Caray, Caray!

It’s already 13 after the hour, the show hasn’t started yet, but the ads for La Que No Podia Amar are heating up. I hope Sharkbyte is watching, because it looks like his telenovia Ana Brenda has a juicy role, AND is flaunting her girls through the whole tn. But on to our tn.

Lucia has just had a major freak out in the park after being approached by S-s-s-aul and having to hear her rapist breath “precio-s-s-s-a” down her neck. Alex and Ivan come to the rescue and take the shell-shocked Lucia to the car.

Lucrezia has just dropped her idea of encouraging Lucia to marry Saul on Carlota. Carlota reacts like the rest of us, and she doesn’t even know Saul raped Lucia yet. She doesn’t think the Mondragon name is worth that much. Plus, Lucia’s opinion counts. Lucrezia thinks it’s just a matter of convincing her and wants Carly on her side. Just then, dazed Lucia returns flanked protectively by Ivan and Alex. Ivan tries to assure her that she’s home now and safe. He has Carly take Lucia inside and calls Benito to come pick Alex up, while trying to avoid Alex’s questions about why Lucia freaked out.

In the bedroom, Carly asks Lucia what happened. Lucia tells her what happened and that she’s sure it was Saul who raped her. She is filled with rage (rabia). In the living room, Ivan refuses to leave. He knows something is up with Saul and that’s why Lucia reacted that way. Stupid Lucrezia thinks Lucia is just down on all men in general right now.

Saul meanwhile is trying to cover his tracks and has tracked down waiter Paulito to convince him to keep his mouth shut about that money he gave him over a year ago to do him that little favor. Paulito claims to have a bad memory (I don’t remember anything), and that he doesn’t want to lose his job. Saul threatens that if he doesn’t spilt town, he’ll end up in jail.

Carly tries to convince Lucia not to be rude to Ivan and to see him. He’s worried about her. Lucrezia relates his message that he won’t leave until he sees her. Lucia agrees and then tells Carly that she’s going to do the hypnotherapy in order to fully remember. Lucia wonders how much Ivan knows about what happened to her. Considering the e-mail he sent her, Carly supposes he knows plenty. In the living room Lucrezia still spins this tale of bad feelings towards all men.

Lucia enters the living room to speak to Ivan. She doesn’t admit that she suspects it was Saul who raped her, but does admit that she is starting to have flashbacks and that it feels like the rape happened yesterday. She starts to get upset recounting the feeling of having the person on top of her. Ivan asks if she thinks it was Saul and she says she doesn’t know but admits that she’s starting to think so. Ivan thinks she should follow Bernie’s advice and go to hypnotherapy. He is sure that once she clearly sees the face of the person who did this to her, her fears will be replaced by rage. He knows she will come out of this strong because she is so brave (valiente). What that sick degenerate did to her does not erase her essence- the essence of a good woman, intelligent, pure.

Lucia brings up his forgiveness faux pas. He begs her to please forget that. He would have never thought she had been raped. He begs her forgiveness. It doesn’t matter to him who Perlita’s bio-dad is. “But it does to me.”

In Carly’s bedroom, Lucrezia has taken her rightful place as the Queen of De-nial. Carly can’t believe she would still consider that Lucia marry Saul. Lucrezia claims it's pure speculation that he raped Lucia. (Wow! Never have I felt this much of an urge to slap a character! Please Carly, do it for me.) Carly prohibits Lucrezia from bringing up the subject again. Lucrezia at least hopes that Lucia makes up with Ivan and fixes this “shameful” situation. (See my comment above.)

Ivan updates Tony at home. Ivan recounts how she recoiled from his attempted hug. He is certain it was Saul who raped her. He wants her to go to hypnotherapy. Tony wonders that if Saul turns out to be the daddy, will Lucia reject Perla. Ivan is sure she will not. She adores her daughter. But once Lucia remembers it was Saul, he will see to it that Saul rots in jail. Tony thinks they have to wait to see what Lucia decides.

Lucia is telling Carly that she believes she still loves Ivan, but can’t stand for any man to touch her right now, not even him. It’s not rejection or disgust (asco). She thinks it’s fear. Carly tries to tell her that not all men are like her attacker, and Ivan has always been a gentleman with her. She thinks Lucia should concentrate on the good memories of when they were together. Lucia points out that memories fade with time, which prompts Carly to ask if she really is still in love with Ivan. Lucia doesn’t know what’s happening to her.

Ivan and Camilo meet at the Ag Assoc and make final arrangements for the loan repayments. Then they get to talking about Lucia. Ivan tells Camilo about Lucia’s reaction to Saul, and he also concludes Saul was the rapist. Just then Antolin walks into the office and is happily surprised to find Ivan there. Ivan spills the Saul beans and Antolin is ready to rumble! Ivan and Camilo talk him down. Ivan thinks they have to approach the situation intelligently. He agrees to let Anto do some inquiries, but NO violence!

JJ tells Saul the marry Lucia plan. Saul says he doesn’t think Lucia would agree, and anyway she freaked out when she saw him. JJ is sure she now remembers and wonders if Saul was stupid enough to think she would never remember. “Well, yeah.” Saul admits that he slipped a mickey in her drink and she was unconscious when he did the deed. I guess JJ thought Lucia was just drunk when it happened because he calls Saul an infelíz and slaps him hard across the face. When Saul responds by begging JJ to help him flee the country, JJ slaps him hard again. Esther comes in wanting to know what’s happening. Saul says that he’s sure Ivan now knows and is going to put him in jail. JJ doesn’t think he deserves jail. He deserves to die! Saul is not deterred. Through teary eyes he begs JJ for money. He’s his son! JJ would rather be dead than be his father. He tells Sault to beat it. “Largate!”

Esther runs for JJ’s pills. He tells her he doesn’t ever want to see that animal again in his life. He tells Esther that Saul drugged Lucia to rape her.

The Three Musketeers (Ivan, Cam, Anto) discuss the situation over beers in a bar, while that damn “Sexy Smile” song plays in the background. Anto wants to beat the confession out of Saul. He thinks they should go to his house and drag him out. The other two urge calm. Anyway, Cam says, it’s not like that worked when they confronted him about being Lechita’s dad. Oh, well Anto showed him a lesson for that. Uhm, what? Ivan and Cam look worried now. What did Anto do? Anto just sips on his beer quietly. He only wants to help, especially since Ivan did so much to get him out of jail. Ivan doesn’t want any more talk of that. They are his only family and that’s what you do for family. Ivan thinks that the love they have for each other can conquer all the other problems they’ve had with each other. They’re brothers!

In Gordo’s new hideaway, Saul is trying to butter Gordo up into helping him. Gordo isn’t happy about being roped into Saul’s problems. He doesn’t have any money to loan Saul. His grandma does have a meager house out in the countryside where Saul could hide out. Saul is happy with that option.

MP calls Judith wanting them to go out clubbing like old times. Judith tries to beg off because she has work early in the morning. Anyway, her mom doesn’t want her hanging out with MP anymore. On cue, Esther comes into the living room wanting to know why Judith hasn’t told her about her boyfriend. Well, mainly because she doesn’t want JJ to be all in her biz, and secondly because she’s an adult and can make her own decisions. (Well, she wasn’t singing that tune just a second ago when she spoke to MP.) Esther doesn’t understand why she can’t present her boyfriend to them if he’s a good man. Judith refuses to continue the conversation and kisses her mother goodnight.

In Casa Galvan, Camilo has just told Celia about Lucia’s rape. She calls whoever did it a coward and Camilo reveals that they suspect it was Saul. Camilo just wants to hug and console her, but he knows that’s not what she wants. Celia thinks he needs to remake his life. He knows, but it’s a small town and it’s not easy to avoid her and vice versa. The biggest difference is that she continues to be important for him, but he means nothing to her.

Ivan calls Lucia to check in on her and Perlita. He would have liked to see Perlita. They make small talk about her taking Perlita to the pediatrician tomorrow, and about the car. She doesn’t have one to get around since hers is totaled. He thinks she should at least borrow that cute electric blue Beetle he got her, until she gets her new car. She continues to be stubborn about it. “As you wish. Goodnight.” Lucia’s mad that he just hung up saying goodnight, without even sending her kisses. (She's awfully confused about what she wants from this man, isn’t she?)

