Caray, Caray!

Okay! I am soooo behind but I have the DVR set and I am ready to go.

Teresa recap coming!

Julia! I see that you have been doing the Wednesday recap in my absence, THANK YOU! I had a hell of a time getting everything set over here at my sisters. We had a thunderstorm that caused an 'outage' from her cable company--which also supplies her internet connection--and it took forever to get everything back. If you already have a recap for tonight let me know, I will be working on mine tonight and have it up by morning, (I am reading all the recaps I missed before I start on this one. THANK YOU to all the recappers!) ...just post a comment to let me know. Your recaps are great! If you are interested in sharing Wednesdays, I would be open to it. (Things have just been hectic over here!)

Here are the highlights from Anon207 (Thanks!):

Highlights:

HOSPITAL

Espe tells Hernan she's glad to see him; he tells her he doesn't believe it b/c he saw her kissing Ruben.

Aida wants to help Mariano buy an apartment*. Mariano tells her no, but asks for her help in buying a car.

VECINDAD

Pati's extra happy about her boda. She asks Grumps to come & gives him directions. He cries and rips the paper up.

Juana & Cutberto are surprised they are the madrina & padrino of the boda.

Teresa comes to tell her parents she's going to Europe. She then tries to discourage Pati from marrying Johnny and tries to get out of going to the boda.

Mariano & Aida surprise Ramon with A NEW CAR! [/priceisright]

HUNK HOUSE

Oriana visits Fer & wants to know why Teresa is there with him alone. He & Teresa tell Or that they are waiting for Luisa. Luisa comes, she & Fer leave and Or & Tere "talk."

Oriana tells Teresa if she divorces that's her business but point her fins someplace other than her son.

AVANCE: Oriana, Art & Tere are at the club when Mariano & Aida bounce in and Oriana gives Tere the "I See You" eye.

*I think Aida was trying to see if Mariano was using her for her money.

More detail on its way.

Labels: Teresa

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's Recap #6 at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 22 start at this link.

Everyone, thank Carlos for today's screenshot. His title: Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

Labels: Alborada

Mariano is at Aida’s house. She’s worried he will go after Teresa now that he knows a divorce is imminent. He assures her he’s determined to forget about Teresa. They smooch.

Hospital: Teresa seeks out Aurora who makes it clear she’s too busy for her, saying she’s getting ready to start her rounds. Teresa wants to clear up the misunderstanding they had yesterday. Somehow Aurora got the impression she’s going after Mariano while she’s still married. She didn’t wait for an explanation. Aurora feels there’s no explanation necessary. It’s clear to her she married Arturo without loving him, dazzled (deslumbrada) by everything he had to offer. She’s convinced Teresa and Mariano still love each other. Not so, Teresa says. If asked, she’s sure Mariano would say he wouldn’t come back to her and she feels the same way. Aurora reveals that Refugio was sure they would reconcile. Teresa brushes that aside, saying her mother had always wanted Mariano for her.

Back at Aida’s, she thinks it’s a good idea to give their romance another try and Mariano agrees. She won’t allow what’s happened between Teresa and him to embitter her life. That’s what happened with Paulo. She didn’t appreciate her time with him and was so worried about Teresa. As a result, she was the only one who ended up hurting. She doesn’t want that to happen with Mariano. She wants them to enjoy what they have on a day to day basis. She snuggles with him.

Hunkasaurus House: Fernando tells Arturo to accept the fact that he still had feelings for Paloma and that’s why it’s so difficult for Teresa to forgive him. He knows whereof he speaks, having had experience juggling the affections of two women. Arturo dismisses these situations because those relationships weren’t serious. Fernando was never committed (comprometido) to one woman while seeing another. That would truly be terrible. Arturo warns him this better now happen with Luisa. Fernando gets the point. Arturo feels it’s going to be difficult to convince Teresa he loves her, saying that when you’ve betrayed a woman that thought she was the only one, she’ll never forgive you. That causes Fernando to pause and think.

Back at the hospital: Teresa suggests they go to her mother to clear it all up. Aurora refuses, saying it’s not necessary. Teresa doesn’t like that Aurora doesn’t believe her and besides, she’d be so embarrassed if Mariano heard this also (what her mother told Aurora). Aurora sees no use in all this because as far as she’s concerned it doesn’t matter whether or not Teresa wants to return to Mariano. In either case, he’ll never stop loving her. She gets up and leaves while the jaws theme plays and Teresa gets a smile of satisfaction on her face.

House o’ Hunkasaurus: Fernando is really agitated, flashing back to Cancún when Luisa agreed to see him but warned him not to trifle with her. He’s in anguish as he paces the floor then calls and leaves her a message saying those four words no one wants to hear from they’re lover: “We need to talk.” I gasp! He’s distracted by Martin who’s come by with a copy of Paloma’s will and other documents designating him as an associate of Luna Turqueza. Fernando tells Martin he’s thought a lot about their talk the other day and has to agree with him. If he’s not going to be serious with someone, it’s best to end it so she doesn’t continue to have hope. I gasp again! The cad! He frowns.

Night has fallen at the hospital and Aurora comes face to face with Mariano. She tries to back out but not before he tells her he’d like to talk to her. He’s become aware of the problems between Martin and her and asks if there’s anything he can do, thinking he may have been the cause. Aurora explains they’re taking a break and promises he’s not to blame. Besides, if Teresa divorces, he’s sure to return to her. No, Mariano says, she’s caused him too much pain and doesn’t feel he can ever be happy with her. He has decided to forget her. He sees that Aurora really cares for Martin and wants to do what he can to help her. What about him, she asks. He really doesn’t think that he’ll return to Teresa? Again he tells her no and that’s why he’s hooked up with Aida again. Oy! Aurora seems to think.

Vecindad: Arturo has come to speak with the in-laws and tells them of his continued efforts to win back their daughter. They all but tell him not to hold his breath. In the meantime, he wants Armando to continue with his work at el despacho. Absolutely not! Says Refugio, naturally. Arturo insists saying Armando was doing a fine job and shouldn’t have to suffer the loss of his job because of these marital difficulties. Armando doesn’t feel comfortable working for the man who’s made his daughter suffer. Arturo hopes that if Teresa can forgive him, they will too. Refugio wonders if he thinks it’s possible she’ll forgive him. He hopes so, especially now that she’s pulled back on the divorce proceedings. He’s even bought tickets for that European vacation.

House o’ Hunks: Oh no, Luisa’s arrived. I’m really dreading this. She wonders what Fernando wants to talk about. “It’s about us,” he says. She’s scared. He tells her their relationship can’t continue like this. She looks ill and he looks dead serious.

Casa Chavez: Armando’s not sure Teresa will agree to the trip. Arturo says he just wants to please her (complacer). In truth, he feels badly that he’s failed them. Armando’s not letting him down easy, telling him he failed their daughter. He assures them he’s doing everything he can for her to be happy again. Refugio says nothing would make them happier than for them to reconcile and leave behind everything that has caused this trouble. Armando hopes that if Arturo is successful in winning her back, he’ll learn to appreciate her and never commit such a mistake again. Arturo assures him he’s learned his lesson. Armando states the obvious: the only one who can make the decision is Teresa.

Back at Fernando’s place, Luisa haltingly asks if he’s trying to (sniff) tell her that……He interrupts her, reminding her that they had agreed to see how things worked out and…..Now she interrupts him, telling him it’s clear he wants to break up with her. Doorbell rings. She tells him to answer and if it’s her brother, they’ll leave so they can finish their talk somewhere else. ¡Es Mamá! She’s surprised Fernando by arriving without calling. He introduces her to Luisa. Mamá remembers her as Arturo’s little sister and gives her a big ol’ hug.

