Caray, Caray!

Diana finds Vasco alone in the dining room and tells him that she will be his girlfriend. They kiss and she tells him what a great person he is, etc.

At the engagement party, Don Toribio gives a toast to the couple, mostly to Alonso and what a great guy he is. Sara somehow manages to draw attention to herself and gives her own toast, being super fake as always. Pauls is there and dressed up nicely in an evening dress, she actually looks hot when she's not wearing her hair pulled back so tight, now she has a regular forehead instead of a fivehead. The cleavage helps too. When Sara gives Lorena a hug, she makes sexy eyes to Alonso behind her, Alonso looks very confused at this. He always looks that way but this time it was the right look.

Zulema and Omar talk in bed, he has some interviews tomorrow and is nervous. I wait for the bow chicka bow bow 'Omar I can help ease that tension....' especially after they kiss a couple more times than usual, but he actually stops and physically PUSHES her away and says he needs to go to sleep before his big day. She looks at his back in stunned silence.

Alonso reads aloud a card sent by Zulema, Lorena says how much she loves her. Bettina starts some music for dancing, they all get up and dance except for Sara who ends up being odd woman out. She glares at the scene of Lorena and Alonso kissing.

Diana tells Vasco that they have to tell her parents about their new relationship. She is worried that Vasco will get disowned the same way Omar did, Vasco says whatever. She says you don't care? He says of course he cares, it would hurt tremendously, but it won't deter him.

Sara very un-subtly butts in on Lorena and Alonso dancing so she can dance with him. Lorena is a bit stunned, but says ok. She looks quite cross at this development as she goes to sit down. Lucky for her Toribio butts in and takes Sara away, Alonso runs back to Lorena for more boring kissing. I'm not a huge fan of the kissing scenes the way you ladies are, unless there is disrobing of the female involved, but I agree that Lorena and Alonso couldn't melt an ice cube with any of their kisses.

Maruja and Rosy tell Paula how hot she looks when she tries, she must be beating the men away. Paula says she can't think about men right now. She is wrong, she totally could if she weren't being the ex-wife from hell. They dig in to the spread of food prepared by Zulema, then Toribio leads a sing along of Volver. Sara leans over around Lorena and squeezes her boobs together at Alonso, telling him what a fine voice he has. Again his normal confused look is appropriate. Lorena really squinches her eyebrows together at this boobie attack.

Hortensia and Barbara have breakfast the next morning, discussing that there is no news from Vasco. Jaime comes down in his pajamas. Hortensia orders him to clean up and go to work, he starts to protest, but caves in when she says to help interview candidates for his assistant.

Omar leaves for his interview. Vasco and Diana emerge from the back and Diana wants to tell everyone something, but they are too busy and all run out.

Sara, in her room, daydreams about Alonso. The doorbell rings and she whines that nobody answers the door. Of course everyone is gone, so I'm not sure what she expects. It's Lorena a the door and she's pissed, she wants to know if Sara is after Alonso and looks ready to fight about it. She manages to put on the sad act and "oh Lorena how could you think that we're like sisters" and stupid Lorena falls for it. Not as quickly as before, but she's still being stupid about it. Lorena, the boob squeeze/lean over maneuver is never accidental. You have to learn this.

Omar goes on his interview, he is told pretty rudely that he's behind the times, he can't do the work he used to do because he is out of practice.

Slimy Arturo and Barbara are each on their cell phone trying to find the other, they are right around the corner and bump into each other. Ha ha whatever. I hate these two, the both of them. I hope they go somewhere in a car to get busy and it rolls down a hill and explodes. Anyway, Arturo goes off to HR to interview for the job working for Jaime.

Jaime is sitting on a sofa in the back of the room while HR guy conducts the interviews, he couldn't care less. Some guy with a bad combover is being interviewed, after he leaves the HR guy tells Jaime that he is a good candidate, Jaime says whatever I'm going home. HR guy says there is one more, Jaime says you do it, I'm outta here.

Toribio and Paula go to Zulema's house, they want to buy food from her because it was so good at the party and neither one of them knows how to cook. Wow Paula really is useless. She's a horrible mother, doesn't work, and still doesn't know how to cook?

Maruja is leaving work, dressed nice and looking lovely for having just been working in a kitchen all day, and sees Jaime leaving. Jaime asks if she's busy, he needs someone to talk to. She agrees.

Barbara enters the HR guy's office as Arturo leaves, they pretend not to know each other. What an unattractive couple they make. Bleah. The ugliness of the total is greater than the sum of their individual ugliness. Bleck. She asks the HR guy how it's going, HR guy says it's between the guy that just left (Arturo) and the guy right before him (Combover).

Dario and Jackie come home, she is scared witless and Dario basically tells her "jeez give me a break."

Lorena talks homework with another student, if she has a name someone fill me in. She shows up often after this, she must have a name. They see an ad for their teacher having a presentation for his new book and plan to attend.

This same teacher, Ernesto, is getting ready for the event. Some boobie hottie arrives (yes please we need more of that on this show), her name is Vanessa and appears to be his ex. She wants to get back together but he doesn't, he tells her basically to get lost. I want to tell him "open your eyes man!" but is they were together before and not now, he must have his reasons. I can only assume she isn't as pleasant as she looks. She does look pleasant though. Where were we?

In class, a teacher makes special mention of two students and their grades on some assignment, first Sara who got a 9, then Lorena who is so great and got a 10. I guess grading there is on a 1-10 scale, not A/B/C/D like here. Sara looks very pleased with herself until hearing Lorena's score, then she is positively green with envy.

Chalo is at the clinic and complains that his leg hurts, Alonso says it shouldn't any more. Chalo is obviously carrying on for one reason or another, just to make trouble I guess. He asks about 'Lorenita' and Alonso looks like he'll punch him but is interrupted by Paula and Toribio, stopping by to say hi. Chalo sees Toribio and says "That's the guy who hit me! You coward, you hit me and ran off!" Toribio looks worried, then denies everything, but eventually admits it after being badgered for a minute.

Bettina is at Dario's place. He says Jackie is sleeping, but she can stay and do her homework while he goes to a meeting, but be quiet. When he comes back they'll watch a movie.

Chalo wants 20,000 pesos to keep his mouth shut about the accident. Alonso accepts to keep Toribio out of trouble.

Lorena's friend at school warns her about Sara, saying she was very jealous when Lorena got the 10. Stupid Lorena says oh no, that can't be true, we're like sisters. PLEASE writers of this show let her snap out of this delusion soon, it's so irritating.

Alonso and Paula yell at Toribio. Toribio is sorry and says to prove he won't drive again, he'll sell the car.

Rosy ice skates in her sexy tight jeans looking good, Julian wants to quiz for the game show, then has to admit that he's afraid to skate. She manages to get him out on the ice where he proceeds to fall a lot.

Jaime and Maruja both feel weird being together like this, they agree that they are doing nothing wrong. He tells her she's so nice and he feels better already. He buys her a candy apple from a vendor and she is surprised he likes them, she thought he'd only like elegant food. Then she gets serious and says the he should know that her daughter is dating his brother Omar's stepson.

Omar comes home dejected, he got turned down three times. He's too out of touch with his career. Anyone know what career this actually is?

Maruja and Jaime go over who is who in the families real quick, then Jaime says he's surprised she knows the dirty secret of the family. She says it's not her place to judge, she just says that because she likes him. She tells him to get close to Omar's family, he says he'd like to but Omar hates him and with good reason.

Bruno finds Sara and hits on her, she lashes out at him and tells him to get lost, the woman he treated so poorly is her half-sister! He looks a bit impactado.

Valeria gives Alonso a copy of the note Bruno sent to the lady boss, ratting him out for not covering for him last night. Al wants to confront him but Valeria says you can't because gosh would you believe it, he's not here.

Lorena does homework and Rosy and Julian come home, Julian is sore everywhere. Maruja comes out and Julian asks for Arnica. She doesn't have any, he says surely his mom does. Lorena comments on how wonderful Zulema is, Rosy agrees. Julian says he thinks that way about her mom. Maruja is pleased and gives him a huge hug, which brings him great pain. Ha ha comic relief, even the music lets us know this.

Bettina talks to her mom in the dark on her cell phone, I guess it wakes up Jackie because she flips the light on and screams like a little girl. Jackie tries to explain that they have a ghost in the apartment. Bettina says she didn't see anything.

Lorena and her school friend go to Ernesto's presentation. Some pretty lady sits down by them and claims to be Ernesto's girlfriend, then another woman (please writers find a way to put her on screen every episode and not just this one as a bit player hubba hubba) sits on the other end of the row, another ex of Ernesto's, the two ladies catfight over Lorena and her friend. Then some other ladies walk in that are apparently exes too. Ernesto finally arrives to start the show.

Some commercial for a soccer game or something - did I mistakenly find a non-family channel? The woman in the commercial has a super tight shirt with very prominent nipples sticking out for the entire ad. I'm not complaining but jeez I really wasn't expecting that.

Bruno and Al argue, Bruno says "Tough crap for you, I'm your boss." Al says what happened, they were friends! Bruno says are you asking me to play favorites? Alonso gets very frustrated and almost makes the mistake of making this altercation physical.

Ernesto talks about Mexican Cuisine and his book, to much applause. Hottie boobie girl Vanessa that we saw earlier in the show arrives, Lorena's friend says this must be another ex, Lorena says Ernesto must have dumped her for being late. Ha ha!

Ernesto talks to his editor, then his sister and brother in law show up. All comment on the amount of lovely ex-girlfriends in attendance. Ernesto says not all are exes, see those two are students, pointing at Lorena and her friend.

Lorena's friend says Ernesto is hot, Lorena of course doesn't chime in because she's so in loooove with dull Alonso. She makes some crack about the title of Ernesto's next book but he overhears and gives her a stern look. She looks worried, but what can he do? They aren't in school.

Next episode - Omar and Zulema start to get a bit suspicious of Sara, since she's such a bitch all the time. Also, Ernesto apparently takes a liking to Lorena. Great. We get to see more blank face/angry Alonso sometime soon.

Labels: enemiga

Labels: gavilanes

Hi everybody, I apologize for the idiotic title but nothing else comes to mind. And now without any further delay ¡a lo que te truje Chencha!

We start with a little rehash from thursday (I took the liberty of copying the end of Judyb’s recap). Lorena sits down, looks up and realizes that the fellow she bumped into is....yikes...actually the professor himself. And hot, hot, hot! Things are looking up, ladies.And he's also "hot "as in mad, annoyed, and cranky. He docks Lorena's friend two points for being late, and gives a tough little talk about how he's not here to teach them to be cooks; he's here to teach them to be exceptional chefs. And some of you aren't up to the task, he adds, looking meaningfully at little Lorena.
…and onto today’s show

The hot teacher starts talking about his passion: Mexican Cuisine. One of the students asks him if he thinks that Mexican cuisine should be considered “high” cuisine. The teacher explains how in order to be considered high cuisine the recipes should have a techniques that justify them? And the Mexican cuisine has those procedures, because it’s created out of the richest ingredients and the most complex culture and tradition. Another student asks what is most important tradition or creativity. The teacher answer that it’s best to really get to know the tradition and then apply creativity. He tells them that that’s exactly the purpose of his class.

