Caray, Caray!

Life at the ranch is getting more interesting by the day and today’s capitulo adds more plot twists to our story.

The story begins in “The Bedroom” at LaMQ where Dan has been explaining to Miriam the reason he inherited La MQ.  Dan Sr and Agatha had an affair and eventually went their separate ways.  Years later, after Agatha died Dan Sr discovered that Agatha had had a son and named him Dan.  Dan Sr assumed that Dan was either their love child or would be a galan who could protect Camila from the ranch-grabbers.  So he decided that he should leave Dan the ranch.   However, Dan had an ADN (DNA) test and it turns out he was not a Monterde, but only the galan who could protect Camila. Ever the galan, he believed it was his debar morale (morale duty) to give Camila the ranch as she was really the closest living blood relative to Dan Sr.  Well, peachy says Misty Miriam, just give Camila back the ranch and we can go right back to Chile and pick up life where we left off.  What say you, Dan?

Green Pastures of La MQ:  Camila, strolling with Mariano is telling him that if only Miriam were not in such delicate health, they could tell Miriam the truth about Camila and Dan being married.  Miriam needs to know that she and Dan’s future is a wee bit different than it was before Miriam went into the coma.  Mariano asks her is she wants to fight for Dan (dumb, yet self-serving question) despite the obstacles.  Que?  Camila asks, not understanding what Mariano means.  He tells Camila to consider that maybe all these obstacles in the way of her living happily ever after with Dan may just be signs (enseñales) that they were just not meant to be together.  Nice try Mariano, but Camila insists that she knows what she wants- Dan- and will struggle for it no matter what.  Mariano assures Camila that he will always be there for her.  Laaaalalalaaaaalalalaaaaaalalala ….the music tunes up. She thanks him and he responds (with what will be the writers mantra of the night), “Cuentas conmigo!”  Count on me!



Back at “The Bedroom”:  Miriam insists that they can just leave right now because there is nothing to tie him to the ranch (atarse).   Dan scratches his head trying to think, errr, of how to stall.  He tells her they cannot leave just yet because there is something that he is still “interested” in (mmm hmmmm).  And, furthermore, he insists that Miriam have a checkup from head to toe to be extra-sure that she is well and ready for anything.   Miriam says she is fed up with doctors and tests and is not happy about this plan.  Dan insists that “mi amor” needs to be 100% okeedokee.  Well that little “mi amor” sends Miriam over the top swooning upon hearing Dan say that to her after such a long while.  Just for that, she promises him, she will go along with him.   Dan, breathing a sigh of relief, stalls a little more by insisting he needs to call the local hospital right this minute to make an appointment for her.  One just never knows how long the line may be in Aculco for post-comatose patients needing followups.  Miriam ends up being tickled by Dan fussing over her.

Courtyard of LaMQ:  Pablo is waiting for Camila to return from the horseback ride.  She returns and apologizes for not having spoken to Pablo sooner.   She has been distracted since her new husband’s wife has risen from the dead.  No problem on Pablo’s part.  He asks how she is doing with the situation etc.  He tells her that she can “Cuentas conmigo”.  Funny thing, she replies, that is what your brother just said.  He is lovely and you are lovely just like him. She tells him that it must also be hard for him right now with the complicated news of his true parents.  But Camila insists that if Don Dan had known that Pablo was his son, he would have given him full recognition, his last name, and taken care of Pablo and his mother.  Pablo wisely responds, “hubiera no existe”  (“would have” doesn’t exist).  He says he feels he is without an identity and roots.  Camila understands but adds that she is glad that he is her cousin because the only family she had before this was her mamita.  She also wants to share La MQ with him as he is the only direct heir to Don Dan.  Pablo refuses but Camila insists he is a Monterde.  Pablo continues to decline saying he will never feel like a Monterde.  He would, however, like to ask her the favor of renting him her house in El Pueblo.  Given how many ranch-grabbers she has encountered in our story to date and Pablo refusing to accept the ranch,  Camila looks perplexed.

Dr’s Office in El Pueblo:  Nat and Amanda sit, waiting for the results of her blood tests.  Amanda asks if Nat has seen Daddy Dio lately.  Nat says no as they wonder about his sudden absence after his frequent presence.  Nat figures he is tied up with all that is going on at La MQ since Miriam’s return.  Amanda wonders if no news is better than frequent news where Dio is concerned and Nat reassures her mamita to trust her with Daddy Dio.  The doctor enters with good news.  Nat doesn’t have typhoid or salmonella. Nosirreee. There is a simple reason for her illness.  She is pregnant -  seven weeks along to be exact.  Nat is shaken by the news and runs out of the office.  Amanda tells the doctor that this was not the news that Nat was expecting, to excuse the two of them, and that they will follow up with him later.  She runs after Nat and the doctor is left shrugging.

