Caray, Caray!

We start off with Juan and the gang fighting the gunrunners.

Aimee is standing on the beach in the rain looking for Juan. Samuel who is ordered to shoot anyone that comes near the caves spots her, but luckily she struts away.

Fulgencio's wife goes to investigate a noise in the house and it's Dagger Man who rushes to her and covers her mouth so that she can't scream.

Fulgencio and Federico are looking at their surroundings and wondering about the mystery owner of the home. Gabe nods his head for Noel to come over. Gabe say he called him over because he knows Noel recognized who he was and didn't want anyone to know who his patron is. Noel asks if the casino belongs to his patron. No, no replies Gabe. My patron has other types of activities.

Juan tells his men that he plans to continue fighting the gunrunners. Although they collected money and fish, so are they fisherman?

Dagger Man threatens Fulgencio's wife then kisses her. He leaves with the loot he stole.

Head gunrunner runs to the police and tells him what happened. Head policeman tells his men to go to the beach and find the fishermen. He thinks they are responsible.

Juan shows up at the party and Gabe pretends not to know him. A man comes up inviting him to a poker game. Juan accepts and is lead to the table where Fulgencio and Noel are seated. Where's the 4th player asks Juan. Rodrigo comes up to the table and they start a staring contest.

Fishermen are having a party and the head policeman shows up. Pedro drunkenly goes up to him and says are you coming to celebrate my birthday? Head policeman asks when the fandango started and how come they didn't invite him? (Not really) Santos drunkenly answers they started pretty early. Everyone starts giggling drunkenly in the background. Head policeman asks if Juan is with them. No replies Santos. He disappeared. First officer says we're not going to get anything out of these guys and they leave.

Aimee comes home pissed and Rosenda asks if she went out for another stroll again. Aimee says mind your business. I only answer to my dad and my godmother. Rosenda says don't forget about Renato. Don't you think he deserves an explanation? She gets bitch slapped by Aimee who reminds her that she is nothing and no one. Aimee laughs going up the stairs.

Juan and the boys are gambling heavy. Rod is confident he has the upper hand. Until Juan shows that he does. Juan says he would like to stay longer, but has other things to do. Rod says you have to come back for a rematch. Juan angrily remarks that Rod has no idea how much he wants to win all of Rod's fortune tonight. He laughs and says of course we'll have a rematch. Only if you promise to lose again like a gentlemen. They both stand up suddenly and have a staring contest again. Noel and Fulgencio try to defuse the situation. Gabe comes and takes him away. Rod stares at Juan's retreating back.

Gabe follows Juan out who gets onto him for following him. He doesn't want anyone to connect them. Gabe wants to find out what happened, but Juan says later. Gabe asks to step away from the casino and see Jimena. Juan gives the okay. He tells himself that no doubt love transforms a person.

Rod is smoking his cigar and Fulgencio's says it's an exciting night, but I must retire. Federico says he'll accompany him. He tells Fulgencio that he talked to Gabe again and it sounds like his patron is away on business a lot so they shouldn't worry about anyone knowing about their illegal activities in the caves.

Griselda drags Jimena and tells her that Dagger Man paid her a lot of money for Jimena's company. Whether she likes it or not, she's going. They fight and Gabe shows up and shouts "Let her go!" Griselda says I'm her aunt and am only trying to educate her. How can I help you sir, asks Griselda. I came here looking for Jimena replies Gabe. So that she can tell me my fortune and hands Griselda a lot of money. Fine replies Griselda. Gabe puts out his hand and asks Jimena about Estrella. She tells him that Estrella has a secret. If she told you the truth would you still love her? Gabe jerks his hand away and asks if that is all she has read. That Estrella has lied to him? Then I do not want to know anything more about her! My heart is broken in a million pieces. He walks away and Jimena cries and wonders what she did. How can I tell you that I am your Estrella?

Griselda tells Dagger Man that Jimena is washing up and will come to see him. He says she better not be lying. Griselda says it's true what I am telling you. I prepared you a drink that will make you more into an animal. He drinks it.

Juan has lit a fire by the shore for Aimee.

Aimee tells Leonarda that she went for a walk in the garden. Then came back to Rosenda and her many questions. She cannot take her attitude anymore. That's why I'm going to ask my dad to take us to the house in town. Leonarda is muy impactada. Aimee struts out. Leo cannot have Rod move to town and be so close to Madame Marlene. Aimee is so strong-willed and will do what she says. What can I do?

Regina toss and turns in bed then gets up coughing. She remembers her conversation with Aimee when she came to visit. How she knows Regina is in love with Renato, but chose her instead. Regina asking if Aimee has seen the guy from the ship. Of course not ever since we docked. Regina coughing again says she's pretty sure that Aimee lied to her.

Juan waiting for Aimee. He is walking around in the cave and hears a noise. He goes to investigate. Samuel tells Fulgencio that he saw a woman on the beach. Who was she asks an alarmed Fulgencio. Not sure replies Samuel. She was covering her face. I was about to fire, but fortunately she left. Juan says something as he's walking back to where he came from, but can't understand what he is saying because the rain is too loud. All I can hear is that he says that he has to be careful so that no one discovers them.

Dagger Man was drugged and Griselda stages the room with ripped clothes belonging to Jimena. She goes to Jimena and tells her that she owes her one. She saved her from Dagger Man. Where is the guy that was here asks Griselda. He left replies Jimena.

Madame Marlene tells Gabe that she appreciates his help tonight. Gabe is shocked that she is the owner of the casino. Fifi runs up to the room and tells the girls to hurry down. Jimena's love is downstairs. They look thru a picture that has holes in it. I really don't get the point of this scene except it was perhaps for the men. One lady is bathing and the other is half dressed.

Fulgencio's wife tells him that she didn't see anyone in the house and that is probably what saved her. He tells her that he will speak to the policeman to keep watch on the house. He wants nothing to happen to her. She thinks it not necessary. She's not scared and doesn't want the intruder to return.

Again with the half naked girls. No point in this scene. Gabe tells Madame Marlene about Jimena. Half naked girls giddy over seeing handsome Gabe. Madame Marlene pouring a drink for Gabe and he's spilling his guts.

Regina coughing more. Padre comes in and tells Regina that no matter how much she wants to, right now is not the time to take her vows. Regina says but I'm ready. Padre says let's give it more time.

Dagger Man has a major hangover. He tells everyone making noise outside to shut up. Griselda walks by and he asks what happened. Don't you remember replies Griselda? You were Jimena's first.

Fey Man and friends bring a very drunk Gabe home. Juan is amused and Gabe passes out.

Again with the half naked girls. They talk about Gabe and Jimena with Madame Marlene. They complain about being locked up. They want to go outside. Madame has a surprise for them.

Padre tells a coughing Regina that he has plans for her to return home.

Aimee asks Rod at breakfast if they can get the house ready in town for them. She turns to Renato and says "Of course we will come visit." Leonarda looks anguished, Rosenda looks happy as Rod says it's not a bad idea. Doorbell rings. Renato gets angry and takes Aimee's hand and says you cannot leave me. He stands up and tells everyone that he and Aimee agreed to keep it a secret for awhile, but they are engaged. In comes Regina muy impactada. Renato and Aimee spot her.

Back from break and Regina faints. Clemencia runs to her with Renato close behind. He picks her up and carries her to her room. He yells for someone to get a doctor. Rod looks like he doesn't give a crap. Renato lays her in bed and Clemencia tells him to leave so that she can take off Regina's clothes. Renato mutters softly to Regina that she must recuperate. They all care about her and need her.

Rod with Leonarda close at his heels says that Regina came back because she couldn't take being a nun. I am sure that she fainted to make a scene and so that we will feel bad for her. Aimee says I hope your right because it scared me. Rod says I hope this serves as an example. God punishes those that disobey their fathers. Don't worry about me replies Aimee. I always listen to what you say. Let's change the subject. I am so happy about your engagement with Renato replies Leonarda. Renato comes in and says I knew you would be happy. Leonarda scolds him and says why didn't you tell me? We have never had secrets before. Because Aimee asked me replies Renato. Rod says it doesn't matter. You are engaged and we are happy. Everyone hugs. Aimee not happy with the announcement.

Regina is in bed coughing. She tells Clemencia that she had to leave the convent. Clemencia said you fainted because of the announcement Renato made. Yes replies Regina. I didn't expect it this quickly. My destiny is to suffer. But what hurts the most is that I am sure that Aimee is still seeing that salvaje.

Juan chastises Gabe. I thought you were a level headed kid. Gabe tells him what happened with Jimena and how Estrella is lying to him. I understand how you feel having your heart broken. But what are you going to do if this happens again? I want revenge against the Montes de Oca. I need someone strong by my side. Are you up to this? Answer me!

Aimee comes to see Regina. She wonders how Regina's doing. Fine replies Regina. I know that it hurts to see Renato and me together. I think that's why it's best you insist we go to town. And leave your fiancée replies Regina. No, we came back for visits say Aimee. I'm only thinking of you. In town we can be closer to the doctor and go out and have fun. I believe being shut up at the finca will only make you feel worse. Think about it. Also seeing Renato everyday will make you feel worse. Regina thinks Aimee has a good reason. The doctor comes to check Regina. Aimee reminds her to insist on moving to town.

