Caray, Caray!

Choices. In real life, we have choices, but we often have plenty of time to decide what to do. At least with things that matter. But life in a telenovela is compressed. The tension is heightened. Many of our characters are going through difficult times. A parent (or two) arrives out of the blue. There’s impossible (or improbable) love. There are jealousy and feelings of abandonment. Secrets are being kept for fear of losing love. Lies are being told. Tonight, many of our characters have decided to choose. But not wisely.

Which brings to mind a choice for me. Should I get all bent out of shape as each character veers off course? Should I sympathize with their plight? They’re so innocent and cute, Moni, Aldo, Luisa, Rolu (okay, not Rolu). Should I try to understand how difficult it is for them? Nah! Not tonight. They deserve what they get (oh you mean Hombre).

We begin our slippery slide into syrupy sappiness in the hospital waiting room, where Nieves caringly tells Monita she loves her like a daughter, unlike Isabel, who abandoned her. Moni replies, Isabel gave me life – not you.

Aldo is pleading with Estrella to get married, but Estrella just feels that it won’t work, that Aldo’s too impulsive, having allied with the onerous Oscar just to achieve his goal. Mauricio urges Aldo to return to the family fold, but when Aldo balks, he tells Aldo he MUST obey his father. Aldo refuses, boldly stating that Mauricio is NOT his father. Bad Aldo!

Jacqui is consoling Luisa, who’s worried about Aldo. Coni comes in to turn the screws a bit. Let’s see, she tells Luisa sarcastically, you lost your parents, Mauricio’s no longer your adopted father, and just imagine if you lost your brother. Hmmm, it looks as if you’re becoming more and more alone. Too bad! As Luisa rushes off tearfully, Coni bites into an apple (just as Hissabel did the other day). Jacqui’s remonstrations do nothing to dampen Coni’s palpable appetite for destruction. She’s having fun!


Mauricio (we should call him Mauricio Sermon – Yo, he likes to pontificate so much) was really hurt by Aldo’s declaration (you can tell because the corners of his mouth are down, instead of straight across), and he, Aldo and Estrella have walked outside of the courthouse. Aldo explains why he said Mau wasn’t his father. Well, like Man, the judge ordered it. And you know what else? I have these papers in my hands, signed by Constanza, so I can do whatever I like! Mauricio doesn’t care about no stinkin’ judge or papers, he IS Aldo’s father, and he stopped the wedding for Aldo’s own good. This doesn’t quite impress Aldo, who decides to give his own little sermon, about choice. He didn’t choose to be an orphan. He didn’t choose for Mauricio to adopt him, and certainly not that La Momia would later become his adopted mother. The only thing he chose in life was Estrella. And you’re taking away the one thing I love. That’s something I’ll never forgive. He runs off. Mauricio starts to pursue, but at this precise moment, Estrella doubles over in pain from her pregnancy, and Mauricio stops to see if she’s okay. Fortunately, Aldo has assured us all how mature he is, so I’m pretty confident he won’t get into any trouble. He’s probably just going down to the bank to open up a new IRA.

Nieves tries to reason with Moni, gently reminding her that Isabel abandoned her. Oh sure, says Moni, because that bum that you loved, that you still love, despite his leaving you at the altar, FORCED my Mom to leave me. Nieves says look into my eyes, I’m sorry to tell you this, but your Mom is lying. This throws Moni into a rage, no, no, no, I don’t want to hear it, why don’t you all just leave! Cesar thinks that’s best. Nieves agrees, but reminds Moni that she’ll be there if Moni needs her. Beto gets very serious, reminds Moni that Nieves cares deeply for her, and there will come a time when Moni’s going to need them more than ever. Believe me, he adds for emphasis. Moni is completely confused at this point. Fortunately, she’ll have Isabel to straighten out everything a few paragraphs from now.

I can’t take it. Everything is so melodramatic. It’s just so, so, so, so, so melodramatic and so, so, so, wait a minute – it’s time for Kissing 101! Let’s head over to Xime’s for some more of her anti-fear-of-intimacy training with Arnie. Xime apologizes for the kiss thing, pretends to flagellate herself over her shoulder as penance, but says this course is necessary, so Arnie can freely share with his significant other. In fact, once this course is over, Arnie might even share his toothbrush! Oh, no, not that, did you know how many microbes - well, anyway, Xime says we’ll go step by step, and the next step is how to greet people, with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek. Oh no, says Arnie, PLEASE not THAT. (I think the melodrama is catching).

A nice doctor tells Isabel she can go home, and Alicia is overjoyed. Moni looks confused, and when Isabel asks what’s wrong, says she talked with Nieves. Isabel correctly surmises that Nieves trashed her, but pretty soon, everyone, Nieves, Beto, Mauricio, everyone else will realize they were wrong about me (yeah, right). The only thing that matters is that Valentina and she are together. She kisses Moni’s hand.

Speaking of hands, Xime’s ready for Arnie’s greetings therapy. She pretends she’s just running into Arnie, Hi, Arnie, how nice to see you, reaches out her hand, and Arnie hesitates, then grabs it. Sparks fly,


as either we have static electricity or the writers from FELS finally got new jobs after last year’s fiasco. No matter, next up is the cheek kiss. She kisses him lightly on the cheek,


and boom! He faints again.

Luisa is harta (fed up) with living with Coni, and wants to live with Ivan and Teresa. She’s at their place, tears spilling out, as Tere urges her to go back home for now, and be patient. Mauricio’s fighting for you, but the legal procedures are slow and bothersome (engorrosos). Ivan also thinks it’s best to go back for now. Luisa feels this means he doesn’t love her, and she storms out like a mixed up teenager. Oh right, that’s what she is.

Okay, now we’re really channeling FELS. The sun sets and it’s a full moon (which it always was on that show). We’re at the teen club, and Andrés is at the mike. He’s singing a new song he wrote, and it’s all about Luisa. Luisa, it’s you, I miss you, I thought I had it all, why didn´t you call, but I was wrong, so I wrote this song, you’re my Luisa, I want to get into your camisa (okay I just made up that last part, but not by much), etc. etc. Yes, the boy can sing, but am I allowed to say the lyrics suck? However, as they say, it’s the feeling that counts, and he APPEARS to be feeling it. Luisa happens to have arrived at the club just in time for the song, and I guess if you’re 15 and some boy sings a song with your name, resistance is futile. Andrés notices her, and really pours it on thick, ending with Luisa, it’s you-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u, looking as if he’s cast the line, hooked the fish, and is just about to reel her in.


Meanwhile, our other troubled teen (Aldo) is wandering aimlessly through the streets (I guess the bank was closed), still clutching that consent form. He flashes back to the night in bed with Estre when she rated him 20 on a scale of one to ten, and when he assured her he’d take care of her and the baby. But it’s all gone now. Boo hoo.

Mau and Estrella are back in the vecindad, and Paula and Gabi are relieved to see Estre’s okay. Gabi tells Mau “I told you so” about Oscar being bad, and Mau agrees. The police are looking for him, and if he’s guilty of killing Salvador, he’ll pay. But for now, I have to talk to Estre in private (he’s been in private with her for the last 15 minutes at least, but let’s not quibble). They go into her flat, and that’s that. She insists she’s fine physically (I agree :)), and apologizes for not telling Mau about the pregnancy. But now, she says, he should try to win back Moni’s confidence, and also take care of Aldo, who must be upset. Why not call him now? Mau dials.

Well, Aldo’s made his choice. He’s back at the Ye Olde Drug Dealer’s creepy abode, itchin’ for some mind candy to deaden the pain. The Pusher Man says not to worry about cash for your stash, one Oscar Cárdenas has it covered. Here’s just what you need.

Paula and Gabi debate what to do to help Moni, then clam up when Moni arrives with Hissy and Alicia. Moni doesn’t look too happy when they greet her and Alicia, but say nothing to Isabel (who’s now wearing a light blue warm-up suit, probably borrowed from Moni, completely inappropriate to her snake image).


As Alicia goes to find Tere, Moni and Hissy enter Moni’s place, turn on the light, and there’s Marcos, who was just sitting there in the dark for the last hour (good way to inspire confidence, Marc). With a smile on his face, Marcos greets them. Good evening, Isabel. Good evening (he pauses for dramatic effect), daughter.

After the commercial, we’re transported to an elegant nightclub. Xime, Arnie and Rolu (in his wheelchair) are there, and a foxy blonde in a red dress just happens to be lit twice as much as any other patron, just so we won’t miss her. Very subtle, Mr. Director.


Anyway, I love Xime’s heart necklace (and matching earrings). She’s brought the boys here to continue Arnie’s training. The plan? Slow dancing. Dumping her purse in Rolu’s lap, she glides over to the dance floor, Arnie in tow, and starts her magic. This hand here, around my waist (en mi cinturita), and this one in my hand (en mi manita!). Things are going pretty well, although in the background, we see Rolu lift his glass to the foxy blonde (see above).

Back at Moni’s the dramatic music starts, as Moni challenges Marcos, what are you doing here? Well, he starts genially, the door was without a lock (sin candado), so I just decided to wait for you. And I noticed your championship boxing belt. I’m so proud of you. Moni’s not impressed. In fact, she’s enraged. I don’t want anything to do with you! Get out! She gets into her boxing stance in front of great big Marcos, who looks a bit befuddled

(he HAS been spending a lot of time around Mauricio, who’s pretty much patented that look).

Beto and Nieves discuss strategy, Beto advising they should keep a cool head, like beer (chelas).

And now for Isabel’s Academy Award performance. Or maybe the Vibora’s Choice Awards (she already has an “Oscar” in her back pocket). Voice quaking, she implores, she emotes. Marcos, leave. This time you won’t separate me from my daughter. I’m not afraid of you anymore. Please don’t HIT me again (Moni gasps). Not in front of my daughter. Moni’s enraged. How DARE you lay a hand on my mother, you coward! Marcos denies, but Isabel goes for the throat. You’ll never hurt me again, like those rapists you SENT to attack me! Now I’m not alone, I have my daughter. Isabel is hiding behind Moni, acting afraid and helpless. Moni is defiant. Marcos is speechless. (Me too).