Luzma’s Room:  Refugio returns to check on Luzma asking if she has had breakfast.  Luzma tells her Piedad brought it early because she woke up starving.  Refugio says it is no wonder that Luzma is eating for two.  She tells Luzma that Padre Anselmo gave her good news after mass.  He has found two parents who wish to adopt Luzma’s baby.  A wisp of regret crosses Luzma’s face and she asks who they are.  Refugio says the Padre will not likely tell her who the parents are, but adds that the childless parents will see the adoption of Luzma’s baby as a blessing.  Luzma asks Refugio if she has children.  Refugio says, sadly, that she has not but would have wanted to have a “little angel” to call her mama.  But, it was not to be as her husband left her.

Courtyard of LaMQ:  Pablo asks Camila about renting the house.  Camila is concerned that it may not be good for Luzma to be far away from the care she needs and that she needs to rest.  Pablo says that Refugio will be there to help care for her and that Irena will be near to help Luzma get what she needs from school.   Camila understands, but admits that she is being super-selfish and doesn’t want Pablo to go away.  She says she won’t rent it to him …… she will give the house to him as a gift.  Pablo tries again to refuse but Camila insists he accept her gift.  He finally agrees.  She also insists he continue to receive his salary, and even a raise.  He tries to refuse, but Camila pulls top-cousin rank and he agrees.   Pablo thanks her and tells her he hope everything works out well with Dan because he doesn’t like to see her this way.  He remembers to tell Camila that Luzma wanted to see her – they hug and Camila goes to see her other new cousin Luzma.

Walkway Outside the Doctor’s Office:  Nat is running down the walkway heading for the stairs while crying.  Amanda runs right behind and catches up to her.  Natalie begs her forgiveness and Amanda says that although this is not what she wanted for Nat, this is not the time for reproaches.  Amanda assumes it is Yago’s baby.  Nat is afraid that Yago may not want to marry her.  Amanda tells Nat that she should tell Yago, but not to expect too much from him, especially since he didn’t even want to acknowledge dating her.   Amanda doesn’t want Yago to be the father of this baby.  She tries to reassure Nat that even if Yago doesn’t step up, that she won’t be the first or the last woman in this country to be a single mother.  Nat protests that she doesn’t want to be a single mother, that she wants to form a family.  Amanda urges Nat to tell Yago soon and adds she hopes that  she is wrong about him and he accepts the responsibility of the baby.  Viewerville suspects Yucky Yago is not likely to run to register at Baby’s R Us.

Dining Room Table:  The family is gathered for breakfast; Dio, Agustina, Miriam and Dan.  Agustina chitchats about the baby being such a quiet baby and that she never heard a peep from her the night before.  Miriam agrees that baby Agatha is so bueno, just like her papa Dan.  Uncomfortable smiles are shared around the table.  Miriam asks where Camila is and Agustina tells her she is an early riser (madrugadora) and has already eaten and is out with the bulls.  The bulls?  They explain to Miriam that Camila is the ranch’s veterinarian.  Speaking of the devil (del rey de Roma – assumed in this phrase but not said  “por la puerta asoma”), Dio observes Camila entering the dining room.  Miriam wants to chat with Camila but Dan provides a quick excuse that Camila has many things to do at the ranch.  Camila is barely able to excuse herself to Luzma’s room to give her some things “they” bought (ah hemmm! during the honeymoon) for her.   As she departs, Dan rattles on about Miriam going to the doctor to check that she is in A-OK health.

Viv and Rafa’s Apartment:  The one happy couple in town is talking about visiting Dan to deliver some info about some doctors to Dan and Viv wants to visit Camila.  The doorbell rings and Rafa opens it to Aaron.  Aaron has come to give them the good news that the books have arrived and that they can now begin the community reading program.  The first customer is none other than the apple of Viv’s eye, Roman.  Aaron chows down some food and announces he is on his way to the prison to teach LeoSordido his lessons for the day.

Jail in El Pueblo:  NOW we are speaking of the devil.  We see LeoSordido sitting in the prison yard practicing writing his letter ‘A’ ( Viewerville thinks Aaron better pick up the pace on these letters if Leo is still on the letter A).  Leo thought bubbles that soon he will be able to communicate and seek revenge against  those slimy cowards (mendigos mugrosas).  They will pay!

