Caray, Caray!

Folks, feel free to add, subtract and correct any errors in this recap. All help is deeply appreciated!

Cap’n Sylvia Sharkbait came up with a brilliant system last night to identify the twins and so I quote her:

“In order to avoid confusion here is how I will deal with the twins:

CL = when CL is himself and out of disguise
Sandro = Sandro Arenas
S2 = when CL is disguised as his twin Sandro Arenas
"Sandro" = when people are talking about who they think is Sandro, but it's really CL”

Thank you, Cap’n Sylvia, and now on to tonight’s feature:

Sadly, the writers and producers have decided to make our very first review of last night’s episode a reminder of how Yadi can dribble herself all over just about any good-looking man. S2 is no exception. She dribbles while he looks over her proposal and declares there’s no problem with it—it’s a good proposal and the prices are attractive. Yadi simpers and gives no appearance whatever of being a competent businesswoman. She mistakenly calls him CL, corrects herself, and they do the now familiar routine about where he’s getting used to it. I guess he should be since he’s CL anyway. The old boy hasn’t lost his touch, because he seizes the moment and asks to tutear her, which totally makes her day. Her simpering reminds me of the fake orgasm Sally had in “When Sally met Harry.” Except Yadi really means it.

Paula snipes about Hillary Paris as Marely brings some papers she’s requested. Paula comments about what an arrogant type Hillary is. Personally, I can’t imagine who Paula’s talking about, but that’s her story and she’s sticking to it, obviously. Marely agrees, though. Paula doubts Hillary is taking Juan seriously.

“Sandro” can’t imagine why Juan wants to hire Laura. Juan doesn’t give him line, chapter and verse, he sketches out why he wants her and just tells “Sandro” to get the job done. “Sandro” is more than compliant. He’ll do whatever the boss-man wants. As a parting shot, “Sandro” congratulates Juan and points out how well Juan has done, moving from the bottom of the barrel to the top of the heap. Juan gets up, menacing—how does “Sandro” know he came up from the bottom to the top? “Sandro” notes how easy it is to come by information in this company. Juan wonders if “Sandro” is gossipy (bocón – big-mouth, boastful, backbiting, gossipy). “Sandro” denies it – and he’s not nosy, either (preguntón, one who asks too many questions) and briefly describes how he came by the information and that they’re more than willing to describe how Juan has come up the ladder. Juan stares at him, suspicious, and thought bubbles about how he thinks this guy is mocking him and how he likes this guy less all the time. He muses about how this guy seems like a wolf disguised as a Grandmother (un lobo disfrazado de abuelita) at times. [“Sandro” is at his snide CL best, which will trip him up in the long run, in my not-so-humble opinion.] Juan stops him and tries to send “Sandro” off on the task of the hour. Before “Sandro” goes, he tries to get Juan to go eat with him so they can “keep talking.” Juan weasels out—he’s going to eat with Hillary. “Sandro” mutters behind Juan that he should choke on his meal (que te atragantes en la comida- loosely translated, I hope you choke on the meal) while he’s climbing the social ladder (trepado). Juan swings around -- what was that? “Sandro” says that since they’re talking about food at the moment, he’s on his way to a little place where they have a spit roaster (asador). It’s a restaurant in Polanco [from http://www.mexicocity.com.mx/Polanco_i.html: “Polanco is located just in front of Chapultepec Forest and it is one of the most dynamic areas in the city. In this neighbourhood you'll be able to find the most sophisticated hotels, restaurants and the best shopping district. The main attraction of Polanco is being residential and commercial at the same time. Elegant flats and boutiques turn the area into a strategic business hub. Nevertheless it still has its original trendy atmosphere, great dinner options and at night it offers some of the best clubs in the city.”] It’s a great restaurant. “Sandro” walks in front of the bemused Juan telling him about “La Carne Atravesada” [which is delivered like an insult, so help here, anyone.] Juan is suspicious-impactado.

There are shoppers in the gallery whom Willy is busy serving while Ana grabs a moment to update Nidia on her love life. Nidia, the babysitter today, wants to know if Ana’s joined the team, flirting and sashaying. Ana shushes her and Nidia persists. The flesh is weak, death is a black hole and one needs to enjoy! [No doubt I mangled that dicho, so help here, all who can “la carne is débil, el muerto al pozo y una al gozo!] Ana ignores that and tells Nidia she and Willy prefer to take it step by step. [Well, at least Ana does.] They’re letting it all happen without forcing it. Nidia tells her that sounds about as exiting as taking an intensive English course in bed. “Good morning, Papi Rico, chami, chami, yes, yes” and Nidia punctuates this boring event with bounces on the bed to signify the action…..while she gives us one of “those looks.” Ana changes the subject altogether and asks how her work with Delirio in the home office is going. Nidia reports it’s been destined for failure from the get-go, and so it’s not going well.

Ivonne wants Pastor to know that she’s of the opinion that Juan’s not really very interested in Hillary Paris. She thinks it’s a scam to get Paula’s knickers in a knot. Pastor notes that the new VP is watching Paula carefully for her reactions. Ivonne is doubtful and Pastor continues that he’s taken Paula out to eat, sent flowers, doesn’t that suggest something? Ivonne thinks that was just for Paula to get some of his attention, but the one he really likes is Marely. [And you’re BOTH right, folks.] Pastor scoffs, but Ivonne points out he ate with Marely yesterday. Pastor is impactado. This guy’s a mystery! He notes that this guy seems worse than CL himself! Ivonne crosses two pencils at him to ward off the evil spirits of CL, may he rest in peace. [Anon #1, you’re right! There are pencils everywhere here!]. Pastor warns her to be careful with this guy, because he could be a wolf in sheep’s clothing (un lobo en piel de oveja). [¿Tú crees, Pastor??] How strange, Ivonne mutters, looking thoughtful.

Willy has come to chat with Ana at her desk. She tells him she’s worried about Nidia; she’s had problems finding work and her hubby is a zero to the left. [Two zeros, if you ask me.] Willy asks if Nidia will be able to pay the mortgage, and Ana confirms not only will Nidia not be able to pay that, but not even to live. Willy suggests that Ana ask Nidia to come and work at the gallery, they’ll have a lot to do for the exhibit and it wouldn’t be a bad thing to have a PR person. Willy says all this with a tad bit of reluctance; we are talking about Nidia here, after all. Ana is thrilled, is he willing to have this expense? She can’t believe he’d do this for her! She thanks him and gives him a kiss; he caresses her cheek and smiles lovingly at her.

Juan and Fern share a celebration in Juan’s office. This Hillary Paris netted Juan a 10! Seeing Juan when he got off the elevator with Hillary Paris….and Juan tells Fern he owes it all to his Juanito. Fern thinks after this at the very least he should be buying his son a bicycle or something. Man, such a beauty she is! Yep, she’s a goddess. A fantasy (aparición)! The boys dreamily discuss Hillary’s attributes. Everyone standing there with their jaws dropping….and Juan’s going to eat with her today. What? Yep, today.

Delirio rushes to his door with Nidia at his heels, possibly thinking he has a client—nope, it’s Gutis, sporting a beard and moustache. Delirio calls him a bad friend, a traitor and Gutis just chuckles at him. The boys face off and Nidia rolls her eyes.

As we return from commercial, we get a lead-in clip of Gutis laughing sleazily at us, which is Not a Good Sign. It probably means we’re going to have more filler and Gutis is central to the new filler. Delirio asks again why the h*** Gutis is there. Gutis wants to know what kind of greeting this is for an old friend. Delirio tells him it’s been a while and don’t count on any favors from him on account of “friendship.” Nidia throws her two cents’ worth in—he better not be counting on her, either. Okay, if they don’t want his friendship, he understands, but he has such a deal for Delirio. Gutis taps Delirio on the shoulder emphatically. What, Delirio wants to know, to end up in jail? Thanks, but no thanks. Business with you is of no interest to us any more because it always ends up badly. Nidia snarls that Gutis can get out of his own volition or Delirio can kick him out. She turns Delirio to her and asks, “right, Alirio?” Delirio, wuss that he is, backs right down. Nidia jumps in front and tells Gutis fine, if this rat of a husband of mine won’t dare to do it, I will. Delirio is much more comfortable throwing out the threats from behind Nidia. “Don’t force me, Gutierrez, to employ violence!” Gutis laughs with a scoff. He can’t believe Delirio after all they’ve gone through together. Well, he understands, and he’s leaving. After all, they’re good people, decent people. [Methinks I hear a sneer in this voice, folks.] Nidia agrees, although she knows he has to work hard to believe it. She tells him to go and never darken their door again. Nidia’s feeling pretty darn empowered after Gutis leaves quietly with no more discussion.

At the market center, Anga is excited that this is the beginning of a good commercial relationship with Farell without CL muddying things up. Yadi murmurs agreement. Anga continues that this really has promise to be a really big business deal. Yadi exults in agreement, and tells Anga they’ve gotten really lucky (killed the snake on Friday, one of my favorite dichos!). Kike joins them; he’s been waiting for them to go eat. She links her arm in Anga’s and tells Kike it’s a shame but she’s invited Anga to go eat. Anga smiles and tells her that’s not necessary. She insists it’s the least she can do. Kike is impactada and worried as Yadi says that Anga has behaved so divinely with her and Anga is embarrassed. He says she’s left him no choice but to agree. Yadi goes for some papers so they can do business over the meal. Anga wonders where she’s taking him and she tells him no taquitos or stuff like that, something much finer. She condescendingly tells Kike they’ll see him later. Anga tells him he’s in charge and Kike looks bien irritated, but what can he say? The pair goes off arm in arm and Kike scratches his head in concern and puzzlement.

Ana is still hard at work at the gallery, talking to Nidia. Ana wants to issue an invitation to eat. Nidia’s excited, how divine! She alludes to her misfortunes, but she’s not actually dying of hunger. Ana fondly tells her that Guillermo (Willy) and she have something to discuss with Nidia. Nidia’s pleased that the chomi-chomi will join them. She’ll make sure her gloomy old spouse and her granddaughter are squared away because her curiosity is piqued now.

“Sandro” gets a caller in his office—Marely wants to pop in. He invites her in, a trifle uncomfortable at her warm and welcoming smile. “Sandro” pushes at his glasses and goes back to his laptop while Marely brings him a pile of papers. Look at this, what do you think? What’s this, he wants to know. Marely tells him it’s the essay and she made progress the night before with his help. He scolds her –what does this have to do with your work at Farell? He hands it back to her with a scowl. Well, nothing, but….”Sandro” scolds even more that she shouldn’t think it’s right to be coming to distract him with this in the office. Marely looks like he slapped her and stammers that if it’s not a good moment……”Sandro” tells her it’s NOT a good moment. Sounding for all the world like his twin, he yells that he has IMPORTANT things to attend to and she comes to him with this stuff. He tells her to never interrupt him with such things and limit her work to things related to the office. Marely looks panicky. Are we clear? Yes, she responds softly. Excuse me. She frowns at him like he’s grown another head [which he has] and leaves quickly.

Delirio is napping at Casa Cachón in his favorite room, the office. A firm knock snaps him awake and to stand behind the desk. “Come in!” He calls a second time when no one enters. Running to open the door, he discovers he’s babysitting again. Nidia Micaela is ready for a walk in her stroller, a note pinned to the hood of the stroller. Nidia had to leave in a hurry and didn’t want to wake him. [A likely story, since she knocked hard.] Take care of this child as if she were your own. Delirio mutters in annoyance, then snarls in frustration at Nidia; meanwhile Nidia minces out as fast as her stilettos can carry her—right past a barely hidden Gutis stalking the house for the right moment. Gutis grins like the cat that caught a canary.

Sandro reads the paper at the kitchen table in the apartment. He remembers his lunchtime discussion with Marely. She told him when they ate that she didn’t remember a time when she’d had such a discussion with anyone, about something really important. He told her the same thing, and stammered his way through it until she asked if he was tongue-tied. He told her she made him a bit nervous. Sandro returns to the present with a happy smile on his face. [Ed. Note: Brother, are you in for a surprise about the damage your other half has done this morning at the office!]

Speaking of the Queen of Rome, Marely has to see Paula to unload about “Sandro’s” treatment of her moments ago. Has something happened to you, Paula wants to know? No, not to me, but to “Sandro.” What’s wrong? Marely describes how he offered help with her essay, including the book loan, and today he’s the biggest despot in the world about it when she wanted him to take a look and he told her to limit it to office work! Paula thinks he might be overwhelmed with work. Marely acknowledges she might have chosen the worst moment, but that doesn’t explain his strange attitude. Paula, our in-house expert on men, tells her they’re all like that. One moment they’re enchanting, and the next they’re making you feel way uncomfortable. Marely wants to know if Paula remembers the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? Paula chuckles. You know, one moment he was a serious and kind guy, and the next he was a rabid crazy man. Paula chuckles again. Marely wonders if “Sandro” could be bipolar or have a split personality or something. Paula laughs outright—she doesn’t think so….but she thinks again. She agrees that it’s strange, but concludes it’s for everyone’s good. [WHAT is for everyone’s good?] Paula advises her little sister to quit thinking in horror film terms and they’ll go eat. Off they go.

“Sandro” sees them come into the lobby and scoots off so they don’t see him first. The girls are going for sushi down at the corner, and want to know if Ivonne will join them. Nope, she’s going with Fern. Ivonne has noted “Sandro’s” odd behavior and that he’s still lurking behind a pillar waiting for the girls to leave. She sees his scowl as he stalks back to his office, and she gets a thoughtful look.

Gutis has found his way into the Cachón house and Delirio tells Gutis that it’s his fault Delirio suffered undeserved shame and humiliation. Gutis grabs him by the tie and tells him not to be such a liar. He knows that Delirio was only locked up one night. They told him. Delirio wants to know what about the joke they made of him? Gutis wants to make up for it by again offering the best business deal of his life—and helps himself to Delirio’s liquor. All the while, Nidia Micaela is mellow in her stroller. Delirio supposes Gutis is still a refugee from justice? Yep, he supposes right, Gutis tells him. Delirio declares that Gutis is NOT going to set himself up in this house, Gutis heard Delirio’s wife. Gutis reminds Delirio that his wife was in on the deal to alter that will in the first place, and while she was busy covering up, he was spending time in the jail. They argue about the affair of the will cover-up. Gutis figures it’s been working okay while she’s at his side—he insinuates that Nidia is only with Delirio because of the cover-up. Delirio asserts that Nidia has realized that she loves him. Gutis tells him that this woman’s not going to really love him even in his dreams. But, let’s get to the point about this deal that will be in our best interest here. Delirio doesn’t want to hear it and tries to throw him out again. Gutis mocks him about how he’s keeping Nidia at his side with a vile trick.

