Caray, Caray!

For the rehash, we get to see Lorena suffer again as Sister Trinidad hand her the papers showing that she was abandoned in a garbage can. Lorena's hopes and dreams of finding her parents are dashed and now she realizes she'll never find out who they were. Mother Trinidad tries to console her with spoonfuls of tea and bromides but Lorena's looking very crushed.

Meanwhile, Sara is smarming up Hortensia at the jail again, reassuring her that the release is a slam-dunk, but Hortensia, with a sour look, refuses to "cantar victoria" until she's actually out. She's also viewing Sara with a jaundiced eye, musing to herself that Sara didn't do this for me...she did it for ambition. " You're shrewd (lista) Sara but I can't trust you. " (Hate to admit this, but I kinda like this wicked old broad. She's dreadful...but she's upfront about it, and plenty intelligent, unlike some of the other characters.)

Back at Maruja's house, Mother Trinidad is trying to repair the emotional damage to Lorena by saying You'll always be my child. We (the nuns) will always carry you in our hearts. Be strong, don't let rancor and resentment overtake you. Our plucky heroine vows to "superar" (overcome) this latest setback and reminds herself that she has many people who love her.

Having dropped her bomb, Mother Trinidad scurries off, saying she has things to do before returning to San Martin.

Switch to the clinic, where we get to enjoy Alonso's very best bedside manner, hovering over Florencia. He's gone to her school and gotten her grades which he tells her are good and also mentions Sergio asking about her. A little chit-chat and then Florencia asks him if he has a girlfriend. He teases her that she must be up to something and she says yes, when she recovers she wants to be his "novia". Get in line little lady.

At Paula's house, Ivan (Chef Hawt's nephew) is calling on Bettina and she wants to entertain him in her room...a proposition that throws Paula for a moment but she relents. Ivan has brought her a pie but she says it will take more than that to turn her into a mother-in-law. Also, she wants him to call her "Paula" not "señora or any of that nonsense.

Back at the other apartment, Ms. Big Hair (I think her name is Amalia) is lighting candles to her dead husbands. Can't figure out if this lady is a sentimental Black Widow/con artist or just a lady down on her luck, husband-wise, but she's sure not giving Don Toribio the straight story. She quickly snuffs out the candles and spins a tale about these being pictures of her brothers (and yes, they all look different because they had different papas). And no, no picture of husband, he didn't like photos. Don Toribio swallows this tall tale and when he mentions that he's going over to see his daughter Paula, Amalia invites herself along.

Turns out Mother Trinidad's to-do-list involved reaming out Sara for taking Lorena's boyfriend. Why does everyone defend Lorena? pouts Sara, and throws in a little more character assassination, which Mother Trinidad doesn't buy for a minute. However, the good nun is goofy enough to assume Sara will comfort Lorena for her emotional setback and tells her about her friend being found in the garbage. Of course we know how Sara will handle this but at least it results in a big hug from our hunky chef. But hey, that comes later. Hold on folks.

The scene switches to Bettina's bedroom which is gradually being invaded....first by Paula bringing sandwiches and then joining in to watch the movie. Later, Don Toribio and Amalia will add themselves to the mix. No worry about any monkey business going on with this crowd.

Now we're at the restaurant and Lorena gets the snotty text message from Sara congratulating her on her origins. Her composure slips, she starts to cry, Chef Hawt arrives, she tells him what happened, he embraces her and lo and behold, jealous little Monica arrives and pitches a fit. We can see where this is going and it's not good. Chef Hawt should have kept his spatula in his drawer 'cause from now on Miss Monica's going to be on the warpath.

Sara has dropped in on Alonso and wants him to take her to dinner to celebrate Hortensia's release. He can't go because of Florencia and she pitches her own fit, accusing him of evading her on behalf of the patient who reminds him of Lorena. Another guy who should have kept his stethoscope in his pocket. Too late now Alonso.

Here's a little bedroom scene that's G-rated though. The whole family's in Bettina's room watching the movie and getting on the little gal's nerves big-time. And Amalia starts giving Paula advice, telling her not to chide Bettina so much. Pretty nervy if you ask me. I wouldn't let a perfect stranger start giving me mothering advice in front of my child....but I digress...back to the action.

Ernesto wants Lorena in the kitchen (Monica assumes he wants Lorena in his bed) and they fight about it. Finally she yelps, Fine, but when you get sick of her don't send her back to me! Big big smile from Ernesto. Lorena gets busy right away, wanting to experiment with a sauce by adding" licor de chocolate" to it, giving it a touch of mole poblando. Ernesto approves, Sous-Chef disapproves, the other chef (our old hairdresser from Juan Querendon) brings the licor and the experiment seems to go well. She adds just a pinch of sugar to balance it out.

The busy day at the restaurant is over, Lorena is putting away a few things, and Ernesto is regarding her wistfully, thinking that he lost her before Ihe even had her.. She gives him a sisterly hug, thanks him for helping her fulfill her dreams (as well as comforting her about her parents) and as she departs, he thinks that it's better that they are friends because he doesn't really deserve her. (Well that could be true, but Holy Toledo, Alonso doesn't deserve her either! Judges, could we have a third choice?)

We break for ads and when we come back, Chalo is admiring himself in the mirror when Sara arrives, three sheets to the wind and wanting some hot loving, which he's only too happy to provide.

