Caray, Caray!

Arturo looks at the sleeping baby and says that he hopes someone comes for her before it’s too late. He says that it is obvious that no one has been in the house for a while but this is the perfect place, the place that only Alcides would bring the baby to separate her from her mother. He looks at the sleeping Aurora and says that she is small but she will bring great headaches to his worst enemy. He says goodbye to the baby and leaves.

Dr. Dan says to Alcides that his arm is bleeding and that is why he asked. Alcides replies that he had an accident recently while practicing with a lance. Ester says she doesn’t believe him. Who knows what he was doing when he was injured. She is convinced that it was Alcides who took the baby. Alcides asks what proof she has. Ester puts forward the circumstantial evidence already mentioned: Alcides has been inside her house without permission and he bought clothes for the baby. Alcides protests again that he bought the clothes to be nice to Soledad. Soledad says that she just wants the baby back. Dr. Dan reports that the whole house has been searched, including the basement, and the baby is not here. They should look somewhere else.

Alcides says that he will look too and he promises to find the baby if he has to go the ends of the earth and the bottom of the sea. Soledad says that if he took the baby only to pretend to be a hero and bring her back, he is wrong. Alcides denies that he would do something like that. Can’t Soledad tell that he is speaking from the heart? Ester says that Alcides doesn’t have a heart and gets the nasty look. Soledad says this is exactly what he did to Hugo: pretend to save him and then betray him. “Alcides, what kind of a person are you?” asks Soledad. “I’m just the man who loves you. That’s who I am. And you, as always, don’t trust me.” Alcides then says Soledad should ask Hugo where the baby is. Where is Hugo? Soledad says, “Hugo!” and runs out. Ester follows. Dr. Dan says that Alcides is very smart. He is implicating his brother to gain some time but it won’t work. He leaves. Alcides is alone with Marina. He picks up the baby clothes and gives them to Marina to take care of. Alcides wonders aloud if Hugo is capable of kidnapping his own niece. Marina suggests that the kidnapper might be Arturo de Linares.

Alone in the cabaña, Aurora starts to cry.

Antonia is praying that Aurorita is safe and sound. She finds some men’s clothes in the laundry. She flashes back to Paquito telling her how he would pass her off as a man. She says that she could never dress as a man. But then she says that the household needs the money. No one would recognize her anyway. Then she wonders how she could be thinking of such trifles when Aurora has disappeared.

Alcides is cleaning the blood off his jacket. He says Arturo’s name and Marina replies that she thought of him because he is Alcides’ worst enemy. Marina doesn’t think Hugo would kidnap his own daughter. Alcides doesn’t think so either. Alcides says that Arturo is the only one who would do anything to get revenge on him. This would be the perfect opportunity for Arturo. Alcides says that Marina is very observant and thanks her. He will find his niece himself. A glass of water and few nuts and he’s off.

Soledad and Ester find Ursula in the plaza. Ursula asks if the baby has been found. Soledad says no. She wasn’t at Alcides’ house. They searched the place. Soledad is panicking. Ester tells her to calm down and find Hugo. Ursula tells them that Hugo left town to find Michelle. Soledad comes to the same conclusion as Ursula did originally – that Hugo has the baby.

Hercu-less is standing in the street presumably outside Arturo’s house. Alcides comes up and they each ask the other what he is doing there. Herc says that he is watching for any suspicious movements by Arturo in case he tries to do anything against Alcides. Alcides tells him not to be an idiot. He came here after his woman. Alcides asks if Herc has seen Arturo. Herc says that Arturo went out very early, came back a short time later and has gone out again and not returned. Alcides concludes that it must have been Arturo who took the baby. He asks Herc if Arturo had a baby or anything that would hold a baby. Before Herc can answer, Alcides draws his gun and shoots at Arturo who is walking up the street. Passers by flee in terror. Alcides runs up, tosses his cane to Herc and grabs Arturo. He says that he missed on purpose, not because he is a bad shot. He demands to know where Soledad’s daughter is. Where did Arturo take his niece?

