Caray, Caray!

The show opens with Diego and Silvana at the boutique. Diego is looking at Silvana critically, as a model with one of his dresses, a red evening gown, on and calls Chucho over to make modifications to the dress she’s wearing. “close up the neckline, two fingers at the sides, two at the top and be careful not to alter the structure or the drape of the dress.” Chucho agrees and Diego walks off. Chucho says “good day, Silvana, we haven’t greeted eachother yet today have we?” Silvana looks a little snooty and uncomfortable. Wow, somebody’s gotten big for their britches.

Far away in the countryside, Azulcena (Azul+Amnesia+Azucena=Azulcena) , LF and LF’s mama are eating their country supper plato of Tortilla, refried beans and guacamole. When mama gets up to get the salsa, LF and Azulcena quickly start making out behind her back and then pretend like nothing happened. When she gets back, Azul goes to playing footsie under the table. LF you haven’t got a prayer. This supposedly dumb bunny is hot to trot.

Back at the boutique, Ceci is complaining bitterly to Gaspar that Silvana wants everything—she wants to be the best model, with the best husband and already perfect daughter. According to what Azul told her Ceci laments, Diego already is the perfect husband. Gaspar shakes his head when Silvana thunders in still wearing the too low cut (for Diego) evening gown. I heard you talking about me. “Tell me to my face!” Ceci has no trouble doing this. She tells her that she can see that she’s trying to make a play for Diego “and this I will not permit.!” Silvana says she will do no such thing, what’s going on here is none of her business. Ceci says, yes it is her business—Azul was like a sister to her and Silvana skip a beat after Azul’s death to try to take her place. Silvana protests that that’s not true. All she’s trying to do is support Diego and Caty. Ceci rolls her eyes and says, “Yeah, right, more charity than Mother Teresa of Calcutta.” She goes on to accuse Silvana of pursuing Diego all the time she knew that he was in love with Azul. Silvana agrees but says that when Azul and Diego finally got together, she let him go and tried to start over and put everything into being a success with her new life as a model. “And that’s what really cuts you” she finishes with Ceci, giving her a nasty look. Gaspar interrupts here to defend Ceci. He tells her not to yell at and insult Ceci or she’ll have to answer to him. Silvana continues her insulting tone—saying it’s not her fault that Ceci is a mediocre model and can’t win the love of a man. (Uh, who are we talking about again?) Ceci defiantly says that her moment will come. Silvana tosses her head and says basically that she’s got all the right stuff to be a model and Ceci just doesn’t have it. Ceci says whatever, leaving aside Silvana’s insults, Ceci says she only cares about the welfare of Diego and Caty and she will make sure that they know about Silvana’s true intentions. Some footsteps are heard in the hallway and Silvana starts whimpering on cue. It’s Diego, Julio, Chucho and Gloria. Silvana whimpers that Ceci is being mean to her. She’s been telling Gaspar that Silvana is not going back to Japan—she’s going to take what’s not hers, Cecilia’s career and Diego. Julio asks Ceci “how could you?” Diego bites his lip and asks Ceci if it is true. Ceci admits it. She says that she’ll fight for the memory of her best friend. Diego turns away and leaves. Silvana smirks and says “see what you’ve done with your stupid behavior? I am going to him.” She exits running after Diego.

In the countryside, Azulcena and the Doctorcito are in the countryside talking about how they are going to be doing some home visits to patients who live in locations remote from the clinic. Azulcena is all smiley and says that’s great because she likes to help people.

Back at the boutique, Gloria and Chucho discuss the bustup between Ceci and Silvana. Gloria says that Ceci is right, Silvana is on the prowl for Diego. Chucho doesn’t believe it. He says, yes, Silvana has changed now that she’s a top model, but he doesn’t think she’s become …what Cecilia says. I guess we can fill in the …with “conniving biyatch.” Gloria fusses over Chucho and says he’s too nice. It’s absolutely true that Silvana is staying in Mexico for Diego. Chucho says, “so?” “Everybody knows that he’s very dear to her.” “Gloria says, yes, but Silvana herself has told her that this time it’s different. This time, she’s prepared to do anything to get Diego.” [Wow, mom, some confidante you are!] Chucho looks thoughtful then responds again, “So? “ Azul (rest in peace) is gone and Diego has a right to remake his life. Gloria says, that’s not the problem. It’s the way her daughter is going about the whole thing without any consideration. WITHOUT LIMITS (just to echo the title of the show one more time).

Meanwhile, Diego is lying with his head awfully close to his sewing machine. He mumbles that he can’t forget Azul. Azul is not dead to him, it’s like she still there. Silvana looks pretty bored with all this talking about Azul. Diego says, it’s true that Azul is no longer with him, he can’t kiss her, he can’t embrace her… a tear rolls down the side of his nose (because his head was horizontal a minute ago). Silvana finally interrupts him saying she can see why Ceci is mad at her—it was professional jealousy—Ceci has worked so hard and achieved so little in her career…blah blah blah. Diego is not listening.

Back to Ceci back in the main room of the boutique with Julio who is ticked that Ceci has created such a ruckus. Silvana and she will have to learn to work together like professionals. He doesn’t want to give Diego any more problems. Ceci is unrepentant about what she said. Julio indicates that she should get ready for the show. Cecilia walks off.

Silvana is still trying to sweet talk Diego. She tells him that he helped her get over the death of her son. Ceci comes in suddenly to Silvana’s dismay and apologizes to Diego. Diego accepts. He asks her next time that from now on, to think before she speaks. He gets up and walks out.
In the remote village, while she is assisting the Doctorcito, Azulcena is administering something to a kid. Looks like eye drops. After she finishes with him she suddenly looks at her bracelet. She hears Caty’s voice in her head, telling her that when she wears the bracelet, she can always feel her near her. The shock of the memory, causes Azul to swoon. The Doctorcito must have watching her pretty closely because he notices her wavering and runs up to catch her and sit her down before she can fall.

Switch to Azul’s memorial service. The family processes in to some pop song, I don’t recognize, with Diego and Caty bringing up the rear. It’s in the convent chapel and all the nuns are there. Diego and Caty carry the memorial wreath and lay it on the altar.

The Doctor asks Azulcena what’s wrong and she says nothing—she just feels a little dizzy. A woman invites her to come to her house to eat, that that’s probably what the problem is. She goes with the woman.

Back to the chapel, more shots of the family and some of the nice religious statuary. There is an old statue of the Holy Trinity, very colonial looking. (Sorry, religious iconography was one of my favorite things in Art History.) More song, whatever it is.

After Azulcena comes back from eating tacos at the woman’s house, the Doctorcito asks her what REALLY happened back there with the fainting and all. Azulcena admits that she looked at her bracelet and heard a little girl’s voice in her head. “And it affected you so much, you fainted? “He asked. She pretty much repeats what she just said and smiles at him a little idiotically, as if none of it had any meaning. He, on the other hand, looks worried. If she’s getting back her memory, what is he going to find out about her?

Back at the chapel, the service is continuing. Silvana is wearing a dress that is so tight that it looks like it was painted on and again, with the cleavage. Not very funereal. On the other side of the chapel, Ceci prays that if Azul isn’t coming back, for help in accepting her death. She’s all alone.

In the Pueblito, the Doctorcito says that he should run some tests on Azulcena. Azul whines that she’s already had enough tests. The fainting was just the heat and not having enough to eat and being tired, etc.

Back over to the funeral—it’s finished up and people are exiting the chapel. A little boy runs out. Silvana the busybody says that she’ll look after Caty who immediately announces that she wants to play and runs after the little boy. The mother superior of the convent announces that the nuns have prepared lunch for everybody and she invites them to join her. Clemi gratefully accepts. The mother superior tells them that Diego has asked them to wait a moment. He wants to pray alone for awhile. The MS leaves to see about lunch. Clemi asks Anibal to join her in looking for Cecilia, since she noticed she was very upset during the service. As they walk off, Silvana is left alone and she rolls her eyes. Julio, who is with Arnaldo, asks him to wait a minute for him—he wants to go clarify something with Manuel. He walks off.

Meanwhile, the doctorcito and Azulcena are on their way back. He wants her to rest. It’s hot and she wants to go skinny dipping. Guess who wins out?

Julio has found Manuel and they are talking. I don’t recall this, but I guess Manuel is supposed to be working at the boutique. It being Manuel, who is a lazy-ass good for nothing liar, he hasn’t shown up in days. Julio says that he hasn’t wanted to say anything for Diego because he’s got enough on his plate. Manuel claims that the whole family is in mourning for Azul, that’s why he hasn’t been by. Julio says he doesn’t buy it. Manuel was in Italy buying cloth when Azul disappeared and didn’t exactly rush back. When he finally got back, he never showed up for his job. Manuel tries to minimize the absence saying it was only 2 days. Julio says it was 4 and it’s not the first time he’s skipped work without any explanation. Julio says that he shows up whenever he wants and he’s tired of hiding it from his son. He intimates that Manuel’s problem is the ponies. (So now in addition to being an alcoholic, he’s also addicted to gambling? That’s news to me.) Manuel complains that he’s had some problems but what he does on his own time is none of Julio’s business. Besides, he got the job done…Julio interrupts him to say that he KNOWS that Gaspar was the one who actually had to go get the materials. This is the LAST warning he’s going to give Manuel before he speaks to Diego about firing him.

