Caray, Caray!

Juan continues downing shot after shot of delicious, nutritious, muscle-building, brain-fortifying tequila. The good news is that as he gets drunker, he spends more time thinking about Sofía, and less time trying to "help" the singer.

Jimena is telling Oscar she's worried about what will happen when it's discovered that Sofi and Juan have run off. She wants to get married and out of the hacienda ASAP. He says he'll talk to the padre about it tomorrow.

The nightclub becomes awkwardly quiet in the pause between acts. Furd notices Juan at the bar and loudly calls attention to him. Some of the regulars giggle. Juan gives a withering reply that I don't understand, which earns him a slightly higher score on the applause-o-meter. "You talkin' to me?" Furd asks. Juan says, you're the one who's listening, and if you've got something to get off your chest, lay it on me. Furd politely puts his cigar in his mouth so that he can blow smoke in Juan's face and be verbally rude at the same time. He reminds Juan that he's too classy to fight with lowly bricklayers.

He leaves haughtily. Juan wants to follow, but one of the regulars stops him. Juan mutters that Furd will pay for that. He orders another tequila, but takes the whole bottle and guzzles.

Rosario comes out to do her act, sees Juan drinking out of the bottle, and asks Ofelia to let his brothers know what a mess he is. She's singing a new song and giving him nervous looks.

Sarita is moping in her room, being miffed, and decides to intercept Jimena outside and give her a piece of her mind before Jimena gets back to her balcony. She continues to mutter "She's going to listen to me!" as she clatters down the steps in her bathrobe and slippers. She runs into Crabi, who demands that Sarita come with her to see Jimena. Sarita tries to lure her away to the kitchen, to no avail. Jimena is coming through the balcony door with her coat on as Gabi comes through the bedroom door. Busted!

Gabi has a fit, calls her shameless, and slaps her silly. Jimena begs her not to hit her and says she told her that she couldn't be locked up, that it's worse than a prison, it's like a hell. Gabi is offended that Jimena describes her home as a hell and says now she's REALLY going to be locked up - she can't even go out with Octavio. "You'll remain locked up here para siempre!!"

Sarita murmurs a horrified, tiny protest. Jimena accuses her of tattling. Gabi gets even angrier when she realizes that Sarita knew about Jimena's sneaking. Gabi says that Jimena is even worse than Sofía. Jimena gets up off the floor and says that luckily, Sofía's never coming back to the house again, and will be very happy and very far away from this torture.

Feonando points out Juan to Armando. "What do you want us to do?" Armando asks. Feo whispers something we can't hear.

At home, Oscar and Franco are confused by Ofelia's report of Juan's drinking at the cantina and Rosario worrying that he'll have a problem with Feonando; they thought he'd be far away with Sofía by now.

Back at the cantina... the bonbon song is back again! Whew, thank goodness - I was getting a little antsy, being so far outside my comfort zone with that new song. It looks like Juan finishes his bottle. Some creep reaches for Rosario's foot; Juan pulls him back and tells him to leave the lady alone. "Are you drunk?" the creep challenges Juan, and takes a swing at him; nice POV shot as Juan punches him, and the entire bar explodes into a not-entirely-spontaneous brawl, with Feonando encouraging all of his flunkies to go after Juan.

Before much can happen (just a half-dozen bodies hurling through the air), Oscar and Franco show up. Franco catches Armando's eye; they are starting to remind me of the cartoon in which a wolf (evidently not Wile E. Coyote as I had thought) and a sheepdog engage in obligatory battle each day, only to quit when the evening whistle blows.

The brawl continues, with punches, kicks, and even chairs being thrown; I see a lot of potential head injuries, which would explain a lot about some of the people in this town. Juan and another man struggle against the bar; Oscar "helps" by pouring tequila into Juan's mouth. (Evidently, this stuff is like Gatorade to him.)

Poor Rosario is still on the stage, watching like a deer in the headlights, which is ironic in many ways when you think about it.

The brawl is mostly winding down, and Feonando is still puffing calmly on his cigar, but the brothers are tossing Armando around like a basketball. Franco passes him to Juan, Juan passes him to Oscar at the bar, and Oscar snatches him bald!! I don't know who looks more surprised - Oscar with the wig in his hand, or Armando feeling a breeze across his bleeding scalp! Oscar bonks him on the head and throws the wig at him.

That's the end of the brawl. The Reyes brothers have won! Oscar helps himself to some tequila. And... Rosario's still standing on the stage, kinda doin' nothin'.

Gabi is demanding that Jimena explain what she meant about Sofía being far away. Jimena refuses. Gabi clocks her and says she's got the same bad blood as Bernardo, like Sofía. She won't be able to leave here until she begs on her knees. (What? J already tried begging on her knees last time.) She grabs Jimena by the hair and pulls her onto the floor. Sarita tries to comfort her, but Jimena won't let her touch her. Gabi scolds Sarita again for keeping Jimena's secret when she had always trusted Sarita.

Oh no! Gabi's having another attack of the vapors, or is it a mimisqui. Yes, Elizabeth and Fred Sanford are calling her to join them! Sarita rushes to comfort her. Gabi says that Jimena and Sofía are killing her. But not Sarita! "Promise me you'll never be like them!" She has Sarita take her to her room. Jimena crawls after her on her knees. Gabi says not to come near her, that Jimena just wants to see her dead, and soon her wish will come true, after which she'll cry tears of blood. Sarita gives Jimena a pitying look. After the door closes, Jimena says she loves her mother a lot.

Now at home, the brothers admit to Quintina and Grandpa that they're a bunch of hotheads with fire in their blood. Oscar says they don't go looking for a fight, but if someone wants a fight, there they are. He mentions that they thought Juan had left with Sofía. Grandpa chimes in and tells Juan it's okay - he already knows about the plan and he's supportive. Juan says he and Sofía didn't go, true, and tomorrow he wants to work twice as hard on that damn cabaña and get away from that hacienda as soon as possible and never go back again.

He stomps out of the room, leaving the others to wonder what happened. They conclude that a drink of tequila would be nice.

Juan goes to his room and asks not-there Sofía why.

Sofía is telling the padre it's all over, para siempre. She puts her head down. He blesses her discreetly while she weeps.

Next day - the brothers are hammering away at the cottage, which suddenly looks almost like a real building now. Juan watches Sofía drive up. Gabi holds her arms out in welcome - a move I'm sure she practiced for hours based on some instructions she found in Evil Mom Magazine. Furd gives Sofía a bouquet of roses, which she welcomes like a package of chopped liver. She stands tolerantly while Furd plants a wet one on her cheek.

Juan definitely notices and marches over for a better look, or possibly worse. His brothers follow hastily. Oscar tells them they're going to work twice as hard to get the place done sooner. Gabi says that's fine with her, but she's not paying them an extra cent. Oscar says that's okay. Juan says they just want to finish their job so they can get out of there. (Oscar is pushing Juan back, and Franco is gripping Juan's arm.) Feonando tells them they already knew that, and why don't they go back to work.

Still struggling with Juan, Franco asks who is going to choose the finishes (flooring, paint, etc.). Furd says that'll be him and he tells them to go away and leave them alone so they can celebrate Sofía's return. Franco and Oscar drag Juan away.

At the bakery, Grandpa and Quintina knead the bread and converse. He comments that the work is harder than he imagined and that's why there's so much lousy bread in the world, but it's a noble pursuit because bread satisfies hunger. I think she tells him that Juan taught her how to make bread and that she blew up the oven. He tells her he loves being at this place, it's so happy and peaceful, full of love, harmony, and flour, unlike the House of Sister Torture, where everyone was so unhappy.

Sofía is now giving a little speech to her mother and Feonando, "so there are no misunderstandings." She says she came back for her mother's health, and not for Furd or for herself. She would have preferred staying at the convent or even further, but she put aside her own wishes for her mother's illness. And she'll stay as long as they accept certain conditions... Gabi protests. Furd hushes Gabi and tells her to listen.

Sofi wants:

1. Another kind of life for my sisters and me - you can't go on treating us like children. We're women, and we should have more freedom.

2. Gramps gets to come home.

Gabi says no, he's lost. He escaped and nobody knows where he is. Sofía says no, Fr. Tadeo says he's staying with the Reyes brothers. Gabi is stymied and wants to know what he's doing there. Sofi says she'll have to ask him, but he's surely more content there than at the asilo.

Gabi gets up and says okay, is that it? No, there's one more. Gabi slumps impatiently into her chair.

3. I'm not sleeping in the same room as Furd. [Furd grumbles.] I'm not asking for something I don't have a right to. If you don't like it, I'll go back to the convent. [Gives Gabi a smug smile.] This time the decision won't be with me, but with you, Mama. What is your decision?

From the cottage, the brothers look at the house, now that their work is almost finished, and muse over who killed Libia. They're sure it's Gabi. Franco wants to know what they'll do. Juan says nothing... for now. Oscar angrily wants to know when. Juan says Gabi will get what's coming to her. They'll see who has the last, best laugh.

Back inside the house, Gabi accepts Sofi's conditions. Sofi says great, she'll take her sisters out, and they'll go see Gramps. Furd says naw, he'll bring him home. Gabi excuses herself to tell the sisters.

Sofi and Furd are alone. He insists he missed her and acknowledges that he acted badly, but only because he was desperate with her out of the house. She tells him she just wants them to treat each other with respect and keep their distance. He says he'll demonstrate how great his love is, but don't reject him, at least let him be near her. He's sure she'll love him if she just gives him a chance.

She rejects him, saying it will never happen. There will never be anything between them

Gabi gives Sarita the good news of Sofi's return, but says don't get too happy, because she's very different. She's not the same Sofía as before. Gabi's heart is broken because she feels she's losing her daughters, undermining her and backtalking. Sarita says she would never do that. She loves and respects Gabi. Gabi gets all weepy and says that's why she loves her, because only Sarita understands her. "You're so much like me. Thanks for being the way you are." They hug. Gabi grins smugly against Sarita's shoulder.

Eva opens Jimena's door and says she can go, and it's Sofía's doing. Jimena climbs over furniture in her gleeful haste to greet her sister. Sarita comes in too and they all hug, ignoring Furd and Gabi. Gabi and Furd give each other disgusted looks.

The brothers are loafing in the cottage, which is bigger on the inside than on the outside. Fr. Tadeo comes by to talk to Juan. Juan says he's working double now and won't have time. Tadeo says that's fine, just come by whenever. Juan just grumbles that he can't. However, Oscar is eager to speak with the priest - right here, right now! He wants to get married ASAP. His brothers are impactados. He even wiggles his eyebrows for emphasis.

