Caray, Caray!

Hello all, I'm back from Paris but still on Paris time, so it's 4 in the morning and I don't seem to be able to read my own handwriting. Hope y'all can help me out.

Not much seems to have happened in three weeks. Damian is on crutches and whining constantly - he's one of those peevish, bossy invalids, how unappealing. Vlad is blobbing and drooling into his beer over Prisila.

• I see by the knots in Fr/Ed's manly jawbone that he's not happy about having allied himself with Barbara in order to get Liliana back.
  
  
• Daffy Daddy is all ticked off about Cam choosing this moment to announce his engagement to Luffly, considering the kidnapping and all.
  
  Anibal sez Cam is doing this selflessly, for the sake of the family, so as not to lose the Power Meelk money and Franco's help in getting Lili back. Barb sez Cam is a grown up, so let him live his own life, Jeez Daffy.
  
  When Daffy and Anibal leaves Barb hisses at Cam that he's a cretin. This for some reason makes him defiantly determined to go through with the marriage. She doesn't look too happy when he explains that an alliance with Esteve will be good for the Elizalde coffers.
  
  
• Fer explains to the Virgincita what's been going on and that she can't love Fr/Ed because she's a married woman (and Fr/Ed's about to be married). Just as the Virgincita was about to say, "Duh," Barb comes in and says Fr/Ed wants to say bye.
  
  Barb glowers at the Virgincita.
  
  
• Artemio Bravo talks and talks to Lily, I guess because she doesn't talk back (reminds me of that Almodovar movie where the two guys are in love with two women in comas). He says beautiful people are unlucky, and Lili is beautiful, but she's been luckier than his mother was.
  
  He gives her his mother's diary and tells her to read it and she has lots of time for the reading, because she's NEVER GOING TO LEAVE THIS HOUSE AGAIN. Except over his dead body. Lili goes to bed and Cero the Ghost reads the first pages of the diary to her:
  
  Ana Gregoria is collecting eggs [but only some of them, why would she be leaving any eggs in the nesting boxes, that doesn't make any sense at all! --Ed.] when the shadow of Don Jerónimo falls over her. Somehow he knows it's her birthday and has come to give her the diary.
  
  A little girl calls for Ana - the little girl comes tripping into the barn - and sees Massa there with Ana! It's Soledad! She's Ana's little sister!
  
  Ana swears Soledad to secrecy and says she has feelings for the Massa. Soledad promises she will never tell.
  
  Lili falls asleep. Cero disappears.
  
  
• Fr/Ed explains to Fer he has allied with Barb to try and get Lili back. He says he's convinced Barbie had nothing to do with the kidnapping but he senses she does, now, know where Lili is.
  
  Fer is afraid Obregon is going to tattle about her and Fr/Ed having sprung Lili from the looney bin. Remembering Obregon's parting words to Barbie ("Putrify, b-h!") Fr/Ed doesn't think he will.
  
  Fer points out Obregon has done other stuff they didn't think he'd do; she wants to go tell everybody the truth before Obregon can out them. Fr/Ed doesn't agree.
  
  
• Hah! It's Obregon in a silly Charlie Chaplin disguise sitting in a Chinese restaurant with his nurse. He tells her he's gonna make the Hyena pay for what she's done.
  
  
• Here's an aimless scene for you: Santi tells Fer he's going back to the pueblo to look for Aurora. Barb, of course, is skulking in the background and butts in. He asks her again, what did the guy look like who swiped Aurora.
  
  "Oh, uh, about your size, uh, older than you, about 60."
  
  "Oh, it could be her dad!" Barb is impactada at that: "What do you know about her father?"
  
  
• Bouncy grinning Gardenia tells Esteve she's glad ol' Ca-mildew is going to marry a woman of ill repute, won't that take the sucker down a few notches. Esteve thinks, "Yes, that was the plan, certainly - but now I like her and admire her, what an amazing woman!"
  
  
• Esteve, as usual, gets on Fr/Ed about everything. Fr/Ed can't wait till he can tell Fer the whole truth. Esteve sez, you're screwed!
  
  Esteve thinks the alliance with Barb is going to meld with all Fr/Ed's other choices and, even if they make sense on some level, when Fernanda finds out she will hate him... "And I know that living without her love is a torment to you every day, but living with her hate will haunt you until you die."
  
  
• Barb barges into Artemio's house. She says, Daffy is so upset the sleeping potions are not working on him as effectively as usual; the Elizaldes will pay the ransom, that their funds are dimishing rapidly as planned; Lili must go back with her to the hacienda!
  
  Artemio asks why's that so important all of a sudden, Barbie says because Fer and Fr/Ed will do whatever is necessary to get Lili back.
  
  Artemio strikes up the Franco-is-not-his-real-name tune and Barb, dismissively, says actually yes it is, he's a businessman who's in love with Fer's best friend and that's why he's back in the area, he's no threat to us at all.
  
  Artemio is suspicious that she's changed her tune so thoroughly: "Perhaps you have made an alliance with him?" She denies it and says she's going to get Lili now. "NO! She will stay here with me forever!"
  
  Barb asks what she should do, Artemio says she should say she was deceived and that the man who has Lili will never give her back. "They know Obregon, he'd never be able to do this. Why are you doing it?" He thinks it will pull Daffy down right quick.
  
  She, apparently, changes the subject: "Where is my child buried?" He asks, what does that have to do with anything?" I think she says: "Because if he hadn't died, you'd have had some company and wouldn't have to be committing this craziness."
  
  He gets cranky and insists: "I'm not keeping Lili so I'll have some company, I'm doing it to break the heart of the (hmm let's see) the man who was born of the matrimony that broke my mother's heart. And about your son - if he'd lived, he probably would have resembled YOU and not had any gratitude at all. I forbid you to touch the theme again, and Lili too, because she's a dead subject for you and the Elizaldes."
  
  
• Santi goes back and bangs at the door in Purificación just like before (in fact maybe they just ran the same tape again). This time, though, Aurora isn't there. She's on her knees scrubbing the floor in a convent.
  
  
• Vlad, already with a hangdog expression, gets to work and is surprised to see Flor there. He says he's glad to see her again, she says "The Elizaldes are good people - and by the way, Anibal wants to see you in his office."
  
  Briefly, Vlad is fired.
  
  Indignantly he says it doesn't suit him to be fired. Anibal says he could just as easily have Vlad put in jail, but would like to avoid scandal.
  
  Vlad asks, "Does Priscila know?" and AB huffily answers: "I'M THE DECIDER!" Vlad, huffily in turn: "Don't mess with me, you don't know who I am." He goes to his office, the door's locked, he goes to Flor, she says, oh they changed the locks, here's your stuff. He takes the box.

Barb asks Damian if he wants Fer back, or if he wants vengeance. Tomorrow: Fr/Ed almost gets married but is saved by: Barbie!

Labels: manana

Iñaki is in the bar drinking. Paloma is in the park wondering why Iñaki hasn’t met her and comes to the conclusion that it must be over between them.

Iñaki gets a call on his phone, it is from his mother. He doesn’t take, but reaches for the bottle on the table and pours himself another shot. Meanwhile, Carmen is very concerned that her son hasn’t picked up the phone. She asks Arcadia if she knows where Iñaki might be and if something is wrong. Acardia encourages her not to worry.

Emiliano is in the park and spots Pal. He avoids her, but is unable to get away before she spots him. She asks E if he’s seen Iñaki. She tells him that she’s thinking he’s had a change of heart. “About marrying you?” E asks. “He’s told you?” E doubts that Iñaki’s lost interest, he suggests that Pal give Iñaki a call. She doesn’t want to bother him. E decides he’s got to comfort Pal and he tells her how much Iñaki loves her, so she should have every confidence in him. Pal listens to E’s words and they calm her down. She asks E to not mention her upset to Iñaki and E agrees to keep mum. Pal tells E that he’s her guardian angel and kisses him on the cheek before she runs back home.