Beto shows Nieves the card Marcos gave him, Marcos offered him a job, if he’s going to be with Constanzia. Beto’s gleeful, Nieves surprised, and Beto suggests, why doesn’t she pardon him? After all, he’s a millionaire, movie star looks, why not? Nieves can’t do it. For one thing, he and that hypocrite Isabel slept together (she says se encamaron, which you can see has the word cama in the middle). And they had a daughter, and stupid me (she calls herself bruta), I never even knew. I just can’t do it.

But over in the teen club, Andrés is hoping he CAN do it, with Luisa. They’re sitting at a table, she’s crying, she’s so sad, she really needs a friend, more than ever. She clasps his hands. But Andrés has other ideas, and pulls his hands away. He can’t give her friendship this time. He’s in love with her, so she has to CHOOSE. It’s Ivan or him, and not just as friends. She’s sobbing away, as he offers to give her a ride home. Our little fishy’s been reeled in, cleaned, put on the fryer smothered in oil, and is just about cooked.

It’s getting pretty hot over at the elegant nightclub, too, as Arnie wonders, do he and Xime have to dance so closely? Sipi, and now it’s time for the next step, cachete con cachete (cheek to cheek, wooo!) They both look pretty dreamy, but now Miss Foxy has come over to Rolu, they’ve done that greeting thing, and seem to have no fear of intimacy whatsoever. Arnie sees this, and wary of a live demonstration of Kissing 101 between Rolu and Foxy, begs Xime to get him a drink of water, he’s parched. She floats off to do his bidding.

Remember a LONG time ago when Estrella asked Mau to call Aldo? Well, it seems Mau couldn’t locate Aldo, and Luisa’s not home either, so he tells Estrella he’ll go home to figure out what to do next.

Outside Moni’s, she’s FURIOUS with Marcos, physically pushing him away, get out, get out! But here’s Mau, who was right outside, urging Moni to calm down. Marcos says it’s useless, Isabel has already brainwashed her (Isabel ya le lavó el cerebro). Mau says he loves her, but Moni won’t listen. How could Mau take the side of this liar, this wretch? Marcos says it’s better if he leaves. But sooner or later, he says to Moni, you’ll have to listen to me, daughter. I’m NOT your daughter, she screams. Get out! He leaves. Moni then spies Estrella, gives her a hug, is she okay? She is. Mau wants to talk, but Moni wants him to leave, too. He does, reminding her that he loves her. Estrella relates how she called off the wedding at the last minute, needs a hug, and Moni gives her one. They’ve both made choices. (The good thing is, they’re women, and they can always change their minds – Hombre’s ducking for cover now, I didn’t mean that!)

Rolu has hustled over to warn Rolu, what are you doing? Rolu, by the way, is standing up, just about to kiss Foxy. Okay, let’s say you’re Foxy Blonde’s (the actress’s) parent. She gets to look very pretty in that red dress. She gets to look surprised, amused, outraged, and look back and forth from Arnie to Rolu. But she doesn’t get to say one word! Of course you can tell your friends, my daughter got to hold Alex Sirvent’s hand for 12 seconds. I guess it’s a start. Did I mention that she’s pretty? Anyway, Arnie and Rolu spar a bit until Arnie tells Foxy did you know he’s married, and she’s off without a word. Rolu insists he wasn’t doing anything wrong, he loves Ximena. Then go over to her, WALK over to her, and ask her to dance, says Arnie. Rolu can’t, he’s afraid that’d be the end of his marriage. Arnie tells him there’s still time to repair the damage, to save the marriage, but the only way is to stop faking that you can’t walk, and confront the consequences, that’s it! Rolu has a big CHOICE to make, and buries his head in his hands.

Marcos is also doing this, waiting in a restaurant when Mauricio arrives to talk. Marcos can’t believe what’s happening. Mau has problems, too, although he does get a phone call from Jacqueline that both Luisa and Aldo are home now. He tells Marcos about how he stopped Aldo from marrying Estrella, and Luisa is very upset these days, but they’re his children. How can he protect them if he doesn’t have custody? He tells Marcos if you really want to show me you’re a good person, now is the time. Help me get back custody of my children. Well, this is no choice at all. Of course Marcos will get Mau’s children back to him. After all, he’s been very supportive in helping Marcos get back together with Valentina. So don’t worry about a thing. Very soon you’ll have custody of your children. That’s a promise.

And in Monday’s previews, we have even MORE choices. Ximena challenges Rolu to walk like a man. And Marcos tells his favorite corrupt judge he wants a do-over. But will Moral Mauricio approve? Also, Mauricio pulls out the big guns (his bare arms) and a dove, hoping to make love, not war.

Vocabulario:

Escoger – to choose, you can also use elegir, or seleccionar, if you so choose
Engorroso – bothersome
Candado – a padlock, sin candado would be unlocked, or without a lock
Chelas – beers
Se Encamaron – they “bedded” each other
Cachete con cachete – cheek to cheek. A cachetada is a slap on the cheek. Another word for cheek is mejilla
Le lavó el cerebro – brainwashed her (or him), has washed her brain, mine feels as if I went through the spin cycle after tonight’s episode

Labels: gancho

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Labels: index

Well, the party had to end eventually. The word of the day: resaca (hangover).

Ale and Rafa both have visions of mariachis dancing in their heads while dreaming about the fiesta.

Ale jolts upright the next morning and asks, “What did I do?”

Rafa wakes far more peacefully and says “How wonderful.” Leonor darts into his room to see if he’s all right; it’s 8 A.M. and no one called to wake him for work. Rafa sits up and clutches his head. Leonor hurries off to fix breakfast.

Rafa calls Ale to make sure she’s all right since she didn’t call him as usual. Ale says her head feels like it’s going to explode; she hasn’t felt this awful since he drove her car over a cliff. (I guess the honeymoon’s over, huh?) Ale reminds Rafa today is the day they have to seal the deal on the trucks.

Ramiro calls Rafa to remind him about the whiskey he needs today. Rafa forgot and promises to bring them. Julieta overhears from the doorway and rushes off to call Jaime.

Ale gets ready to leave for work and spots the bouquet. She holds it and laughs when she thinks about how she got it.

Rosario is on the warpath and asks Ale what happened the night before. Ale says it was just a business meeting where she had a few drinks on an empty stomach; it was nothing important. Rosario is still upset since Ale never did anything like this before. She finds it downright scandalous for a nearly married woman to arrive home in a car with three men. “Think of poor Marco!”

Ale says she isn’t a teenager and doesn’t need a lecture. It’ll never happen again.

Jaime arrives and tells Julieta he couldn’t get the money but he’ll have it in 5 days. Rafa tries to grab a couple bottles of whiskey but Jaime and Julieta stall him for as long as possible.

Eventually, Rafa sees all the empty boxes and is impactado. Julieta comes clean: she took the bottles so she could sell them. Rafa is floored. “Sell them? Why? To who?”

Julieta cries that she wanted to help because she felt like dead weight around the house. Rafa does the math and surmises all the money Julieta made from her “job” was actually from selling his whiskey. Julieta fesses up and tells him that’s how she's been paying for the electricity, water, gas, and groceries.

Rafa is infuriated. Those bottles were worth almost 200,000 pesos. Leonor asks what all the shouting is about. Rafa orders Julieta to tell their madre about what’s going on.

The Siglo employees are all atwitter that it’s 8:30 and neither Ale nor Rafa has shown up for work. Marino says it’s a little fishy that Ale and Rafa disappeared together the day before and still haven’t returned. Ismael/El Bebé asks Marino what he’s insinuating. “Ale has a novio she loves and that’s the end of it.”

Everyone stands at attention when they see Ale arrive. She struggles to stay upright as she greets the employees.

Nelson should change careers and become a detective because he deduces that since Ale arrived so late she must have "had a night on the town” (tuvo jolgorio). Claudia is shocked. “With sex and everything?!” Nelson says no, not that, Ale’s eyes are too glassy. Ismael tells everybody to cut it out.

Susana teases Ale a little about the party and wants to know all the details. She’s never heard Ale sound so happy. Ale does not want to talk about it.

Jaime explains the situation to Leonor and Rafa: Julie trusted a guy who took all of the bottles and promised to pay in full for all of them later. When they came back, the guy’s business was closed and he’d disappeared.

Julie says the guy got away with more than 300,000 pesos. Rafa asks Jaime how he could have let such a thing happen but Julieta swears it’s all her fault. She begs Rafa to forgive her but he has to leave for work.

Ale sees Beltran in his office and he frets about their finances. He asks what happened to the business deal and is irritated that Rafa sell any trucks the night before. Since Rafa’s only sold 2 cars during the month, either he gets the deal done or he’s out of the job.

Rafa finally arrives at work and Ramiro asks about the whiskey. Rafa tells him it’s been stolen.

Rafa meets with Ale in her office. Ale says she handled things very poorly at the party and didn’t even manage to sell one truck. It was a big mistake to accept the drinks; she was foolish in front of the clients.

“But it was a party!” Rafa reasons. “But I’m your boss.” Ale counters. She asks Rafa to excuse her behavior. It was a business meeting they went to, not a party. Ale is embarrassed to have acted like a drunk.

Ale doesn’t want anyone to know what happened and asks Rafa to promise he won’t tell anybody. Rafa says nothing bad happened but Ale doesn’t want the employees to gossip; it could ruin their personal and professional reputations. Rafa agrees but says they have nothing to hide.

They change the topic to their business deal. Ale warns Rafa about Beltran’s misgivings. Rafa understands and mentions the party again. Ale tells him what happened the day before will never happen again. She would be grateful if he forgot it ever happened.