Vasco is trying to talk to Diana, but she tells him that she is very busy, right on clue the phone rings and she answers.

Back in the classroom, one of the students is finishing telling the class about his favorite recipe. The teacher asks if there is somebody else that might want to share a recipe with the class, he asks Lorena. She gives the recipe for a salsa called “Salsa macha” he asks some pointed questions to find out how well she knows the recipe. She fails to give an important step in the preparation of the salsa and he makes fun of her. Everybody laughs and he takes 2 points from her for trying to talk about something that she doesn’t know.

(I found this recipe for salsa macha in the internet. It looks pretty much like the one Lorena was describing. Is somebody makes it let me know the taste and if it is hard to make) http://www.panix.com/~clay/cookbook/bin/show_recipe.cgi?salsa+recipe488

Diana is still on the phone and Vasco is still trying to talk to her. She tells him that she doesn’t want to talk to him because she is confused. He leaves.

Back in the classroom, the teacher is giving them their homework. They need to bring an essay about the influence of the Yucatanian cuisine on the modern Mexican cuisine. He reminds them that it needs to be an original work or else. As they are leaving the class a student comments that the teacher is very strict and he always finds out if somebody cheated by copying the work. Lorena tells her friends that he is right and that they won’t learn anything if they copy the work. Her friends can’t believe she is defending him when he was so mean to her.

At the house of dastardly deeds, Barbara is picking up some things for Jaime. Hortencia asks her when Jaime is coming back. Barbara tells her that he is depressed and maybe Hortencia should hire an assistant for him. Hortensia tells her that she won’t do that because he is going to get used to go away and she wants him to take care of the business himself. Barbara insists, but Hortencia tells her in no uncertain terms that she is the one in charge and she decides how to manage her own company.

Super Alonslow has finished his rounds and is leaving to see Lorena. He tells Valeria to please let “his boss” Bruno, know that he is leaving early.

Back at the school of strong, hot and delicious…recipes Lorena and friend are picking up books to work. Lorena promises that she’ll do everything in her power to be good at classes for the sake of her scholarship.

Toribio is talking to Paula. He tells her to stop being gloomy. He needs her help to organize a party. Paula wants to know what the motive is for the party. Toribio tells her about Alonslow and Lorena’s engagement. Lorena tells him that she is worried for her brother, because she doesn’t want him to suffer like she suffered. Toribio tells her to “no echarle la sal” (jinx) the relationship. She decides that she needs to distract herself. He asks Toribio to please take care of Betina. He agrees to do it.

Back at the school, Aloslow surprises Lorena. She is very happy to see him. He tells her that he came to pick her up. Aparently Aloslow didn’t park his car properly and was blocking the teacher’s car. Ernesto (the crabby teacher) is not happy about it especially when he realizes that Alonslow came to pick up Lorena. He scolds her and Lorena tries to apologize. He leaves in a huff. Alonslow tries to cheer Lorena up, asking her when would be a good time for their engagement party. Lorena reminds him that she doesn’t have a family and there is no need for an engagement party. He apologizes and tells her that he didn’t mean to make her sad.

Zulema is writing her recipes down. Julian walks in and asks her what she is doing. She tells him that she didn’t have anybody to leave her cooking secrets to, (since Diana doesn’t like to cook) but now she has Sarita, and she’ll leave all of her recipes to her. Julian tells her that he just came from the shop and that his dad just paid the last customer, and now they are fixing the shop. Zulema is very happy. Julian goes back to the shop.

Lorena and Alonslow arrive to Zulema’s house. Lorena goes to prepare something in the kitchen and Aloslow tells Zulema about the engagement party

Paula calls Dario and Jackie’s house. Jackie doesn’t answer the phone on time and Paula thinks that they are not home. She decides that now is the best time to try and steal the bank statements. She enters the house and realizes that Jacky is home. Paula hides and Jacky thinks it was a ghost who made the noise.

At Toribio’s house, Bettina is showing Toribio how to use the internet. Toribio wants to know how to meet girls in a chat room. Bettina tells him she’ll teach him.

Back at the house of mix families, Lorena tells Zulema about her problems with the crabby teacher. Zulema can’t believe Lorena had trouble with a recipe.
Lorena tells him that she was nervous and it was the teacher’s fault.

Rosy and Julian are watching the genius program and she is trying to convince Julian to enter. He refuses saying that he is not smart enough. Maruja tells him that at least he should try. She tells him they will cheer for him.

Toribio is tired of trying to meet somebody in the internet. He tells Bettina that he doesn’t like any of the ladies that are writing to him. Bettina tells him that the lady from Russia looks very nice. He says that she looks very old and she can’t even speak Spanish. Right then, Paula enters and wants to know what they are doing. They both say homework.

Back at the love nest, Jacky tells Dario that she is positive that there are ghosts in the house, she left the magazine in the room then she heard a noise and when she came back the magazine was ripped. Dario laughs and tells her that maybe somebody entered the house. Jacky insists that the house is haunted and wants something done about it.

Omar asks Sara how was her day at school. She says that it was great. Zulema asks Omar about the shop. He tells them that once the building is ready, he’ll return it to the owner because he won’t work as a mechanic no more. He is going to go back to his old career (Whatever that was) because the food business is really going well. Zulema pipes in that Alonso ordered a nice dinner for a big event tomorrow. Sara wants to know what the reason is for the party. Zulema tells her that Lorena and Alonso are getting formally engaged tomorrow. Great cara de impactada de Sara.

At exactly the same time Lorena is telling Maruja and Rosy the good news. They are very happy for her. Rosy says that she’ll wear her best clothes. Maruja points out that the dinner is for family only, but Lorena tells her that they are her family and of course they are invited.

2nd Part

Vasco is sad because Diana won’t talk to him. He asks her why she didn’t wait for him in the morning and why she didn’t want to come back with him from work. She tells him that they don’t need to be together all the time. He knows that she is behaving like this because of the kiss, and tells her that he is interested in her. She tells him that because of her pregnancy, she can’t have a relationship right now. He tells her that he loves her and he is willing to be a father for her baby. He tells her to think about it.

Back at Hortencia’s house, she is yelling at Jaime. She tells him that he needs to snap out of it, the company needs him. Barbara also nags Jaime telling him that he can’t keep on hiding. Jaime tells them that all he wants is a few days without nagging. Hortencia tells him that she needs him at the company, but Jaime retorts that Hortencia doesn’t need anybody, and that he is not coming back. Hortencia storms out of the room. Barbara tries to convince Jaime to go back to work, but he tells her to leave him alone.

Valeria asks Arturo about the “investments” He tells her that he doesn’t have to give her any explanations. She is very upset and reminds him that he took all of her savings and she owns part of the business. He tells her that he won’t tell her anything and to just go to bed because he is not in the mood of answering her questions.

Barbara and Hortencia are talking about Jaime. Hortencia says that he is very irresponsible. Barbara goes back to her “idea” of hiring an assistant. Finally Hortencia accepts to do it. As soon as Hortencia walks out of the room, Barbara calls Arturo and tells him to send her his curriculum.

Julian is practicing for the genius program. He is telling Vasco a lot of information about Soccer. Vasco is hardly paying any attention and finally Julian asks him why is he so pensive. Vasco tells him that he is in love, but refuses to tell Julian the name of the lady of his dreams. He (Vasco) tells him that he will only tell him her name if she accepts him. Julian wishes him luck.

Sara is recovering from the impression and is already planning her next move. She swears that she’ll break up Alonso and Lorena’s relationship.

Back at Maruja’s house, Lorena is still doing her homework. Rosy asks her why she is working so hard. Lorena tells her that she needs to get an A, because the teacher took 2 points from her final grade. She explains to Rosy how she forgot some ingredients on the Salsa recipe. Rosy can’t believe that Lorena forgot something that had to do with food, she wonders if maybe it was because the teacher is so handsome. Lorena tells her that she didn’t even notice because she is in love with Alonso. Rosi remembers the engagement party and tells her to go to bed because she needs to look beautiful tomorrow.

Jacky asks Dario not to go to work. She is afraid and doesn’t want to stay by herself, she tells him that if he doesn’t stay she won’t either.

Sara is ready to go back to work. Zulema doesn’t want her to go, but Sara reminds her that they had talk about it and that Zulema should forgive her grandma. Zulema says no way Jose. Sara doesn’t want to continue to argue and she leaves. As she is exiting the house she sees Lorena. Clueless Lorena gives her the good news of her engagement and asks her to be the person representing her family. Sara says that yes she’ll be there and leaves in a hurry.

Inside Zulema is talking to Julian. Zulema tells him about Lorena’s engagement party. Julian is happy for Lorena. Julian then tells her that he is going to participate in the genius program. He tells her that with the money he is going to pay the mortgage of the house and he is going to start a formal restaurant. Zulema tells him to take it easy; otherwise he’ll have the same fate as the milk lady that was very happy with her milk and while was walking was thinking about what she was going to do with the money of the sale of her milk. She was going to buy chickens and then lambs and then a cow and then… she trip and lost her milk. She tells him that is not good to hope for too much, and it is better to wait until after the sale. Lorena arrives and gives them the good “news” about her engagement party. Kisses and hugs all around.

Diana ties to make a last effort to get Damian to answer for her child. Damian behaves like the jerk he is. Diana slaps him and tells him that she is very happy that they are not going to marry and to not worry about the child, she’ll take care of him.

At Hortencia’s company, Barbara is trying to figure out the hiring procedure. She asks the secretary about the process and the secretary tells her about how everything is handled. She figures a way to sneak in Arturo’s curriculum and puts her plan in action right away. She sends the secretary for a glass of water and as soon as she is by herself she slips the curriculum in.

Bruno is very upset about what happened with Diana. He wants to pull rank and tries to make Alonso cover for him because he is leaving. Finally Alonso stands up to him and tells him in no uncertain terms that he has a previous engagement and that he is not staying; besides Bruno has been neglecting his rounds. Bruno tries to act as the offended party, but Alonso won’t have any of it. He yells to Bruno and tells him that he (Alonso) is not staying and if he needs somebody to cover for him to look for a different doctor.

Arturo and Barbara are talking about the interview. It seems that Barbara’s trick worked and now Arturo has an interview. She tells him that he needs to be careful and land the job. He tells her that he’ll give the perfect interview.

Sara is hoping mad. She is yelling at Chalo and blaming him because he hasn’t called Lorena. Chalo accuses her of not caring about him. Sara changes her attitude right away, and starts talking all mushy and babyish. She tells him that she cares about him, it is just that she can’t waist anymore time, for their own good they have to work together to destroy Alonso and Lorena’s relationship.

Meanwhile, Alonso and Lorena are looking at churches. Lorena tells him that the church they are looking at right then is the perfect church. Alonso wants to see more churches.

My recorder stopped right here. Please fill out whatever happened next.

Labels: enemiga

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in front of our respective television sets, to witness the carnage we are sure will result from the union of this man and this woman. Damian and Karla, you have planned, schemed, cheated and swindled, and finally your big day has arrived:

Padre Manuel asks for any objections to the union. Well, Padre Manuel, ask and ye shall receive….