Noel tells Rod that the doctor has arrived. Rod doesn't buy it and says it's just a ploy. I will insist she marry Federico or she can go back to the convent. Noel says how can you unite her with someone she does not love? Because I am looking out for her best interest replies Rod. Noel yells that you cannot fool me! I know that she brings up bad memories. How can you condemn her to a sad life? I don't know what you’re talking about says Rod. You understand perfectly. Regina refuses to marry Federico because she loves another. And it reminds you of Maria de Rosario. Rod grabs Noel and says I told you never to bring that up again. I don’t even want to hear her name. Noel says to bad! Because what you are going to Regina reminds me of the past. But think about it! It’s you that cannot forget the past! I am telling you this. If you cannot forgive her, then you can never have peace.

Mute girl brings Maria de Rosario flowers. It reminds her of the ones that Juan de Dios gave her. They have always been her favorite.

Madame Marlene and ladies are out for a drive in the carriage. They stop at the beach where Madame Marlene says they have the whole day to spend at the beach. Of course they frolic and are giddy. Oh and half naked.

Dagger Man doubts Griselda sent Jimena to him last night and puts a knife to her throat. Jimena backs up Griselda’s story. Still Dagger Man doubts and tells Jimena that she will spend another night with him and Griselda will return his money. He tries to kiss Jimena and in comes Juan pushing him away from her.

Regina recalls Renato’s words at breakfast about his engagement to Aimee. There’s a knock on the door and Rod (father of the year) comes in. He asks her how she is. Better replies Regina. You couldn’t take the convent asks Rod. So that is why you are pretending to be sick. No. I really wanted to stay replies Regina. And once I am better I will go back. You don’t understand yells Rod. You have no desire to be a nun. You do this to defy me. Of course not replies Regina. So you still refuse to marry Federico asks Rod. I told you already says Regina. I prefer to go to the convent then marry without love. Do what you want yells Rod? Do not count on me and your sister. We will be moving to town and you will stay here. Regina asks Rod if he cares about her?

Manana: Juan tells Jimena if she loves Gabe then tell him the truth; /Aimee and Rod get into a bad storm; Renato comes looking for Aimee.

Labels: salvaje

Well, this I don't like one little bit. Coni has been enlisted as momma's (Valentina's mamá, that is) little helper. She has agreed to get Monita out of the house for a bit while Sneaky Snake carries out some vile plan she has up her sleeve (Emilia, why would a snake need sleeves, anyway?). Nosiree, Coni certainly needs no outside encouragement to pursue her dark side, but here she is, challenging Moni to a duel (well, of fisticuffs) at César's Gym... tonight. 10:00. "You and I... alone." Isabel lamely and vainly tries to discourage Moni, but our little monkey chooses this inopportune moment to standup to mommy; wouldn't you know it? She accepts the taunting challenge. The way will be clear for Issy to work her evil unmolested. Connie takes her leave, "Don't make me wait."

Our drug-addled little puppy is home (poor baby doesn't even know he has be liberated), overlooks Jaqui's note, and checks the place out. Looks like no one is home; the coast is clear (where the heck is Britni-Sofia?). He invites in his new BFFs, who scamper inside like rats fleeing the rays of the sun. Aldo begins laying out food for the ravenous rodents who greedily help themselves. One of his new buds keeps Aldo occupied with conversation while the other, excusing himself to go potty, scurries about the house collecting cash and concealable valuables from various rooms. Having lunched and looted, the vagrants exit with the malleable Aldo in tow, leaving behind an unsuspecting Britni-Sophia who is enjoying a well-deserved but ill-timed break from her chores, by luxuriating in a huge tub filled with bubbles as she leisurely sips soda and chatters on the phone with her mamacita.

Nieves has a date. Estrella pops in as she is finishing up her preparations for a dinner date with Marcos. Taxi's here.Her blouse is an interesting choice. It is a multicolored, iridescent, horizontally striped little number with the buttons slightly strained by he ample bosom struggling for breathing space. Estrella approves but thinks she should reveal a bit more bosom. Nieves is nervous and doesn't want Monita to learn of her assignation. She still has her ringlets, two for the forehead and two over each ear, rolled tightly waiting to spring forth as narrow corkscrews to adorn her face. I'd say marginally better than her former Shih Tzu coiffures.

Marcos seems excited about their date. He looks very presentable in a dark navy suit, starched white shirt, and a snappy tie with diagonal narrow red and silver stripes, very natty. Someone's at his apartment door, he opens it expectantly. Uh oh. It's Jaqui. She is wearing a jacket constructed of a zillon dead weasels with a contrasting shawl collar of red fox or possibly Persian cat. Well, heck, a bit of a mixup. "I've got a very important appointment (cita), can we do this tomorrow night?" Jaqueline, will habe none of it. She has made hrself beautiful for this special date, "So tonight it is, Buster." My heart goes out to Marcos. Who of us hasn't double-booked an evening with significant others?

Nieves is still getting ready with Estrela's help. She tells Estrella that Marcos named Beto as General Manager of Groupo Sermeño so he will be worthy of his Coni. She's not so sure that Coni's worthy of her baby boy, but is certain that there is no chance that he can stop loving her. Estrella hurries her up, "Taxi's waiting!"adding the finishing touches with blasts of naca perfume aimed at strategic body parts.

Marcos tries to explain that he has forgotten until now a very important business meeting. Nopis, Jaqui will not be denied. As Marcos notes, Jaqui's desires always prevail. "So how about Restaurante del Lagos?" Jaqui likes and on their way out, Jaqui observes prophetically, "I promise you, this will be an unforgettable night." We've high hopes as well.

Moni arrives at the gym as César is about to lock up. He asks why she is there so late, Monita tells him that she came to notify him of Nieves' dinner date with Marcos at Restaurante del Lagos and expects him to fight for her. She notes that he he seems a bit down. he sadly tells her that he hopes they have a good time. Oh no! César can't give up in defeat. The important thing right now is for him to win back Nieves. He's not convinced... yet.

We hear laughter on the playground as we see a patrol car drive by an we see other couples strolling. Here's our focus of interest, it's Tepid Tedious Tano once again out of his price range, escorting an unusually perky Paula. Their mirth seems a bit phony and strained, but... OK, I can see no real harm in this. They each pick a swing and settle in for more aimless banter. Both are nicely dressed, Tano in Dockers, A red shirt, brown leather jacket and loafers. Not bad. Pau looks wholesome in dungarees with matching jacket, tee shirt, and black boots. He can't believe she's so nice. He asks her what she thinks of him now. She relies that he is enchanting. Gack! Nearby the patrol car rolls to a stop. Inside are Cristian and... Beto? Beto points out our couple on the swings. Cristian has a plan. Beto wants to help, but Beto is hungry. Cristian wants to get on with his plan. If he helps he'll feed Beto anything he wants. Apparently it involves a costume for Beto. Oh my! This can't possibly go well.

Moni thought that César was prepared to do anything to regain Nieves. He wavers... Moni the highly qualified relationship counselor/boxing trainer springs into action, giving him a motivational lecture that Knute Rockne would be proud of as she massages his biceps and loosens his back with brisk toning karate chops, "Get out there and fight for the woman you love!" Inspired, Don César assumes a boxers stance, dances around, throws a few feigned jabs and is ready for battle. "¡Eso! ¡Eso!" Moni is delighted. She sends the now enthusiastic warrior on his way. Her brow furrows as her countenance darkens, "I'm waiting for you Momia..."

Much to Beto's horror, Cristian pulls out a knife (ya call that a knife?) and appears to stab himself in the neck. Not to worry, it's plastic with a collapsable blade, all part of the clever plan. Beto is to disguise himself and accost Tano and Pau, maybe rough Tano up a bit, and then Cristian will rush up and... Oh no! This can't possibly go well.

Isabel is busy proceeding with her own well laid out plan. She is busy crushing a tablet into powder with a steaming cup of coffee nearby and as Alicia storms in, chattering like a Dexed-up magpie, with her ubiquitous fan fluttering in overdrive, she dumps the powdered granules into the cup. Now I doubt that any of us really quarrel very much with this part of Issy's plan. If you intends to sedate the babbling Alicia... carry on, snake lady. Isabel calmly listens until there is a brief opening as Alicia pauses to take a breath, Then begins telling Alicia about her plan to reunite M&M. Hurry up and offer her the cup. She tells Alicia a cock'n bull story of a plot that she and Estrella have come up with to get M&M together at Estre's place. Alicia wants to be a part. Hey, why not? She can tell Mau to meet Monita at Estre's. Now drink your coffee.

Alicia is concerned that the coffee will keep her awake, "Is it decaf?" Issy assures her that she will sleep like a doormouse (lirón). NOW DRINK THE DANG COFFEE!

"Buenas noches, Mona." Coni confidently strides into th gym, black gloves in hand (significant? Most boxing goves are reddish brown, Moni's are pink... Hombre?). Both are lovely tonght, Moni, pretty in pink, Coni, more earthy, yet lovely n a designer tee which announces, "You Drive Me Crazy!" and pants. They glare.

