Caray, Caray!

A thousand apologies that my weekend from hell happened right when LT got really, really good. Below is a recap of Thursday's Episode and Friday's episodes.

Summary of Thursday, May 1 Episode-

Hugo and Soledad are trapped in the mine:

S: Alcides, you have changed so much. You’ve been so good to me and my daughter. So much, that sometimes, I don’t understand why I feel as if …
H: as if I were Hugo?
S: Better, not to speak of him, yes? It isn’t important now. The important thing is to get out of here now.

Boris and the miners are digging on the other side of the fall. Boris calls and Soledad answers back, “We are here. Help us, please.” Boris sends Juan for more workers. He says that Hugo and Soledad may be running out of air in there.
“Please, Boris, get us out of here!” calls Soledad. She turns to Hugo all happy, “You see, I told you that we would get out of here. Hold on, you have to hold on.”

Eloisa tells Paquito that the fact that drawing exists does not prove that Hugo de Medina is alive or that he took his twin brother’s place. You should wait to blackmail him with it. Paquito asks why she is defending him. Is she interested in him or what? Eloisa responds, “While it will hurt you to hear it, yes. That man knows knows how to treat women very well and I want to be with him whether he’s Hugo or Alcides.”
”You are crazy,” responds Paquito, “You don’t know what you want.”
“ Oh, yes I do,” says Eloisa. “Hugo de Medina has lots of money and I’m not letting him escape. I’ll defend him regardless of what it costs.”
“Regardless of what it costs?” says Paquito, “are you threatening me?”

“A secret that could destroy your family?” says Rebeca. She urges Ester to tell her. Maybe she can keep Lucas from mortgaging the house. Ester tells Rebeca that Manrique gave her this house. Rebeca is surprised and asks why her dead husband would make such an expensive gift especially since he was so stingy. Ester says that she can’t tell Rebeca why because she is Jereimas' widow. Rebeca encourages Ester to tell her. Ester says that she and Jeremias were lovers.

Outside the mine, Lucas asks Juan if Soledad and Hugo have been located. Juan says yes but they are trapped behind a pile of rocks. He needs all hands to go down and help. Arturo says that if too many people go down there, there won’t be enough oxygen for everyone. Lucas says to Juan that he knows the mine better than anyone. Is there another entrance? Juan says that that there is subterranean river that exits from the mine but it’s very turbulent. Lucas says, of course, that’s how Alcides escaped after the explosion. He asks Juan to take him to the place. Juan says that it is impossible. One would have to swim against the current and hold ones breath for a long time. Lucas doesn’t care. His daughter’s life is at stake. Juan says to forget it. It’s certain death. He says to leave the rescue to the workers.

Lucas sneaks off towards the river while Antonia asks Dr. Max to give Soledad priority medical attention when she and Alcides are rescued because she has a daughter. Dr. Max says that he will apply triage principals and treat the most seriously injured first. Antonia notices that Lucas is gone. Juan goes after him.

Ester asks Rebeca not to think badly of her. Rebeca wasn’t married to Jeremias when this happened. Rebeca says that she knows that Jeremias was very charming and it wasn’t surprising that Ester fell in love with him. Ester tells her that after they were married, Lucas changed a lot. He became a drunk and his family rejected her because she wasn’t of the same class. Rebeca is surprised to hear that a woman so distinguished wasn’t considered well born enough for Lucas. Ester tells her that when Lucas fell in lover with her, she was a simple dressmaker from another town.

Lucas arrives at the river saying that he will save his daughter even if it costs him his life. A whole gang of people have followed him including Antonia who begs him not to do it. Lucas plunges into the river and Juan follows.

Ester says that her family was very humble and she just learned to sew. None of her friends here know this. Rebeca (the former prostitute) says that she won’t tell anyone. Lucas came to her for clothing for his fiancé and it was love at first sight. Ester goes on to tell Rebeca that things changed. Lucas was cut off from his inheritence, they didn’t have any money, he mistreated her and made her life a hell. That’s when Jeremias took them in. Rebeca says that she understands. She just has one question: is Soledad Jeremias’ daughter?

Soledad tries to move some beams but gives up asking, “Why don’t they help us? Why is it taking so long?”
H: Many rocks fell. It will not easy to clear the entrance.
S: I feel like I can’t breathe. I’m tired.
H: Soledad, listen to me. I don’t think they will succeed. It will be better if you go down alone.
S: No, I won’t leave here without you. I already told you that they are going to rescue us. You just need a little patience.
H: Listen to me. You can save yourself. You only need to descend to the river, swim a little bit. (This is the same river that swept Alcides away.) You only have to do it.
S: I’m telling you no. I’m not going anywhere.
Hugo sits up a little straighter.
S: Nothing will happened, Alcides. Just wait; they are coming.
H: Listen to me. Listen. If both of us stay here, we will die. Do it for our daughter. Save yourself.
S: We’re not going to die. We’re going to get out.
H: Save yourself. Save yourself.
S: (calls) Boris! Boris! Get us out of here quickly, the air is running out. (Picky, picky I know in a very dramatic scene but if Soledad could get out via the river, presumably there is a source of air and where is the light coming from?)
Boris: Sra Soledad! Try to stay calm. Jose has gone for help. Soon, we will get you out. (to the diggers) Faster! Faster!
Meanwhile Emilio, Arturo’s man, is trying to make the situation worse by moving a support beam. Guillermo spots him and tells Boris. Boris stops him but Emilio tells everyone that the ceiling will fall and they will all be killed. Boris has to pull a gun to stop the mutiny. He thanks Guillermo for being very brave.

Ester tells Rebeca that Soledad is not Jeremias’ daughter. “Are you sure?” Ester says that she was pregnant with Lucas’ child when she became Jeremias’ lover. She told Jeremias that Soledad was his child. “You think badly of me.” Ester says to Rebeca. “I would have done the same, says Rebeca, “ and look what a nice house you got.” As if she hasn’t said enough, Ester tells Rebeca that before he died, Jeremias came to see her and told her that Soledad’s future was secured by this house. All that belonged to him would be Soledad’s. Rebeca tells Ester that she will do what she can to keep Manrique from letting Lucas mortgage the house. Rebeca leaves and on the way out says that she is sure that Jeremias hid the treasure in this house but she is sure she will find it.

Antonia is sure that Lucas has drowned. Dr. Max tries to reassure her and Elena says that if he did drown, he’ll go straight to heaven because he was a good person.

Lucas and Jose have succeeded in entering the mine. Jose says that it was a miracle they could hold their breath that long. Lucas asks Jose to lead him to where Soledad and Alcides are trapped.

In the mine,
H: (thinks to Soledad) Don’t stop looking at me. I beg you, don’t stop. Your eyes are the only thing keeping me alive.
S: I’m here. I won’t leave you. I’ll always be here.
H: (thinks) Why have so many things happened? Such pain. We could have been so happy.
Tears run down both their faces.

Ester tells herself that she can’t wait for Rebeca to resolve the situation. She decides to go find Lucas. She say, "Even if I have to lie again. I have to clear my name."

Eloisa tells Rebeca about the collapse of the mine. Eloisa is concerned about Alcides. Rebeca is concerned about those who have invested in the mine. They decide to go to the mine and find out what’s happening.

Soledad is mesmerized looking at Hugo. He waves his hand in front of her face.
S: Yes, it’s true. We could have been very happy. (she read his thought, apparently.)
H: Listen to me. Listen, I don’t have much time. I’m going to die, Soledad but you must know the truth.
S: What truth?
H: The truth about me, about who I am. You will probably hate me but you need to know everything, everything. Listen to me Soledad. I am not the Medina that you believe me to be. I lied to you..
S: Enough already. I don’t want you to continue. No, we aren’t going to die. I don’t care what you wanted to say.
At this inopportune time, Juan and Lucas show up. They haul Hugo up. Boris hears them and Juan tells him that they are going to escape by the river. Boris tells the diggers to leave the mine.

Ester disguises herself to go into the Tavern looking for Lucas. Margot tells her that Lucas left when he heard that the mine collapsed. Ester faints. Omar and Margot take her into the Mysterious Lady’s dressing room. They leave her alone there.

Arturo is annoyed when he overhears Guillermo tell Elena that Alcides and Soledad are escaping by the river.

Down by the river, everyone is waiting. A shout goes up, look, there they are. Soledad is holding Hugo who appears to be on the point of death. She has a flashback to when she found Hugo on her wedding day. She says to him:
S: You have to live, my love. This time you aren’t going to die.
She kisses him.
S: Return, return to life with me.
Hugo opens his eyes. Everybody is happy. Soledad holds Hugo’s head right next to her bosom. “Thank heaven you are all right,” she says, “How do you feel?”
“Thankful for you,” he replies. Hugo thanks Juan and Lucas. Lucas says that he did it for his daughter. Boris sends the crowd away. Boris asks Hugo if he thinks he can walk. “Only if you help me,” replies Hugo. Dr. Max wants to examine Hugo but Hugo and Lucas insist that he look at Soledad’s bump on her head. Finally, Boris and Hugo are alone. Boris asks Hugo if he’s sure he is ok. Gasping, Hugo says, “I was on the point of having a catalepsy attack. If it hadn’t been for Soledad, if it hadn’t been for her, it would have happened.” Boris says, “There is no doubt that Soledad is your guardian angel.”
“She is very courageous,” says Hugo, “very courageous.”
“It’s very obvious that she loves you a lot,” says Boris, “she was very frightened.” Hugo smiles and Boris helps him up.

Dr. Max finishes tending Soledad’s bump. Antonia wants to talk to her brother so he leaves her there but encourages her to return to his laboratory as soon as possible. Lucas wants to speak to Soledad. Lucas says that he was surprised by her concern for Alcides. He thought they didn’t have such a close relationship. Soledad responds that she would have reacted the same way for anyone. Lucas doesn’t buy it. He sees in her eyes that she is in love with Alcides. Soledad doesn’t answer but flashes back to her confusion when Alcides/Hugo told her that he can’t tolerate being in enclosed spaces and she knew that Hugo had that problem, not Alcides.

Hugo, more or less recovered and walking on his own, returns to the entrance to the mine. The miners have tied up Emilio, Arturo’s stooge. Hugo asks him, for his own good, to tell him who paid him to sabotage the mine work. Boris tells Hugo that the evil Emilio also tried to sabotage the rescue effort. Emilio says that they can’t hold him. Hugo agrees but says that he will be turned over the police, go to prison and his family won’t like that. He asks Emilo to think about them and tell who paid him. Unfortunately, Arturo is standing right behind Hugo. Emilio says that it is because of his family that he won’t open his mouth. Hugo turns and looks at Arturo.

Soledad tells her father that he can’t imagine how her life has been in the last few months. Lucas asks if Alcides has mistreated her. “On the contrary,” says Soledad, “Alcides has been very good to me and with my daughter, it’s been very special. He even agreed to help me with the hospital work. He’s treated me as if…”
“As if he were Hugo,” finishes Lucas.
“Papa,” she says, “I can’t help it. I look at him. I talk to him and it’s like I was talking to Hugo. I look at him and at the bottom of my heart it’s like Alcides isn’t Alcides, he’s really Hugo.”
“That’s why you were concerned a minute ago,” say Lucas.
“It was terrible having to relive Hugo’s death,” she says, “It’s like he died all over again.” Soledad says that she can’t go on thinking that Alcides is Hugo. She knows that she has to accept Alcides for who he is. She tells him that she doesn’t know what to do.

