Caray, Caray!

Zamira tells Carlos a raft of lies to conceal the fact that she is a Muslim. Alone she asks herself, '¿Cuando Carlos se entere que soy musulmana, se va a alejar de mí?' When Carlos finds out that I am Muslim, will he leave me?
Tío Abdul gives his usual rant about the perfidy of Westerners but now he includes Ali, Mohamed, Said and their families. Hmm, since Abdul thinks all women are evil, the only righteous person is him!

Labels: clon

Jimena and Jacinta try to soothe MdR who is mumbling for Juan.

Juan sits in jail, remembering his conversation with Reggie at the clambake. Despite her hearfelt declaration of loyalty to him, he still thinks she's lying…no, wait, he has doubts, I think! Yay! He says she couldn't have been lying!

Regina remembers that she was sick in this very cabin, and Juan saved her. It's not a sad place for her, it's full of beautiful memories. Renato thinks she's lying and defending Juan, but he's sure she suffered. He disses Juan's upbringing and manners. He digs the new look, though, which she doesn't like him liking. He tries to get her to confess what a bad, bad man Juan has been. She just wants to be left alone. He asks again, if Juan is really her husband, if she slept with him. Regina admits they didn't, but she loves him anyway and belongs to him anyway. So there.

Juan declares to God that she's not a hideous lying cow like her sister! Yay! He's convinced she couldn't have lied! Keep the dream alive, Juan! We're counting on you!

Aimee lies to Leo that she was nauseous all night and can't go to the port with her. Leo gives up and says she'll go alone, but Aimee needs to stay there. Aimee coughs pitifully until Leo leaves. She struts around, thinking she's got her own plans now that Juan is back. Cow.

Santos goes running into Jacinta's hut, but she's not there. Pedro says they should be worried about Juan right now. Remi can't believe they're still going to put him on trail. None of them know where Regina is.

The hired captain annouces they're ready to leave and Reggie is so excited she looks like she'd get out and push if it got them there any faster. The guy gives Renato a cablegram, which he reads to Reggie. Now they both know that Juan is alive, that he's gotten to Veracruz, and that the Coast Guard captain is asking for Juan's actions in saving the ship to be taken into account. Reggie is thrilled. And then the ship starts moving and she gets even more excited. It sucks all the life out of Renato. But he says he won't lose her again, now that he's found her. Oh, shut up, Renato! We need the Greek Mariachi Chorus from Soy tu Dueña to wander in and just keep up a running "Que te callas" every time he comes on screen. Don't get me wrong, I luuuuuuurve Cristian de la Fuente, but I will jump up and down and cheer if someone kicks Renato overboard before they get to Veracruz. Te lo juro!

Doc Miranda says MdR fainted from her years of malnutrition. She needs rest. Jimena goes to town to see if Juan has arrived yet.

Salma and her fake family are all packed and ready to go. Mariela still looks doubtful. The grandparents are grateful to Raul for everything. He's sorry to see them go, but he hopes they'll see each other soon. Grandpa invites him to Puebla. Raul advises Salma to be good to her Mami after everything she's suffered. Mariela thanks Raul and then they all head for the front door.

Jimena runs down the beach and hears the Coast Guard captain talking about Juan. He tells her that Juan is prisoner when she asks, but that the crew are all free. Jimena hesitates and then goes running back the way she came.

Mariela is hesitating inRaul's house. Everyone else has left, except Raul. She touches her palm, presumably remembering Jimena, and then tearfully says they should leave.

Jimena sees the family leaving and gives Salma a dirty look. She calls to Mariela, but there's a drunk guy and a couple of soldiers in her way. She busts through and calls again, but they're gone. She realizes they believed everything Salma said.

The sheriff tells Leonarda they're out of options for keeping things quiet. He can't tie people's tongues or shut off their imaginations. Everybody knows what's going on and they're all on Juan's side. The captain says they ought to reward Juan instead of locking him up, and unfortunately, the public sees him as practically a saint. Juan himself has refused to speak other than at his trial. The sheriff says they can't avoid a trial now. He tried to stop Renato for this very reason, but Renato wouldn't be stopped. Leo asks to speak alone to Juan. The sheriff doesn't think she can bribe him, but Leo isn't convinced. He tries to warn her off, but she insists.

Jimena finds the crew, tells them Jacinta is at Doc Miranda's and insists they all come with her. She says a lot has been happening, Jacinta is fine, and she has life-changing news for Juan.

Regina is looking out the window. She gives Renato a hard time for coming in without knocking. He tells her they'll be in Veracruz tonight. She's happy, but Renato begs her to come back to the finca with him. We all know what the answer to that will be!

Jimena brings them all into Doc Miranda's office and says this is her surprise. Remigio says it's Arcadio's wife, but Pedro says it's a miracle…this isn't Arcadio's wife, of course not! He gets teary and finally tells the guys that this is Maria del Rosario! She's Juan's mother!

Noel remembers the scene between Salma and Branko when Branko said that she and Griselda were cheating that family out of money. What if the accusation is true? What if Salma really isn't Mariela's daughter? Noel goes to find Gabriel and talk it over with him.

Yes, she's really Juan's mother, and yes, she's really alive. Remigio says finally Juan will have some hope in his life. And maybe a little peace and happiness in his soul. MdR sleeps on.

Juan is going crazy being cooped up. He starts using a torch to bust himself out, but hears the guard coming to escort Leo. He hides behind the door with his improvised club, but unfortunately doesn't attack her. He does give her a scare, though. He asks what she wants.

Santos now realizes why Juan had those feelings for this woman. They all agree to go find Juan and tell him his Mami is alive. They see Clemencia on the way out and tell her that Juan is in jail. She came to see the doc and ask about Rosenda. Pedro brings her to see MdR. She looks a little confused, but realizes it's MdR. And she's aliiiiiiive! Clemencia tells them not to tell anyone about this! They'd be putting MdR's life in danger. If she's alive and everyone said she was dead, this is the evildoing of the Montes de Oca's! They'd do anything to kill her for realz if they hear that she's alive. Gabe agrees with her. Jimena points out she's in danger in the port. Jacinta wants to take care of her back at her hut. Clemencia agrees and says they'll take turns taking care of her and hide her away until they're sure she's not in any danger. Clemencia keeps crying over her and calling her "mi güerita."

Juan shoos Leonarda away, but she says she's there to ask him to be a gentleman during his trial. That it will hurt Renato, who was only a victim of Aimee. Leo reminds him that Renato drove them all nuts insisting on treating Juan fairly. Juan and Aimee betrayed Renato and now he's in danger of being exposed as having married a ho. Juan says that's what Renato gets for chasing him down and making him come home, so too bad! He tells Leo someone else can save Renato, because he's planning to tell the whole truth. Leo calls him "soberbio." Well, he says, I am a Montes de Loca! Leo says he's cursed because MdR gave herself to his father. He threatens to choke her to death with his chains. She tells him to go for it. She'll do anything to save her precious Renato. He tells her to beg.

