Caray, Caray!

Capitulo #29 Multiple Choice: a) El Profe Guapisimo, c) El Medico Mas Guapo sin Pompadour, ó c) El Muerto de Hambre Patético

¡NO! Teresa rejects Mariano. She loves him but doesn’t plan on marrying until he proves that they can leave the vecindad, have their own apartment and he with his own practice. She uses her parents as an example - her mother can’t stop working even though she’s ill and her father is unemployed. Does he think she wants to continue in this lifestyle? She’s fed up with all these worries, all the tragedies caused by this maldita probeza. She wants to free herself from this vecindad and everything it represents. He asks her to be patient. He understands her frustration but she’ll see how everything will be settled quickly. She says no, she’s never deceived him; he knows the way she is and how hard she’s worked to get where she is and if she can do it, so can he. She turns from him and whispers her mantra: “Ser o no ser, yo soy.” He comes to her and vows to succeed, to please believe in him. She cries, he kisses her on the cheek, and the jaws theme leads us out.

Ramon and Cutberto discuss his career options. Ramon suggests he learn to express himself… like Teresa and study Spanish (ha!)

Mariano and Teresa discuss his graduation party. He wants something simple. She suggests something on a larger scale, inviting influential people like the director of the hospital. She urges him to begin forging important relationships to pave the way for his career. Along with hard work, networking will bring him better opportunities. It could lead to a partnership with one of the big guns, like the Ledesmas or the director. Remember a private practice will bring big money. There are always options. He agrees to think about all this. She’s happy to hear this and adds this will lead to them marrying sooner.

At the Chavez household, everyone is cautioning Refugio to take it easy. Cutberto announces he wants to ask something of Juana—that he give her lessons in etiquette para que se me quite lo bruto (to rid him of his ignorance)

Medina household: Johnny announces his new job with Fito-maldito that promises to pay well. Dad warns him to be careful since they don’t know Fito that well.

Tere tells Juana Mariano proposed to her but said he has to meet certain conditions first. She knows he’ll be successful but the question is how long will it take? They agreed to put off the wedding mientras el se ponga las pilas (until he gets moving). Juana is in total agreement telling Tere she needs to push him, but lovingly. Tere did say yes to his proposal but not when—it all depends on how he moves along.

Armando is in suit and tie, telling Refugio he’s on his way to look for a job and wants to make a good impression. Bien vestido, bien recibido (dress for success). We next see him at Arturo’s place. Uh-oh. He’s shown to Refugio’s office. Armando to Arturo: What was the true reason for his visit yesterday? He’s regretting his agreement to allow Arturo to pay Tere a salary. He’s concerned there’s something else going on here. Arturo confesses there is something else: he’s in love with Teresa. Ok, this blogger had to pick her jaw up off the floor! Can’t believe he just came out with that.

Luisa and Tere are at the new depa. Luisa asks her what she meant by toasting to love the other day. Was she thinking of someone in particular? Teresa coyly says she can’t tell her anything having to do with her brother – her eyes say Arturo but she speaks to the contract between them to stay focused on her career, blah, blah, blah. At the moment, zero boyfriends, zero pretendientes (suitors)

Armando’s shocked and cries out: Refugio was right, there were other motives in Arturo’s interest in Tere. Arturo asks him to calm down and not to misinterpret his motives. He admits he loves Tere but has never acted on it nor has he said anything or acted inappropriately with Tere. Armando: That’s as it should be seeing he’s her boss and her teacher. Teresa herself never would have allowed it. It’s just not right. Arturo defends his feelings and assures Armando that he wants to marry Teresa! Armando: Are you serious? Arturo: Absolutely. I know I’m not as young as her but the age difference isn’t so great. I only want to make her happy. I’m professionally and financially established enough to offer her everything she deserves. Daddy’s all verklempt and Arturo starts stammering and stuttering that he wouldn’t be talking this way if Teresa weren’t…..he trails off and says that well, Tere could fall in love with him. Daddy gets upset again, saying Refugio will be upset to hear about this. The agreement was for Tere to study with him, no more. They come to a gentlemen’s agreement that nothing more will be said of this until Tere finishes her studies.