Jimena carefully closes the doors before asking Sofía why she didn't run away with Juan. Sarita is surprised to hear about this plan; Jimena angrily tells her to lower her voice. Confused, Sofi asks what's going on. Jimena explains that Sarita is a traitor. Sarita denies it. Sofi says don't forget we've allways been united, and we've never fought. She tries to get them to shake hands and promise to work things out because they're sisters, but Jimena balks and pulls her hand away.

Gabi drinks brandy and says she doesn't like Sofi's conditions either, because they'll just become more undisciplined. She only agreed because she promised Furd that Sofía would come back, so he's got no reason to reproach her. Furd, also drinking brandy, says he would never reproach her; he trusts her and he refuses to lose Sofía. He won't rest until he's convinced her to live with him as his wife. They clink glasses, and she asks if he really loves Sofi, or if he's just obsessed with overcoming her rejection. He begs her never to doubt his love for Sofía.

Sofi explains to her sisters that she and Juan were going to run away far and have a happy new life, but Mom came by all sick and Gabi couldn't base her happiness on her mother's tragedy. If Gabi died because of her, she'd never forgive himself. And no, Juan did not understand and thinks she's a coward for not having the courage to defend their love. So, what they had is now gone... para siempre.

Juan is mad at Oscar for planning to marry. Now my sound and captions are garbled, but I think Juan says it's not because Oscar wants to marry, but because of WHO he wants to marry. Tadeo doesn't understand, but neither does he know who Oscar's planning to marry. Oscar says he's planning to marry Sofía! Juan throws a fit. Heh, no sense of humor! Franco is not amused either.

Jimena is excited to hear that Sofía has gotten them more freedom. Sarita says she doesn't need any; Jimena says that's because she's a mousy little nun. Jimena says she needs her freedom more than ever.

Furd and Gabi come in. Furd announces he's going to get Grandpa. Tadeo comes in. Furd remarks that he always shows up when least expected. "Or would you rather not see me," asks Tadeo. Furd says it's always a pleasure to run into his confessor, "the only person to whom one can tell everything." (Gabi is watching with interest.) Furd kisses Tadeo's hand, and an invisible snake rattles. Furd leaves.

Tadeo tells Gabi he knows he's not welcome in their house, but they need to talk right now.

Furd meets with the brothers and asks why they haven't finished the cottage. Juan says they were waiting for him to choose the finishes (flooring, etc.). Furd says it's odd that they're suddenly in a hurry to leave. Juan says that isn't Furd's concern. Furd says that's right, he's not interested in his workers' lives.

Juan says they're not his workers - they were working for Grandpa, since it's going to be his cottage. Furd says in that case, why not ask the old man what finishes he wants, huh? Juan says why not, let's ask him (the brothers laugh) since he's living with them now. "Not for much longer," Furd gloats, because he's bringing him home. He leaves.

Oscar wonders if they should go home. Juan says no, for once let things happen as they will.

Tadeo flips when Gabi tells him that she got Sofía to come home just to please Furd. Gabi doesn't get the problem of Sofi being with Furd, since they're married and belong together; anyway, Furd threatened to leave, otherwise. She's never understood why he hates Feonando so much. Tadeo says he's a servant of God and a soldier of Christ; he can't hate anyone, but he warns her to be careful about Furd. "That's all I can say," he adds ominously. Gabi is offended by the unstated accusation and demands an explanation. He is unable to elaborate, but is adamant that she should be careful for herself and her daughters, or one day not too far off, she'll be sorry. He sees himself out as she scowls thoughtfully.

Some neighborhood girls go to the bakery. Grandpa flirts with them, saying this is the best bread in the world - fit for queens like themselves. They giggle. He tells them about the bread: Corbatas (neckties) to tie, trenzas (braids) to comb, cuernos (horns) to put on (i.e. cuckold), huesitos (bones) to suck on (of course he is referring to marrow and nothing else because he's not a dirty old man and I don't know why those girls are snickering so), and the best birotes (or maybe he means "bigotes" - whiskers, mustaches).

Furd shows up. "Aw, and we were doing so well," Grandpa says to the girls. "The slave-work of the Holy Inquisition is never done, is it?" he asks Feonando. (Quintina watches carefully, not sure what's up, but knowing it's not good.) Furd tries to make nice with Grandpa and says it was all Gabi's idea, and now Sofi is at home and wants him to come home too.

Grandpa says he'd like to see them, but doesn't want to betray the ideals of his own revolution. Besides, he already fell for one Furd's tricks, and he'd be a fool to do that again. He's staying here, and his granddaughters can come visit.

Furd tries to wheel him out anyway. Quintina scolds him, calls him a coward, and challenges him to a boxing match (a bell rings). Grandpa tells him to leave and calls him an unwise, unintelligent, shameless, shrewd bum. Grandpa's not going back because for the first time in years, he's very happy - here. The brothers are kind to him.

Furd says sure, because they want to get his money. (Grrr!) Quintina says "Yes, the lion thinks that everyone is like him." Grandpa says she's right, not everyone is as "interesado" as Furd. ("Interesado" doesn't mean "interested" in general; it specifically means "interested in taking advantage.") The Reyes are true kings (rey=king); he will be their trusty squire and stay here with them, in their castle of bread and sweets.

"And now you can leave, so as not to scare away our customers."

Furd adjusts his hat and leaves. Grandpa resumes flirting with the customers.

Oscar tries again to get Juan to talk about why he and Sofía didn't go away together. I guess Juan explains during the commercial break. The brothers say it's not cowardly for Sofía to worry about her mother's health. Juan points out that they thought Gabi was faking, too. Even though she didn't even know they were together, she's managed to drive Sofi and him apart. "Para siempre." It'd take a miracle for Sofía to change her mind. That won't happen.

Franco reminds Juan that he's always said that with love, anything can happen. "But not now," Juan says. Oscar says Juan's always talked about the miracle of love, and now he (Oscar) has experienced it. He's already forgotten all the hate they had for the Elizondos.

"And we're going to forget the mission that brought us here?" Juan asks angrily. Tadeo walks in at this unfortunate moment and scolds them. He reminds Juan that he'll be waiting to talk to him at the church. Meanwhile, he'll pray for him... a lot. He scolds the brothers too, then leaves.

"He's upset," Oscar observes.

Eva and Sofi talk. Eva says she knows Sofi didn't want to come back. Sofi admits she's very unhappy. Eva comforts her. She says Juan told her they were going to run away. She was worried at first, then realized Sofi would be happy, and admired Sofi for fighting for her love.

Sofía is suprised that Eva and Juan are such good buddies. Eva points out she told Sofía her secret about being in love with Bernardo. Sofi asks if her mother knew. Eva says no, but Grandpa did.

Sofi asks if her father returned Eva's love. No, he never even knew - she loved him in secret, until one night... but no...

Sofi asks her to tell, and says she'd never betray her trust. So Eva continues, one night Bernardo drank too much, and she got into bed with him and they made love. Next day, he didn't remember. That moment filled her life, because she got pregnant...

"...and I had your father's child" echoes in Sofi's head, again and again.

Next time:

• The brothers confront Hortensia, who told Libia where the Elizondos lived.
  
  
• Feonando Bates watches Sofi shower. Will he fetch a knife and put on his dead mother's dress?
  
  
• Gabi goes to the bakery.

Labels: Fuego

Labels: gavilanes

Okay, Amigos/as – all our predictions about the end date of Yo Amo a Juan Querendón were off by 48 hours in any direction—they’re having the Gran Final on SUNDAY June 22 at 8/7 central time. So, be sure those recorders are set and your recappers will figure out how to git-r-done!

Also, today I had the privilege and pleasure of attending the very first Fiesta de Quinceañera I’ve ever been to—wow, what an experience. Our Methodist Pastor from Mexico conducted the church service, then a few hours later there was the dinner for several hundred folks and finally the dance (we viejos left before the music got so loud we needed ear plugs). The Quinceañera and her attendants were so lovely, and the jóvenes cleaned up real well, too. All in all, it was super maravillosa!

On to our feature presentation.....

Yesterday’s review: Ivonne tries to convince Paula that she just has to TELL the boy, already—quit waffling! Paula concedes that Ivonne might just be right about that. Okay, she and Ana will invite the boy to dinner over the weekend. Paula can’t imagine what will happen when she spills all that she’s been keeping inside. Paula counts off all the things that trip her trigger—every word, every gesture, every move [Okay, so Paula didn’t say that. I’m speaking for the rest of us here.] She's no gentleman because she definitely kisses and tells. Paula’s just sad she made him suffer so much on the way to this realization. She loves loves loves him!

In the parking garage of the airport, Kike rushes up to a Very Sad Juan. What happened? Juan beats himself up. He’s an imbécil and lost Marely forever.

Pastor describes to Heri how Angarita has suffered—lost the love of his life and his supposed daughter, who doesn’t even want to see the man in a painting. Speaking of art forms, Juan’s resplendent naked self still hangs on Pastor’s wall in the office, for us to admire as the scene shifts. Heri shifts back behind Pastor. It’s like that movie they saw. Pastor says that real life is worse. If Anga doesn’t get his spirits back up, his heart will just stop one of these days. Heri is sorry to hear it and gives Pastor a half hug, standing beside Pastor who sits in his chair. Laura busts in, so to speak, unannounced. She thinks she’s seeing something titillating and worthy of some juicy gossip. Pastor wants to know if anyone ever taught her to knock. Laura insinuates….and Pastor says that she’s not only unmannerly, she’s common/coarse (corriente). Laura demands respect if he wants it back from her. Pastor changes the subject while Heri stands behind him watching this dogfight. What, you’ve got the archives organized? Laura’s sick to death of archives and she’s cut out for more important work! Well, if you don’t like the work, we never keep anyone working at Farell by force. He motions to the door. What, you’re asking me to resign? That’s the basic suggestion, and if you’ve put your complaint on the table, please…..he motions again to the door and Laura sneers and flounces out. Heri congratulates him—that’s telling ‘em! Those cranky employees! Heri admires how he did that. Pastor smiles, pleased and bemused by the flor (compliment).

