Caray, Caray!

Warning...I've got a fever, sore throat and am tanked on Advil so if this recap doesn't make sense, jump in and correct it. Seems adored grandchildren can be dangerous to one's health.

Rehash from last night. Lounge lizards are joyously spreading gossip about Juan and Hillary Paris, making sure everyone knows, whether through e-mails of face to face discussions.

Juan sails in, mangling French right and left, we know he's saying "Bonjour" but it sure doesn't sound like it. Laying incomprehensible "bonjours" all around, he sails past Ivonne with a "con permua" which he evidently thinks is French for "con permiso". What a charmer!

She tells him someone is waiting for him in his office and he assumes it's his little palomita and he's considering letting up on her a little bit...but lo!...it's Sandro. The music sinks and so does Juan.

He thinks they pulled a fast one on him (ya me chamaqueron) and tries to get to the bottom of why Sandro would accept a post as administrative vicepresident for a salary that's less than that of a chauffeur.

And Sandro has all the answers, complete with charts which, naturally, Juan doesn't understand at all. Sandro assures Juan he likes challenges and he intends to increase business to the point where his salary will rise as he shows results. Juan looks mulish and mystified( nothing new here) so Sandro suggests they call in Paula and ask her opinion.

"Paula!" sniffs Juan to himself..."Licenciada Paula to you, you upstart!"

We switch briefly to Juanito's school where all is joy and pandemonium at seeing Lorenzo return.

Then the warehouse where Angarita is asking Yadira about her birthday. It's the 30th of May, she's a Gemini but not typical and there's some blah blah blah but the upshot is that Angarita is now sure that she's his daughter...the dates confirm the presence of the birthmark mole.

We're back with Juan, Sandro and Paula...Juan is treading water furiously, baffled by the charts and Sandro's analysis. He also wonders to himself, "when does this guy sleep?". How did he have time to prepare all of this? What do I say?

And we segue to Alirio who ALWAYS knows what to say and is doing so at length, not giving Pepita a chance to tell him she's changed her mind and no longer wants a divorce. When she finally gets a word in edgewise and tells him she's withdrawing the petition. He's furious.

Alirio roars back that she can't play with his time...she has to pay for those two consultations they had. This isn't some store where you can "return the merchandise" after all!

Back at Farrell, Juan's given up trying to figure out the charts and is praying to Santo Niño for help. He's searching for the word to describe Sandro's plan...it's...it's....RISKY!!! That's it..especially in a country such as ours, he blathers on.

He's saved from further babbling by Ivonne entering with coffee. Paula wants to send her right back out...we're in a meeting!..but Juan insists she stay. More squabbling and Sandro discreetly excuses himself, opining that they probably need to talk over this decision among themselves.

Now, what's going on? Paula glares. Wow, you're missing really great coffee, stalls Juan. Paula accuses him of avoiding the topic at hand but what's new with that?

Sandro has moved on to Marely's desk and things are going very well there. He's brought her the books he promised and they just happen to be books she hasn't been able to find in the bookstores. Score major points for Sandro, plus he invites her out for lunch and she gladly accepts.

Juan's still fulminating about Sandro. How does he understand so much about our business? Isn't that suspicious? Paula points out that they are an international corporation, there are certain common principles, it's not surprising that someone with a background in finance and business would find common ground. He's acquitted himself well on every challenge you've offered, she concludes, and besides, where else could we find someone with his background who would put up with your stupidities?

From there the discussion degenerates into an old-fashioned slanging match with Juan shouting about her and Marely's trying to find out about his girlfriend and her shouting about Juan following her and Sandro in his unmistakeable classic red Mustang.

More blah blah blah and then Juan throws out, Well, if I have to take Sandro, then we have to offer a job to Laura Berrocal too. More screaming and Juan thought bubbles that once again they are fighting like fishwives (verdulero de mercado, literally vergetable sellers)

And of course Alirio and Nidia are fighting like fishwives too. She's not going to let him charge Pepita a penny, much less 5 thousand pesos, and the two women fall all over each other with endearments and compliments, a far cry from their last discussion. Alirio rightly wonders, "Whose side are you on?!"

Sandro is now in Paula's office where she asked him to wait. She's frazzled, even her hair is mussed, and he wonders if her and Juan's discussions are always so....so...personal? I don't want to meddle but really, Juan seems to be like a controlling, jealous husband, he adds.

She agrees that Juan always tries to win discussions by yelling and Sandro gently advises her to get some fresh air and calm down and recover. In the meantime, of course, he's happily heading out to lunch with Marely, who is looking lovelier than ever these days.

Sandro waits for her downstairs while she gets a few letters off and the "new Julia" accosts him and asks whom he's waiting for, adding that the big news on office romances is that Juan is dating Hillary Paris.

Another romance is not going so well. When Angarita phones Nidia she snorts, "Are you asking me to return to work? Well forget it!" No, he wants to know if she remembers the night they spent together before she married Samuel Cachon.

Nidia is outraged. What are you insinuating!? I arrived at the altar a virgen!!!! Angarita assures her he could never forget that night and he doubts she could either, but Nidia contends that with her memory problems, thank God that's one thing she's forgotten.

A hot dream sequence follows. Haven't we all had those elevator fantasies? But I digress...it's the Advil talking.

Anyway, Juan dreams that he and Paula are waiting for the elevator together. They get on, just the two of them. He prays to Santo Niño to press the right button and lo and behold, the elevator stops, he declares his love, Paula responds...DRAT! a commercial breaks the spell...but then we're back, clothes are coming off, "te amos" are being said and DOUBLE DRAT! Ivonne wakes him up, tells him she's going to lunch with Fernando and asks if he needs anything.

Clearly he does...some better air-conditioning for one thing. He's hot and bothered and darn disappointed. As are we. He explains to Ivonne that he was thinking about a business prospect concerning elevators and also warns her not to play with the buttons.

Sandro and Marely are having a deep discussion over lunch. He's talking philosophy, she's looking dazzled. And surprised that he has such a philosophical interest given his background in business. He replies that business can lead to material riches but one can still remain so "poor" inside. She's double dazzled.

He's afraid he's boring her. On the contrary, do you know how long it's been since I've talked about anything really important with someone? she asks.

Okay, I'm on board...clearly Sandro is a better match for Marely than Juan. I'm ready to let go of that dream.

Then Sandro wants to know why a young woman with her education, her beauty (what's that got to do with it?) is stuck in a job like hers. She replies that first of all, Paula is her half-sister and she's her right-hand man. Also she's learning a lot from Paula and when the time is right, another job will present itself.

Besides, she's a little afraid of change. He admits he is also. (Excuse me while I try and get my cat off my notes). Okay...where was I...oh he adds that she could have the world at her feet. Marely continues to be dazzled. Who wouldn't be?

Brief return to one of our plot extensions. Lorenzo is phoning Juan to tell him he's been reinstated and furthermore will be giving Flor extra tutoring so she can catch up with the other kids. Juan says he'll help out by buying books for her and anything else she needs. Lorenzo assures him Juan has a big heart. For sure!

Ah, back to our courting couple...really Marely is looking quite lovely as Sandro offers to look over her application for a scholarship. She's dazzled all right but also puzzled...he looks so much like Cesar Luis but is sooooo different.

Just then the old devil calls and is furious when he figures out that Sandro is with Marely. And she is temporarily suspicious that Sandro is fending off the questions of a girlfriend.

Cesar Luis wants Sandro on Paula's case 24 hours a day but Sandro puts him off...and scores more points with Marely by saying the caller was his old boss trying to get him back but Sandro has found what he's always been looking for at Farrell...and we know, and so does Marely, that's it's not the crappy salary he's talking about.

Another romance, if you wish...Pastor and a multi-hued Herbierto. Words fail me when I try to convey the impact of his outfit. If you missed the show, you missed a rainbow. Orange suit, green shirt, deep orange tie. The wardrobe folks are having fun.

Pastor is trying to coach him for better things by teaching him about "organigramas" (flow charts) but Herbierto thinks it's some kind of musical instrument and says he's hopeless at music...though he could dance, given some insruction!

And another romance...stalled at this point. Willy is accusing Ana of avoiding him. She pleads work pressures and the need to cover bare walls of the gallery with new paintings. He wants to get to know her better...not as a friend but as something more. She avoids answering and he's left looking baffled, once again.

Yadira is also baffled...why does Angarita keep staring at her? "Tengo monos en la cara o que?" (do I look funny or what?) Angarita covers by saying that he's just thinking about her and Enrique and the baby and how to help them...because...well, because he thinks of them like family.

She warns Angarita not to put her and Kike "en lo mismo plato" because she's not ready to make a decision to return to him yet. First she wants to change her image...from a lazy uncultured (add your own adjectives here) to an independent woman who can support herself. Not like her mother who married out of economic
necessity.

Angarita approves her plan and notes that she's "luchona" (a fighter) and has "caracter"...just like himself.

Sandro and Marely have returned from lunch, stars still in their eyes, and she gives him a sweet kiss on the cheek. He stammers (trabar or trabarse) as he has a tendency to do when around her.

Then the phone rings and it's the evil twin again wanting to get Sandro back on his Paula assignment. Sandro tells Cesar to stop pressuring him...besides he's getting important info from Marely. For instance, that Juan is dating Hillary Paris.

Juan and Paula fight like cats and dogs and clearly Juan has interest in this other woman. Cesar scoffs (nobody said he was stupid) but Sandro sticks to his story.

In the meantime, Juan, as a peace offering, has brought tacos to Paula's office. He sucks it up and says she's right, they would do well to hire Sandro.

And then you'll have more time to pursue your millionaress girlfriend, right? she snipes back. I imagine she's very demanding.

Oh no, quips Juan, she's very understanding and tender, never angry...LIKE SOME PEOPLE I KNOW! And some more blah blah about watching home movies, Hillary snuggled up on his shoulder. You know, fuel to the fire.

Pastor, in the meantime, has been called out of the office by Angarita who can't wait to tell him that now he's sure...Yadira is HIS daughter!

Now Sandro and Paula are talking, but she is still visibly upset by her discussion with Juan. She tells Sandro that Juan is someone who can turn an apology into Chinese torture.

And they talk about the Hillary Paris story. Paula believes it's another of Juan's lies, Sandro maintains that a woman who has had everything from birth would find a simple, normal man like Juan attractive. Normal!!!!???snorts Paula, that's the last thing Juan is. (Gotta agree there)

No matter...Sandro has a plan. If Hillary really is Juan's girlfriend, why shouldn't they request that he introduce them? Imagine the flow of money if Farrell could become the purveyers of foodstuffs to the chain of restaurants the Paris family owns!!

Juan, ever suspicious, breaks in on their discussion and then is horrified to find that, since his romance with Hillary is an open secret (secreto a voces) why not introduce them?

And thus we end, with Juan, as usual, in a tight spot of his own making.

