Caray, Caray!

Friday: Paloma is visiting Natalia and she asks if Natalia can see Chris comfortably, after what happened plus now he’s a priest. Natalia realizes Pal knows they almost married, and says it was a long time ago, and it’s probably the same as it was for Macarena. ¿¿¿Que??? says Paloma.

And thus starts a fun-filled new week for us as we follow the zany capers of those wacky, endearing denizens of Real del Monte. Or I guess it’s actually more like the agonies of those tortured souls, but what the hey. Don’t touch that dial!

Angelica has come back to work, to Orlando’s surprise and delight, as she’s such a good worker. She says she really had to give it a lot of thought, but she wants to keep her commitment. Things won’t be the same, though, she says. Orlando tells her that he’s talked to Camila and found out she’d overheard Angie. Angie’s relieved that Camila didn’t find out through him. Orlando says hey, we’ll just drop the subject. Angie says we’ll try. Emotional klutz Orlando goes to give her a friendly hug and she demurs.

Emiliano is standing in Romina’s living room looking like the wrath of… okay, the wrath of Emiliano. The timpani thunder. Here comes Romina trotting down the stairs. Emiliano focuses in like a laser beam: I know you are, or were, having, an affair with German. Romina gasps I never did! He was chasing me, he even kissed me by force once. Emiliano isn’t buying it. People had been talking about it for some time, and now they’re wondering if the child is his. Que? says Romina, pretending to be astonished.

Emiliano says either you do a paternity test, or you can forget ever seeing me again.

Somehow Paloma has waited until lunch is on the table to continue asking Natalia about Macarena and Chris. She gathers that Natalia identifies with Mac. Were Mac and Chris novios too at one time? She has been wanting to know more about Mac, about her past, about the man she was in love with once.

Natalia can tell she’s in touchy territory. What did Mac tell you? she stalls. Paloma says not much, she was very reserved. I didn’t know she’d known Chris before. Now I’m interested to know more about him, and, since Tia Carlota just tells me half truths, I’m going to ask him. Natalia is relieved and says yes, ask him. I really don’t know much.

Natalia asks Paloma if she’s dating. Paloma is embarrassed to say that she’s been seeing Emiliano, Inaki’s friend. Natalia is understanding and says Inaki would want you to live your life, and he would like it that you’re with someone he trusted.

Paloma says but we broke up – the women in my family are destined to be unlucky in love. Natalia says not just you – a lot of women are unlucky that way. What happened? Well, says Paloma, apparently launching into her tale of woe, but we don’t hear it.

German has come to see Orlando to ask for his help with Em. Orlando says you’ll have to tell me the truth, and German fesses up. Yup, he slept with her. How could you? gasps Orlando, conveniently forgetting that his own hormones slosh around time to time. German says we were going out before she started seeing Em, but we never told him. Tsk! tsks Orlando. German says haven’t you even been loco for a woman?

Orlando feels his pain. I lost everything, money, the woman, a son, says he. German says I lost a friend and maybe a son. Please, he respects you. Talk to him, tell him that I feel horrible about it. I was just crazy in love. A repentant tear runs down his cheek.

Orlando says that girl is trouble – she’s really playing Em along. Do you think the baby is Em’s? German says fat chance. Talk Em into working with me – that’s the only way we can get Romina to tell the truth.

Cut to Romina who is not telling the truth. How can you say that? she huffs to Em. Easy, he says. People saw you kissing him, going into his place. There are photos of you two making out. Bullroar, says Romina. It’s not my fault German was obsessed with me, or that other girls are envious and make up stuff. Em says Where there’s smoke there’s fire (or, as the Spanish dicho goes, the river makes noise because there’s water in it).

Why, Romina’s just devastated that he doesn’t believe her. Em says sorry, but I have to know if the baby is mine. Romina says isn’t my word good enough? Nope, says Em. Romina says I can’t buleeeve that you and German think of me like some, some… easy girl. Sorry, says Em, but my future is hanging in the balance.

So many guys would want what I’m offering you: a family, a child, my unconditional love. And this is the way you treat me?

Em is really furious now: I never lied to you. I was very clear – we were so over. And the only reason we’re talking now is because of this baby. I can’t help it, Romina wails, I’m still in love with you. Em: We go tomorrow to get the test. Romina: And if I don’t? Em: Then you’ll never see me again. Okay, says Romina, but with one condition. If the test shows it’s yours, you have to marry me. I want this child born into a family, into a marriage. Em’s lips tighten but finally he says All right.

Angelica meets happy Joel in a café. He says I’m glad to see you mi amor. Angelica says it’s best you don’t call me mi amor – our relationship can’t continue. Joel says but we get on so well! Angelica says I can’t fall in love with you, because I’m already in love… with Orlando.

Angie has not learned to keep her mouth shut.

She tells him she’s going to finish up her promised time at the plateria, and then she’s going back to the DF and she’s never coming back to Real del Monte. Poor Joel! He’s a prince of a guy, but let’s face it, he just doesn’t have Orlando’s hair.

Rufi goes to the church looking for P. Mateo, but Chris says he’s out. She says she has something on her mind, but she’d rather talk with PM. Chris says I’m all you’ve got right now – tell me. So Rufi says mmmm, well, I promised a person who’s dead now that I wouldn’t tell a secret, but that secret affects another person and now that person now feels betrayed by me for not telling, plus it could affect an additional person. Should I tell?

Chris’s mind boggles. I don’t get it – you’ll have to give me the details, says he. I can’t tell you more, says Rufi. Chris says so are we talking about Mac…. and Paloma? Yes, says Rufi, but I can’t tell you any more so never mind. Chris takes her arm to keep her there. Maybe you’d feel better telling me in confession? Rufi says glurp.

You know, I’d rather not talk to you about certain things, I’ll just be running along now and I’ll see you at Natalia’s. Hold it, says Chris, taking her arm again. Rufi says I have to get back to work. Chris says okay, but don’t leave it like this – talk to Mateo. I will, she promises, and she leaves. Chris looks after her with narrowed eyes.

Carlota has stopped by the bank and asks the manager to bring her her safe deposit box.

Chris is talking to Mateo, and wants to know if Rufi has talked to him. Mateo smiles thinking about what a cheerful soul Rufi is, but says no, she hasn’t come by. I have some good news, says Mateo – I’m being transferred. Why is that good news? asks Chris. We’ve had some differences of opinion, but that’s all in the past. Mateo says it’s good news because guess who’s replacing me? Padre Benito!

Smiling Carlota is pulling things from her large safe deposit box, which from our view looks like a pirate’s treasure. Strings of pearls, great stacks of cash. She gets out a large jewelry box and opens it to display a fabulous diamond necklace worthy of a raja. Our father left this to you, Macarena, too bad you couldn’t use it. You could have paid Paloma’s schooling. It looks better on me anyway.

She gets out the photos she took of Chris and Natalia and says yuck, she has no class. You better figure out that I’m the one who should be in your arms, because if you don’t, even your cassock won’t save you. She puts the pictures in the box, then opens a ring box and takes out a diamond ring which I think was Mac’s ring from Chris, and turns it in the light.

Aron is at Romina’s and he’s telling her she’s completely nuts, agreeing to that test. She says enough with the criticisms, think up something. This is the time you can go for Paloma, I’ve cleared the way for you.

Holy cow, is she suggesting he rape Paloma? Did I understand that correctly? Romina says that way Em will lose all respect for Paloma. Aaron is shocked. Em will do the opposite, he says, he’ll rush to her aid and they’ll throw me in jail for messing with a minor. Romina says then what use are you to me? Aron says and what use are YOU to me? When the results of the test come back, Em’s going to go running to Paloma and we’ll both have lost.

Romina says I thought you were a lot smarter than that. Aron says And I think you were an idiot to have slept with both of them. Romina slaps him. He stomps towards the door. Get out! Romina yells, but grabs him by the sweater. Be warned -I always get what I want, and I’m going to marry Emiliano. You can forget Paloma, I’ll make sure you evaporate from her life. Aron grabs her threateningly and says don’t you even dare! Because if you talk trash about me, I’m going to open my mouth. He shoves her roughly onto the couch and leaves. Romina looks scared.

Carlota comes home and Paloma comes home a few seconds later. Where were you? asks Carlota. Out, says Paloma. I don’t want to be the good an obedient girl anymore. You don’t tell me what I want to know, so I don’t tell you what you want to know.

Carlota says it’s to protect you. Paloma says I don’t want to hear that same old tired song and dance. You aren’t protecting me. And those half-truths you like so much! If you want to know about my life, tell me who my father is. Paloma heads up the stairs, temporarily victorious. Carlota gets all slitty-eyed contemplating this turn of events.

Aron comes home and there’s Angelica. He plops down and asks her please please to tell him how to get Paloma interested in him. Angelica says either love is there, or it isn’t, and there’s nothing he can do. Aron says talk to her – tell her that Em’s going to get married. Angelica says I’m not an option, you’re wasting your time anyway.

I just noticed Angie’s once bouncy hair seems flatter, almost like she’s been out in the rain. I guess it’s all just part of her deflated spirits.