Laura fusses at S2 (fake Sandro)—how can she advance here when her immediate supervisor disses (pisotear – tramples, abuses, disregards) her? She’s not putting up with it! S2 tells her it’s not really Pastor causing her problems. It’s Paula behind it all. Laura is confused. S2 points out Paula really is trying to get her to resign. Aha. It makes sense now. S2 tells her only Juan can help her now. She just needs to be more aggressive with him. [Ed. Note: Apparently S2 hasn’t been watching with us or he’d know how aggressive she’s been so far.] Juan? Juan who? He’s never around when you need him. He’s got a thousand things to do, and none of them are me. S2 gives her a bunch of flores – compliments about how lovely and intelligent she is-- and tells her she has to go after his bones. Laura can’t buy it. She’s afraid she’ll bother him. S2 urges her to act.

Kike regales Juan with tales of all the calls he had from his women. First, Laura. Hillary. [Ed. Note: Kike doesn’t read the mags because he butchers her name and Juan has to correct him.] And then there was the Very Abundant Licenciada. Kike quotes all her vital stats. Whew, three of them! Juan smiles a little—probably thinking of the fourth Musketeer on the plane. To Spain.

Pastor describes his dilemma to Ivonne. He’s so sweet, that man, the perfect man, the one I’ve always dreamed of. Ivonne gives Pastor virtually the same advice she gave Paula—tell the boy the truth, already, tell him how you feel. Ask him if he feels the same. Don’t set yourself up for a major disappointment (chasco).

This apparently is the night for Relationships. Hillary talks with her Papi about her Relationship with Juan. Papi must be happy, because the relationship with Juan isn’t working. Despite the lovely garden setting, she is Not a Happy Camper. Juan is avoiding her, not responding to messages, nothing. Papi Paris declares him a coward and Hillary retorts that she LOVES Juan. Why doesn’t Papi want to get with the program? Well, because Papi thinks Juan isn’t worth her while. [Ed. Note: Given where Juan’s heart is, probably true, but not Papi’s call.] She points out that Juan sent that car back that she had loaned him while his was in for repairs, though other guys would have kept the loaner for months! He’s not the shameless guy you think he is! Papi Paris has the good grace to look away.

Laura beards the Lion of Farell in his Den. She doesn’t want to bother Juan, but…..he fills the marshmallow dish. [Ed. Note: with all this marshmallow filling, someone is getting a real sugar high.] What bother? It’s always lovely to see you….Laura is So Fed Up! With what? With how Don Pastor treats her! She can’t stand being in those archives! The archives? That’s very strange of Don Pastor. Well, it’s probably Paula behind it all, putting me there. She just wants to get me to resign.

Papi Paris does his level best to appease his lovely daughter. The last thing he wants is to hurt her. But, he IS hurting her, she retorts. Okay, she wins, Juan has a second chance. He tells her that the next day they’ll have a bankers’ meeting and she can bring the boy along. Hillary hugs her Daddy and says she’ll call Juan right away.

Juan is still busy appeasing Laura, and telling her not to worry. [Ed. Note: that verb, apurar(se) has about a dozen very different meanings, gentle readers]. He’ll talk to Paula and work it out. Farell won’t waste (perdiciar) talent like hers. Laura simpers. As usual. Thanks, Juan. He’s SO special with her. Juan, in his glaring orange tie on a green shirt with rolled up sleeves [Ed. Note: we’ve only a short time left with our Juanito, had to stick that in, gentle readers] smiles shyly and looks away. When will they continue those ceramics classes, Laura wonders? He works his hands…..those are too difficult for him. Laura comments on his Very Capable Hands. Strong. Smooth. Like he would caress a woman. Juan thinks back to the pottery lessons. How about we start again tomorrow, she suggests. Perfect! It’s a DATE! Don’t forget now, she warns. Juan ogles her retreating derriere and twirls his non-existent handlebar moustache.

Juan’s telephone rings—if you will—with the Cachi Bombon music. It’s his darling Hillary. He’s invited to an Exciting Banker’s’ Meeting on the next day [Okay, emphasis totally mine, folks.] Juan thanks his Blessed Child of Atocha for healing his heart. It’s a DEAL! He’ll be there. Date with Laura: forgotten already.

Heriberto comes to see Pastor—he’s been summoned. There’s something important Pastor wants him to know. It’s not about work; it’s personal. Pastor tells Heri how it is with him-what’s burning in him. What, heartburn? No, Pastor chuckles nervously. No, more sensitive than that. You realize there’s something very special between us, right? Pastor twitches his hands nervously. Heri affirms that’s right, he even forgets women! Pastor smiles happily at that.

The lobby is full of lobby lizards, and even Fern, Ivonne and Laura have joined the throng. Ivonne’s happy that Juan didn’t catch Marely at the airport. The chat….and suddenly blood-curdling screams fill the lobby. Pastor is begging Heriberto….don’t hit me! Everyone is impactado and Ivonne runs to help Pastor. Heriberto is across the desk from Pastor but has hold of his lapels and is beating the living daylights out of Pastor. Heriberto has bloodied and bruised half of Pastor’s face as Pastor tries to get him to stop. Fern grabs Heri from behind and drags him away while Ivonne gets Pastor into his seat to help him; Pastor is bleeding and seriously bruised on his face. Heri’s not done and fights Fern. Heri is a wild, savage animal, uttering ugly things about Pastor who “just confessed his love” according to Heriberto, while Fern struggles to hold Heriberto from doing Pastor in. Pastor sobs.

Fern tries to get Heriberto to calm down and Heri tries to get Fern to let him go. He’s not done with his savage beating. Heri continues to say ugly things about Pastor, who has not raised a hand in anger and is protected by Ivonne –who would gladly do away with Heri given the opportunity—she’ll call security!! Pastor retorts (in between sobs) that Heri’s words hurt more than his punches. Heri screams that he ‘s going to kill …. That….. let him GO! Fern holds on tight. Ivonne sponges blood off Pastor. Fern drags Heri out while Heri screams about going outside and he’ll break Pastor’s face. Finally, Heri is out and the door is shut. Ivonne helps Pastor and security takes Heriberto. Heri says he’s not forgiving. He announces to everyone who is listening about Pastor in terms a schoolmarm won’t repeat. Fern tells him to stop insulting the man and Heri refuses. He strings out the insults about what Pastor “did to him.” Security moves him off. Everyone is impactado again.

Pastor sits in his office, ashamed and bleeding. What an embarrassment! What an absolute humiliation! Ivonne does her best to comfort her friend. How could he be so blind, Pastor continues, and how could he think a guy like Heri could be interested in him? Ivonne assures him Heriberto was not worth it. Pastor blames himself. He’s going to be the joke of the office now.

Kike plays with Nidia Michaela and Yadi tells him he doesn’t need to feel like he has to leave so quickly. Kike informs her he has new digs and Yadi is…what? Jealous? There’s no hurry, though, if you want to stay.

Fern tells Juan what came down with Pastor as they chat in Juan’s office. Who’s picking him up off the floor? Ivonne, Fern tells him. Pastor’s had to go down to the infirmary. Whew, it was that bad? Yep.

Paula, in her office, advises Rosi how the world works when one is Paula’s secretary. Rosi assures Paula she is on the margin of the gossip—and Paula scoffs at her gently. Paula lets her know that the gossip buck stops at Paula’s desk and Rosi swears that Paula will know it FIRST. No info/gossip can be used against Paula, and Rosi knows what side her bread is buttered on, so she agrees to Paula’s rules. Paula hears EVERYTHING first. Paula’s counting on her loyalty and discretion. [Ed. Note: Except that Paula doesn’t want discretion in her four walls, she wants the whole scoop.] Rosi understands perfectly. Now, Paula wants to know when Rosi hears if Juan shows up. That’s easy, he’s already made an appearance. Great! Paula wants to see him.

Pastor sits on an examining table in the Farell infirmary with Ivonne at his side, comforting and still caring for him. [At my office, we have an infirmary, because it’s a boarding school for kids. But I’ve never worked in any other place that had a full infirmary in the office.] Pastor is aware of the seriousness of his mistake and ready to accept the consequences. He’s ready to resign. Juan is there, too, and assures him there’s no need to resign. Juan tells Pastor that Pastor’s only committed a….tactical mistake. That is undeniable. But the penitence came with the sin, Juan continues, and it didn’t become total havoc (zafarrancho). Pastor points out that he took advantage of his position to promote his personal life and not strictly business, and in fact broke the very workplace rules he wrote himself. Juan’s ready to erase the rules immediately. He tries to cheer Pastor, who simply thanks Juan—he’s a prince.

Rosi rushes back to Paula. Juan’s in the infirmary. What happened to him? Paula is alarmed. Rosi hesitates a split second and remembers that Paula authorized her to be the bearer of all tales. Pastor’s there because Heriberto beat the stuffing out of Pastor. It was no fight, because Pastor didn’t raise a hand against Heri. Heri bulldozed Pastor –rolled over him like a tractor. Why? Well, (Rosi reminds Paula that Paula herself gave the chisme-bearing order) it seems that Pastor declared his love to Heriberto and Heri didn’t like it much. Paula rushes off to the infirmary, muy impactada.


Pastor repeats his sad commentary on his future in Farell to Paula. He realizes he can’t stay a second more. Paula won’t hear any of it; he has to rest and they’ll talk later. They pat his hand and leave him resting. In the hall, Paula and Juan discuss how Pastor’s doing—and his spirits are so low, too. Paula asks if they’re going to let him resign. Juan tells her not to even joke about it (guasa). Paula thinks they shouldn’t judge Pastor too harshly. Juan agrees, now if they can only convince Pastor. Juan looks at Paula a little suspiciously—he never though he’d see her defend Pastor so adamantly. He thought bubbles—could it be that Pastor’s doing her some little favors? Paula gives him a song and dance about what a fundamental component of the company Pastor is. Juan wants to know if he can ask her a direct question. Sure. By chance, have you asked Pastor to put up a few obstacles in Laura’s way? Paula is righteously indignant. She denies it—she has NOTHING against THAT woman-- and can’t imagine where he got the idea. Juan pushes a little more—how interesting that she right there under the watchful scrutiny of Pastor. Paula goes on the offensive. Okay, on the one hand you’re defending the man and here it looks like you don’t trust him! Juan cares about him but knows his tricks, though. They fuss at each other about Laura and her position. Paula again declares she’s not conspiring with Pastor and he can take it or leave it, basically. Juan kisses her hand and thanks her. Paula sarcastically retorts that he’s welcome. Back to the situation of Pastor, they know what they have to do.