Our other lovers are not doing so well. Monica's accusing Ernesto of having designs on Lorena and threatening to get rid of her altogether. Ernesto tries to disentangle himself from the relationship and sputters that Monica shouldn't mix the personal with the professional. (a little late for that Chef) Monica doesn't want to see Lorena in the kitchen....or come to think of it anywhere around the restaurant! Ernesto says that if Lorena goes, he goes too. Checkmate. For now.

Alonso is having no luck getting hold of Sara. Her cellphone is turned off. She wakes up in Chalo's bed having spent the night, due to too much drink and too much amor. Worse yet, Chalo wants to take her car to go get lunch and Sara's furious.

Outside, who should be lurking but Rossy and Lorena who's ready to get Sara where it hurts. The timing is perfect. First Chalo emerges and then an angry Sara, forbidding him to take the car. He takes offense and she makes up for it with some heavy-duty smooching. Lorena finally understands that not only are they lovers but the affair must go all the way back to the orphanage....how else could Chalo have found her so easily in the great big city of Mexico. and how did he know to show up and be so obnoxious when she and Alonso visited the orphanage!?

We break for ads again and when we come back, we have a shot of Alonso, jealous as usual, wondering why Sara's cellphone was turned off and where was she all night! She quickly makes up a story of helping a friend with a project and a dead battery in the cellphone. Alonso caves quickly and says let's not fight. (These two deserve each other).

Lorena has some slick skills of her own as she confronts Chalo adroitly, saying she's always liked him and couldn't understand why he would do something so low and dirty as to make her out to be a tramp in front of Alonso. But hey, she can forgive that....what she can't forgive is Sara, her best friend, taking her novio. Chalo is stunned but tries to fake it and assures Lorena she must be confused. No way, she counters, Alonso's picking Sara up at school, kissing her in front of everybody, you don't know what she's capable of! Those two are together. And we're alone.

There's a brief scene back at the mansion where Barbara rags on Sara for being out all night (your novio kept calling) and they trade mutual insults with Sara coming out on top, naturally. They're both schemers but Sara has brains, Barbara doesn't (can't argue with that) and Sara is going to see to it that Vasco and his brainless mom are out on the streets in no time.

Now we switch to the company kitchen where Arturo is pulling some sleight of hand, wanting the chef to switch to cheaper ingredients for some order. (reminds me of Bruno negotiating cut-rate cheap drugs for the clinic). Chef balks, saying Hortensia will not approve and right then Sara arrives, with orders to prepare a big banquet for Hortensia's homecoming with huitlacoche soup, endive salad, lobster thermidor, rice and "tarte tatin".(which I believe is an apple tart) No expense spared! Arturo makes some quip about her commanding posture and she smiles, Of course you're invited to the banquet too. And how about me? asks Jacqueline. No way. Jacqui has to coordinate everything as well as send out press releases the next day refurbishing Hortensia's image. (no mention is made of Jaime in all this) After Sara sails out, Jacqui looks at Arturo and says "One word and I'll kill you". He grins. And tells her he has a surprise for her.

Julian's at the lesser house, grinning from ear to ear, having just received an offer to model for "ABC Sport". Maruja arrives and he's so excited he whirls her around and around, as well as saying that he wants Rossy, the jealous one, to come along on the photo shoot to keep him calm. Zully and Omar are down at the court. Hortensia is expected to be released and at last....someone wonders about Jaime...Yep, our Maruja is still thinking about him.

Well, turns out Arturo's surprise for Jacqueline is a cheap elephant replacement for the Thailand souvenir that was shattered. Jaqui's disappointed. She thought it was something just for her. Not to worry, he's thought of a place where they can be together....alone....once she gets her work done. This guy has management motivational skills out the wazoo.

Meanwhile Bruno's lurking outside Diana's workplace ready to rush her into a civil marriage and an already furnished apartment....in HIS name only (no community property for you Diana!) and brushing aside all her requests for the apartment to be in their child's name. Clearly this is going to be a very short-lived marriage as Bruno seems to be planning to take the money and run. What a sweetheart.

We have another very odd, contrived scene where Ernesto's sister dumps another kid on him...this time Ivan, Bettina's novio . Ernesto argues that Ivan's old enough to stay by himself (just not at Ernesto's apartment) but Sister prevails and he ends up dragging the boy, sulking all the way, to the restaurant.

The kid is a real pain, refusing to do anything helpful, slouching in a seat right in the middle of the kitchen , reacting snottily when the sous-chef trips over him (thank goodness Ernesto makes him apologize) and then Ernesto smooths things over by introducing him to Lorena, whispering....meet someone who could be your aunt. No way, squawks the kid, she looks young enough to be my sister!

What did you say? asks Lorena. Just kidding, Ernesto covers. (Hmmm...I guess we still have hope here for a little romance. Keep your fingers crossed)

Meanwhile Monica is trying to enlist the help of the hostess in conquering Ernesto. Hostess is licking her lips and evidently thinking of conquering Ernesto himself. (it would be interesting to see if he's an equal opportunity bedmate...let's give us older women a chance!)

Back in the kitchen, Ernesto gives Lorena a recipe to follow, telling her to do it just as he says. Evidently he's deliberately put something wrong in there and is hoping that she'll catch it.

