Caray, Caray!

Ivan drops Lucia off at home after their "wonderful" night together. Lucia praises him for making her feel loved and important. Ivan says he'd be capable of doing the impossible for her. She says he has, what with the sex therapy. They finish smooching their goodbyes.

Lucia runs into Carlota and giddily announces that Ivan's the love of her life. Carlota was surprised to find that when Lucia said "the love of my life" what she really meant was "Grandma, we TOTALLY did it!" Lucia says she's hoping that she can convince her mom to talk to Berenice. She thinks Berenice can bust through her mom's stubbornness. Lucia goes back to waxing rhapsodic about Ivan's attributes. She doesn't seem too optimistic about the long-term effects of his nookie, though, since she tells her grandma that yes, "this time" she was able to overcome her fears.

David is couching it at his place. Mom comes in to find out why he's pouty. She tells him things with him and Berenice will be ok and he's got to buck up because sleeping on that couch is going to suck bad enough without him also having a sucky attitude. She says once the divorce is final and the property is all divvied up, she'll find her own apartment. David is planning to go ask his dad tomorrow for a statement of assets so he can turn it over to Esther's lawyer. Esther doesn't expect him to take it well (puh-leeze, when does JJ take anything well?). She's definitely made up her mind about divorcing him, but that doesn't keep it from hurting, despite David's reassurances that she really did try her best and even gave him another chance. She worries, though, about Judith being stuck in the house with JJ. David tells her she's always worrying about everyone and not to worry about Judith--they'll get her out of the house.

Arcelia asks Camilo what's going to happen to JJ, financially speaking. Camilo doesn't expect him to end up broke, since he'll still have his lands and the money he can get from selling his crops. "But even if that's not enough for him, too bad. What's right is for him to give back the money he took!" Carmen and Lichita both giggle at the idea of the "pomposo" Mr. Mondragon being just as broke as they are. Lichita especially giggles at the sound of the word "pomposo" and announces that she plans to be "pomposa" when she grows up. Like mother, like daughter. Lack of money certainly never kept Carmen from putting on airs! Arcelia sagely points out that in fashion, one day you're in and the next day you're out…digo…in life one day you're up and the next day you're down. JJ's broke now and look at Ivan, who started with nothing and is now a big shot. Camilo gets that old jealous look in his eyes.

JJ remembers telling Ivan when he was younger that he'd end up in jail. He wonders what he's done. Wait, JJ repenting? Say it ain't so!

Ivan drops Alex off at school, verifies that he has his homework…then Alex verifies that Ivan called Carolina to ask if he could visit 2 days a week. Alex is hoping that Antolín might be there too, so they can play soccer or "luchas" (literally, "fights", he probably means "wrestling" as in "lucha libre"). Ivan extracts a promise that Alex will behave himself (when does he not?) while Gordo fusses at Ivan to just leave the damn kid already. Gordo fusses some more because Ivan walks Alex into the building.

Carlota tries to guilt Lucrezia into following through with her treatment, by saying it's not fair to make Lucia worry about her. Berenice walks up, prompting Carlota to announce that they have a visitor. Lucrezia gripes, "We don't have anything. Berenice is coming to see Lucia. No one remembers we exist anymore. We've become nothing [un cero al izquierda, a zero to the left] to our friends." Berenice greets Carlota and Lucrezia and Carlota leaves to bring Berenice a coffee. She sits down and tells Lucrezia that Lucia is worried about her and hasn't Lucia suffered enough? She realizes it's taking Lucrezia some time to accept her situation, but she needs to just say it coldly. "It's dialysis or death, ma'am. There are no other paths. 'But' nothing, ma'am! Death means not seeing your daughters again, not seeing your grandchildren grow up. It's the end of everything. This isn't a game, ma'am!"

Ivan goes over to Carolina and Antolín's. He asks her if she'd be ok with Alex coming to spend 2 afternoons a week with him. Ivan worries that he's spending too much time alone at the house. Carolina is thrilled. Ivan thanks her and says that he knows Alex loves her too. They joke about Caro and Antolín wanting kids and Alex being practice, so they'll know what to expect. Ivan says he's going over to the Curiel's to see how Lucrezia is doing. This is the first Carolina has heard about anything being wrong with her.