We've made our way to the restaurant and find Jaqui and Marcos seated at a table in front of a huge aquarium. She has molted. The superfluous outer fur has given way to reveal a soft silky pink white and black dress with deep neckline. Nice. Jaqui loves the place, it's been sooo long. It always makes her feel very romantic and frisky. She expresses her exuberance by grabbing that beautiful silver and red tie, pulling him close, moving in, besos... "Waiter!" The officious waiter promptly responds, "Buenas noches, bienvenidas. What will you folks have tonight?" Jaqui will have Lobster Thermidor. Marcos, who looks to have a rather busy evening ahead orders just a salad, "But not César, por favor," he ruefully adds. She is surprised that's all he's having and he counters that she should watch her cholesterol so as not to have an infarction, but quickly notes that that is unlikely since she has no heart. "More Champagne?" She eagerly accepts,Why not, the night is young and we don't yet know what surprises await us." They toast to the tricks that both may have up their sleeves. With Jaqui, Marcos notes, one never knows from where a rabbit (liebre) might jump (saltar) out. He excuses himself to go to the bathroom. Since he went only twenty minutes before she suggests he have his prostate checked. They really do make a cute if edgy couple.

At a distant table Nieves is absorbed in the menu. He asks what she'll have. She wants soperitos con pollo but can't find them on the menu. "¿Sopesitos?" No problem, he calls over the waiter. He asks for sopes con pollo for Nieves, the waiter scowls disapprovingly, "Did you hear me?" The waiter weakly smiles at Nieves and nods. "Marcos, do you remember?" She offers up her...nose? He remembers and they rub noses as a suffering César helplessly looks on biting his fists.

Aldo and his rodential friends have arrived in the alleyway of the home of the kindly dope peddler. Aldo assures Simón that he has anything they need. They knock, KDP, seeing that it's Aldo, who reassures him that they've brought money, invites them in.

Back at the Bat Cave, Teri is delighted to be reunited with the Femsibs, Luisa and Dani. Iván beams. Luisa grouses about life with the Mummy, but an optimistic Iván reassures her that is in the past and he has no doubt that Mao will permit him and Luisa to be novios. Teri thinks that's a great idea. Mauricio, not wanting to spoil the moment, agrees. Dani wants to know why Moni is not there with them. Mao too, is disappointed but at the moment his main concern is the missing hijo, Aldo.

Taking note that they are here all alone and Coni has no one to wrap her hands, Moni guesses they will have to fight bare knuckled (puños limpios). Not to worry, here's la Guerrera. Moni is suspicious but la G assures her that she is here to aid them and act as referee. She smiles a broad toothy smile as she proceeds in wrapping Coni's hands.

Still in the patrol car, Cristian is giving last minute instructions to Beto, now decked out in dark clothes with the requisite dark ski mask. Beto assures him that he will be the best mugger (ratero) ever. Oh yes! This can't possibly go well. Beto will hide, and as Cristian makes the block, lurk, and then attack, then... Beto hops out, heads for a clump of trees, pauses to puke... Oh crap! This can't... you know.

The happy couple stroll up on cue, Beto leaps out, knife in hand, "Hands up!" He orders them into the alley, tilting his head to ogle Pau's butt as they proceed.

Nieves enjoys her sopesitas as Marcos looks on lovingly. He goes to work. "Nieves, you know, all these years I haven't been able to stop thinking of your lips..." "Ay, Marcos." " I've missed your kisses so much. I've waited so long to feel the warmth of your skin, your lips on mine..." He moves in for a kiss and gets a bite of sopesito instead. He doesn't miss a beat. Across the room, César is fit to be tied. Nieves dabs at Marcos lips with her napkin. Oops time for another trip to el baño.

He hurries back to the other table, followed discreetly by César, where Jaqui was about to start on her lobster without him. She complains. He explains. Old friend in the john. She mentions that since he's aged, trips to the bathroom are taking him longer. He reminds her that in spite of her injections and unguents , she has gotten old as well. Jaqui really is feeling frisky. Once more she grabs his tie and pull him close, "Come here!" She wants a reminder of what it's like to kiss a man of this nature. "Come here papá, this is the first of what I expect of you tonight." César is scandalized. "Dinner with two women at the same time!"

Back in the 'hood, a yawning Alicia is delighted about her role as cupid. Isabel sends her to do her part as she, herself, knocks on Estre's door. "May I come in? We need to talk."

Alicia is calling Mao from the community phone. She urges him to hurry over, Monita wants to talk. She yawns, "She wants to meet you at Estrella's so you want be bothered by Isabel." Her spiked coffee is kicking in. She goes to look for a bed.

Coni is gloved now and she and Monita are faced off in the ring. Ana Maria (la G) gives them instructions, " A fair fight. No eye gouging or ear biting." Heck!

Coni's ready to go. Moni has a trobled face and remembers... She remember Mauricio informing her that Constanza is her sister. Coni launches some wild jabs, backs up, then lunges. Moni steps aside and Coni tumbles right through the ropes, out of the ring, and onto the floor as Moni and la G look on astonished. From across the continent, Carlos hears the satisfied laughter of the anti-Coni faction of Club Gancho. How humiliating for our Coni. Disgusted Moni holds out her fists and demands that la G remove the gloves. "Are you backing out (te estás rejando), Monita?" "Of course not. There's no way that the Mummy is prepared for a fight." Coni, boldly, but not wisely, crawls back into the ring insisting that the fight continue. The girl's game. Not good, but game. Moni critiques her form and style. She reminds Moni that the pigsty (pocilga) where she and her friends live is in play. Moni tells her to get Beto to train her better. "Meanwhile, don't come near me." Coni frowns. la G tells her that she is lucky. "Monita could have killed you."

As the others finish dinner, Teri tucks in Dani. Mao excuses himself to go meet Moni. Teri reassures him that they will let him know when they hear from Aldo. Don't worry, Aldo is a sensible (sensato) boy. Mao tells Luisa to behave. As he leaves, Iván queries his granny, "¿Aldo, sensato? I don'tbelieve that." "Nor I," Luisa adds. Nor we.

Speaking of, Aldo and the boys duck out of the way as Cristian's patrol car cruises by and pulls over. The lads think that it'd be good sport to assault Cristian. Aldo helplessly objects as they do just that. From behind the two grab him, bend him over the hood of he car and when he complains, whacks his head with his own pistol rendering him unconscious. This scene is very troubling on many levels.

Meintras tanto, Beto is marching his victims through the woods. He stops them demanding that they quickly comply with his demands. Timid Tano is ready to hand over his wallet, but Pau sees things differently. She complains and struggles a bit with Beto. Tano butches up and challenges Beto. Beto demonstrates some fancy moves with the knife, but alas, he drops it. Emboldened, Tough guy Tano directs a kick at Beto's nethers. ¡GOL!!! Our little ratero is rendered helpless. Paula, her sadistic bent surfacing, proceeds to kick the unfortunate Beto mercilessly. Tano drags her away as Beto writhes in pain.

Estrella is buying none of Isabel's horse hockey.

Aldo tries vainly to mitigate the assault on Cristian. His chum have reverted to form, taken control and are stripping an unconscious Cristian of clothes, pistol, and order Aldo into the patrol car. This is very bad.

Estrella tells la Serpiente that she is waiting for Moni to come to her senses and see Isabel as she is. She tells her to leave. Issy tells her that she is prepared to tell her the real truth, but it's a long story. She needs a glass of water. Estre fetches the water, Isabel readies her auxiliary surrogate fang, and as Estre is setting the glass down, the vicious viper coils and strikes, plunging the needle into Estre's arm. Ouch. Estre is stunned. "What did you do to me?"

A tearful Moni is walking alone. The harsh reality has settled in, "She's my sister. She's my sister. The Mummy is my sister.

Isabel is busy arranging her little tableau. She has placed Estre in her bed, undressed her, and situated her in a provocative pose. All the while speaking eerily in a soothing manner to the unconscious Estrella. She then calmly sets about readying another syringe. "I expect it won't be long before Mauricio arrives."

As Beto struggles to his feet complaining, Cristian, clad in shorts, shoes, and socks, staggers up. Beto shares his jacket. He curses Paula.

Mao knocks on Estre's door and walks in, looks around, and... Coiled behind the door the snake strikes again. This time Mao's thigh is impaled. "Buena noches, Mauricio," She watches impassively as he flounders about briefly as the venom rapidly enters his circulation. Thoughtfully, he collapses on the bed. Issy moves in to strip him and arrange him in the bed, entwined with Estrella. "After this night, Maurcio, Valentina never again believe in you, and even better, the friendship between my daughter and Estrella will be doomed forever." She grabs her wounded shoulder, "Damned shoulder. I want to see the look on Valentina's face when she discovers you together in the same bed."

Having returned to the vecinidad, In her mind Moni hears Mao lauding her dad for facilitating the return of the kids, her mom, saying that Marcos has done two beautiful things in his life, Beto talking about Coni and Mao , she turns around, heads for Estre's apartment, pauses, then starts to enter.

Dr. Judy, score this as an assist. Now for your slam dunk.

