Caray, Caray!

Teresa has decided she must take precautions in case they’re divorced – she’s holding some legal document as she says this and then leaves them with Armando for Arturo’s signature tomorrow morning when they come over for breakfast. Armando’s in full agreement with her anger over Arturo’s drunken rage, saying there’s no reason for her to put up with that.

HOSPITAL: Something’s wrong with Rodriguito and Mariano is trying to put Esperanza’s mind at ease. Hernan arrives, also worried about Rodriguito.

CASA CHAVEZ: Teresa continues to confide in her father now that Refugio isn’t there and says if Arturo doesn’t clean up his act…….Armando doesn’t let her finish. He tells her she has their total support in anything she decides. She asks Armando to accompany her tomorrow to file charges against Arturo. She needs to take precautions in the event Arturo doesn’t change. She tells him it would be handled in family court but Armando’s concerned this could only complicate matters further between them. He suggests she consider this carefully. Very well, but if it happens again she asks him to go with her because no woman should ever allow this to happen. (No argument here!)

CASA CACERES: Aeeeeeeeda is sharing her love life woes with Rubigote, saying Mariano suddenly realized his feelings for the lovely Aurora. She’s convinced he’s the ideal man for her (man, she just doesn’t give up!) and will continue to fight for him. Unfortunately, he encourages her not to give in (rindir). He feels Aurora is no rival for her. Sure, she’s a lovely girl, but she’s no match against Aida, much less against Teresa. Slowly I turn, step by step, “esa rrrrrrrrrrrata de vecindad!” Aida was so happy seeing her return to the vecindad. She tells him she went by just to harass her. They share a good laugh and Ruben can’t wait to see her there among her own gente. Aida assures him he’ll enjoy it as much as she did. What lovely father, daughter bonding, no?

HOSPITAL: Esperanza anxiously waits while Hernan and Mariano are examining Rodriguito. Pati is keeping her company and tells her not to worry. He’s in good hands. Hernan comes out to tell her the baby has bronchial pneumonia. (gasp!)

VECINDAD – BARRERA APT: A robed Arturo is looking for Teresa. She appears and tells him she just went to thank her parents for being so understanding about everything. He hugs her, telling her he thought for a minute she had left. He knows how much she wants out of this place. She explains the reasons why. It reminds her how tough life has been for her. He’s only been there a few days and already they’ve been without hot water or no water at all. She talks of feeling trapped there, having to carry buckets of water, all the while being exposed to the likes of Fito. This place reminds her that at times there was no money for food, much less money for school. She recalls the taunts and snubs (desprecio) of others.

CASA CACERES: Ruben tells Aida he wishes to be supportive and would like to also find a way to give her things like he used to. That’s why he’s talked to Geno about helping her in the real estate business until he can find something better. Aiiiiiida can’t believe he’s going to work for her. He clarifies, not for her but with her, especially now that’ she’ll need help with the bebé. He tells her he barely saw the “bebé” when he visited Geno. She has someone taking care of him and doesn’t want to expose him to anything and hopes she doesn’t become over-obsessed. Aw, he’s so thoughtful. NOT!!! Speaking of babies, he shows her a document that he’s sure will really bother Teresa very much. Aida takes a look and sneers, “and your querida Esperanza, too!”

VECINDAD/BARRERAS: Teresa continues, saying that despite all her talents and success throughout her school years, they always made fun of her because of her poverty and that’s why she decided in high school that she would conceal her origins. She asks him why he had to bring her here. He apologizes. He knows it was crazy but it will no longer be like that, he promises. They’ll leave tomorrow and start a new beginning. He hasn’t answered her question. Of all places, why did he bring her here? Duh, pretty boy has to think on that for a moment.

HOSPITAL: While Arturo’s thinking of an appropriate response, we turn to check on little Rodriguito. Poor little tyke is in an incubator, again. Hernan explains the problem with his lungs could be a lingering result from the premature birth. She hates Ruben more and more each day to think it was his fault she went into an early labor. Hernan assures her Rodriguito is very strong and is confident he’ll be ok. They both agree to stay the night to watch over their baby.