Silvana has crept up in the background and has heard the whole conversation. When Julio walks away, Silvana comes up and Manuel rushes up to her and greets her with an extravagant and creepy hug. Silvana notes that she overheard what Julio said to him. Manuel starts to try to explain and Silvana brushes him aside saying that she likes horse racing too, but at least he has his job at the boutique. Manuel starts complaining about how his son doesn’t pay him much. Azul had him “tied up.” He goes on to suggest that he would have preferred it if Diego had married her, not Azul. Silvana likes the sound of this. She tells him that now that Azul isn’t around anymore, when SHE marries Diego, things will be different. She promises that they will help him more. [So now, Silvana is in cahoots with the loathsome Manuel? I thought she was friends with Clemi?? Que the Hell??] Manuel is all smiles at this news but he’s gotten a little sharper or more desperate. Show me the money he says. Well, no, he says “I have some need of money now and, well, I’d like to know if your intentions are serious.” Silvana smiles beneficently and opens her purse. Before she can count out some bills, he grabs them all and says that he will do everything in his power to make sure that Diego marries her. [Gee, not very creative with the cons, is he?] He winks and hugs her some more. She roles her eyes and looks disgusted.
Back in the chapel. Diego is praying to the Guadalupe painting. Asking the Virgincita to help him. He misses Azul. He knows that she must be dead but at the bottom of his heart he believes that she is alive. He knows that it must be an obsession. Some kind of survival mechanism, to keep going. BUT if she could just give him a sign…he wants to be strong…If it’s not to be, if she’s really gone, he asks for her help in accepting it. The Virgincita is silent. Diego, with a tear rolling down his cheek whispers “I’ve lost her forever.”

Cut to the Doctorcito and Azulcena skinny dipping and making out near in a waterfall. [Gotta agree with all the other ladies on here, the Doctorcito is smokin’ HOT, and we get a pretty nice view of him here. Sorry guys, Azulcena is up to her neck in the water most of the time. We saw more of her in those Daisy Duke dresses.]

At the funeral lunch, Anibal is comforting Clemi. Manuel comes in and hugs Diego. Clemi remarks on how Manuel finally remembered that he has kids. She hopes that one day he thinks of Lidia. [No, Clemi. Lidia is BETTER OFF if he forgets about her. He was the one who was advising her on her career as a high class Ho, remember? Sorry couldn’t resist] The MS rings a bell to call the room to attention. She announces that Diego has been a great benefactor to the orphanage and the convent and they are grateful to be helpful in this time of need. They are honored to have his family there. She hands him a little basket of something, food? That the kids made for him. Diego looks a bit abashed. The nun is a bit too jovial for the occasion but she is warm in her welcome and everybody is relaxed.

Relaxed is not what the Doctorcito’s mama is, when she goes looking for her son and finds him and Azulcena nekkid, getting it on under the waterfall. She’s shocked and walks away.

As the funeral lunch is going on, the nuns start to pass out little cups of something that looks like a crème liquor [Tia Maria? In Venezuela it’s called Ponche Crema (Cream Punch) kind of like that cream Kailua. That seems odd to be serving in the middle of the afternoon to a group that’s half kids. Then again, this is rural Mexico and I have no idea what the custom would be here.] GSD gets up to speak. He says he has an announcement to make and he thinks that if Azul were here it would make her very happy. He thinks it will inject a little happiness into an otherwise sad occasion. Yes, he announces that he and Emilia are expecting. Emilia looks OK with this, so he must have asked her first. The whole room erupts in applause. Arnaldo seems bewildered that he is going to have a new brother or sister.

Back in the countryside, Azulcena and the Doctorcito have arrived back home to Mama. Azulcena apologizes for their lateness and makes some excuse about how they were working…and then they went to swim in the watering hole and time just flew by! Mama says “Yes, I see. “ Azulcena complains that her wet dress has a bunch of dirt stuck to it now so she’s going to go change. [Uh, Mama knows that no dresses were involved in the swim.] When Azulcena goes off to change, Mama lights into her son. She saw the whole thing and she saw that he went against what he said he would do. Against his “ethics.” The Doctorcito goes off saying that he wasn’t taking advantage of her, that they have feelings for eachother and were only doing what their hearts commanded. Mama points out that he doesn’t even know who she is. Mama is afraid that if his behavior is ever scrutinized, it could look like Azulcena was his patient, a person of diminished capacity from her injury and that he abused his position to become involved with her. The Doctorcito argues that his feelings for her are too strong to let any of that get in the way, although he’s anxious about her and the fact that he doesn’t know who she really is and if she really loves him or is just feeling gratitude toward him. Mom doesn’t want him to do something crazy.

Silvana is all smiles with Emilia’s news and says that she really missed being around children while she was in Japan. Emilia says that she’s really scared. When she was younger, she had her career and no partner to have a child with. Now that her career is established, surprise, surprise! She’s having a kid. She doesn’t know if she has the patience or strength to raise a child at her age. Silvana says she’s sure that Emilia will be a great mom, with all the children she’s had in therapy. Silvana adds, reaching out to touch Caty’s hair (Caty is sitting on Diego’s lap, kitty corner from Silvana) that taking care of Caty has made her feel like a mother again. Ceci who is sitting next to Emilia, rolls her eyes. There is some talk of Silvana helping Emilia buy baby clothes and When Emilia says she’s got an appointment to see the doctor tomorrow, Silvana tries to make it a date with her and Diego after they drop Caty at school. Diego jumps in to explain that he and Silvana have been dropping Caty at school. Emilia launches into a lecture about how Diego should try to get things back to normal as soon as possible at home because sometimes, when there’s a loss, people fall into the trap of co-dependency. They substitute their need rather than form a healthy new relationship. Diego agrees. Ceci says she’s going to help too with homework etc. Silvana plasters a big fake smile on at this but Diego butts in to say that he’ll take care of all that. He and Caty need some father-daughter time. He will focus all his attention on her. Silvana looks nervous. Manuel looks over at her reassuringly.

The Doctorcito is still arguing with his Mama. Mama is unhappy that she’ll be cointinuing to stay with them with this new situation. D’cito says that he wanted her here so that he could take care of her, in safety. He’s not about to dump her on some street corner now. He tells mom that they are novios. Mom is impactada. She tells him that they can’t be, if she doesn’t even know who she is. D’cito says that he didn’t want it to get that far, until they knew who she was, but he lost control of the situation when their feelings became mutual. Mama says that she no longer trusts his judgement. D’cito says he’s sorry that he has lost her confidence. She doesn’t want Azulcena living there anymore.

Azulcena comes out in a clean dress, all chirpy and ready to help make dinner. D’cito tells her to pack her things. He’s going to take her to Mexico City to leave her at an orphanage. [Isn’t she a little old for that?] Azulcena is impactada into the commercial.

When we come back, Azulcena is already in tears. She accuses D’cito of abandoning her when he promised to protect her. She reproaches Mama for not letting her be novios with her son. “Even the animals look for a mate, why can’t I?” “Because we don’t know anything about your past,” says Mama. “You could be married and even be a mother.” Azulcena looks troubled. D’cito looks shocked. This didn’t occur to him?

Back at the funeral lunch, Ceci is with the kids and nuns, playing a game. The adults, including Silvana are still talking. Tavo gets up to speak. He announces that Lidia and he are getting married. Lidia looks uncomfortable. It appears to be because she feels bad for Diego. Diego comes over and says no worries. He’s happy that his Lidia and Tavo have fought for their love and they deserve to be happy, even if he can’t be.

All of the sudden, the game that Ceci, the kids and nuns have been playing gets really loud. It looks like a version of hide and seek since the kids are hiding under tables. Everybody laughs, except Silvana who looks like she wants to kill Ceci, especially when she ends up picking up Caty and making a big fuss over her.

D’cito has completely caved to his Mom. Mom says that they must do things the right way. “As God commands.” D’cito says that his mom is right. He’ll visit her every day in the orphanage and continue her therapy. The most important thing is that she find her identity. Azulcena tears up at this. She never thought about whether she had a husband or children. D’cito agrees. “Although our love may be innocent, we may be hurting other people.” Mama chimes in that it is important that they put some distance between them, to put the brakes on. They cannot be together. D’cito says that he doesn’t want to hurt his mom’s feelings but he’s going to continue seeing Azulcena until she recovers her memory. “Even if it takes years.” He’s going to wait by her side. Mama isn’t liking the sound of this. D’cito continues that if they find her family and they want her back, he’ll accept it. But if they find that there’s nothing waiting for her, he’ll be there for her with open arms.

The orphans are all talking with Caty. One little boy tells her that if her mommy is dead, she’s an orphan like them and they will bring her to an orphanage like this one. Caty doesn’t like the sound of this and starts screaming her little head off. She was already in an orphanage for awhile and she didn’t like it. With all the screaming, Ceci comes running, then Diego, then Silvana who shoves Ceci out of the way. Silvana shouts at Ceci “What did you do to her?” The MS asks the kids what happened and one of them tells her that the little boy (Frijolito) told her that if her mom died, she would be put in an orphanage. Diego comforts her. Silvana’s ruse to throw the blame on Ceci fails.

Back in the country, Azulcena is taking leave of Mama, thanking her. Mama says that “this is your house. As soon as you resolve the mystery of your past, you can come back whenever you like. If you are a free woman, nothing would make me happier than to have you formalize your relationship with my son.“ They hug.

Back at the convent/orphanage dining room, Diego is explaining to Caty that all the orphans have neither a mom or a dad, while she has him. And besides him, she has all these other people. (Family members have gathered around her). Caty exclaims that she never wants to come back to this place. Diego says no, she must come back and make friends with the children. She should have other friends than the ones she has in school and he wants her to know all kinds of children, from different backgrounds. The MS comes back and says that Frijolito is sorry. It was a joke that got out of hand. Emilia remarks that children often say things without thinking of the consequences. Silvana says abruptly that they should go. Everybody turns to look at her. “So that Caty can calm down.” Nobody moves, everybody just looks at her.

Eventually they do leave. Diego, Silvana and Caty all get into one car and go. Tavo and Lidia, Manuel, Anibal and Clemi are all together by the entrance. Tavo makes a comment that very soon he is going to ask for Lidia’s hand. [I thought they already announced that they were getting married?] Manuel makes a point of saying that Tavo is going to have to ask HIM for her hand, since he’s Lidia’s dad. Everybody just looks embarrassed.

Meanwhile, Azulcena is brought to the orphanage by the Doctorcito. YES IT IS THE VERY SAME ORPHANAGE. THE VERY SAME ONE. The MS asks if she is his novia (Girlfriend) but he says no, she’s Azucena. They sit and talk for awhile about how the Doctor hasn’t been by much lately. They’ve had to spend a lot of money on medical care for the children. He promises to stop by at least twice a week.

