Caray, Caray!

Soledad comes in after the brothers have reached an agreement to fight for her love. Alcides is annoyed that she found out about the meeting and blames Hugo for not fighting fair. Hugo asks Soledad how she found out that he and Alcidew were meeting. She says that doesn’t matter and launches into her attack. She asks how many times have they teamed up to hurt her? Now they are treating her like a trophy they will compete for. Hugo tries to speak to her but she says that it is her turn to speak. She lets Alcides say that he doesn’t know what she overheard but it’s not what she thinks. Soledad replies that she knows perfectly well that they have agreed to a duel to win her love. “How ironic,” she says, “the two people who have hurt me most in the world.” Hugo says that it would be better if he took her home but she responds that she isn’t going anywhere until they hear what she has to say.

At the frontiers of medical science, Dr. Dan tells Michelle that thanks to the little piece of paper, he now understands everything. Old Dr. Chirac was experimenting on her when he injected her after she was dug up. It could have killed her or cured her. It worked and she is cured. The secret is that the flower plus a special substance in her blood equals a cure for catalepsy.

Boris asks Marina from whom or what is Eloisa protecting her? Eloisa replies for her and says that she is terrified of going to jail as an accomplice of Hugo. She says that they found Marina walking around alone and helpless in a dark alley and brought her to the tavern to calm down. They were trying to convince her to go back to Boris when he came in. Eloisa says that Marina told her that she regrets leaving him because she still loves him in spite of all that has happened. Paquito supports this tissue of lies. Poor stupid Boris asks if she really said that. Eloisa takes Marina aside and pulls out some money from her garter stash and says that Marina can have more but she has to return to Hugo’s house and be her spy. The evil duo leaves Boris and Marina alone.

Soledad says that she won’t allow it. She won’t fall into their traps again. They can both forget about her. To Hugo, she says that between them, there is nothing more to say. She tells Alcides that she isn’t the naïve girl she was before. “Even though the law says that we are man and wife, we never have been and never will be,” she says. Even if he forces her, she will die first. Alcides assures her that he has changed too and he will never force her to do anything against her will. He says that he has told her a thousand times that he has loved her since she was a child. He was stupid. He didn’t know how to win her heart but now it is different. Hugo loudly clears his throat. He says that he doesn’t think this meeting has purpose. Soledad disagrees. She tells Alcides that she doesn’t know who he is and she doesn’t care. She doesn’t care what he does to win her heart because she doesn’t believe a single word he says. Her heart is empty. His brother, Hugo, destroyed what was left of it. Hugo tries again to suggest that he take her home. Soledad responds coldly that she is talking to his brother and asks him to leave her alone with Alcides. (Poor Hugo, you are paying for what you did now.) Alcides winks and gives him the ‘scram’ gesture with his head. (This was funny.) Poor Hugo has no choice but to be sent outside like a naughty child.

Michelle says that she knew it. She knew she was cured. She is thrilled that now they can help Hugo and his daughter. Dr. Dan says that she doesn’t get it. The flower doesn’t work by itself. Only catalepsy sufferers who have the same substance in their blood as Michelle can be cured. (I’m making a prediction here. Aurora will have the mysterious substance in her blood and Hugo won’t. We already know the flower extract nearly killed Hugo and I’ve always believed that Soledad is Hugo’s cure. I believe the flower will cure the baby, though.)

Paquito asks Eloisa where she has been. She won’t tell him and he believes that she is hiding something from him.

Boris says that he found Marina because he wanted a drink and someone told him where she was. Marina says sarcastically that it is nice that his master let him go out. Boris says that she is just angry that he wouldn't let her steal the money in the briefcase that he is in charge of. (Paquito hears this.) Boris asks Marina why she hates Hugo so much. She says that Boris only has time for Hugo and doesn’t care about their child. Boris says that he loves her and he can’t wait for their child to be born. He promises that everything will change. Marina says that he is lying. Boris says that he is faithful to Hugo but he loves her with all his heart and begs her to return to his side. He promises nothing bad will happen to her. Marina hears the voice of Eloisa ordering her to be her spy in Hugo’s house. She agrees to return.

Soledad thanks Alcides for throwing the party in her honor. His arrival was unforgettable. Thanks to him, she found out that Hugo had been impersonating him. Alcides says that he is sorry for what happened. He didn’t want her to suffer. He only wanted to give her a lovely surprise but he realizes that it was a mistake. “Your latest mistake, you meant to say,” responds Soledad sarcastically, “You’ve made so many mistakes, Alcides.” Soledad says that she no longer fears him. Alcides says that he suffered while he was gone. Soledad says that she doesn’t care. She can’t change the disgust she feels for him. Once again, Alcides says that he is going to dedicate every second that remains of his life making her fall in love with him.

Arturo tells a very drunk Hercu-less to have everything ready in the morning to serve the summons on Hugo. He also wants Hercu-less to find out where Alcides is living. Gladis tells Arturo to stop concentrating on getting revenge on Hugo. He should find a nice girl and settle down. Arturo says that his relationship with Eloisa was a disaster. She was a tramp who was only after his money. Gladis repeats that she wants him to marry and produce an heir so she can give him his inheritance and die in peace. Arturo has a memory of Michelle and says, “why not her?”

Michelle asks Dr. Dan what the next step is. He says that they have to examine Hugo and the baby. If they don’t have the stuff in their blood, he can’t cure them.

Soledad asks how Alcides could ask her to believe him after all he has done to her. He manipulated her mother to make her marry him and when they were married, he beat her even though she was pregnant. Alcides tells Soledad not to exaggerate. He only slapped her once. He admits he was a jerk. He couldn’t stand it when he realized that she wouldn’t forget his brother, Hugo. “So that’s why you decided to kill him,” responds Soledad, “Because I know that you let him be buried alive.” ”Is that what Hugo said?” asks Alcides, “and you believed him?”
“Are you going to deny it?” asks Soledad.
“No, I won’t deny it because it is the truth,” responds Alcides, “because I did it for love. I did it for you. I was sick of not having your love. I was wrong, terribly wrong but I swear to you that I have paid for my sins. I was abducted while I was away and savagely tortured.” (He shows her his scar.) He says that he almost died and he suffered the same pain as Hugo suffered when he almost asphyxiated in his coffin. (So now they are even? I don't think that excuse would fly before secular or divine justice.)
Soledad says that if he wants her to feel sorry for him, he’s wasting his time. Alcides responds that he isn’t asking for her sympathy. He wants her to know that he is a new man. He has grown up. He will wait all his life for her. His heart tells him that one day she will love the man that is before her. Soledad says that she doesn’t believe him.

Eloisa plays with money. She will begin lying to Soledad and become her friend. She will have to separate herself from Paquito and Rebeca.

Poor Hugo can’t stand it anymore and he comes back into the cabaña and says that it’s getting dark and he should take Soledad home. She looks at him like a bug and asks what he is doing there. Hugo asks Alcides to leave them alone. Hugo tells her that he was afraid Alcides would hurt her. She replies that she doesn’t need his or anyone’s protection. Hugo says that they made love today. They were together body and soul. If he tells her that she feels nothing for him, he will leave her forever. Soledad says that was an act of weakness. Hugo responds that he doesn’t believe her. “Answer me honestly,” he says, “Don’t you love me?” (Don’t ask questions like that when you don’t know what the answer is going to be, Hugo.)
“You killed my love with your vengeance,” replies Soledad and leaves. Hugo looks up at Alcides who has overheard their conversation and he leaves too.

Michelle, Dr. Dan and Andres are having breakfast. Michelle feels sorry for Soledad. What happened at the fiesta is in all the papers. She also thinks Hugo is a good person in spite of all that has happened. Dr. Dan says that he hopes so since they are going reveal their secret to him. They need to be careful. San Marino is a dangerous town where his father was murdered. Dr. Dan says that he didn’t have a chance to tell Soledad that he is son of Dr. Chirac. Dr. Dan says that Soledad is beautiful and Michelle says that she sees that he likes her.

Hugo is at breakfast. Boris tells him that it was good that Alcides didn’t have him arrested. Hugo says that he would have been better off in jail. Boris doesn’t understand. Being locked up brings on a catalepsy attack. He would die. (This is starting to irritate me. A catalepsy attack won’t kill Hugo. He appears to be dead but eventually he wakes up. The danger is that someone will assume he is dead and bury him. Since lots of people know now that Hugo has catalepsy, that isn’t very likely.) Hugo tells Boris about the bet and that Soledad hates him and won’t see him. He asks about Marina. Boris lies and says that it was just a marital tiff. Hugo goes right back to his own problems and curses the stupid Plan of Vengeance.

Arturo and Hercu-less barge in and serve Hugo with a demand for restitution of their investment. Hugo says sure and sends Boris for the money. Arturo says that he and the investors want more than their investment. They want damages.

In the orchid garden, Soledad tells Ursula that she feels a burden has been lifted from her. She will go out on her own and get a job. Ursula says that Soledad still loves Hugo. Soledad replies that the previous evening she almost told Hugo the truth that he is the only man who will ever be her life. She vows to get him out of her heart. Eloisa slithers up and shows Soledad the newspapers stories about the fiesta. She offers her support to Soledad and says that she can count on her (gag).

Hugo yells at Boris to hurry up with the money. He wants the vermin out of his house. Boris comes back ashen. The money is gone! Hugo is impactado. It’s not possible. Arturo applauds and says that was a great performance. Hugo assures him that he will repay the money. Arturo says that if he and the investors don’t receive the money by noon, he will return and burn the house down. When Arturo is gone, Boris tells Hugo that he thinks Marina took the money.

We see that it was Paquito who took the money. He overheard Boris and Marina and went to Hugo’s house where they leave the doors open and large sums of money in unlocked armoires.

Alcides is making a withdrawal at Treasure R Us. He is doing this in broad daylight and the entrance to the treasure place appears to be right on the side of the house where those careless Obragons have never noticed it. Hauling his bag of treasure out, Alcides encounters Lucas. Lucas tells him to get out. Alcides asks Lucas to forgive his bad acts in the past. Lucas refuses. He sees Soledad in the distance and says how pretty he is. He also sees that Eloisa is at work. Soledad tells Alcides that she was clear that she doesn’t want to see him again. Eloisa pretends to support Soledad and yells at Alcides and gives him a couple of those fake slaps. Alcides says that he came to give Soledad her a summons to go to judge’s office. Soledad is curious. Alcides drives off in Vlad’s old donkey cart (it looks a lot like Enrico’s cart.) Couldn’t he get a better carriage with all his money?