Em calls Paloma on her cell and says he has news. She agrees to meet him in the park.

Tearful Romina calls Carlota and says I have to talk to you – can you come over? Carlota sighs okay. Just as she’s leaving, Paloma is coming down the stairs. Carlota asks where she’s going and Paloma says Who is my father? then flounces out.

Carlota thoughtbubbles I didn’t want to hurt you, but it looks like there’s no other way.

Emiliano is just wrapping up work. Who’d want to work in a room with dark, stone-gray walls? Gloomy, I’d say. Orlando comes in and wants to talk to him about German. Em says I don’t want anything to do with him. Orlando says the guy just got overcome by passion. Em says he should have told me!

Orlando says you fell in love with Paloma! Em says I was just friends with Inaki a short time, not since childhood like with German. And besides, I wouldn’t have gone anywhere near her when he was with her. Orlando says not everyone is so virtuous as you, hijo. Em says don’t project on me what you wish your son might have done. I’m not the son you lost. If I’m virtuous, it’s because my father brought me up that way. Don’t stick up for German. Em stomps out.

Frantic violins swarm in the background while Orlando calls up the lab that is doing his DNA testing. No, the results aren’t in yet. He tells the lady he’s in a hurry and to call as soon as they are in.

Romina tells Carlota Em will marry her if she goes for the test, but it’s German’s child. I knew it, says Carlota, you’re a tramp. Thanks a lot, says Romina. Think of something, or you’ll end up with Paloma married to Em. Carlota sighs angrily, but starts thinking.

A red rose is being set on Camila’s desk at her shop. It’s Orlando, apologizing for losing his head. She apologizes for not telling him about kissing Rafa. He observes that it’s a small town, and everyone knows everything. Forgive me? He leans in to kiss her, but she turns away a little and says she’s been thinking, and she’s just too upset about Romina right now. He says I’ve got some stuff going on too. Camila says I think we should each get our lives together first. It’s better that we call it off. Great, now there’s not one couple left in Real del Monte.

Em meets Paloma in the park. They hug and declare their love. Paloma says I heard you know now. Em says yes, and I’ve talked to German and Romina. She’s going to do a paternity test. I kind of put her on the spot. It’s probably German’s. Paloma says and what if it’s yours? Em gulps.

Carlota tells Romina to act all outraged, but to take the test. Romina says are you sure you know what you’re doing? Carlota says leave it to me. When you go, I’ll already be coming back. Whatever that means.

Pal says you’ll marry Romina? Em says if it’s mine, yes, but if it’s not, we get married. It’s an all-or-nothing deal. Deal, says Pal, and they kiss. Paloma says if it’s yours, you’ll have to forget me forever. Em says I’m sure it’s German’s. That night umm, the conditions weren’t ummm .. I’m sure it’s not mine. Innocent Paloma probably has no clue what he’s referring to.

Another thing, says Pal. If you have to marry Romina, I don’t ever want her to know about us, that we wanted to marry. Em says I’m not going to have to marry her, but I promise. They kiss. The telenovela gods grunt as they push another anvil from the clouds.

Orlando doesn’t want to break up, but Camila says she needs her space, to deal with Romina. Orlando gets mad and says is it really about Romina, or is it about Rafael? Camila says I already told you I broke off with him. Orlando says only because he’s not available at the moment. Camila says I don’t want fights in a relationship. We need to separate for a while. Time will tell.

Big Good Guy action meeting at Natalia’s to do some excellent plotting. Rufi is there, Dr. Bermudez, and Chris. Natalia reports that Paloma’s adopted parents had a big house and no debt that she was aware of. Rufi says Mac wasn’t aware of that. Chris asks if anyone has found anything out. Dr B says he practically threatened Carlota’s lawyer, but no luck, the guy blew town for an unspecified length of time. Rufi figures that he fled. Natalia says surely the papers that Carlota burned were about an investigation Inaki had done that Carmen had brought to Mac, but she doesn’t know if Inaki found out anything.

Dr B says probably Inaki was going to wait until he had married Paloma, and then unmask Carlota. Natalia says right now we’re where Inaki was before he initiated the investigation, and we can’t find Carmen. Chris says it looks like we’ll just have to start over.

Paloma is praying to the virgin in her room. She says she doesn’t wish Romina anything bad, but if she enters into a loveless marriage with Em, it won’t be good for the baby or for anyone else. But if the baby is German’s, it must have come from love, and Romina and he can form a family for the baby. Please don’t let it be Em’s.

Dr B says the young man who took Lic R’s place came to see him - his mother was Dr B’s patient – and Dr B is going to talk to him to see if they can find out about the will. Natalia says she’ll ask her friend Ivonne see if she knows someone they can contact to do an investigation. They all regret that they don’t know who did the first investigation. It doesn’t occur to any of them to do the easy thing and track down Carmen.

Chris says he’s going to press Carlota to tell the truth. Dr B says step carefully. Carlota already knows I’m sniffing around, and if she thinks I’m not alone, things could get worse. Chris asks Natalia if they can keep meeting at her place and she says of course.

Camila kisses Romina good night and wonders why Em came by. Romina says he wants me to do a paternity test. Camila is surprised, and asks Romina if she’d slept with anyone else. Romina says of course not, but people saw me with German and said stuff. Camila says I’m not surprised. You went to Mexico City with him. It’s a small town, people talk.

Romina says see – you’re always against me! She flounces around the room. Camila says I’m on your side, but I did tell you. Romina says the test is tomorrow and Em will be there. Camila says she will go too, but please give up on the idea of marrying Em. Romina says right now all I care about proving it’s Em’s baby.

It’s the next day, and Romina has called Paloma to come over. She tells Pal somebody to talk to. Em has offended her big time – he’s insisting she take a paternity test and she would never, never play around about something so serious as this. I may be rebellious, a little wild, but I would never lie about my baby.

So did you talk to Em about me? she asks. Paloma says I talked to him, but not about that. Romina says don’t tell me you were the one who put it into his head that the baby is German’s! She holds Paloma’s face and says tell me yes or no!

Avances: Romina is lying on a table, a nurse by her with a giant needle. Em and Camila are at her side. Romina squeezes her eyes shut.

Labels: amor

Hello everyone,

Thanks again for your patience last time, and for your encouraging comments! I'm getting this up as quick as I can so you can read it over breakfast tomorrow morning:) Let me know if I went too fast and missed anything.


Scenes from last show:
MJ at Alex are at the cenote and, after confessing their mutual adoration, they make love in the water.

Chapter 25:
Alejandro, wearing an all-white suit and looking fine, is taking off in the helicopter; MJ and his mother wave him off. He is off to get brain scans in Mexico City to prove he doesn’t have brain damage and isn’t crazy.

Back at the office after Alejandro leaves, Fernando overhears the secretary of the head of the board of directors asking to reserve the meeting room for a secret meeting of the board. Fer calls Alex to let him know of this development but, in a moment of dramatic tension (we know it because the music swells), Alex’s phone is turned off and he can’t be reached! The tension is ratcheted even higher when Fer calls Victoria and discovers she can’t be reached either - she’s in her yoga class! Fer goes over to the Lombardo compound to make sure Victoria knows about the meeting as soon as she returns.

Now the tension is almost unbearable as we see Alex being put into what looks like a CAT scan. Images of his brain scan flash on the screen. Is anything missing, we wonder? Is that his cerebellum that we don’t see, destroyed in the accident?

The directors know they have to back off the tension a bit or our blood pressure will rise just like Victoria’s. By way of a breathing space they offer a scene with Fer and Victoria after her yoga class in what seems like a convivial chat. They are together when Gilberto, head of the board of directors, calls. He tells Victoria there will be a meeting of the board that afternoon at 5pm but it’s better that Alex not be present because it’s a delicate matter relating to his mental health. Bruno arrives and confirms that there is indeed a meeting. He maintains that he called the meeting because Alex will destroy the company in his present, mad state, and the other partners are in agreement that he should be removed quickly.

Arguments follow and Bruno gives Fer a shove, which Fer returns. The sisters intervene and MariaJose, convinced that Alex is suspected of being crazy because of his inconsistent stories about how they met and married, shrieks that he was only doing it to protect Victoria from the truth about her son. She tries to tell the whole sordid story but Bruno gives her a tremendous blow that knocks her down and cuts her off. Paula rushes in to protect her sister and Bruno, manly man that he is, flings her aside as if she were a mere woman only five feet tall. Fer intervenes in his turn and he and Bruno fall to the floor fighting. There is a hilarious scene of Paula creeping away on all fours under someone’s legs to get out of the way. Vicky feels ill to see this violence once again in her household and sags gracefully. MariaJose runs to call the doctor and the others thunder out. Alone in the living room Paula gets the best line of the day: Esta es una casa de locos (this is a mad house!).

In front of the Lombardo mansion, Ulises and Robetero walk up to join Bruno, who has just left the fray and is still fuming. He is spoiling for a fight, but they talk him down and go have a drink together.

