Caray, Caray!

New and Improved Casa de Chava

It’s morning and Marisol isn’t up yet.  Sofia suggests Chava let his sister sleep.  He sure hopes she’s in better spirits today.  As for him, he and Armando are planning to meet with Tavarez.  The surveillance videos are being reviewed and he’s hopeful Lupe’s murderers are caught soon. 

Peralta’s Office – Dulliver’s confused

Geronimo explains he’s designating office space specifically for Proyecto Magnus.  The first phase of construction has begun and before long, the first tower will be completed.  Oliver is confused as to why he needs an entire company set up for the project.  Gerry tells him he’s hired Patricio, to be in charge of the new company.  Dulliver doesn’t understand why he wasn’t put in charge of that company.  Gerry explains he wants Dulliver to work with him in the export/import business, his most important business venture.  As his successor and only heir, Dulliver needs to understand the business perfectly.

New and Improved Casa de Chava

Marisol finally comes out of her room.  Sofia has prepared her some tea and they sit down for a good woman to woman talk.  Sofia assures her she would never think the worst of her and says they will support her in everything.  Marisol is scared.  She’s already lost her father, her mother, and would die if something were to happen to Chava.  Sofia doesn’t understand but figures it has to do with the father of Marisol’s baby.  Marisol admits, “I’m very afraid but not because of him, I’m afraid for my brother.  If Chava were to know……”   Sofia insists she confide in her, woman to woman.  She asks straight up who the father is.  She asked and Marisol delivers.  Sofia’s reaction is understandable.  She is open mouthed impactada at the news. 

Cristian’s New Home – Crazy must run in this family.

Silvana has told Cristian about Marisol.  Cristian figures she lost her dignity long ago, “You find your husband in bed with someone and yet you still forgive him.”  Silvana is frustrated. “Apparently you didn’t understand anything I just told you.  Didn’t you listen?  Even though Patricio’s infidelity hurts me, what matters is that the escuincla (kid) is preggers.  Marisol is going to give me what I can’t give my husband – a child.”  cuckoo for cocoa puffs!

New and Improved Casa de Chava

Sofia is freaked out, “Patricio?”  Marisol admits it and is now crying, “Yes, like an idiot, I fell in love with him.  He had started acting differently toward me, being very nice to me.  It was during the time I was so down about the breakup with Lucas.  Patricio made me feel important.  He encouraged me to study English.  He helped me get the secretarial position.  Then, we started dating.  He said that he’d always liked me.  He swore that he loved me.  He promised to marry me!  Stupidly, I fell for it.  On the morning of my mother’s murder, he had the nerve to promise me he was going to come speak to her and ask Chava for my hand (in marriage).  I fell in love, Sofia!  But Patricio doesn’t love me!”  She breaks down and sobs.  “He never loved me and I gave myself to him, body and soul.  Look what’s happened.  He only toyed with me.”  She breaks down again and hugs Sofia, who tries to console her.  Marisol really doesn’t understand what happened.  “Yesterday when I told Patricio I was pregnant, he was really happy.  He’s the one who said we should marry right away and that he was going to come speak with my brother.”  Sofia can’t believe Patricio would be so cruel (ruin) with her.  Marisol doesn’t understand either, “That’s why I was so surprised when Silvana arrived, so furious that she slapped me around and yelled that I was a slut and a tramp!  She beat me really bad.  Patricio did nothing.  He just stood there and watched while she assaulted me.  I begged him to get her off me, but he only laughed at me as though he were enjoying it.  Meanwhile, Silvana kept screaming in my face that she is Patricio’s wife!”  Sofia is shocked to learn this.  Marisol: “At first, I was as shocked as you are.  But then I realized Patricio deceived me, that he just used me!”  They hug again and Sofia consoles her.  Marisol begs her not to say anything to Chava, “You know the way he is.  He’s sure to go over there and confront him.  I’m afraid it will be really bad.”  Sofia insists Chava should know.  Marisol begs her again, “No.  You don’t understand.  Patricio is bad, really bad.  I don’t want Chava to risk his life.  Please.  I’ve already lost my mother.  I don’t want to lose my brother!  Swear to me.  Swear by the memory of my mother that you won’t tell Chava.”  Say no more.  Sofia comes from a long line of people making Unbreakable Vows.  Sofia swears she won’t tell Chava. 

