Caray, Caray!

We start with a rewind of MentiRosa chit-chatting with Bruno about how she wants him to be in Paula's life, not that pipsqueak Gustavo. Bruno smiles and is all for it.

At the Hacienda, Vainessa struts past Ana Paula and says, "Tell your boss that I want to see him." She has this bored smirk on her face, as if Ana Paula is a bug she should squash underneath her feet.

Ana Paula says, nope, she won't do it, she warned her before and she's not going to let her see Rohellio.

At this moment, a grumpy Rohellio rolls in and cuts Ana Paula off—it's not Ana Paula's place, as his nurse, to tell him who can visit him. (See now Ana Paula, if you hadn't made that dipsh*t remark before about feeling "useless" because of your lame foot, he probably wouldn't be acting this way. But then again, he's still a total jerkwad anyway, so whatever.)

Ana Paula looks crestfallen and embarrassed and replies that it is precisely because of his health that she doesn't want Vainessa visiting him. Rogelio grumpily replies "Nothing will happen" and dismisses her with a curt "Vete." Abashed, she walks out of the room.

Vainessa, of course, thinks this means she's in Rohellio's favor. Not so. As soon as Ana Paula is out of the room, he quickly rolls up to her, as if to run her down, and and with a thunderous expression, and asks her what she's doing there. Vainessa looks shocked and surprised.

MentiRosa is still chatting with Bruno on the phone, plotting of ways to keep Ana Paula away from that boy Gustavo. Bruno's so happy that MentiRosa wants him for her niece. I guess MentiRosa hasn't noticed the Skelator resemblance. MentiRosa says that he treats Ana Paula nice and helps her, and her whole family too. (This is the key thing with MentiRosa—what is she going to get out of it?)

Bruno with some interesting architecture behind him. (Click on all photos to see a much larger version.)

Ana Paula hobbles into the kitchen in tears. Maria wants to know what happened and she relays how stupid she was in forbidding Vainessa to see Rohellio, and how Rohellio put her in her place and went ahead and agreed to see Vainy. Maria, in protective Mama Bear mode, wants to rush off to confront that bruja Vainessa but Ana Paula stops her.

Vainessa is beseeching a fierce-looking Rohellio. Whine whine whine, please understand, please forgive, whine, cry, whine. Rohellio doesn't look any less p*ssed after hearing her pleas and whining. He astutely says that this is just about her again—she wants him to stop hating her. She says how she lost him, lost his sister (her best friend) because of what she did. Rohellio reminds her that SHE abandoned HIM and she's talking about what she lost? She says she couldn't deal with him being paralyzed and unable to give her kids. Yeah, you can see that bringing up his paralysis is really helping Rohellio feel better.

Yeah, be sure to bring up the cripple part. That always helps.

She then keeps on whining and saying that she's still in love with him. He seems to soften as he takes her hand. Does she really mean it? "What more proof do you need?" she asks as she kneels down again so she's looking up at his face. She's getting a divorce and everything. His eyes take on a softened, sad look.

Ana Paula is still crying about what a fool she made of herself, and how she really thought that Rohell was changing. He was so rude to her, in front of "that woman." Little Margarito basically says, whatever, so Rohell is a bad guy. She laments that Rohell was so nice to her when she fell off the horse. Well, says Margarito, you should see what he did to the lawyer! This gets Ana Paula curious, but Maria tries to shut him up, but Margarito lets slip that Rohell hit Bruno. (HIT? That is an understatement!)

Vainessa, still on her knees, starts caressing Rohell's hands in a somewhat serpentine manner, as she reassures him that she really means it. Her marriage was a failure from the start because she couldn't forget him. She reminds him of the good times during their courtship, as Rohell starts to smile wistfully, like he's being caught up in all this. Then he says he also remembers how after the accident she wasn't there, and he kept on wondering, why couldn't she support him? She assures him she was immature but she's changed now. "So," he says, acting like he's taking her seriously, "you're inclined to get married to me? The way I am now? An invalid?" He watches her as she slowly slithers her perfectly manicured hands over his and looks up at him.

Trying to convince Rohell that she's sincere.

Ana Paula wants to know more about what Rohell did to Bruno, but Maria chases Margarito off before he can spill the beans. Maria tells her not to get into it.

It seems like Rohell has put Vainessa on the spot. He wants to know if she'd marry him as soon as she divorced, and she starts to give excuses about how it's too soon for that, stuff to do, blah blah blah . . . He explodes with, "MENTIRA!!!!" (Lie!) She's just saying that she'd marry him, but she has no intention of following through, because she doesn't love him. And maybe, he muses, she's not even getting a divorce at all! She's just here to get him to sign her father's contract. "You're even worse than I thought!" he yells, as he repeatedly tells her to get the heck out. After some further whining, she finally takes her huge-ass purse and starts to leave, but finishes with, "I will return so you realize I'm telling the truth." At this he cracks his whip on an unsuspecting chair and tells her to go to hell.