Now Diego and Silvana are back at Diego’s mansion, which has a swanky bar. Silvana is sitting provocatively on one of the bar stools, looking like Elizabeth Taylor in Butterfield 8. Silvana is arguing with Diego. He doesn’t want to go to the Fashion show taping with Caty all stirred up. Silvana says it’s the most watched program on fashion. He has to go. Caty is asleep. Silvana claims she read Caty a story and she fell asleep right away. And what’s more, beforehand, she told Caty that they had to go out and Caty understood and was fine with it. “She’s sleeping like a little angel.” Diego thanks her, for helping with Caty again and for supporting him. Silvana is all smiles.

Back to the MS, Azulcena and D’cito at the orphanage. The MS is shocked that Azulcena remembers nothing, not even her name. D’cito fills MS in about Azulcena’s therapy. MS says it’s fine if she stays there but they’ll have to notify the authorities in case someone is looking for her. D’cito says they already made inquiries in the pueblo where he found her and nobody’s filed anything. MS says that sometimes these reports take time to circulate. In the meantime, there is a place for her here.

Ceci and Silvana are getting ready for the show. They are all screaming and carrying on about the makeup and dresses, with Gaspar helping them. The dress isn’t working out for Ceci so she has to go change. A stage manager comes in and orders them all out except for the models. While Ceci is changing, Silvana goes over and SPILLS A BIG CUP OF COFFEE ON CECI’s DRESS!

The doctorcito is taking his leave of Azulcena. She’s unhappy to be left alone. [And we already know with this guy, out of sight is out of mind.] He tells her that if she needs him, she can always call. He says this is the only way they can know if what they have is real. She says that the only thing that is real to her are the feelings that she had for him.

Diego, Silvana and Julio are all waiting to go on. They are all wondering where the hell Cecilia is. Silvana says when she left, she was changing.

Azulcena and MS are walking on the convent grounds. Azulcena asks if she can go pray in the chapel. The MS directs her.

Gaspar has found the dress covered in coffee. He shows it to Ceci and pronounces it a disaster. Ceci cannot go on the air with this dress!

Azul goes into the chapel and finds the flowers on the altar. Azucenas (Lilies) the MS explains that they were left there for a funeral for the wife of one of their benefactors. They were the flowers that she loved best. Azulcena smiles ands says her too! After a series of questions the MS tells her that he’s young, n’ handsome n’ talented. In fact, the MS says that the benefactor is going to be appearing on television that very night! Would she like to come and see him! Azulcena says Yes!

Labels: amar

[My apologies for not listing vocabulary here and not doing my usual vocab job, but what I did include is embedded. For the next two weeks I’ll be out of state and out of Univision, and Maricruz has graciously agreed to sub for me. ¡Feliz Navidad a todos Uds., mis amigos!]

Intro notes for tonight: El Rey Tiburón (I just found out that’s the King Shark. Duh!) is playing and they’re still giving us new scenes mixed with older scenes, a very nice way to begin the evening. We get even better close-ups of the little one we think might be Juanito, judging by the boots. ☺

We revisit Juan’s story about the women in his life, which he’s telling Dark Buddy. Palomita plays while he reminisces, lost in another place and another time.

Speaking of the Queen of Rome, here we are with her as Juan keeps telling Dark Buddy how he got in with the execs, rubbing elbows (me codeaba). Man, this chick studied in the U. S. How about that? Paula eats as Chelo bustles in the background kitchen [isn’t that apartment a little small for three to hang out?] Juan continues to tell Dark Buddy how she was crazy about him, while Paula eats dinner miles away with her hubby.

CL is still telling Paula about going to Guadalajara for the weekend for business with the Japanese folks for whom Paula actually initiated the contacts , when he slips and says “we’re ready to go and listen to the proposals.” Paula, educated in the U. S., clearly has extreme mental faculties [Ed. Note: watch my eyes roll here], and her head snaps up. “WE? Who you going with?” He stumbles around about going with Moni. Chelo looks alarmed. Paula gives him a look –sort of “oh, uh-huh,” and goes back to her food.

Laura and Moni are also eating. [Ed. Note: Does Laura work or is she independently wealthy? Can she just stay home and keep house and cook for her cousin?] Laura wants to know the scoop on what Moni expects to get out of this trip. “That Paula will suffer.” Laura isn’t buying it. She thinks there’s an ulterior motive, maybe to get a little action with CL. Absolutely nothing! Well, why do you look so happy? Why is there this sparkle in your eyes, Laura wants to know. You’re hoping for something more. No way, Moni tells her. I’d rather die.

In the Cachón living room, Delirio is delirious on the sofa, all stretched out, with Marely hovering and Yadi and Kike looking on worriedly. We hear a cry? A siren? A screech? Who knows. Whatever. Nidia yells “Bombs away (here come the bombers)!” The kids clear out fast, and suddenly, there’s a glass of water being flung on Delirio’s unconscious face. He comes to, sputtering and looking suspiciously like he’s trying hard not to roll on the floor laughing. Nidia looks like she’s cracking up, too. [One wonders how much else in this novela is ad-libbed.] When they regroup after a second he wants to know what happened. Was it all a dream? Nope, she tells him, it’s real life. Delirio waxes about life being a dream and she’s the dream of his heart, etc., etc., and is she really pregnant? He clasps his hands in entreaty. She makes a face at him; does he THINK she’d be playing games with something like this? Delirio gets off the sofa onto his knees and crawls over to her, grabbing her by the waist and kissing her tummy, bleating sweet nothings. She pushes him away in horror and what? Mortification? [only thinking of what I’d be doing in her place at this age and with an audience]. “Why?” He backs off a little. Nidia wonders if he really wants the details. Marely makes it clear that SHE doesn’t. Delirio gets up and holds his arms out at Nidia, then the kids, then the cameraman, crying with delight, “un hijo!” With each “jota” he spits a little and camera gets spots [okay, I’m giving it a flourish here or there, maybe not spots.] “What a great joy!” He puts his hand on his heart and Nidia looks distinctly uncomfortable. Well, That’s Awkward. “Yes, and for this you fainted like a hysterical woman?” Nidia is irritated. Marely rushes to her, finally coming out of her impactado estupor. Could Mami possibly be wrong, she wonders? Nope, Mami reassures her. Well, why didn’t she say something already? Nidia stutters around—pure embarrassment, at this stage of her life, for Pete’s sake. She wasn’t sure how they’d take it. Marely grins ear to ear and congratulates her. Kike and Yadi come to give their own particular brand of congrats. [Please note, everyone, that they often wear clothes that are the same color to show they’re on the same team. As a matter of fact, so do Paula/CL, and later tonight I noticed Ivonne/Fern with his tie matching her suit. I’m just sayin.] Yadi tells her it’ll all come out okay in the end. ☺ She’ll be right there with Mami, advising. [Uh-huh.]

Paula and CL have had a loooong dinner discussing this business trip. She assures him she’s not saying anything about it. He points out she doesn’t need to, the face she made is more than sufficient. She sarcastically wants to now if he’s now a specialist in nonverbal communication. He points out [Condescendingly, one might think] that Monica is the Veep for Commercial stuff of the company. Chelo takes it all in from behind. They fuss about whether they should be fussing. Finally Paula asks if she should have reasons to be worried about his business trip? He Assures her that She Should Not. They fuss some more and Paula wonders about their trust issues. [Sheesh.] “Puh-leeze!” he says sarcastically. She tells him it was a joke. After a few seconds, Paula asks him why he just doesn’t take her to Guadalajara with him. Checkmate and impactado.

Dark Buddy wants to know how the story ended. Juan stutters that it ended in the door of the church. [Well, yes, but not exactly how you implied it did, Juan.] Juan looks a little shifty-eyed at DB and assures him yep, that’s what happened, DB can’t know what a scandal it was. He had the curate, the church, the wedding dinner, honeymoon, everything set up. He even had the suit, but then he got some doubts. DB doesn’t understand why he changed his mind (arrepentirse). Juan sputters a bunch of stuff about still being young, these boots and this little chest still have several little beds to conquer [okay, I paraphrased that]. There are several irresistible gals to meet , they need his kisses, and he has to keep teaching them the art of love. He doesn’t want to get pigeonholed (encasillar). DB stops him a minute; he’s going to give Juan the reason. Juan asks where is this woman now? DB says she’s off somewhere hating him. Juan doesn’t think so, because they wanted each other so much.

And the hubby of the Queen of Rome is asking if she’s serious that she wants to go with him to Guadalajara. Paula assures him she does, is that a problem? He assures her it’s no problem, but he thought she was tired of traveling. She’s not, it’s been years since she’s been there. Chelo has on her red rubber gloves and is cleaning the stove hood. [That’s just going to be the cleanest condo in the world before long. Who EVER cleans the stove hood?] He’s worried she’ll be bored while he’s in business meetings, and she tells him they’ll stay for the whole weekend and take advantage of the trip. Chelo is impactada. Paula puts her hand on CL’s. Is there a problem? Nope, he’s decided it’s a stellar idea. Chelo sees the agony of defeat looming.

At a Very Strange bar entrance, we hear Delirio before we see him. He’s celebrating with his bosom buddy, Gutis. Delirio is ecstatic to share his news that he’s pregnant—going to make his mark on the world. ;-) It’s a small step for man, but for mankind…..Gutis isn’t impactado at all, which annoys Delirio. Delirio babbles on, he’d given up all hope. Though he’s not in his best years, where his eye goes, there the ball goes. Gutis makes an off-color innuendo about the ball in question—was it from HIS rifle (fusil)? In fact, Gutis thinks Delirio better think it out—is that baby really his? Delirio is incensed that Gutis would bring such a thing up at such a time. Gutis is just pointing out a possible reality. Delirio remembers his single years, right? Delirio’s bubble has burst. Gutis makes the final point—Delirio has had Few, Few, “encounters” with his wife. Delirio growls at Gutis that no way is he going to let Gutis interfere with his happiness. Whatever, Gutierrez tells him. They say that dreaming doesn’t cost anything.

