Caray, Caray!

Or How To Use Your Daughter for a Reconnaissance Mission

s they put up decorations, Pablo and Maria talk about change in Latin America. She encourages him to do his part to make things better, though Pablo is skeptical, and things will get better in Guatemala and everywhere. Pablo tells her that he must go get his father in the US first and Anifer encourages him to do so as she looked for her father and it worked out fine. She hugs Mauricio and he tells her that she found the best father and he won the best daughter. Maria offers to help Pablo by reaching out to her contacts in the US, that way, he can look for his father and not have to leave. Pablo is already doing that but he more than welcomes the help and smiles.

In Maryland, Renee asks a fellow student, in English, about the admissions office and thanks him when he tells her and welcomes her to Maryland. She then makes her way over with a smile.

At Tono’s, Esperanza asks Tono why he’s being so rigid about Tania and her decision to play soccer. Before he can answer, Tania walks in and tells him that she wants to play BECAUSE of him. She reminds him of all the games they saw together and how she played with her brothers and even learned some moves from them. Tono smiles wide and then gives her a big hug and encourages her to leave everything behind, including school, and focus on soccer so she can be a champ. Esperanza chides him but Tono continues to smile, finally proud of his daughter’s decision.

Renee walks and talks with another student about her current name confusion situation. He explains that he also has some trouble with his acceptance but the person in charge is out, so he has time to kill. She nods, very happy that he speaks Spanish, and the student offers to give her a tour of the university while they wait. Renee smiles and agrees.

At home, Flor rests on the couch and asks Neron to not sell the shop because the extra money is good, and Pablo and his other employee can help. Neron shakes his head and tells her that Pablo has too much going on, and can’t work full time, and the other employee is not good at math so Neron doesn’t trust him. Neron then lets it slip that Pablo needs more money than he makes at the shop because Lili is pregnant, and Flor is shocked. She can’t believe they are going to have children and Neron agrees. Flor suggests he find another employee but Neron doesn’t want to deal with the hassle. He goes to answer the door then and it’s Pablo himself, who is there to ask how Flor is. She tells him she’s better, but Pablo thinks she has been really sick lately and wonders what is wrong. Neron and Flor are quiet.

Renee comes back from the tour with the other student, excited to be at the university, and tells him that it’s an impressive building. She also confesses that it’s a dream come true to be there and the student tells her that he’s very happy to be there as well. They then discuss their future plans after graduation and the student is unsure if he will return to Mexico as there are less opportunities in their field there. Renee nods as they arrive at the admissions office and find it closed. She can’t believe she has wasted a whole day and resolved nothing. The student reminds her that she knows the school better, at least, and Renee agrees. The student then gives her his phone number, just in case, and Renee gives him hers.

That night, Mauricio tells Anifer that Maria takes a lot of time in the shower, despite being worried about the environment, but Anifer asks him not to bring it up as Maria gets annoyed. She then asks him to sit down because they have to talk about the upcoming party, namely, why it’s happening. Mauricio explains that it’s for the cooperative and she will be the main star of the party because she designed their flagship toy. Anifer is overwhelmed but seems happy.

Renee is in her hotel room, ready for bed, but takes out her phone to see if Mauricio left her any messages. She finds that she has no new messages and thinks it’s weird.

Anifer then asks about Renee and Mauricio reminds her that she’s in Maryland but suggests they call her. He warns Anifer that the signal may not be great but calls her anyway.

As Renee works on her computer, she gets the video call from Mauricio and smiles. She answers immediately and talks to Anifer, who informs her of the upcoming party, but Renee seems bothered by the news. Maria then enters in a bathroom and greets Renee but wonders if she overstepped her bounds. Mauricio asks Anifer to give him back the phone, so he can talk to Renee and then leaves the room.

Over dinner, Neron tells Pablo that Flor is sick but doesn’t tell him what her illness is. He then tells Pablo his plans to take care of her more often as Flor warns him not to say one word about anything or else. Pablo promises to be quiet.

Mauricio goes into his room as Renee chides him for not send her any messages all day; she thought they had agreed that he would reach out to her, but she knows he forgot. She assumes she’s not at the top of his list of priorities and that the distance is straining their relationship. After a moment, she asks him why he called, and he asks her how her day went. Renee explains that she has some stuff to take care of, but she’s committed to fighting for her spot at the university. Mauricio is surprised that she has made her decision, but Renee reminds him that her plans were always the same. He then asks if she’s going to take long setting everything up and Renee thinks she might, as she has to see about housing as well, and Mauricio wishes her luck. Renee wishes him luck too and hangs up as Maria, who had been listening in the doorway, asks if she can come in. She asks Mauricio if everything with Renee is okay, but Mauricio admits that they are not and walks away. A look of curiosity crosses Maria’s face.