Delirio should never, ever play poker. As he sits in the bank with a service rep, and looks at the deposit that was just made in one of his laundry accounts, he goes into an apoplexy of amazement about the huge sum of money. She asks if he’s all right. Yeah, but this is SO much money—you’re SURE it’s right?! [Ed. Note: just about now, I’d be making notes. Clearly a person who comes to a bank to see what’s in his account shouldn’t be so surprised about it.] She advises him there are two more deposits that will clear soon, about the same amount. And if that weren’t enough, Delirio hasn’t brought the right card with him to get a withdrawal (retiro) out of the account—but he did bring a check so he can get some $$. The whole time, he’s behaving like a maniac and the girl doesn’t even bat an eyelash. But, she tells him to hurry, because other folks want to see her. Delirio babbles on and still no suspicions. This chick shouldn’t be working in a bank. She does ask “pardon” to one of his nonsense babbles and he tells her about living alone and how one begins to talk to oneself and answer oneself. She smiles at him as she takes the check while he asks her pardon for his nervousness. Sheesh.

Heri has come in to complain about how Pastor has dissed him, and Juan fires back at him. Okay, if you don’t want to work with him fine, I agree—but I won’t hear one more insult about the man! Heri, still all hot and bothered [no, folks, not like that, just ticked off], says Pastor deserves insults and more. Nope, Pastor was wrong with you and that’s all. That doesn’t give you the right to keep on aggravating it for the rest of eternity. Whether Heri likes it or not, lots of folks at Farell respect Pastor. Heri is even more incensed. He’s a real man! Juan tells him no one doubts his manhood. But he doesn’t have to prove it with punches. He declared something to you, right? All you have to do is say, thanks, Don Pastor, but no, and it’s over. ¿Qué????? Juan points out that when Heri does the same with women, they tell him no and that’s that. You don’t fight with the women. Of course not, Heri understands that part. You have to understand, Juan tells him, about Pastor who has his ways—THAT’S it, Heri yells, how come he had to have his little ways specifically with ME? And how about when Heri was wrong with Ivonne—she told him thanks but no thanks, right, and that was that? Heri backs down. Okay, Juan tells him, starting tomorrow you’ll work with Sr. Fernando Lara. Heri does a screaming double-take. What? With Ivonne’s BOYFRIEND? Yep, is there a problem? Yeees!

Ivonne gently helps Pastor slip his coat on. He’s patched up and cleaned up but injured and clearly hurting. Pastor thanks her, but he needs to be alone. He hands her his resignation to hand in for him. She tells him that they won’t accept it and he says it’s not negotiable. She points out that the irrevocable ones are always revoked first around Farell. Pastor thinks his will be the exception.

Heri is still steamed and fuming at Juan. This time, it’s about working with Fern. He WON’T. Juan tells him there are two soup choices today: either work under the orders of Fernando or don’t work at all, you choose. Heri threatens—his Papi is a partner of this business and Juan can’t force Heri to go anyplace. Juan retorts that the money’s all been returned to Aldemar that he loaned. Heri knows Juan’s tricks. Juan yells that he can take one of the two choices—and Juan can also call security to have him thrown out. Heri retorts that he’s going out himself. Juan stalks over to the door and motions Heri out—he knows the way. Heri can’t resist one more pointed insult and Juan tells him the next one means Juan will personally kick him out [no doubt with plenty of that pointed boot-toe centered on Heri’s derrière.] Heri glares up at Juan, who glares back. Don’t worry Heri spits back at Juan, I’m out of here, far away, back to my hometown – which I never should have left. Heri leaves and Juan rolls his eyes and brushes under his chin.

Ivonne and Pastor leave his office toward the elevator so he can leave. Heri, now in the lobby, stares hatefully at Pastor with vengeance in his visage. Pastor looks sadly through his one good eye. Paula comes out of her office and calls the lobby lizards to order. A moment of your time. Okay, all those in favor of accepting Don Pastor’s resignation, given that there won’t be any type of reprisals against anyone for your votes, pro or con—you can freely express yourselves, raise your hands. No hands go up. Laura crosses her arms, appearing ready to raise her hand, but thinking better of it and looking sullen. The lizards look around at each other uncomfortably. Pastor, equally uncomfortable, goes over to Paula Please, don’t do this to me. “No one?” Paula looks around at the room where no hands are up. Fine. All those in favor of Don Pastor staying at Farell, as chief of Personnel, who want to give your support to him as a person and boss, raise your hands. Pastor looks sadly and nervously around the room through the eye that isn’t swollen up, and Heri glares into the commercial.

After a crazy-making commercial where we know full well the hands will go up but they didn’t before the break, so we can all wait with baited breath, we’re back and hands go up—first Ivonne, who nudges Julia until her hand goes up, then Fernando, and almost everyone else. Only Laura and Heri glare and refuse to show support. Juan’s hand is up, too. Very good, Paula announces, as Pastor attempts to smile through his pain. For your information, the Licenciado Gaitán IS and will continue to be the VP for Personnel. And not only because of the partners’ decision, but also because everyone here agrees. Ivonne and Julia grin at each other. He’s the right person for the job, Paula concludes. Juan chimes in—that’s right. Don Pastor has not only earned his place at Farell, but in the hearts in each and every one of us. And, if there is any person who has doubts about his authority….ah, Heriberto? Juan looks pointedly at a still glaring Heri….they’ll deal with Juan Dominguez Coral, native of Achichipico. Juan turns to Pastor and asks him to stay. Everyone claps. Except Laura and Heri, of course. Pastor is very touched and Heri is very disbelieving of what he’s seeing.

Nidia roars into Yadi’s room to ask why Yadi hadn’t informed her Mami about signing divorce papers. Yadi points out she’s a grown woman of an age to make her own decisions and Mami doesn’t have to hear everything, or be consulted. Nidia points out that’s why Yadi is as she is, and that’s why she’s going to lose the best man in the world. Yadi says she’s not up for scolding at the moment. Nidia tells her it’s not a scolding, and men like Kike don’t grow on trees (no se dan en maceta – they don’t give them out in bunches of flowers). Someone like him you won’t find again for the rest of the days of your life. Yadi sullenly purses her lips, quiet for a change.

Paula tells Juan that this gossip will feed the rumor mill in Farell for a while. Juan agrees—until they find a better item for gossip. He remarks they should invent a bomb about him and her to get the spotlight off Pastor. Paula chuckles. [Ed. Note: Whatever makes you think you’re not a topic anyway?] Really? Paula seizes the moment to invite him to dinner on the weekend. Juan thought bubbles that his Palomita is lowering her guard? He warns himself about getting his hopes up. He asks her if that won’t make Sandrito mad [using the “-ito” which could be a real insult to the shorter guy]. Why should it? Paula seems surprised. Is she sure? Juan wants to know. It’s a date! Of course he’ll come.

Pastor has returned to his office and Fern is with him. He tells Fern that Paula and Juan gave him the afternoon off so he’s going home to rest. Fern is glad to hear that. He should rest and try to cheer up a bit. Pastor thanks Fern for having defended him. Without Fern, they’d be giving Pastor a wake at the moment. Fern replies that of course, he would be defending Pastor-he’d never let him die alone, how could Pastor think that? Pastor sadly tells Fern he just couldn’t raise a hand against Heri in his own defense. Fern understands.

S2 is telling Paula that what Pastor did is extremely serious and he can’t understand why she’s letting it drop so easily. Paula thinks it better to forget it, and S2 wants to think about the example it sets for the employees. [What? An example of acceptance and mercy? Gee.] Does Paula think Farell should be a place where there are all types of scandals? She points out there have been scandals here before he came, and that she herself was in the middle of some with CL, like fighting in the middle of the lobby at 120 decibels [Okay, I added that editorially]. And then CL fought with Juan. S2 lectures her in true CL mode about this being a mistake to let it go. She points out that his only mistake was to be in love with the wrong man. S2 looks back at her sharply. [Hm, are they talking about Pastor, really?] S2 comments that he hopes not to be doing something similar. She tells him she’s sorry to have to say it, but yes. What does she mean? That he’s looking for love in all the wrong places. And please be sure to close the door after himself, she’s got work to do.

Juan promises Laura a better place, and a promotion. She runs around the desk to hug and thank him. I don’t remember doing that when I got a promotion. Ever. They exchange flirty chitchat—he’s always so lovely with her, she comments as she strokes his arms. She wants to be his assistant but he points out he doesn’t have any. She acts like she’s thinking. How about with “Sandro?” Juan tells her this little man can’t be trusted. Laura hugs him from behind and tells him she loves it when he’s jealous. Juan’s look gives us hope that he might actually have registered a tactical error on his part.

Safely home in Angarita’s little casita, Pastor and Anga commiserate on their pains of body and love. Anga scolds that Pastor alone has brought this on himself [Ed. Note: no need to rub so much salt in the wounds, Anga.] If Pastor had only behaved totally like a man, it wouldn’t have happened. He continues laying it on thick—Pastor should be thanking God that the Licenciada Paula and Juan took pity on him and didn’t put him out on the street. Pastor keeps quiet, but we hear the sighs. Pastor then thanks heaven that Paula and Juan own Farell and not César Luis. And I was so critical of them! Now I have to acknowledge how much heart it takes to run a big company like this, and those two have it. He sobs a little as he speaks. Anga’s sorry he’s ill, or he’d be looking for Heriberto to tear his face off for laying a hand on Pastor. Pastor sighs. It’s better to let it go (leave it this size). Pastor sobs again, “Ah, Angarita, it looks like the two of us are doomed to be rejected by the people we love. Anga pats his brother’s shoulder.

Ivonne feels guilty about what happened to Pastor and Paula wonders why she feels like that. They’ve gotten home from a very strange day and are setting the table for dinner. Well, Ivonne told him to be sincere with Heriberto, and not keep fantasizing without Heriberto knowing Pastor’s intentions. Look what happened. Paula says that Pastor let it get out of hand. Ivonne continues that the worst part is that she never had seen him so in love with anyone. He’s suffering so much. Paula hopes that some day he’ll find the person who is just right for him. Ivonne wonders if they should set a place for Ana. Nope, she’s head over heels with her boyfriend, Paula smiles—she’s not likely to get here to eat. Ivonne chuckles that she’s on a binge (parrandera). Paula’s so happy to see her Mami living like she should have been living since she was young. The bell rings and Paula shoots over her shoulder that at least it’s probably not Heriberto. Whoa. It’s Marely. It’s a mini face-off.