Marina is sweeping at the top of that big flight of stairs into the Hacienda. Boris accuses Marina of taking the money. She insists she didn’t take it. Hugo says that his life depends on returning the money. He steps toward Marina saying, “If you have the money, please return it to me.” Marina steps backward and falls down the stairs. Dr. Dan arrives and takes charge.

Paquito tells Rebeca that he hasn’t seen Eloisa around. He believes that she is hiding something; Rebeca wonders where Alcides got all his money.

Los Burque are broke. Elena says she wants to work in mine but Guillermo says that a woman can’t work in the mine. She might have go back to robbery.

While Dr. Dan treats Marina, Michelle chats with Hugo. Hugo apologizes to Michelle about being rude her the previous day. She tells him who is Dr. Dan is and the story about her cure, the flower, etc. Hugo is excited and happy that there might be a cure for him and his daughter. Michelle tells him that they found the flower, too.

Dr. Dan examines Marina (it looks like he has a much more modern stethoscope than Dr. Max did.)

Eloisa overhears Antonia tell Ester that the orchid can cure catalepsy. (Nice going Antonia. You cause trouble when you speak and when you refuse to speak.)

Boris comes in and tells Hugo that Marina is ok but she lost her baby. Boris is destrozado. He and Hugo cry, hug each other and Hugo tries to comfort Boris. Boris says that Marina needs him and Hugo says to go to her. Hugo tells Michelle that Boris is more than faithful servant to him. He is his brother. Hugo blames himself for not being able to catch Marina before she fell (would have caught Soledad if she had fallen?)

Marina tells Boris that if he hadn’t brought her back to the Hacienda, she wouldn’t have lost her baby. It’s all Hugo’s fault.

Michelle tells Hugo that they found the flower at Soledad’s house. Hugo tells Dr. Dan that he is ready to have any tests that will help cure his daughter of catalepsy.

In a Darth Vader cape, Eloisa sprinkles an accelerant on the flowers and sets them on fire.

At the Judge’s office, Soledad asks why she is here. Alcides gives her a divorce decree and a waiver of the baby’s paternity. She is impactada. Alcides says that from today on, she is free and can follow her heart. The credits roll.

Tomorrow: Hugo’s back in jail and having a catalepsy attack.

Labels: la traicion

A lot happened in the show tonight, so corrections and additions are extra welcome.


We see Flo, squeaky-voiced from crying, telling her sister that she’s going to fight for Alex with everything she’s got.

Back at Casa Belmonte, Braulio is showing the lawyer up to Regina’s room and Alex comes into the foyer and tells Lina he wants to talk to her. He tries to get out of her who that guy was with Mili last night. Lina ducks and weaves and finally tells him she saw the guy but doesn’t know who he was. Lina takes off and Alex does a lot of blinking.

Regina tells the lawyer that she’s thinking that the 25% she had planned to leave Mili is too little and that she wants to make Mili her universal heir. I’m guessing that means Mili gets 100%. Regina says she wants to leave everything to her “daughter” – she wants to adopt Milagros. The lawyer smiles and Regina twinkles.

Mili in her little dress and low heels is in the crowded blacktop schoolyard kicking around a soccer ball with some of the guys. Mat the teacher/guy from Rodeo comes out and greets her warmly. Here comes Mat’s fiancée, Rocio – she gives him a big hug and smooch. He says not at school, but she says he’s such a wonderful fiancé and he spends all this time at this job he gripes about so much.

Now we get a quick bit of his backstory: (Yikes! Somebody help me out here! I don’t think I got all this and it’s important) I think he says that he would rather have worked with his grandfather at the despacho (practice?) but the grandfather insisted he teach. She points out that he started out teaching in a little village and now look where he is. She says the grandfather wanted him to make it on his own. Mat says times have changed, he graduated with honors, he’s a great lawyer, this is not the place for him. Still, he says gazing over her shoulder at Mili, today hasn’t been so bad.

Take me for a coffee, Rocio says. I want to hear how you behaved on your bachelor night out. We went to a restaurant and then to another, he says. Mili is still fooling around kicking the ball in the background. Rocio is thrilled that he’s such a great guy and can you imagine – we’re going to get married in a week! He gives her a little smooch and says he is counting the days! Hours! Minutes!

Regina is explaining herself to the lawyer, how she had lived closed in for all those years and how Mili made her smile again, how Mili loves her. The lawyer says that’s great, but to go as far as adoption? Regina says that way when she’s gone, she can be sure that neither Constancio nor anybody else can mess with Mili’s inheritance. Regina says she wants the will set up so that Mili gets it when she gets married. The lawyer, taken aback, asks why. Regina says because she wants Mili to marry Alex. They love each other! (Oh, noooo Regina, don’t do it! This is the kind of will that causes rivers of tears and untimely deaths in other telenovelas!) Here’s Regina’s plan: When Luci sees that the only way for Alex to get his money is to marry Mili, she’ll support their marriage. Please understand, she tells the lawyer, it’s my only way to give them their day.

Braulio knocks at Connie’s home office. He wants to know if Connie got to see what’s in the box. Connie says no, but what he’s really concerned with right now is Mili’s desire to buy her mother’s childhood home. Braulio points out that Mili’s not in a position to buy anything. Ha! says Connie. You must’ve been born yesterday. All she has to do is tell my mother, and my mother will give it to her as a gift. What I plan to do is to buy it myself before she can. Braulio says the house is just a thing, it’s not what she’s seeking. It’s her history, her family, that you don’t want her to know. I’ll think about it, says Connie.

Braulio leaves and Karla knocks. She vamps in in her little pink maid’s outfit and wants to know if Connie needs…. anything? Like the anything she offered in her room? No, he says brusquely, and certainly not with an employee. Know your place. You may go now. She swishes out. Boy, is that skirt short – plus it has a little ruffle at the bottom.

Braulio is escorting the lawyer down the stairs and Connie comes into the foyer. They exchange some pleasantries and Connie tries to find out why the lawyer is there – is his mother changing her will again? The lawyer mentions client confidentiality and then says he’s following Connie’s political career with interest. Connie says he hopes he can count on his vote. We’ll see, says the lawyer smiling big, and he leaves.

When Braulio comes back from the door, Connie asks him if he knows why the lawyer was there. Braulio says he doesn’t know, Connie’ll have to ask Regina.

Montage of Mili in several classes. She is a big class participant, hand up a lot, apparently running her mouth some too. But she seems to be really going for her studies.

It’s night and Mat and his friend are getting on their motorcycles. Mat wants to know if his pal has the papers he wanted. Was he able to find out the financial situation of Rocio’s parents? It wasn’t easy, they know how to cover their tracks, says the friend. They’re in financial trouble, says the pal, and you are a great deal for them as you stand to inherit your grandfather’s fortune. Mat says, he keeps threatening to cut me off. What are you going to do about Rocio? asks the pal. I don’t think she realizes their situation. I know you love her. I do, with all my heart, says Mat, but I don’t like the idea that she would marry me for money.

Mili is coming out and sees them and exclaims over the motorcycles. She’s not thrilled to see the pal. She says she really liked Mat’s class. He invites her for coffee and tells her to jump on. She’s reluctant at first and then admits she’s always wanted to ride on one.

Regina is in a lovely rich-lady nightgown outfit and Connie is trying to pry out of her why the lawyer was there. I never thought you were paranoid before, she says innocently, showing she can lie like a good Belmonte. Connie then guesses that it’s the house – is she buying it for Mili? I already bought it, says Regina, it’s a gift for her for starting her studies. Connie starts to get mad, but Regina tells him not to talk to her that way. He says he’s fed up with her messing around with Mili’s life – Mili will get used to things that her life can’t provide. That’s the point, says Regina, to get her used to those things that life hasn’t given her. What’s wrong with that? What do you care?

You’ve done it before and wrecked someone’s life, says Connie. You mean Rosario? asks Regina. No, she says, you’re the one who wrecked her life. Connie comes back with you’re the one who filled her head with fantasies of belonging to a world far above her, who gave her the idea that she could marry me. Regina retorts: I didn’t count on your being such a coward. Look me in the eyes and tell me you didn’t love her.

Let Mili lead her life, and you lead yours, says Connie, and leaves. Uh oh! Looks like Regina’s having chest pains again.

Whew! A nice, relaxing ad. There have been a lot of revelations in this first chunk of our show and it’s time for a refreshing beverage. That’s better.

Oh, good! A Val scene. She is alone in her room, in front of the mirror saying she’d die of shame. No, she wouldn’t, so there. It’s what she wants. She says she’s all nerves, so she’ll just keep her eyes shut. There’s a knock. Come in! Don’t say a word! Besame! she says, but doesn’t sing it. Besame mucho – come si feura esta noche la ultima vez. Ohmygawd, it’s Bobby. Her eyes are still shut and he has her in his arms. I knew you’d return my feelings, says Bobby. Her eyes pop open. Morgan appears at the door. Adulteress! he accuses, and leaves. She shoves Bobby off and calls after Morgan. Bobby says Que?


In the foyer, Connie is on his cell. He’s beaming and telling the person on the other end that they can count on his full support. He ends the call and Alex comes in and Connie berates him for not telling him the news. What news? asks Alex. What do you mean what news, it’s amazingly important! says Connie. Alex says he has no idea what Connie’s talking about. Connie says Flo’s dad Domingo was just on the phone proposing the merger of their two big companies. They could dominate the whole Latin American market. (Power-proud Connie doesn’t seem to consider that he might not be head of anything if his partner is a guy with a gun shoved in his belt.) Alex is stunned, but Luci who has overheard the last bit, is thrilled.

Connie says the whole thing hinges on Alex marrying Flor. Alex says no way. Luci tells him he has to whether he wants to or not. (This is the downside of being a handsome prince – political marriage to gain territories and make alliances.) Think of it says Connie – we could rule the world bwaaahhaaahaaa! But you are sacrificing my life, says Alex. You are sacrificing me!

That’s idiotic says Connie. No it’s not, it’s my life, says Alex. It’s idiotic repeats Connie.