The next morning, Lucia is leaving the hospital and struggling with the baby to get a cab back to the ranch. Up drives Ivan’s taxi service. He pays no attention to her saying it was unnecessary for him to come, takes Perlita and puts her in the car, and asks how the appointment went. He had nothing better to do than come pick up a girl he’s known for over 20 years, who’s no longer a girl. Once they arrive at the ranch, he insists on walking her and Perlita all the way in. He coos at Perlita, calling her beautiful, and speaks about how he never knew Alex as a baby. He considers Perlita to be his baby. “But she’s not.” Ivan points out that Tony isn’t his biological father either. But they love each other and would give their lives for each other. In the same way he would give his life for Alex, Perla, or Lucia. He reminds her of their passionate love. He can’t believe she’s forgotten. He leaves her with her thoughts. After he leaves she begs him not to leave in a whisper.

Shot of the fields of healthy cartámo (safflower). Ivan and Camilo meet with the guy from the company that makes cooking oil (aceite) from cartámo. Lots of PSAs about how healthy it is, especially in the fight against diabetes. Blah, blah. Refer to my recap about the benefits of cartámo. Everyone is happy.

The next day, Cutberto’s in Camilo’s office complaining about how JJ has to pay for his recently discovered fraudulent dealings at the Ag Assoc.

Lucia and Bernie wait for Lucia to enter her hypnotherapy session. Lucia doesn’t know what’s happening to her. She loves Ivan, but when he gets close to her she feels fear and the need to reject him. Bernie is concerned. Lucia gets called into her session with the doctor. They speak about how she was drugged and can’t remember her rape.

Camilo and Anto discuss the audit the ranchers want done. Camilo speaks to Anto about all the JJ scams (tranzas) he’s already discovered. Anto tells him to forget about the promise he made to JJ to forgo the audit. Anto would be happy to see JJ behind bars. Speak of the devil! It’s JJ himself who’s come to see Camilo.

Lucia’s session begins and she’s put under. She begins to remember the rape and the doctor asks who else was there. She begins to weep. “It’s him! It’s him. It’s him.” (Whew! I needed a commercial break! Didn’t you?)

When we come back from break, JJ is hobbling into his old office and is greeted by the Brothers Galvan. JJ is surprised to find Anto there. Anto says he’s done with the crooked life and leaves. “Have a good day, if you can.” JJ assumes Anto is working at the Ag Assoc, but Cami sets him straight that Anto manages his ranch for him. They chat about the fact that JJ can’t drive himself but had to come by chauffeured driven car. (Poor baby!) “How are things, my friend Camilo?”

Lucia is trying to end the session before she can fully identify her rapist’s face. The doctor reassures her and makes an appointment for tomorrow. If she wants closure, she’s going to have to be brave enough to let herself see the face (rostro) of this man.

JJ is trying to guilt Camilo into not doing the audit. Camilo points out that it wasn’t JJ’s influence that got him the job, plus all the ranchers are calling for the audit. JJ thinks Camilo just wants to screw him over (me quieres fregar), and surely as the president he can just lie to the associates! Camilo says his duty (deber) is to show the associates the audit, and he’s just giving JJ fair warning. JJ tries to blame his accountant and Saul for the mistakes and fraud. Then he tries to use illness as an excuse. If he WERE healthy, he’d use his cane to chase Camilo out of his office. He then leaves, deftly using his cane to swing the door shut.

Bernie tries to talk Lucia into confronting her fears and allowing herself to see the face in her session tomorrow. Lucia isn’t a coward (cobarde). She needs to do it for herself and for her daughter.

Ivan asks David for Bernie’s phone number so he can find out how Lucia’s session went. Before he leaves, he actually pleasantly asks Judith how her (their) father is. He finds Camilo in Tony’s office seeking advice about the JJ audit situation. Tony thinks they can make an agreement (acuerdo) with JJ that won’t land him in jail. He’s already sick, his wife is ready to leave him, his kids are distanced from him, and he’s kicked Saul out of the house. Ivan’s ears prick up. Why did he do that, Ivan wonders?

Tony thinks it’s better to deal with the JJ situation the easiest way possible (por las buenas), and anyway, blood calls blood. Ivan is tired of hearing that nonsense. Tony is ticked at him again for being so filled with rancor and not having compassion, especially for someone who carries his own blood. Ivan still doesn’t look like he’s buying it. “Do what you want.” He walks out.

Lucrezia immediately starts pressuring Lucia to spill what she learned during her session. Lucia admits that her fear stopped her from going deeper in her memory, and ever supportive Lucrezia (NOT!) says SHE doesn’t believe Saul could have done something like this. She refuses to shut up about it, which ticks Carly off. Lucia tells them both to knock it off. She doesn’t even want to hear his name! Lucrezia STILL refuses to SHUT UP! Carly tells Lucrezia to go to JJ and tell him to forget this idea of Lucia marrying his disgrace of a son. And if Saul even comes within a meter of Lucia, he’s going to have to deal with Carly!

JJ complains to Esther about Camilo. She tries to calm him down. JJ prefers to be dead than in jail! Why did he take the money, she asks? Look around, he tells her. He did it for them. So that they could have a good life! Now look at his kids. David and Judith working for that gringo who stole his son, and Saul turned into scum (escoria), a despicable being. And he knows Esther just came back to him out of pity. He tells her to leave him alone, and she leaves looking dejected. (Honey, you already went above and beyond duty. Leave his a** again!)

Ivan visits Bernie at her place and they sit in the cage chair where she usually makes out with David. Bernie updates him on how the first session went. He relates his fears and worries about Lucia, especially how she rejects his touch. Bernie explains how she subconsciously identifies his touch with that of her rapist, and he doesn’t understand how she can feel in danger at his side. Bernie says it doesn’t matter what happened between them before. Lucia feels very vulnerable right now. She isn’t even really aware of how she’s acting right now. He needs to be patient. Ivan wonders if she’ll ever get past this. Bernie says you can’t be sure, but she believes so. Ivan wants to know what he should do; how should he behave? Observe her. Feel her out. He himself will then find the best way to help her. Ivan asks how did the memories get triggered in the first place? “It was a phone call from Saul.”

JJ meets with his lawyer. The lawyer’s worried about the audit too, JJ wants to know how they are going to get out of this. JJ reminds him that he’s up to his neck in this too, and can’t blame it all on JJ giving him orders. The lawyer agrees, but the ideas were JJ’s. Esther listens in as the lawyer suggests throwing all the blame on Saul. It won’t be easy since all the money was put in JJ’s account. Then JJ comes up with a brilliant idea. “My wife also has signatory power over that account!”

The maid nearly gives away Esther and almost interrupts, but Ester shoos her back inside the kitchen so that she can continue to listen in on the plan to frame her. The lawyer doesn’t think people will believe she was capable of such a thing. Esther goes running into Saul’s room looking for him, but realizes he’s already gone.

In her hotel, MP fixes herself a glass of mother’s little helper after a tough day of…I don’t know, filing her nails. She decides to call up Camilo and complain about him abandoning her. She is dying of boredom! He is too busy. It will have to be another time. She tells him that she’s starting to be under the impression that their “relationship” is only based on sex. (Hah!) He is surprised as the audience is that she thought it was something more than that. “You’re treating me like a whore.” (golfa) He tells her to take it as she wishes. He’ll see her tomorrow.

Lucia looks at sleeping Perla and tells her it doesn’t matter to her in what conditions she came to her. She loves her. She takes a call from Ivan. He tells her he’s not put off by her rejection. All he wants to do is care for her. She thanks him, but she doesn’t know if she can overcome this. She doesn’t want to hurt him and thinks he should forget her. He says he can’t forget her. He wants to know how he can help her. She tells him what the doctor said about confronting her fears. Only then can she once again have a relationship. “Do you want to try?” Lucia looks unsure of her answer.

Avances: Lucia tells Ivan the rapist was for sure Saul. Ivan swears to turn over every rock to find that asshole. MP threatens Camilo that if he doesn’t service her regularly, uh…take their “relationship” seriously, she’ll sing to the four winds that they started sleeping together while he was still married to Lucia and that HE seduced her. Ivan plans a romantic dinner for Lucia and they kiss.

Labels: Fuerza

Catch up: White gowns cheer the jailing of Constanza at the asylum and suffering for being such a sentimental idiot (cursi tonta). Constanza is dragged into the police station in cuffs as she swears her innocence. Pre-wedding jitters get to Renata, Jero, Augie, Roberta. Renata is pregnant. Jero is lured off to a meeting with Marina. The clues are everywhere for Anibal, Lazaro and Matias. Roberta smirks a lot, Augie smirks with his eyes. The wedding is another disaster and Renata begs the bedroom ceiling to reveal where Jero has gone. I’m going in!!