Oh, yeah, that's a pink shirt alright. Fernando objects. Damian has to fake shock and outrage. Fernando claims to be in luuuuurve with Karla. She forbids Damian from doing any physical damage and then runs to Fernando. They mack. In the church. Cause Karla's classy like that.

I guess Marisela and Mat weren't invited. Marisela is complaining about Flor not wanting to move in with her. She goes on and on and Mateo pretends to care and gets in some more insults about Alejandro and the family. He hints about Constancio being a bad guy, but won't give details. As we've seen before, this is the best way to get Marisela to believe you…"Oh, well, honey, if you knew the things I knew…but I won't say…."

More outraged Damian. Karla complains that Damian didn't treat her well and her new Chicken Pimp treats her like a queen. And also, he's better in bed than Damian. Padre Manuel reminds her they're in church. Karla and Fernando ask to be married right then and there. Damian has to be dragged off by Alejandro and Hugo to keep from pounding Fernando. Padre Manuel refuses to marry them and he dismisses the crowd, all of whom seem all too happy to be dismissed. Fernando and Karla lobby for a wedding tomorrow, but PM begs off. Karla introduces Socorro and Fernando. Fernando macks on his new suegra. Again, in the church. Socorro drags him off to talk and tells him that she doesn't buy that he's in love with her daughter…and also, that she knows what he did to Lina. Fernando goes back to macking on Karla. Poor Socorro can't figure out how many more mistakes her little girl has to make before she learns her lesson.

Gloria and Lina are back at the house. Gloria comments that Karla's with someone even worse than she is. Lina wonders if it could really be true that Fernando is in love with Karla and she looks upset about it. She says guys only bust up weddings if they're really in love. Gloria says roaches don't like to be alone, that's all. Gloria reminds Lina that Lina's got Bobby who's a way better man. This cheers Lina up. Mili comes in all excited saying she's brought the pregnancy tests. Gloria refuses to take one, but Mili says they'll all do it so that she doesn't have to do it alone. Gloria's really afraid of it coming out positive. Lina and Gloria both refuse to go first, so Mili has to do it.

Padre Manuel gripes to Nestor about the crap he has to put up with at work. What's wrong with these kids these days?! Nestor reminds him that kids have always been kinda stupid, not just now. He reminds Manuel about some freaky hairdo he used to have. Nestor brings up Mili's pictures and that there's one of Mili's mom and Constancio. Padre Manuel tells him that Constancio is Mili's real dad and that she and Alejandro separated because they thought they were committing incest, thanks to Luciana. Nestor is impactadissimo!

Mili and Lina sit in Mili's room holding their pee sticks. Gloria's in the bathroom, but she's having a problem getting started and Lina tells her to run the faucet. She eventually comes out and the waiting starts.

Nestor can't believe Luciana could have done such a thing. PM has to break it to him that she sure as heck did it. Nestor is upset about Manuel not telling him before. PM promises he'll tell him the whole story now, but Nestor needs to chill. And so PM tells him about Mili and Al's almost-wedding. Now Nestor understands how upset Alejandro was when his grandma died. Nestor asks why Padre Manuel didn't tell Alejandro. PM says he had to keep his mouth shut because Luciana threatened to kill off Mili and because he believed she'd do it. Poor Nestor. He looks like someone just ran over his puppy. Twice. Commercials…. Nestor can't believe that his poor little fragile Luciana could have done this. Now Nestor understands why Padre Manuel set up the thing with the house on the beach. Nestor understands a lot of things now, and he wants to have a talk with Alejandro. PM reminds him that Mili doesn't want Constancio to know that she knows that she's his daughter. Nestor says Luci has a lot of 'splaining to do.

Big shock, Gloria's not pregnant. And there was much rejoicing. She promises that when she is, one of the others will be the madrina for the baptism and the other one for the kid's first communion, so they don't have to fight over it. Lina, however, has two little pink lines. Oh, please, writers, haven't we done enough to poor Lina already?!

Down in the living room, everyone is consoling Damian. He says he wants nothing more to do with women. But, no, he's not going to start pitching for the other team, he just won't be committed to anyone. Socorro comes in to apologize for her skank of a daughter, but Damian doesn't blame her. Damian claims he's sad since he was all set to call Socorro "mom." He hugs her just a little too long. Socorro asks for permission to go upstairs and see Mili and Andrea and Luciana fight for Alpha position again. Damian says he has to leave the house because everything reminds him of Karla. Before he leaves, he sadly reminds everyone that he was once her Chicken Pimp. Luciana looks vacant (or maybe she's taking a mental inventory of all the places in the house where she has booze hidden) and Constancio smirks.

Karla and Fernando mack on his couch. She blabs on and on about Fernando turning out to be the guy for her. He says she's just as innocent as her little friend Lina. Karla objects, so he says "yeah, that's right, baby, you're the one who snagged me." They make out some more as Fernando sneaks a look at his watch.

Lina cries while the other girls console her. Socorro tells them that it's important to do a blood test if the test comes out negative, cause it could be wrong, but if it comes out positive--too bad, you're preggers. Um, Socorro, we were trying to console Lina. Lina has to admit she's done nothing with Bobby, so it must be that rat bastard Fernando's. Lina cries that Bobby won't want her now. Mili's worried about Fernando marrying Karla, but Socorro scoffs that he's just messing with her. She says that Lina and Socorro are going right over to Fernando's apartment right now--just the two of them, not the other girls.

Alejandro and Nestor meet in a restaurant. Alejandro only showed up because Nestor said it was urgent. Nestor offers him a drink, but Alejandro just wants to know what's up. Nestor tells him he just found out what Luciana did. Alejandro doesn't want to talk about it with him. Nestor says he's worried about Alejandro. Alejandro says there was a time he would have given anything to find out he had another dad, but now it's too late and he's not interested. He goes to leave, but Nestor stops him. Alejandro tells him that he asked Luciana for the truth the night before his wedding and she denied it even then. Alejandro blames Nestor for not telling him when he had plenty of chances. Nestor tries to explain, but Alejandro doesn't want to hear it. Alejandro says that Nestor destroyed him the same as Luciana did.

Milagros comes to visit Hugo in his studio. She wants to talk. She tells him Lina's pregnant and she started crying when she found out. Mili says having a baby is, like, the coolest, but not when it's not the baby of the man you luuuuurve. Hugo says "What are you trying to say? That if you got pregnant with my baby, you'd start crying?" Mili and Hugo throw their promises to each other in each other's faces. Hugo gripes about Mili and Alejandro. He wants proof that Mili trusts him--by letting him manage her money and her shares in the company. She says she'll sign whatever he asks. He hugs her and makes a crazy-obsessed-guy face, while she just looks miserable and confused. Commercials…. Hugo thanks her. Mili's still upset and looks worried.

Karla and Fernando have a post-coital coffee. She blabs about wanting to go to Miami for their honeymoon. Fernando says she's funny and he'll miss that about her. Someone rings the doorbell and Fernando jumps up, saying "Finally! I thought they'd never get here!" It's Damian, still in his tux. The guys shake hands and hug. In front of Karla, Fernando says just hurry up and pay me the money, I've got things to do. Damian hands over an envelope of cash and Fernando starts counting it. In front of Karla. Who makes an ugly about-to-cry face. It's so callous, but I can't even muster up the energy to feel sorry for her.

Valeria and Rocky walk into the house together and find Luciana waiting on the couch, forcing Valeria to treat him like a chauffeur again. Luciana can't just let things go and has to remind Valeria that she can't let herself get enamored of the chauffeur again. Valeria says it doesn't matter since Luci and Constancio have done their best to get him to reject her. Luciana starts to whine that it's for her own good and she and Valeria get into an argument about it. Andrea comes over to join in, which upsets Luci even more. Valeria finally says that at least Andrea is her friend and she's glad that her dad traded Luci in for Andrea. Luciana slaps her across the face, then tries to beg forgiveness. Valeria leaves. Now Luci and Andrea get into it, with Andrea gloating and calling her a pathetic excuse for a mother.

Once Fernando has counted his cash, he takes his coffee and leaves. Damian tells Karla if there was a stupid contest, she'd win…"Stupidest girlfriend category…Karla Zorrilla. Stupidest servant category…Karla Zorrilla." Karla protests that her last name is Luna, but Damian says it would be like a stage name. Whether he means "zorrilla" as in "skunk" "striped polecat" or "little fox" is anyone's guess. He thanks her for saving him from both jail and marriage. She goes after him and he pushes her onto the couch. He tells her she looks better on the floor…with a bucket and a rag, of course. And in her uniform, which looks better on her than a wedding dress does. He says he's going off now to find another woman. Karla's left sobbing on the couch. Fernando comes in and throws the wedding dress at her. He tells her to shut the door on her way out. She asks if she can take the fur coat with her. Karla! Por Dios! Have you no dignity! He goes back into the bedroom, while she cries.

Chamuco tells Gloria not to be lifting heavy objects. She tells him she has good news, but can't get a word in edgewise as he starts talking about how he's going to work five jobs at once--whatever it takes so his little Chamuco has whatever he needs. He reminds her they've got to get married ASAP. This shuts her up and she doesn't bother telling him about the pregnancy test. They kiss and get busted by Horacio and Braulio. Chamuco breaks the news to them that he and Gloria are expecting and they're getting married. Horacio hugs him in congratulations. Mili comes in too, wondering what all the fuss is about and Gloria says she just told them the good news about being pregnant! Gloria pulls Mili close and whispers behind clenched teeth that if Mili says anything, she'll never forgive her.

Socorro comes into Fernando's apartment. She asks where Karla is and when he starts giving her lip, she slaps him across the face. She tells him he's going to be a father and Lina confirms it. He looks scared. Yeah, he's stuck. He keeps going around saying he only does it with virgins, so he can't very well try to say it's some other guy's kid.

Karla walks around at a park in her dress thinking about the nasty things Damian said. She starts ripping up the dress. Or she tries, anyway.

Speaking of trying, Fernando says it must be some other guy's kid. Lina says she's only been with him and Fernando says no one believes that. Oh, but Socorro does, and she grabs him by the neck to prove it. Dude, you have pissed off Mama Bear! She tells him he's going to take responsibility like a man. Lina says she wants nothing from him, but Fernando goes to his trusty envelope of cash, pulls out some bills and hands them to Lina. He tells her that should be enough to "get rid of the package." Lina rips up the money and tells Socorro they're getting out of there. Socorro tells Fernando he's anything but a man and slaps him again. After they leave, Fernando laughs and calls them a pair of gatas (either servants, hos, or cats).

That night, at Casa Belmonte, Luciana drinks while thinking about all the nasty things her kids have said to her lately, which, sad to say, she deserves. Constancio comes running into her room to tell her that Andrea has gone out. Luci says she's not in the mood, but Constancio says he can get her there. They start making out on the couch and Nestor walks in. Constancio tells him he should have knocked first that way they could have faked something. He says Luciana told him Nestor would be back late and they really should coordinate schedules to avoid these unpleasant situations. Constancio reminds Nestor that he's the lover, not the husband, and should be more flexible, especially since Constancio's letting him have free access. He finally shuts up and leaves. Luciana says she didn't want him to find out. She tries to swear it was the first time, she didn't do anything, he made her, etc. Nestor says he no longer believes blindly in her, he thought she was different, but she's a liar and a hypocrite, she's soulless, she destroys every good thing. Nestor says he couldn't expect anything else from a woman capable of ruining her own son's life. Dun dun dun!