Juan is in his favorite activity, talking to himself in bed with his boots on. Okay, he has his jammies on - cute multi-colored plaid shorts and tank t-shirt, too. We assume that this lovely flowered bedroom is in Delfi’s house—and she has just as good taste as Nidia. [Ed. Note: in her living room, the painted border work is anthuriums]. He’s excited about finding out he’s a father so suddenly. He’s not sure what to think. He wonders what his baby will be like (pelado -one definition is baby). Juan bounces his arms up and down for sheer joy, and clicks his boots together like we see them in the intro clips, the cartoon boots. Then he asks himself how it’s going to be for himself to take care of a child. He gets a little frown. One thing’s for sure, he’s not going to make himself crazy over the responsibility that this child gives him. The one thing that’s been important from this affair is his son. He smiles proudly, what a great sound that has—my son! Juan is jubilant at the thought of his son!

The next morning, Achichipico is buzzing with activity. At Casa Chávez, the son is protesting to his Papi Aldemar that Papi wouldn’t give Casimiro a chance to do anything to that wretch Juan Dominguez—Juan deserved it! Aldemar tells his hijo that Juan is now someone important. Hijo retorts that’s blarney (jarabe de pico mere words, blarney). He wonders when his Papi’s going to realize. Papi thinks that Juan bringing the Japanese guy and progress to Achichipico is a Good Thing, and no violence, please. And the first thing he’s going to do is marry Erlinda. Hijo doesn’t like that one bit, Erlinda with this simpleton? Yes, sir, and you’d better get used to the idea. We’re going to convince him for the good. Hijo wants to know if Papi really thinks Juan’s going to accept that. He wouldn’t follow through with it then, much less now. Papi thinks it depends on how they sell him the idea. [Ed. Note: Not to put too fine a point on it, but isn’t there something in the rulebook that says nuns don’t marry? I wouldn’t know, since I’m Methodist, but I always get that impression. ;-) ] Papi continues with his plan: she’s still the best-looking chick in the town. Her brother thinks Papi’s lost track, she’s been in the convent and hasn’t seen the light of day for a while. [Ed. Note: maybe he’s read the rulebook]. He and Papi yell over each other, but Papi cuts him off. The girl is still lovely, she’s hard working, and the most intelligent in the town [Ed. Note: we can’t assume it’s genetic, just looking at her bro.] The girl had a bad hair day, made a mistake, but we’re going to correct her mistake. She’s going to marry, I Have Spoken. “Okay, Pa.”

Delirio stands in the room wistfully watching Nidia sleep. She sputters awake, disgusted at being scrutinized. “What, you watching me again? Just like a broody hen.” Delirio beseeches her that he has a little thing tormenting him and he needs to know. After some typical Delirio-style beating around the bush he gets to it: is the baby his? Can she tell him it’s his? She’s beyond irritated. That’s the Last Straw! She scolds him about this being the worst of the worst, and how low an esteem he holds her in. [Ed. Note: of course, she didn’t say “YES, it’s yours.] He tries to get her to understand his doubt. She gets him a pillow and he gets a blanket; they both know where he’s going to sleep tonight. She tells him she doesn’t even want to see him again in a painting. He protests, possibly torn between wanting desperately to know the answer and wishing he hadn’t even had to ask. He also might not like the sofa any more. Delirio mournfully closes the door, whining pitifully all the way.

Back in lovely, green Achichipico, in a lovely greenhouse full of rows and rows of anthuriums, we hear Akito exulting loudly how happy he is and how much money is in this greenhouse. Delfi’s anxious voice tells him to watch out as he runs around with his arms stretched to the heavens. He falls down in one of the rows, and Delfi disappears after him, to pick him up? Or not. Purring hums come from the row. Up come two heads, with Delfi wanting to know what the heck he’s proposing? He smoothes his hair. She calls him a rogue, and he gets out his little Lingo electronic translator with 10 languages in it, to find out what a “picarón” is. Delfi chuckles. She grabs the gizmo and tosses over her shoulder. She’s going to show him the words that you don’t find in the dictionary (at least not in the ones we use to recap). She grabs him by the face, kisses him soundly and roundly, and two heads disappear again down into the anthuriums. We hear yells and laughs and the anthuriums rock and swish with the motion in between the rows of flowers.

Papi Aldemar tells Hijo they’re going immediately to the convent to break his sis out, then Papi’s gonna arrange a really lovely big party for Juan. “¿Qué?!!” For a welcome. No WAY! Yes, sir. The guy has scarcely arrived, and we’re going to have him eating out of our hand. Get a band, a good hog to kill, we’ll make him feel important, more important than he is. To get the burro moving, you have to dangle a carrot (zanahoria) in front of him.

Dark Buddy and Juan approach a little house. It’s old, cute, needs some paint, and surrounded by green grass and foliage. “This is the house, and your son’s inside” Dark Buddy tells him, urging him on. Dark Buddy has his indispensable guitar, just in case the urge hits him to break into song. Juan parrots his words—this is the house and my son’s inside? What’s his name? Juanito, man. What else? Oh, sure, my name’s Juan and his is Juanito. Of course. Juan stalls but Dark Buddy, looking delightful as always in a totally white casual classic outfit, pushes him toward the door and tells him to go knock already. Finally Juan gets to the door, moves the latch once, and says no one’s home. Dark Buddy tells him to get right back there and knock harder, talking Juan up to get him off the dime. Juan rushes right back to him, there’s no one there. Dark Buddy assures him people are there. The door opens behind Juan, and a little face peers out. All we can see is a really yellow cowboy shirt and a bright, shiny big old belt buckle. A little Xerox of Juan stalks out in his botititos (no, that’s not a typo) and curly almost mullet, jeans, and cowboy shirt with the snaps and rolled-up sleeves. Oh, what’s this? He has a red bandana stuck into his belt just to the right of the big shiny buckle. His little face is somber—what are these two big guys doing out here? He walks right up to Juan and looks him over, top to bottom, assessing the big guy’s really good clothing choices. Juan looks the little one over just as carefully. [I sniffle.] They both posture, throwing their shoulders back, and visibly withholding judgment for a nanosecond or two. Juan tweaks Juanito’s ears one by one. The ears are apparently clean behind. “You are Juanito?” The boy smiles, “Yep.” Juan opens his mouth and checks the teeth. [You’re lucky this kid didn’t bit your finger, Juan.] “Do you know who I am?” The boy shakes his head no. Dark Buddy sniffles, too. [Okay, I interpreted that fond look a little.] Dark Buddy smiles and the boy looks over at him, shrugging his shoulders with a “okay, so what do I do now?” expression. Dark Buddy winks at Juanito and inclines his head Juan’s direction. Juanito gets an inspiration. “Are you my Papa?” He lights up like the son and Juan sniffles. [Okay, I interpreted that one, too.] Juan bends to Juanito’s eye level and nods hopefully. “You’re not going to leave?” Juan assures Juanito he won’t leave. [Okay, this time Dark Buddy DEFINITELY is sniffling. He’s even chewing his lip so he won’t bust into tears like Santiago. Oops, different novela.] Juanito is still beaming. He leaps into Juan’s arms, and Juan picks him up and hugs him. [Everybody Sniffles.] Juan thought bubbles that all it took was feeling this cherub’s hug, and these little arms looking for the protection of his father, and Juan’s heart stopped beating for a second. And, when he came back to earth, he was changed forever. Juanito and Juan look at each other, Juanito beaming and Juan mirroring him. Juan continues to tell himself that he felt like the most powerful man on earth with that single look from his son. This little boy brought him to his knees for life. And we cut to commercial, but first we get the treat of Juanito’s sweet, beaming little clean-scrubbed face with a lovely green hill and a single tree behind him.

Our intro to the next scene is Erlinda peeling back her habit hood with lots of religious symbols on the wall behind her. For a nun, she’s not only lovely, she’s got great make-up. [Ed. Note: in case you hadn’t noticed, she’s the evil Civil Defense supervisor from Duelo who lured Emiliooooo into her tent for a shared bath –when he was busy figuring out how to divorce Thelma and hook up with Floralina, the student nurse]. In a lovely convent garden, Aldemar and Hijo walk with Erlinda, who’s into her good habit and sensible shoes. She’s astonished that her bad habit, Juan, is back in town, and begs her Papi not to do him harm. He assures her she can be at peace, Juan’s come with a trustworthy intent. He’s also very cautious. Her father is going to respect her life. She thanks him. Papi remarks that she’s always loved that guy (pelado, not used as a compliment). Erlinda assures Papi she has, from the first day. He tells her to get herself home and revive herself—she has bags under her eyes and is too skinny. Papi’s going to talk to Mother Superior. Erlinda, smiling from ear to ear, tells Papi she’ll go get pretty for Juan (and her Papi thinks he’d better not see her like this) and thanks him. Her brother continues to stand there like a bump as Papi goes off to the office.

Juanito squats down to talk to Juanito. He’s explaining that no one told him Juanito had been born, then Juan had spent a lot of time in the capital and couldn’t come to see Juanito. Juanito looks somber again. He tells Juan that his Mami has died. Juan sympathetically tells his son he knows. Juanito says that his Mami always told him about Juan, and that some day, Juan would come for him. Juanito smiles shyly, and Juan smiles and tells Juanito she wasn’t wrong, because here Juan is. Juanito agrees, she wasn’t wrong. Juanito gets another inspiration. Is Papi going to take Juanito with him? Juan asks if he’d like that? Yes, but Juanito wants to run and ask Grandma first. Juan holds him; Juan wants to talk to Grandma. Okay, Papi, Juanito tells him. Where will we live? Juan says they’ll live here in town so he can still see his Grandma. After a while they’ll see where else they’ll live. Juanito thinks he’d like to see the capital some day. Will Papi take him? Sure, Juan tells him, and they’ll go all over the world. He has to trust his Papi. And does Juanito know where else Juan will take him? “No idea” Juanito responds in his cute little voice. “No idea? To the MOON!” “For REAL?” “For real!” “Will I be afraid?” “No, you won’t be afraid.” Juan goes off to talk to Grandma while Dark Buddy watches after Juanito. Dark Buddy has been standing by, watching this with pleasure. [As we all have.]