Sinthia rushes in, asking if it's Vainessa. He doesn't want her to go after her, but she goes anyway. He yells after her, and after getting no response, switches to yelling after Paula. Neither of them materialize, however.

Sinthia meets up with Vainessa in the courtyard. Vainessa complains about Paula, saying that Paula thinks she has a right over Rohellio. Commence more griping about Paula, and Vainessa warns Sinthia to keep an eye on Paula, because she thinks Rohell favors her. Sinthia notes that ever since Paula arrived, Rohell has changed. Vainessa tells Sin to put Paula in her place now, or soon Paula will be giving Sinthia orders too! Sinthia soaks all this up and says she'll do that.

Sinthia then asks if she can visit Vainessa in town. Vainessa says sure, but she's staying with her parents now because she's dumping her husband.

Maria advises a depressed Paula that Rohellio is not the same as before his accident. Basically the accident is why he's such a jerkwad all the time.

Sinthia comes in to confront Rohell. Why isn't he as elated with Vainessa's return as she is? She's just not getting it. She then says that she wants to visit Vainessa and complains that Vainy was her best friend before she became Rohell's novia. Rohell, as usual, yells and tries to forbid her to do anything. Finally he says that sure, she is free now, go to town. Sinthia for a moment is hopeful, but then Rohell finishes by saying, she'll go with just the clothes on her back, nothing else, no car, nothing. We have another screaming match about what a jerkwad he is, and how she has an inheritance that he won't let her touch yet, lather, rinse, repeat.

Trying to reason with an unreasonable brother.

If Sinthia leaves now, she only leaves with the clothes on her back. Who could refuse such a generous offer?

Now he has one more screaming woman to deal with.

At this, Ana Paula comes in and starts defending Sinthia. Now Rohell has two angry, screaming women to contend with, but I don't feel sorry for him in the least. Ana Paula tells him that the bitterness in his heart is due to Vanessa and he needs to get her out of his life. This prompts him to crack his whip again in anger as he tells her to shut up.

More whining Vainessa. I don't know if I have the strength to repeat all the whining. This time she is complaining to Bruno at his house in town. Lather rinse repeat, why doesn't Rohell see how awesome I am and be immediately be grateful that I'm offering him some crumbs of attention after getting years of only my neglect and apathy. Okay she doesn't say that, but that's my interpretation. WHAT. EVER. LADY. Bruno says supportive things. Then Vainessa relays how Rohellio put that "tipa" (Ana Paula) in her place and Bruno finds this interesting.

During Rohell's therapy session that night, things are decidedly chilly. Rohell comments that Ana Paula didn't say much during dinner. She replies that she had not much to say. He notes that she didn't make that cake. She says she never intends to make another cake. "Why?" he asks, perhaps feeling a bit hurt. "Because nurses don't cook and bake." He accuses her of being too dignified or proud, but she corrects him and says she's just completing her work and never again will she forget her "place" in the house. Ouch, dude, you had that coming. She then finishes by saying that she was just thinking of him (referring to her trying to chase Vainy away) but now she realizes she was wasting her time.

With the conversation finally on Vainessa, Rohell says with a half-laugh that he doesn't understand why Ana Paula is so bothered by Vainy. It almost seems like she's jealous. Ana Paula cuts him with, "In order to feel jealousy, you'd have to care for that person, and that's not the case here." Oooh, ouch again. Not what Rohellio was hoping to hear. So he plays the pity/victim card. "Of course, you don't think I'm worthy of being loved." She says that as his nurse, her opinion isn't important. But oh my, Rohell isn't going to leave it at that—he really wants to know. He demands she answer his question and repeats it: "Do you think I'm not worthy of love?" (Dude, seriously—do you really think this kind of personal question is appropriate to ask your mere nurse? Especially since you keep on reminding her how she must stay in her "place"? You can't have it both ways, you know.) She evades answering by merely saying that's a question only he can answer for himself. This prompts him to throw his water glass against the wall in anger.

Not the answer he was hoping for.

He really wants her to answer this somewhat personal question.

But again, not getting the answer he's hoping for.

She's going to get him another glass in order to give him his medicine (drops, of course) but he basically throws her out. After she's gone, he replays in his head what she said about in order to be jealous, she'd have to care for someone, and that's not the case here. Ouch, ouch, ouch!

Rewinding that one part about her not caring about him in his head.

All alone.

Back to whiney Vainessa. Bruno asks her if she really loves Rohell. "It's complicated." He's changed so much, she remembers the good times, blah blah blah. She says that during her visit today, Rohell took her hand and it was like it was before. She even felt like kissing him.

She starts to leave for the night, but Bruno offers him his guest room. She thanks him.

Back to Rohell's room, where Maria is giving him his drops and he tells her what happened that day with Vainessa. Maria is relieved to hear that he didn't buy Vainy's BS, he doesn't believe she loves him, etc. Then Rohell relays the bit about touching Vainy's hand. His reaction was different than Vainy's was, though. When he touched her it wasn't like it was before, and he adds, with some surprise in his voice, not like when. . . [flashback to the meaningful "moment" when Ana Paula landed on his lap] He smiles and then says, "Ah, nothing." Maria bids him goodnight and we see him thinking and remembering, all alone in his big bed in his big room.