Casa de Teresa, la loca Teddy Toting Tiburoncita: Teresa’s walking around the upstairs walkway carrying both Teddys – Arturo Teddy and Mariano Teddy. She has flashbacks of when she got each: at the fair with Mariano and when Arturo brought the huge one seemingly to replace the Mariano Teddy. She tells them if they don’t do what she wants, she’ll find a third. “A rich man with whom I can start at zero; someone who doesn’t betray me.” SAS! – down goes Arturo Teddy over the railing. Now she holds up Mariano Teddy and says “someone who doesn’t spurn (despreciar) me. A man much richer than you!” Here she points at Arturo Teddy at the bottom of the stairs. Then she throws Mariano Teddy down to join him. What a nut job!

Back at Fernando’s apt: Luisa’s sitting on the couch as he’s passing out drinks insisting that Mamá stay at his apartment during her stay. She refuses, saying she wants to be able to come and go as she pleases. Addressing Luisa, she says that aside from coming to visit her son, she wanted to meet the woman he fell in love with. She’s always told him she only wanted to meet the woman he would marry and with whom he would have children. Apparently, he’s finally found her! She asks him to tell her all about the woman he fell so madly in love with in Cancún. Luisa just sits there drinking her wine. He can do nothing else but introduce her to Mamá as the woman he’s fallen for. She’s overjoyed and embraces her in a big mama bear hug saying she couldn’t wish for a better woman for her son. Luisa can only smile. What now?

Hospital: Aurora’s surprised Mariano is with Aida now that Teresa is free. She thought he’d surely take advantage of the situation and hook up with Teresa again. Mariano admits he still loves Teresa but says he can’t fall back into her game. Aurora doesn’t think Teresa’s playing this time but Mariano says it doesn’t matter, he can’t trust her again. She’s done too many things to him. What if he seeks her out and she once again says she wants to go back to her husband? Besides, he hasn’t reached the financial stability she longs for. Teresa isn’t patient. She wants everything now. If he were to return to her and she jilted him again he doesn’t know if he could handle it. Aurora understands and figures that’s why he’s with Aida, to withstand the temptation. Mariano disagrees, saying he’s been up front with Aida about wanting to forget Teresa and he intends to give Aida her place in his life. Aurora’s not too happy to hear this. Neither am I.

House o’ Hunks: Mamá is prattling on about Fernando’s mysterious love and then she asks Luisa about wedding plans. Luisa says they haven’t really talked about that yet and Fernando jumps in to say they’ve just been dating. Mamá asks her not to make her son wait too long. She remembers how Fernando spoke so enthusiastically about his love. She remembers Luisa as an intelligent, sensitive girl from a good family. She can’t think of a single fault. She congratulates her son on such a wise choice.

Back at the hospital, Aurora goes running to Papá. Martin’s left her and now that Mariano has decided not to return to Teresa, he hooks up with Aida. Hector tells her that sometimes the things you want come about at the wrong time (destiempo) and there’s nothing you can do. She’s very sad but at least she’s glad to see that Mariano has a new attitude toward Teresa. She used to tell him to seek her out, thinking they’d be happy but now she sees that Teresa’s been dishonest. If Mariano can be happy with Aida, oh well. Hector is sad to know there’s nothing he can do. Aurora thinks that at least with Martin she felt loved. She misses him so much and he’s leaving tomorrow. Hector wonders if she’s planning to seek him out. She won’t deny that she’s dying to see him and hold him so he’ll make her feel better but she can’t grab onto him (aferrar) as though he is una tabla de salvación (to be a last resort or hope) Hector agrees Martin doesn’t deserve that. Aurora says she’s so confused. She’s hurt by Mariano but also about Martin’s departure. She needs to think things through. Hector starts making ready to leave saying he plans to call Juana for dinner. He’s convinced Cutberto will not stop going after her but he’s not going to stand by and let it happen. He plans to fight for her and be the one who wins her over. He makes cute squinty eyes (ojitos) at her and leaves.

AAAAAGH – Juana’s apt and Cutberto’s there. Doesn’t he have anyone else to bother? Can’t he take a hint? He sticks around like a bad habit. He’s telling her he broke up with Griselda and doesn’t understand why Juana is still so unhappy with him. She tells him Hector makes her happy. Pati arrives for her sewing lesson and Cutberto asks her to vouch for him and tell Juana he only dated Griselda to help Pati & Johnny. Pati confirms this but also adds that it didn’t seem to be such a sacrifice for Cutberto. Well, that didn’t go very well.

Casa de la Barrera: Arturo tells Teresa no matter what happens between them, her father should continue working at the office. They talk about working side by side, separating their personal lives from their professional lives. Arturo feels he wouldn’t have a problem with that although he hopes they’ll continue being a married couple at the office. He shows her the tickets for the European vacation and tells her the decision is now in her hands. He asks her to think about it. This could be their farewell (despedida) or new beginning (comienzo).

Casa Chavez: Johnny and Pati are talking about their wedding and the unlikelihood of either set of parents attending. Her father has sent her mother on yet another trip. His father is pissed because he insists Johnny stole her away from her grandfather. Pati wants to be sure to listen to Refugio’s and Juana’s advice. FF>> Actually, I’m embarrassed to admit the accordion is kinda growing on me.

Casa de la Barrera: Fernando and Luisa arrive holding hands! She mentions having invited Mamá to stay there during her visit but she refused. Arturo greets them and thanks Fernando for helping mend things with Teresa, well almost. If he succeeds in winning her back it will all be thanks to Fernando. Hmmmm, everyone’s smiling but Fernando.

Casa Chavez: Pati thinks they should take it slow. They talk and smooch a little. Cutberto comes in and they ask him to be their Padrino because he did so much to help them. He agrees on the condition that Juana agrees to be the Madrina.

Casa de la Barrera: Fernando and Luisa are now alone and she brings up the discussion they were having when Mamá arrived, telling him she was very afraid he wanted to break up. He tells her he has no intention of hurting her. She goes on her merry way saying how glad she was to hear his mother say how she’d looked forward to meeting her. She was so pleased to hear his mother praise her. Then she wonders if that’s why he was so serious earlier: did he want to formalize their relationship because he knew his mother was coming? That was it, right?

Juana and Teresa are talking on the balcony above. Teresa shows Juana the tickets to Europe. Juana’s sure they’re going to patch up their differences. Teresa’s not so sure she wants to make it so easy for him (really?). She’s sure that if she’s divorced, someone better will come along. Juana wonders who could be better than Arturo. He’s handsome, gives her everything she wants. In contrast, if she were to find someone new, she’d enter the relationship after a failed (fracasado) marriage and as a divorced woman. (Oh, the horror!) Teresa doesn’t like the sound of that.

Downstairs, Fernando agrees that of course he was thinking of formalizing their relationship. Especially now that he sees how his mother has accepted her. Aurora sees how much her opinion matters to him. He tells her he respects his mother and is very close to her. Luisa’s happy Mamá likes her and seems to like her for a daughter-in-law (nuera). She asks him to please not do this to her again, she almost had a heart attack. In the future, he should just tell her what he’s feeling. He promises her he will.

The following day, Aida and Aurora meet up at the Club. Aida says it’s obvious Aurora is sad and Aurora admits it’s because she misses Martin. Aida suggests she go after him in France. After all, she spent a lot of time there and knows the language. She tells her the days of women sitting by waiting for someone to take notice are gone. She encourages Aurora to go after him. Aurora tells her she’s not as daring (aventada) as Aida. Well, Aida’s determined not to waste any time. That’s why she’s invited Martin to join her today at the club and here he is! He walks up looking all hawt and casual and Aurora practically swoons (as do I).