Even without Juan, life in the D. F. goes on. Moni arrives at work and sees CL pulling into the garage with Fern. CL gets out and bids Fern farewell, and Fern asks for CL’s pardon because he was late picking CL up. It won’t happen again. CL supposes not since he won’t be driving the car any more. Fern smiles. Moni thinks CL looks pretty happy. Well, he is—Paula is going with them to Guadalajara. Isn’t that just magnificent? He walks off with a terribly annoyed Moni in his wake.

Paula holds a sketch of Juan in all his glory and tells Ana she thinks if they put Juan on ceramics, it’ll sell like hot bread. [Put me down for two]. Ana looks proudly over her shoulder at the masterpiece. How many copies of that ARE there? In how many different forms? Paula wonders where he is, and Ana replies he’s out there wandering. Paula wants to know how Mami knows this. Ana acknowledges he called. Why didn’t Ana tell her before?

Moni and CL talk about the impending trip; CL thinks that Moni and Paula can renew the ties that bind them. [Right, you’re the only tie that binds them, CL.] Moni tells him she totally agrees and doesn’t know why it didn’t occur to her. CL tells her it must be because of the exhaustion she’s feeling from the work. [Condescending twit.] He watches the numbers over the door as the elevator goes up. Moni turns her back to him to get off the elevator and we see she’s totally disgusted with this little change-up in plans. He looks smug behind her when he tells her to go ahead of him. She tersely thanks him.

Paula pushes hard for details about the call. Is it a secret? Ana wonders if she’s committed some crime here, or is this call a matter of life and death for Paula. Paula denies that, but still pushes. Ana can’t give her much, since Juan wouldn’t give Ana much. He’s okay, he’s working in a bar creating a new drink. He’s traveling a lot, going from one city to another. Really? Paula beams at Ana. He talked about coming back to the D. F. some day. Ana thinks he sounded strange. She’s not sure if it was lies or exaggerations. Paula defends Juan. Ana can’t put her finger on it, but it didn’t seem natural. Ana thinks maybe it was just her impressions.

Juan and Dark Buddy walk down a narrow street with Juanito between them, holding his hands. Juan tells his son about feeling a call to return to his hometown and when he arrived he heard he had a son to meet. Dark Buddy tells Juanito that you can take the boy out of the land, but you can’t take the land out of the boy (one can forget about his land, but the land never forgets him). The land, the blood, the guitar of the good-for-nothing bum (molondrón), always call. Juan thought bubbles—who would have believed it? My Juanito kept looking at me like a strange person (bicho raro – strange, odd person). Who knows what’s going through that little head? At this stage he either thinks his father is a hero of a legend or a total villain. [Look at that beaming little face, Juanito’s not got his Daddy pegged as a villain!] Juan knows it all depends on him now, and he needs to recover the time he’s lost. They strut along, and Juan picks Juanito up and tosses him in the air, then hugs him.

Moni tells Laura by phone that she has to admit this move of CL’s was unexpected and left her cold. Laura warns her that she should realize whom she’s fighting with. [Yep, he’s the move-meister.] Moni says the game’s not over. Laura tells her that instead of tilting at windmills, she should look at what’s right in front of her. Guess who’s asking for Moni? Gustavo Rivas. The one and only (him from always)? Yep, him. When’d he get back, I thought he was in the U. S.? No, he got back a few days ago. He was thrilled to hear you’re divorced. Moni brightens up. It’s been centuries since they’ve seen each other. Laura tells Moni he says she’s one of those folks who are unforgettable. Moni thinks it’s very convenient that Laura’s run into him and that she should go out with Gustavo. Laura warns her that Moni better not use him for her revenge. Moni says she’s not going to use him, on the contrary, she’ll be so pleased to see him. He’s going to help her prove certain reactions.

CL regales Pastor with his latest coup, taking Paula to Guadalajara with him when he goes with Moni. He’ll kill two birds with one stone. Pastor wants to know if it gave Moni a heart attack. CL tells him it did, but she hid it. Pastor thinks he shouldn’t be too complacent here. CL doubts it’s a problem. Pastor warns him Moni is more astute than either one of them believes. Something’s going to happen here. “Do you think so?” Pastor continues that the wounded beast fights harder. He warns CL to be careful.

Long, lovely legs very high heels trip lightly down the stairs to the garage. [My hubby would be so excited. Too bad he’s not the least bit interested in the novelas. His loss. Do Ivonne’s shoes mean the same things as Paula’s?] Ivonne has a gift in her hand. [Check out the color of her lovely suit and Fern’s tie. They’re a team, that’s how I read it.] “Genius at work?” She asks Fern. More likely studying, he says. Have to be ready for whatever comes in a day. She hands him the gift (obsequio) box. She didn’t come down to interrupt him. He thanks her; it’s an executive agenda book. Well, she responds, he needs it now. He tells her thanks for the nice gesture, but what’s this all about? Is there some hidden motive for this? She stands behind him with her hands on his shoulders. She laughs and tells him that on the contrary, she’s very sincere. [Uh-huh.] Since he’s going to stop being a chauffeur, she might have a renewed interest in him. [Sheesh.] He turns around and asks her what if he’s not interested. Well, that’d be my bad luck, Ivonne tells him. But, she doesn’t think that’s going to happen, or will it? She leans over so he gets a superb view and she gives the distinct impression she’s going to kiss him but pulls back. She chuckles and tells him to enjoy. Fern, his eyes totally glazed over, thaaaaaanks her as he watches the long, lovely legs and very short skirt lightly trip up the stairs. Red leather suit, that? Four-inch heels? Fern sighs deeply and goes back to his desk.

Delfi babbles to Akito that his kisses have made her vibrate anew. She brings in drinks to the living room that has the anthurium wall borders. He’s awakened the sleeping Princess. Her humble home is her palace and she’s going to take care of him as he deserves, like an Oriental Prince. Akito, of course, is getting none of the details but he’s got the big picture as she gets closer and clooooossser. He beams at his good fortune. He gets the reference to the Orient, Tokyo, Japan. Yes, she tells him. She asks if he feels the same as she does, right? Doesn’t he realize that when they kissed in the field of anthuriums [looked more like a hothouse to me], their lives changed forever? He takes the only word he understood and tells her he likes the anthuriums very much. Delfi seizes on the word she wants to hear—he LIKED it? He was pleased? [What we have here is a failure to communicate.] She begs him to tell her she’s the most beautiful flower in the field. Yes, he tells her, very lovely. Moooo bonita, pretty. She asks if he wants to marry her. Akito looks wary, and rightly so. Isn’t this all happening a little fast? ;-) He asks if it would be lovely? [At least he knows she asked a question.] She tells him very lovely, they’d be together. Together. She gives him a little kiss to whet his appetite. He gets that part. Yes. Lovely. Delfi’s proposal is interrupted, how inopportune to have someone at the door! A little boy is so excited he can hardly wait to tell her there’s a big party to welcome Juan with rockets, music, a roast pig, the works! Bring Sr. Akito! Who’s putting the party on, she wonders? The Chávez! She’s muy impactada. She turns back to Akito with an impactada smile, and he’s puzzled impactado.

Ana and Paula look over a book and Ana thinks it must be one of the designs for ceramics. She notes Paula’s distraction and wants to know what’s up. Ana’s just talking to herself like a crazy and Paula’s off in another world. Paula says she wasn’t thinking of anyone special. Oh, of course not. Ana advises her to get Juan out of her head, stop thinking of him. If he’s far away, it’s for a reason. Okay, I’m busted, Paula retorts. [Well, she actually said “you discovered me.] But don’t tell me YOU’RE not curious where he is? Ana says she’s not.

Anga is working off one H*** of a hangover. Or, maybe he’s still working on it. Kike looks at Anga worriedly as he works on the merchandise. Kike goes over and scolds Anga for not telling about the pregnancy, for sure he knew it. [Just what Anga needs now.] Anga groans. What? You feeling bad? [What was your first clue, Kike? His green color?] Anga says he wants to go. Kike doesn’t follow. Home? Nope, far away. Where he doesn’t know a soul and no one know him. Anga asks if he leaves, can Kike take charge of the business? Kike tells him to slow down, because he’s not following. Where’s Anga going? To the other side of the world, to the fifth hell. (estar en la Conchinchina to be miles away, be on the other side of the world). Just far from here. He looks defeated and Kike is really worried.

Moni hands CL some information and moves around to the far side of the desk. The Japanese will be in this hotel and call when you arrive in Guadalajara. What do you mean, when I arrive? Well, I’m not going, she tells him. Why? I don’t feel like it, she responds. Paula is going, you’ll be fine. She made the initial contacts. CL protests and Moni cuts him off to say they shouldn’t lie to each other, going as a threesome isn’t a good idea. The trip will be torture. “You think so?” She tells him that to be honest, she can’t stand to see him in a romantic situation with another woman in a city where she and he had some of their best times. She cheers up and tells him not to put on that face. It’s really in her favor to cancel her trip; this weekend she has a date. He’s impactado. Just great. The greatest, she turns with a smile and struts out smugly as he stares unhappily at her retreating figure. Moni sails across the lobby calling out to Marely. Yes, Ma’am? Change my ticket for Paula Davila. Marely is impactada. Yes, Ma’am.

Nidia has joined Ana and Paula, who is telling Nidia that at the end of the story, it’s most important that the truth is known. They talk about how the family was worried for her and were going to bring in the doctor. Ana wants to know what they said when they knew she was going to have a child. Nidia describes the show Delirio put on fainting dead away. The rest behaved well with her. All was going to turn out well. Things went better than she thought they would. Ana says she has a proposal for Nidia. Paula tells Nidia that she and Ana want to establish a business, a store that sells paintings, sculptures, etc. Original works of art, designs and patterns. People can come, sit, get a little cup of coffee or something to drink while they shop and look at everything. Nidia thinks it’s a divine idea. She always said Paula was good at business. Nidia wants to know what’s her part (what music she will play). A smiling Paula tells Nidia they thought she could be in charge of sales. Nidia is excited impactada. Moi? [Okay, I paraphrased.]