Vocabulary:
ya me chamaqueron they pulled a fast one on me
salir airoso de algo acquit oneself well in something
voltearse la tortilla shoe is on the other foot
dame punteria give me a clue, give me a shot
trabarse to get tonguetied (what happens to Sandro when he's with Marely)
a como dé lugar anyway we can
organigrama flow chart
verduleros de mercado vegetable sellers but used as in "fighting like fishwives"
un secreto a voces an open secret
tengo monos en la cara? do I look funny?

Labels: Juan

Mystery Questilon #1: Who is Hillary Paris

We enter Juan's office where Pastor is telling Juan with scary forthrightness that Sandro not only wants the Vice Presidency but he wants THE COMPLETE PACKAGE. Some other skirmishes then Paula telling Marely that tomorrow Juan will get the surprise of his life when he learns that Sandro has come in and has accepted the job (even with this ridiculously low salary.

Back at the spy and shoot camera scene as Nidia enters the garden and struts her stuff for Lorenzo while Pepita learns that the perpetrator with her husband is no other than the new lawyer's sympathetic wife. What country are we in, she ponders as Lorenzo and Nidia slink up the stairs. (beats me).

Paula tells Sandro the salary doesn't match his capabilities. But Sandro repeats that the important thing to him is to take the position even at this ridiculous salary so that he can work closely with PAULA. She is flattered and confused. He will be back the first thing tomorrow morning to begin work. Sandro stops by Marely's desk and reads over her shoulder something interesting. Is it related to her work? No, she is trying to get a scholarship. Oh and the coincidences never stop, He happens to know one of the committee members who was his professor. And he will loan Marely some of the professor's work so she can know about this person's interests. Que padre, indeed. He then talks about his lower than low (bajisimo) salary but he will have the pleasure of working with the lovely Marely. [Such a galán compared to the snippy imposter, Marely will be getting whiplash if SandroSandro changes places often with Faux-Sandro, me thinks]. Over in Juan's office, Juan and Fer laugh about getting to see Sx2 self-destruct as he walks toward the elevator.

Nidia is explaining to Lorenzo how she will explain to his wife that they are only platonic friends. As they hug, Pepita walks in with an aha and continues to snap pictures of the sinners.

Paula is jumping Pastor about the ridiculous salary he allowed Juan to insist on for Sandro.

Pepita has proof of the adultery and inspite of NIdia's protesting, Pepita gives her a sound slap. Nidia talks fast about the error made here in identity and intent of the friends not adulterers, but Pepita talks faster. Her only error was in marrying Lorenzo. Jeanne did such a good job of translating all these great insults on Friday that I won't repeat them here but look at her vocabulary list if you need to and dare to use these fun words to amaze your friends and family. Is anyone out there a lawyer? We need to have disclosures here on safety of usage. Lorenzo looks like this is an unexpected outcome as Pepita storms out of the room.

Paula continues her tirade against Juan but he sidesteps and blames Pastor for the unfortunate salary. Paula yells and leaves asking Marely to come to her office while Ivonne asks what is going on now. Fernando tells her that the salary that Juan offered Sandro is less than he made when he was a chauffeur. Ivonne says she doesn't think Sandro seems like such a bad guy. At least he doesn't share the worst traits of his brother. Fer acts a bit jealous and Ivonne seems flirty and pleased at his display. She assures him she only has eyes for him.

Paula continues at her screechy level telling Marely that Juan acted badly in bad faith but the surprise of his life is coming tomorrow when he sees Sandro come in to accept the job. Marely grins that she already knows, Sandro told her. Paula then continues on to the other maddening theme of Juan's supposed romance with Hillary Paris [see above link] what a filthy lie (cochina mentira) he is also telling about this romance. She also guesses that Juan is now reaming out Pastor for his advice.

Juan is doing just that and calling Pastor a Judas for not warning him what reaction Paula would have. Pastor tries to reason that he was just being prudent about the well being of the company but Juan whines that he should have been worrying about taking care of him not the company in this case. Juan waxes poetic about his injuries of the matador's dagger. He has been betrayed, he wishes he had never met Pastor as they say in the song [which song?] You betrayed me!!

CL and Sandro discuss the awful offer while Sandro giggles that he was offered a salary too low for a messenger boy but he came out looking like a prince in front of Paula and Marely for accepting the job anyway. Cesar Luis seems to be okay, at least "they" are inside. Sandro tells him that Paula asked him to stop sending flowers. CL calls her a mustia (hypocrite) and a hypocrite (hipócrita). Overall his memories he is turning over of his marriage to Paula, the real CL wants to deliver a lesson to Juan Dominguez. [Obsession is spelled obsesión in Spanish].

Topete comes in still sand or flour covered and whines about his needing to be with Yadi right now. She wants nothing to do with him and tells him to get lost. She has enough boxes of onions surrounding her. Yadi brags about her JOB here and pushes him out, he turns back to argue but Kike to the rescue, pushes him they face off with words and dust flying. Kike makes sure Yadi is okay then faces Topete taking his jacket off ready for a very silly looking fight. Topete and Kike throw a variety of empty boxes and pieces of fruit until Angarita shows up with a very real and long machete. She asks him to disappear from her life forever. He assures him that he won't because he loves her still. She avers that she never loved him [actually she never did say it, did she?...] He's still pinching a peach. Yadi ank Kike pull on him until she falls down. Then Kike gets him out of the market, Anga threatens to call the police if Topete doesn't get out, then he helps Yadira to a chair concerned and comforting he sees a slit in her blouse which reveals the telltale crescent moon scar/birth mark on her side. She sees him staring at it and tells him not to be a fisgón (my guess is inappropriate starer, leerer) He looks puzzled and lost in thought.

Nidia comes into Aliro's office telling him to stop his suit proceedings (tramites). What are you talking about? About Dona Josephina she can't divorce her husband.

Juan and Juanito come to Lorenzo to take him back to school but Lorenzo looks like a beaten dog instead. He tells Juan that this wife has just found a lawyer.

Flip to said Lawyer announcing that sentiment must be set aside while this important case (for him) continues as the wife has asked him. She tries to cut in that he isn't understanding what she is saying. But he goes on, not stoppilng to listen, after all he has to earn his daily bread even though this is a matrimonial mess, disappointment (fracaso). He hugs Nidia telling her she didn't anticipate that working for him would bring her into a world of intrigue, disappointments and deceptions of the world. She demands that he cannot continue with this divorce but he sites moral high ground that he must continue despite what it cost whom.

Back at the food fight, I mean market. They are picking up boxes, smashed fruit and Yadi cleans off Kike's face tenderly. Anga says time is money and they all have to get back to work. Kike says he will change clothes and get back to delivering his order. Then Anga mentions Yadira's lunar mark on her side. She says she has had it since birth, its' so awful but her mother wouldn't have it removed. That is the first thing she would do if she could afford it, she would have it taken off.

Ivonne tells Pastor that she doesn't want him to spread the news to the four winds but the operation she had means she can never have children.

We flash over to Angarita saying it can't be, as he inspects his lunar mark also on his left side at the waist (just like Yadira's). This has to be a coincidence.

Pastor tells her that Fer doesn't love her because of the children that she could give him but he loves her as he Pastor also loves her. He tells her how much Fernando loves her. If this isnt' a grand love, what is? She cries that after the chemo she isn't going to be the same or even like a woman. Pastor tells her she should just tell Fer so if he has an objection he can voice it but if he loves her it won't matter. They continue after the break to speak. Pastor says the best is to tell Fer immediately and face her fears. She doesn't want to risk rejection because she may be an egoist but she really needs this affection from Fer.

Juan and Lorenzo discuss that Nidia came to console him and saw Pepita Josefina. Lorenzo tells how Pepita came on like the Paparazzi taking pictures and discovering their meeting. Juanito comes in to tell him that the principal Tello is in the living room. Lorenzo tells him to get to the point. The principal tells him an error was made, actually he made an error and the upshot is that the teaching job is his again. In fact he should come this morning if he can, the children need him so.

NIdia is at the gate ringing for Pepita. Pepita wants nothing to do with her.

Angarita approaches Pastor and asks him if he has a lunar mark on his back. Pastor plays coy but then asks him if he means the Popov mark (of the Austiran royalty). Mommy told him that it was a mark of authenticity. Are they related to Europeans, asks Anga in great innocence? Yes for sure. Only the women have it and pass it. Anga stand up to show him the mark which looks like a piece of salami cut in crescent moon shape. Is this the royal mark?? Oh yes! Well guess who else has this mark? None other than Yadira Cachon. Pastor draws back in disbelief.

Nidia tells Pepita off that she is a fool to divorce this man. Lorenzo is not going to be lost in a hole, Nidia would pursue him. Lorenzo and I had a wholesome friendship. I loved him but he only loves you Pepita. If you are silly enough to leave him, there are so many women that would line up for him.

Anga and Pastor continue to discuss the size, color, location etc. of the lunar mark. Pastor is sure that Yadira doesn't have the regal Popov luna but a vulgar copy. Anga is sure it is just like his and that it means that she could be his daughter. The daughter of Nidia and him. What does Pastor suggest? Pastor says well start off with seeking proofs like exactly when was Yadira born? Anga looks the happiest we have ever seen him. Break

Paula continues her latest tirade about Juan and his childishness in her most childish whine at her mother. Ana points out as a wise mother that Paula's fury is due to her caring about Juan and he fury at his mystery girlfriend is based on jealousy. Paula can't wait until Juan sees Sandro come in tomorrow.

Nidia rushes up the stair into Juan where they continue to discuss the mess of Lorenzo and Pepita. Nidia explains how she tried to help the couple get back together. Lorenzo is making a call to Pepita as she shows up in the doorway. They hug and make up. She was stupid. He is so grateful she is back.

Juan serves Nidia a diner. They discuss how things aren't black and white and NIdia may have done some good after all. She confesses that she didn't really want Lorenzo. Meanwhile Lorenzo and Pepita hug in bed and she promises never to leave his side. He tells her the most important things in his life have returned: her and his children.

Marely walks into Juan's room with Juanito asleep in the bed. Again, she asks about his mystery girlfriend. He refuses, kisses them both and leaves. Next moment he is toasting with Laura and she has finally gotten smart feeding him four cheese macaroni [way to a boy's heart] Laura also asks about Sandro who looks so suspiciously like CL.

The lounge lizards swarm into the lounge where one announces that Juan is officially seeing Hillary Paris. Juan sweeps in wishing everyone high five BONJOURs . Fer slides up to tell him the rumor spread in only five minutes to all parts of the office. Ivonne greets him and tells him Paula is in his office. Paula is actually with Sandro who rises up to tell Juan he has decided to accept the position. Juan is left with mouth very wide open.

Next: Juan can't understand why this salary trick didn't work right....

