Caray, Caray!

Alex and MaryJo continue their middle-of-the-night chat. Alex is such a dip he says he didn't "notice" that MaryJo was a virgin. She doesn't take it kindly. He wants to know about the cell phone he saw her putting in her pocket earlier. She tries to pretend she doesn't know what he's talking about, but once he starts searching through her stuff she pulls it out and hands it to him. He can see that it's Bruno's and wonders why she has it. She explains about the recording, which they listen to, and then tells him that Bruno wants her to say she's expecting a Little Bruno. Alex has had it! He doesn't care if he and Bruno share blood, he wants to kill him. He tells MaryJo that he shares a dad with Bruno and she freaks out that he can't even think of turning into Cain over this. Um, right, cause if you're not related, go ahead and kill him, but if you are, oh noes! Don't even think it! I want to crack up when Alex basically says "yeah, well, he started it." MaryJo now tries to remind him that her family isn't exactly perfect, and how she got them in trouble by falling for Bruno, etc. But Alex just doesn't like the people around him very much right now. "Even Victoria?" MaryJo asks. "She slept with my dad while my mom was still alive." MaryJo has no answer to this.

In another part of town, Maura, Roberto, Raquel, and Ulises are hanging out in what's probably supposed to be a bar, but looks more like an airport terminal. Roberto tells them about seeing MaryJo take the cell phone from Bruno, but he doesn't really know what that's about. Raquel is convinced that MaryJo and Bruno knew each other before and were lovers. Ulises wonders if that was before or after the wedding with Alex, but Roberto points out that nobody is supposed to have met MaryJo before. Maura asks Ulises to walk her to the bathroom. Why? I'm pretty sure he's not using the ladies', and they don't wear the same shade of lipstick. When they leave, Raquel tells Roberto that Maura has the soul of a "ramera" (ho) and is panting after Ulises even though she's supposedly in luuuuurve with Alex. Roberto is either bored or annoyed as he says, "a ti que te importa?" (what's it matter to you?), and we all know the answer to that question.

Maura proposes that Ulises earn himself some money by…no, not sleeping with her. She has a bigger fish to fry, a fish named Alex. And no, she doesn't think Ulises can seduce the "provinciana" (hick) either. She wants him to find out if there's "algo turbio" (something shady) going on with Alex, MaryJo, and Bruno, by getting close to the three of them. Maura is pissed off that she got dumped for a "criada" (maid) and is getting made fun of by her friends. Ulises needs to pick a side. Well, since she offered to pay and he's staying at her place for free, Ulises opts for a spot on Team Maura.

MaryJo tries to convince Alex that she's nothing but trouble and she and her family should get far, far away from him. They'll give him the papers for the apartment and he can sell it and send them whatever amount of money he thinks is fair. She asks about the paperwork to change their marriage to a non-"you get half of everything" arrangement. He says it's done, except for their signatures. He doesn't want to divorce her, though, until they find out if she's pregnant, which she immediately tries to insist she's not. That doesn't get her anywhere, though. She wonders, what about "us." He recalls that she said she had feelings for him. She wonders how much of his feelings are caring and how much are obsession and revenge on Bruno. He's not sure, but he says right now he needs her more than ever, and gives her a big squishy hug. Hey, Bruno, nice job bringing those two together, heh, heh, heh.

The next morning Vicky comes down to breakfast. Felipa comments on her "ojeras" (dark circles under the eyes). Vicky wants to see if Alex comes down and how he looks at her. She's not sure if he read the book, or just flipped some pages, or ignored it. She knows he's upset because "she" ( really, she and his dad, let's be honest here) cheated on his mother.

Alex is getting dressed and talking to Ezequiel. I don't like the patterned shirt with the slightly shiny vest and jacket. And I'm not sure how I feel about the vest being double-breasted. Alex is pissed to hear that Bruno spent the night in the house. He gets his jacket on, takes his wallet and non-matching briefcase (I definitely do not like the brown briefcase with the dark grey suit…and it doesn't match his shoes, either) and walks out as Ezequiel calls a blessing after him.

In the hallway he runs into MaryJo. Like the good little wife she is, she asks if he's leaving and if he's had breakfast. He plans to have breakfast at the office. He's had no further thoughts about their conversation last night and insists they wait to see if she's pregnant, not because he doesn't think she can take care of a kid, but because he won't let his kid grow up away from him. She tries to fake him out with "well, maybe it's not even your kid." He looks so tired as he tells her not to BS him, he believed her when she said she was a virgin and their first time was her first time. She gives up. But she still doesn't like sitting around the house doing nothing and letting him spend money on her and her family. She wants him to fire the maid, but he says she has other things to do. "What other things? Your mom and Felipa take care of the house…." He reminds her about getting Paula into school, and he's not going back on that because he promised Paula. He asks her to take care of it. As he's opening Bruno's door, she asks if he's going to say something about the cell and he says yes. She runs off as he goes in.

He tells Bruno that he's letting him stay in the house because of Vicky, but if he gets within 100 steps of MaryJo again, he will throw him out. "Oh, and by the way, I've got your cell phone. I wonder what other interesting things I'll find on here." Bruno, in fluorescent yellow boxer briefs, jumps out of bed and says "gimme back the phone" but Alex shoves him back. Then we start an epic fight that takes from the doorway of Bruno's room through the upstairs hallway area, onto the landing that curves all the way over to the top of the stairs, tumbling down to the bottom, and startling Ezequiel, who drops a giant silver bowl of fruit. There's lots of punching, kicking, grappling, and other things I don't know the names of. Ezequiel calls for the boys' mommy. As the dueling duo roll into the living room, Ulises and Roberto walk in the front door and immediately pull the pair apart. Funny, I would have figured Roberto for the kind of guy who likes to watch. He does grab the scantily-clad Bruno, though, so maybe that's enough of a thrill for him. They really have to hold the pair back, even after Vicky comes running in screaming at them to stop. Ulises and Roberto lose their respective grips and Alex and Bruno go at it again. Somehow, it looked like Bruno was trying to hit Roberto, but ended up hitting his mother instead and knocking her to the floor. Now he stops. Alex runs to her, calling her mom and asking her to wake up. Felipa yells at someone to call the doctor and then yells at Bruno that this is all his fault. Bruno, the little twerp, says "he started it," but lets himself be hauled away by Ulises and Roberto, I think. And Alex just keeps begging his mommy to wake up.

After the commercials, Ulises and Roberto have gotten Bruno all the way outside, but have to keep walking him farther and farther away from the house to keep him from turning back and smacking Alex around some more. The following conversation ensues:

Bruno: Alex started it!
Roberto: If he did it's cause you won't leave his wife alone.
B: She's not his wife!
R: What do you mean by that?
B: Uh, that she can't stand him and wants a divorce, but he won't let her go.
R: Qué the hell do you care?
B: Well, she asked for my help.
R: Sure didn't look like she was asking for your help last night. She even pushed you down and took something from you…your cell?
B: Well, well…she hates him! (as he's trying to get back to the house again)
Ulises: Calm down, man!
B: You're a parasite living at the expense of others. And you (to Roberto), you're always gambling…you'd bet your wife if you could.
R: What of it?
B: Do you guys have any idea how many millions this family is worth?
U: (after exchanging a look with R) Lots of them, I suppose.
B: And a big part of it should have been mine and your wife's.
R: Hm, well, I agree with you on that.
B: But the demented old guy left it all to Alex. We have to do something to turn the situation around.
R: I don't see how. Only for Alex to die.
B: You said it.