Carlos

Labels: gancho

Rafa is explaining to Ale about the photos. He is showing her the pictures from the wedding. Initially Ale is smiling, then suddenly grabs the photos from Rafa. She wants to know how much money they want. She says it is extortion. She wants to know what they are going to do with the pictures. In what magazine are they going to publish them in. She becomes all paranoid and crazy.


Rafa assures her it isn’t extortion. He shows her the envelope it came in with their names on it. And reads what the letter says "To our grandest friends, Ale and Rafa, memories of this wonderful moment you shared with us. Your friend Aurelio".

Rafa tells her not to worry about the pictures he will guard them. Ale starts grabbing them from him, wants to know what he is going to do with them. She tells him he is capable of selling them. She is afraid that the pictures could be misinterupted and cause damage to her personal life and snatches them out of Rafas’ hands. She says do what I say, and don’t make me mad.

Rafa tells her he wants to keep at least one. She asks him if he is crazy and wants to know why. She says this is dangerous material and almost radioactive. Rafa tells her to not exaggerate. He says she may want to forget about this day but he doesn’t want to. For him it was unforgettable and he will never forget about it. Rafa walks away sad.

Ale sits down at her desk and starts looking at the pictures. Smiling, then says, how crazy, this cant be and turns on her shredder, but picks up the pictures again, smiling not able to believe that the women in the picture was her. Then starts singing the song she sang with Rafa and smiling the whole time.

We have Chavez at Marcos’ door handing him an envelope telling him "mission completed". The money, the tickets and everything he asked for his little vacation. Marco asks Chavez if he has been drinking, and Chavez says it was to console himself because Marco won’t let him go along with him. Then he asks for a drink. Marco says okay go ahead.

He wants to know how he is going to justify his trip to Ale. Marco tells him tonight he will have to think of something. He just doesn’t know what yet. He feels that Ale has been acting very strange.

Said strange acting Ale is still looking at the pictures. Attempts to shred one but can’t, then Beltran suddenly shows up and asks her what she’s doing. She hides the pictures. He wants to know if Rafa brought new clothes. She assures him that yes he did. She almost lets it slip that she paid for them but catches herself , and says she made him improve his image and pay for it with credit.

Beltran says good. It's better to be in debt. If someone is hungry they work harder. Then he wants her to come to his office to go over figures. Her pictures are left on the desk and she follows him out of the office.

As Beltran walks through the sales room, Marino goes to greet him, Beltran asks him how he is than walks right by him to go talk to Rafa. This doesn’t please Marino one bit. Beltran wants him to continue to sell, and just imagine the smile Ale will have when she returns. As he leaves Marino tries again to greet Beltran, once again and is brushed off, as Beltran tells him to get to work. Ale sarcasticly repeats to him get to work son, smiling as she walks away.

Isabel chides Marino and says he has lost his touch. Marino says it is only temporary and could happen to anyone. Isabel continues to chide him. He tells her not to worry about him, he will recuperate his first place standing and walks away angrily. Rafa starts to giggle.

Chavez is worried about Ales’ trip and is worried that Ale doesn’t love him anymore. Marco tells him to stop talking like an idiot. He tells Chavez to stop drinking. He says he has to go get Ale. Chavez continues with his preoccupation. He wants to know if he has been affectionate with Ale. I think he was asking him if he has slept with her. Marco tells Chavez he is drunk and delirious. He says you’ve seen Ale. The way she looks now. Chavez continues to warn him that if Ale feels unloved, perhaps while she is away someone might be able to win her affections.

Rafa is on the phone and Ale tells him to come to her office. Ramiro tells him this will be his last chewing out of the month. Now we are back to Chavez warning Marco that some guy in the states might just become interested in Ale pay the debt of the hacienda . Marco tells Chavez that this type of guy would never be interested in Ale. Especially how she is now.

Ale is giving Rafa orders of what needs to be done while she is away and has increased what he owes her this month. (I think that is what she said) She reminds him that she paid for the clothes and gave him extra money for his personal expenses from her own account. Then she gets all anxious and says she can’t go on her trip because with her gone Rafa will act like he is on vacation and party.

She calls Susan and tells her to cancel the trip. Rafa takes the phone and tells Susana not to pay attention to what Ale just said. She turns a little bit crazy on Rafa. He ends up telling her if the reason she is having the operation is because she looks deformed, he tells her she is wrong, because to him she is marvelous.

Back with Chavez telling Marco that Ale is mighty fine looking (not exactly his words but that’s what he meant). And that while she is in therapy recuperating, someone is going to get a look at those fine legs and curves she has. Chavez is getting a little carried away with his images of Ale in therapy and Marco suddenly screams at him to stop, he is talking about his girlfriend. Chavez apologizes and blames it on the drinking. (Those two together crack me up).

He continues to warn Marco that Ale could attract someone that could steal her and the hacienda away from them. He tells him that tonight he has to become affectionate with her . He has to have a night with her that will stay in her mind for the entire month she is gone. After all someone could sweep her off her feet while she is away.

Marco has a look of disgust on his face and tells Chavez that he is right. Then he says disgustedly that he will have to spend the night with Ale. Chavez says, I think for you it is torture so I could help you out with that. Marco yells at him.

Back with Rafa and Ale. Rafa tells her to stop saying how ugly she is, because it is a lie. He tells her she is precious and divine. And for him she doesn’t need any operation. Ale says he is telling her these things because it makes it easier for him. He continues to tell her that the only operation she needs is on her ears to hear what people are saying. Then he starts telling her how everyone comments to him how beautiful his boss is. He gets a little carried away and something was said about Vicky. And I am not certain if Rafa said Vicky was beautiful but crazy or said Ale was beautiful and crazy.

Susana interrupts and says Marco is here. Ale seems confused, then says okay. Tells Rafa to have a good trip, then says sell. Susana wants to know if she is okay. Ale tells her she leaves things in her hands.

Ramiro tells everyone this will be the last goodbye to Ale for 30 days. Ale walks out and tells then she will see them in a month and to not let her down. She stares for a while and if you looked away, you would have missed that brief very sweet smile exchange between Rafa and Ale . Then she leaves. Everyone is ecstatic except poor Rafa.

Ale walks to the car. Marco is there all sweet and syrupy. He rattles on about how in one month she will be looking great and he will be able to marry her. Ale says yes, gets in the car and starts remembering the last time she tried to seduce Marco and how disastrous that was. Then she smiles as she remembers Rafas’ words that she is precious and divine. And that she doesn’t need surgery that she is beautiful. The rest of the ride home is silent and solemn

Back at Siglo Everyone is ready to celebrate. They are about to leave, and Dandy and Claudia go back to get Rafa. They convince him to go and celebrate with them.

Marco and Ale have arrived home and Rosario tells Ale that she can’t go with her because there will be nobody to take care of Jorge. Ale agrees and says you need to stay. Then she says she will just cancel the whole thing. Marco tells her she cant do that. Than Rosario says there is a way that she could still go. That would be if Marco agrees to stay with Jorge. Marco looks like he is going to be sick.

Rosario tells him he wouldn’t need to be there all the time just mostly at night to make sure Jorge doesn’t do anything crazy. Ale agrees. Marco says sure he doesn’t know why he didn’t think about that.(Yea right Marco). Marco looks panic stricken.

Ale says she thinks that Marco is not really comfortable with this idea. That they can’t take advantage of Marco like that. Marco disagrees and says how could you think that . Jorge is like a father to me. At this in walks sweet papa Jorge.

He wants to know if Marco is taking them to the airport in the morning or if they want him to take them. Ale quickly stands and says Marco will do it. She says not only is he doing that but he is going to stay with him while they are gone. This whole little scene is pretty funny. Marco is trying to be convincing that he is delighted to be able to help out. Jorge is all excited about being able to play cards the whole time.

Rosario suggests they go get something to eat and Ale reminds her that they don’t have time. They need to pack. They take off to pack, Jorge is all excited about how much fun he is going to have with Marco and Marco is down the hallway crying as he calls Chavez to have him cancel his vacation plans. He also finds out that he will not be getting any refund and is out all the money for the trip. To funny.

Ale is packing and Marco comes back in and sits on the bed. Ale questions him if he is sure he wants to stay with Jorge. He assures her that he will take good care of him. He remembers Chavez’s advise about being affectionate with Ale tonight. He goes in for the kill and is shot down. Ale says she is to busy . He attempts again and again is shot down. She tells him in one month they can make love when she returns from her trip as a more desirable women.

Marco tells her she is the most spectacular women on the planet. He gives it one more shot, and attempts to kiss Ale. She asks him if he is serious. Why would he tell her this now. She tells him it would be best if he just went home. Marco looks very confused. Ale walks away into the bathroom, comes back and gives him a good night kiss and says she is going to take a bath and tells him good night as she closes the bathroom door. Marco leaves scratching his head.

After he leaves, Ale walks back into her room and seems perplexed by the whole Marco being affectionate encounter. And wonders why now would he be acting like this. She sits on the bed and takes out her pictures and starts smiling.

We have all the Siglo crew now out at Dona Dolores’. We have each one making their little phone calls and excuses as to where they are and why they wont be home right away. Been there, heard all that before.