Labels: Juan

Due to unforeseen circumstances I haven't had a chance to watch last night's episode and it looks like I won't get a chance until late this evening. So rather than have you wait for a recap from me, I'm opening this up for all of you to fill in the blanks on what happened in last night's episode. Hopefully we'll get it all covered, and if not, I'll add my recap later when I have a chance.

Labels: guapos

Soledad gives Hugo the injection. There’s some tension. Hugo takes a breath. More tension and tears. Dr. Dan takes off his stethoscope like it’s all over and then Hugo opens his eyes. Happiness.

Arturo tells Alcides that Hugo can’t be released unless he pays back all the investors. Alcides replies that he promised Soledad to get his brother out of prison and that’s what he’s going to do. He pushes Arturo aside and walks away.

Eloisa can’t believe that Paquito is Alcides’ messenger. He teases her with the envelope. She finally grabs it and, of course, it’s blank. He trapped her. She is furious. He takes her by the neck and demands to know everything she does about Alcides.

The prosecutor comes to see Marina. He says that Inspector Duarte told him that Marina is accusing Hugo of murder. Marina says that is so. Hugo accused her of robbery, flew into a rage and pushed her down the stairs, killing her baby. The prosecutor says that is a serious charge, which could result in Hugo going to the gallows. “Let justice be done,” says Marina, “He has to pay for what he did to me and my child.”

Hugo’s eyes are open but he isn’t moving. Soledad asks what is going on. Michelle says that this used to happen to her. He’s in shock. Dr. Dan says that his vital signs are coming back. Hugo must have the good blood stuff. That means he is not only saved but he’s cured as well. Soledad and Michelle are ecstatic.

Paquito demands to know what is going on with Eloisa. They are partners. He pulls Eloisa’s hair until she agrees to speak. She admits that she deceived him. She met Alcides alone. Eloisa tells him that Alcides wants her help to win Soledad’s heart. Paquito is scornful. “Why would you want to play cupid for them?” he asks. “For money, of course,” Eloisa responds. Rebeca is listening outside the door. “So Alcides really does have money, then,” says Paquito. “So it would seem,” says Eloisa. Paquito is all sweetness now. He says that if Alcides is the goose that laid the golden eggs, they should rob some of those eggs. Eloisa asks if he means that they should betray Alcides. Paquito says that no one can earn such a large fortune in a year. Alcides must have stolen the money. He tells Eloisa to gain Alcides’ trust and maybe they can find out where the money is. Eloisa flashes back to having sex with Alcides on the bed of money. She tells Paquito that she doesn’t know where Alcides keeps all his money but there is a lot of money in the cabaña. At this moment, Rebeca bursts in suggesting that maybe Alcides found Jeremias’ treasure.

Alcides and Arturo find that Hugo has escaped. “Someone helped Hugo escape,” says Alcides. Arturo reports that the police say that three masked people helped Hugo escape. Alcides wonders who would want to help his brother. Arturo thinks the answer is obvious – Alcides. He promised Soledad to help Hugo. Alcides tells him not to be an idiot. If he hired men to get Hugo out of prison, he wouldn’t be here now. Arturo suggests that it would be the perfect plan. He would be here pretending to be concerned about his brother while his men got Hugo out. Alcides looks at Arturo with contempt, “You are the same idiot you’ve always been,” he says. Arturo leaves saying that the investors won’t be happy when he tells them that Alcides got Hugo out of jail. Alcides pulls Hercu-less back and tells him to come to his cabaña in he woods that afternoon. Herc asks what for. Alcides says that he has a business proposition for him and not to mention it to Arturo.

Outside the Obragon house with Hugo, Dr. Dan says that it’s too early to celebrate. He has to run some tests to see if Hugo is really cured or it’s only temporary. Soledad is sure that he is cured. Her heart tells her so. Antonia, Ester and Lucas come out of the house. Antonia says that they were very worried and are happy to see Soledad safe and sound. Lucas says that he hasn’t seen anyone around. Ester is not happy at the idea of having Hugo in her house after all he’s done but Soledad says that he is very ill. They have to help him. Dr. Dan carries Hugo inside.

The prosecutor has taken Marina’s statement. She signs it and asks what happens next. The prosecutor says that he will give the case to the judge. He asks if there were witnesses. “Yes,” says Marina, “My husband, Boris Monsalve.” The prosecutor says that will be helpful at the trial. He leaves. Marina says to herself that Boris will never testify on her behalf. She needs to ask advice from Eloisa.

Dr. Dan has Hugo’s blood sample and he’s off to the lab to analyze it. Soledad says once again that she is sure that Hugo is cured. Hugo opens his eyes. Soledad asks if he can hear her. He says, “I love you. I love you.” Michelle says that Hugo will be better but now he has to rest. Soledad tells him to fight for his life. Michelle leaves the room sadly. Hugo is asleep. Soledad asks, “Why did you have to hurt me so much? Why?”

Arturo tells the investors that Hugo has escaped from prison. They want to know who could have done it. Arturo says that he overheard Alcides promising Soledad to help Hugo – he must have done it. Alcides responds that he is a lawyer. He wouldn’t use illegal means (no comment there on Alcides in particular or lawyers in general). He only came to bail his brother out of prison. Boris is in the crowd and he starts to edge away towards the door. Alcides say that he lives in the cabaña in the forest. Anyone is welcome to go there and verify that he doesn’t have Hugo. Arturo then suggests that Boris must know something but by this time Boris has disappeared. The mob goes after him.

Eloisa pooh pooh’s Rebeca’s suggestion. She says that Jeremias’ treasure doesn’t exist; it’s just a legend. Rebeca says that it does exist and maybe Alcides found it. Paquito says it might be true. Everyone knows Alcides didn’t have a dime (literally, he was ‘muerto de hambre’ – dying of hunger) and money doesn’t grow on trees (literally, ‘el oro no cae del cielo’ - gold doesn’t fall from the sky). Paquito says that it is her turn to help them. Eloisa refuses. If Alcides found out, he might cut her head off.

Ester thinks that Soledad is crazy to bring Hugo to her house. If people find out he is there, they might be killed. She says someone already tried to burn down the house. Lucas tells Michelle that she is referring to the flowerbed fire. Lucas says that they should respect Soledad’s decision. Antonia is also anti Hugo staying. Soledad comes out of Hugo’s room. Michelle asks how he is doing. Soledad says that he is sleeping. Michelle says that he is still in a trancelike state and it will take several days for him to recover. Ester repeats that she doesn’t want Hugo in her house. Lucas replies that he is defending Soledad. Period. Ester leaves in a huff. Michelle asks Soledad if she can check on Hugo and Soledad agrees saying that she is going to see her baby.

At the lab, Dr. Dan does his tests and finds that Hugo has the good blood stuff. He is cured of catalepsy. He hears a noise, whips out his gun and there is Dr. Max.

Boris runs into the Hacienda looking for Hugo. Marina doesn’t know where he is. Boris tells her to pack up some stuff quickly. They have to flee. He is being accused of helping Hugo escape from prison but he wasn’t involved. At that moment, the windows shatter as people outside throw rocks. Boris and Marina hit the deck.

Michelle comes into Hugo’s room. She says to herself that he is an interesting man, very handsome but she has come late to the story. What a shame. Suffering from catalepsy, he must have had a life similar to hers. She sits by his bed and touches his band. He closes it over hers. She leans over him to check his breathing, I guess. Michelle moves into kissing position and Hugo says, “I love you Soledad,” and kisses her. She pulls away reluctantly. Hugo continues to call her Soledad. “I’m not Soledad,” she says, crying, “I’m Michelle.” Hugo is smiling in his sleep and Michelle keeps touching her lips as she leaves the room.

Dr. Dan says that he didn’t expect Dr. Max to return so soon. Dr. Max says that he came back because he has important news for someone but it’s a private matter. Dr. Max asks if Dr. Dan said something about a cure for catalepsy? Dr. Dan says that it is private research, a professional secret. Dr. Max asks if Dr. Dan won’t share the secret with him, a professional colleague who lent him his lab. “Sorry,” says Dr. Dan. Dr. Max tells him to get out and never come back. Dr. Dan thanks him for the use of his lab and leaves.

The mob is attacking the Hacienda. Boris wants to try and leave by the back door. (They should go for the secret passage.) Marina says that she isn’t going anywhere. She isn’t Hugo’s accomplice. Hugo is going to be hanged. Boris asks what she is talking about and she says that she has accused Hugo of murdering her child. The mob breaks in. Arturo finds Boris and Marina. Marina says that she doesn’t have anything to do with Boris. Arturo accuses Boris of springing Hugo of prison. He says that they will search the place and find him. Arturo knocks Boris down. The mob starts to loot the Hacienda. Boris is helpless. Good old Marina tells him “I told you so.” Arturo wonders where Hercules is.

Hercules is riding up to Alcides’ cabaña. He stops by a pond and sees a naked woman swimming and starts to take his own clothes off.

Soledad inspects the barbecued flowers with Ursula and the baby. She says that they have to get more of the plants. They have to find Enrico. Up comes Michelle. Soledad asks how Hugo is doing. In a rather agitated manner, Michelle reports that Hugo is fine, still sleeping, pulse and respiration normal. (I guess it’s hard to act normal after being kissed by Hugo.) Soledad asks if she is all right. Ursula takes the baby inside. Michelle says that when she thought Hugo was dying, Soledad said that she loved him. Soledad replies that she said what she did because she was afraid he would die. Soledad says that Hugo is the only man she has loved in her whole life. Sometimes she thinks that she loved him more than she loves herself but he destroyed all her feelings for him. Michelle asks if there is a possibility that Soledad could forgive him. “With so much love between you, wouldn’t it be worth it to start over?” she says. “Between Hugo and me, absolutely nothing can exist,” responds Soledad, “absolutely nothing.” Michelle flashes back to Hugo’s kiss and thinks that if Soledad doesn’t want him, maybe she has a chance. Soledad asks Michelle about her love life. She says that she has never fallen in love because of her disease but now she would like to find someone she can truly love.

Marina has told Arturo about her declaration against Hugo. Arturo sends Boris away and demands that Marina tell him where Hugo is. Marina says that she doesn’t know but Hugo was going to be examined in Dr. Max’s lab.

The naked woman is Margot. She asks Hercu-less what he is doing there and he say he has an appointment but it can wait. They have pond sex and afterwards Hercu-less says it was special. He says that they will meet every day at this place.