Depa de Armando

Armando is leaving his apartment and is surprised by Gerry’s she-minion, Regina.  She got his address through the Ripoll employee records.  She knows he’s out of a job now and is here to offer him a position in Geronimo’s company.  No way, says Armando.  He thanks her for her offer but no matter how desperate he may be, he’d never work for Geronimo!  Regina thinks he feels this way only because he doesn’t really know Geronimo.  He’s a real professional.  In fact, Patricio is now working for him.  Armando assures her that’s just one more reason he wouldn’t work at that company.  He can’t stand Patricio either.  It doesn’t surprise him Patricio is there because he doesn’t know anything about loyalty.  He prefers to wait and see if Chocolate Ripoll makes a comeback.  Anyway, he has a fallback plan with his compadre Chava.  They have a racing team together and are looking to join the racing circuit.  Regina looks as though she could care less but understands.  She wishes him luck and gives him her card.  She hopes they’ll run into each other again, maybe get together for a cup of java.  Armando tells her he’s really busy at the moment, fixing his house and he has just reunited with his girlfriend.  He makes sure he tells her they’re very happy together.  Regina gets the message, “Well, good for you.”  Chava walks up and Regina and Armando say a clumsy goodbye.  Armando tells him about the job offer and assures Chava he wouldn’t consider it.  Chava’s relieved and wonders why Regina would bother to come look him up.  He asks if it’s possible she may be interested in Armando?  wink-wink  Armando scoffs at the thought and the compadres take off. 

New and Improved Casa de Chava

Sofia promises Marisol she’s not alone in this.  She and Chava will help her forget this horrible experience and move forward.  She asks Marisol to promise to eat well and be happy.  Marisol asks, “What about the baby?  What will happen with him?  His father will never acknowledge him and I don’t have a job to support him.”  Sofia:  “Your child will be better off without that coward by his side.  We’re not about to abandon you.”  Marisol tells Sofia she’s so kind and that’s why her mother loved her so much.  Sofia tells her to smile because she’s going to be a beautiful mother.  They’re interrupted by the doorbell.  Sofia is waiting for Dani.  They’re going to meet with the employees at Don Cuco’s to give them their letters of recommendation.  Marisol chooses not to tag along, she’s not in the mood.  Sofia tells her to call if she needs anything.  After Sofia leaves, Marisol cries over her mother’s photo, “Mamacita, I feel so much guilt and shame.  I’ve failed you, disappointed you and now I have to pay the consequences.  Please forgive me.  Perdoname.”  Poor kid. 

Patricio’s New Office

Patricio sits back, “I’ve finally rid myself of that naquita Marisol. Finally.”  Regina comes in and delivers some documents per Geronimo’s instructions to bring Patricio up to date.  Patricio gives her his best wolf smile and asks, “Why so serious Regina?  We’re co-workers right?”  He encourages her to speak to him in the form of “tu”, his trademark phrase.  As the new kid in class, he wonders if she can help him with the details of this company.  Would she do that for him?  She agrees and tells him when he’s done reviewing the documents, he can come to her office.  He watches her as she leaves.  Something tells me she’s not going to be as gullible as Marisol.

Delegación

Tavares, Chava, and Armando review the tape of the trannys leaving Lupe’s home.  Tavares tells them the witness has confirmed those were the same people he saw talking to Lupe.  Police sketches of the perps are being made up for distribution.  Chava beats his chest and yells that these goons have to pay for what they did to his mother.  He would love to have them here so he could tear them apart!  Armando promises him they will rot in jail.  Chava is angry, saying they ended the life of the kindest most noble woman he’s ever known and they’re out there on the street!  Armando tells him to calm down.  As soon as the pictures are made public, it won’t take long for them to be in custody.  Chava rages on, saying even if they’re put in jail and justice is done, that won’t bring his sainted jefecita back to him. 