VECINDAD/BARRERA’S: Teresa’s demanding an answer and she wants the truth! So he tells her the truth. He was so hurt and so bitter thinking she didn’t love him when she married him. He wanted to hate her but he couldn’t do that because he loves her more than life itself. She’s in tears and wonders if this is how he thought to prove her love for him. He wanted to know if she really loved him and if she would stay by him even if they lived here. She knew they couldn’t be that bad off. She accuses him of testing her and doubting her love yet again! He asks for understanding and asks her to put herself in his place. He blindly trusted her and she deceived him! She was unfaithful. She reminds him they had agreed to leave all that in the past. He tried but his stomach turns every time he sees Mariano. He wants to die just to think she could possibly love another man. He just wanted to prove whether or not she loved him. She tells him that what he did was foolish (tontería) he has no idea of the consequences of his actions. He wonders what consequences she’s referring to.

CASA FERNANDO: Fer sits in the dark with wedding photos of the Barreras in his hand. He’s verklempt. He calls Luisa and leaves her a voicemail telling her how much he loves her. He wishes the days would pass quickly so they can get married!

VECINDAD/BARRERAS: Art wants to hear about the consequences. Hasn’t he figured that out for himself, she asks? The days they’ve spent here have been hell! Her embarrassment to know her parents found him drunk as a skunkasaurus! They’re going to lose respect for him and think she wasn’t able to take her rightful place as a woman. And to think of how Fernando saw her that day with her blouse all torn where he had ripped it! She had gone looking for Luisa but only found Fernando. Gee, he doesn’t remember ripping her blouse. She tells him he was in no condition to know what he was doing. She doesn’t understand why he did this to her when she’s told him she loves him. He has no idea how much and she confirmed it yesterday. She explains that when she talked to Fernando, she was ready to say it was all over. But then she realized how much she was suffering when she thought they’re marriage was over. He tells her he’s very grateful to Fernando for being there for her. (oh, if he only knew!) Fernando warned him if he’s not careful, he could lose her. He tells her he couldn’t stand it. He no longer knows how live without her. She loves him too but she needs to get out of there and go back to the lifetstyle they had before. He starts to tenderly kiss her but she backs away, saying it’s not that easy; not after what he did to her.

The following morning, Teresa is dressed and ready to go when we hear a knock, knock, knock on the door. It’s Ruben and he asks if he can come into her new home. If he’s come to harass her as his daughter did, she wants to take a photo as she did with her because the day will come when she’ll have her revenge (desquite) although in his case he doesn’t have much more to lose. He already lost his business, Luna Turqueza, his wife’s businesses that he plundered, his wife, his lover, and his bastard son. Poor Ruben. The only thing he has left is Aida. Things can change, he responds. She assumes he’s talking about his paternity suit and reminds him she and Arturo will prevail. Not so fast, Sharkface, he’s got a surprise for her but he’ll wait to show it to her together with Esperanza. Arturo walks in and Ruben asks him for a favor even though they’re at opposite ends of the law. He has a medallion for the baby. Teresa tells him the baby doesn’t need anything from him. Arturo agrees to take it to Esperanza and let her decide. Ruben asks them to remind Esperanza that he’s the real father of that baby.

HOSPITAL: Hernan tells Hector and Juana the baptism will have to be postponed until the baby is better. They agree to take care of notifying everyone. Hernan tells them Esperanza needs their moral support right now. She’s understandably under a lot of stress.

BREAKFAST AT CHEZ CHAVEZ: Mom & Dad are sad they’re moving and Armando says he won’t be able to protect her now that she’s leaving. Arturo tells him that won’t be necessary. Refugio chimes in that they’re worried about them. Teresa tells them that once they’re out of the vecindad, their troubles will be over. Armando remembers he has some documents for Arturo to sign. Suspenseful music as Teresa acts all innocent, but we know better.

HOSPITAL: Like a bad penny, Aiiiiiiiida just keeps turning up, this time presumably to check on the reports she left for Mariano. She’s found out her father’s son has been hospitalized (ugh, she won’t call him by name or refer to him as lil bro). Mariano confirms he’s very ill with bronchial pneumonia. She wants to tell dad and Mariano asks her not to because he’ll only cause trouble. She feels he doesn’t have the right to ask her not to say anything to Rubigote. Much as it pains her, that’s his son and he loves him very much.

BACK AT THE CHAVEZ’, Teresa explains these are the documents she printed up and Armando offers to explain each one. Arturo doesn’t think that’s necessary and he signs away! Teresa can’t help but smile as he signs the docs.

CASA CACERES: Aida’s asked Ruben over to tell him that the child he had with that Gata has been hospitalized. Ruben is very worried for the little guy, he’s still so young. She angrily tells him the look on his face alone tells her how much he’s worried about his male child.