Bruno walks off. Roberto wonders what's up, but Ulises gets it. "He wants to kill Alex."

Down by the fake lake, Paula and MaryJo talk about where babies come from. MaryJo would be ok with being pregnant if Alex really loved her and his family weren't, well, the way they are. Paula says being pregnant would be the best thing right now. I can't even summon up a shut up for her today. MaryJo thinks Alex only wants sex (yeah, so, and what man doesn't? It's either this or a convent, sister, cause even the gay men want sex, even if it's not with you). Paula thinks that's a start. MaryJo changes the subject to Paula's education, but MaryJo thinks it's pointless because if she's not pregnant she wants to get out of there ASAP. Paula suggests telling Mr. Moneybags to buy another place for them to live, if it's just the people in this house that are bugging her. But MaryJo says that would indicate that she accepts him, blah, blah, blah. Oh, yeah, poor you, you accidentally ended up married to a rich sex god. Gee, it must be so tough. The usual Paula/MaryJo argument. The nurse comes out to announce that Pedro is all washed and dressed and has borrowed a cane from Ezequiel and will be walking out any moment. The girls get all excited and run into the house to see him. Well, duh, now he doesn't get to make his grand exit. Ungrateful children.

Vicky is up in her bedroom, conscious, having a compress applied by Felipa. Alex says that Hernán will be over soon, but Vicky tries to say she's fine. Raquel thinks it was stupid of Vicky to get in the middle of the fight between the two "troglodytes." Vicky is happy that Alex isn't rejecting her, but he says he'd never leave her. Raquel is suspicious, but Vicky says it's nothing. Bruno, now dressed, comes in to say he's sorry to his mom. Of course, she brushes it off because he didn't mean to do it. Raquel wants to know what they're fighting about. Shut. Up. Raquel. That's only going to get them going again, you idiot. Alex responds by leaving, and asking Felipa to let him know what Hernán says after he checks out Vicky. After he leaves, Raquel asks Bruno what happened this time, but he says "you know how he is, he just came at me for no reason." Even Vicky doesn't look like she believes that.

Ulises and Roberto put their four spare brain cells together to parse the conversation with Bruno. Sorry, but, come on, these boys are mainly for show and I bet even they know it. Ulises can't imagine that Bruno would go so far as to murder Alex, but Roberto is sure that's what Bruno was implying. He wonders why Bruno would tell them about it. Ulises thinks he wants them to help him. Roberto laughs that off saying no way is he going to help someone with murder. And about the conversation last night, he's still not sure what was going on, but he does think that MaryJo was upset, he saw her take the cell phone away from Bruno and run away. He's sure they knew each other before, but all he can figure is that maybe Alex introduced MaryJo to Bruno before and just forgot about it the way he forgot about being married to her in the first place.

MaryJo and Paula hear about Vicky from the maid. MaryJo thinks it's all her fault and they need to get out of there before Bruno and Alex kill each other. As they climb the stairs, Paula hopes Alex gave Bruno the beating he deserves. Bruno is, of course, waiting for them in the hallway. He yells at MaryJo for giving the cell phone to Alex. She tells him she also told Alex that Bruno wants her to say she's pregnant with Bruno's baby. Paula tells him his little threat didn't work, so he'd better just deal with it. Bruno menacingly reminds them that the threat to their father is still in place. Paula pushes MaryJo off into her room.

Hernán finishes examining Vicky. He doesn't believe her story that she bruised only her jaw by falling down the stairs, but she insists. He wants some x-rays done. Felipa joins him in mocking Vicky, saying she doesn't know what happened, since Vicky usually has her feet pretty firmly planted on the ground. Hernán now tries to get info out of Raquel, but by the time she heard about it, Vicky was already up in her room. Hernán still thinks it's all a bunch of BS, but he prescribes Vicky a "fomento" (fomentation?), an anti-inflammatory, and two days of rest.

Alex is at the office, and tells Fernando what happened. Fernando, being madly in love with Vicky the MILF, is understandably very, very, very upset. He points out to Alex that the situation is getting worse every day. Alex's phone rings. Felipa tells him the doctor left and said everything is fine, but Vicky made up a story about falling down the stairs. She's a little swollen, but the doc gave her some medicine. He gives Fernando the news. Fernando wonders if it's ok to see her and Alex almost indulgently says, "I dunno, ask her," as he gives Fernando a pat on the arm. Fernando gets all excited about that and his eyes light up with an unholy fire most men reserve for new tech toys.

Bruno is still trying to sell the "Alex started it" story, claiming that it's because he came back to the house. Raquel blames it on "that woman." Hi, kids, 2 days of rest, remember. You're giving mommy a headache! Vicky manages a weak, "that's enough." Raquel insists that MaryJo has to be kicked out.

Alex plays the recording for Fernando. Alex thinks it's just some guy Bruno paid to say it. Fernando wonders if it could be true. Alex also tells him that Bruno used the recording to try to coerce MaryJo into saying that she's pregnant with Bruno's hellspawn. Fernando can't figure out Bruno's game. Alex thinks since killing him off didn't work, Bruno now wants to get MaryJo. "Does he love her?" Alex thinks he might, but his phone rings before he can answer Fernando's question, "Do you love her?" Comandante Tenorio is on the phone. Alex puts him on speaker. They have a suspect in custody, a guy who tried to sell off Alex's watch. Oh, noes! Chucho! He's detained until Alex can come over and identify him. Shoulda just given him cash. Fernando's response to the phone call is to say it wasn't Bruno, so MaryJo must have had another accomplice. Down in the lobby, Alex says it wouldn't make sense for Chucho to have been in on it because he would have just killed Alex instead of helping him. And besides, Alex is the one who gave him the watch. But Fernando wonders if maybe Chucho didn't connect Alex with the accident. You know what? Shut. Up. Fernando. I suspect Fernando is being written by the writers responsible for plots that go nowhere because people jump to the wrong conclusions. Alex says that someone hired to kill another person doesn’t just take pity on random strangers and try to help them. Fernando says Alex is rejecting any theories that point to MaryJo. Well, yeah, dummy, because they're wrong! Alex says everything that MaryJo has said is logical. Fernando takes offense, especially because trusting in MaryJo's logic is hurting his beloved Vicky, who should be up on an altar, not being hurt by her horrible ungrateful children. Alex gripes that Vicky is the only one Fernando cares about…"well, she's the most defenseless," replies Fernando. Oh, Shut. Up. Fernando. She doesn't need a defender, she needs to locate her spine and use it. "Dude, are you in love with my Mom?" No answer as we go to commercials. And also, seriously, Alex, you needed to ask?

Back from commercials and Fernando doesn't want to talk about it. Alex is tired of getting into fights with him all the time. He invites him to lunch and Fernando accepts, but insists on taking his own car because he has a project to check in the afternoon. Alex rolls his eyes as he agrees and the two drive off.

Maura fills Ulises in on the plot so far: nobody knows who she is or where she came from; Alex and I were "together" just a week before and he never mentioned her; all of a sudden he's got a wife. She's not given up on the relationship entirely because of Alex saying they would probably get divorced soon and they have an "arrangement." They talk about the fight that morning. Maura thinks it's terrible that Vicky got knocked out, but Ulises thinks it's funny. Maura is intrigued by Bruno saying that MaryJo isn't Alex's wife. She says she's had no luck getting Lisette to make friends with Paula and her dad. Ulises really wants to meet MaryJo, so Maura offers to take him over there this afternoon.