The carriage with Mariela, et al, drives down the road. Mariela says she can't do it. She can't explain it, but there's something…. Some powerful force telling her to go back. She starts crying and it freaks her parents out, but Salma shakes her head "no."

Juan backs off and says he won't fall into her trap. On the day of the trial he'll tell the whole truth and the family will be a laughingstock. Leo tries to threaten him. He says he's living proof of how far she'll go. He accuses her of hating everyone because she was never happy. She can't handle the truth! If he decides to behave as a gentleman, it will be to save the one person who deserves it--Regina! He tells her to get out and take her money elsewhere. Leo gets let out by the guard.

Reggie refuses to go back to the finca. She wants to be near Juan. She begs him to take her to see Juan as soon as they get there.

Noel tells Gabriel he wants to talk to him. He's sure Gabe was right to suspect Salma of not being Mariela's daughter. He tells him that Branko accused Salma of deceiving the family to get money, but they don't have proof. Gabe tells Noel that Branko has left and they have no way of proving their suspicions. Noel is confident they'll find some kind of proof, but for now he thinks they shouldn't say anything.

Grandpa apologizes to Raul for their return. Mariela says she knows she seems crazy, but she was feeling lost again, like when Angela was first taken. Grandma says she's hurting Angela with her words and Mariela apologizes to Salma. Salma whines about being rejected. She says she never should have come there. She thought she'd finally found a home, but now she's without her gypsies or her family. Mariela tries to go after her, but Grandpa tells her to get a grip. Mariela can't deny the invisible force insisting to her that she's still waiting for the miracle. She can't explain it, but she knows she has to stay and wait. She apologizes to Raul, but he's ok with it. He says they can stay as long as they like. He backs her up on listening to her heart. Salma thought bubbles that she's got to get them out of there before she gets found out and loses everything.

Celia knocks on Aimee's door. Aimee is ready to go sneaking out. On the way, she asks Celia to get undressed and switch clothes with her. She gives her a tug on her braid to encourage her.

Fully meets up with Servando on the cliff. He says he likes this place and enjoys being there, because it's like his private cemetery. He tosses people who betray him off this cliff for the sharks to eat. Like he did Griselda.

Celia hates how Aimee's clothes don't let her breathe. Aimee hates the smell of Celia's clothes. She wants Celia to let herself be seen going to Rodrigo's house, but keep her face covered with the veil. Meanwhile, Aimee will make it look like Celia is a skank ho who likes to get it on with men in jail. Celia needs to let herself be seen around town, but not talk to anyone. Aimee calls to the coachman that "Celia" will be getting out now. Aimee gets out and starts walking.

Fully threatens Servando to see if he can find out who wants to kill him.

Aimee is freaked out by a rat at the prison. No, not her own reflection, an actual rat. A couple of soldiers stop her, but she claims to have the sheriff's permission to see Juan. She gives the guys some coins and they let her pass.

Reggie finally makes it to Veracruz.

Juan eats his dinner and thinks of Reggie. He has to see her! She couldn't have betrayed him! It wasn't her! He has to talk to her! A soldier calls to him and says a woman came to see him. He hopes it's Reggie, but he gets Aimee instead. She keeps enough of her face hidden for it to be ambiguous. Except we all know Reggie doesn't wear that much eye makeup.

Que te callas=shut up already, Renato
Te lo juro=I swear!
mi güerita=my little blonde girl
Soberbio=arrogant

Labels: salvaje

In which Jade becomes increasingly reckless, and Said becomes increasingly abusive...

Said is trying to explain to Abdul that he has learned from his errors with Jade. In the past he was condescendiente with her, but that is going to change. (False friend alert: in this context, the word means overly accommodating, or understanding.) And Abdul replies:
Allah repartió el deseo sexual en 10 partes, Said, le dio 9 partes a las mujeres y una sola a los hombres. No se puede ser débil con ellas, ¡no se puede!
Allah handed out sexual desire in 10 parts, Said; he gave 9 parts to women and only one to men. One cannot show weakness with them, one cannot!

At Salamandra, Rogelio hears Zein’s wedding plans, and tells him he’s crazy. Malicia tries to tell tales about Cris to Zein, but he doesn’t pay any attention to her.

Cris wonders why Pablo hasn’t come by since they were going to go to the beach. Vicki suggests that Malicia may have said something to him; Cris doesn’t believe her. She tries calling Pablo. He’s at the gym with Pedro and won’t take her call. He doesn’t want to get Malicia in trouble for telling him that Cris kissed Zein. Pedro is sceptical about Malicia’s motives.

Zoraida and Rania are stranded at the mall, but Rania is losing patience and is ready to spill the beans to Said.

Lucas and Jade are in their love nest. She insists that the only way to get custody of Jadiya is to take her out of the country; Lucas wants to do things legally. Jade says no, she will appear to go along with the marriage Said has arranged but then she will take Jadiya and flee. Lucas must have three tickets waiting for him, her and Jadiya. (I’m a bit confused here. Is she saying that she will go to Morocco or is she intending to run away with Jadiya before then? That would make more sense to me)

Albieri joins Padre Andres and Daniel. Andres wants to know if Albieri is running away with Daniel and asks if Daniel’s mother is aware of the travel plans. No, I'm not running away and Yes, of course, she knows where Daniel is, lies Albieri.

Luisa is disturbed to find Albieri’s packed suitcase at home.

Just when Rania is insisting to Zoraida that they leave the mall, Jade comes running up to them. Rania says she’s going to tell Said what really happened. At home, the servant informs them that Said has gone to the mall to look for them. When the sisters are alone, Amina advises Rania to tell Said everything. I can’t, says Rania, I lied to him

Lucia, meanwhile, meets Said in the mall and tells him she just saw Rania and Zoraida and, no, Jade wasn’t with them.

At Mohamed’s place, Ali talks to Amin about his gifts to Karla and tells him that Allah will forgive him if he is truly sorry. And Latifa tells Mohamed that indeed, Amin really is sorry. What about you? he wants to know. Are you sorry for not trusting me? For threatening me? She asks his forgiveness.

Ramon tries to get Gloria interested in gossiping about the Hilda – Karla – Mohamed kerfuffle, but she tells him to get back to work. It’s not easy, baby.

Samira, Zumaya and Jadiya tell Amin they are going to the supermarket, but actually go to the park to see Carlos play.

Said comes home, summons the women, and explodes in rage. I know everything, he says. It’s all a lie!
Turning to Rania he says:
Yo te repudio. Yo te repudio. Yo....
Before he can say it three times, Jade interrupts him and takes full responsibility, saying Rania didn’t know anything. Where were you, Jade? he asks. I think you know where I was, she answers. He smacks her across the face with such violence that even Amina appears shocked. To Jade he says: You’ll never come back to the US again. You’ll never see Jadiya again. And to Rania: If you run afoul of me again, I’ll send you back.

Daniel sees Karla in a club, makes a move on her and after an unconvincing protest, she yields. Ramon sees them making out and appears shocked. (Why? Does he know Lucas? or Daniel?)

At home, Andrea tries to get Roberto to soften his position on Fernando; he stands firm.