Teresa and Dante on the Phone:  Teresa tells Dante he needs to return to the ranch as soon as possible (Dante is somewhere exploring Mexico) because Miriam is alive.  Que?!  She tells him that Abe lied and that Miriam is actually alive.  Dante wonders how she took the news that Dan has remarried and Teresa says she doesn’t know.  She tells him to get back pronto!  Porque!?  Teresa tells him that if he ever liked Miriam, now is his chance to make his movida!  She tells him she will fill him in when he arrives and they hang up.  Teresa thought bubbles and arranges the happy couples in her head:  Dan stays with Teresa’s rival Camila, Miriam moves on with Dante, and the field is clear for Teresa to make her movida to Mariano.   This is the world according to Teresa.

Pablo and Mariano on the Phone:  Pablo has told Mariano about Camila giving him the house as a gift.  Mariano is not surprised that Camila has done this etc.  Pablo has called to ask if Mariano will help him move with Luzma.  Mariano replies…..(Viewerville:  All together now!) …. “Cuentas conmigo.”

Rocio’s Hotel Room:  Rocio protests while she is signing the divorce papers with Cayetano’s lawyer.  The lawyer tells her this is the best thing to avoid an exhausting legal battle (desgastante; pleito).  He leaves and immediately calls Cayetano to give him the news.  Cayetano is gleeful about the news that he will be a free man in a week.  As he hangs up, Mariano come into his office and asks what the good news is.  Cayetano reports that Rocio has signed the divorce papers and that now he is going on a long trip.  While he is gone he wants Mariano and Yago to be in charge of the ranch.  He asks Mariano to look over the financial assets and investments to see if they are useful and necessary.  Mariano asks why Pops has decided to travel?
Cayetano says that after all that has happened with Rocio lately he needs some “me time”!

Luzma’s Room:  Luzma asks Camila if she is going to fight for Dan. Camila says it is hard.  Luzma reminds Camila that lots of things are hard, but as Camila  herself told Luzma to fight for Pablo – despite all her insecurities – Luzma is telling Camila that she needs to do the same and have confidence that Dan will pick her.  OT, says Camila, she knows that Luzma and Pablo are planning to move to town.  She tells Luzma that when they move to the house, that she can remodel the house in any way she wants because she has given Pablo the house, as a gift and as a cousin.   While Luzma continues to call Camila Señora, Camila tells her to call her Camila and not to use Ud.  Luzma protests, “no me sale”, and they practice together.

Pastures of La MQ:  Dan and Abe have ridden the horses out into the pastures to have a talk out of earshot from others.  Dan asks Abe what happened to his records (expediente).  Abe says that he used his power to hide them and that when Miriam woke up, he needed the records to find Dan. Dan deduces that this is why Teresa could never find them when she went to Chile.  Dan orders Abe to find the records and to clear his name in Chile. Abe complains it will take time.  Dan says, then hurry up hombre!  He says he has a daughter and a family and wants a clear record.  Abe promises that it is the first thing he will do when he returns to Chile.

Hallway of La MQ:  Camila runs into Miriam in the hallway and Miriam asks for a hand in opening the door because she is holding baby Agatha.  Camila obliges and they enter.  Miriam urges a reluctant Camila to hold the baby and tells the baby this is Tia Camila, even though Camila and Dan do not share blood.  The baby fusses but Miriam, unworried, muses that baby Agatha has her daddy and herself by her side, so what else could baby Agatha need.  The comments fall on Camila like a lead balloon!

Back in the Pastures:  Dan continues his talk with Abe.  He says that besides wanting his name cleared, he needs his records for the case they are investigating - who tried to kill Dan.  It is clear that the shooter in Chile was trying to kill Dan and not Miriam.  Late to light the mental lightbulb Abe says he now realizes this and wonders why.  Dan tells Abe to look around at the size of the ranch and the house.  He says it is about money, greed (codicia) and ambition.  The person that wanted to kill Dan was trying to stop him from receiving his inheritance.  Abe suggests this was Alonso.  Dan is surprised to hear that Abe has heard that name before.  Dan sets him straight, that the real brains behind the attempt on his life were Dio and Isa and that they were trying to make it look like Alonso was guilty.  Abe asks if Dan has proof. Dan  admits they do not and that they could use his help to find whoever is guilty of hurting Miriam and all that has resulted from it.  Abe agrees with great passion that he will do anything to find justice.  Dan asks him if  Abe is ready to put his hatred for Dan aside to do this.  Abe swears he is and asks Dan to forgive him.  He says he was an imbecile and that he was blinded to the truth.  They swear together to do this for Miriam – Abe adds a little touching detail  “and for you”- and they shake over it.  Abe has gone over to the good guy gumshoes’ side!