At lunch, Alex wants to talk to Fernando as friends, like they used to. Fernando doesn't really know MaryJo, but what he does know is that since the accident, Alex has changed. "Of course, " says Alex, "Someone tried to kill me, I have a wife I've never met before, and now it turns out Bruno was behind it all." Fernando has a problem with Alex believing this even though there's no proof. Fernando isn't convinced that it was necessarily Bruno, he thinks it could be someone else. He thinks that Alex has decided it was all Bruno just because the two of them have hated each other for a long time. Alex now wonders what Fernando has against MaryJo because he's willing to believe that she's an adventuress who planned this whole scheme and is only blaming Bruno because it went wrong. Actually, Fernando hates her because she's inadvertently messing with his beloved Vicky. But he doesn't say that out loud. The waiter arrives with wine.

MaryJo comes to see how Vicky is doing. Felipa doesn't let her in, but does agree to pass on the message that MaryJo hopes she feels better soon and that she's very sorry for what happened. Vicky doesn't know what to think about MaryJo. She can't get the image of the fight out of her head. She feels like this fight was different, like the two of them were trying to kill each other. Vicky's glad that Alex called her Mom. Felipa asks forgiveness, but opines that Alex is the better of the two boys. Both ladies agree that the boys were fighting over MaryJo. Vicky thinks Bruno must be in love with MaryJo and she doesn't think it takes long to fall in love, since she fell in love with Antonio the first time she met him. Whatever. Even if Felipa says their story was "different," Vicky says that even when you say things are "different," it's really the same old story.

Alex now tries to get Fernando to spill his feelings for Vicky. Fernando carefully hedges, saying Vicky's, like, totally awesome and he likes her a lot. Alex agrees about her awesomeness. He mentions that Vicky gave him a book she had written. Fernando is surprised that Vicky is a published author, but he remembers the book from the day before. He wants to borrow it from Alex, but Alex isn't sure he wants to lend it. Fernando lists all the things he likes about Vicky. He assures Alex he's never been disrespectful and would never tell her how he feels. Alex says she may be old enough to be his mom, but she's not. How terribly open minded of him. Now let's see how he feels about calling his best friend "Daddy." Fernando doesn't care about the age difference. But he's just going to love her from afar, as an impossible love. He's not willing to cross the age line or the class line. Alex admits that even though he's partly after MaryJo to take her away from Bruno, he really likes her.

Paula fills Pedro in on the juicy gossip from that morning as he walks with her and MaryJo. Pedro is inclined to agree with MaryJo that it would be better to get out of there if things are getting this violent. Paula reminds them both that the fighting is going to continue in any case because they already had a hate-on for each other. MaryJo and Pedro are determined to get out of there, which upsets Paula. She leaves and MaryJo points out that it's going to be hard for Paula to give up all these luxuries. Pedro wonders if it will be hard for MaryJo to give up Alex. She says she fell for the wrong guy once and she doesn't want to do it again. They see Alex drive up.

Vicky insists on knowing the reason for the fight. She wants to hear Alex's version. "The same as always," he says, which only upsets her because that means they were fighting over MaryJo. He really doesn't want to talk about it. He only came to tell her that he's going out of town for a few days. They'll talk when he comes back. He compliments her writing and tells her that he hasn't told Bruno that they're half brothers because he thinks that's up to her. Alex goes downstairs, asks Ezequiel where MaryJo is, and goes off to her dad's to look for her.

Maura tells Ulises that she's pretty sure Alex will marry her after he divorces MaryJo. Ulises wants to know how much he's getting paid, but that depends on what he digs up. He suggests they sleep together in the meantime. Maura laughs this off and tells him if he wants work as a gigolo he should proposition Raquel. She goes off to freshen up before taking him over to the Lombardo's.

In Pedro's chalet, Alex explains that the noise they hear is from the generator (uh, ok). Pedro and MaryJo start to make a case for leaving, on account of all the trouble they've caused. And then my DVR cuts off, so I have no idea how it ends or what we can expect for tomorrow. Sorry folks! I'm sure someone will fill us in in the comments.

Labels: sortilegio

Repeat: Padre Juan Cris begins his new class at the convent school in the way of many an optimistic teacher on the first day. This class won’t be like other classes! It will be fun! We will learn together! Carpe diem! He wants to start out by talking about being closer to God, which hardly seems like it should be new curriculum in a school run by nuns, but Paloma obliges by asking a question common among young children: isn’t it hard to have faith when bad things happen to us? PJC says challenges can give us new opportunities and make us stronger. Paloma agrees. Good lesson, Padre!

Camila and Rafael compare matching black eyes. Oh, no, wait, she just has too much eye makeup on. She’s still upset about Romina’s pregnancy, but Rafael says regardless of the circumstances, a child is a blessing and he will love it and be supportive. Also, now he and Cami have even more in common! He kisses her. I wasn’t aware of this custom of the grandparents hooking up, but I sure hope Cami likes Germán’s dad. He seems like a nice enough guy.

New: Diana calls Emiliano, first to yell at him because she didn’t hear about the pregnancy from him, but then to squeal about how excited she is! Woo-hooo! A grandchild AND that fabulous perfect RoMEna for a daughter-in-law! Emo says he’ll do his best for his child but there is no way he is marrying Romememena. Di says he has to. He hangs up and looks moony.

Romena drags herself into her house and tells the nameless maid to bring her water and alcohol to settle her stomach. Any child of hers is bound to take to drink sooner rather than later, I guess. May as well start now. She says the pregnancy is going to be hell.

Suddenly perky rock music makes me think I’ve accidentally changed the channel. No, there is Emiliano, doing his best 007. He leaps the school fence, spins and ducks around corners, makes a pit stop in the ladies’ to avoid a nun, slips into hallway nooks, and eventually hides in a closet. The editors even get in on the action with some split screens and instant replays. Zingy! Those clueless nuns continue to walk piously about. But that is one creepy peeping-tom nun lurking outside the seniors’ classroom. Liliana, daydreaming, looks out the window and sees him. She flings her pen to the floor for an excuse to go after it and alert Paloma. Pal is confundida.

Class ends and the teacher leaves. Emo slips on in and all the schoolgirls gather around, delighted by the diversion. “Trick or treat?” Paloma has no candy, so is tricked into listening to him. “I love you,” he says, caressing her face. His lacy sleeves add a nice touch. The other girls all oooohhh and giggle. The teacher nun comes back. “What is going on here?” Emo turns around and removes his wimple. She does not approve. Paloma and Emo both get hauled off to the MS’s office. Two unnamed mean girls gossip about Paloma dating Romina’s novio, and Liliana tells them to find something better to do.

Meche wonders why Camila tries to avoid Rafael when she seems to like him so much more than Orlando. Cami says Diana won’t divorce him, and is one of her friends. Metiche says Di is not anyone’s friend. Speak of the devil and she appears.

Over in renaissance France or something, the Marquis de Emo tells Paloma she is the only woman for them. He doesn’t get any further before the madre superiora arrives to yell at them. Ever the gentleman, he won’t let her blame Paloma. She says she’s going to call the police. MS thinks wearing a nun’s habit as a costume is an allanamiento de morada (the literal meanings aren’t helping me much with this idiom. Flattening of the house? Anyone?).