The judge is ready for the ceremony so the hunt for the missing bridegroom begins. Honorio comments dryly that Constanza deserves to await his call as he again ignores his cell. For Roberta and Augie, the night will be so diverting. The facts, less what Anibal knows, are thrown together. The guys saw Jero and Marina together while they waited for Adri to go to the pharmacy in the square. We see Saul smirking that his part of Augie's plan is going as planned, whatever that is. But who is Marina they all ask. The mother of Jero’s children Renata says to a que? que? From Matias and Gonzo. And these are the two that have fallen in and out of love with Jero several times already.

Gee whiz, I thought we all knew already. All the guys but Honorio leave the patio with Augie slipping in among the crowd to slip away with his smug grin still keeping his jaws from jutting.

At the jail German learns from a lawyer that they probably cannot take Constanza out of the jail so easily because kidnapping has severe penalties and could carry a prison sentence of 50 years. Renata says Jero commited errors when they were separated but they are now agreed to work everything out in together. So where, oh where can our Jero be.

Finally Honorio gets a call on his cell phone from the EM receptionist telling him finally they have reached him so he can know that Constanza has been arrested by the police for stealing an infant. He goes to Adriana. He plans to get to Tijuana to the airport without telling the others what the real problem is, since they are already so worried. She should wait until the last moment to tell them about Constanza. We know that will make it all go so much better and give Adriana another chance to act totally against character. She tells her Pa to at least keep her advised of all developments.

Consta swears to the authorities that she did not steal the baby. The officer tells her, but the baby was stolen 2 weeks ago. This baby is not named Amparo but Sandra and the mother is not Corina but Senora Garcia. Since the woman, Corina, cannot be found the whole responsibility and blame lies with Constanza. The real mother comes in with the father. Upon finding out that Consta is the robber found red handed holding baby Sandra., she tries to attack Consta screaming she has no idea what she has suffered, she will prosecute and Consta will receive no pardon from God for her theft. Consta continues to swear her innocence and the police official tries to restore calm while the father tries to keep the young mother from tearing Consta’s face off.

Renata has to explain to her puzzled father who asks if he wasn’t kidnapped what does she think happened to Jero and he has the idea Renata knows more about what was between Jero and this woman... No, no let me rephrase that, this woman is expecting twins. Regina knows that this Marina is threatening to move away and Jero was very upset at the idea that he would not be close to his children while they are developing or when they are born. Regina spills the news that she’s pregnant too. For a moment, Gonzo kisses his favorite daughter who is expecting his first grandchild and the world is happy. Adri and Regina chime in on the good news.

The kitchen jury discusses that something very serious must have happended to keep pretty boy boss man away from his wedding.

Anibal and Alison walk in the garden puzzling the situation when Anibal remembers Augie on the phone swearing his plans better be carried out and this wedding cannot take place. He then catches Anibal outside the office door but Anibal feigns innocence saying he just arrived and only wanted to know if Augie wanted to eat.

Augie has a little time to drink and dish with Roberta in his livingroom and when she congratulates him on his masterful plan, he kisses her saying and you are my prize (premio).

The lawyer talks to Constanza about the gravity of this kidnapping charge if they cannot get proof of this Corina and her part in this, while she insists that Corina is real but is nowhere to be found. German tells Isidro and Inez that Honorio has finally been reached and is on his way to DF.

Antonio fills in Padre Sev that Laz and Carlos saw Jero approach Marina. Padre can’t believe that Jero would be involved in something dishonest like this.

Manuela comes with a teapot to offer some refreshment for all. They refuse but what about uncle Honorio and sister Roberta, she asks. Adri says who knows where Roberta went but Hon is making calls or attending to something. Gonzo goes to make some calls of his own in Jero’s office and to see what is going on with his sister. He can’t reach Consta’s cell phone. Finally Regina gets Inez on her phone and is told that Consta was detained in jail for stealing the baby. The family of the baby are going to press charges against Consta.

She is also learns that charges have been brought against her and the Center which they have seized and closed. She puts Gonzo on the phone and Inez passes her phone to Isidro who will explain what is known so far.

The guys come back to tell everyone that neither Jero nor his truck are to be found at the plaza where they last saw him and there was no sighting of Marina at her office or the hospital and she had left the church. Roberta and Augie come in as though they have been looking for Jero too. Roberta says she is Sooo sorry and Renata snaps at her that sorry doesn’t get it because she is sure nothing is wrong with Jeronimo.

After Gonzo tells Isidro to thank German for his help and thanks for staying near Consta until Honorio can get there, Inez and Isidro and German discuss the situation. Isidro assures German that Gonzo’s family is the center of his universe and the principal thing that matters to him. Isidro thanks him for Gonzo and German says what are friends for. Gonzo consoles Regina since all these things are a mess at the center but they support each other.

Roberta with a slight grin brings up that it is a possibility that Jero ran off with the mother of his children and they all know it is true. Maybe he was kidnapped, Adri adds after all he is a super rich man. Renata wants to file a missing person report right away but Augie, says oh, no, here you can’t file one until someone has been missing for at least 48 hours. Gonzo says but there are federal laws that permit a search to begin immediately. Slicker than snot on a doorknob, Augie insists that the laws are different in different states. So they all stop to thlnk for the moment.

At the young things questioning her in the kitchen, Manuela tells Anibal and Alison that the woman who looks like Renata is her sister Roberta. Anibal has another more recent memory flash of Augie kissing Roberta. Meanwhile heartbroken and confused, Renata cries in the bedroom. Augie says grandly, we all ought to continue looking for him ourselves. Carlos says he and Lazaro are already doing that and leaves. Augie leaves saying to Gonzo, you can count on me for anything then on kissing Regina’s hand, he is winking across the room at Roberta as he exits. Finally Roberta is having fun at a wedding. Oh my!

Regina brings tea into Renata’s room saying she needs tea and she needs to think of her baby. Renata says this was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. Regina soothes her, we should know soon, he will appear, and this will seem like a bad dream. But, I don’t know here he is, where is he, why isn’t he with me, she sobs. You thlnk he has gone with Marina don’t you? No, Regina tries to assure her, I know he loves you deeply. Renata says she knows in her heart that he loves her but he isn’t here and she doesn’t know what to make of it. Regina comforts her rocking her like a mother would comfort her heartbroken child.

Gonzo sums up that Hon has gone and he will return with Roberta to the city too but wants Matias to stay with Renata and Regina. Adriana agrees to stay too. Gonzo doesn’t want Renata upset because of the baby. What Babyl Roberta suddenly comes alive. She is told and sneers well if Jero knew of this baby maybe he wouldn’t have escaped. Gonzo says keep your silence! (shut your pie hole) and Roberta puts finger to pouty, venomous mouth in mock obedience.

Anibal returns to hear more venom from Augie that he was just putting on a show for Renata’s sake but he has no desire to find Jero. He assures Anibal that he has no idea what a base cad Jero really is. He is capable of betraying the lovely Renata with no heart. He is sure he has gone off with this Marina. He says he is tired and will go rest. Anibal suddenly has another revelation as he picks up one of the wine glasses on the coffee table that has lipstick on the glass rim.

Gonzo thanks Regina again for her tender motherly treatment of Renata. Regina assures him she feels like Renata is her own daughter. The Not-daughter Roberta stands once more outside the door and says well she is your daughter but you will never find it out and you won’t know you are a grandmother.

Hon shows up in record time at the jail and goes into see Consta who is so sorry that she never knew that the real mother of Amparo/Sandra was suffering. Hon and she discuss that Corina lied about everything and they have no information, paperwork or even a photo to prove who she really is or where she came from when she appeared with her baby. He will start his search for the truth and thinks maybe they can use the camera system at the house to capture a picture of her coming in with the baby. Consta is properly repentant that she didn’t listen to Hon’s warnings (or anyone else’s for that matter) but was blinded by her love of this child. He doesn’t chastise her further but just wants to get her out of jail. They kiss through the bars.

The white gowned witches kiss their wine glasses, salute their night passes with wine and snacks in the directors office. (I‘ve had worse jobs that this!) Fina doesn’t know what they are going to do when they get out to live well if there isn’t more money because all of it went to dirty director. But Blanca smugly reveals that of all the money she filched from Fina’s husband, the sums in banks were found and returned but not the part that she had in cash: in dollars and pesos and euros in a safety deposit box and it will be returned by the sainted Virgin of Remedios. We flash to Blanca entering a chapel for the Virgin of Remedios and taking a key out of her pocket putting it into a little pouch on a string and draping it on the Virgin statue like all the other rosaries and amulets. Blanca is so proud and Fina feeds her ego, how brilliant and resourceful she is and what an indestructible team they are. The future is rosy. While she clinks wine glasses again, she thinks how she will trick Blanca out of the hidden treasure once they are free.