Arturo tells his men to leave. Hugo tells Arturo that he wants to talk to him. Hugo says that Arturo is responsible for this tragedy. He accuses Arturo of giving money to Emilio to bribe the miners. Arturo asks how Hugo can accuse of something so serious without proof. Hugo replies that Arturo would do anything for greed. Arturo blames the engineer and reiterates that Hugo has no proof of what he is accusing him of. Hugo says that he wants Arturo out of the mine business. Fine, says Arturo, “I’ll be over to your house tomorrow to pick up the money I invested.” Hugo responds that he won’t give Arturo one single penny. He can do what he wants, too. (Didn’t the investors sign any contracts or anything that would address the withdrawal of an investor?)

The confrontation between Hugo and Arturo is witnessed by Guillermo and Elena. Elena thinks Arturo will kill Hugo but she doesn’t want Guillermo to interfere. Guillermo firmly believes that has to help though.

Lucas tells Soledad that being close to Alcides is hurting her. He advises Soledad to stay away from Alcides for a while for her peace of mind. Soledad says she has thought of that but she can’t because of Aurora. She has to find a cure for her catalepsy. Lucas says that she doesn’t know how bad he feels that he doesn’t have the means to scour the world looking for a cure for his granddaughter. Soledad reassures him that Alcides has investigators looking for a cure and Dr. Max is researching it too. She is sure it will happen. She has faith. Lucas suggests again that some time away from Alcides would help Soledad get rid of her feelings for Hugo. She says, “I will never forget him. I won’t ever stop feeling this pain because he isn’t here. But the reality is that he isn’t here.”

Hugo tells Arturo that all business has risk and by his stupidity he has lost his investment in the mine. He advises Arturo not to sue him. Arturo says that he doesn’t need a court to get his money back. He draws his gun and his men do too. He grabs Hugo’s cane and throws it away. (What, did he think Hugo was going to use a cane against a gun? Or maybe he hopes Hugo will fall down.) Boris draws his gun but he is outnumbered. Arturo forces Hugo to make Boris lower his gun. He says that he and Hugo will go to the bank right now and get his money. At this moment, the miners, collected by Guillermo, come out with picks and shovel to defend Hugo. Arturo backs down but says that the matter isn’t over.

Ester wakes up in the ML’s dressing room. For some reason, she is hesitant to leave the tavern without covering herself up and she has conveniently forgotten the scarf around her neck that she used when she came in. So she rummages in the closet and finds a hat that she recognizes as Rebeca’s. She gets out of the tavern and her driver tells her that Soledad and Alcides have escaped safely from the mine. She tells him that she wants to go to Rebeca’s house.

Soledad and Lucas come running up to Hugo and ask about his confrontation with Arturo. Hugo explains what happened. Soledad says that he did right but Arturo won’t take this lying down. Hugo agrees and says that they have to be prepared. The credits roll.


Summary of May 2 episode: Hugo and Soledad's confrontation followed by the filler.

Soledad hugs her baby and talks to Ursula:
U: Thank heaven, everything is all right. A worker from the mine came and told us what had happened.
S: It was horrible. (to the baby) My little one, I was so afraid I would never see you again. (to Ursula). It was terrifying, you can’t imagine.
U: What a relief that you and Alcides are ok.
S: I’ve never in my life felt such panic. Inside the mine, Alcides couldn’t breathe. He was suffocating and I couldn’t do anything to help him.
U: You were upset to see him like that, right?
S: It was worse than that. I was afraid to lose him. Do you realize? I was afraid that he would die and leave me.
U: What you’re saying is that you’re in love with Alcides.
S: No, no, it’s not Alcides. It’s because he reminds me of Hugo all the time.
U: Think about it, then. Give him an opportunity. Let yourself fall in love with Alcides. He has changed a lot. He’s a good man.
S: No, no. I can’t fall in love with Alcides. I won’t allow that to happen. That’s why I’ve made a decision.
U: What are you going to do?
S: While I’m taking a bath, pack our bags. We’re going to my parents’ house.
U: To your parents’ house?
S: I can’t stay in this house another second. I can’t stay feeling what I feel, Ursula. I can’t continue to be confused about my feelings for Hugo (I think she means Alcides here. She knows what she feels for Hugo). I have to leave.

Hugo tells Boris to pass out weapons to the employees and put everyone on alert about a possible attack by Arturo and his men.
B: It appears that your plan of vengeance is not coming out like you wanted.
H: I didn’t imagine that Arturo was capable of being so stupid. He put the lives of many innocent persons at risk by having the miners excavate without taking the proper precautions. (uh, you know Hugo, nobody would be at risk in the mine and Arturo wouldn’t have been driven to these extremes if you hadn’t insisted on launching the PoV.)
B: Including you. You almost lost your life.
H: So did Soledad and Aurora, the daughter of Lupe and Jose and many other innocent people. Arturo de Linares is crazy.
Marina comes in to report that Soledad has ordered a carriage to leave the house.

Ursula says to Soledad,
“You’re not going to talk to Alcides? You’re not going to tell him that you are leaving the house?
S: No. I’ll leave him a note. I can’t talk about this with him.
Hugo comes into her room.
H: You’ll have to. Don’t think about leaving my house without an explanation. Ursula, please leave us alone.
She takes the baby out.
A: Forgive me, Alcides, but I want to stay at my parents’ house, at least for a while.
H: Arturo de Linares has declared war. You shouldn’t leave this house. I can’t permit that my daughter and you be exposed to certain death.
S: Then send somebody you trust to my parents’ house to guard us. I (she starts to say “can’t”) don’t want to stay in this house. I can’t stay with you. I’m sorry.
H: Why? What have I done that is so bad that you dislike my company?
S: Nothing. You’ve behaved very well with me and my daughter. I couldn’t be more grateful to you.
H: Then I don’t understand why you are leaving. Or is there something else? Is there something you are hiding?
S: Understand me, Alcides, I can’t continue at your side.
H: So far you haven’t given me a single logical reason. What have I done that is insufficient to win your love? Because if that is so, tell me. Tell me what it is that I need to do to win your love.
S: No, No, that’s not necessary.
H: Soledad: I know that you love me. Admit it. Today in the mine, I realized it.
S: I was concerned for you the way I would have been about anyone.
H: I know that I have succeeded in conquering your heart. I have no doubts now that you love me. I know it.
S: You’re wrong. I’ve never loved you and I will never love you.
H: Don’t say that and break my heart. Everything I have done is to win your love. Tell me that you don’t love me. Tell me that you don’t love me.
He leans over and kisses her. She responds, then pulls away and slaps him.
S: I can’t love you. I can’t. Because the only person that I will love forever is Hugo, only Hugo.
H: (angrily) Are you mocking me? Repeat what you just said.
S: I wish there were another way but I can’t love you because I never stopped loving Hugo. I always loved him. Alcides, it hurts me a lot to have to tell you this. Believe me. You’ve behaved like a gentleman. You’ve saved my life and the life of my baby but every good thing you do reminds me of Hugo all the time.
H: You want to confuse me.
S: You can’t be more confused than I am. But I can’t continue to betray the memory and the love I have for Hugo. Forgive me, that is why I have to leave. I need time to think.
Hugo grabs Soledad’s arm.
H: You’re not leaving. You’re not leaving because I don’t believe a single word that you said.
S: What else do I have to say to make you believe me? I’ve already explained why I couldn’t attend Hugo’s velorio. (when did she explain that to him?) I almost lost my baby that night. I was very ill.
H: Let’s agree that part is true. I believe you about that. Deny to my face, deny to my face right now that you married Alcides for money, only for money. Deny that we had a deal.
A: You know we didn’t have a deal Alcides. You know perfectly well that we were never lovers.
H: Why did you lie? Why did tell me that after I returned?
S: You had gaps in your memory. I only told you what you wanted to hear. Yes, I lied but you want to know why I did it? I did it out of fear. Because I didn’t know how you would treat my daughter.
H: You married Alcides two days after (he almost says “I”) Hugo died. Two days after!
S: That was the worst moment of my entire life. My father had a heart attack because Manrique was going to take his house. I did it for him. You offered money and my mother pressured me to do it. It was against my will, Alcides. I didn’t have any other option. With the most profound pain that you can imagine, I had to marry you after the death of your brother, Hugo. But Hugo was the first man I loved in my whole life, Alcides, and is the only man I will ever love.
Hugo looks at her, his eyes full of tears.

Arturo is instructing his men on what they are to do: show no mercy and leave no witnesses. Gladis asks him what’s going on and why everyone is armed. Arturo tells her to get back to the kitchen; this is a guy thing (good luck there, Arturo. We know who really wears the pants in your family). Gladis demands to know what he is planning. Arturo says that he is going to kill Alcides and all his family, all of them. Gladis is impactada. She tries to get him to change his mind. Surely, as an intelligent man, he can think of a better way to get his money back than killing everyone? Once they are all dead, how is he going to get his money anyway? Arturo says he will plunder the hacienda. Gladis asks if he wants to spend the rest of his life in jail but Arturo says that he has the authorities under his control. Finally, Gladis plays her trump card – if Arturo goes ahead, she will disinherit him. Arturo say that he doesn’t appreciate threats (you can make threats but you don’t like to be on the receiving end, eh Arturo?). Arturo says that he isn’t a child. Gladis apologizes. She is afraid to lose him. She has already lost Beatriz. It’s been so many months since she heard from her. It’s as if she were dead. Arturo says that he will be fine but Gladis begs him not to go ahead with his massacre plan. He agrees but says to himself that he will find a way to get his money back from Alcides. Nobody makes him a laughing stock.

As if we haven’t had enough of Ester and Rebeca already, now Ester comes to see Rebeca. She says that she found Rebeca’s hat in the ML’s dressing room. She asks if Rebeca is friends with the ML or maybe is the ML and Lucas’ lover? Rebeca feigns outrage that Ester could think such a thing. Rebeca claims the hat was stolen and that she is shocked, shocked at the idea that Ester could think such a thing. (Academy award winning performance there, Rebeca.)

Paquito says that he is going to blackmail Hugo for pretending to be Alcides. Eloisa tells him that he won’t say a word. When he asks how she will prevent him from doing so, she sheds her dress and is ready to use sex to get what she wants. Paquito is tempted but says that he won’t change his mind. Eloisa says why don’t they discuss it while they are making love.

Antonia is working in the Orchid garden. (I guess she’s taking over from Enrico) Lucas comes out. Antonia says that he should be resting after all he did to save his daughter. Lucas says that he is rested and he feels fine. He can’t find Ester but he wants to talk to Antonia. He asks her how it’s going working for Dr. Max. She replies that for the first time in her life, she feels that she has a mission. She likes helping sick people. She says that Dr. Max is very respectful to her. Lucas says that he is happy. Antonia says that he is a good brother and she knows that she can always count on him. Lucas asks her to leave; Dr. Max is waiting for her. Antonia thinks that Lucas seems a little tense but she agrees to leave.

