Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Pasión y Poder #29 Martes 12/15/15
Chapter
29: Lies and Whispers
Eladio
charged into the master bedroom shouting his wife's name. Julia had
been in this position too many times in the past to not know what to
expect from him. He demanded to know how many times she had seen
Arturo, but would not allow her to answer or explain. She finally
told him that she saw Arturo about the DNA test that would disprove
Eladio's accusation. However, that answer not only did not satisfy
him, it fueled his anger once again.
David and
Regina were in the Querétaro hotel amid the candlelight, roses,
champagne, and untouched food. Untouched because there was another
appetite to satisfy. They had only halfway undressed when David's
cell began ringing. He looked at the screen and answered. It was
Gabriela, who had run into another room to avoid being overheard.
She told him his parents were having a terrible fight. His silent
reaction told Regina that something was terribly amiss.
“You told
him I mistreat you, didn't you? Why didn't you also tell him how
much I love you? How much I've loved you all my life?” Eladio
demanded. He started to kiss her but she tried pushing him away.
“You know that I love you, don't you?” He kissed her hands. She
looked confused as she sat back on the bed. “But you don't want to
see it! You just don't want to see it!” he almost shouted as he
turned away. “If you don't want to see how much I love you you can forget about going out on the street!” He
closed the door. “You're out of the foundation! You are going to
stay locked up in here!”
“You are
mad. You're mad. You can't lock me up in here.”
“And
you're forbidden to go back to the foundation because I discovered
that's where you've been meeting Arturo!”
“That
isn't true!”
“Of
course, you're lying. You keep on lying to me! If you want to
betray me you don't know what's going to happen.”
“You do
not own me. I do not 'belong' to you. I'd rather die than
constantly be threatened by you. I'd rather be dead than imprisoned
by you. I'd rather be dead. You're mad.” She ran for the door.
“You're mad.”
“Julia!”
He started running after her.
“No!”
She opened the door and ran out into the upper hallway. Humberto was
coming out of his own room in his wheelchair from the other end. He
saw Eladio run after Julia and try to grab her.
“Let go
of me!”
“I am not going to let you meet with him again!”
He reached
and grabbed at her several times, each time nearer to the top of the
stairs. She ran toward the stairs and looked back at the wrong
moment. Her stiletto heel caught on the top step, tripping her to
fall with her head on the metal banister. She then fell down the
curved part, landing halfway down the staircase.
Eladio
panicked and ran down to her, whispering her name. She was lying on
her back, unconscious. Eladio looked up and saw Humberto, who looked
equally shocked.
“Where is
the nurse? Where is the nurse?” he shouted.
“I don't
know.”
“It's
going to be alright. Nothing is going to happen,” Eladio whispered
to Julia. “Quickly, quickly!” he shouted at the nurse, who
arrived in his blue scrubs. “She fell down the stairs. Quickly!
Quickly!”
The nurse
calmly knelt on the step just below Julia and felt her neck for a
pulse.
“Call for
an ambulance now!” he said. Eladio reached for his cell and made
the call. Gabriela came back into the lower hall. She watched and
gritted her teeth as the nurse shine a light into Julia's eyes as
Eladio calmly made the call. Humberto watched from the upper floor.
David and
Regina dressed. He apologized to her, explaining that his parents
have always had marital problems. This was not her experience, and
she said that her parents always had a happy marriage. David said
that it had always been difficult because his father was very
aggressive. Gabriela's call worried him because it meant that
something very bad was happening. He declined her offer to accompany
him home, telling her that she would need to make the presentation
the next day. They kissed goodbye and she told him to take care of
himself. He handed her a single rose before leaving the room.
Eladio
covered the mouthpiece of his cell as he tried to explain to
Gabriela.
“She ran
out of the bedroom and I tried to hold her back, but she fell.”
“Because
you were fighting with her,” she answered.
“Yes, we
were having a difference of opinion!” he shouted. He then
uncovered the mouthpiece. “Yes, Miss, that's it exactly. No, the
ambulance has not arrived. Rush it!”
The nurse
continued to check Julia's vital signs.
Eladio was
still whispering Julia's name. The nurse was firmly at her other
side. Franco arrived, probably summoned by Gabriela.
“Calm
down, Godfather,” he said. “Everything will be alright. We're
all here to help.”
“The
ambulance is coming.”
“Should we put her in the SUV and take her to the hospital??” asked
Gabriela.
“No,
Miss; it's dangerous,” said the nurse.
“No, no,
we're not moving,” said Eladio. “The ambulance has to get here.”
He actually sounded concerned. Franco looked up.
“Gaby?”
he said, by way of warning. Not her, but Eladio. She was looking at
her cell phone.
“Who else
are you calling?” Eladio demanded.
“David.
To tell him what's happening.”
“Don't
you hear me? Don't call him. Don't worry him. You can call him
later.”
“He has
to know! This is his mother!”
“Tomorrow
will happen soon enough.”
“But if
something is wrong with her --”
“Calm
down!” he shouted. His tone of voice was designed to have exactly
the opposite result. His face was that of a madman. He then
adjusted it. “Calm down. Nothing is going to happen. Nothing.
Nothing can happen!”
Humberto
looked oddly human as he took Gabriela's hand and looked up at her.
For that moment he seemed to ignore the clothes he had insulted her
over earlier.
Augustin
and Arturo were in the office having the same conversation they had
every day lately about his reconnexion with Julia. Augustin was
concerned that Arturo was provoking Eladio.
“I met
with him to tell him what Julia asked of me.”
“Why? By
doing that you only provoked –”
“Yes. I
wanted to. I wanted to make it clear to him that I am prepared to do
anything and everything that his woman, his wife – my Julia –
asks of me.”
“The best
thing would be that you leave Julia alone,” Augustin said.
“I don't
want to. I can't stop thinking about her.”
“Arturo,
better to concentrate on your family and fix things with Nina.”
“Every
day we become more distant. We have less --”
“She is
your wife and you have a family with her.”
“Yes.
I've always worried about her and my children.”
“Don't
forget to do your duty. Not for Julia, not for anybody. And more,
it looks to me like you're neglecting things that need more of your
attention.”
Augustin
and Arturo talked about the company. Productivity had been declining
in the past year in the troubled area. Employees had been requesting
raises every year and they had always been able to negotiate
agreements before. There had never been a strike before this.
However, there was something different about this situation. The
striking workers had a new leader who had gone in from the capital.
Things began to change after his arrival. For the worse. Arturo
said he would speak to Erick and tell him to make this top priority.
Under no condition was he to allow the employees to continue the work
stoppage.
Gabriela
went down the stairs to Franco. She paused to look at her aunt.
Eladio told Franco to wait outside for the ambulance. Franco obeyed
and Gabriela followed him.
“Everything
will be alright, don't worry,” Eladio said to the nurse. “I will
take care of her.” The nurse got up and went down the stairs.
Eladio stayed next to Julia. “I don't understand what happened to
you.”
“Me,
neither,” said Humberto. “And I want you to explain it to me. I
heard you arguing. It was a serious fight.” He wasn't wearing
glasses, so it wasn't clear whether he could see Eladio's scowl. “I
don't know if this fall was really an accident.”
“Isn't it
obvious?” Eladio said. “What are you insinuating? That I pushed
Julia so she would fall? Stop this stupidity!”
“I don't
know if the fall was your fault --”
“You
insinuated it by how you said it,” Eladio said. His tone was low
and deadly.
“It's
that I know Julia,” said Humberto. He was running out of breath.
“...and she is capable of using this to her advantage to blame you, Eladio.” How could a man hate his daughter so much that he would say such a thing?
The ambulance siren became louder.
The ambulance siren became louder.
“Shut up!
Shut up!”
Gabriela
and Franco came back in to say that the ambulance and medics had
arrived.
The
paramedics put a head brace on Julia and put her on a stretcher.
“You will
be alright, Julia,” Eladio said. “Because if anything happened
to you I would die.”
He followed
the paramedics as they wheeled her out of the house. Humberto
watched from the top of the stairs.
Clara,
Consuelo, and Francisco had lunch at an outdoor restaurant after the
funeral. Consuelo told him that at least Justino and his family had
this beautiful trip thanks to him. He pointed out that nobody
expected it to end this way. Clara was upset at Justino's anger
while Consuelo felt for the child who could not understand how her
mother could die so suddenly. Maribel had forbidden Clara to tell
anyone that her condition was fatal, which had put her between a rock
and a hard place. They had seemed the ideal family to Clara, who had
been in the orphanage with Consuelo. Cconsuelo's cell phone rang and
she excused herself to talk to Miguel. He was checking up on her to
make sure she was alright. She ended the call saying she'd see him
later.
Rather than
do any actual work, Erick spoke to Monserrat on his cell while
fanning himself with a document that should have been filed. He
complained of the heat, the humidity, the lack of air conditioning,
She went on about how much she missed him, finally asking how long he
would be there. He told her he wasn't sure. He had a lot of
problems to resolve all by himself. He wasn't too upset because this
assignment put distance between himself and Consuelo. She couldn't
believe that he hadn't told his family that he planned to divorce
her. He didn't want to talk about this, telling her he missed her.
He even asked if she could come out to be with him. It never seemed
to occur to him that this would have been a major risk. She gave the
excuse that she had lots of work to do.
Justino
stood over Maribel's coffin. The door was open. The other mourners
stood around talking in low voices. None seemed to try to comfort
him. Clara came in and asked for Luisita.
“I put
her to bed,” Justino said. “She's asleep.”
“Poor
child. You need rest, too, Justino,” Clara said. “This has been
very hard.”
“Of
course,” he said. “I wish I knew what had been happening. I
would have been with her every minute.”
“I'm
sorry, Justino. Truly, I'm very sorry.”
“It's
your fault. Why didn't you tell me how sick she was?”
“Because
she wouldn't let me. Because she asked me not to. I couldn't
understand why but every time I tried –”
“After I
buried her? I don't want you to enter this house ever again. At
least not anywhere near my daughter. Do you hear me?”
He walked
away before she could answer. She was crying. One of the older men
finally took Justino aside. Gisela led Clara out of the house and
stood at the open door so she could not re-enter.
Eladio
paced in the hospital waiting room. Gabriela stood still, perhaps
afraid to say anything for fear of more verbal violence from her
uncle. Franco came back with two cups of coffee, which he dutifully
handed to them.
“Do you
know how my Godmother is?”
“No,”
Gabriela said, sadly.
“No, no,
the doctors aren't telling me anything,” Eladio said. “Terrible.
They're useless.” The attending physician came out to talk to
him. “Doctor, how is my wife?”
“She
hasn't regained consciousness yet.”
“Were
there consequences to the fall?”
“Fortunately,
there are no broken bones. But the blow to the head had sufficient
force that she is in a coma.”
Eladio
braced himself against the nearby sofa. Gabriela reached toward him
only to have him wave her off. Anyone who truly knew what went on
behind this mansion's walls must have wondered why Eladio – with
all his millions – never considered the option of subjecting Julia
to a lobotomy. He could easily have found a corruptible doctor
willing to do this atrocity for a large cash payment. One who would
also supply a drug he could slip into her food or drink that would
allow him to get her to the hidden facility. The procedure would
take no more than half an hour and documents could be drawn up to
cover up the crime. He could take Julia home in a few days and have
the perfectly submissive wife he seemed to want all along. Except
that on some level of his subconscious Eladio knew that a robot could
not be dominated because there was no fight to be won and his life
was all about winning battles.
Nina
answered her cell phone with a sarcastic “Hello.”
“Good
evening, Madam. I was trying to call the chauffeur and left messages
but he hasn't called back. I'm where he dropped me off,” said
Consuelo. “Please, could you send me another chauffeur?”
“Consuelo,”
Nina said, smugly. “Do you think that everyone in this house is
always at your disposal?”