Carlota and Lucia wait in the living room, wondering if Berenice has said anything to Lucrezia yet. Lucia has faith in Berenice's confrontational techniques. Berenice comes into the living room and announces that Lucrezia agreed to go to her appointment tomorrow. "But how did you do it?" Lucia wonders. Berenice grins and says she has her secrets. Carlota tells Berenice that she's definitely earned her place in heaven…in many, many years, when it's time.

David and Judith talk about their parents. Judith didn't know her mom had left, since she got home late and tired. David lets her know that Esther is staying in his tiny apartment and that anyplace is better for her than being with JJ.

Cuthberto comes up to Antolín to bring him something to eat. He's grateful to Antolín and Camilo for keeping an eye on JJ. He offers to relieve him, but Antolín turns him down, saying JJ will probably come out any time now. And sure enough, once Cuthberto walks off, JJ leaves the house. Antolín calls Camilo to tell him JJ left the house, but without any suitcases. Camilo tells him to follow him anyway--he could be on his way to the bank to take out all his money before he runs off.

JJ goes out to the cemetery to see Alicia. "I guess you never expected me to come see you, Alicia. I didn't either. Maybe because I always felt that I was better than you. But you see that life has taken care of showing me that's not true. You raised an exemplary son and I have a son that's a good for nothing. And the other two want nothing to do with me. Much less ours, Ivan." Ivan gets on the horn to Camilo to tell him "I bet you can't imagine where Mondragon went." JJ: "Well, anyway, I admit I made a mistake. I shouldn't have looked down on either you or Ivan. I'm sorry and…and I ask for your pardon." He leaves a red rose on Alicia's tomb. Okay, fine, but just because he repents doesn't mean I have to like him.

Gordo complains to Saul (who is busy playing with a puppy that obviously has no sense) that their kidnapping plan won't be easy. It could take weeks to find an opening to snatch the kid. Saul tells him "I told you so!" but Gordo won't be talked out of it. He says they failed last time because they depended on Carmen for information, and it was second- and third-hand at that. Gordo says they've got to get up close and learn all his movements and those of the people close to him. But there's one problem…one of those people close to him is Antolín. Gordo hopes Antolín doesn't catch him in the act. Saul says he can't get close either. "Then we'll need help." Saul complains that this means splitting the ransom three ways. How do they not suffocate from their stupidity sucking all the oxygen out of that damn barn? Even if they did somehow manage to grab Alex, I still put money on the kid outwitting them all by himself. Never has a single one of their stupid plots gone well for them! Have they not wondered if maybe it's them? Gah!

Antolin calls Camilo and tells him that something is going on with JJ and he thinks it has something to do with Ivan.

Carlos flirts with Judith. He tells her to kiss him. Just a little one, though. She complains that they're at work and they're totally gonna get busted! He bats his eyelashes and she relents. And right then JJ walks in. Sorry, Carlos, but that was way too traumatic and you're never getting any office smoochies again! JJ asks if Judith isn't going to introduce him. She does. JJ asks to speak to Ivan. Judith goes to find Ivan's secretary and JJ tells her that tonight, the two of them will need to sit down and have a talk. Aw, crap. If he apologizes for being an ass all her life…well, that would explain the bizarre weather we've been having lately.

JJ goes into Ivan's office. Ivan says he only agreed to see him because it would be rude not to. "What brings you here? I doubt you came to tell me where Saul is." JJ says he would tell him if he knew. Ivan says that Saul is probably hiding like the rat he is. JJ starts to talk about what a stupid thing Saul did, but Ivan asks him why he came there. JJ asks if Ivan has heard about his troubles with the association. Yep, says Ivan, he's heard all about the "desfalco" (embezzlement) and supposes JJ will make like Saul. JJ tells him he has no intention of running, but that's not what he came to talk about (then why bring it up?). He came to propose that Ivan manage his ranch. "Or should I say, yours. Because, like it or not, you're a Mondragon. And that ranch belongs to you too." Ivan's not interested. "Let your legitimate sons manage it. I'm only your bastard. And don't call me 'son'!" JJ says he deserves Ivan's anger, but he's sorry. "Perdoname." Whoa! And there was much amazed cursing in the 5ft household. Mr. 5ft is optimistic, however, that what this really means is that JJ is either going to try to stab Ivan in the back or is about to die. And, sorry, for those who don't know, "Perdoname" is "forgive me." Ivan's response is to stand up, open the office door, and bid JJ a good day. "How can I show you that I'm sorry?" Ivan says there's no need. JJ can carry his repentance around for the rest of his life, although he doesn't think JJ really knows what it means to be repentant. JJ gives the office a last look before walking out. Ivan shuts his laptop and looks like he's trying to figure out what JJ's angle is.