Hugo and Mili come downstairs and run into Alejandro and Florencia. Mili tells Florencia she's glad she and the baby are doing well. She reaches for Florencia's hand. Will she never learn?! Florencia gripes that the doctor told her to stay calm and seeing Mili upsets her, blah, blah, blah. Hugo gets Mili to announce that she's reconsidered and it's Hugo who will manage her shares. End.

Monday: The foursome are still down in the foyer when Nestor and Luciana come downstairs, arguing, and Nestor tells Luciana to look at the great job she's done making everyone miserable. Well, yeah, I guess she has.

Labels: guapos

Maracuya thanks Augie for being so kind and understanding about this whole thing with Jimena and Oscar. Augie flirts and says she should take him instead. (Given half a chance I think the old guy would actually balk.) Mara is giggling at this when Rosario knocks at the door, ready to pick up Luisito. Mara opens the door for him and the two singing phenoms finally meet.

At the same time Sofia sits in her room at Casita de Reyes and sadly remembers her two traumatic assaults and the way she screamed and cowered in fear at Juan’s attempts to hold and comfort her. Out in the bakery Juan is literally sweating over--and into-- the next day’s rolls. As he toils (note the sweaty brow to the armpit) he remembers Sofia telling him how afraid she was at the thought of recurring traumatic memories that might make her unable to stand a man’s touch—his touch— and that she was certain it would cause her to lose him forever. Just then a despondent Oscar, followed by Franco, comes in to inform Juan that he’ll be leaving town with Mara the next day and says he doesn’t know when he might be returning. Juan is very negatively impactado.

Meanwhile, Jimena stands red-eyed and weeping in her darkened room staring out the balcony window and remembers that Mara told her she might lose Oscar to her forever if she refuses to forgive him.

Back at the bakery again Juan has had enough. He starts cursing and throwing bread dough everywhere, knocking trays onto the floor (which immediately gets me wondering if he’s going to pick them back up, blow them off and use them anyway). Juan has conveniently lost the patience Sofia supposedly has taught him. “Dammit all! Where did this come from? What do you mean you’re leaving??!! My guts are roiling as it is, and you come tell me you’re leaving?”

However, Juan gives in to the inevitable and says he can’t stop his brother, but Oscar needs to be sure about what he’s doing. Juan asks Oscar to think things over before he takes off with Mara. He doesn't want Oscar to be sorry afterwards, once he realizes he might have made a mistake, nor to suffer because of it. The family will support his decision and even if they can’t be there in the flesh with him, they’ll be with him in spirit. (Yada, yada.) Franco gives the Reyes' three muskecheer and it’s Reyes solidarity now and forever. Hmmp, hmmp, haw!
=============

At the cottage Rosario and Mara become… bosom buddies. Mara tells Rosario how the Bad Love was totally empty the whole time she was gone. Ofelia, at the same time, is in Rosario’s dressing room praying for guidance from the virgencita. Apparently she knows the whole truth about Rosario’s background and doesn’t want to steal away the joy Rosario felt upon learning she had a “family”.

Augie and Eva talk Rosario into leaving Luisito there at the cottage to stay with them because the cantina is not the kind of place to raise a little boy. (Do tell!)

Later that evening Juan is in tears as he tells Sofia about Oscar’s decision to leave town the next morning. Sofia struggles to put a comforting hand on his arm but grimaces at each failed attempt.

In their bedroom Oscar and Franco remember their childhood fun with their father as he taught them both to ride. Oscar says it’s hard for him to think back that far. Suddenly he remembers the tree and the swing. He tells Franco the tree with the swing had the same emblem carved on it as the one engraved on Juan’s old trunk.

The next morning Oscar says his good-byes to Quintina, Franco, Sofia and Juan. He gets hugs from Franco and Quintina. Sofia’s a lost cause because of her newly returned man-phobia and can’t hug him. Juan refuses to bear hug him good-bye and simply gives him a brusk “God bless you” before sitting on a bench in the corner of the living room to mope. Oscar, hurt by his rejection, heads out for the Tumbao to meet up with Mara.

While Eva feeds Luisito his breakfast she tells Augie that Jimena is still holed up in her room. Augie says he’s upset that both of his granddaughters are such cowards and are allowing love to get away.

Jimena sits alone in her bedroom clutching a little heart shaped pillow and crying that she’ll never see Oscar again.

Meanwhile, Pablito, who prefers Juan’s conchas to the nuns' oatmeal, finds the right moment and sneaks out of the orphanage.

Tall and Small Tweedle (Benito and Octavio) wish Mara future success. She encourages Small Tweedle to take a chance at happiness with Bruno. (Ay!) Octavio thinks it’s a bit too late for that. Oscar arrives with a drawstring pillowcase full of his personals and announces in front of the group that he’s ready to leave with her as she’d asked.

Back at the bakery Juan busies himself with the tasks at hand and wipes sweat from his brow onto his arm again. (Just how much of that sweat is now flavoring that concha dough I wonder?) Poor Juan should have just taken the day off; the first batch of conchas he takes out is scorched on the bottom and half raw on top. He sits down and begins to weep at his rotten luck. (Where’s that box of Kleenex I asked for?) First Pablito, then Sofia, now Oscar!

Sofia comes into the bakery to check on Juan and sees what a funk he’s in. She makes another effort to lay a comforting hand on his shoulder, but once again she cringes at the thought of touching a man, even her Juan. Juan notices her now and tries to discuss his feelings with her. Eventually the pain and misery he feels overcomes him. “First my sister, then Oscar, and you,” he weeps. He tells her he is afraid of losing her as he tries to hug her looking for a little comfort and consolation in her loving arms. She can only hiss at him about not touching her ever again. (This whole rejection thing is getting really old for my money. I’ve already gone through two hankies. I need another.) After realizing what she’s just done she begs for his forgiveness once again. He looks down at the floor and says through his tears that she has nothing to be forgiven for. Again she tries to make physical contact with him, but realizes she cannot and rushes out of the room. Juan stands there, alone in his wretchedness.
========

In the little cottage Augie lets Jimena cry on his shoulder over losing Oscar as Oscar is following on horseback through the little country back-roads behind Mara’s van. (Note: besides all modern means of communication, this little town has never heard of a quaint little invention called the horse trailer.) In the back seat of her van Mara is all grins and giggles at her little triumph with Oscar.

Sarita runs into the cottage looking for her sister. She tells Jimena that there is still time to stop Oscar leaving with Mara if she really loves him. As they race off who should come running into the cottage but Pablito, crying and begging Augie to hide him. Augie tries to comfort him.

We follow Mara’s little caravan procession as Jimena and Sarita race on horseback to catch up with Oscar. Jimena yells for him to stop. They halt the horses in front of the little entourage and Oscar gets off his horse. Jimena jumps off hers as Oscar begs for forgiveness. They hug and she says she’s already forgiven him. Her love is much greater than any show of disrespect. She asks him never to do this again and he says gratefully that he only wants to make her the happiest woman in the world. Mara has her driver take out Oscar’s drawstring bag and cries tearfully as she drives off leaving the two lovers to their fate. Sarita smiles secretly at this. Jimena and Oscar share a bittersweet kiss.

In the little casita Sofia finishes writing Juan a note of farewell, stands up and then looks around the little bedroom. She weeps as she remembers the passion she has shared with him there. “Adios, Juan. Adios. I am not going to make you suffer any longer.” (Of course she will. Who is she kidding?) “You don’t deserve it. Adios.” She grabs her own little pillowcase full o' personals and altruistically leaves Juan to wallow in his own sorrows. (What happened to ‘the kid needs to know its father and should grow up with his father in the same household’?) ......In short, she deserts the sorry SOB.

Back in the forest dark and dim, Jimena asks Oscar to promise he will never cheat on her again. It was terribly painful for her. Oscar says he realizes this and swears on the Reyes’ name not to, never ever to, again. Not ever! He wants to know why the sudden change of heart, and so Jimena explains the reason that she forgave him was that Mara spoke with her and admitted she’d set a trap for him; that then Sarita encouraged her to come after him. When Oscar tries to thank Sarita for what she's done for him, admitting they’ve never really connected well, the old Sneerita comes out. She snidely tells him what she did was for Jimena only. Their family had already suffered enough trouble and what with Sofia’s latest affliction, there is more than enough to go around. Besides, she’s already regretting it because on Sunday they're both getting married and will be miserable wretches.

Speaking of which, at Casa de Uribe, Tall Tweedle is suggesting that Small Tweedle go off with Bruno and leave him there to marry Sarita, manage the business, and send Small Tweedle his portion of the profits. Even though Octavio will miss out on the inheritance Benito will make sure he has all he needs in life. (Got to admit Tall Tweedle is really growing on me.)

Back at the cottage, through his tears, Pablito reminds Augie how he hid Augie and even fed him way back when. Aguie realizes that he owes Pablito. Augie gives in and decides they’ll devise a good strategy to confront whatever problems they face with the authorities. They’ll even include Mariachi (Yay!) in the deal.

Speaking of Mariachi, it’s turned into the dog days at the bakery. Franco complains that even Mariachi misses Pablito, so much so that he won’t touch his food. Juan says, yeah, the same way they already miss Oscar. (Dunno, maybe Mariachi just has more sense than to eat Reyes brand dog biscuits.) Franco says he is worried about Juan. He wonders what’s happening between him and Sofia. Juan says he can only be patient. He’ll stick by her. (Too bad she doesn’t have the same kind of dumb loyalty.) “What if even after all this she still rejects you?” asks Franco. Juan says his duty is to stand by Sofia. Franco pats Juan on the shoulder and tells him he admires his brother more every day and that Juan is the most conscientious man he knows. Juan simply says he’s got to go in to check on her now and see if she needs anything. Franco mentions he’ll be going to visit Pablito with Quintina in the meantime.

Juan goes into the living quarters looking for Sofia and finds a “Dear Juan” letter instead:

“Dear Juan, I can’t continue watching you suffer any longer. I’m sure that you love me, and I know that you’d wait the time needed for me to get well; but because of this very love that I hold for you I can no longer bear watching as the angst and pain consumes you because of me, because of my rejection. I’m never going to be happy now, but you, you really can be and therefore I’m freeing you from your loving promise. You are free. You are free to find your happiness [with somebody else].
Loving you,
Sofia”

So after telling Juan good-bye, have a happy life, and hope you will find love some other way and with somebody else, Sofia has returned to the convent. The Mother Superior asks if Sofia is sure of what she is doing. Sofia replies tearfully that she is doing it out of love for Juan. She cannot condemn him to live with her under these circumstances. Therefore, she’d rather let him go free so that he could be [truly] happy. The Mother Superior reminds her that love is between two people and says she oughtn't to have decided on her own to abandon him like that. However, she should feel free to use the tranquil grounds to think through what she feels would be best for her and Juan.