Back at La Bonita, Renata awakens sad to see Regina in a chair guarding her for the night. Did Jeronimo return? Regina pops up saying, I don’t think so because I explained to them to come advise me as soon as there was news no matter what the hour.

Roberta calls Augie from the airport putting him apoplectic by announcing that Renata is pregnant. In the kitchen, Manuela, Kari, Laz and Matilde and Carlos are discussing Jero’s disappearance and how boyfriends ought to act ensues with Matilde making thinly veiled snarky remarks to Carlos while Manuela, Laz and Kari look on. Lazaro observes that he can’t believe that Jero seems to have been swallowed up by the earth. Pris walks or saunters in and pets “mi Charlie”, stroking his cheek to the disgust of all. And the boob doesn’t stop her. Matilde’s eyes look stunned.

Renata’s room is filled with Adriana, Matias and Regina discussing what to do when the maid comes in to tell Renata that someone has come and is asking for her, but she doesn’t now who. Renata stomps out asking why she didn’t get his name. We see sad sack Saul telling her that she and he are companions of the same pain that they were both left by the pair. Saul is quite drunk, reeling and insisting that Jero took off with Marina when he was supposed to go away with her and marry her in spite of her having Renata’s husband’s children. But they abandoned both you and me. Matias can barely keep Saul from falling into Renata.

Next: The horrified looks continue with this new batch of woes but Anibal our young hero puts the puzzle together with all he knows of Augies tricks he has been planning on the phone and paying sums to various smarmy visitors to ruin some wedding. We see him confiding all to Padre Severino. Please don’t let it be a private confession that Padre can’t act on…

Labels: Cuando

Beware - for some reason this show is starting very late and it wasn't finished till 9:09. It will cut off the end of your recordings if you're not careful!

Candy tells Pancho he was chicken to pretend he didn't know Chela was in love with him. He should tell the truth, that he's in love with Rebeca.

Pina can't believe Vince went to see the dog therapist - "Yeah, and I won the Nobel Prize. And now the dog is losing her fur, Vince, and it's all your fault! Did the doctor teach you to bark?" He mutters woefully: "If this continues, Abeja will end up like one of those bald aztec dogs!"

Chela has a fun vacation day. First she goes to Pedro Infante's shrine, then she visits her sister's grave and, after leaving her flowers, she spies on Pancho as he, too, comes to wish his dead wife a happy birthday.

Candy is bouncing vigorously in Avon's zumba class; when Vicente comes in she invites him to participate. "No, I dance worse than a fat hippo," he demurs, but he tries anyway. Then, yoga in pairs! And the "twin" pose: Vicente falls on top of her to their mutual satisfaction.

Nico and Chaco tell Pancho: "You'll end up like the dog with two cakes (ie, he'll end up with neither of the bombons)...

Poor Elena. Down in Brazil, naked, she confesses to Freddy this was her first time. "Why did you pretend you were an experienced femme fatale?" "Insecurity!" "If I'd known you were a virgin I wouldn't have pressed you..." He's in a hurry to leave and will be gone all day, she should find herself something to do. Uh, oh. He leaves her with a fistful of cash and dawning disillusion in her eyes.

Accountant Beto, ever the pessimist, describes Murphy's Law to Pancho ("If you think something bad is going to happen, it's because it will... If there's any possibility something could happen that will cause the worst problem, that's what will happen." Pancho confides in Beto about his love, and gets this cheering response: "Love always has disastrous consequences. You two will probably never consummate your love."

Lupe thinks it's gross that Pancho likes Rebe. Pepe thinks she'll make a groovy stepmother.

Temo is sick in bed and getting fussed over by Ana when Chela shows up to help with the fussing. "Don't tell your dad I was here," she says. Temo implores her: "Stay!" She swears she'll come visit every day.

Fer visits... some place. Stay tuned.

Pina and her buddy Catalina agree Vince couldn't actually have been visiting a therapist at 10 pm. Catis enthusiastically agrees to spy and find out who he's shagging.

After yoga, Vince is euphoric. He invites Candy to have an egg-and-banana energy drink with him outside. They're giggling and then embracing - while Catalina watches. When she storms up Vince immediately starts spewing excuses and denigrating Candy while she's within earshot.

Pepe and Enzo meet cute in the elevator. As usual, Enzo sez "Hands off my daughter." "Shouldn't you think about your daughter's happiness?" "She aspires to much more, you're from an extremely inferior class." "We love each other and you can't change that, nor can Freddy nor God." Whoah!

Barb and Becky gossip again, same conversation as yesterday.

Vince apologizes to Abeja and asks her pardon. Pina comes in and he asks if she's seen her pal yet. No. He admits Catalina saw him embracing Candy.

Candy steams remembering Vince selling her out again to save his own skin. "He's an imbecile, a baboon," she tells Ana, "but I know what to do!"

Pancho finds Chela at the old homeplace and starts in with the usual "You're the soul of the family, we miss you, the house is like death without you" routine. But she wishes he didn't always use the plural. "WE need you, you say - but do YOU need me?" "Yes, Chela." "But the kiss! Tell me, don't I deserve the truth?" "Yes, I'm in love with Rebeca. And now, you tell ME the truth." Chela says she won't come back.

Labels: familia

Labels: Fuerza

LA CASA DE AL LADO – capítulo 135, viernes

So the writers had some surprises for us last night:
Renato’s caller forces us to reexamine the suspect pool; and we learn that Ignacia sí era mamá! – or so it appears!

Ignacia Conde died the way she lived – a selfish fool and a coward. Instead of alerting the cops to Adolfael’s plan – and she knew very well he was a serial killer and a continuing threat to herself and her family as long as he remained free – she went along with him, agreeing to lure Gonzaki to his death. So it’s hard to grieve her fate. Like Sebastián’s death, (he stood by quietly and watched Pilar drink from what he suspected was a poisoned champagne glass), hers was an ironic turn-around. But the grief of the people she has left behind is devastating.

Over her dead body
Almost everyone appears at the velorio: the men in their black shirts and suits looking like mafiosi; Pilar in funereal black, but in a short, asymmetrical shoulder-baring dress that is, you should excuse the expression, drop-dead glamourous. And when Mabel stands outside the church clutching a bouquet, she brings to mind a jilted bride.

Gonzalo and Javier glare accusingly at one another and even come to blows outside the church. But Eva, her sharp edges blunted by grief, says Javier and Ignacia loved each other and she would have wanted him there. And Carola always loved Adolfo, she adds in a nearly inaudible aside.

Gonzo is still trying to get someone to reveal Carola’s hiding place. He just wants to help her, he insists. Emilio warns Eva not to give up Carola’s whereabouts to anyone, especially Gonzalo.

Renato’s grief has turned to rage and a thirst for vengeance. He believes Pilar’s alibi for Gonzo but nothing can quell the fury he feels towards Javier for stealing his whole life out from under him. It is Pilar who convinces him to let Javier pay his respects to Ignacia; the sooner he does so, the sooner he’ll be gone.

Now Renato’s rage is focused on Adolfo. When Mabel shows up proffering condolences and flowers, he rejects them furiously. What he wants to know: Where are Mabel’s sons, Iñaki and Ismael?

The creepy voice on the phone:
Friday’s episode opens with the phone call Renato receives outside the church. Renato listens in horror as the voice – mechanically distorted to prevent recognition – announces that he (or she) is the person who killed his daughter and his unborn grandson; and he is going to do the same to the rest of the family.

Mabel runs into the church for help. Gonazaki, on the scene in a flash, takes the phone from Renato, who looks like he’s about to collapse. “Who are you?” barks Gonzo to the caller. “You’re the last person to demand explanations”, replies the voice. “You were there! Can you guess who I am? I’m very close to you. Right now! Right where you are! Have you guessed who wrote the books?”

The camera pans the faces of the small group: Renato, Eva, Yolanda, Pilar – and Mabel, standing alone on the church steps holding the funeral bouquet. [Let’s think about who’s not there: Adolfo, Carola, Carmen, Hilda, Nibaldo. And the “tourists”.]

After the velorio, the mourners return home:

Carola in her glammed-up cat burglar outfit, is still in Ignacia’s room when Javier stumbles back to the Casa Conde. She hides herself, sliding under the bed, and he throws himself on top of it. Tears stream down his face.