At Amalia's apartment, Don Toribio arrives, she kisses him and he's surprised. If you don't like the kiss, take if back, she says....woo hoo...heavy duty flirting here. But wait, turns out he's come to collect some money to pay for repairs to the apartment....every renter has to divvy up a certain amount. Amalia doesn't have a cent. But your brothers? I don't have any brothers....er, uh, I don't have any brothers when it comes to lending money. (Okay, don't know if she's for real or a total con. Weigh in on this readers)

Final scene is of Alonso surprising Sara outside of work. He knows it's an important time for her and is ready to lay some heavy-duty kissing on our gal. A lurking Chalo sees the passionate smooch and vows vengeance, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a knife.

Tune in tomorrow and see if Sara can slip her way out of this one.

Word for the day: alevosia = treachery, premeditation, malice aforethought. Rossy spoke of alevosia y ventaja (advantage) when learning about Sara and Chalo's schemes

Labels: enemiga

Snapshot version of last night's episode since it is the first day of school and I'm squeezing this in during lunch.... As always, please fill in the gaps.

Hugo and Mili fought as she is not too agreeable about being kidnapped and alone in a hotel with him. She ends up falling over (and through the glass barrier) the balcony. She's hurt badly and Hugo begs her unconcious body to forgive him.

Connie has his private detective looking for Rosario. The detective says he's been looking for her for years, she probably doesn't want to be found. Look anyway, Connie tells him, 'cuz she's alive.

Karla shows up at Macarena's club. She'll start dancing tonight, with on the job training. Mono comes in and sees her dancing. He tells Macarena that Karla visited Damian in prison.

During a family dinner it is reavealed that Rocky and Val will have a civil service first, then a church wedding later---it's a deal they made with Connie. Luci doesn't understand. Andrea insults the staff, particularly Gloria. Luci asks if she was as bad as that before, her children tell her yes. Connie's not happy about the idea of Mili moving out. He reminds everyone that she'll lose her inheritance. Damian reminds him that the money would go to Connie, so he could just give it back.

Rosela is worried because Braulio hasn't called to arrange her secret meeting with Mili.

Mili is rushed to the hospital. The good Doctor tells Hugo that she's in a coma and it is very serious---they don't know if she'll make it.

Hugo calls Al and the family goes rushing out to the hospital.

Socoritto is left with the baby and she fills Horacio in on what happened with Karla.

Al attacks Hugo at the hospital, Damian and someone else pull him off of his cousin.

Mili has an out of body experience. She meets up with Regina in the white light. Regina tells her that her mother isn't here. The doctor is able to revive her and bring her back (very dramatic stuff if you missed the episode).

Al goes in and professes his love to in-a-coma Mili. He tells her that their plan is to grow old together and she needs to fulfill her promise.

Connie kicks Al out and then confesses to an unconcious Mili that he's her dad. Val over hears and she seems happy that Mili's her sister, but sad that Connie hid it for so long.

Braulio goes to meet Rosela, to tell her the news. He checks out her assistant (he scanned his backside). He fills her in and she wants to rush to the hospital to see her daughter.

Al goes back in with Mili and has a flashback to their time on the deserted beach. END OF EPISODE.

Labels: guapos

Santos and DB finally get it on.. The psychic effects of this coupling cause the horses to run around in the corral and brings the rebullones back, much to Juan Primito's excitement.


Santos doesn't feel very good about it afterwards though. In fact, he feels like he is becoming his father who shot his son and then killed himself in front of Santos and Antonio. Santos swore that he would not be like his father so he doesn't stay with DB. He tells her he needs to think.

DB is happy. She says that Santos is the only man in the llano who could give her a flower and she is even going to make nice with her daughter for Santos' sake when Balbino Paiva arrives and tells her that he was the one who caused Santos to fall from his horse.
Meanwhile Antonio, Cecilia and Marisela are on their way to 'the city,' San Fernando to buy supplies for the hacienda, the new school and clothes for Marisela. She has never been to the city so she is very excited.
Antonio obviously has hopes of making progress with Cecilia in the city, too.
Luisana crash lands in the llanos and now Santos has three women to deal with.

Labels: barbara

No, I didn't forget to change my placeholder title. I thought this was a good time to use the slogan of the product that is better known for its headache-inducing ads than for its effectiveness as a headache remedy.

So Ofelia and Eva are at the Tumbao for the new act's opening night. Pedro and Rosario show up a little late. Rosario is flustered and says someone was following them in a truck. His Royal Hotness Pedro tries to brush this off, saying they were probably just mistaken.

The show begins. The new singer is introduced as Margarita, Goddess of the Cumbia. Ofelia takes one look and thought-bubbles "It can't be! It's Rosario's real mother!"

Grandpa rehashes with Sofi and Juan about the (invalid) land transfer between Raquel and Gabi in exchange for something very valuable, and the possibility that "something" might have been a newborn girl. Sofi gets upset, because she is sure that that baby was her. (Huh? Wouldn't the land be getting traded in the opposite direction?)

At the Tumbao, Rosario notices Ofelia's sudden discomfort, but Ofelia says she's okay.