Said tranquility is short-lived as one of the sisters comes running over, yelling that Pablito has run away. Sofia seems to be impactada.

Inside the orphanage Quintina and Franco commiserate and worry if poor Juan will withstand this additional blow without uttering a complaint.

Juan returns home after a galloping whirl around the outskirts of town on Capricho to let off steam. He enters the house and goes to the little shrine in the corner of the living room to ask the virgencita for help. “I know I shouldn’t go looking for her. I have to wait for her to calm down, to wait for her soul to find the peace she seeks. I have to wait. I have to learn to wait. Even though I might be going around here totally miserable and with a broken heart, I have to respect her decisions. I can’t force her into anything. If she decides I have to leave her, I will do it. I love her, Virgencita, and I don’t want to watch her suffer, much less on my account. I love her, and because I love her I’m going to let her free.”

Speaking of…lovers… Bruno is about to drive off when Small Tweedle stops him. Octavio tells him he’s leaving with Bruno. Bruno gets out of the car and smiles. (Oh. Gawd. Tell me he isn’t going to express his man-love in this scene!) “I knew you would reconsider.” Octavio says they’ll be together, but he wants time to confront his aunt with the truth. (Whew! That was close.) He doesn’t want to remain a coward and promises to speak with her that day.

JImena and Oscar come to visit with Augie and give him the good news that they’re back together again. Pablito remains hidden from view. Augie is happy and says they’ve made the correct decision. “There are some battles that are won more through love than by hate,” he tells them. After a bit of chitchat Oscar starts to go. Augie asks him about Sofia. He says since this last assault she is the same. Jimena worries that Juan might desert her but Oscar says Juan would never do that to someone that he loves. Rosario walks in at that moment and the four exchange pleasantries about her unexpected return. Sneerita comes in at that point and is angry to see Rosario in her granddad’s cottage.

Back at the Uribe’s, Raqui is asking Octavio what excuse he’s got for not wanting to marry Jimena. He admits, while shooting puppy dog eyes at Bruno, that he is in love with another person. “Who? Who?” asks the unsuspecting Raquel. Bruno steps forward. Raquel still doesn’t get it. Octavio explains. “Bruno is the reason I don’t want to, nor can I, marry Jimena.” Wide-eyed impactada, Raqui asks why he never told her this before. She says she’s fine with the idea, but his uncle will definitely not be. Is he sure, she asks, that he wants to give up his inheritance? Octavio answers her that he’s sure and he places “Luhv” above all else. Raqui giggles to think that Gabriela Elizondo is going to surely kill her now.

Back inside the cottage things have heated up quite a bit. Augie reminds Sarita that Rosario is his guest and can come as often as she wants. Sneerita says she never thought he would take the side of her worst enemy. Rosario pleads with Sarita to realize she is not her enemy. She does not want them to always be on the outs with each other and has no intention of hurting her. Sneerita doesn’t buy it. “How should I treat you? Perhaps I should speak to you as if you were one of my sisters?” she says haughtily and then stomps out and back to the house.

Meanwhile, Gabi and Fernando --who has recently been getting some from Mama-- are talking together in Gabriela’s office. Nonefer, now Somefer, Nando says he’s got to go out and buy a few things for the ranch. He broadly hints that it would be a good excuse to get away from there and to be alone with each other. Gabi is too busy, but Somefer wants some nooky now. He suggests they could plan a little trip to the state capital and spend a few days alone together (Gag alert!) and he emphasizes this with lots of stolen kisses. She can take advantage of the time to take those tests she needs, he adds.

Gabi giggles girlishly and says she can’t because of the girls’ weddings next Sunday. Somefer Nando grabs her and pulls her back. He says he worries about her because of that arrhythmia thing Dr. Mentiroso Matasanos mentioned the other day. Gabi doesn’t want anybody to know about this and says she’ll get the tests done in her own time. Somefer cannot wait and the two of them become passionately entwined. They are interrupted and panicked when they hear Sarita and Jimena enter the house arguing over Sarita’s attitude towards Rosario. Sarita gets an accidental glimpse of her BIL and Mama standing a bit too close to each other and looking a bit uncomfortable. She notices Mama smoothing her hair and adjusting her necklace.

Back at the Reyes’ meanwhile, Franco and Quintina give Juan the bad news about Pablito running away from the orphanage. Juan is beside himself and asks just when life is going to draw the line on their hard luck. None of them knows where Pablito has gone nor even where to look. Just then the front door opens. They all look expectantly over at the hallway entrance as Sofia returns with her pillowcase. She smiles sweetly over at Juan. Juan is overjoyed to see her back and standing there. He smiles broadly back.

Labels: Fuego

Permalink posted by Jardinera654 @ 3:42 PM 64 comments

Rehash: We see Mili and Al in the hallway outside his room where Flor languishes, and Mili is blaming herself. Al hugs her to comfort her and guess what, Marisela walks into the hall right then. She tells Al that this is why Flor slashed herself. Everything is his fault! Mili runs off. Mari tells Al that Flor is not alone. He says he doesn’t owe her any explanations, but he will do everything to make sure Flor is okay.

New hash: Mari enters the darkened Room of Crushed Dreams where Flor is asleep, recovering from the loss of less blood than you get taken for a blood test. Mari swears that she won’t let that monster destroy her sister’s life.

Karla sneaks into the kitchen at night and dials up Fernando, who is sitting astride his shiny motorcycle, waiting for her call. He tells her too bad she’s getting married tomorrow because girls like her aren’t thick upon the ground and he misses her. Karla flutters. He says how great she called exactly at the appointed hour and can she come out and play? Karla says it’s dangerous, and also it’s late for going out. But she says okay, when can you come get me? I’m here out front, he says. Karla is stoked, says she’ll go change and be right there.

In the foyer, Al is standing about like Hamlet, looking tragic, tears standing in his eyes. Nestor says you couldn’t help what happened. Luci agrees. All says leave me alone, you hypocrites. Nestor takes it patiently, saying well we’re all tense. He goes on upstairs. Mat and Connie are there too. Luci leans over Connie where he is sitting on the couch and softly says she needs to talk to him later in the study. She touches his ear and massages his shoulder - a clarinet is playful in the background. Luci goes upstairs.

Oh! Andrea is there too. She leaps over to the couch and asks Connie what Luci said. Look out, says Connie, you look like a suicide attempter yourself. Andrea curses Luci, then gets seductive and says let’s go up to bed. I’ll be up in a bit, he says smiling and rumbling.

By now Al’s tears have reached his chin. Andrea pauses on her way to the staircase and says I’m glad your wife is better. Al just keeps staring straight ahead.

Connie stops at Al too and says and you call ME an assassin? Don’t keep putting on airs that you are a better person than me. You are trash and you know it. Connie walks over to Mat who has been sitting there feeling awkward and tells him, please feel at home. You’re a great guy! If Al had been like you I would’ve taken him on like a son. Al in the background looks even more pained. Connie leaves.

Mat is standing, briefcase in hand, uncomfortable, and Al is still standing glued to the spot by the stairs. Mari comes down and tells Mat that she’s going to stay with Flor, she doesn’t want to leave her alone. In the background, Al says don’t worry on my account, I can sleep here on the couch. Mari can’t be bothered to even acknowledge that he has spoken. She goes upstairs.

Mat says to Al, well, I’m going now. Please greet Flor for me when she wakes up. He walks out. Al looks like he’s going to sob, but instead he runs upstairs. Oops, Mat isn’t gone, he’s lurking behind a wall.

Lina and Gloria are in twin beds (what happened to the bunks?) chatting when Karla comes in dressed to go out. They ask if those are her new jammies. Karla scoffs and says she’s going out with friends for her stag party. The girls say you don’t have any friends. I have tons of them, retorts Karla.

Mat sneaks into Connie study and plants a manila envelope in the desk drawer. Uh oh! Somebody coming! He dives under the desk, which is spindly-legged and doesn’t provide much cover. Connie and Luci come in and start telling the other how unscrupulous they are, and they laugh and flop on the couch, necking big time.

Karla is happily getting on the motorcycle with Fernando.

Vale is in her little Taco Naco hat at the Rodeo food bar (we see Morgan slinging hash in the background) and she’s talking to Al on her cell. She tells him to get some rest, as he seems really off. She says she knows Mili is having a hard time and that she’ll talk to her.

Vale tells Morgan that Flor seems to be in the clear now, but she’s really worried about Al. Morgan says no wonder, what a shock for him. Vale says when she’s pregnant with Morgan’s little Morgancito, she’s going to be very careful and not do anything to harm the child. Morgan says he can’t wait to have a miniature Vale in his arms. They decide they have to wait until they’re married because that’s the right thing to do. They cuddle endearingly.

Chamuco comes up and tells Vale to go fix up something for him. She goes off and Morgan is annoyed Chamuco is giving food orders to Vale. Chamuco says he has to talk with him – he needs a job because well, Gloria may be pregnant. Morgan says Que? He remembers Gloria has felt urpy. He tells Chamuco that Horacio will kill him. Just then Horacio comes up in his Taco Naco hat and razzes them about standing around talking.

Braulio is really styling as he turns out all the lights downstairs. He twirls and his coattails fly. Nestor comes up and asks if he’s seen Luci in the kitchen. Luci told him she was going to get an aspirin, but she’s taken awfully long about it. Braulio says he was just in the kitchen and no Luci. Now here comes Andrea in her slinky bathrobe. Has Braulio seem Connie? He went for an aspirin and now where is he? Braulio says he doesn’t know. Andrea says she’ll check in the study and Braulio says no!

Nestor and Andrea look at him oddly. Braulio says I mean no, they are not in the studio. They? says Nestor. Andrea just asked about Connie. Braulio says Connie is not there nor Luci either. What are you trying to say, Braulio? asks Andrea. Nothing, says Braulio, just that they’re not in the studio. Nestor says well, we’ll go find out. He and Andrea head off, and Braulio follows, his arms flailing.

Al knocks at Mili’s door. He says he saw the light on. Where is Hugo? Mili says he’s in his studio painting like very night. He never comes to bed with her. Al lights up and walks over to her bed. Mili gets out of bed and tells him that divorcing Flor will make Flor miserable. Al says he’s miserable and Flor would never be happy with him that way, and what’s more, Hugo will never be happy as he waits for Mili to actually fall in love with him.

He tells Mili that he won’t mention divorce until the baby comes. He says it’s not good for him or for Flor the way things are now. Al says he doesn’t want to end up like his mother or his father, resigned to a life without love.

He tells her that he has a suspicion about Connie and he doesn’t know whether to say something or keep quiet: He thinks Connie had Flor’s daddy killed, which would mean that Mili’s daddy is an assassin. No puede ser! says Mili.

Al explains that right before Domingo was killed, he had told Connie he was going to wipe out his business. Al and Damien heard with their own ears Connie furiously telling Domingo that he would destroy him.

Mili says no, Connie is a liar and a coward, but not an assassin. Al says I want to be mistaken. Because even though I’m not his real son, I still love him despite his always pushing me away. I wanted to be important to him, but I never managed to be. Mili says she understands exactly because even though Connie won’t say he’s her father, and even though she hated her father for abandoning her mother and her, still she has come to love Connie.