Lili finds PJC in the courtyard and drags him in high haste to the MS’s office. He takes the MS away to talk. Paloma tells Emo she wants nothing more to do with him.

Diana has cornered Cami into having coffee with her. She wants to get their strategy straight regarding the wedding planning. Qué? Not so fast, says Cami. Diana is shocked at the mere suggestion that their kids might not marry. After all, a single mother is the worst thing imaginable. Camila somehow doesn’t knock her into the next county.

PJC has talked the MS out of punishing Paloma and calling the police. But if anything like this ever happens again…

PJC takes charge and the MS leaves. He wants an explanation. Emiliano’s face smirks us lewdly into commercials. I really wish they would replace that bumper.

Diana says kids these days just don’t know what they want, so they have to make them get married. Cami’s getting fed up. Even moreso when Di tells her that she and Rafael are still close and he said he’d always be with her. “All righty then, buh-bye,” says Camila, trying not to get violent. “Orlando!” she exclaims as he walks up behind Diana. Di is momentarily stunned motionless and speechless. People should go around saying “Orlando!” near her all the time. She slowly turns as he glares at her. Di runs off and Cami comments that it’s weird she seems so intimidated by him; he’s just her son’s boss.

Paloma and Emiliano continue their argument with a priestly referee. PJC tells Emo to ditch the bad habit. Emo tries to kiss Paloma and gets an elbow in the side instead. When he leaves to return the habit, the padre gives Paloma a lot of advice, the gist of which is that Emo didn’t know Romememena was pregnant either, he didn’t deceive anyone, and she should at least talk with him before she dumps him forever. Even if he looks ugly in a habit. Paloma giggles.

Camila and Orlando compare their matching black eyes. He apologizes for not being more sympathetic earlier.

Liliana tells Paloma to stop making such a fuss; she loves Emoony so she should just marry him. She’ll have a stepchild, so what? Paloma says Carlota will shriek to high heaven. It’s your life, not hers, says Lili.

PJC tells Emiliano that Paloma agreed to meet him in the park later. Emo is ever so grateful.

Back at the rectory, Carloca is waiting for Padre JC. He greets her very coldly. She tries flirting, but when she gets an arctic response she says she’s there because Paloma needs some fatherly care.

Out in the plaza, Emo steels his nerves and calls Romena. She gets him to agree to go to the doctor with her. They make plans to meet to talk about their future. After they hang up, Romi leaps and twirls with joy. The maid plays along.

Crueloca wants PJC to help her separate Paloma and Emiliano, since that filthy dude is just playing with Pal’s feelings the way Cris did with Macarena’s. Cris starts to walk out on her but the phone rings. She won’t move so he has to brush past her to answer it. You can see that in her mind that was a long torrid love affair right there. Cruel looks conniving as she listens to him confirm that Natalia is coming to visit. “You sure are modern,” she says. “Yep, sure am, tell Paloma I’m here for her,” he says, dismissing her. Carloca clings to his hand and kisses it with purple passion. She finally leaves as he looks at his hand with repulsion, wondering whether bleaching and boiling it will be enough, or if he should just cut it off.

Paloma and Emo meet in the park too close to the fountain. Breaking news! He doesn’t love Romina, and still wants to marry Paloma, if she’ll accept him in a package deal with a child. She says she still wants to marry him, but he has to work things out with Romina first. So, yeah, it’ll be awhile.

Lili storms into Germy’s office and gives him hell about letting his best friend take on HIS child. He weakly tries to protest that she’s just jealous, but she is adamant that he should claim what’s his and stop the lies.

Paloma tells Rufi that thanks to Padre Juan’s excellent counsel, she and Emiliano are back on track and everything is peachy. Crueloca eavesdrops, shaking with fury.

Cruel calls Romina and threatens her. She is to give Emiliano no way out!

Lili has taken her crusade to Paloma’s bedroom, to tell her that Germs was very nervous and worried when she talked to him about Romina’s pregnancy. Paloma stutters that Romina swears the baby is Emiliano’s. “Honey. You should never believe what Romina says. You have to tell Emiliano the kid may not be his. He has a right to know for sure,” says my hero Lili.

Angélica and Joel stroll and munch. Either Ange is exceptionally skilled or she just doesn’t care; I suspect most ladies would avoid eating corn on the cob on a second date. They gossip about their friends. Ange is pro-Orlando; Joel is pro-Rafael. Things get a little heated and Joel wants to know why she’s defending Orly so strenuously.

Cruel is “helping out” in the kitchen, meaning she sits at the table making Rufi fetch her the stuff to make cake as she tries to fill Mac’s position. She gets Rufi to tell her that it was Cris who left Natalia at the altar, but Rufi doesn’t know what happened after that to make him become a priest, even when Cruel tries to wheedle it out of her with flattery.

Romina lights candles and looks flirty and hopeful. Emiliano says he’s proposing that he will be responsible and take care of his child and he won’t abandon her. “So we will marry?” she asks. No. Not that. She says if he doesn’t marry her, he will never meet his child.

Labels: amor

Alternative Title: Is It Okay If I Say Mean Things About Constanza?

Yep, our Connie has gone beyond the pale now. From time to time I've felt a flicker of compassion for this rejected female ,but she's so far on the dark side now there's no coming back. Mauricio, the children, and a whole lot of other folks are about to learn that Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned--especially if that woman is Connie.

We start this evening with Mauricio barging into the judge's office to tell him if he thinks he can take the children away the judge is wrong! Alas, it's our dim but hunky hero who's wrong. The judge informs him that Constanza Lerdo de Tejado, the responsible woman who took care of the kids while he was away, is now their legal adoptive mother. Well make that mutha'. He dismisses Mauricio as an irresponsible doofus who's better off taking in a "mascota" (pet) if he wants warm fuzzies. The children are better off with the right person...and that's Constanza.

While we mull over that bizarre thought, the scene switches to Nieves and Monita, bonding over her offer of her old wedding dress. Seems Nieves was also romanced by a millionaire, the father of Beto, but was left standing at the altar in this very dress. But that's why she worried so much about the Mauricio/Monita romance! Now, though, she understands that these two are meant for each other. So she gives it her blessing and offers her dress to replace the one her "criaturita" ripped to shreds. The scene ends with a loving hug and a "Que Dios te bendiga y te vaya bien."

The prospects for that look dim. But we'll see.

Back to Sal and Mauricio who's frothing at the mouth and not thinking clearly. (Well, he never does. But for once it's understandable.) However it's clear to Mauricio that Connie is behind this. Sal tries to point out that surely Oscar and Jerry are also, but that our Mau can't believe. But hey, he's still planning to marry Monita...THIS AFTERNOON...and surely that will help his case with the judge.

And boom, we have an ad. Lately the ads have been coming at 7:08 or 09...much earlier than before. More ads because greater audience share? Who knows?

When we come back, we see Oscar at the office, fooling around on the computer. Lorenza walks in and soon they're fooling around together--after she complains about having spent the night in jail, that is. He reassures her that getting a divorce from Sal is a great move. But take him for all the money he's got! As Lorenza mulls over the way she wants Sal to suffer, Oscar is clearly turned on. Ah, what an adorable couple.