CASA HERNAN/ESPE: Our first visit here, no? Teresa has come by just as Espe was on her way out. Teresa admires the furnishings and Espe tells her she’s still getting used to this life with credit cards, the car Hernan gave her, etc. Teresa comments on the irony that Hernan has given her everything she always wanted from Ruben. Espe tells her that’s not true, she really loved Ruben and she knows it. She never asked him for any luxuries. Teresa is happy Espe didn’t have to go through what she did in order to get out of the vecindad. Meanwhile, she herself has fallen back into that horrible place. Espe comments that her husband is going through a rough patch but she’s sure he’ll recover. Teresa tells her Arturo only took her to the vecindad to test her and as much as she loves him, she’ll never forgive him for that.

CUERNAVACA: Luisa’s sitting at the spa when another woman walks in. She overhears her saying she’s Lucia Alvarez. Turns out they both attended “British School”. They exchange the secret pinky handshake and they embrace and giggle like schoolgirls. OMG!

CASA HERNAN/ESPE: Espe’s on team Arturo, saying Teresa shouldn’t blame him after he found out about her hanky panky with Mariano the day before the wedding. Teresa feels that if he loves her he should accept her as she is and appreciate that she she chose him. Espe still feels he could’ve done worse like divorce her or cause a scandal. Teresa says what he did was stupid. It only served to make her aware that she should have other options. As it is, she has seen how easy it is to lose a fortune such as his and she will not let that happen again. Espe is only too aware of everything they lacked as children but there are more important things than money. Right now she doesn’t care about money or anything, she just wants her baby to be well. This is the first Teresa hears of Rodriguito’s illness and offers to go with her immediately to the hospital after she calls Arturo.

ARTURO IS STILL AT CHEZ CHAVEZ when the call comes through. Teresa tells him the bad news about Rodriguito and wanted to make sure he knew she was going to the hospital where the hated Mariano works. She doesn’t want him to have a jealous fit. Arturo understands and tells her he’ll send Jacinto, the driver, for whatever she may need. Jacinto shows up and Arturo tells him to go to the hospital. While he’s there he wants him to stick close to Teresa and then report back to him everything she did while she was there. Jacinto asks if he wants him to watch over her. Well, duh.

HOSPITAL: Espe and Teresa walk up to the nurse’s station and find Ruben waiting there. Espe and Teresa both tell him he has no right to be there. He feels the judge’s order might have something to say about that and then hands Teresa a document.

CUERNAVACA: Lucia and Luisa chitchat about their schoolgirl crushes and Luisa finally tells her she’s engaged to her crush, Fernando. She’s so happy, blah, blah, blah. Some gratuitous skin flashing and we’re done with the scene. Meh.

HOSPITAL: Teresa reads the document and unfortunately it gives Ruben the right to see lil R and also submit a blood test to run a DNA test to prove his paternity. Ruben tells Espe this is the first step in gaining his full rights as the father. Espe tells him that aside from rights, a father also has obligations, one of which is to care for his son which he has never done! Teresa tells her there’s nothing they can do about the judgment. Not even Hector the Director can go against the order. She tells him to enjoy the victory because this will be the last time he’ll see that baby. The DNA test is unavoidable but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll win the right to see him. Ruben declares no one can take better care of his child than he. That said, Esperanza again tells him he’s never taken proper care of this baby and furthermore neither she nor Hernan will accept anything from him for “their” son. She hands him the medal he sent earlier.

CUERNAVACA: As L&L get their massage, we find out all about Lucia’s travels, education, and her proficiency in English, French, Italian, and German . She’s looking for a steady job that won’t take too much of her time because she wants to get her master’s (maestría). Luisa’s all amazed and finds out that Lucia doesn’t have a novio. Uh-oh. Competition for Teresa?

HOSPITAL: Aiiiiiiiiiiiida has joined her father. He tells her he’s come to exert his paternal rights and just as expected, Teresa and Espe are pitching a fit. Espe pleads with him to leave her son alone, he’s very ill. Now Mariano joins the grudge match and asks what Ruben is doing in the hospital. Aiiiiida tells him to back off and Teresa fills him in on the judge’s order. Mariano leaves to tell Hernan. Espe walks away and Ruben follows her. This leaves Aiiiiiiida and Teresa alone. Teresa sets right in, sarcastically noting it’s a shame Mariano doesn’t get along with Ruben. Teresa tells her to advise Ruben to step aside and leave baby R alone. Nothing doing, if anything Aida wants to tell him to increase his Rubenesque behavior. She hopes he wins his legal battle so Teresa will lose and then Espe will suffer even more when she has to share the baby with his “real” father. That’s a shame, Teresa says. The more he sees his male child, the less he’ll like Aida. Plus, the more Aida supports her father, the more she’ll alienate Mariano. But wait, she heard Aida’s already lost him! Too bad! She slinks away and Aida is steaming!