Juan is finally on his way in a taxi to lunch with Hillary. He gives himself a pep talk about his date with this beauty and how attractive all his charms are—she didn’t make eyes at him just because he was such a great impresario. He sings a phrase from a song by José Feliciano. What will it be? It will be what it will be.

Apparently Gutis doesn’t give up easily. He’s still at it, trying to convince Delirio about his deal. All Delirio has to do is open some new bank accounts, and Gutis’ clients will use those—they surely will be moving a lot of $$. Delirio nails it right off the bat—so, we’ll be doing laundry? [Okay, that’s a very loose interpretation..] Yep, with other people’s money and gaining millions. Delirio strolls Nidia M. around the living room as he talks. Dangerous, Gutis, very dangerous. Gutis persuades; “wouldn’t you like to let Nidia have the life she deserves, take her to exotic places, buy all she wants?” Of course I would, Delirio agrees. Well? Why would Delirio close the door on this opportunity. Delirio points out that all Gutis adventures so far have ended badly for Delirio. Gutis interrupts and reminds him that nothing ventured, nothing gained. Nidia M. begins to whimper. Me, too. Gutis assures Delirio this will solve all his problems and help him win the greatest love of his life. [Right.] Delirio is softening—it’s tempting. But….Gutis won’t take no for an answer. But if Delirio wants to lose this great deal, Gutis will make someone else rich.

Willy and Ana enjoy a leisurely lunch while she tells him how she and Nidia are opposites. Nidia is spirited, lively (jacandarosa) and extroverted, scandalous and naughty, but she’s a good person. For Willy, it’s enough that they are friends and Ana trusts her. They look at Nidia noisily making her way toward them. Ana adds a note—Nidia is one of the main promoters of her romance with Willy. Well, then, he’s eternally grateful to her! Nidia joins them and immediately proceeds to be herself, totally embarrassing Ana. He’s such a gentleman! The waiter asks what she wants to drink, and Nidia orders a tequila. Ana nearly jumps at her over the table and Nidia retracts the order to give a more appropriate order-a sad and boring lemonade. Ana has said nary a word and Nidia got the message; Willy sits looking down at his plate, figuring out what it’s all about and noting a depth of understanding between the women. Nidia babbles on—she’s at their orders, and since she left her house has been thinking and thinking about what could be on their minds. She’s got various theories. Willy starts to explain and Nidia bursts in that they’re probably going to get married and want her to be the wedding sponsor! (madrina de bodas). Nope, Willy tells her, but it’s a magnificent idea! He looks at Ana, who tells Nidia not at the moment (but doesn’t negate the possibility). Nidia speculates they ate the torta early and maybe Ana’s pregnant. Ana is distinctly uncomfortable. It’s not about us, it’s about you. Ana tells her they have a proposal for her, that she collaborate with them in the gallery. Nidia is soooo happy and the amigas smile widely at each other, with Willy joining them.

Delirio has foolishly brought Gutis into the office. [Okay, that’s a judgment call on my part.] Apparently, Gutis has him hooked, but Delirio wants his assurance that Nidia will NEVER learn of his involvement in this. You heard her a while ago, she doesn’t want to see you, Gutis, not even in a painting! Nope, she won’t see Gutis and Delirio won’t have anything to do directly with Gutis, either. [Ed. Note: I just noticed that Gutis has lost his curly lock in the middle of his forehead! He doesn’t actually look like such a naco any more.] Instead, Delirio will see Sr. Maloro. Who’s that? Gutis stands, shakes Delirio’s hand, and announces he’s at Delirio’s service. He explains how he’s going to arrange it so she never knows a thing. Delirio thinks this sounds just fine and pats Gutis on the cheek to punctuate his satisfaction with the arrangement.

Hillary and Juan are clearly having a good time, and he’s telling her tales that amuse her about Akito, the Japanese man he met on the way to Achichipico who left him with the anthurium business, and as they say in Juan’s home town, like a burro who plays the flute. Hillary chuckles at the story. [There appear to be bodyguards [or, they could be the valet parking guys] over his shoulder watching the two of them eating]. He babbles on and Hillary tells him she’s never met anyone like him. [No doubt.] Like this, straightforward, authentic. He thanks her and jokes –what are YOU drinking? They laugh some more. Juan remarks that she’s so cute and must have mountains of admirers, or no? Mountains, yes, but they’re not the same. They’re like a bunch of clones, all trying to impress me all the time, and competing. She and Juan clink their glasses in camaraderie. You, on the other hand, are so natural. Juan muses to himself—what’s up with this? Have you seen me au natural? [Ed. Note: Oh, Sheesh, Juan.] Juan says he doesn’t have two faces, WYSIWYG [Loosely interpreted, amigos]. Well, from time to time he tells some of those little Holy Lies. Hillary tells him in spite of that, he’s a transparent man. One whose soul could be touched. Juan thought bubbles that if they’re getting into these areas, they’re getting red-hot. She continues that he’s a special man—incredibly special. While she continues, he muses about her lovely red lips, silky voice; it’s music to his ears. She’s destined for him, right, Papa Dios? She calls him back to the real world. Juan? Juan! What’s up, I’m here! He snaps back to join her. She tells him she asked him a question, so what does he say—yes, or no? Chinches Bravas, what would she have asked? What if she proposed marriage? He tells her he has to think about it. What, you have to think about if you want to be my friend? Juan makes like he was messing with her—you believed it! You believed it! They both laugh and so do we. Of course he wants to be her friend! And whatever else you want, divine child, he muses to himself again. He tells her what an honor it is for him to be near such a woman, who is so rich and so straightforward, having such a wonderful heart and sharing so much with everyone! Juan kisses her hand and looks her straight in the eye enchantingly. He compliments her eyes and caresses her cheek. Hillary, like women everywhere who meet Juan, smiles shyly.

Laura Berrocal strides across the Farell lobby with determination, in an outfit that is leftover from the early 70s mini-falda and weird stockings days. What was it you said, Cap’n Sylvia? She shops at “Skanks R Us? Julia meets her. Laura is looking for Sr. Juan Dominguez. He’s left to eat, Julia tells Laura, did you have an appointment with him, or what? Laura declares haughtily that she needs no appointment with Juan. [We beg to differ; nowadays you might very well need an appointment, Laura]. She’ll wait. Julia points to where she can wait, but he might be late. Laura says it’s not important, and could Julia bring her coffee? Julia is intrigued, of course. She’ll bring it. Sugar or no?.....”Sandro” sees Laura and approaches, greeting Laura. Well, you must be the twin brother of CL. Yep. She notes that they’ve seen each other during the interviews and she learned about his parentage. “Sandro” self-effacingly tells her he’s getting used to people looking closely at him for the similarities. Laura congratulates him on getting the VP position. “Sandro” says that Juan’s told him about her. Really? Yep. And he gave me the responsibility of personally helping you. Suddenly Paula and Marely come off the elevator and as Sylvia said so eloquently last night—“Laura arrives at Farell + Paula sees her = Catfight!” Paula tells her to get lost, please. Laura just stares.

Hillary is bidding Juan goodbye at the restaurant—where’s his car? He left it in the garage. She offers to take him wherever he needs to go, but he tells her he prefers to walk to work off his full belly. [Ed. Note: Apparently Hillary doesn’t mind the tie that ends mid-chest level]. Her car appears to be something like a Lamborghini or Ferrari—[I don’t know the difference, I just know the basic shape.] Later, he’ll hail a taxi when he’s worked off the meal. Fine, she tells Juan, and it’s the best meal I’ve had in a good long while. Can we have dinner together? Juan takes her hand to kiss it and nods—what?? Shyly?? Well, then, she asks—until tonight? Hillary draws his face down with one hand and gives him a kiss. Or two. Or three.

It seems they didn’t get the job done during the break and there are more kisses. They stroke each other’s cheeks, kiss and flirt. Juan is thought bubbling while he kisses, which I am told is unusual for guys, about how he never dreamed when the day began that by afternoon he’d be testing the honey of her lips! This would be the moment when he should sweep her into his arms and turn it into a real kiss. But, he’d run the risk of her seeing him too forward (lanzado) and that wouldn’t speak well of him. Hillary breaks the kiss and asks if he thinks her too forward (lanzada). He thought bubbles no way and tells her it enchanted him. She was so spontaneous. She tells him it would only happen when she met someone she liked so much. He thought bubbles to himself—didn’t I tell you? You have your way! Hillary wonders why he’s so deep in thought. He tells her he’s not really thinking, but being sure he doesn’t forget the feel of her lips on his. She asks if they’ll see each other in the evening and he tells her he’s ready [Ed. Note: If I were a suspicious person, I’d be suspicious about the wording he used, but I’m SUCH an innocent schoolmarm type. He said he’s more ready than a sock. Or a French Letter.] You say frog, and I jump. She smiles and chuckles at him. She walks off toward her car, her entourage of bodyguards with her, and abruptly returns to Juan. Do you know what? She tells him she hasn’t asked him the most important thing. What would that be? Are you a free man? He affirms that he is. Hillary is pleased, because she’s free, too. She finally goes to drive away in her beautiful red Italian car. [Could be a Maserati, too, what do I know except that it’s Italian? FWIW, the taillights are not Lamborghini or Maserati, and look more like Ferrari Enzo taillights to me.]

Meanwhile our favorite harpy has declared war right in the center of the Farell lobby. Paula wants to know qué the heck she’s waiting for and Laura screams back that Paula can’t throw her out. Paula wants to know if Laura wants her to call security to eject Laura. “Sandro” tries to get them to calm down. He informs Paula that Laura is looking for Juan. Since he’s gone out, “Sandro” will see to Laura. Paula tells him not to waste his time with Laura, they don’t have to give her any type of consideration. Laura wants to know why Paula has such poor manners. [Ed. Note: Those boots and nylons are super skanky. Just my two cents’ worth.] The girls continue to exchange insults, and Marely tries to get Paula to let “Sandro” take care of Laura. Julia tries to intervene at Paula’s request that she calls security and Marely gently tells her to hold on. She tries to get Paula to back off, but Paula wants to know what Julia’s waiting for. Laura confronts Paula—she’s not the sole owner of this company and she can’t dismiss Laura like she’s a nobody. Paula lunges forward to confront Laura up close and personal. Marely drags her back to calm her down. She’s making a spectacle of herself! Paula will give Laura five seconds to get the heck out. Laura announces she’s not going anyplace. “Sandro” asks Marely to accompany the Licenciada Paula to her office and he’ll see to Laura. Paula is NOT to be swayed. She counts. One, two….Laura squares off with crossed arms and “Sandro” interrupts—he’ll SEE to Laura. Paula’s not buying it. It’s an order. “Sandro” tells Paula that Juan asked him personally to take care of this. Ivonne rushes over to grab Paula and drag her to the office. “Sandro” actually looks distraught as Paula gets hauled to her office by her sister and Ivonne. Julia approaches –he tells her to let security know their presence isn’t needed. He drags Laura off to his office. She apologizes for all the shouting, but this woman (Paula) is increasingly too unhinged (desquiciada). She asks his pardon, but his blessed brother left her like someone in a nuthouse. “Sandro” looks totally bemused by this declaration. Laura asks if she can tutear him. Sure, of course. Laura notes that they are actually like “political relatives.” Her cousin Monica was married to his twin. She was so happy until this social climber (Paula) crossed her path. “Sandro” gives her a tight smile. Laura wonders how he can work with such a woman? “Sandro” excuses her—Paula’s had a difficult day. Would that Laura can forgive her. Whatever. “Sandro” changes the subject—Juan’s told him that Laura wants to work with them. Yes, Laura understood that she could begin little by little. She doesn’t have much of that kind of experience. She hasn’t worked in a while. Laura has high hopes and is hopeful that Paula won’t be a hindrance. “Sandro” notes that from what Juan told him, she can count on his help. Laura remarks on what a great guy Juan is and offers “Sandro” her resume. He notes that she appears to be a very well prepared woman and there shouldn’t be a problem offering her a very attractive position in the company. Really? Yep. He continues that it was very rude of Paula to treat her like that in front of everyone. That’s what Laura would say, too—this woman has no manners. She tells “Sandro” how agreeable he is, nothing like his brother. He was hateful. “Sandro” squirms uncomfortably and mutters that’s what everyone says. But there’s a question that intrigues him. What? Why is Juan so interested that you work in Farell? Is there a personal relationship between the two of you? Well, Laura hedges, they’re not sweethearts but they’ve been going out. Nothing formal yet. “Sandro” asks if she wants a tea or coffee while she waits for Juan. Laura remembers she had asked for tea a while back. “Sandro” calls Julia to bring it. Without sugar, she reminds him, and he calls Julia back.

The Harpy has continued her rant in her own office, thank heaven. That’s all she needs is for Juan to force her to have this woman working for her here. Marely and Ivonne try to calm and reassure her—she doesn’t know for sure this is the case. The three discuss the dilemma of Laura at about 110 decibels—at least Paula is at 110 dB. Paula throws out that “Sandro” was tasked with seeing to Laura personally by Juan. Paula is in a full swing hissy as the girls try to calm her. Ivonne sees a way out and runs to get her a cup of tea to calm her. Marely is stuck with her sister, trying to calm Paula. [Ed. Note: What a colossal waste of time!] It’s the last straw! First Hillary Paris and now this! Juan isn’t going to work because he’s hunting women everywhere? Marely looks sooo sad.

Willy tells Nidia that Ana wasn’t mistaken, Nidia is very nice. Nidia thanks him sweetly, and tells him that Ana is her best friend. She warns him to treat Ana well, because if he doesn’t he’ll have to deal with her. She brandishes fists at him. Willy holds up a hand, not to worry! Ana’s told him a lot about Nidia. She’s embarrassed if Ana’s told Willy what a mess Nidia made of the will. She swears to him that she’s very sorry. He knows. And he’s aware of the mortgage she is paying for the house, and that she’s needing work. Nidia teases Ana about her chattiness. [Yes, folks, that’s apparently a word because the spellchecker let it by.] When do they want her to begin working? ASAP, Ana tells Nidia. Willy tells her the timetable on it is flexible, but there’s lots to do before the exhibit. Vivaldi’s “Spring” plays in the background. Nidia remarks she was born to this (painted for this); she’s always given Ana good ideas. Ana notes that they have to keep a tight rein on Nidia because she is sometimes very imaginative….and the cuckoos sound.

Laura is still bending “Sandro’s” ear. There are lots of areas where they can collaborate, right? You choose, he tells her, what’s important is that you like working with us here. She’d like to talk it over with Juan. Of course. Laura whines that he hasn’t shown up, so when will he? “Sandro” smiles sardonically—he has no idea. Laura thinks she should go; she’s been wasting lots of his time and has caused problems. “Sandro” assures her it’s not a problem and she shouldn’t worry. Laura thanks him for the coffee and the chat; they’ll be in touch. He’ll accompany her to the lower level.