“No, no,
that's not it. He doesn't answer. Ii don't know where he is.”
“So look
for him. Besides, it seems to me you should not be out on the street
at these hours.”
“I was at
the wake of a friend.”
“Ah, what
a coincidence. Just when my son isn't here one of your friends
dies.”
“Madam,
it's the truth.”
“You
better be. And come back when you can because there is no chauffeur
able to come for you.” She ended the call with a smug grin as
Arturo entered the room behind her.
“Was that
Consuelo?” he asked. Nina turned around. The look on her face was
not unlike Daniela's had she been caught with liquor or the wrong
man. “Why will you not send a chauffeur for her?”
“My love,
she was getting abusive. Besides if her pregnancy is so delicate I
don't understand why she's out at these hours. To me it looks like
she's faking it.”
“I can't
believe you said that. We're talking about your grandchild.”
“Please,
Arturo, as I said I think she's exaggerating.”
“I don't
believe Consuelo is exaggerating.”
“Well, I
was waiting to accompany you to dinner but I really don't want
to have another argument with you, least of all about Consuelo.”
“Nina,
our daughter-in-law is pregnant and we're going to pick her up.”
“I don't
know where she is. I don't know where she is. Now the lady of the
house is going out. And you know what? I'm going with friends
because they're good company. Unlike you because you're only
arguing.” She sashayed out.
“I'm just
about at the end of my patience,” he said to himself.
“I don't
believe what you're saying that you can't do anything. What kind of
a doctor are you?” Eladio's voice was low but aggressive.
“Sir, I
know this is difficult to understand. But as I explained, for the
moment we can only wait.”
“Don't
try my patience. You have to do something for her. Instead of
wasting my time here why don't you call a specialist for her? I want
a second opinion.”
“I am the
best neurologist here. Nobody is more qualified than I.”
“Then why
don't you do something?”
“I will
repeat that right now there is nothing we can do. If you want to
look for another opinion you are entirely within your rights to do
so.”
“Of
course I have the right!” he said. He was deliberately forceful.
He ordered Franco to get the private plane ready to take Julia to
Houston. Franco got his phone.
“I'm
sorry, sir, but you can't move her,” said the doctor. “If she is
disturbed she can become much worse.” Eladio grabbed the doctor's
lapel and pulled him in.
“Who the
hell are you to tell me what I can or can't do?”
Franco
stepped in quietly to stop this getting any worse. The doctor took a
quick look at Eladio and realized he was better off saying no more.
He backed off.
“I will
see that you are informed,” he said as he left.
Eladio hit
the sofa cushion once, then pulled back with what looked like great
effort.
“Wait a
minute, we have to think,” he said.
“Uncle,
we can get the best doctors in Mexico,” Gabriela began.
“Here's
what we have to do. We have to get a list of all the doctors who
know about this. All of them, because one of them has to be able to
cure her.”
“Alright,
we'll do it,” Franco said. He and Gabriela left. He looked a
little relieved to be leaving Eladio's presence.
“You
can't die, Julia. You can't die.” He fumbled for his cell phone.
“The
chauffeur still doesn't answer,” Consuelo said. “I don't
understand. Why does my mother-in-law hate me so much?”
“That old
bitch is a fool,” Clara said. “Don't listen to her. The truth
is that sounds like bad situation.”
“And I
can't even talk to Miguel because that will provoke an even bigger
fight.”
“What
would that accomplish?” Francisco returned to the table.
“No
matter, I just need a taxi.”
“Why do
you need a taxi?” Francisco asked.
“Because
my chauffeur didn't come.”
“I'll
take you back; don't worry.”
“No, no.
It's an imposition.”
“No, it's
not a problem.”
Clara
didn't like what she saw or the sensation she was getting from this
conversation.
“Well,
OK. Thanks.”
Francisco
smiled at Consuelo. Clara could not have missed that.
Erick
skyped with Arturo. He complained about the weather while fanning
himself with a sheet of paper. There was no air conditioning and an
air vent had even been ripped out.
“Erick, I
didn't send you on a vacation,” Arturo said. “You're there to
solve a problem. What are you going to do?”
“I
haven't been able to do much, Dad. And they said they're out for the
duration.”
“Well, so
find a way to solve it. Talk to their leader, get a list of their
demands, and present them to me.”
“Very
well.”
“If
things are that difficult, it's better that Consuelo stay here. I
don't want anything to happen to my grandchild.”
“Yes.
It's better she stay with you.”
“Call me
when you've done what I just told you.”
“Dad,
seriously, how long do I have to stay here?”
“As long
as necessary. And do what you have to do. Thanks.” He ended the
call with a small sigh of resignation. He was not sure he could
trust Erick.
At the
Gómez Luna house, Humberto was trying to eat dinner. Simona stayed
with him.
“So we
don't know how the mistress is?” she asked.
“No.”
“Hopefully
she will be alright.”
“Julia
has to be alright,” said Humberto as he continued eating. “All
because of a stupid argument.”
“It
couldn't be about –”
“Don't
talk about what you don't know,” Humberto demanded. “Eladio acts
like this because Julia provokes him.”
“Could
be, but this looks like it was the boss's fault.”
“No.
What happened was an accident. Understand?” One would think he
was master of the house from his tone. “Now get out of here; I
want something else. And don't go gossiping to anyone! Do you
understand?”
David
arrived and paused at the sound of Humberto's voice.
“Grandfather,
why are you here?
“Good
evening, David. I'm happy to see you, too.”
“Excuse
me, I didn't expect to see you here.”
“Your
father invited me to live with you.”
“OK.
Welcome.” He embraced Humberto with a little hesitation. Humberto
waived him off.
“Where is
Mother?”
Simona, who
had been observing this awkward scene, tried to talk. Humberto
shushed her dismissively.
“Simona,”
he said in a warning tone. Then he spoke to David. “Your mother
had an accident. She fell down the stairs and was taken to the
hospital.”
There was
not a single note of worry in his voice.
Daniela
walked into Arturo's study. He was still working at his laptop,
still wearing the suit he had worn at the office earlier that day.
She clearly had an agenda and it had nothing to do with work.
“Hi, Dad.
I'm sure you've noticed that with all the work I've done in the last
few days the house is cleaner than ever.”
“Yes.
I'm glad you've done as you've promised.”
“I really
applied myself, so I hope you'll lift a little of my punishment and
let me go out with my friends.”
“No.”
“Dad,
please! This isn't fair! How many punishments do I have to take?
Let me go out!”
“Remember
that you lied about your therapy appointments. You only sat around
watching television.”
“That's
because Mother --”
“Don't
tell me. What does she have to do with it?”
“It's
that Mother didn't take me to therapy because.. because she doesn't
trust the doctor. She doesn't think any of this will do me any
good.”
“Seriously?
So why didn't she tell me earlier so we could so something about
it?”
“You know
how Mother is.”
“Of
course. You will go to therapy until you stop drinking and stop
lying to me. Do you understand?”
“You are
the most unjust father in the world!”
She went
out like a five-year-old. Arturo shook his head as though he could
not understand how a daughter of his could be like this.
At the
hospital Gabriela sat alone in the waiting area. The doctor came out
with documents to be signed regarding tests to be done on Julia.
Gabriela apologized for Eladio's behavior, blaming it on worry.
“I
understand. Hopefully he will ask for another opinion he'll get a
good doctor and he will tell him exactly the same things I did.”
“Thank
you so much, doctor,” she said. David came in as though he had run
all the way there.
“Where is
my mother?”
“Calm
down. Doctor, this is David, my Aunt Julia's son.”
The doctor
repeated what he had earlier told Eladio and Gabriela.
“How long
has she been unconscious?”
“Since
she fell, David,” Gabriela said.
“Cousin,
what happened?”
“I didn't
see, but there was a big argument. I heard part of it –”
The doctor
excused himself and left them alone. As he was leaving Eladio
returned.
“What
happened to Mother?” David asked him.
“A
terrible accident. She was near the top of the stairs, lost her
balance, and fell.”
David
didn't look like he believed this.
“She
fell? How did she fall? I don't understand.”
“It's
like I said. She lost her balance and fell.”
“Don't
lie to me, Father. I know perfectly well you were arguing with her.”
“That's
not the point. You weren't there to see it.”
“I want
you to explain what happened to Mother. I want the truth.”
“What
truth do you want?”
“If my
mother fell down the stairs, Father, it's your fault. I will never
forgive you for this.” Franco came back at this point, from behind
Eladio.
“What are
you insinuating?”
“I'm not
insinuating anything. I'm just asking up front what you did to my
mother. Because I know you were arguing. Don't lie to me.”
“I'm not
lying. It's like I said. Read my lips. It was an accident.”
I seem to
recall the first George Bush said something similar.
“Ask your
grandfather.”
“I don't
believe anything you said. You're a very violent person and here
you're telling me --”
“Shut
up.” Eladio's hand shot up and gripped David's left shoulder in a
vice-like hold. “Shut up. Enough. Don't you ever say such stupid
things to me.”
“Please,
don't fight,” said Gabriela, getting in between them.
“What
happened? Tell me.”
“You know
what? I don't owe you an explanation.”
“Of
course you do. We're talking about my mother.”
“We're
all very nervous, David,” Gabriela said. She stood between them.
“Will you both calm down?”
“You're a
fool. Don't you know that I love your mother more than my own life?”
“If you
loved Mother the way you say you do you wouldn't mistreat her like
you do.”
“What I'm
going to tell you now is that this is finished. You are not allowed
to judge my relationship with your mother.”
“Excuse
me, Father, but I'm your son. And hers. I have seen all those days
and all those years how you mistreat her.””
“Then I
suggest you look closer. You always want to think the worst.”
“Well,
excuse me because you are not the best of husbands.”
“You
don't know anything so you can't understand how it is between Julia
and me. Are you forgetting you were away all those years in
Monterrey.”
“Yes, I
lived for a few years in Monterrey, but I always knew how things
went. You never helped her. Every little thing she did, you
criticized. Every little bit of independence she got you criticized.
Every time I saw her she felt like less.”
Eladio
grinned, with a contemptuous little laugh.
“Little
boy, how easy it is to have an opinion from far away.”
“Your
attitude toward my mother has made her very insecure.”
“That's
it. Shut your mouth about things you know nothing about. Topic
closed. Besides, I need to prepare papers so you can leave for
Huatulco tomorrow --”
“I'm not
going anywhere until Mother is alright. She is my mother.”
“Excuse
me, uncle, but I called my cousin.”
“I know.
The first thing I told you was to wait. Not to be a gossip. This
can't be. My house is full of ingrates. Get out! Get out of here!
Leave me alone!”
David
looked once more at Eladio and took Gabriela's hand.
“Come on,
let's go.”
As they
left Franco tried to hand a cup of coffee to Eladio, who almost
knocked it out of his hand. He stopped himself and just stood with
his back to him. Franco had been studying him all along.
Francisco
had driven Consuelo home. She thanked him and asked a favor. She
asked him to take care of Clara. He was happy to do so, saying she
could visit anytime.
“Thanks,”
she said, and kissed him goodbye on the cheek.
“Consuelo!”
She looked
up at Nina, who was just exiting the house.
“Good
evening,” Nina said pointedly. “Who is this?”
“This is
Francisco, a friend.”
“A
pleasure,” he said, politely.
“A
friend,” Nina said, sarcastically. “How opportune is it that you
appear just after my son goes away on a business trip.” She looked
at Consuelo. “Aren't you ashamed to behave like this when you're
expecting a baby?”
“Oh,
please,” said Consuelo.
“Madam, I
think this is a serious misunderstanding.” Miguel came out of the
house at that moment.
“No, no,
no, no, no. It's very clear to me,” Nina said with an air of
superiority. “That the lady doesn't know how to behave like what
she is: a married woman.”