Rafa says forgetting would be impossible. He won’t tell anyone what happened but he’ll never forget that night. Rafa enjoyed himself and loved being with Ale. He saw a woman more amazing than he had never met before.

A clip of their duet replays and Rafa repeats that he’ll never forget it. He leaves and Ale gives one of her trademark smiles.

Marco fumes to Chavez about Ale coming home in a car decked out for a wedding, drunk, with Rafa. Rosario calls Marco and tells him he’s been neglecting Ale. She asks Marco why he never introduced Ale to Licenciado Urdiales. Marco promises he’ll ask Ale out that very night.

Marco hangs up and tells Chavez he’s going to have to do the impossible and set up a meeting with Licenciado Urdiales. Chavez chokes on his wine.

During a business meeting at the Siglo, Rafa and Marino end up in a shouting match that Ale has to put an end.

Humberto Urdiales, the president of an insurance firm, is apparently who Marco says he’s doing business with while he’s busy “doing business” elsewhere. Unfortunately, Marco has never actually met the guy. He’s going to have to get to know him so he can get in better standing with Ale and her family.

Chavez and Marco get around to talking about Rafa’s 140,000 peso payment that’s coming up soon. Chavez asks Marco what he’s going to do with Rafa’s house when he gets it and Marco say he’ll sell it.

Once again, Ale warns Rafa failure is not an option. Susana sees Ale grin as Rafa walks away.

Susana tries again to get more information out of Ale about the party. Ale would rather just forget about it. Susana tells Ale not to regret it; she was happy. Ale says she’ll be plenty happy when she marries Marco. Susana points out to Ale she said she will be happy, not that she is happy.

Random Scene of the Episode: A cowboy wanders into the beauty salon and all the employees drool over him. Ovidia slinks around and promises to take good care of him. The cowboy wants her to makeover his eyelashes because he has a very important meeting with his amigos. Ovi pulls out the mascara and hops to it.

Susana says Rafa is a great guy and tries to get Ale to admit it. Of course, Ale won’t, so Susana asks if anything else happened between her and Rafa worth talking about. Ale’s answer is interrupted by a call from Marco who wants to go out with her later that night. Ale appreciates it but says she's having a rough day at work and is going to end up going to bed early.

Rafa meets with Don Aurelio. Rafa is obviously tense so Aurelio orders tequila to loosen them up.

Marco tells Chavez he thinks Ale is defending Rafa for some reason. Chavez says, God willing, Rafa won’t make his payment so Marco gets his house. Chavez checked it out and is sure they could get a couple million pesos for it. That plus the couple million Marco is going to get for marrying Ale makes for a sweet living. The cherry on top for Marco is that Rafa will be thrown back in jail.

Marco calls Leonor and gives her a nasty message. “The house isn’t going to be yours much longer. Tomorrow morning, I’m going to start the eviction process. I have the courtesy to warn you ahead of time so you can look for a place to go.”

Avances: Rafa does business with Aurelio while Ale waits anxiously at the Siglo.

Labels: dinero

For the recap and discussion of the ENDA finale.

Labels: amor

Tonight, Edith Gonzalez is "Clara, Fantasiosa" (Clara, imaginative)

A maintenance guy drags around a mop and bucket and picks up mail from the floor of an apartment building before taking his mop and bucket and climbing the stairs to the elevator. He opens the elevator door and gasps at whatever he sees.

Let's check out some hot chicks in red dresses, cause that's the last pleasant thing we'll see this episode, I'm sure. Que emane….

A woman uses a straightened out wire clothes hanger to get mail out of a mailbox. The maintenance guy chides her for it. She uses the excuse of not having a key, but he says she could have asked him to open the box for her. Ana Layevska, last seen in Querida Enemiga, and not looking too healthy, walks in to the building and the first woman…ok, I'm going to have to run to IMDB again, cause this show takes too long to give names for anybody…Woman #1, played by Edith Gonzalez is Clara and Woman #2, played by Ana Layevska is Marcela…anyway, Clara starts accosting Marcela with "what are you looking at?" and accuses her of being "Beatriz" and writing letters to Clara's husband. Marcela denies it, but Clara insists that she is Beatriz and is having an affair with Clara's husband. She keeps screaming "you" as the elevator rises. Well, Clara, unless IMDB is lying to me, that's not Beatriz. Whether she's having an affair with your husband remains to be seen.

Back in her apartment, Clara opens the letters. She picks up the phone and calls "Eduardo" to leave him a message that she's waiting for him. The man in question walks in, played by Rene Casados, who is currently in Corazon Salvaje as Noel. His hair is much greyer here, but only half as fluffy. This is a man who's not afraid of a little volume. Maybe he used to be in a hair band and is just trying to keep the dream alive. Anyway, she starts right in with "How did it go? What did you do? Where were you? I just left you a message!" He counters that it wasn't 1 message, it was 12. Also, he talked to the doorman. "How far are you going to go? Do you want us to get kicked out of this building?" She objects that they didn't get kicked out of the last one, they left. He reminds her that they left to avoid being kicked out due to the scandal. She starts to promise something, but he cuts her off. He wonders when things got screwed up between them and why it's so hard for her to accept that he loves her. He doesn't want any more promises. Clara starts playing with her nails.

Marcela brings a tray of tea or coffee into a room where Perla (played by Silvia Mariscal, who I last saw as Jaime Camil's mom on Tontas) sits knitting. She nervously wonders if she remembered to shut the door and Perla says she did and to chill out already. Perla calls Carla a "poor woman" but Marcela says she was worried Clara was going to do something to her. "But why?" "Because she thinks I'm her husband's lover." "Well are you?" "No!" "Then don't worry about it. She'll find the one who is and fight with her." Setting aside for a moment the question of whether Marcela really is sleeping with Eduardo, I'm not sure that it really matters to Carla--if she thinks Marcela's the one, that's enough for her.

Eduardo is fixing his tie in the mirror and gets instantly tense when Clara walks up behind him. She asks him if he's going to see Beatriz. "Did you not hear anything I just told you? Who the hell is Beatriz, anyway?" Clara insists that if he's not going to see her, then all he has to do is say so, and besides they both know who Beatriz is. When Eduardo's eyeballs look like they're about to spontaneously pop out of his head, she starts with the "I'm sorry"-s. She begs him to stay home, but he says he's just going to "the agency." He asks, and she hasn't taken her meds yet because it wasn't time. He says he'll be back later to take her to the doctor. He kisses her on the forehead and says he loves her.

Marcela is waiting for the elevator. When Eduardo gets out, she gets in. They exchange hello's, but it's still unclear whether they even know each other or whether she's thinking "Oh, it's the crazy woman's husband" and he's thinking "Don't look, don't look or Clara will think this is the one!"

At a car dealership, a saleswoman talks to a woman about a car, but fails to close the deal. As the woman walks off, Eduardo walks in. He asks the saleswoman how it went and comments that these days people would rather fix up an old tricycle than buy a new car. The woman nods sadly and tells him that Clara called. Three times. He goes into his office and the saleswoman follows him and asks what he's going to do. We finally get the woman's name, Patricia (played by Lili Brillanti, who's been in a bunch of things I've seen, but for whatever reason, I don't recognize her). Eduardo says that they haven't been in the new apartment long, but the neighbors already are making a fuss. He's still taking her to a psychiatrist and, in fact, they just changed to a new one who came highly recommended. He doesn't think it's done her any good. Hmmm, I'm going to armchair diagnose her with Borderline Personality Disorder http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/borderlinepd.htm but I'll have to see how this all winds up.

Clara sits in a kind of fancy-looking living room, wearing sloppy sweats and holding one of Eduardo's shirts in her lap. She's playing with her hair, so her mom, Mrs. Soler, asks if she wants to go to the salon. "A haircut will strengthen your hair." Clara says she doesn't have time. She insists Eduardo's cheating on her, but Mrs. S brushes it off. Clara has her mom smell the shirt, but she doesn't smell anything. "You don't understand because you don't have to keep an eye on dad." Mrs. S reminds her that he's dead. "Exactly. The only men who don't cheat on us are the dead ones."

In the post-murder timeline, Forense Gerardo watches a tech zip up the body bag. Still no word on who's in it.

Eduardo and Patricia sit and have coffee. Eduardo says he takes Clara to the doc once a month or maybe once every fifteen days, it just depends. Sometimes he takes her or sometimes she goes alone or with her mother. He notices the time and says she has an appointment today and he wants to take her. Patricia supposes Clara must be at home and says she's having a bad time. Eduardo agrees and says he's having a bad time too…a really bad time. Patricia asks if Clara has ever thought that they…"Yes, she has. But don't worry, now I'm with Beatriz, a neighbor." He doesn't roll his eyes, exactly, it's more like he's just too tired to even bother.

At the doc's office, Clara isn't even listening, although she says she is, when Eduardo says she keeps being jealous and causing scenes. Eduardo mentions her pills and Clara insists they're to keep her doped up so that he can go out with other women. The doctor challenges her, "How do you know they're to keep you doped up?" But she doesn't really answer his question, she just tells him he doesn't understand. The doctor says he does understand, he's a doctor. He says she's been receiving treatment for a year. "But I'm fine. You're both exaggerating." Eduardo asks her to tell the doctor about the bells. She sighs and we get a flashback.

Clara is tying bells and chimes above the bedroom door. She explains that since she's on the pills and they make her sleep, she hung the bells above the bedroom door so that if he went out they would wake her up. Yeah, brilliant, but he can also duck to avoid them.

"It was only for a while." The doc asks if Eduardo didn't take them down and he answers something along the lines of "What should I have done?" or "What could I do?" but I'm not clear on whether he did take them down or whether he felt like he had to leave them up. The doctor sighs at his answer and Clara says that the two of them, the doctor and Eduardo, are plotting behind her back. She tells Ed that he's trying to get her out of the way so that he can be with Beatriz. She tells the doctor that Eduardo wants her locked up there so he can cheat with Beatriz. The doctor says no one's talking about having her admitted and what she needs to do is keep following the treatment and she'll get better little by little. Eduardo is nodding.