Cut to Felipa, Fer and Victoria. Felipa is admiring Fer’s muscles and saying that Bruno has always needed a good spanking. (I don’t think she is either consciously or unconsciously relating the two – that’s just the way my sentence came out.) Vicky asks to talk to MariaJose and Fer goes to find her. Alone with Victoria, Felipa asks her why she is so weak with her own children, why she doesn’t correct them. Victoria maintains that she can’t since her own behaviour was worse. Felipa points out that she has two sons who are always at each other’s throats and a hysterical daughter; it’s time to put her house in order (ponga orden!).

Bruno, Ulises and Roberto see Fer arriving in search of MariaJose. This sets Bruno to ranting and he threatens to kill Alejandro. Roberto and Ulises don’t seem to take the threat of murder seriously but do offer to help Bruno with his Alex problem. Bruno refuses to even discuss it with them because, he says, they wouldn’t have the guts (las agallas – what a great word) to do anything about it anyway. After Bruno leaves Ulises tells Roberto that if enough money were involved he would be willing to kill someone. Robert doesn’t believe him.

In the hospital in Mexico City, Fer is finally able to reach Alex and tell him about the meeting. Alex asks him to postpone it for as long as he can to give him time to get his test results and get back to Merida.

MaJo is explaining to Victoria what happened with her, Bruno and Alex. Vicki’s maternal deny-o-lator is dialed to high and she refuses to believe any of it, though significant glances from Felipa underscore what Majo is saying. It’s hard to believe that any mother could see her son punch Majo the way Bruno did and still believe in his innocence, but así es. MJ asks Victoria not to say anything to Alex or Bruno because she is afraid Alex will get mad, and she is simply afraid of Bruno. Later, Fer asks MariaJose if Victoria believed her and she says she doesn’t think so.

Victoria talks to Gilberto and tries to postpone the board meeting by alleging that her blood pressure is too high. He says she doesn’t need to be there but she insists and they agree to postpone it for two hours. When Gilberto tells Bruno about the delay, though, Bruno refuses to allow it. Victoria sends Fer to the office just to keep an eye on things and to alert them if anything untoward is happening.

Now the board meeting is taking place and the tension is mounting again. Will Alex get there in time? Will he be removed from presidency? Will Bruno take over? Fortunately, Alex has a helicopter available to whisk him from the capital back to Merida (a quick 1500 k, about 900 miles), and so we can bet he will make it on time. Phew!

We cut to the conference room where the meeting is beginning without Victoria. The board members are just about to vote on removing Alex from his position as president when Victoria arrives and asks for a complete, detailed, long-winded explanation of exactly what is going on. That should delay the meeting at least a few minutes.

At the last moment, when it seems like Victoria can’t spin out the talking anymore, Alex arrives – tum ta ta tum – and hands the test results to Hernán, who confirms that they are normal and demonstrate that Alex has not sustained a traumatic brain injury that would make him unable to lead Lombardo Construction. Alex goes to the head of the conference table and with a tremendous smirk on his face orders Bruno, “get out of the way – you’re in my place” (hazte de un lado que este es mi lugar). Alex tells the board that he gave Bruno a $500K check, which Bruno cashed, and says it was in exchange for the vice presidency. Bruno denies it, but can’t explain why he accepted the check. He skulks off, back hunched, and Alex proposes Fer as vice president now that Bruno is out. Many nods around the table and everyone agrees. How did they change their minds so quickly? What is this strange power Alex has over them?

Later in Alex’s office Fer refuses the vice presidency, saying it would be too difficult for Victoria if he were to take her son’s place.

Back at the mansion, Alex has returned and Majo runs eagerly up to the bedroom to find him. They neck, and he must somehow get her out of her contraption of a shirt because in the next scene of them together MJ is putting on a bathrobe and a semi-nude Alex is asking how she could possibly have told the truth when he told her to lie! His mother has high blood pressure – the truth could kill her! (They are very fragile down there in Merida - perhaps it’s the heat.) They lie in bed, arms crossed and obviously angry with one another. Oddly enough, he has not noticed the bruise/lump/swelling/cuts from the punch Bruno gave her, or else she has miraculous healing powers. This isn’t the first time that Bruno has belted her and Alex hasn’t noticed, which is making me think she has Road Runner-like recuperative powers. I wonder if she could get crushed under a falling anvil and still spring up with nary a mark and ready to make love.

Felipa is telling Victoria what she thinks about her children but Victoria angrily tells her to stop talking like that or she, Victoria, will get angry(er). It appears to me that Felipa’s role is kind of like the fool in Shakespeare’s plays: the only one able to tell the truth, but still always at risk of getting his head cut off. Anyway, it seems that for all Victoria’s protestations that Felipa is a member of the family, she is a servant and has to be careful what she says.

Bruno, Ulises and Roberto are together again and Bruno is complaining to them about that lying, devious Alex. He’s not sure what he’s going to do but he’s going to do something. After he leaves Ulises asks Roberto if MariaJose has any other sisters besides Paula, because he knows a woman who looks exactly like MariaJose – “es identica.” Roberto says that everyone has a double someplace, and now this is looking to me suspiciously like that tired old theme of the double. Come on, writers! Get some game on.

Later that evening Victoria waits for Bruno and, when he arrives, asks him what he thinks he is doing. She tells him that MaJo has told her everything, and they begin arguing about who Victoria loves the best: him or Alejandro. It hasn’t been the same since Alejandro came to the house all those years ago, Bruno claims. Alex stole Victoria’s affection from him, she always loved him the best, and she and her second husband, Antonio, always treated Alex better than they treated him. After trying in vain to convince Bruno that it wasn’t so Victoria finally screams that all three of them are Antonio's children – that he, Alex and Raquel all have the same father. Bruno is stunned and Victoria, whose blood pressure tops out after revealing the secret, faints.

The entire family gathers at Victoria’s bedside to make sure she’s alright. Alex tells her he’s glad she’s alright and calls her mother, upon which Bruno snarls, “she’s not your mother.” After they leave Alex and Bruno confront one another in the hallway. Bruno tells him he knows now that they all have the same father, which means, according to Bruno, that his daddy was a dog and his momma was a tramp. (Soy el hijo de un perro y una ramera). Nostrils flare as tempers rise and Alex tells his brother to shut up about their mother.

Sorry – I missed the preview of tomorrow. I predict more flaring nostrils!

Labels: sortilegio

Monita is making last minute preparations for her upcoming defense of her Nacional Bantamweight title when she looks up to find that she has been joined by Coni (who as usual, looks great in a simple print dress and tan blazer). Where is security? (Moni by the way is once again pretty in pink with matching gloves, her hair pulled back in a loose single braid). Moni is all set to get it on and circles the trainer's table with fists raised. Uh oh, Coni is packing heat...well, sorta. She quickly counters by whipping out a can of bug-spray, oh wait, make that pepper-spray. SECURITY! They then engage in an unpleasant conversation regarding the two of them, Mao, and the children. Moni offers to let go of Mauricio for the release of the children. OK, that and convince Mao to marry Coni. Moni refuses and Coni gives the MACE a little warning pfft. SECURITY! Moni orders Coni to leave, and as she turns to leave she says to Moni whose back is now to her, "Monita!" Monita wheels around, "Whadayawant!" She aims the spray at Moni's eyes and blasts her with it. Shoulda called security, Monita. It's getting harder and harder to support Coni, cute as she might be.

Moni drops to her knees clutching her face as Coni walks out, running into Beto just outside the dressing room door. He is surprised but delighted to see her. She has been looking for him. She tells him that she's going away for awhile. He doesn't want her to go. She removes her jacket (must be getting warm in here) and they indulge in urgent, fervent, furtive kisses. She then presents Beto with airline tickets. The plane leaves at midnight. She's going with or without him. He's going to Nueva York! With Coni!

Meantras tanto, Sal is busy hiring a PI to find Mauricio's kids. Done, he turns to Gabi who reminds him that they are going to Moni's fight. As he turns he suddenly becomes vertiginous and spots a gigantic tarantula on Gabi's right shoulder. Looks like Loriloca's drugging of Sal is succeeding. My guess, belladonna, old fashioned but reliable and effective. He points it out to Gabi who is frightened until she sees for herself there is no spider. She scolds him for a lousy joke, but he insists. She humors him. Phone rings. It's Mao. She reminds him of Moni's fight then tells him that she's worried about Sal and the effect that all this stress is having on him, he's seeing tarantulas and Constanza isn't even there.

Back in Moni's dressing room, Estrella is helping Moni, gloves off for the moment, rinse her eyes. Careful of the makeup, ladies. Like everyone else she thought that Coni was out of the city. Estrella applies drops to Moni's eyes while suggesting that Moni tell don Cesar. Moni won't hear of it. "No, he would cancel the fight." Well I would hope.

At ringside Nieves is sitting next to Alicia who does not seem thrilled to be seated next to the young monkey wrangler on the other side with said monkey decked out in a pink monkey jacket. Nieves jumps up, thrusting a large plush bear she was clutching into Alicia's lap. In the aisle she talks with Beto who informs her that he has found work up north, in Gringolandia, and will be leaving right now. He asks for her blessing and they end up blessing each other before he leaves. She is distraught.