Fito tells Johnny the time has come for his first delivery. Johnny walks off, excitedly talking to himself about how he will be able to help with Pablito. He runs into Mariano who is sporting a new ‘do. ¡Órale! The hair gods have heard my plea. The pompadour is no more. Johnny congratulates him on the new look and takes the opportunity to tell him of his new job that promises to pay more than the garage. He then tells him the bad news that he’s now a messenger for Fito. Mariano doesn’t look too pleased at this news and warns him to be careful at the new job, to be aware of what he’s delivering, taking care that it’s not drugs. As Johnny walks away, in comes Fito with a package in hand. Mariano gets into a scuffle with Fito, telling him they both know what’s in that package and warns him to stay away from anyone in the vecindad, or else. Tere comes in and they part. Mariano tells her Fito’s involved in drugs.

Ramon delivers a case of wine to the Rubigote house. Maira who has just returned from working out is very nice to him and offers him a glass of water.

Cutberto and Juana – Juana doesn’t want to play Professor Higgins to his Mary Poppins. She’s too busy with her work. Cutberto complains she’s always ready to help everyone else. He playfully begs her to save him from his vices.

Armando tells Tere about his discussion with Arturo. He tells her of Arturo’s wish to marry her. Tere acts all shocked at this news. Armando feels Arturo is an ok guy, but she should tell him she has a bf. Tere’s afraid of how he’ll react to this news. Dad doesn’t want her to lead him on and feels one of them should tell him about Mariano. Tere disagrees. She can’t risk losing everything including Mariano. Arturo may have mentioned marriage but who knows what that means. Dad insists she tell him everything. Tere seems to relent and in walks Mariano. They chit-chat about mom’s blood pressure and Dad says it’s good he came by because Tere was going to ask him for a ride to el liceniado’s. Tere is all um…yeah, riiight --- and shoots dagger eyes at dad.

Ramon gives Espe a ride home and he tells her about his trip to his boss’ home and how his wife is very nice. Espe realizes he’s talking of Rubigote’s home and is muy impactada, leaning against the wall for support. Ramon is very concerned, noting she’s become very pale. Espe says everything’s fine, she’s just been working too hard. So, tell me more about your boss’ house. He tells her he delivered a case of wine to the house and as he understands it, she’s planning to have a party with the ladies in her home. Espe tells him she’s glad they’re treating him so well. He walks away and Espe is definitely feeling the impact of this news.

Cut to Rubigote and Maira talking about the wine he sent to the house. He know it’s her favority. She plans to use it for their 25th wedding anniversary. She wants a party, and a long vacation to celebrate. She loves him as much as on the first day they met (blech). They smooch

Tere and Mariano – she congratulates him on this new “look” Very handsome and professional looking. They talk of Johnny’s job with Fito and Mariano asks why Tere looks so concerned. Oh she knows the harm those people can do, especially to young people who are looking to make some easy money. That’s what she says but we know there’s something else brewing.

Espy goes to visit Ramon asking for a cup of coffee. She starts grilling him about Rubigote’s house and its location. She sees his log book on the coffee table and asks him about his availability in case she’s able to throw some business his way. As he’s flipping through his log, she sees Rubigote’s name and address and rushes off, leaving him talking to himself. Now she’s talking to herself, saying she must meet Mrs. Rubigote.

In the courtyard, Johnny is asking Fito about the delivery job and by the way what is he delivering? Fito sees Mariano walking up with Tere and he gets nervous and tells Johnny the delivery is held up, he’ll let him know when he’s needed and rushes off.

Genoveva asks Paolo about Aida. He tells her he’d be with Aida right now if he had any money. Geno says, rather meanly, “And what are you planning to do, get a job?” He tells her that’s exactly what he plans to do and he’ll show her he can do it on his own! She’s happy, telling him he’s now at the age to cover his own expenses. He shoots back at her: “This is exactly the way you were with my father. No wonder Te mandó volar!” (sent her flying; well, dumped her)

Juana is telling Refugio she has no plans to teach Cutberto and saying he only wants a pretext to be close to her. Refugio likes Cutberto and suggests Juana give him a chance—or set her eyes on someone else, like Ramon for example. Juana protests, Ramon is just a friend. Refugio comes back asking her how she sees Cutberto. Juana doesn’t know how to answer this.