Casa de la Barrera: Luisa is doing her share of encouragement herself, trying to convince Teresa to go with Arturo to Europe. They’ll be far away and alone and possibly mend their marriage. Teresa says that’s what’s most important (surprised she doesn’t gag on her coffee). Teresa playfully suggests the tickets can be used by Luisa and Fernando. Not likely now that Mamá has arrived in Mexico. Tere starts pumping her for details and Luisa doesn’t disappoint, telling her how pleased Mamá seemed to be with Fernando’s choice, the talk of a wedding, even grandchildren. Teresa just smiles.

Back at the club, our threesome is enjoying a tall glass of grapefruit juice after a round of tennis. Aida introduced Mariano to tennis and he seems to have taken to it quite well. Aurora listens politely and then makes her exit. Mariano and Aida talk about him joining the club with her recommendation when Genoveva joins them. Ugh. Aida asks for Geno’s help in assisting Mariano with the purchase of an apartment.

Casa de la Barrera: Mamá comes to visit with Fernando and she sadly reminisces about Luisa’s and Fernando’s parents and the many evenings she spent here. Arturo arrives and greets Doña Oriana. She wonders where the missus is and Fernando assures her she’ll meet her in due time. Oriana tells Arturo she’s always thought of him as a son and now it appears they may soon be a real family.

The Club: Geno promises to find an apartment that will fit Mariano’s budget. As they’re talking, Ruben walks by, looking pretty good in casual wear. He tries to make a quick exit but not before Mariano tells him he’d like to talk to him about the pediatric ward. Ruben will ask his secretary to call him with an appointment. Ruben can’t get away fast enough. Genoveva mentions the awkward exchange and tells Mariano she knows it’s because of his friendship with Espe. She asks him to confirm Espe’s out of Ruben’s life. Mariano, ever the gentleman and true friend, prefers not to speak about her. Geno says he can trusssssst her. She knows all about Espe and her other man. She can talk to him about it.

Casa de la Barrera: Luisa tells Teresa she’s joining Oriana and Fernando on a visit to the Spanish Embassy to greet the Count (conde)of Argás (google shows this as a Greek city, is that right?) Luisa tells her that Oriana has many friends in that circle. Teresa is very impressed with the class of people Luisa will be socializing with if she marries Fernando. Luisa innocently blabs that Teresa can’t imagine all the places Oriana has said they’ll visit. She tells Teresa they didn’t let on that the Barreras are on the brink of divorce. They didn’t feel it was their place to do so. Teresa sees no reason not to, it’s the truth.

At the club Aida catches up to Aurora on her way out, telling her she has all the paperwork ready to get Mariano signed up. She’s anxious to see how quickly he’ll adapt to her lifestyle. Aurora’s happy that Aida’s gotten over Paulo. Aida says Aurora can get over Martin too. She needs to get on with it and she’ll see how quickly someone new will come into her life. Aida wonders at how things turned out. She knows it’s strange to think she’s now dating a man who used to be a messenger in her daddy’s business. Aurora quickly says there’s nothing wrong with that. Mariano has worked hard to get ahead and is now a great doctor. Aida acknowledges he’s achieved a lot and that’s what life’s all about: determine what it is you want and focus all your energies in achieving it. Aida agrees with Aurora’s assessment that she’s changed a lot since la prepa but she confesses that she initially started dating Mariano just to bug Teresa (dale la torre). Aurora is taken aback and assumes then that Aida doesn’t truly care for him. Aida tries to explain that when she was first reeling from the death of Paulo, she soon realized that Teresa was still in love with Mariano and saw that as an opportunity to hit Teresa where it would hurt her most. She knew Teresa was somehow at fault for what happened to Paulo. She admits she did it to get over her loss (desquitar) but then she got to know Mariano. He’s such a hard worker, intelligent, not to mention guapo and fun-loving. So now she admires him and has grown to be truly interested in him. Aurora hopes this is true and that she’s not just toying with him because that just wouldn’t be right.

Casa de la Barrera: Teresa wonders why Oriana wasn’t told about her marital woes with Arturo. Is it because she may not approve? Luisa doesn’t get to answer because Oriana walks in just then followed by the Hunkasauri. Teresa puts on such a sour face! Oy! Fernando introduces her and she gives her name as Teresa Chavez. Oriana is surprised Teresa is so young and then asks if she’s from the Chavez family of Monterrey or Merida? Teresa responds in a rather snippy way that she’s not from any family of lineage (alcuña). Oriana picks up on this and sizes her up. She can’t believe it. Everyone seems to start talking at once during this awkward moment: Teresa starts to explain, Arturo tells her it’s not necessary and Fer tries to get momma outta there. She doesn’t want to leave just yet, she wants to drink a toast with Arturo and get to know his wife. Luisa offers to bring out the drinks and asks if Teresa has the keys to wine cellar (cava) and Teresa makes it a point to say that she not only has that key, but all the other keys of this house as well. Oriana is intrigued by this piece of work. Speaking to Arturo, she admits his wife is beautiful but something about her doesn’t have her convinced aside from the obvious fact that she’s not from the same social circle as theirs. Arturo clenches his jaws.

Hospital: Yay! Handsome Hernán is back and Esperanza seems genuinely happy to see him. She welcomes him back telling him she really missed him. He doesn’t believe her and tells her he witnessed the smooching between her and Ruben! Ooopsie!

Back at the club, Mariano is ready to leave and Aida isn’t ready to let him go yet but agrees to meet him later for lunch. As he’s walking away, he runs into Martin who says he’s just there to clear out his locker. Martin suggests he look up Aurora, she seemed sad when he saw her earlier. Martin feels that’s not enough, convinced that she was just used to him. We get a glimpse of Aurora looking on. He tells Mariano she didn’t reciprocate his feelings. He’s leaving for awhile and later he’ll see if they can get back together or stay apart forever. Mariano wishes him luck and walks away. Martin looks sad. Aurora looks sad. I say au revoir baby – Aurora is meant for Mariano, I hope.

Back at the Barrera home, Arturo is defending his wife saying she may not have a family “name” but she’s an exceptional woman. Not only is she beautiful, she’s very intelligent. Teresa walks up unnoticed and listens in. Oriana has no doubt of her intelligence; otherwise she wouldn’t have snagged him! Fernando asks her to please refrain from her notions of society and “good” families. Oriana’s sorry but she feels that class distinction is a reality and it’s impossible to think that someone like Arturo’s wife will be accepted in their social circle. Whoa! Wait a minute, I thought I was gonna like this lady. Arturo pleads with her not to make Teresa feel bad, she’s very sensitive. Besides, they’re going through a rough patch right now. He blurts out that they’re separated and on the brink of divorce. Oriana is overjoyed at this news! After meeting his wife, she feels the best thing that can happen to him is to divorce her! Teresa is royally pissed and starts to cry.

Back at the club, Martin sees Aurora before she can get away. He tells her he’s leaving this evening and she needs to see if she can be happy without him. Seeing how sad she is, he jokes he may have to stay. Aurora is serious and tells him he was right in thinking that a separation would be good for them. She needs to figure out what she wants but she doesn’t want him to leave without knowing that she cares for him very much. (she doesn’t use the word amar)

Barrera Home: Oriana continues spewing her views on class distinction, saying one should always associate with others of the same level. Otherwise, serious problems will inevitably arise. Teresa composes herself and announces that the champagne will be served in the living room. Oriana makes it known she is aware of the possibility of a divorce. Teresa admits it’s true she’s considering it but Arturo has proposed a European tour for her to reconsider her decision. Arturo hopes he can convince her not to and she says that’s a decision only the two of them can make. Oriana’s not one to be left out of the discussion and thinks that if there is a problem and she’s already considered (plantear) a divorce, then perhaps it’s best to go through with it. Teresa shoots dagger eyes at the old budinsky as Fernando nervously reminds her the decision is up to Teresa and Arturo. Teresa calmly sits down and tells her she didn’t finish telling of her origins.