Restaurant:  Isa and Cayetano toast with champagne and Isa asks what the occasion is.  Cayetano tells her that his divorce is almost final.  Guau!  Cayetano tries to give Isa a little  PDA (public display of affection) but Isa demurely declines.  She doesn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea since the divorce isn’t final!  Cayetano reluctantly agrees.  Isa prepares to leave telling Cayetano telling him she is planning to buy a car.  It seems she had to sell her car but she still needs one and plans to buy a more economical used car.  Que?! Cayetano says the Senora Albarran-to-be cannot be expected to be driving a used car.  He insists on buying her a new one as a gift.  Isa demurely refuses for about a second saying she doesn’t want anyone to know, errr, think that she is taking advantage of him.  Shucks no, Cayetano replies no one would ever think that!
Pablo and Luzma’s House in El Pueblo:  Mariano and Pablo are moving into the new house. Mariano spies a familiar face entering the house next door.  Lo and behold, it is New Girl.  It turns out she lives next door.  Que coinkydink.

El Hostal:  Nat picks up the phone intending to call Yago but loses her nerve.  She thought bubbles that she cannot imagine that Yago would turn his back on her now, knowing that she is pregnant.  She practices telling him the news.  Viewerville is skeptical that Yucky Yago will become a Prince Pablo!

El Rancho BV:  Bratgirl tells Yago that she has been the innocent victim of Rodolfo.  She was bored so she took Rodolfo up on his offer to make Nat jealous (I think).  Anywhooo, along the way, they spent some time together, had a few drinks and one thing led to another and…. well , you know what happened.  Yago tells Bratgirl not to blame the liquor that “a drunk knows better than to shoot himself in the foot”, or a drunk knows what they are doing (que no hay borracho que trague lumbre).  He needles her that the ranchhand broke her heart.  Bratgirl angrily denies this, but says that she was disrespected by Rodolfo and suggests Yago do something about it.  Yago ain’t buying it and tells her she’s no damsel in distress.  He leaves her to hurl a pillow at the door as he leaves.

Pastures of La MQ:  Rodolfo and Eleuterio blab on together about women and Bratgirl and how things didn’t go as Rodolfo had planned.  Rodolfo has decided to go tell Nat the truth about his dalliance with Bratgirl.  He will tell her that he was desperate over Nat not feeling the same about him and that he wanted to make her jealous.  Eleuterio is wondering if Rodolfo is going to tell Nat the whole truth cuz ladies don’t accept that info too well.  They blab a bit more using loads of slang and even harder to translate cadence!

El Hostel:  Nat is lying in bed.  Amanda brings her some food and asks if she has called Yago.  Nat says she left a message.  Amanda urges her to tell him sooner rather than later so that Nat can plan what she needs to do.  Amanda assures Nat that no matter what happens,…… (all together viewerville!) ….. Nat can “Cuentas conmigo!”.

Nat is on the phone with Yago. He asks if she is still sick.  She says no but that she needs to talk to him.  He is toooo busy and will be toooo busy all day.  She says she needs to talk to him about something that can change his life.  “Waddaya talking about?” he asks.  Nat doesn’t want to talk about it over the phone and insists they meet the next day at six, in the zocalo, so that 5 ft can recap Yucky Yago’s reaction to the news.

Police Station in Town:  Dan and Abe make introductions to PC Juarez.  They tell PC Juarez that Miriam is alive.  Que?!  Juarez asks for an explanation.  Before Abe begins the long explanation, he tells PC Juarez that he wants to say, in front of Dan, to PC Juarez, that Dan is innocent .   PC Abe and PC Juarez are going have lots to share and will be working together for justice and truth.  Abe tells PC Juarez….. (Viewerville: All together!)… “Cuentas conmigo”.

Camila and Miriam are still chatting in “The Bedroom”. Miriam asks Camila about her work.  Camila shares that she prefers the open ranch and Miriam says she is a city girl… Miriam wonders how Dan got connected to the ranch life after his life of computers and such.  In fact, she confides to Camila, “you must help me convince Dan to move back to Chile”….  The scene closes with Camila’s face of “Oh sh$#, now what?!”

Avances: Darling Ana says a little too much about Camila and Dan in front of Miriam.   Dan goes to visit Camila and Miriam follows to see what’s up.

Labels: bravio