Another adorable couple is Nieves and Beto. She's massaging his shoulders and trying to make him see reality. Monita stopped loving you. She fell in love with Mauricio. These things happen. Sometimes they're good, sometimes they're bad. But don't ruin her day, Beto. Sure, in fact I'll help them, lies Beto, following Connie's advice. Nieves is surprised at the sudden change....and without even a sandwich request. Mighty suspicious.

Beto now trots over to Monita's room to propose walking her down the aisle. Paula and Estrella are as suspicious as Nieves, and try to run him off. But he manages to convince Monita that both his repentance for ripping the dress and his desire to make her wedding a happy one are for real. Lots of shifty eyes while he makes these declarations but our lovestruck bride to be doesn't notice. Big hug.

And big hug with Mauricio and his children also. He assures them he'll work things out with the judge, but in the meantime they'll have to stay with Connie. Horror and protests. But wait...there's more. Good news. I'm going to marry Monita this afternoon. Joy and excitement.

But now we have to talk about what happened while I was away. Discomfort and concern. Yep, Mau's lowering the boom. No more relationship with Estrella. No more noviazgo with Ivan. Doing all this behind his back was even worse. After all, he's a dad who LISTENS. They should have told him.

Another scene change. Now we're at the hospital where Teresa and Ivan are talking. He's reassuring abuelita that he truly loves Luisa and will do her no harm. But it's better if he doesn't come back to live at the house. But he'll visit Teresa every day.

Back to Connie's apartment. Now that Mauricio has laid down the law, he reassures the kids he's not mad at them and NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US (start the anvils falling right now, gente). This tender moment is soured the moment the door opens and Connie enters with an "Hola guapo".

Paula and Estrella are still trying to wise up Monita about Beto's intentions. "Yo que tú, la verdad"... (Truthfully, if I were you...) Paula begins. But Monita cuts her short. She really believes Beto is sincere.

Not so Mauricio. He's convinced that Connie is behind this crazy adoption and blows away her initial story about having them at her house to forestall sending them to the orphanage. You're a hypocrite, a schemer, a liar and now that I know who you really are, I can't believe you're still begging for love, he sneers. I'm going to marry Monita and I want you out of our lives.

Be careful how you talk to me, is her cool reply. You're not taking the kids from here. They're mine, legally mine.

Three caras impactadas as the kids suddenly learn Connie is their legal adoptive mother. In our updated refrain, Oh no, oh yes, oh crap!

Our little pit bull Estrella is still gnawing away at Beto, saying he doesn't fool her for a minute. Big Pit Bull Nieves shoulders her way up and tells our star she's not going to yell at Beto in his own mother's house. And from there, launches into one of her signature ream-outs of Estrella. Listen, babe, your little cub "está en celo" (in heat, under the influence of hormones) but once he's had his fill, he's going to look for a girl his own age (at which point, Nieves hoists her bosom to indicate that Estrella will be droopy and aged very shortly). Thereafter follows some family insults such as "Bruja tu abuela!" No tengo, replies Estrella. "Se nota" quips Nieves. Rough stuff.

Time for a little sweet romance with a touch of comedy, right? I mean, this has been Grimsville so far. Right...so we're off to Gabriela's apartment. Sal has come to change his clothes for the wedding. Can't get into his own place. Gaby reassures him that he can count on her. We're in this together. I'm in front of you, behind you, on your backside!...This calls for a kiss. Romantic music swells. Doorbell rings. Music fades. Oh crap.

And the crap is hitting the fan back at Connie's. How much do you love those kids? she asks. Because if you ever want to see them again, you'll have to do what I ask. If you humiliate me by marrying that guttersnipe of a street monkey, I'll take them from you forever. And if you try to leave with them now, I'll call the police. You need to reclaim your real place in life...WITH ME...not with that grubby animal.

Mauricio's not coming 'round. We were together out of habit, not love. I NEVER was in love with you. And now all I feel is contempt.

Hmmm...not the best way to handle a breakup. But Mauricio's been pushed beyond endurance. Where will this lead?

Well, forget that for the moment. We're back with Gaby and Salvador....and guess who rang the bell? Lorenza. Will she strangle Sal? Nope, she's going to take a deep breath, imagine him slowly roasting to death in the fireplace and then relax. But vamoose Sal! Lorenza wants a heart to heart with Gaby and he'd just be in the way. Nope, Sal's staying and he wants to talk about the divorce. Gaby trots off to hide the knives and the talk begins.

Switch back to the devastated kids. Dany doesn't want to stay with Monstranza Bruja Connie. Neither do the others. Mauricio promises to see them every day but for now he'll have to say good-bye. They're distraught and Luisa screams to la momia that she hates her. But Connie has the last world. I'll see you in church, she warns Mauricio....and we'll see how much you love your children.

After the ads, we find ourselves back in Gaby's apartment, listening to the sad tale of Sal and Lorenza's marriage. We lost love love years ago, he's telling her. I feel empty with you. You didn't want kids. You changed the decor every three months. We had no relationship. Yet even so, I never slept with another woman.

Lorenza starts getting angry again, but Gaby calms her by suggesting she close her eyes and imagine Sal falling down an elevator shaft.

And Sal continues, looking straight into Gaby's eyes.

But I WAS unfaithful in that I let another woman into my heart. I fell madly in love with her.

Whoops, Lorenza's getting angry once more. Imagine that Sal has catalepsia and seems to have died, Gaby whispers to Lorenza. You bury him. He wakes up pounding at the coffin, crying, shrieking. Hmm...I feel better, murmurs Lorenza.

And...."I love you too" Gaby silently mouthes to Salvador.

And there, our sweet, romantic ,crazy ,funny scene ends. The rest of the episode is pretty much oh no, oh yes, oh crap.

Mau drops in on Teresa at the hospital, tells her he'll take her home when she's discharged tomorrow, and avoids upsetting her by reassuring her the kids are fine. Outside the room, Ivan tries to convince Papa Mau he didn't want to hurt Luisa but dad assures him he already has. And don't come near her again!

Is the wedding still on? Well, down in the barrio, it looks that way. Nieves is dressed up like a Walt Disney Cinderella doll. Estrella manages a dig about how could Nieves have ever fit into the wedding dress, given how "caderota" (hippy) she had to have been, even in her youth.

Beto, looking spiffy in a tuxedo, but still with shifty eyes, arrives with Costeño and assures Monita all the guys from the gym will be coming to the church also. Looks like a full house for our disaster, no? Consteño thinks Beto must be on some kind of drug, he's so calm. Well, our big dude is right to be suspicious. Beto's in cahoots with Connie and that's never a good thing.

Sal, meanwhile (mientras tanto, excuse me!) is trying to keep Mau from going ballistic before the wedding. But how can Mauricio stay calm, after seeing how the kids looked at him, how they held on to him, their tears....? Well, don't fall into Connie's trap, cautions Sal. If they bought the judge, we'll find out and do something about it. But maybe you should put off the wedding.

Mauricio pauses and seems to come to a decision. I'm getting married. Together, Monita and I will both fight Connie!

And on that hopeful note we end.

Previews:
Beto has walked Monita down the aisle as promised, but now he won't let go of her arm!

Vocabulary:
puente peotonal =pedestrian bridge
mi otra mitad = my other half, my better half
puesto como fiera = to get furious lit. to get like a wild beast
ni te inmutas = you weren't even bothered (Mauricio criticizing Connie for being indifferent to the children's suffering)
caderota - hippy, big-hipped
yo que tú = shortened version of "If I were you"
se nota =you can tell, it's obvious

Dichos of the Day

Estar entre la espada y la pared. (lit. to be between the sword and the wall) To be between the devil and the deep blue sea; to be between a rock and a hard place. That's where Mauricio is right now.