Back to Ale . Rosario walks in and inspects her luggage and takes out her computer. (How she knows Ale.) She scolds her and tells her this is prohibited. She gives her her passport and tells her to sleep well. Sweet little moment. Rosario leaves with Ales’ computer and Ale is left alone on the bed.

She goes to put her passport away and takes the pictures out and starts looking at them again. Smiling and lauging. She has a brief moment where she calls herself crazy and is about to tear up the pictures, but sanity takes over. As she hold the picture close to her face.

We are back with Siglo crew having a great old time. Rafa tells them that this time he is not going to pay and says it is someone else’s turn. Perhaps Marino. After all he was second in sales. Marino gets all up in Rafas’ face. He goes to sit down and the chair breaks. His wig falls off and bow-tie guy to the rescue. He throws his coat over Marino so he can put his wig back on. Marino calls him an idiot.

Rafa suggests now they should get another bottle so Marino wont cry. Marino starts yelling. Then Claudia walks over to Rafa and reminds him about their trip to Acapulco. Rafa is sitting there but is deep in thought. They want to know what’s wrong with him. Dandy asks him if he is gay. Ramiro thinks it has something to do with Ales’ trip.

Rafa asks them how they could think that. Dandy wants to know if it has to do with his girlfriend. He asks if he killed her. Ramiro gets worried and wants to know where the corpse is. Rafa says he is the corpse. He tells them he has to marry Vicky. He says that he is being pressured by her family. They have been going out for two years and they think it is time. Dandy thinks a tequila is in order. Rafa looks sad.

Ale now ready for bed, pictures still in her hands is smiling and talking to herself. Looking at each picture very thoughtfully. Then she puts them in her purse and says to herself “ How about if I just take you with me.” She turns off her light and gives thanks to god, smiling.

It is Morning and Rafa’s alarm goes off (the phone). He gets all excited as he answers the phone knowing it is Ale. He tells her he didn’t think she would be calling. Ale reminds him how many trucks and cars he needs to sell. He says 26 cars or 10 trucks. He tells her he wont let her down. That she can leave in peace. She reminds him to go pick up his new clothes. And don’t even think about going back to Siglo in his old awful clothes. He can be a little late and he can tell Susana that she authorized it.

They both seem as though they do not want to hang up. Finally Ale says “Goodbye already Medina” Rafa says Don’t say goodbye boss. It’s better if you say we’ll see you later. He tells her to have a great trip. And wishes her good luck. She says okay we will see you later and smiles and hangs up.

We have the sweetest split-scene of Ale and Rafa encircled in a heart shape outline with little cupids shooting arrows, both smiling at the phones they have just hung up.

So did anyone else notice that we did not have a single obligatory odd salon scene and only had a brief Vicky encounter and that was a brief phone call?

Labels: dinero

Dora thanks Albieri for making the miracle happen that got her pregnant. Just to make sure he is as uncomfortable as possible, she shows him the picture of Osvaldo and says that Silvia has assured her that the baby will look just like him. Albieri looks at the picture and sees Lucas. He staggers out of the room.

Silvia tells Luisa that she is concerned about Albieri's behavior. She vows that she will find out what is going on. Meanwhile, Albieri has post-cloning remorse. He vows that the baby cannot be born. It could have horrible defects. It is his moral duty to warn Silvia.

Cristina, Dora and Vicki celebrate the good news with snifters of milk. Cristina asks if Dora wants to know who the father is and Dora replies that it is prohibited to know who donated the sperm. Vicki says that Dora doesn't need to know - the father is Osvaldo and once again we hear about how much the donor resembles Osvaldo.

Back in Morocco, Said and Jade are led to their room with Nariza as close as she can be without actually being in the bedroom with them.

Said tells Jade that he won't do anything if she doesn't want him to. He'll wait until she likes him, until she loves him. (What a nice guy!) Jade replies that she wants to be with him. We have the foot washing.

Nariza is right outside the door. Zoraida tells Ali that she is like a venomous snake who wants to ruin the marriage. "Does she have any reason to do so?" asks Ali and Zoraida has to lie and say no.

Nariza tells Zoraida that as the older sister, it is her responsibility to watch over her brothers. Zoraida says she should have no worries - she has Jade's certificate of virginity. Nariza replies that a virginity certificate is only good on the day it's issued (and not even then if you have a corrupt doctor). A lot of time has passed since then, anything could have happened.

Back in the bedroom, Said asks Allah to make Jade understand the love he has for her, and have her appreciate him. But when he kisses her, she flashes back to kissing Lucas. Said goes on to asks Allah to bless the children they will have, to bless this night and all the nights they will have. Said asks Allah to take away everything that might separate them.

Lucas is outside the hotel suffering.

Lastly, Said asks Allah to let him make Jade happy and to have her make him happy as well.

Lucas suffers outside the hotel. Outside Said and Jade's room, the families wait.

Said learns that Jade is not a virgin. Angrily he gets out of the bed. Jade waits to accept her fate. She hopes that she dies quickly without suffering.

In the bathroom, Said finds a straight razor (they should only have safety razors in a honeymoon suite). He struggles with his anger and love for Jade. Finally he cuts his finger. He comes back to the bedroom and tells Jade that he is going to commit a sin worse than hers. They will never speak about this night but if Lucas ever crosses Said's path, he will kill him.

The door of the bedroom opens and Nariza is given the proof of virginity, which she displays to everyone. [She doesn't seem too disappointed or suspicious.] Everybody's happy except Jade and Said.

Lucas returns to Florida tormented by flashbacks. At the last moment, he can't face going to his house and goes to Cristina's. He tells her what happened and says that he will never see Jade again. She tells him not to despair that things in life can change in an instant. She agrees to put him up.

Leo is told that Lucas has returned but not to the house. He is his usual nasty self taking out his frustration on others.

Albieri has driven to Dora's house and is steeling himself to tell her about the clone problem. He jumps out of his car and right into the path of another car. He is knocked down but not seriously injured and drives away without talking to Dora.

Albieri returns home and is fussed over by Luisa.

Jade goes to the ruins and suffers. Lucas walks on the beach and suffers. He lies on the couch at Cristina's like a zombie. Then all of a sudden, he comes to a decision. He tells Cristina that he has decided to face his destiny. He returns to his father's house.

Silvia tells Luisa that she will find out what is going on with Albieri. Albieri wonders whether to tell Silvia about what he did but decides he has to calm her suspicions before she figures out what happened and gets him in trouble. At this point, Miss Brown arrives on her way to London. She says that she and his friends are worried about him. He almost tells her but chickens out at the last minute because she would judge him like everyone else. Ms. Brown thinks that Albieri's condition is the result of Dr. Molina filling his head with ethical concerns.

Only days into her pregnancy, Dora already has given up on her plan to stay at home during the entire 9 months. She goes to the club but doesn't dance or drink. Of course, in comes Osvaldo. He wants to talk to Dora but the perfidious Norma hijacks him and of course he can't just push her aside. Dora wants to kill them both but Vicki drags her out of the bar. Dora says that Miami has nothing for her and she decides to go to New York to have her baby at her Mom's. "Ojos que no ven, corazon que no siente," she says, "What the eyes don't see, the heart doesn't feel."

Ms. Brown chides Albieri for keeping the photo of his dead fiancee. Silvia comes in and Ms. Brown tells her about her theory that Albieri's state of mind is the result of Dr. Molina's ethics lectures. Silvia doubts this. Dr. Molina hasn't been around. He hasn't even called. Silvia swears that she will figure out what is going on.

Nariza and Jade are praying. Nariza criticizes the way Jade prays and then tells her how to cook. Jade says that she is going to see Ali. Then Nariza criticizes Jade to Said and the Mouth doesn't notice when Said walks away.

Jade tells Ali that she obeyed him and got married but she doesn't like it. Ali asks if Said is performing his marital duties properly. Does he rush things? Literally, 'Does he come to you more quickly than a bird (viene a ti más rapido que un pájaro). If so, she can have the judge speak to Said. If he doesn't give her satisfaction in bed, no one will complain if she divorces him. Jade says that isn't it. She doesn't like Said and Nariza is driving her crazy. Ali tries to give Jade advice but they aren't communicating.

Albieri decides to get rid of the snoopy Silvia by sending her to London as Ms. Brown's assistant. He pretends that he wants her to fly higher in her career.

Leo comes home and goes to see Lucas. Lucas tells him that he is ready to take over the business.
Leo is impactado.

The credits roll.

Labels: clon

Rafa looks ill when Don Gaston tells him the wedding is going to be in 3 months.

Ale takes a trip down memory lane while holding the famous bouquet. She’s frustrated for thinking about “Medina!” and crushes one of the flowers in her hand.

Rafa tells Vicky it may not be such a good idea for him to live with her and her family. She’s sure everything will be fine. It’s only for a little while and he can get to know her padre and hermanos better. Said hermanos worm their way into the conversation and warn Rafa not to make Vicky cry anymore.

Rafa gets Ale’s wake up call and she wastes no time in harping that just because she’s leaving for her surgery doesn’t mean he gets to slack off at work; when she gets to the office they’re going to have a talk about the rules for when she’s gone. Rafa hangs up and says she’s crazier than ever. (Ha!)