While at Empresa Ferrer, Carolina is giving Fernando a not very convincing talking-to. You get one more chance, she says. Next infraction and you are out.

Escobar tells Malicia he’s done pressuring Fernando to see him. Malicia tells him she’s taking on more and more of Cristina’s work responsibility. Soon she’ll have her job.

At Salamandra, Cris is still trying to call Pablo, who refuses to answer her calls. Lucas comes in and Vicki points out Zein to him. From the way he narrows his eyes, he must know that Zein is the chosen bridegroom for Jade.

Amalia and Leo are in a restaurant when Marisa walks in, followed by Said. Leo is shocked to see them kissing. Amalia and Leo leave.

Marisa and Said have their usual conversation about their need to hurt Lucas and Jade. Hate is their favorite aphrodisiac, it seems.

At Salamandra, Vicki suggests that Cris ask Malicia why Pablo’s not taking her calls. Lucas greets Cris, but they are interrupted by a call from Leo asking Lucas to come home right away.

The frequently odious Daniel beds the always odious Karla. (I just hope these people are familiar with safe sex. Where is a public service announcement when you need it?)

At Casa Ferrer, Leo looks so distraught that Rosa offers him Valerian root tea. When Lucas arrives, Leo says he is worried about Marisa’s behavior:
Acabo de verla besandose con otro hombre.
I just saw her kissing another man.
So what, says Lucas. We’re separated, we’ve both been unfaithful. No, says Leo, it’s her choice of lover that alarms me. She’s out to hurt you.

And in their hotel room, Said and Marisa go at it like two wolves hungrily trying to devour one another. (If only they would – it would spare so many other people so much misery!)

Jade has discovered that she is locked into her bedroom. Said has taken the key. Amina thinks she deserves the treatment she’s getting, but Rania is upset by it.

Daniel shares with Karla his plans to travel to the desert and his hopes of meeting the veiled woman he has dreamt of, the woman with the green stone, a jade stone. He ‘remembers’ Lucas’s first sight of Jade dancing in Ali’s house.

And the imprisoned Jade beseeches Allah: Ayúdame a encontrar mi destino.
(Help me find my destiny).

Labels: clon

I was a bit late to the TV because Superman the Miniature Horse had escaped and was eating a neighbor's grass... I entered as Jorge was gasping...

• Rafa's posse wants to know what hold that ugly nymphomaniac has over Marco. Clearly one of them must sacrifice his virtue in order to pry the secret out of her. Nelson says he can't do it because he has his own "particular police." After much guilt-tripping, Pepeto reluctantly "volunteers" to take one for the team and offer his fair form to Carmela the Ardent.
  
  
• Jorge and Rosario are so happy with Marco, it's a lovefest! OK, so why don't THEY marry him? Jorge wastes no time in handing over all the legal papers (including the lien on Rafa's home) and Marco is licking his chops over having the hacienda (I believe he's already lined up a buyer) ...
  
  ... When Ale appears with some serious buyer's remorse, quite repulsed by Marco. He, however, is euphoric and relieved - but eventually realizes he's not feeling the love, Ale looks like she's chewing on a lemon. Could it be - MEDINA?
  
  Marco assures the family: he will take care of all difficulties and rid them of the detestable Chavez (who may be in Iraq at this very moment looking for Rubi)...
  
  "So few guests?" Jorge asks. "The first time you invited 200." They all sent presents, too, which were never returned, so wouldn't it be bad form not to invite them to the wedding? Ale thinks she can't invite them a third time having cancelled the wedding twice before. She lies and says Susana will be at the beach and can't attend, and in fact she doesn't want anybody from Auto Siglo.
  
  All, however, agree the famous Urdiales must be there, must in fact be the guest of honor. "Give us his address so we can send the invitation." Marco chokes.
  
  
• Rafa hassles the bank manager: can't they approve his loan sooner than the end of the month? If he doesn't pay back Vicki's dad, he'll have to marry her!
  
  
• The Siglos go to their favorite hangout to celebrate Ramirez' birthday. Marino invites his intended next spouse and tells her to bring a friend. He only offers to buy one bottle of tequila, what a cheapskate. But when he tells his co-workers they must be on best behavior so as to impress the mother of his future daughter, they say they'll name all his sons for her, one by one, unless he pays for everything all night!
  
  The ladies arrive. Marino bores Sandra; Ramirez bores Caroline - saved, she leaps up with alacrity when Pepeto invites her to dance.
  
  
• Jaime tells Julieta he needs a little money and needs to write his thesis and then BANG BANG BANG it's Vicki Vicki Vicki at the door. She sweeps in, throws them all onto a couch, and proceeds to describe in minute detail all her plans for the wedding day. E.g., Julieta and her mom will wear the same dress, one which Vicki will design. They have all been stunned senseless by the time Rafa gets home...
  
  ... Rafa tarries outside: The guy who currently owns "The Panther" meets him at the curb and takes 1000 pesos and signs over the title. Rafa is overjoyed. At this moment there is no human being who's offering him such unalloyed pleasure. He kisses his car and admires its "new shoes." He should have stayed outside longer because...
  
  ... when he opens the door VVV jumps up, sucks on him like a remora, then throws him onto the couch and goes on with her dictatorial pronouncements. They all fall asleep but as VVV sings the Bridal March to her self ...
  
  She notices her snoozing audience and wakes them with a scream - all melt away leaving poor Rafa in her clutches.
  
  But wait! At the door she collars Jaime and tells him he will be padrino, "THE SECOND FATHER," to her first son. Rafa finds this odd.
  
  
• At this point there was a tremendous crash of lightning and my tv went out. Is it gone forever? I'll keep you posted.

Labels: dinero

Review: Regina is telling Renato how generous Juan is. Ren doesn't get it and asks how Juan won her over, Regi replies, with his goodness. He has taught me to see life in a new way. Renato is trying to tell Regi that he really loves her. Regi says please Renato, he drops his hand in disgust, I know what you are thinking, that I am your sister's husband (well, duh), but the error I committed in marrying Aimee can't erase these feelings. Renato! she walks away and he comes up behind her, putting his hands on her arms - say what you will, I am not convinced. I know that you still love me as I love you. He puts his arms around her, ack, kick him already!

Lightning is striking over the military ship, Juan and the guys are struggling valiantly against the storm, struggling to keep the ship from capsizing. Lots of shouting and dramatic music, more lightning strikes, rain pouring, the ship is rocking on the waves. Colibri is hanging on to Juan piggyback, looks to me like it's making it harder for Juan to steer.

At the Puerto all the gypsies are back at the camp with Branko, he is thanking them. They ask him to be their new leader, they don't trust Servando, he has never been good, he has not honored their way of life. Branko says it's a big responsibility but he accepts. Everyone cheers! Tonight the camp is going to leave on a new adventure, more hurrahs.