Arturo is telling Luisa about his visit with Armando. Luisa feels Armando and Refugio are overprotective of Tere. She feels there is no one better than Arturo for Tere. Mariano drops off Teresa in his taxi. She tells him not to bother walking her to the door or he’ll be late for his appt with the director. Obviously, she doesn’t want him to run into Arturo--she’s kept this up for 3 years?. She kisses him goodbye. Arturo is telling Luisa he plans to ask for Teresa’s hand as soon as she graduates. He goes to the window to look for Teresa just in time to see her hugging Mariano and is royally pissed off! When Tere walks in the door, he grabs her by the shoulders and shouts at her, “Why the devil were you hugging that tipo (guy)? Didn’t you tell me you were just friends? Answer me!” Teresa complains he’s hurting her. Arturo: “You told me you had no boyfriend. I don’t want you distracted especially now that you are at the end of your studies.” Teresa is very quick and says they are just friends and she was just hugging him because it’s his birthday. He tries to cover by saying he was upset about something else and begs for forgiveness. Teresa brings on the tears telling him she’s never given him cause to doubt her. She is not accustomed to being mistreated, not even by him. She leaves in a huff. Luisa runs after her. Tere apologizes if her behavior was shocking but no one has the right to abuse her, not even Arturo. Good for her! Luisa asks her to calm down and come back in. Teresa refuses saying she’d rather be alone at the moment because she is muy sacada de onda (slang=out of it/upset). She assures Luisa this has nothing to do with her. Luisa goes back to Arturo and gets in his face. He doesn’t know why reacted this way, doesn’t know why he’s this way where Teresa is concerned. He only knows Mariano has always wanted to be with her. Luisa tells him Teresa doesn’t like Mariano and never even mentions him. Arturo grumbles about having spent so many years hiding his feelings. Luisa advises him to calm down or he’ll lose Tere forever.

Johnny gets home late and tells his fam he didn’t get the job with Fito.

Mar, Dar, Mag are at the hospital. Mar is worrying about some modifications he gave to the director regarding his project. Director Alcazar walks in and tells Mariano he was able to set up a meeting with a director of a lab regarding Mar’s proposal. Dr. Alcazar asks Mariano to put together a computer-based presentation highlighting the benefits of the project---and he needs it tomorrow morning at 7am.

Paolo is standing outside the vecindad waiting for Teresa. He tells her of his confrontation with mom. She congratulates him but he complains that now he has no money and will have to find a job. Tere wants to know how that’s her concern. He remembers that at one time she said she would reconcile with him once he pulled away from mamá. Tere wants to know the obvious: what would they live on? It’s not enough to cut the cordón umbilical. He also needs to have enough money to give her the life she deserves. (Jaws music starts, he better run) In his current condition, he’s of no use to her. Forget about her. He’s all, “what”? “¿Que dijeste?” Tere: “I’m not interested. In fact I’ve never been interested in you. Now leave me alone.” She turns to leave and he grabs her by the arm. Paolo: “I gave up everything for you, everything! And now you hit me with this?” Tere: “I’ve always been very clear. If you believed something else and are now unable to forget me, that’s not my problem.” Paolo: “All this time you made me believe you hadn’t forgotten me.” Tere: “The only man I’ll never forget will be the man who gets me out of here. And that man isn’t you.” Oooh, good one! Paolo: “I gave up everything for you.” He grabs her and is forcing himself on her. She resists and pushes him away, slapping him. He goes to slap her ¡Esto no se va quedar asi! Tere blocks his arm: “Go ahead, hit me. See what happens. I’ll scream so loud all the neighbors will come out to put you in your place (ponerte en tu lugar).” We see Fito come and lean against the doorway. I don’t know who scared Paulo more, Tere or Fito. She turns triumphantly and walks away from him. Fito and Tere meet eye to eye, sizing each either up.

Fito blocks Tere’s entrance to the vecindad. She lets him know in no uncertain terms he is not of her caliber so get out her way. He just wants to be friends. She knows by way of Mariano what his deal (que onda) is. Instead of embaucando (going after, taking in) small fry like Johnny, he should be going after something bigger, at this she looks back at Paulo who seems to have locked himself out of his car, so pathetic. Fito asks like your galán and his little car? Teresa asks if he would be better served dealing with a chalancito (huckster) from the vecindad, or someone with money with connections and who also enjoys a good time (reventón=slang) and la fiesta. Again a shot of Paolo pathetically trying to get into his car. Fito sees her point and says he’s motivated by money (el billete). Tere: Now we’re understanding each other but I wouldn’t want anyone to know I’m helping you. Igual que te hecho la mano tengo el poder de undirte. (I can help you but I can also sink you). Understand? Ok, then let’s meet tomorrow at the university café.