Back at Chava’s house

Marisol answers the door only to find herself face to face with……Silvana!  “You didn’t have enough with the beat down you gave me?” asks a furious Marisol.  Silvana tells her to take it easy.  Marisol has found her voice, “Oh, so now you’re going to act nice to catch me off guard?  Well, it ain’t gonna happen.  So move on before I get really angry and see where that gets you!”  Silvana tells her she’s here to strike a bargain.  “Yeah, well I don’t make bargains with large-footed spiders (arañas patonas) like you!” (this lost a little in the translation but when Marisol said it, it sounded really good!) Silvana snickers as Marisol shuts the door in her face but isn’t able to make it stay closed.  Maybe Silvana’s patonas were in the way.  Silvana insists Marisol hear her out.  Marisol tells her to get on with it and scram!  Silvana assumes correctily Chava doesn’t know yet about what happened, otherwise he would have already confronted Patricio,  “Well,  you done good and I’m going to help you solve your problem.”  Marisol asks sarcastically if Silvana plans on letting her husband acknowledge his child.  Silvana:  “Don’t think I’m too happy with what Patricio did with you.  But here’s my offer.  When the baby is born, just give it to me and goodbye problem!  Absolutely no one will find out.  I’ll see to it.  Think it through.  We’ll make up a story that you’re studying abroad.  I’ll provide you with a comfortable place to live during your pregnancy.  When you return, you’ll no longer have that little shame in your womb.  That child you’re expecting is not a product of love.  Patricio only used you to get back at your brother and to toy with you.  Consider my offer.  It’s to your benefit.  You’ll return to your life as though nothing happened – and I’ll remain with that child.  Think of your future, and your brother.  Don’t ruin your life because of your stupidity.  Adios bonita!”  Silvana leaves her card on the door and leaves.  Marisol is speechless and cries against the door.  Poor thing doesn’t know what to do. 

Casa Ripoll - a fond adieu

Paco and Greta relax in the garden as Fausto serves drinks.  Fausto pauses, “To think -- this enormous, beautiful garden will soon be just a memory.”  As he walks away, Greta tells Paco that he’s just as sensitive as the rest of the family about the sale of the house.  There’s no buyer yet but the realtor assures her the property should sell quickly.  Paco quotes “Los bienes son para remedar los malos (a play on words that doesn’t translate well but basically saying that property can be used to solve the bad)”  Greta gets all sentimental on us, “My daughters were born here.  I watched them grow and play.  There are so memories that will remain here.  On the one hand, it’s difficult to let go of those memories.  But I also had many disappointments.  I tried to be happy here with a man I respected, but also feared.  I can now admit that my happiness here in this luxurious mansion was just a façade.  I always felt shut away in this gilded cage.  It was all a grand simulation of this life of luxury where I had to maintain the image of a ‘grand lady’.  All the while, I scolded myself for having exchanged happiness for a life within these walls and for making the wrong choice.  I was different but I evolved into a bitter monster, intolerant with my daughters, obstinate in managing their lives and destroying their happiness….just as I had destroyed my own.”  Paco tells her not to be so hard on herself.  Everything that’s happened to her is helping her be the Greta he once knew.  He’s sure of it.  She wants to learn to be happy but doesn’t know where to begin.  Paco:  “What if you start by letting go of the past and start living in the present?  Let life surprise you.  That was the girl that I once fell in love with.”  Greta smiles.  Will wonders ever cease!

Lugar de Cuco

Ripoll employees line up for their letters of recommendation.  Matias walks up, showing off his biceps, wearing a tank top.  He’ll get a temp job but won’t give up the hope the company will rise again.  Sofia hopes the expert’s report will show the fire was an accident and that the insurance company will pay up, allowing Chocolates Ripoll to rise from the ashes.

Oficina Proyecto Magna

Regina and Patricio walk together as he thanks her for being such a great teacher.  She returns the compliment, saying he’s the expert administrator.  He continues with the compliments saying that no title could match her experience in working here.   He thanks her again for her help.  He invites her to lunch.  It’s the least he could do after all the help she’s given him.  She coolly rejects his offer, saying she has a lot of work to do.  But he tells her even workaholics (trabajolicos) have to eat!