Arturo asks what the hell he is talking about. Alcides says that his niece was kidnapped and he knows that Arturo did it to get revenge on him. Alcides asks Arturo where he has been. Arturo says he has been taking care of business. Alcides says that Herc has reported seeing him go in and out of the house several times. What was he doing? Arturo says so Hercu-less was spying on him. “On my orders,” says Alcides. Arturo says that Alcides should ask Herc, then. Has Herc seen Arturo go in or out of his house with a baby? He invites Alcides to come in and search his house. He has nothing to do with this and his vengeance would never involve a child or an old person. Alcides says that he doesn’t believe in Arturo’s moral protestations. Arturo wants Alcides to be blamed for the baby’s disappearance to prejudice Soledad against him. “Listen to me,” says Alcides, “where did you take her?” Gladis comes out of the house. She heard a shot and wants to know what’s is going on. Arturo tells his mother that it is nothing. Alcides’ gun went off by accident. Alcides puts away his gun and tells Arturo that he hopes he is telling the truth. If he finds the baby and finds out that Arturo was involved, someone (he indicates Gladis) will pay the consequences. Alcides and Herc leave.

Eloisa comes into Michelle’s room at the hotel. She says to herself that she has completed the first part of Alcides’ plan: everyone believes that Michelle left without saying goodbye. Now she needs something to tie Alcides’ alibi with Michelle’s disappearance. She finds Michelle’s diary and reads what Michelle wrote about loving Hugo. She says that love is so tacky. How could a smart woman like Michelle write such stupid things? She says that Alcides will be able to make use of the diary. At this moment Boris comes in and asks what Eloisa is doing in Michelle’s room.

Aurora is still crying.

Ester says that she distrusts Hugo as much as Alcides. Either of them is capable of anything. Soledad asks why Hugo would take Aurora. It doesn’t make sense; he’s her father. Ursula says that Hugo didn’t take Aurora. Boris told her that he took Hugo to the train and he didn’t have a baby. Dr. Dan agrees that it doesn’t seem possible that Hugo would have kidnapped the baby. He suggests that they go to the police and ask if there is any information. Soledad is panicking again. She says that if Aurora isn’t with them and isn’t with her father, what if she has a catalepsy attack? Soledad has to sit down and cry.

Hugo’s on the train. He flashes back to one of his many encounters with Soledad as Alcides where he tried to find out about her feelings for Hugo. This is just filler. Hugo gets a telegram telling him about Aurora’s disappearance. He just sits there. (Get off the train, Hugo!)

Holding the diary behind her back, Eloisa says that Michelle asked her to pack up her things and send them to her. Boris says that he will help but Eloisa says that she would rather do it herself. Boris asks if Eloisa has heard that Soledad’s daughter has disappeared. Eloisa says that she was in the Obragon house when the baby was discovered to be missing. Eloisa asks where Hugo is. Boris says that Hugo left town to find Michelle. “That can’t be,” says Eloisa. Boris says that he doesn’t understand. Eloisa recovers by saying that Michelle didn’t want to see Hugo. Boris replies that he sent Hugo a telegram about his daughter’s disappearance and he expects that Hugo will return to San Marino when he gets it. Eloisa says that it is right for Hugo to return in this difficult time. To herself, Eloisa says, “If only this idiot knew that Michelle is dead.”

Margot is making her bed when Arturo barges in and accuses her of being in this room with Hercu-less. Margot says that she doesn’t know what he is talking about. Arturo demands that she confess that Herc was here with her.

Antonia has put on men’s clothing that is much too big for her and is trying to walk like a man. She looks at herself in the mirror and says that she can’t pretend to be a man – she can’t. What idiocy is she thinking about? She can’t accept that journalist’s offer to play piano in a cabaret. She can’t.