“Madam,
I'm a friend of Clara, Consuelo's best friend.”
“What's
going on here?” Miguel asked.
“Now your
hero arrives! He's a friend of Consuelo.” She looked at her.
“You are a shameless slut.”
Consuelo
and Miguel exchanged looks of disbelief. Nina looked as though she
had won a catfight.
“Nina,
why are you offending Consuelo?” asked Miguel.
“I was
asking for an explanation of her behavior. Now, tell us where you
were coming from at this hour.”
“I was at
a funeral, helping my friend, Clara.”
“Why did
this man bring you back?”
“Because
I didn't know how to find my chauffeur. He never answered my call.
I called you but you wouldn't help me. Believe me, the last thing I
wanted to do was to bother you.”
“You
don't understand anything. You don't take anything into
consideration,” Miguel said to Nina.
“No? So
I must be missing something.” She looked at Consuelo with the
contempt she felt for all other women. “So now you're the victim,
is that it?”
“You are
always thinking of excuses to treat Consuelo badly,” Miguel said.
He turned to Francisco. “I'm sorry. Thanks for driving her.”
“I'm
sorry. I'm sorry for all this,” said Consuelo.
“Don't
worry,” said Francisco. “I'm sorry if this created a problem for
you. Good night.” He looked briefly at Nina. “Madam.” He
left.
“Please,
Nina, as much as you want to, don't tell Erick.”
Nina stared
at her with the same look of victory as before. In the heat of the
moment Consuelo forgot that a request like that was virtually a
guarantee that Nina would do exactly the opposite.
Eladio and
Franco stayed in the hospital waiting room. Nothing was said for a
few minutes. Finally Franco put down the coffee cup.
“You put
him in his proper place, Godfather.”
“Didn't
you hear? I want to be alone.”
“Yes.
I'm not like David and Gabriela. I will help you unconditionally. I
know your reasons.”
“You
don't understand. You don't understand that I can't lose Julia. She
is the love of my life. You hae to understand it was an accident.
She tripped, lost her balance, and fell. And --”
“I
believe you.”
“The only
guilty party here is Arturo Montenegro. If Julia dies he will pay
with his life, I swear.”
“What
does Arturo Montenegro have to do with what happened to my
godmother?”
“Simply
that he does whatever he can to annoy me. What's going on?”
Franco
mentioned Huatulco and Eladio swore to ruin Santiago and Arturo.
Franco embraced him carefully and was probably relieved to depart,
leaving Eladio alone.
“You
can't believe I won't tell my son,” said Nina, mockingly. Daniela
came out of the house behind her and began sneaking off.
“I
promise you I haven't done anything wrong,” Consuelo said. She was
almost crying.
“Daniela,
where are you going all dressed up?” asked Nina.
“Eh,
well, I just –”
“Did your
father give you permission to go out?”
“No, but
since my punishment is your fault –”
“Alright,
alright. Just go into the house,” she said to the others. Miguel
and Consuelo couldn't get away fast enough.
“So now
it's my fault?” she asked her errant daughter. “If you hadn't
been drinking and that ridiculous photo hadn't happened your father
wouldn't be trying to teach you a lesson.”
“Mother
I've promised a thousand times I won't do it again but nobody in this
house listens.”
“Well,
I'm sorry,” Nina said, sarcastically.
“Mama,
you've always been good to me. You're the only one who understands
me. Please, please, please...” she started jumping up and down as
though she were five years old.
“Yes,
alright,” Nina answered, a little weary.
“You are
the best mother in the whole world,” said Daniela. It was not
precisely what she meant.
“But this
is the last time, Daniela. I don't want to keep having problems with
your father. You get that?”
Daniela
gave her the high sign. Nina gave her the same look she had given
Consuelo.
Arturo told
Augustin that despite his misgivings he would take a DNA test. He
wanted him to accompany him to the hospital. As he ended the call
Miguel and Consuelo came in.
“Consuelo,
what's wrong?”
“I have
to talk to you before my mother-in-law tells you her version and
invents something that didn't happen.”
David and
Gabriela were leaving the hospital.
“You've
got to tell me what my parents were arguing about.”
“I don't
know, I don't know,” she said. “I couldn't hear it well, but it
was terrible.”
“I don't
understand how my father could act like that. Ever since I was born
he has treated her so horribly. The most important thing is that my
mother recovers. I have to hear her version.”
“You
can't, David. She's in intensive care in a coma.”
“What?
They don't know when she will recover?”
“No. The
doctor said they can't do anything and nobody can see her until
they've finished all the tests. They need to make a diagnosis. All
we can do is wait.”
“Ok,
we'll wait.”
He took a
few steps away and called Regina on his cell to tell her.
“Don't
worry, Consuelo. I understand. I do suggest that you talk to Erick
and tell him everything. I don't like when you have problems between
you. Always tell the truth and he should believe you.”
“Not now.
I prefer not to bother your son. Erick has many problems and
obligations in the office. I'll call him tomorrow. Thanks listening
to me. Above all, for believing me.”
“Well,
let's eat. Nina is out, Daniela is confined to her room --”
“Daniela,”
Miguel began.
“What has
your sister done now?”
“Nothing,
nothing. Can we go in to eat?”
“Yes.”
His cell rang and Arturo left to take the call from Santiago.
“Consuelo,
don't get upset.”
“Perhaps.
Maybe I should just tell your father I lived in a brothel when I was
a little girl full stop.”
“It's
better to wait and see what Erick says to you. He should be equal
with this.”
“On top
of what he found out that would be worse.”
“I made
the appointment for you at the orphanage and if you want me to come
along I will.”
“Okay.
I'm sorry because you're in trouble with Nina over me again.”
“No. You
didn't do anything. I did it because I can't stand to see Nina treat
you like that.”
Eladio
paced around the waiting room like a caged animal. Franco returned
and told him that his enquiry in Houston confirmed the current
doctor's credentials. Eladio didn't believe this. He wanted all the
best doctors in Mexico there. The doctor returned and heard part of
this conversation. He was not offended. He told Eladio that the
tests had been completed and he could see Julia for a few moments.
He was to follow him. He signaled for Franco to stay in the waiting
room as he followed the doctor.
“Consuelo,
I don't want you to worry,” Arturo said. He moved to the chair
next to her and handed her a plate of food. “Eat.” He put it in
front of her. “Not eating will hurt the baby and I want the baby
to be happy, loved, prepared for.” Miguel watched from Consuelo's
other side and half-smiled. “Now get some sleep. Rest.” He
kissed her, got up, and kissed Miguel goodnight before going
upstairs.
“Did you
hear that? My dad is right. You have to stay calm.”
“If Nina
tells Erick her version of Francisco driving me home it will
complicate everything, Miguel.”
“Not if
you tell him like Dad said to do.”
“I can't
believe it. Just as I get pregnant and I'm happy, everything hits
the fan.”
“Be calm.
Tomorrow we'll go to the orphanage and find out who is behind all
this.” He got up. “Well, I want to give you something I tried
to before.” He took out the star-shaped box. “It's for my
nephew.”
Consuelo
opened it and found a pale green onesie.
“It's
lovely. Thanks so much, Miguel.”
She hugged
him but then noticed that Petra was in the doorway and had stopped to
look. Consuelo pulled back.
“Petra,
we –”
“Don't
worry, Madam. I understand. Young Miguel is good people. If he
kissed me I'd hug him back, too.” She left the room.
“Miguel,
I'm sorry. It's like I told you. We have to stop these things from
happening.” She got up. “No. It's better that we keep our
distance from each other.”
“I know,
I know. But there are things that –”
“Thanks.
Good night.” She picked up the gift and left the room.
“When
Consuelo came back, I knew she was up to no good,” Nina told
Daniela. They were sitting in a café. “She denied she had
anything to hid. I will talk to Erick.” She looked up and saw
Daniela looking intently at her cell phone. “Daniela, you look
like you don't care about what I'm telling you.”
“Mother,
you know him. Why would you want to tell Erick if you don't have
proof?”
“I'm
going to get some.”
“What's
the big deal? He's already cheated on her.”
“But
that's different. Erick is a man.”
Daniela
laughed slightly.
“Mother,
how weak that philosophy sounds. How fifties is that?”
“So now
you're defending Consuelo?”
“No,
Mother, but since when do you think like this? And you know what?
Now I'm going because my friends are waiting for me.”
“No,
Daniela, you can't leave me here alone.”
“Don't
you go to bars with your friends?”
“Yes, but
they're all home now. Look at the time. Let me come along with
you.”
“Oh, no.
How ridiculous. Nothing against you, Mother, but why don't you go
home before there's another fight with Dad?”
“Since
when is anything I do important to your father?”
“Hey, go
ahead. I promise I won't be home late.”
She got up,
kissed Nina, and left her alone in the café. Nina finished her
coffee, unsure of what she was going to do next.
Regina told
David she would be there in the morning. They could meet somewhere
near the hospital so his father wouldn't see them together. He
agreed to that and they ended the call. Gabriela came back to tell
him that the tests were completed and Eladio was being allowed to see
Julia.
Eladio
entered Julia's room in full scrubs and mask. He sat by Julia's bed.
“Julia,
forgive me for all those horrible misunderstandings. You know I'm
incapable of hurting you.” David came in at that point, also in
scrubs and mask. “Right now I would give my life to be in your
place. I know you don't understand how much I love you, but you know
that despite everything you were always the love of my life. You were
the love of my life since I saw you for the first time. Ever since
I've fought for you to love me as I love you. At times I tried to
resign myself to your heart belonging to someone else. Cut him out
because it frustrates me to love you and not have you love me back.
I only ask for the charity of your love.”
If Julia
could have heard him she might not have believed him. If he knew
that David was also in the room, he had put on a good show.
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Thanks for a masterful recap, UA! You did this eventful episode justice.
The music was super loud during crucial scenes so if you’d allow me a few small rectifications:
1) Eladio did not threaten to throw Julia out on the street, he said: “since you don’t want to see it (how much I love you), then you can forget about even going out to the street. (“Olvídate siquiera de salir a la calle”).
2) And as he tried to grab her near the stairs, he said: “I’m not gonna let you run to meet with him / look for him (Arturo)” (”No voy a dejar que corras a buscarlo”)
And later on, when Eladio was panicking that the ambulance was taking too long, Gabi asked if they should just take Julia to the hospital themselves in their SUV but the nurse said it was dangerous to do so and Eladio added that they are not going to move Julia, the ambulance just has to come (promptly).
Humberto’s last sentence to Eladio was way nastier. He was not accusing Eladio, he was warning him off Julia and the way she might use this incident to her advantage. He said: “What I mean is that I know Julia and for the sake of getting things to go her way she is capable of blaming it (her fall) on you, Eladio!” (“Lo qué pasa es que yo conozco a Julia y con tal de salirse con la suya es capaz de écharte la culpa, Eladio!”); at which point Eladio yells at him to shut the heck up.
Blimey! At long last, things are picking up pace in PyP! Julia’s accident has stirred much drama in the Gómez Luna household and was a well-executed scene to boot. I winced when her head hit the handrail. Ouch!
During their confrontation at the hospital, I was cheering on David for reading Eladio the riot act! However, it looks like father and son are due for a rapprochement, judging from this episode’s last scene.
I can’t wait for the rest of this week’s episodes. So much to look forward to:
Eladio will probably be accused of pushing Julia down the stairs. I wonder who would tip off the police and/or press charges...
Art is going to go berserk when he finds out “Mi Julia” took a tumble down the staircase of doom! I wonder what idiocy he’ll be coming up with.
Nina’s claws are out and she’s ready to maul! She’s gotten sick of everyone snapping at her. Hope her inner witch manifests more in the coming episodes for our viewing pleasure.