Night falls on Chava’s

Sofia tells Chava Marisol is much calmer now.  Chava wants to know if she’s named the baby daddy.  Sofia assures him that when Marisol is ready, she’ll tell him everything.  He understands, “She must be embarrassed enough without me adding any pressure.”  Sofia agrees and thinks it’s best to wait.  Chava thanks her for helping him through this.  If not for her, he’d be frothing at the mouth, looking for that scoundrel.  And now we have to be reminded of how much they love each other.  After all, they made a vow for better or for worse.  He’s so happy to have someone to love.  Smoochies.

Dani and Lucas in the recording studio…..’nuff said.

Moving Day

Paco and Fausto struggling to move a mattress, cuz there’s no one else to help, I guess……’nuff said

Greta is unpacking in her new digs as they move in a sofa.  The house is in the hood.  Paco is sure they’ll adapt well in the hood.  Greta is optimistic and looks forward to the day when her neighbors accept her as part of the neighborhood.

Casa de Armando, freshly painted and redecorated

Alexa is playing Betty Crocker at the stove as she speaks to Armando over the phone.  They discuss the insurance company coming through in order to rebuild.  Chava is on his way to the insurance company with Sofia as Armando is busy working under a car -- of course.  Armando and Alexa profess their love and how happy they are with their new family life.  Something wicked this way comes.  Phone rings and she assumes it’s Armando calling back but she is sadly mistaken.  It’s Alan!!!!  Someone in Viewerville invoked his name!  I don’t remember who, but stand up and take a bow!  Well, she doesn’t know why he’s calling but she wants nothing to do with him and warns him not to bother her again!  She clicks off and immediately receives a naughty photo of herself along with the text message:  “This is what I want to talk about.”  ruh-roh. 

Insurance Company

The expert’s (peritaje) report indicates the fire was intentionally set!  Paco is stunned and doesn’t nknow what to make of it but Chava assumes the insurance company won’t pay.  The insurance representative doesn’t speak but Sofia says this will leave Chocolates Ripoll bankrupt! 

Cristian’s New Home

Cristian knows Marisol will never call.  Silvana may as well resign herself.  But Silvana thinks it’s the only solution to Marisol’s “problem”.  Cristian wonders if she’s ever considered that Marisol may want to keep that baby but Silvana doesn’t think she’d want a constant reminder of the man who deceived her.  She knows her family hasn’t talked her into keeping it because they don’t know yet.  Otherwise Chava would’ve gone ballistic by now.  Sooner or later she’ll feel the pressure and will beg Silvana to take the baby.  Silvana is so sure.  Cristian, not so much.  He wonders why Silvana doesn’t just adopt if she’s so keen on being a mother.  Silvana points out that this is Patricio’s baby.  She can’t tell him she’s unable to conceive.  He’d be sooo disappointed. *rt^#kl – sorry, I gagged. They’re just starting their life together as a couple, living together.  She can’t take the risk.  Cristian suggests she give up this obsession of giving Patricio a baby and enjoy her life with her husband.   She explains he can’t understand the desire to have a life growing inside of you and the pain of knowing it’s not possible.  Can’t he understand how she feels, knowing that naca is expecting a child of the man she loves?  It’s humiliating!  “So that baby must be mine!”  bwahaha!

Barrotas

Marisol is minding the store and thoughtbubbles Silvana’s offer.  Miguelina arrives and they soon talk about Lupe and about how much they both miss her.  Miguelina offers to stand in whenever Marisol needs some lovin’ or someone to listen.  Migue tells her how proud Lupe was of her.  She promises everything will be ok.  Marisol hopes so cuz everything seems to be getting worse day by day. 

Back at the Insurance Company

Chava tells Sofia not to give up.  There’s still the property on which the company stood. That must be worth something.  Maybe if she sold it, she could build a smaller factory elsewhere.   Where’s he been?  He knows everything else, why doesn’t he know this?  Paco agrees this could be a way to start again. They’re at the elevator and you-know-who, Voldemort Peralta, walks out.  Chava demands to know what he’s doing there – he has no business being here. Peralta explains he’s there to find out the result of the insurance report.  As long as Sofia hasn’t paid back the loan, yes it is very much his business.  He assumes that with the insurance payout, Sofia can pay what’s remaining on the loan.  Paco informs him the fire was intentionally set.  “Oh, that’s terrible news,” says Peralta.  Chava puffs his chest out and accuses Peralta of knowing this was coming.  Peralta thinks Chava is being paranoid.  He certainly hopes this isn’t just a tactic for Sofia to avoid paying him.  Sofia has to admit she won’t be able to pay by the date agreed.  Paco hopes Peralta will understand Sofia has suffered an unexpected setback.  “Well,” says Peralta, “I can accept the factory property as payment.  Give me the property and the problem is solved.” 