[LOOK FOR BLOOPER IN VIDEO CLIP] Rogelio recalls how having Ana Paula accidentally fall on his lap gave him more of a reaction than Vainessa slithering all over him. (Notice how Rogelio's leg moves in the "flashback" scene.)

In the morning, Ana Paula cheerfully greets Sinthia. Sinthia is on the warpath and rips into Ana Paula, basically saying to keep out of their business, and that NO ONE is going to change Rohell but Vainessa! Ana Paula is befuddled and after Sinthia leaves, says to herself that everyone in the house is crazy.

We are at a beautiful seaside location called Boca del Cielo and Gustavo approaches an old fisherman about renting a boat. When the fisherman finds out that Gustavo works for the company that wants to build a hotel, he tries to chase him away. This is not the reception that the perpetually cheery Gustavo was hoping to get.

Stone him? Seriously dude?

Paula sees Bruno at the hacienda. He wants to resume their uncomfortable talk about whether they should move their relationship to a more personal level. She doesn't want to talk about it, especially not at her place at work. Then she asks him about what Rohell did to him after her fall from the horse.

There's lots of screaming and yelling over the expanse of several scenes, but to sum it up, she's able to strip Bruno of his shirt (he didn't seem to fight this too hard after a certain point), sees the horrific red whip marks on his back, is suitably outraged and appalled that Rohell did this. Bruno says that working for Rohell has been a "living hell."

I chose a screenshot which shows off Bruno's (Julian Gil's) bare chest, because, frankly, I'm shallow.

But that begs the question, why does he stick around to take the abuse? Ana Paula wants to know. He tries to explain (his big eyes bugging out even more) that wants to find evidence against Rohell in order to recover his land, but Ana Paula brings up the point that he's been working there for 5 years and hasn't uncovered anything yet, what are the odds that he ever will? And what about his dignity, for crying out loud? He's a lawyer and good at his job, surely he doesn't have to put up with this! Bruno says it's the first time (that he was whipped). His eyes get buggier and buggier as he tries to explain why he feels he HAS to stay, but Ana Paula cannot fathom how a man in his position could stick around for this kind of indignity. "I would have left after the I was hit for the first time!" she tells him. When he repeats that he wants his lands back, she asks him, "But at what price?"

Bug-eyed Bruno.

Yeah, dude, good question.

Gustavo doesn't know why the fishermen are so angry. I guess they've been burned before by companies building and then rendering the fishing spots unfishable. Gustavo tries to convince him that it's not going to be like that, that he's a hydraulics engineer, and it's his job to make sure that the water is cleaned and processed, so they can continue to fish. The scenes with the fishermen continue throughout the episode, with Gustavo making some progress in convincing them that he's sincere. They set up a group meeting where he can talk with all the fishermen at once and a chalkboard diagram is shown of the work he's going to do. The nice old guy, Fermin, whom he talks to the most, is set up as the unofficial "leader" of the fishermen. FF>>>

Meet Fermin.

Ana Paula goes to Rohell and rips him a new one over his savage treatment of Bruno. Rohell seems, frankly, a bit bored by the whole thing at first. He says if Bruno makes the same mistake again (regarding the riding accident) it'll be even worse. Rohell tells her she should be thanking him for punishing Bruno, because she might have become paralyzed like him in the riding accident. She can't believe what she's hearing.

"Things don't get fixed by force or by hitting people" she cries, and he says that sometimes that's the only thing that people understand. She amps up the screaming and yelling at him, and he says it's enough. Finally he snaps his whip on his desk in anger. "Are you threatening me?" she asks. "Take it how you want." he answers. He tells her not to interfere with how he deals with his employees. She snatches the whip away and then offers it back to him, asking if he's going to hit her next. After a long staring match, he snatches the whip from her outstretched hands and rolls out of the room.

There he goes with that whip again.

Offering his whip back, so he can whip her next.

Rohellio is not amused at the direction this conversation is going.

Elsa la Vaca (thank you for that, Sara) is talking with the long-suffering Federico about Vainessa divorcing that hottie Esteban (okay she didn't say that, but we all know that's true). She wants Vainessa to try to patch up the marriage but Federico says it ain't gonna happen. More discussion about Vainessa and Rohell, blah blah blah, FF>>> (I notice that Elsa also has a big-ass purse. Like mother, like daughter in many ways.) After Elsa leaves with her big-ass purse, Dany comes in with coffee and they have a little bonding chat about how he loves his daughter. I think Dany is starting to see Federico as a father figure, as her own father abandoned her before she was born. (As she tells Federico in a later scene.)

Ana Paula is talking to one of her doves in her room, and saying to herself that she won't get trapped in this place by Rogelio Montero. Ana Brenda looks especially pretty in this scene.

Ana Paula talking to her doves.