Ivan is preparing Teresa a little snack when Granny Teri walks in. She has gotten bored lying in bed and wants to call Coni's and speak with the kids. He tries to hurry her off to bed but she balks, "Tell me the truth about what's going on." He does. She is stunned to hear that Coni has taken off with the kids.

At the reformatory, Dani and Luisa are seated together at a group table as Aldo is ushered in by Dr. Phil (well he looks like Dr. Phil). Dani hops up yo greet him but is detained by a more cautious Luisa. The wicked wardeness strolls over and greets him with a word of caution as he seats himself at the boys' table. She retreats and to Dani's delight, he makes a face. "¡Silenco!" growls the evil educator.

Up in the ring now, Moni seems to be holding her own, even though her vision is markedly blurred. (Coni, you scamp.) Oops, I spoke too soon. She is really not able to focus on her opponent who lands a telling blow almost knocking Moni down just before the bell ending the round. (Coni, you rat!) In her corner her handlers, especially don Cesar are concerned and apprehensive. She insists that she is OK. Hey, check her eyes.

Back at Stow-A-Stray, Luisa and Dani lag behind the march to their room and there is no guard bringing up the rear. The elusive Aldo detours them into a classroom for a group-hug.

Back in the ring things are not going well for our little monkey. She is struggling to focus and flailing wildly. There is a cut above her right eye. Why doesn't Cesar throw in the towel, or the referee stop this? Oh and great, Pretty Boy is just now showing up. Get a bigger watch! Moni is standing flatfooted and defenseless, her opponent delivers a brutal, possibly fatal uppercut to the chin and down goes Moni in a limp lifeless heap. I told you guys to stop the fight.

"... ocho, nueve, fuera!" The referee counts over the unhearing pink mass on the canvass. Confetti spills from the sky, but this time it's not for our Monita. The ring physician (we recognize him by the helpless stethoscope draped around his neck) shines a Penlite at her unseeing eyes.

We peek in on the kids in the classroom. The femsibs tell Aldo that Dani spoke with Mao on the telephone but was caught, and besides, she doesn't even know where they are. Aldo reckons that Mao must be going nuts looking for them. Hugs. He checks the hall, all clear, and sends them to bed. Kind of an unfruitful meeting considering the chances taken, but I have faith in the resourcefulness of the kiddos.

Monita is wheeled out of the arena accompanied by Mau,medicos, and medical attendants. Her entourage delays enough for Nieves to wail, for Estrella to claim blame, and for Sal to astutely observe that she received a strong blow to the head rendering her unconscious. Well at least he didn't see spiders crawling over her. Cesar knows very well what a blow like that can do. Yes, well why didn't you stop it when you saw how helpless she was?

Aldo is stealthily trying to creep back to his room but is nabbed by the plaid-clad dragon lady. Dang.

At the hospital, is a matter of consoling and being consoled. Cesar for Nieves, Cristian for Estre and Pau, Sal and Gabi for Mau. Well here's the Dr. let's hear what he has to say. "¡Coma!" Chilling in English and Spanish, and viewer's sentence to tedium for the foreseeable future. "Valentina may come to in a couple of days or a couple of months, or... never." Drat! For the record, Moni has a brain contusion...actual bruising. More serious than a concussion, less severe than a laceration (tear). Definitely not a good thing.

Aldo is returned to the punishment room. Since a night didn't improve his attitude, perhaps a week will help. Bwahaha!

The Dr is still conferring with Moni's concerned groupies. Estrella is especially rough on the Dr. but is rebuffed by the others. He understands her exasperation. Cristian asks, "In a coma? Like a plant needing to be watered everyday?" He is promptly shushed. Estrella turns on herself for not stopping Moni after her encounter with la Momia. Mau wants to know what Coni has to do with this. Estre only knows that Moni had trouble seeing after a spat with Coni during which Coni sprayed a gas into Moni's eyes. "Ya really shoulda told me! Estrella," Cesar complains. "I'm going to see Monita, " Mao asserts.

At Ximy's apartment, Jero's sharing a well-deserved toast of the riddance of Ximena with his bosom buddy, Oscar. The doorbell rings and Jero wecomes two slim attractive scantily clad blondes. He dubs them Constancia and Valentina. He wants to be flagellated. What a sportsman. Oscar excuses himself (so both of these are for Jero?). They seat him on the sofa and proceed to undress him.

Moni, meanwhile is occupied by keeping up a steady, oddly reassuring beep on the cardiac monitor. Mauricio enters, kneels at her bedside, leans over her face and pulling down his surgical mask so we can view his sparkling teeth, tells her once again how much he needs her. Now pull that mask back up, Buster.

Jero is now in his shirt and boxers and blindfolded with his tie. He's enjoying the attention as one of the lovelies gets up and opens the door for Oscar and some other guys. Oscar has brought rope (mecate) and as the ladies proceed to tie Jero up (amarrar), the other men begin emptying the apartment. Jero suggests that they call him cowboy. Oscar joins in the fun by gently whipping Jero with a length of rope. Then, (and this I must condemn) he wraps it around Jero's neck and playfully but menacingly pretends to choke him. (OK, maybe I'll make an exception in Jero's case.) Even Jero mildly protests this. Then, the apartment stripped, they exit leaving Jero tied up on the couch, blindfolded, wondering where the girls have gone.

Gabi's talking at Sal so rapidly that even he has trouble understanding her. She is insisting that something must be done about Coni. His head is about to explode (estallar) (don't forget, he's been poisoned). She suggests that since they are in the hospital, he should get checked. No, all he needs is an analgesic... and her silence. Cristian offers to get coffee for the remaining Amigas, and Nieves and Alicia engage in a petty squabble over whom is deserving of Moni's affection and who should go in to see her first. Cesar reminds them where they are. While they argue, Estre and Pau go in to see Moni, effectively replacing Mao. They, in contrast, keep their masks up. As Mao, they too are wearing blue paper gowns and the nifty type of paper surgical caps, not the dorky net shower caps. Of course all three have bountiful tresses flowing out from under the caps thus negating the intended purpose, but it does look cooler, and I see no reason for Moni to be in isolation in the first place. They give the same type of bedside speeches as Mao offering encouragement and support (dang I hate comas in these shows) as they each hold a hand.

Mao is peering through the window. Sal takes him by the arm, Mao blubbers about how he already is suffering from his loss and will miss her little misdeeds and his capuchino. Sal tries to reassure him and tells him to buck up.

Estre and Pau are still standing watch over Monita as Alicia, Nieves, and Cesar enter the room. Nieves and Alicia continue their bickering and Cesar, even in the dimly lit room still is wearing dark shades. Monita please wake up! This is turning into a telenovela. Estrella exhorts the two older ladies to behave. Jeez I hate this. Nieves wimpers her little bedside speech and is joined by Alicia in the maudlin outpourings followed by Cesar who calls her a warrior. Next! Mercifully, Moni is deaf to all of this. The downside... we are not.

Before they leave Gabi and Sal offer their support and concern, Gabi gives him a sweet peck on the cheek (gee, I bet she smells nice), Sal gives him a manly hug (I doubt that he smells nearly so good), and they leave him with his thoughts.

Lost in those thoughts he is interrupted by Cristian who offers consoling encouraging words. Moni doesn't look so bad. He's seen much worse, and then he proceeds to describe an example of a woman with her brain crushed (apachurrado) in an accident. Thanks for that, Cristian. He does add that the love that Mao and Moni share may result in a miracle. That's a little better.

The rest emerge, Nieves tries to send Mao on his way, Alicia on the otherhand thinks that his presence is good medicine. Estrella rescues Mao and she and Pau escort him back to Moni's room stationing themselves at the door. Cristian, with a little nudge by Paula, reminds the rest that they are misbehaving in an hospital and gently but firmly escorts them out. Back to the 'hood with these rowdy nacos!

Alone with Moni, Mauricio kneels at her bedside once again and kisses her cheek, "Monita, my love, I implore you, don't leave me. I love you with my entire soul and I need for you to get well. I can't live without you. If you leave, I want to go with you."

Carlos

Labels: gancho

Labels: sortilegio

Ahhh, fall. The leaves are turning, and the weather forecasters can’t ever seem to get it right. One week it’s cold and rainy, then you have a beautiful Indian summer day. The colors of orange, brown and yellow look pretty, but they also mean summer’s over, the leaves are dying, and pretty soon, the birds will fly south. I think our show has entered its “autumn”, and tonight’s episode highlights the continuing struggle between the forces of decay and the forces of renewal. And let’s not forget – we still have winter to get through. Brrrrrrr. For now, though, let’s not think about winter. Let’s just take a look at the many shades of tonight’s episode.

As we saw last night, Beto’s on Team Bad these days. Finding Moni’s apartment empty, he gets a weird little smile on his chubby cheeks.