Pastor congratulates Heriberto on the flow chart. [Ed. Note: Who prepared that? Inquiring minds want to know.] Wow, did he do that good? Pastor evades a bit—“I just have to say I couldn’t have done it” and comes around the desk to shake Heri’s hand. Heri gives him a nice, big hug. He wants to learn. Pastor is very pleased with Heri. Heri is with Pastor, too. [Ed. Note: One wonders if they are talking about the same thing.] Pastor pushes—really? What do you like most about me? Heri lists Pastor’s good qualities—he’s such a good friend, the patience he has with Heriberto, gee, he teaches Heri better than the teacher Heri had in grammar school! Heri hugs Pastor’s shoulder and Pastor is enraptured. Pastor says that’s what he wants, to teach Heri lots of things and eventually tell Heri his story and reveal his soul. Heri thinks he’s a joker. He saw Pastor’s soul from the first day; Pastor’s a good person. What’s more, he’s Heri’s Mexico City buddy (compadre chilango=buddy who is a native of Mexico City). He gives Pastor a polar bear hug, dislodging Pastor’s toupee and shaking his teeth so we can hear them rattle. Heri pulls back, startled by this new view of Pastor with hair down in his face. Ay! Pastor scolds Heri to not be so effusive, for the love of God, as he rearranges his hair. Heri asks what the heck is that? He never knew Pastor’s hair was made of lies! Look at that, it’s the first time I’ve seen a man with a wig! Pastor is miffed. His romantic moment is a goner.

As Laura prepares to take the elevator down to the ground level, it opens to reveal Juan waltzing off and she rushes him—he’s finally arrived. “Sandro” observes with crossed arms. Laura gives Juan a big hug, though he tries his best to evade her collapsing against him. He wants to know what she’s doing here and she reminds him he told her to call but she felt like coming by to see what kind of work they were offering her. He points to “Sandro” who is standing by with folded hands waiting to see how Juan will put his foot in it now—I told him to take care of it so it wasn’t necessary for you to come by. She reminds him he’s promised at times and not followed through. She’s learned with him it’s better to get close. “Sandro” reports the bad news that Laura’s had such a disagreeable encounter with Paula. Juan is impactado while Laura tells him how rude Paula was, yelling and all that. “Sandro” saved the day, though, all kind and solicitous of Laura. Juan thanks “Sandro” who tells Juan that he’s checked out Laura’s work preferences and paperwork with her. Great, thanks. Laura looks him square in the eye to tell Juan she was on the way out but she’d rather stick around and chat with him. “Sandro” looks at the floor, knowing Juan is in yet another tight spot. Juan assures her he always has time for her and ushers her to his office. Laura waves over her shoulder at “Sandro,” thanking him and telling him it was a pleasure. He mutters that the pleasure was his.

Heri and Pastor have returned to normal, sitting at their respective places in Pastor’s office. Heri is telling Pastor his plans to excel, and begin to earn more money, and make Ivonne HIS! Pastor rolls his eyes and tries to disabuse Heri of his plan. Heri points out that hope is the last thing that dies. Pastor has to admit that he subscribes to that notion, too. [Ed. Note: As we have seen repeatedly over the course of nearly a year, Pastor.] Pastor checks his watch, qué bárbaro, it’s time to eat. Want to go out with me to eat? Heri thanks him, but says he’s got a lot of work to do. Well, Pastor tells him, it can be another day. Heri talks about the assignments he has that Pastor gave him. Heri rushes off and Pastor watches him leave, a bit irritated. Then he adjusts the toupee carefully.

Delirio is a picture of abuelo-hood as he carries Nidia M. into the bank while he pushes her stroller. The teller asks if he can help, and Delirio says he can; Delirio wants to open an account with them. The teller begins to go through the list of choices.

Kike and Remolacho are still holding the fort at Anga’s market stall. Remo wants to know why he keeps checking the clock and Kike retorts it’s because his boss is out with his wife. [Ed. Note: seems like a good enough reason to me.] It sure is taking them a while to eat, right? Remo quotes him a dicho about when folks are sharing a table, time flies, right? Kike charges him, not wanting the lovely dichos. He reminds Remo that Yadi is HIS wife and she didn’t even ask him along! Remo remarks to Kike that this will keep him in good with the old man, right? And he’s going to the corner for tacos, does Kike want some? Kike pushes him. No, get out of here! He glowers.

Juan has Laura settled in his office and lets her vent about Paula a little. Paula’s the only bad thing about working here. She’ll run into Paula. Juan thought bubbles that he has the same problem with Sandro. Juan gives her a pep talk to be very strong. He’s sorry Paula has this ugly attitude with Laura. Laura can’t understand Paula’s rancor since it’s been such a long time ago! Juan comments that some folks don’t forget easily when they’re given trouble. Laura just smiles and tells him she has to go and let him work. He’ll call her to let her know more later. Laura tells him that she wants a good salary [Sheesh] and nothing out of the normal, except to be paid well. Juan thought bubbles about how Paula demanded he give Laura a real slap like he gave to “Sandro” with that salary –and he gives Laura a kiss. She gives him another hug, telling him she’s his new employee. He mutters thanks for her visit into her hair and she thanks him for receiving her while they hug, and Paula bursts in with no knock.

We are thankful to finally see the message that “any similarity to reality is purely coincidental.”

Monday: Will the catfight continue? Will we care?

Vocabulary: It’s embedded, folks. If I have time in a day or two to extract it and list it here, I will. Discúlpanme!

Jeanne

Labels: Juan

I will say one thing for this telenovela. The lameness is inspiring creativity like nothing I have seen in ages. I remember the fun we had speculating about how certain characters were going to get killed in Pasión, but Fuego en la Sangre is so all-over-the-place that our commenters have already come up with countless predictions, backstories, and alternate scenarios for every character and situation - and it's only been three weeks!

The fact that the star of most of these mini-fanfics is either a horse or a donkey probably says something about us. I don't know what it says about us, exactly, but I do know that there would be no fun in this at all if we didn't have the kind of community here that can take a lemon of a story and turn it into a delicious cocktail.

Uh, donkey tail?
Donkey tale?
Never mind...

Juan takes off for the bakery. His brothers have to remind him that it's in the opposite direction. (I wonder what happens when he wakes up in the middle of the night and has to go to the bathroom.) Oscar says he's always been atrabancado (can't get a perfect translation, but putting a few things together, it might mean something like "speedy yet clumsy"). Franco explains to Grandpa that they have a bakery in town. Grandpa says "el que tenga tienda que la atienda" (silly pun, it just means "he who has a store has to attend to it").

Seemingly moments later, Sofia wants to buy bread at the first bakery they see - the Dirty Bakers' Dozen Bun Shop. Eva tries to redirect her, saying this isn't where she usually buys their bread, but her seemingly irrational protests only make Sofia impatient.

Juan is already there, hiding in the back, no shirt, totally sweaty, clutching one of his signature buns (no! dirty minds! I mean the bread!) in a grimy paw. He remembers Grandpa saying "whether Feonando loves her or not, that's a highly debatable matter, but I can assure you that Sofia doesn't doesn't love Feonando - she doesn't love him." Juan asks himself why she's with him, then. He takes an angry bite out of his bu- er, bread.

At the bakery counter, Eva is acting very spooked and tries to convince Sofia to leave. Sofia calls for someone to wait on them. Juan is surprised to hear her voice, and comes out holding a big sheet of new dough. They gape at one another. He hurries in to wait on them, but dings his tray against the door and drops the whole mess. "Sorry, I didn't know this was your bakery!" Sofia says.

Eva rolls her eyes in dread, not that they are paying any attention to her.

Juan has scooped up the dropped dough in his hands and is now looking around for a place to dispose of it. (I say bake it and feed the loaf to the birds!) Sofia is too charmed by this oversized Jack Tripper act to be anything but delighted.

"This bread is delicious," she tells him. (She must recognize the bu- er, loaves.) "Would you like to try it?"

Yes, Juan, yes I would.

He hands a concha (as they are called) to her, and I notice that he's now clean and not sweaty. Magic! He looks a bit worried as she hesitates before taking a bite. She breaks it in half to split with him, and they eat in unison. (In the G-rated world of Crabiela, they are practically having sex.)

"Do you like it? Am I really a good baker?"
"Mmm, delicious!"

Eva tries not to watch. Juan sees her nervous glance and almost looks guilty for a moment... then he and Sofia laugh and finish their "crumby" rendezvous.

At the hacienda, Oscar tells Grandpa that his advice about women ("dames dig flowers," I believe it was) did not work. He's not even sure if it loosened her up. He confides that he's very much in love! Grandpa counsels him to stay the course. Women are like little birds - they settle down when you least expect it, but then they take off just as fast. This inspires Franco to sing. Oscar joins in.

Later, while carrying some water in buckets, Oscar encounters Jimena. He puts down the buckets. She teases him with an almost-kiss and walks away. Then she turns, as if to invite him to follow. He pauses, laughs at her, and goes back to the construction site with his water. She is impactada and very miffed!

The corrugated metal exterior of the Bad Love nightclub does pretty miserable in the harsh daylight. In the office, Armando is drawing a picture (of Rosario?) while Feonando tells him that he's pulling in more and more money at the cantina every night. Rosario is a goldmine, he says.

Plus, he says, that Franco guy is a good singer! He hired him to serenade Sofia, and the dope doesn't even suspect that he's the guy who had him beaten nearly to death.

Back at the hacienda, Sarita approaches Franco and tells him how handsome he looked last night in his cowboy outfit last night, and how nice his serenade is. She says she wishes she could chat with him more openly, but for her mother. He says he'd like that. He likes to be at her side; "I feel at peace and very good."

Sarita asks, who's his impossible love? He hesitates, and she backs down and says they'll talk another time. For now she needs to leave before her mother catches her. She nails him with a quick kiss and runs away.

Jimena is telling the horses how angry she is that Oscar snubbed her. He grabs her from behind, and she complains that he's chasing her. "If that's what you want, then why not?" He asks. She tells him he's mistaken. He says that women, like mules, have to be tamed. "I'm not a mule!" she declares stubbornly, trying to stomp away. She says she won't forgive him until he admits that she is unlike all the other women he's been with.

"I hope you've learned your lesson," she mumbles at his lips, then makes another kissless exit. "She's not a mule, but she reminds me of my mare. What a big put-down! But I'll trap her!"

Rosario is telling Feonando about Armando's unwelcome advances. He says she just resents his supervision and is trying to start a feud between them. She calls Armando a liar. Armando looks worried, but Feo gives her a big slap and says he doesn't believe her. She'd better not cause any trouble, or she'll be sorry.

(I notice a framed drawing on the wall in the corner near Feo that looks like the one Armando was working on.)

He tells her that her sweetie is very close to him now - he's working as a bricklayer at the hacienda, and if she makes Feo mad, that poor brickboy won't live to finish the job.

She meekly asks him, "please." He screams "SHUT UP!!" in her face. She flinches, and he and Armando crack up laughing. He adds that he'd rather Franco didn't discover "certain things," so she'd better fix it so he doesn't ever show up around there again. Just tell him she doesn't want to see him here. Say, oh, how about that Armando's her lover and she likes him better because he has money, or whatever she feels like saying, to get him out of here.

In exchange, he'll let her see her child. He assures her that he always follows through on his promises, good and bad.

He touches her face gently, and she flinches and cries.

Jimena and Sarita are preparing for the party at which they will meet eligible bachelors. Jimena seems skeptical, but Sarita says they have to appreciate the intention. Mom wants them to be with guys their own age. They don't expect to like any of them, though. Sara gazes wistfully at the window.

Gramps is still entertaining Oscar and Franco outside as they work. He says he has a surprise for them later, if they're good. Crabi shows up and crabs at him for acting ridiculous. (As far as I can tell, he's not even wearing a silly costume - he's just sitting in his chair.) She orders him back to his room, but he says he needs to supervise the work on his future home. Crabi makes it a point to let them all know she doesn't want them loitering around her daughters' party. She tells them to stay in their "place" where they belong. "Don't bother the good people," she warns them.

Gramps mimics her silently as she speaks. Franco makes an appropriately funny face as she leaves (I really think Pablo is getting better in this role). Grandpa twirls his finger around his ear in the universal "she's crazy" gesture.

AND NOW FOR THE PARTY.

Be afraid!
Imagine that you are in kindergarten, and your mom has invited your whole class to your birthday party. There are party hats and balloons, and there's a mix tape of all your favorite wholesome kiddie songs.

Now imagine your mom throws you that very same party, twenty years later.

Gabriela is happily handing out party favors and telling all the invitees that there are going to be lots of surprises. Embarrassed Jimena pulls Sarita aside and says it seems very childish. No, it doesn't just seem childish, she says - it IS. The whole world will be laughing at them. She further says all they need is a piñata to hit.

Sarita tries to make excuses for Crabi, who is very cheerfully calling all of the invitees "boys" (or "kids") and still trying to push toys and party favors. Jimena says she'll die if Mom hired a magician. "Or a clown," Sarita giggles.

Gramps plays cards with the boys to pass the time, and shows them his surprise - a nice bottle of tequila. He says there's nothing like it for the badness of love. Oscar takes a good chug. Juan zooms in and says he just closed the bakery and is here to help. (No, I don't know what kind of hours the bakery is open! - I believe it is late afternoon.) They inform him that they're finished working. Oscar explains the forbidden party to Juan. Crabi doesn't want them mixing with the fancy people. Grandpa assures them that the party will be boring as hell.

Franco leaves, saying he wants to wash. Juan joins the card game.

Gabriela is asking for everyone's attention. "Boys and girls!" she calls. "We're going to play a very fun game: Pin the tail on the donkey." (No I am not kidding.) The partygoers snicker. One man says to his female companion: "jeez, I can't believe it, what's up with Gabriela, she's crazy." The woman says the last game was stupid: "knock over the dinosaur." (I'm not familiar with this game, but that's okay.)

Sarita (eating a candy apple) tells Jimena (eating cotton candy): I swear I want to die of embarrassment. Jimena cannot imagine what possessed their mother to put on this foolishness. But they agree that the candied apples and cotton candy are pretty good.

Gabriela is twirling some poor blindfolded sap around and around and then giving him directions to the donkey cartoon poster.

The cool kids (that's Oscar, Juan, and Grandfather) are still playing cards and drinking tequila. Grandpa tells Juan that his penalty for losing the game will be to raid the kitchen the way the bandits used to rob the trains. Juan is nervous about running into Gabriela, so Oscar offers to do it instead.