Mili and Mat are in the café, having cake. She is licking her fingers and she asks him why he’s staring at her, ‘cause he’s making her nervous. He says he’s spent the whole time thinking of her – he couldn’t even sleep last night. What a treat it was to have her walk into his class! She says all that wind from riding the motorcycle seems to have blown his brain loose, because he’s supposed to be giving her a pep talk about studying. He says he’s serious, that she’s helped him make a big decision – he’s not going to get married.
Mili pitches and bucks; she doesn’t like where this is going. No, he says, I just want to be friends, I’m not coming on to you. She wants to know why not, is she maybe too ugly?

Mat mentions that professors aren’t supposed to mess in with students. Those are the rules. She says he seems like a type to break rules. Not me, he says, I’m a lawyer. Mili says at the Rodeo he didn’t give the impression of being a professor, much less a lawyer. I work with my grandfather who has a business, he says. Mili tries to fake that she is a business woman who buys and sells… stuff. Import/export, he asks? Something like that she says and then she says how great the cake is.

Back in the foyer the battle still rages. Connie raves about the great future; Alex says they are playing with his life. He asks his mother how she can support such an idea. He says look me in the eyes and tell me that a marriage for money and position can work. She gets his point. I love your father, she says. Alex takes off up the stairs, but he turns and tells his mother that the one thing he can’t stand is hypocrisy. Luci runs after him.

The Val/Bobby/Morgan story tumbles into the foyer where Connie still is. Morgan accuses Val of being in the arms of another man. Bobby and Morgan throw insults at each other. Connie tells them to stop, and what exactly are they up to with his daughter?

At Flo’s apartment, she is thanking her dad for being the very best dad in the whole world because he proposed the merger to Connie. But the dad says I don’t know that Alex is the best guy for you – he told you himself he doesn’t love you. But I love him! says Flo. Alex’s judgment has been clouded by that servant and he’s confused, but sooner or later he’ll realize I’m the perfect gal for him. Her dad sensibly points out to her that this is what happened last time. She got her husband to marry her, and then he cheated on her. Her dad doesn’t want to see her suffer like that again. She says she remembers, but she’s sure this time. I love Alex with todo, TODO mi alma. Dad looks skeptical – he knits his brow and we viewers all knit ours too because this girl is nuts.

Connie has Vale and the two would-be lovers in his office. Vale says she had her eyes closed, and… Connie says there are two guys and you have your eyes shut? Go to your room! Vale leaves. The guys fidget. Connie opens his desk and gets out a box and opens it. There are cigars inside and the guys are relieved – maybe they’ll all have a manly smoke together. Connie gets out a cigar and then some clippers. Do you realize these can be used for other things? I was thinking of rabbis, but Connie says if you guys go anywhere near my daughter, I’ll turn you into sopranos. How? innocent Bobby wants to know. Connie clips a big piece off the cigar. The guys grab their crotches.

Mili is back at the girls’ dorm and her pals are wondering why she got back so late. She says she got invited for coffee. Karla scoffs and says she’s going for a glass of water. Mili tells the pals that it was that guy from the Rodeo – he’s her philosophy prof. The pals tell her how Alex is jealous and is asking who that guy was at the Rodeo.

Regina’s lawyer is talking to none other than Mat, telling him that this lady client wants to adopt her servant, and that it needs to be very discreet. Mat says the family might react very badly. Exactly, says our lawyer. Please get the papers ready for me before your honeymoon. Mat looks serious. Abuelo, he says, I don’t want to get married. I found out her parents are in financial trouble and I have to think of my future. You don’t pay me what I deserve and the pay at school isn’t great. Our lawyer tells him that you have to struggle to get ahead in the world. Why, he himself started out teaching at a school in a poor pueblo and it brought him closer to people.

And that’s why you threaten me with leaving everything to charity? asks Mat. I want to see you grow into a man who does good, says his grandfather. You misjudge me, says Mat. No, I think I see who you are. You find out your fiancée isn’t as solvent as you thought and right away you want to cancel your wedding. It’s not about money, says Mat. Oh please, says the grandfather, I’m older and wiser than you. When we die, we have only what we’re wearing, nothing more. You don’t understand me, says Mat, you never have.

It’s still the same night and Mili is in the kitchen. Alex is there too in his T-shirt. He’s grilling her about that guy at the Rodeo – who was he? She yanks Alex around a bit, but won’t tell him.

Now it’s morning and Mili is sitting with Regina while Regina has her breakfast. Mili has her books on her lap and is doing her homework. They chat about Machiavelli and power. Regina tells her she has a surprise for her later and meantime, did Mili ever look in that box? Mili says no, she wants Regina to look in it with her. For reasons unknown, the box is sitting in Regina’s room. They tote it over to the bed for a better look.

Mat is in an outdoor café talking to his about-to-be ex. She is surprised he would investigate her family’s finances. He asks her if she knew about the problems. She said she knew her dad was having some worries, but she didn’t know it was that bad. Mat says well, then the wedding is off. If you would lie to me about something so important, what can I expect when we’re married?

They made me promise not to tell you. I thought it was temporary, something that would pass. (Hands up everyone who thinks she’s completely in the right on this one.) Mat asks if their family expected that he and his uncle would be responsible for her father’s debt. She says money has nothing to do with it – please don’t do this to me. Mat tells her that he wants to get married, but she’s not at his level and he has to look for a better candidate. You’re destroying me, she says, not even shedding a tear. He tells her he doesn’t want to see her again, then he lays down some money and says it’s for the bill with some left over for a taxi.

Vale wants to go shopping, but Morgan is scared to take her. Connie comes in and Vale asks him what he said last night. He says he was young once, and he understands how foolish young people can be. He will drive her. Bobby comes in and wants to talk to Vale, but Connie fingers the cigar in his breast pocket and Bobby decides he’s looking for Alex and runs off.

Mili and Regina have found some dolls in the box. Regina starts to have chest pains. Mili wants to call the doctor, but Regina says no, but Mili could help her to the bathroom. Braulio comes in, and sees the three dolls on the bed. He is overcome with joy– “our dolls” he exclaims. He calls them by name and holds them to him. Just then Mili and Regina come back into the room. Mili tries to snatch them from him, but he snatches them back. Regina explains that they’re the dolls belonging to Mili’s mother. Braulio hands them over. Aren’t they pretty? asks Mili. Precious, says Braulio.

Next they find some photos. Braulio gets nervous. There’s Mili’s mom as a little girl and they marvel at her brother – so skinny. Braulio is not pleased.

Our lawyer walks in to where Mat is working at a desk. He reproaches him – Rocio’s parents are friends of his. I know who they are says Mat, they are hypocrites. Oh, says the lawyer, the money leaves and the love leaves with it? You’re the hypocrite. You’re just as ambitious as your father. Leave my father out of it, says, Mat, may he rest in peace. You don’t know what you’re doing, says his grandfather. Yes I do, says Mat, I killed our engagement and it was premeditated. This is no time for jokes, says his grandfather.

Vale walks into the foyer and Morgan is so excited to see her he runs into her and she drops the package she’s carrying. Connie is with her and Morgan backs up quick. He apologizes and she fake tells him off and tells him to help her pick up the package. They both bend for it and she slips him a note. She goes off up the stairs, and Connie heads up the other flight, holding up his wrapped cigar to make a point with Morgan who trembles. Morgan uncrumples the note and reads “I’ll meet you in the park nearby in 20 minutes.” He sniffs the note happily.

Regina is walking in the house, trailed by Alex and Luci. Regina says she hopes they don’t mind she’s come down to eat with them. Of course not, says Luci, this house is yours too. Actually, this is my house, says Regina. I’ve gotten used to having company and now Mili is at school. Regina says she doesn’t see why Regina blows her money on educating that stupid girl. What can she learn? Alex says if you gave her the opportunity, you’d see how intelligent she is. I agree with my grandson, says Regina, you should get to know people more, and judge them less. Alex gives them goodbye kisses and the two ladies phony smile at one another.

Mili, dressed in her Carlitos outfit, is in a barrio street, kicking a ball around with the kid Gamuza. They sit down and she shows him the photo of her mother and uncle when they were little. She asks how his father is doing. He says not bad, he’s working, but he complains a lot. Mili tells him that she hasn’t been able to go to the convent to show the Sor the photo and could he run by and tell her to come to the house tonight. He says sure and they say a sweet goodbye.

We’re in the park. Vale is waiting by a tree and here comes Morgan. She calls out to him and they run bounding to each other slow mo, her hair bouncing. Pretty soon he boings up into some branches, and she trips on some dirt, but they end up in each other’s arms doing some slo-mo kissing. Freeze frame.

Avances: Alex is apparently outside of the school, telling Mat to leave Mili alone. She gets mad, he says he’s defending her. She says she doesn’t need it, she has someone to defend her and she takes Mat’s arm. There were some more avances, but I didn’t get what was going on.

Labels: guapos

Ahoy all, as always, please feel free to correct any errors, and there might be many considering my closed caption was bonkers tonight. Thank you.

Review from yesterday: Pastor tells Anga to be firm with Nidia, don't let her off the hook, no way Jose! Nidia gets angry, quits, and hangs up on Anga. CL rants that Paula will pay. Team Paula scowls at Faux-Sandro's flowers.


Paula tells Ivonne and Ana that Juan surprised her by announcing that Sandro is the best candidate and should be hired. She still wonders who Juan's mystery woman is, the one who is making him act unpredictably. Ivonne and Ana wonder too.

Anga tells Pastor he lost Nidia and it's all Pastor's fault! Pastor correctly observes that Anga should see a psychiatrist.

Nidia shares her revelation with Yadi...Anga only hired her so he could keep an eye on her. "Ya think?" asks Yadi, hiding her sarcasm.

Fer visits Ivonne. She asks how the interview went. He reports, and I paraphrase, that Paula busted his balls. He changes the subject to Ivonne. She becomes reflective and says due to her surgery she gained some things, Pau's friendship and his love, but she also lost things. She has an echo-y flashback of her doctor telling her she might never be a mother.

Back in the apartment of double vision CL orders more flowers for Paula, then insultingly commands Sandro to report to Farell the next morning with a good excuse why he sent the flowers. Sandro has an attack of nervous ticks and hopes he doesn't screw things up.

Welcome to a weird and uncomfortable meal at Las Dávila. Paula asks Fer if he's mad at her. Ivonne pipes up he's sulking about the difficult interview. Paula matter-of-factly states she was just doing her job. Then she becomes unnaturally nice and tells Fer he's a good employee with a good future at Farell. This just wasn't his time. She's interrupted by the sound of loud horns and a happy tuba.