Consuelo’s problems are getting compounded. The revelation of the “burdel connection” is hanging over her head and now she has to act oblivious to the attentions of yet another unwanted suitor (stalker). Can’t this petite blonde cutie catch a break?
Chimp Boy is on the verge of committing some irreparable damage to the negotiation with the striking workers. He’s too stupid for there to be any other outcome to this crisis, especially since there is no “grown-up” present to reign him in. I hope we get to see him pull more of his pleading and bored apelike faces on SkyChat; I really enjoyed that scene!
Daniela’s leash is getting looser... I sense trouble ahead!
All in all, a fun episode! I’m happy for the writers to use this accident/coma plot line whichever way they want as long as they keep things moving at a dynamic pace. I just beg that, for the love of all that is good and holy, we are spared any amnesia nonsense!
Well, I’d better skidaddle. ¡Gracias otra vez!
The music was super loud during crucial scenes so if you’d allow me a few small rectifications:
1) Eladio did not threaten to throw Julia out on the street, he said: “since you don’t want to see it (how much I love you), then you can forget about even going out to the street. (“Olvídate siquiera de salir a la calle”).
2) And as he tried to grab her near the stairs, he said: “I’m not gonna let you run to meet with him / look for him (Arturo)” (”No voy a dejar que corras a buscarlo”)
And later on, when Eladio was panicking that the ambulance was taking too long, Gabi asked if they should just take Julia to the hospital themselves in their SUV but the nurse said it was dangerous to do so and Eladio added that they are not going to move Julia, the ambulance just has to come (promptly).
Humberto’s last sentence to Eladio was way nastier. He was not accusing Eladio, he was warning him off Julia and the way she might use this incident to her advantage. He said: “What I mean is that I know Julia and for the sake of getting things to go her way she is capable of blaming it (her fall) on you, Eladio!” (“Lo qué pasa es que yo conozco a Julia y con tal de salirse con la suya es capaz de écharte la culpa, Eladio!”); at which point Eladio yells at him to shut the heck up.
Blimey! At long last, things are picking up pace in PyP! Julia’s accident has stirred much drama in the Gómez Luna household and was a well-executed scene to boot. I winced when her head hit the handrail. Ouch!
During their confrontation at the hospital, I was cheering on David for reading Eladio the riot act! However, it looks like father and son are due for a rapprochement, judging from this episode’s last scene.
I can’t wait for the rest of this week’s episodes. So much to look forward to:
Eladio will probably be accused of pushing Julia down the stairs. I wonder who would tip off the police and/or press charges...
Art is going to go berserk when he finds out “Mi Julia” took a tumble down the staircase of doom! I wonder what idiocy he’ll be coming up with.
Nina’s claws are out and she’s ready to maul! She’s gotten sick of everyone snapping at her. Hope her inner witch manifests more in the coming episodes for our viewing pleasure.
Consuelo’s problems are getting compounded. The revelation of the “burdel connection” is hanging over her head and now she has to act oblivious to the attentions of yet another unwanted suitor (stalker). Can’t this petite blonde cutie catch a break?
Chimp Boy is on the verge of committing some irreparable damage to the negotiation with the striking workers. He’s too stupid for there to be any other outcome to this crisis, especially since there is no “grown-up” present to reign him in. I hope we get to see him pull more of his pleading and bored apelike faces on SkyChat; I really enjoyed that scene!
Daniela’s leash is getting looser... I sense trouble ahead!
All in all, a fun episode! I’m happy for the writers to use this accident/coma plot line whichever way they want as long as they keep things moving at a dynamic pace. I just beg that, for the love of all that is good and holy, we are spared any amnesia nonsense!
Well, I’d better skidaddle. ¡Gracias otra vez!
-- A quote from the capítulo --
“Julia, perdóname por todos esos malos entendidos. Tú sabes que soy incapaz de hacerte daño y, en este momento, daría mi vida por estar en tu lugar. Sé que nadie entiende cuanto te amo pero tú sí lo sabes. Te consta que, a pesar de todo, siempre has sido el amor de mi vida. Eres el amor de mi vida desde que te ví por primera vez, y todos los días he luchado por que me ames como te amo yo a tí. Y a veces me he resignado aunque sé que tu corazon es de otro. Sé que es de él... Y si me altero es por eso; porque me frustra amarte tanto y no ser correspondido. Sólo he recibido de tí limosnas de tu amor...”
(Eladio’s soliloquy at the beside of a comatose Julia. It looks like his heart facsimile is working after all: “Julia, forgive me for all those misunderstandings. You know that I am incapable of doing you any harm and, in this moment, I would give my life to trade places with you. I know that nobody gets how much I love you but you, in turn, do. You know beyond a shadow of a doubt that, in spite of everything, you have always been the love of my life. You are the love of my life since the first time I saw you, and every day I have strived to make you love me the way that I love you. And sometimes I’ve resigned myself to the fact that your heart belongs to another. I know it belongs to him... And if I get angry it’s because of this; because I become frustrated from loving you so much and having my love unreciprocated. I have only received from you crumbs of your love...”)
Malos entendidos = misunderstandings. This is a widely used plural form for “malentendido” (misunderstanding) but it is grammatically incorrect; the correct plural is “malentendidoS”.
Ser incapaz de... = to be unable to, to be incapable of...
Hacerle daño a alguien = to harm or hurt somebody
Lugar = place
Te consta que... = you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that...
Luchar por... = to fight for, to strive for, to vie for...
Resignarse = to give up, to accept defeat
Alterarse = to get angry / upset / agitated
Limosna = alms, handouts, spare change
“Julia, perdóname por todos esos malos entendidos. Tú sabes que soy incapaz de hacerte daño y, en este momento, daría mi vida por estar en tu lugar. Sé que nadie entiende cuanto te amo pero tú sí lo sabes. Te consta que, a pesar de todo, siempre has sido el amor de mi vida. Eres el amor de mi vida desde que te ví por primera vez, y todos los días he luchado por que me ames como te amo yo a tí. Y a veces me he resignado aunque sé que tu corazon es de otro. Sé que es de él... Y si me altero es por eso; porque me frustra amarte tanto y no ser correspondido. Sólo he recibido de tí limosnas de tu amor...”
(Eladio’s soliloquy at the beside of a comatose Julia. It looks like his heart facsimile is working after all: “Julia, forgive me for all those misunderstandings. You know that I am incapable of doing you any harm and, in this moment, I would give my life to trade places with you. I know that nobody gets how much I love you but you, in turn, do. You know beyond a shadow of a doubt that, in spite of everything, you have always been the love of my life. You are the love of my life since the first time I saw you, and every day I have strived to make you love me the way that I love you. And sometimes I’ve resigned myself to the fact that your heart belongs to another. I know it belongs to him... And if I get angry it’s because of this; because I become frustrated from loving you so much and having my love unreciprocated. I have only received from you crumbs of your love...”)
Malos entendidos = misunderstandings. This is a widely used plural form for “malentendido” (misunderstanding) but it is grammatically incorrect; the correct plural is “malentendidoS”.
Ser incapaz de... = to be unable to, to be incapable of...
Hacerle daño a alguien = to harm or hurt somebody
Lugar = place
Te consta que... = you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that...
Luchar por... = to fight for, to strive for, to vie for...
Resignarse = to give up, to accept defeat
Alterarse = to get angry / upset / agitated
Limosna = alms, handouts, spare change
Thank you, Nandicta. Please e-mail me these things in future so I don't lose my credibility. Thanks for illustrating the vocabulary, though. I don't always have the time to do that and last night was particularly tight.
The corrected line of Humberto's, though, makes the dinner scene make more sense. I am getting the feeling now that David doesn't get much of a good vibe from him. I concluded a while back that Humberto has no sons of his own; possibly David is the only grandson. Now that 29 episodes have passed and Julia has not mentioned having a brother I can only think she was at least fortunate for that. Humberto would have raised him to be exactly like himself and she would either have had to run away from home or kill herself. Not that he would have cared.
Did Humberto hate his wife because of her "failure" to provide him with a son? I could see him taking offense to that. We can almost excuse Henry VIII on the lack of scientific knowledge about this, but Humberto has no excuse.
I also hope there will be no amnesia story here. The way she fell against the railing looks like it points in that direction. That is a novela and soap opera cliche I'd like to see die out because the kind of global amnesia that it usually demonstrates is actually very rare. That there was such extreme confidentiality in with Maribel's brain tumor, the way that this nurse examined Julia, and that he said not to move her is finally adding some medical verisimilitude.
More later. I have to catch up to the other two series.
The corrected line of Humberto's, though, makes the dinner scene make more sense. I am getting the feeling now that David doesn't get much of a good vibe from him. I concluded a while back that Humberto has no sons of his own; possibly David is the only grandson. Now that 29 episodes have passed and Julia has not mentioned having a brother I can only think she was at least fortunate for that. Humberto would have raised him to be exactly like himself and she would either have had to run away from home or kill herself. Not that he would have cared.
Did Humberto hate his wife because of her "failure" to provide him with a son? I could see him taking offense to that. We can almost excuse Henry VIII on the lack of scientific knowledge about this, but Humberto has no excuse.
I also hope there will be no amnesia story here. The way she fell against the railing looks like it points in that direction. That is a novela and soap opera cliche I'd like to see die out because the kind of global amnesia that it usually demonstrates is actually very rare. That there was such extreme confidentiality in with Maribel's brain tumor, the way that this nurse examined Julia, and that he said not to move her is finally adding some medical verisimilitude.
More later. I have to catch up to the other two series.
Thanks, UA, for that excellent, detailed recap. I always enjoy your retelling of the crazy.
Yikes #staircaseofdoom...Makes one almost want to eschew second story living accommodations.
Eladio seemed sincere as he gave his speech at Julie's bedside. Redemption?
I had a flashback to Alborada , and Hippolita with a huge bandage wrapped at a jaunty angle around her head asking her concerned lover, family, and friends "Who are you?..." Who am I?" If Julia has amnesia, Eladio can start romancing anew. Yikes.
Well, I am off to a kindergarten program, and then, I must dash to college to give the writing final exam. Hohoho
P.s.Be careful out here..watch those stairs.
Yikes #staircaseofdoom...Makes one almost want to eschew second story living accommodations.
Eladio seemed sincere as he gave his speech at Julie's bedside. Redemption?
I had a flashback to Alborada , and Hippolita with a huge bandage wrapped at a jaunty angle around her head asking her concerned lover, family, and friends "Who are you?..." Who am I?" If Julia has amnesia, Eladio can start romancing anew. Yikes.
Well, I am off to a kindergarten program, and then, I must dash to college to give the writing final exam. Hohoho
P.s.Be careful out here..watch those stairs.
Permalink posted by 
: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 8:01:00 AM EST
: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 8:01:00 AM EST
Thank you UA you are definitely dedicated.
How you guys pick up all the dialogue befuddles me. I rely too much on their facial expressions and body language which makes it difficult when distracted by say, bad acting, Miguels XRay glasses or Chimp Boy beating his chest and fornicating.
Connie knows exactly what she's doing to dweeby Miguel, not her bad he has an obsessive crush, but she knows if there was but one Snickers bar left in the whole wide world, and he had it, he'd give it to her, knowing she would give it to Erick.
I believe Eladio is in love with Julia and thought there must be a god since she was delivered to his doorstep. He wasn't of Julia and Art's social class, probably patronized by Art and his family, overworked by Art's daddy and knew Art would be handed everything. It wasn't Eladio that tried to break Julia and Art up but he caught Julia when an unappreciative Art threw her away. I do fault him for believing Julia would ever love him for his well intended commitment, not insisting paternity be proved and allowing her rejection to make him mean.
How you guys pick up all the dialogue befuddles me. I rely too much on their facial expressions and body language which makes it difficult when distracted by say, bad acting, Miguels XRay glasses or Chimp Boy beating his chest and fornicating.
