Caray, Caray!

La Malquerida #73

A Delicate Life Hangs in the Balance

Part 1

We open with Uli meeting with Juan Carlos to discuss the project. JC asserts that he should have had faith in Uli’s innocence regarding the supposed fraud however, he rubs salt into the wound by saying he still has issues with Uli’s relationship with Nuria. Uli rather stoically states he will not get back with Acacia but proclaims that he was faithful to her. They are joined by another member who says that due to the bad press generated by the fraud, their major investor has pulled out. Despite Uli’s pleas for another chance, JC states he doesn’t think the project can be salvaged.

At the casa of subterfuge and secrets, Este leads a blindfolded Cris down the hallway. He flings open the door to reveal a treasure trove sure to excite any expectant mother – a crib with beautiful mobiles, along with anything and everything a tiny tyke could desire. The parents to be are blissfully kissing when Ale arrives unannounced to dispense her perpetual scowl. Este (rather convincingly to the untrained eye) avows to be a good husband and father. Acacia wistfully and gently caresses the bassinette and we are left to wonder what is filtering through her mind.

Luisa is basking in the comfort and camaraderie of her not quite yet family (Arturo and Uli). At the house that is now rivaling Alonso’s tomb for the sheer number of most unwelcome visitors, who should now appear but Manuel! Not only does he want his investment back (not that it was his to begin with), but to brag to Uli that he and Acacia are dating. As Art keeps Uli from going after Manuel, Manuel decides to spew his poison toward Luisa. Did you tell him how you begged me to stay with you after we had sex?” (Thanks Vivi). Art responds by lunging at Manuel and a full blown fight ensures. Art does hurt Manuel’s hand in the process after which Luisa screams at Manuel that she didn’t see him for who he is and her trust (and hopefully her love) is gone. Uli ferociously kicks Manuel out.

Arturo proclaims Manuel is an imbecile as Luisa sobs as though her heart is broken. Arturo tenderly holds her face in his hands and envelops her in a loving hug, murmuring soothing words.

Andres and Norberto circle each other and verbally spar on perceived and real injuries and slights such as Norberto’s wrath at Juliana being with Andres at his hotel and his resentment at the fact Juli loves Andres. Andres does not rise to the bait but does bring up German, saying what a wonderful person he is (to which we totally cheer in agreement). Norberto scowls as Andres leaves.

Hector and Uli meet at a café, discussing the project and the havoc it has wrecked as well as the situation with Acacia .Hector listens intently, offering encouragement.

Acacia, Este and Cris are taking a stroll and while Este and Cris appear to be happy and relaxed, Acacia seems very uptight and her crossed arms speak volumes as to her discomfort.

Diana
 

Part 2

Back at Danilo’s, Juli is teasing Perla about Memo singing a childish yet cute song. At first, Perla denies, denies, denies. When Juli accuses her of being in love, Perla’s giggle and happy smile clearly give her away.

Luisa visits Ale, berating herself for being such an idiot. She is discussing Manuel and Acacia as Acacia shows up. Luisa recounts Manuel’s “visit” to Uli’s. Commiseration and hugs all around.

After Luisa leaves, Acacia whines about Este, while Ale asserts he is good and reminds Acacia of her mother and baby as she looks nervously around her. Ale gives Acacia a paper (can someone please provide what was written on it?)

Norberto and Juli have coffee where he is still fruitlessly fighting the idea of divorce. At this point, Juli is saying something which obviously upsets Cris as she approaches within earshot. I wish I knew what was said, but I was lost here. Cris and Juli exchange words and Cris, still preoccupied with what she heard, starts descending the stairs and trips, tumbling down a flight as she ends up at an awkward angle on a landing.