Ana looks out the window - a serenade! "From Juan?" asks Paula, possibly hoping for a second visit from Pablo Montero. Surprise, it's Heriberto! Ivonne looks at Fer accusingly. How did Heriberto know she was there? Outside, an excited Heriberto nimbly prances along with the music. Not bad for a heavyweight.

Juan, dressed in his frilly apron, prepares dinner while Marely watches. She's surprised Juan agreed to hire Sandro because she thought Juan was jealous. Juan doth protest too much. She commands he look her in the eyes, does he love Paula? Is he jealous of Sandro? Juan turns away and pretends to fumble in the drawer. She accuses him of making up his mystery woman. Does she or does she not exist?

Juan formulates his response during the commercial. Yes the woman exists, he has been waiting his whole life for her! Marely's face falls but she powers on, "Why won't you tell the name?" Juan goes through a list of excuses and settles on, "She's famous, a big star." "In your dreams," says Marely, stalking out of the kitchen. We see that Juanito has been eavesdropping.

Heriberto is now completely jacked up and dancing next to the tuba. He's one with the tuba. Fer wants to go out and stop the noise but control-freak Paula insists she will go out. She's probably right, Fer would just make things worse. Drowned out by the cacaphony of the band Paula explains to Heriberto that Ivonne is very sick. She has a condition where she cannot listen to loud music or she will experience an allergic reaction that could be fatal! Heriberto stops the music to the relief of all but the band. Paula graciously bids Heriberto and the band adios as Tuba Man squeezes out a few final toots.

Nidia tells Juan she and Lorenzo share a platonic love. "Oh please," he says, disgusted. He scolds her for breaking up a solid marriage. She babbles, lamely excusing her behavior.

Fer rants about Heriberto and claims he will imbed his fist in his mouth. Ivonne cheerfully accuses him of being jealous.

As Juan tucks his son into bed Juanito asks if it's true that Juan is dating a big star. Juan tries to change the subject by scolding Juanito for eavesdropping, but the curious kid has a one track mind. "Is it true or not?" Juanito asks.

Paula verrrrry sweetly tells Fer goodnight and makes a last-ditch effort to find out where Juan goes when he disappears.

Pastor, reading Wuthering Heights and feeling sorry for himself, tells Ivonne (on the phone) that he is doomed to be unlucky in love. Ivonne tells him to have faith, he should go after Heriberto. (Seems like a lost cause to me but maybe she knows something we don't.) She keeps urging Pastor until he says maybe she's right. Heriberto could be lucky number three. After his first two strike-outs of Fer and Juan, "Heri" could be his hit and home run.

Pau continues pressing Fer for the chisme on Juan. She sidles up and sweetly says she's only concerned because Juan is her partner and friend. It's Laura, right? He says he can't tell her something he doesn't know. They make fake nicey-nice faces at each other because they know they are both full of it.

Yadi eavesdrops on Alirio and Nidia arguing about Anga. Nidia works her angle, does Alirio need a secretary at his practice? If he still needs her she'll call Anga first thing in the morning and tell him no thanks but she's going to help her husband. Yadi angrily bursts in.

Pastor finds Anga quietly crying on his bed watching TV. Anga blames his tears on the telenovela but Pastor knows Nidia is the cause. Pastor tries to cheer him up and says it's a genetic thing, they should be more optomistic and less tragic about love.

Yadi scolds Nidia, "For the love of God why would you work for this man?" She and Alirio sneer at each other.

Juan dreams that a lovely Paula knocks on his door. Fer the butler answers, but when he tells Paula that Juan is busy with his Mystery Woman Paula leaves with Sandro who has been waiting on the sidelines. They snuggle as they depart.

Meanwhile, CL recalls his lunch conversation with Paula. He drinks heavily and tells himself "You can't love her! It's hate, only hate you feel for her!" He angrily puffs his cigarette.

The next morning Yadi and Kike arrive at work. They have bad news, Nidia is not coming to work. Anga is stricken.

Next we have a rather Shakespearean scene of confused intent. Heriberto visits Pastor in his office. He gives a little wink and Pastor is hopefully delighted. Heri goes on about how much he looks forward to being close to Pastor. He's grateful that Pastor would be interested in him, a coarse rancher. He wants to become a polished businessman, more delicate like Pastor. Pastor is thrilled, lucky in love at last! Is Heri sure he wants to be with Pastor? They share a lingering handshake. Heriberto says he wasn't sure about the idea at first, but then he realized he wants to be with Pastor, to be near him. Pastor quivers and excitedly pops up and down in his seat. He jumps up and they share an embrace.

Pastor has cried through the commercial. Such happiness, such emotion. Heri has made him the happiest man in the world! "Really," asks Heri, "just by becoming your personal secretary?" Uh oh. "Que?????" asks Pastor, his world crashing down around him, "What are you saying?" The bitter truth reveals itself to Pastor, Heriberto is happy to be Pastor's secretary, nothing more. Heri, cheerfully babbling about his career plans, is oblivious to Pastor's heartache. Pastor can no longer listen, he wants to be alone. After Heri leaves Pastor weeps. "It's the same yet again, oh how lovely my little Fattie is," he sighs longingly.

Ivonne has cabin fever and decides to accompany Paula to work.

Yadi tries to cheer Anga up. What did he expect? He fired Nidia. Anga hoped that Nidia's needs would surpass her pride. Ah well, it's better that she not return.

Yadi has a business idea she wants to propose. Marely told her that ever since CL died Farell has lost many of its suppliers. They could make Farell an offer, thereby securing a lot of their merchandise to a regular client. Anga balks in order to add tension to the plot. Oh, and he doesn't like the idea of doing business with "those people". Yadi reminds him that CL is gone and he would be dealing with Juan. Anga looks interested and Yadi whips out her notes to show him the numbers.

Juan arrives at work, sees Fer, and drags him into his office. A lot of fast talking ensues. Juan has figured out a way to keep his Palomita in line. No, he does not intend to reveal that Laura is the mystery woman, not after seeing Paula's reaction to her. Fer points out that Juan has no other mystery woman lined up. Oh, but Juan says he does. First, he'll make the most of the office gossips because surely the rumor will explode. Today everybody at Farell is going to find out who the mystery woman that Juan Dominguez of Achichipico has at his feet! Hoo hoo! Fer looks sceptical and very worried.

Over at Juanito's school he and the other obedient children have set a trap for Topete. They quickly take their seats as Juanito holds the cord that will trip a bucket which sits above the doorway. He winks at Flor, his ardent admirer. The children pretend to do their schoolwork as they await their victim.

Fer tells Juan he's crazy, his idea won't work. He doesn't even know "that woman" (still a mystery to us). This detail doesn't worry Juan, what's important is that people think it's true. Now will Fer help him or not? Fer reluctantly agrees.

Ivonne arrives at Farell to the surprise of the office lizards. Julia can't figure out why Ivonne looks the same. No uplifted boobs or lipo? Ivonne kicks Julia out of her desk and takes her rightful place. Fer is thrilled to see her and gives her a public kiss.

Back at the school the kiddies are excited. Topete is coming! The Flight of the Bumblebee plays to heighten the anticipation. Topete enters and Juanito pulls the cord. The bright yellow bucket of sand pours over Topete...and the school Principal! Uh oh, cara impactada from Juanito who is in big trouble now.


Bufete = Lawyer's practice
Cumbres Borrascosas = Wuthering Heights
Incrustar = To imbed
Jonrón = Home run
Ni hablar del peluquín = No way Jose (Lit. Nor speak of the toupee)

Labels: Juan

This show is darn easy to recap.

• We start with Juan and Sofia at the Rag Fair (or the Jumble, is that what they call it in England?) touching hands every time she gives him another box of soccer balls to divvy up amongst the poor unfortunates.
  
  Sofia massages Juan's forearm happily, in front of everybody.
  
  A boy tells Juan "You're great, I saw you at the rodeo," and Sofia says, "Wow, see, they want to follow your example. But you left your prize behind." (Meaning that statue or whatever that he got for not falling off his horse or whatever.) Juan retorts subtly: "The prize I want I can never have. Never."
  
  [I want to point out that NUNCA and JAMAS, which each mean NEVER and together mean REALLY REALLY NEVER I MEAN IT, are overused in this novela. I am reminded of Wally Shawm, villain in The Princess Bride, who exclaims after witnessing each of his enemy's many successful parries: "Inconceivable!" Towards the end of the movie Inigo gently muses: "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." --Ed.]
  
  
• At the Bad Love Bar, Rosario explains to Franco, using short words and patient repetition, that they can only be friends. He, sulking: "But I feel more than that." He tries to kiss her. She: "I have complications, I don't deserve you, I don't want you to be hurt. You are noble and pure..." [As she says this a goofy smirk spreads over Pablo Montero's face - he can't help it, he's just enjoying the hell out of these compliments. --Ed.]
  
  Rosario says she's not a good woman, he says she is, she yields to his rubbery kisses...
  
  ... and in stalk Furd and Moustache Guy ...
  
  ... and then they stalk out. [Fine work, director. --Ed.]
  
  Furd recognizes the unexpected, unwelcome smoocher as one of those bricklayers who aren't laying bricks for Furd and Sofia's little love-nest back at the hacienda. He tells Moustache to do what needs to be done.
  
  Moustache gets some thugs to beat up Franco. "Tonight marks your destiny forever!"
  
  
• Sarita rocks her poetry book and remembers chanting her favorite romantic poem in unison with with the very guy who is just now giving rubbery kisses to the Bonbon Assassin. Ingenuous Sarita is convinced that when Franco mentioned his Impossible Love, he meant -- her.
  
  
• Oscar shows up at the Trysting Tree; Jimena bounces out from behind it (why does Mommy let her dress this way?) and surprises him.
  
  He figures since he went to the trouble of combing his hair and washing his face she should put out; he suggests they go somewhere more private. She says, "We're fine right here."
  
  She gives him happy smiles and happy kisses. He: "I like you better than my horse!" She: "I like you better than my dog, but then, I don't have a dog." Eventually she realizes what he has in mind and says "I want to be with you but not that way! Adios!" She leaves.
  
  
• In the confessional Mommy confesses insincerely: "I can't stop thinking of that poor girl Libia - I should have helped her, but pain and rage confused me - I'm sure she was lying, he couldn't have deceived me, much less with a low-class girl like that."
  