Macrena comes home and finds Rufi in a state of panic. Rufi tells Mac that Pal slipped out of the house after Carlota left. Rufi’s worried that Cruelota will be back before Pal returns and then the proverbial goose will be cooked. Cruelota arrives home, but she’s not seemingly interested in Pal. She’d rather goad Mac about having coffee with the doctor. Mac realizes that Ines, the gossip, has been talking. Mac assures her sister it was just coffee. Cruelota wants to inflict some harm and since there isn’t another Yorkie in the house, she picks on her sister. She tells Mac that it is embarrassing for her to be traipsing around town like a school girl. Doesn’t she know that she’s too old to be snaring a man, after all take a look in the mirror. Besides, the doctor only went out with her for pity. Mac tells Cruelota that she won’t listen any more. Cruelota says that she doesn’t want to hurt Mac, she just wants to open her eyes. The doctor feels nothing but “ternurita”/ a little tenderness. She wants to make sure that Mac doesn’t have any illusions about the patient/doctor relationship, that way she won’t do anything ridiculous. Cruelota walks away and Rufi (who’s been gesturing behind Cruelota’s back the entire time--as if to tell Mac to pay no attention to Cruelota's words) tells Mac to not listen to a word she said. “What nerve!” (Que coraje!).

Romina spots Iñaki drinking in the bar and decides to pounce. Iñaki tells her he wants to be left alone, but she doesn’t listen. She wants to know what’s going on.

Cruelota slips a letter in between the door and the jamb. Rufi finds it and heads outside to see if she can spot who left it (I might add that the letter was obviously on the inside of the house, so why she's outside looking down the street is anyone's guess). She spots no one and worries that Pal hasn’t returned.

Iñaki tells Ro that Pal is killing him, she’s rejected him through a letter. Ro says she knows nothing, she thought Pal still loved him. Iñaki thought the same. Ro tells him that Pal is strange and seems to like to be in control. Iñaki takes offense at her words. Ro tells him that Pal isn’t worth it. Iñaki says he loves her, she’s the only one for him. Ro reminds him that there are other fish in the sea. Iñaki says he’s only interested in Pal. Ro suggests the best way to get revenge is to get even, Pal’s rejected him, he should do the same. Iñaki isn’t interested. Ro kisses Iñaki.

Pal sneaks back into the house. She runs into Rufi and asks if Iñaki’s called. Nope, but there was this letter. Pal reads the “Querida Juanita” letter that Cruelota planted. In it, “Iñaki” tells her that he still loves her, but it was craziness for them to rush things. He cannot marry her and knows that it is best for both of them. Pal breaks down and cries. The Purple Beast watches from around the corner. Pal runs off to her room.

Iñaki breaks away from Ro and tells her she’s crazy. There is no way he’d be interested in another woman, least of all her! He lights into Ro: she’s Emiliano’s girlfriend and supposedly Paloma’s best friend. Ro tells him that it was him who kissed her. Iñaki says I may be drinking, but I’m not that drunk (okay, he didn’t say that, but he should have said it). Basically, he drunkenly yells at her some more and Romina stomps off in a huff after being rejected. Iñaki reaches for another drink, most likely to rinse his mouth out.

Paloma is up in her room, playing black and white flashbacks in her head. “No puede ser!” She doesn’t understand why Iñaki is doing this to her.

Cruelota is in the aviary, and has quite a grasp on a poor helpless bird. She has a cruel smile on her face and she says “Paloma will always live in this house, always.” I worry about the fate of this bird.

Rufi shows Mac the letter and Mac is baffled by it. She takes off to comfort Pal and Rufi offers up a prayer for Mary to intercede on Paloma’s behalf.

Pal cries to Mac. Mac offers some words of comfort, she wants to help alleviate some of Pal’s hurt and tries to offer up a “maybe it’s for the best”. Pal isn’t buying it and she cries some more. Cruelota enters the room and demands to know what’s happening?

Iñaki drinks some more and tells himself that he can’t let her go, he loves her too much.

Pal tells Cruelota she’s got a stomach ache and Cruelota isn’t believing it. She takes issue with Paloma’s tone and demands to know where Pal went that afternoon, she knows she snuck out of the house. Mac says now is not the time, but Cruelota won’t relent. Pal left without permission and there will be consequences. Pal bitterly tells her it won’t happen again. Cruelota tells Pal she hopes she gets better and leaves. Pal sobs to Mac about how she’s hurting so much. The Purple Beast is listening outside the door and smiles.

Emiliano enters the same bar as Iñaki (sounds like the start of a joke, but it isn’t). They each are so intent on drowning their sorrows in drink, they don’t see each other. Each is thinking of Paloma. E knows that Pal has become an obsession for him. Iñaki realizes he’ll never be able to forget her.

Romina fills her mother in on the latest with Pal and Iñaki. Ro thinks Pal is being stupid. Camila doesn’t like Ro referring to her best friend that way. Ro continues to dis her friend and isn’t too pleased that her mother is defending her. Ro stomps off upstairs, ending the conversation and taking her dinner with her.

Iñaki is still drinking and in walks Germán. He tries to encourage Iñaki to stop and wants to know what’s up. Iñaki cries on his shoulder and Germie suggests they talk to Ro to find out what’s up with Pal. They are, after all, best friends. Iñaki comments that Ro isn’t much of a friend to Pal. Germie is upset to hear this and questions why Iñaki would say such a thing. Iñaki tells him that Ro betrayed E and kissed him. Germie is more upset. Iñaki tells Germie that Ro is no good for him and besides she’s a slut. Germie wants to punch something or more likely someone, but leaves with only shoving Iñaki instead.

At the dinner table, Cruelota compares how Paloma is reacting to how Mac behaved when she cried for “him”. She tells Mac that she doesn’t want the same thing to happen to Pal that happened to Mac. Mac defends her love, it was pure and healthy. She knows that if “he” didn’t die, they’d be together and be happy. Cruelota doubts this, she thinks they’d be tormented and apart. That aside, she refuses to let Paloma end up with a similar kind of fate, all because of a don nadie.

Emiliano is home in bed, thinking of Paloma. He realizes he’s got to pull her out of his heart (arrancarse del alma).

Carmen drags Iñaki out of the bar.

Germie calls Ro. He’s outside her house and demands to see her. She sneaks him in, but warns him to be quiet as to not wake her mother. He lights into her in a whisper shout. He wants to know what happened with Iñaki. She claims she doesn’t owe him any explanation. They argue. She says that Iñaki was drunk. He brings up E. She says that their families are involved and it isn’t easy to end it. She tells Germie that she misses his (Germie’s) kisses and his desire. He doesn’t want to go down that road, but she kisses him and leads him up the stairs. This apparently has changed Germie's feelings on the subject. Once in her room, she locks the door and tells him that she’s never been with anyone before. He’s moved by her words. He lifts her up and carries her to the bed. She turns off the light and he removes his shirt. She's putting her own spin on the old "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with." I think Steven Stills would have to come up with some new lyrics just for this girl.

In other part of town, Emiliano turns on the light and reaches for the phone. He calls Romina and gets her voicemail. He leaves her a message, hoping she’s sleeping well (if only he knew). He then thinks of Paloma.

The next day, Paloma is still in bed and Cruelota tries to get her up to go to school. She will not tolerate her moping at home and missing class. Pal says she’s not feeling well and won’t go. Cruelota threatens there will be consequences and she’s off to write some letters---perhaps to those boarding schoools, idle threats they seem to those of us in viewerville because earlier in this episode we heard Cruelota say that Pal will never live outside the house, or some such similar threat. Mac enters Pal's room and offers the exact opposite approach to Pal's situation.

Carmen finds out that Iñaki has already left the house early that morning.

He’s headed to the school to talk to Paloma. He waits outside and Romina avoids him when she arrives at the last minute. School’s about to begin and no Paloma. Iñaki approaches Angelica and fills her in on his “Querido Juan” letter. He wants to talk to Pal face to face. He asks for Angelica’s help. He noticed that Pal wasn’t at school today, so he asks if Angie will call the house for him. She agrees, but upon getting an answer, finds out that Paloma is refusing all calls.