Hector who is approaching from the other end runs to her aid, not realizing it is Cris. He comforts her and calls Acacia as Norberto and Juli rush up as well. Acacia calls Este who asks if Cris will be all right. Ummm, no. Your pregnant wife just fell down a flight of stairs. I would suspect not.
.
Luisa is cutting up fruit as Rosa runs in with the news, getting on her knees and praying, asking Rubio where Este is. Naturally, Rubio does not know. Ale calls Danilo and tells him she is going to the hospital. Of course he is angry but she hangs up on him as he starts sputtering. Ale wakes up Juli and tells her she is leaving and Juli reluctantly agrees.

Este storms into the hospital, confronting Hector. Hector calms him down, making it clear this is not the time and place for confrontation. Este goes into Cris’ room as Cris cries and is understandably consumed as to how her unborn child is. The appropriately serious doctor arrives as Cris begs him to tell her how the baby is. The doctor says the situation is delicate and Cris must remain calm. I believe Este wants her moved to the capital but the doctor says no to the move. Este tries to comfort her.

Andres runs into Carmen as he carries German’s picture. Carmen makes pleasant small talk about the house and her sons. Andres proudly shows off German’s art and asks her to join him for coffee. The conversation takes a serious turn as Andres asserts he does not love Juli and that Carmen is his present and his future. Carmen accepts German because he is part of Andres and admits she loves Andres. They kiss.

Ale and Acacia arrive at the hospital and run into Hector. Hector asks Acacia about the pregnancy. He meets Ale and it is obvious he is silently thinking about German. Hector then greets JC and Elena as JC spouts his usual directive to be calm. German and Lizzy show up. Ale gives her beautiful half grin smile, tinged with a touch of sadness to German, a fact not unnoticed by Hector. Acacia greets her grandparents and hugs Ale.

Este is holding Cris’ hand as he presses his head against it, kissing her in obvious distress. Ale enters looking angry and darting furtive looks of jealousy. Did I imagine a small smirk on Este’s face? I fear I did not.

Diana
 

Part 3

Perla is distraught when Juli tells her Ale has left. Perla frets she does not know where Danilo is.

Art is going to visit Luisa and fills Uli in on what is going on. Manuel arrives and is given a cold reception by Acacia and it appears Juli is being blamed for her fall. Este steps up to join the fray and confront a protective Manuel as Acacia drags him away. Hector watches as Acacia releases her hands from Este’s as though they were hot to the touch. Juli introduces herself to Hector as a dear friend of Cris. Hector, along with viewerville, are unimpressed.

Andres and Juli present Uli with German’s picture. They have a heart to heart talk about Cris and Acacia.

Luisa and Art have a picnic and as Luisa lies on the grass, Art moves n for a kiss at which Luisa averts by flinging cake in his face. They have a playful chase – he looks adorable even with cake smeared on his face. Rosa stops up to spoil the party but Arturo is as polite as always.

Danilo accosts Ale at this hospital. She yells that she could not leave Acacia alone under the circumstances. He mutters something about Acacia when Acacia shows up and thanks him for coming. Of course Danilo says, they are family. We join Ale in being sickened.

In the chapel, Ale and Este come together and then repel. Ale puts her hand on Este and then realizing what she is doing, leaves. Este prays for forgiveness and asks his child be spared. JC and Elena comfort Cris and pray.

Ale runs into German who taunts her about marrying for money as he grabs her hair and pulls it back from her face. I suspect Ale is holding her breath as we are.

Coming - It appears Cris’ child’s future is hanging in the balance.

Diana
 

I missed a few crucial pieces here - please accept my apologies! I am doing the bet I can with very little Spanish comprehension. I am sure Vivi will not what I missed.

I fervently hope the child survives - For Cris sake and her sake only.

I have an early morning again tomorrow but look forward to hearing what everyone has to say.