Try his best, Juan can’t give Juanito a good enough explanation for why he let Marely slip through his fingers at the airport. He rubs Juanito’s ears and hair down from the bath. When he missed her at the plane, there would have been no way but to take a plane and catch up with her on the other side of the pond (charco – puddle, pool - Atlantic Ocean?). Juanito protests that he should have stopped it all by force. Juan tries to comfort him—he knows how hard it is for Juanito, but it’s hard for Juan, too, to think she didn’t want to be there with them. They have to accept it and get on with life. Juanito shakes his finger and demands that Daddy promise. Juan raises his right hand. Juanito wants him to wait her out for the year and when she gets back, make her accept and marry Juan. Juan’s hand fumbles around. He’s not promising. He stutters….and Juanito tries to nail him again. He warns Juan that he simply won’t accept any substitutions for a step-mama.

Paula is impactada, and so is Ivonne. What, she’s not already in Spain? Nope. [Ed. Note: Duh.} Ivonne ducks out to her bedroom as fast as her long legs can carry her. Paula wants to know what happened. Marely was about to get on the plane—and was paralyzed. She couldn’t get through the door. Her legs shook, she got cold suddenly, and a voice inside her said, “Marely, don’t go. Don’t go, because you’ll be sorry.” [Ed. Note: Juanito must have had an altar in his room and was sending up powerful prayers.] Now I’m here and have not the remotest idea what I’m going to do. Paula is muy impactada. What do you mean you couldn’t do it? I thought you were so sure of your decision. Marely admits that she thought that her dream of bettering herself was stronger than her love for Juan. Apparently not. Nothing, nothing is stronger than what she feels for him. Paula looks like she might hyperventilate.

Kike has arrived “home” at Julia’s apartment. She’s still got her pink suit on from work, Kike’s got his bright pink shirt on and the apartment is Very Pink. We have visions of Walt Disney. Kike is charmed by the apartment. He tells her that her “rum-mate” has arrived, like the Yankees (gabachos, Mexican definition, also defined as “froggy” “Frenchy” “Pyrenean” “foreigner or outsider” depending on where you are) say. The laugh shyly together. Kike likes how prettily she’s decorated the house. She bought fresh flowers because it’s a special day for the two of them. Also, she’s fixed up his room nicely, with new sheets (sábanas) and a large pillow. Kike is touched—she shouldn’t have bothered. No, it was no bother! They smile shyly at each other again.

Juan and Nidia sit sadly together in the living room. Juan comments that it was only this morning that Marely left and it seems like it’s been so long. He tells Nidia to cheer up; she’s depressing him. She tells him it’s not just for Marely she’s sad, but for Kike, too. He’s left the house now. Oh, yeah, he told Juan something about that in the morning. Maybe it’s good for both him and Yadira. How can that be good? Nidia doubts it. Juan tries to comfort her, but she’s hurting. Her daughter’s left and so has Kike, who has been like another child for her.

Marely cries and explains to Paula that she’s always been the one with her act together (cuadrada- to tally, to fit together, squared off, standing at attention, coming out on top). She’s never let herself go with her gut. Sometimes she’s been pretty hard on herself. Paula adds that she’s been cautious (precavida), and that’s a different thing. Paula can’t make eye contact and looks darned uncomfortable. Marely is impassioned, pointing out that she’s never had a drink, because she didn’t want to be seen drunk, she’s never escaped to a party, because she didn’t want to put her Mami in a bad mood. She’s never done anything for which she would have to be sorry later. So, what’s wrong with that? Paula is a little impactada. Marely continues her impassioned speech—doesn’t Paula realize, Marely’s always felt she had to be the rational one in her house, who made the right decisions, level-headed (ecuánime), fair, the one who perseveres, the responsible one in the house—and not just at home, but everywhere. She’s always assumed this role where she was and she feels like an old woman who never, never gave herself an opportunity to be wrong (never took a risk). And that bothers you? Yes! It bothers me a lot, because being so cold and calculating I sometimes feel I’m going to lose the one chance I have for happiness in this life. Paula hesitates a little—sure, with….with Juan? Yes. Yes, Paula, with Juan. Paula looks like she’s been hit with a truck.

Kike’s changed and has come into the living/dining room of the apartment. He hopes Julia isn’t bothered that he took a bath and changed into his jammies. [Ed. Note: Kike’s jammies are NOTHING like Juan’s, for which we probably are grateful.] Julia assures him it’s fine, it’s his house, too. She always gets more comfortable when she gets home from the office, putting on her robe (bata) and slippers (pantuflas). She’s fixed a salad for dinner, if that doesn’t bother him too much. If it’s not, she can prepare something more. She thinks he could benefit from her diet. He smiles widely and chuckles about needing to lose some of that belly. They chitchat about helping each other with the diet [Ed. Note: Like the New Julia really needs a diet or anything.] They won’t break it then. He wants to be like the thin folks on the ads.

Marely continues to tell Paula why couldn’t get in the plane. Maybe this is a test for her that God put into her path; for the first time she’s done something really crazy, totally wild (descabellado). Paula wonders if she’s going to carry on, doing these crazy things with a blindfold on (con los ojos vendados—with bandaged eyes), just because she’s so tired of being cerebral? Marely explains that she’s always thought life was a question of having a strategy, and perhaps what’s lacking in her life is changing the strategy. She’s going to need lots of help from Paula because no one knows she’s in Mexico and only Paula can help. ME? Yes, Marely’s had all day to think and refresh her memory about their history with Juan. Marely wants to ask Paula a very direct question, and they need to be very sincere here. Paula’s response may direct the course of Marely’s own future and Paula’s. Marely moves to the seat next to Paula and touches Paula’s hand, but Paula looks away. Marely says they’ve been the best of sisters and the best of friends. Because of this, she’s asking with her heart in her hand. Tell me—do you love Juan?

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

Monday: Who knows? All they can talk about is the June 22 Gran Final!

Vocabulary

Me pisotea – he disses me (pisotear – tramples, abuses, disregards)
Chasco – disappointment
Zafarrancho - havoc
Guasa – joking, teasing, kidding
No se dan en maceta – they don't grow on trees (they don’t give them out in bunches of flowers)
Parrandera - binge
Gabachos - Yankees (gabachos, Mexican definition, also defined as “froggy” “Frenchy” “Pyrenean” “foreigner or outsider” depending on where you are)
Sábanas nuevas - new sheets
Cuadrada- to have one’s act together, tally, to fit together, be squared off, standing at attention, coming out on top
Precavida - cautious
Ecuánime - level-headed
Bata – robe, dressing gown, housecoat
Pantuflas – slippers
Descabellado - wild
Con los ojos vendados - blindfolded, with bandaged eyes

Jeanne

Labels: Juan

Hugo is in the workshop busy with a bellows. Boris comes in and says that he has sent a telegram to Andres asking him to confirm the arrival of Michelle in case she left the city. Hugo says that Michelle wasn’t on the list of passengers who left last night. He was right. She didn’t leave. Hugo says he is worried. Boris asks Hugo what he thinks happened. Eloisa (still wearing the same outfit she was wearing yesterday) bursts in and says that she has the answer to that question. She says that she has very bad news about Michelle. She is sorry to bring it but she has no choice. “Michelle left because of you,” Eloisa says to Hugo.

Paquito shoos his girls out of the tavern. Antonia is outraged that he would expect her to work in such a vulgar place with women who are practically naked. Paquito asks her to look around – this is art! “If this is art,” says Antonia, “it’s in decline.” She says that she is a respectable woman. Paquito chases her around the bar making offers: he will pay her double; he will say she is a foreign pianist; he will give her a costume; she can be his friend George and no one will know she is a woman.

Hugo asks why Eloisa says that Michelle left town because of him. Eloisa says that Hugo knows that Michelle is her friend. How could he have done that to her? “Done what to her?” asks Hugo. Eloisa says that Michelle was shattered. When she came to visit Eloisa, she was very sad and said that she didn’t want to say goodbye because Hugo and Soledad had ruined her life. Eloisa asks Hugo what he did to Michelle. What injustice did he commit?

Nurse Soledad is making up a bed and telling Dr. Dan that she told Alcides that he couldn’t buy her with his money. She says that her mother has seen Alcides roaming around the house. Dr. Dan says that they have to be careful. Alcides is very dangerous. Soledad (with her hair bound up and hanging down her back like a ‘dead animal’ (thanks Nancy)) says that she doesn’t think Alcides will come around her place again after what Soledad said to him yesterday. Dr. Dan asks if Soledad saw Michelle after he left her house. Soledad says no. She asks what is going on with Michelle. Dr. Dan says that it appears that Michelle has left San Marino forever.

Eloisa is continuing her performance for Hugo. She says that poor Michelle couldn’t stop crying before she left. Hugo says that he and Michelle had a little misunderstanding but they worked it out. Eloisa says that is what Hugo thought. Eloisa saw Michelle’s suffering. Michelle had no choice but to leave San Marino to stop the pain. Hugo says that Michelle isn’t like that. She is strong, faces things head on. She wouldn’t have left without saying goodbye to him. Eloisa replies that however strong she was, Michelle is a woman. A woman who knows she lost. She had no alternative but to leave. Hugo asks by what form of transportation did Michelle leave. Eloisa says that she took the last train. Boris says that he is sorry to contradict her, but Michelle was not on the list of passengers on that train. Hugo asks how Eloisa explains that. Eloisa gets that deer-in-the-headlights look.

Alcides pours himself some water on the porch of the Hacienda. He flashes back to Michelle’s death. “You asked for it, Michelle. No one can separate me from Soledad,” he says, “No one. My Soledad. Your hair smells so good. I can almost smell it from a distance. My Soledad… My Soledad..” He flashes back to Soledad returning the bag of money to him. “You’ll come back to me. You’ll come back to me today.” (‘Come back’ Alcides? You never had her.)

Margot says that she won’t go back with Hercu-less. He asks why if he’s her man. Margot says that it is because of that. If she goes back with Herc, Arturo will kill him. There’s a knock on the door. It’s Arturo. Margot shoves Herc out the window with a last kiss. She lets Arturo into the room. When he sees Margot’s dress he says that he understands why his mother was scandalized. Margot asks if he likes her dress. Arturo says that it is different. Arturo touches her breast (Herc watches this part from the window. Herc lets the curtain fall.) Then Arturo turns and leaves the room. Margot sighs with relief.

Paquito tells Antonia that he will dress her as a man with a moustache and they will have to cover up the ‘obvious parts,’ indicating her breasts. When he asks her what she thinks, Antonia slaps him and runs out of the tavern. The Paquitas comfort Paquito.