Cutberto offers to help Juana with the ironing and settles down to study. He reads from a book of poetry: FF>>

Pathetic Paulo is still trying to get into his car. Fito goes to help him. Paulo is really scared and tells Fito he has no money. Fito tells him no worry, he just wants to help him get into his car and gets to work. We next see Pathetic Paolo at Aida’s. She’s all kissy, kissy and bebé, bebé. He’s all sulky and she asks what gives – is it because of that naca (ugh Aida is so vulgar). She’s told daddy that Pathetic Paulo is looking for a job and suggests he may consider working at daddy’s notario. Paulo gets upset at that and asks her for a drink. She has a better idea and suggests they go out. Paulo reminds her he has no money. No problem, she has money bebé (desperation calling). As she prepares him a whiskey, he reaches into his pocket and ho, what have we here? A packet of pills! He has a fuzzy flashback of Fito helping him and then offering him the packet. Hmmm, pathetic and brainless. As he comes out of his flashback, Rubigote walks in, asking him about his job search. Aida and Brainless leave him alone and he reaches for his cell to make a call.

Espe and Teresa are taking clothes off the line talking about, who else, el bigote, when Espe’s phone rings. She’s all aflutter, should she answer? Tere takes care of her dilemma by grabbing the phone and promptly dropping it into the soap water. That takes care for her temptation to speak with him. Espe explains she planned on going to the house and then came to her senses. After all, Mrs. Rubigote is the wife and she’s only the……Tere finishes her sentence for her: LA AMANTE Tere tells her she needs to come to the realization that she is the amante and it may not be such a bad idea for Mrs. Rubigote to know she exists. Espe’s not so sure about this. Tere says no worry, I’ll go with you to confront that desgraciado!

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Capitulo 30 The Green Eyed Monster Arrives and El Bigotazo gets a Trancazo.

Rubigote tries to call Espe’s # and gets the not working recording and he is fuming.

Teresa goes to daddy telling him how angry Arturo was to see her with Mariano and he accused her of not living up to her agreement. Naturally, it’s best not to tell Arturo about Mariano. Daddy asks: but what if he speaks to you of love? She doesn’t think that will happen. Luisa comes by to visit and tries to ‘splain Arturo’s behavior. Daddy excuses himself and leaves them alone.

At the Medina household we get the feeling things are going from bad to worse, Hugo complains there’s no hot water, Pablito complains about holes in his shoes, and poor Nachita is counting coins on the kitchen table. She’s crying when Espe walks in and explains like always there’s no money y para cabarlo de molar (to top it all off) Johnny didn’t get that job. Mournful piano is playing in the background.

Tere thanks Luisa for coming. Tere looks as though she’s scheming her next move. Daddy walks in and she tells him her salary won’t be as much as she hoped. She really wanted to help him out but he’s going to have to come up with the household expenses on his own.

Mariano is meeting with Director Alcazar, telling him he had rounds last night but he and his friends were able to put together the presentation and gives them credit on the work. He doesn’t plan on taking credit for the project on his own seeing as his friends helped him put it together. Yes, the project was all his idea but he believes in giving credit where credit is due. Of course, Director Alcazar is impressed and now asks Mariano to join him at the breakfast meeting.

Teresa meets up with Fito at the campus and provides him with a copy of Paulo’s curriculum and a list of his usual hangouts. She points him out sitting with some of his friends. He approaches Paulo, who is not overjoyed to see him again and makes it clear he doesn’t want to be seen with him. Fito offers to meet him at the car and hits him up for some cash. Paulo tells him he has no money. Fito’s not worried about that and suggests Paulo must have some friends who like the “candy” he’s selling. Give him the names of a few friends, and they’ll be even.

Mariano meets with the director of the lab, spelling out the advantages of his project: effective word-of-mouth (boca a boca) advertising; introduction of the brand into a different market. They can provide medications as a charitable donation resulting in a tax break for the lab. Smiles all around!