Soledad and Michelle have a girl chat. Michelle asks what Soledad hated most about Hugo’s betrayal. Soledad says it was living with fear. All this time he made her suffer and he didn’t care. Michelle is surprised that Soledad was afraid of her husband. Soledad says that she didn’t know Alcides. He was a very violent person. “You never realized it was Hugo all that time?” says Michelle. Soledad replies that sometimes she suspected it. Soledad goes on, “Hugo enjoyed watching me suffer. For example, he saw me mourn his supposed death, when I nearly died of grief, the discovery of my daughter’s illness and he wasn’t capable of opening his mouth to tell me the truth.” Michelle advises her to leave the past behind. “On the contrary,” says Soledad, “I think remembering the past is good for me.” Michelle asks if Soledad thinks that Hugo is a bad person. Soledad says that she doesn’t know what to say. She has loved Hugo since she was a child. When they started their relationship, she loved him more than herself but he destroyed it all. It is like breaking a fine piece of porcelain. You can glue all the pieces together but it isn’t the same. Her heart is that broken piece of porcelain. Up gallops Dr. Dan with the good news that Hugo is cured.

Arturo comes to Dr. Max's looking for Hugo. Dr. Max says that just got back into town. Arturo should be looking for Dr. Dan. He hasn’t seen Hugo since the day of the fiesta. Arturo is about to leave when Dr. Max says that Arturo’s sister, Beatriz, is missing because she is dead and Dr. Max knows who killed her. Arturo is impactado.

At the cabaña, Alcides says that Vlad not only told him where to find the treasure, he taught him to meditate. Flashback to Vlad and Alcides meditating. Alcides has a piece of paper (instructions for meditating?). He assumes a meditation pose and it turns out he’s not looking for inner peace, he’s psychically looking for Hugo. He meditates up a flashback to Soledad’s too casual response to his statement that he was at the police station to free Hugo and concludes it was a trap. Hugo is at Soledad’s house. He’s off.

Dr. Max tells Arturo that he saw his sister’s body in the hospital morgue in Alcala. She had been burned alive. A nurse told him what had happened. And the culprit is: Alcides! Arturo is impactado again!! (Unless Beatriz lived after the fire, there is no way that anyone at the hospital could have figured out that Alcides was responsible for Beatriz’ death. Sloppy writing or is Dr. Max playing a double game?)

Eloisa has snuck into Alcides’ cabaña to look for money but Paquito is right behind her. He says that he and she will discover where Alcides got his money. Paquito is ransacking the place and Eloisa is begging him to put everything back where he found it. Eloisa is terrified that Alcides will find out they were there. Eloisa finds the piece of paper that Alcides was using to meditate. It wasn’t meditation instructions, it’s Vlad’s wanted poster. Paquito rummages through his brain and recalls that Vlad was an architect. He wrote some articles about him.

Soledad tearfully tells Hugo that he is cured of catalepsy. He just looks at her with dog eyes and doesn’t say anything.

Two men hurtle towards each other on horseback in the woods. It’s Alcides and Arturo. They meet. Alcides asks if Arturo found out where Hugo is. Arturo says no but he found out that Alcides killed his sister. They fight. Arturo gets a few blows in like he was fighting with the old Alcides. Then Alcides takes off his coat and dispatches Arturo in a few seconds. Alcides has found another handy cabana with manacles. Arturo wakes up to find himself chained up. Alcides asks him who told him that he had killed Beatriz. Arturo says that doesn’t matter. Is it true? Alcides flashes back to Beatriz stabbing him and him cutting her throat. He tells Arturo that Beatriz held him against his will, tortured him for weeks at a time, injected him with drugs that almost paralyzed his legs. “Liar!” shouts Arturo.

Alcides tells Arturo that Beatriz was a killer. She killed several people. He shows Arturo his scar and says that Beatriz stabbed him without mercy and almost killed him. Arturo isn’t buying. He says that everyone in San Marino knows that he is a killer that he let his brother be buried alive. “And you’re a saint,” replies Alcides, “Saint Arthur.” Arturo says that when he gets out of this, everyone will know what Alcides did to his sister. Alcides is as miserable as his brother Hugo. Alcides says that he came back to get back the woman he loves and he isn’t going to let Arturo mess that up. He offers Arturo all the money he wants for his silence. In a somewhat surprising display of affection for the sister that he told his mother was a ‘loca,’ Arturo spits at Alcides and rejects his offer. Alcides says that if Arturo won’t accept his offer, he will have to do this. “Do what?” asks Arturo. “You’re sitting on gunpowder,” says Alcides. Arturo stands up. The cabaña is filled with barrels of gunpowder. Alcides tells Arturo that he wishes he didn’t have to do this. Arturo can still accept his offer of silence in exchange for money. Arturo refuses (suddenly he a martyr? Why doesn’t he just lie? He could get money and betray Alcides.) Alcides lights a fuse and leaves. Arturo calls him a damned murderer and desperately tries to blow out the fuse.

Michelle tells Dr. Dan about Hugo’s kiss. Dr. Dan is outraged. “The man is shameless. How dare he kiss you in Soledad’s house.” Michelle explains how the kiss happened. Dr. Dan concludes from Michelle’s dreamy expression that she liked the kiss. Michelle says that it shook her up. She says that it was a strange moment. She felt horrible. Hugo’s heart belongs to Soledad. Dr. Dan asks if Michelle thinks Soledad still loves him. “Of course,” replies Michelle, “didn’t you see how she was when she thought Hugo had died? But Hugo told me a while ago that he wasn’t strong enough to get her love back because of the bad things that had happened between them.” Dr. Dan smiles and says, “Then, there is a tiny possibility.” “For what?” asks Michelle, “I don’t want to cause any harm.”
“We both have the same problem, Michelle,” says Dr. Dan.
“What?” says Michelle.
“I’m falling in love with Soledad,” replies Dr. Dan.

Back with Hugo, Soledad says that she isn’t sure that he understood her. He is cured. Hugo says that he needs her to repeat that. “What,” says Soledad, “that you are cured?”
“No,” says Hugo, “the kiss you gave me before you left the room before. Give me another kiss. Let me taste your lips once more. Give me another kiss.” Soledad is impactada (couldn’t she just conclude that he was dreaming?). The credits roll.

Labels: la traicion

Dr. House is at a PG-rated nudie bar, watching a girl dance. Suddenly he realizes that he can't remember coming to the bar. The dancer tells him he hasn't even had a drink yet. House discovers that he has a bleeding head wound and is suffering from retrograde amnesia.

He limps outside to find the street clogged with police cars, ambulances, a crashed bus, and a trashed garbage truck.

But that is not our story.

(When I agreed to do Monday nights, I didn't realize that House was moving to Monday nights too. It's still the best weeknight for me to recap, but I don't know why they had to move House. It's okay, though, because there's only one new episode left after tonight.)

Back to church, where Sofia is blithely lighting a candle, and Feonando is warning the padre that he's about to lay some heavy stuff on him.

"It was I who raped Sofia. I raped her." The padre reacts by moving his head slightly. (Please imagine that his eyes widen with surprise.) Not far away, with her back turned, Sofia continues to pray, oblivious to the ethical trainwreck happening behind her.

Franco opens his eyes for a moment, but can't stay conscious long enough to answer his brothers' queries as to who beat him up. Still, they are happy that he seems to be doing a little better.

At the nightclub, Rosario fumes about the beating. Ofelia warns her that she now knows what Feonando is capable of. She must stay away from Franco!

"But I looooooove him," Rosario protests. Now that she's seen him all pulpified and defenseless, she loves him more than ever. (blech) Ofelia says that if she loves him that much, she needs to sacrifice that love before Feonando kills him with his bare hands. Rosario curses Feo and says not even God can have pity on this guy.

Fr. Tadeo finally snaps out of it and asks Feo to confirm what he just said. Feo repeats that it was he who raped Sofia on her way home from teaching catechism. The padre is like, oh no you dittent!! No way, it can't be.

Just then, a crazy wind blows out all the candles. Feo tosses a casual glance over his shoulder as Sofia shivers.

"How can you be so cold-blooded?" the padre asks, "to confess this horror with such satisfaction?"

Feo claims that it was tough for him to say it, but the padre insisted, and that gave him the courage to speak. "Ever since I met Sofia, she struck me with her beauty; she never looked at me - it was like I didn't exist. That's why I decided to make her mine at any cost. I began by watching her, waiting for the right moment, and that moment was not long in coming."

Fr. Tadeo begs Feo to stop talking.

"You can't refuse to listen to a sinner's confession. What kind of priest are you? You're obliged to listen to me, and you're going to do it!" (Feo tilts his head from side to side, the way people do when they have to crack their necks.) "So I laid in wait for Sofia, like a hunter awaiting his prey. I waited at the church exit; she walked by unsuspectingly."

Feo grins through the confessional screen. "And when she least expected it, I attacked her. I attacked her, Padre, and made her mine." Another Cheshire grin.

"How can you say you love Sofia, if you were capable of something so vile?" In an increasingly loud voice, he explains that if you love someone, you'll give anything to make them happy. True love is respect and sacrifice, not humiliation and violence.

Feo said it was out of desperation, to get her her to notice him, because she had never paid him any attention. (Another big creepy smile.) "Later I showed up as her rescuer, which won me the confidence of Gabriela. She herself offered her [Sofia] on a silver platter."

The padre expresses disgust and dismay.

"I married to Sofia, believe that I would save her from shame, that she would love me, but I was wrong." (The SOB sobs.) "Sofia has never loved me; I suffered through her disdain."

Unmoved by Feo's alligator (or crocodile, if you prefer) tears, the padre asks if he expects any pity now. "You're a very cruel, sick man, sick with evil."

"Okay, well, I'm done confessing. So, what's my penance, Padre?"

"Death by trampling," I wish the priest says, but he does not. Instead, he flexes his jaw muscles. The upper portion of his face remains smooth and inscrutable.

Sofia is praying for peace. Feo crawls up alongside on his knees, saying one measly Hail Mary, which is less than what Fr. Jusseaume would give us for something like writing on a desk, not that I would know anything about that. He sighs loudly and tells Sofia that they can leave, now that he's give his confession, and he hopes she can understand that he's done all this because he loves her.

Sofi says she'd like to stay and visit with the wounded bricklayer. Feo wants to come with! He crosses himself piously and pulls himself up by her hand.

She proceeds to cross herself on her way out; he copies her like a synchronized swimmer. He pauses at the confessional to give a gratuitous "¡Amen!" to the shellshocked priest.

After Feo leaves, Tadeo hops out of the confessional and staggers into the aisle to pray for guidance. He prostrates himself on the floor as an unseen choir (with symphonic accompaniment) blasts him full of inspiration.

Grandpa is in his deerstalker cap again, using his spyglass to examine the backyard in which the brothers are not building Feonando's love shack. Eva says she hopes they don't come back. Grandpa finds this odd, since she was the one who hired them and has been their accomplice. "We both know that those boys aren't working here for their skill." (Ha! I love Grandpa.) Eva says she's sorry, but she can't say. For the good of everyone, however, it's best if they don't come back. Grandpa writes:

They didn't come to work. Eva behaves strangely; she took off out of here.