  "Do you repent having treated her so badly?" She says yes. Father Tadeo, who has a bouffant wavy hairdo we've seen recently in another show, tells her to pray for Libia's soul. Mommy's thought-bubble: "I'll never pray for her, she and Bernardo, blegh, let them rot in hell!"
  
  
• Moustache and his thugs beat up Franco by a roaring fire, howling gleefully. The thugs give Moustache a little napkin to wipe the blood off his fingers. "Make him disappear, I NEVER want to see him again."
  
  All laugh and leave Franco unconscious or dead [which do you think?] by the unattended flames, what a fire hazard!
  
  Moustache barges into Rosario's dressing room. He reveals that he and Furd saw her kissing the hapless bricklayer. "We'll convince him, he'll never come back."
  
  Rosario's aghast: "What did you did?" "Ask Furd when he returns." Moustache locks her in. She begs the Virgin to keep Franco safe.
  
  Moustache comes back. The conversation is repeated. He leaves. Soon Furd comes in and initiates the same conversation as yesterday, threatening her mystery love child.
  
  
• At the Tomb of Constant Over-Acting and Recrimination, Juan (his filthy face indicating, as usual, strong feelings) emotes wildly, snarling with very white teeth while sobbing and explaining to his dead sister that he's profoundly in love with Sofia, etc. etc. "Love is not more important than vengeance! I will bury my heart in a darker, deeper tomb than yours! [A fine low note on the tuba is heard.]
  
  
• Oscar, on his bed, reviews his badly timed slimeball moves on Jimena and thoughtbubbles: "You please me! I feel so strange!" [Way to go, screenwriters.]
  
  
• Father Bouffy kisses Mommy's fingers and thanks her for her charitable work. Furd compliments her too, arriving refreshed from his duties as Thug Supervisor. Eva whispers to Jimena, "Don't think I didn't notice the way you escaped," but Jimena admits nothing.
  
  Eva tells Mommy she wants to stay in town a bit longer, she has errands. Mommy is about to say no, but the girls remind her it's Sunday, Eva's day off! So poor Eva doesn't have to get in the truck. She can do her errands.
  
  Furd, Mommy, and the girls pile in the truck. Furd thoughtbubbles: "Franco will never get near Rosario again." Mommy reminds Furd (and us) that she has decided to give over to him complete control of the hacienda.
  
  
• Back in the bedroom behind Bad Sanitation Bakery, Juan tells Oscar: "I'm late getting home because I went to the tomb and then to church." Oscar is impactado to hear the church part.
  
  They start to wonder where Franco is but assume he's at the Bad Love Bar with Big Boobs: "He says he's in love, and it's true, we don't rule our own hearts."
  
  
• Gramps scolds Furd and exposits with daring frankness. "Let's talk about the punch you landed on Sofia last night. You were always ambitious. After your family was ruined you came weaseling around here and gained Bernardo's confidence, then you went for Sofia - she never wanted you but you were always there - then you got my awful daughter on your side too - you married Sofia when she was in no condition to make such a decision. She doesn't love you, she never did, give her her liberty and do us all a favor, leave forever!"
  
  Gramps is perfectly cheery as he delivers this dangerous speech but behind his back Furd rehearses the simple move which would be required to push him down a staircase.
  
  Furd goes and tattles to Mommy. He suggests they do a surprise intervention and throw Gramps in the loony bin. They agree it's an excellent idea.
  
  
• The silly sisters do a tell-all. "I'm in love with Oscar, and Sarita is in love with Franco, and if you weren't married you'd be in love with Juan!" Sofia reminds them, and us, how repellent she finds Furd -- but "not all men."
  
  
• Eva uses her free evening to go visit the Scuzzy Scone Bakery. She begs the boys to lay aside their plans of vengeance. She repeats, Bernardo wasn't a bad man and he really loved Libia.
  
  They ask what happened, we see the coffin scene again. [I do think Libia could have been a little more politic. --Ed.]
  
  The boys decide Mommy was to blame for Libia's death. Eva repeats, no vengeance please, I'll have to blame myself if anybody gets hurt.
  
  Oscar, reassuringly: "We're not going to kill anybody." Juan: "Not yet." Eva: "What?" Juan: "We can't tell you, it's a super secret secret."
  
  Eva repeats, no vengeance please, Bernardo wasn't a bad man. She leaves. Her pleas have fallen on deaf ears: again with tomb, oath, vengeance. [I've decided to start using cut-and-paste more extensively. --Ed.]
  
  
• Gramps wheels himself into the girls' salon, bringing semi-pornographic postcards to cheer them up. [My TV is small but let's say these are Egyptian ladies dressed in no more than strategically draped cobras. --Ed.] He says these lovelies were his girlfriends and reminisces entertainingly.
  
  All is merriment until Mommy comes in. She glares, grabs the photos, tears them up. She decries the calumny of immorality she has happened upon; she yells: "Dad, you'll rot in hell like Bernardo."
  
  Sofia sticks up for Gramps and also for Libia. Mommy yells how dare you blah blah. Sofia dares, further, to point out: Bernardo wasn't just unfortunate in his dying, he was unfortunate in living such a loveless life. "He was so nervous those last weeks, I think he wanted to tell us about Libia, but he ran out of time."
  
  Furd: "Don't offend dear Mommy with talk of that hussy! That floozy who came to get money and then, when she didn't get any, committed suicide..." [All are impactada and he looks very pleased with himself.] ... that's how girls of her socio-economic class end up."
  
  Sofia is not convinced and suggests perhaps Bernardo did love Libia and maybe it was true that they were going to have a love child - and maybe they could have been happy together!
  
  The other girls stand like dummies. They are mighty glad they have Sofia to be the scapegoat. [I was the scapegoat in my family and my brothers were similarly quiet while I was taking a hit. --Ed.]
  
  Mommy is simply aghast: "You have torn a hole in my heart, you have done the worst possible damage, I have to go lie down." She sinks into bed with a lot of smudgy eye shadow to indicate distress.
  
  Furd: "I hope you rotten girls are happy, if you're trying to kill your dear mother this is just the way to do it." He leaves.
  
  The girls pray for Libia's soul.
  
  Furd sits at Mommy's bedside holding her hand. She: "What would I do without you? I see what you suffer at Sofia's side." He: "I love her blah blah." She: "She doesn't deserve you." He: "Only you understand me." She: "We two, you and I, we're such good people, yet life punishes us." He: "I tolerate Sofia for the good of all..." "Heaven will reward you." They hold hands and stare approvingly into each others' eyes. "Now go rest, dear Ferdinand." "Not until you are better, Mommy."
  
  Sofia enters and asks to speak to Mommy alone but Mommy refuses: "Just go! You do so much damage! I hope God forgives you because I can't!"
  
  Back in the salon, Gramps reassures Sofia: she was right to stand up for herself. The sisters say she's their shining example.
  
  
• Back at Cockroach Cafe, Oscar and Juan get a little more worried, it's not like Franco to be so late. "We gotta go find him." They go to the Bad Love Bar, where Rosario denies having seen him that night. They leave.
  
  Back at Begrimed-Bagels-R-Us, Oscar and Juan get a little more worried, it's not like Franco to be so late. "We gotta go find him." They go out. They don't find him.
  
  Back at Silverfish Central, Oscar and Juan get a little more worried, it's not like Franco to be so late. "We gotta go find him." "I think Rosario was lying. Let's go find him."
  
  The nigh-endless loop is ended by the sound of shattering glass as Franco, bloodied, falls in through the door.
  
  
• Sofia decides to make a big change. She moves out of the bedroom she had been sharing with Furd into her own room.

Tomorrow: more of the same.

Labels: Fuego

We open with the confrontation between Hugo and Soledad at the Hacienda. I am going to put the whole scene together even though it was broken up on the show.

H: I was so worried about you. I was looking for you everywhere.
S: Don’t pretend, Hugo, or should I call you Alcides?
H: I deserve all the hate I see in your eyes but I assure you that I was going to find you and tell you the truth.
S: Really? After so many months of deceiving me, you were finally going to find me? It’s a little late, don’t you think? What did you expect? That I would be dying to kiss you? That I would tell you that I’m happy that you are alive? Why? Why did you have to do this to me? Why did you have to break my heart? (Hugo sighs) I want answers. I need answers. Why did you do it? Why?

H: It was all vengeance for a mistake that I made and for which I am paying dearly. I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to. Sit down please and let me explain.
S: I don’t want to sit just tell me everything.
H: Soledad, you made me happiest man in the world. I loved you so much, much more than I ever thought I could love anyone. We were going to be married but my brother and Arturo de Linares set a trap. They poisoned me because they wanted to it appear that there had been an accident. They wanted to kill me so that I couldn’t come to the church. But I survived and managed to get home. But the next morning, I didn’t wake up because I was having a catalepsy attack. Then you came. I heard you cry out but it was so horrible, I couldn’t move or say that I was alive. I swear to you that each of your tears was like a dagger in my heart.

H: The hours of my velorio were an eternity. I hoped that you would come. I knew that you would come and save me because deep in my consciousness I knew that if I heard your voice I would be saved from the catalepsy attack. But you didn’t come, my love (amor mio), you didn’t come. Where were you? (You know this Hugo, you learned it yesterday.)
S: I was sick with pain because of your death. I was sick; a doctor was by my side. I learned that day that I was pregnant with your child. I risked losing my baby. For that reason, I couldn’t go out. I had to stay in the house for my daughter.
H: (crying) My daughter. I have a series of memories of that night, the worst of which was hearing your mother talking to Manrique.
S: Why did you believe her?
H: Because they thought I was dead. They were talking in front of my casket. Why wouldn’t I believe them? (Why should truth be spoken in front of a dead person's casket? I would bet many untruths are spoken in such situations because in most cases, the dead person isn't going to say, 'that's not true.')
S: Because of the love that I had shown, Hugo or wasn’t all that we had gone through together sufficient? With my whole body and soul. I was yours. That was the truth. You should have known that what they were saying was lies.
H: I couldn’t think clearly. I was tormented because in a few hours they were going to bury me. They buried me alive.
S: Then, Alcides knew… he buried you alive?
H: I couldn’t believe it myself.
S: If that is so, how were you saved? How did it happen?
H: By the crime of Los Burque who dug me up minutes before I asphyxiated. But I swear to you that when I woke up, my first thought was of you.
S: If that was so, why didn’t you come find me? Why didn’t you tell me that it was all a lie and that you weren’t dead?
H: Of course, I came looking for you but I was too late. You had married Alcides. You were the wife of my brother.
S: You didn’t see that I was dressed in mourning? I wore black for you, Hugo to respect your memory.
H: Soledad, you waited so little time.
S: Because I was pregnant. I did it all to help my parents. (You learned this too, yesterday Have you forgotten already?) Why didn’t you look for me?
H: Because that night something happened that convinced me of your betrayal.