Vainessa has returned to the hacienda and is visiting Sinthia. She's wearing an extremely form-fitting, short dress. I don't think she could bend over in the slightest wearing that dress. The big-ass purse is still big-ass.

Vainessa and Sinthia are talking about the divorce, and Rohell rolls in and repeats that she's not divorcing her husband for him. Of course Vainessa disagrees and we go over that ground again.

Vainessa offers to prove to Rohell that she's sincere in her feelings, by taking the contract with her father off the table. She'll tell her father that Rohell is not going to sign, once and for all, and then Rohell will know that she's there for personal reasons, not to talk him into signing. Rohell says fine, let's go to my office to make the call. Vainessa stands still and has this confused look on her face, as if she's thinking, "Oh hell, he took me seriously, what am I going to do now?"

Rohellio calls her bluff.

Cut to Rohell's office, where Ana Paula is trying to use the phone. Maria walks in and wants to know if her call went through, but Ana Paula says that the phone worked, but no one answered at home. In bursts Rohell and Vainessa. Rohell wants to know what she's doing in there and Maria says that she (Maria) told her to use the phone to call home. Vainessa asks for coffee from Maria, and Ana Paula, with a sullen expression, asks Rohell if he needs anything. Nope, he doesn't, so off she goes.

A bonding moment between Dany and Federico (as I mentioned before). A phone call comes in from Vainessa.

You can see that Vainessa doesn't want to drop the bomb about the contract to her dad and is trying to delay it under Rohell's perceptive, steely gaze. But finally she does and tells her dad the news—no new contract for you. Poor Federico does not look happy.

Ana Paula complaining to a weary Maria about what a jerkwad and douchebag Rohellio is. Poor Maria just wants to not hear it. She's worried that Vainessa is going to mess with Rohell's mind some more and make him even worse than he is now (if such a thing is possible!).

So it's been definitely established that Rohellio is a jerkwad.

"See, Rohellio? I did it, and do you see that you can trust me?" Rohell does look a bit unsettled and his eyes roam up and down her slinky, trampy dress.

Dany gives Federico some pills and commiserates with him over the bad news about the contract. He's worried about his company and all the employees too.

Vainessa makes a production of slinking over in her slutgarb and telling an increasingly hormone-addled Rohell that she'd like to visit Sinthia every day that she's staying in St. Gabriel. Rohell's eyes move downward to admire her . . . errr . . . necklace. (Seriously though, some of the jewelry worn by the women in this show is hideous. It's like someone thought if they had some Ultrasuede [fake leather] and a glue gun, they can make jewelry, but it doesn't work like that.)

He can't keep his eyes from her . . . errr . . . necklace, that's it.

Rohell gulps nervously as he rolls away from Vainessa. "Do as you like, don't waste my time," he says, as he places himself safely behind his desk. Vainessa picks up her huge-ass purse and as she slithers out the door, leaves with, "I hope you invite me over for dinner." Dream on, bruja.

Could the dress be any shorter without showing too much of her behind? I don't think so.

Rohell sighs and looks stressed, but he's not to get any rest, because there's a knock on the door and this time it's Ana Paula. She calmly tells him she's leaving. Leave where? The hacienda. He doesn't get it. He didn't tell her to leave. She knows. She's quitting, for real. "No one quits on me!" he says. "But I already did," she replies. Time for another nervous gulp from Rohell.

Today is not Rohellio's day when it comes to successfully dealing with women.

Face it, dude, she's sick of your douchebaggery and she wants outta there.

Vainessa is telling Sinthia about her discussion with Rohell, and how she figures that Rohell had already decided not to renew the contract anyway. Sinthia goes over the old ground of not understanding why Rohell isn't just elated that Vainessa has finally decided to grace him with her super-awesome presence after all these years of neglect. Vainessa says that he hasn't forgiven her yet, but she smugly adds that she knows he will.

Sinthia is glad to see Vainessa and repeats all her complaints about being stuck on this ranch, so boring, nothing to do, no one to see, no one to talk to, all there are are workers who smell of cows. Efrian is hearing all of this from the door and decides to make his presence known by saying he needs to see the boss. You know he's thinking, "What am I, chopped liver?" after hearing Sinthia complain about how dull the ranch is. Sinthia dismisses him by saying Rohell is busy, come back later. She's eyeing him like, "Take the hint! Out out!" and Vainessa, completely clueless about Sinthia's inappropriately close relationship with this dark, hairy, and probably smelling-of-cow employee, smirks and looks disgusted that he's even daring to be in their royal presence. [Edit: Very likely Vainessa was picking up on the "vibes" between Sinthia and the cow-smelling employee, as several posters pointed out.]

Rohell feigns boredom again and asks Ana Paula, what does she want? More money? No, she's quitting over a matter of basic human dignity. She wants fair treatment for the workers. He scoffs and says they're willing to humiliate themselves in front of him for a little more money. He doesn't want to hear her as she's ripping him a new one, but she demands that he listen. "Enough!" he yells. He dismisses her claim that she's quitting; she's got a contract and she'll fulfill it. The thought that she'd actually leave is so beyond his realm of comprehension. She's not leaving, he doesn't want to discuss it again, THE END. He rolls out and she has this expression like, "Yeah, we'll see about that."

