Caray, Caray!

Aida and Aurora are at the gym talking about how they've been friends since grade school. Aurora tells of a certain guy she likes (doesn’t mention his name) and how she spilled atole on her arm. When he offered to help her and touched her arm, she felt a something like an electrical charge or chemistry between them. Aida says, yup, you’re in love.

At Aurora’s house, she and Teresa are having a little visit. Teresa thanks her for advising Arturo about the funeral although she would have preferred he hadn't gone to the wake. She doesn’t have a problem with him but his sister doesn’t like her. She feels she needs to fix that because this could be an issue. She must think of her career and can’t run the risk that he won’t help her due to his sister’s influence.

Teresa says as friends they had always promised to be honest with each other. When she told Aurora she wasn’t interested in Mariano, she was being truthful. She didn’t think she was going to end up with him again. Aurora feels it’s obvious Mariano still cares about Teresa and points out they were novios before. Teresa says that’s way back when they were children and it was just a game to her. She knows Aurora likes him and volunteers to step aside because Aurora’s her best friend and doesn’t want to risk their friendship, not even for Mariano. Aurora admits she likes him but it was just a simple attraction, nothing more. Teresa says she could never forgive herself if Aurora were hurt. Aurora knows this and asks why Teresa decided to give Mariano another chance. Teresa thought he was a slacker, but he’s changed. He’s back at the university, he’s kind, generous and well, she realized that she loves him. The BFFs hug and Teresa has a Cheshire Cat smile on her face. Hmmmm.

Aurora and her father talk about Rosa and he asks her about Mariano. She asks him not to mention him again. Concerned, dad asks her if Mariano did anything to hurt her. Al contrario, he is the nicest person she’s ever met but he’s in love with her BFF. She now just wants to go away and leave everything behind so she doesn’t have to suffer through meeting them together. She just would like to disappear. He says it's not a good idea to run away. She doesn’t seem convinced.

Teresa reports to work and Luisa is surprised to see her there. She’s following Arturo’s instructions not to have any distractions. Luisa tells her this is different; this is a special circumstance. Teresa says oh no, there's no such thing as special circumstances for people who depend on others for money. That's how life is for the poor. (Asi es la vida de los pobres) Luisa says she now understands her brother. Teresa is a very responsible person but pain has nothing to do with responsibility – everyone understands that. Teresa emphasizes that she needs to keep moving forward. Yesterday, she buried her sister. Today her mother is taking in laundry, her father is back at the garage and she’s here ready to work.

Gym teacher comes by to visit Armando and Teresa to drop off Rosita's ribbon. They put it next to her medal and the Virgencita because this way they are together, just as they are in heaven. They thank God for the time they had with Rosita. They agree they should now focus on Teresa and support her as much as they can and enjoy her rather than constantly arguing with her. Refugio struggles with understanding Teresa's ambition. She remembers Teresa said she needed a new sweater and will go out to buy some yarn to start on it right away.

Luisa tells Teresa she misjudged her so severely before getting to know her and she now understands why her brother believes in her. They share an embrace (sounds like the theme from Jaws playing in the background). Teresa has tears in her eyes and thanks her for the embrace but she doesn't want her sympathy. Luisa shares her pain. Her parents died when she was 11. Their lives changed forever that night and it’s too painful to discuss. Teresa wishes Luisa would learn to trust her. They agree to start anew. Teresa reminds her that she told her on that day she was pretty and she meant it. Luisa gushes and disagrees. Teresa has a bright idea and recommends a makeover with a few changes here and there. Teresa turns around and she has a look on her face like, boy, this is gonna be tough. When she looks at Luisa again, she brings on the tears. At the estetica (beauty salon), Luisa and Teresa share some galpal time and we see Luisa with a new do and picking out clothes. Profe likes the change in his sis. Luisa says it's all thanks to Teresa.

Arturo tells Teresa he's sorry she wasn't able to make it to Rosita's meet. Teresa says no need for apologies; no one could have predicted this tragedy. If anything, Rosita understood the need to work hard to get ahead. Arturo wants to begin paying her for her work, as it is keeping her from seeking paid employment. Teresa says no way, she’s already indebted to him for the tuition. She refuses, saying it's humiliating enough to have her career thanks to his charity. Let's not mention it again.

Esperanza is talking to El Bigote on her cell phone. She's home alone with Pablito and Ruben appears to be at a restaurant. Espe: “How will I manage while you're gone? I'll miss you so much.” Ruben: “I'll miss you more. I don't know how I'll manage without being able to embrace you and kiss you.” Ugh -- he's checking out a chica walking by as he says this. Espe: “Stop or I'll chain you down so that you can't go anywhere. Promise me you'll take care of yourself and think of me.” Ruben: “All the time. And promise me you won't spin cobwebs in your head. Remember – no job hunting, and no jealousy. Keep yourself busy.” (really?) Espe: “I’ll keep busy with Pablito – I get his results tomorrow. I'm so worried.” Ruben: “Remember that he is in good hands. The sooner we know what wrong with him, the sooner he can be cured.

Refugio knitting (man she knits fast!). Teresa walks in “Never mind the knitting, look at the beautiful sweater Luisa gave me. Es muy fino (very nice/expensive).” I felt so bad for Refugio. Teresa goes on and on about how beautiful her sweater is and wants Juana to check it out so she can make her something similar to that style. Juana steers her into the bedroom while Refugio sadly pulls apart her knitting (sniff). In the bedroom, she tells Juana no way does she want to wear the sweater her mom is making with that cheap yarn. Juana reminds her how sensitive her mother is now and convinces her to wear the sweater she's knitting – she doesn't have to wear every day. Oh, ok…if I must.