As they leave the office, Eduardo asks her where she got the idea that he was trying to have her locked up. She says because they didn't ask her for ID or anything, so how do they know she's really his wife, really Clara. He asks if she's really taking her medication. "Why do you ask?" That would be a no, methinks. He says she seems to be getting worse and worse and he's worried about her. They're sitting on a park bench and she tells him to go back to work so he won't worry. He'd rather take her home first. He asks her if she wouldn't like an ice cream from a cart nearby. She's surprised that he would buy her an ice cream and laughs. He reminds her that they once agreed he would get her the sun, moon, and stars. She keeps laughing, "like when we were dating." He's laughing too and says, "yeah, I used to recite you poetry," and he goes over to the ice cream cart. He gets two cones and hands her one. He reminds her that their promises were mutual. "You're throwing it in my face." He insists he's not, he just wants her to be well…and for them to have the sun, moon, and stars. They're both laughing. That's the power of ice cream. But eventually it melts, and the crazy starts again.

Forense Gerardo reports to Det. Capellan that there's not a lot to say. It was the same weapon for all the wounds and there were 64 stabs--add one to the stabbing column for this season. He figures someone very angry or very scared would have made that many wounds.

Marcela finishes getting ready. Perla comments that she hasn't seen her this happy in a long time. Marcela says she's going out with some girlfriends. Perla says it's been a long time since she's gone out and maybe she'll meet someone. "And what would you think if I did? Meet someone." Perla says she thinks Marcela needs to have a life again. "It's been two years since my son died. You can't keep taking care of me forever. There's nothing sadder than a young widow." Marcela says maybe later, but now she's gotta go. Perla tells her to have a good time.

When Marcela gets out of the elevator, Clara is waiting on the stairs for her, still eating her ice cream cone. Damn, I want one now. Upholding my earlier theory, the ice cream itself is gone and it looks like the crazy is back. Clara just wants a word with "Beatriz" to resolve this in the best way possible. Marcela insists that she's not "Beatriz" and that Clara is mistaking her for someone else. Clara shows her the ice cream cone and says her husband bought it for her and she sensed that he loves her. LOVES HER. "That's nice, "says Marcela, "I'm glad your husband loves you. That's the way it should be, isn't it?" She walks off and Clara keeps munching on her cone.

Back in her apartment, Clara picks up a picture of a blond woman…herself as a blond? I can't tell. She picks up the phone and calls the auto dealership. Patricia picks up the phone. She very loudly announces that it's Clara and Eduardo makes the international sign for "I'm not here" so Patricia says he's with a client. Clara hangs up. For one thing, Patricia doesn't sound very convincing. For another, I don't care if this coworker is my soul brother, if he's got a crazy wife who constantly thinks he's cheating, I am not going to lie for him--that way only leads to the crazy wife either thinking you're the mistress or accusing you of covering for him. Either way, it ups the probability of you ending up in a pool of blood.

Patricia finishes up with a client jut as Clara shows up asking for Eduardo. Clara heads right for his office as he throws out his hands and begs her not to make a scene at work. She says she just called and they told her he was with a client, so obviously that means he bought her ice cream and then went to go shag Beatriz. Yes, of course, because when a man buys you ice cream it always means he's getting it somewhere else, how did I miss the signs! Clara keeps asking him where he was as the phone starts ringing. Ed hesitates, so Clara says if he won't answer it, she will. As she and Ed both slap hands on the receiver, the phone stops ringing. Patricia comes over and tells Eduardo it's a Mr. somebody calling about the sedan. He tells Patricia he'll call the guy back. When Patricia leaves, Eduardo asks Clara what she needs and what she wants. "We can't go on like this." Clara thinks he's finally gotten up the guts to leave her. Eduardo says he's always had the guts, but he keeps trying because he loves her. Clara rushes him and grabs him. She starts crying and saying she needs help.

At the police station, Det. Capellan asks Eduardo if he noticed any changes in his wife. Ed says sometimes she got better, but…. He claims he did supervise her treatment, but he couldn't be with her constantly because he had to work.

Clara plays with one of her pills, eventually dropping it in a glass of water and watching it fizz. She pours it into a plant.

Capellan asks Eduardo if the doctor ever used the word "delirio" (delusion). Capellan says specifically, jealous delusions--jealousy with distortion of reality. Ed kind of smiles and she goes on to say, "You look at your wife lovingly--she thinks you have a lover. You bring her flowers--she thinks you have a lover." Eduardo says he understands, but isn't it too late for this?

Marcela, looking sickly again, gets off the elevator. Clara follows her. Out at the street, Clara gets up in her face and says "You're my husband's lover." Marcela insists that she's not, nor is her name Beatriz, and if Clara doesn't cut it out, she's going to the cops. Clara says she's mocking her and she'd better watch out.

Marcela is getting some pastries at a nearby café when Clara comes up behind her and says "Hi, Beatriz." Clara says they can end this very easily if Marcela just shows her some ID to prove she's not Beatriz. Marcela gets upset and begs Clara to leave her alone. She runs out of the café and Clara says, "See how I found you out! See how you are my husband's lover!" She goes up to the counter and says she'll take the bread that Marcela ran off without.

Clara reports to the doctor that she's feeling better. Much better. She thinks it's all over. She asks the doctor, just hypothetically, if he would show ID if one of his patients asked. He's confused and points to his credentials on the wall, saying "I'm a psychiatrist." But, just saying, what if a patient wanted to see that he really is who he says he is. The doctor says he supposes that if it were necessary, he would let a patient see his ID. Clara smiles. I think the good doctor just screwed Marcela over without meaning to.

Marcela and Perla are sitting in the apartment when someone knocks on the door. Marcela looks scared. She creeps up to the door and checks the peephole before unlocking the door. It's the doorman, who came to bring her the mail like she asked. Marcela gets the mail and then shuts the door in the guy's face. She comments to Perla that it's incredible what she's having to do because of that crazy woman.

Clara brings the pastries to her mom. She tells mom that mom can only stay for a little while because Clara is very busy. "With what?" Clara offers her mom coffee, but mom says Clara's not supposed to be drinking coffee with her medication. "Of course I can." Mom complains that it's impossible to get Clara out of the house and she never dresses up, even with all the nice clothes she has. Clara grabs mom's handbag and tells her to please leave. She insists she's busy and walks her mom out.

Perla thinks Marcela should have just shown Clara some ID. Marcela says she shouldn't have to. Perla insists that she would have done it and ended this. "First she's crazy, now she's making you crazy." Marcela thinks she needs to keep something from happening. "How, by killing that woman?" Marcela thinks it's not a bad idea. Perla is shocked.

"Were those her words?" Capellan asks Perla. Perla says yes, "It wouldn't be a bad idea to kill her." She wonders how it got to that point.

Clara serves Eduardo the bread she got from the bakery earlier for dinner. He's a little freaked out that she's just serving him bread. She grabs a piece and puts it on her plate and tells him, "Oh, I know, you're tired of eating this, but you eat it every day with Beatriz, so now you'll eat it with me." She takes a fork and knife and cuts herself a piece of bread, telling him to eat. He asks if she took her pills and she says of course she did.

There's a rattling at the door of Perla and Marcela's apartment. Perla gets up and calls out, "Marcela, is that you?" and the rattling stops.

Marcela gripes to the doorman, who tries to say that maybe Perla imagined it, but Perla objects to that. The doorman insists that he was on duty all day and no strangers came into the building. Marcela says it must have been someone from the building.

Clara's mom goes to Eduardo's work to complain about Clara. She's upset about Clara throwing her out and because she doesn't seem to be getting better. Eduardo insists that he's doing everything he can, because he loves her. And because she's his wife. He tells her that it doesn't matter what he does, every day she gets worse. He says the person he most loves is slipping away.

Forense Gerardo and Det. Capellan are looking at something in the lab when Aranda comes in. She tells Capellan that there was a previous report, but it wasn't investigated. Capellan looks at the file.

Marcela tells a cop what's going on with Clara. The cop says it's normal for Clara to have shown up at the same bus stop and café, "After all, you're neighbors, why wouldn't you shop in the same places?" Marcela insists that the woman is dangerous. The cop finally agrees to take the report, but he doesn't think they'll do much, since he doesn't see a threat. Marcela keeps insisting and asks how much farther it has to go before they do something. He asks her to sign something and she says, "you aren't going to do anything, are you?" She signs the paper and starts to leave, then turns around and says, "You won't do anything because there's been no threat? Fine, here's one, 'I'm going to kill that woman. I, Marcela Rodriguez, am going to kil that woman.' Put that down on your paper." She leaves.

Capellan tells Aranda to rain down hell on the dipshits who ignored the report. She says they'd better be ready to explain in front of the judge why they did nothing. "Because now I've got a dead body." Aranda leaves.

Marcela gets on the elevator and Eduardo asks her to wait and gets on with her. She looks really scared.

In her apartment, she considers possible weapons and ends up putting kitchen shears in her purse.

Eduardo sits in his apartment, drinking a beer and smoking a cigarette. Marcela opens the door partway and knocks. She comes in and she and Eduardo say hi, but he sticks his head out the door to check the hallway. She says she didn’t want to be rude earlier, in the elevator, and says she's his neighbor, from 6C. He asks if she's looking for his wife and says she's out. Marcela wanted to talk to both of them, but that's fine, she'll talk to him. She starts to come further into the apartment, but Eduardo freaks out, pointing at the door and saying "Clara!"

Clara is down at that café with her mom. She insists she's got to leave now and her mom asks why she's being this way about her husband. Clara says he's going to go off with Beatriz. "Why would he want me? My hair's falling out, I'm gross, and I can't give him a kid." Mom insists that Eduardo loves Clara, but she's just as convinced that he's sleeping with someone else and she can't understand why mom doesn't get it. She leaves.