Ester, Dr. Dan and Ursula try to get Soledad to calm down. The judge comes out. He says that he is investigating the matter and he has a suspect. He says that Michelle Phillips disappeared at the same time as her daughter. They are investigating the possibility that Michelle took the child. Dr. Dan says that it is impossible. The judge asks if there was any rivalry or conflict between Michelle and Soledad? Soledad asks if they have all gone crazy. Michelle is incapable of doing something like that. Dr. Dan agrees. Ester asks what motive Michelle would have and the judge says motive doesn’t matter. They won’t rule anything out. He advises Soledad to go home and when he has some information, he will bring it to her personally. (I wouldn’t hold my breath. They are the ones who convicted Hugo of attempted murder on no evidence.)

Paquito is in search of pianist. He runs into Eloisa. He wants to know if Alcides took care of Michelle. Eloisa tells him that Michelle is dead and that Alcides took her to the treasure vault, they fought and he killed her. Paquito wants to know where her body is. Eloisa says that Alcides wouldn’t tell her that. Paquito is concerned that if her body isn’t found in the next couple of days, they could all be in trouble. Eloisa tells Paquito about Alcides’ plan to make everyone believe that Michelle left town. Paquito can’t believe that people believed that but Eloisa tells him that she convinced everyone. Paquito says that she is a little devil (una diabilla). She deserves a prize. They kiss.

Margot is folding up laundry. Hercu-less comes in through the window. He sees that Margot is crying and says that he hopes that animal Arturo didn’t hurt her. Arturo appears and says that he didn’t hurt Margot, he set a trap so that Herc would betray himself without any evidence.

Aurora is crying.

Alcides comes to the Obragon house in the rain. He is accosted by several uniformed men who say that they are guards hired by Dr. Dan to keep anyone but family from entering the Obragon house. One guard notes that Alcides looks just like the guy they just let in. And so it is. Hugo is inside. Ester asks if Hugo has her granddaughter. Hugo says that he is incapable of doing something like that. As soon as he heard, he came back on the train. He asks where Soledad is? Soledad comes in and asks Hugo to tell her that he didn’t take their daughter. Hugo says that he never could be capable of doing that, never. Soledad goes to Hugo and says, crying, “They took our daughter.” Hugo embraces her, “How could this happen to our baby?” Dr. Dan looks on unhappily. Hugo asks Soledad to stay calm. They will find the baby. Soledad says that no one has seen the baby and she is scared. Hugo says that is why he came back, to find Aurora.

Ester tells Soledad to be calm. She isn’t alone. She has her family and Dr. Dan who has been taking care of everything. Soledad tells Ester that she thanks Dr. Dan but they have to understand her anguish. In her desperation, she even thought Hugo had taken the baby. Hugo swears again that he would never do something like that. “If you don’t have her and Alcides didn’t, then who has her?” asks Soledad. Hugo asks if Alcides told her that he hadn’t taken the baby. Dr. Dan says that they searched the whole Hacienda and Alcides denied having the baby. Soledad asks who could have the baby, then? Hugo says that Alcides is capable of doing something like this but he doesn’t know. He doesn’t understand ‘Alcides the millionaire.’ He doesn’t know what to think about Alcides. Hugo says that he doesn’t know who has the baby. Soledad says that Boris told them he had gone after Michelle. Hugo admits this and says that Boris sent him a telegram about the baby. He came back right away. Soledad asks again who could have the baby. Who could be so perverse? Hugo says once again that he doesn’t have the baby. “I’d be incapable of doing something like that, not because of our daughter, not because of her but because I’d never forgive myself if I caused you any more pain.” Dr. Dan is not happy to hear all this.

Arturo asks Hercu-less why Alcides thinks that Arturo took Soledad’s baby.

Outside the house, Alcides learns that Hugo is inside. The guards ask if they should let Hugo know his brother is here.

Dr. Dan says that at least they know Alcides won’t come back. The guards he hired won’t let anyone in. Ester says some rude things about the Medinas. Antonia and Lucas come in and agree that they can’t just sit and do nothing. Hugo asks if the police have any suspects. Dr. Dan says that they have an incredible one – Michelle. The baby and Michelle disappeared at the same time. Hugo says that is absurd.