Meanwhile, at the Tough-Luck Bar (hello! karaoke!! is anybody listening??), Coyote invites himself into Feo's office and says he heard that Feo tried to hurt the Reyes. He warns him that if he doesn't be a good boy, he'll pay the consequences. "Be very careful, don't mess with those boys - especially not Pedro Reyes." He takes one of Feo's finest cigars, tears it in half, and throws it into Feo's hat.

Everyone is enjoying the Cumbia goddess's show, but as Margarita scans the crowd, her eyes meet Ofelias'. Margarita is discreetly impactada. She also sees Rosario holding hands with another woman (Eva).

After the show, Ofelia visits Margarita backstage, who is still recovering from the shock. Margarita says they have lots to talk about. "What do you want to talk about? Your kid? At last you remembered her!" Of course Margarita has a great excuse for her lengthy absence: she was young and she wanted to succeed. She had big dreams, and having a little girl got in the way. That's why she left her.

Ofelia reacts to this unabashedly selfish explanation by explaining that she raised Rosario herself after that, and never told her about the past. "Can you imagine how she would feel if she were to find out that you exchanged her for fame and success?" Marg says that was years ago, and she's had time to think about it and learn that she was wrong.

Ofelia says it's too late now, and Margarita should go back to where she came from and forget them. Marg says she didn't come out here looking for her child, much less to screw up their lives. It was just a coincidence that she got hired to sing here, but now that she's here, she wants to meet Rosario. Ofelia says she doesn't deserve to see her. "You can't stop me," Marg declares. Ofelia promises that if Marg tells the truth, Rosario will only end up hating her. (This is just like inviting her to lie instead.)

Juan vents to his brothers about his frustration over how Gabi is the cause of all their misfortune, and it's her fault Libia died, she's somehow guilty of their parents' deaths, and Juan wants to get even - but he doesn't know how, any more than he can forget that she's the mother of the women they love. They're trapped between love and hate. Franco suggests that they continue investigating and then decide between love and vengeance. Juan says they've already decided on love, but he can't forget revenge, else he feels like he's compromised the justice of everything and everyone they've lost.

Feo shows up where Luisito is playing with the pretty maid. He tries to befriend the kid with a bag of gifts, including a slingshot (I wonder if there's a rattlesnake in that bag too, it seems to suit Feo's personality for a good gift for a child). The maid watches nervously. Feo thought-bubbles that he doesn't have any feelings or fondness for the child, but he can still use him to control Rosario.

At first his clumsy efforts at amiability seem to go nowhere, then the kid finds a pebble and Feo shows him how to launch it. Rosario shows up and isn't happy with this scene. Feo pulls her aside and says that if she doesn't resume singing at the cantina, he'll have no choice but to take away her child again. She says she won't allow it. He responds by pulling out her mug shot and calling her "75089," saying the authorities might let him have Luisito if he tells them what she did to end up in prison. "You decide," he snickers.

Sofi and Jimena talk about how they never thought they'd end up as housewives. Sofi loves it. Jimena says it's fun for now, but she doesn't want it to become routine and boring. Sofi says she loves Juan so much that taking care of him will never be a chore for her, and insinuates that Jimena doesn't really love Oscar. (Disliking housework - or expressing worry that someday you might get tired of doing it - means you don't love your husband?) Instead of being offended, Jimena says she loves Oscar with all her heart, but she's not going to lose sight of reality - she doesn't want it to get monotonous. Sofi assures her that true love can do everything. EVERYTHING!

Grandpa is sitting out on the trail in his wheelchair. (Someone walks by carrying a coa - the tool used to cut the leaves off the agave - see? I did learn something from watching Destilando Amor.) Rosendo shows up riding Mr. Ed. (For a moment I thought the horse's real name was "Cuaco," but it turns out that's just another word for "horse.") Rosendo tells Grandpa the horse has been sad ever since Sofía moved out. He misses her.

Feo comes along in the truck and gets out to yell at Rosendo for taking the horse out (some time ago, he had tried to get rid of the horse because it was "dangerous"). Mr. Ed gets very jumpy. This reaction is not lost on Grandpa. Finally Rosendo gets down safely and Feo drives past, honking the horn obnoxiously.

Grandpa notes the ugly way Feo and the horse looked at each other. He thinks there must be a serious reason behind that. He says horses can perceive the personalities of the people they deal with and know who they're dealing with. "He doesn't like him," is all Rosendo can say about the horse. Gramps spells it out a little more: the horse used to belong to Bernardo and now he doesn't like Feo.

Ugh, how many more puzzle pieces do we need to figure out this picture??

Oscar reviews Bernardo's letter and wonders where those papers are hidden. Jimena catches him and tries to grab the letter. She thinks it's from a woman. She says he's been acting weird lately and doesn't want him to cheat on her again; if he does, he won't see her again. She marches out.

Grandpa puts on his deerstalker cap and visits Nabor in jail to ask about that fateful day of Bernardo's death. Nabor admits he was very drunk, but he perfectly remembers what happened. He's virtually certain Bernardo was already dead when he hit him.

Sofía lectures Jimena on the importance of trusting her husband. Surely he has an important reason for not wanting her to know something! Jimena says she's worried about a repeat of his previous infidelity.