At the Finca, Celia, unlike everyone else in the house, knocks before entering Aimee' s room. Celia is laughing at the conversation between Aimee and Leo that she heard part of before Leo left. Aimee grabs her pigtails, and says, so you were listening. I couldn't help but hear some of it. My Madrina wants to go to the Puerto to see Aguacil and interfere with the trial of Juan, but I don't want to go! She can't make me. It's better if you go, though, because if you don't, who is going to support you? Renato. He isn't jealous now, but I know how to get him back. I have a marvelous idea (oh please). I need your help and discretion. I'll do whatever you ask, you can count on me, as she kisses her necklace. You can't let me down, Celia. Because, as Aimee returns to her mirror and talks to herself in it, because everything is going to be alright, it will be as I always dreamed. She caresses the mirror, I am going to make Renato love me again, he won't deny me anything, you'll see. We'll move to the puerto, away from that bruja of a Madrina, and everything will be peachy. But how are you going to explain that the child you are expecting doesn't exist? That is the only problem with this plan (really?), and gazing at herself in the mirror, she says we'll just have to find a way to fix it.

Noel is telling Leo and Rod that there is more bad news, that Juan is at the port being detained. Rod says he's just getting what he deserves. Leo is worried that Renato will end up being humiliated and more there will be more scandal in the family. Noel says it's simple, just drop the charges against Juan and there won't be a problem, you all have the solution in your hands. Rod says no way! Juan has to suffer his consequences just like his father even though it has created an infierno. Leo doesn't like this idea, she wants to protect her precious Renato.

On the ship Colibri is steering the ship in calm weather and telling Juan how he was afraid but when Juan took the wheel he wasn't, awww. Remigio tries to convince Juan to steer the boat to an island so they can escape. But Juan won't do that, he says he gave his word to the captain, and he doesn't know why, but he doesn't want to go back on that. Remi still tries to convince him saying that when they get to the port, they may go free but Juan is going into the mouth of the wolf. But I have to go the port, I have to find Regina and find out how this happened, at whatever price.

Jimena and Gabe are being happy and lovey even though he is still in pain. There is a knock on the door, and it is Branko come to say goodbye. He is happy to see Gabe is better. He tells them he is going, and all the gypsies with him except for Grizelda and Servando. He reminds Gabe that their blood pact is for always, no matter what, and it supercedes any rivalry or rancor that they had. He asks to sit down, and says to Jimena that he knows she loves Gabe and that she would never love him, that it's too hard for him to stay and he is going to leave so they will be happy.

Mariela tells Salma she needs to forgive Jimena as it isn't good for her soul to hang on to resentment. No, I'm never going to forgive Jimena! I want something terrible to happen to her! Abuela says hija, what are you saying? Salma, realizing she has revealed too much, says, I'm sorry Abuela, but Jimena deserves it for all the bad she had done. After she leaves, Abuela says even after all the hurt Jimena has caused Angela, I can tell you still care about her. Mariela says, yes, even with all the terrible things Salma has told her, she can't really believe it, and she still cares deeply about Jimena. From the moment she saw Jimena she had a place in her heart, and I asked her to look at me as a mother. I can't explain it. Abuela doesn't know what to say. Mariela says she doesn't know what is happening to her, she can't explain it but there is something between her and Jimena.

Gabe is telling Branko he admires him, he is a man of honor and wishing him the best. Branko hopes to someday find a woman like Jimena. She says Branko! He says I love you even though it isn't returned. All I ask of you Gabe is that you care for her and protect her. Gabe gives him a hug and they have a brotherly shake. He tells Jimena she is in his heart. He so very nobly leaves. Wow. After he is gone, Jimena asks Gabe if she can go to the camp and say goodbye to Branko in the traditional gypsy way and say goodbye to her people. He says of course. His trust in her is so refreshing.

At the camp the gypsies are dancing and celebrating. Jimena shows up and Branko is moved. They dance together. Then Branko tells her to keep dancing, that he wants his memory to be of her dancing. She looks like she is going to cry and Branko is crying. He bows, and leads the whole camp off into the night while Jimena keeps dancing. Once they are gone, she stands in the camp remembering and crying, and looking up at Orion.

Back at the Doc's place he is checking on Gabe who is still in some pain. Doc says he is getting better faster than he expected and Gabe says for sure love cured me. Gabe asks him what's going on at the Finca with the MdOs? How is Senora Aimee? Doc remembers Aimee's attempt at seduction and says, nothing, nothing worth talking about. Now if you'll excuse me, I have things to do.

Grizzy has arrived at the cave and is suitably impressed with it. Fulgencio says come in, I've been waiting for you. Don Fulgencio, what a surprise, what a marvelous place! He kisses her hand and she says she's dying of curiosity to know the surprise he has for her. You can't imagine, but it's outside, not here in the cave. She says outside, what kind of surprise is it? I can't say, come with me. They head out of the cave arm in arm.

At the dressmaker's, Federico and Eloisa are in the throes of passion and the dressmaker is listening at the door. Fed asks her how much she trusts this dressmaker? Eloisa says of course I trust her, she is a poor idiot, she won't ever betray us. Dressmaker says to herself, so I am a poor idiot, it's time you learn what I am capable of.

Fully has been dragging Grizzy on quite a hike to the top of some cliffs above the ocean. She says she can't go any further. Standing on the cliffs he says, here it is. Griz says she doesn't see anything. Fully pulls out his knife and tells her he trusted her. She gets the past tense, and says I haven't betrayed you. I asked you if you had been hanging out with Servando and you said no, but I saw you when they freed Branko. She says he must be mistaken, but Fulgencio is never mistaken. Flash for a moment to Servando wondering why all the gypsies have left him. Fully asks Grizzy who paid you to fool me? She tries to deny it and I think says something like it's bad juju to kill a gypsy, he says he doesn't believe any of that. He'll give her one chance to save her life. Again, tell me who paid you? She says, I can't, I can't! He stabs her and after she falls he says I'm sorry, but I'm not a patient man, you lost the chance to save yourself. He pushes her with his foot off the cliff. Flash again to Servando now wondering where that maldita Griselda has gotten to. We go back to see her body some way down the cliffs and Fulgencio telling himself he still didn't get an answer as to who betrayed him.

Gabe is sitting on the bed reviewing the good bye to his bff Branko. Jimena is back and tells him Branko and all the gypsies are gone. He says you look sad, and tells her he is sure Branko will find someone to love him, she agrees. Then he starts clutching his chest and bending over in pain, Jimena is starting to freak out. He sits against the headboard, still appearing to be in pain, and she wants to know how to help him. He starts telling her to kiss him here, kiss him there, he was just fooling. Gabe! Lots of happy kissing.

Ren is still hassling Regina, but now telling her he is going and she should try to relax. But before he leaves he has to say that she is denying her real feelings, tells her not to fight it (OMG), whatever you say I know you love me. I want to slap him! After he leaves she tearfully says to herself, why now Renato? It's too late, I love only Juan even though you keep denying it.

The Captain is talking to Juan and saying you had control over the boat last night and you could have escaped, why didn't you? Juan says I gave you my word and I didn't want to deceive you. You'll complete your mission, although a little late. The Captain says what a man of honor Juan is, another bromance is born.