Ivan fills Toni in on the conversation. He thinks JJ is desperate because of what's been going on with the Association. If he's going to live off his land, he needs it to be better managed. Since JJ never treated Ivan's mother or Ivan well, Ivan doesn't have any reason to believe him now. Ivan says it's just too late now and he doesn't buy it. Benito announces Camilo is there. Once Camilo comes in, Ivan asks Benito to go pick up Alex.

Lucia tells Lucrezia that she's glad she agreed to the treatment. "Your friend helped me see that I'm not ready to die." Lucia will take Lucrezia to her treatment tomorrow. "And you'll see that you feel much better." Lucrezia says Lucia's the one that looks better (it's that special after-nookie glow). Lucia just grins. Cleto and Maripaz come in. Maripaz is grumpy about having to be announced like a stranger. Carlota starts to chew her out, but Lucrezia whines at her not to start. Maripaz says she was prepared for it. She asks to come back to the house.

Camilo tells Ivan and Toni that JJ was at the cemetery. He tells them Antolín followed JJ and saw him leave flowers at Alicia's tomb. Toni thinks it must mean something, but Ivan says that JJ feeling repentant doesn't obligate him to forgive. Camilo is surprised to hear that JJ asked for forgiveness. Ivan says it doesn't fix anything--not his mother's hard work, his own need for a father, etc. So he won't forgive him. Toni agrees the damage is done, but he says Ivan is the only one who can erase the damage. "By forgetting and forgiving." Ivan says he can't and he doesn't want to talk about it anymore. He leaves the office. Camilo understands. He wonders what JJ is after. "To have Ivan fill the holes his other sons have left? If he wants to ingratiate himself with Ivan, he's going to have to offer more than an apology." Toni asks what Camilo will have to do to make up for what he did to his friend--setting his sights on the woman Ivan loved.

Maripaz says she hasn't forgotten what she did. She accepts that she behaved badly. She tells Lucia that it's over with her and Camilo. Lucrezia doesn't want them to fight. Maripaz just wants to come back home. She says she needs her family. "Why? Because we're the only ones who put up with you? Everyone's already gotten tired of you?" Carlota hit the nail right on the head. Maripaz admits that Carlota is right. Everyone has turned their backs on her. "You can't go around hurting and disappointing people! You have to understand that no one here trusts you. You've blackmailed your mother; you've done horrible things to Lucia; and you've even stolen from me!" Maripaz swears she won't do it again. Carlota tells her that putting on an innocent face and crying a few tears isn't going to be enough. Lucrezia begs for another chance for Maipaz. Carlota says she'll give her another chance when she's earned one. "We've turned a blind eye to all your bad behavior, but not anymore." Maripaz says fine, thanks, and walks out. Lucrezia whines about Maripaz needing her family. "If she needs us, she'll come back. But with proof that she's changed, not tears."

Maripaz runs out to her car and cries that she doesn't want to end up alone. She drives off.

Ivan remembers JJ meeting him and being a dick. Alex comes in. He wants Ivan to have Lucia come there so he can surprise her with a drawing. Alex makes fun of Ivan calling Lucia "mi amor." Lucia happily tells him that Lucrezia has agreed to going to dialysis. Ivan tells her that someone she knows has invited her to come over to see a surprise. Lucia guesses that it's Alex. Ivan offers to send Benito to pick her up and says she can drive herself back in the other car. Lucia fusses about the car again. Ivan repeats his offer that she just borrow the car until she buys herself a new one. She agrees to the loan. Alex makes fun of him again for calling her "mi amor." Ivan tells Alex he's going to get jealous, "What's this about you giving MY girlfriend a present?" Alex warns him that if he doesn't watch out, he'll steal her away. That would be funnier if this weren't a telenovela, and if there weren't some precedent for tialoving.