Don’t say anything, says Mili. Let’s ask Padre Manuel. She leans against him for comfort and naturally in walks Hugo. Mili says if I told you this is just a friendship hug, would you believe me?

Andrea and Lestor are striding quickly through the mansion toward the study, but an impressively agile Braulio is springing over furniture to get there first. He blocks the study door and says loudly that no one is in there. Nestor threatens to slug him, so Braulio steps aside. The door is locked! Nestor demands the key. It’s a ring of keys and Andrea is trying them all.

In the study, Luci is frantically trying to get her necklace on over her head and find her shoes. Connie is quickly tying his tie. Luci says Nestor will be furious. Connie says Andrea will kill me. Luci says I’ll kill her before she can. Connie seems to admire that.

Mat springs from under the desk and announces he can save them both. They are astonished, but he rushes to a chair and opens his briefcase. They will look like they are in a meeting. Nestor and Andrea burst in, demanding to know what’s up and why are they locked in? Mat says they were discussing very private points about the divorce. Nestor and Andrea are abashed and ask for forgiveness.

Mat says he has one more point to discuss with Connie. Luci tells Nestor that she is very sorry to think he doesn’t trust her. They leave. Andrea says she’ll see Connie in a little bit. Braulio gives Connie and exaggerated goodnight. Everyone is gone and Connie pops his eyebrows at Mat – well? What were you doing hidden under my desk?

Al is telling Hugo that they were just talking. Hugo tells him to get out.

Hugo says why did you let him into our room so late? Mili fakes that she didn’t realize it was late. She tells him not to be so jealous. She says Al is important to her and she intends to keep him as a good friend, and she will talk to him whenever she wants, not when Hugo gives permission. She says I am your wife, but you didn’t buy me. Hugo says I see. He’s more important than me, than our marriage. If only Hugo read advice columns! He’d be able to fling around the term “emotional infidelity.”

Mat tells Connie that since Mari was going to spend the night with her sister, he came in looking for a book. Yes, that’s it! A book! And then Connie and Luci came in and started kissing and he assumed it would be less embarrassing for them if they didn’t know he was there, so he hid. And then they got all passionate… Connie says not a word to anyone, understand? Of course, says Mat, I’ll see you tomorrow morning early. Con permiso. He runs out like a girl.

Braulio comes in like a girl. He asks if there will be anything else. Connie says no. Braulio starts to leave but then says I never thought you’d like a trio. Connie looks puzzled, then angry. Stupid, he says and leaves. Trio, says Braulio holding up four gloved fingers and waggling them.

It’s the morning of Damien’s wedding day and Braulio is straightening the gloomy landscape that is back in its spot which had been usurped by the Mili/Mama painting. Mili in a nice yellow dress walks in and regards it gloomily. Nestor comes up and says I’m sorry about your painting, Luci does crazy stuff when she’s been drinking. Mili says she drinks up every bottle in the house. Nestor says he doesn’t agree with everything she does, but she’s not a bad person, just lost. Try to understand her and pardon her.

Mili says you do the understanding. You live in this house with a drunk who makes my life miserable. Nestor says do you have a little time? I’d like to explain something. They sit and he says you and Al are close and when I talk to you, I feel like I’m getting closer to him. He’s pushing me away and I accept that, but I’m not giving up. Please be my friend, I want to know Al better through you. Mili is touched. She tells him that the photos of her mother are her greatest treasure and invites him up to see them.

Flor is in bed, face smeared with glycerin tears, contemplating her bandaged wrists. Mari comforts her. Flor says she so much regrets what she did, how impulsive and stupid she was. Mari strokes her hair and tells her that she isn’t alone and Mari will take care of her. Mari says Flor and the coming baby are all the family she has left. And if Flor does herself in, then Mari has no one. Flor reassures her that she won’t do anything stupid.

Flor asks where Al is and Mari says forget him. Pack up and I’ll take you home to the apartment. Flor says no. Al is the man she loves and her place is there with him. Just then Al comes in. Flor smiles bravely. He asks kindly how she is and Flor asks Mari to leave. Mari rolls her eyes and warns Al to treat Flor right. She leaves.

Al puts his arms around Flor and she weeps and begs forgiveness. He says nothing to forgive. Flor says it’s just when he asked for divorce she thought for a moment she’d rather be dead. Al says don’t worry, I won’t leave you or the child. Huh?

Damien is getting into his tuxedo and Hugo is helping. Hugo is surprised that Damien is taking his upcoming nuptials so well. Damien says he’s okay with it. Hugo says he doesn’t think Karla is the right person, not because she’s a servant but because he doesn’t think Karla truly loves his father. She might be untrustworthy. Like Mili? asks Damien. Have you talked to her about you not voting her shares at the company?

Hugo says no, I’ve been waiting for the right moment. Damien says are you part of the problem, or part of the solution? You have to protect your marriage and your inheritance.

Nestor and Mili are sitting on the couch in her brightly colored bedroom looking at photos. Nestor says Mili has inherited the beauty, openness and good heart that he sees in her mother in the pictures. Nestor says he can’t understand why she and Al didn’t stay together, they would make such a lovely couple. Mili doesn’t want to talk about it. Nestor says Al is a hard worker, honest, noble and he has a huge heart, just like her. Mili says she’ll help Nestor and get Al to pardon him.

Hugo comes for Mili and Nestor says he’ll put the photos away. Hugo and Mile leave and Nestor looks fondly at all the photos in her box. Oops, he finds the taped-together one of Mili’s ma with Connie. No puede ser!

People are gathering outside the church. Socorro is scared Damien won’t show up. Horacio prays he does. And here comes the groom! Meantime, the girls are wondering where Karla is. She went out last night late. Chamuco asks Gloria about her period and she says not in front of the house of God, it’s some kind of sin. Chamuco says he needs to know if she is, because if she is, they’ll get married. Gloria is thrilled that it could be so soon.

Vale and Morgan wish it were their wedding but they will stick to their plan and not look like they’re together.

Bobby is telling Lina she pretty much blew him off. She doesn’t want him to think that. So he mentions about her needing more time. She runs over to Vale who tells her men think girls are easy if they agree too quickly. Lina is worried because she really wants to go with Bobby. She goes back to him and tells him she needs to think a little more. Bobby says why don’t you be honest with me? If you don’t want to be my girlfriend, just say so. He walks off.

Luci and Nestor, Connie and Andrea show up. Did they share a ride? Luci insults Mili’s taste in clothes and Nestor tells her to stop. Mili tells Connie he looks good, but what about his conscience? She says he can go to confession for all his sins since they’re at the church. Connie looks puzzled.

Oh wow! Karla’s still in bed with Fernando. He tells her she better hurry, but she says Damien can wait after all he’s made her wait. Fernando says he never believed in love at first sight before. She says she can tell by his kisses and she smooches him some more. He surreptitiously looks at his watch.

In front of the church, Nestor is asking the padre if he can talk to him. Al comes up and doesn’t even acknowledge Nestor’s presence and asks the padre if Mili and he can talk to him. The little padre says seems like everyone wants to talk to him, but make it after the service, for heaven’s sake.

Socorro tells Mili she’s worried about Gloria and it takes a while for Mili to get the drift. Mili points out that you can’t get pregnant without doing a certain thing. Socorro says yeah, well, they’ve done it. Mili is super impactada.

People are wondering where the bride is. Damien paces a bit. He says she’s probably still at the beauty salon. And here she is, running up. She has on her bridal gown and has a spray of flowers, but her hair is loose. She tells a story about not being able to get a taxi. Off she and Damien go arm in arm.

Mili calls Gloria a traitor for not keeping their pact about telling about their first time. Lina did, Mili reminds her. Gloria says she didn’t want to say because of how it was going with Hugo. Mili hadn’t had her first time and Gloria felt bad about it. Gloria says how lovely it was and Mili looks sad. Mili asks if she’s pregnant and Gloria says she doesn’t know, she never keeps track of her periods, but she thinks she might be two weeks late. Mili is excited and says she’s going to be an aunt. Sor Cachete comes and herds the girls into the church.

The couple is kneeling at the altar. We see various other couples: Flor clutching Al’s arm as he sits next to Mili, Connie and Luci making eyes, Vale and Morgan wanting to kiss, Lina smiling encouragingly at Bobby who smiles back. Damien at the altar smiles and Karla is smiling too and nodding her head with each line of the wedding ceremony as if she’d written it herself.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: the padre comes to the part about if anyone yadda yadda speak now or forever hold your peace. A voice from the back of the church says “Yo!” Heads turn. It’s not Silvester Stalone, it’s Fernando striding down the aisle in what I swear looks like a pink shirt. Freeze frame.

Avances: Padre Manuel tells Nestor that Connie is Mili’s true father and that Luci let Al and Mili believe that they were brother and sister. Mili and Hugo have words.

Labels: guapos

Eva thanks Crabbi for letting the girls go because they were ready to do whatever; including leaving the house and Crabbi would be left alone. Crabbi turns to the camera and tells herself ha, she’s not alone, she has that wonderful hunk of an evil man Feo.

Sofi is sorry to treat Juan this way, but she can’t help it, so forgive her. He says he’s not complaining about it. Juan says he loves Sofi and no one will destroy that. Quinti interrupts that girls are here to see Sofi, she tells him that she thinks they probably want to chat alone. Duh, big guy....that means you, scoot. The girls run in and hug Sof.

Don Auggie is chatting with Aragon about the contract. He’s satisfied and has no reason to distrust him and says he’ll sign with pleasure. Just then Eva barges in and has something delicate to tell him.

Feo is FINALLY handing over the money, with interest no less, to the goons who roughed him up. Goon absolves his conscience for any bad deeds by saying none of this would have happened if he had paid them right away. He thinks to himself that he used Crabbi’s money for this so now he needs to figure out what to do about the hacienda.

Sofi is crying to her sisters, why and woe’s me that this happened again, and now she’s even rejecting Juan, and she doesn’t want to be that person again. Abuelo shows up to make the crying circle complete.

Feo tells himself that he needs to be nicer to Rosi if she is indeed the daughter of Bernardo, because then she too would be an heir to the fortune.

Juan is trashing stuff in his own house when Pad Tad comes in yelling for him. Pad picked a fine time to remind Juan of divine justice. Juan is not being a believer just now and wants to reap justice with his own hands. To prove he’s not misguided we see Pade Tad flashing back to Feo confessing he was the rapist of Sofi. Tad says you get nothing by lowering yourself to his level. You are stronger and more dignified than he is. With that he says he must leave to see the bishop who has asked to talk to him. He doesn’t know why.

Crabbi is bring flowers to Bernardo and rubbing it in his entombed face that she has a new piece of meat, and oh, he’s hotter than you ever were. He loves me and I love him back. Cardinal rule of novelas is that if you say this too many times something doomful comes of it. We're on time two now, folks.

Armando is thrilled that Feo finally paid up but wants to know how he got the money. Feo says none of your business and be careful what you question or someone might cut out your tongue. He also mentions that Rosi is on her way back.