Leonor, awakened by the phone call, asks Rafa if he could get an advance on his paycheck because he’s employee of the month. They need money to cover the electric and gas. Rafa promises to see if it’s possible since Ale is leaving for her operation soon. “And then she’s getting married,” Rafa adds sullenly.

Ale is short with Trapito (the janitor) who came in early to retouch the paint on the front of her desk. She complains about the paint fumes and storms out because of his idiocy. Trapito mumbles he was just doing her a favor.

Ale “greets” all of the employees as they file in for another day. Ale asks Susana to add a reservation for Rosario for the trip the next day since she agreed to join Ale.

A new day means a new business meeting. Ale informs the group she’ll be leaving the next day and will be gone for a month. She lays down the law for how everyone is to behave in her absence.

Ramirez gives a long-winded speech about how sad everyone is to go on without Ale and assures her everything will be handled with Marino in charge. Marino starts to grandstand but Ale cuts his acceptance speech short; Susana is going to be the one in charge.

The entire office is surprised, Susana included. Marino is steamed. “Who brings in the most money? Who’s the most important salesman every month?” Ale says it’s all in the past since Marino got edged out of the best employee spot. (Denied!)

Ale tells everyone to respect Susana and warns them she will be in touch with Susana about everything going on in the office.

Jump cut to a shot of Ovi’s cleavage as she and the former cellmates ogle over a tabloid magazine. A wrester in full mask wanders in and scares the daylights out of all of them. He assures them he just wants a haircut but he can’t show them his face. Ovi hops to it. The cellmates gossip about how cute the wrestler is. (These two really need names. Maybe we should make some up…)

Ale assures Beltran everything has been organized for her trip; Susana is going to have everything under control while she’s gone. Rafa wanders by and when he leans down to pick up some papers, everyone sees the holes in his pants.

Beltran says they need to do something to about Rafa: he has white socks, worn out shoes, and isn’t very presentable. Ale tells Susana there is no way Rafa could afford to buy new clothes.

Susana asks Ale why she told everyone they would be in touch; the doctor orders were for Ale to have uninterrupted recuperation after the surgery. Ale says she’s going to call every hour to keep the employees on their toes.

Ale also instructs Susana to wake Rafa each morning at 5. She even writes up a list of insults for Susana to call him. (!!) Ale also cautions her about Rafa’s habit of getting drunk with clients and flirting with their daughters.

Susana doesn’t know if being so aggressive is the right way to handle things because it "interrupts the healthy exchange of energies between people”. Peace and love may make Susana happy but all Ale cares about is money, money, and more money. If Ale weren’t firm with the employees, they would come up with excuses for their lacking performance.

Meanwhile, all the employees are picking their “sick days” for the next month. Rafa says he doesn’t want to take any days off and everyone tries to talk him into enjoying some downtime while he can.

Susana interrupts their gathering. Nelson teases her for being Ale’s second-in-command. Marino asks her why she agreed to be in charge since she isn’t capable for the job. He offers to help her in any way he can. (What a swine.) Susana tells him not to worry; if she needs help, she has Ale on speed-dial.

Rafa meets with Ale in her office to go over the ground rules. Rafa starts talking about needing to sell 26 cars and 9 trucks, leans forward on Ale’s desk, gets a large streak of paint on his suit. He takes off his paint-stained jacket but his shirt has a sizeable mark from an ironing mishap that morning. He has to wash his suit every day because it’s the only one he has.

Ale is floored Rafa only has one suit and tells him he has to buy another. Rafa doesn’t have a single peso for a replacement. Ale cancels her appointments for the afternoon and tells Rafa they’re going to buy him a new suit.

The employees are scheduling their off days and Don Bebé wants nothing to do with their dishonesty. Claudia plants one on his cheek and tells him to lighten up.

Ale and Rafa arrive at the shop. Ale asks to see his socks and shoes. Rafa’s shoes have a hole worn through the bottom and his socks are Swiss cheese too. Ale exclaims it’s even worse than she thought. Rafa thanks her what she’s doing but Ale assures him the cost of the suit will be added to his debt.

A salesclerk helps them out and finds the right size for Rafa. He leaves to try it on and the clerk asks Ale if her husband would like to see some of their European suits. Ale balks and assures him Rafa is not her husband. She’s paying and Rafa isn’t choosing anything; they just need a classic, economical suit since Rafa doesn’t have any money.

Rafa struggles to try on the suit and gets a phone call from Leonor. She says Julieta wants to quit going to college and look for a job instead. They can’t afford they supplies Julieta needs for her classes and she doesn’t want to be a burden. There are more important things they need to pay off.

Ale overhears Rafa say Julie’s education is the most important thing for him, no matter what it costs. They can pawn their electronics again if they have to but Julie has to stay in school.

Leonor gives Julieta the phone and Rafa tells her there is no excuse for quitting her education. Rafa doesn’t want Julie to have the life he does: having to struggle to get by without a title or a career. “You’re not going to be another Rafael Medina. You’re going to have a career, you’re going to work somewhere with your head held high and you’re not going to be a slave to a tyrannical boss.” Ale looks offended.

Rafa says the cost of her education is his responsibility along with the electricity, gas, and water. “Trust me. I’m going to come through.” Ale smiles and acts nonchalant when Rafa rushes out and says he needs to leave. Ale has him model the suit instead.

Marco is on the phone and makes a reservation on a cruise for 35,000 pesos. Chavez claims it’s too much money but Marco doesn’t care.

Ale’s credit card doesn’t go through at the clothing shop. She assures the clerk it must be a mistake at the bank and gives him a different card. Rafa is itching to leave and is shocked at the price of the suits.

Ale and Rafa return to the Siglo. Once they’re situated in her office, Ale asks how much money Rafa needs for the month. Rafa doesn’t want to answer but Ale says his financial situation affects her so she wants to know. Rafa needs 4,000 pesos for his madre and hermana and Ale adds another 1,000 for Rafa. She gives him 300 pesos for transportation, 1,000 for the bills, and the 3,750 pesos for Julieta’s education. Ale gives him 10,000 pesos altogether and Rafa promises not to use the money as an excuse to slack off at work.

Ale also doesn’t want to hear he spent all of it partying and dancing with women. Rafa swears that won’t happen. Ale tells Rafa to call home and tell his family the problem is solved. Rafa thanks her but Ale again says he’ll pay her back later. (Perhaps Ale sells herself short when she says all she cares about is "money, money, money...")

In a short and sweet scene after the break, Trapito gives Susana a flower. (An "Aww" moment.)

Rafa calls Leonor and tells her Ale gave him an advance. Leonor is thrilled but asks why Ale has been so good to him all of a sudden. Rafa doesn’t know.

Rafa receives an envelope addressed to himself and Ale, which is curiously missing her last name. Rafa opens it to find several photos of Ale and himself at the infamous fiesta. He quickly hides them from Marino’s prying eyes and pulls Ale aside. Rafa shows her the pictures and Ale’s jaw drops.

Avances: Marco wrinkles his nose over the thought of having to sleep with Ale, Chavez delivers something to Marco, and the fallout over the pictures.

Labels: dinero

Cap. 15?

As we JIP to the sandy, overcast shores outside of the vaunted port of Veracruz somewhere along the coast of Mexico, Aimee arrives for her secret tryst with Juan. Juan carries her in his arms and smothers her with kisses. He, naive knave that he is, excitedly tells her that today is the perfect day to speak to her father and tell him about their relationship. Aimee, though, says no can do cuz papa's too sick. Upset with another delaying tactic, Juan demands all the particulars like her surname and address so that he can drop in on her anytime he pleases and they can continue their midnight lovemaking. (Juan, just get Gabe to follow her, you putz!) Unfortunately, Renato might find this a bit disagreeable, so Aimee manages to distract Juan long enough with her feminine wiles to steer him away from such compromising details. "¡Ay! Juan! I am yours and nobody else's. Nobody's!" Much kissing ensues. Juan suggests they go to the nearby caves so they can do the nasty in private. Aimee is only too happy to oblige. The caves it is. There's more flirting and kissing in the caves. Then the clothes come off and it's 1870's Mexico's answer to "From Here To Eternity", complete with time-elapsed visions of a blue sky and pounding surf on a secluded sandy beach. FF>>

After the deed, Juan (long, wet....er...tresses flowing in the breeze, and posing for us in all his delicious, nearly bare-nekked, glory) starts in again on formalizing their relationship with Aimee's daddy. She stalls some more with the lie that her daddy's not physically up for it. It's not that she doesn't love him or doesn't want to marry him, but it's a big step and it's got to be done right (if not exactly right away) and that means he needs to be patient with her. Juan argues that he's not a patient man and isn't likely to sit idly by when he wants something. She kisses him--or he kisses her-- passionately. "Ah! You are a savage! My savage!" Again she manages to distract him and change the subject by pointing out the nearby caves as a place for their future rendezvous. He says terrific and he'll light a bonfire to signal he's there, but if there's not a bonfire then it's because he's been distracted by some unforseen business he needs to take care of. She asks jealously if it might be another woman. Naw, he can't say, but he'll tell her some day when the time is right. (Viewerville only hopes she's as honest with him some day. Maybe when pigs fly.)