The donkey brays forlornly outside the dispensario as Oscar dabs cool water on Franco's forehead. Sofia says they really need a doctor. Feo agrees and thinks they should take him to the hospital. Walking in, the padre nervously says he doesn't think it will be necessary. Oscar thinks Franco shouldn't even be moved. Sofi says they need to get a doctor from someplace. Juan comes in and says no thank you, will take care of him ourselves, we don't need any help. The padre urges Juan to reconsider, but Juan gets very huffy at the sight of Feo and says no again.

"Yes we need help. Franco needs it!" Oscar answers. "And they, Juan, are going to give it." Sofi looks from one brother to the other, wondering what's going on (or maybe wondering if someone forgot his lines). Feo looks at Juan with a faint, shit-eating grin.

Franco looks unconscious.

Sarita paces in her princessy bedroom, pausing frequently to look out her window where the brothers are not working. She remembers the day (yesterday? Two days ago?) when Franco wore a big hat and gave her a rose and they talked about poetry. The rose is smushed up in her poetry book, but still looks fresh and alive. She wonders if it's really possible that she's Franco's impossible love.

Rosario prays tearfully to Virgencita, saying she's a sinner and doesn't deserve pity, but please don't punish her loved ones too. "Just punish me, but protect those who love me. Protect my child [notice she never says his name], protect Franco."

Somehow, someone has located a doctor, who has put a bandage around Franco's forehead (good thinking, that will keep his brains from falling out) and is listening to Franco's chest. The doctor has them help move some extra furniture out of the room that's going to be in his way. The padre is giving Feo a suspicious look. Soon Feo is alone in the room with Franco. He reaches for Franco's face as if to claw it off.

Then, suddenly, there's a stretcher in the room, next to Franco's bed. (Maybe Feo was just imagining being alone with Franco and ripping his face off.) Feo and the other guys transfer Franco to the stretcher. Juan and Feo exchange suspicious looks. Or maybe Feo is staring at Juan while Juan stares at Sofi... or... all I know is there's a lot of staring going on, and other people noticing the staring.

Now Franco's on some kind of IV drip, and the doctor declares him to be out of danger. Franco mumbles and half-smiles at Juan. Oscar smacks his face with joy. Franco winces at the appropriate time, and Oscar apologizes. Juan and Sofi beam at one another.

Oscar and Juan are walking home, hopefully to change their rooster shirts. Juan is saying that he was pissed when Oscar accepted their help. He doesn't want to owe anything to their enemies.

Crabi's driver nearly runs them down as they are crossing the street. Crabi gets out of the truck and starts insulting them for blowing off work without prior notice. She should have figured they were a bunch of lowlifes.

Juan calls her back. She tries to stare him down. She is not that much shorter than he is, but he hulks over her anyway and tells her never to call them lowlifes (malnacidos) again. They came from very decent parents. "Well then you didn't learn anything from them, or they didn't teach you to be responsible workers." She tells them they're fired, and jabs her fan at them in a dismissive manner.

Sofi comes back from church; her sisters want to talk to her about Feo. It's important - they promised him they would. She doesn't want to hear about it; she doesn't have time. She explains that someone beat up Franco. Sarita is upset; Sofi asks if she loves him. Sarita's not sure if what she feels for him is love or not, but it's something she's never felt before. Sofi asks if she'd like to go see him.

Jimena is on board with the plan. Sarita is worried about incurring their mother's wrath. Sofi says she'll take responsibility. She says that if Sarita's really in love, she has to go for it, no matter what.

Now Feonando is at the nightclub, scolding Mustache Guy Armando and his other cronies. "I told you to make him disappear, and you didn't follow my orders." A henchman says they left him to sink in the lagoon. Feo says no, they're the ones who "sank." Henchman #2 says they don't know what happened or who helped him. Mustache guy says they're telling the truth.

Feo laughs tipsily. They all laugh too. Then he scowls. They stop laughing. He says he'll let it go, but it had better not happen again.

Sofi is driving her sisters into town and agreeing with them that Feo isn't evil. She tells them how he went to church with her today and went to Confession. Her sisters think that proves something, and she should give him a chance. Sofi says there's something she just can't explain.

Sarita says there is something else - that Sofi is hiding from them. Something that she doesn't even want to accept herself. Sofi says "maybe so." They beg for more info, but she's not ready to give any. She mysteriously says that if that's what's keeping her from loving Feonando, then she has to get it out of her life, the sooner the better. "And then you'll love Feonando?" Jimena asks. "I don't know," Sofi says. "After that, I probably won't be able to love anyone else." (Snif!)

Sarita complains that Sofi doesn't trust them. "There are things that are better left unsaid; things that are very painful." It's better to hide them in our hearts, so they don't destroy us. I wonder if the American Heart Association knows anything about the health benefits of keeping painful things in your heart. In any case, it shuts the sisters up.

Speaking of the American Heart Association, the padre is rubbing his right arm. I think he's just chilly, though; there's a windlike sound effect. But the pages of his Bible aren't ruffling in any breeze; the sound seems to be on the inside of his head. He recalls Feo's chilling confession. He looks as though he's having a stroke. (Acting or Botox? You make the call!) He prays something like "You teach us that that which is in heaven cannot be separated from the earth," (??? I'm not sure what this means literally, but I think it refers to his vow not to repeat the confessions of others) "but what about Sofia's suffering? I can't pretend to be deaf and cross my arms; I have to protect her." The unseen choir and symphony begin again. "I have to protect that whole family from themselves."

Note - talking about not crossing one's arms is something like when we say we won't take something lying down.

For a long time I wasn't sure what the crossed arms literally referred to, exactly. I assumed it was something like folding your arms so that your hands are tucked away harmlessly, unwilling to interfere.

But then when they beheaded Lafont in Pasión, I noticed that they crossed his arms around the tree stump to immobilize him for the axe. Does anyone know if that's what's meant by "crossed arms"? Because if so, I don't recommend ever crossing your arms for anything.

Rosario visits Franco at the dispensario and cranks him up. His bed, I mean, so that he can sit up and get a better look at her stuff. She tries to urge Franco to forget about her. No, he wants her to let him love her.

He asks about her relationship with Armando (aka Mustache Guy, aka Lopez from LFMB with bad hair). She doesn't want to answer; she says the less he knows, the better off he is.

Franco explains that they'll have to kill him to keep him away from her. She doesn't want to hear any more of this, so he kisses her instead. She gets into it. Now they're making out. Great, now let's see if he can forget her.

Crabi arrives at the church, where the girls have already arrived with their donations for the dispensario. She is muy enojada to see that they've left the hacienda without her permission. Sofi takes the blame, and Crabi says "That doesn't surprise me, you always were the bad apple." Sofi says it's for charity. Sarita explains that the littlest bricklayer got some boo-boos, and since Mommy Dearest taught them to be charitable, they brought him some things, following her example.

"You help those who deserve it," answers Judge Crabi. "Those who earn that help." Sofi says charity isn't so choosy. Crabi says she doesn't care what Sofi says, and they're not going to talk about it. She orders them back to the truck.

Jimena argues. Sarita simply says she's not going - she'll say with Sofia.

Franco is telling his brothers, who have indeed changed out of the rooster shirts, that he couldn't see who it was; it was too dark. He tells them to pretend it was an accident. He's the youngest and he appreciates that they've always taken care of him, but this is his responsibility. Oscar scoffs at this. Juan says their mother told him to watch out for the younger brothers. They talk about how their parents watch out for them from where they are now.

Franco says Libia, too. She was the one who saved his life. When he regained consciousness, he was in the place where they had found Libia; he felt her presence, like a strength, which prevented him from sinking. It was Libia who saved his life. When he gets better, he'll visit her grave and thank her. (A flower glows with an eerie light, as if to confirm Franco's story. I think it really means that the mother ship is coming to take E.T. home, but I don't want to spoil the moment for Franco.)

Dr. House realizes that his guess about the patient's disease was wrong; he quickly comes up with a new theory. (I don't think that's a spoiler, since that's the plot of every House episode.)

Oscar excitedly asks if this Libia-sighting isn't a sign that she wants them to stop their mission of vengeance against the Elizondo women. Juan snorts at him and stomps out of the room in disgust. Oscar just wants to hear more; but if there is more, we don't get to hear it.

Crabi complains that Sofia's setting a bad example. Sofi says she and her sisters are tired of being shut-ins. Crabi says God will punish her for defying her mother. Padre shows up and Crabi asks him to take her side. Then Feo shows up and says the dispensario is all set up. Impactada, Crabi asks him if he's helping those losers (the Reyes brothers) too. "Those losers, as you call them, are our fellow man - isn't that so, Padre?" The padre agrees, but he looks like he just swallowed a bug.

Outnumbered and defeated, Crabi tells them to finish up and they'll talk later. She asks to speak to the padre privately. (She's probably hoping to give him some advice on how to be a more irreproachable priest.)

She steps out, leaving Feo alone with the padre. The padre turns to leave; Feo grabs his arm, pulls him in for a ring-kiss, and says in a very slimy manner, "thank you for your advice, Padre."

The brothers (minus Franco) and the sisters meet up in the lobby with the fountain. They're all impactados and impactadas. Sarita asks to see Franco. Juan grumpily allows it.

Now Grandpa is in his centurion hoplite costume, playing with his game board and horsie figures again. He tells Eva he's dressed like Alexander the Great, and tells the story of the Gordian Knot, the traditional version of which is something like the following:

There was a kingdom that didn't have a king. The local seer said that the next guy to drive an oxcart into town would be given the king job. That lucky winner tied his cart to a post with a complicated knot that seemingly had no ends to unravel, and then the oracle said that the person who untied it would become king of Asia.

For many years, no one could untie it; but when Alexander came along, he solved the problem by cutting the knot with his sword.

Grandpa seems to be telling a somewhat different version of the story, in which Alexander must cut the knot in order to enter the city. He demonstrates the knot-cutting with a chop of his toy sword. Eva winces.

Then he tells Eva he's still working on reconstructing Bernardo's accident; it's not adding up. She tells him to leave it alone - it's just upsetting the family. He says he must follow his investigative instincts. In reference to his other investigation (the search for Eva's child), the Black Widow keeps getting in the way. She caught him with his hands in the corn - that is, in her papers, but he's going to keep trying. Crabi committed an injustice, and she's going to have to fix it.

He asks if she's considered marrying. "Who would marry me?" she asks. Grandpa says he'd marry her right now, if not for his crummy legs. She laughs. He says it would be the first case he knows of in which the woman could "take advantage" of her husband. Eva is speechless with mirthful exasperation.

The padre is rubbing his hands together nervously; I see there's no ring, so I guess people have been kissing his bare hand. He tells Crabi that he needs to take care of Sofia and not continually judge and attack her. Crabi says she loves her daughters, but Sofi is too rebellious. The padre urges Crabi to examine her own behavior; the way she has treated Sofi after the atrocity she experienced. A rape leaves deep scars. She needs space to put her soul at rest. She should be allowed to sleep away from her husband.