The thought that anyone would leave his wonderful employ is beyond his comprehension. Because we know what an awesome employer he is, after all.

But yet, unfathomable as it may seem to him, she seems to still want to leave.

More with Gustavo explaining his plans for water treatment to the fishermen. The men select Mr. Fermin (the nice old dude) as their fishermen spokesman. It looks like they're starting to warm to Gustavo. FF>>>

Bonding with the fishermen.

Vainessa talking with her dad, apologizing for the phone call, telling her dad that there's still time to work on Rohell about renewing the contract. Her dad doesn't want her to get mix business with personal matters and he says he'll try to sort this out later with the contract. He advises her to try to work things out with her husband too. After the phone call, she tells Bruno that didn't expect Rohell to call her bluff and actually have her to call her dad in the first place. But, she tells Bruno, since we know that Rohell hasn't signed any contracts with the competition yet, Bruno must do "his part."

Maria is giving Rohellio his drops. She comments that he didn't get his therapy that night, the therapy that Paula says should be done daily. Rohell says, with his usual dark expression, that "that woman" needs to understand that only what he wants gets done, not what she wants.

It's morning and Rohell is rolled onto the terrace for breakfast. He absentmindedly swats away mosquitos as he cranes his head for Paula. "Where is she? I'm hungry." "She's not here" replies Maria. "Look for her!" he snaps. There is an awkward pause as Maria approaches Rohell and gives the news: Ana Paula has left the hacienda. Like, LEFT THE HACIENDA AND LEFT YOU, YOU BIG INSUFFERABLE BUTTHEAD. Only she didn't say that last part.

Rohell has this really delicious-looking stunned look on his face. Like he's frozen in disbelief for a moment. Awesome.

Muy, but muy impactado that Ana Paula actually left. AWESOME!!!

END OF EPISODE!!

Avances:

Rohell has a snit because Ana Paula left. Wants to get her back. Lots of yelling.

Ana Paula meets up with our sweet-faced Gustavo. They share romantic moments worthy of Hallmark cards. At least Ana Paula is dealing with someone who is not a total butthead for a change.

Antes

Bruno tells Ana Paula he wants to take care of her, Maria watches Rogelio burn the photo of himself and Vainessa, Ana Paula helps Rogelio in his office. Rogelio gives permission for Ana Paula to instruct Margarito.

Nuevo

Hacienda Montero, terrace: As Margarito runs off with his book anticipating future lessons with Ana Paula, she speaks with Rogelio.

Ana Paula: Sir, thank you for giving me permission.

Rogelio: I was pondering if you thought I was going to change.

Ana Paula: And why not? Anyone can change. It is a question of whether they want to. I know you can be amiable. (At this statement his expression darkened) Well, if it suits you.

Rogelio: Well, as they say, believe in me. I intend to be a better person.

Ana Paula: In reality, this challenge [reto] isn't for me; it's for you.

Rogelio: For me.

Ana Paula: Yes. Because it is you who can change.

Rogelio (amiably): I don't believe it. We are only human.

Ana Paula: Of course. And because you must, believe that you can. And you will take this step because it is important.

Rogelio: A step like this can't be hidden. The whole world will see, is that what it wants?

Ana Paula: No, no, of course not. You should start by enjoying what you have. For example, why eat inside in a dark dining room when you have a terrace with a view like this?

Hacienda Galván, en el jardin: As though they had been eavesdropping on the conversation between Ana Paula and Rogelio, Vainessa and her father sit at the table in their garden. Vainessa speaks with her father about her feelings for Rogelio. She says she's confused about her feelings because she hasn't seen him in all this time, but can anyone be sure of that? Her papa is a wise man, reminding her that she jilted Rogelio when he became an invalid. She says he's the same as before. Her father reminds her that his condition won't change, that he [except for his fortune] cannot give her the life that women want. She knows, but her feelings haven't changed. She just contradicted herself, but her father appears not to have noticed this. He advises her to determine whether she feels love or guilt over the accident. “Don't lose what you have for something that most likely can't be.” He reminds her that Rogelio can never have children, which doesn't seem to bother her vanity for why should she wish to sacrifice her figure for a passel of brats? She promises she won't see Rogelio anymore but that she will still ask Esteban for a divorce in the morning. She is unconcerned about any risk of scandal.

Hacienda Montero, terrace: Ana Paula and Rogelio are a curious sight, she with her crutches and he with his wheelchair, as he speaks of his accident while they move along the terrace.

Rogelio: You know, when I was recovering from the fall from the horse, it was [???] He spoke in my sleep.

Ana Paula: And what did he say?

Rogelio: That I am an evil man.

Ana Paula: Excuse me, Señor Montero, but...

Rogelio: Yes, yes, I know I have a difficult manner. I have always preferred to inspire fear rather than be thought an imbecile.