Emiliano talks to Orlando about Iñaki. Lando is interested in hiring Iñaki, but worries about E since he knows that E’s got some unresolved feelings toward Pal. E won’t let that get in the way, he only wants Pal to be happy and her being with Iñaki will give her that. E gives his friend a call and finds out from Iñaki that Pal’s rejected him via a letter. He’s tried to talk to her and she’s not willing to talk. E is confused. Iñaki says he won’t be taking the job because he’s leaving town, he needs to put some distance between him and Paloma. Iñaki thanks E for everything and tells him that if he’s ever in Madrid to look him up.

Iñaki packs his bags and rips up a photo of Paloma.

Emiliano talks to Lando and rehashes his conversation with Iñaki. Emiliano tells Lando he’s baffled because after his conversation with Paloma in the park….he wasn’t expecting her to dump Iñaki. Lando comments that it is strange and perhaps E can use the information he has to help the lovebirds clear things up.

Carmen arranges the tickets for her and Iñaki to fly to Madrid. She makes a call to Alfonso to tell him the latest. He’s not home, so she leaves a message with Natalia. Natalia wonders if the father and son will make up. Carmen hopes so. Natalia asks for Paloma’s phone number. Carmen thinks it is because Nat wants to meddle, and she tells her she doesn’t have it and they should butt out. She asks Nat to give Alfie the message and she hangs up. Nat is frustrated because she’d like to get in touch with her best friend’s daughter after all these years.

Angelica approaches Ro at school. She needs to talk to Ro’s mother. Ro reluctantly agrees to let her mother know. Ro asks Angie a question about a “friend”. This friend had unprotected sex. Angie provides a PSA about the dangers of not using protection: unwanted pregnancy, STDS, and HIV/AIDS. She scolds about Ro’s “friend” being irresponsible, and she would urge Ro to urge her "friend" to go see a doctor ASAP and from this point forward, always use protection (se cuide siempre). END OF EPISODE.

Labels: amor

Capítulo 118

Labels: manana

In our cute little show, we’ve had lots of clever scenes, near misses, humorous coincidences, but not too much real drama. Tonight, that all changes.

We begin with a bang, as Connie SLAPS Monita, calling her slumgirl (arrabalera). Moni slams her back against the wall, holding her throat, letting her know who’s boss, and when Connie yells for Security, Moni mimics her dismissively.

At the racetrack, Tano, Ivan and Aldo congratulate Mau for a good qualifying run. Rolu, however, wants to get his digs in, says too bad Rolu qualified first, Mau will have to come from behind. Mau says don’t count your chickens yet.

Back in the office, Gabi bursts into the coffee room to witness Moni’s hand on Connie’s throat. Gabi yells at Moni, Moni says she was provoked, Gabi tells Paula to get a glass of water to calm things down, and Paula promptly soaks Connie with the water, giggling at her “mistake”, as Gabi ushers Connie out of harm’s way.

Well, Salvador was also at the track. He tells Tano to keeps his eyes open for trouble. Mau sees him, and Sal admits he still can’t prove his innocence, but asks permission to investigate to see who was really behind the transfer to the Cayman Islands. Mau gives him total support, saying Sal is the best friend he has, and the guys hug.

It’s dinner time at the Sermeño house. Luisa and Dani are quiet. Why? They wanted to go to the track. Mau says no one could watch them, it’s better for them to stay here. Right, and just play with dolls? asks Luisa sarcastically. Yes, let’s play with dolls, says cute little Dani, prompting Luisa to tell her to shut up. Mau takes Dani on his knee, asks her to tell Luisa that while he’s racing, he’ll be thinking of them, which Dani translates as Mau says give him a hug and kiss so he won’t lose the race. Luisa smiles and she and Dani both hug their adopted Daddy.

Paula is startled by Beto, and complains that he keeps showing up everywhere, the only place he hasn’t surprised her is in her bed, to which he replies that he’d like that, but then remembers he has to be faithful to Moni. He asks about the spat between Moni and someone at the office, and Pau confirms that it was Connie, but she doesn’t know the details. Beto thinks Moni might have seen him with Connie, and that’s why she’s mad at him. At this point, Nieves shows up with a ridiculous pulled-back hairstyle, and the reason for this becomes clear – she’s holding a live monkey (they like to grab hair). Beto asks where Moni is, Nieves doesn’t know, she’s not Beto’s secretary. Beto thinks she should be, they’d get more money, but Nieves adds that he’d probably just buy more beer.

Hunk alert for the ladies! Mauricio is dressed in just a towel, his tanned upper body fully displayed. He worries to himself about the race, when there’s a knock. It’s Moni, she smiles, and Mau’s towel flutters to the floor. Moni gets an eyeful, quickly covers her eyes, as Mau takes just a few seconds too long to realize he’s over-exposed.

Oscar and Jerry have a cozy little talk in which Oscar says they can’t trust anyone, not even each other. Jerry seems a little out of his league here, and when Oscar says they’ll be friends para siempre, his tone is just a bit chilling, and Jerry swallows hard.

Moni tells Mau she came to wish him luck for the race. She removes her gold necklace, and gives it to him. It’s a medallion which will bring him luck, and it’s the only thing she has left from her mother (it seems that her mother isn’t dead, just left with some so-and-so). Mau can’t accept the medallion, but Moni says just use it for luck in the race, and then return it. She then gives him a light kiss on the cheek, and leaves him completely blown away.

At the prison, someone’s going over the wall. Actually, it’s the office, and after Oscar makes another snarling date with Gabi, Sal sneaks in, and instead of walking around the little divider, climbs over it like a con on the lam. He surprises Gabi from behind, putting his hands over her mouth, telling her not to scream. He asks if she still believes in him, and she does. He wants, he wants…..a kiss? she asks. No, he wants access to Jerry’s computer. No way, says Ms. Rulebook. But she’s about to soften when Jerry’s voice is heard, and Sal escapes back over the wall/office divider. Jerry starts to scold Gabi, but she pays him no mind at all, and leaves for a date she has with Oscar.

Ximena is trying to cheer up Consti, telling her to do what SHE does, just blot out the past, and make a fresh start (borrón y cuenta nueva). Connie’s still upset about that cheap little monkey who robbed her guy, but since the world doesn’t know, she’ll go to the track tomorrow to watch the race and cheer for Mau. Her cell rings, and it’s Beto, calling from the community payphone. She urges him to stop harassing her (acosando). He denies he was, tells her to stop messing with his girlfriend, and hangs up. Moni walks up just then, he asks where were you, and she asks with whom was he talking? (think either one will tell the truth?) .

Connie can’t believe Beto hung up on her, calls him a mutant freak (engendro mutante). Ximmy comforts her, and they decide some ice cream would cheer them up.

Beto thinks Moni was jealous, as if he had a new girlfriend. You have a new girlfriend? No, no, he swears he doesn’t. And what were YOU doing, Moni? I went jogging, are you satisfied? Uh, in high heels? And how come there’s no smell of sweat? I used extra deodorant, okay? Beto then insults her again, she’s tired of this, and walks away.

Mauricio can’t sleep, and Aldo meets him outside to give him some words of encouragement.

Moni’s in her robe now, she can’t sleep either, she walks over to Estrella’s place, knocks, but Estrella wants to sleep. However, when Moni hints she’ll tell what happened with Prince Charming, well, that changes everything, and Estrella invites Moni into her apartment, decorated in pink and orange with streams of flower-shaped mobiles hanging all over the place. She also has pillows with star patterns on them, and the whole place is very arty and unique, just like Estrella. Moni tells her about Mauricio’s wardrobe malfunction with the towel, and the girls squeal with delight. Estrella wants to know what Moni saw, but she says her eyes were covered. She did give him a little kiss on the cheek for luck, and a good luck medallion. She knows what it’s like to play for one’s life, in the ring, or on the track. So are you going to the track? No, I just can’t, replies Monita, with a look of concern on her face. Ahhh, you really love him, don’t you? So, so much - she’s afraid of how much she does, and where it’s going to lead.