Carola waits until Javier is asleep – his limp hand dangles in front of her face – and then crawls out with her trophy, the locked blue box. As she is leaving the room, he sits up but doesn’t seem to see her.

Carola runs downstairs and then pauses. She senses that someone else is there and calls out: ¿Quién está ahí? She sees a shadow but before she can investigate she hears Javier coming down the stairs. She runs out the door.

Javier finds the front door open. He glimpses the shadow of a long-haired woman. The shadow disappears. “I saw you” he cries into the darkness. “And sooner or later I’ll find out who you are!”

Pilar, long hair loose (just like the shadow woman’s), is back at home. She heads upstairs and swallows some pills. Lots of pills. From a prescription bottle. It broke her heart to see how Renato and Eva are suffering, she tells Hilda.

Emilio stops by to pick up the baby. Everything went fine with “tu hija”, Hilda tells him. “Nuestra hija” corrects Emilio. And Hilda repeats: “Nuestra hija”. She is more insistent than ever that they get married at the end of the month as planned. Then they can all be together and he won’t be torn between her and his parents. Surely his boss will understand he needs a few days off.

Mabel returns to the Slaughterhouse in the country. Adolfo is on his way out, ignoring her warning of the danger out there -- Renato is gunning for him.

Carmen’s surprising skill set:
Carola, now back at Carmen’s place, puzzles over how to open the locked blue box. “I have some tools...” offers Carmen helpfully. She breaches the lock in seconds. [Oh really? And what is it exactly that you do for a living?]

Carola looks inside and then reaches for her phone. She calls Emilio – she needs him right away!

Si no por las buenas, por las malas
Now we follow Adolfo as he drives up to the car rental agency. The clerk wouldn’t give him the info on the tourists when he asked him nicely, so he'll get what he needs by stealth. He cuts the power outside the building (presumably shutting down the alarm system), breaks in easily and finds what he is looking for.

Say what? Mabel is a writer?
Gonzaki comes to the Slaughterhouse looking for Adolfael. Mabel tells him his brother is out investigating Ignacia’s death. He’s welcome to wait for him. Would he mind if she kept reading? Gonzo is surprised. He didn’t know she was so fond of reading. “Oh, I love to read” she replies. “I write too, but that’s something no one knows about”.

Gonzaki narrows his eyes. “Why are you looking at me like that?” asks Mabel.

At the Casa Conde, we glimpse a shadowy intruder in Ignacia’s room, the room where Javier wallows and drinks and remembers: “Ignacia estaba embarazada. Ignacia iba a tener un hijo mio”.

He stumbles to the bathroom to splash water on his face. He looks up and is spooked by Pilar’s reflection in the mirror. He makes his way back to the bedroom and finds his whiskey bottle lying in shards on the floor.

Javier is beside himself. As drunk as he is, he manages to negotiate his way down the stairs, out the door and across to his old house. He muscles inside, pushing Hilda and Karen out of his way, and runs up to Pilar’s room. She appears to be sleeping, all covered up except for her loose hair and one bare shoulder. “No puede ser” mutters Javier. He leaves the room, still convinced that Pilar was just in his house.

Was she? As soon as Javier is gone, she opens her eyes. Her face is unreadable. Is she fully clothed under that blanket?

Javier returns to the Casa Conde, enters the study and takes a gun from the desk drawer.

Ignacia’s Secret is revealed
Emilio has arrived at Carmen’s and he and Carola try to make sense of what they have found in Ignacia’s mysterious blue box. A baby’s pacifier. A card, crudely hand-lettered, as if by a small child. On the outside: “Te quiero mucho”; on the inside, a child’s drawing. A photo of a young boy. A hospital bracelet. And a card issued by a public hospital. Child’s name: Luis. Date of birth: 4/29/06; Mother: ICS. As in Ignacia Conde Spencer. Emilio and Carola are stunned: Ignacia had a child and they never knew!
[And here, gentle reader, a confession: Until the child’s birthdate was revealed, I was sure the child was Emilio. But we all know Emilio isn’t a five-year-old, even if he sometimes acts like one.]


Adolfael is back home with the spoils
Gonzaki has been waiting and now follows his brother to the cellar. Mabel sits placidly on the couch and keeps on reading but we can’t quite make out the title of the book she is so engrossed in.

Adolfael has the info on the tourists and the address of the cheap hotel where they are staying. But Gonzaki interrupts him. He’s anxious to share his latest suspicion: “Suppose mamá wrote the books ... maybe she’s the person we’re looking for.”

Where was mamá?
Gonzaki tells Adolfael all about the anonymous phone call outside the church. Mabel was one of the people there. And think about it – why did she come back to Miami? Of everyone, she has the strongest motive to do harm to the Condes. But the most important question:
“¿Dónde estaba mamá cuando mataron a Ignacia?”

Adolfael listens wordlessly and then runs upstairs. Now Mabel is reading at the table and we can see the title of her book clearly: Interpreting Personality Theories. She glances up. “Qué te pasa?” she asks, her face the usual affectless mask.

The nameless baby is getting a name
Back at the Conde apartment, Emilio tells Eva he has finally chosen a baptismal name for his daughter: "Le voy a poner Ignacia ... es una manera de mantenerla viva entre nosotros, de recordarla. ¿Te parece?” “Claro que sí”, answers Eva, very moved.

Nibaldo’s recovery is remarkable. He should be out of the hospital in time for Hilda’s wedding. “At least there’s some good news among all the tragedy”, says Yolanda. “What tragedy?” asks Nibaldo, clearly unaware of Ignacia’s death. “Why, what happened to you, of course” Yolanda sputters.
[Man... why couldn’t they trot out a miracle cure for someone like Matías ... or Omar ... or Igor? I guess we have to keep our hopes up for Rebeca.]

Carola visits Ignacia’s grave.
“I found your locked box”, she says. “Why did you hide so many things? I have the feeling now that I never really knew you. And that feeling is killing me ... what can I do to understand who you were? ¿Cómo hago?”

Adolfael goes rogue – so what else is new?
The plan was to hunt down los turistas together. But cowboy Adolfael drives to the motel alone and then calls Gonzaki to tell him he’s there. Gonzaki takes the call in his office. While he’s arguing with his brother, Renato walks in. Without missing a beat, Gonzo pretends to be talking to the police, addressing his caller as “comandante”.

Renato is consumed with frustrated fury. “Help me”, he begs Gonzaki. He’ll go crazy if Ignacia’s killer isn’t caught. He’s ready to kill Adolfo with his bare hands.

----------------

Okay guys. Sorry for being so verbose today – I get that way sometimes. Just skim through for what interests you and feel free to ignore the rest.

Fans of Flor and Una Maid, it’s your turn.

Labels: casa-lado, flor-salvaje, maid, telemundo

Amigos! It's only been a week but I've missed Caray like crazy. After one hellish week of final papers and final exams, I am ready to jump back into CME! Vámonos!

Matilde walks in to see Prissy planting one on Carlos. The police stop by the centro looking for Regina. A detective arrives at Constanza's house to arrest her for kidnapping "Amparo", who is actually Sandra Ortiz. Connie begs Petra the maid to call Honorio for help.

Hooray! Karina and Lazaro return from their honeymoon. Manuela gives the happy couple the good news that Nata and Jero are getting re-married that very day. Laz teases Mati that the wedding decorations ought to have been for her. Mati barely hides her tears and leaves the room before making a scene.

Carlos pleads with Prissy to not complicate matters between them. He loves Matilde and wants to marry her: punto y final. Prissy vows she will not give up that easily.

Matilde sobs in her bed and curses Carlos and his love. The only thing she's missing is a pint of Ben & Jerry's and a fluffy robe.

Ines calls Isidro to tell him that the centro has been closed by the police. They suspect the centro was complicit in a kidnapping. Isidro wastes no time in vowing to get a hold of both Regina and Jero for help.

Anibal looks on in concern as Augie sneaks into his office with a henchman.

Carlos asks Matilde why she has been so cold to him recently. Mati flatly says it's because she realized she made a mistake; she doesn't love him. She just really liked the idea of getting married. He was just there at the right time. Carlos caresses her cheek and closes in for a kiss but pulls away before making contact. Mati's icy exterior starts to crack.

Augie's henchman agrees to get the job done. Hmm.

The police drag Connie into jail while she pleads her innocence the whole way. She begs Ines to convince them she isn't guilty. A detective tells Ines and Isidro that Constanza is the lead suspect in the kidnapping of a baby girl who has been missing for two weeks.