Over to the Goodies. Salvador is struggling to get to sleep on Gabi’s couch, when she takes pity on him, and citing his back problems, invites him to sleep in her bed. After all, we’re adults, she points out. You’re not afraid, are you? Not at all, says Sal. But I made a promise, and I’m going to fulfill it. Until I am totally free, what we have will have to wait. Gabi protests, it’s really tempting having Sal there. She likes his gray hair (canas), and her cheeks feel flushed. He stands up, gives her a kiss, and gallantly says goodnight. She goes off to bed, but promises to give him a massage in the morning. No need, he insists, but as she leaves, he winces again, not wanting Gabi to see. He’s a good man.

Back to a bad man – Oscar, to be precise, who toasts Lorenza in a bar, and has the perfect plan for Lorenza’s revenge. He tells Lorenza that other than Sal’s straying, the other thing he did was to have Lore locked up in the nuthouse for a few months. Wouldn’t it be nice to give Sal a taste of his own medicine? Lore agrees, but how? Well, the hospitals have drugs to stop hallucinations and paranoia, but there are also “wonderful” drugs that do just the opposite. In his best Snidely Whiplash imitation, Oscar hisses, Wouldn’t you like to see Sal in a strait jacket (camisa de fuerza), bouncing off the walls? Lore would LOVE it! They toast to madness.

And back to good. In Moroleón, Alicia has prepared the bed for an exhausted and distraught Monita. She tucks Moni in, still fully clothed. But Moni’s shivering, so Alicia adds another blanket. This one was Isabel’s favorite, in fact it still has her smell, and Moni hugs it tight, breathing in, feeling close to her Ma. Alicia hugs Moni, promises not to leave until she falls asleep.

And now, from the sublime to the ridiculous. Beto has put on Moni’s wedding gown (!), is holding the bouquet, and marching around her apartment humming the wedding march! Of course it’s open in the back, as Beto’s bulk negates any closure here. He tosses the bouquet over his shoulder, and who should happen to walk in, unannounced, and catch the bouquet? Mauricio! Mau stares in disbelief, Beto in horror, as I fall off my sofa, and we go to commercial.



Mau can’t believe it, what is Beto doing? Well, says Beto, it’s Moni’s dress, and she lends me everything. But don’t get any ideas. I’m all man. I mean, haven’t you ever had a craving to wear women’s clothes? No, never. Really? Never. Oh, ummm, me neither, says Beto, but I was just worried about Moni. Mau demands that he take off the dress right now, but Beto’s too “shy” to undress in front of Mau, so Mau leaves, Beto telling himself he’s really stepped in it now.

Moni has fallen asleep, and Alicia quietly leaves, turning out the light. Back in Moni’s apartment, Beto has donned his trademark tee-shirt and jeans when the phone rings. He thinks it’s Monita, but it’s Alicia, who immediately says “Mauricio”? Thinking fast (not too easy for him), Beto holds his shirt over his mouth, and squeaks out a “Sí.” Alicia then proceeds to have a one-sided conversation, telling “Mauricio” that Valentina’s in her house, begging “Mauricio” to come clear things up. He’ll come, won’t he? Beto squeaks out another muffled “Sí” hangs up, and gets that sneaky look again.

In the morning, Mauricio tells Paula he’s going to hire a private detective to find Connie and the kids. In the meantime, could she stay in the vecindad in case Moni comes home, and call him with any news? She will. Mau asks about Estrella, who apparently left really early this morning, as did Beto. Paula thinks that’s quite unusual for Beto, getting up early. If he does, it’s usually after some wild party. Once he woke up dressed up as a Hawaiian woman, can you believe it? Mau can.

Over at the preppie school, we see why Estrella got up early. She’s grilling Katia on the whereabouts of Connie and the kids. There’s a little friction between these two, since they both like Aldo. But Katia’s a good person, and tells Estrella that Constanza’s still in the city. However, she doesn’t know what Connie did with the kids.

Well, WE know, they’re imprisoned in a hellhole of a reform school, sentenced to be “resocialized”. The mean matron brings Aldo some food in his punishment room/cell, wondering if Aldo’s now in the mood to “cooperate”. Don’t think so. With an evil cackle, the matron tells Aldo she’s had much tougher cases than his. So enjoy your meal! After she closes the door, he hurls the food against the wall, and knocks over a table in anger.

Moni’s barely picking at her breakfast, to the consternation of Alicia. The doorbell rings, and Alicia admits she called Mauricio last night and told him Moni was here, he must be at the door now. Moni’s initially mad, but Alicia says she has to listen to Mauricio, there must have been a very good reason for what he did. Alicia promises that if, after hearing Mau’s reasons, Moni still wants him to leave, she’ll back Moni 100%. Moni agrees, Alicia opens the door, and is shocked to see Beto. Wearing a tee-shirt which says “I’m not Santa Claus, but I bring little toys”, Beto proceeds to lie through his teeth, telling Moni that Mauricio sent him to tell her that Mau never wants to see her again.

At the boarding school/hellhole, it looks as if Luisa has a plan! She whispers to Dani, asking if she has the plan memorized. Of course, answers Dani, I’m seven years old, I’m not a baby! The matron comes in, and a teacher tells her that Luisa is breaking the rules, wants to be in the same class as her little sister, won’t listen when I tell her the different ages have to be separated. The matron threatens to put Luisa in a punishment room when Luisa STOMPS on her toe, STOMPS on the teacher’s toe, and runs out of the room! But it’s just a diversion, as this leaves Dani alone in the room, and she scurries over to the telephone on the desk, looks around to see if anyone’s watching, looks up to remember something, and she’s got it!


She dials the phone (Mau must be pretty far away, as Dani presses 11 buttons), but anyway, Mau’s cell rings in his car. Mau can’t believe it, where are you, Dani? With quavering voice, she tells him she’s in an ugly place where they treat her badly. But where? They won’t let us see Aldo, Monstranza imprisoned us here, please come for us. Unfortunately, Dani doesn’t know where she is, and the matron comes back, so that’s the end of THAT.

Moni can’t fathom why Mau didn’t come in person, and why did he leave her at the altar? Beto doesn’t know, maybe Mau went to see a client, you know how those rich people are, he probably lost a few million dollars, went to raise some money. Moni’s in tears, but Alicia’s suspicious. Beto swears it’s the truth. Moni wants to know what else Mau said. Well, uumm, that you should pardon him, and forget about him forever, and that’s it (y ya tan tan). Alicia isn’t biting, urges Moni to call Mau directly to see if this absurd story is true. This isn’t the kind of thing you send a messenger to tell. She picks up the phone, as Beto starts to squirm, arguing that there’s no point in calling, and by the way, Alicia, who are you to meddle, you’re just like my mother. But Moni agrees to the call, and dials Mau’s number.

Mau’s cell rings, he thinks it’s Dani, but it’s not. And it’s not Moni, either. It’s Connie! Mau is furious that Connie has the kids locked up, how could she treat a seven year old like that! You’re tormenting (martirizando) my children. He begs her to have a little decency, tell him where the kids are. Although Mau’s frantic, Connie’s cool as a cucumber. She tells him he continues to ignore her rules. Well, maybe he needs more time. Fine, she’ll give him some time. She hangs up, and in a terrific Sergio Sendel imitation, Mauricio throws his phone to the pavement, smashing it to bits!

And the hits keep coming. Connie picks up some airline tickets. Uh oh!

Well, of course Moni couldn’t reach Mau, much to Beto’s relief. Alicia wants Moni to call again, Beto thinks she shouldn’t, it’s God’s will that Mau didn’t answer. Alicia lowers her eyes, why are you so nervous about her calling, Beto? Beto wants Moni to forget about old doll hair and concentrate on tonight’s boxing match (yes, apparently, Moni’s going to defend her world title tonight, we all sort of forgot, and I wonder how the wedding was going to fit in with that. I can see Moni on the honeymoon. “Just a minute, honey, while I slip into something more comfortable, like my boxing outfit. Just keep the bed warm, I’ll go defend my world boxing title, and after they ring the bell, I’ll be back to ring yours. Hasta pronto!”) Anyway, Moni agrees she should fight, and while she’s back in the D.F., she’ll talk to Mau. But if she finds out Beto’s been lying, he’s toast! I think Beto’s feeling a little warm.

And Connie’s hot. She angrily calls the matron and reams her out, with all the money she’s paying, how could the matron allow a call. From now on, no calls, no visitors! Yes, Miss, says the suddenly obsequious matron. Connie adds that she’s going on a vacation for a few months, and she won’t tolerate any more of these mistakes. Got it? Yes, Miss, and have a nice trip.

Over at Connie’s place, Estrella’s hot, too, angrily bursting in, accompanied by Katia, ready to give the Mummy the third degree, why did Connie cruelly tell Mau she was leaving the country with the kids, when she’s still right here? But there’s no Mummy to be found, so Estrella tells Kat she’s not moving until the soup spits (hasta que escupa la sopa – I’m not sure how to translate it, maybe until the fat lady sings, let’s just say Estrella will be there a while. New info: I think it means "til the truth comes out" - thanks for the assist, Judy). But Katia sees a note! Connie’s left a note for Kat, saying she’s going out of the country for awhile, with her adopted kids. Oh no, says Estrella, it’s true!