Diana
 

Excellent, Diana! Here are the clarification bits, and then I'll leave a real comment:

-Hector has decided to take over Suyaki's role as lead investor in Uli's project and will have his lawyers work on how to deal with the folks defrauded.
-Acacia, Cris, and Este were walking together because they had just been to the notaries to take Este off as Administrator and officially make Cris and Acacia the admins.
-Luisa and Ale were debating whether or not to tell Acacia that Manuel had used her for sex. When Luisa told Acacia about the dustup at Uli's with Manuel, she did not mention the his insult to her included calling out her sex life. So Acacia does not know just how much Manuel used her, or just how much of a jerk he was by bragging about it to Uli and Art.
-Ale asked Acacia for a cell phone charger, claiming she has lost hers so many times that Dan would be mad if she asked him to get her another. She gave Acacia a piece of paper with the specifics and with her email address and password, asking Acacia to hold on to it because she's so absentminded that she keeps forgetting it.
-Cris overheard Julia admit that she beat herself up. She was ticked off the Juli lied to her and everyone, and even filed a false police report against Norb. It was particularly upsetting because she has been housing and supporting her.
-The doc said there's some placenta detachment issue. Cris needs absolute bed rest for now. They can't give her any meds for the pains and spasms she's having in her abdomen and back, so as not to hurt the baby. They have to now wait and see.
-Este promised God that he will forget everything about Acacia if God saves his child.
 

Additional bits:
-Ale had to tell Acacia that Julianita was Norb's niece to explain her presence, and that Juli had borrowed her keys to explain why she had to beg her to unlock the doors for her.
-Dan cryptically told Ale that he had just been in church, making Al suspicious since she knows evil Dan is not a religious man. Also making the audience nervous about what he's done to poor Padre Rocky.
 

Ok, the things that struck me this episode:

Acacia was so jealous anytime it looked like Este was ignoring her and/or really paying full attention to Cris. In the bedroom, and especially in the hospital room when she kept physically inserting herself between Cris and Este.

Ale and German generate incredible heat anytime they get close to each other. I really, really fear that Dan will catch them in their close enough to kiss stance.

Hector is observing ALL of this. He even had Juli's number as soon as she slithered up to him and started flirting upon introduction. Would love to see his reaction to Dan if they meet.
 

Vivi, thank you so much for clarifying what I missed. Bless you.

I did suspect the paper contained information about the charger (mentioned frequently yesterday). I did think the only thing that would distress Cris might have been hearing Juli self mutilated but the conversation was beyond me.

I try not to write anything unless I am fairly certain because I don't want to mislead anyone.

Poor Cris - I knew it was serious so thank you for filling in that crucial information.

Ahh, Hector, the up and coming galan to the rescue yet again! I am thrilled he is working with Uli. Uli looked so happy - the actor has a wonderful smile.

Diana
 

Arturo's hotness level went way up this episode when he stepped up his wooing of Luisa. Loved all the flirting and playfulness with Luisa. He also made his serious intentions clear to Rosa, and said he would be speaking to Cris in order to get permission to come to Benavente to visit and spend time with Luisa. Rosa seemed impressed by this.
 

Vivi, yes! Hector doesn't miss a thing, does he?

Juli's flirting with Hector was so obviously fake, I had to smile. I am certain there will be a Hector/Danilo meeting. I've said and felt all along that if anyone can take Hector down, it will be Danilo. I do not think Hector will be needed to bring Este down. Este will do that all by himself.

Acacia is trying to tell herself she wants to "help" Este and Cris but the green eyed monster is poised and ready to step in every time they try to make an attempt to do so.

Diana
 

Hello Malquerida friends! This is Lila. Diana or Vivi, could one of you help me please. This recap is posted in the comment section of La Gata #68 12-4 which I posted last night. I'm new at this and don't know how or if I can remove it. Thank you for your apology, Diana, I totally understand.

Thank you!!
 

Hey Lila! Since you posted the page, you should be able to remove the comment. Go to the comments page, you'll see a trashcan at the end of each comment, select it for Diana's comments and select to remove them permanently.
 

Thanks Vivi! Okay. Here's the thing I've learned today! Bless you!
 

Thanks for the recap Diana.

Poor Cris. If she loses the baby they might mean that Este thinks he's free to bother Acacia again. So for Acacia's sake it's better if she doesn't lose it.