Aida runs into Raul asking after Paulo. Tere’s nearby and asks: Don’t you get tired of running after him like a little puppy when he doesn’t even pay attention to you? I’ve tried to distance myself from him. I thought you’d be able to keep him busy, but I see you’re not even capable of that. Honestly, why does Aida bother? She’s never gonna beat Tere at this game. Raul tries to calm Aida, telling her there’s no use in further squabbling. Aurora shows up and jumps in asking Aida when she’s going to tire of fighting with Tere. Aida tries to hug Aurora, but Aurora tells her not to bother after the way she’s behaved toward Tere. Aida tells her not to be fooled – she’s not what she seems. Aurora stands by Tere, saying no one knows her better. Aida says fine, you continue befriending her (tratandola) and dressing her. (I have to admit that was a good one).

Espe tells Nachita the money she gave her is the last of what she earned for pulling double shifts and now she’s back to regular hours. She’s gonna have to stretch the lana. Nachita says she already stretches the lana más que una liga (more than a rubber band). Nachita leaves and Espe searches for the paper where she noted Rubigote’s address. Meanwhile, Rubigote is speaking with his Secretary Eva on the phone, asking if la Srta. Esperanza has called and orders her to contact immediately if she does call. It’s urgent he speak with her. He slams the phone down and smoke is fuming from his nostrils. Well, not really, but he was mad!

Johnny and Mariano are in the courtyard talking about Fito. Johnny is relieved he’s not working with Fito. He’s come to the conclusion’s Fito’s no good. Mariano’s glad to hear that, telling him he’s too good to get involved in that kind of work. Armando comes down looking for Johnny, saying the new owner of the garage has called looking for them, possibly to offer them jobs? Things are looking up!

Espe shows up at the Caceres house! Maira’s getting out of her car looking like she’s just had the workout from hell and Espe approaches her saying she’s “Lila” and her cousin “Lupe” works at Rubigote’s office and said that someone in the Caceres household was sick and may be able to offer her a job. Maira says no, thank God everyone is healthy here and we have no other openings. Espe thanks her nervously and walks away before anything else can be said.

At the Chavez home, Teresa and Aurora are discussing Mariano’s graduation plans when Nachita brings Pablito by to ask Teresa if she can be his godmother for his first communion. Teresa goes on at length about how busy she is with school and work and while she would love nothing more than to be his godmother, she just wouldn’t want to disappoint them by not being available for him. Pablito sees Aurora and asks if she’s also a student and working. Aurora says no and Pablito says then she can be his godmother. Aurora says if it’s ok with Nachita and Tere, she’d be glad to take it on. Pablito is literally jumping for joy. Tere stands aside and doesn’t seem to understand what all the fuss is about.

Johnny and Armando are at the garage to meet the new garage owner who says the previous owner highly recommended them. The new owner turns out to be a real Simon Legree, telling Armando he’s seems a bit long in the tooth for a mechanic and he better not be expecting light work or calling in sick. Johnny assures him they have many clients in the neighborhood that will vouch for them. Garage owner is actually snarling when he tells them he expects efficiency, fast work. He says they will be on probation until he decides they meet his standards. They agree and he tells them things won’t be as they were in the past – he has his own timetables, regulations, and if they don’t comply, they’re outta here! Eeek, mean old guy. Armando and Johnny are shaking in their zapatos.

Refugio is happy as a clam that Aurora will be Pablito’s godmother and offers to help. Tere and Aurora are helping to set the table and Aurora shares that she always feels welcome in their home. Tere says one would think Aurora was the daughter. Aurora is hurt by this and Tere comes over and hugs her telling her she was just kidding. Aurora doesn’t know how many times she’s wished her mother were here and that she had a sister so they could share so many things. Tere’s eyes open wide at that. Maybe the word “share” isn’t in her vocabulary.

We find Rubigote and Maira in mid conversation, she found it strange that the woman should think there was someone ill at the house and offering her services as a nurse. He wheels around, “what? You never mentioned that before!” Phone rings – he doesn’t want to speak with anyone! He tries to get more out of Maira who tells him about “Lilia” and the cousin “Lupe”. Eva told her no one by the name “Lupe” works there. Ruben is now very puzzled indeed. Yeah, he knows what went down, just doesn’t want to come to grips with it.