Standing in the foyer of the apartment, Eduardo apologizes for what Clara has done, but asks her to be patient. Marcela says she's been patient, but she's afraid Clara will do something to her or to her mother-in-law. Eduardo says she's crazy, but she won't do anything. Marcela is as astounded at him as she was at the cop, "Are you not listening to me?" Eduardo insists that she's not dangerous, but she is crazy and jealous and about to come home, so he's really going to have to ask Marcela to leave.

Clara realizes the elevator is upstairs, so she takes the stairs.

Marcela insists that Eduardo talk to Clara and he says he will. He all but shoves her out the door and calls "thanks" after her. He leaves the door open and goes back inside.

Marcela gets in the elevator and takes it upstairs just as Clara comes up the stairs. Marcela goes into her apartment and Clara to hers, realizing that the door is open. She walks in slowly and sees Eduardo, sitting in the living room eating. "You brought her here, didn't you?" Eduardo heads her off by asking if she talked to her mother, "She's very worried about you. She says you yelled at her in the bakery." Clara insists that he took advantage of her being out to bring Beatriz into their house.

Marcela tells Perla about her conversation with Eduardo. "What is she going to have to do for them to believe me? Kill me?"

Clara says this is why he wanted to move to this apartment building. Eduardo loses it and starts screaming a bunch of stuff that gets muted out and then, "Who is this Beatriz? Where is she?" He pretends he's got her in his hands and then blows her away and says "there, she's gone!" Clara insists her perfume is there. Eduardo asks her to listen to him, but we're way past that now.

Marcela complains that Perla isn't the one being followed around, so of course, it's easy for her. "When your son was sick everybody had an opinion, 'chemotherapy, naturopathy,' they even want to try Reiki. And now when I've got a problem, everybody's got an opinion again, that I'm exaggerating, that I'm worrying about nothing, that she's not going to do anything. The last thing I need is for them to say the crazy woman is me. Everybody has an opinion, but nobody does anything."

Perla tells Capellan that Marcela was right. Nobody did anything, they all kept quiet, and they're all guilty. "We were all accomplices."

Marcela is sleeping.

Clara is sleeping and Eduardo strokes her hair.

Marcela wakes up at 6:30 the next morning. As does Clara. She puts on lipstick. Clara slips into her running shoes and a robe. Marcela brushes her hair. Clara goes into the kitchen and grabs a knife from a drawer. Marcela puts on perfume. She checks her purse and takes out the kitchen shears. She leaves them on her dressing table and leaves. Clara tucks the knife into the sleeve of her robe. Marcela waits for the elevator. Clara watches it go up.

"Why didn't you comply with treatment?" Det. Capellan asks Clara. "Your situation would have been easier to resolve." Clara says, "What situation? Eduardo was cheating on me." She's got blood on her cheeks. Capellan says she's referring to Clara's clinical situation. "I'm fine. Well, I'm fine now. Eduardo's going to stay with me. I asked Beatriz to help me, but she didn't want to. I don't understand why she didn't want to. I asked her to help me but she didn’t want to, so I had to punish her. With a knife, because I wanted to get my husband out of her, the perfume out of her, so I had to open her up all over. But instead there was just blood. Why was there blood? I don't like blood. Why didn't Beatriz want to help me? Why?"

Clara watches the elevator go up and she goes up the stairs after it. Marcela gets into the elevator and Clara locks them both in together and starts stabbing her. Repeatedly. The bloody butterfly flies out of the elevator. The elevator reaches the bottom and Clara opens the door, looks back at Marcela, and walks up the stairs and back into her apartment. She lays the knife on Eduardo's nightstand, climbs into bed, and kisses him on the cheek.

"Marcela Rodriguez was stabbed 64 times. Clara Soler was declared incompetent, being diagnosed with schizoid pathological jealousy. She carried out her sentence in the psychiatric wing of the women's prison."

Labels: asesinas

It seems like a whole lot of this episode dealt with people deciding who should marry (or end up with) whom.

Cris just saved Lucas from getting run over. They get up and brush themselves off. Cris says that Diego left, hating her, but she’s not the opportunist he thought she was. She asks Lucas to her house to help her. Lucas is reluctant but he’s not real good at that “no” thing.

Like son, like father, Leo instructs Jaime to pay Cristina’s bills.

Cristina starts defending herself to Lucas, saying nobody’s perfect, she’s sure Leo cheated on her as well, and the real doozie, what she did wasn’t betraying Leo because she had no emotions for Diego. IOW, the fact that she sleeps with men she has zero affection for, is proof of her high moral caliber.

Lucas asks Cris to tell him what happened with Diego (eww!). He says that he always felt like he and Diego were two parts of a single person, and others treated them that way as well. Now that Diego is gone, he has lost a huge part of himself. He doesn’t know if he’ll be able to pick up the reins of his life himself. He wants to hear the stories of other parts of Diego’s life so he can hang onto more of him. Cris gives him consoling words. She also tells him the same thing we were all yelling at our TV’s last night. She realizes Lucas is mourning the loss of his brother, but Jade has left everything for him and has no place to go; he needs to go and take care of her.

Jade is surprised when Latifa says Lucas came to the house. She says that if he calls, tell him she returned to Morocco. Latifa says you should have never trusted him. Those who don’t believe in God cannot be trusted; they are capable of any (terrible) thing. Latifa thinks Jade didn’t really tell Ali everything. Jade corrects her. “I told him I have to marry Lucas, because.. I’m not a virgin.” Latifa blows up, telling Jade that was a horrible sin and that she hates her.

Ali goes to Said’s house to tell them he was successful in getting the Bedouins to take three of Said’s harem women. Nariza brazenly flatters Ali for his wisdom and negotiating skills, making Ali uncomfortable. He says that after they find jobs for some of the women and marry off others; that will only leave three. Ali will take one, and Said will keep the other two to take care of his house.

Nariza sticks her nose in again. She says she’ll take one along when she goes to live with Mohammed, to do the housework. Ali is surprised she’s going to Mohammed’s, but she explains that she needs to teach Latifa a lot of things, and besides, modestly of course, she (Nariza) knows everything about how to take care of a man and take care of a house. Said looks at her as if she sprouted a tail. Said distracts Ali while Uncle whisks Nariza out of the room like a child who loudly farted at the dinner party. Uncle tells her that if she wants to marry Ali, leave that to the men to arrange. She was out of line.

Uncle says he plans to invest in one of Abdul’s businesses, and he invites Said to be his partner, as long as Said will stay in Morocco to manage the business. Ali says he can send for Jade, and they’ll get married in Morocco. Trato y hecho.

Latifa calls Zoraida and warns her to burn Jade’s letter as soon as it arrives. Before Zoraida can find out the contents of the letter, Ali arrives. He picks up the phone and asks Latifa to tell Jade the news. When Jade hears it, she resigns herself - you can’t escape your destiny.

Cristina arrives. Latifa is scandalized by such a hussy, but Jade insists on talking to her. They go to Jade’s room and Cris tells Jade what’s going on with Lucas. She says that if Jade loves Lucas, go after him! Jade says she’s at least willing to listen if he wants to talk to her. At that, Cris informs her that Lucas is waiting out at the street. They both head out the door, with Latifa barking shrilly and nipping at their heels like a dachshund, but they ignore her. Jade and Lucas lock eyes again, and mash faces again. Latifa is scandalized again, while Cris is delighted with young love and the part she played in it.

So tell me, folks. Did Cris do this for ulterior motives, to get Lucas on her side? Or does she feel she owes Lucas some happiness because she contributed to his brother’s death? Or is it that this woman who has been a total self-absorbed trailer-trash airhead from the start, is suddenly wise, considerate, and altruistic when the plot requires it?

Leo stares at the four walls some more. He orders Rosa to leave Diego’s room untouched.

Dora tells Vicky that after the AI procedure, she won’t set foot in the street for nine months. She’ll stay home with her feet up (eating bonbons?). Walking into her house, she finds a letter from Osvaldo. It gives his final offer: abandon her AI plans, or forget about seeing him ever again. She’s sure it’ll be different when the baby looks like him. Sabes que? Most people think that Orlando’s Fantasyland is filled with characters like Snow White, the Mad Hatter, and Tigger. But me? I think it’s full of telenovias, because nobody can live as far apart from reality as a female character in a novela.

At the clinic, Betty Brown arrives from England, seasoning her Spanish with liberal doses of English. She has a personality very akin to Molly Brown; I think I’ll call her that. Luisa tells her that she and Albieri are getting married, and Molly Brown answers, “What the #ell? No way!” Fantasyland meets bold-faced reality. Molly says, “Albieri never could handle death. It demolishes his whole mental structure. He took hold of you because he’s afraid of being completely destroyed. You’ve got to tell him no.”’
Luisa answers, “But I luuuuv him!”
Molly corrects her. “No, you don’t love him. You think you do because you’re desperate to have a romance. Sorry, Darling, I speak my mind. But if you want to get married to a disaster, go ring your church bell.”
Luisa tries to show Molly her reality. “I know he has problems, but he’ll change.” (Women find their perfect man, marry him, and spend the rest of their lives trying to change him.)
Molly shows her wisdom by quoting two dichos. A. Mejor estar solo que mal acompañado. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. When Luisa still won’t budge, Molly pulls out Plan B. A lo hecho, pecho. “Sacar el pecho” means to stick your chest out, but figuratively it’s to face it like a man, suck it up, cowboy up. So the dicho means, “What’s done is done; make the best of it.”

Albieri, at his house, tells Dra. Sylvia and Julio that he’ll go to Morocco next week to try to straighten out the Lucas matter with Ali. Sylvia asks about his honeymoon. Albi says they’ll just take a few days, without Luisa. He can’t give Luisa the appropriate attention with this over his head. (What excuse will he come up with next week?) He confides in Julio, “Luisa wants fire and passion, and I’m just not like that.” The doorbell rings, it’s Ruben Molina, “the father of alternative medicine around here.” They tease him. Julio says he thought for sure that Molina would marry Molly Brown. We find out she is one of the leading researchers in cloning. Molina starts arguing with Albieri about the ethical issues of cloning, when, speaking of the king of Rome (or queen of England?), Molly arrives.