Kike tells Anga hold it, time out, you need to tell me more slowly ‘cuz I’m still not gettin’ it here. Anga tells him “look, boy, you’re responsible and a hard worker. I’m not giving you my business, just want you to be in charge while I’m gone a while. I want to go.” Kike responds that he’ll be pleased to be the administrator while the boss is gone, but he doesn’t think Don Anga should even go. The truth is you’re doing the same thing as Juan, he tells Anga. Anga pensively replies if he stays, nothing’s going to be resolved. Anga needs to rip Kike’s mother-in-law out of his soul. Forget that she’s expecting a child with her husband. Forget the stupid fantasy that Anga invented for himself. He gets up and walks away from Kike. He turns back to Kike; if he leaves this business in Kike’s hands, he’ll be untroubled about it. He knows that Kike won’t fail him. Kike looks dumbfounded. He smiles shyly, but proudly, and pumps Anga’s hand, thanking Anga for his trust.

The reality of Paula’s business proposal has sunk in, and Nidia is on Cloud 9. She grabs Paula on one side and Ana on the other, hugging them tightly to her and babbling about how wonderful it is! Her, a salesperson in an art gallery! Ana and Paula take the bouncing and hugging in stride, looking alternately pained and pleased. Nidia wants Paula to break out a little tequila so they can celebrate. Paula scolds her that she knows perfectly well it’s bad for her to be drinking. Nidia responds that next time she’ll bring her little bottle in her purse. Getting this kind of news is something else! (el colmo, something else). A squeezed Ana reminds Nidia she hasn’t accepted the proposal. Absolutely she accepts, Nidia declares several times, bouncing up and down on the sofa still holding on tight to the ladies Dávila. Finally she lets them go. Paula tells her that’s perfect, that’s what they hoped she’d say, and now they have several things they have to plan definitely (concreto). Nidia, still bouncing, tells them “then let’s begin!” She hops up and minces around the living room, hands on swaying hips, thinking about the clients and how they’ll go about attracting them. It occurred to her they could use one of those “monkeys on stilts” [??? Anyone? Help! That’s literal but who knows?] and they could have confetti, and “frightened mothers-in-law” [yep, that’s what she really said, so feel free to give me any help here, too]. Paula and Ana are looking increasingly mystified and downright concerned. [I confess, I’m increasingly mystified, too. I might as well mention Nidia’s leotard-type top and skirt tonight, the top bright blue, with bright green leopard print patch worked over it. This top is long-sleeved but has cut outs. Right at the armpits. Which gap when she raises her arms. And shows whatever’s below, possibly a nude colored bra. Go figure. Just had to mention that. Maybe her hormones are raging if she’s really pregnant. She’s certainly a nut case tonight.] They’ll have megaphones when they inaugurate the [??? repair place???? More help please.]. She babbles on and dances back and forth, making us all dizzy. Paula and Ana give each other a look. Qué the Heck??? And girls in little miniskirts, etc., etc., etc. She herself will design the clothes. And there’s more….They’ll have some papi ricos with chomis chomis (Nidia punctuates by air-squeezing the chomis chomis) while Paula and Ana both develop frown lines. It’s all for art’s sake. The guys will have little shirts that show their muscles, that’s for the gals who shop, muscles sell a lot. She asks Ana and Paula if they see any problem with the program she’s outlined. They exchange a glance….and Nidia keeps babbling, back to the short skirts….

In the Achichipico town center, a local band is playing as Juan, Juanito and Dark Buddy descend the stairs to find out what’s up.


Juan and Dark Buddy chat with each other on the way down about what could possibly be happening. Below, Delfi is waiting with Akito. Lots of people line the street at the bottom of the long staircase. The people begin to clap as Juan reaches the bottom, led by cheerleader Akito who bounces around as much as Nidia was earlier. Dark Buddy gives Juan a high five as everyone yells “Viva, Juan!” Juan asks Delfi what all this means. She explains they’re happy he’s returned, and that he’s brought progress with him. Juan never expected to receive such a warm welcome, much less in his own home. Dark Buddy wants to know who organized this. Juan says Doña Delfina, who else? She denies it; it was the Chávez family. Juan is impactado. One eyebrow goes up in alarm
He turns and sees Don Aldemar looking at him. Almost protectively, he picks Juanito up. Aldemar tips his hat toward a wary Juan. Juanito asks his Daddy “is it all for you, Papa?” Juan just grins at Juanito and tweaks his little cheek. Juanito grins back. Juan looks back at Aldemar, a little less wary, smiling.

Casimiro and the rejected novio of Erlinda come out of a storefront. They look down, disapproving of the big to-do. Casimiro is really p.o.’d at this all. The ex-novio wants to know what’s going to happen. Casi tells the guy that Aldemar’s called Erlinda down from the convent so she can marry Juan. The guy is totally incensed: with Juan Dominguez? [The ex calls Casi “brother-in-law” even though they weren’t. But, it doesn’t bode well for Juan.] Casi tells the guy he knows how Aldemar is. He wants to see Erlinda well married and it looks like Juan’s become an impresario. The ex says no way is he letting this happen and he’s going to ruin the wedding. Juan’s not going to want to marry her. It’s not going to happen. “Over my dead body!” The boys exchange looks.

Back on the plaza, the dance goes on. The musicians are really in the swing of it, and Juan never misses a chance to dance. He, Juanito and Dark Buddy (with his trusty guitar, of course) dance together in a trio. The music stops and the crowd yells “cachi bombon” and claps. Dark Buddy and Juan exchange hand slaps and Dark Buddy gets it on; he’s the cachi bombon guy! The music we love plays and Juan dances with Juanito and everyone else. There’s singing, clapping and dancing while Juan boogies down. Juanito emulates his Papi very skillfully!

In front of a mirror that doesn’t look like it’s in the convent, Erlinda is brushing her hair. She’s changed into civvies, and is talking to herself. She tells her father that he’s right, though he’s not there. She’s not the same as before. What if Juan doesn’t like it, doesn’t love her? He came back in spite of the threats, and that must mean that he wants to marry her. Erlinda is excited and hopeful….

Hands grip two tequila shots. Aldemar hands Juan a shot, ready to drink together. Juan thanks Aldemar, who tells Juan that this humble celebration is going to mark an historic reconciliation. Juan hoots with laughter. [He who laughs last, Juan, keep that in mind.] Juan babbles about it being a shame in advance, and thanks him for the reception and says he has chicken skin [Hawaii term for goose bumps—piel chinita—china skin]. Aldemar continues as Juan dances around and drinks his shot. Aldemar wants Juan to know that when he makes a promise, he follows through, and they know how to behave as gentlemen. Juan tells him it’s all right using words I didn’t really register (universal, for example, didn’t really fit the context). Aldemar is altogether too jovial and assures Juan they have a lot to celebrate. “Really?” Yep, they only have to talk about his daughter, Erlinda. Juan’s face freezes in a half smile. Aldemar beams at him. “We have to set a date for the wedding, Juan.” Juan’s eyes are saucers. He tosses back the rest of the shot and grimaces. He looks warily back at Aldemar, who has a cat-that-ate-the-canary smile. AND we are reminded that any similarity to real life is merely coincidental.

We have a new ending! Dark Buddy leads the dancers in a rousing chorus of Cachi Bombon! AND there are lovely shots of Juan without his shirt below a glorious waterfallllllllllll…..

Monday: How deep is the crisis for CL’s and Paula’s marriage? Does anybody actually give a rip? Will Juan and Erlinda have a date set for the wedding by sundown?

Jeanne

Labels: Juan

I noticed how attractive Susana Gonzalez looks in the opening credits, whichever outfit she is wearing when they show her. She doesn’t have any headbands on, no strange purple wigs, she just looks natural and hot. Why aren’t we seeing her that way on the show?

We see the scene again with Rita inviting Santiago over for dinner, there was indeed a mention of barbacoa. Interestingly enough, my wife and mother in law (in from Mexico for Christmas) are downstairs preparing some tacos de barbacoa RIGHT NOW. I am hungry.

Captain Ric gets ready to attack a couple ships. As mentioned before, when the targets see the pirates coming for them they freak out. The passengers go below, the sails go up, but it is all in vain I’m sure. Captain Ric will not be evaded. He even gets a forcedly casual pose set up on the prow of his ship, leaning back against one of the ropes, trying to look cool. I’m sure you ladies agree that he pulled it off, he looks cool.

Alberto has returned to Jorge’s place. His ass apparently hurts from the long trip as he grunts and groans a lot. He heads inside to find Jorge.

The pirates continue to chase their target ships. There are uniformed soldiers on them, I don’t know if they are military, private guard, or what, but they get ready to defend themselves.

The belly dancer that was previously in the plaza is now inside Don Jorge’s living room, along with her band (two guys wearing white turbans/hats who tap on drums), the men are greatly enjoying the show. Jorge asks where she came from and is told from the plaza and she will do anything. One guy finally figures out that if she’ll do anything, why is she just dancing? He pulls her down from the table to get a little friendlier. I’m not sure what this guy’s name is, he has a mustache. One other guy tries to horn in on her too. She moves around the room, getting groped. What a life. NOT. Alberto comes in and everyone turns their attention to him, except for one horny guy still all over the dancer. Alberto tells Jorge that he found ‘the guy.’ Jorge clears his throat and tells the dancer to wait for him in the other room, he’ll be there soon. Horny guy says “why?” and Jorge correctly answers that he is the owner of the house, so there. I’ve been waiting to make this comment about Jorge. He looks like Gary Oldman, but has tics and behaviors like a skinny Rodney Dangerfield. I keep waiting for him to talk about not getting any respect. Just the way he shifts his balance from one foot to the other, something about it reminds me of Rodney. Or at the very least he reminds me of someone trying extremely hard to be cool, even though everyone around him is kissing his butt. Maybe he knows they kiss his butt just because he is powerful, but he really wants them to like him instead. Like Michael Scott on The Office. Anyway, I digress. Jorge sends the wench to the other room to hear what Alberto has to say. All he says so far is that he thought his time had come, he made it through a terrible storm.