Don Au is consoling his darlings and says his generals will all band together to hunt down the rapists. He tells her not to take him the wrong way; he’s only trying to distract her. He tells her that she needs to fight hard against this feeling that makes her reject Juan because he’s an all around good chap. She knows that but this is stronger than she is and she’s afraid she’ll lose him. Sara, surprisingly encouraging says no; you are united for life and won’t lose him.

Gabi continues telling the stone of Bernardo that Sofi deserved what she got. I would love it if he would pop out of there and scare the caca out of her. That would be so great. But alas....

Pad Tad is getting a tongue lashing from the bishop, our beloved Perafan, for his recent behavior, that Crabbi’s accusations are very serious. Tad says it might sound strange, but I have a very good reason for what I’ve done, and I can’t reveal due to confession. Bishop criticizes him for not counseling and says he is going to have to rob him of his parish and send him elsewhere.

At the Tumbao, Bruno gives Maracuya her final payment. He’s clearly upset, and can’t resist telling her that she has made many hurt by her latest "trick." He asks if she is happy of what she’s done. Just then Oscar shows up and wants to talk to her alone.

The girls are worrying about how sad Sofia is. Abue worries if Juan will give up on her but Eva says no way. He then turns his attention to the girls and asks if they are really going to marry that pair of obnoxious pests. (Mequetrefes) they recite that they have no choice. He suggests they jump a boat for the South Seas and meet some explorers or something. Jime says there’s no way out. Sara surprisingly says she could have a way out if she pardons Oscar. Jime says she’d be a nun first.

Oscar tells Mara he’s not there to complain, but now he’s got nothing to lose so he’ll go with her.


Feo, who now has Crabbi’s money puts it in a safe and does the obligatory smelling of it. Let’s see if he stoups her again, now that he's got it. He also pulls out the gold chain, I think this was Libia’s and he says his life got better they day he got rid of that pipsqueak.


At school Pablito is getting sad because no one came to see him. The nun assures him something must have come up. Just then it becomes "happy" hour and Quinti shows up as a clown banging her drum and blowing her whistle. She makes them march for being bad. She sends them back to their places and announces the nicest dog, Mariachi. Poor thins is also dressed up. Pablo is really happy though. But wait this circus would of course not be complete with the non-emotive clown Franco. He actually can make nice faces when he’s singing. Amazing what he can do with the little tin horn he’s playing. Sounds like a studio mixed full musical group (wink) and he "plays" his famous song "Mi Piquito de Oro:

Yo tengo un amorcito que la quiero mas que a mi vida..
Por ella me muero y sabe bien que es mi consentida...
A ella le digo con cariño mi Piquito de Oro
Le gusta que la bese y que le diga mi lindo tesoro...
Hay viene mi Piquito de Oro
Hay viene mi a darme sus amores
Hay viene mi Piquito de Oro
Hay viene mi lindo tesoro...
Yo tengo un amorcito que la quiero mas que a mi vida..
Por ella me muero y sabe bien que es mi consentida...
A ella le digo con carino mi Piquito de
gusta que la bese y que le diga mi lindo tesoro...
Hay viene mi Piquito de Oro
Hay viene mi a darme sus amores
Hay viene mi Piquito de Oro
Hay viene mi lindo tesoro...

I always liked this song, and Pablo sounds good singing it.

In another lugar, Rosi is saying good bye to her tour and to the galan Bobby who reminds her he will always be there if she needs him. Hmmm..

Back at the orfanato, the clowns have to go sadly, but they promise they’ll be back. Franco, sad at leaving the mini-Reyes, says yeah, clowns make everyone laugh, but who makes them laugh when they cry. He cries and Quinti hugs him. Please, you’ll see the kid tomorrow, and you will bust him out soon, so get a grip man. Besides your clown face is running. Anyway....


The forlorn lovers Bruno and Octavio say their good-byes over pink champagne. Nice touch with the pink. Bruno toasts to this goodbye, but I don’t think Octavio expected that. Bruno says he doesn’t want to be there when he gets married. He thanks him for all these years of happiness, but it’s goodbye, and wants him to be happy. Octavio looks impactado. What, you thought you could have both Octi? I say, good man Bruno.

Jime cries over her dress this time with gigantic green earrings that she’s going to marry Octi and both will be very UNhappy.

Jimena wonders what G-Pa wanted her so badly for. He smirks and points behind him. Guess who comes out of the shadows, but Madame Maracuya complete with scary hair and nails.
Sofi is whining again about how this feeling is greater than she is. He tells her not to sweat it, because she’s the one he loves and he’s not going anywhere. Come one, we all know she will snap out of it one of these days, how could she not with him running around half naked all the time.

Feo shows up at the Panaderia and wants to know if there is anything he can do for Sofi. Face de muy impactado of Juan.

Juan says if it was up to him, he’d say leave, but he’ll let Sofi decide. She tells thanks but no thanks, she’s already with the man she loves, so he can go now. He bids adios.

Sofi confirms that she still loves Juan despite everything. He bumps into her accidentally and she gets unruly. Then she feels bad because she can’t control her feelings like this. He asks her if this affliction is stronger than their love. He promises he knows how to be patient and he’s fine with just looking at her.

Back at the cabana G-Pa rolls away. Jime says you have done enough but Mara wants to be honest with her and tell her something that she can take how she wishes. Jime tries to run off but Mara comes at her with the "don’t be a spoiled brat already and just listen to me for Gosh sakes."

Back at the Bad love bar Feo is quite the manly man whipping the chairs in his frustration over Juan. He can’t believe his plan didn’t work. It was foolproof because Gomez said so. HA!! Good old Gomez, I'll ask him next time I want something to work out.

Armando reminds him things don’t always turn out the way we want. Hey weren’t you warned to watch your mouth? I’m thinking this guy is close to being minus a tongue.

Juan stuffs more pan dulces down Sofi’s face. He says he’ll be outside if she needs anything, however complicated. He goes out but comes back again thinking she called. She didn’t. But she smiles anyway. Yeah, she’ll be jumpin’ his bones again in no time.

Pad Tad is meeting with Crabbi and tells her ok fine, you think you got me by doing this, and I might be going away, but you know what, he will continue to defend her daughters and one day she will appreciate it. She says she not bad, he is, because how could he say that Feo was the rapist of Sofi? Padre is muy impactado of course.

Pad wonders who told her that. She tells him Feo himself. Padre hopes he told her everything. She counters that she trusts Feo completely and Tad is only saying that to upset her.

Rosario returns and Feo tells her how great it is to see her and he hopes things went well and how missed she was by her public and he tells her to rest that he’ll be back later. They are amazed at his change, and indeed upset by it.

G-Pa listens in on a horn (yes, like a bull horn, a real one) as Maracuya tells Jime that Oscar fell into the trick that she set for him, and Jime has to forgive him. Jime says he could have resisted. Mara says ha, you really don’t know men, do you, how this is stuff is a game to them to make themselves feel manly. She tells her to stop being a capricious young girl. Mara insists Oscar is not to blame.

Oscar is pacing and remembers that he told Mara he would go with her.

Mara says if she doesn’t forgive Oscar, he will come with her when she leaves town and Jime will lose him. Mara’s pretty sure of her ability to hold onto this guy, isn’t she?

Oscar tells Franco of his departure plans.

Jime says she’ll think about it but doubts she can forgive. Mara tells Jime not to be stubborn and forgive him if she wants to be happy.

G-Pa rolls in and congratulates Mara for her speech and tells her she has earned his respect. He awards her with the medal of the woman judicial and clearheaded. Oh please, if she was so valiant she wouldn’t have tricked him in the first place. She tells him she’s not a bad chick, just maybe capricious like Jime.

G-Pa says that one easy solution is for her to take him with her instead. She would love to, he’s been wonderful with her. There is a knock on the door. Mara gets it for him. It’s Rosario and it looks like a battle of the boobs may be nearing.

Sofi remembers her horror in the woods both times.

Juan in the other room remembers when Sofi first told him about what happened to her and that she feels he is the one to touch her again after all this time.

Oscar tells Juan he’s leaving the pueblo for good tomorrow. And that’s where we end.

Labels: Fuego

I was going to put Alonso and Lorena's engagement in the title but ye gods...those kisses were so tepid, I can't imagine this romance ever being consummated. On the other hand, the Mexican cooking prof/chef looks yummy and has that smoulder thing going on that we all like...right? Maybe HE can find Lorena's pilot light.

Anyway, back to the business at hand. Sara's naco family (her view) is there to take pictures. And how come Julian can afford a digital camera?! Those things are super expensive, believe me! Zully is nostalgic, thinking how she would have loved to go to a school like this if only her parents had had the money. Together she and Omar vow to pay for anything Sara needs here, to make up for all she...and they...have missed.

And" missing" is the theme of the day at Paula's house. Greta is laughing about their excellent adventure sneaking into the apartment and evading detection; but Paula is weeping, remembering how she loved and supported Dario unconditionally and then he threw her away like an old rag (viejo trapo).

We have that nice scene where Lorena discovers the HUGE floral arrangement (complete with teddy bear) that Alonso sent her and then...lo and behold, there he is at the window, emoting like mad. She's ready to run out and thank him but nasty Sara grabs her arm and says "no time, class is about to start". (By the way, for you Botox watchers, I scrutinized his forehead carefully all throughout the show...nothing moved. It's either Botox or he's developed the rest of his muscles to such an extent that the forehead is just plain exhausted.)

The first order of business is to elect a group representative to handle communications between staff and student. Who wants to apply.?..both Lorena and Sara. Surprise! Sara gives her smarmy little speech about caring about relationships etc. Then Lorena speaks about growing up in an orphanage with so many children, working in the kitchen and discovering her love of cooking, adding that she's patient, she knows how to listen and she'd love to work with them. Smiling faces all around. Then she adds sweetly, but if you elect Sara, that's great too 'cause she's my best friend. Sara looks like she's about to hurl, and of course, votes for herself.

Things aren't going well for Ickturo...turns out the Chinese company to which he gave all his money for the toy orders is a phantom operation and he's been had big-time. He's yelling at his secretary and saying "Are you telling me I'm an imbecile!?" She stutters that of course, no, she would never insult him like that. But hey, if the shoe fits!.....

Sara and Lorena leave the first class after Lorena is elected class representative, and even our dense little Lorena can tell Sara is pissed. Sara protests that she's not mad, she used to losing to Lorena. I've never been able to beat you, even the nuns loved you better. Lorena doesn't believe it....and besides, Sara is SO LUCKY....She has her family while Lorena has nobody. (Sorry Alonso). No sermons, snaps Sara. Besides I can't even enjoy them, they're forever fighting with my grandmother.

Said family is pretty happy at the moment. Omar has gotten his bank loan and after paying off the shop and the cars he intends to leave auto mechanics and seek work more in line with his profession. (And I've forgotten what that is.....anybody?) He wants to make his kids proud. Zully is all for that.

And our sweet Lorena is already making friends with the student who noticed her bouquet. She's a second-year student but she flunked Mexican Cooking so she'll be taking it again with Lorena. The teacher is a neurotic ogre...good-looking but mean as the devil. And if you come to class without your supply of knives you're done for!