Lucas gets home and Leo pesters him that he should’ve called, and he should get the mole checked. Lucas complains to Rosa about his behavior, and Rosa explains that it’s because he’s afraid of losing Lucas too. Leo overhears as Lucas calls the florist to order red roses for Cristina (to thank her for helping him reunite with Jade). Leo walks in and accuses Lucas of going out with Cris. “Don’t you realize that she’s seducing you? Just like she did your brother? She‘s using you to take revenge on me. I forbid you to see her again. If you do, I‘ll kill her.” Ooh. Hard to get happy after that.

Cut to the wedding. It’s the JP, the bride and groom, Sylvia and Julio from the clinic (but not Albi’s close friend Leo), and the two old friends from abroad. Luisa is radiant as she signs the registry, making the act official. When Albieri signs, he and the guests look like the Germans at Versailles. The JP says, “You may kiss the bride.” Albieri turns to Luisa, takes hold of her head, and kisses her forehead. Sylvia cries, but perhaps not for the usual reasons. Molly Brown warns Albi, don’t hurt that girl’s feelings. Albi assures Molly, we’re very good friends. Moll answers, “Mal hecho (badly done). Don’t offer friendship when love is asked for. That will deliver you to misery.”

Back in Morocco, Latifa suggests to Nariza that the newlyweds should be allowed to live alone and get used to married life. Nariza insists that Latifa needs Nariza to teach her how to take care of her brother. Gee, is it just me, or does Mohammed look a lot happier under Latifa’s care than Nariza’s? Meanwhile, the men are talking in the other room. Uncle talks about looking for a husband for Nariza. Ali says marriage is good, but four is too many. If he had it to do over, he’d only marry one. And now way will he take a fourth wife again. (Gee, he didn’t mention that earlier tonight when he volunteered to take one of the harem women as a wife.) Uncle quickly changes the subject; “Nice weather we’re having today, isn’t it?” There’s a knock at the door, and Nariza goes to answer it as if she owns the place. It’s The Letter. Zoraida tries to get it from her hands, but Nariza is determined to take it to Ali herself. I swear, that Nariza would be considered brazen, even in New York City! Nariza barges in on the men and gives Ali the letter, which he ponders.

Leo finds Cris dancing with some man at a disco, and he makes a scene.

Roll credits.

Labels: clon

From yesterday:

Rod is talking to Aimee and Regina. Regina says she wants to marry for LUUUUVVVVV.

Gab and Juan are talking. I didn’t catch the first part but Rodrigo Montes de Oca is going to pay for everything.

Back to Rod and the girls--Someone in this family died because of love. The girls want to know who he is talking about. He stares off into space.

Maria is talking to her “baby” and screaming for Juan de Dios. FF>>

Today
Gabriel asks Juan to forgive his impertiennce but he thinks they should think about business. He tells Juan that he is out for vengence. Ah, Grasshopper, you are very observant. He says yes, it is my obsession. But right now I’m focused on something else. A woman. Her name is Aimee. Gabe comes up with the idea they can check the captain’s book for her last name. Gabe scampers off.

Aimee is begging her father to tell them the story. He has nothing more to say. Party pooper. He stomps out. Aimee thinks it is funny. Regina is overcome with curiosity. Who could have died for love? Who could it be? Aimee can’t belive that Regina would die for love. Ah but she knows passion. But she wouldn’t die for love. Regina thinks about Renato.

Speak of the devil, we beam over to Finca del Mar and Renato is talking to Noel. He is questioning his dad about Juan that showed up at the house. Why don’t you answer my questions? Leo looks up all smug at Noel. The story of Juan and the family is a long and tragic story. Leo jumps up and starts screaming that Juan is a bastard and not just any bastard but Noel’s bastard. Noel looks at her like Que the Hell! Renato looks confused. Leo is playing it up. Tell your son the truth. Noel grows a set and throws a chair and gets all up in her face. YOU know the real story. What is the real story? Lots of yelling and Leo leans on Renato for support. Renato still looks confused. Juan is your child My half brother?

Back to Juan and Gabriel. He’s brought the book and Gabe wants to look for her name. He starts to read and Juan closes the book and says no. He doesn’t want anyone to know that he’s the MAN. He says this woman will be mine. She is mine.

Juan is pacing the deck. FF>>

Aimee and Regina are in the cabin. Aimee is looking for something and says on no she needs Prissy to do her a big favor (I’m sure that you guys aren’t really paying attention at this point because you are wondering if the puppies are going to get out of the cage. I’m wondering how much super glue it took to keep them contained.) She has to help her otherwise it will be a big tragedy. Yeah, whatever.

Back to Juan on the deck. He is pacing then strides off with purpose. At the same time Regina comes up on deck. It is windy and cold and Regina is wondering why she always does stuff to help Aimee. I’m wondering that too actually.

Meanwhile back in the warm and not windy cabin Aimee is reclining on the bed remembering the kisses and touches of Juan Del Diablo. She is practically purring like a kitten. Juan Del Diablo opens the door and comes in. Aimee sits up in bed. He tells her he knows her name. She stutters something and he says that you need to understand me. I didn’t want to love you. You were looking for me. She wants to know what he is accusing her of. He says something and grabs her. She looks like she is enjoying it. He touches her face and says she is the type of woman that men like him are looking for. He pushes her away. He comes back. You are my woman. Do you understand? She turns away and walks off. Oh yes, I understand. You are a savage. You are everything I desire. He looks disgusted and starts to turn away. He grabs her and kisses her hard. Bodice ripping ensues. He grabs her and pushes her down on the bed. He runs his hands over her body. The narrarator is talking-MUTE-shut up already I’m trying to enjoy the moment.

Dumbass Regina is still standing on the deck freezing. If he doesn’t show up I’m leaving. Duh--ya think? FF>>

Back in the cabin. Juan’s locks are flying free and they are both naked. He tells her she is his--only his. The candlelight flickers as they make the beast with two backs. BREAK--Damn!

Back from commercial we are at Finca Del Mar. Renato and Noel are eating breakfast. Renato is still confused and trying to figure out whether Juan is really his father’s son. Noel says of course not. Clemencia looks a little stunned. Noel promises him that when the time comes he will tell him the truth. Renato is going to check on his mom.

Regina is still up on deck looking windblown and is thinking that the savage is not coming. FF>>

Leo is in the bedroom talking to Rosenda--No way, no how do you go in the passageways. Orca (a/k/a Johnny Cash) is the only one allowed to go there. There is a knock on the door. Leo hurridly gets into bed. It is Renato coming to check on her. Leo fakes being sick. What a heifer. Renato begs her to have patience. He needs his father close to him. Oh Hijo. Don’t ask me that. Well, ok, I’ll try. Rosenda listens at the door.
For the great love that I have only for you. ( I think she should have said the great love I have only for you after my love for myself.)
Regina is back at their cabin and comes in. Uh oh--BUSTED. Juan is looking disshelved with his hair all askew. What is going on? She turns on Juan and wants to know who said he could come into a room with two young ladies. Aimee said it was ok. Regina gives her an earful. Juan looks quite handsome as he lounges against the wall. I was waiting for him to make bunny ears over Regina’s head--but sadly no. Juan and I were just talking. She hugs Regina and makes kissy faces behind her back at Juan. Don’t think bad of me. Juan doesn’t want to hang around listening to their conversation so he high-tails it out of there.


Rod is on deck smoking and thinking about Rosi. Magda walks by and he thinks that woman is very mysterious. If he only knew!

Aimee is worried that Regina is going to tell papa. Aimee begs her not to say anything to Papi. Don’t rat me out. What you are doing has very grave consequences. Juan is only fun for me. I’m not serious about him. Regina is just basically pissed off about the whole thing. She stomps out.

Out in the field Johnny Cash is bitching about the workers. Renato warns him if he lays a hand on a worker one more time he’s toast. Renato wants to talk to Remedio. If Arcadio screws up you will be the administrator of Finca Del Mar. Cool!

Clemencia is putting flowers on Rosi’s grave. Two guys are talking to Clemencia. They talk about visitng Juan de Dios’ grave. They tell her they have to accept that she is dead. I feel in my heart that one day he will return.

Juan on the ship. Regina is out pacing and thinking about Aimee and her mess. What should I do to help my sister. She thinks about Renato--my love. Juan sneaks up on her. You are identical yet different. Please sit down. She doesn’t want to have anything to do with him. She smacks him. He grabs her by the hair and acts like he is going to kiss her.

Leo is talking to Clemencia and freaks out when she sees Clemencia wearing a rosary.

Juan teases Regina and laughs at her. I’m not a gentlemen. He calls her St. Regina. You are not a gentleman. You will never be. She drops her necklace. He picks it up--for Regina

Rosi has the keys and is trying to get out again. The mute girl takes the keys. They hear Johnny Cash coming and hide behind the table because I’m sure he would never think to look there.

Back on the ship. Gabriel is in the cabin and Juan walks in. Are you still working? He tells Gabe to go get some rest. Juan looks troubled and Gabe asks him what has happened. He says he is not usually a gentleman. Doesn’t care to be. But tonight for the first time he was a gentleman.

Regina is back in her cabin. She looks in the mirror and remembers Juan trying to kiss her. She wipes her mouth disgustedly.

Juan looks at her locket. He looks sad.

Regina is saying her prayers and realizes her necklace is gone. Oh no! She remembers it was a gift from Renato.

The knife thrower guy is well--throwing knives. He wants Jimena. FF>>

Jimena is reading Aimee’s palm. Then she reads Regina’s. Regina says to stop with this foolishness. Jimena tells her that very soon something will come back to her. Jimena is giddy about the masked ball.

Everyone is getting ready for the masked ball. The “ladies” are throwing water on each other. I’m wondering who is going to clean up that mess.