Ren comes to tell Regi the Luzbel is ready and they can go. She begs him to take back his accusations but he insists he doesn't have the power to do that, it is in the hands of the law now. Riiight. Juan is looking at the ring and thinking of Regina Montes de Oca. He says to himself, like a star, and flashes back to being with her on the beach and her telling him he is now Juan de Dios. Back to Ren saying to Regi that if Juan is as innocent as she says he will go free.

Servando and Federico are talking about where Griselda could be. Servi is worried and is sure she didn't go with the camp. They agree it is very strange, and say something about Fully which I didn't get. Then Fed is talking to Fully and asking about Griz, and Fully is suspicious, why do you care? Fed tries to back up and say it was just concern for him, that she is good at reading the cards. He asks Fed about Servando and Fed probably knows more than he should about where he is. Fully asks Fed to tell Servando to meet him at the Cueva de Santa Cruz tonight on a very important matter. Uh Oh. He tells Fed he is sure of Servando's loyalty.

Clem and Noel are concerned about Juan, didn't get much of this.

Jacinta and Maria del Rosario have gone to the church and on their way in the square they see Rodrigo. Maria del Rosario's scarf just happens to blow in the wind and get caught on a branch revealing her face to Rod. Both are muy impactados. She quickly covers up and she and Jacinta scurry off to the church.

The Villareals are getting ready to leave. Fake Angela and the Abuelos are all happy together but Mariela is increasingly troubled. Abuela tries to tell her she'll be happy in Puebla and forget all about Jimena. Mariela can't accept that.

Back to Rod who is stunned and has to sit down. He tells himself it can't be, she is dead, must be his imagination, because of that bastard coming back. It's always Juan's fault. Jacinta and Maria del Rosario are in the church, and Maria del Rosario is having flashbacks to her interrupted wedding and Juan Sr. fighting with the soldiers. She is crying and asking the virgin to protect her son so she can at least see him once. Then she collapses suddenly on the floor.

Back to Mariela talking to her mother and Raul and saying she can't abandon Jimena, that she feels something in her heart and she doesn't understand it. Abuela says after all the terrible things she did to Angela? Mariela says I can't really believe that, Jimena is a good person. Raul says do you think Fake Angela is lying? Mariela says I don't know what to think. (Yay.)

MdR is being carried into the Doc's place with Jacinta and a few people. Gabe says isn't that Arcadio's wife? And Jimena says, no, this is the mother of Juan del Diablo. Gabe and the Doc look disturbed.

On the beach, the Captain tells the fishermen they can all go, there are no charges against them. He regretfully has to arrest Juan and tells him he is only following orders. He knows Juan is valiant and honorable and he will be there for Juan in his trial.

Ivy

Labels: salvaje

Hola folks. It's another hot sultry night in Ohio and thanks to a neurotic laptop, I've just lost the first four pages of my notes. Even my computer savvy son can't retrieve them so this will be a short recap. I did note down a few Spanish expressions by hand so at least we'll have some vocabulary!

Here's what I remember. Alejandra is obsessing and crying about Medina and his various adventures with Marian and his novia. Here she is, kicked out of her house, living in Marcos' apartment while Rafa is off having a blast with Ms. Celeste and planning his wedding with Vicky. But hey, she decides to take action. Once she finds out from Susana that Rafa's wedding is set for the end of the month, she proposes to Marcos that they get married and she'll plan it for the very same day. Susan is so appalled at this stupid development, she refuses to help Alejandra make the arrangements. So our little prima donna does it herself. And now Rafa will have to pay her back. After all, weddings take money!

The used trucks arrive. Trapito announces that Marian's (indicates this with curvy hand motions describing her bodacious figure) camiones are in and Rafa rushes out to the work bay area to instruct the mechanics to fix them up FAST. He has to sell them pronto.

Meanwhile, out in the sales room, our scholar vendedor is waxing poetic about his romantic early birthday celebration last night. Marino figures that it's a good time for his buddy to move out and move in with his new lady. Please! German Ramirez is "chapado a la antigua" (old-fashioned) and one can't presume to live together at this delicate juncture in a relationship. Marino backs off, but one senses not for long. His deep-seated narcissism doesn't make for being a good roommate....or anything else in the friendship line.

His attention is diverted though by a new arrival. Shapely brunette, slick pair of legs, awesome high heels...ah yes, it's the mother of his next child!--a daughter of course. Dandy gets there first and is well on his way to making a sale of not one but two camionetas but he has to go look for the relevant brochures. While he's gone Marino moves in. When Dandy gets back, we have the usual antler-bashing, chest-thrusting, eternal pissing contest between these two. And finally we get down to business. Marino will give him one of his sales. No. Well two. No. Well, three then and you're killing me! Done. And the killing's not over. Marino is handing this babe free insurance for a year and so many discounts he's not going to get any commission. But it's all good. He finagles her into a coffee across the street (cheap tequila actually) and then a date for that evening (she's thinking dinner, he's thinking Ramirez' birthday party). And he has a good deal of info about our beauty now. She has a couple of warehouses for women's clothes, she's been working by day, studying business administration by night, separated for two years from her husband and has three kids...all"varones" (boys). Surely it's time to make a new life with some man and have a little girl child, right? For some insane reason, she seems to consider this idea. Flee, woman, flee!

On the random front, the Queen, flanked by her dogs and the hard-working Chapito, runs into our aristocratic slimeball from Marian's party. I keep thinking of him as Jeronimo (that's what he was in Gancho). Anyway, he's flanked by some Eurotrash he picked up in Colorado skiing....or was it somewhere else?...Las Vegas perhaps? Well, no matter. He knows the Queen from way back and she's like a mother to him. They josh around a bit and he quips that he thought she was going to offer him a job. Oh my goodness, how could I do that, Queenie laughs, since you've never worked a day in your life!

Okay....so now we've got the goods on this guy. He's another Marcos. Charming wastrel with nothing to do but swan around and use up his inheritance...or somebody else's.

Back to Auto Siglo. Ale, bent on revenge, has received the fax confirming her reservation for the wedding and reception and has left it on the floor where Rafa can't miss it. As he comes in, conferring with the mechanic, she sweeps out, informing him she's just going to touch up her makeup in the bathroom. By all means, make himself comfortable in the office. Mechanic finds the fax, gives it to Rafa and sure 'nuff, he's impactado. But also stuck. As he explains to his posse in the clubhouse...er, meeting room, he can't tell Ale the whole truth or Marcos will put his mom in jail. And as for the allegations of sleeping with Carmela, no pictures, no proof. Again, his hands are tied.

And Carmela? Well, she's anxious for her money since it's obvious she's not going to get any nookie. Marcos, emboldened by his marriage plans, is ready to negotiate a deal. Once he's married, he'll sell the hacienda and then can pay her the agreed upon amount. She insists on more, and frankly, even if I had my notes, I'm not sure I could explain it. He has to give her a cheque en blanco (a blank check? that sounds dangerous) and sign some sort of document and....well...suffice it to say, she has him by the short hairs. The final blow? Her derisive laughter and pity for poor Alejandra who's going to marry a con artist who not only will sell her hacienda out from under her but won't get the job done in bed either. What a swindle!