I was shaking my head at Acacia for taking Este to the chapel. He really has no right to ask Him for anything when he killed Alonso. Acacia has no idea who Este really is and I'm sure she would never forgive Este when she learns the truth.

I had a message for Juliana last night when she told Hector that she was Cris' friend etc. And that message is: Juliana, you are no one's friend. You are a selfish person. Even Norbie told her that Cris' accident was her fault.

I can bet a million dollars that Germán won't kiss Ale. Since he thinks Ale married Dan for his money and left him because he doesn't have any I think by not kissing her he will think he's respecting himself. But I agree with you Vivi that the fire between them is still very much alive. There's definitely still some heat and passion there. That will never go away.
 

TF- I agree that a kiss likely won't happen. Partly for what you say about how German feels, but I also don't think that Ale would let it happen for fear of Dan catching them. She's taking enough of a risk as it is standing in that hallway talking to German. She already was trying to keep Dan in a separate part of the hospital by suggesting they go to the cafeteria, and Dan correctly guessed that the little painter was in the hospital.

Loved how Ale pulled Acacia out of Dan's arms and wrapped her in hers protectively. Lordy, that Acacia will fall into anyone's arms when she's crying, as long as they have a Y chromosome.
 

Yes Vivi I can agree with that too. Ale is doing the right thing protecting Germán even if that means she can't be with him and that he's with someone else. But again despite everything Germán thinks Ale did to hurt him he won't be able to move on with Lizzy. I'm sure eventually Lizzy will see that.
 

Good morning TF.

Seeing Este in the chapel made me shudder as well. It's always disconcerting when someone who has violated some or all of the commandments pray for something they so do NOT deserve.

I'm beginning to wonder if the fact Este killed Alonso will ever be revealed. I can't see Este confessing under any circumstances. The only possible snitch at this point is Rubio whom I feel is trying to play all sides which will likely contribute to his demise although when that will occur is a mystery.

"Your" German :) looked very hot last night. As you and Vivi noted, their smoke certainly generates fire.

Diana
 

Vivi,"Lordy, that Acacia will fall into anyone's arms when she's crying, as long as they have a Y chromosome".

I just loved your comment. I had to smile because it reminded me of something our dear Judy would also have said. Amazing.

Diana
 

If Acacia and German ever compare notes, they will learn that Julianita was introduced to him as Perla's niece (and German knows she's Norb's lover), and introduced to Acacia as Danilo's niece. They should realize that stuff in the Dan-Ale household isn't adding up. Acacia and Luisa were too wrapped up in their own drama to notice how Ale kept nervously looking around to see if anyone was listening in.
 

Thatbshevnd so much, DIana, for staying up late to provide us with the recap. Thanks a,so to Vivi for providing additional information.

I knew that Cris was upset about what she overheard, but I could not figure out what Juli said,

Hector is certainly becoming the galan..the hero protecting the vuone rabble or clueless. I like heroes...we need heroes.

How does Rubio figure he will be able to get the hacienda in his control?

I am still wondering if those very short, tight dresses have attached shorts because I cannot figure out how those girls avoid flashing the cash and prizes.

Do we believe Este when he pleads to give up his obsession with Ack if his bebe survives ? Is anyone else amazed that he was not struck by a bolt of lightening in that chapel ?
 

???THANKS so much....sorry...hurrying.
 

Watching DiabloDan embracing Ack was soooo creepy. Ick
 

I think that Art is very attractive, but I would like to see him without all that product in his hair.
 

Yes, Este is falling apart and will eventually step on his own foot. Yay...
 

Juliana will flirt with any guy. She is akways on the lookout fir make attention. Did she ever out the moves on Este ?

I am fearful of Damnilo. I do not know if even Hector can defeat him. Damnilo will kill anyone in his way.
 

Susanlynn- Yes. Earlier in the tn we saw Juliana being flirty with Este, and he didn't pay any attention to her.
 

Susanlynn, ITA! A bolt of lightening would have been most welcome to rid us (and Cris) of that pesky Este problem.