Finally Michelle appears (although I could have waited). She asks Daniel if he has found out anything about Alcides de Medina. How hard could it have been to find out something about someone as notorious as Alcides in San Marino but Daniel hasn’t found out anything. He did find out about Dr. Max though so they agree to go there.

At Dr. Max’s, Antonia is tidying up. She starts to read a book on catalepsy by old Dr. Chirac and says that this is the doctor who was killed. She asks if Dr. Max knew him. Dr. Max says that he was a colleague and has a flashback to when he murdered his colleague. He grabs the book out of her hand and tells her that he has a lot to do and she’s asking too many questions.

Eloisa has tied Paquito to the bed (I don’t want to know how she managed to do that). She is still trying to get Paquito to give up his blackmail plan. Her alternative plan is to marry Hugo and she’ll give him half the fortune. Paquito asks if she has forgotten that since Hugo is pretending to be Alcides, he is married to Soledad. The only way she could get him is to kill Soledad. Eloisa thinks that might not be a bad idea. Paquito tells her to forget it. He doesn’t want her sleeping around with other men. He tolerated her relationship with Arturo, even supported it but now it is different. At this moment, there is a knock on the door. It’s Arturo. (Don’t they have servants to announce guests?).

Lucas is ransacking the house looking for booze. He finds some and has a series of flashbacks to how he learned about Jeremias and Ester. He almost takes a drink but says that he is going to face this problem sober.

Arturo comes into Eloisa’s room to find Paquito advising her on a new hairstyle. (quick change, there). She asks him to leave but Paquito says that after the last time Arturo was there, he’s not leaving Eloisa alone with Arturo. Arturo says that he isn’t there to hurt Eloisa. On the contrary, he wants her help and he’ll reward her. He wants her help to recover the money he invested in the mine.

Antonia ushers Daniel, Michelle and Andres into Dr. Max’s laboratory. She recognizes his family name from the books on catalepsy. Dr. Max comes down and Daniel introduces himself. Dr. Max is impactado and won’t shake hands with him.

Arturo says that he has been sad that she ended their relationship but he’d like to start over. Eloisa asks what she gets out of helping him get his investment back. Arturo offers her 20 percent, a fortune. Behind him, Paquito is suddenly all ears. Eloisa asks why he has come to her. He is capable of getting what he wants himself. Arturo replies that if it were up to him, he would kill Alcides right away but that’s not in his best interest right now. He says that Eloisa has become friends with Alcides and Soledad. She can convince him to return his investment. Arturo ups the offer to 50 percent. Paquito is doing a big YES! behind Arturo’s back but has to quickly pretend to be fooling around with his cane when Arturo turns around. Eloisa agrees. Arturo tells Eloisa that she is very beautiful and he hopes that someday they can reconcile their differences and make up for lost time. He leaves. Eloisa and Paquito laugh at the idea of making up lost time. Eloisa is not initially interested in helping Arturo but Paquito says that if she does what Arturo wants and gives him the money he wants, he won’t try his blackmail scheme on Hugo. She agrees and they head to the bed again.

Lucas is waiting for Ester to return. She wants to know what happened in the mine. He says he will tell her later but right now he wants to discuss something more serious. The deeds to the house are lying on the table. Lucas says that he wants Ester to be honest with him, no matter how painful it is. “What’s this about?” asks Ester, as if she didn’t already know. Lucas says that when they were married she told him that the house was a gift from a rich aunt but evidently that is false. He shows her the deed and says that apparently the house belonged to Jeremias de Montenegro. Angrily, he asks why she lied and what does Jeremias have to do with all this?

Ever the polite host, Mr. Max rudely asks what Daniel et al are doing in his house and how did they find out where he lived? Michelle introduces herself. Dr. Max again asks what they want. Daniel says that Antonia told them that Dr. Max has the studies that his father made on catalepsy. Dr. Max says that Alcides de Medina gave them to him but he never knew old Dr. Chirac personally. Dr. Max asks them again what they want. Antonia and Andres leave. Michelle tells Dr. Max that she suffers from catalepsy and she believes that old Dr. Chirac found the cure. She and Daniel need his father’s studies to see if he did find a cure for catalepsy.

Lucas demands an answer from Ester. She tries a lie. She says that Jeremias wanted to give Lucas the house as a wedding gift but he knew Lucas was too proud to accept it. Lucas isn’t buying. He grabs Ester’s face and says that he can see she is lying. She was Jeremias’ lover. “How dare you!” says Ester. Lucas tells her that he wants the truth. Her behavior in the last few months has convinced him that she betrayed him with his best friend! Ester says that it was a crazy time. She was alone while Lucas was a complete alcoholic. She doesn’t know how but it happened. She asks his forgiveness. Lucas says that he is drowning in doubts. He doesn’t want any more surprises at this point in his life (too bad you’re in a novela then).

Dr. Max gives Daniel the studies written by old Dr. Chirac. He says that he has read them so many times, he has memorized them but he has never seen Michelle’s name. Michelle says that old Dr. Chirac used aliases for his patients and hers was the Lady of the Sword. Dr. Max is about to leave them to take a nap when Antonia comes in with an invitation to a celebration of the arrival of summer in honor of his wife, Soledad, from Alcides de Medina. At the name, Michelle and Daniel look up in surprise.

Lucas castigates Ester for betraying him while pretending to be perfect and criticizing the behavior of everyone else in the city. How horrible it is to recognize who she really is after all these years. Ester tells Lucas that she knows he loves her as much as she loves him and asks that he forget the past and forgive her. Lucas continues to castigate Ester by saying that he went against his family and married a simple dressmaker and helped her become a lady while all the while she was a … Ester tells him to stop but Lucas asks her to be honest for once in her life and tell him if Soledad is his daughter.

Eloisa has asked Marina to her room. Marina says that she doesn’t understand why Eloisa wants to speak to her in private. Eloisa gives Marina a pile of money and puts a necklace on her. Eloisa says that she has the impression that Marina is not satisfied with the cheap things Boris gives her. Marina asks what she wants. Eloisa says that Marina has access to information that she is interested in about her boss, Hugo de Medina.

Paquito tells Rebeca that Alcides is Hugo. Paquito speculates that this has all been a plan of revenge by Hugo against the town. Rebeca realizes that she invested all of Lucas’ money and found other investors for the gold mine for what? For nothing.

At the hotel (which appears to be the same building that Hugo was in during his travels), Daniel says that he doesn’t like Dr. Max. He doesn’t seem to be a good person. Michelle says that Daniel had better start liking him because they don’t have another option. He has a full laboratory and seems to be interested in catalepsy. Andres delivers an invitation to Alcides’ celebration that is being sent to all the guests in the hotel. Daniel says that it is a good opportunity to get to know everyone in the city and they should go. Michelle says of course they will go but first she wants to talk to Alcides de Medina in private.


Monday – the scene in the rain from the credits and Alcides returns.

Labels: la traicion

We open with a reprise of Mili and Al's last shriekfest. They slam the doors on the Hummer and drive off.

Flor rehashes with her sister. She's pissed at Alex, and she's going to get her big Mafia daddy to do something. This is really a misplaced revenge on the ex-husband. She says she took everything her ex dished out without saying anything. No more.

Socorro has let Horacio back into the kitchen for a quick snack. Morgan comes in, and he's very sad about last night's antics. Mili comes in crying. She was so stupid the way she acted. Lina talks about the last night's kissing scene, and Horacio becomes angry that Morgan might be taking advantage of his daughter. They calm him down. Socorro then ejects Horacio for being there too long.

Alex is filling Bobby in on the fiasco of the previous night. Bobby can't believe it, but again, it seems Al still loves Mili. (When he's not feeling those weird stomach pangs for Florencia.) Bobby, for once the voice of reason, says that it all wouldn't have happened if Alex had been honest.

Andrea announces Domingo. Here comes your father-in-law, says Booby.
Domingo comes in, and Alex addresses him as Don Domingo. No, that's not acceptable. It's Senor Echavarria to you. I'll compress these scenes. Domingo asks why Alex made his little girl cry. He asks if Alex is two-timing his daughter with another girl, and Alex says no, he was seeing Mili before he met Flor. And she's just a servant? So you like a servant better than my little girl? This will not do. Don Domingo insists that Alex take Flor out and make it up to her. He tosses a bunch of pesos on the table to pay for it, but Alex turns down the money, but he will go out with Flor. Domingo makes Alex call Flor right in front of him . . . see below. Alex doesn't seem to really get what's going on. He thinks he's just taking Flor out to apologize, and all will be well. Alex will have a horse's head in his bed if he doesn't watch out. It will go with his own horse's ass . . .

Mili talks to her mother's picture. Braulio comes in, and he nearly reveals the truth. He says her mother had a great smile and was a nice person, etc. When Mili asks how he knows that, he has to quickly say he just imagined it. She cries about how she never heard her mother's voice or had her advice or had someone to dry her tears. Why does she have so little when others have so much? (If you had the mother from Fuego, you'd want less . . . ) She leaves, and Braulio continues to look at the picture.

Braulio now goes to talk to Connie. He reveals that he knows about Mili. He wants Connie to tell the truth, but Connie says Mili is not ready. Braulio counters with his guess that it's Connie who's not ready. Connie says he'll kill Braulio if Braulio lets the cat out of the bag.

Meanwhile, Flor had gone over to the house to plot with Luci. A long scene can be quickly summarized as follows: The two unite in their general hatred for the servant class. Flor cannot believe what a naca Mili is--she actually just wants money, and believe it or not, she was recently going to marry Hugo . . . Luci hugs Flor to make their pact. Didn't she do that recently with Andrea? And even once with Mili?

Best line of the night alert: Flor now finds her way to the girls' dorm and barges in on Mili.
Isn't it funny that your name is Milagros, she sneers--sirvientas (servants) are usually named Maria. Oh, yeah? says Mili. And isn't it also funny that serpientas (snakes) usually sound like cascabels (rattlesnakes). Hiss. (This is a pun, since both words sound almost alike the way they pronounce them. I'm reading captions, so I can see that they are spelled differently.)

Flor's cell phone rings, and it's Alex (see scene above). She makes a big show of letting Mili hear her side of the conversation. Alex is going to take her to dinner that night. Mili says she doesn't believe it. She thinks it's a fake call designed to trap her into being jealous. She tells Flor that she and Alex are getting married. Flor tells her not to count on it, because she's going to fight for her man.

Val is now sitting in the yard with Bim and Bo. I can't help noticing that they have an anemic plate of rich model girls' carrots and celery on the table. They don't eat any, though. Morgan is in the background shirtless, washing the car, making a very obvious spectacle of himself. The girls are really attracted to Morgan, and they want to have a fling with him. This makes Val realize that she could have a fling with Morgan without shaming herself in front of her rich friends. They decide to play cards--highest card gets to go with Morgan. Val wins.

Lina comes out, and she is talking to Morgan about the kisses of last night. She says they tasted good. Morgan tells her to tell Val all about it. Lina seems peeved--I think she has a crush on Morgan too. I hope they find someone nice for her soon.