Honorio, Matias, Adriana, Gonzo, Roberta, and Regina are warmly accepted at the hacienda. Nata regrets that Connie couldn't make it but she is thrilled to see everyone else. Honorio gets a cell phone call from the house and decides to "punish" Connie by not answering. Petra leaves a desperate voicemail about Connie's arrest. Yikes. It was probably for the best that Honorio didn't find out he had a daughter 'till she was 20. He's oddly apathetic (even hostile?) toward an abandoned infant.

Blanca calls Connie's house and pretends to be Corina. Petra spills her guts about Connie's arrest and the supposed kidnapping. Blanca hangs up and she and Fina high-five over a villainous plan gone right for once. (At least for the time being). The Doc interrupts to tell Blanca that it's her turn to pay for his services. Oh, puke.

Ines and Isidro wring their hands in the police station. They can't reach anyone by phone. Ines decides to call the centro lawyer for help.

Meanwhile at the hacienda, everyone is enjoying dinner and blissfully ignorant of the constantly vibrating cell phone in the other room. Matias surprises Adriana with a big, red box. She opens it and there's an adorable beagle puppy inside. Adriana finds a ring tied to a ribbon on the puppy's neck. Mat puts the ring on Adri's finger and they agree to marry in three months. Felicidades!

The dinner continues with everyone in good spirits besides a dour Roberta who excuses herself. Everyone is more than happy to let her go. A few moments later, everyone disperses to relax.

Renata loves her new wedding dress and is moved to tears by Regina's kindness. Regi gives Nata a hug and assures Nata that she's practically a daughter to her.

Saul calls Jero to inquire about Marina. He wants to reach an agreement and asks to meet with Jero to discuss Marina and the future of her twins.

Nata models her wedding dress for Regi and Adri but has a dizzy spell. She's thinking about calling a doctor since she's felt nauseous and dizzy recently. Regina suggests that Nata might be pregnant. Nata admits she has suspicions. Adriana wastes no time in offering to run to the drug store for a pregnancy test so Nata can know for sure. Nata is overjoyed at the idea of having a baby and Regina is thrilled for her. Nata and Jero are going to get re-married and have a child together.

Jero tells Carlos he has to run into the pueblo to meet Saul. He gives a different excuse to the rest of the guys about why he's taking off for a few hours. Gonzo calls Jero a good man and is proud to have him as part of the family. Jero appreciates Gonzo's approval.

Adriana tells Matias she needs a ride to the drug store for "cosas de mujeres / women things". Matias doesn't understand but agrees.

Roberta stops by Augie's place and smooches him. Anibal watches from the shadows. Berta criticizes Augie for not separating Nata and Jero yet. He has to stop the wedding. Augie assures Berta he has an idea that will prove to everyone what he is capable of.

Nata has a serious case of pre-wedding jitters and Regina does her best to talk Nata off the ledge. They sit on the bed and discuss Marina. Nata thinks she has finally come to terms with it all. Now that she's probably having a baby of her own, she feels a little better about things. Nata didn't even think she should ever have children because of Fina's bad genes.

Regina says all that matters is that Nata will be the best mother in the world for her child. Even if Nata isn't pregnant now, she and Jero will have a family of their own in time. They both deserve that happiness. Nata is going to make Regina the most indulgent abuela any kid ever had. Regi will protect and love Nata's children as if they were her own grandchildren.

Regina thinks it must be true that Nata is pregnant. Her eyes are shining in a very special way ("Tus ojos brillan de una manera muy especial"). They hug and Nata starts to cry anew over such a showing of love.

Padre Severino and Antonio wish Marina luck. Padre and Marina-of-the-now-covered-Tatas say their goodbyes. Padre prays for a miracle. Saul is no good for her and Padre is worried.

Back at the police station, Ines and Isidro visit Connie's cell. They still haven't been able to reach anyone at the hacienda. Connie cries and starts kicking herself for not listening to everyone when they tried to warn her about getting too close to Corina and Amparito. Ines and Isidro do their best to console her.

Isidro leaves a message with the Empresa secretary about Connie's arrest. Luckily for German, the phone is on speaker. He ruminates over the news.

Adriana runs into the drug store while Matias and Laz wait in the car. They happen to be across the street from where Jero is waiting for Saul. Then they see Marina show up too and Laz has to explain who she is to Matias. The cogs and sprockets start to turn in Matias's head as Adri returns and they drive away.

Berta does her best seduction routine but Augie turns her down cold. Anibal interrupts and asks Augie to help him tie his tie. Augie just takes the tie and tells Anibal not to wear one.

Adriana returns with the pregnancy test and Nata hurries into the bathroom to take it. Nata fakes Adriana and Regi out for a moment but reveals that it's true: she's pregnant!

Berta overhears the celebrating and asks what the fuss is about. The ladies claim to be cooing over the puppy and continue their squealing over the baby news after Berta leaves the room. Nata says she'll give Jero the good news after the wedding.

German turns up at the police station and greets Ines and Isidro. He brought his lawyer with him to help Connie's case. Two lawyers are better than one.

The hacienda patio is beautifully decorated as the guests assemble, each of them dressed their best. Everyone takes their places as Nata arrives. She looks both elegant and sexy in that white dress. Nata tells Laz to hurry off and find Jero since the ceremony is supposed to start soon.

Honorio admits to Adri how much he misses Connie. He wishes she were there but he's still bitter that the baby has taken priority over the rest of Connie's life.

Lazaro and Carlos scoured the hacienda and found no trace of Jero. Carlos calls Jero's cell and it goes straight to voicemail. Matias tells Nata about having seen Jero in town with Marina. And about the fact that Marina had a suitcase with her. Nata presses Laz as to why Jero would have been in town with Mari. No one has any answers for her.

Avances: Jero has disappeared, Berta rubs it in, and Nata angsts over it in her bedroom. Drat. Just when things were looking up, another anvil crushes everyone's happiness.

Labels: Cuando

Alternate title: More baggage! More suitcases! More Brazil! And of course... MORE CRYING!!

Fer pensively kisses a Virgen de Guadalupe medallion that was once worn by a tiny little baby of her acquaintance. (We didn't see this last night, did we? It's so confusing when they show new stuff before old stuff.)

Lupita pensively kisses the medallion of her namesake (I had no idea that word was so controversial, see here) and thanks Virgencita for letting her live. (Has she had any brushes with death that we know of?)

Rerun of Pepe talking about wearing Mónica down like the sea crashing against the rocks. He appears to be making some headway with his elemental logic when she sees Enzo approach and says she doesn't want that; she just wants Pepe to go away and forget she exists. He doesn't wanna.

Also rerun of Pancho hugging Rebeca goodbye when Chela walks in. I don't think it's a particularly sexy-looking hug, but clearly Chela feels differently. I reach for my earplugs in anticipation of another fine fit.

Mónica starts saying nastier things to Pepe for Enzo's benefit, like for instance that she was just playing with him; she wanted to know what it would be like to go out with a naco. Enzo slips away unseen by Pepe just as Pepe decides to take the hint and leave. (We hear all the time about actors and comic timing, but there's something to be said for soap opera timing.) Moni asks herself what she's done.

Chela is speechless after seeing the hug. She leaves Pancho's office without a word. Although I revel in the silence, even Rebeca is concerned about Chela's unexpected reaction. She urges Pancho to go talk to Chela, but he doesn't get to her fast enough.

It turns out that Mónica is doing the loud crying in this round. She tells Kari how much it hurt her to say those things to Pepe. Kari tells her to just think how it hurt Pepe! Mo says she had to do it because she and Pepe have no future. Kari yells at her, "and above all it's because your father was watching you and you wanted to show him how afraid you are of him! Don't you realize it's YOUR life and YOUR happiness?" She'd love to tell him how much she loves him and can't live with him, but it's better this way because they'd never be happy together. Facetiously, Karina says sure, you'd be the most dejected couple in the world! But Mónica can't stop crying.

Pancho phones home for Chela, but she's not home yet. Turns out she's at church, telling Jesus how she finally came to accept that it wasn't a sin for her to want to be with Pancho, and that Laurita would have wanted her to be with him, and now she can even admit that she's in love with him, but she's lost him.

Chela goes home and puts on her most extra-frumpy sweater and tells Chucha that she has to leave. She gives Chucha a bunch of instructions for taking care of the kids, as well as a note for Pancho. Sad adios, lugging her baggage awkwardly just as Pancho did in her nightmare.