Juan lectures Oscar on the importance of not fighting with his wife. He'll lose everything. Oscar explains that it was about the letter, and she thought it was from another woman. Juan says he's going to have to explain it. Oscar doesn't want to do it, but Juan doesn't want to do it - anyway, Oscar's the one who found the letter.

So Oscar shows the letter to Jimena. She recognizes her father's handwriting. He explains how he found it. Seeing as how upset she was to read it, he asks her not to tell her sisters about it. Tonight he'll go back and continue looking for the incriminating papers. She apologizes for doubting him, and he promises he'll never cheat on her again. He says they need to have a little cowboy like him, or a little china doll like her.

Sofi and Juan shop for baby clothes. Sofi wants pink stuff, Juan wants blue clothes, yawn. He likes a little baby cowboy outfit. She likes something in bright pink.

Juan assembles a crib. Despite Quintina's "help," the project is finally finished. Sofi comes home just as they're painting it a nice gender-neutral white. I guess it was supposed to be a surprise. Sofi is thrilled. They stand around admiring it for a while.

Rosendo tells Sofi and Juan that Grandpa is visiting Nabor in jail, and also Feo doesn't want them nosing around that tree. Juan says that's fine, it won't stop him from fighting for what's his.

Rosendo describes to them the altercation with Mr. Ed and Feo. Mr. Ed wanted to attack Feo. Rosendo and Grandpa thought it was as if the horse... Rosendo is at a loss for words. "As if it wanted to accuse him of something," Sofía finishes.

At the cantina, Rosario tells Eva she won't be moving in with her after all. She's going to go on living and singing here instead! Eva tries to take the news gracefully, but she is obviously hurt. After she leaves, Ofelia says she knew Feo would never let her go. Rosa's sad to have broken Eva's heart. Ofelia says it's for the best, because in any case, Eva's not her mom.

Rosa excitedly realizes that Ofelia must know about her real mother after all. She tries to get her to say more, but Ofelia clams up.

Eva reports Rosa's sudden change of heart to Sofi and Juan. She thinks Rosario was behaving oddly, and is suspicious that something else is going on. Sofía and Juan agree to talk to her.

Sarita and Franco come back from the doctor, where Franco has been told that if he takes care of himself, he'll soon be fully recovered. He offers her a drink to celebrate. She tries to discourage him, thinking it will harm him, and thinks it smells horrible and doesn't want any. Franco pours some down her gullet.

Some time later, they've both had a few more. They dance clumsily to Franco's "Piquito de Oro" song and she pours one down his gullet.

Grandpa is still wearing the deerstalker cap and playing noisily with his crime scene map in the hacienda study. Feo shows up, and Grandpa confronts him about Bernardo's death. Feo repeats the old story that Nabor hit him and killed him. He tells Feo that Nabor was pretty sure that Bern was already dead when he hit him, and since Feo was the last guy who saw him alive, Grandpa thinks it's safe to assume that Feo killed him. (Great, I hope Grandpa put up some good protection money for Nabor, or the guy's going to end up with an Efferdent sandwich.)

While Feo is thusly occupied, Oscar sneaks into Feo's room and opens the safe, using skills he learned from... ?

Sarita and Franco are still drinking enthusiastically, although Sarita is spilling almost as much as she's pouring. He asks her if she's ever done anything risky. "What do you mean by 'risky'?" He whispers something in her ear. The suggestion that we don't hear shocks and delights her. They celebrate with another drink.

Oscar has found big wads of pesos and dollars in Feo's safe and assumes Feo's been stealing from Gabi. He also finds some impressive jewels, which he admires and puts away. And he takes out the special little box in which Feo has hidden Libia's (mother's) necklace, but before he can open it, a loud argument between Feo and Grandpa tells him it's time to go. He puts the unopened box back in the safe.

Grandpa is yelling "let me go" as Feo wheels him to the front door with great force. Grandpa is calling him a murderer and a coward, scolding him for picking on an invalid, "but of course that's what you would expect from a murderer." Feo threatens to break his face. Rosendo stops him. Feo sends the inquisitive maids into the kitchen.

Instead of sneaking out the window as I thought Oscar would do (perhaps he has no way to lock the window behind him, therefore it might be obvious someone had broken in), Oscar has to go down the main staircase. Rosendo is telling Feo that Grandpa is an old man and deserves respect. (Grandpa indicates his agreement by spinning a noisemaker.)

Feo spots Oscar on the stairs and threatens to have him arrested as a thief. Grandpa says no, he just came in to get some of Grandpa's things from his old room. Feo gets behind Oscar, who is still near the top of the stairs. "Real gallant with an old man," Oscar mocks. When he turns his back to Feo (BIG MISTAKE!), Feo kicks him! (Hey, I thought snakes had no legs!) Oscar tumbles all the way down the stairs, but fortunately ends up with only a nosebleed and some bruises. And maybe a neck or upper back injury, although he seems okay for now

Now here comes Gabi to add her two cents. First she kicks out Rosendo. Grandpa tries to explain that he and Oscar are here to prove that Feo is trash and Bernardo knew it. That's why Feo killed him.

Gabi is shocked. Grandpa says he even has a letter from Bernardo saying that Feo is an evil dude. Gabi wants to see the letter. Oscar foolishly tells them it's at his house. Feo mutters to Gabi that it's all a lie to prejudice her against him. Oscar says Bernardo knew that Feo was a damned venomous snake.