Chava suggests they arrive at another agreement because the contract signed by Sofia is disadvantageous to her.  Peralta says, “I’m not accustomed with making concessions when it comes to business. Whaddya say Sofia?  I believe that giving me that ash filled property is the perfect solution.  I would assume any costs associated with the transaction because I know your situation is extremely precarious.”  Chava continues with his ridiculous assumptions, saying that Geronimo’s mere presence proves he had an eye on that property and this was his plan all along – to keep it all.  Geronimo gives Sofia his attorney’s card should she decide to accept his offer.  He hopes to hear from her soon and advises her not to get into any legal problems or she could end up in jail.  That’s it.  Chava can’t contain himself any longer.  He charges at Peralta and grabs him by the collar but Aldo intervenes.  Chava shouts at Peralta, “Don’t you dare threaten my wife!”   Peralta calls off Aldo, saying it won’t be necessary, “Right, Salvador?”  Sofia and Paco pry Chava off Peralta, saying it isn’t worth it.  Peralta never stops smiling as he walks away, cool as a cucumber.  Sofia is falling apart. 

Depa de Irais – Jughead and Irais are at it again.  She rushes him, saying he’ll be late for his job as waiter at Cuco’s.  They talk about needing to save for their future…….yawn

Restaurant

Alexa meets with Alan and demands he hand over the tape.  Alan is very calm and tells her to calm down, “I see that the caveman (cavernícola) Armando has convinced you to form a family with him and his horrible son, right? I never would have imagined seeing you as a housewife, much less as a mother.  Such a sudden surge of tenderness!  Alexa pleads with him, “You caused me enough harm in the past, please let me be happy.  Don’t destroy my life.”  “And what about me?” he asks. “You didn’t care about tearing my life into pieces.  You dumped me when I loved you so much.

Alexa tells him what they had was not love.  “Oh but you’re wrong, Alexa.” he tells her.  “The proof is right here, in our movie.  I’ve never seen such hot scenes like this in my life.  It’s pure art.  Of course, it  has to be seen with an open mind.  However for morbid (morbosa) minds, you’d pass as an authentic.”  Alexa calls it trash but Alan disagrees, “It’s a grand work of art.  You really have to see it.  Your scenes are so erotic.”  Vale, Alexa wants to know how much money he wants.  Give her a few days and she’ll give him some money so he’ll leave her in peace once and for all. He considers her offer but he doesn’t want her money.  He wants her.  tan-tan-TAN!

Sherlock Chava Holmes is on the case!

Outside the insurance company building, Sofia tells Paco and Chava, “Geronimo’s got me where he wants me now that he knows I’m ruined.”  Chava is convinced this is all part of Geronimo’s evil plan.  What if the posse he brought with him to the factory had something to do with the arson, working under his orders?  Paco doesn’t see the logic in this.  Why would he do that if the factory was the collateral, not the burned down factory.  Chava wonders what if that’s what he wanted them to think?  What if the plan all along was to get the property in exchange for the loan?  Sofia just can’t think of Geronimo as a criminal that would go to such lengths to get what he wants.  Chava gets a brainstorm. Hmmmm, Renzi wanted to buy out the properties in the neighborhood.  He’d pay double or triple the market price.  He even sent people to terrorize the neighbors.  He was behind the sabotage at the factory.  What if someone with more power and more money was behind that real estate business?  The money had to come from somewhere.  He thinks Geronimo Peralta could be the real enemy. 

Avances:

Chava gives Patricio a much needed beatdown

Silvana tells Marisol that Patricio want to get rid of the baby

Marisol is run down on the street as Silvana looks on!