The pirates and the soldiers posture at each other. Finally Captain Ric orders the cannons to fire, the battle begins. Cannons and guns fire, people die. Captain Ric again orders someone to knick over the main mast. Someone does, and the pirates storm the other boat. One of the pirates yells to ‘kill everyone!’ Lots of fighting, Captain Ric gets right in the middle of it. Someone gets their head cut off and we see it roll away like a basketball. Mario takes a sword to the gut, things don’t look good. Captain Ric notices and his eyes bug out.

Alberto tells Jorge all about his meeting with Foreman. He tells Jorge that Foreman will get one third of the proceeds, Jorge thinks it’s too much. Did they show at the actual meeting what the agreement was? Is Alberto skimming?

The ship doctor is done working on Mario, who is blind drunk to dull the pain. Mario tells Ric that he can have his booty if he dies. Ric asks if there is any news of Lazaro, Mario says no but thinks it must be going well, he also thinks Lazaro is spending time with hookers too. Where did Lazaro go? I’m confused. Ric is grumpy that they didn’t get much money from the conquest. He’ll try to sell the boat they took over. He isn’t interested in forming a fleet. Mario says he wants to go to New Orleans after this run is over. That will get them thirsty again for piracy, Mario says if it is in your blood it never leaves. Ric doesn’t look so sure.

Weeks later –

Camila and Tim exit the church after getting married, along with Lisbeta and Francisca. Nobody looks happy, not even Tim, really. Camila looks nicer finally, but of course there is immediately crying. There is a party back at Tim’s house, complete with every man in attendance smoothing down their mustache. What’s up with that? Some very fat singer is lip-synching a tune. All the women are miserable, for their own reasons, and crying.

Mercedes’s servant (can’t remember his name) delivers the news to Mercedes that Tim and Camila got married. She isn’t please, of course. She knows that he got married to keep Ric’s money away from him. She rushes off to write Ric another letter.

On the beach, Ric finds Lazaro. I guess he took the other boat, he didn’t get much booty either. The boat that Lazaro attacked sank apparently, Ric tells him that he needs to realize that the boats are valuable. Perhaps Lazaro is lying again, like when he said he bought the kids at the slave market.

Foreman tells the group of pirates that the booty was weak, but they got a lot of prisoners that should bring good ransoms. Foreman still looks like Cary Elwes to me. They read over some rules from the ‘brotherhood of pirates’ or something like that, saying how much money or slaves they get for particular injuries. They drink a toast to the pirate brotherhood.

All the wedding guests finally leave after dark. Tim tells Camila to go to his room, they have to ‘talk.’ The other ladies wish her well and she goes. Tim tells Francisca and Lis that in the morning they are getting kicked out again. He will give them a pension and he reminds Lis that when he dies she’ll be rich. Liar. He goes to find Camila.

Tim tells Camila that she will be rich too, when he dies. This is his favorite story I guess. He says he wants a faithful wife, she has to sleep in his bed now. She starts whining and he tells her to stuff it. He says that having a son is one reason he married her, but then goes on to explain that he also wants to keep his inheritance away from his nephew. His daughter is in love with Ric and if Ric was a nice guy that would be fine, but he is a killer, so he wouldn’t want anything going to him through his daughter. Now it will all go to Camila. Camila is stunned at the news that his nephew is a pirate. They argue about what is fair to leave Lis, Tim says that’s his decision. He orders her into bed. She says she wants to go to her bed, Tim says no. She says she can’t be intimate with him. He is patient, but finally he tells her to shut up and get in bed. He tells her to just think about the money she’ll get when he’s dead. She can go home rich and find her old boyfriend. He pretty much falls asleep right away. He makes absolutely no move to try and have sex with her, she gets all weepy anyway.

The next morning Francisca and Lis leave the house. Camila asks for them at breakfast (she is wearing an 80s headband again), Tim says they wanted to go live with another relative and he agreed. Yeah right. Camila tries to steer the conversation back to his nephew the pirate. He says he doesn’t care about her family and she shouldn’t ask about his. She says that she would like to visit Francisca and Lis, he says “we’ll see.”

Ric and Mario return to the beach in Mexico where Santiago and his buddies had just been recently. Ric carries Mario to the shack, the other pirates carry lots of boxes ashore. Rick is reading the letter from Mercedes, it says his uncle married a Mexican woman. He says in the morning he’s going there to see what’s going on. Mario says to send Lazaro, suddenly Lazaro can do anything. If they only knew. Ric says no, he has to go himself. He says if he gets caught Mario can have his booty.

Camila rants about not being able to leave the house. Tim doesn’t want her to find Lis or Fran, and he also thinks she will just to try to escape. She tells him that she hopes he dies tonight. He laughs and walks away. She starts freaking out, thinking that she could be locked up here for 10 years or more.

Ascanio visits Mercedes’s house, he gives Epifanio (that’s his name!) the money for Francisca and Lis. Epifanio gives it to Francisca, who complains about Tim being cheap.

Alfredo walks through town, stopping to ogle a shirtless Vasco. He keeps walking and finds the girl who hangs out with Ursula. Alfredo tells her that he has been hearing rumors about Ursula and wants to know if Vasco is the guy. She starts to deny, so he grabs her arm and hurts her, the girl says yes but Ursula will kill her if she says anything. He says, ‘then don’t open your mouth’ and walks away. Phew. At least now we know why he took such a long look at Vasco. It wasn’t a ‘Felipe ogling a shirtless Luis’ in Alborada kind of moment.

Justo is counting money and Vasco comes in. Justo is missing money, he asks Vasco if he took it, Vasco admits to it. He says it was just one time and Justo yells at him. He has also heard about Ursula, Vasco says it isn’t his fault she’s a whore. Justo says Jorge will kill him if he finds out! Vasco sulks out the door. Justo says great, just what I needed.

Tim meets some ladies on the street, they ask why they never see his wife. He makes some excuse about her being sick.

The chisme gets back to Mercedes’s house, she discusses it with Lis and Francisca. They wonder if she is pregnant, and what that means. Lis mentions the paper guaranteeing her cut of the inheritance, Mercedes says that paper doesn’t matter. Finally Mercedes screams that Tim stole the money, Francisca defends Tim and says it was because Ric killed a woman. Mercedes has a complete freak out and starts screaming and crying, but I think really it isn’t about Ric, she wants the money.

Rick glowers at the ocean as he rides away from mexico.

Justo and Ofelia run into Jorge and Alberto on the street. Jorge asks about Santiago, Ofelia says he’s fine. After walking away, Alberto says Ofelia looks nice and asks Jorge “did you ever get some of that?” Jorge says yes, not a first night rights thing, before that. He ran into her one time and she couldn’t resist him. They see Ursula, Alberto says she’s so pretty, she isn’t looking for a husband? Jorge says no, not yet. I think Alberto wants a piece of Ursula pie.

Ursula goes into Justo’s store to shop. She gives secret looks to Vasco, who helps her with what she is shopping for. She wants him to come tonight, he says he can’t, she says he WILL. He doesn’t look thrilled about it. He gets a look from Rita, I guess everyone knows where he goes at night.

Ascanio is sweeping, wearing that ridiculous white wig. Was that common servant attire back then, or what? Camila comes outside, asking where Tim is. He directs her to the living room with a longing glance. I think he likes her. Camila stomps into the living room and says she wants a dog for company. She nags and Tim says fine. She starts to whine again, saying thanks for the money, but she really wants…. He cuts her off, enough already. He says be patient, in the end she’ll get her reward. Tim says he used to be happy until someone or other died. Then he wants to play chess. She actually sits there and pays attention to his chess lesson.

Ric arrives and greets Epifanio, who is glad to see him. In Mercedes’s room, Mercedes is sick in bed (maybe from her tantrum) and the other two ladies wear hideous sleeping caps. The caps are enormous and ugly. Anyway, Ric is there and Mercedes tells him the news about the wedding and all about the inheritance. Ric says whatever, he doesn’t need his uncle’s money. Mercedes says it isn’t Tim’s, it is his father’s! Lis tells Ric that the wife’s name is Camila, Ric starts breathing heavily. I don’t know if he is impactado or horny.

Monday – Ascanio, with bad 80s rock band hair, tells Camila to calm down about something, perhaps Tim died already! Also, Ric is apparently trying to break into Tim’s house to save her.

Labels: Pasion

We open tonight with Silvana still in that slinky black cocktail dress since breakfast giving parenting tips to Diego about his responsibility to stop keeping the myth of Azul being alive for Caty. Mom Clemencia is siding with Silvana on this issue, Azul is dead. Clemi tells Silvana to keep fighting and to have patience with Diego. Surely he will get past this and love again and it could be you. Ding dong, Azul is dead! says Silvana if only to herself. [Well wasn't that what her look was saying?]

Caty asks in tears if Diego has found Mommy Azul yet. He finally gives into the pressure and tells her that Mommy Azul is not going to return to them she's in heaven with God. She's a shining star now. I will love you enough for both of us. Diego gives lots of hugs and assurance. Silvana is ready to help (ding dong, Azul is dead) and goes off to talk to Caty in her room. Clemi tells Diego he's always been strong and he needs to dig into his soul for Caty. He says he can't forget. She insists that some day this will just be a memory. [not true, says I, but I'm just the recapper here]

Azul and Doc Luis Felipe are busy in the clinic, Azul in her little girl country dress is taking a patient's blood pressure and flirting with the old guy so who knows how accurate the reading is. Doc tells the patient to hydrate well, take his meds and (call me in the morning)... The patient holds Azul's hands and comments on how soft they are, most of the country gals he knows work with animals or the harvest and have nasty, gnarly old hands. She's just grand in the clinic. Doc grins that he wouldn't know what to do without her help. [Try reading your medical books perhaps?]

Tavo and Efrain are discussing Tavo's new shop and how hard he is working but he is afraid the shop will be seized if he can't make enough money. Lidia is his other reason to need a lot of money. He thinks it would be a great idea to lay a trap for her so he can test whether she really loves him or not. Efrain counsels that it would be better to forget his resentment and suspicions, tell her the truth and just ask her to her face if she loves him. He'll know by her answer. [What a concept, tell the truth.]