Now he's in the kitchen. He helps himself to a sandwich; on hearing Gabriela's voice, he grabs the whole tray and hides in the pantry. Gabi gloats to Eva at how much the kids are enjoying the party. Eva bites her tongue. Gabi thinks there's a tray of sandwiches missing. (Oscar grimaces fearfully with a sandwich hanging out of his mouth.) Eva says only the maid has been in here, but Gabi is quite worried about the tray. Then she scolds Eva for leaving the pantry door open; that's how things disappear! She gets the key and locks it up!

Franco is hiding in Rosario's room. He surprises her, but she rebuffs him: "I'm too much woman for you; what can you offer me? I like fine things, the good life. You could never give me these working as a bricklayer or baker. The day when you have lots of money, find me, and maybe I'll give you a break. Now scram and leave me alone!"

(Why do I suspect that someday he's going to have lots of money?)

He gives her the puppydog eyes, but she orders him out. He hobbles away, Santiago-style.

Sofia watches the party sympathetically from afar. Juan sneaks up behind with buckets of water. He says something happened to Gramps - he had too much to drink. "If you want, I can help you put him to bed," he says. Sofia looks at the party, as if asking herself which would be more fun: pin the tail on the donkey, or spending time with Juan in a bedroom.

Jimena and Sarita go to the kitchen to vent about how awful the party is. Sarita thinks they'd better get back, or Mom will be unhappy. (Newsflash, Sarita: she's ALWAYS unhappy.) She leaves Jimena alone.

There's a knock from inside the pantry. She arms herself with a knife, but Oscar gets close to the etched-glass door so she can see that it's him. She opens door, and he grabs her, pulls her inside, and they kiss and kiss and kiss and kiss among the dry goods.

Rosario sulks in her room. Armando comes in holding a little boy. Mystery solved: his name is Andrés. He doesn't speak at all. As Rosario clutches him to her and weeps with joy, he stares aimlessly around the room as if wondering, "who the hell is this broad?" She says he's gotten big and she's missed him.

She notes that he has a piece of paper. He laboriously unfolds it and she admires his drawing. She asks if that's him in the picture; he points and nods. She's in the picture too, she says (we don't see it).

Armando says it's time to go. She begs to let him stay. Armando's manner is subdued, but he says (I think?) that he's only tolerating her to stay on Feonando's good side. Rosario tells her boy not to be sad; they'll soon be together and no one will keep them apart. (The child stares blankly, except when he looks at the camera.) Armando takes him by the hand and leads him out. She cries on the floor with the drawing.

Juan carries Grandpa, who is singing again, and puts him on his bed. Sofia worries that Mom will find him like this. She thanks Juan for his help.

"I found out the truth," Juan says. He understands everything. He was respecting her because she was married, but now he knows she doesn't love her husband. Why doesn't she dump his big-eared ass? (No, he doesn't literally say that, and anyway, a big-eared ass could be a donkey... oh no... donkeys everywhere...)

Sofia doesn't want to answer. He begs her to explain. "Can't you see that I'm so in love? I deserve a response."

Grandpa wakes up and babbles loudly. He's miserable! He feels like the world is spinning. "Stop the world, I want to get off!" He says he hasn't felt like this since he and Hernando Cortez discovered tequila.

Jimena tells Oscar she needs to get back to the party before Mom comes looking for her. He again asks her to forgive him. She says she'll think about it, but to leave her alone for now! They kiss again and he says he loves her. And kisses her again and leaves.

Oscar jingles away (I love hearing their festive spurs). Anyway, Jimena puts away the keys, but doesn't lock the pantry behind her.

Now the party is being entertained by a disco version of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Eva tries to give away another party favor. Someone asks her for "another little whiskey." She makes a "shhhhsh" gesture and hands him a small bottle (looks like juice).

She tries to comfort Sarita, who says their mother doesn't understand that they're not little girls, why doesn't she just put them in ponytails and little shoes. Crabi calls Eva away to help with the guests.

Jimena tells Sarita she was just "assaulted." Of course she is joking. "Oscar! In the pantry!" They giggle.

Oscar gets back to the construction site and tells Juan he was inadvertently locked in the pantry. Juan says they need to get back to the bakery to knead the dough, and updates Oscar on Grandpa's condition. He drank too much, so he had to put him back in his cage. They laugh at what a disaster the party was. Now everyone's leaving.

Franco visits Libia's makeshift tomb to thank her for saving his life. He gives her a white rose, and a tiny guitar for her baby, so that they can sing to him from heaven. He cries and says he can't sing this time. Now that he's in love, he says, he understands what she suffered for love, and how she must have cried over Bernardo's death - and none of them there to console her.

The flower growing over her grave glows. Libia's watching, and/or ET's friends have arrived from the home planet!

Rosario cries over her son's drawing. It's a boy with a sad-looking face and a woman with long hair and gigantic... eyelashes. (I drew a picture of my mother when I was a little older than Andrés - her hair is a yellow squiggle across the top of her head, she has two blue dots for eyes, and she's smoking a cigarette. Ah, the things kids notice about their moms...) She promises to get him back.

Armando comes back and sarcastically asks how the selfless mommy is doing. "Like you care," she answers coldly. Armando explains that Feo allowed her to see the child to prove that he'll keep his word - for better or for worse. She cries some more behind an extreme close-up of a creepy-looking doll.

Oscar and Juan are at the bakery, kneading some dough. Oscar notes that Juan has always been close-mouthed, but now he's not saying anything at all. Juan says he has things on his mind. Like, he's not happy Franco's visiting that singer at the cantina.

Oscar agrees, but lectures Juan about how different the three brothers are. (EXPOSITION ALERT!!) Juan is formal, responsible, fatherly, seemed like a bull when protecting Libia, but he's really a lamb. As for himself, Oscar says he seems like a lamb, but he's kinda crazy and he likes money and hot women; sometimes they can't help what they do. But Franco is hardcore romantic, a dreamer, bohemian, and will do anything in the name of love.

Juan says that's exactly why he doesn't want Franco pursuing that woman. She's not good for him. He needs a woman like himself, a dreamer who will take care of him, treat him well, and most of all, won't hurt him.

Sarita is telling Eva that "he" is a romantic and a dreamer, who likes the same things she does. He makes her feel pretty and important. Eva, who is brushing Sarita's hair, asks who Sarita is referring to. Sarita says it's a secret! Eva asks if he feels the same way. Sarita says yes, but he's timid and he sees her as an impossible love! Eva happily says that it seems that love has finally arrived at this house, because Jimena is also thrilled. Eva says the girls have grown into women, and she hopes that they'll be very, very happy.

Oscar is eating guess what... BREAD. He says that when he thinks of Jimena, he can no longer consider hurting her. But if they're going to mess with those kinds of people, they need to be careful not to get burnt.

Juan, who is sticking his face into the hot oven, says he doesn't know what Oscar's talking about. Oscar says they need to be careful not to fall in love. He suggests that Libia saved Franco's life as a signal not to her to the Elizondos. (Is it perhaps possible that she saved him because she didn't want him to die?)

Even though this is the fifth or so time that Oscar has offered this theory, Juan acts as though he's hearing it for the first time. But he offers no comment.

Angry blasting horns let us know that Feo is present. Crabi is griping to him that those ingrate daughters of hers didn't appreciate the effort and money she spent on the party. They just sulked the whole time. (That's not true, Jimena took some time out for fun!) Later she found out they didn't like the party. "Didn't I tell you, Feonando? They don't appreciate anything I do for them. Nothing!" Feo flaps his ears in agreement.

The younger brothers are sorting through their clothes, looking for something clean to wear tomorrow. It appears that everything they own is filthy, and Juan's clothes are particularly stinky. (Now we know how Sofia picked the right bakery - she just followed her nose!) Oscar wonders how Libia kept everything so clean and tidy. Franco throws some clothes at him and says if they go on like this they'll be living in a pigsty.

Juan comes in wearing the blue horseshoe shirt that he has on during the opening credits when he fights with Feonando. Will that happen tonight? (No.) He also says the place is a dump, and they throw his smelly laundry at him along with some insults. He takes a whiff and agrees that they seem like pigs. Oscar says that between the bakery and the construction job, there's no time for anything.

Juan says he has a surprise. He gathers them into the kitchen and calls for "Quintina." A strangely-dressed woman shows up and gives a loud whistle. Evidently, she is their new housekeeper. Introductions are made, and she gives a round of kisses. She thinks they don't look well fed, but she's going to take care of that. She'll make some good chicken soup. She calls herself "affectionate Quintina." (Does "quintina" mean something or is it maybe a pun of something? Maybe something like chambermaid in reference to "quinta"?) She kisses them all again. She'll serve them, God, and the Virgencita.

Now she wants to take a good look at them. She has Franco do a turn so she can check him out. She remarks on their studliness and says she's the lucky one for being hired. She tells them what an uncomplaining, honest, hardworking, loving lady she is. Another round of kisses. Juan wants to talk about her duties, but she begins yet a new round of kisses and hugs, and says they won't be sorry.

Eva looks in on Sofia to say goodnight and asks if she likes her new room. Sofia is glad to have some peace there, and wishes Crabi cared as much about her as Eva does. Sometimes she doubts that she loves her at all. Eva says Crabi is difficult, but she cares very much about all three of them.

Eva notices Juan's trophy. Sofia sort of fibs and says she promised to give it to him. Eva offers to bring it to him. Sofia starts to say no, then changes her mind and agrees. Eva remarks that it's heavy, which is funny, because in previous episode everyone was handling it as if it was hollow plastic!

Next morning, the guys are working in the yard, and already they're so dirty that I can't imagine why they bothered looking for clean shirts. Eva arrives with the trophy. Juan is annoyed and doesn't want to take it; Eva again remarks that it's heavy, although she's not holding it as if it is, and Oscar makes him take it.

Juan sees Sofia watching from a distance. She smirks and takes off. Juan scolds Eva and Oscar (I guess) for meddling, and follows Sofia.

She is petting Bernie's ferocious man-eating bloodthirsty horse who wouldn't hurt a fly except for Feonando. Juan reminds Sofia that he wanted her husband to keep the trophy among all his others, because surely he has won many. Sofia tells him not to tell her what to do. He says she can lecture him all she wants, but he doesn't want to make himself do what he doesn't want to make himself do. And next time she wants to tell him something, don't send a messenger, just say it to his face. She says he's arrogant, he says he is how he is, and he's in love with her, and she's in love with him. The trophy belongs to her, her husband, the house, whomever she wants, but not him. GOOD DAY!!

He storms back towards the construction site. She follows to argue some more. Eva and the boys watch their approach. Now she's calling him insolent. He calls her impulsive and says she's not always going to get what she wants from him. She asks if it's capricious to give him something that belongs to him. "Belongs to me? I have it in front of me, and it's not exactly that trophy... you know what I mean." He almost kisses her, but turns to go back to the construction site.

She complains he's an animal, but continues following and demands that he take it. She puts it down, says she doesn't care what he does with it, but it doesn't belong to her. He defiantly wipes his face in her general direction as she marches off with Eva. He makes to smash it with hammer, but doesn't. His brothers look on in amusement.

Eva follows Sofia into house and asks what just happened. Sofi says it's just what she saw - a clash of wills. Evil never gives in or gives up, and that man's the same way! All she did was make clear that anyone who looks for her will find her. She won't hide. She'll always face someone.

She goes up to her room to hide.

Eva tells herself she doesn't know what she was thinking.

Juan stares at the house and pets the trophy. Up in her room, Sofia replays Juan saying that he's the man who loves her, and she loves him. He looks up and catches her watching him through the window. He remembers himself telling her that the thing that belongs to him is in front of him, and it's not the trophy.

They nod and smile at one another, and she hides. "How long can this go on?" she wonders.

Next time:
Sarita sees Franco kissing Rosario. (Rosario is wearing a ton of rings on her married finger!)
Eva sees Sofia kissing Juan in his white horseshoe shirt.

Labels: Fuego

Mili and Alex have a new love theme.

Before we return to the new episode, I wanted to give a shout-out to the servants, who are absent in tonight's episode. I forgot to say that in Wednesday's episode there was a scene where they were all (minus Karla) gathered around the table praying for Regina. I found it very touching.

We return to the hospital, where Mili has just arrived to pay respects to . . . she's my mother, she's my grandmother, she's my mother . . . Okay! Padre Manuel arrives, and she doesn't want to talk to him. Connie asks what's going on--why is Mili so angry at the world? Padre Manuel heads for the elevator, and Mili agrees to accompany him only that far. Luci swivels her head triumphantly.

Padre M begs Mili's forgiveness. She has always had a special place in his heart.
He leaves. Luci reminds Mili of her promise. Mili says don't worry, she's not going to say anything to Connie, especially not in front of everyone. But what about Granny? Well, that's a horse of another color, as they say in Oz. Mili says "harina de otra costal," a new dicho. Luci warns Mili to be careful of Granny, as the news might kill her. Luci smiles malevolently. Mili cries as her burden mounts.

Alex now sees Mili alone for the first time since she left him at the altar. He asks why she didn't tell him she was adopted. She tells him it was a secret, and he responds that she has never been good at keeping secrets before. "Then I'm going to have to learn," she replies, indicating that she has grown up ten years in the last ten hours.

Mili says she doesn't want to talk to anybody. Alex says he's not just anybody. Why did she leave him at the altar? She tells him not to ask her now.

Now Val has her turn to visit Granny. She asks Granny why she adopted that servant. Granny says that from now on Mili will not be a servant but a member of the family. Val can't be a snob anymore and she must respect Mili. Val now says she's not as bad as Granny thinks. She has been hiding something. She is in love with someone "inappropriate." She reveals that
she is in love with Morgan. He is funny and kind and tender, a wonderful man. Is she sure? If so, Granny is very happy. She tells Val not to care what people think but to fight for her feelings and always be true to herself. Val cries and hugs Granny. (I think the writers let us down a bit here with this turn-on-a-dime transition, but I'll accept it.)

Val hugs her father and Mili looks on with rueful resignation. Morgan is going to drive Val home, but Connie sends Braulio as a chaperone.

Granny tells Alex that the worst is over and she feels much better, but Alex has to get used to her not being around, as she's not going to live forever. Alex says he can't imagine life without Granny. She makes him promise to always protect Mili and to make sure she has the place she deserves while Granny is out of the house. From now on Mili will leave off being a servant and will have the guest room. Luci will have a cow, he says. He adds that he loves Mili more than life, and this makes Granny very happy.

Damien now takes Luci for a drink in the hospital cafeteria. She doesn't want to leave while Connie and Mili are there alone. Connie sends her off with one of his usual insults: Don't get drunk--one person in the hospital is enough.