Veronica arrives home and sees Tono and Tania watching soccer together. She smiles as Tono explains some of the moves and players and encourages Tania to be just as great. He then walks over to Veronica, who thinks Tania really loves soccer, and reveals that he got the job. Veronica is happy for him but doesn’t need any more details. Tono is shocked but tells her it’s part time, just in case she wants to take care of the children some more, before going back to Tania on the couch. Veronica begins to cry and smiles as Tania and Tono cheer at the game.

The next day, Sebastian comes into Veronica’s office, asking if she’s ready to go to Texas but Veronica tells him no. Sebastian escorts Tina out of the office and sits down to talk to Veronica. She reiterates that she doesn’t want the job and already told him so on top of the fact that she won’t take her kids away from their father. She then explains that, despite her divorce, her kids will always need their father. Sebastian urges her to change her mind and chose her career and Veronica tells him that she has something for him. She hands him her resignation letter and Sebastian is shocked. He thinks she has a better job offer, and that is why she’s doing this, but Veronica tells him that Tina can help him with everything he needs while he finds her replacement. She then tells him that, just because he’s the son of a shareholder, doesn’t mean he can order his employees around as he wants. She wishes him luck and leaves as Sebastian curses said luck.

As Tono takes his children out to play, he warns them to be careful with the tables, which are already set up with food and drink. Maria offers to watch them while she sets up and Tono thanks her before approaching Neron and asking him why he looks worried. Neron confesses that he’s worried about Flor, who needs him, but he has to be there for the cooperative. Tono asks him to be calm, as everything will be good, and Neron will try his best.

Across the cul-de-sac, Jorge comes out of his house with his children and finds Mauricio waiting outside. Jorge instructs his kids to socialize but Baldo prefers to play video games. Jorge pushes him (literally) to socialize as Tono and Neron join them. Mauricio wonders where his buddies could be, as they are 45 minutes late, and the guys start to worry that they left him high and dry. Mauricio thinks they are just far and Tono asks him to call his friends. Mauricio calls Sebastian but gets his voicemail and asks the guys to wait a bit more. Neron asks them to call him when they’re there, as he will be with Flor, and walks off. Mauricio looks worried that his plan backfired, and Maria does too.

In Maryland, Renee meets up with the male student and tells her that her situation is complicated. Essentially, admissions would have to take one of the male spots away from a male student, so she can be in the program. For all of the accepted students to stay, however, the board has to vote. Either way, her troubles are still the same and she worries that she will be left with nothing if she loses her spot in the master’s program (like the proverbial dog of the two sandwiches).

Sometime later, Mauricio is pissed that his friends left him in the lurch but Tono is enjoying the food. Jorge and Tono then round up their kids and ask Mauricio to let them know if his friends ever arrive. Tania asks if Anifer can come with them and play and her parents give her permission. Once alone with Maria, Mauricio vents about his fake friends but is not discouraged and will find new investors. Maria goes to sit with him in the gazebo and tells him that she loves how optimistic he is. Mauricio then confesses that Renee also left him in the lurch and didn’t look back as Maria tells him it will be okay. He thanks her for taking the time to talk to him and Maria asks if he can be honest with her for a second. Mauricio nods and she confesses that, the more she knows him, the more she likes him. Mauricio thinks she’s exaggerating but Maria is fully aware of what she’s got.

Renee tells the male student, Ariel, that she fought hard for her spot and now doesn’t know if it’s going to work out. Ariel thinks she’s worried about someone else and Renee rants that a long-distance relationship, in this day and age, shouldn’t be an issue. Ariel nods and confesses that it’s hard to be with someone because of their career choice, namely, how much and often you have to study. He thinks adding billions of kilometers to that is a recipe for disaster. Renee considers this.

Mauricio quietly nods as Maria smiles, satisfied that he’s speechless. Mauricio confesses that he’s shocked and Maria explains that she never thought she would like him or be attracted him to him, but he’s surprised her. She calls him brave and good-looking and gallant and an excellent father before confessing that she only told him how she felt because his relationship with Renee is on the rocks. Mauricio doesn’t know how to answer (and he does have to) as Fabian arrives with a big smile on his face. He wonders why the party and laughs at Mauricio before asking if he thought his party would be a success.