Fortunately, we get some relief from all this angst, in the form of Nieves and Don Cesar, whose budding romance never fails to please. She’s at the gym, brought him a bag of sandwiches and a bottle of orange soda to wash it down. Yummy. He’s grateful, but he’s worried. The big fight’s tonight, and where’s La Monita? Nieves looks around, shushes him, tells him that early this morning, her Betito asked for the address of Alicia, a lady who lives in Moroleón. You mean we’re alone and can fool around? asks Don Cesar, hopefully. No, no, calm down. It’s that La Monita is there, and Beto’s going to bring her back for the fight. But I don’t want Mauricio to find out, so hush (chitón). Don Cesar gives her a few kisses on the cheek to seal the deal.

In the famous coffee room of Grupo Sermeño, the fact that Paula has the day off is just perfect for Oscar and Lorenza’s little plan. By the way, they’re wearing almost matching (or at least color coordinated) evil duds, he in a gray suit, black shirt, black and gray tie, looking quite dapper, she in a little gray (maybe beige) knit blouse, dark gray skirt, big dark chain necklace, her auburn curls wild and beautiful. He brings out the little ol’ bottle of drops (borrowed from Babs in MEPS, from Sara in Querida Enemiga, and from who knows how many other telenovela baddies, that little bottle really gets around).

This time, it’s got loco juice inside. Lore wants to give Sal the whole thing, but wise Oscar counsels one drop a day, in Sal’s coffee, so no one will suspect, and he’ll gradually go completely bonkers. What fun! Loriloca puts in drop number one.

In the outer office, the elevator door opens, and Beto, Moni and Alicia are here to seek out Mau. Beto’s not so keen on this plan, why don’t they go down to the gym and train? Shut up, says Alicia, hitting him with her purse, and Moni wants Beto to can it, too, for the last five hours on the ride back he’s been going on and on with his complaints. Gabi’s overjoyed to see Monita, gives her a big hug. Next up, Salvador, with another big hug. He tells her that Mauricio’s desperately searching for her. Sal and Gabi explain that the reason Mau stopped the wedding was that Constanza had taken his children, and he didn’t know what to do. “¿Qué?, says Moni, as in the background, we see Beto with a weak smile, shuffling nervously, willing the elevator doors to close a little faster, he’s outta there.

Terry’s out of the hospital, feeling much better, and Mau and Ivan have escorted her back to Mau’s place. She senses that something’s wrong with the kids, but both Mau and Ivan dodge her questions, imploring her to get some rest. (I just noticed that they’re all wearing gray, too. Maybe the producers are telling us the show’s entering a “gray area”.)

Alicia fills Moni in on Beto’s deception, and Moni will settle the score with him later. Sal further explains that the call Mauricio received at the church was from Connie, who threatened to take the kids out of the country if Mau didn’t immediately stop the wedding (and now I notice that Gabi and Sal are ALSO wearing gray).

Enter Lorenza, today’s coffee girl, carefully distributing the cups, making sure Sal gets the one with the coffee “just the way he likes it”, and nobody suspects a thing. Sal tells Moni that Mau went to pick up Terry at the hospital, that may be why he’s not in the office yet. This is almost too much for Moni, she knew nothing about Terry, is now feeling very sorry for Mauricio, needs to talk to him. Gabi offers to call Mau’s cell, but Sal relates that Mau recently smashed it. Moni decides to call Estrella.

Beto’s approaching the exit door in the lobby of Grupo Sermeño, convinced Connie’s gonna kill him, and when Moni speaks to Mau, they’ll be together forever. Darn! But he’s in luck, as Mau’s sportscar pulls right up in front of the building. He tells Mau he’s found La Monita. She’s in Moroleón, at Alicia’s house, and he knows this because Alicia called Nieves. Mau buys it, turns right around to get back in the car. Beto wants to come, too, but Mauricio wants to handle things on his own. He speeds off, as Beto’s glad he stopped the meeting for now, but knows Mau will be back.

At the gym, Connie, wearing a short trenchcoat and sunglasses, looking very secret-agenty, is looking for “Roberto”. Consteño says he’s not here, but would you like to take another shower? Connie haughtily tells him to cut the crap, just tell him where Beto could be. Costeño’s not sure, but knows that tonight, La Monita has a boxing match, and Beto never misses them.

In the vecindad, Paula and Nieves are wondering where Moni could be when Estrella rushes in, she’s back! Moni now knows all about why Mau called off the wedding, and she is going to fight tonight. Paula and Estrella go to get all gussied up for the match, leaving Nieves to bemoan how Beto has messed up again.

Moni’s nervous, pacing the floor of the office, where is Mauricio? Sal, Gabi and Alicia urge her to relax, if she wants to box tonight, she should go get ready, they’ll let her know when Mau shows up. Gabi gives Moni a pep talk. A true champion can block out all distractions, and concentrate on the match. And everyone will be there cheering you on (echándote porras). She tells Moni to take a deep breath, breathe out slowly, do you feel calmer? No, Moni’s still upset, worried about Mau, and it’s all the fault of La Mómia. Okay, new idea, Gabi continues. When you get in the ring, think only about that witch, and I assure you, your opponent (contrincante) won’t last more than one round. This works for Moni, she’s determined now, and goes off to get ready.

At the ring, Nieves and Don Cesar continue their flirtfest, with little kisses and mutual compliments. He’s happy Moni showed up, although she won’t talk to anyone. Well, tell her I’m here as usual, with lots of cheers (echándole muchas porras). They kiss and part, and Nieves is floating along until she bumps into Alicia. They have a little power struggle, both claiming to be Moni’s true mother figure. Alicia critcizes Beto, and even says that Nieves and Beto have been mooching off Valentina for years. And she tells Nieves about Beto’s little poisonous plan, coming to Morleón, pretending Mau didn’t want to see Moni. Fortunately, Alicia saw through him. Nieves yells at her to shut up, stop meddling, and get out! Alicia isn’t leaving! Enter Cristian (with Paula), who says “Ladies, in the name of the law, which I represent, I exhort you to maintain calm and not cause any disturbance in the event”. Well said. The ladies glare at each other.

Back in the coffee room, it must be time for Sal’s next cup. Lore’s bored with the one drop a day suggestion of Oscar, puts in two this time (I notice that her top’s actually beige, not gray, but it’s still a muted color). Gabi sashays in, Sal’s speaking to the detective Mau’s hiring to find the kids, needs some coffee. Lore has it ready, she’ll take it in. No bother, says Gabi, I know things are tense between you too, I’ll take it. No, no, says Lore, I now know our marriage is a farce. Gabi’s delighted to hear this. Unfortunately, Lore goes on to say that she’s not getting a divorce, that even though her marriage isn’t working, she’s going to fight to save it. So, excuse me while I take him his coffee. Gabi’s a little less delighted.

Late at night, Mau arrives at Alicia’s house, rings the bell, bangs on the door, but it’s all in vain.

In the pre-fight training room, we’ve switched to a red theme (anger?). Don Cesar’s all in bright red, and Moni has a red shawl over her reddish pink outfit as Cesar laces up her pink gloves. Don Cesar wants Moni to concentrate, and Moni says there’s no problem, she has a very strong motivation to let out all her aggression in the ring. Don Cesar leaves for some last minute preparations. Moni punches the air, full of anger, when the object of that anger walks through the door. Yes, Connie’s here, with a look of pure malevolence, the witch is back.


Trick or Treat!!!! (Happy Halloween, everyone).

And once again, Monday looks unbelievable! Beto gets tickets to the U.S., the flight leaves at midnight, and Connie Outfoxes Moni Again! Yes, C.O.M.A!

Vocabulario:

Camisa de fuerza – strait jacket
Y ya tan tan – and that’s it, that’s all there is to it
Martirizando – tormenting, sort of like “martyring”, although that’s not commonly used in English
Hasta que escupa la sopa – until the truth comes out, literally, until the soup spits (boils), in other words, Estrella wasn’t moving
Chitón – Shush, or Hush up, now
Echando porras – cheering, porristas are cheerleaders
Contrincante - opponent

Labels: gancho

Repeats: Emiliano goes to the bachelor pad to confront Germán, but Germy isn’t home. Emo roots through the dresser drawers and finds the incriminating green camisole of deceit. He leaves with intense purpose.

Carlota gets Rufi to confirm to Paloma that her father is alive. Paloma demands to know who and where he is.

New: Neither Rufi nor Carlota will tell Paloma who her father is, as they promised Macarena that they wouldn’t. Hostility breaks out in which Carloca simultaneously claims that Paloma’s father doesn’t know of her existence, and that he abandoned her. It seems the nuns don’t run a debate club at that useless school, as Paloma fails to see the factual dissonance and instead is just doubly hurt. She runs off to her room, wailing and blubbering as usual.

Camila and Rafael simultaneously try to call each other and thus both get voicemail. Rafa shrugs and goes back to his bar chat with Joel, while Cami sits in her car flailing tears all over.