Brief scene with Hortensia and Jaime but I'll merge two of them. She's noting that she suspended Jacqueline for a week; he's moaning about the past, wondering how his mother could do anything as awful as making off with Omar's baby. She's totally unrepentant and says she'd do the same today after seeing that revolting woman (Zulema). Jaime pleads that he only went along with it to try and gain her approval. He gets more sneers and the announcement that she can't stand his weakness.

Now to our gruesome twosome, Barbara and Arturo. She's shrieking at him for losing all that money. He doesn't like her attitude. Well, how can she be sympathetic with all that SHE'S going through. This woman is such a flaming, totally useless narcissist, she almost makes Sara look lovable. At least Sara has a job and can handle a computer.

Jaime storms out of the office after the scene with his mother and runs into Maruja who looks worried about him.

Back to happier people. Zulema is busily writing up catering orders and is so intent at first she doesn't notice that Vasco is there looking oh-so-fine. The suit and the ponytail are excellent in my opinion. Diana emerges from the bedroom looking equally hot and they both admire each other. Zulema notes that Vasco has a gleam in his eye in addition to the smooth outfit...Could it be love?

Hmm...next scene, not so happy. Valeria has come across her newspaper of house ads in her folder at work and is morosely ripping it to shreds. Dr. Alonso comes in and tries to pump her up. Never throw your dreams in the trash! Valeria sighs and says maybe later. Then Lorena arrives clutching her huge teddy bear floral arrangement. They do the googly-eyed bit. She looks sweet. He looks dazed and confused. (Very smooth forehead though).

Sara shows up at Chalo's, throws some magazines on the bed for his entertainment and gets chided for leaving him all alone. Hey, she's busy! He should get Lorena over here doing her Good Samaritain thing.

Back to our googly-eyed couple. Now they're murmuring sweet nothings...You're beautiful. You're handsome. I'll never doubt you again. (ANVIL ALERT)

A brief scene of Paula quietly crying (definitely preferable to her louder carrying on). Bettina wants to know if she found her keys...she did. Thank goodness, Dad would kill her if she lost them.

And for Dad, hey, things aren't going well in the Love Nest. We have a nice ceiling shot of his tatooed arm and muscular back (preferable to that jiggling chest of last night) but what's happened to his passionate lover? She's gone cold, worrying about the wedding plans, the honeymoon and whether or not Hortensia will use her time off as an excuse to fire her. And besides, that Thailand honeymoon!!...what's that about?! That's where he was going to go with that crazy ex-wife of his.

Well, he's always wanted to go there. And even though Paula was frugal and careful, they could never get enough money together to go. Frugal and careful!!!! and what am I?!!! a spendthrift!?
Dario does his manly usual...leaves the room saying he'll be back when she's over her snit.

Our next loving couple, Rossy and Julian, are having that what's-wrong-with-my-life talk. Julian is blaming himself for everything, the shop burning down, the ruined mayonnaise, the loss of clients. He's more "salado que un bacalao" (literally more salty than codfish, but meaning "totally jinxed") So what am I, chopped liver, snaps Rossy. No, no, you're the only good thing in my life, Julian quickly amends.

Sara's still working on Chalo, giving him a little peck..he wants a better kiss and gets it, wants more and doesn't get it...and she sets him up to call Lorena. Tell her you're doing badly and need her, she wheedles, stroking his thigh. (Don't you think that's pretty darn distracting?) But Chalo dutifully calls Lorena. Alas, her cell phone is out of network. Darn! She must be with Alonso!

And she is. They're in the car and she wants to go back to the park where they first kissed. More googly eyes and so-in-love-nonsense talk. C'mon, you're heard it all, you've said it yourself. I don't need to go into it do I? And then, playful child at heart that she is, Lorena wants to go on the slides. (Actually there's some Freudian symbolism here but I don't think I'll press the issue). They play happily and then he just can't wait any longer. He whips out.....(what did you think I was going to say?) the engagement ring, silly! " Don't tell me I'm going too fast, I want to start a family with you," he gasps. She accepts, the ring fits perfectly, the music swells to a crescendo but the kisses....honest to God, they're duds....tepid, tepid, tepid.

Okay, maybe those kisses are tepid 'cause Lorena's really scared. It's so important to be a wife and mother...but scary. She's lacked so much in her life, but hey...there are blessings too...and you Alonso are the greatest of these. More lovey-dovey nonsense and then Alonso's big scene...he gets to yell "Te amo te amo TE AMO" in full Gaviota style. There could have been some more tepid kisses after this, but honestly, I don't remember. Let's just say that all their kisses were forgettable.

Julian is still lamenting his lack of luck. He's so bad he scares black cats! When Rossy realizes she can't persuade him out of his funk with words, she whacks him a good one upside the head. Gotta love this girl.

Cranky old Sara is getting ready for bed in her naco house when naco mom comes bursting in and startles her. She wants to give her the raggedy old cooking book Omar gave her when they got married. Sara sniffs that she can tell it's been well-used, it's full of oil stains. Zulema, oblivious to the sneer, says it will come in handy for her courses. Not so. Sara is studying administration and finance. Well, then, it will be good for when you cook for your husband. This goes over like a lead balloon.

Things are going better at Alonso's house. He tells Dad he and Lorena are getting married. Dad proposes a toast with tequila, says all kind of nice things about his son, and then discreetly gets out of the way, saying he's going to visit a friend. Love's labor lost 'cause Lorena's not about to let things get out of hand with Alonso....that ring isn't a marriage license buddy! She pulls back after a few more tepid kisses, saying things are going too fast. Showing remarkable restraint, Alonso puts on some music and starts to dance with her. Even then, she pulls back a little.

We switch to Sara who's grumpily getting into bed, wondering how much longer she'll have to live in this pigsty.

Hmmm....back to our loving couple. Now they're at the window, staring at the rain streaming down the window, oh so symbolic of the first day they met and the instant and forever love they felt for each other. Alonso is getting steamed up again. Your gaze, your smile, your fragrance, he murmurs....I want to love you every night, I desire you so much.

No, no, no....we can't, Lorena gulps. Your dad might come back. My friend Rossy and Julian were caught by her mom. Whew...she sure knows how to make a guy feel loved, doesn't she?

Back at Mama Maruja's, it's just Rossy and mom now, settling down to watch a game snow called Night of Geniuses. One of the next categories is going to be soccer. And who knows more about soccer but our Julian? If only they could build up his self-esteem, maybe he could go on the show and win a lot of money.

From low self-esteem to more of same. Arturo is in his jammies, drinking and wondering how to get out of his latest disaster. Valeria comes out and makes the mistake of asking how business is going. Snarls. Bleachedblondeharlotmom emerges, chides Valeria for not giving hubby a moment's peace and then sits down, pours him another drink and says "poor baby, you're probably missing your honey, right?"

And Paula is missing the happy days of her past. But discreetly. She's really not annoying in this episode. She's looking at her wedding pictures and Bettina notices how pretty mom was, and Dad, handsome in the suit bought with the money Paula got at her bachelorette party. We didn't have a penny, Mama confides, but we were happy because we had each other.

Lorena and Alonso are now chastely looking at family pictures as well. (This guy has the patience of a saint!) She's admiring one of him at age 4 and that leads to dreams of having children together. She wants a little boy like him. He wants a little Lorena like her...no, not one, thousands!

And now another couple, Vasco and Diana are returning from the office party. Exchange of compliments. You were the prettiest one there...and who would have thought you'd be the life of the party. She counters with And you were such a great dancer! Mmmm...we can hear the hormones humming as he hesitantly moves in for a kiss. It's one-sided. He kisses her. Her lips just lie there. She steps back, looking worried and dashes in the house. He looks worried too...and sighs. Man, that was a baaaad kiss!

And yet another couple. Jaime and the unbearably screechy Barbara are going at is...word-wise. I just want to cut this woman's vocal cords! Seriously! He's not getting out of bed, not going to work. She's tries to flog him out of it. He tells her to leave him in peace.

At Casa Pobre, Diana HAS gotten out of bed, and very early too. She's left for work before Vasco is up. Not looking good, dude. Omar and Julian are off on errands and then Julian plans to come back to help Zulema with her food deliveries. Not to worry, chaste Lorena is coming over to help her.

Hortensia is shuffling papers at the office, musing that she thought she'd miss Jacqui but she doesn't. Sara is all over being helpful and turning in graphs on client orders, how often a year the orders come, profits, etc. Still, Hortensia, no fool, muses that Jacqui is faithful and loyal. Sara, on the other hand, is wildly ambitious and who knows how far she would go to get what she wants.

Lorena and Zulema has finished the deliveries and now, happily, Lorena has enough money to buy the knives she needs for cooking class. When Zulema hears of this, she wants to make sure they can get them for Sara also if she needs them.

Screechy Barbara, not content with reaming out Jaime, is still harping at Arturo, wondering how in the world he could invest all his money in a scam operation. When she finally whines that she would help him "if she could", he suggests finding him a spot in his mother-in-law's operation. But goodness...what post could he fill?...maybe that of her husband? Well, since he's doing it in other ways, why not?

Okay, back at cooking school, Lorena's being offered a "calm your nerves snack" from her new second year buddy before the cooking class with the ogre. Friend is rushing off to the bathroom and Lorena, terrorized, is in such a hurry to get to class, she barges through the crowd, knocking into a fellow who asks her "what's the hurry". She explains about the class she's going to and the demon who teaches it is unforgiving of lateness. Really? He's going there too. Well hurry for heaven's sake!..... the teacher is a real crank!

Hey, we know where this is going but they tease us a little bit by switching back to the clinic where Alonso and Valeria are talking in the office.

Bruno comes in, learns that Lorena and Alonso have made up and sneers, Well at least something is going well for you. Then he tells him he has to take another doctor's patients (who's on vacation) as well as handling his own. But hey, Alonso can do the work of ten! And what will YOU be doing?, snaps Valeria. I'll be meeting with the engineers about some medical equipment, frowns Bruno. After he stomps out, Valeria confides that she can bear him less every day. He has delusions of grandeur just like her husband.

And now our final scene. Lorena sits down, looks up and realizes that the fellow she bumped into is....yikes...actually the professor himself. And hot, hot, hot! Things are looking up, ladies.

And he's also "hot "as in mad, annoyed, cranky. He docks Lorena's friend two points for being late, and gives a tough little talk about how he's not here to teach them to be cooks, he's here to teach them to be exceptional chefs. And some of you aren't up to the task, he adds, looking meaningfully at little Lorena.

The End. Well, not really, we've got months to go. And frankly, now I'm getting interested. This potential romance has a lot more interest for me than the lukewarm relationship going on with poor ,dazed, overworked Alonso. So hey! on with el show.

VOCABULARY

dar el ancho en cualquier puesto = to be able to handle any job (what grandiose Arturo says to Barbara)

más salado que un bacalao = literally "more salty than a codfish" but meaning "really jinxed"

devoluciones = returns, or meaning "no going back". What happy Don Toribio said when Alonso and Lorena reconciled and got engaged

resbaladilla = playground slide

el alma de la fiesta = life of the party

Labels: enemiga