Some more whining, crying, storming and kvetching. Ale is bound and determined to go through with the wedding unless Rafa mans up and does something to stop her. Susana is incensed she's even thinking of such a crazy plan. Throwing away her life and marrying a man she doesn't love. Insane. Unmoved, Ale wails that only Rafa can make her change her mind and he has until the end of the month to do it.

Okay. Here's my question. Where in the Sam Hill is Rubi? We need a good dose of comedy to juice up this novela. And while we're at it, from now on I'm taking my notes in long-hand. This infernal laptop has betrayed me for the last time! I feel just like Ale. Led on....and then let down. A sadder but wiser gal.

Vocabulary:

pasar bomba = have a great time (Ale thinking about Rafa off with Marian)
se divierte come enano = to have a blast (lit. to have as much fun as a dwarf..like the court jesters of old)
se armó un problema gravisimo =there was a terrible problem, or a terrible problem broke out
trapear el piso conmigo = wipe the floor with me (Ale complaining about Rafa)
deshice de yugo de mi sagrada madre = slipped out of the yoke of my sainted mother (Jimenez talking about his happy homelessness)
chapado a la antigua = old fashioned
voy al baño a retocarme = going to the bathroom to touch up my makeup (Ale pretending to leave the office so Rafa can find the fax)
no comen tierra, salen lombrices = don't eat dirt, you'll get worms (part of the charming conversation between the Queen and "Jeronimo") If there's a deeper meaning here, it escapes me)

Dicho of the Day

Más tiene el rico cuando empobrece que el pobre cuando enriquece.
The rich man who loses his wealth is richer than the poor man who attains wealth.

In other words, somewhat like our saying" The rich get rich and the poor get poorer." Or "You just can't get ahead for trying."

Somehow, all the well to do folks in this one, even with money troubles, still have a lot more than the poor folks who are scrambling and working just trying to make ends meet. But will things change? Sure hope so.

Labels: dinero

The bad news is usually when a novela is going to end. Here it's the other way around. I reported last week that the El Clon entry on Wikipedia said that the novela was going to end in August to be replaced by La Fantasma de Elena. Well, it's nearly the middle of July and obviously if the novela were ending in August, we would be in 'ultimos' something. Also, Fantasma is going to replace Perro Amor. The Wikipedia article now says that Clon will run for 160 episodes, into October and be replaced by La Reina del Sur. So if this is true, it's not as bad as the 180 odd episodes on the Globovision site and we are at episode 104 so it's more than half over but there's still a lot left to go.

Labels: clon

Welcome Ganchodores. This week's featured drink is the Tequila Sea Breeze as we continue tracking Sylvia's amazing voyage while struggling to stay cool in this heat which most of us are enjoying in varying degrees.

Let me take this opportunity to update you on my efforts to try to encourage Univision to improve the quality of the CCs. I filed a complaint with the FCC and did stimulate a lot of attention from our local Univision provider. To make a long story short, a lawyer for channel 45 sent a response to the FCC which asserted to the investigator that they had looked into the matter and found that... surprise surprise... that they were in compliance with the law. He said that there were lapses of 6-8 seconds, which he thought was fine and apparently so did the FCC lady. I received a letter from her today declaring the matter resolved unless I pursue it further. I did get a phone number to call if I disagreed or had other questions. I've sent another Email to the lady representing Univision and am waiting for her reply. I plan to call the FCC lady, Cheryl King, if I don't hear from Ms Oliveres at channel 45 in a few days.

Meintras tanto... if you guys would like the phone number or Email address of Ms King, I'll post it in the comments. Now, once more, let's see a show of hands of those who think the CCs at Univision are just fine.

Elna June, you asked about the effect of the oil spill on our seafood from the Gulf. Thursday I had some oysters that were very good for this time of year, but learned that in a very short time, all the oyster beds along the Louisiana and Texas coast will be closed. The gulf shrimping appears to be close behind. I'm afraid that they'll not be back within my lifetime, so for me, and even more so for those whose livelihoods depend on Gulf oysters and shrimp... it is a very sad thing.

Now a few pictures representing young love

Luisa ... lamb

Andres ... wolf

Aldo ... puppy

Estrella ... Cougar?

Dani ... crowd pleaser

Ximena ... making a point


This has nothing to do with anything but for some reason I love this picture... one of those Walmart shoppers

Estrella... mama bear?

el Fantasma Vengador and Friend

Paula and CristianGabi and Coni... serious accusation

Carlos

Labels: gancho

Jimena and Mdr speak of how love shouldn’t care about social status, money, age etc. Jimena is happy, telling her Gabriel still loves her but she sheds tears over Mdr’s story. “Even though we have been separated here in Earth, in death no one will be able to tear us appart.” Mdr thinks back when Juan de Dios told her he would fight for their love to the death. She gets adamant with Jimena, asking her not to let Gabriel let go.

Salma’s eyes brighten up with dollar signs (or pesos) after her “grandfather” let her know she is the heir of a great fortune. There goes “the truth” she was about to tell them. Never mind Branco. Oh wait, she is stupider than that, she thinks that money will lure Branco… poor, deluded child.

Gabriel, looking all pale and sickly wants to get up when he finds out Branco is jailed. Since they swapped blood now they are bffs and have a bromance going on. Dr Pablo screams at him that he cannot get up and that he won’t be responsible if he dies.

Griselda and Servando are walking along the port evilly cackling. Haha, Branco will never get out and Gabriel will probably die. We are awesome and we rock. The alguacil shows up and tells then that Noel Vidal wants to take Branco and Servando to debate (?) and the drags them over. Haha, not laughing so loud now, are ya?

Back at Salma’s heartbreaking lies, her grandma gets up and wants to say something important. “While you and Mariella were out we decided we help Branco and pay a layer for him.” Poor people, they are so happy to have their “daughter” back they will be so heartbroken when they find out the truth.

Servando and Griselda are screaming at Branco, you did it you did it! Branco screams back, no I didn’t, I didn’t. And that was the extent of the big debate or whatever it’s called in the alguacil’s office. This is all it took for the alguacil to lay all fault with Branco? Even my mom needed more proof than that when I would bother my little brother.

Gabriel is still insisting in going over, even though he can barely breath without whizzing. He and Pablo argue and I don’t think it’s good for Gabriel to get so agitated.

Braco is cruelly dragged over a wagon, where he is going to be taken to a maximum security prison. All the gypsies crawl in, including a determined looking Jimena. The guards raise their funny looking guns.

Fulgencio receives a letter claiming someone wants to kill him, then the scene flashes to the seamstress, that seems to have tired of having her bed used for bow chichi chichi bow bow. “It smells like sin in here.” I don’t think that’s sin you are smelling. She muses about her plan, sending him another letter and then asking him for money to tell him more.

Federico comes to talk to Fulgencio and he informs him of the letter he received. You can see him panicking already, and stammers he out, oh well, you can’t believe some letter. Fulgencio storms off to find out what’s going on and Fed is upset.