Connie asks Al what the heck he did to Domingo's daughter. For the sake of the business, Al can't go around doing stuff like that. Al says that his personal life has nothing to do with business, and Connie should stay out of it. Al has a lot to learn about life . . . Connie fumes.

We now see Braulio visiting an old house somewhere in Mexico City. He has a flashback to being a little boy playing with his sister, and we understand that this is the house they grew up in. He vows to make up for the past. This scene is a real tearjerker.

Mili is telling Gloria and Soco what just happened with Flor. Was it a real call? She is going to call Alex, but stops herself, saying that Alex said to trust him, and she will. Just then, Alex comes in the kitchen, so Soco drags Gloria out on the pretense of working with plants in the garden. Mili asks Alex if he's angry, and he says no. She gives him a few kisses. She asks what he is doing tonight. He says, Nothing, why? Well, why don't we go out? Er, he just remembered, he has to do some work with Bobby. Okay, she says. She trusts him. She kisses him, and he looks over her shoulder at the camera and seems sad and anxious.

Lina is still talking to Rocky. Bim and Bo push Valeria over to Rocky. She dispatches Lina, rather nastily, I thought. Then she asks Rocky out. To hear music? He suggests Rodeo, but she wants something more romantic. Rocky is about to explode with excitement. Finally, she asks if he wants more time to think it over. He says: I don't have to think. Quiero con usted. (I want with you.) Oops, he corrects himself. Quiero que ir con usted. I want to go with you.

Al calls Bobby and asks if he can do him a favor and cover for him with Mili. Mili wouldn't understand, and he has to go to the dinner tonight. He doesn't want any more trouble with Mili. Bobby is reluctant, but he agrees. He tells Alex that Alex owes him big time.

Rocky asks Alex a favor.

Damien lies in bed lamenting his cruel fate. Connie listens without caring, but he tells Damien he's not going to harm Damien. He only wants to help. Damien feels bad that Hugo is not interested. He looks longingly at a picture of Hugo

Val waits for her date. Gloria, Mili, and Lina hide in the bushes to watch. Morgan shows up in a nice suit, which must be the favor he asked from Al. Val is impressed. Morgan puts her in the front seat instead of the back.

Mili and Gloria go over to Bobby's. I guess Mili wasn't really going to trust Alex. (He's probably going to get angry and say that she doesn't trust him, but he deserves it. He's like the abusive spouse who says "Look what you made me do--you made me hit you.") Alex is not there. They demand that Bobby tell them where Alex is, or they'll beat him up. The girls bop him back and forth like a pinball. Booby cannot withstand the onslaught, and he cracks.

Back at the mansion, Luciana is telling Connie that she told the maid to bring in dinner. Connie is astonished--everyone else is out, why bother with an elaborate dinner? Luci asks why he has to be so cold, as if dinner with his wife has to be a chore. Just then the bell rings, and Connie calls for Braulio. Who should be at the door bearing flowers? Nestor!

Morgan and Val are at a nice restaurant, drinking champagne. They toast to love. Then they begin dancing. Morgan says he loves to repeat these experiences with her, and she laughs, since they have never gone out. He says that they have--in his dreams. The whole thing is a wonderful dream, and they kiss. This scene is played straight and is very sweet.

Alex and Flor are now at another restaurant. He is feeding her a line, er, telling her his life story. Yes, he used to be a big womanizer, but Mili changed him. Oh, really, she wonders? When you met me, you were totally flirting.

Tomorrow: Mili comes in and dumps water on Alex's head and a big plate of what looks like fettuccine alfredo on Flor's head. Val and Morgan go back to Val's room, where she's about to make herself more comfortable, and Morgan is about to explode.

Labels: guapos

Al is still at the door with his flowers – we see him fish-eye view through the keyhole. Mili tells Flor it’s a man with bad intentions, but Flor says it’s her boyfriend and she runs to freshen up a bit. Mili opens, takes the flowers and says oh, my love! How did you know I was here? Al gapes at her.

Damien is with Luci and he is stunned and misty-eyed contemplating the few days left to him. Luci says they’ll go to specialists in Houston – whatever it takes. She embraces him.

Mili tells Al he better get out of there because Flor is in there making out with her ex. Al says he can’t believe it. Mili refers to Flor as her patrona and Al says you work here? She shoves him out the door.

Mili is lying up a storm. She tells Flor that it was some guy leaving flowers for her, but Flor notices there’s no card on them. Mili asks if the ex was short and blond, and Flor says no, tall and brunette. Mili says it was him then (no other guys in Mexico City fit the description of tall and brunette, I guess) and that he said he is coming to see Flor this evening to talk. Mili keeps spinning stories – she says he practically cried when he said it. Flor said Rigoberto? Mili says yes that’s what he said his name is. He’s coming tonight to apologize. Flor is amazed.

Lina is dusting in the foyer and Vale comes in, shoves her over, plants a high-heeled foot on her stomach and tells her that she’s not to make her (Vale’s) life miserable. Vale steps over Lina and then here comes good old Bobby stage right. Vale says she’s too tired and starts up the stairs, but he says how ‘bout dinner tonight to celebrate their new coupledom? Okay, she says without enthusiasm.

Flor is upset and pacing and Mili is sticking her nose into her business and giving flip advice. Flor tells how she found her husband in bed with her best friend. I think Mili tells her that it’s not his fault, women make men crazy. Poor guy, she says, he was really crying. Mili is copping a lot of attitude, but Flor seems to impactada to notice.

Bobby and Al are walking at a construction site wearing construction-guy hard hats, and Bobby is carrying a construction-guy blueprint and a construction-guy clipboard. Hooray for the prop people! But two two aren’t talking about construction – Al is telling Bobby how amazed he is that Flor’s ex has showed up – he thought he was out of the picture. Bobby says didn’t the mafia dad say he offed him? Al said that’s what he said, but maybe only to put a scare in him.

Al’s cell rings – it’s Flor. She tells him that she’s canceling the dinner – she’s turning in early. Well, says Bobby to Al, there you have it - that makes things easier. You couldn’t decide between the two and now you have just Carlitos. Al says Carlitos was at Flor’s apartment. Bobby says oh wow.

Connie in the office is falling about laughing telling Andrea about the trick he pulled on Damien. You should have seen Damien’s face! hahahaha You should have seen Luci’s face! hahahaha. Andrea is loving it. Connie gets a stitch in his side from laughing. The handsome doctor is there too and he tells Connie look out, you could bust a gut. Hahahaha. You were great, doctor, so serious! says Connie. I wish we’d filmed it – you deserve a prize. He offers to write the doctor a check, but the doctor says no, I don’t want money, I just wanted to teach Damien a little lesson. This guy is all about ethics, or at least mostly about ethics. Connie sees him out.

Connie tells Andrea let’s go celebrate. She wants to know what his next step is and he tells her that he’s going to get Damien’s shares. He’s going to offer Damien a stack of dough for them and Damien won’t be able to pass up the opportunity to splurge in his last days. They smooch.

Flor’s sister has arrived for a sister-powwow. Mili is still there, slowly drying the dishes. I just noticed that there’s a bowl on the table with enough apples in it for 20 people. Flor tells her sister that Rigoberto is back and he’s coming to ask forgiveness. The sister is astonished and says don’t take him back. Mili pipes up that it’s her husband so she should forgive him. I’m talking to my sister! says Flor. Flor says she’s cancelled with Al and the sister says you shouldn’t see Rigo. Mili butts in that you shouldn’t turn away a husband. An EX, says the sister. Shut up, Flor finally tells Mili and I hear a low rumble that is the voices of viewers across the nation saying thank you Flor. I’ll bet the seismograph over at Cal Tech picked that one up. The sister tells Flor she’s playing with fire, she shouldn’t see him, she’s gonna get burned. Mili butts in yet again and Flor tells her to get on with the dinner and let her talk to her sister.

Morgan is having a snack and Lina is reporting to him that Bobby is taking Vale out to a fancy restaurant. Morgan is shaking something on his snack (chili powder?) and Lina is rhapsodizing about how she’d love to be taken somewhere like that. Morgan is getting more and more agitated and he is covering his snack with chili. He gets some in his eye and Lina comes over to him to help him get it out. Vale is passing by and from her point of view at the doorway, it looks like Lina and Morgan are having a love fest.

Braulio is in the foyer and Vale stomps in and tells him the servant don’t do anything – she points at Lina, who is just walking in. Braulio says she’s quite diligent with cleaning but Vale says I didn’t ask your opinion. It’s your fault the servants are wasting time, and the next person who disobeys me is out on the street. Lina looks like “huh?”

Flor’s sister is giving her advice – she is reminding her how the infidelity was only one thing, Flor had suffered so much even before that. Flor says all this brings old feelings to the surface, she’s confused. The sister tells Flor not to fall back down into that pit. She says Flor’s mental health is much better now since she’s with Al. Mili starts in about her married life, but the sister says Flor was married just one year. Flor tells her to stop what she’s doing and leave for the day – her pay is on the table. Mili sticks her tongue out and says okay, but the fish is ready. And it has a habanero chili in it.

Flor tells her sister that she wants to clear everything up with Rigo, but her sister says no, go to dinner with Alex. Mili drops in some more chili. I just want to know what he has to say, says Flor. Who cares says the sister – forget him and go out with Al. Mili drops in some more chili. Flor says you’re right, I should make the healthy choice and call Al and go out with him. Mili drops the rest of the bowl of chili in the fish.

Mili in the girls dorm is telling Gloria that she hates Flor, and where did she get off being so nice – she must be a big faker. Gloria says maybe she is nice. Mili says looks like she’s going to have dinner with Al – wait’ll they bite into the fish with habaneros. Gloria is shocked.

Braulio comes in and says Al wants to see Mili.

Damien is alone in his room. Sad piano music is playing. He gets out his giant little black book and looks up a phone number – he calls Barcelona and leaves a message with someone for Hugo to call him – it’s urgent. Karla comes in and says Luci is out there weeping up a storm. Damien asks her to go – he wants to be alone. She says don’t get into this sick-guy role so much, it’s all a joke. Violins are added to the piano. Damien tells her about Connie taking him to the doctor, the tests, the brain tumor.

Al drags Mili into his room and they get in a shoving match. He demands to know what’s going on. She says she works for Flor and he says oh yeah sure, what a coincidence. You are trying to find out about her because you’re jealous. She fake laughs. She says you’re having dinner with her, and he says no, she cancelled because of her ex. Mili says I know, they were romantic for hours and I had to listen to all the sounds.

Al’s cell rings. It’s Flor setting up the dinner again. Al is nice to her and says he’ll be right along. Mili tries to slam her character, but Al just smiles and says you’re jealous. She runs out into the hall and they argue, she pretending not to be jealous and I think saying she could get him to come back at the snap of her fingers, and Al laughing and calling her jealous, the schmuck.

Karla is in the kitchen and Socorro is trying to explain to her that God has a plan for everyone, including Damien, but Karla just wants her to go away. Socorro says that she won’t go away and she’s worried for Karla’s future. My future is dying says Karla and I’m going to be buried in this uniform. Forget Damien, says Socorro, you need a better man, one like us. What do you mean like us says Karla, and just then Braulio appears in the doorway. John Wayne-type music plays. Karla runs out.