Crabi is horrified by this request. A priest is supposed to encourage marriage and family. Padre says he does, but the ways of God are mysterious and not always the same for everyone. Evil is like a mist; it infiltrates and is hard to get rid of.

Gabi has no idea what he's talking about and is creeped out by his manner. He gives her a keen look, as if he is trying to communicate telepathically, but everyone knows that you can't send ESP messages without wrinkling your forehead.

Sarita asks Franco if he feels better. She says it's awful to see him this way. He touches her face and says she is kind and pretty. Sara looks about ready to pass out from the thrill of it. "You'd better rest," she says reluctantly. He says he'll close his eyes and she'll be the last thing he sees, and that way he'll dream of her. (He probably read that in a poem.)

Bam, just like that, he's asleep, or at least he's a good enough actor to make Sarita think so. She puts his hand down and gets up to leave. She smiles at the gigantic crucifix and steals a kiss from her unconscious boyfriend. She puts her hand over her heart and smiles at the crucifix again. Then she touches Franco's face and then brushes her fingers across her lips.

Go ahead and laugh. I couldn't help it.

Oscar tells Jimena he wanted to see her. Jimena says she came here for his brother; after her last encounter with Oscar, she doesn't want to see him again. He apologizes. She asks if he thinks she's some nut who'll just get together with anyone. If so, he's mistaken. She is looking for love and to live intensely, but not the way he thinks.

"Give me a chance," he says. "I did, and you blew it. Bye, Oscar. I wish you the best." Oscar is bummed. "But YOU'RE the best," he murmurs as she walks away.

Just in case you were tricked into thinking Feonando was a nice guy, here he is knocking Rosario around again. "Next time I see you with Franco, I'll kill him!" He threatens her child too. She begs him to leave her child alone.

Back at the dispensario, Juan thanks Sofia for helping with Franco. She says there's nothing to thank her for. He says he has more to say; she doesn't want to hear it.

"You have to listen, because this is the truth, it's burning in my stomach. I can't get rid of this feeling. I love you!"

Sofi tries to stifle a smile, but can't. She turns away.

"Wait, don't leave. You have to listen. You have to let me finish. I don't want you to suffer, or to cause you problems. I also know that you're not available, and me, I'm nobody... I would never deserve for you to look at me, but I love you, like I never could love before, and this feeling hurts me, torments me, I have..."

He tries to kiss her; she turns away. He is bummed.

"Okay, I just wanted you to know that, and I promise not to bother you again."

She calls him back. "I love you too. I love you with all my heart.

"But you're not getting my Bud Lite."

Martes
Have you noticed that the avances are usually a rerun of the last scene of the episode? That's not helpful at all.

Labels: Fuego

On a bright, sunny day in the D. F., we review the anticipated glorious demise of Profe-wannabe Topete at the Instituto Tlalpan S. C. Juanito and crew have strung up a booby trap to trap the booby. Juanito is left with a telltale handful of string.

Fernando can’t believe what he’s hearing as we continue our review from last night—this is the worst idea he’s heard from Juan since he’s known Juan. Juan can’t understand why Fern thinks that. Well, it could be because Juan scarcely knows Laura and is pushing her candidacy for the VP position. He convinces a very reluctant Fern to help him.

Still in the review reverie mode, Ivonne strolls into Farell’s lobby with the lobby lizards gaping. Paula’s right behind Ivonne, so they try to keep it in check. Marely greets her warmly and Ivonne returns the favor. Ivonne kicks Julia out of her seat—but not until Julia has made pointed remarks about what might have been altered during Ivonne’s little procedure. The doc surely messed up because Ivonne looks just the same! Julia speculates on what got augmented – or not ….Ivonne gets her seat back with Julia grumbling. She’s got no new info to pass on. She makes a parting jab at Ivonne that it’s a durn shame they can’t operate on a personality. Ivonne is indignant impactada.

Fern emerges from seeing Juan to first scold Ivonne for getting out of her sickbed so soon, and then kiss her from sheer joy at seeing her back. He runs off on an errand for the boss while Ivonne sighs happily after him.

At the Instituto Tlalpan S. C., the booby trap is ready and the booby is approaching the classroom. Ruperto runs jubilantly back to his seat, advising his mates. The bucket of white stuff empties perfectly on Topete’s head, though one wonders why Juanito didn’t notice that the school director was standing right next to Topete when Juanito deftly yanked the cord to empty it. The incensed educators look up, and then in the direction of the rather thick and unmistakable cord that goes directly into Juanito’s hands. Juanito is busted impactado. Flor and Ruperto tremble for him, too. Topete, whose looks are somehow improved slightly when dusted in white, removes his glasses and the school director looks at Juanito in a way that suggests suppression of his need to collapse in laughter. The worried-impactado kidlets stare at the white-coated educators [pun intended], who glare back with fiery threats emanating from their eyes.

The Perafán , etc., and Associates firm has just gotten its first call, which Nidia answers soooo professionally while Delirio utters sweet nothings behind her to interrupt her train of thought. For what it’s worth, that train left the station a long time ago. She looks at him for approval as she continues, and he continues to interfere from the side. The prospective client is an unwary (incauta) victim, Nidia tells Delirio while she muffles the phone with her hand…..er, a client! She gives directions to the oficina Perafán Rocha de Francisco y Asociados.

Fernando, meanwhile, has gone procuring for Juan. He approaches the waitress in Juan’s favorite restaurant and asks a favor. She’s not keen on the idea. He mentions Juan, and her eyes light up. You mean that really nice guy who comes here to eat sometimes? She’s keen, all right. The waitress describes Juan in shivering, drooling detail, eyes glazing over—his smile, his arms….sometimes you’d just like to eat him up. Fern stammers nervously. Will she do the favor or not? Sure, for that Prince, Juan, she’ll do it. Fern tells her it’s easy and walks with her to explain the favor.

Juan’s not losing any time—he gives Ivonne a great big kiss to welcome her with about a dozen “Bombons” to punctuate his joy in seeing her back at work. He missed her! Well, she missed the office, too. [Ed. Note: That’ll last all of ….what….twenty minutes or so?] She gives him a big, grateful smile. He orders her to rest if she finds herself needing it no overtime! He kisses her again on the cheek and the phone rings, so Ivonne runs to answer. It’s a mystery woman asking for Juan. May I tell him who is calling? Hillary Paris. Ivonne is muy, pero muy, impactada. The waitress hands the phone to Fern while Ivonne hands the one on her end to Juan. Juan’s end of the conversation sounds positively delightful. He asks how his caller is, and Fern sarcastically responds that he’s there following up with the boss’s whims. Juan talks about the little massages and (sauna-temascal/oven hot??) and how Hillary must be really bored with all that. He runs on about the lovely little hands giving the massages while he notes Ivonne’s stunned face. Ivonne stage whispers—is it really Hillary? The one in the magazines? Juan tells her it is and she can leave already. Ivonne wants the confirmation again. Juan continues his fake conversation with Hillary Paris. Ivonne slides away, but listens intently. Juan “scolds” Hillary, that when she calls, she shouldn’t be giving her name. Ivonne plays with her ID badge.

At Fernando’s end, he tells Juan not to be so rude with Ivonne there. The waitress, pleased to help with the joke, chuckles and walks away. Juan laughs at Fern and tells “Hillary” they’ll see each other tonight—“my love of a thousand loves.” He’ll bring the champagne. Ivonne has continued her slide to the door, still listening for all she’s worth, as Juan says his sweet farewell and kisses the phone. He “notices” Ivonne messing with the mini-bar and asks if she’s all right. What about it? I’ll send the custodian—she gestures toward the bar. Juan chuckles and thanks her as a very somber Ivonne leaves. Juan cracks up. He’s got them! The gossip mill can take over now.

Topete and the school director stand in a cloud of white powdery stuff in the office. The director points out accusingly that when Profesor Lorenzo Pomposo was in charge of that class, they were model students, totally compliant and studying hard, always on the honor roll. On the other hand now…..Topete attacks the director—you’re going to blame ME for them changing into wild beasts? [Schoolmarm note: Yes.] The blame is THEIRS! The director sees it differently. Since Topete has been the teacher, the classroom has become a battleground. Topete accusingly yells that the kids not only don’t like him, they hate him. [Ed. Note: at least you’re becoming more perceptive as time goes on, Topete.] The director is sorry, but Profesor Lorenzo has to return. And me? You’re out. But, Topete pleads, we’re friends. I’ve just lost the woman of my life, and now this. The director tells him he’s not cut out for this position. He’s sorry, but Topete is OUT. He goes and leaves Topete reeling, impactado.

In the classroom, Ruperto worries that something awful will happen. Juanito asks how they were supposed to know Topete would come in with the Director? The kids discuss their problem—they hope they won’t get suspended. Ruperto’s folks will just kill him. Juanito gives them a pep talk and the director is at the door, sending everyone scrambling to their seats. He announces that what just happened cannot happen again. He doesn’t imagine that if he asks for the names of those responsible he won’t get them—he has no doubt they all collaborated on it. Am I wrong? One little girl nods, as little kids do when they forget they need to feign innocence. He points out that they need to remember that many children in the D. F. would like to be there, to study and become something in life. Juanito, ever the brave little soldier, tells him they know that, but that Topete was a terrible teacher. They didn’t like him! For that reason, Profe Pomposo is returning. [Ed. Note: Not to put too fine a point on it, Director, but you haven’t asked him yet. He could just tell you where to get off. But, sigh, he won’t.] The class cheers.

Juan tries his best to schmooze Laura into good humor. She’s not buying it. She tries to hang up, but he begs prettily for her to listen. She indignantly complains that she was subjected to humiliation. She gives Juan an earful about her interview. Paula was tough on Laura and he didn’t defend Laura. He tells her, in a firm but kind voice, that she hadn’t prepared for her interview too well. Laura knows she’s busted on that, but still complains. He let this woman offend Laura. Laura paints her pot furiously. What, you think she was only tough on you? For sure, I think that. She took advantage of that moment to get back for what happened long ago [not that long ago, we think.]. And you, Juan, helped her.

Ivonne has gathered the troops in Paula’s office. Marely and Paula stand behind Paula’s desk, sisters united, while Ivonne stands in front. [Surely she should be sitting down!] Paula wants to know what’s so important that she’s come to see them right now. Well, she’s found out more about the mystery woman. What? Ivonne explains about the call that came in while she was in Juan’s office. Well, who was it??? Laura? No, no way. You’ll never guess, never in years! Marely want to know why, do we know her? Well, yeah….well, actually, everyone in Mexico knows her. It was Hillary Paris! Paula plops into her chair, impactidíssima. Marely is equally impactidíssima.

