia decides the girls should give her a welcome, so all the girls start shoving her.

Fedra pretends to be astonished that Lorenzo has an apartment in the building. Why, she’s never seen him! Emiliano says it’s his love nest. Poor Muñeca, clucks Fedra. Bernardo says he’ll go for the car. No, says Emiliano, I want to meet your designer. Which apartment is his?

Oh he left about 20 minutes ago! Fedra says. I was still changing. You won’t believe what he’s designed for me! Emiliano isn’t buying and tells her that the next time she comes, he’s driving her. I don’t like this, he says.

No problem! says Fedra. They all head towards the car, and Lorenzo peeks out. Emiliano turns to look back, and Lorenzo ducks just in time.

The girls have gotten so rough, they knock Marianela to the floor. Her glasses go flying, and she seems to be unconscious. Kristel tells the other girls to leave and to not say a word. They nod and hustle out. Ilitia hovers over Marianela, but Kristel pulls her away. Ilitia hesitates, then runs out with her.

Emanuel is seeing a lawyer who says they can try legal proceedings to prevent (delay?) the sale of the orphanage, but the process will take time. The lawyer wonders why Emanuel is so interested. Justice, says Emanuel.

It’s nighttime and Netty and Brandon are wondering where Marianela is. And with whom? says Brandon, jealous. Doris tells them that she went to the club to practice for the beauty contest. Netty is astonished and disapproves. Off Brandon goes to find her.

Fedra, back home again, tells Bernardo he’s useless, and punctuates her insults with a slap. Bernardo tells her she’s making mistakes, and never should have gone there while Carlota is in the house. Outside the room, Gretel overhears. Fedra yells that she’s not going to miss out on her fun just because that old meddler is around. You know perfectly well what I’m capable of if somebody gets in my way.

Gretel steps into the room and says Exactly what are you capable of? Killing Tia Carlota?

Kristel has told Mauricio about what happened with Marianela and they’re both yucking it up. She wonders if Marianela’s still passed out. What if Emanuel finds out about it?

About what? says Emanuel, who is just coming into the living room.

Ilitia is asking her parents what happens if a person gets hit. Muñeca says it’s violence, and they taught her since childhood that it’s bad. So why does she ask? Ilitia says a friend of hers got hit by some girls. Is it a crime? Sure, says Muñeca. Your friend could send all the girls to jail. Ilitia is stunned. If she talks, Ilitia thoughtbubbles, I’m sunk.

Marianela is just now coming around. Her head hurts, and fortunately her glasses fell within reach. She gets up, telling herself to stop crying. They’re going to pay, she decides.

Brandon arrives and is worried about a bruise on her face we can’t see. She tells him she was attacked. He swears he’ll kill the person. She tells him it was Ilitia and Kristel. He hits the roof, ranting about how rich folks think they can get away with anything. He’s going after them. Marianela asks him not to – she says she needs to defend herself. She personally will be police and jail.

Fedra asks Gretel what mental health issues are popping up now. Is she stalking her, spying on her? Gretel says she just came to ask something and couldn’t help overhearing. Who is it you’re going to get out of your way? Tia Carlota? Whoever I need to, says Fedra menacingly. Whoever. Bernardo takes her arm and tells her to control herself. She tells him she wants to talk to her daughter alone. He leaves, telling her to watch what she says.

Fedra grabs Gretel roughly by the arm and drags her into the bedroom. I’m sick of you and your insults, of your persecutions. Gretel, in tears, says You’re hurting me! Fedra gets eye level with her and says You’re hurting me more! I’m not going to leave you alone until you tell me what you have against me. She shakes her. Tell me!

Emanuel wonders if Kristel and Mauricio have been bothering Marianela. They lightly deny it. Delicia decides this would be a good time to steal Marianela’s diary back and she heads off upstairs. Mauricio tells Emanuel that Marianela’s doing great, she’s so happy with her novio. They tell him she’s already started with the tryouts. He can’t believe it, and teases Kristel about never getting to eat what she wants. He musses her hair and she heads off to fix it. Mauricio protests that he and Kristel have nothing to do with her decision. Emanuel says better be true, or things are going to get interesting.

Delicia has found the diary, and Kristel walks in and catches her. She accuses Delicia of taking her things. Delicia says the diary isn’t hers. Kristel chases her around and finally wrenches the diary out of her hand and shoves her out of the door.

Fedra is crying now. She tells Gretel that she’s her child, and yet she’s her worst enemy in the house. Why?
Gretel: (tearfully) You don’t respect anybody! You lie! You trample over everybody!
Fedra: Well, you have to put up with me, because I’m Fedra. Because I’m your mother.
G: Unfortunately. Just my luck.
F: (obviously hurt): You know, one day I’m going to run out of patience with you.
G: I came to ask you if you don’t want to do something about Axel. Don’t you care what happens with him?
F: No. He’s chosen a lifestyle that your father and I don’t agree with. He’s going to have to find his own way.
G: You’re worse than I thought, Fedra.
F: (shouting) Mama!
G: One day you’re going to pay big time for what you’ve done to your son.

Gretel runs out.

Netty doesn’t want to talk about her day at Televisa and Gladiola ribs her about it, then tells the others about Emiliano showing up with Lorenzo. Begoña suddenly decides she has to go upstairs to give the baby his bath. Axel comes and asks to talk to Netty. Doris is surprised to see Marianela’s cousin there.

Gretel is crying in the garden, telling tender-hearted Paula that she wishes she had a different mother, one who was poor, one who didn’t care about jewels and clothes, but who just loved her children. Paula offers her a tea in the kitchen, but Gretel wants to be alone.

And there she is weeping when Oliver appears out of the foliage. It’s my feet! he says. They have a life of their own and just carried me here. Gretel says she’s not up for jokes, she just wants to cry, because her life is a disaster. Oliver tenderly lays his hand on her cheek and tells her the future doesn’t have to be – let him paint a new one for her. He shows her a single flower he’s brought her and she throws her arms around his neck.

It turns out that Axel doesn’t have rent money for Netty. Netty and Gladiola and Doris tell him he can stay, he can’t be out on the street, and Angela just left so the room is available. They start talking about Angela, and he breaks into a smile.

Marianela and Brandon come in and now we see her injury – three big scratch marks on one cheek. Netty wants to know who did that to her.

Oliver tenderly says to Gretel that he can’t stand to see her cry. Looking at him breathlessly, she says without conviction that she ought to charge him with assault. He says he’s the police, and he’d gladly lock himself up in her eyes. He could swim in them. He begs her let him help her, but she says she doesn’t need help. He says she doesn’t need just help, she needs love, and he’s ready to give her both. He kisses her and she kisses back. Aw.

Avances: Emanuel has called Marianela in the middle of the night because he misses her. Lorenzo tells Emanuel, who has Ilitia hanging on him, that he wants them to set the wedding date that very evening. Marianela says (I think) they’re going to kill us!

Labels: llena