Gabi defends Feo, distrusts them, and doubts the existence of the letter. She damns the day they showed up at her house, dedicating themselves to destroying her family. Grandpa says Feo is putting her life in danger; he has no boundaries and no scruples. Feo says Gramps is the one who's not welcome. Gabi agrees. She tells him to abandon the hacienda (I think she means the whole property, including the cottage) tomorrow morning - FOREVER. Grandpa says he thanks God that her daughters are free of her. He twirls his noisemaker at them as Oscar wheels him out.

Sofi and Juan meet Rosario in her dressing room, trying to find out why she suddenly wants to live and work at the cantina again. Is she or her son in danger? She's not eager to talk. Juan and Sofía offer their support and protection. Who's threatening her?

There is a ruckus in the hallway; Ofelia has lost the battle. Margarita bursts in, staring at Rosario and finally smiling. Rosario smiles too.

Oh no! How many mother-figures can one woman take??

Sarita and Franco are muy impactados to wake up cheek-to-cheek in front of a roaring campfire, very hung over. They can't remember what happened or what they were doing there. But then they find a piece of paper that explains everything - it's their marriage certificate!

"We're married! Legally married!"

Mexico airdate: 22 de Mayo

Next time:
Juan tells Sofi about Bernardo's letter.
Feo (acting like a jerk) looks at some legal papers and says "when the snake is cornered, it strikes."
Rosario gapes.

Labels: Fuego

This week’s experiment – writing the recap from the YouTube videos. No captions, so it’s a real test. The plus is that I can get it done sooner.

Sara goes ALL the way to the lesser house to say “forget about me forever.” This reminds me of people on internet message boards who go to such lengths to post messages stating that they are ‘never posting here again’.

Julian is delivering food, the woman he is giving it to recognizes him and he tells himself over and over that he’ll keep his cool. Instead the woman brings a prettier, younger woman outside to see him. I think she was on the quiz show, she looks professional. The ladies eye him like a piece of meat and the younger one invites him to a casting for sportswear models, she thinks he’s good for it. Imagine how jealous Rosy will be now!

Arturo tells Jackie he has a plan to import vitamins or something from another country to help the company make money. Talk of money gets her horny. Blech.

Paula is trying to find another movie to snare Raimundo with, when Greta shows up, crowing about being the happiest woman in the world. Last night she was with Rai! Paula remembers Rai bailing on her with an ‘emergency’ the night before, now she knows he left to go see Greta. She is upset, of course, and tells Greta to get the hell out of her house. For once I agree that Paula has a reason to be upset.

Meanwhile, Rai brags to Chef Ern about how he went out with both ladies the night before. Ern of all people (Rai also thinks he’s the last one who should be saying this) warns him against two ladies at the same time. If only Rai knew the storm Paula is sure to bring down on him. Nice knowing you, Rai.

Paula finds Toribio in the park and spills her story to him. I’m getting the impression now that Greta made it sound like she and Raimundo hit the sheets, while Raimundo told Ern that nothing like that happened. I think what Rai told Ern is closer to the truth. Anyway, Toribio tells her that really she should only be mad with Rai for seeing more than one girl, not with Greta who didn’t even know Paula was out with him. Toribio’s new girlfriend shows up and is introduced to Paula. There is some little joke that they all laugh at but I didn’t understand it.

Bettina and her friend talk, Bettina gripes about this dude who is blowing her off. Who should come along, but said dude. Bettina stands up to talk to him, but he walks away. Bettina runs off upset and the friend calls the dude over. She asks him what’s the deal, if you won’t talk to her tell me and I’LL tell her. He just gives her his basketball and runs off after Bettina.

It’s junior high school time again, Sara thanks Alonso for ‘always believing in her’ (I think he is just doing whatever he can to avoid her tantrums) and when she sees Lorena approaching, she starts deep tongue kissing Alonso, which looks gross. Lorena rolls her eyes and continues her conversation on her cell phone with one of the nuns from the orphanage, who says Sara’s new boyfriend looks a lot like Lorena’s boyfriend. Lorena says it’s him, I’ll tell you about it tomorrow. There is also some talk about the documents. She walks past the 8^th graders making out under the bleachers with her head held high into the school. These two are making out for a solid minute. Who does that in public after age 15? I mean really? I have kissed my wife plenty of times in public but we never stand in front of the door of a busy building and make out like we’re getting ready for sex. Give me a break.

Dude catches up to Bettina, who tells him to take off. In ten seconds they both say they acted stupid and Dude wants to be friends. I didn’t think that was what either of them wanted, but who knows what 12 year olds think.

Some uber-hottie shows up at the restaurant and asks if it is Ern’s place, Monica comes up and says no it’s not his, he’s just a cook here. Hottie says cook? No way lady – he’s one of the best chefs in Mexico. Back and forth, Monica putting him down, Hottie eventually saying he’s so awesome in bed. I wonder why all his exes feel the need to tell the world about having sex with him? I’d think it would make him feel like a piece of meat except, well, he has an army of totally hot women telling everyone how great he is in bed. I guess that would make things easier for him. Anyway, Monica tells Hottie that Ern isn’t there and Hottie leaves. No don’t leave! Come back and model swimwear! Damn. The hostess lady who surprised Julian the other day asks Monica why she said Ern wasn’t there, Monica says something but really it’s just because she’s a bitch. Hostess lady says but what if he really is so great in bed? Monica says she doesn’t care. Whatever. Hostess lady must be one of you ladies here, because she says it wouldn’t bother her one bit to find out if it’s true.