The rest of the gypsies are speaking against Servando and Grisdelda and they all swarm around. A couple of them are dressed as clowns, hard to take them seriously. Gabriel shows up limping and holding a cane and everyone erupts in cheers. He hugs Branco and he and Jimena look at each other tenderly. Gabriel got there very quickly, didn’t he?

Leo and Rod are in Aimee’s room, Aimee is crying in her bed, telling them that she might lose her child if she gets upset. Whaaa, whaa, whaa. Leo scoffs. Rod convinces her to treat her better only if for their grandchild and she grudgingly accepts this.

Noel barges in. “I have something important to say.” Renato sent him a telegram and Juan del Diablo is in the coast guard’s possession. Rod is very proud. Aimee shakes her head and Noel is upset and disappointed.

Regina and Renato, still arguing at the hotel. It’s time for Regina to slap him across the face and beat him up silly. She screams at him that she wants to see Juan, now! I think finally Renato is getting it. “Damn Juan, he is taking everything from me.” Yes, now go, divorce Aimee and find a nice girl so you can forget all about Regina and Juan.

Gabriel apparently didn’t see who tried to kill him, but he vouches for his bff Branco. The alguacil says fine, but what about Brigitte? In the nick of time, Noel comes in. He always does that, doesn’t he? He was probably listening behind the door and waiting for the best moment to come in because he erupts saying, “well, you searched the gypsy camp and didn’t find any guns, and Brigitte was killed with a gun, so haha.” Well, not including the haha.

Fed angrily gives Ser and Gris the warning letter to Fulgencio and demands of them to do something.

Back in the streets, the gypsies rejoice because Branco is free. That was kind of easy. Gabriel and Jimena kiss and Branco sees them as “Angela” runs to him. “Mi amor!” but he pushes her away and calls her a filthy liar. I hope he finds out Jimena is the real Angela soon so he can forget about “the blanca”.

Aimee meditates on Celia’s advice over finding a man. If she hasn’t gotten pregnant with Juan or Renato, and she did it a lot with both of them, what makes her think one night with one guy (or even a couple), will get her pregnant. Besides, it would take forever for her to start showing. In any case, she has a thought, a very very stupid one and asks Celia to bring Dr Miranda over because she is “sick”. Celia says “but you’re not sick.” Aimee pulls on her braids. She better cut them or gather them around her head or she’s going to lose them soon. She runs off to look for Pablo.

Fulgencio asks Gris’ to read him the cards. She tells him that there is nothing to fear and he looks at her strangely, asking him if she likes surprises. I want to reward you for your services. He kisses her hand. Meet me at the caves tonight. Do I smell another body to add to the count?

Salma is raging to her new “mom” about how Jimena talked smack about her to Branco and now he doesn’t like her no more. Mariella is shocked and sad for her daughter. “Jimena told me I’m just a whitey.” Salma is now ready to go to Puebla. “Those gypsies will never see you again,” Mariella reassures her. Salma thinks that if I’m not going to have Branco’s love, at least I will have money. I suppose money could buy her another man, but not love.

Jimena, Gabriel, Pablo and Gabriel at at Dr. Pablo’s clinic and Jimena declares to Branco that he is a great guy but that he loves Gabriel. Branco takes it extremely well. What a nice guy. He tells them he needs to go and most likely also leave Veracruz.

Jimena and Gabriel stay alone on the bed and start making out. Careful Gabriel, you might pop a stitch.

It’s night time and Aimee is waiting to be “attended by the doctor”. She stares at herself lovingly in the mirror and sprays her self… one… two… three… four, eight times. Oh jeez.

Back in the boat, the prisoners are planning an escape. How do you escape a boat? There is a horrible storm and the boat is swaying back and forth violently. They all scream we are going to die!

The captain was injured in the storm, something fell on his head, I guess. The other marineros are in a panic, no one else knows how to pilot the plane! I mean, the boat. Really, no second mate, and this is supposed to be a coastguard boat.

Slow Celia goes out to go fetch Dr. Miranda. She is not a very good actress. Pablo walks in and Aimee is swaying around the room, batting her eyelashes and her fan. I wonder which is going faster. Pablo might be chocking on the fumes from her perfume. Dr asks to examine her. “I will do anything you say.” She leans forward, showcasing her two apples. He sits on the bed with her to check her blood pressure and she just sooo subtly grabs him and starts kissing him. He seems to like it.

Back in the boat of morons that don’t know how to pilot, they let out the prisoners so Juan and the rest can steer. The wheel literally looks like it’s going to shatter in pieces. The captain woke up and went up to the deck, screaming the machinery isn’t working. I’m confused.

Dr Pablo pulls back. He has figured it out, you are not really pregnant. She shoos him away because she is extremely offended. She kicks him out, with no need because he was dying to get out. Worst person ever to have picked for her little plan.

Regina is begging and crying, please Renato, I want to see Juan. Renato tells her that its impossible because there is a big storm out. She starts crying. The coast guard might be in the storm, says Regina, yes well if that happened surely they will all drown and die. Thank you captain optimism.

Aimee was talking to herself and Leo comes in to find out what is wrong, why was Dr. Miranda. She claims she felt awful and called the doctor over. “Maybe I’m too excited because my husband is coming soon.” Leo doesn’t believe a word you are saying, I’m doing this just for your future son. Leo tells her that tomorrow they need to go to the Puerto. They need to stop Juan’s prosecution because otherwise everything might come out to light.

Remigio and Juan are tugging on the wheel, rain is pouring down savagely. Very dramatic scene. Everyone gritting their teeth.

Regina can’t believe why Renato would wish Juan would die. He explains how he was lied to over and over by Juan. He claims Juan always hated him. Regina says it’s not true. “Juan hates the whole world, because his father made him swear vengeance.” “You are blind, Juan is good and generous.” “No, you are the one who is blind, what did he do to you?” “He opened my eyes.” “And closed the eyes that used to loved me.”

He says the mistake he made with Aimee can’t erase their love. He hugs her from behind, claiming to love her and asking him to love him back again. Will you kick him in the nuts already?

Labels: salvaje

Rafa finishes his song and Daniel disdainfully compliments him. Back at the Siglo, the employees think Marino should host Ramirez’s birthday bash but Marino is having none of it. Ramriez is thrilled they want to have a party for him but he already has a date. Marino is upset Ramirez is still seeing the woman with a scary husband and begrudgingly agrees to pay for the party. Trapito suggests they hold off on the festivities until Rafa gets back, which pleases all except Marino.

Marco promises Ale he has everything under control. He will renegotiate the embargo on her house and avoid having it auctioned off. Ale has mixed emotions but she knows for sure she has to get back to work and make money as soon as possible. Marco says his offer is still on the table; he still feels for Ale and she would make him the happiest man in the world if she would have him. Ale is grateful but it isn’t the best time.

Quintana stops by and Rosario is all aflutter. He came to help in any way he can. Marco explains that the family was evicted because the property taxes weren’t paid. Quintana asks about the paperwork and Marco laments that the agreement was verbal and not written. Quintana offers to talk to his contacts to see if he can work something out. Marco accepts the help but Ale tells Quintana to make sure Carmela stays out of it; Ale doesn’t trust her one bit.