In her suite, Kika video chats with Valentina to ask her how things are going in her life. Valentina tells her that everything is still the same, but she must know more about Lili than her because she spoke to her. Valentina thinks it’s horrible to have a child young and Kika nods before asking about Jorge. Valentina tells her that he’s doing better with Lili and didn’t even give her a hard time about the pregnancy today. Kika asks for a moment and looks at her pillow of teenage problems (color-coded and labeled) before telling Valentina to always take care of herself, especially if she’s having sex. She promises to talk to Valentina one day about protection, etc. and Valentina sighs as her mother should be teaching her these things, not Kika. Kika smiles and then asks if Valentina has been feeling okay and she nods but wonders if Kika is reading questions off a paper. Kika laughs off her concern, promises to always be there should Valentina wants to talk, and hangs up. She looks at her pillow again and wonders if she asked about everything.

Mauricio demands to know why Fabian told Sebastian and co. that he committed fraud against him and Fabian explains that he only wanted to warn them, lest he take their money too. Mauricio reminds him that he didn’t commit fraud against anyone; he sold Fabian Logatoys because he threatened to reveal the truth about Anifer. Mauricio begs Maria not to believe Fabian, who wonders why Mauricio is a failure at everything in his life, but Maria doesn’t believe one-word Fabian said about Mauricio. Fabian laughs because Mauricio has already turned his charm on Maria and warns her that Mauricio is only being friendly to keep Anifer. Maria considers this.

Neron serves Flor a cup of tea and she confesses that she’s feeling the effects of the chemo, from her eyelids to her toes. He asks if she needs anything and she would like a new body but then tells him she’s joking because, if not, she will be depressed. Neron then wonders what he will do about the shop, as no one wants to buy it right now, but asks Flor not to worry as they have time to deal with everything. She smiles at him and thanks him for finally realizing that they will be okay, and Neron gives her a big kiss before hugging her though Flor’s smile has evaporated.

Ariel explains that he tried to have a relationship, but it didn’t work out because he didn’t have time. Renee understands and reiterates that she will fight for her position at the university, no matter what. Ariel wonders how she will do that, and Renee asks if he knows where the board meets before smiling.

At home, Lili talks to Pablo and tells him that she can talk because no one is watching her, since she’s already pregnant, and Pablo explains that he called to let her know about his plan to find his father by contacting other Guatemalans in the US. Lili listens as he promises to win a lot of money and send it to her before telling her that he has considered her decision to put their baby up for adoption and agrees it’s for the best. In fact, he already knows who the perfect parents would be.

Jorge picks up the women that spoke to Rodrigo and Rafael about having children as a same-sex couple and drives them to the Children’s Museum. He observes and thinks they get along great and the women thank him. His warm smiles evaporates as soon as he notices that the little boy calls both women “mother”. He begins to babble uncomfortably but the passengers pay him no attention as talk about their plans for the day.

Mauricio almost attacks Fabian for his cruel words but Fabian steps back and admits that he’s jealous at his ability to seduce beautiful women. He lists Miranda, Renee and Maria and a bunch of other women before them as Mauricio demands to know what else he wants from him as he already took everything. Fabian considers this and wonders what else he can take from him. He looks around and scuffs at the fact that Mauricio is trying to be his direct competition, so he suggests he do something else as Tono arrives with Anifer. Tono demands to know what Fabian is doing there before telling Mauricio that Anifer wants to go with her father back home. Fabian pets the child and tells them that he’s busy before faking that he made a mistake and leaving without another word. Tono wonders what he meant and Anifer demands to know why everyone is so serious. Maria tells her it’s nothing and then asks her to help bring down all the decorations. Tono also goes to help as Mauricio sulks.

Rodrigo arrives home and finds Rafael searching on the internet for more surrogate mother volunteers. Rafael nods and thinks he found one in Guadalajara, but Rodrigo thinks it’s still a maybe and Rafael nods. He calls him over either way, so they can look at the women, Bety, together but Rodrigo thinks she’s too old. Rafael thinks he finds something wrong with every woman and they almost get into a fight (again!) but they are saved by the bell, namely, Lili and Pablo at their door. They welcome them into their home and Lili and Pablo explain that they are expecting a baby but can’t care for it, so they ask if Rafael and Rodrigo want to be the baby’s father. The men are shocked.

Renee explains her plan to Ariel, but he is wary that it will work. Either way, Renee is tired of waiting for them to find a solution, so she is going to do it herself. If the board is going to re-evaluate her project regardless, she might as well impress them. Ariel offers to help with whatever she needs, and Renee thanks him.