Tomás goes to Avon to talk to Pancho about Elena and Freddy. Tom wants to go to Brazil and bust Fred's tangerine (head) into wedges (romperle su mandarina en gajos). Pancho says that's kind of cannon-ish (like a loose cannon, I guess) and besides, they're oranges. (I'm not sure I got this quite right.)

Next in the parade through Pancho's office is Ana. She's intrigued when he tells her that Elena went to Brazil... until he reveals that she went with Irachetita. Suddenly, Ana gets all flustered and leaves. Pancho is as puzzled by this as he is by every other female's behavior.

Tomás and Pepe over beers. Tom reiterates his plan to split Fred's tangerine. He also opines that Monica really mustn't love Pepe after all those things she said. Pepe says her words said one thing, but her eyes said another.

At band rehearsal, Ana recalls her conversation with Pancho about Fred and Elena and starts to cry. Her mystified bandmates offer their help, but she excuses herself.

Freddy is watching TV at the hotel when Elena comes back from somewhere and thanks him effusively for taking her to Brazil. At first he seems more interested in the TV than listening to her, but when she physically pulls him out of the chair he takes more notice.

Elena nervously notes that there's only one bedroom in the suite. Fred is feeling friskier now. She asks Fred if he loves her. "Of course I do," he replies in a careless tone. "You're truly incredible - you deserve all this and more," he says, undressing hurriedly. "But do you love me?" "I told you yes," he says, and the camera focuses ironically on some flowers. (She still has all her clothes on at this point, so we'll never know if her fingerless gloves come off for this special occasion.)

Pancho comes home and, finding no one in the foyer to greet him, echoes his own greeting. He starts chatting with Laurita at her little shrine, but notices something is amiss (I'm not sure what - the candle's still burning). Then Chucha gives him Chela's letter. He wants to know where Chela is. She says it's best if he reads the letter.

Dear Pancho,

Forgive me, but I can't go on with my anxiety, with this profound pain, with this feeling of desolation. My heart's been breaking in two ever since we left the neighborhood to live in this house and you were named president. But today I'm done making cachitos [which generally refers to little bits of something, but in Mexico specifically can mean a 1/20th share in a lottery ticket which represents tiny pieces of hope, or maybe it means something else] and I realize that we are losing you, that I've lost you forever. Up till now, what's kept me at your side was the great love that I feel for your children, my beautiful nieces and nephews, and the immense love that I feel for you. But I can't continue at your side knowing that I will never be able to have you, and that's why I'm leaving. Please don't look for me.

Yours, Chela.

(Even though Pancho is reading silently, Chucha seems to be weeping at the sound of Chela's words.)

So where did Chela go that she'll be so hard to find? Did she go to Brazil to bust Fred's head into wedges and start a new life of hope? Nah, she's gone back to their old house in the 'hood to sob bitterly and feel sorry for herself. Ha! They'll NEVER think to look for her there! They say you can't go home again, but if anyone can pull it off, it's Chela.

Pepe comes home and sees Pancho still looking thunderstruck. He tells Pepe to gather the kids. Pepe does so by yelling. I think Pancho could have done that himself.

Candy is on a date with Vince. What what what? Nah, it's not a date, it's just two people who are hot for one another having champagne together in a nice restaurant. She's playing it cool. He tells her she makes him crazy and he's NOT having a thing with Sandra. Candy says she's not worried about her; she's way more woman than Sandra! Vince says he does nothing more in his life except think about her day and night, night and day. The first thing he sees when each morning and the last image in his mind as he nestles into the arms of Morpheus. HE's not the same since he met her. He begins gobbling her hand with kisses. Now there's a guy who knows how to kiss.

Pancho tells the kids and Fernanda that Chela's gone. They want to know why. They ask to see the letter. Pancho nervously tries to get Temo to go do his homework. Ana thinks he's old enough to hear the truth and volunteers to advance her theory as to why Chela left, but is interrupted by Candy's cheerful hello. Lupita brings her up to speed, and Candy isn't surprised. Ana finally explains: Chela left because she's in love with Dad! Everyone stares at him accusingly.

Pina tries to call Fred. His phone rings and rings. "I bet he's busy with that Elena!" Adoración laughs. Pina is scandalized that her precious son might be sharing a room with that [social] climber (trepadora), that plumber's sister. Ado begins to ask what's wrong with the plumber's sister, since you like the plumber so much...

Vince calls Abeja's psychiatrist for an appointment - for himself. (The doctor says Vince is too old to be peeing on the furniture too.) The doctor is reluctant, but Vince argues that he's a mammal just like the other pets. Vince needs to see him right away!

Even after reading the letter, Pancho is STILL in denial about Chela's love for him and trying to make excuses even though he very well knows what she wrote in that letter - he says they can't be sure. Lupita and Pepe don't get why Chela would leave if she were in love with Pancho. Ana says it's because of being una tercera en descordia (the odd one out, the third wheel, three's a crowd). Candy mentions Rebeca. Pancho is very unhappy with where this conversation is going. Candy tells him not to lie to the kids and confirms Ana's theory: Pancho and Rebeca are in love, and if Chela left so suddenly, it's because she found out. Pancho uncomfortably flashes back to telling Kojak and BigBoy that he'd fallen in love. Temo concludes that this is Rebeca's fault.

Pina and Ado talk about Abeja's pregnancy. It emerges that Pina didn't lose her hair or pee in the living room when she was pregnant. Ado says Abeja's been chewing the walls, too. It's all that nasty dog's fault. Ado thinks Abeja seems quite content. Pina wants to do a DNA test (I don't know what she thinks that will accomplish).

Vince tells the veterinary psychiatrist all about his problems with Pancho Lopez, the bane of his existence. And his sister makes him crazy, too.

Fer also confirms that Chela's in love with Pancho whereas he sees her as a sister. Even Temo seems to understand it now. He observes that Pancho loves Rebe, but why doesn't he love Auntie Chela? Pancho admits that he kissed Rebe last night, but she's not interested in him and now she's on a trip so there's nothing to worry about.

A woman with a lot of jingly jewelry wanders into the living room old house at Casa Popular and appears to be in a trance. I guess Chela knows her, she calls her Jessenia. Jess complains that the house is full of bad vibes. She says Chela's sister is trying to tell them something, but she can't make out what it is. She's got a nice tall glass of maté, which is interesting because she was empty-handed when she entered the room. How long's she been in the house? Anyway, she thinks a stronger drink would help her communicate with Laurita better. Chela offers to look for some tequila or mezcal. I would recommend a nice long nap for Jess instead.

Candy makes dinner while Chucha and Goya look on in horror. Didn't they used to cook for Fernanda? Maybe they should have asserted themselves a little more forcefully. It's just spaghetti, but somehow Candy screws it up. It doesn't matter much because nobody feels like eating.

Jess fiddles with some fortune-telling cards while Chela tells her story. Jess says you don't need cards to see that Chela's a fool. There's nothing wrong with her, she's not ugly or old or fat, so she should fight for her man instead of running away. Pull in her stomach, walk like a model, raise the hems on her skirts, etc. Oh, and cook for him, because that's her best weapon. This doesn't make Chela feel any better and she says she's already lost. Jess repeats don't let Rebeca have him without a fight.

Dinner is too salty. Pepe tries to drown everything in salsa. Only Pancho tries to spare Candy's feelings, but Candy isn't fooled. Temo wants to go to bed and runs out yelling. Fer offers to read him a bedtime story, but no, only Auntie Chela can do that. Is she gone forever like Mommy? When is she coming back? Are you going to marry Rebeca? Why don't you marry Auntie Chela? Pancho says he's pretty sure he knows where she is and will go there tomorrow. He leaves Temo alone with Fer. He still has questions. She says sometimes grownups need a pause to think things over. He asks why she likes him so much, they're not even related. She tells him that she can be his grandma because when she met Pancho, he adopted her as his mother. So he can be her grandson and count on her no matter what.

Candy and Pancho talk. Well, Candy talks. She says it's all his fault. He knew deep down inside how Chela felt about him. It's not his fault he's in love with Rebeca, but he should have taken the bull by the horns.

Pancho wants everything to be like before. Candy says it can't. He and Chela will never be able to look at one another the same way after this. He has to tell her how he feels, without any hemming and hawing: that he loves her, but not as a woman.

"Now that you know the truth," Candy asks, "what are you going to do? Are you going to change your mind?"


Next time:
Pina puts the horns on herself. Cathy sees Vince hug Candy at a lemonade stand. Pancho confronts Chela and tells her he loves Rebeca.