Juan continues his attempt to unruffle Laura’s feathers. He begs prettily some more and invites her to dinner. She’ll consider it. He pours it on, and she tells him there’s just one thing—if he stands her up this time, she’ll never forgive him, never. He’s going to find her work in another part of the company. Really? He’d do that for her? He says for such a lovely woman, and he doesn’t want her staying resentful with him, he’s capable of most anything. Laura declares it’s impossible to stay mad with him. He’s such a charmer (encantador).

Fern has made his way back to Farell and to Juan’s office. He hears Juan uttering a farewell with kisses to her. Fern wants to know if she was a wild animal like he told Juan she’d be? More or less. But Juan brags that there’s no lioness that can keep those fangs sunk into him for long. Fern wants to know what happened with Ivonne. She bought the whole story. At this very moment, she’s busy informing the Licenciada and Marelicita. Like in baseball. They high five each other, jubilant. I told you, Juan brags.

Across the hall, no one is jubilant. Are you SURE? When I answered the phone, Ivonne tells them, she told me her name. Marely can’t buy this story at all. She hedges about Hillary Paris, well, she’s a really pretty woman, right? Pretty, nothing, she is a MILLIONAIRE! Ivonne calls it like it is. Paula is pained to note that her company is one of the biggest in the entire country. Ivonne reminds them she’s in all the magazines, and ah, those boyfriends!! The most attractive in the world! The sisters gasp; and now she is….now she is….with JUAN??!!! Ivonne nods firmly, lips pursed. “With Juan Dominguez?????!!!!” Another nod. “Juan Dominguez Coral???!!!!!” No! Can’t be. Marely argues it’s another of his pranks. The girls are stymied.

Nidia ushers Pepita Pomposo into the living room at the Casa Cachón. No, make that the Law Office of Perafán Rocha de Francisco y Asociados. He’s presently occupied, but Nidia wants to know what she can offer Pepita. Pepita needs nothing…..but whimpers enough that Nidia sits beside her to comfort and help. It’s a very sensitive matter. When she talks about it, she it on the verge of tears. Nidia tells her no problem, she’ll get an entire box of tissue. Pepita spills the story about her wandering hubby –imagine, after almost 20 years married--and Nidia empathizes—the JERK! Nidia runs at the mouth about all those men being the same. She imagines it’s some good-for-nothing, layabout sleazy wench (pelafustana cualquiera), a scarlet woman (meretriz-prostitute, harlot, etc.)! [Ed. Note: Nidia, if we didn’t know you better, we might agree about Lorenzo’s new little friend]. Nidia is all sympathy and Pepita describes how he’s trying to convince her this hussy is just a friend. Nidia says that there’s a payback for everything in this life. Pepita is very pleased to hear that Nidia thinks so.

Paula walks into Juan’s office, shoulders slumping more than we’ve ever seen. He congenially welcomes her. She gets to the point. Is the woman you’re seeing Hillary Paris? That’s right. Why? Paula has no answer. Good thing, since we’re going to the commercial.

Juan, if this is another of your lies…..Paula is righteously indignant. Juan wonders why she thinks they’re lies and thought bubbles that he doesn’t get why she lacks faith in him. Hm. Paula asserts it’s not possible. She’s young, rich, lovely, very famous. Juan adds that Hillary Paris is “chula” – very cute and acts offended that she doesn’t think he fits the picture, but he’s snickering on the side. Paula, oblivious to his snickers, rattles on about her not being quite as attractive as they say. What’s more, she’s not even in his reach (alcance). She is outside his universe! Paula gestures in frustration, like she can convince Juan that this is just foolish. This woman will never really pay attention to……Juan fills in the blank—to a guy like me, to a fool (naco- stupid, trashy, fool)? Paula is taken aback. No, I never said that. El Rey Tiburón music plays in the background. No, but you thought it. Don’t forget that now I am the 50% owner of a great company, at the international level. Paula steps more carefully, backpedaling so not to offend Juan—it’s just that this woman is out of your league, and mine. Juan smiles as he leans toward her over the desk. Hillary Paris hangs with impresarios who have international standing, way higher than ours; with members of the European royalty (realeza). You’re not this woman’s kind of guy. Juan points out that Paula should explain to her because it appears she hasn’t understood that. Paula tells him this is all in his head, a dream, and he knows it….right? He thought bubbles that his boots have seen the dawn under Paula’s own bed, or has she forgotten that night of passion they shared? She tells him that this dream is….what, Juan asks. Well, it won’t happen. Juan wonders why she thinks he would invent something like this. Well, to bother….Paula stammers. To bother….someone??? Juan is carefully sets her up. Like who? Paula looks away and shrugs. She changes the subject a little and protests. Let’s stop playing games and you admit this is a tall tale, Juan. Juan smiles sweetly but smugly at her over the desk. After a little more of this game, he points out it’s late and he has work to do, if she doesn’t have anything more to cover with him. She petulantly smiles and tells him not to worry, she won’t waste any more of his precious time. She’ll leave him with his great fantasy. Juan watches her leave, thought bubbling about her jealousy and cracking up, doing a victory dance over his success. He thinks that there never was born a little goat who couldn’t scale a mountain, and there’s never been a gal who wouldn’t succumb to the arms of this irresistible man. He puts his boot on the desk and slaps his knee in glee.

Pepita waits for Delirio and Nidia brings coffee for the two of them. Nidia assures Pepita she’s there for Pepita. She’s been a victim of those men. She tells the story of Samuel putting the horns on her and we hear the mooing. Pepita tells how she’s given up the best years of her life for that man, and she was stupid. It’s over, Nidia tells her. Now you’re going to have the strength to confront him. Pepita can’t live like that. Nidia declares that now Pepita’s husband of loose morals will be left like a dog with no owner. This pleases Pepita. He’s such a cynic, with this matter of his little friend. Ha, a simple friendship. Can you believe him? Nidia rolls her eyes in disbelief and makes disbelieving noises emphatically. She calls the woman a harpy, shameless. [Ed. Note: Well, Nidia, if that’s how you want to describe yourself…]. Pepita describes how he talks about this woman, with these flowery phrases. This gouger (gurbia, my best guess from Babylon’s definition), must know the Kama Sutra [Ed. Note: one wonders if Nidia has a clue what she’s talking about], upright and upside down. [Ed. Note #2 – whew, had to fan myself here.] Nidia paints the picture of an insatiable beast in the bed. Pepita is scandalized—she cannot tolerate this in her marriage! She has to get rid of the rage she has! Nidia exhorts Pepita to leave off crying and get practical. Pepita looks around, then lowers her voice to ask what Nidia recommends. Nidia says that the Licenciado will give her the details, but Nidia recommends Pepita catch her hubby red-handed with the woman—photos, the whole nine yards. Then confront him. When the divorce is finalized, she’ll be on top of the heap. Pepita giggles with glee. Delirio comes and tells them how he’s been on an international call—very international, Nidia chimes in, with the US. He ushers her into the office, but first Pepita thanks her new BFF for the advice.

Marely and Ivonne pace Paula’s office while the three consider this very strange situation of Juan and Hillary Paris. When’s he coming down off this cloud? Paula did her best, but Juan thinks it’s so funny to invent these stories. Ivonne thinks they shouldn’t put so much brainpower on this—don’t obsess. What does the man really want? To focus your interest. Marely and Paula see her point totally. Marely thinks this is his vengeance for Paula nosing around and making inquiries into his private life. Paula thinks they shouldn’t give him the pleasure. Ivonne agrees, and points out they probably have plenty to do. Yep. They agree to get back to work so Paula can have all the accounts ready for the new VP.

Well, that didn’t last. Paula focuses on work about 10 seconds before she’s spouting to Marely that it’s just not possible that a woman like Hillary Paris is interested in Juan Dominguez. Does Paula look like a crazy woman? No, Marely tells Paula, totally startled. Okay, so this guy is more or less a handsome guy, but really, a woman like her isn’t going to pay attention to someone like him. Paula agrees, not even in his dreams. Marely asserts it’s just a mean trick. Julia interrupts with a guy delivering lovely flowers. Guess who? Sandro sent them. It’s the second arrangement he’s sent. Paula looks positively sullen.

Juan is teasing Pastor about how his eyes are sparkling and how Pastor must have had chicken skin (Hawaii term for the Mexican version of Chinese skin) when he heard the name. Pastor blushes. Was it so obvious? For all Pastor tries to keep a cool demeanor – his presence is so overwhelming (apabullante). So, who is this paragon of machismo? None other than Heriberto! Juan gives Pastor a pep talk about Heri’s manly traits. He tells Pastor that Heri’s Papi Aldemar is the founder of the Union for He-Men of Achichipico. They fight for the rights that real men have lost, does Pastor understand? Pastor, wide-eyed, understands—but what cynicism! At least Heri didn’t come in to work with his pistol in his belt. Pastor appreciates Juan’s efforts. Juan changes the subject. They have the candidate for Administrative VP. Who? Sandro, of course. In this office veneration of Paula counts for more than many years of experience do. Juan denies this and Pastor has to laugh. But now Pastor has his turn to disabuse Juan of his impossible love. Sandro has sent Paula the most divine arrangement of flowers! Juan slams his fist on his desk and stands, scowling.

Speaking of the King of Rome, Sandro strides across the lobby, hands in pockets and focused on the floor or forward at Marely, it’s not clear which, so he bumps into Ivonne who is also focused elsewhere. She confuses him for César Luis and faints dead away since this is the first time she’s seen Sandro. Sandro is embarrassed and uncertain what to do.

Fernando, on the other hand, knows exactly what to do. He calls her name until she comes to, looking at an unfocused face that is remarkably like CL’s, but way kinder. Sandro asks if she’s feeling better, and Ivonne groans and remarks that they had told her he was CL’s living image. She asks his pardon; they had told her but she didn’t realize how identical they were. He tells her it’s fine; he’s getting used to folks thinking he’s his brother’s ghost. He’s not, though, and introduces himself to Ivonne. Sandro helps her up—Paula is waiting for him. She leads the way, muttering that he really gave her a scare. Fern scowls after them—jealous?