Margot babbles about how terrible it is that someone would kidnap a baby who is less than a year old. Arturo tells her to shut up. There is no need to get sentimental. Arturo asks Heru-less why Alcides thinks that he took the baby. Herc says that he doesn’t know. He was with Margot and then ran into Alcides as he was leaving the house. Arturo says that Herc is admitting he was with Margot. Arturo tells Margot to leave. She wants him to promise that he won’t hurt Herc. Arturo says he just wants to talk. Herc warns Arturo that Alcides knows where he is.

He guards say that their orders are not to let anyone in the house unless the Obragon family authorizes it. Alcides says that if his brother is there, he doesn’t need to be. As he leaves, he says to himself, that having all these people around is going to make it harder to get to the treasure vault. He says that he has to bury Michelle and convince everyone that she left San Marino. He has to find Aurora.

In the cabaña, Aurora is sleeping (or having a catalepsy attack).

Boris is packing up Hugo’s stuff. He flashes back to Hugo saying (on Friday) that since Michelle has gone, there is no point in staying at the hotel and they will go to the cabaña in the woods. Boris says that before Hugo returns, he will take his stuff to the cabaña.

Hugo tells Soledad that Michelle didn’t do it. She is incapable of taking their daughter. Soledad says that is the problem – everyone is innocent. Even Alcides convinced her with his words that he was innocent. She doesn’t want to be convinced of anything, she just wants her daughter.

The guards report that Alcides was outside and didn’t come in when he heard his brother was there. Soledad asks how Alcides could come back to this house. Dr. Dan finds his behavior suspicious and goes to confront Alcides. Soledad asks him not to leave but he is gone. Soledad starts to cry again, seeks Hugo’s embrace and faints. He holds her.

Arturo tells Herc that he doesn’t want him hanging around or spying on him anymore. He claims he had nothing to do with the baby’s disappearance. He doesn’t want to hear from Herc or Alcides and if he sees Herc around again, Margot will suffer. Herc says that none of this is Margot’s fault. Arturo tells him not to push his luck. Margot saved his life once but it won’t happen again. Arturo tells Herc to leave by the same hole he came in through.

Boris sends the luggage down. He says that there will be a new beginning in the cabaña in the forest.

Eloisa gives Alcides Michelle’s diary. Alcides asks about what Paquito knows. Eloisa tells him not to be concerned about Paquito. He is only concerned with the opening of his cabaret. Eloisa says that she is worried about Hugo. Boris told her that Hugo had gone to find Michelle. Alcides says not to worry about Hugo. They have to make everyone believe that Michelle left. He finds Michelle’s last entry in her diary. It says that the baby will always come between Hugo and her but she loves the baby like her own. Eloisa thinks that is good material but Alcides says that it implies that Michelle took the baby. He doesn’t want everyone looking for Michelle. He wants them to forget about her. He searches for something more useful.

Soledad is dreaming that she is running in the woods. She falls and has a dream in her dream. Hugo accuses her of betraying him. A child says, “Mother and Father, don’t let your love die.” She has her dream of trying to save Hugo from the grave in her wedding dress. She calls for help. The little girl says that she must not let Hugo die.

Arturo is near the cabaña. He sees that no one has been there. He says too bad for Hugo and Soledad’s baby. Then a wagon pulls up. It’s Boris. Arturo says that Boris will discover the baby in one of Alcides’ properties. The credits roll.

Tomorrow – Let’s hope something happens.

Labels: la traicion

We will try to swallow our disappointments of last week and start fresh with the continuation.