See? Socorro says to Braulio – Karla gets all nervous around you. She likes you. Let’s not get back on that again, says Braulio. Socorro says you’re too grown up to be single. Have you thought how happy you’d be married to my Karla. No, says Braulio. What an opportunity, says Socorro, a young girl, good companion – oops! Quick pretend! Karla is passing through the room. Braulio is mouthing something but we don’t know what. Socorro tells Karla Braulio has something important to tell her. Braulio mouths something else and fidgets. Finally he says your mother has been thinking that you and I might be…. he can’t say it – finally he gets it out …a couple. Karla bursts into laughter. With Braulio, Mama? With Braulio? No! Braulio looks offended.

I had thought Al had left, but no, we’re back in his room and Mili is there with him. She wants to talk, she says. He says you said we were friends and we are – we can talk about football, go for a beer now and then.

I was wrong when I said that, says Mili, because I love you. I want what we had before, to be married in secret, to be the only woman in your life. I adore you. Kiss me! She grabs him and swings him into a dip and plants a big one on him.

What am I going to do with you, Mili? Al asks. Love me, put up with my crazy stuff, says Mili. You do love me, don’t you? I love you dummy, says Al. I was jealous, says Mili, but you went out with Flor just to get back at me, huh? Now you can release her into the wild, huh? Al looks hesitant. Call her, says Mili, and tell her that you’re canceling because you’d rather be with me. Wait, says Al, it was a lie that she was with her ex, wasn’t it?

What does that matter now asks Mili, and then she confesses. Al says look, Flor is a nice person and I owe it to her to show up. Don’t go, don’t go! says Mili. I have to talk to her and explain he says. Mili says use the phone. Al says no I owe her an explanation, I have to apologize for misleading her. Learn to trust me. He kisses her hand and leaves. I trust him, thoughtbubbles Mili, but I don’t trust her! She runs out.

Karla is still cracking up and Braulio is very offended and leaves. Socorro tells Karla to knock it off, he’s a good man. Karla gives her a news flash: He’s gay, Mama! Socorro is astonished. Karla hoots why don’t you offer him your gardener? and goes off laughing Socorro gets weepy over the news.

Luci is on a couch boo-hooing and Al comes in and discovers her. He tells her they need to be strong for Damien and to cheer him up, that weeping is not the way to go. She asks for a hug and he delivers. She asks where he’s headed and he said out with Flor. Luci says she’s very glad he’s seeing Flor and can forget Mili. Flor is the woman destined to be his wife, well-mannered, educated, rich, and Mili is… nothing.

Look Mama, Al says, that’s the person I fell in love with. Luci says aren’t you attracted to Flor? Of course, at this juncture, Mili is seen in the background, coming into the room. She hides behind a pillar. Al says Flor makes me feel things I have never felt before. I’m confused. Luci urges him to give it some time, those feelings would grow stronger. Mili is just a pastime for you, she says.

Gloria is on the arm of Chamuco, and Lina on Morgan’s arm and they are heading up the stairs to the fancy restaurant. Bobby and Vale are inside – he is telling her about business and she is stupefied with boredom, but she starts suddenly to life – here come our gang. She demands to know what they’re doing there. Morgan says they’re celebrating the new couplehood of him and Lina – his chiquita. I’M your chiquita, says Vale. You’re our servants, you’re not allowed to eat in the same restaurant with us – let’s go Bobby! Bobby notes that they just ordered. Morgan tells them to enjoy their dinner and he and Lina go over to a table and snuggle.

Flor is setting the table – I guess she and her sister ate most of the apples, because there are only about four left. Al comes in and says they need to talk. She says yes, she needs to explain about why she cancelled their date earlier. He says no, and he starts to explain that he’d been going through a hard time as she knew, he never wanted to hurt her, but… the doorbell rings. (My dog starts barking as usual.) It’s Mili, in full naco garb. Que haces aqui? I’m Mili and this man is already taken – she strides over to Alex and plants a big one on him.

There is a big kiss-off at the restaurant involving several rounds, Vale & Bobby are one team, Lina & Morgan the other. After a few bouts, Bobby is groggy from kisses, and Lina has to fan herself. Vale and Morgan throw each other challenging looks. They end up dipping their kissing partner for a grand finale. The patrons of the restaurant don’t pay a shred of attention.

Flor says let go of my boyfriend. He’s not yours, says Mili, he was mine way before you came along. Mili is shouting mine! mine! and Flor is weeping. Alex says he wants to explain but Flor slaps him and Mili rushes up and smacks her. Flor says you both tricked me – you pretended to be a servant. I am, says Mili, and proud of it. She works for my grandmother says Alex. You got involved with…?? says Flor. Flor throws them both out and sobs. Maybe she’s not the big egalitarian we thought she was, but boy Alex, she sure looks like the better deal.

Al and Mili are leaving the building and Mili is laughing like a hyena. Al is furious with her which seems to surprise her. He says you blew it Mili – I didn’t want to hurt her like that, I was explaining things. What you did was very wrong. I told you to trust me and you didn’t. What kind of relationship can we have if we don’t have trust?

Good question says Mili – I heard you talking with your mother. You think I’d leave you alone with Flor after that? They get in a screaming fight over getting in the car.

Flor is giving her sister a re-hash of what happened: Al and servant, Mili posing as maid to spy, the big kiss right there in her living room. She’s never been so humiliated in her whole life, not even with her ex. Alex is going to pay! They’ve had like maybe two whole dates, but somehow all this makes sense to her. I wonder if Al even knew that he was her novio.


Avances: Uh oh. The mafia dad is asking Al if he cheated on his daughter Flor with a servant. Alex explains that he was already with Mili. So a servant is better than my daughter? and he lifts Alex by the tie. Flor and Luci team up to get Alex for Flor.

Labels: guapos

Today's beginning is yesterday's ending as described by Maricruz:

Juan overhears Marely and Sandro’s conversation and tells him that he is sorry but the time to turn in curriculums has passed. Marely corrects Juan and tells him that the list for the VP position is still open. Juan tells Sando to follow him, once in the office Juan tells Sandro that he shouldn’t get his hopes up, because they have a lot of candidates. Sandro tells him that he understands and that he would really appreciate whatever opportunity they can give him. He leaves, and Juan thought bubbles that he doesn’t know why he was so rude to Sandro. Is it maybe because he is afraid that Sandro will capture his Palomita’s heart?


Today:
Paula explains to Ana why she invited Ivonne to stay with them. Ana, surprised but ever gracious, welcomes Ivonne into their home. Ivonne says she will try not to be a pain, then she tells Las Dávila that they are a blessing.

Anga calls Pastor to ask him what he thinks about him (Anga) offering Nidia a job. Pastor says why bother, clearly Nidia has a thing for that guy Lorenzo. How could she not? She is, after all, Nidia Cachón. He doesn't mean to be cruel but he wants Anga to be psychologically prepared to fall to pieces. Anga sadly replies he's already broken himself to pieces.

Nidia and Lorenzo make goo-goo talk on the phone. He invites her to a bohemian cafe to read poetry and Nidia gushingly agrees. Could these two be more wrong for each other? Lorenzo loves his idea of the perfect woman and Nidia loves the attention, but that's it.

Paula fills Ivonne in on Sandro Arenas (Sandy2). She kindly tends to Ivonne and tucks her into bed. After she leaves Ivonne thanks God (that she is being cared for, not that Paula's leaving...I think).

Marely and Sandy2 flirt innocently while Fer, scowling, looks on.

Downstairs, Ana asks Paula why she brought Ivonne home after Ivonne always gave her such a hard time. Ana is impressed by Paula's generosity, especially when she hears that Ivonne is being treated for cancer.

Juan (scratching his back with his favorite back-scratching statue) and Fer talk about Sandy2 being Fer's rival for VP. Fer tries to get Juan to tell him some of the interview questions in advance but Juan won't do it. OK, Juan CAN'T do it because he doesn't know what they are, that's Paula's job. He says he's sorry but how can he ask questions on a subject about which he knows nothing? Fer decides to fight for the job, he just hopes Paula won't hold it against him that when he was a chauffeur he spilled the soup about her and CL. Juan is indignant, the Licenciada is a just woman who would never confuse magnesium with gymnasium. (La magnesia con la gimnasia. Anybody have a clue what this means?) They stuff pink marshmallows in their mouths.

Marely goes to Pastor's office to tell him they have the paperwork on all the VP candidates except for him. She needs his resume, education, etc. Pastor acts insulted. Everybody already knows his capabilities (Oh dear, I wouldn't brag honey)! Marely is just following orders. After she leaves he bites his nails and wonders what he's done with his documents. (Ahem, he's the director of HR; shouldn't he have his and everyone else's documents in the personnel files?)

Warning: the following scene was over my head so please feel free to correct my translation. Heriberto enthusiastically submits his resume to Marely for the VP job. He seems to misunderstand what it means to show Licenciada Paula his curriculum. He says he may be a rancher (or shy) but he has his pride! Marely tries to enlighten him but he blusters on, he is giving her a paper with his details, education, etc. Naturally our randy rancher can't pass up this opportunity to tell Marely what he really needs is a female, one with hair the color of a corncob. He strolls away growling lustfully while Marely crosses herself.

Anga brings Ivonne some hot tea and Ivonne apologizes for being a raging bitch to both Ana and Paula.

Marely brings the resumes to Paula who is shocked and amused to see Heriberto Chavez amongst the candidates. Marely tells her that Sandy2 was the most prepared of all the candidates. (Coached by CL no doubt.)

CL visits what is apparently the only salon in Mexico City. It's the same one where Pastor goes and where Juan got his haircut. The overtly gay dude in a blue fedora tells CL he's just perfect, he wouldn't touch a hair. CL rudely says he needs a new look and he wants his hair dyed, is that clear "Señora"?

Fer calls Ivonne and scolds her for not telling him where she went. He went to the hospital then her house and couldn't find her. He teasingly says he's furious but will visit her at the first opportunity.

Paula updates Juan on the candidates. Juan says their own rooster (Fer) is looking pretty good, no? Paula answers that Sandro is the most prepared. This is Juan's cue to make Paula jealous. He says he has an appointment...elsewhere. Paula assumes it's with the mystery mujer, rolls her eyes and leaves. Juan basks momentarily, but his 'victory' is shallow and he knows it.

Juan meets Juanito after school and watches proudly as Jito gives Flor a little kiss goodbye.

Paula pumps Marely for info on the mystery woman. Two dates in a row! Paula suspects that the mystery woman is fabricated. Nobody has seen her or even knows her name. She asks Marely to discreetly find out if Julia knows any details. Marely really doesn't like this sort of work assignment.

Juan brings Juanito to Casa Cachón but unfortunately Nidia has flown the coop. Alirio gripes profusely that she has abandoned her sacred hearth for an alleged interview. Juan wonders if Alirio would mind... No! Alirio yells he will not play nanny again! Juanito says fine, he doesn't want to stay with Mr. Loudmouth anyway.

Oh dear, Nidia and Lorenzo are in the cafe waxing poetic and gazing at each other. It's gross. Enough said.