Far away in the fields of the Finca del Mar, Arcadio is bitching out the peones for missing work that morning. Remigio tries explaining that they were all with him, out of respect, because of his mother. Ol' Orca screams at them that he's not running a charity there and since they missed work that morning, they're going to have to do double the load and without pay for the day. Remi objects. That's unfair and Master Renato will object! Orca could give a crap. He screams at the peones to get to work. Remi starts off but then turns around and defiantly says he's not working double cuz he's got other things of his own to do! If Orca wants gripe to Renato about it then go ahead because, either way, Renato is well aware of the guy's high-handed ways. The two stare each other down, but it seems Remi wins this battle as he walks off to join the others.

Back in town, Puerto de Alvarado, Aimee sneaks up behind Clemencia and lies that she was delayed because she had to find another sweetshop for Leonarda's goodies. (Ok. Ok. How long was she on the beach with Juan--an hour, maybe two? How long would it have taken, really, to find another candy store?) Clemencia is obviously tired of waiting and makes it clear that she doesn't want another load of dung slung from Aimee. She just wants to load up the buggy and make tracks to the convent, ASADP!

Back on the beach there's another fracas between the fishermen and the bad guys' front man, the 1870's equivalent of a mob syndicate made man, who is demanding they sell him their fish at ridiculously low prices. The sheriff [alguacil] comes by with his guard of soldiers and asks what the ruckus is about. The crooked buyer runs over to the sheriff and whines that the fishermen refuse to sell their fish to him at the price the sheriff has ordered them to. Suddenly, from the back of the crowd, Juan takes a flying leap at one of the soldiers, rolls him over, then knocks him out with a head-butt. Juan then gets up and defiantly breaks the soldier's gun in half over a log of deadwood. The sheriff frowns but doesn't move a muscle.

Meanwhile, Regi tells the abbess that seeing the needy makes her more sure than ever that she wants to take her vows as a nun. Yep. Charity is The Lord's work. The abbess tells her that taking vows, though, is a calling and she has to be sure her taking her vows is not just being done on a whim. She tells Regi that time will determine whether she is a serious candidate for cloisterdom or not.

Back at the "public disturbance" on the beach, the sheriff yells at the crowd to stop and desist or he'll lock them up for life for defying the legal authorities. Juan gives them a boldly insolent belly laugh and tells the sheriff that this time it won't be so easy for him to carry out his threats. The sheriff and his soldiers point their guns at him and cock. "Oh? Do you want to find out?" Pedro stops Juan from going for his knife and getting shot for his pains.

Aimee and Clemencia are now visiting with Regi. Aimee hides her snicker behind a gloved hand and tells Regi she still can't understand how her sister can enjoy being in this silent sort of prison. Regi is dismayed to hear her sister belittle the convent, but Aimee really takes the wind out of those sails Regi's wearing by telling her sis that she's now learned Regi only entered the convent because she was in love with Renato, but he chose Aimee instead. Regi begs Aimee to keep her secret. (Considering how people keep secrets around there, I wouldn't expect much.) Regi then demands that Aimee keep her promise from the other night. "You remember that, right?" Aimee laughs at her and says she thinks it was the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard. In fact, she thought Regi was nutty asking her something like that. "Well, you can see I'm not and I'm more full of sense than ever! For Renato's good and yours, don't forget it!" Regi wants to know if Aimee's been seeing Juan. Aimee lies and swears she hasn't seen or heard from him since they left the ship. Regi takes her sister's word as gospel and smiles angelically. Clemencia, who didn't exactly fall off the taco wagon yesterday, frowns suspiciously at Aimee.

Across town in Noel's office, Rodrigo is telling Renato that his father was wrong to make him promise to take care of that bastard, Juan. Renato is insulted and says he's never gone back on his word; and this time won't be any exception. Rod says Ren disappoints him. Noel breaks in and says he must realize that Renato has no idea who Juan is, nor does he even suspect the history behind it all. Ren yells at the two of them then somebody should tell him already! (Naw. That would make too much sense.) Noel says not now. It's not the proper time to go into it. Rod warns Ren that for his own good and for the good of the family he had best forget it or otherwise, neither Rod nor his daughters will have anything more to do with him, ever. Noel tries to get Rod the Rash to calm down, but Rod's not interested. He glares at Ren. "Never! Understand? Never!" The camera flashes a picture of our gorgous gálan as Renato processes and Uni breaks for a bit of crass capitalism so it can pays its bills.

When we resume, Rod, Noel and Don Fulgencio are now discussing business plans. [Ed. note: Esmas notes say Rod has decided to invest in a wood enterprise, despite Noel and Fully's opposition. It would seem this was edited out of the scene. Why does this not surprise me?] Fully says, "Well it's your decision." Rod agrees and mentions now that he is anxious to meet their new business associate, aka, Juan Aldama, who heads this enterprise. Noel says he'll let them know when he finally returns from Europe. Rod thinks the man should have been back by now and thinks "such informality" is unprofessional from the man, i.e., not to have given them a date certain for his return.

Rod and Fully leave Noel's together. Noel, now alone in his office, thinks to himself that Rod might be opposed to Renato looking for Juan, but that doesn't mean that he can't. Noel made a promise to Juan and he plans on keeping it even if it means Rodrigo never speaks to him again.

Back at the beach, Juan is bummed. He tells the fishermen that they were wrong to give away their fish like that. "If you continue to do that you'll never stop being slaves [sometidos = people in bondage]." Santo reminds him they were sort of like looking down the barrel of a gun and forced to. Juan says there has to be another way. "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." He begins planning a way to get even. Santo asks what he's got in mind. Juan says he'll let them know that evening. He'll wait for them at Devil's Rock by the Caves of Santa Cruz. Be there or be square.

Back in town, meanwhile, Ren paces around and remembers "Tio" Rod's angry threats. Renato (the frustrated horntoad) can't bear the thought of never seeing Aimee again.

At the same time, somewhere on the way into town, Mme. Marlene's coach is racing out of control. The horses are running away with it. Juan sees what's happening so he jumps off his horse and onto the seat next to the driver. He helps the driver stop the racing carriage. (Ok. Two good deeds and counting, but the day isn't over yet.) Magda/Mme. Marlene is crying her eyes out. She wants to repay him for his troubles (I think). He replies that she is apparently the one with troubles, not him, and asks if he can help. She keeps sobbing. Suddenly, she recognizes him from the ship. He says he recognizes her, too, and that he remembers dancing with her at the ball. Mme. Marlene is still sobbing so hard she can't finish her sentence. (This is getting irritating.) He promises not to say a word to anyone if she'd like to tell him what's bothering her. He takes her hand and manages to get her to stop weeping.

In town again, Federico bumps into Gabe on the street. Feddy tries to make small talk with him and says he's really interested in meeting his employer and so does he know when his boss is due back? Gabe is curt. "Don't know." He puts Feddy off and keeps walking till he remembers that Feddy is the foppy guy from the ship. Gabe asks him why he's so interested in meeting his boss. "Do you represent somebody?" For once Feddy doesn't know quite what to say.

In the meantime, Aimee meets Renato in town. While they wait for Clemencia to finish praying at the church he asks her how Regi is doing at the convent. She thinks it's a horrible place where they imprison people and make them (oh the horror!) scrub the floors by hand. Aimee says her sis must have been out of her mind doing something like that [no estar en sus cabales]. Ren shakes his head and says well, different strokes for different folks. [Cada cual decide su destino= everone chooses their own destination.] He jumps into the carriage and they head for the cafe.

At the same time, Rod and Fully are walking along the boardwalk and chatting. Rod takes a flier from a little boy and learns that there's a new casino, Casino Veracruz, having its grand opening in town that night. He and Fully make plans to meet there later that evening.

Back at Mme. Marlene's coach, Magda is saying something to Juan about not being able to risk being recognized. She doesn't know why she's telling him all this, she says, but for some reason he inspires trust in her. Juan says not to worry; he's got an idea that might help her out of her jam. He won't betray her confidence. Trust him. (Good deed #3 and still counting. What a waste of gallantry, though. After what Magda pulled?) No. Mme. Marlene mustn't worry any further.

Renato and Aimee meet Clemencia at the cafe. Once they're seated Ren asks Aimee if she'd ever allow her father to separate her from him. She says no way, but then, of course, she wouldn't be able to go against her father's will. She adds, "But, I'm not like Regina." That apparently settles it for him and he mumbles something about knowing who has to give in then. Rodrigo appears at the cafe and Ren goes to greet him. He starts to snub Renato. Ren takes him aside and explains that he's decided to forget about looking for Juan, provided "Tio Rod" won't distance himself from the family. What's past is past and stays there. Rod hugs Ren and claps him on the shoulder. Good puppy...er... boy!! Smiles all around.

Back at Juan's rented cave-top casota, Gabe is confused when he hears what he's just been told to do. Juan laughs at him and says it will only be for a short time and that he should just enjoy himself.

At Mme. Marlene's, Mme. is telling Fey Man, Phillipe, that she's surprised at how much calmer she feels after discussing things with Juan despite having just met him. Phillipe is anxious for the grand opening of the casino that night. She says first she has to get through the visit at the Montes de Oca's that afternoon. Upstairs her pro's are primping and preparing for a good night's haul. Fifi is troubled. "It pains me to see how the little gypsy girl is suffering for her man." They are feeling charitable and decide to help Jimena in her pursuit of true love.