Connie tries to talk to Mili now that they are alone. She's having none of it. She says he's a maldito and he destroys all he touches. Look at Alex, your son--you hate him and his life is miserable. Your wife is a mess. And the worst is your mother, the woman who gave you life. Connie says "enough," but Mili says no, we're not done. There's the servant who gave you a child--you killed her. He says "I can't talk to you." He reaches out, and she says don't touch me--you'll contaminate me. She says that it's a good thing that Granny adopted me, so I'm now in the family, whether you like it or not. Hugo walks in, hearing only the "in the family" part, so he continues his misunderstanding from the last episode: "So it's true . . . you married him."

Hugo asks Mili what happened with his uncle. Mili says Connie's a piece of trash and leaves.

Alex is still having a heart-to-heart with Granny. They adore each other. Now she makes him promise one more thing: to help her find her missing grandchild. She has never given up hope and she never will.

Back to the waiting room. Connie tells Hugo that his father just went out. He asks why Hugo said that about Mili getting married. Hugo tries to cover up.

Padre M has gone back to the church and desperately wants to talk to the Mother Superior about the disastrous Mili situation, but Sr. Cachete says it will have to wait, since Padre M's brother has shown up. Huh? Turns out they were orphans and PM was adopted at 13 and they lost track of each other. Place your bets at the identity of mystery brother now.

Alex comes back to the waiting room and finds out that Hugo's back and that he and Mili have gone to the cafeteria.

Padre M is talking to a mystery shoulder. It's not worth arguing about whatever happened in the past--they are brothers, and all is forgiven. The camera pulls back to reveal . . . Nestor!

Mili cries to Hugo. He says it hurts to see her cry. It hurts me to see Hugo paw Mili's face. His hair is also still too long and straggly for my taste.

He tells Mili that he recovered his memory and it explains many things (including what a psycho stalker he is?). She wants to know where Pilar is, and he says she's still in Barcelona. Everything has changed, he said, except his grand sick love for Mili, as he paws her some more.
Enter Alex! He asks Hugo when he got back, and Mili leaps in and says "yesterday." Now she starts spinning a tale. Yes, they were going to be married, but she knew Hugo was coming back and told him the secret. When they were at the church, Hugo came in, and she left with him. Hugo wastes no time in joining in the deception and gloats: You stopped my wedding and now I stopped yours. We're even. Mili continues defiantly: Hugo saved her from making the biggest mistake of her life.

Nestor now tells about how he has a shameful admission: He has a son, and it's not with his wife. PM thinks it's a little child, but Nestor sets him straight--his son is a grown man, and he never knew about him. Can he be forgiven? Padre M says Dios mio about fifty times. He must realize that they couldn't look less like brothers if they were Abbott and Costello.

Back to our story: Nestor says that he doesn't think his brother would know the mother of his child. It's someone named Luciana Belmonte. Dios mio. Do you mean the wife of Constancio Belmonte? Impactado music plays. So his son . . . is . . . Alejandro. Nestor explains that he wants to be with Luci, but Padre Manuel warns him that this woman is not what he thinks. Stay away. But his son is suffering a lot now. Nestor should stay near to help his son.

Alex has left in a huff, so Mili now apologizes to Hugo for lying to Alex without explaining first. She asks him to hold her. Ugh.

Meanwhile, Luci and Damien have returned to the waiting room. She is exhausted and is going home. Connie tells Damien that his son is back and that he's with Mili. Just then Mili and Hugo walk in. Hugo tells his father that he's sorry he hadn't made it back while his father was still sick. Don't worry, says Damien. I'm as healthy as ever. And just as cinico as ever, adds Connie. Mili says, look who's talking. (What she really says is "the rabbit is talking about family planning." Hah!) Cinico means cynical, but it usually seems to be used, as here, as an insult, like shameless lowlife.

Back at the mansion, Val and Morgan are talking in the garden. Unfortunately, Bobby is hiding behind a bush. Val reveals her love to Morgan, and they kiss. She says don't you trust me? Morgan misunderstands and says that they can be alone in the house and . . . no, silly, she says. She was only talking about how he should start to tutear with her. And she will do it too? Yes. They try it out. Te amo, they repeat to each other. They agree to meet in a little while. She starts walking back to the house when stalker Bobby jumps out and ambushes her. So you love him? She asks what he wants, calling him a piojo, or louse. He says he's not a louse, and that gañán (rude lout) is making her crazy (trastornada). She tells him to stop interfering, because for the first time in a long time she is happy.

Back at the hospital, Mili tells Connie, oh big deal, you stayed all night at the hospital with your mother. Good thing she has one good child, and it's me. Damien wants to know what's going on, and Connie says Mili can't forgive him for arguing with Granny. Hugo asks her if she wants him to stay. She says no and kisses him on the cheek. He paws her some more, displaying some beautifully manicured metrosexual pink fingernails. Double yuck.

Damien takes Hugo home to talk.

Connie says he is going to speak to his mother.

First we see Mili talking to a sleeping Granny. Mili calls her abuela while she's asleep. She says Granny deserves to know the truth, and she'll be really happy when she finds out. Connie comes in. He tells Mili that he wants to give his mother a kiss. He kneels at the bedside while Mili looks on. She tells him not to wake Granny. Connie tells Regina that it's all his fault and begs her forgiveness. He says he knows he's not the perfect son, and it hurts. He knows he has made many mistakes. He asks for a second chance and tells her to recover soon. He turns to Mili and asks her to forgive him too and asks her not to treat him this way. (Note that Connie and Alejandro always call Mili by her full name, Milagros.) She looks longingly at Connie, and he leaves. She goes over to Granny and cries. I defy anyone to remain dry-eyed during this scene.

Luci is asking Alex why he didn't tell her about the marriage. He says that there are some things you just don't tell. She remembers how it was different when he was a little boy and they always shared so many hugs and cuddles. Braulio comes in and tells Al that Booby is waiting for him in Al's room.

Braulio thanks Luci for telling Mili the truth. She drags him into the office. If her husband finds out . . . Braulio says his silence depends on her. She will treat Mili right, as she deserves as Regina's daughter, or he'll reveal all. Mili will be a member of the family one way or the other. The choice is Luci's.

Bobby asks Alex what is going on. He was going to marry Mili in secret. Bobby asks why Alex didn't tell him. Alex asks "what part of secret don't you understand?" Anyway, he tells Alex that they were in the church, he bought flowers, and Mili suddenly disappeared. Hugo came and took her away. Bobby says he should not worry--Mili loves Alex, and when Granny is better, it will all be okay. Alex says no--Mili told him she doesn't love him.

Hugo and Damien enter the Bat Cave of Ugly Paintings. Damien wants to give Hugo a reason to stay, and he tells him that Luci will be giving Hugo shares in the business. Hugo can't believe Luci is so generous--why wouldn't she be giving shares to Alex? Damien does not reveal the real intrigue behind the share exchange. Hugo reveals that he does not want to work in the business, but he's going to stay at home. He has a new mission in life. He wants to be near Alex--to destroy him!

Bobby is leaving and runs into Luci. She wants to know how Alex is. Bobby tells her that he can't break Alex's trust, but he soon starts gossiping anyway. He is very worried, as he's never seen his friend so upset. Luci wants him to help Alex get over it by taking him out. Bobby then confesses he's also worried about Val. Val is in love with the chofer. Luci drops like a rag doll!

Avances: Help! I couldn't understand some of it without captions. Granny says she has to go to heaven. There's some flashback involving that necklace and a live Rosario. Then the announcer asks: Will Mili tell Granny the truth? Find out lunes!

Labels: guapos

Here is a pic of Aurora's consternation when Paquito reaches out to her. You've got good taste, Aurorita!

The judge calls the proceeding to order. He says that he has a list of persons who invested in the mine and a report from an expert saying that there is no gold in the mine. The judge asks Hugo if he is aware of the seriousness of the fraud he perpetrated on these investors? Hugo stands up and says that he is here to accept the consequences of his acts. From the back of the courtroom a voice is heard calling the judge. It’s Lucas and he’s drunk. He says, “This man swindled us. He made me lose all my money. I am ruined.” Lots of impactados. Soledad stands up. Lucas says, “This man has to pay for all the damage he has done to us.” Soledad looks accusingly at Hugo. The evil ones, Eloisa and Rebeca, smirk.

Margot wakes Arturo up. She tells him that while she was out shopping, she heard that Hugo was being tried for fraud at this very moment. Arturo sends Margot out for a pair of gloves and clean clothing. He says that he will start his Plan of Vengeance with Hugo, then Soledad and Alcides.

Paquito sneaks up on the Casa Obregon. He doesn’t know where to start and he can’t read the architectural drawings. Antonia appears with the baby and asks what Paquito is doing in her house.

The judge calls for silence. Lucas asks permission to tell the court how Hugo de Medina destroyed his family financially and morally. Soledad tries to get Lucas to go home. She says that he is ill, not in his right mind. Lucas asks Soledad if Hugo isn’t the one who has hurt her most in world. Lucas says that he doesn’t want her to suffer one more day or have one more tear. Pointing at Hugo, he says to her, “That man is the source of your tears.” To the court he says, “That man is a devil!” He asks Soledad to speak and say to his face that Hugo is the person who has hurt her the most. Say it to Hugo in front of her father.

Antonia asks Paquito again what he is doing there. He spins a tale that he is writing an article about the best houses in San Marino and wants to know when this one was built. Antonia says that everyone is at the trial. She is taking care of the baby. He should come back later. Calling Antonia, “ amargada,” a grouch, Paquito leaves.

Back at the trial, no one seems interested in the matter at hand and Lucas is permitted to say that he knows Soledad won’t respond because she loves Hugo and he is the father of her daughter. Then Lucas asks why Hugo didn’t stop Soledad’s wedding to Alcides. Hugo says that he was in shock after an attack of catalepsy. When he saw Soledad leaving the church with his brother, he was full of rage and jealousy. Lucas says if that was the case, why didn’t he tell Soledad that he had catalepsy from the start? He doesn’t let Hugo answer but calls him the devil incarnate again and says again that Hugo betrayed his daughter, destroyed his family and in the coup de grace, he ruined them. Soledad tries to get him to stop. To himself, Hugo says that Lucas is right. He was an asshole with his stupid plan of vengeance. Now he is paying the consequences. The judge warns Lucas to be careful. Everything he says can be used against the defendant. Lucas asks the judge to throw the book at Hugo. Rebeca tells Eloisa that Lucas spent the night in her dressing room. She got him drunk and persuaded him to testify against Hugo. Dr. Dan overhears this.

Manrique tells Gladis that he can’t believe that Arturo isn’t here since it was he who filed the charges against Hugo. Gladis says that he hasn’t come home. She doesn’t know where he is. Soledad tries to get Lucas to stop. He says to her that he knows that she loves Hugo but she has to break the ties that unite her to him. He asks her to explain to him and to the court why she has forgiven him for all the harm he has done her.

Margot puts a glove on Arturo’s wrist. He asks how it looks. She says it looks fine. No one would know that he lost his hand. She begs him not to go out. He is still weak. She supposed to clean and re-bandage the stump. Arturo says that he has to go out. He has been waiting for this for a long time and now he has new reasons to be there. Margot asks what if he runs into Alcides. Arturo says that is exactly what he wants. He wants everyone to see him go against Alcides, Soledad and Hugo.

Lucas goes on to tell everyone that Hugo came back pretending to be Alcides and demanded his rights with Soledad and that was unforgivable. Soledad agrees. Michelle tells Dr. Dan that now she understands what Soledad was talking about at the fiesta. She understands what she went through. Hugo says that he loves Lucas’ daughter. All this happened because of a trap of fate. It was a mistake. Lucas replies that there was no mistake. He tells Hugo for once in his life to be a man and admit it. Hugo refuses. He says that all the words he has said are true. The court buzzes. Hugo goes on, “I made a mistake acting that way. I had my reasons, it’s true. I wanted vengeance but love prevailed. “No,” says Lucas, “You can’t talk about love if your heart is full of hatred. You returned with an evil plan to get back at my daughter. You came back as Alcides and then admitted to my poor daughter that you were Hugo to destroy her life as if she were some worthless piece of trash.” He asks Soledad if what he said is the truth. “It’s the truth,” says Soledad, “everything you said is the truth.” Ursula runs out of the courtroom.

Alcides is in Treasure R Us packing up a briefcase with money and gold. He says that Eloisa and Hercu-Less are on his side. Now he’ll surprise Soledad with this money. She’ll see how far he’ll go to win her love.

Hugo tells the judge that Lucas isn’t well and Lucas is holding his arm in the universal sign of an oncoming heart attack. The judge tells him to calm down. Soledad tells him to sit down but he says that has never felt better because a great weight has been taken off his shoulders. He kept quiet for a long time but now he is going to speak. No more lies. He says that he is the destitute, alcoholic father of the daughter who has been humiliated by Hugo. Dr. Dan is concerned about Lucas but Michelle says Lucas needs to vent. Lucas continues by saying that not only did Hugo have a plan to hurt his daughter, he was planning to hurt everyone in San Marino. He got people to invest in a fake gold mine and then stole that money from us. Hugo denies this. He says that part of the investors’ money was invested in a hospital and the rest was stolen from him. (splitting hairs here Hugo – you didn’t use it for what the investors’ intended) Lucas says that is a lie. Hugo stole the money so that the investors would go after his daughter. Wasn’t that his plan? “How could you?” says Soledad to Hugo. Lucas goes on. He says that Hugo didn’t care that he was Soledad’s father. He stole the money that Lucas invested in the mine. Hugo denies that he ever accepted Lucas as an investor. The judge says that Lucas is right. Hugo intended to swindle the investors right from the start. Hugo insists that Lucas never gave him any money. Lucas says that he invested through Rebeca. Ester is impactada. Rebeca confirms this with the judge. On Hugo’s instructions she solicited investments from individuals who didn’t want their names used. Soledad tries to get Lucas to stop by saying how much Ester is suffering. Lucas says that Ester is upset because she has a lot to hide. Ester is terrified that Lucas is going to tell everone that he isn’t Soledad’s father. Lucas tells Soledad to ask Ester about her secrets. The judge calls for order and says that Lucas has to finish his testimony. The judge asks if Hugo wants to speak. He does. Hugo says that he regrets it what he did. He made the worst mistake of his life and he is paying dearly for it. Lucas asks how could Hugo have doubted Soledad’s love for him. He recalls one year ago in this same courtroom, his daughter Soledad testified in Hugo’s trial for raping Beatriz and saved his life. She testified that they had spent the night together and ruined her reputation. How could pay her back like this? Gladis wonders where her poor daughter Beatriz is. Soledad says that she only testified to save Hugo. She spent the night with him before they were married and that is when her daughter was conceived. Lucas asks how Hugo could react with hatred at such love. Hugo replies that he made terrible errors and he asks forgiveness of all those that he offended, especially Soledad. She is the only woman he has loved in his life.