Juan attacks Pastor—they aren’t going to discuss the personal situation of anyone. Pastor points out Juan was just discussing Pastor’s. But then, Juan is boss and Pastor is a peon. Juan accuses him of taking it out of context. Pastor tells Juan that on the contrary, his mistake in the company has been to be too sincere, telling folks truths they haven’t wanted to hear. They exchange heated words about how it was then and how it is now. Juan declares that CL must have been the eighth wonder of the world, and Pastor asserts he was, but that time has passed. The guy in his seat is nothing like CL. Juan points out that even if Pastor doesn’t believe it, Sandro has the credentials and experience to do the job, equal or better than CL’s. [Ed. Note: Probably so, since they are CL’s credentials and even a little more added for effect]. Juan crosses himself for about the third time, so CL will rest in peace. Pastor proclaims that the credentials and experience, even the very face, may be the same as CL but it isn’t him. He’s certain this guy doesn’t have CL’s nose for great business, his intensity (fiereza) for closing the deals, his intuition for guiding the company. Okay, Juan acknowledges, you could be right. What’s more vital and sensitive……what? Well, this Sr. Sandro Arenas doesn’t want the vice presidency. He wants the whole package (paquete, which has double meaning here—the entire position and the total package). What package? He wants to be the owner. Juan laughs. Pastor joins him laughing, but it’s fake. It’s simple—if he’s the owner of all the effects CL left, he can have both the company and the dueña Paula. Juan’s brain clicks on. The Licenciada Paula? Yessir. Juan is impactado and Pastor’s voice continues. The decision was made. You handed him the Licenciada Paula on a gilded platter. Pastor takes a pink marshmallow and makes to leave, but Juan calls him back. Don Pastor. Wait. Don’t. Go. Pastor smirks a little, and turns back. Talk to me, Juan. Juan just looks at him, trying to assemble jumbled thoughts.

Paula, meanwhile, greets Sandro. She’s cold, but he thanks her for her confidence and assures her he’s going to devote all his abilities, time, his whole sole into the mission they’ve given him. He won’t disappoint them (defraud). They sit and she tells him she believes they chose the best person. He’s ready to start whenever they want, even today. Paula reluctantly asks a favor before they finalize his contract. She wants him to stop sending flowers or making any other sort of gesture like that (obsequio – gift, courtesy). Sandro, who already told CL it was a Bad Idea, hangs his head and asks if she didn’t like them. Sure, she liked them, and appreciated it a lot, but it could be misunderstood. There can’t be any appearance of favoritism in the company; she doesn’t want the gossip. Sandro lifts his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose in embarrassment and then nods in chagrin.

Juan is still incensed about his discussion with Pastor. He acknowledges that he messed up big time and opened the doors to this backhander/chump (tarugo, two definitions). Pastor still eats his marshmallow, totally smug about his coup. He points out that this is the result of Juan listening to the advice of Fernando. Juan tells Pastor to sit down, not scold him, and help him get his bearings (guide him). What can Juan do? Well, if I understand correctly, you haven’t finalized the work conditions for this Sr. Right, we’re doing that today. Okay, offer him an insultingly low salary (sueldo-salary; bicoca-slap, smack) and he’ll turn you down! Juan likes this plan a whole lot.

Lorenzo is showing his frustration with a caller—Lorenzo doesn’t want a credit card, nor a retirement plan, nor does he want to reserve his site in a cemetery. Delirio interrupts to assure him that Delirio isn’t selling anything of the kind. He’s Pepita’s attorney. Her attorney? Yep, I want an appointment with you and she wants a divorce. Lorenzo is muy impactado.

Juan’s Santo Niño de Atocha fountain bubbles on while Juan offers a marshmallow to Sandro and welcomes him. Paula is there, too, so they can finalize the position details for the contract. Juan points out this is his house [closer than you know, Juan]. Juan expects with Sandro’s expertise they’ll recoup their losses. Juan waxes eloquent about how Sandro will contribute to their place in the market, with clients, etc. Sandro looks awestruck and Paula squirms in her seat, disgusted with Juan’s sermon. Juan continues about starting at the bottom to finally occupy that chair –and pats his own chair. It’s a great responsibility. Juan thought bubbles about his strategy to intimidate Sandro, who smiles goofily at Juan while the cuckoos chime in the background. Juan thought bubbles about how he told the Sermon on the Mount and the Parable of the Prodigal Son, etc. and then his Palomita put the brakes on. Paula interrupts to get to business—salary expectations. Juan remarks it’s a very good point. Sandro begins a discourse about the state of the company, etc., and Juan thought bubbles that Sandro should just spit out what he wants. But this seems to be a divine help so he can do what Pastor advised him. He can twist Sandro’s tail with the salary he’ll offer.

Lorenzo’s on another call—to Nidia. He needs to talk to her, someone he trusts. The situation with Pepita is worse than he thought. Pepita wants a divorce! Nidia sits in her living room where pretty much anybody in the house can hear her, telling her new boyfriend to calm down. She’ll escape from work and see him. He needs a hug in the worst way (apapacho). Super Nidia is just the person to give it. Lorenzo tells her to imagine losing his job and his wife at the same time! What will be next? What will happen, she tells him, is you have a nice cup of tea and get out of this funk (leave this panorama that’s so dark). This woman is intimidating you all the way to taking away your smile! She agrees to see him and makes him promise to calm down. He’ll try. She gets the address from him. [Ed. Note: no spoiler here, but we can all see what’s coming in the next ten minutes--Pepita going home with Nidia’s advice about catching Lorenzo red-handed, right? ]

Paula thinks that Sandro’s request is reasonable. Marely interrupts; there’s a call from Argentina for Paula. Sandro’s eyes twinkle (and we can even hear them!) at Marely. Paula excuses herself and leaves, with Sandro drooling after Marely. And the wolf is left alone with the lamb. Juan jubilantly thought bubbles to himself that we’ll see now how far Sandro is willing to go so he can work at Farell and be close to Paula. The boys grin widely at each other as the real negotiations begin. We’ll see how long your smile lasts, Juan chortles to himself. Sandro tells Juan that he’s made his position clear and the ball is in Juan’s court. He wants to know what Juan thinks. Juan says he agrees with Paula, what Sandro has asked is perfectly reasonable. Perfect! On the other hand, Juan continues quickly, we’re in the tank here and it’d take a miracle to give you what your resume suggests you’re worth. Sandro, still clueless about what’s coming nods and wonders what the offer will be, then. Juan feigns thinking about it after his discussion with Pastor, and pulls open a drawer with a folder. He offers it to Sandro who looks at the figures, looks at them again, and then looks up in shock and disbelief. Juan, meanwhile, is thought bubbling that Sandro shouldn’t forget to close the door behind him when he bails. Sandro pushes his glasses up and pinches the bridge of his nose.

Pastor has joined Juan and Sandro, who is telling Pastor and Juan that the offer seems awfully small to him. Juan is slick as he understands Sandro, what a shame it is, but really the company (right, Sr. Pastor?) the company is in desperate straits and that’s our offer. Pastor empathizes, it’s lamentable. The three talk over each other, Juan and Pastor empathizing and Sandro finally tells them, okay, okay. He’ll think about it, he promises, but with this figure….Pastor remarks that it’s such a shame with their financial situation that they can’t offer….he looks beseechingly at Juan to raise it [Ed. Note: Good cop/Bad cop]. Juan sighs in regret, and draws them closer to listen as he lowers his voice and explains how CL took them down. He and Pastor cross themselves. Administratively, the man was a disaster. Sandro looks at them, puzzled. Juan and Pastor play off each other as Sandro watches back and forth. Juan points to the salary they offered—“here are the consequences.” Pastor chimes in and Juan stops him—they’ve said enough. If that offer is unacceptable to Sandro, with all the pain in their hearts, they’ll understand. Sandro looks at the figures again doubtfully, and at each of them.

Paula looks at the figures and expresses her misgivings. That can’t be right. It’s too little. She didn’t think the company’s figures were so bad. Sandro didn’t, either. He expected about anything, but not that. Her partner and Pastor Gaitán explained the circumstances but that offer is completely inappropriate. She agrees. Then she remembers that this decision, from her discussions with Juan, was to be based completely on the finances from the get-go. Paula can’t do anything more. [Ed. Note: Looked to me, gentle readers, like she had an “aha” and realized she could avoid a lot of discomfort if he decides against it.] She regrets it so much, but her hands are tied at the moment. He understands. Maybe later, she continues, when they are out of the crisis. Sandro goes into thinking mode. Nope, he’ll accept this post with this ridiculous salary. [Ed. Note: it’s not like you are broke, or anything, with the CL inheritance.] Paula is skeptical-impactada.

Pepita is armed and dangerous with her camera. It’s not long before Lorenzo goes to the front gate to let his amour in. Pepita gets shots of Lorenzo greeting the woman, muttering about this husband-stealer, hussy! Look at them hugging on the street in front of the world! How could Lorenzo dare to do this to me? Nidia looks around, guilty. Lorenzo thanks her for coming and guides her into his happy home. Pepita keeps shooting and suddenly realizes who the hussy is. This woman is the wife of my attorney! How can it be, what country are we living in? She shoots away, then growls in hurt, anger and frustration.

Paula just cannot grasp that Sandro is going to accept this absurd offer. It doesn’t match his credentials. Sandro self-effacingly points out that money is not always the most important thing, right? It’s not important what you pay me. Why? Because this company has enormous potential. Sandro is going to generate what’s needed so he can be paid what he’s worth. But, it’s for the fact that he wants to work with her. [Ed. Note: and we notice that he’s tutearing her here, too, folks.] She doesn’t know what to say; it seems so unfair to him! He points out that if all goes well, things can change in the near future. He grins sincerely and tells her there’s no more to say; tomorrow first thing he’ll present himself to work! And he asks her to tell her associate he’s accepted the offer. Paula, bemused, agrees to let Juan know. He tells her it’ll be a pleasure to work with her. They say their goodbyes. Paula stares after him, thoroughly baffled. Sandro sees Marely doing something not very work related and finds she’s doing research on some writers, preparing an essay for a scholarship (beca) competition. Imagine this, he knows the writers. Marely is pleased to find he knows the work. No, Sandro knows this one guy personally, as he was one of Sandro’s teachers. Marely is impressed. He’ll loan her some of the guy’s work; it’ll help her with the essay. Marely thanks him, and Sandro says he’ll bring it tomorrow. Marely is impactada. Does that mean he’s the new Veep? Yes. Even though he’s going to earn a very low salary….but when he’ll get to see such a lovely woman…he feels more than satisfied. Sandro chuckles and Marely shyly smiles. Heavy breathing and shy stares ensue.

And we are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely coincidental.

Monday: Will Paula bust Juan’s chops about Sandro’s salary? Will CL create havoc for Sandro and everyone else? Will Juan’s jealousy erupt as Sandro/CL become(s) embedded in Farell?

AND.....hold your applause, everyone.....we are in the Últimas Semanas, according to the Monday preview!!!!

Vocabulary

Incauta – unwary victim
Temascal – sauna (my best guess, a temascal is hot, or an oven)
Encantador – charmer
Pelafustana cualquiera - good-for-nothing, layabout sleazy wench
Meretriz - scarlet woman (prostitute, harlot, etc.)
Realeza – royalty
Gurbia - gouger (my best guess from Babylon’s definition)
Apabullante - overwhelming
Fiereza - intensity
Sueldo-salary; bicoca-slap, smack -- an insultingly low salary
Apapacho – hug
Querendón – irresistible man
Beca - scholarship

Jeanne

Labels: Juan