Club: This is getting repetitious. Aurora again tells Martin she doesn’t want him to leave without knowing how important he’s been to her. He responds by telling her he doesn’t want her to think he’s a coward running away from her. They use war-like metaphors, saying he entered in a war he couldn’t win and she tells him he won many battles. He hopes this time away from her will help him get her out of his heart. He asks her not to speak and just let him memorize her face and her smile

Back at the Barrera’s, Teresa tells Oriana she comes (provengo) from a humble family and she’s made her way through hard work. Arturo chimes in, saying he’s very proud of her. Oriana is surprised and leans in to tell Teresa that he had told her he would never marry someone who wasn’t of their set. Fernando is soooo embarrassed but Teresa tells him she’s not bothered by this. She feels Oriana is only saying the truth and she’s not offended by her comments. She doesn’t feel she’s less than anyone else. On the contrary she thinks it’s important to know the circumstances of others. She likes that Oriana speaks frankly in front of her. Oriana is happy to hear that because she likes to be upfront about things, she doesn’t beat about the bush (andar con rodeos). Oooooh….we end with tight close ups of both these b!tches as they square off! Fireworks are sure to come soon!

Labels: Teresa

El Refrito

• Vic still wants to be there for her hija.
• Her hija still wants to be alone to think, cry and tilt her head.

Labels: triunfo

So my daughter has a karate tournament tonight and then I have Dr.Appt tomorrow so if anybody is willing to post a quick re-cap that would be great or you guys can discuss, this is going to be a good one.

Labels: Cuando

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's Recap #6 at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 21 start at this link.

Thank you, Carlos, for today's picture. We chicas like looking at cute guys, and it doesn't get much cuter than that!

Labels: Alborada

[Thanks to Anon. 207,  Blusamurai and Kristoise for giving us the hilights --ed.]


DE LA BARRERA HOUSE:

Arturo gives Teresa the divorce papers.

Teresa tells Juana SHE should have been the one to slap Arturo with papers, not the other way around. Juana's looking at her like B!ch please.


Teresa puts on the Poor Me act for Luisa. Luisa mentions Fer was less than thrilled at the thought of Luisa moving in.


Refusio tells Teresa she should have never married Arturo when she was in love with Mariano, but now Mariano doesn't want her cuz he told her so.


HOSPITAL:
Aurora & Magda bond over wanting Mariano.

VECINDAD:

Ramon when he and Aeeeeeeeda were waiting for Mariano to show up let on how much he doesn't care for Teresa to Aeeeeeeeeeeeeeda, who, then tried to pump more info out of Ramon who clammed up and changed the subject.

Aurora finally told off Teresa for using Mariano like she has and Teresa comes back at her with what's it to you since you're so happy with Martin? But Aurora informs Teresa that she and Martin are over which surprises our little shark. Aurora also told her she wasn't sincere and honest with her and she was not to be believed anymore

Ramon tells Mariano to give Aida another chance.


Teresa found out from Refugio it was she who told Aurora about possibly going back to Mariano after her divorce. Teresa let her mama know she has a big mouth and not to tell Aurora everything.Refugio of course doesn't understand why her daughter doesn't want her to discuss her personal life with her BFF?


Aida smothers Mariano with kisses & giggles but is still mad at the mention of Esperanza's name.

Aeeeeeeeeeeda tells Mariano that she doesn't want him to speak Espe's name around her.   (I think Mariano will eventually wake up and realize how toxic Aeeeeeeeeeda is also and call it quits for good with this drama harpy.)  Anyway he did try and tell her about her father, but Aeeeeeda only wants to stick her head in the sand and forget all that she knows about what's going on with her father.  She mentions to Mariano how her mother has completely forgiven her father even though what happened was because of Teresa and Espe. 

Cutberto tries to explain what happened with Griselda but Juana isn't having it. Then Hector shows up and acts like he'll toss Cutberto out if Juana will let him.

Juana makes Pati a maxi dress. (Now that Teresa doesn't want her homemade clothes anymore Juana has a new doll to dress up. <--my commentary.)


Johnny got the rent collector's job.


Armando can't find a job.


HUNK HOUSE:
Teresa slithers over to Fernando's house to "talk" but is busted by Arturo.

Teresa tells Arturo she'll "think about" reconciling/the trip.

Teresa slithers back later to "talk" some more with Fernando and ask suggestive questions.  Teresa asked Fernando if he thought it was possible for someone to "querer" two persons at the same time. he responded with an emphatic yes. "a man can definitely love 2 women at the same time". was the most fall off the couch LOL moment for the mister and me. fernando suggested a taste test was the best way to decide who you really want, but ter put up a good innocent front against infidelity. she also managed to keep the actual words used (if nothing else) enough about her worries that arturo still loves paloma to defend herself if a transcript were made. she is a lawyer, after all.



De La Barrera House:

Luisa ask Arturo since he's been staying with Fernando the last several days has he noticed any thing different about him? Arturo responds no like what as Luisa descibes he's been thinking about something and he seems so preoccupied by it and he's not been acting the same like he was before?

AVANCE:

An older looking woman standing near Fernando (probably his mom) gives Teresa the stink eye.

Labels: Teresa

Tonight's recap courtesy of guest recapper Audrey:

Repeat from last Friday where Renata wants to go to the beach, and if Jero refuses to loan her his car, she’ll just go over to Cruz de Amor to meet Areli and she’s sure Augie will loan them his car. To Renata’s surprise and delight, Jero decides to take her himself.

As Jero is driving Renata to the beach, he can’t stop salivating over Renata’s bare thighs in her short-shorts. They start giving each other hot looks. Renata unbuckles her seatbelt and crawls over into Jero’s lap and they start making out. Jero’s not looking where he is driving anymore! Oops! Turns out it’s just Jero’s fantasy - Renata is still in her seat looking out the window, but Jero is so distracted he almost runs the car off the road, barely missing a tree and startling Renata. [I thought this was pretty cute - those writers really fooled us, didn’t they! LOL!] Renata, concerned, asks if Jero wants her to drive. Jero says he was just a little distracted [like, yeah! Obvio!].

Back at Cruz de Amor, Agustín is leading Areli into his office followed by Ezequiel. He’s talking about this year’s vendimia (grape harvest) and that Jero will have to deliver him the harvest from La Bonita. He wants this year’s party to be unforgettable. Areli is all excited and wants to know what the festival is like — this is where there is a blessing, and the women stomp on the grapes, right? Agustín is going to order traditional costumes as gifts for all the women attending his party.

Selene is at the club hitting on Chema again. He is refusing to attend a dinner with her because he is going out of town to visit some orchards. And he won’t invite her to go with him either. She gets the name of the orchard though.

Honorio and Blanca are at some port checking out the boat she selected. Honorio is impressed with how Blanca has everything under control. Blanca wants Honorio to have no doubts that hiring her was his best choice.