Marian flirts quietly with Rafa while her chauffer drives them home. She had a marvelous time and Rafa calls Marian a marvelous woman. She gives him a peck on the lips, which Rafa doesn’t exactly return. Marian snuggles up to Rafa while he sorts out his thoughts. “Good thing nothing happened. Marian is very beautiful but the love of my life is mi licenciada.” (Atta boy, Rafa!)

Marino warns Ramirez again not to count on his help if an angry husband is on the rampage again. Ramirez tells him not to worry and heads out for his hot birthday date.

Elvira chats with her mother about possibly changing her look to entice Jimenez. After all, he seemed interested the last time she made an effort with the lingerie. Her half deaf father stumbles into the room and she asks him for advice as well. He gives his daughter a few tips. He wants his little girl to look like a woman and not a monster like his wife does. (Yikes! This place is dysfunction junction.)

Julieta asks Jaime why he is so concerned about Rafa’s plans with Vicky. Jaime sputters about Rafa being like a brother to him. Vicky interrupts in search of Rafa. He isn’t home yet but that doesn’t stop Vicky from planting herself at the table to flaunt her plans for the wedding. Juileta says Rafa has too many debts to afford an extravagant wedding. VVV will not be denied a lavish celebration on the most important day of a woman’s life and forces Jaime and Julieta to shuffle through wedding magazines with her.

Ramirez delivers flowers to his very appreciative date. She gives him a smooch and he addresses her as “Señora Marino”. Uh-oh! Turns out Ramirez’s current flame is one of Marino’s ex-wives. She says marrying Marino was the biggest mistake of her life and never wants to think of Edgar Marino again. Marino’s ex pulls Ramirez into the room for a little celebration.

Marian’s car pulls up to Rafa’s house. Marian says their time together was very special for her; they both agree to avoid telling anyone about their trip lest someone get the wrong idea. Marian has one more proposition for Rafa before he leaves: she would love it if he came to work with her at Grupo Celeste.

Marco and Quintana have words alone about the financial state of the Alvarez del Castillo family. Marco criticizes Quintana’s handling of the house but Quintana throws it back in Marco’s face. He did what he did to fix the mess that Marco and Chavez made of the hacienda. After all, Quintana knows all about Marco’s underhanded deals and entanglements (enredos) to seize the hacienda. Marco says he loves Ale and would never do anything to hurt her. Quintana laughs in his face; Marco loves Ale the same way he loves Rosario. It’s only for personal interest. Quintana tells Marco to call Chavez and tell him they need much more money, now that they’re partnering with Quintana.

VVV bores Julieta and Jaime to tears with talk of dress color and other wedding plans. Jaime gets ready to leave and VVV is reluctantly convinced to leave too.

Rafa is flattered but has to turn Marian down. “Thank you for your generosity. But I just can’t accept right now. Especially after the deal we just closed with the used trucks.” Marian is understanding but still asks Rafa to keep it in mind. “One more question, Rafa. Who is keeping you from accepting my offer: Alejandra or your girlfriend?”

We know Rafa wishes "Alejandra" and "girlfriend" were one and the same but unfortunately Vicky interrupts Rafa’s response. She saunters outside just in time see Rafa standing near Marian’s car.

He narrowly escapes a disaster when Marian’s driver speeds away and Rafa pretends to shoo the car away before Vicky can be any the wiser.

Vicky is short with Rafa because he is too tired and busy to plan the wedding with her. She plants a bunch of kisses on him that he doesn’t return in any way. VVV finally leaves but drags Jaime away with her. Julieta is suspicious why Jaime has to accompany Vicky home.

Ale cries alone in the dark about Rafa. He left for Monterrey with Marian and he’s going to come home a loca fiancée. Ale feels like she was just a meaningless plaything for Rafa to toy around with emotionally. Rafa, also alone in the dark, prays not to lose Ale.

Ale and Susana have a very long chat about the state of things. Susana is not happy to hear Ale is living in Marco’s apartment but Ale claims Marco is the only man who worries about her. He is always there to help when she needs it and has never lied or betrayed her. (Uh-huh…) Susana still doesn’t buy it but tells Ale she needs to unwind a little. If she doesn’t stop to take a breath, Ale is going to start making snap decisions she will regret later.

Ale says that isn’t going to happen. She is tired of fighting for Rafa and doesn’t want to let herself believe a fantasy any longer. Ale can’t completely be rid of Rafa since she agreed to use the debt money on the business deal. She has to stay at the Siglo. Rafa’s debt still has to repaid, the Grupo Celeste trucks need to be sold, and Ale has to scrape together enough money to get her house back. The fact that Ale’s family barely talks to her is the icing on the cake (es miel sobre hojuelas). They think she’s selfish and ungrateful because she was too busy with her own problems to take care of the family. Now Marco is the big hero, according to them.

Susana wonders about the money Vicky’s family lent to Rafa. “Do you think it could have something to do with the wedding? Maybe they lent Rafa the money on the condition that he marry her!” Ale is not impressed. “Oh, great! He’s capable of marrying a woman just because she lent him money. Even if that’s the case, would it make him a better person? They lent him the money and he didn’t pay me back. He made another business deal with it. That is just like Medina: someone who uses everyone.”

Rafa replays the events of the past few days to Nelson, Jimenez, and Pepeto. The fight at the restaurant, Ale’s visit to Rafa’s family, and Rafa’s forced engagement to Vicky. Rafa’s hands are tied; he has to marry Icky Vicky at the end of the month.

Don Gaston and the hermanos get pulled over by our favorite time-wasting cops. They need special permission to transport the meat. Blah, blah, blah.

Ale has the weight of the world on her shoulders and takes a minute to recount why her life is so sucky. Her wedding was ruined twice, Rafa still hasn’t paid her back, her family is in ruins, and Marco is pressuring her to get back together. Now Rafa gets to marry Vicky and live happily ever after with money in his pocket and all his problems resolved. Ale doesn’t know when Rafa is supposed to get married but asks Susana to prod Nelson to find out.

Rafa,vin the middle of his chat with the guys, calls Jaime to ask about his sleuthing at Carmela’s. Jaime tells Rafa all the sordid details about his molestation at the hands of Carmela. He files into a rant about not being treated as sexual object and it takes Rafa a while to get him to settle down. Rafa tells his troops that Jaime offered up no new information. He needs another guy to infiltrate Camela’s, someone who knows how to control women. All three guys decline the offer.

Susana fulfills her duties as Ale’s best friend and pulls Nelson aside to chat. We won’t get to see the fallout until Monday.

Rafa treads lightly around Ale. He says the business deal with Grupo Celeste is still on and the trucks could arrive at any time. Rafa says his mother told him that she mentioned his wedding to Ale when she visited. Ale briskly cuts him off. “No! I don’t want your explanations. This time, I've had enough!”

Avances: An emotional argument between Ale and Rafa and Ale calls Marco to talk about getting married (!!)

Labels: dinero