Hugo asks Eloisa how Michelle left the city if she wasn’t on the list of passengers on the train. Eloisa says that Michelle said something about leaving incognito but that Eloisa was so upset on hearing her plans, that she didn’t pay too much attention. Eloisa says that she has to leave. Michelle asked her to speak to Soledad. As Hugo asks what Eloisa is going to say to Soledad, Soledad arrives at the workshop saying that Dr. Dan told her Michelle had left town. Eloisa confirms that Michelle has left town. She says that Michelle came to her house the previous night to say goodbye and that she was heartbroken.

Dr. Dan asks why Michelle said she was leaving. Eloisa says that she realized Hugo was destined to be with Soledad and she hadn’t realized it until it was too late. Dr. Dan asks why Michelle didn’t talk to him. Why didn’t she take her luggage? Hugo says that Michelle sent Andres ahead with all her luggage. Eloisa says that Michelle was feeling terrible. She only wanted to take her sword. “The sword that I gave her,” says Hugo to himself. Boris says that Michelle looked very upset when she left the hotel and was only carrying her sword. Soledad says that this is a mistake. Michelle has to stay. Soledad flashes back to Michelle telling her that the only way she would stay with Hugo is if their relationship didn’t hurt Soledad. Back in the present, Soledad says that this is hers and Hugo’s fault. “All that Michelle did for us,” she says, “and look what happened.” She runs out. Dr. Dan is going to follow but Eloisa says that Soledad needs to talk to a (woman) friend right now. Hugo asks Boris to get him a train ticket and pack some clothes. He is going to look for Michelle. (What the heck are you doing, Hugo?)

At the Obragon house, Antonia is looking for Ester. She is in her bedroom, very upset. Antonia asks what is the matter. (You could see this coming a mile away.) Ester says that all their money is gone. She doesn’t know how to tell Lucas. Antonia flashes back to Paquito offering to pay her double. Antonia tells Ester not to worry. She will be in charge of the finances in the house from now on. Ester won’t lack for anything.

Marina is looking for Alcides. He isn’t there. Marina says that he told her he was going to be at home. She wonders where he went.

Alone with Eloisa, Soledad says that when Michelle said goodbye to her last night, she had a feeling that she wouldn’t see her again. She thought it was her imagination but now she realizes it was the truth. Soledad wants to go find Michelle but Eloisa says that would only make Michelle believe that Soledad feels sorry for her. Now Eloisa starts with the lies. She tells Soledad that leaving San Marino was the best thing for Michelle. Soledad asks why she says that. Eloisa replies that Michelle told her that Hugo didn’t treat her right. Soledad is surprised and doesn’t understand. Eloisa says that sometimes Soledad is very naïve. Hugo showed one face to her and another to Michelle. He mistreated Michelle. Eloisa pretends to be surprised that Michelle never mentioned this to Soledad. Soledad says Michelle told her the opposite that she was very happy with Hugo. Eloisa say that Michelle told her that Hugo mistreated her verbally the same way he did to Soledad when he was pretending to be Alcides. Soledad says what Michelle is telling her is terrible.

In the lab, Dr. Dan flashes back to Michelle warning him about Alcides’ jealousy of him and Soledad and her fear that Alcides that might hurt him. Dr. Dan concludes that Michelle wouldn’t have left San Marino and especially not without saying goodbye to him. He thinks Michelle is in trouble and Alcides is involved. He gets his whip out. He says that Alcides will listen to him right now.

Hugo is getting on the train. He says that it will take two days to get to where Michelle is and then he will try and persuade her to return with him. He tells Boris that he didn’t tell Soledad that he was leaving so she doesn’t know that he won’t be visiting his daughter. Boris says that he sees Ursula frequently so he can send Soledad a note through her. Hugo says goodbye to Boris and that he will return in a month. (Two days there and two days back; what is Hugo going to do for the other three weeks? I think he meant to say above that it would take two weeks to get to Michelle’s ‘country.’)

Ursula goes to wake up Aurora but she is gone. Meanwhile, back at the lie-fest, Eloisa tells Soledad that she is glad that Michelle left San Marino. She says that Michelle told her that she was envious of Soledad because she could never have what Soledad had. Soledad says that is not true and Eloisa is claiming that she has never lied to Soledad when the Obragon witches and Ursula burst in to announce that the baby is not in the house. Someone took her. Everyone is running around. Maybe Lucas has the baby? He doesn’t. Eloisa says to herself that Alcides must have taken the baby.

Hugo is on the train. He says to himself that he can’t believe that Michelle left because of him. He has to ask her forgiveness. He should start a new life with her far from Soledad. He flashes back to seeing a shadow when he was talking to Alcides the previous evening and figures out that it was Michelle. She heard him say that he still loved Soledad and that is why she left San Marino.

Dr. Dan goes to the Hacienda to see Alcides. Marina says that he isn’t there.

Soledad concludes that it was Alcides who took the baby. He is the only person who can go in and out of her house without being seen. Soledad wants to go see Alcides immediately. Ester says that she will go to the police station and file charges against Alcides. Eloisa pipes up and says that she will go to the police station. Ester can go with Soledad.

The baby, carried by an as yet unknown person, is at the cabaña in the woods. She’s pretty calm so far.

Lucas wants to go and help find the baby but Antonia tells him he would just be a burden. He realizes this is true.

Hugo is on the train. He doesn’t respond when the conductor asks for his ticket. Finally, he realizes that the conductor is talking to him. He says that he is distracted. When the conductor is gone, he flashes back to when Aurora nearly got a catalepsy attack and he saved her.

Marina tells Dr. Dan that she doesn’t know how long Alcides will be out. She suggests that he leave and she will give Alcides the message that he was there. Dr. Dan agrees and at that moment Soledad bursts in looking for Alcides. Soledad says that Alcides has taken her baby. Marina says that she doesn’t know anything about it. Dr. Dan says that he will help and the first thing he does is hug Soledad.

Ursula comes into the workshop looking for Hugo. When Boris tells her that Hugo has gone on a trip for a month, Ursula jumps to the conclusion that it was Hugo that took the baby.

The Obragons and Dr. Dan search the Hacienda but don’t find the baby or Alcides. Marina says that Alcides will be furious when he finds them roaming around his house. Ester tells her to shut up and get out. At that moment, Alcides comes into the house carrying a box. “Where do you have my daughter?” demands Soledad, “Where did you take her?” Alcides stares at her with that sappy look he gets when she is near him. (He probably smells her hair.)

Alcides tells Soledad that he doesn’t know what she is talking about. What has happened with my niece? Soledad screams at him that she knows he kidnapped the baby and she demands to know where Aurora is. He doesn’t know what she is capable of. Ester says that Antonia saw Alcides roaming around the Obragon house. She demands that he confess to taking the child. Alcides says that he roams around their house all the time to get a glimpse of Soledad. Ester saw him. He didn’t have the baby. Soledad says that Alcides must have returned and taken the baby. She is losing her patience. Dr. Dan says that the Obragons have reason to believe that it was Alcides who took the baby. Alcides says that Soledad is wrong. He didn’t have anything to do with this. He is innocent. Soledad has to believe him. Alcides wonders who could have kidnapped the baby. Alcides asks Marina to put away the box he is carrying but Soledad grabs it and it has baby clothes in it! Soledad and the others demand to know where the baby is.

Boris asks Ursula to calm down and explain to him what has happened. Ursula says that Aurora has been kidnapped and since Boris told her that Hugo has left town, he must have taken her. Boris asks how Ursula could believe that Hugo is capable of doing something like that. Boris assures her that it wasn’t Hugo. Ursula asks why Hugo left town. Boris tells her that Michelle decided to go back to her country and Hugo went after her. He says that they have to let Hugo know what has happened as soon as possible.

On the train, Hugo is having a happy vision of going on vacation with Soledad and the baby. Soledad kisses him. (This is not a good sign when you’re going after another woman, Hugo.) Hugo wakes up from his happy fantasy and flashes back to telling Boris outside the mine that he has to go to a meeting to advance his Plan of Vengeance. He says to himself that it all could have been so different. Hugo flashes back to one of the many times when the evidence was there that Soledad loved him but he ignored it. In this case, Hugo says that the other Aurora told him that Soledad named her baby Aurora because this other Aurora saved Hugo’s life at the trial. Hugo says that if that is true, then Soledad loves him. Boris and Marina pour cold water on that idea by saying that Soledad probably just likes the name or wanted to keep up appearances since she cares what other people think.

Antonia tells Lucas that she doesn’t understand how Alcides comes in and out of the house without anyone seeing him. Lucas is frustrated that he can’t even confront that miserable bastard Alcides for what he has done. Antonia tells him not to torture himself. He should trust in God that Alcides took the baby to get Soledad’s attention. Lucas hopes Antonia is right. Antonia starts fiddling with her hair obviously figuring out how she is going to do the Victor Victoria thing. Lucas says that Antonia seems very nervous and not just about the baby. Is she hiding something from him? She flashes back to her conversation with Paquito in the tavern and Ester telling her that they are broke. Antonia tells Lucas that he is imagining things. She is worried and upset about Aurorita’s disappearance. Isn’t that enough to make her stressed out?

Ursula is crying for Aurora. She asks Boris who could have taken the baby if it wasn’t Hugo. Boris says that he doesn’t know but it wasn’t Hugo. Boris took him to the train and he didn’t have the baby. Ursula says that she believes him. She tells Boris that they have to tell Soledad that Hugo is out of town. She needs to know. Boris says that he will go with her. He will send a telegram to Hugo at the next station to tell him that the baby has been kidnapped.

Soledad goes ballistic on Alcides asking how he could take and innocent child and she beats on him. Alcides asks Soledad to look him in the eyes. He swears to her that he doesn’t know where the baby is and had nothing to do with her disappearance. Soledad says that she doesn’t believe him. Why else would he be buying baby clothes? Alcides says that the baby clothes have nothing to do with his niece or rather they do. He bought them for Aurora because Soledad was so upset when she left his house this morning and he wanted to do something nice for her but now it has all gone wrong. Dr. Dan tells Alcides that he should tell the truth. “I will accept whatever from Soledad,” says Alcides, giving Dr. Dan a nasty look, “but not threats from you.” Ester says that the police will be here soon and Alcides will have to confess. “You accused me of this to the police without evidence?” Alcides asks Soledad. Soledad replies that there is more than enough proof (‘pruebas me sobran’). Of course, she is accusing him. Eloisa has gone to do so in Soledad’s name. Dr. Dan notices that Alcides’ arm is bleeding. What happened to him? How did he get injured?