Antolín tells Camilo he has nothing to report. JJ went back to the house and the accountant came over. Antolín supposes that if JJ were going to make a run for it, he would have done it already. Camilo agrees and tells him to go home. Antolín is glad, since he was starting to get tired of surveillance work, but says it was just part of his job. Camilo tells him to come by the office tomorrow for a reward. JJ will be paying off his debt tomorrow.

JJ tells the accountant that Ivan won't manage his ranch and since David hates him, he's not going to ask him to do it. The accountant tells him that after tomorrow, his situation's going to get a lot worse. JJ's going to have to fire all his servants, and the accountant. The accountant gives him one last piece of advice…"You still have time to run off with the money. You don't have to give it to the Association. Go. Nothing ties you to Alamos anymore. Your wife and kids left you. I'll buy your lands. You can say I sold them to you a long time ago. Listen to me, Juan Jaime…go before you end up in ruins!" JJ looks like he's considering it.

Ivan and Alex wait outside for Lucia. Alex shows her his drawing. They're all unpleasantly surprised to see Maripaz come sashaying up. She's come to see Alex and reminds them she has a right. Alex asks Lucia to get rid of her. Maripaz asks Alex not to be afraid. She tells him she's changed and she wants to be good to him. She says she knows she treated him badly in the past and she's really sorry. Ivan pulls her aside to ask what this is about. Maripaz says it's not fair for Ivan to have Alex all to himself and she wants a chance to win his affections. Ivan reminds her she's never been interested in Alex before. "Well, I am now. I feel really lonely, Ivan." Lucia reassures Alex that everything will be ok. She reminds him that Maripaz can't take him away again because of the judge's order that he live with his dad. Alex tells her that Maripaz wanted to kill Bruno and that she was really mean to him. Maripaz reminds Ivan that she does have a right and he can't deny her visitation or she'll go complain to the judge. Maripaz reassures him that she has no intentions of hurting him, she just wants a chance to win him over. Ivan doesn't believe it. She asks for a chance. Maripaz goes over to Alex and tells him he doesn't have to be afraid of her. Lucia tells her to give it a rest already. Maripaz tells Alex that little by little, he'll realize it's the truth. She gives him a kiss and says she'll come by tomorrow so they can spend some time together. Alex begs Ivan not to let her come back.

JJ sips his tequila, remembering what the accountant said. He says out loud that he's not a coward. The maid comes running, thinking he called her. JJ just wants to be left alone.

Alex whines about having to obey the judge, since he doesn't know Maripaz is bad! Ivan tells him that if they don't follow the judge's orders he's the one who's going to get punished. Lucia reminds him that the judge also said that Maripaz can't be alone with him, so she won't be able to do anything bad to him or to Bruno. Alex wonders why they want him to spend time with Maripaz if she doesn't love him. Ivan says it could be true that Maripaz has changed. Alex says maybe it's a lie and she's just waiting for them to let their guard down so she can take him away. Ivan tells him that won't happen, but Alex is just too scared of Maripaz. Lucia asks to speak to Alex alone. She reminds him that he used to be afraid of Ivan. "Because my aunt Carolina said he was bad." Lucia tells him that when you get to know people, you realize that sometimes they're better than you thought. Alex reminds her that he lived with her, so he knows what she's like. Lucia tells him sometimes people change. "And if she hasn't changed, then we'll see what we have to do to get the judge to change his decision." Alex agrees, under duress.

Maripaz goes shopping for presents for Alex. She buys him a toy car, some clothes, and a giant happy face balloon.

Lucia tells Ivan that Alex read her a little of his pirate book, and it seems like he's forgotten about Maripaz for now. Lucia would like to be there when Maripaz spends time with him, but she has to take Lucrezia to dialysis. Ivan says he'll be there and tells her not to worry. Lucia is worried this is a ploy and Maripaz is trying to get in good with Ivan again. She doesn't trust Maripaz, but Ivan doesn't trust her either. Lucia tells him that Maripaz even went over to the house to beg to move back in. He wonders if she really is changing. He gives Lucia the keys to the car she's borrowing. Smoochies.