The heart to heart discussion between the sisters, best friends, Marely finally asks Paula the right question: Do you still love Juan? Paula gives the wrong answer: There has been a lot of water under the bridge in the story between Juan and me. Marely correctly says, but that doesn't answer my question... Paula waffles with, Juan isn't interested in me now, he's not exactly a candidate of choice. Marely holds hard, well it may be an option or not, but you are avoiding my question: do you love him or not? Paula hedges If she loved Juan why would she be looking for something with another person? To whom are you referring? Sandro (S2 actually turns her on?? Oops, nobody asked me) This is a possibility? Marely points out that not very long ago they were both interested in Juan, you were wanting me to investigate who he was going out with. Paula says, Errrr, I was just looking into another lie by Juan. Marely makes one little right decision, I don't believe a thing you are saying. Well, as you can find out (averiguar) I was still a little interested in Juan, but Sandro arrived and little by little he has conquered me, well, Juan stayed in the past and now Sandro is the future. Marely still uncertain, says are you being completely honest with me? Paula makes another dodge, Marely you are my sister, my best friend and what is most important to me is your happiness. Marely then gains confidence, then if I am interested in Juan, I won't be betraying you? Juan is already out of my heart and if at one time I felt something for him now there is nothing. Paula avers that Marely's news is a great happiness to her. Amidst hugs and kisses, Marely asks if she can ask a favor and spend the night at her house. Since Paula has set up this front, she can't actually back down now, so of course, she and Ivonne were about to have supper so Marely can get settled and eat with them. With brave smiles everyone leaves the room.

Upstairs, Paula bursts into the room where Ivonne is relaxing on the bed. She next bursts into tears saying the worst thing she could imagine has happened, Marely has returned to accept Juan's offer. Ivonne sanely suggests that if Paula still loves Juan, she needs to talk with him immediately. But Paula with pouts pouring out of her just CAN'T. Marely adores him and she can't spoil her happiness. I will have to bury my feelings in a trunk (baul) forever. Ivonne hugs her in silent understanding.

Nidia has donned a new snit faster than she changed hats, that inconsiderate child didn't even advise her that she has landed. She could have been kidnapped (raptó) by a Spanish bandit, a Zorro! [Ed note: reminds me of the Mad Magazine parody of the King Lear line: "How like a child's tooth, an ungrateful serpent..."] Imagine the quantity of dangers that lie in wait for (acechar) my daughter. Accompanied by violins, the supercilious Alirio pooh-poohs her worries, then adds, believe me my heart, given the strong character of this girl, the danger is run by those who would try anything with her.

Behind Nidia's back, Alirio takes out a large stack of bills and fans them like playing cards. Nidia sniffs loudly then announces, the smell (huele) of money! He hands a fistful to Nidia for her expenses, his little doll. this fortune (dineral)? questions Nidia. Alirio doles out more bills for NIdia to buy dresses, perfume or jewelry. But where did this much money come from? Alirio says coyly, a client gave him and advance (anticipo). The bad streak (racha) has left this family! This is just the first of more to come. Prepare yourself to administer abundance, declares the swelling Alirio.

Paula continues blubbering while Ivonne sympathizes, but this isn't just. Paula disagrees this is the most just thing for Marely's sake. In a long stream of words as pathetic as the black mascara trickling down her cheek, Paula recounts how she didn't realize how Marely had suffered while she and others carried on with Juan. Yes, she really loved Juan but she humiliated him a thousand and one times and used him to get back at Cesar Luis. So..... Marely deserves to have a chance at happiness and to realize her great love for Juan.

The next morning a sleepy Alirio rises up to see the flamenco ruffle clad Nidia with a flower bow on the top of her head, apparently having had time to shop with the new money. But, never mind she announces that she couldn't sleep all night so has decided she needs to travel to Spain immediately to check on her daughter. Huh?? Yes, right now she is on her way to the embassy to see about getting to Spain.

Marely in dressing gown astounds Ana downstairs at the Davila house. The expected: what are you doing here is met with Marely forthrightly announcing that she stayed in Mexico so she could accept Juan as her fiance (novio). Probably everyone thinks she's a fool, but she inquires of Paula if this wasnt' the best thing to do. Marely discusses all the people who will be astounded at her staying and no her mother doesn't know yet. She plans to go talk with Juan first. Someone rings the bell, Ivonne descends the stairs and answers the door while Marely looks scared.