And now for a public service announcement. This one was unbelievable. Nieves is doing the outdoor wash with her friend Doña Chenita. Paula comes up, and they ask how her Dad is, what with his stomach problem. He’s much better, and guess what? Before when he got sick, they had to borrow to pay. But now they have “seguro popular” (this is a program of health insurance in Mexico, introduced in 2001 to help the poor pay for medical bills). Doña Chenita’s daughter has diabetes, and before, she got no treatment. Now, with seguro popular, there’s no wait to see a doctor. And they treat hypertension, too, like what you have, Nieves, she adds. Well, I’ll sign up right away for seguro popular, responds Nieves, so Moni won’t have to pay so much for my medical needs. Paula gets in the act, too. Her cousin is pregnant, and thanks to seguro popular, she’ll be covered even after the baby is born, and she can be assured of the child’s health for several years after she’s born. And that’s our scene. Okay…..

It’s morning at the office. Paula has brought coffee and cookies to Gabi in the conference room, and Gabi thanks her, but actually, Paula wants to watch the race on tv along with Gabi. Enter our suit-clad malevolents, Jerry and Oscar, who unceremoniously boot out the ladies with insults against the “labor class”, demanding they be brought some cappuccinos, only to sit their sanctimonious selves down in the very same chairs and laughingly watch what they hope will be Mauricio’s defeat.

So Gabi goes back to her workstation, telling Paula it’s just the law of the jungle, and Paula goes off to find some other way to see the race. As soon as Pau leaves, a panther stealthily creeps up on her from behind. It’s Sal again, still wanting to use Jerry’s computer, and this time it might work. Sal can check the computer while Gabi keeps watch. She says okay, I’ll watch your back (yo le cuido las espaldas), then remarks how strange it is that they say “las espaldas” (literally, your backs), when we only have one (good spanish lesson for us learners).

In the coffee room, Paula has found a boombox, and Moni’s there, but can’t bear to listen, so Pau will use headphones (audífonos). Beto enters in his chauffeur suit, what’s she doing? Pau says it’s the race, but Moni says she’s not listening, car races are boring, just going around 100 times ‘til someone wins. Yeah, adds, Beto, and the most fun is when they mess up like dog poop against the wall (cuando se embarran como pópo de perro contra la pared), which Moni doesn’t find amusing at all. She tells him to pray that doesn’t happen, because if Mau crashes, Pau, Beto and she will be jobless. Paula shushes them so she can hear the radio account of the race.

Oscar approaches Gabi, inquiring about the cappuccinos, remarks that Gabi seems nervous, and she says it’s the race. He likes sensitive women, and don’t forget tonight’s dinner date. Again? she parries playfully, you’re going to fatten me up like a Christmas turkey. That’s the idea, he oozes. And then I’ll sink my teeth into you (clavarte los dientes). What a charmer.

It’s a sunny day at the track, and Connie finds Mau, wishes him luck. So far, so good, but she pushes a little too much, saying she can’t take it any more, needs him back. He doesn’t want to talk about this, he has to focus on the race. She won’t let it drop, says I lost you, right? But do I have some hope? He has to leave, and this didn’t seem too great for his state of mind.

In Jerry’s office, Sal is on the computer, furiously taking notes, when Gabi enters to check his progress. He hasn’t found anything yet about the transfer to the Cayman Islands, and Gabi thinks Jerry’s computer won’t show anything, since Jerry never works. Sal agrees, but figures Jerry’s so inept, he probably left a trail anyway. Gabi’s nervous, wants to talk about their relationship, since they’re together right now. Sal keeps trying to use the computer as Gabi keeps trying to talk about when they kissed. He finally snaps at her, just go keep watch, and she pouts in front of the blinds.

It’s race time, and to the accompaniment of 80’s type music (like the Rocky theme, maybe Days of Thunder, Miami Vice or “The Final Countdown” by Europe, all high hats and synthesizers), we have a montage of the drivers putting on their flame-retardant cowls, then helmets, getting into the car feet first through the window, and it’s the green flag, the race is on!

In the coffee room, Paula is glued to the earpiece, Moni’s pacing, pretending not to want to know what’s going on, and Beto’s calmly eating cookies. Moni gets disgusted with Beto, and kicks him out of the room.

The race music builds up the tension, and we see the cars zooming around the track. It’s revealing that all the cars have tons of ads on them, such as Nextel (and Advil) for Mau’s car, except Rolando’s black car, ad-free, since the producers know that product placement on the villain’s car could have a negative impact. We see pitstops, lots of random cars screaming down the track, but we have no clue what’s happening in the race at this point.

Gabi just couldn’t restrain herself, and is bugging Sal again. He accuses her of working with the enemy, namely Oscar, doesn’t she realize Jerry and Oscar planned the whole thing? You’re just jealous, she retorts, which he denies. The phone rings, and she doesn’t hear it for a few rings, until Sal begs her to answer, but when she opens the door, busted! Jerry and Oscar are right there. Jerry is outraged Sal’s on his computer, and Oscar jokes he’s probably stealing some more money. You worms! is Sal’s reply, and when Gabi comes back in, Oscar says call the Feds. Sal then punches Jerry, but Oscar grabs Sal from behind. Meek Jerry clutches some folders as a shield, and tentatively threatens Sal with a comb, as Gabi screams “let him go”!

Paula excitedly tells Moni that Mau is going to pass (rebasar) his rival. Moni smiles. But NO! The car spins out, there’s a cloud of smoke, Paula’s coffee cup falls and shatters, Moni frantically asks what happened, and Paula says he killed himself! We see flames, a burnt-out car on the side of the track, and Mauricio, eyes closed, not moving, as the music plays a song “I’m tired of running”.

Moni implores Pau, tell me it’s not so! Pau, listening through the headphones, says wait, an ambulance is coming, quiet so I can hear. Is he alive? Is he alive? ……… He’s alive!! We see an ambulance, speeding to the hospital. We then see Aldo, Ivan and Tano in the parking lot. Aldo is mad Connie wouldn’t let him go in the ambulance, but Tano says calm down, Ivan will drive you home, I’ll go to the hospital and let you know what’s happening. Enter Rolu, how’s Mauricio? This causes Tano to scream it was your fault, Rolu punches Aldo, Tano and Ivan struggle with Rolu.

And in the office, Jerry is now holding Salvador, while Oscar pummels him without mercy, to Gabi’s horror. Paula tearfully bursts in, listen to me, everyone, there’s been a terrible accident! Mr. Sermeño’s car overturned, we don’t know what happened. Sal says I knew it! Paula says don’t worry, she’s going to pray. Jerry utters a very fake cry of anguish, saying Goodbye cousin, holding his hands over his eyes (to hide the laughing). Oscar tells Sal “Saved by the bell, huh? Get out before I call the cops”, and they all leave the office. This leaves Jerry and Sal to gloat at their good fortune, now they can really seize power (apoderarse), and they’re so happy they almost kiss.

Moni, distraught, wants to go to the hospital. Beto enters, thought the crash was impressive, he’s not upset at all. After Moni leaves, Beto asks Paula where she went, and Pau’s not saying, just remarks that Beto has sweetbrains in place of a heart (mollejas), which just reminds Beto that he’s hungry again. Mmmmm, good. Beto figures his boss is probably going to die, so he’s jobless again, might as well go home and chill, no prob.

Aldo, Ivan and Luisa are concerned, but they’ve decided it’s best not to tell Dani, who’ll go to her friend’s house to play and watch TV. Dani, all set with her pink backpack, at first doesn’t want to go, but when they remind her that her friend “la Chivis” has a doggie, she cheers up about it.

Paula is upset that the radio just has music now, when she wants to hear the news. Gabi comes in, a little miffed that Pau’s not working, but they both agree that Mauricio is the best boss in the world. After Paula assures Gabi that she’s not a gossip, Gabi reveals that when she first started working here, she was totally in love with Mauricio. But it was one-sided, and she was heavy at the time, weighed over 80 kilos, and she wanted so much to lose the weight, but she realized her obsession with Mau was foolish. You know what? says Paula. Same thing happened to me. You weighed 80 kilos? No, but the first time I saw him, I fell in love with him. Gabi points out that Mauricio is unattainable for them. Oh, and those eyes, say Pau. Gabi reveals she has a poster of Mau from his earlier racing days, and so does Pau, but a small version of it. They both have their posters hidden in their houses. And they keep gushing, Gabi about his chest, Paula about his butt, the girls are getting breathy, praising their sculptured hero, their eyes closed, musing dreamily. Gabi finally realizes this may not be appropriate, and returns to her desk, as Paula asks if maybe she could bring that poster in to work.