Azul is back at the Doc's office arranging a pile of files and telling him that she wants to take each patient's records and put them all in perfect order. He starts to add up, you're sharp, you know computers, photography. She demures cutely, no, no not me. He persists with you are spontaneous with no prejudices, your former life must have been very different, even your hands are so soft. She is so distinctive from the other country girls. She bats her eyes at him and says no matter what her life must have been before [the big, bad amnesia] she is so happy to be with him now.

Silvana and Caty while Caty counts up losing Mama Azul, Nico, Mama Liliana... Silvana swoops in with but you have Papa Diego and ME! And, if you tell me to stay, I will. We can help Papa Diego get happy again, you don't want to lose him too or go to a foster home??? BREAK

Caty in total melt down now, I don't want to lose Papa Diego or go back to a foster home. Silvana very snakelike tells Caty she can make a pact with her and then she can have a great life with HER and Diego, instead of an orphanage. She'll be able to go to the park, cinema, theater...[Besides this dreadful dialog being hard to take, I can't recall any of the cretins in this entire series ever doing anything cultural.]

Lidia is sweet talking Tavo, doesn't he want to marry her... YES. [Another seduction going well.]

Caty and Diego discuss wanting a mass at the church for Azul. They will always care for the souls of the Mommies and other Dad, et. al. Silvana cheerily suggests how about popcorn and a movie this afternoon (and ME). Caty has learned her part already, she's cheering to go and for Silvana to stay this afternoon with them.

Luis Felipe and Azul are driving in his truck, she ohhhs at a beautiful spot to stop and instead of going to a restaurant she pulls out a picnic lunch that Momma made. How convenient. They find a shady spot under trees. They both enjoy the beautiful vista, life is better. They get fresh air and a breather from all the piles of work they just finished. Azul then leads him on a merry chase through the woods.

GSD is considering an offer to go to Switzerland to help cure AIDS and he is needing to get away because he is still clinging to thoughts of his daughter and can't accept her death. He offers Emilia a chance to come with him. Emilia wants him to stay and not avoid his grief and problems. He needs to come to peace with his loss of his daughter. She wants him to take a few days to think about staying rather than leaving for Switzerland but whatever comes they are good together.

Back in the woods, Azul is hiking down a hill in only 2 inch high heels, trying to run and giggling as Dr. LP chases playfully behind. Girlish giggles sound exactly the same in either Spanish or English.

Clemencia and Ceci are discussing the plans for the mass for the eternal rest of Azul's soul. It will be in chapel at the home/orphanage of Mother Maria. The nuns have insisted in making all the arrangements. They are so grateful for all Diego's help. Clemi still hopes for a miracle that somehow Azul will be found alive. Ceci is still crying all the time but needs to get to work, get her life back and deal with her grief.

With Silvana eating with Diego and Caty, she drops the reminder that she has to go back to Japan right away. Caty on cue again starts with the NO NO Don't go!! Silvana acts touched and says she can stay a few more days, she'll call the modeling agency.

GSD has joined Julio and Arnaldo at their table, decides to stay for a meal and carries on about his inability to get over losing Azul. They all miss her so much.

Clemi tells Ceci that she needs to get a grip, life passes in a sigh. Ceci says she is still thinking of her love for Luis Felipe but has had no word from him. He might be married by now. Clemi says Ceci will find her true love one day.

Mean while Azul finds Luis Felipe's lips. -BREAK-

Luis Felipe pushes back, pardon me, I can't do this with you, you don't even know who you are. I'm just the only stable thing you know. This isn't right. Azul begs....

Arnie, Julio and GSD continue discussing how difficult it is to accept that Azul is dead since her body was never found. GSD can't picture her dead. Arnie wants them all to remember her as she was strong, generous [when was that], happy, full of life. GSD tells the boys he is leaving for Europe for a while to assimilate this loss. Julio says, this is your house and as they all three hold hands he adds that GSD always has the two of them to listen to him. [Isn't it just amazing how the homophobia just melted right out of GSD, or maybe went up in some of that cigarette smoke.]

Silvana, still in that low cut black dress, plays Mommy to Caty telling her it's time to brush her teeth and get ready for bed. Tomorrow is a work day and she has to go to school. She and Diego both try to take Caty to get ready for bed, but Silvana wins saying as long as she is in Mexico she would like to put her to bed.

Azul, Luis Felipe and his Mama are at the table. After the rebuff in the woods she has suddenly remembered how to pout. This is a break through. She's not hungry and is going out for a walk. LF's Mama thinks everyone is acting strange. LF can't understand why a smart girl like Azul likes the country life so well. Mama says have patience. Millions of people would like to live where there is countryside and fresh air. Mama thinks when Azul remembers maybe they can be a pair. LF then discusses his plans to go back to Mexico, DF to deal with his consulting practice. Mom is shocked how could he leave the pueblo.
-BREAK-

LFelipe remembers that he promised to open a clinic with his buddy Mario and he can't back out on his promise. Mama pleads that there are so many clinics in D.F but only his one clinic in Santa Maria. He assures her he can do both and keep the clinic going at home with the resources of the city clinic. He feels bad about leaving the burden of taking care of Azul with his Mama but she insists she likes being around Azucena and it will be company and not a burden at all. [Obviously the whining just started so she has no clue.] LF goes outside and finds Azul pretending to be asleep on some bales of hay. She wheedles and snuggles and gets him to admit that he loves her. He tells her not to insist. She insists. He resists, she insists. She has only a memory of right here, right now. What is to stop them from enjoying themselves and being happy. Obviously his professional ethic is no longer one of the things... So here is a good old time roll in the hay. He sheepishly says baaaaa, [not really] he actually says you're right, but maybe tomorrow if you remember .... she insists once again that only this moment has any meaning.

Silvana is seducing Caty, really lying on the bed while Caty begins to sleep. When Diego peeks in Silvana puts her head down and pretends to be asleep, he almost touches her arm then leaves. We are left with Silvana's evil smile of triumph.

Luis Felipe in a moment of guilt tells Azul he doesn't want his Mama to know about their love just yet. She will oppose it. Azul in child like whimper asks why is it bad, it's so pretty. Your Mama will be happy. He accepts all the risks but doesn't want others to meddle right now for good or bad. Azul prattles, on in a little while we can be formal novios. Luis Felipe holds on to the last thread of this professional ethics and reluctance to assure her that if when her memory returns and she ends up having someone in her former life he will understand. Azul insists she won't change her mind and his Mama will finally accept their love. She slings a leg over his as we fade to ...
- BREAK -

GSD walks back into his or Emilia's house with his bag. She appears to ask did you miss your plane? He says no the plane missed him. He has had a change of heart and agrees with her that he needs to stay right here to deal with his grief and adjust. He was fleeing to avoid dealing with all of it. [I guess AIDS will just have to cure itself without him.] Suddenly what looks totally like a product placement as our eyes and GSD's and Emilia's go to the coffee table and hiding in plain sight is the big plastic pregnancy test stick!! Wow, she's pregnant. She looks alarmed, he asks why isn't she happy, she is worried. Age wise, etc. It is a miracle but she is scared. Maybe it's false results. He offers to take a blood sample to the lab tomorrow to analyze it for her and find out for sure. [What a guy.]

Breakfast in the same snakey cocktail dress and hair looking unslept on, Silvana has the nerve to say her clothes are a disaster. She has already given Caty breakfast and taken her to school AND had time to call the modeling agency to tell them she needs a few more days in Mexico, D.F. and they said she could stay. Diego wants to know how he can repay her for all she has done. [Wrong question baby boy, wrong question] Sure she has a plan, she can consult with him for the day and in fact will model for him in today's design show. He is so gleeful, you, the great model Silvana, in my designs?? hmmm

GSD and Emilia talk about parenthood. He knows she has always wanted a child. Science has advanced, it's my baby too, [nice way to discuss that she is a bit long in the tooth for this first time pregnancy.] But, he does wisely point out that though she is afraid and it will disrupt their lives and they are not prepared, no one is ever prepared to be a parent. They will be fine and he will be with her. [for GSD this is major tenderness, besides he acts excited to rush that blood sample off to the lab...]

At the boutique Julio, Gaspar, Don Chucho, Gloria and Ceci are sitting around a table preparing for the modeling show listing dresses, shoes, etc. Diego looks up and in walks Silvana in the white version of her low, low cut cocktail dress. He talks up how they will use her in the promotions. Ceci is bent out of shape at being shot down once again with Silvana's commanding presence. Silvana reveals that she will not be returning to Japan yet. Ceci leaps at that with what are you trying to do. Silvana, butter wouldn't melt in her mouth, replies, help Caty.. Before Ceci can go for her throat, Diego yelps, Silvana's helping us out here of her own free will. Ceci will still have a modeling role here at the boutique but now Silvana is so internationally known. Silvana gives Ceci a sly kiss on the cheek and softly suggests Ceci get a good manicure.

Tavo is working under a car when Lidia shows up. She tries to hug him but he says he is filthy dirty, they hug anyway. Then the real dirt comes out, he is having economic problems with the new business. They agree to postpone any big wedding plans for a bit while the business gets established. Clemi had suggested they wait a bit at which Tavo looks worried but Lidia blythly adds that a big wedding now is too soon after Azul's death. They can party later...

Silvana saunters into the room in yet a third cocktail dress. This one in fire engine red and all the way to the floor, is lower cut in back and in front. She preens in front of Diego and asks if the dress is cut low enough. Diego looks at her with anything but the lust she is so hungry for and says no, in fact, let's close it up a bit. Then he turns to Don Chucho and asks him to do the fix up. Silvana, shocked, is so snotty to Don Chucho but he isn't surprised, he just asks her if she isn't at least going to greet him.

One last peek at the ranch lovers kissing secretly while Mama goes to the kitchen for more salsa. Luis Felipe stands up to kiss her as Azul thinks it's fun to play this game and not say anything. She smiles at the returning Mama while she slides her foot up his leg.

Ceci is complaining to Gaspar that Silvana wants Diego and everything, she has to be the best model, get the perfect husband, raise the kid... Silvana has been lurking and strides into the room demanding that Ceci say what she has to to her face. Ceci sneers, you want to stay with Diego and I will not permit it! - FIN -

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