Estar hecho bolas (pelotas) To be completely at sea; to be all mixed up. And that's where Mauricio is also! Pobrecito!

Labels: gancho

Friday: Carlota sends Pal over to where Romina is waiting, as she and Carlota planned, to tell Pal that she’s pregnant with Emiliano’s child. Carlota calls her and says Pal is on the way, then thoughtbubbles that one day Chris is going to know Paloma is his and he’ll pay for all his sins. Em finally calls Pal’s cell, but she didn’t take it with her. He leaves a mushy message. Romina tells Pal the bad news. Pal says I saw you kissing German. That was nothing, fakes Romina. I know it’s Emiliano’s baby. No puede ser! Romina says why is that so important to you?

And here we go: Romina says you shouldn’t be worried about that, you should be worried about me, since I’m your friend. I’m never sure about whether what Emiliano is in love, but boy, when he’s with me, he just can’t contain himself. I sure do love him, though. I didn’t mean to treat your house like a hotel, it’s just that I’ve been hiding out because I’m ashamed. I went to the doctor and there’s no doubt.

Romina tells Pal that Emiliano was the first to know. Pal wants to know how reacted. Romina says more like sad and she starts to cry. Pal goes to her and says don’t cry.

Em is walking along a street and dials up German, who’s at work and looking like he’s really relishing it. Em says he needs to unburden himself about something, but the secretary interrupts German, so Em says never mind, I’ll talk to you tonight.

Chris is at his desk and Padre Mateo comes and notes he’s awfully serious. Chris says sometimes it’s hard to know what the right counsel is, whether to advise a person to follow the rules strictly, or to follow their heart. There’s a young man who is in love with one woman, but another woman says she’s pregnant by him. Mateo sighs the human race! It’s the same old story over and over. We feel your pain, Mateo – it’s the same thing we’ve been griping about.

Mateo goes over to the schedule book and checks out tomorrow’s appointments. He spots Natalia’s name and says isn’t that the lady you almost married? Are you sure there’s no conflict – I mean, after what happened with Macarena? Chris assures him they are great pals now, no worries. Mateo looks doubtful.

In the DF, Natalia is having coffee with her friend (Ivonne?). What are we to make of their coordinating black-and-white patterned outfits? The friend asks her why go to Real del Monte? Natalia says she needs time away to clear her head, and she won’t be all alone as Chris is there plus she’s going to visit Paloma. The friend wants to know if she’s going to go back to work, and Natalia says she’ll wait to make that decision when she sees how things shake out with Alonso.

The friend wants to know if Natalia still loves Alonso. Natalia says a part of me does, and he helped after my wedding disaster with Chris. But I’m not sure we’ll get ever past this latest problem. The friend says and what about Chris, huh? Natalia says he’s a priest. The friend says so what? Wink wink, nudge nudge. Natalia arches an eyebrow.

Carlota tells Rufi that if Em shows up, tell her first. Rufi says why is that? Carlota says since when do I owe you any explanations? Diplomatic Rufi says well, you know, what if Pal gets to the door first? Carlota says just do what I tell you.

Carlota sets a couple of big candles by her huge Virgin statue and says ay, Paloma. I want to make it very clear that you’ll be having the same luck in love as your mother did. Laser beams shoot from the Virgin’s eyes and Carlota is reduced to a pile of ash.

Huh? I must’ve nodded off for a second.

Rafa is agonizing over whether to make a phone call. He decides to. He calls Orlando and tells him they need to talk, but not over the phone. He’ll meet him in the jazz bar. Orlando says I’ll be there as soon as possible. He looks puzzled.

Romina is cuddled up to Paloma, crying. Thank you for being with me now, she weeps. I thought when I told Emiliano, he’d say that the baby would be born into a marriage, but he didn’t say anything. Paloma says what are you going to do? Romina says I don’t know, but it’s given my life a new purpose. You and I grew up without fathers – you know how horrible it is. Yes, says Pal in a small voice. Romina says I would like Emiliano to assume responsibility, but if there’s someone else standing in the way, I don’t know what I’m going to do.

At home, Paloma bolts up the stairs and Rufi calls after her. Carlota comes in and says leave her alone. Rufi says can’t you see something’s wrong? Carlota says what’s wrong is that men can’t appreciate the love of a woman.

We see Paloma cuddled in bed under a blanket crying. She has flashbacks of loving, happy moments with Em. Her cell rings. She looks at the caller ID and pushes it away.

We see Em pacing in his office, listening to her cell ring. He despairs. Next we see Romina checking out her figure in the mirror – it’s still okay, but she swats angrily at some bottles on the vanity.

Carlota comes into Paloma’s room and Pal protests that she wants to be alone. Carlota says I just don’t want you to suffer anymore. Why? Why? sobs Paloma.

German, who has helped himself to a cup of coffee, comes into Em’s office and says you sounded pretty upset, so I wanted to come see you. Em says Romina is pregnant with my child. German suppresses a spit take. Just when I was going to marry Paloma, I’m going to have a child with Romina, says Em. German’s eyes shift around.

Carlota is stroking Paloma’s cheek and says I never liked that boy for you. Paloma says but I love him and he said he loves me. Carlota says in the name of love (En el Nombre del Amor, get it?) people tell a lot of lies, commit a lot of sins, deceive a lot of other people. These are things that go on generation after generation. That’s what happened to Macarena and now to Romina. The words of a man are worthless.

Paloma jumps up. But Emiliano’s are true! He’s worth it! She flees to her bathroom with the gorgeous tile sink and splashes water on her face. Carlota pursues her and says I can’t believe you are defending him. Sometimes we’re too stupid to realize that other people are just playing with us.

I hope Em doesn’t do what they did to you. What? says Paloma. Your father abandoned you, and your mother had to give you to people who could be parents to you. No, says Paloma, he didn’t abandon me, he didn’t even know my mother was pregnant. My love, says Carlota, don’t you know Mac told you that so you wouldn’t suffer? And that they’ll tell Romina’s child the same thing if Em doesn’t step up to the plate?

Paloma absorbs that like a body blow, and clings to Carlota, who smirks over her shoulder.

Rafa is waiting for Orlando in the jazz bar which fortunately is jazzless at the moment, so we can hear. Here comes Orlando. Rafa says I’ll make it simple: I know what your past is with Diana, and I want you to know that even though we are divorcing, she is not alone. And I also want you to know that Emiliano is my son. Rafa looks daggers at Orlando who regards him warily and sighs.

Crushed Paloma says to Carlota I guess it’s my destiny to be alone. Carlota says no, my love, I’ll always be with you. Rufi comes in and says you asked me to tell you first when Em came by and he’s here. Paloma says I don’t want to see him! Carlota says I’ll take care of it, and she leaves.

Rufi says what’s wrong? Paloma weeps that her heart has just been ripped out of her chest. She hugs Rufi.

Carlota tells Em that Paloma can’t see him – she’s indisposed, and if he wants to know why, he can examine his conscience. Em says I want to hear it from her. He tries to step through her but she says loudly and firmly Buenas noches and gives him the stink eye. He leaves and Carlota smiles smugly. Life is good!