When they leave, Rosy pokes her head out and sees that the coast is clear of Hurricane Monica. Julian is there and she surely doesn’t want to get yelled at. Julian says he got a job, she’s happy, then he says it’s modeling, she’s not happy. He says he’ll skip it if she doesn’t agree, she’s not happy about ladies recognizing him all the time again. Finally she says it’s ok, but she’s going with him. I was going to ask what’s the deal with women being this jealous but I realized the comments thread might devolve, depending on who has been cheated on, so I’ll let it be. Let me just say that this goes both ways, before any man-bashing begins. Let’s move on.

Dude is named Ivan – now I remember (uh and someone said his name). He was at Bettina’s house, I guess Paula is being nicer, he leaves and says they’ll chat online later. Paula says you like that boy, right? Bettina says yes, is she allowed to have a boyfriend? Paula says I guess times change. Bettina wants to know how many boyfriends Paula had, she says Dario was the first and only and they got together when she was much older than Bettina is now. Cheer up mom, you’re young and you have Raimundo. Nope, he’s just a friend. Bettina continues to try and cheer up Paula, who as usual has managed to make the conversation about her, not whatever it started as.

Rosy cries like a spoiled little brat, this does not reflect well on her, wanting to leave work to go with Julian. Monica tells her no, you have to work, your personal stuff isn’t my problem. I agree with her (if not her manner), restaurants can’t function when short-staffed. I have worked in all levels of restaurant, from dishwasher to management, so I guess on this one I side with Monica, though she doesn’t have to be such a bitch about it. Then of course Rai comes in, immediately blames Monica for whatever is going on, and tells Rosy to go ahead and go. I want to see what he’s going to do when the restaurant is full and he only has one waitress, but I guess that’s on him. Monica goes off on him, he always goes against her, she should have never come back to work here. Ern overhears the whole thing, now he’s going to be sympathetic towards her, sorry everyone I think this marks the beginning of Ern and Monica, sittin’ in a tree… She says that when her mom died Rai sent her away, he says to get an education, but she says he doesn’t show her any love or loyalty. She tells him she hates him. Ern shakes his head and goes back to the kitchen. I’m sure now he’s going to be nice to her or something and win her over. I’m not happy about that either, I’m not in love with him like you ladies are, but anybody but Alonslow would be better for Lorena, he’s such a loser. Especially for being a good/nice doctor, he’s STILL a complete loser. That’s not easy to do.

Pretty lady who hired Julian takes pictures of him, Rosy is unreasonably jealous. Ugh. How ugly. Julian knows her, because right away he says if she has a problem, they can go. She says no, that Rosy is gone (she hopes). Well, I give her points for trying. He wants her to wish for luck that whoever the boss is likes his pictures, she crosses her fingers but thinks that she hopes they DON’T. How selfish.

Raimundo comes out of a theater and makes a phone call, leaving a voicemail saying he can’t believe she missed the date, he missed her. I assume it was Paula, she must have stood him up and isn’t taking his calls.

Back at the restaurant (did Rosy just need to come to work a few minutes late? I might change my mind from earlier if so) Rosy tells Lorena all about the pretty lady and Julian’s photo shoot. Lorena, being sensible, tells her she better get over it. Lorena stops by the kitchen on her way out, looking for her bag. Of course Chef Ern is there and wants to plead his case for her again. He says he can’t pretend to just be her friend and see her every day. Lorena says she can’t just be his lover, she knows how he is and he won’t ever change. She leaves, he eyes the junk in her trunk sway out, then says to the empty room how she’s wrong, he can change for her.

Rosy sees Lorena and asks what’s wrong, she tells her about her conversation with Ern.

Ern runs into Monica on HIS way out. Suddenly she’s nice to him and invites him to have a glass of wine. He admits overhearing earlier and suddenly she is normal and smiling at him. No way are we supposed to believe she is the same person. Ha ha ha oh they are laughing and talking. She says she’d be nicer if her father had more faith in her and she really does think his food is good. He cheers her up. He hopes after tonight she thinks better of him. She jumps him and they start making out. SORRY ladies! But you all knew it was coming. Not this soon though, I wasn’t expecting it.

Paula gets Rai’s voicemail and fusses about him. The doorbell rings and it’s Dario. Right away he sees she’s upset and comforts her. She thinks that the truth would make him tease her, so she says she’s upset that Bettina wants a boyfriend. He tries, but she just cries harder. I think she just doesn’t want him to stop holding her. She asks him to stay, unless his woman has a problem with it. Dario rolls his eyes and says she’s busy with her interminable work -

Which consists of grossing us all out, as her work appears to be about having sex with Arturo. They must be at a hotel or something, they aren’t doing it on a desk this time. Or maybe at her house – Art says he has to go before Dario comes home. Is that what he said? He said later he’ll get an apartment for them to meet at. This guy (well Jackie too to be fair) is shameless.

Lots of making out, Chef Ern and Monica are still going at it. Extremely fake looking kissing.