AWWW, BABY R is in his incubator and Ruben is standing over him while Hernan, Espe, and Mariano look on. Mariano agrees to take the blood sample. Hernan and Espe refuse to leave while Ruben is here. Ruben speaks to his son saying at last they meet! Baby R just wiggles his cute little self.

CASA FERNANDO: Fernando’s glad Arturo is finally taking Teresa to the penthouse. He never should have tested her like that! Arturo tells him he confessed to Teresa and she’s pretty upset. Fernando continues, telling only Arturo would think of doing this to a woman like Teresa. He went too far. Arturo wants to know why Fernando’s so angry. Fernando says he’s worried about both of them. He shouldn’t mistrust his wife. He should believe in her and treat her the way she deserves to be treated!

HOSPTIAL: Ruben feels that if Rodrigo were with him, he wouldn’t have ended up in the hospital. Not true, says Super Mariano. He reminds Ruben that if not for him, the pregnancy would have gone full term and Rodrigo would have a strong respiratory system. Mariano thinks Rodrigo already perceives who loves him and who doesn’t. Ruben doesn’t give a fig about what Mariano says and starts cooing with the baby.

CASA FERNANDO: Fernando thinks it’s best the Barreras forget about that vecindad and this rough time. Arturo agrees but he wants to know what’s going on with Fernando. He knows him well and knows something’s up (pun intended). Fer covers by saying he just heard he’s coming into his inheritance and he’d like to give Arturo the penthouse. Of course Arturo declines, saying they will eventually recover their previous lifestyle. In the meantime they will need to do without certain luxuries and travel, except for the trip to Spain for the wedding. He asks how Fer is feeling just a few days before the civil ceremony. Fer admits he’s a bit nervous. Arturo doesn’t see why that should be. Theirs is a proven relationship and are already happily living together.

HOSPITAL: Dr. Mariano has just taken the blood sample from baby Rodrigo and Ruben wants to accompany him lest Mariano attempt to switch samples on his way to the lab. Mariano assures him he’s not like him, who will do anything just to get his way. Hernan and Espe both tell Ruben to leave now that the blood sample has been taken. He leaves and Hernan comforts Espe, assuring her he loves her no matter what.

Mariano walks by the nurse’s station followed by Ruben. Teresa follows Mariano, knowing he’s carrying the sample to the lab. Juana confronts Ruben, wondering if he’s satisfied now that they’ve poked poor little Rodriguito to get that sample. She knows he’s done this just to harass Espe. Ruben tells her to butt out and Juana tells him she won’t because she cares for Espe just as she would a daughter. Let’s see, that makes 3 faux daughters: Teresa, Esperanza, and Aurora – a piranha, a pauper, and a princess!

Ugh, as soon as Ruben walks away, Dungberto walks up to Juana and tells her it’s almost Saturday and insists she give him a response to his proposal of marriage. Again, ugh.

Elsewhere, we see Mariano and Ruben leaving the lab where Mariano has delivered the blood sample. He tells Ruben it’s a shame he wasn’t so concerned about his paternity before and notes he wasn’t such a good father to Aida. Ruben doesn’t need Mariano’s sermons. The only one causing Aida to suffer now is Mariano. Mariano defends himself, saying that is totally different. He and Aida had a relationship. He’s been honest and truthful with her, telling her he couldn’t continue in the relationship. In comparison, Ruben only lies, deceives, and betrays. Ruben gets back to the point about his paternal rights saying the law is on his side, protecting his rights to be with his child. Mariano hasn’t finished sermonizing and says Ruben only uses those rights to hurt those who once loved him. His business is finished here, he can now leave. Ruben goes but now before saying they’ll meet again.

Mariano turns around and runs into Teresa who asks him about Rodriguito – she wants details. He tells her Rodriguito is on the mend but she should ask her compadres Hernan and Espe for details. He’s got things to do. He moves past her and she makes a face like, “excuuuuuuuuuuse me!”