Next Em calls Romina who is thrilled to get his call and calls him mi amor. He asks how she’s doing and she says so-so. How about him? He says he’s confudido, and he has one question. It’s yours, says Romina hotly. It’s not that, says Em. Does Pal know? Did you tell her? Romina says I didn’t tell anybody, but her aunt was here while I was talking to the gynecologist and she overheard. After that Paloma came over. She’s my best friend, of course I told her then.

Em hangs up and Romina stares at her phone, then smiles. Perfecto! she says. She rubs her abdomen and says your father will be with us, mi amor.

At the jazz bar, things are getting very heated. Orlando says to Rafa you have no idea what Diana, as you call her, is capable of.
R: I’ve been married to her for 20 years and you say I don’t know her?
O: Maybe you’ve known the mask she’s worn all those years, but I know another woman. She is capable of anything just to get money.
R: I won’t let you talk like that about the mother of my son.
O: I’m talking this way because she’s the mother of my son.
R: You just want to get close to Emiliano, to suck him in, to get him to doubt who his true father is. To use him to keep committing frauds.
O: Is that what she told you? Do you know that she made off with all my money?
R: If that were true, she would have had money when I met her.
O: If you want to believe her, help yourself! All that’s important to me is Emiliano and Camila.
R: (slams the table and stands up) Leave her alone!
O: You leave her alone!

A fistfight breaks out and the patrons scramble. The staff finally pulls the two apart and restrains them, and the patrons stare.

R: I’m warning you!
O: I’m not scared. And I’m going to play this out to the end, consequences be damned.
R: This is going to end up bad for my family.
O: It started out bad and it’s going to end up bad for Gudelia. Her farce is going to be exposed sooner or later and you, you’re going to find out that you were her latest victim.
R: Don’t talk crazy. I’m warning you – don’t mess with me or mine.

Rafa shakes off the waiters and huffs off.

German bursts into Romina’s house and grabs her roughly by the wrist. The child you are expecting isn’t Emiliano’s, it’s mine! Romina says are you nuts? German says you’re nuts to think I’d believe your story. You were with him only once and with me a lot of times. Romina says what makes you think it was only once? He’s quite the gentleman and maybe he just talked about the time I wanted to kill myself over him. But it was more than once. I don’t believe you! says German. Romina says I don’t care if you believe me or not.

German grabs her by the arms and says it’s mine, and you have to tell Emiliano. Romina looks scared.

It’s nighttime and Paloma is where she’s spent a large percentage of time in this show – in bed, blubbering. Her cell rings and she picks it up, opens it, looks at the caller ID and snaps it closed again. Why did this have to happen? she agonizes.

Emiliano’s still in his office and he leaves a message. He says we have to talk sooner or later, and sooner is better. Please please call me. I’m dying to see you. I love you. Please don’t ever doubt it.

Romina gives a hefty shove and dislodges German. I don’t have to tell Em anything. You can tell him, I know he’d love to hear it. No, huh? You don’t have the nerve. It’s another one of your little attempts to be brave. German says this isn’t the end of it. Romina says yes it is. It was already over when you had a secret relationship with me. Don’t try to threaten me.

German grabs her roughly by the arm. You’re making me crazy. All these doubts and uncertainties. Romina says well, you earned it. If you were silent about it at the start, you have to stay silent about it. And don’t try to throw a scandal because I’m capable…

Of what? says German. Romina says look out for your reputation as a man, and as a lawyer. She strokes him and says What would people say if I said you took advantage of me when I was a minor? It’s not true! says German. Romina says but I could get everyone to believe it. Get out.

It’s daytime again. Paloma is leaving for school and Carlota says I’ll drive you. Paloma says it’s okay, I can walk. They both spot Emiliano hovering on the sidewalk. Paloma jumps in the car and Em says Paloma! Paloma! Please! He pounds on the window. Give me just a minute! I love you! Please! Carlota drives off, Em chasing after and still pounding on the window until they speed away.

Camila has called an emergency breakfast with Angie to tell her about Romina. Angie says don’t feel so guilty about what Romina does, she’s an adult. Camila says she sure doesn’t act like one. Angie says you gave her good advice, and if she didn’t listen, it’s her own fault. Maybe she wanted to have a child. Camila says she doesn’t like kids. Angie says maybe she subconsciously wanted one to hang onto Em. Camila is startled that a person might do that. Angie says her father abandoned her and then Em. This could be a way to hang on to him.

Camila says that’s awfully sad – that a baby would have to pay for her father’s abandonment. Angie has to get back to work, so she leaves and Diana runs up and says hey, Camila, hi! Do you have time for a coffee? Camila begs off. Diana says what’s happened with us? We don’t see each other. Let’s have coffee sometime this week. Camila says gosh, she’s just so busy with work. Diana makes a pout face and says aren’t we friends anymore? Camila says aw, don’t say that, and she makes a run for it.

At school, Pal has told Lili, who is astonished. Since Romina is wild, Lili says, you’d think she would know just what to do to protect herself. She also is amazed that Pal would believe Romina. Ask Em himself, she says.

Joel has brought Rafa a bag of ice to hold to his bruised face. He says why don’t you bring charges against Orlando? Rafa says I will, but not until Em is out of danger. Unfortunately my hands are tied. Joel says that’s because you have something to hide, so why don’t you just tell Em the truth? Em’s a man now, not a boy, and now that he’s expecting a child of his own, he’ll understand. Rafa says it’s not the same thing. Joel says things like this come out sooner or later and he’ll understand better than ever why you and Diana hid the truth from him.

At the plateria, Orlando tells Em he got in a fight with some robbers in Pachuco, but never mind, Em’s problem is the important one right now. Em looks tragic and says he’s confundido. Orlando says it’s life-changing, but I think you know what a man is supposed to do under these circumstances, don’t you?

Romina happily tells Diana that she’s pregnant with Em’s child and Diana squeals with joy. Romina says Em’s not so thrilled. Diana says she’ll bring him around. They hug happily.

Orlando is soliloquizing in his office. He’s figured out that Romina’s pregnancy news is the reason that Camila waved him off the other night. He’s happy! Now they’ll be closer than ever since they’ll have a grandchild in common. This is excellent.

Chris meets with the sister at Paloma’s school. He’ll be giving the classes the previous priest used to give.

Carlota tells Rufi that she’s proud of the way she’s brought up Paloma when she compares her to how Romina came out. Rufi says Pal is more docile. Carlota says they’re the same, I just knew how to dominate her. Rufi says if domination makes a person happy, then it was a great success. Carlota looks like she’s trying to puzzle out whether that was a compliment or not. Rufi adds But Paloma isn’t happy.

Carlota says it’ll pass. Rufi says yes, but the scars will remain. Carlota says it’s not my fault that these things have happened to Paloma. Rufi says no, but what’s sad is that she thinks her father is dead, particularly now when she needs him so much. Carlota says didn’t Macarena tell her? No, says Rufi. Carlota says Why didn’t I think of it before? Rufi says what? and Carlota says, oh nothing.

Carlota thoughtbubbles: Which would be better, if she knew, or if he knew?

Chris is starting his teaching off with Paloma’s class. He explains that he’s there to teach about Jesus about His love (he stares pointedly at Paloma) and about how things that seem terrible can be put to good use. Paloma’s hand shoots up. She says that sounds good, but things happen that we don’t like, that we don’t want. He explains that those things are to test and strengthen us, even though it’s not easy. God knows why things happen and we have to keep faith. Etc. Paloma seems to be comforted and cheered.