Eloisa runs into the sole representative of law enforcement in San Marino, the judge. She says that she has come to notify the police that Soledad’s baby is missing. The judge asks where and when this happened. Eloisa says that it happened this morning. Soledad’s servant, Ursula, got distracted and someone took the child. The judge asks if Eloisa suspects anyone. She says Soledad thinks it was Alcides but she doesn’t agree. Eloisa pretends to not want to incriminate someone. The judge tells her that her information will considered ‘off the record.’ So Eloisa accuses Michelle Phillips.

We see the baby sleeping and the kidnapper is, who else, Arturo. (Except for Alcides, sort of, he’s the only bad guy we’ve got left.) He flashes back to overhearing Soledad tell Alcides that he has gone into her room without anyone seeing before. Arturo says to himself that Alcides must be dealing with the wrath of Soledad and her family. He told Alcides that he would get revenge, whatever it cost. The credits roll.

Monday – The hunt for the baby –well, at least Hugo seems to have come back to town.

Labels: la traicion

Franco tries to make Juan see that he needs to be patient where Sofia is concerned. Juan says the guy has got him angry as all get out because he won’t give her back her freedom. He is seriously considering running off with Sofia since the brute won’t give her a divorce. Franco says fine, he’ll support Juan’s decision as long as he’ll be happy, but he’s got to get far away from there.

Meanwhile, Oscar, who’s skipped out on work today, has managed on his first try to find his way to the very old folks’ home where Grampa Augie was brought. (I’ll give him points for actually starting with the closest and most obvious place to look for once and saving us in Viewerville from suffering through gawd knows how many aggravating wild goose chases in surrounding towns for the next month of Sundays.) Oscar has asked Dr. Matasano if Augie has been staying there. Dr. Matasano growls back nope, never heard of the guy. So Oscar, bright as well as charming, asks what other homes in the area the good doctor might suggest he could look at but devilish Dr. Matasano shoots him down with a rude, “I don’t know and now get out cuz I’m too-oo-oo busy.”

As Oscar starts to leave the hospital Sor Ratita catches up to him and rats out Dr. Matasano. She tells him that Don Augustin was living there but escaped the day before.

Augie is still hiding out near Libia’s grave site . Seems it’s getting chilly out there and Augie worries about whether Pablito found one of the Reyes brothers to come help him. The old guy snoozes while a nasty looking snake slithers into the clearing near his wheelchair.

Later that day Fernando tells Gabriela again that he’s leaving the hacienda since things have become complicated and seem hopeless. Now, with her father missing and unable to sign the bank papers releasing the funds they need, he doesn’t want to take responsibility for things taking a turn for the worse. Gabi begs him not to do it and says it isn’t her fault her father went missing. Feo whines that it’s not his fault either that his wife isn’t there with him now. He adds that she hasn’t done much to get her back for him. Gabi says she is waiting for an apology first, but Feo says Sofia is not about to give her one so he’s cashing in his chips and heading out.

Gabi begs him to reconsider and asks what she needs to do to keep him there. Whatever he wants she’ll do it. For a nanosecond Feo allows himself a secret, teensy-weensy, malevolent smile and a mental pat on the back for being such a master manipulator. “Tell Sofia whatever you have to, but bring her back, ‘cause that’s the only way I’ll stay.”

Oscar is now galloping back and forth through the forest at breakneck speed, supposedly looking for telltale signs of Augie and wheel tracks in the grass. (Dunno. Maybe I’ve seen one too many American westerns but don’t trackers usually take it slow so as not to miss anything? If they only had a t.v. in that town maybe Oscar could have seen a few of the same westerns and saved himself a few extra zigs and zags.) Back at the half-built bungalow Franco is telling Juan he’s bummed about Sarita giving him the big brush off. He kissed her to prove she was lying about not loving him and the bloody broad felt nothing. Whatever little bit she might have felt for him has gone up in smoke, he laments. Juan laughs and says he better come to grips with his situation and decide. “You can’t love two women at the same time. True love comes only once in a lifetime and whoever says different doesn’t know how to love or else has never loved.”

At the same time, Sarita is up in her room writing another love letter to Franco. She is weeping over having lied to him about her true feelings. Sarita admits in her letter that she really loves him with all her heart and that it took her a great deal of effort not to respond to his kisses while we see flashbacks of Franco all sweaty undershirt, do-rag and 24/7 stubble, getting ready to lay a big one on her. (Anyone ever figure out how they keep that stubble at a permanently skuzzy ¼” length? It’s one of those kinds of niggly nagging things you really want to know the answer to before you die.) For a second time we get to see Franco literally sucking the face off Sarita (while I go into gagging mode). She writes him good-bye forever because she cannot continue suffering like she has while he plays with her feelings. (Ok. So isn’t this the second time she’s done that? But who’s counting? Yawn.)

Outside on the roof Franco tells Juan he’s dumping Sarita now and going back to Rosario. (Lucky gal --not!) Juan tells him to listen to his heart the way he has listened to his own with Sofia, to the point of even thinking to run off with her. Of course he can’t because he doesn’t want to leave his two brothers alone especially since they’ve not carried out their blood oath to Libia. Franco tries to talk Juan into running away with Sofia if he really wants to and says Libia would understand about this and be happy for him. He and Franco will take care of their plan for vengeance. Juan says he has as much an obligation to the oath as they do so he can’t run off now. Franco says then run off with her for a long while and come back after they find happiness and the three of them will take care of their blood oath then.

Back in the forest Pablito has returned to find Augie with the snake near enough to bite. They try to wheel him away but the wheelchair is stuck in the soft ground. Miraculously Oscar appears from nowhere (literally –I’d swear he almost missed his cue and somebody pushed him). He manages to grab the snake from behind the head before it strikes. He turns around with the snake, points it in their direction, and sternly asks them what they were doing there.

We are beamed back to the convent where Juan is apparently angry over the Church’s refusing to give Sofia her annulment. Juan doesn’t want to wait the time it would take for Padre Tadeo to ask again, only to have the Church refuse permission again, and he persuades Sofia to run away with him that night.

We go through another disorienting time warp and Pabilito is apparently on his way back home when he spies Armando paying off the old woman from the fair and taking Luis away with him.

Oscar has now arrived back home with Augie. Quintina and Augie remember each other from her bread deliveries to the home. It’s a happy reunion for everyone and Augie has a good time explaining to her how Oscar rescued them from the snake near the beautiful meadow where he was hiding out. Oscar feels a twinge of pain as Augie describes the place to Quintina as a quiet, peaceful refuge. He tells her he thought it seemed like it was somebody’s grave site. (Your're half right, Augie. Try thinking "shrine".)

Back in town now, Armando brings Luis to Rosario’s dressing room at the Bad Love Bar. She begs to let her take him to church with her. Armando gives in and they start out. Franco has just come into the bar and ordered a drink. He watches from the other side of the room as Rosario walks through with Luis. He sees Armando leave with them and is impactado, thinking to himself that this must be Rosario’s secret, that she has a son with Armando.

Oscar enters Jimena’s room through the balcony doors again. She tells him they need to get married right away so she doesn’t have to spend any more time locked away in her room like this. Oscar stalls and changes the subject. He tells her he’s found her granddad, that Augie’s at his house and he wants to take her to visit with him.

At the convent Sofia has filled her pillowcase with her few possessions which she carries with her into the visitor’s room and is getting ready to sneak away soon with Juan. As she hears the nuns approach she hides the pillow case. The mother superior comes in to tell her she has a visitor. She’s excited to think that Juan has finally come for her. She turns around but, surprise!! It’s Mama (BIG let down!) who immediately lays a guilt trip on Sofia about her arrogance and selfishness. When Sofia tries to defend herself, Gabi tells her the only thing she can do is to complain. She should be thinking more of her mother’s health and emotional state or one day she’ll find her dead and (say it with me class) she will be sorry for treating her mother this way. For emphasis Gabi fakes another fainting spell. (Puh-leese, Sofia, just. step. over. this woman and walk away already, can’t you?). Mama keeps the act going till Sofia, in tears, is begging to be forgiven and frantically telling her she’ll do whatever she needs to make up for it. Gabi regains consciousness just in time to forgive Sofia and to scold her, saying that even so, when she dies her mother’s suffering will still be on her conscience. (The best actresses in Jollywood got nothin’ on Mama!) Curtain call, everybody! Curtain call!

We flit from there to Oscar and Jimena eating rose petals and making out somewhere. I suppose in the garden out back. Jimena stops and is obviously getting a bit too carried away now that Oscar’s nuzzling her ear in just the right way. She tells him he really needs to speak to Padre Tadeo about their plans so they can get married as soon as possible. He promises and that seems to be enough for her. They go back at it again.

Juan finally arrives for Sofia at the convent. (Dig that poncho! I want one!) Sofia tells him she cannot leave with him, that she’s a woman with obligations and is now giving him his freedom. He tells her the only obligation he has is to her. She says she has too many priorities, in particular, her ill mother who will certainly die if she leaves her. He is angry and hurt and calls her a coward for not putting their love first. Her decision is a huge disappointment but he isn’t going to force her, he says. What’s more, he won’t even continue to discuss it with her. So, good-bye forever and have a nice life cuz without her his is not worth spit. As he rides off she tells herself that he is right, she’s a coward but her conscience and her heart will not allow her to run away with him.

Juan (not so artistically) rears his horse as he gallops angrily away. He eventually arrives at his sister’s shrine. He cries and tells Libia he now understands how she felt when she found out that Bernardo Elizondo was married and had betrayed her. He says that Sofia Elizondo has also betrayed him. She played with his feelings and caused him to give up his oath of vengeance to her. Despite it all, he still loves Sofia so much; and he loves her as he could never love another woman. His love is for her and only her. The little flower on her grave is crying dewdrops.

Meanwhile, Sofia is sitting in her room in the convent crying and asking Juan to forgive her for destroying both their lives and sacrificing their love for the health of her mother.

Back at the hacienda, however, while the two lovers are dealing with their pain, Gabriela is happily strutting around her office telling Feo that she’s certain Sofia will return probably the very next morning. Fernando says then the only thing left is the problem with finding her father otherwise they’ll have to declare him missing or dead so they can change the documents at the bank. Gabi says it won’t be necessary. He’s too clever to have had anything happen to him and she’s certain he’s just hiding out somewhere.

At the Reyes’ Franco comes back home and is glad to see Augie there. Augie says it’s thanks to Oscar. Quintina wonders why Franco looks like he’s at a wake and asks who’s died. He says Love has died. He tells them both the [women] he loved he’s lost and Augie pretty much tells him “I told you so!”