Crying (aw poor thing), Espe tells Teresa about meeting Maira. She’s a mess, telling her how Maira said there’s no one sick in the house and that Ruben has deceived her. Tere asks, “Ruben?” Espe comes out with it, “yeah, Ruben Caceres.” Ah, Teresa finally knows it’s the one and only Rubigote. She doesn’t seem surprised.

Armando shares his good news with Refugio about the job at the garage. He’s sure everything will be ok with the new boss, el cucuy.

Espe can’t believe Ruben did this to her. She’s really upset. Tere tries to console her and tell her she needs to tell Ruben she knows what’s up with his game. Espe disagrees, oh no she doesn’t want to have anything to do with him, nada! Tere tells her she’s all wrong what she needs to do now is get even. Vengeance? Espe loved him, still loves him but she can never trust him again. Tere looks at her knowing she’ll come around.

Ruben’s still trying to figure out who “Lilia” is and asks Maira to describe her. Not very tall, young, dark hair, really great body. Ruben cautions her to be careful speaking with strangers but doesn’t think there’s anything to worry about. And now he needs to take care of something important and won’t be able to dine with her and their friends. She protests this was planned months ago. He’s sorry, give them a few tequilas and tell them he’s sorry.

Aurora is talking with Daddy about her choice to attend Universidad del Sur. He’s so sweet. He tells her whatever she wants, he supports her decision. If she’s happy, he’s happy. She also asks about Mariano, saying Teresa’s worried about his financial status and his lack of personal connections. She asks dad to lend him a hand. He always support those deserving. Mariano is a good doctor, no need to worry about him. She thanks him and also thanks him for giving her money to buy the necessities for Pablito’s first communion. Whatever she wants and he’s happy she’s still talking to Mariano. Sigh, what a nice dad.

Mariano returns to the vecindad. Pablito asks him to be his godfather. Mariano happily obliges. Boy, wait til Tere hears this bit of news.

Tere is back at Arturo’s office. Anyway Arturo apologizes profusely for his behavior yesterday. He acted stupidly and shouldn’t have treated her in that manner. She doesn’t let him down easily. She asks when has she failed (fallado) him? Has she ever been late? She’s never been absent, not even when her sister died. He agrees with everything she has said and agrees there is no justification for his action. She goes on to remind him she’s the best student, as she promised. He’s very aware of that (estoy conciente). She goes on (man, she’s on a roll), it’s not so much that he misjudged her, it’s the manner in which he treated her. She doesn’t allow anyone to treat her that way, no matter who it is (sea quien sea). What can he do to make this up to her. He’ll do anything for her forgiveness. She says, “That won’t be necessary, let’s forget it happened.” He assures her it won’t happen again. He suggests they get back to work then. She doesn’t think so. Even though the episode is behind them, she needs some time away. He is muy impactado. Kudos to Tere for sticking up for herself. She handled that perfectly.

Uh-oh, Ruben is at the hospital looking for Espe. He gets a little huffy with the nurse on duty when she tells him Espe isn’t due until the night shift.

Arturo asks what she means by some time. Teresa points out she hasn’t taken any time off in 3 years and thinks it’s a good idea to relax a little (jaws theme, she’s circling). Arturo has no choice but to agree and writes her a check for her salary and vacation pay. She thanks him and leaves with no further niceties. “See ya!” Luisa comes in to check the carnage. She’s gonna miss her while she’s gone. Arturo asks if she can find out what she’s up to when they talk. Luisa cautions him to check his jealousy. He can’t help it! He just can’t stop thinking of Teresa. No puedo, no puedo.

Teresa runs into Fito when she arrives at the vecindad . She warns him she doesn’t want to be seen with him. He tells her he just wants to report on what happened with Paulo. Before he can go on, Mariano runs in: “Dude, what are you doing with my novia?” Tere gets between them and says something about Fito asking about the rent. Mariano warns him to stay away from Tere. Fito says no worry then says, “cámara” then walks away. [I’ve never heard this used before. Looked it up and it could mean slang for let’s get going. The Fito character is very cool, so maybe that’s what this means? Anyone out there heard this before?]

Johnny and Armando are at the garage talking about el cucuy, the new garage owner and how mean he is.