Laura's doorbell rings. Third time's the charm! She seductively opens the door. "You finally arrived," she says coyly. Juanito pops into the doorway grinning widely. Whoopeee, a date with dad! Laura sighs. She's getting schooled on the dating habits of a single parent.

Sandy2 arrives home and is disconcerted at CL's transformation from CL to Sandy2. CL claims it's because he needs to fool the staff when he comes and goes but I think we all know better. Samdy2 gives CL an update on Farell and says he understands why CL was a womanizer, the women at Farell are hot! CL insists his wife is the hottest. Sandy2 says she's OK, but her secretary Marely is enchanting and sweet. CL demands that Sandy2 concentrate on Paula and nobody else!

The Juans are eating lunch at Laura's pad. She has a surprise for big Juan, it's a sculpture she made especially for him! He pulls it out of the bag and stares, baffled, que the hell is it? "Oh lovely," he lies, holding it to his head like a phone. Juanito thinks it's a horrible monstrosity, yuck! Laura is thrilled that Juan likes it, it's called Sirena de Amor and was inspired by the beach, the sun, the waves and the perfect body of a woman. (Yikes, I'm with Juanito on this one.) Juanito says he doesn't see a mermaid in the sculpture. Laura tries to give him a tutorial on interpretive art but Juanito is done with school for the day.

Laura takes this lunch opportunity to remind Juan that she would be the perfect candidate for the position of VP.

Marely tells Paula that Julia doesn't know who the mystery woman is. Paula whines until Marely agrees to see if Fer knows.

Fer wasted no time in visiting Ivonne. He strokes her hair and says he's nervous about the VP interviews. By the way, CL's twin brother applied. Ivonne wonders why, he's rich now. Fer suspects Sandy2 of trying to weasel his way into Farell.

Marely and Paula are at lunch. Marely can't believe that Paula invited Ivonne to stay with her; it's like sleeping with the enemy. Paula gives Marely a lecture on the merits of forgiveness. (Does Paula not know her sister? Nobody is more forgiving than Marely.) Marely gets miffed and rightfully so. She asks Paula what she has against Las Cachón. She can forgive everybody in the world except her mother Nidia, is that it? Paula says it's different because Ivonne is alone.

Laura clings to Juan like a remora and tells him she's serious about working at Farell. Ceramics is only a hobby and it doesn't pay the bills. "And I know why," pipes up Juanito as he plays with Sirena de Amor. Laura tells Juan if she gets the job then they can be close every day. This startles or annoys Juanito so badly he throws the sculpture on the ground and breaks it. Juan sternly tells his son they will discuss this later! His voice is stern but he looks pleased about the smashed statue.

When the Juans return to Farell Juanito expresses his dislike of Laura.

Marely tries to find out if Fer knows any details about the mystery woman. If Fer knows he's not telling.

Nidia and Lorenzo are still on their stupid date when Nidia remembers she has to go home right away, it's time to eat and nobody knows where she is. Lorenzo gives her his phone number and kisses her hand. (Oh my, do we suppose that this number will be discovered at an inopportune moment?)

Fer goes to Juan's office and divulges that none other than Marely was asking for details on Juan's mystery woman. Juan is impressed. His little rose garden is jealous!

No no no, Fernando corrects him. Marely is neither jealous nor a gossip. Fer suspects that someone is behind Marely pulling the strings and that someone is Paula. Juan smiles broadly, aha!!

Juan goes to Paula's office and he's holding a red folder. He preens and tells her he had an absolutely delicious lunch. The snails were exquisite and the company divine. Paula snaps back that she's busy, what does he want?

Juan reveals that he has another applicant for the VP job. She is a Very Dear Friend so will Paula accept the resume? Paula opens the folder and is muy impactada at the name. "Laura Berrocal is your friend?" she asks, dismayed and put-out.

Tomorrow: Surprisingly, Juan and Paula argue over Laura's resume. Yawn.

A remora attached to a shark. You almost never see these suckers swimming alone. They are always attached to some other creature. They are relentless in their desire to latch on.

Caerse a pedazos = To fall to pieces, to be destroyed
Hacer pedazos = To break to pieces
Dar la lata = To be a pain, to pester
Griton = Loudmouth
Ranchero = Rancher, also shy
Una vida de cuadritos = a hard time, a hard life

Labels: Juan

I'm happy to be back in the land of the old-fashioned, repetitive, unsubtle telenovela, where emotion is communicated by (1) heaving breasts (2) eyes with the whites showing all the way around and (3) bared fangs.

From yesterday, supreme brown-noser Furd says the fights Gab and Sofia are having indicate he and his mujer should move out. Gab says "Oh, no, please don't, my dear son-in law! I'll control myself, and I'll build you a lovely cottage on the grounds here. You can't go, you're the only one who understands me." (Actually she said he can build his own place, but she hires the contractor and reviews the blueprints.)

Also from yesterday, the boys bury their sister someplace, is this legal? They have some bloody spiny stuff and twist it up and smear blood on their foreheads and swear on the tomb they will avenge fair Libia.

Sofia asks her odious brown-nosing hubby Furd, "How did Dad die?" "Again and again I tell you, he lost control of his horse." "He was an excellent horseman!" "Are you insinuating I killed him? How unfair you are to me!" He tries to look innocent but looks like a monkey trying to figure out the best place to hide his banana. She retracts her insinuations and cries. He caresses her hair ickily and insinuates it's time for sex. "When will you understand I hate the touch of man?" He looks like a sad monkey. Put that banana away.

Gab curses her dead husband many times during this episode.

Marcia, I mean Jimena, and Sarita have a pathetically brief and empty scene. "Do you think dad was unfaithful?" "Oh, quiet!" says Sarita, the serious one. [You know she's the serious one cause she wears glasses. What do you bet one of those hunky Hmos. Reyes gonna get those glasses off her? --Ed.] "Jimena, you should go to confession, why you talking 'bout men all the time?" "I'm tired of having only sins of the mind to confess. Don't you ever think about guys?" "ME? Well, maybe a little..." Jimena wants the man of her dreams to appear fast, before she gets serious crowsfeet.

The Reyes brothers are waiting for tomorrow and their big vengeance day. Juan has a fever. He shivers in his sleep and reaches out dramatically to Libia, in the other world, saying "Take Mother's Necklace! Oh, Not the Darkness! I'm Afraid! I Need Light!" Oh, ok, it's morning, he's ok, I bet you were worried our main hero was going to die in the third episode of the novela. "Brothers, we just have each other, let's get going on that vengeance thing."

At the Badlove Dancing Palace, she of the bulging bodice is still singing her same song, "Insatiable Bonbon Assassin," and is upset that her usual drooling fan, Franco, is not in the audience. She mopes with her dresser, who points out reasonably: "Maybe he has other things to do." "I miss him! How can this happen to me!?"

Father Tadeo coyly asks Sofia if she needs to take a pass on organizing the Fiesta on Charity Day, seeing as how her dad just died. No, she wants to go ahead with it, and dedicate the festival to her father. Gab, the noble grieving widow, makes a grand entrance down the stairs. She tells Tadeo that her faith strengthens her. He warns her no guardar rencores which is one of my favorite Spanish phrases and it was even in my dream the other night. "Don't hold grudges" isn't even 1/2 as good. "It's not rancor, Father, I was betrayed." After her exit Sofia thoughtbubbles, "Mom never accepts any blame and it does so much damage."

The brothers are stiffly arranged in a tableau of righteous anger, Juan opens a chest and takes out guns. "Our father was a peaceful man, our parents didn't teach us to hate, but everything has a limit." Franco, who I am tempted to nickname Botox, nods stiffly; following Chris's suggestion that we flesh out his acting, let's imagine his noble blank visage is supposed to indicate, "Yes, Juan, I believe you are right." "OK, let's go get that family and destroy Bernardo's loved ones!"

Gabriela yells through the house for long-suffering Eva the housekeeper. Looking for keys she paws through Eva's drawers and finds the picture of Libia with the loving inscription from Bernardo [why did he write a loving inscription to Libia on a photo she was giving him? --Ed.]. She crumbles it up as she rolls her eyes fiercely.

Collagen-lips Eva shows up and Gab barks, why did you betray me blah blah, and how did you come by this photo? (Shows crumbled photo.) "I was pawing through your husband's clothes and the photo lifted it out of his pocket into my hand. I didn't tell you cause I thought it would be better if you didn't know." "As You Know, you've worked here all your life, my daughters adore you and my father trusts you and so did I, now you need a punishment." Eva says she'll quit her job right now (good idea), Gab slaps her and says "You're not going anywhere."

The Reyes Bros. have very nice horses and they ride over hill and vale and then go into a market and start asking the banana vendors, "Where is the Elizando hacienda?" They get a lot of "Never heard of it" responses and then the first guy who knows anything, Juan jumps him and starts punching, way to get the directions to the hacienda.

Turns out this hairy scruffy guy was one of the two guys Furd found near the scene of Bernardo's death - remember? Furd randomly selected this scruffy guy's friend and said, "YOU did it, you killed Bernardo, you ruffian!" and now that friend is in jail and so the scruffy guy is teed off and blames - the girl!

There's a big scuffle, baskets are flying. Along comes the lady who took Libia to Bernardo's and she says, "I know where the hacienda is but I shouldn't tell you, it will lead to more misfortune."

Gab goes to yell at her dead husband some more, waving the crumpled photo. She looks up at Jesus on the wall and says, "I know God is listening!"

Gramps is playing war with his tin soldiers when Eva comes in. He instantly knows what's been happening and goes to complain to his evil daughter, who snaps, "Dad, I can't take any more of your impertinence!" [Saying such a thing to her father is, in itself, enough to condemn Gab to eventual death. --Ed.] "And I can't take more of your bitterness, if Bernardo betrayed you it was your fault, you are cold and calculating, stop blaming others." "Keep your sermons to yourself!"

Gramps intones portentously: "The walls of this prison aren't thick enough to conceal so many secrets!" Gab says he has secrets of his own and that he is paying for his crimes by being in a wheelchair [a notion which, speaking for a lot of good, blameless people in wheelchairs, I resent most intensely -- Ed.] He cries.

Furd suggests to his mother-in-law that it was a mistake to hit Eva. "Keep your enemies close and treat them well. If she blabs to your daughters she'll confirm their suspicions and there will be rebellion." Gab is worried - what if the girl comes back? "She, uh, won't be bothering you again." "How can you be so sure?" "She committed suicide." Gab apologizes awkwardly to Eva.

Eva has a flashback to a night long ago when she helped her inebriated boss Bernardo get into bed. "I should never have gotten into bed with him." I think she thinks he never knew she did it.

The girls, in another awkward tableau, kiss Gramps goodnight. He suggests that when they get to Pueblo tomorrow they should find nice guys and flee to Europe. Sofia the wetblanket reminds him they are in mourning.

The boys are, again, ready for a day of vengeance. Juan, of all people, counsels his brothers, they should be cold and intelligent. Hah. Juan says, "I pray God forgives us for what's going to happen." [Can you get a pardon in advance for a sin you intend to commit?]

They are good at keeping their huge hats on as they gallop over the greensward, leaving behind a plywood cutout of a guy with a sombrero and a scythe. They are off to the Elizondo estate...