Ursula comes to see Boris. He asks how the trial is going. Ursula says what’s going on in there is terrible. Soledad father is testifying against Hugo. “This will end in tragedy,” says Boris. Ursula tells Boris that she doesn’t think Marina will show up for the second trial. He asks why she thinks so. She replies that the previous night she went and confronted Marina they had a ‘vigorous discussion.’ She will wait for Boris to be called to testify. Everything will be ok.

Marina is walking through a garden with a suitcase. She flashes back to her fall down the stairs.

Arturo is ready to go into court but he tells Margot to stay where she is. She asks why and answers her own question by saying that Arturo is ashamed to be seen with her. She knows that she is one of those women that men don’t introduce at important meetings. Arturo tells her that she call him ‘Arturo’ instead of ‘Don Arturo.’ He says that she has been very good to him and if he tells her to stay put, it’s for her own safety. It’s dangerous to be seen with him. Hercu-Less appears. Arturo asks where the hell he has been.

Back at his endless testimony, Lucas says that his daughter loved Hugo so much but he didn’t love her. The worst thing that Hugo did was when his daughter dug up Hugo’s grave to see if he had been buried alive, he didn’t have any mercy at all with his daughter. Hugo had many opportunities to tell Soledad that he was alive but you didn’t do it. You didn’t do it for one reason. You wanted to keep on breaking her heart. That’s all you wanted. Hugo says that Lucas shouldn’t be here. He looks very ill. Lucas tells Hugo that he will never forgive him. His daughter’s unhappiness is his fault. I’ll kill you because you’ve broken my daughter’s heart.

Lucas finally collapses. Sensation in the court. Dr. Dan takes him away. Soledad looks at Hugo and says that her father was right. There is nothing left between them. We both know he’s absolutely right. She leaves with Ester.

Paquito is walking around the Obragon house looking for a secret passage. He turns around and there is Alcides. Alcides asks what Paquito is doing at the Obragon house when the biggest event of the year is happening at the courthouse. Why isn’t Paquito covering it? Paquito replies there are reporters enough there already and he only does exclusives. Alcides asks why Paquito is wandering around outside the house. P says that he heard there was a rare flower growing here but his source must be mistaken. Then Paquito asks what Alcides is doing here. He can guess. With everyone at the trial, he is going to break into the house. Alcides replies that he doesn’t have to explain anything to Paquito and walks away. Paquito looks curiously at the briefcase Alcides is carrying. (at least Alcides wasn’t carrying his treasure withdrawals in a big bag like he did before.)

Arturo asks again where Hercu-Less has been. Herc says that he was looking for Arturo and he spent the afternoon with Margot. Arturo says that he has important business right now but later they need to talk. Herc asks what Margot is doing in Arturo’s carriage. Didn’t they have an agreement? He thought they were engaged.

Manrique asks for the trial to continue even though Arturo isn’t present. Arturo then announces that he is present. He says to the judge that he is here to demand the return of all the money that Hugo robbed from the investors. He has given the proofs to the judge.
The judge asks if Hugo want to say anything. Michelle says to Andres that Hugo is a good man. How could he make so many mistakes? Hugo stands up. He says that he is guilty of all the charges made against him. He will sell all his assets to repay the investors.

Soledad asks Dr. Dan if her father is going to be all right. Dr. Dan says that he is very ill. She asks if this happened because of how angry he was in court. She asks Dr. Dan to assure that nothing bad will happen. Dr. Dan says that Lucas needs to go to a hospital. He appears to have had a heart attack. Lucas is taken out. Ester says that all this is Hugo’s fault.

In court, Hugo says that he is willing to sign a document putting his assets on sale. The proceeds will be enough to settle his debt with the investors. Arturo says to his mother that that isn’t enough. He wants to see Hugo begging in the streets. Eloisa says to Rebeca that she is glad she teamed up with Alcides. If she had stayed with Hugo, she’d be broke. Rebeca says that Soledad must be hating Hugo for what he did to her poor drunken father. Michelle stands up and tells the judge that she will front the money to have the charges dropped and not make it necessary for Hugo to sign over his assets. Alcides appears and says that won’t be necessary. His brother is his responsibility. He says that he has come to pay the debt of his brother Hugo. He looks around wondering where Soledad is. Alcides puts the briefcase in front of the judge. Michelle tells Andres that Hugo’s brother doesn’t seem to be as indifferent as she thought. Arturo objects and says that the demand was not just for what was owed but double for damages. Sensation in the court. Hugo looks at the courtroom and says to himself that they are no more than a pack of hungry wolves going crazy at the sight of blood. The judge orders that the double the amount be paid. Alcides says that there is enough in his briefcase for that amount. Hugo asks that his assets be transferred to his brother’s name. He will pay back the rest when he is financially stable.

Hercu-Less asks Margot again what she is doing in Arturo’s carriage. She flashes back to Arturo’s instruction to keep quiet about what happened to him. She lies and says Arturo just gave her a ride. She asks Arturo if they are really engaged. He says that depends on her. They’ll talk about it later when they meet. He has a surprise for her. She says that she likes looking at him in the daytime. His eyes show that he is a good person. She is glad to meet someone who hands aren’t stained with blood.

Lucas is on a gurney in the hospital. Soledad begs Dr. Dan to save him. He says that he will do his best. Soledad asks Ester what her father was talking about at the trial. What important thing does Ester have to tell her? What is it about?

The debt being paid, the Court withdraws all the charges against Hugo concerning the fraud. Gladis notices that Arturo’s hand is bleeding but he says that he fell from his horse and hurt his hand. Arturo wonders where Alcides got all that money. Michelle asks that Hugo be released but the Judge says we only did part one of the trial. He calls Marina to testify on the charge of murder against Hugo.

Some cops come to take Boris is taken out of his cell to testify but it is Hercu-Less and somebody else in disguise. Marina appears in court and gives her story. Michelle stands up and says that is not what happened. The judge asks her if she witnessed the moment when Marina fell down the stairs and she has to say that she and Dr. Dan arrived a few seconds later but Hugo and his servant were very concerned. The judge asks again if Michelle saw the precise moment when Marina fell down the stairs. She has to say no and the judge says that her testimony has no value. The judge calls Boris to testify. Marina says that her husband is loyal to Hugo. The judge says that he will decide if Boris’ testimony is valid or not. A policeman reports that Boris has escaped and is not in the courthouse. Sensation. The credits roll.

Tomorrow- Hugo is sentenced to death

Labels: la traicion

(All this * business is because my computer at work restricts the use of certain words)

“¡No puede ser!” says Alcides in time-honored novela tradition as he sees Arturo, “It can’t be. You’re dead!” Arturo says that he has come back from hell to destroy Alcides. Arturo draws his weapon and aims it at Alcides. Alcides says reassuringly that he won’t draw his g*n. Arturo orders Dr. Max and Margot to get out of the room. They leave. Arturo says that Alcides will pay for what he did to him.

Poor Soledad is devastated that her daughter can’t be cured of her catalepsy. Dr. Dan tries to comfort her. “I don’t want to see you suffer like this,” he says and we all agree. He promises that he will do everything he can to find a cure for Aurora. Soledad wants to show him something that few people know exists and that might help her baby. She leads him out of the room.

Hugo asks Michelle if it is true that they kissed. She flashes back to the incident in question. Hugo asks why she doesn’t answer. Finally, she says that they didn’t kiss each other. Hugo kissed her in a moment of confusion. When he came out of his catalepsy attack, he thought she was Soledad. Michelle asks about the portrait in the living room. Hugo says that it is his father from whom he inherited catalepsy. Michelle says that their lives were so similar. She inherited catalepsy from her mother. Her mother died without ever knowing that she had been cured, just like Hugo’s father. Hugo says to Michelle that he has a lot to thank her for, a lot. He strokes her cheek. He says that because she came to San Marino, he is completely cured. He kisses her cheek. “Thank you, thank you,” he says, “now we have to find he cure for my daughter.” He tells her that Dr. Dan took a blood sample from Aurora. Does Dr. Dan have the results of the analysis? Michelle says yes, he is talking to Soledad about that now.

Eloisa tells the authorities where Hugo is. She says that Alcides owes her another one. In a few minutes, his brother is about to experience his worst nightmare.

Paquito is doing research on Vlad’s architecture projects in some office. He finds that the last house Vlad designed was the Obragon’s. The damned treasure must be there.

Alcides asks Arturo why he doesn’t shoot. Arturo replies that he will shoot when he decides to. He curses Alcides, says that he hates him and will give him the most horrible death anyone can experience. Alcides tells him that Arturo didn’t give him any choice. He offered Arturo money in exchange for his silence. Alcides asks Arturo how he escaped; he was chained up. Arturo says that when you face immanent death, you cling to life however you can, including giving up a part of your body. He shows Alcides his bandaged stump. Alcides flashes back to the hut incident. He says, “You cut off your hand to escape from the explosion.” Dr. Max, who has been listening, makes a noise. Arturo looks around and Alcides knocks the g*n out of his hand and draws his own two g*ns. Now he is in charge. Margot asks Dr. Max why Arturo drew his g*n on Alcides. Dr. Max tells her that Alcides k*lled Arturo’s sister, Beatriz. Margot is impactada. Dr. Max gets his own g*n out saying that behind his gentlemanly exterior, Alcides is a mur*derer.

Soledad takes Dr. Dan to the basement of the Hacienda and shows him the hyperbaric chamber. She says that this gizmo saved her daughter’s life the last time she had an attack of catalepsy. Dr. Dan says that his father designed the thing and had it built for Hugo’s father. Dr. Dan has to tell Soledad that the gizmo does not always work to save a person with catalepsy and it definitely isn’t a cure. Soledad starts to cry again. She says that if something happens to her daughter, she will die. Her daughter is the most important thing in her life. Dr. Dan tells Soledad to look into his eyes while he makes her a promise that from this moment on, he will devote every second of his life to discovering a cure for her daughter and he’ll find it no matter what it takes. Soledad thanks him and they embrace just as Hugo and Michelle come into the room looking for them.

Arturo asks Alcides why he doesn’t shoot and finish the job. Alcides flashes back to his conversation with Soledad when he told her he had changed and would prove it with deeds, not words. He tells Arturo that he can’t do it. If he k*lls Arturo, it would ruin his plans. He isn’t a mur*derer. Arturo asks what plans he is talking about. Alcides’ only plan is to destroy him and he has achieved part of it. He should finish the job. Alcides has made Arturo into a freak. He demands that Alcides shoot him and get it over with. Alcides says that if he shoots Arturo, Dr. Max and Margot will tell everyone that he is a mur*derer and that can’t happen. Arturo replies that Alcides should k*ll Dr. Max and Margot or better yet k*ll everyone in San Marino so that nobody can say that he is a mur*derer. Once again, he demands that Alcides sh*ot him.

Soledad tells Hugo that she was showing Dr. Dan the chamber that he used to save Aurora’s life. Hugo says that it saved his life on various occasions. Dr. Dan’s father had it built for Hugo’s father. Everybody remembers old Dr. Chirac fondly. Hugo asks Dr. Dan about the analysis of his daughter’s blood. Soledad tells him that Aurora’s blood doesn’t have the stuff that would enable her to be cured by the flower. This information hits Hugo like a physical blow and he has to sit down. “There is no cure for her,” he repeats and sighs, “It’s all my fault. She got that damned illness from me.”

Margot wants to do something about the Arturo-Alcides confrontation. Dr. Max tells her not to interfere. Margot decides that she should tell Hercu-Less. He could stop them from k*lling each other.

Hercu-Less is somewhere outside. He flashes back to his conversation with Alcides. Then he runs into Gladis. She asks why he has a suitcase. He lies and says that Arturo is sending him out of town for a few days. Gladis asks why Arturo has not come home. Herc says that he doesn’t know.

Arturo tells Alcides that he has two choices: he can k*ll everyone or he can k*ll him. Alcides refuses to do anything. Arturo attacks Alcides who pushes him away and Arturo gets his g*n back. Alcides draws his g*ns and we have a stand off. Alcides says that Arturo can have it the way he wants. Arturo says that of course he will have it his way and it will be like this: he aims the g*n at his own head. Alcides tells him not to do it. Arturo doesn’t understand. First, Alcides was going to blow him into a thousand pieces and now he doesn’t want him to shoot himself? (I’m with you, Arturo. Alcides is a little schizo here.) He says that he is a useless freak. He doesn’t want people to feel sorry for him. Alcides says that if he k*lls himself, everyone will believe that Alcides k*lled him and he doesn’t want Soledad to think he is a mur*derer. Arturo says that he understands and he is glad because now Soledad and everyone in San Marino will understand who he really is – a damned mur*derer. Crying, Alcides begs Arturo not to k*ll himself. He will give Arturo all the money in the world if he just doesn’t shoot himself. Arturo says that he isn’t interested in Alcides’ filthy money. He doesn’t want to live any longer. He pulls the trigger but nothing happens. He asks why the g*n didn’t work. Alcides sighs in relief and says that the g*n jammed when it fell on the floor.

The judge personally leads the party to arrest Hugo at the Hacienda. Marina confirms that Hugo is there and tells them that he is in the basement.

Hugo asks Dr. Dan how his daughter could have inherited catalepsy from him but not the blood stuff that enables the disease to be cured. Soledad tells Hugo that Dr. Dan has promised to find a cure. Dr. Dan says that he has sworn to devote his life to this and Michelle says that they can’t lose faith. God won’t abandon this child. At this point, the police arrive to arrest Hugo.

Eloisa says that by now, poor Hugo should be arrested while she is getting ready to see Alcides. Paquito comes in and says that in exchange for sex, he will tell Eloisa a big secret.

Soledad suggests that Hugo is ill and shouldn’t go to jail and Dr. Dan says that he is a doctor and confirms that. But the judge says that Hugo is an escaped prisoner and a fugitive. He can only prove his innocence in court. Hugo thanks Soledad and the others for defending him but the judge has his job to do. Hugo has no options. He has to face the consequences of his actions. Michelle and Soledad convince the judge that Hugo doesn’t need to be handcuffed. As he is led away, Hugo stops like he is dizzy, turns around and takes a long look back at Soledad while Michelle and Dr. Dan watch sadly. Soledad tells Michelle and Dan that they have to do something to help Hugo. Michelle says that she can lend the money to pay off the investors. Soledad reminds them that they also have to deal with Marina’s accusation that Hugo tried to k*ll her. Marina is watching them.