Inés is swooning because she has received another letter from her secret admirer. She doesn’t feel the need to find out who he is; it makes her happy just to get the letters and imagine that every handsome, nice man she sees in the street might be him. Angélica rains on her parade with the announcement that she’s quit her job. Inés is surprised; it seemed like she was doing so well there. Ange says it was a matter of professional ethics and she hates to bail on Orly, but she thinks it’s best to leave. She doesn’t know what she will do next and will have to consult the pillow.

Diana calls Romina to tell her to put that mosca muerta (dead fly, meaning Paloma, I assume) in her place. She also asks Ro for help in getting Rafael to return. Di thinks he must have broken up with his mystery mistress because he’s seemed sad lately, so it’s a perfect opportunity to club him over the head and drag him back to the cave. Still, Diana wants to find out what lagartona tried to steal him away. She asks for Romina’s detective’s information.

Germán seeks advice from the village medicine man. The bartender thinks he’s screwed. If he says anything to try to claim his baby, he’ll probably lose both the lady and his best friend, and they’ll end up in the hospital. Germs says Emo is a lover, not a fighter. Mr. Bartender says maybe your friend does have atole in his veins, but if it was me I would break your face.

Emo joins Rafa in the bar and says Romina’s baby may not be his.

Paloma is YET AGAIN crying on her bed, chastising Mac’s photo for deceiving her. Rufi tells her that her mother never deceived her; she really believed that daddy was dead and only recently found out that he is not. Paloma naturally wants to know the whole story of who her father is and why each of her parents thought the other was dead, but Rufi won’t tell her anything because Mac didn’t give permission. Of all the insanely stupid plot stallers. You two are on the same team, Rufi!

Cami drags herself back into her house, after an awful day which was surely made even worse by the terrible cummerbunded and/or high-waisted pants and buttoned-to-the-neck ugly blouse she was wearing. Romina is in bed watching television, which we don’t see but it sounds suspiciously like Un Gancho al Corazón. And yet she has no sense of humor herself. Romina tells Camila that Diana wants to investigate and find out about the mysteress in Rafael’s life. However, Romememena offers to call her off the chase in exchange for Cami’s help in forcing Emo into marriage. At some point Ro is going to lose track of whom she is playing against whom. Cami isn’t much help though, as she is still stuck on this “but he doesn’t love you and it would be a disaster” refrain.

Natalia calls Paloma and they make plans to meet after school the next day. Carloca lurks like a vulture and then demands to know what that was all about. Paloma needs to learn to say “none of your beeswax” or the equivalent en español. Cruel tells her it’s so improper for Natalia to visit her priestly ex-novio without a buffering husband, and since she and Alonso are on the outs it’s obvious she’s trying to get Padre Juan back. Paloma doesn’t think Nat is the skanky kind of woman who would go after a priest. Carloca doesn’t even register that unintended zing because obviously rules do not apply to her.

Rufi prays about whether she should tell Paloma who her father is, or keep quiet.

Germs stumbles home and finds his bedroom tossed.

Rafael doesn’t think Emo should ruin Romememena’s reputation without proof. Oh, please. He says kissing doesn’t prove relations were had and wonders whether Germán would really do such a thing. Emo says Germs has always been a good friend, but has been acting suspicious lately.

Emil sends Paloma a text message saying “maybe all is not lost. Have faith.” Then he rings Romina’s bell. Cami answers; Romina is asleep. Camila asks Emo to at least consider marrying Romina if he has any feelings for her at all. In response, Emo pulls out the incriminating green camisole and asks if it belongs to Romina. Cami somehow recognizes this generic clothing item and confirms its ownership.

Casa Germs. Emil calls Germy a bastard traitor and fists fly. Germy says it was just a little fling with Romina. They were overcome with passion one day and kissed, but nothing more. Emo doesn’t believe him and says he will find out the whole truth eventually.

Romina is still lounging in bed being waited on for some incomprehensible reason. She’s annoyed that Camila didn’t wake her up when Emo came by; he probably wanted to propose! Cami snorts and says probably not, but he did bring her camisole back. They don’t know why he had it. Romina leaves a smooch-woochy message for Emiliano while Camila stares in bug-eyed disbelief.

Germán tries to call Romina but she doesn’t answer. She decides to have a bath and get fixed up all purdy in case Emiliano visits. Camila says to call her or Fina (the maid has a name!) if she needs anything, as if Romememena is a convalescent. Germy is all in a lather and leaves frantic messages for Romina.

Rufi tells Cruelota that they should tell Paloma who her father is. It’s mean to leave her wondering. Cruel nonsensically argues that it would be harder for her to know that her father is a priest; how sinful. Rufi says he wasn’t a priest then, try again. So Cruel just says we aren’t going to tell her and that is that. “Is that a threat?” asks Rufi. Yes, it is. Rufi still thinks to herself that it would be better to just tell the truth.

Liliana tells Paloma that she spilled the beans to Emiliano. Paloma’s mad and worried that he will be angry with her for not telling him herself. Lili says she was never going to tell him, and they may as well get the fight over with so they can get on with the reconciliation.

Romina figures out that she had left the camisole at Germy’s place after one of their assignations. She flips out and calls Cami to baffle her by asking about Emo’s mood when he returned it. Cami says he didn’t seem to be in any particular sort of state. She calls Germy and hears about the fight. Germs says they’re screwed. Romina throws a tantrum.

Emiliano consults with Padre JC. PJC doesn’t approve of violence but is glad that Emo is trying to get to the bottom of things. Emil says Paloma won’t talk with him, but PJC tells him to insist because if people don’t talk, important things stay hidden.

Carlota drops by Natalia’s with some sort of baked good, the traditional bait of the gossip-fishing lady. She warns Nat not to put any crazy liberal big-city modern-woman ideas in Paloma’s head, as she is too simple for such things. “You can’t be serious,” Natalia says. Oh, but she is. Cris calls to tell Nat that Doc Rodolfo had an emergency so they’ll have to meet an hour later than planned. Carlota excuses herself and leaves, probably to run home and get her new camera to record the shocking scandal of a priest going to someone’s house.

Ange wants Camila to forgive her and understand her side of the situation. Cami does not care.

Paloma tells PJC about her current conflict: Romina said if Emiliano doesn’t marry her, she will abort the baby. PJC advises her to tell Emiliano all this. Paloma tells him that Romina asked her to keep it a secret. “Who cares?” asks PJC. “Do what you think is right.”

Carloca takes her camera back to the shop to have the photos printed.

Camila and Rafael cross paths on the street; he asks how she’s doing. Eh, so-so. He says not to worry, Emiliano will absolutely support the child if it is his. “What do you mean, IF?” Oops. Er, nothing, that is just a figure of speech. Everything’s fine. Cami longingly watches him walk away as their tune of amor plays.

Paloma goes to Natalia’s house and they catch up: Carlota visited, Carlota might be mad at Paloma but she always is so what’s new, Nat and Alonso will probably divorce, Paloma’s sorry about that. Paloma wonders if it’s hard for Natalia to see PJC as a priest since they were going to marry once. Nat says that was a long time ago and she’s moved on, the same way Macarena probably did. “What do you mean?” asks Paloma. “You didn’t know about Mac and Cris?” replies Nat.

Avances: Emiliano confronts Romina. He wants a paternity test. Will Nat tell Paloma the whole story, or will she just say, “oh, nothing,” and Paloma will forget about it ten minutes later like she forgets everything important?

Labels: amor

Hello friends,

You know how I don't allow gossip and speculation about actors' private lives here at Caray, Caray!? Well, I just put up a page at squidoo, about William Levy, which is just for the sort of thing I don't allow here. Want to see?

About William Levy, Univision star.

Please leave a comment in the guest book if you take a look!

UPDATE: there is a little bug at Squidoo this morning. I have approved the first two comments and I can see them when I edit but they're not appearing on the published lens. Don't let that discourage you, this has happened before and they all show up eventually!

Labels: announcements, sortilegio, stars

Repeat of Camila getting upset with Angelica for hiding her feelings about Orlando and accusing her of being two-faced; Paloma asks German if there’s any possibility Romina’s baby could be his.

German immediately gets self-righteous, “how dare you ask me that? I don’t mess in your private life, so you don’t have a right to interfere in mine.” Although Pal has doubts, he doesn’t. She asks him if it’s fair for Emiliano to have to take care of a kid that isn’t his. She tells Germ that he still has time to talk to Emil, and he gets all mad that she’s talking like the baby is definitely his, when it’s not. When she mentions that she saw him and Romina go into her house together, he snarks that she has nothing better to do than spy on people. She says if he has doubts but still keeps quiet out of cowardice, he’s going to ruin her and Emil’s lives. Germ tells her to get lost--you aren’t my mom to tell me what to do.

Angelica informs Camila that there’s nothing between her and Orlando. Cami says that omitting something is also lying and wants to know what Angelica was up to when she was going out with Joel while having a thing for Orly. (Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black, since Cami was dating Orly and Rafa at the same time?) And when the four of them went out together, was Ange’s fantasy to swap partners? Cami rants some more about how she thought she could trust Ange and she’s worse than she thought.