Oscar and Jimena are still doing the preteen make out thing and again have to stop before things go too far. Oscar tells her he loves and respects her so nothing will happen until she’s his before God and men. (Whoever wrote this part of the script must have really O.D.’d on old Annette Funicello flicks the weekend before.) Jimena smiles and they kiss again.

Sofia promises the Virgencita that she will sacrifice her love if she will take her mother’s suffering away and make her better. Then losing Juan will have been worth it. At the same time Juan is still galloping around in the moonlight and screaming (EY’s signature, I guess) to the heavens for Libia to get Sofia out of his heart forever and always.

Back in town, Rosario takes Luis to church and they say a little prayer. While walking him back to the bar she stops in her tracks thinking the man in front of her is Franco, but she realizes he’s only a stranger. Armando has a big ugly laugh about it. She stops to wonder why Franco threw her over for another woman, but then figures it might be for the best since if he really knew the truth about her he’d despise her.

In his room alone, Franco moons over Rosario’s supposed secret and her son who he mistakenly thinks is Armando’s. “That was the last thing I expected of her –a son! A son!” Sarita meanwhile looks at the moon and pines away for Franco.

Oscar has brought Jimena back to his place to visit with her granddad. She tells him that Sofia is living in a convent and that her mother has been locking her in her room except to go out with Octavio, so she’s had to sneak out the balcony with Oscar to get there. Augie notices that something’s developed between her and Oscar while he was sent away. She admits they are a couple now and Oscar says they’re getting married. Augie gives them his blessing. Franco comes out from his room then and they ask where Juan is. Franco tells them that he ran off with Sofia. Franco says Juan told him himself that he planned to run away with Sofia that night. After Oscar leaves to take Jimena home Augie tells Quintina he knew Sofia loved Juan from the start.

Juan, though, is actually now at the rectory and talking with Padre Tadeo. “Yes, we were going to run away, Padre. We had verbally agreed to it but she decided to stay with her mother.” Tadeo tells Juan he needs to understand that Gabriela is very ill. Juan disagrees and says the old woman is faking it as far as he’s concerned, to maintain control over her daughters, to blackmail them somehow. Tadeo tells him then that love withstands all, gives all and forgives all. Juan admits he’s going to love Sofia for the rest of his life.

Afterward Juan ends up at the Bad Love Bar to drown his sorrows. He gets drunk to the Mariachi band there playing badly off-key songs about bad love. (Off-key, but they still sound a heck of a lot better than the stuff being played on those 10 watt Duranguese AM stations we get in the boonies here, the stuff that sounds like somebody’s cousin had recorded of their best friend’s amateur band performing at their sister’s wedding.)

A couple of the regulars notice Juan and one says that Juan never comes in there, let alone drinks. The other says tonight though it looks like something’s really bugging him. (Man, I can’t get over the size of those sombreros! I’m getting’ dizzy watching those huge things bob and weave. I guess though, it’s the law of the machismo jungle that just like their American counterparts, vaqueros and vaquero wanna-be’s always gotta keep their spurs and sombreros on. It’s just that with the size of those things, it’s a wonder they don’t all suffer from bobble-head syndrome down there in Puebla.) Juan can’t help it. He gets carried away by the words in the song and decides to sing along with the band. (Oh, no! Eduardo, as we all know from Desti days, can’t sing to save his soul. I‘ve been desperately praying they weren’t going to torture us with another song from him. The man is too much of a hunk to demean himself this way.) Juan chimes in drunkenly every few words and remembers his encounters with Sofia from first to last, especially their making love in the abandoned barn. He takes another drink to forget and to dull his pain.

=============

Next episodio: Grab your glasses and hold onto your ..... sombreros, boys! It looks like we’re gonna be treated to a good ol’ fashioned bar-brawl free-for-all!

Labels: Fuego

Permalink posted by Jardinera654 @ 11:55 AM 44 comments

But you can certainly scare the bejezus out of a cowering car jockey and his compadres

I'm going to have to do a quick recap today, as we are heading off for a bar mitzvah, and I want to get this finished. I did not have time to go back and watch some gaps, so please fill in if you wouldn't mind.

Recaps from yesterday:
Socorro catches Karla talking to Connie when he has snuck into the girls' dorm. She refuses to believe that nothing sexual is going on. She calls him a dirty old man.

(compressing segments here) Alex and Luci discuss why she never told him all this stuff. She gives her usual lying answer. She is angry at Mili for breaking her promise not to tell. Alex says it's a disgrace how she has treated Mili. She asks him why she should be so kind to the bastard child of "your father"--should she welcome her with open arms? He says he now knows what she did at the church, and he is appalled. He says he knows his father (Connie) is an infeliz, and she says the equivalent of "you don't know the half." She tells him to stick with Flor so he can be happy. Alex seethes.

Rocky is moping at Vulcanizadora Valeria. Horacio tries to cheer him up.

Mili is lying in the middle of Regina's big bed. The girls come in and try to get details of her romantic getaway. They want to know what it was like to be with a man. Mili says they're just gossips. They ask her not to be "gacha," or annoying . . . (like "don't be that way").
She says they just talked and went away. She looks sad.

Hugo is sniffing a scarf in a sick stalkery way. Que the heck! Alex comes in and interrupts. Hugo wants to know what happened, and Alex says it's none of his business, but in short, he told Mili to be with Hugo. Hugo says he thinks Alex is making fun of him. Alex says no, but Hugo had better treat her right or he'll have the devil to pay.

Connie fumes over the photo of Rocky. Karla arrives with the address of the tire store. Connie shouts for Braulio, then gets an enormous shotgun and takes off for the tire store. I really don't know what to say about this shotgun. It's just so big, so terrifying, I just can't do anything but drop my jaw in astonishment.

Connie tells Val not to move. I think Brau apologizes for his failure to keep the picture from Connie.

Comic relief segment: Horacio and Rocky have one of those malaprop exchanges with the deaf guy. I don't follow it all except for a shout out to Paty Navidad. Did anyone catch what was the homonym for my girl Alicia Ferreira? I wish she would appear in something else, as I regard her as a great comic talent.

Mili is out at the soccer field with Hugo. He says that Alex has told him the field was free for him.

Alex goes to see Flor. I skip over this until the end where he grabs her and kisses her madly, asking her to rub herself all over his skin, his heart, etc., to erase his memories of Mili. He asks Flor why she isn't asking him what happened. She says all that matters is that he is there with her now.

Hugo tries to get Mili to spill the beans. Nada, but they're still novios. She says, however, that she can't lie, and she really still loves Alex. They kiss, and Padre M suddenly comes up and interrupts in his GoGo shirt. There's another one of those mistaken information exchanges, where he asks why she's not with Alex, and she says, well I did what you said and I told the truth. So why aren't you with Alex? Huh? Come on, Padre, do something!

Connie now gets out of his big car with the big gun at the little tire store. More malaprops: You are loca, no I don't have coca. Do I look like a narcotraficante? Morgan cowers behind a trunk while Horacio and Chalupa try to hide him.

Padre M calls Nestor to find out what went wrong. He's in a hospital waiting for the DNA tests. He said he didn't feel it was the right time to tell now that he thinks Alex might not be his son. (oh, please, at least he's not Connie's son--tell him that!). He ends the call with the arrival of Luci with the "DNA samples." (I use that term advisedly.)

Raise your hand if you think Luci has really brought hair from Alex's bedroom. Now a show of hands for those who think Luci has gone out on the streets of Mexico City and gathered hair from rabid stray dogs. (or a third option--she's brought Connie's hair?). Another show of hands for those who think Nestor is an easily manipulated idiot who should have collected the sample himself by surreptiously pulling hair from Alex's head or something like that. Luci's scheming look tells you that something's up. (Although who knows what Luci's own DNA would show--something not human, I'm sure. Remember the scene in The Omen when they find out that Damien's mother had the DNA of a jackal?)

Connie is now in the tire store pointing the gun and saying I give you three seconds to produce Alejandro. Yes, that's what my captions say, and I know that's a typo. I can't really hear what he says, though, oddly enough. Morgan comes out with his hands up. Connie sticks the shotgun down the front of Morgan's pants and threatens him. It's just horrible is all I can say.

Mat comes to the mansion to see Mili, but Braulio sends him away. Val is then caught by Braulio, who handcuffs her to a chair! Braulio sees Mili in the house and says he was worried about her. He hugs her. Hugo comes in and asks why Brau is hugging his girlfriend. Uncle Brau has to let go. There's another scene here where Braulio reveals to Luci that he doesn't want Mili to be with Alex because Alex has made her suffer so much and he doesn't deserve her. So that explains his motivation for not revealing the truth. Uncle Brau, please!

Socoro and Gloria arrive at the tire shop. Chalupa takes Gloria away for a "chat." Maybe they will practice more of those French kisses Sor Cachete was teaching them about until they get it right.

Florencia and Domingo talk with Alex. Alex asks to see Domingo alone. He tells him he will not work for Domingo. He doesn't need his help. I didn't have time to write all this down.
Domingo keeps threatening Alex.

Hugo makes a new painting of Mili. When she sees it (thankfully, she's wearing clothes this time), she is shocked by how sad she looks. Hugo tells Mili that he doesn't really want her the way she is not really loving him. (This is certainly a new Hugo.) He says that to love is to know when to give up. He loves her so much he gives her up.

Karla meets Connie in the yard again for one of their informational exchanges and she trips and falls into his arms. Socorro espies them from a distance, of course, and gets the wrong idea again.

Avances: Connie receives a special delivery letter from the Caiman Islands Bank. He's smiling until he opens it and realizes the account has been drained. Luci hits Karla.

Labels: guapos

You were right, Marie Celeste (como siempre). This was a great couple of episodes and I haven't even seen the last 15 minutes.

How long was Fernando working at the Hacienda before he caught Norma on her Saturday fence visits with Juan? One day?

How many times is Norma going to insist that she can do what she wants - visiting Juan, deciding to name the baby Juan David but refuse to just leave when her mother goes ballistic.

Uh oh, Fernando hooks up with Dínorah - they will have a common enemy - Juan

Óscar's plan to get back with Jimena was very funny. They are a very cute couple.

It was great when Franco threw Rosario out of the Hacienda. I didn't realize how much Juan dislikes Rosario. And now the nitwit, I forget his name, who played Agapito in Zorro, is going to follow Rosario. That will work out well, I'm sure.

Looking forward to Monday

Labels: gavilanes