Beto’s back in the vecindad, back in his casual clothes, happy as a clam that he’s out of a job again. Estrella wonders why he’s not at work, so he gives her the news that his boss got smushed, he’s a goner, no biggie, which exasperates Estrella, who rushes off to see what she can do.

A TV news reporter is outside the hospital, giving a live report about the accident, but they don’t know Mauricio’s condition. But here comes his fiancé, the designer Constanza Lerdo de Tejada, maybe she can tell us something. He approaches, mike in hand, but Connie is standing with the attending physician, and he’ll explain. The doctor relates that Mauricio suffered mild lesions, but had a severe blow to the cranium, and is in a coma! The camera focuses on Mau in bed, eyes closed, tube in his nose, still looking pretty good. It zooms in closer, closer, closer, as we hear the beep, beep, beep of the heart monitor. What lies ahead for our handsome highness of hunkosity? Tune in Monday for the answer.

And in the previews, Monday looks AMAZING, with Moni crying for Mauricio not to leave her, Paula telling Moni and Estrella that Jerry wants Mau dead for the insurance, they’ve got to save Mau, the girls dress up as nurses, Moni punches Jerry, and Estrella says she’ll write on his (Jerry’s) chart, instructions for them to do an operation on Jerry, the same one that was done on her uncle. Ay caray!

Vocabulario:

Arrabalera - girl from the poor area of the City
Borrón y cuenta nueva – start fresh. A borrón is an inkblot.
Acosando – harrassing, pestering or following relentlessly. We just had this word on MEPS yesterday, maybe I’ll remember it now. I think it’s the same root as to accost.
Yo le cuido las espaldas – I’ll watch your back
Audífonos – headphones
Cuando se embarran como pópo de perro contra la pared – when they mess up like dog poop against the wall. Embarrar means to get covered in mud, or to mess up
Clavarte los dientes – to sink my teeth into you
Rebasar – to pass, to overtake
Apoderarse – seize power
Mollejas – sweetbrains, gizzards

Labels: gancho

Please, someone, post this for me.

This recap may be a bit disjointed because I have been interrupted by a five-year old tugging at my elbow every other minute or so. Anyway, here it is.

Obregon, dressed in camo, is still yanking at the rope connected to the boat. Jacinto has “made” him. Obregon doesn’t see anybody and looks like he’s getting agitated.

Bar and Franco continue their conversation about their mysterious real identities. He says he comes with cartas abiertos while she comes with cartas amanadas. I couldn’t find the meaning of this dicho in my dictionary. If you know exactly what it means, please fill in here. I assume it means he’s above-board while she’s holding out. He is not afraid of her and says she can’t prove anything.

He can’t imagine what could happen. She can’t forget. If she would have seen him she could not think it. She likes how he plays. She says she saw him and Fernanda kissing like kids at the country house. Franco purses his lips.

Vlad vents to Damian and he is now beside himself with anger. He’s really annoyed at Pris for not returning his calls or even talking to him. It’s his baby and he wants to see her. Pris just about told him to drop dead. Dam tries to calm him down. Imagine that! Vlad says he knows the baby is his. He doesn’t want to go to any extreme, but he wants to be recognized. He wants Pris to quit treating him like a rag and treat him like the father of her child. Enter Fer.

Damian is not glad to see her. Vlad takes his leave.

Fer wants to know what’s going on.

Bar said she didn’t want to interrupt them at the country house. They are talking about different things – her secrets and his secrets. Bar puts on her sad face and reminds him about ruining Fer’s wedding. He finally says Fernanda doesn’t have anyting to do with anything today. It’s befween her and him. Fernanda had to obey him and to “acosar” (say, what? Go to bed with him?) with him because he’s in love with Fernanda Elizalde. Mystery music.

Damian wants to know why Fer came to see him. She says that Vlad’s visit is a matter between him and Vlad.

Santi runs into Gonzo in the hallway. Fer comes down the staircase. Gonzo is looking for Aurora. Fer is going to Lactos. Santi asks to go to the library with Gonzo.

Bar brings up the question of Franco’s interest in Fer’s wedding. Bar once again says to him that the death of a maid shouldn’t have stopped anything. Bar recites the story of Fer and the cook’s son. Oh, he says is that what happened. With sarcasm he says is that all. He calls her the bad seed – are you going to deny your romance with Damian Gallardo. Her phone rings – it’s the signal for the rescue. I guess you could say saved by the bell.

Obregon has called Barb. He is dressed for the part. Apparently he didn’t order from Cabello’s because his camo jacket does not match his camo jacket. He looks absolutely ridiculous. Jacinto prays to God for what he is going to do. Franco takes the money bag out of the car. Barb looks at it. Both are wearing leather jackets. Unfortunately, not matching either. He says he’s not moving from here.

Gonzo notices that Santi doesn’t looks good. Santi is sorry about Liliana but he also is worried about Aurora. Gonzo says are you sure Barb saw the man Aurora left with. Yes, says Santi, it could have been her father. Santi is gathering courage with the help of a few caballitos of tequila.

Aurora talks to Mother Superior and tells her that she wants to talk about what has happened to her, but she can’t. Mother reminds her that she should be comfortable here. Aurora says the only thing for her is to take the habit.

Bar goes to the boat and throws the money bag in the boat and releases the rope holding the boat to the dock. At the other end, high on a cliff, Obregon pulls in the rope. No high teck hijinks here. Jacinto is right on his case. Bar calls Obregon on the cell. She wants to know if he can see her. He says no. She says you’ll see me soon. Listen well and don’t pull any games on me you miserable creep or something bad will happen to you.

At Lactos Fer is beside herself with joy at seeing Florecita. They scream, run and hug. Flor tells Fer that Anibal is there and she wants to talk to her about Vladmir Pineiro. Fer wants to talk to Anibal about Vlad.

Bar tells Franco the drop has been made. Now they wait to get news of Lili from Obregon. Franco wants to keep talking. That makes her made because she doesn’t want to talk with him any more. Away they go.

Obregon has the boat with the money. He grabs the money and leaves the boat floating away. He climbs a steep rocky cliff keeping the money bag in a strong embrace when suddenly he looks up and has a great shock.

Flor tells Fer how grateful she is to the Elizalde family and that everything that has happened to her has been caused by Vladimir Pineiro. She thought he was interested in her. He gained her confidence and found out where the confidential files were located. She fell for the old bouquet of flowers trick. Vlad pulled the Lactos minutes out and passed them to Jaime. She followed Vlad and saw him kissing Priscilla. Fer tells her to calm down. She knows that what she is saying is dangerous, but she knows that Vlad is a bad dude. Fer comforts her and has an expression on her face that indicates she knows what has happened.

Mother Superior still questions why what has happened to Aurora about what has happened to her and how it has affected her decision to enter the convent. Mother Superior knows that Dominga was not a good person. Mother also understand what has happened to Aurora and the trouble she has experienced in her life. Mother doesn’t want her to isolate herself in the convent – but Aurora begs her because she is not alive.

Santi continues painting terrible pictures and thinks of Aurora.

Franco receives a call and turns the car around while Bar is trying to manhandle him. Don’t worry he says it’s a small detour. Bar wants to know what happened and he tells her to take her hands off the wheel. She’ll get home – just a little late. You’re smart Bar you know I wouldn’t accuse anybody without proof. Admit that you and Damian are lovers. Ok – she says I’m in your hands.

Franco rolls the windows down. The subject of Fer’s wedding comes up again. She says that now their negotiation will be more fruitful. Maybe they can be business partners. She says that would be very difficult with a person whose ID she doesn’t know. She’s looking. He gets closer to her – what do you think, he says, who is Rebeca Sanchez?

Ani wants to know what Fer is talking about. Why do you make decisions like this. It took you three minues to accuse Damian. Now it’s Vlad. She says what about Barb. Somebody is stealing from the business. He wants to know their names. He disses her about Vlad. Vlad has access to all accounts and confidential info about Lactos while Flor has worked for them for sixteen years says Fer.