Ana Paula: Nobody could think that. You've been deceiving them.

Rogelio: Many appear to be good but aren't. Because of that I trust no one.

Ana Paula: Perhaps, if you start this you may be surprised.

Rogelio: You believe so?

Ana Paula: Yes.

Rogelio: Perhaps then, the first person I will trust is you.

That inspired the hint of a smile on Ana Paula's face. It was no accident that her dress was all the colors of spring and short enough to display her legs while the master wore his perpetual black, flattering though that would normally have been.

Casa Carmona: Dany comes over to see Miguel before he leaves for work, looking happy herself because she has work to go to as well. As soon as Miguel mentions Gustavo's name, Tia MentiRosie hides the letter meant for him. He sweetly tells Dany he will miss her during his absence from their area. MentiRosie looks impatient for their departure and gives him a perfunctory blessing. She reminds him to be discreet around his boss, not speaking about his family. Of course liars and cheats will always say this to throw suspicion away from their own doors. To his credit Miguel finds this attitude curious.

Hacienda Montero, terrace:Ana Paula is still talking about how she will do her best for him when Sin-thia arrives to bitchingly joke about hiring someone to take care of the both of them. She even says something about when Ana Paula goes out riding with Bruno again and that she had better learn to care for the house. She also seemed to imply that city people have scant respect for country people. Rogelio lets Sin-thia know she is being out of line, She then suggests they go inside for breakfast. He tells her no; please tell Maria to set the table for breakfast on the terrace. When Sin-thia hears this she is at first incredulous; they had not dined on the terrace in years and she thought they never would again. Excited and pleased, she runs inside with the excitement of a young girl about to attend her first ball; however, when Maria comments on how Rogelio is changing since the arrival of the new nurse she maliciously wonders whether Ana Paula requested this change for the breakfast hour. As though this should matter because her brother is changing in a positive way. Maria's news about the burning of the photo provokes an expression of dread. She decides she suddenly had something to talk to Rogelio about just at that moment and runs back outside. As Maria asks herself just what's gotten into her we all know, dear readers, that she feels she is about to be dethroned in her own home by one she regards as a servant.

Commercial Break that leads with a promo for El Talisman.

Hacienda Montero, terrace: Consuelo lays the breakfast table; Rogelio pulls out a chair for Ana Paula and speaks with pride when talking about the ranch, which has been in his family for years. Sin-thia arrives and with a display of completely false innocence dismisses Ana Paula to speak privately with her brother. She could, of course, have waited until later when Ana Paula wouldn't have had to get up to depart on her crutches, but she is clearly demonstrating that she is the mistress of the house. This is not lost on Rogelio, who asks what it is that could not be said before the lovely nurse. Sin-thia tells him that Vainessa spoke of her impending divorce and that she thinks Vainessa is doing this for him. She is curiously happy about this.

Hacienda Galván: Federico informs Lety, his secretary, that Dany will work there with her as her assistant. After the brief misunderstanding over whether Dany is a replacement, the two young women bond over a smile and a laugh.

Hacienda Montero, terrace: Sin-thia runs on in the same false ingenuity about how Vainessa is divorcing Esteban because she still loves Rogelio. Rogelio, with all the powers of observation normal for people in his situation, sees through his scheming sister. “If she didn't love me then she doesn't now” he tells her, with the further command “Her name is never to mentioned in this house.” As Consuelo returns with bread and coffee, he then calls for Ana Paula to return to the table, but she tells him she expected to eat in the kitchen if they were going to speak alone. He insists she join him and instructs Sin-thia to help her to the table, after which he hands Sin-thia his Stetson and asks her to bring it inside. Sin-thia did need an etiquette lesson here and while Rogelio is generally ill-equipped to teach it, this time he did so eloquently. Perhaps he will finally remember also to always remove his hat in the presence of ladies.

Hacienda Galván: Dany explains to Lety about how she met Federico. At her reaction she apologises, explaining that Federico didn't want to worry his family about the hospital visit. Lety, like any good secretary, is accustomed to being discreet on her employer's behalf. She explains this to Dany with a warning to be careful around his wife, who is extremely jealous.

Hacienda Montero, recamara de Ana Paula: Margarito shows a drawing to AP and requests permission to feed the palomas. As he does so he speaks of how Ana Paula isn't like her predecessors; she has begun to effect change. She tells him that the relationship between a nurse and a patient has to work.

Hacienda Montero, cocina: Sin-thia complains to Maria that Rogelio is angry at hearing about Vainessa. Why she would want that ramera in her home is now revealed, that perhaps Rogelio would then allow her to live her own life. She complains that he wants her to learn to run the household. Maria then hands her the symbol of the chatelaine, the enormous ring of keys. Sin-thia looks at it as though it were the keys to her own prison. An enthusiastic Margarito runs in talking about a cake that was promised. As Maria suggests she learn to bake, Sin-thia flounces off to go riding. One would think that Mammy had just asked Miss Scarlett to make the beds.