Jimena is dressed for the ball. She wonders how they get around in these shoes. Amen sister! She looks beautiful. Aimee is showing her how to dance when Rod knocks on the door. I’m wondering where they get all these fancy costumes in the middle of the ocean.

Jimena is trying to walk in her shoes when she trips and Gabriel catches her. How conveeeenient. It’s love at first sight. She tells him she’ll be waiting for him tonight.

Juan spies Jimena and says good evening beautiful lady. He assures her that no one will know who she is. She wants to dance. Nobody will bother you.

Magda is talking to the gay guy and worrying about Rodrigo. She thinks this is a good opportunity for her girls.

Gabriel is in the office--Juan runs in and says let’s go to the party. Federico, wearing a mask that reminds me of Sauron, Lord of Mordor, wants to dance with Regina but she snubs him. Rod orders her to dance with him. She looks bored and not real happy. My favorite costume is Rods. I look at him and it just cracks me up. It’s something in the beak I think. I mean, look at that mask and tell me if you can take anything he says seriously!

Juan and Gabriel show up and he tells Gab to have some fun. Juan spies Aimee across the room. Gab latches on to Jimena. I’m happy waiting for you. She falls down. He gazes into her eyes.

Magda is still hiding.

Juan is looking at the necklace. Rodrigo approaches Magda but Juan runs interference. Change partners. Juan grabs Regina. He gives her back her necklace. She is happy to see it again.

Rod pairs off with Magda. At last we are together. I am Rodrigo Montes de Oca. She says is Madame somebody.

Change partners again. Juan ends up with Aimee. They try to sneak out. Off go the masks and I’m pretty sure the clothes will follow. Rodrigo can’t find Aimee so he goes looking for her--uh oh.

Labels: salvaje

Discussion post for ENDA, Friday, March 5.

Labels: amor

Eugenio confronts Carlota about how she could have had his love and his help and now she’s going to end up alone.

Emiliano and Orlando are saying goodbye. Orly wants to stay away from Crazytown for awhile, but notes that this town gave him the most marvelous gift: he found Emiliano, his son, And, he found love, and settled some old debts from his past. Emil is sad about what happened with Camila, but Orly tells him not worry--before he didn’t have motivation to work, but now he has Emil as an heir and is comforted by the fact that one day he’ll be grandpa to Emil’s kids. Emil says “I love you very much, papa” and promises they will always be close and they hug.

Shot of the loser boozer guy taunting Xochitl with food while she’s still tied up in the flower cart.

Luz and Rafael ask two girls outside a marketplace if they know anything; someone named Tito told the girls that he saw the boozer eating and shopping nearby, so Rafa has them help search the market.

PJC blesses the business--apparently it’s in the same marketplace--of the couple formerly known as Gossip Guy and Wife, who again thank PJC for forgiving them. PJC reminds them that in the mass he said all is forgotten.

Luz spots the flower cart and sees a little pair of hands buried at the bottom. She stops the guy and pulls some of the flowers away to reveal Xochi, whereupon the boozer grabs Luz and threatens her with a knife. PJC is walking by and stops to tell the guy to let Luz go. Loser boozer tries to stab PJC but PJC swats him with his briefcase. Rafa, Paloma and Gabe come running.

Camila and Romina arrive home. The nurse mentions that Emil has been looking after the baby. If only he was the father of my baby, Romi laments. There is a flower arrangement there for Romi and Cami, from Rafa. Cami says Romi should thank him later; Romi slyly suggests that Cami do it for the two of them.

Rafa is amazed that PJC knocked the guy out--what did you hit him with? Well, with my briefcase, and this--he pulls out his bible—the hand of God.

Rufi visits Carlota (who repeats that she doesn’t want to see Rufi) to deliver the statue of the virgencita. Rufi acknowledges that she can’t take care of Carlota by force, so she thought maybe the virgencita can care for her. La Loca shoos her away. Rufi chatters on about how she can bring Carlota food in prison and she’s going to make her favorite dishes. Carlota yells again that she doesn’t want to see her. I know, Rufi says, but you are like a daughter to me, albeit one like Cain. Rufi talks about how parents don’t stop loving their kids even when they’re mad at them. Carlota rolls her now teary (I think?) eyes and cuts Rufi off with “you’re not my mother”. Rufi never wanted to be Carlota’s mother, but she swore to her that she would care for Carlota and Macarena. Rufi continues, telling Carlota “In spite of everything you have done, I know that I love you, so I’m going to be near you even if you don’t love me” (or "even if you don't want me to be close", I'm not exactly sure). Do I see a tear? Is the purple iceberg starting to melt?

The police take the boozer away and Rafa and Luz thank Cris for his help. Gabe comments that the guy is going to prison now and Xochi chimes in with “and I’m going with my mommy!”

Pal has magically teleported to Carlota’s hospital room. Before leaving the room, Rufi tries to give Carlota a blessing, but the Queen of Mean leans away. Anyway, Pal has come to demand an explanation for all the harm auntie has done.

At their apartment, Luz and Rafa bid each other goodbye--he asks if she’s sure she doesn’t want to stay the day, but she wants to get going on her trip. She asks Rafa to be Xochi’s godfather and he says "of course" and kisses the little girl goodbye. They wish each other the best with Luz thanking him and saying she doesn’t want to ever forget their time together. As she leaves she laments what couldn’t be.

Carlota refuses to explain anything, so Pal replies “then this will be the last time we’ll see each other”. From now on, her only family is her dad, Rufi and her grandma. Paloma isn’t afraid of Carlota anymore but Carlota insists that this isn’t over, saying “Don’t underestimate me.” Pal thinks Carlota is the one who underestimated *her*--you thought you could control me but you failed. Carlota claims she got what she wanted--which was for Pal to be left alone--because that little painter is going to kick the bucket any minute now. You attract bad luck and suffering, you put an end to everything that you love. Pal just shakes her head.

Orly visits Camila and they chat for a bit about Romi--he suggests that perhaps the accident and being so close to death has made Romi reconsider her life. But as to why he’s really there . . . he met with his lawyer and there are problems with the divorce, because the law won’t grant it until after a year of marriage. Cami thinks that can’t be when Emil & Romi just divorced after less than a year, but Orly says their case was different. Soooo, what’s going to happen with us? asks Cami. With a smile, Orly replies "Well, we stay married."

Back to Carlota and Pal, who’s not falling for Tia’s emotional blackmail. Pal notes that La Loca won many battles where innocent people died, but Good and Justice won the war. Carlota declares that she is not going to take things lying down while HER money is taken away from her. Pal tells Carlota that she will go to jail (even though she didn’t file charges against her) for killing Inaki and Mac and trying to kill Pal. Pal feels sorry for Carlota, which makes the crazy one yell at her to get out, cuz she don’t need nobody’s pity. Neither your God, nor your law, nor your justice is going to beat me. Carlota says they will meet again; Pal just shakes her head and leaves. Carlota hisses “Of course we will meet again” to the accompaniment of the bassos and the special light that shines on her eyes while leaving everything else dark.

Out in the waiting room with Gabe and Rufi, Pal says she told Tia everything that she had to say. Gabe then informs them that he’ll drop them off at the hotel, and then he has to go to Mexico City to get some paperwork. Hmm, that sounds made up to me. Anyway, he thinks he’ll be back the next morning.

More Cami and Orlando--he thinks that in the year they’ll have to wait, she’ll get over her anger and they can try to start over. Cami gives him the news flash that it’s not because of anger over him lying about Houston (and then sleeping with Angelica), she wants a divorce because she made a mistake and wants to fix it--what they had together is long gone. Orly whines “But a lot can happen in a year” blah blah blah, but Cami is positive that he is not the man with whom she wants to spend the rest of her life. She tried, but she doesn’t luuuurve him. Orly refuses to give up and wants to try to win her back.

Yvonne is helping Dr. B. to stand up for the first time since he was shot. He says he can hire someone to help him because he feels bad that she and Natalia have done so much for him. “Well, we’re friends, aren’t we?” she asks. “That’s what friends are for [cue Dionne Warwick], to be there in good times and bad.”

Cami tells Orly he has a right to continue deluding himself, but she has a right to not want to 1) see him and 2) prolong something that is inevitable. Orly agrees, to each his own, but then says that in the year they’re waiting for the divorce, neither one of them should see anybody else. Cami’s response is “no way, you’re not in any position to ask me to do anything”. She considers herself completely free now to do whatever she wants.

Padre Benito is on the phone with Obispo Calixto, who has informed him that he's coming to RdM the next day. PB and Padre Mateo wonder what’s going on--Calixto would only say that it had to do with PJC.

Luz has stopped by Camila’s on her way out of town for a chat about Rafa. Cami doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Yeah, you’re right, Luz agrees, I’m just so impulsive and you’re married and I completely forgot. She gets up to leave but Cami stops her and informs her that she and Orly aren’t together anymore. Luz waxes philosophical for awhile about how things happen just when they have to happen and explains that she and Rafa have ended their relationship. Although he loved me, he never loved me like he loved you. If you didn’t run away with him the day of your wedding, maybe you can do it now that you’re divorcing Orly. Cami is impactada.

Eugenio is upset with Gabe because he doesn’t understand why he has to leave; Gabe says he has to get papers for the wedding. Euge knows he’s lying, so Gabe confesses that he’s going to see the doctor. Euge asks Gabe to tell him what he’s hiding.

Paloma wants to give her ring (the one from Inaki) to Rufi so that Rufi will never forget everything she’s done for Pal; Rufi protests. Pal doesn’t want Rufi to have to work anymore, so in addition to the ring, she’s going to buy her a house and give her a pension. She loves Rufi with all her soul and is always going take care of her.