Connie knows exactly what she's doing to dweeby Miguel, not her bad he has an obsessive crush, but she knows if there was but one Snickers bar left in the whole wide world, and he had it, he'd give it to her, knowing she would give it to Erick.
I believe Eladio is in love with Julia and thought there must be a god since she was delivered to his doorstep. He wasn't of Julia and Art's social class, probably patronized by Art and his family, overworked by Art's daddy and knew Art would be handed everything. It wasn't Eladio that tried to break Julia and Art up but he caught Julia when an unappreciative Art threw her away. I do fault him for believing Julia would ever love him for his well intended commitment, not insisting paternity be proved and allowing her rejection to make him mean.
Thank you, Urban, for an absolutely splendid retelling! And what a perfect title!
I particularly liked the way you started the first two paragraphs with a line of straightforward exposition and then followed it with a sharp observation – just excellent!
I particularly liked the way you started the first two paragraphs with a line of straightforward exposition and then followed it with a sharp observation – just excellent!
I don't believe Eladio has the tiniest clue what love really is. He is not allowing Julia to be herself, he refuses to trust her, and he manipulates her with declarations of love that are absolutely contradicted by his actions.
Part of the difficulty in understanding this character is probably the typecasting at Televisa. For 20 or more years Fernando Colunga was one of the top romantic leads at the network with the huge advantage of being historically versatile. We all fell in love with Luis in Alborada. That is probably making it difficult for many viewers to see him as an irredeemable villain, particularly one who gaslights his wife with her own father as an accomplice. One who took advantage of her hurt and married her knowing she was looking to hurt Arturo back. In the opening episode when he said they would be together until death, he predicted his own Karmageddon.
There is obviously more to Eladio's backstory, but I hope the writers don't hold back much longer. If the network fulfills its statement that series will be no more than 120 or 125 episodes from now on, we're a quarter of the way through already.
Part of the difficulty in understanding this character is probably the typecasting at Televisa. For 20 or more years Fernando Colunga was one of the top romantic leads at the network with the huge advantage of being historically versatile. We all fell in love with Luis in Alborada. That is probably making it difficult for many viewers to see him as an irredeemable villain, particularly one who gaslights his wife with her own father as an accomplice. One who took advantage of her hurt and married her knowing she was looking to hurt Arturo back. In the opening episode when he said they would be together until death, he predicted his own Karmageddon.
There is obviously more to Eladio's backstory, but I hope the writers don't hold back much longer. If the network fulfills its statement that series will be no more than 120 or 125 episodes from now on, we're a quarter of the way through already.
-- UA: Sorry, I didn't know about the protocol for amends. Thanks for letting me know; it's duly noted. Please know that we all appreciate the tremendous time and dedication you pour into each one of your recaps. I, for one, admire your work from way back and has gotten to learn so much from you! There is no way we could ever doubt your credibility, querida UA! :)
Since last Tuesday, I've picked one quote from every episode and shared it here with the Patio, highlighting some Spanish vocabulary. I will try to do it for every episode, if I can. It's my way of saying thank you to Caray Caray for all the things I learnt over this last year thanks to the recappers' commitment and hard work.
Back to PyP, "Did Humberto hate his wife because of her "failure" to provide him with a son?". That's a very astute observation indeed! I think this quest for a male heir to be raised to emulate his nasty macho ways would've motivated his mistreatment and constant cheating... that and the fact that he is a heartless bastard! Since last episode, Humberto is the main villain in my book! I still can't believe this is the same guy who played sweet Ciro Palafox from MEPS! Hats off to Luis Bayardo!
As for the amnesia... Lord help us! I completely agree with you, I wish they would just scrap this nonsense from TNs, FOREVER! Bang the head once, you get memory loss. Bang the head again, you get memory back! Ta-daaaaaaa! (Ugh, gag me!)
Since last Tuesday, I've picked one quote from every episode and shared it here with the Patio, highlighting some Spanish vocabulary. I will try to do it for every episode, if I can. It's my way of saying thank you to Caray Caray for all the things I learnt over this last year thanks to the recappers' commitment and hard work.
Back to PyP, "Did Humberto hate his wife because of her "failure" to provide him with a son?". That's a very astute observation indeed! I think this quest for a male heir to be raised to emulate his nasty macho ways would've motivated his mistreatment and constant cheating... that and the fact that he is a heartless bastard! Since last episode, Humberto is the main villain in my book! I still can't believe this is the same guy who played sweet Ciro Palafox from MEPS! Hats off to Luis Bayardo!
As for the amnesia... Lord help us! I completely agree with you, I wish they would just scrap this nonsense from TNs, FOREVER! Bang the head once, you get memory loss. Bang the head again, you get memory back! Ta-daaaaaaa! (Ugh, gag me!)
-- Susanlynn: "Eladio seemed sincere as he gave his speech at Julie's bedside. Redemption?" There is a lot of ambiguity about the Eladio character and it's the one I enjoy watching the most in PyP precisely because of this! (OK, I also enjoy watching FC in suits). Moreover, I'm looking forward to the way Franco will develop as he gets closer to finding out his roots. These two are the ones that intrigue me the most. I like the fact that they are not moustache-twirling villains doing evil things for the sake of being evil. There is a rationale behind their actions, there are solid motivations that turned them into what they are. This makes redemption a possibility, but they will both have to go to Hell and back before they can earn forgiveness.
As regards Alborada, the amnesia story is the blemish in what is otherwise a perfect TN. It's the reason Amor Real is placed higher in my list of all-time favorites.
P.S. You are right! Be careful when going down the stairs, everyone! I'm trying to resume exercise after an ankle fracture I suffered in September; I have no idea how I missed a step going down the stairs and wound up injuring BOTH legs! #StaircaseOfDoom is real and it can happen to real people too!
As regards Alborada, the amnesia story is the blemish in what is otherwise a perfect TN. It's the reason Amor Real is placed higher in my list of all-time favorites.
P.S. You are right! Be careful when going down the stairs, everyone! I'm trying to resume exercise after an ankle fracture I suffered in September; I have no idea how I missed a step going down the stairs and wound up injuring BOTH legs! #StaircaseOfDoom is real and it can happen to real people too!
Hey, I have bad knees and live in a 4th floor walkup! Nobody knows stair caution better than I do.
Franco is not going to have an easy time of learning the truth about his roots. That his mother went to prison for 20 years could not reflect badly on him, but to find out that Eladio is his sperm donor who took him away and did not acknowledge him will really hurt.
Eladio is like a dictator who won't designate a successor. That could be another excuse for keeping both sons at arms' length.
Franco is not going to have an easy time of learning the truth about his roots. That his mother went to prison for 20 years could not reflect badly on him, but to find out that Eladio is his sperm donor who took him away and did not acknowledge him will really hurt.
Eladio is like a dictator who won't designate a successor. That could be another excuse for keeping both sons at arms' length.
Thanks, Urban! You did masterful job with this recap. There was so much high drama in this episode and you captured it perfectly.
Nadicta- Loving how you are pulling out interesting sentences, phrases and vocab. Girl, you really should give recapping a try. You’ve got the calling.
Eladio started out his marriage to Julia by raping her. Sorry, dude. We are starting at negative levels in a relationship if that’s how we start out. He can boohoo all he wants about her not loving him like he loves her (he knew that when he married her). But HE set the terms of their relationship for the next 25 years with that violent/brutal act. And don’t try to convince me that the few periods over those years when he “ALLOWED” (*rolling my eyes*) her to work, go out, make phone calls, pee by herself, are supposed to make up for the emotional abuse, rough handling, belittling, obsessive control he displays with her most of the time. He may THINK that’s love, and he may believe that Julia should let those few periods of “generosity” on his part erase all the other sh*t in their marriage, but that’s not the way humans work. He’s lucky he wasn’t on the wrong end of a “Burning Bed” or Lorena Bobbitt situation long ago.
Nadicta- Loving how you are pulling out interesting sentences, phrases and vocab. Girl, you really should give recapping a try. You’ve got the calling.
Eladio started out his marriage to Julia by raping her. Sorry, dude. We are starting at negative levels in a relationship if that’s how we start out. He can boohoo all he wants about her not loving him like he loves her (he knew that when he married her). But HE set the terms of their relationship for the next 25 years with that violent/brutal act. And don’t try to convince me that the few periods over those years when he “ALLOWED” (*rolling my eyes*) her to work, go out, make phone calls, pee by herself, are supposed to make up for the emotional abuse, rough handling, belittling, obsessive control he displays with her most of the time. He may THINK that’s love, and he may believe that Julia should let those few periods of “generosity” on his part erase all the other sh*t in their marriage, but that’s not the way humans work. He’s lucky he wasn’t on the wrong end of a “Burning Bed” or Lorena Bobbitt situation long ago.
Good morning UA. Haven't seen this yet, but have the morning free and couldn't resist checking in for your recap. You have such a gift for storytelling, and this was certainly a compelling one.
Some very interesting observations about Humberto...and evidently his behavior is conflicted...
"Humberto looked oddly human as he looked up at Gabriela"..but later on
"there was not a single note of worry in his voice."
Dang, I was just about to feel a little compassion for the old bugger.
Also found your Dominick Dunne speculation interesting-- on how Eladio could have gotten Julia a lobotomy, and thus a Stepford Wife, but that would have taken all the fun out of winning her heart (if he could) and permanently wresting her away from Arturo. Quite a theory.
You have the gift of fully entering into the drama and seeing the characters as actual living people with complex and conflicting motivations...thus adding a lot of depth to these scripted stories.
For that and for all you do for CarayCary...many thanks. This was an elegant and well-crafted recap that had me on the edge of my seat. Now to watch!
Some very interesting observations about Humberto...and evidently his behavior is conflicted...
"Humberto looked oddly human as he looked up at Gabriela"..but later on
"there was not a single note of worry in his voice."
Dang, I was just about to feel a little compassion for the old bugger.
Also found your Dominick Dunne speculation interesting-- on how Eladio could have gotten Julia a lobotomy, and thus a Stepford Wife, but that would have taken all the fun out of winning her heart (if he could) and permanently wresting her away from Arturo. Quite a theory.
You have the gift of fully entering into the drama and seeing the characters as actual living people with complex and conflicting motivations...thus adding a lot of depth to these scripted stories.
For that and for all you do for CarayCary...many thanks. This was an elegant and well-crafted recap that had me on the edge of my seat. Now to watch!
Here's an interesting behind the scenes video on how the fall down the stairs was filmed:
http://www.sitiostotal.com/noticias/detras-de-camaras-de-pasion-y-poder-del-accidente-de-julia/
http://www.sitiostotal.com/noticias/detras-de-camaras-de-pasion-y-poder-del-accidente-de-julia/
UA, I am absoltutely blown away by this amazing recap and it's details. Read this over my morning coffee but then had to run to work for a call before I could comment.
I might be better off just reading the recaps each day because watching some of this is not good for my blood pressure.
Eladio is a deeply disturbed man. Truly. His sense of values and his ability to rationalize his ongoing negative behavior as to be the fault of only others is disturbing. I lived with someone like this, and there is no ability to make them see differently. In Eladio's case, it is bordering on paranoia and violent behavioral reactions. I actually don't see him learning from this...instead he would want to hide Julia away even more to ensure this "accident" doesn't get out and nothing like it would happen again. This should convince both Gaby and Julia, once our of there, to get away from that man.
Sorry those at the Nina table, still don't like her. Glad Connie is keeping Artie in the loop.
Daisynjay
I might be better off just reading the recaps each day because watching some of this is not good for my blood pressure.
Eladio is a deeply disturbed man. Truly. His sense of values and his ability to rationalize his ongoing negative behavior as to be the fault of only others is disturbing. I lived with someone like this, and there is no ability to make them see differently. In Eladio's case, it is bordering on paranoia and violent behavioral reactions. I actually don't see him learning from this...instead he would want to hide Julia away even more to ensure this "accident" doesn't get out and nothing like it would happen again. This should convince both Gaby and Julia, once our of there, to get away from that man.