Nidia informs Alirio that no one can stop her from going off to Spain, she can disappear and get to Spain before he can cross the room. He boasts that nothing will keep him from following right behind her. Oh no, oh no, she holds her fingers in a cross to ward off the vampire. He promises that he would follow her to the north pole. Down at the breakfast she tells Yadira and the baby that she is on her way to the Spanish consulate to get her visa and in this attire (atuendo) and her shapely charms, she is sure to be approved. Yadira quips that she is just as likely to get a free trip to the insane asylum. Nidia says her dress is to show respect for this beautiful country. Yadi tries to convince her that no one dresses that way which is shameful. Nidia dances off while Yadi answers the ringing phone. She tells Marely on the other end that her mother is determined to come to Spain, but Marely says she isn't there. What happened, they deported you? No, she didn't ever leave Mexico. Yadi says her mother is already dressed to the nines in the zarazuela type costume (manolo).

Kike tells Angarita that he has plans to leave his job by the end of the month to start his own transportation business. Anga thinks this is crazy, Kike has little head or time for all the business details. Kike snaps back that if Anga can join forces with his EX, he can look for another guy (guey) too. You have no idea the injustice you are committing with me. Kike flies out of the room not listening to Anga saying he has to clarify things with Nidia and Yadira.

Juan, Sandro2, and Laura agree that Laura will happily work with Sandro now like a fish in water. Sandro2 makes flirty comments to Laura about all her fine qualities not being wasted on him. Juan finds thought energy to be a bit jealous but mostly glad this is taken care of. Juan rises and kisses Laura [I never had this kind of boss either, Jeanne]

Marely arrives home going into her room with Yadira who has suspicions already that Enrique has another old woman already. Marely reminds her that she made this situation and a divorce means he is free too. Yadira is just a little angry and can't figure out how someone who has only been separated one day [how quickly she forgets her little interlude with the professor] can have arranged his new life and have taken flight without a ramp (ranfla). Marely says she needs to forget about what he is doing and concentrate on her own future and Nidia Micaela's. Snarling from Yadira.

We see the Spanish Embassy then Nidia flaunting her stuff for the handsome interviewer for visas. He flirting says she must be a flamenco dancer with this costume. She sits on his desk and assures him that her specialty is the dance of the seven veils. In this case says he, she doesn't need a visa at all. Nidia reveals that her stage name is Bridgette. They flirt unmercifully, she actually ends up sitting on his desk with her head on his shoulder telling him they would dance until night fall and darkness. He dances too [I haven't had embassy experiences nearly this fun either].

Yadira makes a crank call to Juan's office to Marely's regret. She tells the Ivonne type as Yadi describes her that Juan's girlfriend called.

Juan walks into the plush hotel dining room and greets the standing and then seated crowd. As he kisses Hillary's hand, her father apologizes for his former treatment of Juan. Oh Plutarco, Juan croons not a problem. Plutarco beams that Juan really isn't common as he originally thought. Plutarco used to running things runs the conversation straight toward formalizing this relationship with Juan and Hillary as Juan looks like his collar has shrunk suddenly. Hillary assures her papa that Juan will be the best boyfriend in the world.

Papa and Hillary enthuse about Juan as the novio who will not disappoint. Juan thinks he doesn't want to appear a yokel (patán) in front of all this fine distinguished company. He gulps some yeses and sweats.

Ivonne is asking someone on the phone if they have inflatable boats for rent. Fernando leans over her desk and she fills him in that she is trying to prove that there could have been an inflatable boat that one person could carry and inflate alone. She wants to prove another theory besides Cesar Luis being eaten by sharks. Yadira calls her and the usual snippy conversation conveys that Juan is not there, he is at his important lunch with important bankers and who knows when he will be back. Well, tell him to call Yadira at the Cachon house, it is important.

The important bankers congratulate Plutarco's son-in-law (yerno), ask about playing golf, ask about the date of the wedding, congratulate Juan on his engagement and leave. Juan thanks Plutarco for his vote of confidence. Hillary just wants to seal the engagement with a long kiss.