Back at the endless confrontation at Dr. Max’s, Arturo asks Alcides to borrow his g*n to k*ll himself. Alcides says that he came back to San Marino to win Soledad’s love fair and square and he isn’t going to let Arturo’s death mess up his plan. Arturo says that his beloved Soledad might find out that Alcides tried to k*ll him and caused him to lose his hand. Alcides says that Arturo would pay dearly if he did that. Arturo says that the mur*der of his sister can’t go unpunished. Alcides says that his sister was crazy. He describes what Beatriz did to him, tells Arturo that he is sorry but it was her life or his. He moves to leave. Arturo says that this isn’t over. Alcides says that the life of his mother and his own life depend on what he does and he warns Arturo not to confront him. As Dr. Max and Margot come back into the laboratory, Alcides salutes Arturo and says that as usual, he enjoyed doing business with him. He leaves.

Eloisa has put out and now she wants to know what the big secret is that Paquito discovered. He tells her that he found that the Obragon house was Vlad’s last architecture commission.

Lucas has fallen off the wagon. Ester guesses that even though she told him not to, he invested all their money in the mine. Lucas confirms it. They are broke.

Hugo is put into Boris’cell and there is a happy reunion. Hugo calls Boris his loyal friend and says that it is his fault that Boris is in prison. Boris says that he knew the PoV was risky. He stood by Hugo then and he will continue to stand by Hugo until the end. Boris tells Hugo how happy he is that Hugo has been cured of catalepsy. Hugo thanks him and says that he is the brother Hugo never had. Hugo says that they will get out of prison by selling the Hacienda to pay back the investors. Boris says, “Then you don’t know?” “Know what?” says Hugo. Boris tells him about Marina’s attempted mur*der charge. Poor Hugo – another blow.

Ursula comes to have it out with Marina. They exchange insults and have a fight. Marina throws things at Ursula and almost strangles her but there isn’t any resolution.

Margot tells Arturo that she knows he lost his hand because of Alcides. Arturo tells her not to repeat that. Only Margot and Dr. Max know what happened here. Arturo tells them that there will be consequences if they talk and they agree to say nothing. Arturo wants to go home with Margot.

Alcides meets Hercu-less. He gives him money to find a place to live'. Alicdes asks what Herc wants to be happy. It turns out Hercu-Less wants to buy a house settle down with his girl and have lots of pond sex. Alcides gives Herc more money to do that. Herc asks why Alcides is being so generous to him since he hasn’t done anything for him yet. Alcides says that he likes his employees to be happy and he doesn’t tolerate betrayal. He tells Herc that he was mistaken, Arturo is still alive. Herc can choose to be Alcides right hand man and messenger between him and Eloisa or go back to his miserable life with Arturo. Herc chooses the cash. Herc passes along the information to Alcides that Hugo is back in jail. Alcides says that he is not surprised.

Margot tells Arturo that she knows from Dr. Max that Alcides k*lled his sister. He should denounce Alicides. Arturo says that he will take “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Margot is not familiar with the Book of Exodus. She asks if Arturo is going to k*ll Alcides. Not now, he says. He is going to start by k*lling the woman that bastard Alcides loves.

Soledad tells Michelle and Dr. Dan that she can’t believe they are going through all this suffering. Michelle says that Soledad is brave. Soledad says that she can’t take all this happening at the same time. She just can’t take any more! Dr. Dan says that she isn’t alone. He will be by her side to make sure that Aurora doesn’t have another catalepsy attack. Michelle says that she and Dr. Dan were present when Marina fell down the stairs. They can testify at the trial.

Arturo has a dream that Alcides k*lls Gladis. He swears that he will get revenge by taking action, not against Alicdes directly since that would k*ll mommy, but against those Alcides cares about: Soledad, her daughter and parents and Hugo. (So we are set up with the motivation for the final conflict of the novela.)

Ursula tells Soledad about her fight with Marina. Soledad tells Ursula that Hugo begged her to forgive him and he seemed very sincere. She still can’t get past the pain he caused her though. He thinks it would be a good idea if Hugo found someone else. Ursula is surprised.

In her bed, Michelle dreams that Hugo comes to her but she wakes up and is sad that she has fallen for someone who can’t be hers.

In their cell, Boris is asleep but Hugo is awake. He paces restlessly flashing back to seeing Dr. Dan embrace Soledad. He is stuck in jail while Dr. Dan has full access to Soledad.

Eloisa mentions the secret passage in the Hacienda. Probably there is a such a passage in the Obragon house as well. She suggest checking it out when everyone is at Hugo’s trial tomorrow.

Rebeca plies Lucas with liquor to get him to testify against Hugo at his trial. He doesn’t want to do it, it would devastate Soledad.

The wheels of justice grind exceedingly fast in San Marino. Hugo was arrested the previous night and the next day he is on trial. Everyone is there including Los Burque. The judge calls for Arturo to make the investor’s case but Gladis has to report that he isn’t available. Manrique will do it.

The credits roll.

Tomorrow: the trial

Labels: la traicion

Hi Folks: Some Caray bloggers who are watching the rebroadcast of Pasión de Gavilanes (PdG) on Telemundo (2 hours/day broadcast at 12pm EDT) wanted to be able to have discussions here and Melinama was kind enough to set it up. PdG is what Fuego de Sangre was based on although from reading the recaps, Fuego is deviating from the PdG plot pretty signifcantly. PdG stars Mario Cimarro and Danna García. We won't be recapping PdG at least not right away. It is broadcast with English subtitles on CC3, which may be available on your cable system and/or TV.

Let the fun begin!

Labels: gavilanes

Leftovers from yesterday: At the hospital the family is gathered, Alex has showed up, but no Mili as he had hoped. The doctor comes out and they all want to know how Regina is. The doctor looks serious.

Over at the convent, the MS and the good padre are discussing plans for the upcoming first communion. Mili comes in, devastated, and tells them that she knows her mother’s name is Rosario and her papa is… The padre finishes her sentence: Constancio. You knew and you didn’t tell me? You deceived me? demands Mili, shocked.

On to the new stuff: How long have you known? asks Mili. Since you went to work at Casa Belmonte, says the padre. We found your medallion and the initials on it turned out to be those of your papa and not your mama as you had always thought. Mili is devastated: And you didn’t tell me? Why? The padre says we didn’t want to destroy a family. But what about me? sobs Mili. And what about the abuela? Shouldn’t she have had the joy of knowing who I was?

Try to understand, says the MS. We wanted to protect you. The padre tells her that he had spoken many times to Constancio to try to get him to tell her the truth. Mili is shocked: He knew? He knew I am his daughter? Timpani of impactadaness.

The surgeon says the operation was a success. You can all breathe out now, the worst is over. Connie asks to see Regina but the surgeon says she’s in recovery. Everyone mills about, relieved. Vale and Alex embrace and Alex says we have to take good care of her so it doesn’t happen again. Luci says to Connie See? I told you your mother will end up burying all of us. Connie is disgusted. He goes to where Alex and Vale are hugging, and pulls Vale away to hug him. Alex looks on, sad. Damien asks Luci to go have a bite in the hospital cafeteria, but she wants to stay with her kids, who look upset. Damien says come on, you’ll be astonished at what I have to tell you.

Luci tells Alex she’s leaving for a bit and asks if he’s okay. He looks pretty shook up, but he says he’s okay. She says don’t forget every cloud has its silver lining, then she leaves. Alex asks Morgan if he knows whether Mili knows about the abuela. Morgan says no, so Alex says please go look for her at the house and the convent. Braulio says he’ll help. Morgan will go look at the convent, and Braulio will check the house. (Doesn’t anybody have a cell phone?) Connie is still hugging Vale. Alex the Unloved reaches over and tentatively lays his hand on Vale’s shoulder.

Back at the convent, the padre is telling Mili that she must be strong, God is testing her capacity for forgiveness. The MS says Connie has known for some time. And he didn’t care enough to tell me? says Mili. No no no says the padre, it’s just that he’s hard-headed. I’ve asked him a thousand times to tell you but he wanted to protect his family and his political career.

Mili asks, He’s that ashamed? The MS says it’s better to wait to talk to him when your emotions have healed up a bit. That’s never going to happen, says Mili holding her stomach, it hurts right here. I’ve always wanted to meet my father, to tell him how he’s hurt my mother and me, all the hate I feel for him. I’m never, never going to be happy.

It’s not good to hate, says the padre. Mili goes to leave, but the padre says wait, and gets out her medallion. Mili says but it was stolen! Well, we got it back, says the padre, don’t ask how. I think you need to wear it now, like you did when you were a child. Mili goes to put it on, and the MS tries to help. I can do it alone, says Mili angrily. You were my family and you deceived me! I feel so alone. She leaves, sobbing.

Luci and Damien are in the hospital cafeteria. He says he wants to talk about Alex’s father. Oh, Connie, says Luci. Nope says Damien. Then you mean Francois? Nope again, I mean the REAL father. Luci feigns ignorance. No more secrets from me, says Damien. I’m talking about Nestor.

Mili is sobbing at the convent altar. You don’t play fair, she tells Jesus, you sent me to work in the house of my father, and you let me fall in love with my brother. What did I ever do to you that you treat me that way? Friends don’t do those kinds of things to each other.

Luci is trying to deny that Nestor is the father, but Damien says he admires how she’s kept it a secret all these years. You better keep it secret too, says Luci, you would destroy Alex. I don’t really feel like keeping it secret, says Damien, unless we can negotiate a bit.

Sor Cachete has heard the news and she comes running out into the convent garden where Mili is crying against a tree. Mili tells her that she feels such pain, she is dying of love. And Connie knows he is her father. But I’m not going to say anything, because Alex would suffer and I want to save him all this pain. But Connie – I don’t know when or where the anvil will fall, but I will be like a shadow, making his life miserable. I’ve prayed to God so often to be able to wreak revenge.

I have to look out for me and mine Damien is telling Luci. Alex has always been the golden boy. Alex this! Alex that! and Hugo was always sidelined. Okay, I wasn’t the best father, but what I want is for Hugo to be a shareholder in the company. Luci considers this: You want him to replace Alex as president? Okay, I agree he will be included if you don’t tell Alex – Hugo can be your representative. No, says Damien, I want him to have his own shares, and you’re going to give them to him.

Mili tells the sor that if she gives up revenge, she will have only this terrible pain in her soul left. Sor Cachete embraces her and tells her to cry it out. Mili says she doesn’t want to cry anymore – she’s all emptied out, plus it doesn’t help anything. The sor says you must forgive, but Mili says I can’t.

The MS in her office is telling the padre that Sor Cachete went to find Mili. There’s a knock and it’s Morgan, who tells them about Regina. They say Sor Cachete will be bringing her. Except she won’t, because now we see Mili crying while she walks through the barrio. Little Gamuzo runs up and says he needs to talk to her. She tells him to leave her alone, and he runs off, hurt. She calls after him and then casts her eyes upward and says look what I did to my little friend.

Braulio is talking to Gloria, Lina, Horacio and Socorro, asking about Mili. They say she left in the morning and hasn’t been seen since. Lina lets slip that Mili was with Alex. Braulio says Alex was alone at the hospital asking about Mili. Oh, and by the way, how is Regina asks the staff. She ought to be home soon, says Brauilio. Lina says she’s worried about Mili, but Braulio says he knows where to find her.

It seems the convent is where everyone goes to bawl. Right now Gamuzo is out on the steps blubbering away and the fountain behind him weeps copiously too. Sor Cachete tries to get out of him what’s wrong. He says Mili doesn’t love him, she yelled at him. The sor says Mili had something bad happen and that’s why she snapped at him. Gamuzo says something bad happened to him too, but he wouldn’t be mean like that. The sor tells him he is stronger than Mili and he likes that explanation. Anyway, his bad thing is that he found out he has a sister, he tells her.

Mili is sitting on the bare floor of her empty house that Regina got her. She has her Bible in her lap, and is looking at the photo of her mother and crying. Braulio comes in unnoticed and looks at her a while. Then he tells her that everyone is looking for her. She tells him in no uncertain terms to go away. He says you know the truth. She wants to know if he knew all along too. I know that his morning must’ve been a shock, he says. She says she wants to die, and he is very sweet and gentle with her and says it’s understandable. She says she wants to go away and never, never come back. He says don’t talk like that, the danger is past. I don’t like to see you cry. I can’t help it, says Mili. Did Luci tell you too? Mili asks. No, she wasn’t home when it happened says Braulio. I just came from the hospital and everything is going to be fine. Mili says what does that have to do with Connie being my father?

What are you saying? says Braulio. I found out my mother’s name is Rosario, says Mili, showing him the photo of her mother pregnant. This is the only photo I have of her with me. You don’t see me because I’m inside. My sister, he says, moved to tears. Your sister? says Mili, you mean you’re not my pretend uncle, you’re my real uncle? Your real uncle and you are my niece he says, so many years! and they embrace, both sobbing. It would be a hard heart indeed that could witness this scene dry-eyed.

The Belmontes are still in the hospital waiting room and Padre Manuel comes in with Morgan. He says he wants to be of support at this hard time, and oh, can I have a word with you Connie? Connie says not right now. Luci and the padre head over to a distant couch. Alex asks Morgan about Mili and Morgan reports she’d just left the convent and that Braulio is looking for her.

Vale walks over beside Morgan. Don’t ever leave again without telling me, she says, making sure Connie doesn’t hear. Over on the far couch, the padre says to Luci how could you? After all these years of keeping it secret, why tell Mili? Luci says this is not the time or place for that conversation. The padre says okay, I’ll talk to Connie then. She says wait! come with me, and they leave the room.

Braulio is still sitting on the floor with Mili. She wants to know why he didn’t tell her. He said you don’t know how much I wanted to, how much I wanted to take you in my arms and cover you with kisses. I found out when I found the photo of Rosario in your bible. He made you keep quiet, didn’t he, says Mili, just like he made Padre Manuel and the MS keep quiet too? But I didn’t want to, says Braulio, that’s why I wrote that letter, so you would know you had a family, a past, so you could see this house, and also to put some pressure on him to tell the truth. I did it for you, Mili. You are all I have in life. He is sobbing again.

Promise me, says Mili, that you won’t tell Connie. I promise, he says, if that’s what you want. It would be best for him to hear it from you. Regina is your grandmother and she’s bad off – we had to take her to the hospital. (Those tears that Braulio had welling up all through this extended scene were the real thing, and not glycerin, it should be noted.)

Andrea walks into her apartment and surprise! There is Hugo lounging on the couch.

Luci is telling the padre that she had to tell Mili that she and Alex are brother and sister, before they tried to get married. The padre gives her a level look. She says why are you looking like that at me? I cannot divulge what I hear in the confessional, he says. Okay, says Luci, then I guess Connie told you that Alex isn’t his son… it’s true and boy am I glad you can’t tell anyone. Thank you for telling me, say the padre, because you just loosened my tongue, since we’re talking publicly now. She tries to forbid him to tell, but he says no such luck. How could you do such a thing, he asks, and hand out such pain? They love each other. No! says Luci, Mili’s just a little diversion for him. The padre says he refuses to let them suffer for a sin they didn’t even commit and he’s going to go tell them now.