Vlad is on a rant into the telephone. Pris – the baby is mine and he will not allow that it be taken from him to be raised by an Elizalde. Only death will separate him from the baby.

Pris talks to Rolando and he sends the excellent news to their father that Pris is expecting a baby boy. They are both very happy. She hasn’t heard her voice mail yet. They talk about the baby’s name – Rolando says it has to be Agosto like their father – not the name of an Elizalde. Their daddy isn’t going to be second best (plato de segunda mesa).

Pris sees that she has a message from Vlad and looks worried.

Franco says have you forgotten that Rebeca Sanchez is a woman who has a million and half dollars – no, she says. She insists that she has complete confidence in Rebeca Sanchez. He wants proof of Rebeca’s existence. They need to go on.

At Las Animas Steve is talking to his dad and is sending him a report. Gardenia enters and he continues speaking in English. Gardenia tries to figure out what he is saying. He tells her he was talking business with his father. She wants to know about the wedding between Venus and Camilo. Steve tells Gardenia that she has it all figured out. Gardenia says she has something to tell him: “Esa por mas trapos finos que traiga y se disfrace disque mujer decente la perla frente nadie se la quita” says Gardenia. “Pascuata” says Steve to himself. Help here – if you know what she said, fill us in.

Venus talks to Martina and is a bit confused, as am I, because she isn’t sure if she is going to have to marry Camilo or not. Martina says that don Gringito will understand what scum that Camilo is – who, by the way, is very busy with Natasha right now. Venus says the man of her dreams is right in front of her – but he’s trash. Venus is sure she loves Steve. She has nothing to lose if she marries that one, or does she?

Meanwhile Natasha tells Camilo that she feels abandoned. He says he’s been living his work. She wants to help him get away from work and go his apartment. He says they can’t do that because it is being painted. But there are other places for them. His phone rings – it’s Fernanda. She tells him that Bar and Franco went to rescue Lili. She tells him that Gonzo wants all the kids to get together right now. Poor Cam. He has to say so long to Natasha.

Franco finally stops the car and tells Bar to get out and accompany him. They see a red rag in a tree. Then they see Obregon tied to a tree with the money bag in front of him. What do you think of this, says Franco?

Avances: The family meets. Franco accuses Bar of killing Montserrat Elizalde. The gag comes off Obregon.

Labels: manana

Hi everyone, substitute recapper Debbie here. I hope I got everything right--please post corrections for anything I may have missed or translated incorrectly!


Leftover from yesterday: Inaki and his dad are talking, with his dad saying that if Inaki marries Paloma and gives up his studies, he won’t receive a single penny from him. Inaki replies that he’s not for sale, and neither is his love for Paloma.

At school Paloma asks Romina if they can talk, but Romina cops an attitude and says she can’t, she’s going to play basketball. But you don’t like it, points out Paloma. Romina says she just feels like playing, and walks away. What a jerk! Paloma opens her notebook and starts to write Inaki a letter: “Inaki mi amor, I’ve been thinking a lot, and I made a decision…”

Emiliano is walking in the park with Meche and she’s talking about Romina, I bet you love her a lot, right? Emiliano looks very sad and Meche guesses correctly that there’s someone else. Emiliano says that he’s just realized it and can’t get Paloma out of his mind. Meche advises him to break it off with Romina, and he explains that he tried but couldn’t. And besides, she’s my best friend’s girlfriend, and they’re going to marry. Meche says that the first thing to do is break up with Romina (the rest of her words of wisdom I couldn’t understand very well...I think it was something along the lines of little by little he’d get over Paloma).

Paloma runs into the kitchen all excited and asks Rufi to take her letter to Inaki’s house and put it in the mailbox (buzón). Rufi wonders if the letter has something to do with the wedding, and explains that Marcarena already told her about Inaki’s proposal. Paloma says yes, and that’s why I want to get the letter to Inaki, but don’t tell anyone because I don’t want Carlota to find out. Rufi asks if there is going to be a wedding or not, and Paloma just smiles.

Inaki is at the bar cleaning tables when his mom arrives. They sit down to talk and she tells him that she knows that he spoke with his dad, and that he (Inaki) is not going to change his opinion (well, neither will his dad). But Carmen has changed her mind and is going to support Inaki and his marriage to Paloma.

Rufi is at Inaki’s house and drops the letter in the mailbox, but as soon as she walks away, Arcadia emerges from behind the corner.

Carmen asks Inaki if he’s thinking of living in Mexico or going to Spain, and he says he hasn’t thought about that-—it might be a big change for Paloma to leave her house, her aunts, her country. His mom says maybe that would be better, because if they stay Carlota will make life impossible. She tells him that he can bring Paloma to her house whenever they want to come.

Romina is walking along and gets grabbed by German, who tells her that she is mistaken if she thinks that sending Liliana that email will get him to fall at Romina’s feet-—if you want my love, you know what you have to do. He then kisses her forcefully and she tries to fight him off. He says that next time she will be the one asking him for a kiss.

Inaki and his mom are walking home. She mentions that if he and Paloma lived in Madrid he wouldn’t have to postpone his studies, and Paloma could find a university there. Inaki opens the mailbox and finds a letter from Paloma. He’s all excited and starts reading aloud: “Inaki, I love you very much, but I don’t think that’s enough for us to get married. I’m sorry but I’m not going to marry you, not today, not ever. Don’t look for me ever again.”

Paloma is jumping for joy, telling Macarena how she has accepted Inaki’s proposal, and they’re going to marry as soon as she turns 18. Macarena says that Carlota will find out and Paloma has to tell her. Paloma agrees, but won’t tell her until she and Inaki have everything ready, so that she can’t stop my wedding. Macarena warns that things will be worse if she hides something so important, but Paloma insists that Carlota won’t find out. Macarena says all of this is so surprising, she doesn’t know what to say. Paloma asks, you don’t want me to marry him, right? Macarena replies that she has the feeling that what Paloma wants is to run away and that she would marry whoever asked her (can you blame her?). She thinks they are looking at marriage as a solution to their problems and that they don’t realize the responsibility they will have. Plus, the purpose of marriage is for it to last all their lives, and Paloma’s too young to make a commitment like that. Are you sure that you love him? One of the classic novela lines, “Con toda mi alma”, is Paloma’s response. Ok, says Macarena, you can count on me.

Inaki’s mom is telling him that if Paloma’s decision is not to marry, he has to respect it. But I was sure that she was going to accept. Carmen speculates that maybe Paloma realized she was going to make a mistake, or she told her aunts and they convinced her to reject him. Inaki insists that there has to be another reason. He wants to find her. Carmen says maybe it’s the best thing that could happen to him, because Paloma is the reason he wasn’t going to finish school. She adds that he was ready to give up everything for Paloma, but it looks like you weren’t that important to her.

Arcadia is on the phone telling Carlota that Inaki and Carmen are outside reading the letter. Carlota asks if she has the original letter and tells her to read it. It’s the same one we heard Paloma writing earlier--we see her with the notebook writing that Inaki changed her life, and she’s so happy. But if Carlota was capable of going to your mother, it’s because she’s never going to let me love you. It’s as if my parents sent you from heaven, because I’ve never felt so happy, and that’s why I say “yes” (meanwhile we see Paloma imagining herself and Inaki getting married). Paloma then writes that she’ll wait for him in the park-—she’ll cut out of (or skip?) her art class to see him.

Carlota orders Arcadia to burn the letter right away, so she runs off to find matches. She tells Carlota that she’s burning it but it looks like she’s only burning the envelope—-did I see that correctly?

Alonso returns home and he tells Natalia about Inaki’s “stupid idea” of wanting to marry Paloma. Natalia thinks he should be proud of Inaki. Alonso accuses her of taking Inaki’s side.

Romina is buying some cookies at a bakery. In the next scene she’s bringing them to Emiliano at work, saying she made them herself. She pretends to be understanding and sweet--she knows he’s busy and doesn’t want to take up his time. Emiliano asks her for a hug and kiss as she leaves, but he doesn’t look happy about it.