Yadira and Marely call the office, Marely's radar at least works, she is worried about Juan lunching with bankers when Farell doesn't do business with bankers. Then they call the office again this time asking for Paula. She has gone out too and Marely is sure that she has been betrayed again, but Yadira finally lets her know that Paula is having lunch with Ivonne.

Nidia dances the flamenco with her fans singing with the recorded music in her living room until Yadira comes down the stairs to stop her from waking the baby. She announces that Mexicans can go to Spain without a visa for up to three months. She sings, she dances, she twirls in her flamenco skirt, Yadira can't get her to stop and listen but suddenly the appearance of Marely coming down the stairs stops her cold. Marely couldn't leave she says.

Flash over to Juan and Hillary doing the tongue flamenco still in the fancy dining room sadly interrupted by the waiter who needs to close the room. He thinks they should keep this heat going and slide off to a place with music and romance. She has things to do but wants to meet him later in the evening and they can go look at ice sculptures. He thinks ice, marble, clay, sculpture sounds good. She must be thinking of wedding details?? Speaking of clay, he suddenly remembers the pottery wheel flamenco that Laura is waiting to give him. He debates going to tell Laura that he is now an engaged man. Instead, he tells Hillary he remembered that he has an important meeting with investors that very evening. He kisses Hillary for being so understanding.

Marely regales her Mom and Yadira with her brave risk taking move that she has made rather than always being so rational. She flatters Nidia that she will be more like her. Both N and Y are waiting to hear what this big risk taking event could possibly be if going to have an exciting life in Spain wasn't it. [Sorry I've lost my professional distance and calm here].

Juan regales Kike with his earth shaking lunch with bankers where he became the fiance engaged to Hillary in the luxurious set up (tingladito). Kike teases that when he becomes famous, Juan mustn't forget his old friends. Then Kike tells Juan of his happy news of going to live with the lovely Julia and to start their business: Super Transportes Bueno Lindo. Again the phone rings, it's Yadira who demands that Juan must come to the house immediately.

Alirio, once again, has the bank officer helping him understand these mysterious computers and in the meantime gets the codes he needs for his bank account withdrawals.

Paula and Ivonne come back from lunch and wonder where is Juan. Commiserate how much Paula is sacrificing to let Marely have Juan.

Juan finally shows up at casa Cachon does a bit of flamenco with NIdia who tells him he has much to celebrate: Once again the lovely Marely appears on the stairs above the surprised then beaming Juan and the flamenco queen Nidia.

Alirio tells Gutierrez that he successfully went to the bank and turned his balance (saldo) into zeros. Gutis asks him if he still has the password codes. Alirio side steps and talks about more transfers. Gutis warns him that too many and too fast movements will raise suspicions.

Marely and Nidia argue in front of Juan who thought dreams about the best opportunity of his life. Marely insists that they won't do their talk in front of Nidia but in the office. Once there she explains that she realized that Juan is the love of her life and she gave up Spain to come back. She also tells him that she knows he loves Paula best but she will love him enough for both of them and eventually maybe he will love her that much too.He is thinking that now he has both Hillary and Marely to choose from but the lovely rose garden Marely wins handily. NIdia is listening on the other side of the door. Yadira joins her they listen, Yadi starts to kvetch about Kike but stops to listen with Nidia. Inside Marely and Juan go through the "is the offer still open" talk which leads to more tongue flamenco which we are told once again if it resembles reality, it is just a coincidence..


VOCABULARY:
Averiguar = to find out, to verify
Baul = trunk
Raptar = to kidnap
Acechar = to lie in wait
Huele from Oler = to smell
Dineral = fortune
Anticipo = advance, retaining fee
Racha = gust of wind, series, streak
Novio = fiance, intended, boyfriend
Atuendo = attire
Manolo = a man usually from Madrid dressed in flamboyant zarazuela style
Guey = guy, type
Ranfla = ramp
Patán = yokel, rustic
Tinglado, tingladito = set-up, platform
Saldo = balance

Labels: Juan

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