Later, Maria sits down with Mauricio, who asks her to trust him because she knows him better now and Fabian is liar, but she’s more interested in where they left off with their conversation about her feelings. Mauricio hesitates, and Maria assumes she over spoke, but Mauricio tells her that he likes that she is honest, so they can talk about what they’re feeling. However, they are interrupted by Anifer, who asks Maria for help with her math homework, and they promise to talk later.

Lili and Pablo think Rodrigo and Rafael would be great parents, especially since they can’t be, but Rafael explains that they always wanted a biological child, much to Rodrigo’s chagrin. Rodrigo asks Rafael to think it over with him and asks Lili if Jorge knows about their decision. Lili and Pablo shake their head and reiterate that it’s their decision, only, but Rodrigo would like more time to think things through. Lili and Pablo nod but hope they accept because they are a great couple, who love and care for each other. Rodrigo and Rafael look at each other and smile for a second, remembering how it was, and then frown, remembering how it is.

Veronica arrives home and tells Tono the big news: she resigned but he shrugs and tells the kids to get ready to go play. Veronica asks the kids to leave them alone for a moment and repeats her news. Tono still doesn’t care because it’s not his problem though he’s happy that the children will stay close to him. Veronica thinks he’s just being petty, because she didn’t care about his job news, but Tono is just trying to be as understanding as possible. He then reminds her that they need to talk about their divorce when he gets back, and Veronica is happy to hear it and suggests they get an express divorce. Tono gives her a thumb up, tells her he is also ready to move out, and then gathers the children, who stood nearby and heard everything, so they can go to soccer practice. Once alone, Veronica makes a face about Tono’s foolishness.

Rafael says goodbye to Lili and Pablo and closes the door before wondering why Rodrigo told him they would think about it. He reiterates that they want to have a biological child, but Rodrigo thinks the youngsters are trusting them with their child and they should accept. Rafael reminds him that Jorge will be difficult, but Rodrigo suggests they deal with it when it comes to that. He tells Rafael that, should they accept, they will have a baby at home in 7 months, but Rafael wants a biological child and thinks Jorge would never allow it. Rodrigo can’t believe Rafael is being so stubborn about this and tells him that they can take care and love the child like their own. Rafael screams that he needs some time to think it over and Rodrigo nods.

That night, Anifer asks about Renee and Mauricio tells her that she called her multiple times, but she hasn’t answered and doesn’t want to be a bother. Anifer then asks if she loves Renee or if he loves her mother because it’d be cool if Maria and him got back together. She then wonders how Renee would feel if he and Maria did fall back in love, but Mauricio asks her not to worry about them as they are the adults. Anifer still wants to know if he loves her mother but Mauricio tells her that it would be up to them, her parents, and no one else. He promises not to let it affect her life though and Anifer nods.

Later, Anifer talks with Maria in her room about what she found out, namely, the fact that he didn’t tell her who he loved more: Renee or Maria. Either way, Maria tells Anifer not to worry about anything as they are the adults. Anifer would be happy if she and Mauricio got back together but she would be sad for Renee. Maria explains that sometimes things happen, and no one knows the story but the couple themselves. Anifer doesn’t understand but Maria is not going to explain right now because Anifer has to get to bed. She then tucks her in, despite her protests, and gives her a kiss good night.

The next day, Renee runs to the office where the board is meeting and pleads with the members to let her argue her case on why she deserves to stay and study the University of Maryland. One board member warns her to stop arguing or she may be expelled but Renee is willing to take the risk.

At Tono’s, Esperanza confesses to Tono that she’s still shocked he is getting a divorced. Tono is too but they both agree that he and Veronica have changed, and things are different now. He then thanks his mother for being there with them to help but Esperanza grows serious and confesses that she has been able to stay with them for so long and without any worries because she and his father have also decided to get a divorce. Tono is floored.

Mauricio and Maria come back from dropping off Anifer and he confesses that he’s worried about how his business partners will react to the news that Fabian sabotaged their deal just to stick it to him. Maria reminds him that it’s not his fault and they will understand but Mauricio thinks he’s failed them too much and they may get tired. Maria still thinks his idea is great though and tells him to stop worrying. Mauricio can’t stop thinking about anything else as it affects Anifer’s future and Maria reveals that Anifer told her that he and Renee had broken up. She wonders if this means there could be something between them, but Mauricio doesn’t look to excited by this prospect…

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