At the hospital with Roberta, Fina and Gonzo, the doctor has released Roberta. Fina is fuming because Matías didn’t come personally to “assume his responsibilities”. Fina declares that Matías has recognized his baby, but he hasn’t assumed his responsibility towards their daughter. She demands that Gonzo make Matías marry Roberta. Gonzo asks how can he demand that! They’re not in love! Gonzo asks Roberta if that’s what she wants. Roberta tells Daddy that she loves Matías, and she knows she can make him happy! He’s the only man she wants to share her life with!

Regina is lamenting to Inéz that last night’s sleep was disturbed. She couldn’t stop thinking of the kiss with Gonzo! She can’t keep being dishonest with Antonio. She is going to break the engagement: not to be with Gonzo, but because Antonio doesn’t deserve that she thinks of another man [you go girl!]. Gonzo owns her heart! Inéz thinks it a pity Regina didn’t fall in love with Antonio, but she supports that Regina follow her heart. Regina and Inéz are alarmed when Antonio walks right in carrying flowers.

Areli comes to La Bonita looking for Renata. Carlos tells her that Renata and Jero went to the beach. Areli acts surprised considering last night (the dinner) they seemed a bit disgruntled with each other but, well, being newlyweds, it’s logical they would reconcile quickly. She asks Carlos to tell Renata to please come visit her. Carlos looks confused.

Antonio presents the flowers to Regina, and says he must have interrupted an important chat. Inez volunteers it was things about the center and tries to excuse herself. Antonio announces to both of them that he wants to make an invitation for this weekend. He is doing a special viewing (closed to the public) bull fight in honor of Regina, to “demonstrate his love”. [OK - this is kind of gross. I can think of many gestures I would rather have than my own personal bullfighting demonstration. This guy is clearly not able to see outside his own point of view]. Regina does not look at all thrilled about this.

Back at the port, Blanca and Honorio are getting a in depth tour of the boat. [Lord Almighty, Honorio, that is one ugly striped Polo shirt your are wearing - ouch!]

Constanza and Chema at the center are cooking again [heh, heh!]! Constanza raves about the touch of mango in the sauce. She says she never expected to find such a good friend at the center. Chema asks her if she’s going to come with him to visit the orchards. [Don’t know about that head scratching, Chema, it kind of makes you look like an ape]. Constanza is not sure - she thinks it’s something for younger people to do. Chema teases her for acting like she’s too old and asks “why stay here alone?” Constanza agrees to go with him.

Antonio tells Regina that he’s going to do his best “faena*” for her. He wants her to feel like the most loved woman in this world. [Geez Louise! This guy is such a dense-brain if he thinks his performance in a bullfight will make a woman feel loved. It should be about what she enjoys watching, not what you want to show off, idiot. I’m just sick of this guy force-feeding romance on his terms. So NOT romantic!] Regina doesn’t know what to say about this “act of love”, but she’s got something really important to tell him. Antonio stalls her — he wants her to wait until after his “event”, as he really can’t concentrate on anything else at the moment. [Yeah, dude - it’s all about you!]. Of course, Regina being polite and accommodating, agrees. But Regina is very upset after he leaves. She yet again fantasizes about the kiss with Gonzo.

Blanca says that she learned everything about shipping from her father since she was a little girl. Then she thinks back to when she was studying about shipping on the internet. Honorio would like to thank her father for all that he taught her and that she has shared with him. Her parents died in a car accident, Blanca tells him. Honorio continues to be impressed with Blanca and her philosophy of life. Blanca believes in going after whatever makes one happy and not worry about what others think. She thinks you should live life without the compromises of any relationship. Honorio is not quite so sure about that point of view. Blanca declares that her only desire is to live life to the max!

Kari is walking the grounds of La Bonita and finds a rose and note from Lazaro. Oh how sweet - it says “They say the flowers have not stopped singing your name”.

Renata and Jero are walking on the beach. They snipe at each other a little, and Renata reminds Jero ,when he jealously complains that she has more in common with Agustín, that she married him. Maybe if she were the wife of Dunant, she and Jero would get along better, suggests Renata. “ What an ugly thing to say!” grumbles Jero. Renata reminisces about visiting the ocean when she was a little girl. They play on the beach and start acting like newlyweds again.

Lazaro meets Kari holding her rose. By any chance is she looking for mint (hierba buena)? “Yes, how did you know?” “Since I remember, you have always prepared mint tea.” Kari thanks him for the rose. He doesn’t need to trouble himself, but he tells her he is watching over her. Kari asks Laz not to expect anything. Lazaro lets her know there has never been any other woman for him, and having her here is making him the happiest man in the world. Romance by the agave garden! Their theme is nice song sung by Juan Luis Guerra.

Gonzo has delivered Fina and Roberta home. Gonzo is still asking if Roberta is sure marriage is what she wants? Fina bites his head off about it being the “right thing”, and if the baby’s father weren’t his son she’s sure he would have forced the marriage. “You committed to watch over Roberta and give her her place in the family and society when you adopted her!”

Adriana breaks up with Matías. She doesn’t see how they can attempt a relationship under these circumstances. If she doesn’t break with him now, she’ll lose respect for herself. She’s worried about ending up empty. Matías doesn’t quite get it (giving up trying for something), but we all know Adriana is right [without skin of the jocoque as her mother said].

The doc is plastered! He comes yelling at La Bonita for Karina. The ladies are in the kitchen “platicando”. Oh no, here comes the yelling doc, he’s putting on quite a drunken raving lunatic show! Lazaro is ready to physically throw him out, held back by Carlos. Dr. Rapeysnake is very ugly and threatening to everybody. Kari doesn’t care if he leaves her with nothing, she’s not coming back. Carlos tells him to beat it. He does!

Renata and Jero are sitting on the beach chatting about whether they are seeing dolphins in the ocean. Jero says it’s time to go home, but Renata doesn’t understand why — she’s not ready to go yet! Why does Jeronimo have to work when she could be with the sea, the sun, and her? A couple of guys show up with ATVs. Renata wants to ride them! Jero, being the aguafiestas that he is, absolutely doesn’t want to play — he wants to return home and work. Renata complains that he is always saying no, he never wants to do anything. “Hey, big guy, for once, tell me yes!” She teases him into saying yes — especially when the guys offer two for the price of one. Renata challenges Jero to a race. Whoever wins gets to ask the other for whatever they want, and the other has to comply. This challenge gets Jero interested. After some good competitive trash talking they take off on the ATVs.

Gonzo tells Matías that Fina demands he accept his responsibilities by marrying Roberta. Since he is parents of both, Gonzo has really conflicting feelings about this, as he has to deal with both parties.

And their off racing their ATV’s on the beach! Suprise! Renata jumps the gun! LOL! They go turning and spinning all over the place, even starting to show off all sorts of tricks and acrobatics. [Uh - what kind of race is this with turning around at various random points and no marked track?] They reach some rocks and Renata declares herself the indisputable winner. Jero claims it was a trap, but he is laughing because he really did enjoy himself. Renata tells Jero now he has to pay the bet! “Let’s see - what is the bet going to be?” asks Jero. “You can’t figure it out?” asks Renata. “No, I can’t figure it out. What will it be?” answers Renata. “You’re going to have to make love to me” says Renata as she looks at Jero seductively. Jerko does not like this turn of events. He goes from a big smile to upset face.

Back in Gonzo’s office, Matías complains that it would be a loveless marriage. Gonzo counters that the marriage would be for the child to not have the disadvantages of being born outside of marriage. Gonzo insists that to protect Roberta, Fina and the child from society scandal and loss of respect in the “machista” society that they live in, Matias must marry Roberta. Gonzo reminisces about how women get the short end of the stick, and how often mothers and children are abandoned by the father, like what happened to Roberta and Fina. Gonzo recognizes that Matías would never do that, but when the baby is born, he wants him born with all the advantages of legitimate birth.