Later that day, Remi and Juan meet at JD Sr.'s graveside where Remi ceremoniously hands him the letter that was left in his blanket when he was abandoned. Juan is close to weeping as he reads it. "This is incredible! That son of a whore! [ese mal nacido = literally it's how they'd have said it back then, but it's bastard or M.F.'r --my preference-- in today's earthy vernacular] Rodrigo Montes de Oca not only rejected me, but he preferred to kill me rather than to acknowledge me as part of his family!" Tears run down Juans cheeks. "Fortunately, somebody took pity on me and left this letter so that one day I could tell my story...so that I might find my own way. Remigio, you have to help me! You have to help me find this person so I can pour out my gratefulness for their generosity. " Remi nods in solidarity with his adopted bro.

Back in the study at the finca, Noel asks Rod to be patient with Ren because his son is a man whose ideas of right and wrong are "very entrenched" [arraigado] in him. Rod says not to bother. He and Ren have already talked it over and Ren has given up his plans to go looking for the bastard. What Rod would appreciate though, is to make sure that neither Ren nor his two daughters ever find out about what happened between Rosie and him.

At the same time, down in the bowels of the main house, rambling Rosie accidentally touches a secret latch that opens the door of her cell, revealing a secret stairway leading up and out of the cellar. Ruh-roh!! Rosie may be nearly off her rocker, but she's lucid enough to realize what she's just found. She hesitates with indecision as her wild eyes flit from side to side under the vestiges of her tattered veil. (OMG! I guess Mejia's methods have me overwrought with the need for melodramatic flourish. I've been recapping his schmaltz way too long!)

Upstairs, Celia (?) announces to Noel and Rod that Mme. Marlene has arrived. She and Phillipe come into the room. The men greet her warmly. Rod kisses her gloved hand and lingers a bit. All smiles, he sends for Leona (Bitcha Maxima) and Rosenda (Bitcha Minima). Magda sits down and thinks to herself that she's finally going to see her daughter after all this time apart from her. Rosenda walks in. She takes one look at Magda and realizes immediately who is sitting there and expectantly staring her in the face. It might be "the call of the blood" but Rosenda is anything but pleased that it has beckoned her. "Sour puss" doesn't quite capture it.

In town, Fifi is taking a walk. Feddy, like a mouse to cheese, notices and greets her. They exchange pleasantries and begin walking together --until she sees that too many of the "gentlemen" in town, including Gabe, recognize her. She makes her excuses and races off.

Back in the living room of the finca, Maxima and Minima, having been introduced, are having tea and chatting--if you can call it that--with the guests. (Actually, Rod is the one doing most of the talking.) Rod is ready to do away with formality and wants them to all use the familiar "tú" [tutearse] but Leona says they've only just met. It's way too soon to do that and it might make their guests uncomfortable. Mme. Marlene politely agrees and then asks Rosenda how long she's been working there in the house. Rosenda says ever since her mother abandoned her. "It's something I will never forgive! If it hadn't been for Sra. Leonarda, I don't know what would have happened to me." Magda gets all weepy-eyed. Noel reprimands Rosenda for second-guessing her mother's motives. Phillipe hints it's time to go. Rosenda shows them out. Leona tells herself that it might be her imagination but she is sure she knows the woman somehow.

In the carriage on the drive back, Magda is totally distraught at the way her daughter rejected her. (I don't suppose the way she abandoned her as a little girl, leaving Rosenda to tend to her disgusting drunk of a father while Maggie whored her way to the top of a booming brothel business with nary a backward glance might have had anything to do with it. Naw. Magda has the brain of a magpie.) Phillipe tells her to just keep on trying and she'll eventually warm to her mama. (Viewerville suspects Rosenda has a bit more self-respect than that.) Magda would like to think so, but she's sure that Leonarda has raised her to be just like her [en su imagen y semejanza= in her own image and likeness, i.e., another bitch-witch like Leona].

Afterwards, Leona gripes to Rosenda about Rod's bahavior towards Mme. Marlene. "Did you notice how he went out of his way to pay attention to her??? I have got to find a way to avoid that woman ever visiting here again!" Rosenda tells her to leave it up to her.

Meanwhile, "Mena" pays a visit to the brothel. Fifi tells her that she's just seen Gabe in the main plaza in town. "If you hurry you can catch up with him." Mena wants to but wonders what she'll wear. She doesn't want him to see her dressed like a gypsy. Fifi decides to lend her some of the girls' clothes. The next thing we see is Mena, dressed normally, and Gabe taking her by the hand. He professes his love for her and seals it with a kiss. She professes her love for him, but now she has to go. If her aunt finds out, she says, she's likely to lock her up in the house. He wants to know where he can find her. He asks where she lives. She avoids saying and tells him the gypsy girl will be their "messenger of love". She runs off, leaving him in another lover's daze. He remembers their brief night together on the ship and sighs.

There is a circus in town, right? We get a few minutes of gypsy acrobats and clowns doing their schtick. FF>>

Night falls. Juan is arming himself. He tells the others there that they have to be quick so that nobody recognizes them. Above all, they need to remember that the others will have weapons. Even Curly the kid is along for the fun. Juan, in a bit of seafaring daring-do, leads his masked amigos aboard the Luzbel as they head out to sea to attack the gunrunners' boat. (OMG! It's Ali Baba Juan and the 40 Fishermen! Viewerville, who's been in semi-snooze mode for the last 50 minutes, snaps to.) "Don't attack until you see the signal." Juan leaps into the sea and swims by moonlight towards the other boat.

In the gunrunners' cave, Fully tells his man, Samuel, to guard the goods. Fully's expecting a special lot of "tools" [herramientas] specially made in England that he wants kept under wraps. "Shoot to kill anybody who comes near here! If you find anybody spying on us, kill them, whoever it might be!" He leaves for the casino.

At Casino Veracruz, Mme. Marlene's nifty troop of naughty ladies are ready to make an evening of it. However, Marlene comes in as they're ready to join the festivities to tell them tonight they will not be allowed downstairs. A family problem has come up [surgir] and so she needs their help, which is staying upstairs this evening. Her working girls are getting the night off, but they'll have to spend it in their room. Borrrring!

Downstairs, Gabe is hosting. Every "gentleman" in town seems to be there for the big event.

Meanwhile, Juan jumps on board the gunrunners' boat and throws their look-out overboard. The crew hear the splash and grab their weapons. Juan flashes the signal torch and his gang come aboard. He puts on his leather mask--but remains shirtless. (OMG! Juan looks like something out of a bad S&M flick. Hubby makes a crack about it being real "Eyes Wide Shut" material.)

While Juan and the gang are battling away with the crew of the gunrunners' boat we suddenly beam to a mansion and see Dagger Man break into it. Dagger Man begins bagging the silver. The owner's wife, probably alone because hubby's gone gamblin' at CV, comes down in her nighty--always a bad move-- to find out who's loose in her house.

Fully, Feddy, Rod, and Noel arrive at the casino. Feddy explains to Fully that Gabe, their host, is also the man he spoke with at the hilltop mansion Fully had him visit the other day. "He's refusing to tell me who employs him." Fully warns Feddy not to say a word about him in front of anybody, especially not in front of Sr. Montes de Oca. Feddy's to keep an eye on Gabe until he can find out who he's working for.

Across the room, Rod and Noel take a table. Rod is impactado with the luxurious digs and wonders who owns the place. Noel says he hasn't the slightest idea. Rod thinks surely it's some wealthy man who wants to hide his identity because their host is just a youngster who's been put in charge for the evening.

Inside the mansion, Dagger Man grabs the woman in the dark and threatens her with his knife.

On board the gunrunners' boat, Juan fights off a man who's ready to do in Remigio and beats the guy to a bloody pulp. Another one of the crew draws a gun on Juan's guys. All seems lost till Juan swings over on a rope and jumps him. It seems the fight's over and they've gotten control of the boat and its cargo. They start congratulating each other. Curly stands on the stairs of the quarterdeck and cheers them on. Suddenly the gunrunners' captain --Front Man from the fight on the beach that afternoon-- sneaks up and has a crewmember grab Curly. They hold a knife to his throat. Juan looks up and fingers his knife. Curly sees Juan go for the knife and kicks his captor in the shins, distracting him long enough to get away. Juan makes his move and throws the knife into the man's thigh. Front Man panics and races off the quarterdeck into the shadows.

Meanwhile, Aimee has come out in the pouring rainstorm (QTH?) in a thin dress and a shawl to meet Juan for their nightly tryst. She doesn't see the bonfire and, of course, doesn't find Juan. Instead of leaving and heading back, she stands there in the drenching rain and searches for him. (Ok. Who can see anything in the dark of night during a rainstorm, especially on the beach? The ocean is black as ink. Secondly, who else is thinking this gal may be beautiful but she's obviously too stupid to know when to get out of the rain? Bada-boom.) Samuel, sitting out in the pouring rain himself, sees her standing there, cocks his rifle, and gets ready to off her if she comes anywhere near the caves.

To Be Continued.........

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