BACK TO DUMBERTO AND JUANA: She must know her response, he says. She delays and brings up what’s going on with Espe. Duma$$berto insists she then answer another question – has she rejected him because she doesn’t love him or because she can’t give him children? Which is it? Before she can reply, Hector walks up and asks what’s up, mi amor? She stutters something about Ruben and Aida causing a ruckus……

MARIANO texts a message to Aurora about Rodriguito then tells her he misses her. If she doesn’t come back, he’ll have to make some excuse to go to her. Just as he finishes, guess who comes by – yup you guessed it! Aiiiiiiiiiida’s there to tell him she doesn’t like him fighting with her father. He tells her they’ve already had another confrontation. Aida knew this baby was going to cause their relationship to erode even further. She admits it was difficult to see her father’s reaction when she told him about the baby’s illness. Mariano says Ruben has an odd way of expressing love. He came in demanding his paternal rights before even asking about the baby’s condition. They both agree to put this aside for now and talk about the clinic.

GENOVENOM’S HOUSE: Geno’s presses cash into Fito’s hands, telling him to find out where that baby will be this weekend. She wants lil “Paulito” in her arms now. Fine by him, but it’s her BF who speaks He speaks of the risk of taking the baby from its mother’s arms as she strolls through the park. Geno repeats, she wants that baby now! Ruben arrives just then, telling her of the baby’s hospitalization. She’s distraught, thinking she can’t go through the pain of losing another son. Ruben comforts her and Fito splits.

CUERNAVACA: Aurora’s surprised Aiiiiiiiiida’s come to visit her. Aida says she’s not accustomed to going where she’s not invited. (I guess all those visits to the vecindad, hospital, and Tere’s house don’t count). But she had little choice since Aurora’s turned off her cell. Aurora says she just wants to be alone. (Guess that hasn’t worked) Aiiiiiiiiida supposes this has to do with Mariano. Aurora admits this is true but also says she needs to prepare for her final exams. Aiiiiida gets to the point: are Aurora and Mariano going to be novios? Aurora doesn’t know how to answer that. Aida doesn’t know why since Mariano is clearly trying to woo her. Aurora agrees but she’s learned from her romance with Martin that she shouldn’t let herself get carried away so easily. Aurora came here to avoid being pressured. She doesn’t want to end up like Aida, suffering over a man who doesn’t return her feelings. Aida wonders if she’d give him a chance if he were to stop loving Teresa. Aurora says she would if she sees that he’s truly over that Sharkita. Aida’s glad Aurora’s being so honest. Oh lordy, Aida now tells her she came all the way over here to tell Aurora that while she sits here thinking about it, she (Aida) has not given up on Mariano. What a nut!

HOSPITAL: Teresa calls Arturo to tell him everything that’s going on re: Rodriguito. She wanted to call him because she, well, had to talk to Mariano. Arturo says he’s ok with that and then he tells her he never found his jacket. Well, then, she’ll just have to get the keys from Fernando and tell him they’ll have to change the locks. Arturo tells her about Fer’s inheritance which includes houses, hotels, and he’ll be the majority stockholder in various business dealings, including a mine in Mexico. Cue the Jaws theme, big time!

CUERNAVACA: Aurora appreciates Aida’s frankness but she knows Aida does it in order to pressure Aurora to come to a decision about Mariano. Aida admits it. She doesn’t want problems with her. Aurora’s not like Teresa who lies, cheats, and deceives to get what she wants. And that’s why she came here to speak with her woman to woman. Aurora agrees and she tells Aida that whatever happens, happens. Aida tells her she’s still helping out at the clinic and anywhere else she can in order to be near Mariano. She tells her she will fight for him with everything she’s got. Aurora figures if Mariano loves her as he says he does, he will not return to either Teresa or Aida. If he does return to one of them, then she’ll know he didn’t love her. Aida proposes that the loser step aside no matter who wins. Aurora agrees.

CASA FERNANDO: Well, Teresa didn’t waste any time getting back there, for the keys of course. Fer gets very close to her as he hands her the set of keys. They can’t deny what happened and he asks how she feels. He already spoke with Arturo who told him they’re moving into the penthouse; that he’d asked Teresa for her forgiveness and that she had said it wasn’t that simple. He wants to know if everything will be ok between her and Art. She says her marriage hasn’t been good for some time. She then proceeds to tell him that last night when Arturo kissed her and caressed her, she couldn’t let him continue because………she dramatically turns away. Fer wants to know what’s going on as he nuzzles her hair and holds her by the shoulders. He asks her to please tell him. She turns to face him, they get ever closer and then WACKALA!!! The front door opens and in walks Luisa demanding to know QTH is going on? Ruh-roh!

Labels: Teresa