Carlota follows Natalia home and nearly gives her a heart attack by sidling right up behind her.

Rafael goes to Camila’s house--he thought it was Cami who asked him there but it turns out that it was Romina. She points out that she helped him and Cami by not saying anything about them kissing, and now he can help her and his grandchild.

Natalia has invited Carlota in and tells her that she’s only in town for 2 weeks. Carlota asks about Alonso and Nat explains that they’re probably going to divorce. Crazy-lota pours on the fake sympathy and gets in a dig about Nat being left at the altar. Carlota says sometimes she doubts Cris’s occupation, which puzzles Nat since she thinks Carlota hardly knows Cris. Carlota is only to glad to inform Nat that she knows Cris from way back, since he had that hot romance with Macarena, and Nat is impactada.

Rafael thinks everything Romi has said sounds like blackmail and he doesn’t like it. Romi claims she wants her baby to have its father’s name. Rafa notes that obligating Emil to marry her by threatening to take the baby away is not a good way to start, and besides, it’s not necessary to marry for the baby to have the father’s name. He’s sure that if she and Emil marry under these circumstances, it’s going to be a failure. Romi prefers that to being a single mother. Rafa says he’ll get Emil to support the baby, but he’s not going to pressure Emil to marry her or anyone that he doesn’t love.

Natalia relates how Cris told her that the woman he loved had killed herself, and Carlota tries to poison Nat’s mind by telling her that Cris lied. He’s a tormented man and he took refuge in the priesthood for a lie that he made up. If I were you, I’d be very careful about trusting him again.

In the office, Ange brings Orlando some papers to sign. He asks if she’s ok, and she accuses him of telling Camila about her feelings for him. Orly swears he didn’t say anything. Ange explains how Cami no longer wants her as a therapist or a friend; Orly feels bad about the whole thing.

Cami gives Meche some money to buy medicine for her grandson Chava. Meche gives her some lotion she made for Orlando to put on the bruises on his face and for Rafael too. Cami knows they were fighting and hopes it wasn’t for her. She also tells Meche about what happened with Angelica and concludes that with all this, she can understand what Diana feels.

Paloma tells Liliana about her conversation with German and that he doesn’t want to get involved. Lili thinks Germ is just running from his responsibility and tells Pal to tell Emil to talk to Germ, he can make Germ tell the truth. Pal doesn’t want to tell Emil without having any proof, so Lili reminds her that she does have it, she saw Romi and German kissing. Why does Pal need Lili to remind her of this, when she was just telling German that very thing 15 minutes ago?

Emil goes to Paloma’s house but she’s not home. Lucky for him Rufi, and not Carlota, is there. He weepily begs Rufi to help him and asks what he should do to convince Paloma not to end their relationship.

Natalia goes to the church to see Cris and wants to know if Mac was the woman for whom he left her standing at the altar. He admits that it was. Why didn’t you tell me, why did you make me believe she had died? Cris explains that he believed Mac was dead and was going to tell her, but hadn’t found the right moment. Nat leaves saying, “what a coincidence.”

Aaron stalks Paloma, er, waits for her outside her house. He mentions that everyone knows what’s happening with Romi and Emil and he’s thinking about what it means for her. He offers his unconditional friendship and literally gives her a shoulder to cry on.

Carlotta-loca goes shopping for a camera. It must be Halloween already, because the outfit she’s wearing in this (and yesterday’s) episode looks like it could double for a vampire or witch costume.

Liliana calls Emil, she has something to tell him and asks him to meet her for coffee.

Emil is visiting Chava at the hospital and explains that he no longer has a girlfriend, he lost her because he was stupid and irresponsible. For being drunk, Chava says. Yes, and that’s why I’m so worried about you. Chava says if he doesn’t drink his buddies will make fun of him. Emil tries to convince him that those aren’t his real friends. Chava worries that he’ll be left without any friends.

Cristobal goes to Natalia’s house, and Carlota, who’s parked right in front, takes a picture of him going inside. She talks to herself about how Cris is going to end up being hers, she’s not going to let anyone get near him. For your love, I’m capable of anything. If I could get rid of Macarena, I can get rid of Natalia, or even your own daughter.

Now Diana has come to Paloma’s to tell her what to do. She demands that Pal keep away from Emiliano. Rufi defends Pal and says it’s about what Emil wants, and he’s in love with Pal. Diana insists that he’s going to marry Romina. Romi doesn’t know about Emil & Pal, but she wants to have an abortion, and if she does, Pal will be the killer of that baby. Diana tops off her visit by calling Paloma a jinx (or someone who’s cursed)--whenever Paloma is near someone she loves, something bad happens, and she can’t allow her son, Romina, or the baby to be exposed to that danger. So if you don’t want to be a killer, stay away from them for good. After Diana leaves, Pal starts crying that she’s right, so Rufi tries to calm her down with a variation of the “it’s not you, it’s me” line: it’s not you, it’s the circumstances.

German accosts Romia--he wants proof that the baby isn’t his.

Orlando asks Camila how she found out about Angelica’s feelings for him, and she confesses that she overheard it at his office. Orly understands that Cami feels betrayed, and tries to explain that it has hurt Angelica to lose their friendship. Cami says it’s not him or what Angelica feels for him that’s the problem, it’s that she opened up to Ange but she didn’t put an end to the therapist-patient relationship and tell the truth.

German threatens to tell everyone that he and Romi are lovers if doesn’t submit to a paternity test, but she’s not scared, she’ll just accuse him of having seduced a minor. He points out that she has no way to prove that. Then he says that if the baby is his, he’ll marry her. If she won’t do a test now, he’ll make her do it after the baby is born. More arguing. She asks if he really would tell his best friend that he slept with his girlfriend . . . no, we know you don’t have the nerve. German admits he’s been a coward and bad friend, but for love he’s been capable of the worst, and he won’t give up this baby carrying his blood. If the baby is his, he wants to give it his name, he wants to have something that’s his. So if I’m the father, you’re going to have to marry me, not Emiliano. Romi looks touched, but I’m sure that won’t last for long.

Cris tells Natalia about how his and Mac’s love was still intact after all those years and admits he was going to give up the priesthood for her. But he read the sign wrong--he thought God wanted him at Mac’s side, but when God took her, he understood that it wasn’t their destiny to be together.

Lili meets up with Emiliano and informs him that she thinks the baby Romina is expecting could be German’s, dun Dun DUN!!!!

Cris says it’s no surprise that Carlota is trying to plant doubts in Natalia’s mind, she’s a manipulator and controller. They both worry about Paloma; Cris wants to talk about this more with Nat but with Dr. B and Rufi there too. Nat says she has a lot of reasons to want to protect Pal and Cris notes that now she’ll understand that he does too, Macarena asked me to. But just one thing, Natalia says, did you love me? Cris answers that it was a different love from what he had with Mac, but yes, I loved you. She replies that she hasn’t loved anyone again like she loved him. Cris is certain that love will come to her life again.

Lili wants Emil to know that while everything she’s told him might sound like she wants to get back at German, but that’s not how it is. She doesn’t want him to let Romi and German get away with this. Now it’s up to you to confront this, only that way are you going to be able to be happy with Pal.

Orlando and Camila go back to his place and have some wine. Cami wonders how Orly feels about Ange’s interest in him. Nothing, he replies. He thinks Cami should have spoken with him first before going postal on Ange, and she thinks he should have told her about Ange. Cami doesn’t care that Ange quit her job, she asked for it (through her lack of ethics). Orly wonders if Cami is exaggerating and she realizes something that we viewers have noticed for months now, that he takes things less seriously than she does. Orly comments that sometimes people keep secrets and that Cami did the same thing with Rafael, she kept quiet about him kissing her. Is that why you two were fighting? Orly wants to know how she knows they fought and accuses her of continuing to play with the two of them. He grabs her arm and demands an answer but she yells for him to let go and takes off. In her car, she starts crying and dialing her phone, wailing “Rafael!”

Rafa and Joel commiserate over drinks--Ange cancelled out on Joel and Rafa is worried about Camila. Joel tells Rafa to call her so he gets out his phone and starts dialing.

Emiliano goes to German’s apartment and upon not finding him there starts searching through the dresser drawers, where he finds a blouse of Romina’s.

Paloma tells Carlota that she broke up with Emil so he can make a decision about Romi, but Carlota insists there is no decision to be made--if a man dishonors a woman, he has to marry her, blah blah blah. Pal wants to know why, if that’s what Carlota thinks, did she not allow her parents to marry? Carlota claims that Pal’s father abandoned Mac, and when Pal counters that Mac told her that her father didn’t know Mac was pregnant, and he thought Mac was dead, Carlota states that Mac lied. Your father is alive. Pal doesn’t believe her so she makes Rufi swear to Pal that her papa is alive. Pal wants to know who is he, and where is he?

Previews: Emiliano tells his dad of the possibility that the baby isn’t his, German tells Romi that they’re done for (I guess that they’ve been discovered).

Labels: amor