And you know, I'm starting to wonder if we are going to have to rely on Hector (yet AGAIN) to come to Ale's aid?? Even her closest friends continue to fail to recognize the not so subtle fear and loathing signals emanating from her regarding Danilo.

A hero for certain!

Diana
 

Susanlynn, I am going to stick with my prediction that Hector will prevail over Danilo.

I think once Hector starts looking into Ale's situation (and we've been given every indication that he will due to the curious assessment he gave at their initial meeting), Danilo will be livid and confrontation and conflict are sure to follow.

Diana
 

I mean, shouldn't they all be a little worried that this (the hospital) is practically the first time they've seen Ale outside of her house, and without Dan, since she married him? I know that would raise some red flags with me, plus all the other signs that Dan is keeping Ale on a very short leash.
 

I think that Hector recognizes Ale as the girl on German's portrait that Hector so admired. Hector is perceptive, proactive, confident, successful, and smart. Will he save the day for everyone in this novela. The young bucks ..German, Uli, and Art...are not doing much to uncover the evil right now.

I keep thinking of the part Hector played in Alborada. He was the husband, and Fernanda Colunga was the lover and the galan. I am not used to seeing this actor in the role of galan. At the beginning , I thought that Este was the galan with a flaw . The writers were clever in misleadng us into thinking that Este was a good guy with a weakness...instead of a bad guy who had been living a low profile life until he fell in love with his stepdaughter.
 

DIana..Inso hope that you are right. I want Cris and Hector to end up together...perhaps raising the bebe.
 

Susanlynn, I gather you haven't seen El Nombre del Amor? If not, I hope you get to see it - there is a terrible twist I won't reveal and it was heartbreaking but oh so worthwhile watching. Both Arturo and Victoria are in it.

Diana
 

LOL Diana. Yes Germán is mine! Just kidding! And good morning to you too.

Vivi, I knew something was weird about Ale telling Acacia who Julianita was. I didn't quite catch what Ale had said but it would be interesting if Acacia and Germán "compared notes".
 

Susanlynn,

At first when Hector told Ale that he had seen her before I was scratching my head in confusion but then once he said to himself that she was the one from Germán's painting the lightbulb went off. Sad that Dan destroyed the painting.
 

TF- When Hector said he had seen Ale before, she got really skittish and nervous and I think it's because she thought he might have been a brothel customer or an old john. Of course, he had only recognized her from the painting, but she didn't know that. LOL.
 

Thank you--Thank you Diana and Vivi. You two are godsends.
Some great lines---Luisa screams at Manuel that she didn't see him for who he is and her trust (and hopefully her love) is gone.

Arturo holds her face in his hands and envelopes her in a loving hug, murmuring soothing words.

German and Lizzy show up and Ale gives her beautiful half grin smile. Yes, that half grin smile belongs only to Africa. She must have a patent on that look. If she doesn't have one, she should because that beautiful look is hers alone. It's great.

Este promises God. Que? We'll see how far that goes. The young bikini goddess is a powerful lure.
Actually, if you see her eyes as she/Acacia looks at him---well?

Yes Acacia is a strange one. At times it seems like she is all for mama and Este should leave her alone and then at other times,
she looks at him with great longing in her eyes.

Suyaki is going to loose out on a good thing. Oh well, it was his call.

Luisa has been my favorite for some time (sorry Miss Bikini.) I must say that the Luisa/Arturo
scenes last night were my favorites. Smart guy that Arturo.

Vivi---I have never seen a trashcan anywhere. That must be if you are using Apple.

Right TF---There definitely is a lot of heat between German and Alejandra. All they have to do is look at each other and it's like a volcano ready to explode.