... where Furd can't get the car started, so he has to borrow a truck. Furd, Gab and the girls leave for Puebla. On the way, Gab announces she's turning management of the hacienda over to her admirable son-in-law. Sofia pipes up, "Dad taught ME how to do it, he thought when the time came..." "Well THAT time hasn't come yet. Your hubby gets the gig."

When they get to the hotel in Puebla Gab warns her daughters not to think they are going to have a good time. Sofia and her mom review the "I don't love him," "He's a genteel and sensitive man, that's why I chose him for you," "I want a divorce," "You're not getting a divorce," conversation.

Meanwhile, the Reyes boys reach the hacienda. They get off their horses and let the horses run away! They wander backwards and sideways waving their guns. Gramps is watching from an upper floor through his telescope.

Eva comes out and thinks they're the guys come to build the cabana. "You're confused, we're not cabana-building guys, we're Juan Franco and Oscar the Reyes brothers!" "Oh, brothers to that little girl..."

They explain they're here to wreak vengeance -- either the Elizondos come out or they're going in. "No, the Elizondos are in town, you'll have to come back and wreak vengeance another day."

They find out Bernardo is dead and that the night of his wake Libia showed up there and the widow Gab was mean to her, and further, Eva says Bernardo actually did love their sister. Gramps is taking notes in the upstairs window.

The boys press forward. "We're going in." "No you aren't." "We're going in." "No you aren't." "Yes, we are. We're staying till they come back." They bust in.

Gramps faces them from the top of the stairs (yes, those stairs of doom) wearing an odd outfit. He shoots a toilet plunger arrow from a coathanger bow and then topples down the stairs in his wheelchair. Luckily Juan catches him and plops him back in his chair.

Eva tells gramps these guys are, in point of fact, the bricklayers here to build the cabaña. "First time I've seen guys show up to work with guns instead of tools." "I'll get them what they need," says Eva, "and they will LEAVE and come back TOMORROW!" The boys look very confused and leave as she has suggested. This technique works well with my donkey.

Back at Bare-chested Bakery, the useless brothers Franco and Oscar lean against a post and watch Juan kneading dough again. "What will we two do? You're the only one who knows how to work." "I'll explain as we go along."

Oscar makes a good point: "That lady said Bernardo really loved Libia, and now he's dead. How do we take revenge on a dead guy?" Franco, who is supposed to be the smart one, chimes in: "We don't know anything. It's all a mystery." Think that one over.

Juan has the last words: "We'll go build a cabaña and figure out who's to blame for Libia's death, and THEN we'll get our vengeance."

Tomorrow: Juan is shirtless in front of Gab and Sofia. Sofia almost smiles. Gab, not so much.

Labels: Fuego

Hi everybody! Here is the recap. I’ll revise it later on today, right now I’m tired and I don’t feel like reading it again. Please forgive the bad grammar and misspellings.

We start with rehash from yesterday. Lorenzo thanks Juan for awakening his senses... blah, blah. Next day, Nidia is going to a job interview and is drinking a lot of coffee to stay awake. Marely scolds her, and Yadira defends her.

Yvonne wakes up and Fernando is there by her side. He gives her the good news that she is been discharged today. Fernando doesn’t want her to be by herself, he wants her to move with him. He proposes marriage.

On to today’s show

Lorenzo wakes to find out that Doña Josefina is gone. He calls Juan, and informs him that Pepita is gone probably to her sisters’ house. Juan encourages him to call her.

Fernando breaks the silence and tells Yvonne that he will take her silence as a yes. Yvonne tells him that actually, she can’t accept. This is a very important decision and she has so many things in her head right now to be able to make the right decision. Fernando then suggests that she stays with him in his apartment since she needs a nurse. Yvonne declines this invitation also.

Lorenzo is trying to contact Pepita, but it seems that his sister in law won’t let him talk to her, he hangs up very upset. Juan calls him to find out if he was able to talk to Pepita. Lorenzo tells him that he hasn’t. Juan tells him that he should go to the house. Lorenzo doesn’t want to fight with his sister in law. Juan says that he’ll go.

Juanito and Juan go to buy Flor’s uniform. They ring the bell but nobody opens the door. Juanito asks Juan about Mr. and Mrs. Pomposo. He doesn’t understand why Pepita left. Juan spins another of his stories. Juanito doesn’t understand and Juan can’t explain because right then somebody opens the door. They are closed and won’t open until 9:00 am. Juanito tells the lady that they need the uniform or his friend won’t be able to go to school. The lady is half convinced.

Nidia takes a juice to Delirio as a sign of peace. After a few exchange of words Nidia tells Delirio that she has a work appointment. Delirio doesn’t believe her.

Juan tells Junito he’ll talk to Pepita and Lorenzo to help them get back together. When they get to the school they give Flor her uniform. She is very happy. She goes to change.

Topete arrives at the Cachon residence and asks for Yadira. Kike tells him to go and leave them alone. Topete says that he comes to get “his” woman. Kike says “Mejor no se me ponga gallo porque ahorita lo hago caldo” (you better don get cocky (gallo, which also means rooster) because I’ll make you sup) Yadira comes and yells at both of them. She’ll talk to Topete alone. They walk to the study. As soon as they enter Yadira tells him that she done with him. Impactado face from Topete

Sandro gives his documents that prove his identity to the lawyer.

Topete tries to convince Yadira to come back to the apartment, but Yadira doesn’t budge. He ends up pleading with her. He promises that he’ll let her go whatever place she wants, but Yadira says that she is done with him and is better if he leves

Outside the study Kike is waiting to see what happens. Marely sees him and tells him that he shouldn’t be worried; the one that should be on her knees asking for forgiveness is Yadira. Kikes say that he loves Yadira and he wants her back. Marely tells him to be careful, “No se que vayas por lana y termines trasquilado” or Yadira will mistreat him again. Kike says he is used being “trasquilado” mistreated and used by Yadira. Marely agrees.

Nidia finds out that the job is to give massages. She is offended and leaves, but she comes back right away to ask how much would she get paid. The guy that is offering the job tells her that she would get the minimum, however due to her age she would have to get docked. –Docked? I want you to know that for that amount I wouldn’t even give you a massage in your big toe. She leaves in a huff.

Back at the notary, Sandro’s identity has been checked and everything is in order. He asks if he could use the apartment. Paula says that there is no problem. He tells her that he lost his job and he has been staying in a hotel and that is why he needs the apartment. Paula offers him a job at Farrell. Sandro is very thankful.

Topete comes out of the study, Kike taunts him. Topete showing his true colors tells Kike that he is giving him back his woman. He leaves, and Kike is very happy and congratulates Yadira. She tells him to mind his own business and leaves. Kike is bewildered and tells Marely that he doesn’t know what he did wrong. Marely comforts him

Outside the notary Paula explains to Sandro that they are looking for a Vice-President. Sandro says that he is qualified for the job and he will submit his curriculum. He leaves not without thanking Paula again. After he leaves Paula asks Ana if she is impressed. Ana says yes but not because the look alike, but because they are so different.

Juan arrives at Pepita’s sister’s house. He asks for forgiveness, he kneels in front of her, but Pepita is inflexible. She won’t hear it. She goes back inside, sister in tow.

Juan is now with Lorenzo. He doesn’t care that Pepita won’t forgive him. He says that he is tired of his wife’s black mails, and that if Pepita doesn’t want to come back, he(Lorenzo) won’t ask her to came back. Juan thought bubble that he has single handed destroy a marriage.

Kike followed her to her room. She tells him to stop talking about Topete, and it is better if he understands that she doesn’t want to come back with him. Kike asks if she doesn’t love him anymore. She tells him only as a friend. She tells him that right now she wants to be alone. She feels that she has a lot of things to do and know before she commits herself to their relationship. Kike says that he’ll wait.

Paula arrives at the hospital. Yvonne tells her that she has been discharged. Paula tells her that she shouldn’t be by herself. Yvonne tells her that Fer proposed to her, but she did not accept, because she doesn’t know if they could have a relationship after all the things that they have done to each other. Paula tells her that she could come and stay at Ana’s house with her. After realizing that the only reason that they haven’t had a better relationship was CL, Yvonne accepts.

At Farrell, Heriberto is asking Julia at what vet clinic is Yvonne at. Julia tells him that she doesn’t know and to ask around and then if he finds out to let her know.

Nidia is complaining to Delirio that the job was very denigrating. Delirio commiserates her and tells her that he has the perfect job for her. She could be his secretary. Nidia tells him not to joke like that. The phone rings and when Nidia answers we see that it is Lorenzo. Nidia tells Lorenzo that she’ll call him right back. Delirio doesn’t look too convinced.

Angarita is upset and tells Kike that Nidia has been toying with him. He tells Kike to be sincere and tell him if the problem is because he loves her too much or because he is dumb. Kike tells him that it is a little of both. Angarita says that Nidia changes lovers as much as she changes shoes. Yadira arrives to hear this and yells at both (Anga and Kike)

Back at the Cachon residence, Nidia talks to Lorenzo, both are flirting and Nidia remarks that their conversation is better than a hot line.

Yadira yells at Anga that her mother is behaving erratically because she is looking for a job. Angarita’s face tells us that Nidia will be working at the Market place very soon.

Sandro arrived at Farrell and goes to Marely’s desk to ask for Paula, but when he sees Marely he can only say good morning. Marely is as tied tongued as Sandro is and can also only manage a “good morning”. They are both smitten.

Paula took Yvonne to Ana’s house. Ana doesn’t look thrilled.

Juan overhears Marely and Sandro’s conversation and tells him that he is sorry but the time to turn in curriculums has passed. Marely corrects Juan and tells him that the list for the VP position is still open. Juan tells Sando to follow him, once in the office Juan tells Sandro that he shouldn’t get his hopes up, because they have a lot of candidates. Sandro tells him that he understands and that he would really appreciate whatever opportunity they can give him. He leaves, and Juan thought bubbles that he doesn’t know why he was so rude to Sandro. Is it maybe because he is afraid that Sandro will capture his Palomita’s heart?
The end

Labels: Juan

We get a repeat of Rocky/Morgan washing the car shirtless and Valeria fighting her raging hormones. His excuses for being shirtless are amusing (my clothes will get all wet, it's really hot out here). It's not a bad torso, but then I've never been overly enamored of the Schwarzenegger body type.

Again, we watch the horror that is Mili standing there on the fútbol field without even seeing the ball. See, that's how you know it's bad. Sor Cachete fails to resist the urge to say "I told you so" to Padre Manuel.

Constancio warns Alejandro about Florencia's dad being dangerous (dun, dun, dun). He claims he gets it, but I have my doubts. We all know how he goes back and forth.

Valeria keeps failing to resist Morgan/Rocky's naked chest. She's got her uptown girl hands all over His Naconess, but she finally runs away before he can make a grab. Rocky/Morgan caresses the car while he exults in his apparently irresistible appeal.

Valeria runs into her bedroom and indulges in a fantasy of herself, barefoot and pregnant, with curlers in her hair, cooking a shoe for her man's dinner. Bim and Bo come over to visit and sneer at the Love Hovel, throwing the same insults at Valeria that she usually throws at Mili. She starts screaming "no, no!", grabs her purse and runs out of the room.