Carlota pretends to take her medicine, then spits the pill out behind the nurse’s back. She asks the nurse how much she earns and whether she’d like to earn 1 million pesos in one day. The nurse laughs and thinks that can only happen with the lottery. Carlota beckons her closer and says “if you help me get out of here, that lottery can be a reality.” The nurse doesn’t think that’s possible since there are guards outside. Carlota insults her for being small-minded but then urges her to think about it. Oh, and you better not tell anyone about my proposal because I’ll deny it.

Romi is washing her hands in the sink when the steam turns to flames--she has a flashback of her accident and starts to flip out, thinking she’s trapped in the bathroom. Cami comes running and tells her unlock the door. A sobbing Romi opens the door and Cami tries to calm her down.

Emiliano visits his dad for a guys’ night out. He breaks the news to Rafa that Cami isn’t going to Houston with Orlando because they are going to get divorced. Rafa smiles.

Romi is trying to read a magazine when the sound of a crying baby starts up. This drives her nuts and she yells for Cami to do something, make it stop. She runs into the nursery shouting “shut up!”, then grabs a pillow and nearly slams it down on the poor baby in his crib. She stops just in time and sees that he’s not crying at all. “Do you want your mama to hug you too?” she asks him. “I also want mine to hug me.” Romi then touches him and asks her baby for forgiveness. Cami listens in at the doorway. Romi knows she’s been really bad with him and promises that she’s going to be a good mother. Cami cries silently and thanks God for this miracle.

Pal and PJC are out at dinner--he wants to be her father officially and for her to have his name. They agree that Mac would have wanted this.

Eugenio and Gabe meet with the doctor, who looks very glum. The upshot is that his condition will to continue to worsen until one day his heart will just stop working. Euge and Gabe want to know how much time he has left--the doc thinks maybe one month.

The next morning, Romi cuddles her baby in bed. She doesn’t want to go with Cami to Monica’s wedding; she wants to stay home and take care of Bernardo. She took the medicine the psychiatrist prescribed and is feeling better. Then Cami puts a damper on things by informing Romi that German is in jail for fraud and bribery.

Emil is buying flowers for Romi when he runs into Liliana, whose response is Oh no, don’t get back with that witch. She thinks he and Pal can still get back together and hints that although Pal is marrying Gabe, it may not last long. Emil doesn't want to talk about that and instead tells Lili about Romi’s accident and about German being in jail--this news surprises Lili.

Romi and Cami talk about German while Romi changes the baby’s diaper. Romi admits that she was affected by the news of him being in jail. Cami asks what she feels for German, but Romi doesn’t know. She doesn’t want anything bad to happen to him, but she never imagined a life with him. Cami asks Romi if she’s going to see him and says “although I don’t like him for you, maybe he has changed, like you have.” She reminds Romi that German loves her and he’s the father of her baby.

Obispo Calixto meets with PJC while Padres Benito and Mateo nervously tell the bishop about their worry that he regrets PJC’s return to the church. OC assures them that it’s exactly the opposite--he has come to renew their offer for PJC to become a bishop. Cris reminds OC that he has a kid. OC tells PJC that’s not a problem, as there have been many bishops in the church’s history that had children before they were ordained. Cris is impactado.

Labels: amor

Ale and Rafa have finally managed to get off the phone with their respective significant others and it’s time to go back to the partay!!! Before they head back, Ale wants to know if Rafa thinks she’s very drunk. (It’s not like Rafa’s the best judge considering he’s downed almost as many tequilas as she has.) He assures her, no. “You’re very fun. I love seeing you this way.” Ale gives him a smile as wide and as bright as a ray of sunshine in reward for his sweet comment.

She asks him not to leave her alone, and he assures her that he will care for her and she’ll be safe with him. They return back to the fiesta arm in arm, just in time for the bouquet toss. It sails past all the eager single young ladies (and there are a LOT at this wedding), and lands at the feet and cane of Ale. Cheeseman’s wife hands Ale the bouquet and declares that Ale will get married soon, and the priest asks Ale and Rafa when they are getting married. Ale laughs and starts to protest, but gets drawn back into the party, and Rafa incoherently babbles at the priest (I am sure he still thinks they are a couple).

It’s time to get the party started again! Ale gets reacquainted with her friend the waiter Joachim and gets a fresh drink. She then gets cozy with the DJ and tries to request that oh so popular party song, “El Venado/Venao” (the Gancho gang recently danced to this at Xime’s megaparty, and I used to dance to this every night at clubs in Ecuador 14 years ago). Unfortunately, although she can remember the tune, Ale thinks the name of the song is El Pescado. Rafa soon sets her and the DJ straight, the popular dance tune is cranked up, and Ale lets out the universal cheer of party-goers everywhere, “Woooooooh!” She hits the dance floor, starts swinging her hair (which is now completely loose), gyrating her hips, waving the bouquet around with one hand, and using that cane in a way that was never intended or imagined by the good folks who produce them to make the lives of the elderly and infirm easier. Rafa is trying his best to keep up. Although he has the voice of an angel, his dancing style can only be appreciated by those as drunk, or more drunk, than he is. But no one at this fiesta seems to notice and he and Ale are a hit in the middle of the dance floor.

They are interrupted by Susana calling Ale to warn her about Beltran, who is desperate for them to sell that truck and is waiting for their return to Autos Siglo. Although Susana is shocked that Ale is drunk, she hears the glee in Ale’s voice and asks her if she is happy. It is obvious that Ale is indeed happy, and Susana, great friend that she is, tells Ale not to worry and that she will take care of Beltran. She checks to make sure that at least Rafa is not drunk (Ale doesn’t really fess up the truth) and that Ale will have a safe way to get home. The ex-amigas sign off by telling the other that they love them. Awww!

Ale heads back to the party and the dance floor. “Woooooooooh!” Her stripper cane moves are a treat to watch, but she starts to fade fast and the thought of Beltran waiting for them to make the sale starts to sink in. She and Rafa sit down and think about how they’re going to get back to D.F. Just then, Cheeseman comes to the rescue. He’s managed to find a couple of non-drunk guys that work for him and his compadres who will drive Ale, Rafa and the truck safely back to D.F. (Wow! These folks are worth their weight in gold.) Ale is truly touched, but Rafa is not surprised they would do something like this for her. “They’re fascinated/enchanted by you. They like you.” Ale flashes Rafa another one of those million dollar smiles, but it looks like the effects of both the tequilas and her pain meds have begun to wear off, and she grabs her neck in obvious pain. Rafa sits her down and hugs her close as she asks him again not to leave her. They begin to slooooooowly fall asleep…..then their eyes fly open at the first strings of the mariachi violins.

“Joaquin!!!!!” It’s time for another drink! Ale knocks back her tequila, before Rafa’s even had a chance to take a sip of his, and lets out a long and impressive trill to accompany the mariachi. Rafa looks at her adoringly.

Meanwhile, back in the real world, Marco calls Ale’s house and asks her aunt if Ale’s home yet. He then basically tattles on her and tells Aunt Rosario that Ale has been drinking. Rosario is shocked, shocked! She tells Marco she will inform him when Ale returns. Marco decides to come over and wait up with Rosario for their wild child to return home. She will have some explaining to do.

Back to the fun…Rafa’s on stage again singing a beautiful, slow ranchera. “Dime mi amor, que puedo hacer…” The ladies are getting swoony and the couples are looking moony. Everyone loves the song and loves Rafa. He is in his element, he is master of the stage. He gears up to sing a second verse, and suddenly, we hear another voice from stage right. A beautiful woman’s voice joining his for a lovers’ duet. It’s Ale!!!!! Wow!

Ale and Rafa come together center stage, all the while singing and smiling at each other. The crowd goes wild, but Ale and Rafa only have eyes for each other. They end the song tête-à-tête, mariachi hats touching, and it looks like they are going to kiss….but, they don’t. The room erupts into applause and all the single ladies rush the stage to mob Rafa. He escapes between their legs, much to Ale’s amusement. Later, they bask in the afterglow of their triumph on stage and Rafa comments that he never would have thought she liked rancheras. She informs him that there are lots of things he doesn’t know about her.

Cheeseman, his wife and daughter come over to bid Rafa and Ale farewell and to see that they are safely in the hands of the sober drivers they have provided for them. The bride gives Ale her bouquet, as the toss bouquet Ale got did not survive her enthusiastic dancing. Ale is so touched by this gesture that she breaks down on Cheeseman’s shoulder in tears, making him cry as well. They assure Ale and Rafa that they should consider this their home and invite them to a party for their nephew the next week.

Ale comments that she is cold as they later wait outside for the car that will take them back to D.F., Rafa hugs her close, drapes his jacket over her and gently rubs her shoulders. They don’t seem too fazed or bothered by the fact that the car driving them back to D.F. is the bridal car, still decked out with huge white bows and ribbons. Ale promptly falls asleep on Rafa’s shoulder. He is tempted to kiss her, but resists. Later, he is holding her close and looking at her as she sleeps, she opens her eyes, they stare long and deep into each others’ eyes, she raises her head from his shoulder slowly, their lips almost brush, they look at each other, then…Ale falls asleep with her head resting again on Rafa’s shoulder. And I have butterflies in my stomach. Whew!

They arrive safe and sound at Ale’s house and Marco is waiting outside for her. He’s none too pleased to see them pull up in a car for novios, or to see Rafa gently helping Ale out of the car and hand her the bouquet and a single rose, which she puts behind her ear. And he’s definitely not pleased to see the tender looks they exchange as they bid each other farewell. He scolds her all the way into her house and into her bedroom. Nothing can knock her off Cloud 9 though, and she ignores Marco and sings a little of the Adventurero song to herself as she undresses (to reveal some VERY sexy black lingerie) and puts herself to bed. Your loss Marco.

A similar scene is playing out at Rafa’s house as he is met at the door by a screeching Vicky. He ignores her scolding and whining, kisses his mom, bids her and his sister goodnight, and doesn’t even notice Vicky’s presence as he strips down to his boxers and flops onto his bed. He and Ale both begin to have sweet dreams- memories of the day and of that almost kiss.

Labels: dinero