Too many bad people, they will start to turn on each other soon.
And right, Este doesn't need anyone to turn on him, he's his own worst enemy.
the gringo

 

Hey Gringo! If you have a Blogger account, you can see a trash can at the end of your own comments and delete them-- leaving a telltale sign that a comment has been deleted. If you are the person who posted the discussion page, you can see the trashcan at the end of everyone's comments and make it so that no one even knows the comment was ever there. Bwahahaha! (I swear, I only use this power for good.) It doesn't matter what browser you have. You will notice over on Gata today that there is no evidence that Diana accidentally posted her recap there last night, since Lila was able to remove them permanently.
 

You're right Vivi. Ale was nervous and probably did think that Hector was a "friend" of Dan's. She will probably eventually find out who Hector really is and how he's helping Germán and Cris.
 

gringo, I also think Acacia is very conflicted. She is brimming with jealousy yet I don't doubt she loves her mother (although kissing her stepfather is not the ideal way for her to show affection to her mother).

Even though Cris is suspicious, every day Este continues to fool her makes me very sad.

Diana
 

I never see the trashcan either. The rule of novela is you ill not get what you're praying for so I don't think Esteheathen stands a chance with God. Acacia is jealous but conflicted. All these lies Ale has to say to keep up the charade should come to light one day.
Romy
 

Ooops I just saw the trahcan, my bad. I swear I've never saw it. Weird.
Romy
 

You won't see the trashcan if you are on the permalink/main page. Only when you're in the comments page.
 

LOL, Romy! Now you have the power!
 

"Esteheathen" - good one Romy!

Diana
 

Diana, stellar mini-cap! Vivi, terrific extra detailing!

My favorite look in last night's episode: Rosa being impressed when Arturo said he intended to ask for permission to see Luisa as a "friend" and then confidently added that perhaps his "friend" title would one day change (implying to "novio" - or maybe even "esposo"?). For the first time, Rosa seemed to take measure and realize that Arturo would be a very good catch indeed for her nieta.

I love that Juliana's lie about Norb beating her was outed to all, but I have to say Cris did not follow the standard girlfriend code. Under that code, Cris should have confronted only Juliana about her lie, not do it in front of Norb so it could be spread to all. But, I'm not crying for Juliana.

My take is that Este was sincere about not wanting to lose Cris, but I don't believe his lust for Acacia will walk away.

I don’t like Acacia fixating on Uli to avoid her feelings for Esteban. Uli deserves better. Este has tried to get Acacia to talk about what they feel (of course he’s trying to hit it), but the two do need to talk alone about what it is between them. Acacia has crushed on him since she was a kid. She needs to face up to this and stop thinking if she gets back with Uli, her problem will be solved.
 

Hi Niecie.

"Este has tried to get Acacia to talk about what they feel (of course he’s trying to hit it)" had me laughing out loud.

I do think he has been taking that tactic but only for the end result you so wryly noted.

Uli does deserve more which is why I'm still convinced Itzel will re-enter the picture. She's likely scared for her life and thinking she is still being hunted.

Diana
 

Niecie- Did you notice the face of the lady sitting behind Juliana during that restaurant scene-- first when Juli and Norb were arguing, and then when Cris joined in? She got a good show and was making all kinds of reactionary faces. LOL! Beautiful restaurant-- great rooftop view.
 

Vivi---Computers are most confusing. I post on the discussion page and there are no trash cans anywhere. Some people have a orange square with a B in it that is in front of their name.
If you click on that orange square the comment will disappear
leaving for example Vivi in DC said, but the comment will be gone. If you click the orange B square again, the comment will come back. For those that do not have the orange B square in front of their names, there isn't a trash can anywhere. Even for those that have the orange square, there isn't a trash can in sight. I'm on Windows 7.
Anyway, I don't need to delete anything.
the gringo
 

Gringo- It's those of us who have the blogger square (meaning we have a Blogger account) who can see the trashcan. It's really rare when you need/want to delete a whole comment. It's really only used for when a comment gets double (or even triple) posted for some reason. Typos are not a big deal, and any typo that changes meaning can usually be cleared up with another comment. But as the poster/moderator it's good to be able to erase the rare spam or rude/mean comments.