Lucrezia is moping around in the front yard by the fountain. She begs Carlota that if the treatment doesn't work and her life is in danger, she'll let Maripaz move back into the house. Carlota agrees, but she's sure Lucrezia will get better. "I hope your daughter really has mended her ways, if that does happen." Lucia comes up in her new, uh, borrowed car. Lucrezia tells Lucia that she's feeling weak and depressed.

Toni doesn't trust Maripaz either, but he does think it's time for Alex not to be afraid of her anymore. Ivan lets Toni know that Lucrezia is sick.

Carlota talks to the painting of Teodoro. Cleto announces Toni. She's glad to see him. They decide to have a tequila together, but not in celebration…to fortify themselves. Toni wants her to be optimistic.

JJ hides his tequila under the table when he hears Judith coming home. He tells her that his mother filed for divorce, her brothers, well, she knows, and he supposes her boyfriend told her what was going on at the Association. Judith sits down and JJ tells her he's glad she has a boyfriend. All Judith tells him is that he's an engineer who works for the McGuires. "And when are you getting married?" She says they haven't been together for long. JJ says he's been thinking that after they get married, they should live in the house instead of spending money on an apartment. "That way we can keep each other company." Judith looks horrified at the thought.

Antolín and Carolina are in bed and Carolina is whining that she should be pregnant already. Antolín reminds her that the gyno told her to be patient. "But you want a kid!" "Well, so do you! But the doctor said, if you keep being anxious about it, it's not going to happen." Caro is worried that Antolín will be disappointed in her. Antolín reminds her that he married her because he loved her and not so she could be a baby factory! Caro whines some more about wanting to have a baby to fill the void Alex left. Antolín doesn't want this to turn into an obsession. More lovey-dovey talk. If they'll accept a consejo from Dr. 5ft (I'm not a doctor, nor have I played one on TV…yet…it could happen) I think I've identified the problem. Too much talking in bed and not enough nookie!

Toni and Carlota sip their tequilas. He reminds her that they're friends, and she should have picked up the phone to tell him what was going on. He says that Alex and Ivan have their own lives and sometimes he feels alone. He'd like a friend to talk to as well, and Carlota is the ideal one for him. She complains about not wanting to be a bother, but he says that there's a lot of affection between them. They drink to that. He says they've got to stick together and they toast to their friendship.

Gordo watches Alex some more and complains that the kid is never alone.

Lucia and Carlota bring Lucrezia to her first dialysis session. Carlota tries for a pep talk in the lobby.

JJ brings Camilo a certified check and Camilo gives him a receipt. JJ tries to whine about being broke, but Camilo's not buying it. "I'm getting divorced. I'm going to have to give my wife half of what's left." "I'm sorry about that." "No. You don't feel anything. And I don't even have anyone to manage the ranch. Saul's always been a good for nothing, and besides he's off hiding. Didn't Ivan tell you why? Aren't you guys best buds? About a year ago Saul raped Lucia. Her daughter is Saul's." "Are you sure?" "Saul confessed it to me himself." "Why are you just now tell me?" "I just found out. Saul ran away. Go on, then, gloat about how far I've fallen….Your friend Ivan has gotten his revenge." JJ leaves and Camilo picks up the phone. Camilo calls the Curiel house and finds out from Gloria that Lucrezia is sick and Lucia took her to the hospital.

Benito drives Alex to Carolina's house, where he waits for him outside. Gordo takes heart, thinking he's found his opportunity.

Lucia and Carlota wait for Lucrezia. Lucia notices she has a missed call from Camilo. Her phone rings again, but this time it's Ivan. She turns down his offer of company at the hospital, but makes a date for later.

Toni figures Lucrezia will be fine since she's such a tough lady. He wonders if a kidney transplant would be better and asks Ivan how you go about getting a kidney…can you buy one? Ivan says that's illegal. It has to come from a donor or a family member. Toni's never been fond of Lucrezia, but he doesn't like seeing Carlota's suffering. "Are you in love with her?" Toni says Ivan is too young to understand what he feels for Carlota.

And tomorrow: Camilo visits Lucia and Ivan gets jealous. Stupid boys! And we're heading for the Gran Final on the 26th.

Labels: Fuerza