Hacienda Montero, recamara de Rogelio: Rogelio looks at a document on blue paper as he and Ana Paula speak:

Rogelio: Before I engaged your services I had Bruno investigate you and present a report.

Ana Paula: Why? Did you think I would not stay?

Rogelio: Yes. Your aunt told me that in your family there are only herself, your brother, and you.

Ana Paula: Yes. My father died when I was a baby and my mother years later, of cancer.

Rogelio: It's difficult to lose one's parents so early in life.

Ana Paula: I almost don't remember my father, but my mother said that his presence could always be felt. Then when she became ill she prepared Miguel and me to accept her death. I took care of her the whole time.

Rogelio (attentive expression): That must not have been easy.

Ana Paula: Our relationship was strong. We talked about a lot of things. It wasn't easy but I'm grateful for the chance to take care of her. I decided then to become a nurse.

Rogelio's expression remained thoughtful upon this disclosure. As is usual with people of limited mobility, he is accustomed to thinking about what he hears and observes.

Jardin Galván / Bruno's office: Vainessa and Bruno discuss their plot over their cell phones. Despite his initial reluctance – or perhaps it is a psychological negotiation – he is willing to arrange a meeting between her and Sin-thia. She is willing to pay him well for services rendered, but does not state in what currency.

Hacienda Montero, cocina: As Ana Paula assists in baking the cake that will be that evening's dessert, Maria tells her about the burning of the photo. She is pleased that Rogelio is starting to put the past behind him and tells Ana Paula that she is the catalyst for this. That no other nurse had ever been able to accomplish anything positive with regard to his attitude. Margarito comes running in with eggs fresh from the chickens. He is told that this was most opportune and instructed to read the recipe aloud to them. Dear readers, we do hope he washed the eggs before bringing them inside. Rogelio enters the kitchen, interrupting this domestic moment, and Ana Paula rises from her chair. The master needs Hugo to help him up to his room, which is where we thought he still might be. Margarito runs out of the room to look for Hugo and Rogelio departs as well, but not as far as the women thought.

Ana Paula: It's so sad that the second he enters a room everyone becomes nervous and fearful.

Maria: I don't like this either, but what can we do?

Ana Paula: Maria, do you know if anyone is going into town?

Maria: No, why?

Ana Paula: I need to go shopping, just a few things. But I can do that another day.

Maria: Let me know what you need and I can arrange it.

Ana Paula: No. The truth is I like San Gabriel. I can manage a couple of bags with these crutches. [muletas]

Rogelio turned his head, the better to hear. While he has not expressed this to others, in his own guarded way he seems interested in Ana Paula in more than her professional capacity.

Commercial Break

Noche:

Hacienda Montero, recamara de Rogelio: Ana Paula enters on her crutches in her tight white uniform.

Ana Paula: Sir, may I come in?

Rogelio: Come in. Why are you wearing your uniform?

Ana Paula: To administer your therapy.

Rogelio: Pardon me, I don't know how to say this but I'd rather you not dress as a nurse. 9ominous music begins0

Ana Paula: Why?

Rogelio: Because I can't stand hospitals, doctors, nurses and their uniforms. I'd rather you dress another way, without the uniform. Are you sure you can thus give me the therapy?

Ana Paula: I hope so. At least I will try to understand because it isn't good to feel sick.

The ominous music continues as Ana Paula looks discomfited.

Hacienda Montero, cocina: Maria is baking with a little help from Margarito.

San Gabriel: Miguel and Gustavo arrive in the town square and seek out a place to stay.

Hacienda Montero, comedor: Bruno joins the family for dessert just as Maria enters to present the cake. Rogelio praises the cake specifically because he knows that Ana Paula had a hand in it.

San Gabriel: Miguel arrives and encounters Maripaz for the first time. She is quite taken with him at first sight, but who knows why such immature young men appeal to young women in her circumstances?

Hacienda Montero, comedor: Bruno is clearly uncomfortable at the table and departs immediately after dessert is cleared. Rogelio is alone with Ana Paula and invites her to accompany him to San Gabriel the next morning. He speaks of a restaurant with excellent food, which she knows is a positive sign.

Proximo dia:

San Gabriel, restaurant: Maripaz and another woman serve a hatless Rogelio and Ana Paula. Privately they comment on seeing Rogelio for the first time in ages; he never comes to town. Just as Rogelio tells Ana Paula this change is all her doing, Hugo brings his cell phone. This unwelcome interruption is Gustavo talking about the project and that they need to meet. Rogelio agrees and ends the call.

Rogelio (taking her hand in his on the table): I came in to town to talk to the engineer about work matters, but thank you for this morning. I want to tell you that I will change my ways.

Ana Paula (withdrawing her hand to play with her hair): It pleases me to hear you say that, Sir. While you are talking to him I will take advantage of the time to pick up a few necessities.

Rogelio: Good. Wait, wait. (takes out his wallet and withdraws some banknotes) I'll give you some money so you can get anything you need. (hands her the money)

Ana Paula: Thank you.