Constancio comes to see Damian on his fake deathbed. Constancio says it's too bad he's not feeling well since he wanted to invite Damian to go gambling. Seems Damian already spent his check from earlier. Constancio tells him to rest up. Oddly enough, Damian makes a miraculous recovery, except for some weak coughs. The guys head out.

Gloria and Padre Manuel talk about Gloria's mom. She hasn't forgiven her yet, she's just considering it. PM pushes her to talk more to her mom, but Gloria came to the convent to console Mili. She lets herself get talked into going to talk to her Mom, but only because PM asked.

Mili gripes at her cuate Jesús. She wants to be happy "for a change" and win just one match, what's it worth?

Gloria says hi to her Mom in one of the convent hallways. She manages to ask "how are you?" and then runs out of things to say. There's nothing she wants to do either, but Mom wants to hug her. Gloria halfheartedly agrees. She gets weepy and actually calls her "Mamá."

Bobby opens the door to Valeria and is so surprised he forgets to ask her in. Valeria says she wants them to go out, I mean, he likes her, right? She asks him to seduce her (and if it were Braulio, he would have said "1 2 3"). Bobby approaches for a kiss, but it's just not working out. There is no heat going on here, it's worse than a "spin the bottle" kiss.

Gloria finds Mili in the kitchen. She gives her a pep talk about needing to fight for Alejandro. Like they say, "The shrimp caught sleeping ends up in the grocery store!" Mili's not sure how she's supposed to fight without getting labeled a bad girl. Gloria says it's only the end of the first half, Mili's got to get back in there for the second half. Mili agrees and they decide to go home and get Florencia's address from Braulio. Padre Manuel and Sor Cachete are surprised to see the two girls running out of there so fast.

Florencia finally comes home and tells her sister that Agapito is really Alejandro and the fake Alejandro was a friend of his. Sis is slightly impressed at Alejandro going to all that trouble. Florencia is convinced there's someone else--after all, who was he throwing rocks in the lake for?

Constancio has dragged Damian to a doctor's office. Damian whines while Constancio tries to pretend it's for Damian's own good and that he gives a crap about Damian. The doctor comes in to fetch them both and Constancio reassures Damian that he won't leave his side for a minute. Oh, fun, they're going to the proctologist first. If I were Damian, I'd just come clean, as it were. He gets blood drawn, a CT scan, some x-rays, and presumably a whole lot more.

Morgan/Rocky busts Valeria and Bobby necking on the couch in the foyer. Valeria giddily announces that they're boyfriend/girlfriend. Vapid tart.

Alejandro comes to visit Florencia. He comments on the nice table setting and then goes to wash his hands. The doorbell rings again, this time it's Mili in a yellow dress with her hair in pigtails and flower earrings. Florencia assumes that Mili's the new maid she asked the porter to send up. Mili plays along. *sigh* This can't lead anywhere good. Post commercial break, Florencia offers 200 pesos per day. Mili says she won't have a fixed schedule since she has to clean other houses. Mili asks about the plates on the table and razzes Florencia about having a boyfriend "already." Mili gives her name as "Maria" and Florencia says she was looking for a maid, but preferably a mute one. Mili comments on Florencia's hair and after promising she'll be back the next way, she tells Florencia to watch out for that guy in there…you never know about guys, you've got to watch out for all those nasty diseases and such. Mili leaves and a confused Florencia asks Alejandro about his safe sex habits. Bow, chicka, bow, bow. Alejandro looks really turned off and I'm now turned off by the fact that he doesn't seem to have had this conversation before with any of his previous (and numerous) partners. That is just not cool.

Horacio is still trying to make up to Socorro by telling jokes to prove he's not a chauvinist:

Q: Why did God make man first, then woman?
A: Because one learns from one's mistakes.

Q: What's the difference between a man and a green (unripe) avocado?
A: The avocado matures.

Q: Why, when you tell a man something, does it go in one ear and out the other?
A: Because sound can't travel in a vacuum.

Socorro finally giggles and Horacio throws out one more:

Q: Why can't a man be handsome and intelligent at the same time?
A: Because then he'd be a woman, of course!

Socorro wonders what she's going to do with him, but before he can answer, Rocky/Morgan walks in. He's in shock and weeping because Bobby took Valeria away from him. There are some metaphors about a bike, brakes, and tamales that I don't quite get, but I'm sure they all mean "He stole my not-girlfriend!"

Finally they're done with all the medical tests and Constancio, quite considerately asks if they don't have a candy for Damian like they give to kids after a visit. Personally, I go for a milkshake after one of those visits when they have to try both arms to get all the blood they wanted. Constancio has also been considerate enough to ask the doctor to bring the results straight to him the next day so poor Damian doesn't have to come back and get them. Constancio and Damian the Human Pincushion take their leave.

Florencia and Alejandro enjoy a candlelight dinner. Florencia stumbles over his name and they have a laugh about it. Florencia wonders if there's anything else Alejandro lied about. She tells Alejandro to be patient with her--she wasn't planning on getting into a relationship. Alejandro tells her he also wonders what to do now.

Mili informs Lina and Gloria that she's signed on as Florencia's maid to keep a better eye on her. This is her way of fighting for her man-boy, by keeping her enemy close. Mili claims not to like Florencia, but we know she's going to end up wanting to be BFFs like she does everyone else. Mili's sure Doña Regina will give her time off to go infiltrate enemy headquarters.

Damian tells Luciana that Constancio subjected him to unnecessary medical tests. Luciana whines. Damian asks for her help--he needs money (ooh, big shock) to try and bribe the honorable doctor with. Oh, these tiresome rich people, thinking they can solve everything with money.

Aha! That sneak Horacio got his jokes from Chamuco.

Mili asks Regina for permission to have a second job, just for a few days until the "situation" is settled. Regina offers her a raise (take it!) but Mili refuses (idiot). Mili tells her she's playing the second half, she needs to get her man back, she's down 1 to 0, but she's got 45 minutes left. *facepalm*

Bobby brags to Alejandro about being with Valeria. Alejandro thinks something weird is going on, it's too fast, it might be a trick of Valeria's. Bobby takes offense. He thinks Alejandro's projecting since it's him who keeps going back and forth between Mili and Florencia. When Bobby's making this much sense, it's a sad, sad, day. Alejandro explains that he adores Mili, but Florencia "moves" him, here, inside in a way a woman's never made him feel before (maybe it's just indigestion?). With Mili he forgets the world, but she's naca (he didn't say it, but it's what he meant). Bobby says that Florencia is worthy of the new president of Belmonte Co. Bobby also points out that Mili wants to change, but Alejandro's going to have to be patient. Alejandro says he's losing his patience.

Socorro asks Karla if it's true that Damian's dying. More or less, Karla says, he's sick, but not dying…and besides, love is the best medicine. Socorro nags her to quit going out with Damian. Karla tells Socorro that since she's always getting left by men, she's set a bad example for Karla. Slag. Braulio comes in and asks Socorro to make tea. Socorro starts eyeing Braulio…as a potential son-in-law, perhaps?

Damian comes by the doctor's office to try and get the results. He tells him he'll pay whatever to hand over the results. Ruben is offended and won't risk his professional ethics. Damian says that Constancio will kill him. Ruben says that's none of his affair, he's not for sale. Damian says he hopes Ruben's not sorry when he sees Damian's name on the tombstone. Suspension of disbelief escapes me, as Damian shouldn't have had to bribe Ruben for those test results, just say that he came to pick them up and then wait for them to be ready. Ethically, Ruben can't refuse to hand them over. Maybe he'll remember that when he gets over the insinuation that he's bribable. Ruben picks up the phone and tells Constancio that Damian did try to bribe him.

Rocky/Morgan is trying to convince Lina of something. Lina approves of him fighting for his love, but she's still not sure. Rocky/Morgan begs, saying "plees-eh" like they say in English. Rocky/Morgan drags Lina off to the garden.

Mili reports for her first day of work with Florencia. She messes up her fake name and has to change it to "Juana Maria." Florencia asks for help cooking a nice dinner for her boyfriend. Mili suggests, under her breath, fixing a laxative, then says she knows how to cook a nice fish dish--she even made it once for someone. Not too spicy, Florencia hopes, since she can't take too much spicy food. Mili grins from ear to ear as she says it's just to add flavor.

Damian reports back to Luciana that it's a no-go. Constancio will kill him, blah, blah, blah. Damian decides he needs to get out of the country until Constancio calms down.

Alejandro and Valeria talk about how they need to spend more time with Uncle Damian. Valeria's still sad that Hugo's out of the country. Alejandro asks Valeria what's up with her and Bobby. Valeria says it's not important and Alejandro tells her not to hurt Bobby. Alejandro walks off. Rocky/Morgan and Lina enter, making eyes at each other and saying each others names, and macking on each other. Valeria gets jealous, as per usual.

Florencia asks "Juana Maria" to set the table for 2 since it's time to eat. It takes a while for Mili to figure out that Florencia is asking her to sit at the table and eat together. Florencia tells her to get used to it. So much for hating her.

Valeria busts Lina and Rocky/Morgan apart. She tells Lina "you're dead!" Lina gets worried, but Rocky/Morgan has a second part of the plan ready. Valeria will find out he and Lina are together and there will be lots more kisses. Lina's worried because Rocky/Morgan is quite the kisser and she's afraid she might fall for him.

Damian drags his suitcases downstairs in preparation to meet Hugo in Barcelona. Constancio and Ruben both come in and Constancio wants Damian to see the test results. Damian starts begging for forgiveness as I wonder if they really did find something wrong with Damian. Constancio sits him down and says this isn't going to be easy. Oh, no, wait, is this Constancio's counter-fake-out? Because I would have liked to think that Dr. Ruben was actually a decent, un-bribable guy. I guess we'll see. Constancio can't say it, so Ruben says that the first set of results weren't really Damian's, but on the real results he saw a brain tumor and Damian has six months to live.

In the servants' dining room, Braulio wonders why Socorro's looking at him so much. Socorro asks why he doesn't have a girlfriend, being so good looking and all. Braulio thanks her for the compliment. Braulio confesses he thought about having a "partner" and maybe two French poodles. Socorro proposes Karla as Braulio's "partner". She says Braulio should tell Karla he wants to marry her. He looks horrified.

Damian and Luciana cry. Constancio comforts them. Ruben tells Luciana that surgery would be too risky. The only options are to get his affairs in order and spend time with his family, then wait for death. Luciana weeps loudly as Constancio bites his lip…in anguish or to stifle his laughter?

Mili complains about not being able to eat. She blames it on Florencia for asking her to eat together. The doorbell rings and it's Alejandro with a big bunch of flowers. Mili freezes. Hey, I just noticed that she doesn't wear her ridiculous socks to this job.

Tomorrow: A triple date, a kissing contest, and Alejandro meets Florencia's new maid.

And in other news, I will be graduating next week and between that and a much-needed vacation, I won't be able to do the next 2 Wednesdays. Can anyone cover for me, or at least put up blank posts for people to discuss? Thanks in advance!

Labels: guapos