Paloma tells Macarena about her plan to meet up with Inaki in the park, and how she’s going to ask Inaki to go to Macarena and ask for Paloma’s hand. Me? says Macarena. Yes, you’re like my mom, no? After Mac leaves Paloma looks at a picture of her and Romina and wonders what’s going on with her—-what did I do?

Carlota, looking purple-y as always, comes in to tell Paloma that she’s not going to art class. She is super mean like the evil witch in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”, only purple instead of white. Anyway, Carlota says yesterday’s punishment wasn’t enough, you’re not going anywhere.

Inaki is pacing in German’s office. German tells him he has to accept it, but Inaki can’t believe it, something tells me she couldn’t have decided to break it off. German argues that he has to know how to lose...even though it hurts it’s the truth, you have to have dignity.

Carmen is on the phone with Alonso talking about Paloma’s supposed letter. I knew it, he says—-he thinks as soon as she found out Inaki would not get any money, she dumped him. Carmen wonders if maybe Paloma was afraid of marriage. Alonso says young girls in love aren’t afraid of marriage, and Carmen agrees that he's right (was she once one of those girls?). Alonso thinks Inaki will get over this soon and that when he realizes the favor Alonso did for him, he’ll be grateful.

Natalia is talking to Cristobol about her argument with Alonso, she doesn’t agree with how he acted with Inaki. Cristobol says the problem in all this is resentment--blame/guilt are generated and can burden a person his whole life. Natalia: Is that what happened to you? Cristobol explains that the family of the woman he loved (before meeting Natalia) was opposed to their relationship. She killed herself, it’s my fault.

Macarena arrives Camila’s store, weeping. She says she can’t share Paloma’s happiness over her marriage and explains that Paloma has decided to marry upon turning 18. Macarena is afraid that Paloma is making a mistake. Camila tries to comfort her, saying that Paloma made the decision to fly, and the only thing Mac can do is help open the door of the cage. Macarena cries about Paloma leaving and Camila says she has to try to be optimistic.

Back to Natalia and Cristobol—-she asks if that’s why he told her he was a killer. She tells him he can’t see himself as a killer for her suicide. Cristobol says there are many ways to provoke someone’s death--she was fragile, of weak character. He wanted them to fight for their love but he didn’t realize she wasn’t ready. Natalia repeats that he’s not responsible for her death, but he believes his attitude provoked her death, and since then he hasn’t been able to find peace. He then asks Natalia not to ask him about his past any more. She mentions that both he and Inaki fell in love with women in Real del Monte whose families rejected them.

Camila goes in the store to attend to a client. The doctor walks by and sees Macarena and stops to talk with her.

Romina is on the phone inviting a friend to her birthday party. After she hangs up she wonders and what am I going to wear? so she calls her mom and whines that she needs to buy her a dress, pleeeeeeeeze, I’m turning 18.

The doctor notes that Macarena looks a bit sad, is something wrong? Camila comes back out then and tells Mac that they won’t be able to go for coffee today, so when the doctor hears this he invites Mac out.

Back at the house of horrors, Paloma begs Rufi to help her get out of the house to see Inaki. Rufi informs her that Carlota has just gone out, so Paloma runs off.

At the office, Orlando asks Emiliano how things are going with Romina. Better than I expected, replies Emiliano, she’s been caring and brought me some cookies that she made. Orlando says you’re with her to try to forget Paloma, right? Emiliano admits that he is, and Orlando thinks that it’s a mistake when he knows he doesn’t love Romina. Emiliano thanks Orlando, who says that he can’t help thinking that his son would be Emiliano’s age. You had a son? Yes, but I’ll tell you another day what happened with him “and her”.

Inaki is being confronted by Clara, the art teacher. She knows that he’s not from a modeling agency and that if he’s here it’s not to be a model, it’s for Paloma. She says that Paloma came to class early and told her everything and that she doesn’t want to see Inaki again. Inaki doesn’t believe Clara’s story, but she says Paloma asked her to tell Inaki to forget about her—-she’s never going to marry you. All this time Carlota has been eavesdropping around the corner and smirking away. Inaki says he’s not going to rest until Paloma tells him personally-—he doesn’t think Paloma trusts Clara enough to ask her to tell Inaki something so important. Clara counters that he doesn’t know Paloma well enough to know whether she’d trust Clara or not, and how else would she know all this if Paloma hadn’t told her? You say you love her, right? Then leave her in peace.

Carlota thanks Clara for the favor. Clara says she did this because she understands Carlota’s concern for Paloma. Carlota lies that she would do anything for Paloma’s well-being. Clara: It must not have been easy to forget about your life to take care of her, but surely one day she’ll appreciate everything you did. Carlota: I don’t do it for her to thank me...you know how kids are today, they don’t realize that a wrong decision could mark them for life...unfortunately, Inaki is a crafty devil (vivales; thank goodness for closed captions). Clara says it’s too bad, he seems like a good boy. Carlota says “Ojos vemos, corazones no sabemos”—-has anyone heard this before? I’m not sure exactly how to translate this, but I’m guessing it’s something like we see eyes, we don’t know hearts, meaning that we can see a person’s outside, but we don’t know what’s in their hearts, what they’re really like. (How hypocritical of her!)

Macarena and the doctor are having coffee at an outdoor cafe—-she’s very nervous and says she can’t stay long because she has stuff to do. Doc says he’d like this to be the beginning of a great friendship—-what do you say? Just then Ines spots them and goes to their table to chat, and Mac looks scared. After Ines leaves she tells the doctor that Ines is going to tell Carlota about them. The doc offers to talk to Carlota, but Mac refuses.

Paloma is walking down the street and looks into a bridal shop. The saleslady, Lidia, shows her a dress and takes her measurements. Aron comes into the shop and says what a small world to find my best friend and “prometida” here. He and Paloma laugh that well, her tia wanted them to be novios, but no. Meanwhile, Inaki is wandering around looking for Paloma-—we see him in the background across the street. Aron asks if Carlota finally accepted Inaki and they step outside the shop, where she tells him she’s going to get married in secret. But d’oh!! Over her shoulder we see pobre Inaki walking in the opposite direction-—alas, two ships in the night.

Carlota is back home looking for Paloma. Ines calls Carlota and dishes about her finding Macarena and the doctor having coffee. Carlota tells Ines the doctor is only interested in Mac’s health, it’s only a patient-doctor relationship. Well, if you say so, says Ines.

Inaki comes by and climbs up to Paloma’s balcony. Carlota enters Paloma’s room and sees Inaki’s shadow on the balcony. She pretends to be Paloma and tells him to go away. He says please, we have to talk, I need to see you. When “Paloma” doesn’t answer he leaves.

Paloma is at the fountain, saying nothing will ever separate her and Inaki.

Alonso is still talking trash about Paloma—-if he had known she was after money he would have offered her some to leave his son before arguing with him. He mentions Paloma’s last name, Espinoza de los Monteros, and Natalia realizes that Paloma is the daughter of her friend Sagrario. What a coinky-dink, huh? Natalia protests that being the daughter of Sagrario and Javier, she can’t be how you’re portraying her, she must be an honest girl, a girl of values, her aunts would have raised her to be a good girl.

Paloma is at the fountain looking very worried.

Carlota is writing “Paloma” over and over on a piece of paper-—it appears to be a self-taught course in forgery.

Paloma goes to Inaki’s house and encounters Arcadia-—she asks for Inaki, he’s not there; she asks if he was given the letter that was in the mailbox, Arcadia thinks it was. At first Paloma asks Arcadia to tell Inaki that she was looking for him, but as she’s leaving she says no, better not say anything.

Inaki arrives at the bar and starts pounding tequilas. The bartender sees how down he is and says it must be a woman. Inaki corrects him: no, it’s not *a* woman, it’s the *only* one.

Paloma is back at the fountain, crying and wondering if Inaki doesn’t want to marry her now. No, I shouldn’t think stupid things, he loves me as I love him.

Avances: Carlota is berating Macarena for thinking she could attract men and is putting a letter in the front door that Rufi later gives to Paloma; Romina puts the moves on a drunken Inaki.