Back to Jero’s frowning face. Jerko doesn’t want to make love at the beach - someone might see them. OK - fine, let’s go so some cabin or hotel or somewhere we can have privacy” answers Renata. “No I can’t nor do I want to in any place.” grouses Jerko. “Yes you can and you want to! Maybe being away from La Bonita you’ll feel better about making love.” says Renata, exasperated. Jerko is really unhappy. “Don’t make those faces at me!” demands Renata. “This relationship is not going well. Help me rescue it, OK? Since the wedding you never kiss me, hug me, nothing.” complains Renata. “Change the bet! change the bet!” yells Jerko. “No, I’m not going to change it.” repsonds Renata. She begs Jero to make love to her. “Don’t be pigheaded (necia)!” says Jerko. “No. For any newly wed man, what I’m asking you would be considered normal, logical.” answers Renata. “You don’t want to? Fine, you don’t want to. This is the last time I am going to ask you, Jeronimo. I’m not going to humble myself in front of you any more. You’re never going to see me again in your life!” And Renata takes off on her ATV.

Agustín finds Areli drinking juice by the pool at Cruz de Amor. He wants to know if Areli found Renata at La Bonita, and did she return Jero’s shirt? “No - I’ll take it another day. Renata went to the beach with her husband! “ says Areli smugly. This makes Agustín walk off in a huff.

Apparently Kari has be telling Lazaro and Matilde about her mistreatment at the hands of Dr. Rapeysnake. Lazaro wants to know how long this has been going on. He is beside himself about the situation. Matilde brings Karina some tea. “And I thought your life with him had been like that of a queen!” says Matilde. “That’s what that ba$t@rd wants everyone to think” says Lazaro. Lazaro declares he’s going to make sure everyone knows the truth. Karina asks them not to do so. “Let life take care of putting him in his place, not us”.

Renata returns her ATV to the guys on the beach and gets her stuff. She tells them she supposes that the “señor” will pay them, and she leaves.

Karina apologizes to Carlos that Dr. Rapeysnake created such a scene at La Bonita. Each time he seems less able to control his alcoholism. Carlos asks “Since when has Doc been drinking this way?” Kari tells him - since Rafael died. Doc took Rafael’s death so hard that he hasn’t been the same since. “Why?” asks Carlos. “Alvaro feels he could have done more for Rafael. Maybe he could have saved him. He feels responsible, guilty even.” Carlos asks where Alvaro was the day of Rafael’s death. “At Don Agustin’s.” He had been invited to dine and didn’t return to his office. His nurse couldn’t reach him. Karina thinks that Alvaro feels that if he could have arrived in time, maybe he would have saved Rafael’s life. Was Alvaro drinking at Agustín’s that day? asks Carlos. Did he attend Rafael intoxicated — is that why he feels guilty? Is he trying to atone for his fault through alchohol? “Could be, Don Carlos, but I really don’t know.” answers Karina.

Jero returns on his ATV. Where’s the lady? She left and said nothing say the ATV guys. Jero goes racing after on the ATV while the guy yells after him.

Renata is driving Jero’s car back from the beach. She’s crying. [And what is that ballad of broken love? Anyone know it?]

Ewww - Dr RS is drinking again. He starts to trash his house! Now he’s crying into his bottle. [ Why don’t we feel sorry for him? What a disgusting, pathetic Rapey-Snake!]

Jero makes it home driving the ATV and runs inside the house calling for Renata. Matilde hasn’t seen her. Oh if she’s not here - she must be with her friend “Don Agustín el guapo!” declares Matilde. Jero leaves in disgust.

El Guapo himself is walking his vineyards with Ezequiel. “Is everything ready for the wine harvest?” Agustín is going into town to pick up his invitations, and he has a very special one for Renata. He wants her to do him the honor of being the first to tread on the grapes that were Jeronimo’s and are now his!

Agustín and Areli are walking out of Cruz de Amor when Jero drives up. Renata isn’t there, Areli tells him. “Wasn’t she at the beach with you?” asks Agustín. “Yes, but she left in my jeep and she hasn’t returned to La Bonita” answers Jero. “Are you and Renata fighting again?” asks Areli. Agustín tells her not to ask such a stupid thing. It’s obvious they were fighting since they went to the beach together but she returned alone. “It must have been a bad quarrel, right?” Jero drives off.

Oh no! Renata had a bad wreck! The car is upside down and she is half out the door with bleeding from her nose and mouth! She was so upset driving, that when another car honked at her, she swerved off the road! She’s lying there, half choking, barely conscious, weakly calling for help. This looks really bad!

Previews - Both haciendas organize a massive search for the missing Renata. Jero is devastated.

Vocabulary:

inolvidable - unforgettable.
obsequiar - to give away, present
pisar - to tread on, step on, walk on, trample on, walk all over (not what you might think!) Example: "prohibido pisar el césped" = keep off the grass/lawn. So if you read such a sign, they aren’t telling you not to pee on the lawn - LOL!
trajes tradicionales - traditional costumes
No quiero que nos venga el tiempo encima. - I don’t want time to run out on us.
huerto - orchard
carta de presentación - letter of introduction
elección - choice
exigir - demand
disgustado - displeased, disgrunted
*faena - all the work done with the muleta (red flannel cloth) in the last part of the bullfight (for a English dictionary of Spanish bullfighting terms, see http://mundo-taurino.org/alt_word.html)
plenamente - fully, completely
platicar - to chat
velar - to watch over, look out for
coincidir - to agree, concur
hora de irse - time to leave
aguafiestas - spoilsport, party pooper
cumplir - to comply, fulfill, carry out, to do one’s duty, obey
sentimientos encontrados - mixed feelings/conflicting feelings
apuesta - the bet
imaginar - imagine, figure, suspect, think
No me pongas esas caras! - don’t make those faces at me!
necio/necia - pig-headed
humillarse - swallow one’s pride, humble oneself
obligar - to force
machisto - male chauvinist
ventajas - advantages
marcarse - to stand out
culpable - guilty, blameworthy
alentar - to encourage, reassure, cheer
ebrio - drunk, intoxicated
volver a - to do again (different from volver, which means to return, come back)
semejante estupidez - such a stupid thing
pleito - dispute, fight, brawl

Labels: Cuando

Capítulo 155: In which Alonso learns the truth


Reprise: The Sandoval family gathers in María’s hospital room. She holds one baby in each arm, the infants so placid one wonders if someone might be dipping their binkies in great grandma’s sherry.


Part One: Alonso’s Story


Beware of Grinches Bearing Gifts
Alonso is in his studio admiring the generous bouquet of red roses he plans to bring to his ternura when an unexpected – and unwelcome – visitor appears. It’s Ximena, in full Grinch mode. She just stopped by to give him a little wedding gift, she tells him. And she smilingly places an envelope within the bouquet. Her parting shot:
Disfruta tu boda y vive y goza cada uno de tus días como si fuera el último. Bye!
(Enjoy your wedding and live and enjoy each day as if it were the last. Ciao!)

The envelope, please.
When she is gone, Alonso opens the envelope. As he reads its contents, his eyes widen. Then we watch as all his joy vanishes and is replaced by uncomprehending horror. Now he knows the truth: he is dying. In the light of this truth, he makes new sense of María’s apparent change of heart. Now he understands why she chose him over Max and why Max stepped aside unprotestingly. His response? Rage and anguish. He sweeps his photos off the table and repeatedly slams the bouquet of roses until the petals carpet the floor, all the while screaming with increasing violence: ¡No puede ser! (It can’t be!)