Sorry those at the Nina table, still don't like her. Glad Connie is keeping Artie in the loop.
Daisynjay
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 10:37:00 AM EST
: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 10:37:00 AM EST
-- Tofie: Yesterday, the music played before, during and after the accident scene was way louder than usual. It was interfering with the dialogue so much I was having flashbacks of FELS!
I believe the Eladio - Julia relationship developed the way you laid it out. The information scattered by the writers here and there indicate that Eladio was in love with Julia when she was Arturo's fiancé. In yesterday's episode, Eladio was so afraid and panicked Julia might die that I have no doubt he truly loves her; but as a famous Arab expression says: "Some kinds of love can kill you".
-- UA: Eladio loves Julia deeply, obsessively, unrequitedly. Spiting Arturo is not his only motivation for having "held on" to Julia for so long. He actually does love her, in his sick, possessive, violent way. To you and me, a love that brings out the worst in one is not love; a love that hurts and disrespects and humiliates is not love. However, love has many facets, some uglier than others.
As Chris Rock said in one of his stand-up routines: "If you haven't contemplated murder, you ain't been in love. If you haven't seriously thought about killing a motherfucker, you ain't been in love. If you haven't had a can of rat poison in your hand and looked at it for forty-five minutes straight, you ain't been in love. If you haven't bought a shovel and a bag and a rug to roll their ass up in, you ain't been in love. If you haven't practiced your alibi in front of the mirror, you ain't been in love. And the only thing that's stopped you from killing this motherfucker was a episode of CSI: "Oh man, they thorough. I better make up. They might catch my ass." :D
FC has been the romantic lead for over two decades but the way I feel about Eladio is not attributable to that only. In my case, it's the Eladio character that perplexes me and not the fact that FC plays him. In Amor Real, FC played a character that was way more complex and violent than the typical romantic lead, yet the writers made him pay through the nose before he could be redeemed and get his family back. In Esmeralda, FC's character was so unbearable I was always fighting the urge to slap him upside the head and I really wanted Esmeralda to wind up with her other love interest.
Maybe if Arturo wasn't so flawed and maybe if we got to see JS's "ojitos pizperitos" (happy flirty eyes) more often, I'd feel a lot different about Eladio.
I believe the Eladio - Julia relationship developed the way you laid it out. The information scattered by the writers here and there indicate that Eladio was in love with Julia when she was Arturo's fiancé. In yesterday's episode, Eladio was so afraid and panicked Julia might die that I have no doubt he truly loves her; but as a famous Arab expression says: "Some kinds of love can kill you".
-- UA: Eladio loves Julia deeply, obsessively, unrequitedly. Spiting Arturo is not his only motivation for having "held on" to Julia for so long. He actually does love her, in his sick, possessive, violent way. To you and me, a love that brings out the worst in one is not love; a love that hurts and disrespects and humiliates is not love. However, love has many facets, some uglier than others.
As Chris Rock said in one of his stand-up routines: "If you haven't contemplated murder, you ain't been in love. If you haven't seriously thought about killing a motherfucker, you ain't been in love. If you haven't had a can of rat poison in your hand and looked at it for forty-five minutes straight, you ain't been in love. If you haven't bought a shovel and a bag and a rug to roll their ass up in, you ain't been in love. If you haven't practiced your alibi in front of the mirror, you ain't been in love. And the only thing that's stopped you from killing this motherfucker was a episode of CSI: "Oh man, they thorough. I better make up. They might catch my ass." :D
FC has been the romantic lead for over two decades but the way I feel about Eladio is not attributable to that only. In my case, it's the Eladio character that perplexes me and not the fact that FC plays him. In Amor Real, FC played a character that was way more complex and violent than the typical romantic lead, yet the writers made him pay through the nose before he could be redeemed and get his family back. In Esmeralda, FC's character was so unbearable I was always fighting the urge to slap him upside the head and I really wanted Esmeralda to wind up with her other love interest.
Maybe if Arturo wasn't so flawed and maybe if we got to see JS's "ojitos pizperitos" (happy flirty eyes) more often, I'd feel a lot different about Eladio.
Eladio is just as much a narcissist as Nina but he expresses it more violently and directly than she does. She is devious and passive/aggressive in her insults to everyone except Consuelo and Miguel. Both of them know she is worthless as a human being, but at least Consuelo didn't have to deal with her for her entire life. Poor Regina did, though, so Nina's insults to her cut more deeply.
I agree that Consuelo should tell Arturo about her having grown up in a brothel. There's no time to waste on this, either because as soon as Erick gets on a phone with Nina all hell will break loose. This is all Nina needs. She is no Alice Grenville and would never learn to think like her.
I agree that Consuelo should tell Arturo about her having grown up in a brothel. There's no time to waste on this, either because as soon as Erick gets on a phone with Nina all hell will break loose. This is all Nina needs. She is no Alice Grenville and would never learn to think like her.
JS is more accustomed to playing these kinds of complex characters than FC. We've already seen him as leads with dark sides: He stole every scene he was in in LQNPA. We had lots of debate about his character during that run. Rogelio Montero clearly was a flawed human being but he was highly capable of love. He was able to express it to people other than the woman who was essentially "sold" to him, whereas Eladio is not.
It's a great thing that these two incredible actors are in the same series for the first time.
Daisy, that Eladio makes everything someone else's fault is a major trait of narcissism. Nina also does this. Also the idea that one's money can buy anything one wants. That's at least half of Eladio's outburst to the doctor who is doing his best.
It's a great thing that these two incredible actors are in the same series for the first time.
Daisy, that Eladio makes everything someone else's fault is a major trait of narcissism. Nina also does this. Also the idea that one's money can buy anything one wants. That's at least half of Eladio's outburst to the doctor who is doing his best.
Even if Erick & Nina tell Arturo that Consuelo grew up in a brothel until age 8, he's not going to throw Consuelo out. He might throw Nina & Erick out, though.
I was sure he was going to light into Nina for refusing to send another chofer to Connie. I guess they don't have Uber in Mexico City?
He probably WILL light into Nina for letting Daniela out to play because that will be the final proof that Nina is undermining his actions on Daniela.
Looks like David is going to find out tonight that Julia is yearning for Arturo Montenegro and THAT'S the reason why the 2 families are at odds.
I was sure he was going to light into Nina for refusing to send another chofer to Connie. I guess they don't have Uber in Mexico City?
He probably WILL light into Nina for letting Daniela out to play because that will be the final proof that Nina is undermining his actions on Daniela.
Looks like David is going to find out tonight that Julia is yearning for Arturo Montenegro and THAT'S the reason why the 2 families are at odds.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 11:50:00 AM EST
: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 11:50:00 AM EST
I suppose hearing Eladio's crying pleas over Julia's hospital bed, and learning that Julia has always been in love with Arturo Montenegro, will make David more sympathetic towards Eladio. It shouldn't. It still doesn't change or justify what a horrible human being, father and husband Eladio has been.
I wonder if this will make David feel any differently about his relationship with Regina. It was nice to see him checking in with her, and her trying to be supportive however she can. I feel like if Eladio gains David’s sympathy because of the Julia-Art reveal, he’ll also drop the “you could be Art’s child” bomb on him, all while Julia is still in a coma. That way he can continue to play on David’s sympathy, make himself look good for putting up with another man’s child, justify his cold behavior towards David, AND break him and Gina up, all in one fell swoop.
I wonder if this will make David feel any differently about his relationship with Regina. It was nice to see him checking in with her, and her trying to be supportive however she can. I feel like if Eladio gains David’s sympathy because of the Julia-Art reveal, he’ll also drop the “you could be Art’s child” bomb on him, all while Julia is still in a coma. That way he can continue to play on David’s sympathy, make himself look good for putting up with another man’s child, justify his cold behavior towards David, AND break him and Gina up, all in one fell swoop.
Arturo wouldn't toss Consuelo out. He is sensible enough to know that the situation wasn't of her making and that she is a good person. He should rip Nina a new one over refusing to send a driver to pick her up and then make something of Francisco driving her back.
I thought this was supposed to be happening in 2015, not 1950.
On that note, I love how Daniela commented on Nina's ideas being too 50s. But she's right. Nina using her looks and sexual talent to ride on a man's financial coattails is too 50s. However, if Daniela is ever not going to go that way herself she has to go back to school, buckle down, and study.
I thought this was supposed to be happening in 2015, not 1950.
On that note, I love how Daniela commented on Nina's ideas being too 50s. But she's right. Nina using her looks and sexual talent to ride on a man's financial coattails is too 50s. However, if Daniela is ever not going to go that way herself she has to go back to school, buckle down, and study.
-- UA: Rogelio Montero is a great antihero and one of my favorite TN characters! That was a tour de force performance from JS! He was so brilliant in that role that the producer changed the story around to give him a happy ending. I read somewhere that in the original two versions of LQNPA, "Monte Calvario" and "Te Sigo Amando", the female lead ended up with the José Ron character in one version and in the other version, she chose to move on with her life and away from both men! I don't remember which was which, but I hope Julia gets to be alone at the end so she can heal and focus on building a happier life for herself.
-- Vivi: If David does tell Eladio about what he accidentally heard and he probes him to find out who the "other man" in his Mom's life is, I think Eladio will either evade answering or he'll give him the short version where Arturo is the villain; that's if he mentions Arturo at all. I personally don't believe that Eladio currently in the best disposition to be playing games or manipulating David. He doesn't have the mind for it right now. He's too consumed by his desire to see Julia recover. That's all he care about at this stage. That and making Arturo pay for Julia's accident because he holds him responsible for what happened to her. I just wonder what form his payback will take this time.
-- Vivi: If David does tell Eladio about what he accidentally heard and he probes him to find out who the "other man" in his Mom's life is, I think Eladio will either evade answering or he'll give him the short version where Arturo is the villain; that's if he mentions Arturo at all. I personally don't believe that Eladio currently in the best disposition to be playing games or manipulating David. He doesn't have the mind for it right now. He's too consumed by his desire to see Julia recover. That's all he care about at this stage. That and making Arturo pay for Julia's accident because he holds him responsible for what happened to her. I just wonder what form his payback will take this time.
UA, thank you for the exceptional recap.
Your conversation translations were sensational and very, very much appreciated.
I feel gullible and foolish for believing (even for the split second) that Humberto cares about or loves his daughter at all. For all the time it took for the second hand of a clock to move we saw "Humberto looked oddly human as he took Gabriela's hand and looked up at her" followed quickly by “It's that I know Julia,” said Humberto. He was running out of breath. “...and she is capable of using this to her advantage to blame you, Eladio.” Cruelty wears many faces.
Given the disastrous state of Eladio and Julia's relationship, amnesia does sadly seem the only ploy that would allow them to continue together. I do believe Julia would have left had she not fallen. Susanlynn, while I think that Eladio was sincere at Julia's bedside, he would never allow her the freedom she deserves, no matter what he might have pledged.
Glad that Arturo likes, respects and cares for Consuelo. Her having to explain a ride home to Nina was cringeworthy.
daisy, I will never be sitting at Nina's table. Might I suggest a table on the other side of the patio?
Nandicta, thank you for providing such interesting, informative vocabulary as well as insights! So glad you joined us.
Diana
Your conversation translations were sensational and very, very much appreciated.
I feel gullible and foolish for believing (even for the split second) that Humberto cares about or loves his daughter at all. For all the time it took for the second hand of a clock to move we saw "Humberto looked oddly human as he took Gabriela's hand and looked up at her" followed quickly by “It's that I know Julia,” said Humberto. He was running out of breath. “...and she is capable of using this to her advantage to blame you, Eladio.” Cruelty wears many faces.