Labels: amor

Dani calls Moni at work. Monita is thrilled to hear chisme from the 5 yr old Dani, that Mau has broken it off with Consti. She runs into Mau who wants to see her outside of work, w00t! Moni hugs Mau, I mean the water cooler, and shares her joy with Pau, but what in the heck is she going to do about that albatross Beto?

Beto is all dressed up and with Nieves' help passes the super sniff armpit test. We can add that to the list of crap jobs she does for him. She has prepared a romantic meal to help him reclaim Monita and ask her forgiveness (for being a thief I guess). She crosses him and says good luck it's your last chance.

Sal sits in Mau's office while creepy cousin and his con man friend mock him about going to jail. Mau says nobody's going to jail but he doesn't act like he completely believes Sal either. Sal is sick of defending himself and puts his hand inside his jacket pocket. Heh, the bad guys think it's a gun. Goose goose, Duck! The meanies hide behind a chair but it's not a gun, it's Sal's resignation.

Consti goes slumming for the monkey and finds a wolfe instead. Beto ushers her into his den and sequesters her before Monita and her giggling pals can see her.

Team Moni (Pau and Estrella) urge her to dump Beto and keep her date with Prince Charming in the Plaza Garibalda. They join forces to make Moni irresistable.

Inside the house where he's waiting for Moni, Roberto finds he can't keep his hands of Consti. She tells him to back off until he suddenly remembers his Moni date and tells Consti she's right, she should get the heck out of there (te pintes de colores). Consti is sick of the bum's rush and decides she now wants to stay, she's not a used rag (un trapo usado), boo hoo, hold me Beto. He fights the urge and says no, she's got to leave, at which point she screams "Don't ever call me in your entire stupid life!" Yep, she's got it bad for him. He moans "she was mine, all mine, and I let her go."

Mau refuses Sal's resignation but the grown up is tired of the futility of dealing with the evil cuz and con man and says they have no more to say, good luck with (looks at Jero) la familia. Jero is happy but Mau runs after Sal.

I always love these tryptich mirror scenes and for once we get to see three different women instead of the usual split personality. The girls dress Moni and hear Beto singing "How I've changed, I'm so in love". "I hate to see him suffer," sighs our spandex-clad heroine. Ah, but does he sing of Moni or Consti?

I guess Mau couldn't find Sal because he's back at the office getting scolded by Gabi, they both know Sal is incapable of such betrayal. How could he let Sal resign? Mau promises he'll fix the Sal thing and everything will be fine.

We have the nightly Dani-hugs-Mau fix and the escuincles congratulate him on dumping the monster. Speaking of which...enter the dragon. Teresa gleefuly wheels out Consti's suitcase and Aldo for once wants to help, get her out the door that is.

Beto serenades Moni in his particular Beto style but she and her friends are not impressed. He gets on bended knee and puts on his poor kitty face. Moni finally agrees to have a bite with Beto but then she's leaving.

Mau tries to leave for his date but Consti traps him and tells him no way will she let him leave because he's going to meet That Woman. She says she'll die before letting him go out the door. (Oh please, please!)

Mau's phone rings (it's Moni calling to say she's late) so Coni pulls a Sergio Sendel, grabs it, throws it and stomps it to death. She's had it!! She bars the door and Mau advances, giving her the stink eye.

Beto has lured Moni into his place and he lights the candles for romantic mood lighting, unfortunately the room still has all the lights on. Beto, get a clue honey. They bicker a little about why she is all dressed up but he wisely changes tacks and asks her, isn't she impressed? He even bathed.

Moni fidgets but Beto persists. He gives her his gift, a precious little monkey. Look in the little stomach, it's a heart that says "Beto and Monita". "Will you forgive me?" he asks.

The Bickersons have nothing on the war of the Roses, i.e. Mau and Consti. His family listens at the door. He breaks through Consti and off he goes. She tries to get sympathy because he grabbed her arm but Aldo says it's nothing and Luisa calls her a whineybutt crybaby (Chillona).

Meanwhile, back in the bright room of thwarted romance Beto plies a reluctant Moni with wine. She wants to know where he got the money and he tries to suck up. She puckers up all right, but only because the wine is vinegar so the romantic mood is broken.

Is our Moni up front about her feelings? No way Joe, she pulls a Candy (Las Tontas) and escapes, leaving her cellular behind.

Moni wanders the Garibaldi at night and consoles herself with her fave snack, esquites.

Meanwhile Moni's gal pals whisper super loudly that the princess has scampered off to meet her prince at Garibaldi. A spying Beto pops out of hiding and attempts to intercept the young royalty but the high heeled players of Team Moni tackle him.

Mau and the Mariachis find Moni and a serenade ensues. This time our off-key Romeo keeps his dulcet tones to himself and instead adorns our little monkey with the gigantic sombrero. The mariachis sing Lastima que Seas Ajena, "It's too bad you are someone else's". He chose this song just for her. He kisses her hand as Vicente Fernandez sings this song in the background. They decide to go to a cantina and talk.

Beto battles the babes but a fatal and fortuitous fart foils the lovelies. Yes friends, the toot was indeed censored, I checked on youtube. Even mami Nieves melts at the aroma. The girls give up and Señor Toot escapes. What good can come of this? Estrella and Pau are partners once again! They try to call Moni but Nieves has her cellular.

Life in the barrio might stink but Plaza Garibaldi has sweet romance in the air until...Señor Toot arrives and Mau suggests they hide under the table. "How romantic" sighs Moni until Mau explains they are hiding from her brother! Nose to nose she begs him to go. Damn, their kiss is thwarted again.

Mau scuttles away just as Beto finds Moni alone. But he doesn't believe she's alone. He infuriates her and she stomps off.

Our next scene has her back at home griping to her amigas about her night of decapitated romance. At least there is one good thing, Pau and Estrella are amigas again and they confirm it with a hug.

The girls are interrupted by Beto's gruff howling, "Monita Monita!" Moni ignores him and Nieves consoles him once again. He asks her feminine advice and like Xime she has three: 1) don't drink any more booze, 2) don't get thrown in jail, and 3) take a bath...every day. Oh, and get the wax out of your ears and listen to Monita. He's afraid he'll become another person. Bathe everyday? Nobody understands him.

Mau gets home and finds Aldo listening to the tele news about Mau and his impending qualifyier. He agrees to take Aldo with him. Mau and Aldo have a father/son type male bonding moment when Aldo surprises Mau with a goodnight hug.

Next day Xime visits Rolu at the racetrack but he's more interested in making time on the track than making time with Xime.

Team Mau gives her a warmer welcome, expecially Tano. As Mau gets into his car Sal walks past, unseen, where he can grab a seat to watch.

Beto is at work, hanging out in the break room, eating cookies, and bugging Moni and Pau. Moni tells Pau to tell the subject (el sujeto) that the cookies are for the administration. Beto tells Pau to tell la sujeta that she can tell him to his face. Moni tells Pau to tell ese sujeto she'll neither talk nor look at him and to get back to his work station. Beto tells Pau to tell Moni he's going to tell the entire company they are novios, they kiss, and they'll get fired. And you too, he threatens Paula. Paula yells at him she'll skin him alive! Beto says nobody talks that way to him except his ma and his novia. Moni cries "Beto I'm not your novia!" She runs out Beto looks really hurt.

Moni serves Gabi her tea and asks if she's heard anything about Sal. Gabi is too afraid of his crazy wife to call her. Moni makes a comment about Sal's innocence and Gabi suspects Moni knows more than she lets on. Gabi tells Moni that Mau is off at the track just as Consti stomps in looking for Jero.

Nextel Nextel Nextel is the message as Mau goes round and round the track.

Consti whines to Jero and Oscar while Oscar tries to fondle her. Then Jero tries to take a turn at physical consolation until Consti pushes him away. She tells them if they don't help her she'll do what she should have done long ago! Jero comments she's going to throw Moni out. Oscar thinks she's going to kill Moni.

Holy bats**t! Hurricane Consti blows on over to Moni, says everything is all her fault and gives her a slap across the face. Moni gets the look of death on her face and wraps her hand around Consti's scrawny throat. Will our little Power Pack let loose or will she show some restraint? Stay tuned until tomorrow!

Tomorrow: Mau gives Moni a half-clad hunkalicious kiss.

Labels: gancho