Tere and Mariano walk into Tere’s apartment and she’s on the phone with Espe, calming her down and telling her she knows Ruben will come looking for her. Stand firm. Mariano notices Refugio is looking much better. He gives Tere the news that he’s gonna be Pablito’s godmother. She is predictably upset. She tells him she turned it down because she’s so busy and she can’t believe he accepted because he’s just as busy. He’s disappointed she’s not going to be the godmother. Tere tries to talk him out of it. He refuses and tells her to stop with the jealousy over Aurora. She catches herself and cuddles up to him saying she knows he could never take notice of Aurora (fijarse). He says no, not any woman. Tere looks really worried.

Paulo is talking with Mommy dearest. He’s on his way out and tells her he’s meeting up with a friend who he’s promised to help out by introducing him around to help him with his business. Mom wonders why he bothers helping someone else if he can’t help himself. He is helping himself by applying himself at school and….at other stuff. Speaking of which, how much money is mommy dearest gonna dole out for school….and stuff. He’s not happy with what she gives him, saying it’s nothing more than an allowance. She tells him take it or leave it! (lo tomas ó lo dejas). It’s her money and her rules. He accuses her of doing this in order for him to leave home. She tells him it’s time he begin to appreciate the value of a peso and start thinking of making a living. He doesn’t like her way of educating him. She wonders why instead of increasing their fortune (acrecentar nuestra fortuna) with someone like Aida, he continues going after that arribista Teresa! (again, with that Teresa).

Tere accuses Refugio of knowing Mariano was to be the godfather, now he and Aurora are going to be his godparents! Refugio isn’t surprised Pablito asked Mariano to be the godfather and as godparents he and Aurora will have to watch out for him. Tere’s not fooling her. She knows Tere turned it down because she looks down on them. Why can’t she be more like her friend Aurora. With all her money she didn’t turn them down. Tere says Aurora only took it because she likes Mariano. Refugio points out Aurora had no way of knowing Mariano was to be the godfather. Tere doesn’t know how mom can take Aurora’s side against her. Refugio looks her in the eye and tells her she’s scaring her. Maybe it’s the Jaws theme playing.

Paulo is at a bar with Fito and some friends. We come in as Fito is starting to talk about going into el “business”. Paulo gets a call from Aida checking on him. He better be with his friends and not that “gata” Teresa.

Armando asks Teresa if she’s happy he has a job. Teresa doesn’t understand why he took a job doing the same thing, he’ll never amount to anything. Isn’t he fed up with living in misery? He’ll never get ahead. Her phone rings and dad escapes to the other room. It’s Aida on the phone. Tere guesses she’s looking for Paulo but he’s not with her. Aida might do better in looking after her dad and says she’s failed so far. Aida: What you talkin’ ‘bout, Tere? Tere: I’ll let you figure that out. (te lo dejo de tarea) and hangs up.

Speak of the devil, Rubigote is rushing off. Maira wants him to have dinner with her. Rubigote can’t get out of there fast enough. Aida watches as he rushes out. Then she calls Tere again accusing her of meeting her dad. Tere starts leading her on suggesting she should be asking daddy where he’s off to. Maybe he’s looking for something he can’t get at home. Gotta go, places to be and people to see. See ya! Now it’s the Rubigote spawn’s turn to be fuming. Tere tells dad she’s off to the hospital to see Mariano.

As expected, Rubigote is at the hospital and grabs Espe by the arm (the brute). She slaps him so hard he almost loses his rug! Tere arrives just in time to see the blow-by-blow:
Espe: ¡MENTIROSO! Your wife’s not sick. You’re never going to divorce her.
Rubigote: Let me explain.
Espe: There is nothing to explain. You deceived me all these years! You never planned to divorce her. Don’t try to convince me of anything because I saw her, I saw her with my own eyes!
She tries to get away and he grabs her again
Rubigote: You need to understand if I lied it was only to keep you. I love only you. Then he forcibly kisses her.
Meanwhile, Tere is frantically searching through her purse for her phone and she snaps a picture of the not-so-happy couple. Other nurses are also standing around witnessing the whole scene.
Espe breaks away: “¡Sueltame! Don’t ever kiss me again. You’re a liar. You have no shame. You used Pablito’s cancer because you knew how it hurt me.”
Rubigote: Don’t you see that’s how far I would go because I love you?
WHACK!! She slaps him again
Espe: What kind of response is that? Are you loco? You didn’t do it for me. You’re selfish and you only did what suited you! I was never important to you!
Tere and the crowd seem to be enjoying this. Tere has a huge smile on her face. You go Espe! You give it to him!
Again he tries to kiss her as she’s screaming ¡Sueltame! Finally, our hero Super-Mariano shows up and pulls him off her. Ruben is surprised to see him: “¿Tu?” Mariano: Yeah it’s me. Ruben: Mind your own business and starts to wrestle with Mariano which is not a good idea. Our hero is fired up and loaded for bear! He shakes Ruben and pushes him off (surprised the rug held its place) telling him “It is my business and I promise you will never touch her again!” We leave Mariano and Ruben in if-looks-could-kill stares. Ah it was wonderful! This is why I watch Telenovelas.