Given the disastrous state of Eladio and Julia's relationship, amnesia does sadly seem the only ploy that would allow them to continue together. I do believe Julia would have left had she not fallen. Susanlynn, while I think that Eladio was sincere at Julia's bedside, he would never allow her the freedom she deserves, no matter what he might have pledged.
Glad that Arturo likes, respects and cares for Consuelo. Her having to explain a ride home to Nina was cringeworthy.
daisy, I will never be sitting at Nina's table. Might I suggest a table on the other side of the patio?
Nandicta, thank you for providing such interesting, informative vocabulary as well as insights! So glad you joined us.
Diana
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 12:59:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 12:59:00 PM EST
Diana, right there with you at the side table. I'll bring the guacamole and chips.
Daisynjay
Daisynjay
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 1:15:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 1:15:00 PM EST
Sorry everyone for all the duplicated comments. Blogger is being a pain in the neck today: Posts disappearing, then appearing, then disappearing again! I think it's trying to tell me to quit blabbering on here so much!
-- Vivi: Thank you for sharing that making-of video and kudos to everyone involved in that scene, especially the stunt lady!
As regards recapping, I can't commit the time necessary for a regular recapping spot but I am more than happy to assist our PyP recappers over the Christmas / New Year's period, should the need arise. You're such a sweet bunch here on the PyP Patio, I know you will be very supportive and patient with me if I attempt a recap!
-- Vivi and Diana: I'm glad the vocabulary is of help to you. I always write down a few quotes from every episode I watch, because I like the way it sounds, because it displays an interesting grammatical turn of phrase or because there is a word I want to remember. If I get to share one of these quotes with you guys in every episode, I'm compelled to check my spelling, especially the accents, and with practice I get to improve my writing in Spanish. Win-win! :)
-- Vivi: Thank you for sharing that making-of video and kudos to everyone involved in that scene, especially the stunt lady!
As regards recapping, I can't commit the time necessary for a regular recapping spot but I am more than happy to assist our PyP recappers over the Christmas / New Year's period, should the need arise. You're such a sweet bunch here on the PyP Patio, I know you will be very supportive and patient with me if I attempt a recap!
-- Vivi and Diana: I'm glad the vocabulary is of help to you. I always write down a few quotes from every episode I watch, because I like the way it sounds, because it displays an interesting grammatical turn of phrase or because there is a word I want to remember. If I get to share one of these quotes with you guys in every episode, I'm compelled to check my spelling, especially the accents, and with practice I get to improve my writing in Spanish. Win-win! :)
-- Daisynjay and Diana: There's nothing wrong with staying on the sidelines, especially when a TN is so rife with flawed characters. Or you could observe the action from the Agustín table, that way you get to conserve your neutrality? I also hear that ogling and guacamole go great together.
A great recap Urban---I don't think that you ever miss even a single word. Fabulous.
My late comment thoughts from yesterday 12/15 were confirmed 1,000% last night. Sweet loving wonderful Nina is a WITCH--BRUJA. The EVIL WITCH had Consuelo in tears last night even though there had been no wrong done. Yes, where was Uber? Seems as though Bruja Nina only loves or cares about her disgusting offspring--Regina not included. Regina wants to be a good person and make something of her life so of course, Regina would be on the Bruja's hate list also. --- When a divorce is made known, it will be all Consuelo's fault. Erick's Ratt? No matter. It will be Consuelo's fault and the Bruja will show no mercy. Poor baby Erick on the other hand will get loads and loads of comfort, love and encouragement from "sweet mommy."
A lot of gloom ahead I'm afraid.
must see tv
the gringo
My late comment thoughts from yesterday 12/15 were confirmed 1,000% last night. Sweet loving wonderful Nina is a WITCH--BRUJA. The EVIL WITCH had Consuelo in tears last night even though there had been no wrong done. Yes, where was Uber? Seems as though Bruja Nina only loves or cares about her disgusting offspring--Regina not included. Regina wants to be a good person and make something of her life so of course, Regina would be on the Bruja's hate list also. --- When a divorce is made known, it will be all Consuelo's fault. Erick's Ratt? No matter. It will be Consuelo's fault and the Bruja will show no mercy. Poor baby Erick on the other hand will get loads and loads of comfort, love and encouragement from "sweet mommy."
A lot of gloom ahead I'm afraid.
must see tv
the gringo
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 3:04:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 3:04:00 PM EST
Nandicta, you are right about the two earlier versions of LQNPA. There are a few clips of them online and I saw enough to see that the character in the 2nd version, Te Sigo Amando, was a straight-up villain with no complexity. Rogelio of LQNPA was complex and very real. He was like a combination of Heathcliff and Maxim de Winter. I sometimes wonder if they hadn't had to do that sudden re-write because of JS's medical issues whether he could have ended the story out of the wheelchair and back to completely normal.
When I was out a half hour ago I remembered another refusal of DNA testing in a contemporary story, that of Alvaro in Duelo de Pasiones in 2006 or so. His answer when someone asked him "Why not?" was "I don't believe in those things." He did horrific things and paid the appropriate price at the end,
When I was out a half hour ago I remembered another refusal of DNA testing in a contemporary story, that of Alvaro in Duelo de Pasiones in 2006 or so. His answer when someone asked him "Why not?" was "I don't believe in those things." He did horrific things and paid the appropriate price at the end,
Thanks, Urban. Terrific recap. Thanks for all the dialogue.
I've been giving Nina a break, but her treatment of Consuelo is childish and nasty. Nina suffers from arrested development. What worked when she was 20 looks stupid done in her 40s. Arturo, you have my permission to ask for a divorce. No need to wait to see what will happen with Julia.
Vivi - Thanks for the fall clip. My hat is off to the stunt woman. Interesting that she chose to wear thigh highs. I once hit my head like Julia did and got a golf ball size lump on my forehead, but no coma.
Nandicta - Love the vocab.
I've been giving Nina a break, but her treatment of Consuelo is childish and nasty. Nina suffers from arrested development. What worked when she was 20 looks stupid done in her 40s. Arturo, you have my permission to ask for a divorce. No need to wait to see what will happen with Julia.
Vivi - Thanks for the fall clip. My hat is off to the stunt woman. Interesting that she chose to wear thigh highs. I once hit my head like Julia did and got a golf ball size lump on my forehead, but no coma.
Nandicta - Love the vocab.
Thanks U.A., this fills in a lot of stuff for me. Connie should just tell Erick. She has nothing to lose at this point. He's still going to hate her whether his mother tells him or not.
Question: maybe I missed something. Is the Ratt still pretending to be preggers. Eladio asked for proof and he didn't seem to care when he visited her yesterday.
Question: maybe I missed something. Is the Ratt still pretending to be preggers. Eladio asked for proof and he didn't seem to care when he visited her yesterday.
I LOVE your idea Nandicta-- Augustin and chips with quac. Life can't get better...well, unless someone brings a pitcher of pomegranate margaritas over too. ( A local place makes them here....sooooo good. )
I like your point Niecie on Nina's "arrested development". As a former actress, her looks and attitude may have got her to a certain point, and when that stopped working, she used the same attributes to land and keep a rich husband. She may not know any other way to be. Still don't like her though.
Daisynjay
I like your point Niecie on Nina's "arrested development". As a former actress, her looks and attitude may have got her to a certain point, and when that stopped working, she used the same attributes to land and keep a rich husband. She may not know any other way to be. Still don't like her though.
Daisynjay
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 4:07:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 4:07:00 PM EST
Cyn- She was supposed to get an abortion, and that's what Eladio expects. There is no baby, in his mind, so I guess he doesn't see the need to ask about it. She'd be in trouble if he started to see a growing baby bump.
"What worked when she was 20 looks stupid done in her 40s"
Gosh, that was very apparent when Nina tried to invite herself along with Daniela and her gf's. If Art paid any attention to his wife you'd have a different Nina.
Ok, Nina was a bit of a bitch to Connie but what would you think if the wife of your child came home after dark hugging up with a guy you have never seen in your life when he was away on business?
Gosh, that was very apparent when Nina tried to invite herself along with Daniela and her gf's. If Art paid any attention to his wife you'd have a different Nina.
Ok, Nina was a bit of a bitch to Connie but what would you think if the wife of your child came home after dark hugging up with a guy you have never seen in your life when he was away on business?
Thanks for another unique and rich recap, UA. Well done.
I'm glad that Eladio has dialed his rage back a bit and is revealing a more vulnerable some pitiful side. I don't like him any better but I have a bit of sympathy for his unenviable situation.
So why in the world did Julia marry him in the first place? I'm also a bit confused about the sex. Did she not realize that it's an integral part of the whole marriage thing? Was David conceived as a result of that rape? Did something happen that caused her to resist his advances later in the marriage?
And for goodness sake, why has she stayed with him all the years? Dad? David? Fear? Money? Stupidity?
To at least some degree it appears to me that right now Eladio and Nina are victims of Julia and Arturo.
Nandicta, sorry, I generally find Chris Rock to be quite funny, but outright reject his foolish and dangerous natterings about love.
Carlos
I'm glad that Eladio has dialed his rage back a bit and is revealing a more vulnerable some pitiful side. I don't like him any better but I have a bit of sympathy for his unenviable situation.
So why in the world did Julia marry him in the first place? I'm also a bit confused about the sex. Did she not realize that it's an integral part of the whole marriage thing? Was David conceived as a result of that rape? Did something happen that caused her to resist his advances later in the marriage?
And for goodness sake, why has she stayed with him all the years? Dad? David? Fear? Money? Stupidity?
To at least some degree it appears to me that right now Eladio and Nina are victims of Julia and Arturo.
Nandicta, sorry, I generally find Chris Rock to be quite funny, but outright reject his foolish and dangerous natterings about love.
Carlos
Right Tofie---What would you think? But she didn't even try to find out Before she went into full blown bruja mode.
the gringo
the gringo
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 4:21:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 4:21:00 PM EST
-- Gringo: I thought of you yesterday as I watched the episode and told myself: "I reckon Gringo feels vindicated in his hatred of Nina now that she is acting like such a vile heifer with poor Consuelo!"
I'm glad that Nina is getting nastier because I don't want to defend the "villana", I want her to go full "bruja" on everybody's behind while looking fabulously tacky in her garish makeup and skintight dresses. I'd like to see the narcissism, the passive aggressiveness, the scheming, the manipulating displayed openly and put to good use to advance the general plot. This way all the Nina haters can boo and hiss and we at the Nina table can relish the antics of this odious character while patiently awaiting her karmageddon.
-- UA: I actually liked the fact that Rogelio's character accepted his condition and allowed himself to be happy. For me, having him cured and walking down the aisle on his wedding day would have felt contrived and unrealistic. After all, there are many people out there defying disability and they manage to live full happy lives.
I never saw Duelo de Pasiones and I don't think I will given the consensus on Caray Caray! that it was a horrendous TN. "I don't believe in those things" cracked me up though! Thanks for the chuckle :)
-- Niecie: Ouch! That's gotta hurt! Glad your accident wasn't as serious as Julia's dive down the staircase of doom.
I learnt so much Spanish thanks to this site and I'm glad to contribute a little something back. Besides, everyone in the Patio expresses themselves so eloquently, I'm polishing my English thanks to all of you.
I'm glad that Nina is getting nastier because I don't want to defend the "villana", I want her to go full "bruja" on everybody's behind while looking fabulously tacky in her garish makeup and skintight dresses. I'd like to see the narcissism, the passive aggressiveness, the scheming, the manipulating displayed openly and put to good use to advance the general plot. This way all the Nina haters can boo and hiss and we at the Nina table can relish the antics of this odious character while patiently awaiting her karmageddon.