S: What betrayal? I never betrayed you.
H: Soledad, the night of your wedding with Alcides in the cabaña where I made you mine, I saw you, I saw you kissing him. I wanted to come in and kill you but I couldn’t. I went away.
S: Your brother made himself look like you. I was confused. I thought he was you.
H: Swear it to me. Swear it to me by our daughter.
S: I swear by the most sacred thing that I never was with Alcides. Never.
H: Now I believe you. But that night when I saw you kissing him, that night I swore that I would make you pay dearly for your betrayal.

S: How could you be so perverse, Hugo by making me love you as your brother?
H: I wanted to run away from you, leave my wish for vengeance behind and forget you forever but I couldn’t because I found out that they had put you in a sanatorium because they thought you were crazy.
S: I saw you everywhere. I knew you were alive at the bottom of my heart but no one believed me. You tried to torture me all the time.
H: That’s not true. I looked for you because I loved you and months later when I returned it was because I was concerned about the health of your baby, of our baby. By chance, I assisted at the birth of our daughter. I had no choice but to pretend to be Alcides. Why did you lie to me? (referring to telling him that Alcides was the father of the baby)
S: Because I was afraid. Because I thought you were the same Alcides who had never stopped mistreating me. It was the only thing I could say to protect my daughter.
H: It all was a trap of fate. As much as I wanted to take vengeance on you, I couldn’t. I couldn’t because I love you and I have loved you with all my heart. I never stopped loving you.
S: It’s a lie, it’s a lie. Your thirst for vengeance was more important than your love for me. When you were pretending to be Alcides, you saw me suffering many times and you did nothing. You didn’t care about my pain. You saw me suffering. When I found out you had catalepsy, I nearly went crazy until I had your grave opened to see if you had been buried alive. I did it and I saw man buried face down. Hugo, can you imagine what that meant to me? You can’t imagine because it was horrible. At that moment, you could have said that that man isn’t me, Soledad. That man isn’t me because I’m alive but you didn’t do that. Because your pain, your rage, your desire for vengeance was more important than what you felt for me. (she hits him) I didn’t deserve that pain. I didn’t deserve it because you knew that I loved you. (she continues to hit him) How could you do it? How could you be so cruel?

S: I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! (hitting him and screaming)
H: I was filled with hate and blind with jealousy. But I swear that I tried to stop this vengeance many times. The more that I felt that I wanted to hurt you, the more I loved you.
S: Shut up! Shut up! You are a wretch. When you love, you don’t doubt. You speak the truth and you didn’t do that ever.
H: I never stopped loving you, never. I need you to forgive me.
S: I don’t love you. I don’t feel anything for you. The only thing I feel is for you is hate. Do you hear me? I hate you. I never want to see you again. (She hits him some more.) I hate you. You made me betray the memory of Hugo when I believed he was dead. You made me give Alcides another opportunity and it was you. Why did you make me fall in love with you twice? I won’t forgive you for that. (she hits him) I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!
She collapses against him and he picks her up. She struggles and he kisses her forcibly and she responds. (All this was before the credits!)

A nice love making scene mercifully without dialog.

(Much as I love Hugo, when we see it all laid out here, it’s a pretty damning indictment of his behavior. If he was stupid in deciding that he had been betrayed the first time, he was just downright cruel in what he did to Soledad after he came back as Alcides. Poor Hugo, he can’t curse those who are really responsible – the writers!)

Eloisa says to Alcides that his entrance to the fiesta was spectacular. Alcides says that it has been a long time since he saw her. She asks where he has been and is he really a millionaire? “You ask so many questions,” he says, “and all at the same time. Which do you want me to answer first?” Naturally, Eloisa wants to know about the money. Alcides says that she can find that out for herself. He invites her to put her hands, gently, wherever she wants. She rummages in his pockets and finds wads of cash everywhere. She says that he is a walking bank. He says that it has been a long time since he made love to a woman. Since money is what really turns Eloisa on, they do it on a bed covered with banknotes.

At the Casa Obregon, there is no news. They have to wait.

In the tavern, Arturo tells the assembled men that Hugo has been passing himself off as his brother Alcides all this time and Arturo is sure that the mine is a lie too. Manrique says that Arturo himself confirmed that there was gold in the mine. Arturo says that’s what Hugo made them think. Now he doesn’t believe there is any gold there. They gave all their money to Hugo de Medina but it’s in Alcides’ name. Hugo could leave town with it and they would not have any recourse. Arturo recommends that the investors sue Hugo to get their money back. Rebeca tells Paquito that she has problems. She introduced some of those investors to Hugo. If their money is lost, they’ll have her head. Paquito is not sympathetic. He didn’t invest anything so he doesn’t care. He asks Margot if she has seen Eloisa. She says no.

Eloisa says to Alcides that she hasn’t seen that scar on him before. He replies that it was done by woman. Eloisa says that she must have been a wild cat. Alcides replies that she paid a high price for her error. Eloisa asks who it was. Does she know her? Alcides says that he wants to talk business. Eloisa says that she is listening. She assumes that it has to do with Soledad. She holds a wad of bills up to her nose and says that she loves the smell of money. She asks how Alcides came to be a millionaire. He replies that she will never know that. Eloisa gets to the point. What does he want her to do? He says that he wants her to be his partner. If she does what he wants, she will become very rich. “What do I have to do?” she asks. “I will tell you in a minute,” says Alcides, “but the day that Soledad is mine, I will give you half my fortune.”

Eloisa says that she doesn’t understand how she can help Alcides get Soledad. “You say you love her but you make love to me. I think you have a terrible obsession, Alcides.” Alcides says that he doesn’t want her opinion. Does she want money or does she want to leave right now empty handed? Eloisa says she will do what he wants but Soledad is Alcides lawful wife. He can force her. What does he need Eloisa for? Alcides says that he wants Soledad to come to him willingly. He has a plan. He wants Eloisa to become Soledad’s best friend. Eloisa says that she can guess the rest. She will stay at Soledad’s side all the time and report on who she sees, what she does and especially her meetings with Hugo. Alcides says Soledad won’t be able to take one step without his knowing about it. Eloisa agrees with one condition. She doesn’t want anyone to know about their agreement including her allies. “Done”, says Alcides.

Dr. Max is packing up and leaving town (is he taking the Cabinet of the dead wife?) Dr. Dan and Michelle arrive. They want Dr. Dan’s father’s book. (I thought they already got them.) Dr. Max hands them over. They want to use a laboratory. Dr. Max says fine, use my laboratory. I won’t be back for a long time. Dr. Dan says he thought Dr. Max was interested that Michelle had been cured of catalepsy. Dr. Max says that she is wrong. She has not been cured. There is no cure for catalepsy.

We’re back to square one at the Casa Obregon. Both Antonia and Lucas are going to return to live there to help Soledad.

Paquito is looking for Eloisa in the tavern. Marina comes in.

Michelle asks Dr. Dan, who has been studying his father’s papers whether he discovered a cure for catalepsy. Dr. Dan says that he needs one more proof to confirm it. He needs to study her blood. The proof is in her blood.

Ester and Lucas work a deal to stay together for Soledad’s sake. Lucas will give up the Mysterious Lady and they will have separate bedrooms.

Hugo wakes up with a smile but Soledad is gone. “I’ve lost her,” he says. “I’ve lost her forever.” There’s a knock on the door. It’s Boris saying that the employees of the Hacienda are ready to search for Soledad. Hugo tells him that Soledad is at the Hacienda and to cancel the search. (Poor Boris. Hugo didn’t tell him Soledad was there earlier.)

Soledad is walking through the square remembering Hugo saying that he always loved her. People start whispering and pointing.

At the lab, Dr. Dan has concluded by using the primitive microscope that Michelle’s blood does not contain any trace of catalepsy. Michelle is happy to be proved right that she is cured. But Dr. Dan needs the flower to be sure that they have the cure. Michelle says that if they can’t find he flower, their trip here was for nothing. In comes Antonia and tells them that the flower is flourishing in her sister-in-law’s garden. Antonia says that if they won’t tell her what they want the flower for, she won’t tell them where it is. She asks where Dr. Max is. Michelle says that he went on a trip and let them use his laboratory. Michelle explains that they need to flower to develop a cure for catalepsy. Antonia says that she is interested in that, her niece’s daughter suffers from catalepsy.

Ester and Lucas are having the same old argument about Jeremias and the house when Soledad comes in. She hugs Lucas and he says that he is there to protect her.

Marina is looking for Eloisa. Paquito guesses that Marina is Eloisa’s spy in Hugo’s house. Before he can do anything about it, Eloisa comes in and drags Marina off.

Boris looks at Marina’s picture and takes out some baby booties while he remembers what Marina said. He cries. Ursula comes in. Boris says that Marina has abandoned him and separated him from his child. Ursula comforts him.

Eloisa scolds Marina for looking for her in a public place like the tavern. Marina says that she didn’t have a choice. Boris threw her out. She needs the money Eloisa promised her and a place to live. Paquito comes in and says that he has discovered Eloisa’s secret ally.

Hugo has memories in Soledad’s room. He finds the diary that Soledad wrote when she was pregnant. Ursula comes in and says that Soledad sent her to collect her diary. Hugo gives it to her without a word. He goes into the hall and sees Alcides downstairs.
H: What are you doing in my house, Alcides? How did you get in?
A: The door was open.
H: You’ve come to make me pay for not sending me to jail at the party. What do you want in return?
A: I only want one thing. I want to talk about Soledad.
H: Listen, Alcides.
A: Not here. What I am going to tell you will change both our lives. Meet me in an hour at the cabaña in the woods. And Hugo, let no one know you saw me.
Ursula overhears this.