Alonso sinks to his knees and appeals to heaven:
¿Qué hice? ¿Qué te hice yo para castigarme de esta manera?
(What did I do? What did I do to you to make you punish me like this?)
It was all a lie! God, no!

He curls up on his side, claws at the floor and sobs as he holds a photo of María: ¡Todo fue una mentira! (It was all a lie!)



TIEMPO DESPUÉS (SOME TIME LATER)

A wedding that feels like a funeral
The wedding guests gather outside the church. They chat in small groups.

Millie knows there’s something fishy going on (A mí me huele muy mal, it smells bad to me). Why is María marrying that photographer when she’s obviously in love with Max? Both Napo and Millie turn to Nati: You know something, don’t you? But Nati just chatters nervously and feigns ignorance.

The vecindad gang is there, laughing and flirting, oblivious to the dark undercurrent.

Fabián, accompanied by Luci, asks Cruz and Fer how married life is going. Mal. Muy mal, answers Fer (Badly. Very badly). And then she adds unpleasantly: I suppose that makes you happy.

Luci is stung by Fer’s unexpected nastiness and hastens to assure her that neither she nor Fabián would take pleasure in her unhappiness. Fer’s response: ¡Tú cállate hipócrita! (Shut up, hypocrite!) Cruz squirms.

Leonela straightens Max’s tie. He looks so handsome, she tells him. She can’t understand why he isn’t the groom. He brushes off the remark so irritably that she wonders why he even bothered coming to the wedding. Then Osvaldo walks up, puts an arm around Max’s shoulder and tells him he’s very proud of him. You don’t really know what a great person your son is, Os tells Leo.

Victoria holds Dr. Voice’s arm and laments that María has still not forgiven her. Heri advises Vic not to judge her – remember how much María has suffered . Yes, Vic readily acknowledges. And unfortunately she herself was her tormentor (verdugo, literally executioner).

Toni offers an interesting theory to explain why Victoria didn’t sense the llamado de la sangre when she met María: Bernarda jammed the bloodlines. (Se interpuso volviendo sordo tu corazón, she came between you and deafened your heart.)
[For a moment, I’m distracted by an image of a shrunk-down wet-suited Bernie speeding along the superior vena cava directly to Victoria’s heart where she places a small signal jammer. Raquel Welch in Fantastic Voyage, anyone?]

Vic still can’t understand why Bernarda, the most perverse human being she has ever known, isn’t in jail for Tomasa’s murder. It’s because they saddled all the blame on Fausto, says Oscar.

Fausto, in his jail cell, has heard that today María marries Alonso. He prays for their happiness.

Bernarda lets her hair down.
When Juan Pablo comes to call, his mother is still in her jammies, her hair loose down her back. (Maybe she’s so depressed over Victoria’s and María’s escape that she no longer has the energy to put her hair up in its scary Doña Demente rolls. Hold the phone... Is that a half-empty carton of Chunky Monkey she kicks under the bed when he comes in?) Each expresses surprise that the other isn’t going to María’s wedding but neither is willing to say more than “I have my reasons”. Juan Pablo is there to ask two things:

His first question: How does she feel?
Her ill-tempered reply: How do you think I feel after being in that terrible prison?
JP doesn’t blink. He reminds her she was there for good reason, but that’s not what he wants to talk about.

His second question – and he wants the truth: Did she have anything to do with kidnapping María Desamparada and Victoria?

This question unleashes a torrent of self-righteous rant – How dare he ask such a thing! She raised not a priest (sacerdote) but a crow (cuervo), a vulture to pluck her eyes out! [cuervo vulture, specifically ‘crow’ or ‘raven’ can also be a derogatory slang term for ‘priest’.]

JP is impervious to the rant and not susceptible to her emotional blackmail. Unfortunately, he knows the extent of her wickedness even if he is constrained by the seal of the confessional from speaking out. In the end, it's not he but God who will be her judge.

Bernie raises a hand to smack him but he grabs her wrist and tells her: You’re not going to lay a hand on me again. I won’t permit it. It’s a failure of respect for me as a man, as a son and as a priest. She jerks her fisted hand back and glares at her son.

Now we’re back at the church in time to see Alonso drive up in the wedding jeep. Max watches sadly as the smiling groom walks jauntily towards the church only stopping to greet Dr. Heri with a handshake and a hug. Alonso is ready to marry ‘til death do us part’, he tells the doc. And he thanks him for everything. Heri senses something isn’t quite right.

Meanwhile Fabián and Luci try to make sense of Fer’s earlier outburst. It reminds Fabián of the old, snobby, bratty, capricious Fer. She and Cruz must be having problems. [Obvio, Fab! Sheesh.]

Pip dances up to them (and brings his silly song with him). You’d think this was a wake, not a wedding, he says. Check out the long faces! Fabián says he feels for Vic – after everything she went through to find her daughter and now the girl rejects her.

Toni tells Vic to be strong.

Osvaldo and Heriberto agree they need to talk. It’s time for them to stop behaving like a pair of adolescents.

Cruz asks Max why he let María get away when it’s obvious they still love each other.

All eyes turn to the black car decorated with white flowers that pulls up in front of the church. Max steps forward, opens the door and extends his hand to help the bride out of the car. But Alonso moves in: Allow me, Max, he says. This is my moment. Max steps back. The small crowd applauds at the appearance of the bride. I’ll see you at the altar, says Alonso and he leaves María with Nati.

María explains to her friend that Juan Pablo won’t be officiating – he wouldn’t lend himself to this farce, he said – but Padre Jerónimo was more understanding. He’ll be performing the ceremony.

Now Osvaldo steps up, and, telling María how lovely she looks, offers to walk her down the aisle and give her away.

The two proceed slowly and gravely to the altar while we hear an instrumental (thank God!) rendition of Ave María.

Rox and Xi slip into the back of the church just as Jero begins to read the vows. First he addresses the bride:
María, ¿aceptas por esposo a Alonso, para serle fiel y estar a su lado en lo prospero y en lo adverso hasta que la muerte los separe?
(María, do you accept Alonso as your husband, to be faithful to him, to be at his side in prosperity and adversity until death separates you?)

There’s a long pause. For a moment, Max looks like he’s going to charge right up to the altar to reclaim his woman but Cruz puts a reassuring, “down boy” hand on his shoulder and he subsides. Finally we hear María’s response: Sí, acepto.

Alonso’s star rises... and sets.
Now it’s Alonso’s turn. The question is read. There is an even longer pause as he looks at María, then upward, then turns away. The Alonso song plays (♪Ya no puedo quedarme un minuto más sin ti...♪). And then at last we hear his answer: No. No acepto.

Gasp! Jaws drop open all around the little chapel, except at the very back where Rox and Xi giggle. Jero, incredulous, thinks maybe Alonso didn’t hear the question. But Alonso assures him he heard just fine: You asked me if I wanted to marry María Desamparada and I answered ‘no’.

Then Jero gets angry. How dare Alonso answer so cynically! Why did he agree to this mockery (farsa) in the first place?

Because of ignorance, Alonso answers, and he holds up an envelope. I didn’t pay attention to some lab tests. And then a friend (and here Rox and Xi can barely control their delight – oh, this is going so much better than they expected!) did me the favor of cluing me in to what was going on.

He goes on:
Thank you, friends, for being here and for sharing an unforgettable day with me. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything before but then Max and María’s sacrifice wouldn’t have the value it does right now. This envelope contains a terrible (horroroso) truth.

For a long time, I was estranged from God. I rebelled against everything. But now I feel at peace. I’ve accepted Him. And I’ve moved beyond all feelings of evil, anger and rage – anything that blackens and taints the soul.