-- UA: I actually liked the fact that Rogelio's character accepted his condition and allowed himself to be happy. For me, having him cured and walking down the aisle on his wedding day would have felt contrived and unrealistic. After all, there are many people out there defying disability and they manage to live full happy lives.
I never saw Duelo de Pasiones and I don't think I will given the consensus on Caray Caray! that it was a horrendous TN. "I don't believe in those things" cracked me up though! Thanks for the chuckle :)
-- Niecie: Ouch! That's gotta hurt! Glad your accident wasn't as serious as Julia's dive down the staircase of doom.
I learnt so much Spanish thanks to this site and I'm glad to contribute a little something back. Besides, everyone in the Patio expresses themselves so eloquently, I'm polishing my English thanks to all of you.
Urban--In case I don't have an opportunity to comment in more detail tonight, thank you for the superb handling of this episode.
Big question--what will David think of this bedside confession of Eladio's. Will he see his father in a different light? He might if Eladio doesn't bring up David's supposed "external" paternity.
Big question--what will David think of this bedside confession of Eladio's. Will he see his father in a different light? He might if Eladio doesn't bring up David's supposed "external" paternity.
Julia married Eladio in retaliation against Arturo, which she realized a long time ago was not smart. From everything said so far it doesn't sound like she had any sex with him before the wedding, which does not follow how her relationship with Arturo went. Eladio raped her on their wedding night and she has not allowed him to touch her since. He probably knew that Arturo managed to see her once or twice after the engagement was announced and it could have been Humberto who told him.
David was therefore conceived as a result of the rape. We know from the scene between Arturo and Julia that no sex happened between them between the breakup and her wedding to Eladio.
Julia has stayed in her prison all these years because Eladio paid off her father's debts and pays his medical bills. Humberto gambled away the Vallardo family fortune, probably over a period of years. His other daughter, Amanda, got out while the getting was still good. Julia also has feared for David, but he's a grown man now and capable of taking care of himself. What is not clear is when the Vallardo fortune went completely bust.
Remember also that Humberto did his best to break Julia before handing her over to a new torturer, but couldn't do the same job he had done on her mother (by his own statement). She has experienced a lifetime of abuse by Humberto first and then immediately after by Eladio, who is worse. David detailed that Eladio criticized her to death. A lifetime of that tells someone that s/he is worthless, useless, and of no value. If you hear this often enough you start believing it. Add fear to that mix and you have inertia in hell.
David was therefore conceived as a result of the rape. We know from the scene between Arturo and Julia that no sex happened between them between the breakup and her wedding to Eladio.
Julia has stayed in her prison all these years because Eladio paid off her father's debts and pays his medical bills. Humberto gambled away the Vallardo family fortune, probably over a period of years. His other daughter, Amanda, got out while the getting was still good. Julia also has feared for David, but he's a grown man now and capable of taking care of himself. What is not clear is when the Vallardo fortune went completely bust.
Remember also that Humberto did his best to break Julia before handing her over to a new torturer, but couldn't do the same job he had done on her mother (by his own statement). She has experienced a lifetime of abuse by Humberto first and then immediately after by Eladio, who is worse. David detailed that Eladio criticized her to death. A lifetime of that tells someone that s/he is worthless, useless, and of no value. If you hear this often enough you start believing it. Add fear to that mix and you have inertia in hell.
-- Daisynjay: Mmmmmm Pomegranate Margarita! *Homer Simpson drool
-- Carlos: That Chris Rock statement is funny because it is outrageous and farcical! As I said before, I expect love to bring out the best in me and in my partner. A love that turns one into a monster of jealousy and possessiveness is not love, it is a cancer that eats away at the heart and soul. I've experienced unrequited love once in my life but I resigned myself to letting it go rather quickly, not because I'm strong or anything like that but because I have this profound belief that everyone deserves to be loved and adored by their partner. No one should have to endure rejection and humiliation to beg for crumbs of love from someone who barely notices they exist. He does pop into my mind from time to time... It's a fond memory tinged with a little sadness so I acknowledge that feeling for a second then release it his way with good wishes for his health and happiness. My emotional baggage taught me that I should never allow myself to be stuck in relationship where one side is subjected to either abuse or rejection. However, I acknowledge that for many people it is easier said than done. Julia should've left Eladio years ago because of the wedding night rape, the abuse, the humiliation and the physical imprisonment and Eladio should've left Julia years ago because of the disdain, the rejection and the yearning for another man.
-- Carlos: That Chris Rock statement is funny because it is outrageous and farcical! As I said before, I expect love to bring out the best in me and in my partner. A love that turns one into a monster of jealousy and possessiveness is not love, it is a cancer that eats away at the heart and soul. I've experienced unrequited love once in my life but I resigned myself to letting it go rather quickly, not because I'm strong or anything like that but because I have this profound belief that everyone deserves to be loved and adored by their partner. No one should have to endure rejection and humiliation to beg for crumbs of love from someone who barely notices they exist. He does pop into my mind from time to time... It's a fond memory tinged with a little sadness so I acknowledge that feeling for a second then release it his way with good wishes for his health and happiness. My emotional baggage taught me that I should never allow myself to be stuck in relationship where one side is subjected to either abuse or rejection. However, I acknowledge that for many people it is easier said than done. Julia should've left Eladio years ago because of the wedding night rape, the abuse, the humiliation and the physical imprisonment and Eladio should've left Julia years ago because of the disdain, the rejection and the yearning for another man.
-- Carlos: Sorry, my first sentence as it stands sounds really obnoxious! I meant to say that "I personally find that Chris Rock statement funny because...". It's not like the God of Humor died and gave me his throne or something.
Julia is weak, insecure, a nervous wreck. Not characteristics that make her a favorite on the Patio. But as Urban pointed out, it's taken a lifetime of put downs, smack-downs, and a heavy hand, first from her father, and then from her husband, to make her what she is. I can't begin to understand how she has withstood this situation for so long, but for her own good, I want her to get away from Eladio and Humberto as soon as possible. Those two are poisonous. The only mistake I can fault Julia for, which she has pointed out herself, was marrying the wrong man, and marrying him for the wrong reason. But she's paid too heavy of a price for that. I hope her character finds the strength soon to do whatever it takes to get away from him. We all know it won't be easy, because Eladio doesn't like to lose, and he has money, power, and big scary bodyguards/hit men on his side.
Vivi--Just got to your first comment on David's reaction. Should have waited, but I'm running out of time. Have to go pick up my grandson at New Carrolton.
But what concerns me is that Art said Julia was his when talking with Augustin. Sounded to me another possessive macho thug for another
UA ...Sergio G. was a villain we loved to hate in Duelo. He kept his wife prisoner in a bedroom. There was an enormous statue of Mary , and I was hoping that the abused and accused wife would use it to bean Sergio. I remember that when she did manage to escape she was trying to carry a huge suitcase. Ana Martin lived in a cave and had a secret cofre. That was a crazy show.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 5:42:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 5:42:00 PM EST
Most new husbands would not resort to rape if their new brides rejected their sexual advances on their wedding night, but then most new brides would not reject the sexual advances of their new husbands on their wedding night. Clearly Eladio and Julia entered marriage with quite different expectations. Perhaps they both should have paid closer attention to the priest who presided over their premarital counseling.
While no one likes seeing rape graphically portrayed on TNs, I'd love to see a flashback to the conversation these two had leading up to the rape.
Carlos
While no one likes seeing rape graphically portrayed on TNs, I'd love to see a flashback to the conversation these two had leading up to the rape.
Carlos
I don't think we're going to get flashbacks because we haven't had any, but there are many situations in this tale that could use them.
I am wondering whether Humberto raped his wife back in the day, but unless Julia confronts him we will never know.
I am wondering whether Humberto raped his wife back in the day, but unless Julia confronts him we will never know.
Nandicta,
Chris Rock notwithstanding, I'm in complete agreement with this part of your earlier comment:
"To you and me, a love that brings out the worst in one is not love; a love that hurts and disrespects and humiliates is not love."
this part, not so much:
"However, love has many facets, some uglier than others."
I submit that love is a pure and wonderful unsullied entity. Many horrible and ugly things may be done in the name of love but those are not true representations of any form of love. As I know it, love is kind, unselfish, self-sacrificing, and good. anything else is something else.
Of course, opinions vary.
Carlos
Chris Rock notwithstanding, I'm in complete agreement with this part of your earlier comment:
"To you and me, a love that brings out the worst in one is not love; a love that hurts and disrespects and humiliates is not love."
this part, not so much:
"However, love has many facets, some uglier than others."
I submit that love is a pure and wonderful unsullied entity. Many horrible and ugly things may be done in the name of love but those are not true representations of any form of love. As I know it, love is kind, unselfish, self-sacrificing, and good. anything else is something else.
Of course, opinions vary.
Carlos
-- Carlos: I agree with your comment wholeheartedly. What I meant by love having some ugly facets is that horrendous things are sometimes committed by people who hide behind a twisted definition of love, when in fact they are motivated by possessiveness, jealousy, obsession... I personally don't believe that true love allows for any such perversion. If anything it makes one your loved one to be happy, even if that means for them being away from you.
As regards the wedding night rape, it was only mentioned once as far as I can remember, either in episode 2 or 3, in a conversation between Eladio and Julia. Eladio seemed remorseful for a second when Julia brought it up before telling her to thank her lucky stars that "that night" happened, because it gave her the perfect excuse to pin David's paternity on him.
Sometime last week, UA surmised that whatever "set off" Eladio on their wedding night, he was going to blame it on Julia anyway. I agree with that assumption. My guess is that whatever it was, it had to do with Arturo. Maybe Eladio found out on his wedding day that Julia and Arturo met alone and/or slept together... Or something else to this effect. A bit like what happened in Amor Real, when recently-married Manuel lost his marbles after discovering that his bride was getting ready to run away with her lover during the wedding reception.
It would be interesting to find out what happened that night, if only through another conversation between characters. There's no excuse for Eladio's behavior but it would be good to understand how things went down.
As regards the wedding night rape, it was only mentioned once as far as I can remember, either in episode 2 or 3, in a conversation between Eladio and Julia. Eladio seemed remorseful for a second when Julia brought it up before telling her to thank her lucky stars that "that night" happened, because it gave her the perfect excuse to pin David's paternity on him.
Sometime last week, UA surmised that whatever "set off" Eladio on their wedding night, he was going to blame it on Julia anyway. I agree with that assumption. My guess is that whatever it was, it had to do with Arturo. Maybe Eladio found out on his wedding day that Julia and Arturo met alone and/or slept together... Or something else to this effect. A bit like what happened in Amor Real, when recently-married Manuel lost his marbles after discovering that his bride was getting ready to run away with her lover during the wedding reception.
It would be interesting to find out what happened that night, if only through another conversation between characters. There's no excuse for Eladio's behavior but it would be good to understand how things went down.
UA, good recap. Is eladio crazy or what? He
Loves her or hes a really good actor.
Nina, its ok if men cheat but a woman shouldn't? (Not that I think cheating is good for anybody) but who is she kidding? Shes just makin a stink cuz she don't like connie.
All thesr people are crazy.
Loves her or hes a really good actor.
Nina, its ok if men cheat but a woman shouldn't? (Not that I think cheating is good for anybody) but who is she kidding? Shes just makin a stink cuz she don't like connie.
All thesr people are crazy.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 7:57:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 7:57:00 PM EST
I think Nina will have to eat her words eventually because I think she will ultimately cheat. Or already has and the writers are waiting for the right moment for the reveal.
Kudos to whomever pointed out her attempt at hanging with Daniela's friends. That was telling. It would not surprise me if someday she tried to seduce David or some future boyfriend of Daniela's.
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Kudos to whomever pointed out her attempt at hanging with Daniela's friends. That was telling. It would not surprise me if someday she tried to seduce David or some future boyfriend of Daniela's.
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