Ester tells Soledad that she should forget about Hugo. He has been telling her lies for months. Soledad says that she has a nerve talking about lying. She says that she found out that Hugo heard what Ester said to Manrique at Hugo’s velorio. Ester pretends that she doesn’t know what Soledad is talking about. Soledad says that she is tired of Ester’s lies. Because of her, Hugo was convinced that she married Alcides for money. Because of that, he tried to destroy her, because of that he deceived her all this time. He wanted to come back to me and I sent him away. I sent him away. Ester apologizes and says that she never wanted to hurt Soledad. She says that Soledad knows that she has only done things for her wellbeing. She has to get over this and move on. Soledad tells her to shut and stop telling her what to do. She doesn’t need her to tell her what to do. She says that she loves her mother and her family is very important to her but from now on, she will make her own decisions. Is that clear?

Eloisa tells Marina that she has to return to Hugo’s house. Marina says that she can’t go back. Paquito suggests that Marina tells her husband that she regrets her decision. Marina says that she doesn’t want to go to jail. Eloisa says that rich people never go to jail.

In the Obragon garden, Michelle says, “So this is the famous flower.” Dr. Dan says that it is ironic that all this time, her niece was hiding the flower that could save her daughter’s life. Antonia says that if what they have told her is true, little Aurora’s life is saved. She wants to go tell Soledad but Michelle says that they have to make sure they aren’t raising false expectations. From what happened in the park today, Soledad is suffering a lot, it wouldn’t be fair to raise her hopes until they are sure the cure works. Dr. Dan says that as soon as they have definite information, Soledad will be the first to know.

Ursula gives Soledad the diary. She says Hugo was reading it when she found him. Soledad asks her to leave her alone. She has lots of things to think about. Before she goes, Ursula tells Soledad about what she heard Alcides tell Hugo. She is afraid that it might be a trap and that Alcides will kill Hugo. “Let him be killed, then,” says Soledad, “I’m not going to lift a finger to stop it.” (We know that’s not true.)

Marina tells Eloisa that since she isn’t rich, there’s nothing to keep her from going to jail. Eloisa says that she is rich and she will make Marina her protégé. Paquito is intrigued. At this moment, Boris comes in and asks, “From whom and with what are you going to protect this woman?”

Arturo tells his posse of investors that with this suit for restitution and damages, they will not only get their investment back, they will put Hugo in the street.

Dr. Dan is running tests on the flower. Michelle finds a little piece of paper in one of his father’s books and gives it to him. He reads it, looks in the microscope and says that he understands everything. Here is the secret for a cure for catalepsy.

Hugo comes to the cabaña. Alcides says that he knew Hugo would show up.
H: What is the mystery? What do you want to say? What’s happening with Soledad?
A: I want to challenge you to a duel, brother.

H: Now I understand why you withdrew the charges. Because you didn’t want to let me be put in jail.
A: What are you talking about?
H: In one way you haven’t changed, Alcides. You still have the same hate for me. Listen to me brother. I won’t accept any duel to the death with you. I’m not going to kill you.
(He hands Alcides his g*n.) If you want to kill me, do it yourself.
A: (in English) The Peacemaker. (in Spanish) The famous Peacemaker. (He demonstrates his fancy g*n handling skills and hands the g*n back to an astonished Hugo.) Who said anything about death? I didn’t mention weapons. I wasn’t referring to a duel with pist*l or swords. (Soledad is listening outside) Brother, I’m referring to a duel of love.
H: I don’t understand you.
A: I challenge you to a duel for the love of Soledad.
H: You’ve already won. You’re married to her. My daughter is registered in your name.
A: I will fix those two things so that we are even. We’ll start from zero. We fight cleanly for the love of Soledad. Do you accept?
H: I accept.
Soledad comes in and says, “Good evening, Medinas (Señores Medinas).” Hugo and Alcides are impactados.

The credits roll.

Labels: la traicion

We’re back at the rodeo where the dance competition is about to start. Marisela asks Bobby if he wants to dance and he tells her he’s not that great, but he’s getting the hang of it. Flo watches them go dance and looks all dejected. By the by, last night Mili told Al that even though she was still mad at him, she needed to dance. As far as she’s concerned, he’s still in the doghouse, but a girl’s gotta dance.

Back at Casa Belmonte, Luci tells Connie he’s going to pay ‘cause she’s gonna ruin him (she actually says “hundir” which means “to sink,” but we know what she means) as Nestor consoles her and asks Connie if the body’s at the morgue. Connie says yes, and he’s gonna throw the greatest funeral no matter what the cost. Luci tells him it’s too little, too late and calls him a murderer. But wait, in comes Damian...proving that it takes more than a quick swat to kill this cockroach.

The rodeo guy finishes his speech from two seconds ago telling the couples to get jiggy with it. Mili means business ‘cause she takes her hat off. As expected, the judge starts by eliminating couples that are extras in the show. This style is called the “Pasito Duranguense” (Little steps from Durango) and I saw a clip on You Tube of how they were rehearsing for this ‘cause it’s quite acrobatic. It’s a little like swing, but it has accordions.

Luci asks Damian que the hell, we found the note? He says he couldn’t go through with it ‘cause he’s a big ol’ coward. Luci demands Connie tell him the truth. He fesses up that Damian’s in perfect health, he just wanted to teach him a lesson, but he’s glad no harm no foul. Come on and gimme a hug! Damian’s all indignant and tells Connie he’s gone too far. Connie replies (I kid you not): “I can imagine how uncomfortable you must feel.” Really Connie, would you say it’s somewhere between lying on a pea that’s under 20 mattresses and a root canal kind of uncomfortable? Connie asks Nestor to leave so they can have a family powwow, but thanks for coming. They go to the study.

Bobby takes a dive, which is grounds for dismissal. Rocky follows in suit. Hey, Al and Mili are the last ones standing. I would never have guessed! The crowd cheers and calls out “Beso, beso” (kiss, kiss). Al and Mili look uncomfortable, but it looks like the audience will get their way until...Mafia princess Flo cuts in and asks for a recount ‘cause she didn’t get to dance. Mili tells her that’s her problem, but Flo taunts her with the old “you scared I’ll beat you?” Mili takes the bait and they clear the floor. Guess those years at ballet class paid off ‘cause Flo does splits and pirouettes and hey, she’s light enough for Al to lift her off the floor every few beats, all with perfectly pointed toes. Alas, poor Mili, they crown a new prom queen. Al gives Flo a double high five and she comes back with a big kiss. He shoves her off and asks her what gives? She says it’s ‘cause they won and he tells her to keep the prize, he’s not interested. I do a little snap. Al runs to Mili who berates him for bringing Flo into her world, the place she likes, and tells him she’ll never forgive him (until the next episode) just before running out. Al gets the triple shove as Mili, Gloria, and Lina, do their dramatic girlfriend exit. He runs after them as Flo looks out at her. Mili begins calling Flo the following: a cockroach, a worm, a rat, etc., and Gloria warns her she’s gonna run out of pests. Al catches up and the girls leave them to talk as they do the usual: "I’m sick of your excuses, I’m sick of you believing the worse” dance. Mili complains he kissed Flo and he explains she kissed him. They end in a tender moment as he tells her she’s the only one he thinks about and goes for a kiss. She pulls away and says she’s heard it all before and she’s not buying it. It’s kinda like the boy who cried wolf. He’s screwed up so much she can’t believe him when he’s actually trying to do right by her. Mili tells him they haven’t ruined her night ‘cause she’s going back in and finding herself a new dance partner.

Connie asks Damian how long he’s known ‘cause he ain’t buying the suicide bit. The caretaker told them they found a body and since it ain’t Damian’s chances are Damian paid the guy off. The best laid plans of mice... Luci now turns on her bro who just starts to mumble that he’s been suffering thinking he was gonna die, a few hours for them to think he killed himself are not that big a deal. Luci slaps him and tells them both they make her sick and storms out. Connie starts laughing and Damian asks him if he was really worried. Connie says you should’ve seen my face, though it wasn’t as good as the one you made when you thought you had the tumor. They have a little “oh you got me good” moment. It’s actually funny in a disturbing kind of way.

Flo complains to sis how Al left her for that “gata” (female cat). He split and just left her there. Hey wait, he’s back, and Flo tells him they gotta talk. They step over to the taco stand. We pan to Mili’s table where Morgan offers to get some “alambre” (shish kebob in this case, the word actually means “wire”) tacos on the house to celebrate Mili’s win ‘cause she was robbed! Mili thanks him, but she’s not hungry at the moment. Morgan and Chamuco go back to work. The girls ask Mili if she forgave Al and she says nope, she’s gonna dance and forget. We pan to a couple of guys. Turns out one of them (his name is Mateo) will be getting married soon and his buddy is making the bachelor party a lengthy affair. He’s not too happy with the place, but he’ll humor his friend. I think I’ve seen this movie before...once with Cameron Diaz, and the one with Julia Stiles, and wasn’t there one Dean Cain? I digress...Mateo spots Mili and his buddy likes her too. The bachelor figures the single man should do the dancing. Sleazy friend grabs Mili and tries to dance with her, but she’s not amused. Mateo calls for Eric (I think that’s the name he calls him) to leave her alone. The buddy says it will take a kiss, and our dashing bachelor punches his own friend for the maiden’s honor. He kisses her hand and introductions are made.

Al tells Flo he doesn’t get her. One minute she says she’s not ready to date again and the next her dad is booking the hall. She tells him to pay him no mind and Al tells her to get dad off his back. He’s fond of her and would like to be friends, but that’s it. He asks what’s with the kiss and she says she was just happy to dance and got carried away. She didn’t mean for his maid to get jealous. Al asks her not to be so contemptuous. She apologizes again and offers to apologize to Mili. They go back inside and Al glances at Rocky and Chamuco who’ve heard the whole thing. Al now goes up to the dancing Mili and asks to talk. Mateo asks if Al’s bothering her and she says “yeah, but “perro que ladra no muerde” (a barking dog doesn’t bite) and Mateo tells him to scram. Al gets in Mat’s face and they start a verbal pissing contest. Flo pulls Al away telling him not to dirty his hands with the riff raff. They exit and Bobby and Marisela follow. Mat asks Mili where that guy was from and she tells him not to worry about him, but now they’re even: Mat saved her from his friend and she saved him from blondie. Mat says they’re hardly even since he could’ve taken Al with one punch. She blows him off and exits. He smiles.

Outside the Rodeo, Mat runs after Mili who calls him a big flirt. He says no, “I just wanna clear up the tie business, I saved you from a guy.”

Mili: “Your friend!”

Mat: “Yeah, but he was miguided.”

Mili: “Well I saved you from another who was more misguided.”

Mat: “I told you, I’d leave him in on the floor.”