They exchange a meaningful glance, which is somewhat disquieting to Ana Paula. She may understand here that she has yielded to temptation, albeit a small one.

Hacienda Galván: Just as she has just finished telling Lety that she has a suitor who pleases her Dany encounters her boss's wife for the first time, as she enters the office unannounced. If anyone ever questioned Vainessa's vanity, a glance at her mother would have provided all the answers required. Elsa was clad in a peach-colored blouse inappropriate for the morning, as it was not only without sleeves, but left one shoulder bare. It was also unseemly for a woman of her years. As Lety made the introduction, Elsa stared at Dany's cleavage with the jealous eye of a woman past her prime looking at one entering hers. Dany, no silly young girl, quickly covered the offending sight with her steno pad and did not release her gaze.

San Gabriel, restaurant:Miguel and Gustavo part company before the latter enters the restaurant to talk business with Rogelio. How curious is it that Rogelio is now wearing his Stetson?

Hacienda Galván, oficina de Federico: Elsa la Vaca attacks Federico about Dany's hire. Her jealousy blazes brighter than the peach-colored blouse and her dyed red hair as she accuses him of lusting after Dany and Lety before her. He rolls his eyes as he sinks back into his chair. He is a long-suffering man who has heard all this too many times to give a different response.

La calle: Miguel and Maripaz encounter each other in the market and he carries her package as she directs him to a telephone where he might make a long-distance call.

La tienda de Ulises: Ana Paula is using that very telephone phone to talk to MentiRosie who tells her that Gustavo's information didn't come and she shouldn't get her hopes up. She explains to MentiRosie that her boss's attitude was about a woman who spurned him and that now he appears to be putting this behind him. MentiRosie seems pleased with this, saying that her boss has some temperament. Bruno slithers up behind her just as she hangs up. She explains that Rogelio is having a business discussion. Bruno doesn't want to intrude on that, but to accompany Ana Paula.

Hacienda Galván, oficina de Federico:Elsa la Vaca goes on and on about Mariana, a woman Federico once had an affair with. She will not let go of this past hurt despite that it was many years ago. She claims to have endured their marriage only for the sake of their daughter. She is a woman without dignity in her interaction with Federico. When he explains that Vainessa is seeking a divorce from Esteban, she can only think of the potential shame. She clearly can't see her own shameless attire or behavior as he does. He vaingloriously reminded her that she is living in the past and that Vainessa should not have to stay in an unsatisfying marriage. Unrealistically, Elsa la Vaca announces that she should have known that before she married Esteban.

San Gabriel, café: As Esteban stirs his coffee, Vainessa tells him that they need to face that their relationship is not all it could be. He looks as though he wants to talk about what they can do to improve it, but she announces that she wants a divorce. The effect is that of a force of nature and he refuses. He immediately knows that Rogelio is the reason, referring to his paralysis. Undoubtedly he is thinking, as most men would, that his own able body would serve the lady better. Indeed, the tight shirt over no undershirt displays that his assets are more than adequate; he merely needs to remove the premature grey from his hair and get a slightly new style. Nor would a new wardrobe be amiss. However, Vainessa will not listen to his entreaties and announces that their marriage is a failure. She merely informs him that her lawyer will be contacting him before she exits. Any reasonable observer would conclude that he could indeed do better in choosing a helpmate.

Commercial Break that leads with a promo for Don Francisco Presenta where Fina of CME is confronted by “Telesa”. Lo siento, but I don't think there is anything cute about this.

San Gabriel, restaurant: Macaria tries to serve something else as Gustavo displays a map and explains something that is obviously important. [As I am a woman of letters with no knowledge of engineering you will indulge me permitting someone more knowledgeable of these matters to provide the details of this conversation be s/he so inclined.]

Hacienda Montero: The cattle cross the lawn as Sin-thia (or Lady Chatterley) goes to her room and Efrain (Oliver Mellors) enters through the window.. He has apparently finished his chores and is looking for the private rewards of marriage without the public legal entanglement she will continue to deny him. She is not liking the smell of the stables and orders him to disrobe and bathe. He suggests they bathe together, but in the knowledge that Rogelio is not on the premises, he tackles her onto the bed and they enter into their dalliance.

San Gabriel: Bruno and Ana Paula talk about her mother and when he attempts to embrace her he withdraws in pain, remembering the whipping he took from Rogelio.

San Gabriel, restaurant: Macaria entertains Miguel in the kitchen as Gustavo and Rogelio continue their businesspeak over drinks. As Rogelio slips the rolled map back into its case, he speaks of changing because of a woman who has come across his path. These two gentlemen will soon need to remember that business and personal matters should never interfere with each other.

San Gabriel: Ana Paula and Bruno talk about the next time they go riding. He starts coming on to her.

Avances:

Three men clearly desire Ana Paula, Rogelio can no longer hide his attraction, and Ana Paula sees the ghost of novio past. But in the flesh.

Vocabulary:

muleta crutch

reto challenge