Labels: familia

Antolín points out to Camilo that JJ didn’t actually help him win the election, what with being in a coma and all. (Except that maybe his being indisposed was actually helpful!) He also asks Camilo to be his "testigo" (witness) at the "boda" (wedding).

Maripaz and Lucrezia wonder who's the baby daddy. Maripaz sees this whole incident as proof that Lucia isn't such a saint and figures she got knocked up by some random guy right after Ivan left. Lucrezia bemoans her fate at having two slutty daughters.

JJ wants to call work, so Esther lends him her cell phone and dials for him. He asks the secretary why no one came to see him and ends up talking to Camilo. He realizes Camilo replaced him and hangs up, cursing the ranchers for being traitors. He asks Esther if she thinks he's useless and starts whining about wanting to see Ivan again. He has a borderline tender moment with Esther and tells her he knows she's been the only one here for him, he knows he's been an ass, and he's going to change.

Lucrezia persists in thinking Lucia is lying about the baby's father. She thinks he's going to show up and blackmail them.

Ivan spends some daddy daughter time with the baby. Lucia comes up and he tells her he's convinced the results were a lab error. He can't wait for them to be a family and jokes about how the kids will have parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and even a dog!

Camilo tells his mom Lucia won't take him back. He can't imagine she had a one night stand with someone else.

Lucia and Carlota assume she was drugged and raped. She asks if she was completely dressed when Carlota got her into the shower. Carlota won't answer, so Lucia begs. Carlota tells her Cleto found her in the front seat and her panties were on the floor.

Berenice is blaming herself for insisting Lucia go with her to the club. David counsels patience and insists it wasn't her fault. Berenice asks David about Saul and he has nothing good to say about him. She assumes he didn't like Lucia leaving him for someone else. She remembers him being at the club that night and wonders…David thinks Saul is capable of anything. Berenice calls Saul repugnant.

JJ is home, in a wheelchair, and they've remodeled to accommodate him. He's an ass about it as usual, but at least apologizes for being an ass. He asks where Ivan is and Esther says he's not back from his "trip" yet, then distracts him by taking him to see his room.

Ivan reports to Toni that business is going well. Toni reports that JJ is back at home, but still thinks Ivan is his son who takes care of the ranch. Ivan wimps out on breaking the truth to JJ, so Toni will have to do it.

Saul calls from Hermosillo. He's doing well, almost back to normal, and will leave in a few days, but he's got to settle up his bill. Esther balks at the total, mostly because she can't get to the bank for the cash, but she offers to send him a check.

JJ complains to Toni about those damn ranchers taking advantage of his illness. Toni tries to bring logic to the situation and tells JJ to calm down, for all that's worth. He complains about not being able to find out what's going on with his ranch since Ivan is gone. He complains about the other kids and Toni sets him straight. He starts all the way back with bringing up Alicia Villagomez, but JJ doesn't really remember her. Toni tells her the story about Alicia having a son and JJ treating that son badly…well, that son is Ivan. JJ tries to remember and we get a recap of young Ivan's confrontations with JJ. He fixates on the fact that Ivan is his son, even if he has been a complete dick about him. He accuses Toni of "stealing" Ivan from him. "Who's going to take care of my ranch now?" Toni tries to talk JJ into apologizing to Ivan, but he can't get through JJ's thick skull and walks out. JJ fusses that Ivan is a bastard.

The judge gave Lucia custody of Perlita. There are a few days more to wait for the new DNA results.

And they pass.

Carolina tries on wedding dresses. She, Antolín and Arcelia choose a menu.

Ivan and Alex spend time together.

Ivan and Lucia meet with the judge to get the new DNA test results…and they came out the same as the previous test. Lucia goes running out of the office, Ivan hot on her heels. She screams at him that she doesn't know who the "real" father of her daughter is, like she told him before. She drives home crying and runs off the road.

She's conscious and able to get herself out of the car.

Saul walks back into the house, to a happy Esther. He says it only hurts a little and has trouble holding back tears. Esther tells him JJ is home and he wonders how much JJ knows. She tells him not to worry.

Antolin finds Lucia by the road, still sobbing. She just wants to go home. He gets her purse from her car and tries to convince her to go to the hospital. He asks her what happened and her response is "I don't know who the father of my daughter is." Antolín tells her the baby has a mother and that's what counts.

Esther begs Saul to see his dad, dress better, and speak more formally. Saul doesn't take it well. She tells him if he wants to keep living there, he'd better not question her and do what she says.

Lucia gets walked back to her room by her mother and grandmother. Antolín walks back out front just as Ivan is getting there. Antolín fills him in and tells him to call a wrecker to get Lucia's car. Lucrezia tells Ivan that Lucia won't go to the hospital.

Lucia insists nothing's broken. And that she doesn't want to see Ivan or anyone else.

Ivan tells Lucrezia what the DNA results said. He tells her it doesn't matter to him and he accepts Perla as his daughter and won't treat her any differently from Alex. He says he'll forgive her.

Toni gripes him out for not considering that maybe there's nothing to forgive, maybe she was raped. Ivan feels like an idiot.

Lucrezia is completely confused about what the hell is going on and how Lucia doesn't know who the father of her child is. Lucia says she was raped. Carlota fills her in on the details, as far as they know them. Lucrezia dares say the family is now completely dishonored and begs Lucia that no one can find out. Lucia assures her she can't say anything since she can't remember anything. Carlota chews Lucrezia out for her attitude and not taking Lucia's feelings into account.

Antolín visits Camilo and tells him he was helping a crying woman by the side of the road. "And guess who it was…."

The doctor says Lucia didn't break anything.

Camilo proposes building an office out there, but he'd rather just have a room at the Association. Antolín tells him to forget Lucia and reminds him that the wedding is on Saturday.

Lucia insists on being up and about and taking care of Perlita. She'll let Gloria take care of Perla, but she's decided she doesn't want to see Ivan or Camilo ever again. She goes to take a shower and mutters about feeling dirty.

Ivan gets the update from Carlota. Toni asks for the phone and talks to Carlota. She's not sure if Lucia would want to see Toni.

Toni tells Ivan that Lucia doesn't want to see anyone right now. He tells him to give her time. Ivan is all anxious to make her feel better, but he'd already been stupid enough to talk about "forgiving" her.

Which is exactly what she's complaining to Berenice about. Berenice reminds her that they both know that it's not her fault she was raped. Lucia can't remember anything, so Berenice suggests hypnotherapy, but Lucia doesn't want to remember.

JJ is learning that physical therapy involves massages from pretty PT's. Too bad he doesn't also realize that for her it's completely professional.

Antolin gives Carolina her engagement ring. In a pretty flower arrangement. She says she didn't need one, but he says things have to be done right. I love those two together.

Berenice advises Lucrezia and Carlota to just leave Lucia alone for a while. Until she decides she's ready.

Ivan ponders the rapists identity and what he'd do if he had the guy in front of him.

JJ's done with PT and Esther begs him to see Saul. Saul has had his makeover, though Esther nixes the 10-gallon hat. He still stumbles over "padre" instead of "pa." He shows off his ability to walk and claims a friend paid for the operation he needed. He offers to help JJ get his position at the Association back and asks JJ to give him a chance.

Yay! Carolina and Antolín get married. Squee! They manage to keep the kiss pretty clean.

Lucia didn't go to the wedding. She mopes around the house and is unfortunately found there by Maripaz. She's still all banged up from the accident and has to explain to Maripaz. Maripaz gloats over the baby not being Ivan's . She asks who Lucia cheated with, then jokes that she was knocked up by the Holy Spirit, so Lucia shuts her up with, "No, I was drugged and raped." We'll see how long her shocked silence lasts.

Ivan, that dumbass, is thinking about buying Lucia a car. Toni tells him money isn't the way to do this. He needs to be patient. He seems to have realized that Ivan sucks at that.

Gordo and Saul hang out. Saul wants to figure out how to get Camilo out of office. Gordo says he must have some flaw they can exploit. Gordo proposes they get Lucrezia to help them, maybe say he stole money or something. He calls the house and gets Lucia instead. His voice triggers memories of the rape and she drops the phone and runs off, crying. Gloria picks up the phone and Saul snaps at her, asking what happened to Lucia. He asks for Lucrezia and Gloria tells him everyone is at the wedding. Saul can't figure out why Lucia dropped the phone.

Lucia keeps remembering. She stumbles around her room. She ends up picking up the phone and tells someone she needs to see them.

Tomorrow: JJ wonders if Saul had something to do with Lucia's rape; Berenice and Lucia process; Camilo finds out Lucia was raped.

Labels: Fuerza

Labels: familia