Mili’s not amused and asks why men are always trying to show who’s more macho. Mat says that this wasn’t the case and she says it always is and can’t figure out if it’s supposed to be the one that hits the hardest. He tells her she amuses him. She says her signature “Al Diablo con los Guapos” and begins to storm off, but he grabs her hand and tells her he’d hate to see her leave. She tells him about the “menso” (idiot, simpleton, etc. Incidentally, the female for this is “mensa,” kinda like the genius organization – I always get a kick out of that) that just left who’s hateful and boastful. “Wanna know the difference between you two? He’s a blonde, and you’re a brunette.” She finally walks off and he smiles again. He’s a goner.

Domingo visits Flo and asks what’s the problem? Al? He asks if he should call off the wedding and she says no, turn the screws on him and Connie, but don’t tell him I asked you to. She bats her eyelashes and her dad can’t say no.

Mili visits mom’s old house and she caresses the window sill and the floor tiles, as if tracing her mom’s steps. The two elderly folks look on. I will now take a moment to say how happy I am to see Jorge Arvizu (Pepe, the old deaf guy). Although it looks like a tiny throw away part, it’s just great to see a comedic legend perform. He’s performed a lot of roles, but his most famous, which became a stock character for him, was an old guy with disheveled gray hair and a checkered robe called “el Tata.” I think he was only in his 30s when he began playing it. Anywhoo, on with the show. Mili apologizes, and the old woman says it’s understandable. Pepe says it’s been for sale for months. It’s large and has a basement. Mili repeats “it has a sótano (basement)” and the guy says “no, not a tuétano (bone marrow) a sótano” and it’s still full of the old junk from previous “moradores” (dwellers). The old lady refers to them as “habitantes” (inhabitants, residents). He begins a dissertation of how stuff gets piled up and Mili asks to go to the basement. We have another deaf discourse as he thinks she asked for the bathroom, but the old lady corrects him. They take her down.

Braulio serves Regi some coffee and she’s gushing ‘cause the PM just registered Mili for high school. PM explains she’ll be taking afternoon classes so they won’t interfere with her work. She’s starting this very afternoon. Braulio wants to go congratulate her, but Regi informs him that she’s over at her mom’s old house again.

Back at the basement, Mili looks around and asks if they can leave her “a solas” (alone). Pepe starts talking about the famous Waltz “Sobre Las Olas” (Over the Waves – it’s by Juventino Rosas and gets played at almost every wedding and quinceañera in México) and begins humming it. The woman tells him that was 100 years ago and he complains that he’s not 100 years old, he just looks old. She interjects that Mili wants to be alone and he’s concerned the boy (he’s apparently also blind and those clothes aren’t exactly flattering) ‘cause he might try to steal something. Mili asks if she looks like a “rata” (literally rat, but it’s also short for “ratero(a) which means thief). He replies she looks like a lizard and the woman escorts him upstairs before Mili can throw a tantrum. They continue their discussion about how dust can affect his allergies (he thinks she means “alegría” or “joy”) and he mentions how odd this boy looks). Mili spies a lidded cardboard box with star stickers and a white dress with a ribbon pattern on it.

Over at the office, Connie and Domingo are awaiting Al in the presidential office to talk about the wedding date. Domingo prefers Friday nights so they don’t last all day and they can stay up late. Connie prefers Saturday afternoons ‘cause they’re more colorful and they don’t have to go too late. Al has something to say. Domingo says he’s listening and opens his jacket to reveal his little friend (the gun, not the other kind) and Al nervously replies that either an evening or an afternoon is the same to him.

We now see Braulio caressing the window seat and the floor tiles of his boyhood home. Pepe comments that they all keep doing the same thing, it’s like they’re massaging the floor. The woman says they must be looking for a “tesoro” (treasure) and he asks what “loro” (parrot, macaw) since they don’t have a “perico” (another word for parrot) one. The woman asks Braulio if she knows him ‘cause his face looks awfully familiar. He tells them he’s looking for a girl. The woman asks if it’s Milagros and the old man asks if Braulio makes “milagros” (miracles). They ignore him and Braulio asks if she’s still there just as she walks up the stairs with the box and the dress. So much for her not taking anything, but they don’t seem to object. Braulio tells her Regi sent for her and she shows him what she found in the basement. He looks pained and impactado all at once. She says she’s sure it was her mom’s. She tells him someday she will buy that house.

Carla reminds Damian of all the nice things he told her before, including that he’d marry her. He says it’s just ‘cause he thought he was dying. He tells her to just pretend he was really drunk. She tells him she liked him better when he was dying.

Lina and Gloria try to sneak a peek at Milis’ box of many stars. She scolds them because it’s hers alone and she hasn’t had a chance to open it. They ask if she’ll show them later and she says she will, but the first peek is hers alone. Carla comes in and they try to kick her out, but she says it’s her room too and she needs to take a shower (I’d need one too after slobbering with sleazy Damian) and Gloria comments how she’ll be there a good half an hour. The girls leave Mili to her privacy.

Braulio enters Connie’s office and tells him he brought Mili back. Connie asks him to continue spying on her. He asks if she spoke to anyone at the house and Braulio tells him about the old woman who told Mili about the little girl and her older brother, himself. Luckily she couldn’t remember the names, though she came close to recognizing Braulio. Connie yells he ought to kill him. But wait, there’s more: Mili wants to buy the house. Connie asks when this nightmare will end and Braulio says not anytime soon ‘cause she found some stuff in the basement: A box and a child’s dress that he recognized as Rosario’s. Connie suggests he start writing his eulogy. Braulio says they need to see what’s in the box before it’s too late.

Mili sits on her bunk, staring at the box she still can’t bring herself to open. She’ll have to wait ‘cause Braulio’s at the door and she’s gotta catch the bus to school. Actually, he’s driving her, but you get the point. He wishes her luck and helps her off the bunk; then takes a longing look at the starry box before exiting.

Flo thanks her mob daddy and he says he couldn’t get her Friday night like she wanted ‘cause the groom’s family had a say. How dare they!!?? She asks if Al got difficult and dad says no, but he didn’t look happy. She reminds him to keep her out of it or Al will kill her! In this case, it would be figurative unlike her dad’s literal killing. Doorbell rings and it’s the devil they spoke of. Al needs to talk and Domingo might as well hear it. He says he was a coward this morning, but now he’ll tell him in front of his daughter that he’s not marrying her. Domingo gets pissed and Al says he can kill him right now if he wants. About time the boy got some guts. Then again, he probably figured dad wouldn’t kill him in front of Flo.

Connie lurks outside the girls’ dorm, knocks at the door and then sneaks in. He sees the starry box and goes to open it, but Carla walks in wearing nothing but a towel (which she drops) after her shower (she didn’t wash her hair). He says he just came in to see her and she points out that he can see her alright.

Class is about to start. The teacher’s our friend Mateo Robledo, the soon to be married boy Mili met last night. He tells his class they will have a new student today and they should do what they can to help her catch up. He asks if they remember yesterday’s topic (nobody does). Principal walks in with Mili. Mateo sees her and is impactado.

After a word from our sponsors, Mili says hi to her buddy and asks if he goes there too. In a way, he’s the philosophy teacher. She’s amused ‘cause he doesn’t look like one. Who would have thunk it after he was raising hell at the rodeo....Needless to say, the class is very amused and our poor teacher will never live it down. He asks her to take a seat and to tell him her name. She gives him grief for not remembering after he said it so many times last night: “Wait Mili! Don’t leave Mili!” He points her to her seat and she starts saying hi to all her new classmates. The principal says he’s leaving and hopes he can keep order in his class. Mat gulps and gets started. It’s going to be a long semester...

Domingo chews out Al for humiliating his daughter. Al says he never meant to, but he won’t let Domi run his life like he’s a puppet. Flo asks daddy to leave them alone. He gives Al many looks that could kill. Flo tells Al she’s sorry about her dad, but she swears...Al ain’t hearing it. If he can’t make her see they can only be friends, it’s best that they stop seeing each other at all. She asks him to hear her out and he tells her he doesn’t want to give her false hope, nor does he want to deal with her dad’s threats. He leaves and she tells the air he’s not getting rid of her that easily.

Towel-wearing Carla asks Connie if he really thinks she’s beautiful. She then tells him she’s like a fine restaurant: here’s the menu, what would you like? Lina walks in and asks what’s up.

Val writes in her diary that she’s in love with Morgan. She doesn’t know or care how it happened, but every time she sees him she wants to jump him. Rocky conveniently walks by and asks if she has any plans. She asks him what he did to change her? He says she looks the same to him. She tells him to come see her in her room when everyone’s asleep. He crashes on the floor and she walks up the stairs, turning every few steps to look at him adoringly. He sprays himself with cologne in case it’s not a dream and takes a puff from his inhaler.

Carla tries to kick Lina out and Connie decides he better leave. He was discussing the menu with Carla and scurries away. Lina stares at Carla who asks if she’s got cartoons on her face. Lina replies that “Naca Fácil” (a naca that’s also easy, loose) doesn’t begin to cover it. Now that the patrón has left, she can tell her she’s a ...Carla stops her and tells her she’ll pay. Carla returns to the bathroom and Lina leaves the room.

Regi takes her pills and breathes with some difficulty. Things don’t bode well. Al walks in and asks where Mili is. Regi informs him that it’s her first day of high school! Braulio announces her lawyer is here. She asks Alex to leave them alone and then clutches her chest. Chest pains, Lawyers, Methinks granny’s not long for this world. I hope I’m wrong ‘cause I like her, but all signs point in that direction.

Mari consoles Flo. She’s furious he preferred the brute. She feels humiliated and devalued. Mari feels guilty for pushing her and Flo says it’s her own fault for letting herself fall in love like an idiot. Mari recommends she forget him and Flo says it’s too late. She needs him and will fight with all her weapons. I hope she means figuratively, but ya never know if daddy taught his little girl to shoot.

Tomorrow: Mat tells Mili she helped him make and important decision – he’s not getting married! Guess it was about time Mili got another love interest considering Al keeps finding them. Hope this one doesn’t turn out to be a psycho! He also has the same last name as Regi's lawyer, so ya never know...

Val and Rocky get ready for their night of romance.

Regi tells her lawyer she wants Mili to be her universal heir. This part confuses me ‘cause I thought they’d already done that, but maybe we’re talking about the whole kit n’ kaboodle instead of just 20%, but I thought he said there was a problem giving more than that to a non-relative. Guess we’ll wait and see.

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