(These words of light and faith send Xi and Rox scurrying out of the church like roaches. They grouse about the stupid turn of events.)

Al continues:
I know now that a person’s destiny is guided by designs that many times are beyond our comprehension.

If I’m not marrying my ternura, it’s not because I don’t love her –

Here he turns to María and brushes a tear off her cheek: I adore you, he says. And I know you love me – although not the way I would have liked.

Still addressing María directly he breaks off for a goofy aside, a mishmash of literary allusions:
You weren't alone in your odyssey. You had your faithful companion, your Sancho Panza – and that’s Max: the person I thought was my enemy, my nemesis. I never gave him a chance to show me the goodness of his heart. I’ll always be grateful to him.

[What does this crap even mean? But by now even the normally curmudgeonly Mr Maven is ferklempt and willing to cut the guy some slack: “I know it’s shlock... and yet ... sob...” And that, Ladies and Carlos, is when you know you’re being manipulated by the best – You know it’s shlock ... and yet... sob]

Turning back to the congregation:

-- The real reason I don’t want to marry María Desamparada is because I don’t want to do this couple harm. Theirs is love’s real triumph.

He holds up the envelope:
It says in here that I’m dying. I understand that you two just wanted to give me a few more minutes of happiness. And you accomplished that, ternura, and I’ll be forever grateful to you both. He ends:
Con eso me quedo... y discúlpame, con eso me voy.
(With that I’ll abide and... excuse me, with that I’ll leave you.)

Alonso walks slowly back up the aisle, pausing to exchange a tearful, filial hug with Dr. Heri -- Dr. Heri the father Alonso never had, Alonso the son Dr. Heri lost. Flanked by shadowy images of his best times with María, he walks toward the light and fades into whiteness.


Part Two: A few pesky details still outstanding

Grrrr....Why did I let you talk me into leaving María?
After that tearful epiphany in the church, it’s a little anticlimactic to get back in the car with Osvaldo, Vic and Fer.

[Pues, ni modo. Pull yourselves together, would you? There are still lots of cranky, cruel, crazy and confused people running around in this novela and they are counting on us to sort them out.]

Vic grouses that Os convinced her to leave when she should have stayed back with María. Fer notices that Os didn’t seem all that surprised by what happened. He admits that Max told him about the plan from the beginning – although he never thought it was a good idea.

Victoria asks the driver to take them back to María’s place. Her daughter needs her. Fer chimes in that she wants to be with her sister too.

Meanwhile, Max brings María back to the vecindad. He gets the curious neighbors to back off. He’ll be there for her whenever she is ready, he assures her. He understands she needs to be alone right now. Nati will help her change out of the gown.

Sadistic Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Rox and Xi are in their car too. Xi suddenly cracks up – What a hoot that was! Mama’s reality check: with Alonso out of the picture, there’s nothing to keep Max from marrying that girl. Xi’s not worried. She’ll think of something.

Rox thinks they should head to Bernarda’s and give her an update. She’d be glad to hear the latest. And it's worth the effort to keep her happy; after all, they are still living with her. Xi grimaces at the thought.

All Sales are Final
As it turns out, Bernie isn’t home right now. She’s closeted with Gui in his retreat and the two are watching a movie together. It’s a private screening of the doctored DVD he sent to the police, the one incriminating the three thugs for hire – and only them.

She appreciates his gift for placing blame but isn’t distracted from her own agenda. Before he can ask if she wants her popcorn buttered or plain she tells him she wants her money back since his kidnapping plan tanked. No can do, says Gui. It’s all invested in the opening of Othello. Not my problem, says the Bernster (who, by the way, is back in fighting trim, hair rolls, pearl earrings and all). Pay up!

In that case, says Gui, I guess I’ll just have to be honest with the authorities and give them the other DVD, the one that shows who was behind the whole thing.

And here he plays the version starring La Dementa.

You’re trying to blackmail me? she asks.

Take it however you like, he replies. It’s not in your best interest (no le conviene) to pressure me.

The Bernster looks at him appraisingly, perhaps mentally measuring up his coffin size: You’re cleverer than I thought.

Gui looks satisfied with himself.

No hubo boda (There was no wedding).
When Jerónimo gets back to the parish church, Juan Pablo asks him how the wedding went. There was no wedding, he says. Alonso refused to marry María Desamparada.

The eternal ebb and flow of Sandovals and their groupies
And back at the vecindad, Max leaves and Victoria arrives. Fer hangs back a little to give her mother and sister some time alone.

María hears a knock at the door and tells Nati that she doesn’t want to see anyone. Not even your mother? asks Vic, poking her head inside. María turns away.

Back outside, Osvaldo takes the opportunity to ask Fer what the heck is going on with her and Cruz. She wheels away, telling him she doesn’t want to talk about it. And she’d prefer to be alone.

Now Dr. Voice comes along. Os wants to know what he’s doing there.

♪A partir de hoy...♪
Victoria tries to console María. She knows it’s not the first bad patch in her life and she’s sorry she couldn’t be with her for those hard times in the past.

Now she sits down across the table from María and takes her hands. She says:
Pero a partir de hoy quiero ser parte de tu vida. Puedo brindarte todo el amor y todo el apoyo que en tantos años no te di.
(But from this day on I want to be part of your life. I can offer you all the love and support that I didn’t give you during all those years.)

I want to be alone. I think...
María insists she wants to be... needs to be ... alone. So much has happened in such a short time. She needs time to think.

Victoria respects her decision. She’s her mother and she’ll be there waiting for her. Always.

Victoria quietly heads for the door, dabbing away a tear. María looks up and for a moment it seems as if she is going to call her back. But she says nothing, just lets her leave.

Credits roll over scenes from the past and we realize how much we have aged since this all began.

Labels: triunfo

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's Recap #5 at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 20 start at this link.

Thank you, Carlos, for today's picture. If you can't beat em', stomp away in a huff.

Labels: Alborada

Labels: triunfo

Herederos del Monte is in its últimas semanas and according to the station promos, Flor Salvaje is on deck as its replacement. The new novela is being produced jointly by Telemundo and RTI in Colombia. Starring Mónica Spears, a gorgeous former Miss Venezuela, the novela also features several actors familiar to fans of El Clon, most notably Roberto Manrique (Alejo in El Clon). Further down the cast list are Indira Serrano (Dora in El Clon); Geraldine Zivic (Cristina in El Clon); and Juan Pablo Raba (Said in El Clon). And Herederos fans will recognize José Luis Reséndez (José del Monte).

The Flor of the title, Amanda Monteverde, is driven by desperation to look for work in a down and dirty cabaret where she will find love and lust and envy and friendship and malice – (there is even a character named ‘Alicia’ whom everyone calls ‘Malicia’!)

So. As we’ve learned – sometimes to our delight, as in the case of La Reina del Sur, but more often to our chagrin, as in Aurora – it’s the writing, stupid. Stay tuned.

La Casa de al Lado: I’m still following this one but for how long, I don’t know. The plot twists have become irritating rather than suspenseful or shocking. We’ve all remarked, in one way or another, that there are no truly likeable characters even if there are a few pretty good actors. There’s not even a good musical hook, a theme song that grabs you and keeps you watching, even when you know the song is better than the show. I just know it’s not a good sign when a lead character walks suicidally into the water (Like Ignacia did last night in what I can only assume is a weird homage to Virginia Woolf) and all I can think is: You’re not gonna sink – you have to put stones in your pockets! Sigh.

Fans of Mi Corazon Insiste and Herederos – a fresh page for your thoughts.

Labels: casa-lado, herederos, insiste, telemundo