After the commercial break, Rubigote has the colossal nerve to ask why Mariano is defending her and demands an explanation ahorita mismo from Espe. Mariano tells him to scram and grabs him by the jacket. They get into a knockdown, drag out, chair toppling scuffle. Now Tere gets scared. Finally a few more doctors show up and break up the fight. They take Ruben away screaming “this isn’t over”. Tere is checking her photo – damn, it came out fuzzy! Whew the fight is over.

Armando tells Gemma the loan shark he now has a job and asks that she give him a little time. She agrees to give him a week, no more.

Maira’s surprised Ruben’s returned so quickly. He’s muy alterado (angry) and begins taking it out on her. She asks what’s wrong and he says it’s business related, yelling at her that she should be more understanding. She begins to cry, saying he’s never talked to her like this. She’s really upset.

Mariano tells Espe he thought she was done with Ruben a long time ago. She says she tried ending it but he keeps seeking her out and she still loves him. She now realizes she really needs to end it now. He deceived her and she no can no longer trust him. She confesses she always knew he was married but he told her his wife was dying of cancer. She swears it’s over. He tries to console her.

Later Teresa can’t believe Mariano is planning to open a public clinic instead of a private practice. He explains this was all part of the plan he proposed to the Director and the pilot clinic will be in their neighborhood. She’s mollified but not for long. She wants to make sure he’s still planning to open his own practice. She wants everyone to see him as el Doctor Sanchez Suarez. He’s really excited about his graduation and wants to invite everyone from the vecindad along with the nurses that have helped him so much at the hospital. Tere reminds him he doesn’t have that much money so he needs to be very selective as to who he invites to his graduation.

Genoveva arrives at Rubigote’s office. Eva, his secretary, asks if he’s heard from that client, Esperanza Gomez or does he want her to locate her? He’s heard from la Srta. Gomez, thank you very much. Geno smiles knowingly. Once inside his office, she warns him to be careful with those women cuz they can betray him. Espe’s not like that, he says. Geno is of the opinion they’re all the same going after your money and they always want to be the wife. The conversation then turns to Paulo. Paulo will inherit all her money but she doesn’t want to give him everything so easily so she wants Ruben to give him a job. He needs to mature and she can’t entrust him to anyone but Ruben. She knows he’ll help her. Doesn’t have much of a choice does he since she knows about all the skeletons in his closet.

Aurora has learned Mariano will be the godfather and she feels uncomfortable about it. She asks if Teresa wants to reconsider and take the role of godmother. Tere can’t possibly take it over. She’s happy that her novio and her best friend will always be with her. Aurora still looks uncomfortable. She knows Tere is waiting to strike.

Espe takes a call from Rubigote in Juana’s apartment. He urges her to meet him at the love nest. This beautiful (blech) relationship can’t possible end this way. Besides, all her things are still there. She doesn’t consider them hers. He says of course they’re hers and she needs to retrieve them. She says no thanks and hangs up.

Tere thanks Mariano for coming to Espe’s rescue. He wonders how she knew about the skirmish. Tere skirts around the issue and tells him Espe confided in her long ago. Mariano feels they need to help her forget him forever.

Paulo and Aida talk about his financial needs and he thinks he may need to give up his education/career. Ruben comes by and tells him he can’t give up this close to graduation and offers him a job with a flexible schedule and good salary. Aida is very happy for bebé.

Espe tells Tere about her call from Ruben. She is definitely done with him. She only needs to return the keys to the apartment to be finished with him. This is news to Tere. He had an apartment for her? Hmmmm, the wheels are turning and our tiburoncita is on the move.

Whew! All Done!

Labels: Teresa