As her parents are off to check on the mass for Rosita, Teresa stays behind, holding Rosita's competition ribbon and speaks of her continued efforts to get ahead. Now that her tuition is paid for, she will focus on how Aida will pay for all the humiliation she caused Teresa. Then the mantra begins: “Yo soy, yo soy, yo soy” (I got a little creeped out here)

Espe and Teresa are out walking. Espe hopes this is the last time Ruben does anything with his wife but since she has some free time, is there anything Teresa needs? Teresa doesn’t skip a beat and suggests she use that free time to find a job: “I already told you it's not a good idea to depend on men, especially if they're married! Look at me, I'm working toward being independent so I don't have to rely on anyone but at the same time considering all my options.” Espe: “Like what?” Teresa: “Meet the right people, open the right doors, to get a good job. You never know when things won't work out. For example, what happens if your boyfriend ends up reconciling with his wife during this trip. What would you do?” (bullseye!) Espe: “No, no don't even joke about that.” Teresa: “I'm not joking. Consider finding a way to earn money. Wouldn't that be best?” Espe: “Now you got me thinking. If my novio leaves me, I'll simply die.”

Refugio is trying to give Mariano some money. Mariano: “How can I take your money. You have so many expenses.” Refugio: “What expenses (que gastos?) I know you pawned (empenar) many of your belongings. Besides what better way to use the money we were saving for Rosita's quinceanera. I am so grateful for all your help for Rosita and for how much you love Teresa. You're the best thing that ever happened to her.”

Teresa is at Ruben's office (ooooo this is gonna be good! Jaws theme playing and everything!) ooops, Mariano shows up and tells her he's there cuz Ruben is his main squeeze for his taxi business and he has some papers to deliver. (Rats! I was looking forward to a confrontation.) They make a big show of introducing her to Ruben’s secretary.

Cutberto continues his pursuit of Juana. Time for the luto to be over. She says she stopped the luto awhile back. He tells her “No, that's not the kind of luto I'm talking about” and tries to steal a kiss. Cute scene. She chases him off.

Teresa is saying goodbye to Mariano with a hug and a kiss and Aida sees them. “Oh so now you're novios with the taxista!” Mariano: “Is there a problem?” Aida: “No... My dad says you're a good, um employee. I'm surprised to see Teresa here.” Teresa explains they were companeras in school and now will be going to the same university. Aida: “Well, so sorry I interrupted your apapachos (hugs). Ta-ta! I'll say hi to Paolo for you!” Teresa: “I hate her! See the humiliations I have to suffer? I hate how they ridicule (menosprecien) me.” Mariano: “Then do what I do. If you can't handle it then go the public university.” Teresa (incredulous): “How can you say that?” Mariano: “What, would that embarrass you? You understand my school is one of the most recognized schools in Latin America, right?” Teresa: “It's not that, but how can I give up this great opportunity. The best attorneys come from the universidad del sur.” Mariano: “I hope that's the reason because I'd hate to think you're embarrassed of where I study, much less embarrassed of me.” Teresa: “ How can you say that? You're so much better and worth much more than that idiot Aida is dating.” She hugs him then she gets this hateful look on her face.

Mariano runs into Aida as he's delivering a package to Ruben's secretary. Aida and the secretary both comment on how cute he is but don't understand what he's doing with that novia of his.

Aurora arrives at Teresa's home and tells Refugio that since she's leaving Mexico, she brought by a few things that she thinks Teresa can use. Her chauffer brings in a few shopping bags filled with clothes.

Aida arrives at Paolo's house. Paolo: “What'sup?” Aida: “Nothing, nothing. I just don't understand what I see in you when you're so attracted to chachas (tacky girls; literal translation-servant). Those girls who aspire to reach a higher station and end up with someone just like themselves.” Paolo: “What you talkin bout?” Aida: “ I ran into Teresa” This perks up Paolo’s interest: “Did you her?” Aida: “Yup, and with her new novio. I saw her kissing a lowly (vil) taxista!”

Teresa is telling Luisa that she's sad cuz her BFF has just told her that she's moving away from Mexico. “It's awful because now I have no one to talk to, to share with.” Luisa: “I know how you feel. I'm the same. Even though I have Arturo, there are many things I can’t talk to him about. I hope you will give me the chance to be your friend and confide in me.” Teresa: “It would be an honor for me if you'd consider me your friend.”

Aurora still at Teresa's talking with Armando and Refugio. She’s such a nice girl. Empathizing with them in their sorrow. Armando tells her Teresa is also very sad. Aurora admits it's hard for her to leave her at this time. She thanks God for this trip, for her father and for the opportunity to distance myself from someone who....In walks Mariano. I thought I saw a spark between them?

Eperanza at the doctor's. Doctor has bad news (oh no) Pablito has what is called Wilms tumor (tumor de Wilms) (?) a form of kidney cancer that can result in death. Espe is muy, muy impactada.

At the vecindad, Mariano is walking with Aurora and she's telling him she's going to France. Pablito is playing with some kid and they begin to rough house. As the other kid picks up Pablito, we can hear him asking to be put down. Then we see the bigger kid holding Pablito in a kind of chokehold (not really, but Pablito doesn't look too good). Pablito passes out and the kid thinks he's playing. When he doesn't respond, the kid calls to Mariano who begins checking for a pulse.


Avances:

Martes: Teresa in a couple of provocative poses with Mariano, then Arturo
Arturo's mystery woman from the past turns up
Teresa tells Arturo – you're not alone, you have me.

Labels: Teresa