Rafa has stopped by Camila’s shop and she says what part of “don’t come around” did you not understand? Rafa says it’s not about us, it’s about your daughter and my son having a baby together. Camila says we can only support their decisions, but gee, they’re so young.

Rafa notices that she’s sad and says I just want you to know that you can count on me for whatever you need. She’s touched. He says she’ll be a young and beautiful grandmother and that a child is always a blessing. I’ll love it, I know, says Camila. Rafa comes close and says we’ll have that in common, a grandchild and our love. Their song starts up. He says I’ll love the child even more because it’s a part of you. He leans in and kisses her.

Avances: Emiliano jumps the fence of Paloma’s school and comes in dressed as a nun and proposes to her in front of her class. She says okay, but just don’t get into the habit.
(I made that last line up. Sorry.)

Labels: amor

I would like to be a dutiful recapper and tell you all the things that get said tonight, but I can't bear to, because everything has been said already, or is said on this very night, many more times than is necessary.

Hope you enjoyed the "previously's" because that's all the fun you're getting tonight. Alex and MJ smiled happily in bed ...

... but then he had to go and ask again about Bruno. When she said "I fell in love" Alex sneered, "you said that about me last night, you 'fall in love' pretty easy dontcha?" which is not a good way to make headway with a girl as tetchy as MJ.

"No, of course I won't love Bruno again, I'm furious at him for deceiving me, your family will never accept me, yes I was a virgin, your sister was a snake to say she saw us kissing..." blah, blah...

I can see, though, why Alex would be hurt that when there was trouble with the Pirate Papa she went off with Bruno instead of telling all to her hubby.

Philipa and Pedro are destined to be an item because they were both poor (there's something sure to bind a couple) and from the same town. Victoria is snobby and - because she's intent on absolving Bruno of all guilt - she's going with the "MJ and Paula are evil witches who tell lies and have an accomplice" story.

Paula is impressed that Alex spent 50,000 pesos to get dad out of trouble. Same conversation as usual, to whit: I'm not really his wife, yes you are, they aren't our people, etc.

Alex shuffles down the stairs and there's Bruno on the couch! Since Alex paid so much to him to get him to leave, there is natural indignation...

... which ends in fisticuffs, and mama Victoria comes rushing in to separate them and eventually says: "If you make Bruno leave, I'm leaving too!" She follows him into another room and, making no progress in softening his heart...

... escalates by dropping the bombshell: "Raquel and Bruno are your father's children."

Alex is impactado and spends the rest of the episode moping, drinking, sobbing, etc.

In the kitchen Ezequiel is "telling all" to Philipa - about all the times he's seen MJ with Bruno, and Bruno's continually hopping in through her bedroom window etc., but Philipa tells him to shut his pie hole because they don't need more scandal.

In the midst of all the identical conversations about her fornication "errors" and why she's kept this secret so long, Victoria reveals one entertaining thing: "Bruno didn't want me to marry any other man, he wanted there to be only him in my life." Heh.

I'm looking over my notes and skipping, skipping ... ah yes, moping Alex goes into his study and looks at a photo of his parents as a bunch of celestial sopranos bust out in a "GLORIA!!"

Here on earth, Victoria and Alex cry on a split screen! Commercial.

Paula meets up with Alex on his way out and natters on about Raquel firing Eric and... but Alex drives away, not listening...

... so then she has to tell it all to MJ and that was kind of funny. "Well, yeah, a cat fight, but Raquel hit me first! And she called me names!" MJ goes on again about, I'm not his wife, we'll take care of dad ourselves. "Well, but if you sell the apartment to pay his bills, we'll be out on the street." MJ has no answer for that.

Philipa, who has patiently endured years of Victoria's moping and snuffling and whining about the kids, admits she thinks Alex is a better guy than Bruno or Raquel. Heh.

Eric and Bruno, each in a dashing (?) unbuttoned shirt, go to see some scumbag and pay him to make a recording on Bruno's cellphone implicating Papa Pedro the Pirate in various dastardly smuggling deeds including guns.

Alex and his bud Ferdinand go to a bar where Alex gets sloshed and Ferdinand earnestly stands up for Victoria and the irresistible power of love. Blah, blah, blah. He eventually resorts to saying that what Alex is doing with MJ right now is no better than what Victoria did and asks, did you use a condom? No answer [uh oh, then MJ's pregnant for sure -- Ed.].

MJ is leaving her dad's chalet after a cozy chat with nurse Rosie... when who should pop up but Bruno, cell phone false witness in hand, asking whether she's been sleeping with Alex, and when are they getting divorced. He avers that her staying with Alex is "not in my plans." Then he demands, "Tell him you're having my baby!" and plays the tape for her.

Thank goodness, instead of collapsing and sobbing she grabs the phone and runs! Hurrah!

Bruno sets off after her but is slowed down by his brother-in-law who is skulking (luckily for MJ) in the bushes having a smoke. MJ gets to the house safely and wants to share this latest calumny with Alex but he, for once, isn't having any and mopes off to bed. And cries over his shoelaces because he doesn't want to share blood with Bruno.

After a few more repetitive conversations, Victoria (in very amusing pajamas) knocks on Alex's door and he reluctantly lets her in. She's brought that out-of-print book Ferdinand found for her in some bookstore - she wrote it, it's about her torrid love affair with Alex's dad. She says her husband was a writer, but an unsuccessful one, and she wrote as a hobby, but when it seemed she might have some success she published under a pseudonym so as not to embarrass her husband. Alex reads and weeps some more. Gee, her prose sounds just like a telenovela...

Elsewhere: Eric suggests to Bruno: "You could walk away from the whole mess, from the money and the woman," but Bruno says no, he chose MJ for himself...

Alex goes to wake MJ and asks: "We've had sex twice and I didn't use a condom. Are you glad or not? And are you [shouldn't that be 'were you'?] a virgin?"

She says, "too bad you're such a jerk," and this sorry episode comes to a close.

Tomorrow: Alex and Bruno tumble together down the Stairway of Death but I bet they both survive (not a spoiler).

Labels: sortilegio

Luisa, Ivan, and Alicia are pounding on the door at Mau's place to no avail when Ivan has an inspiration, "Duh, I have a key." This proves to be useful as he unlocks the door and the three rush headlong into the kitchen where they discover Abuela unconscious on the floor. Terryfying! (Hey, Hombre started it!) Katia calls an ambulance as Ivan and Luisa try to rouse her.

Labels: gancho

I know I bailed on this show, but the least I can do is give you a place to post comments until a Friday recapper can be found.

Labels: amor

First the redux: Blonde Play Boy and World Traveler Extraordinaire, Ulises (yeah, Ulysses—the writers were a little too cute by half with this one) returns from his travels through Europe and joins Roberto, Maura, and Lisete at a party in town. They greet him with open and very willing arms, and then everybody begins giving him the 411 about Bruno, Alex and his mysterious marital woes. Eventually they head back to the Lombardo mansion for more gossip and a few more drinks. Meanwhile, Erick of the many-colored way-too-briefs, calls Bruno to confirm that Alex has left on a trip and should be gone for the evening. He reminds Bruno that Raquel fired him earlier. Bruno says he’s now back in Merida and plans on taking advantage of AJ’s absence. He’ll handle Erick’s dust-up with Raquel while he’s at it.

Labels: sortilegio