Mili trailed by Braulio strides into the hospital room. She spies Connie sitting on the couch with Vale, and gives him a long, steady stink-eye. What? he says, creeped out. Why are you looking at me like that? A pianist marches suspensefully up the lower half of the keyboard. Answer me! Leave her alone, says Alex, taking her aside. Mili is stiff and furious. Why did you leave without saying anything? Alex asks her. Don’t touch me! Mili says. What bugs me is you, she says, seemingly angry. She sits down, but looks sad. Braulio gives her a nod.

The doctor comes in and tells everyone that Regina has been transferred to a room and that she will be kept one or two weeks for observation, then she can go home. Mili says she’ll go see her. Connie says I’ll go first. Mili says, no I’m going first. Connie says she’s my mother. Mili says she’s my mother too and I don’t have to take orders from you. Mili heads off to see Regina. Alex asks what did you do to her? Nothing, says Connie. Vale says how can you let her talk to you like that? She’s always been impudent, but this is too much. Everything has an explanation says Connie. I’d sure love to hear one, says Damien so Connie says, my mother was stupid enough to adopt her – Mili is her daughter now. Everyone is impactado except Braulio, who smiles.

Luci and the padre are having it out. He says it’s terrible what she’s done. She says that she just wants to protect her children, and the padre says he wants to protect Mili. Luci says Mili promised never to tell, and if you tell my husband, I swear Mili will become one of those missing persons. The padre is shocked – how can you make a sick threat like that? I would do anything to save Alex, says Luci. I’m not afraid of hell, because I’ve been living in it for years. She leaves. The padre crosses himself I guess to disperse the smell of brimstone that trails behind her.

Andrea is pouring a cup of coffee for Hugo – a nice big bundt cake is on the counter. She wonders how he got in and he says I remember that you hide the key under the mat. Have your coffee, then leave, she says and she asks why he came back from Barcelona. I got my memory back, says he, and I’d sure like to congratulate you on your lying skills. He lists the fake pregnancy scheme details. She says you’re just as bad.

I’ve come back to win over Mili, says Hugo. I’m going to tell her the whole truth. Too late, says Andrea, she and Alex got married today. (A rare moment when Andrea is out of the loop.)

Mili is talking to Regina who is unconscious in her hospital bed, telling Regina that she found out she is her true grandchild. Please please open your eyes because I need you so much right now. Don’t leave me – don’t let me lose a mother again – don’t leave me alone! She leans on Regina and weeps.

Connie is waiting on the couch, and the family is discussing Mili’s adoption. Luci says she already knew and the padre says he was there when the papers were signed and it was very emotional. Morgan agrees and Vale says if you were there, why didn’t you tell me? I couldn’t, he says, indicating Connie. Just think, now she’s your aunt! Vale rolls her eyes. Connie decides Mili’s turn has been long enough and he gets up to go see Regina.

Luci goes over and asks Alex if he’s okay. No, I’m not he says. The padre gives Luci a look.

Connie comes in to Regina’s room and orders Mili to return to the house. She says why do you separate your mother from the people she loves, like Rosario and the grandchild she wants so much to see and know? It wasn’t me, says Connie, Rosario left without saying a word. Mili is tearful – you never tried to go find her! You destroyed her life and the life of the child! Connie says I’m not going to discuss my life with you. Mili is relentless: What kind of bloodless person are you? You left her when she was pregnant! Connie says I put up with all my mother’s reproaches and I’m not going to put up with yours. I’m not leaving until you answer says Mili I don’t know what’s wrong with you says Connie.

Regina starts to come around and they rush to her. She says she feels a bit urpy (dizzy?). What are they arguing about so much?

Hugo arrives at Casa Belmonte with his suitcase. Karla is dusting and greets him happily. To her disappointment he asks where Mili is. He doesn’t seem to be as nice as he was when he lost his memory. Karla says they’re all at the hospital because of Regina. Hugo looks concerned.

Mili is telling Regina that they weren’t arguing, but Regina says she heard them yelling. Mili stays with me, says Regina, you were very clear, Connie, you said I should be in an institution. Mili is shocked. Leave me alone with my mother, says Connie. Regina says the one who should go is you – don’t fake an affection you don’t feel.

I just said that institution bit in the heat of the moment, says Connie. I love you. Regina pulls her hand back from him and says it’s hard to believe you. Get out, says Mili! And don’t bother my grandmother again. Regina corrects her: your mother, Mili. The doctor comes in and asks them to leave so he can examine her.

Down in the waiting room, Connie and Mili report that Regina is awake and doing okay. Alex asks Mili if he can talk to her, but Luci butts in and asks him to come sit with her. Later, says Alex. Mili says go sit with her, we can talk later. Connie asks the padre if there was something he wanted to tell him. I just came to see about Regina, lies the padre. Luci says everything’s okay now and he can run along.

The padre wants to take Mili, but she rather brusquely tells him to go. Connie says what’s wrong with you anyway? Are you mad at the whole world? The padre says all this with Regina has been hard on Mili. She says she’ll walk him as far as the elevator. There he makes a little speech while she is angrily turned away. He says he hopes she will forgive him one day, that he has always cared for her since she was little.

Luci comes up and reminds Mili to keep her mouth shut. And don’t go saying anything to the abuela – you wanna kill her?

Avances: Mili is telling Connie she would love to get far away from him where he can’t touch her. She’s part of the family whether he likes it or not. Hugo walks in and thinks that means that she’s married Alex. I didn’t quite get the other avances, but Al is weeping and Hugo is kissing Mili.

Labels: guapos

In order to avoid confusion here is how I will deal with the twins:

CL = when CL is himself and out of disguise
Sandro = Sandro Arenas
S2 = when CL is disguised as his twin Sandro Arenas
"Sandro" = when people are talking about who they think is Sandro, but it's really CL

And now on with the recap:

Juan sees S2 and Paula in the Club. He makes his escape hiding behind a waiter's drink tray. Does S2 see him? The cheeky bouncer snags Juan's invitation as Juan leaves the premises. He bubbles that the office will think he's the biggest liar in the world!

Ana gets ready for her hot date as she recalls Nidia's words, go with the flow and relax.

Marely has an awesome screen saver. It features Sandro and Juan both vying for her affections. She tells Screensaver Sandro that Juan was her first love. "But not your last," reasons Sandro, "there's chemistry between us." Screensaver Juan performs his charming Juanisms and then mocks Sandro. "Marely...Marely..." Marely awakes with a start! It's young Juanito calling her name and he can't sleep.

Willy and Ana are at an expensive restaurant, it has violins, several of them and all quite loud. Willy makes his moves which track exactly as Nidia predicted. First he'll kiss the hand, then... Ana should play hard to get as the enemy advances his position. Willy claims he loves her innocence, he wants to protect her (bleh). Ana becomes hot and bothered. She needs air!

S2 arrives home to a worried Sandro. He tells Sandro that he saw none other than Juan Dominguez at the club. Juan came to look for Hillary Paris but he left empty-handed. That unhappy cactus Juan will lose the last bit of respect Paula has for him, Bwa-ha-ha-ha!

Back at the restaurant the pot is about to burst and it's dangerous; Ana tries to escape. Willy lays a big fat wet one on her as the violinists play, undaunted. (It's a pretty lame kiss after all that top-notch Colunga kissing in Pasión.) WOW is all Ana has to say. Willy proclaims his love for her. How does Ana feel about him? She goes into her neverending Samuel story. Wrong move mamacita, better keep it short or the Neanderthal's gonna bolt. But no, he's got it bad and says he loves her innocence. (Again.) She agrees to give him a try. Woo hoo, with that passionate promise he says he's the happiest guy on earth. She says she wants to be discreet. He has no choice but to agree and they seal the deal with a kiss. Allow me to insert Kris's comment from yesterday's recap here: "Man Ana is killing me. Acting all prude and worrying about what people will think. I didn't elaborate in the recap, but come on!! She was the lover of a married man for years, and had his illegitimate child, all despite knowing he was wed and had his own family. Barefoot nun, my pompis!!!" Thank you Kris.

The next a.m. for once everybody at Farell shows up on time. Everybody wants to see Hillary Paris.

Juan and Juanito groom themselves in front of the vanity at home. Juanito tries to press the treasured business card onto an uninterested Juan. Juan finally looks at the card - HILLARY PARIS!?!?! You know her?!?!? Juan faints onto the floor.

Over at Farell Julia and Ruth Buzzi pour champagne in anticipation of Hillary Paris. Julia schools Ruth on all the plastic surgery that Hillary has had.

Pastor tells Heriberto that Hillary is the quintessential Mexican jetsetter. What would she see in Juan?

Paula gloatingly tells Marely that no way will Juan show up with Hillary Paris. S2 joins them at the catered table, everything is perfect for receiving his majesty the king of lies. S2 and Paula snicker.

Angarita takes Yadi to a lovely apartment and asks her how she likes it. She's confused, is it for business? He tells her no, it's hers. She looks surprised and suspicious. Anga smiles proudly while she is probably thinking "you old goat"!

Paula is calling Juan a coward and looking mighty pleased with herself when the elevator dings. Marely gasps and all eyes are on Juan as he strolls in, proudly kissing the dainty hand of Hillary Paris. We are serenaded by Maná as we go to commercial break, "Everyone calls me the king of the sharks..." Perfect!

As jaws drop Juan bubbles that they can all take their chocolate horns and bust with jealousy, ha! Hillary graciously greets the group, then Pastor proposes a toast. Heriberto pushes through the crowd of cell-phone paparazzi and effusively describes her beauty in his own base way. Juan introduces Hillary to the crowd starting with Paula, S2, and his dear friend Marely. He basks in their jealousy and shock.

Yadi, suspicious and sickened, tells Anga she can't afford the apartment. He says it's a gift, a place for her and her daughter. As Anga approaches Yadi backs up, she doesn't know what to say. She doesn't understand why he would do this. He says it's because she's a good employee and he likes to share with people that he, uh, likes. He offers to pay for her school too. He wants her to think of this as a type of commission if the Farell deal pans out. It's a gift from the business. She softens and tells him he's the sun. She thanks him profusely and hugs him.

S2 wants to talk biz with "Barbie" but Juan won't allow it. He and the doll have to talk. In private. He affectionately escorts Hillary to his office and Ivonne slaps Fer for staring too hard.

Yadi cries with joy, nobody has ever been this kind to her. Anga loses a couple of tears himself and proclaims that he sees her as the...the...daughter he never had. She calls him her fairy godfather. He asks only that she never doubt his intentions. He hands her the key and she sobs on his shoulder. He also cries with joy. Ok, I admit it, me too.

Juan has Hillary alone in his office. He nervously futzes, shuffles, and refills his marshmallow bowl. She wonders why the intrique? It takes him several minutes to get to the point which is, the entire office believes they are dating! Hillary is wide-eyed impactada.

The office lizards gossip and gawk until cranky Paula throws water on the party. Everybody back to work!

Juan grovels. Hillary stands up; she looks angry. But no, she bursts out laughing, she's never heard such a story! No, she's not mad, and if that Paula thinks he's low she'll help Juan show her how high he has risen!

Ivonne interrupts them. "Sandro" and Paula want to talk business. Hillary clings affectionately to Juan. They sit down and S2 proposes that Farell do business with the Paris family. Hillary makes a smoochy face and says anything for her love. Cat butt face from Paula.

Paula has had enough and tries to leave but Juan has more torture in store. He insists she sit down, what's the rush? Hillary tells Paula and S2 that her father will work with Farell but she wants something in return. Can she count on them to help her out with her pet charities for which she is famous? Paula is forced to be civilized and agree.

Hillary comments that "Sandro" is identical to his brother. Poor Monica, she adored her, but CL was such a womanizer he could never be faithful. She hopes the widow isn't in too much pain. "I am the widow!" snarks Paula. S2 squirms and Juan gets bug-eyed. Hillary apologizes, she didn't know. Paula says she knows very well the kind of man CL was! S2 displays the CL twitch. Hillary coos over Juan, that's why she adores him, he'd never be that way. (If she only knew!) Juan gives Paula the double-eyebrow-lift which sends her over the edge. Paula and S2 can't get out quickly enough.

Juan and Hillary hug and giggle. They are now conspirators.

Hillary says Paula was about to explode! "Tú crees?" Juan asks. He thanks her and stuffs his face with marshmallows. Hillary says it's not free, it will cost him dinner. They agree to meet at 3:00 at "Mon Ami" which confuses Juan. Una mona de mi? (Sorry, I didn't get the joke. Anyone?) She corrects him, "Mon Ami" is a restaurant.

As Juan escorts Hillary to the elevator Anga and Yadi enter. Yadi is astounded as Marely confirms that yes, she just saw Hillary Paris.

S2 calls Sandro and tells him everyone was impactados when Juan walked in with Hillary Paris. S2 is all sour grapes, these millionairesses are always having it on with chauffeurs and gardeners. Juan is just her fling of the week. Sandro reminds S2 that Juan also has a way with the ladies, or has he forgotten about Juan and Paula? S2 tells his brother to go the devil! Sandro = 1, S2 = 0

S2 is summoned to Juan's office. Anga and Yadi are muy, pero muy impactados to see a dead man. Juan assures them he's alive, "Sandro" is CL's twin brother. Yadi composes herself and she and S2 head for his office to talk business.

Anga tells Juan that "Sandro" gives him the same bad vibes that CL did.

Yadi presents her business plan, such as it is, to S2. She becomes Temporarily Sweet Yadi as Cupid's music plays in the background. S2 sees nothing wrong with her plan. She accidentally calls him CL, whoops! She apologizes and coyly places her hand on his. Should they sign the contract? He says he wants time to read it calmly. In the meantime can he "tutear" her?

Yadi turns it on full blast and says she just knows it will be a pleasure working together, tee hee. S2 looks all, Uh OK, if I have to.

Paula bitches to Marely that Hillary Paris probably wants Juan for her museum of conquests and she doubts very much that Hillary is serious about him.

Juan asks S2 to find a job for Laura. S2 balks, isn't that Pastor's job? He asks if Laura is another of Juan's little friends. Juan pulls rank and S2 puts his half-eaten marshmallow back in the bowl. (This is becoming a habit for him.) Certainly he will do it if it's an order from the president. As he leaves, S2 turns around for one last jab, "Congratulations Juan, for having bounced so high after starting so low." Juan rises, stares at S2 curiously and asks, "How do you know where I come from?"


Tomorrow: Laura arrives at Farell + Paula sees her = Catfight! Hillary kisses Juan.

Labels: Juan

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