The next morning, Lorena is making muffins to apologize to Ern for being rude. Rosy teases her. Lorena pleads innocence. Lorena is excited when talking to Maruja, hoping the nuns know something about her family.

Sara is in bed with Chalo, pretending to like him while thinking nasty thoughts about him. He wants her to stay, she has an excuse not to, as always. They play a game of “do you love me?” Chalo wins.

Ern wakes up in bed, oooops looks like he did the deed! He’s not happy with himself.

Florencia seems to be getting worse and worries, Alonso tries to comfort her. He says they will fight the illness together!

Ern starts the whole “hey we’re adults, we were lonely, the wine….” conversation. He says these things happen. She says yeah to YOU these things happen. He doesn’t beat around the bush, he tells her it was a mistake and he just wants to be friends. Wait – you can say that AFTER sexing somebody up? Maybe when you look like Ern, not for the rest of us normal humans. She seems disappointed but doesn’t argue with him. She wasn’t asking him to marry her. I think she was hoping for more sex at least.

Sara tells Chalo to wait and then leave after her, he wants her to give him her car, she says just use your motorbike.

Ern got away with it, but he won’t shut up and keeps trying to explain about the wine, etc. He says see ya later, she seems to be expecting a kiss, he waves like a little kid. She doesn’t hide her disgust as she leaves, he yells at himself for a bit.

Dario and Jackie yell at each other about getting home late, then about Bettina having/not having a boyfriend. They are a disaster. Jackie manages to make a crack about Paula in the process and Dario defends her. When Dario leaves, she immediately gets out her phone to make a call.

Arturo eats with his horrible mom, then his hot wife Valeria comes down and his phone rings, it’s Jackie of course. She says she’s at home, ALONE. Arturo takes the bait and immediately says he has to leave. Valeria doesn’t look happy. She is wearing a very nice red outfit. Now that they have let Paula explore her hotness – it’s time for Valeria to get a job modeling with Julian or something. Quit keeping her wrapped up in a lab coat. Valeria gets a call on the house phone, it’s from the school and they need Val and Art to come to a conference or something. Horrible mom says no just YOU go, he’s so busy at work etc etc. Val says no, we both have to go.

Vasco is excited that the nuns are coming to help share Jaime’s guilt with Hortensia. Jaime doesn’t care, he’s guilty, whatever.

Barbara talks to a lawyer about getting divorced. The lawyer is asking about Jaime’s money and salary, Barb says it all belongs to his mother. He says ok then, your divorce goal is freedom. She says no, she wants money! Ugh this woman. Lawyer says good luck, if he doesn’t have any money don’t know where you’re going to get it. Barb is disappointed.

Art yells at Jackie for calling him at home, they get to ‘business’. He’s a little bit nervous about being at her house like this, she tells him to shut up.

At the restaurant, Lorena shows up with her apology muffins. She wants to be friends. She thinks he is acting strange, is he confused? He says uh yeah…. She says friends, let’s shake on it. He eats a muffin when Lorena leaves. Monica comes in and says she can pardon a lot, but not him saying last night was a mistake.

Barbara is chasing Arturo around the offices, Valeria is sitting in his office and he is quite surprised. She wants to know why he didn’t answer the phone and he makes some lame excuse. Just then Jackie busts in saying “we need to talk” just like Barbara did. Ooops the wife is here.

Some kid is waiting outside clinic #23 to find out what’s up with Florencia, without verifying at all who is he, Alonso tells him everything about Flo’s condition. Way to stay confidential, doc. The kid’s name is Sergio and he appears to be Flo’s boyfriend or something, though he stammers out that they are friends. He’s upset at the news.

Arturo says he has to leave and go with his wife, Barbara actually has the nerve to say right in front of her that company business is more important. Finally Art says he’ll be down in the car in two minutes. Then Barbara tries to make Jackie leave, she finally does. Then Barbara goes even further – she actually pouts and complains that he considers his wife more important than her. Uh duh? I know he’s a slimeball and everything but what does she expect? Jeez. He tells her to shut up. She’s upset that she can’t get rich by getting divorced and tries to kiss up on him. Right here in the office. And he KISSES her back! Jackie spies on the whole thing. Art tells Barb no, it’s over. Barbara gets all weepy and crying, it’s pitiful. Jackie continues to watch through the crack in the door.

Bruno is looking at a new apartment, Mr. Big Shot says “yeah it all looks great” and doesn’t care about the price.

Jackie’s phone rings, it’s Dario complaining about something domestic. She hangs up, but then pretends to be on the phone with him all lovey when Art can overhear. He drags her into the office to talk. He tells her it’s over with him and Barb and actually manages to talk his way out of it! They start kissing and he leaves. Jeez this guy, wtf. Jackie is all hot and bothered after he leaves.

Lorena brings the short nun home to Maruja’s house. She tells her how awesome Rosy and Maruja are and how disillusioned she is with Sara. The nun can’t believe it either. She serves the nun some coffee and muffins. The nun gets serious and says she knows who her parents are. Lorena wants to know, no matter if they are poor or not. The nun shows her a paper to read herself. It says she was found in a garbage can. I guess we’re supposed to feel bad for her, but not for Sara, who really WAS found that way. I guess it’s ok because Sara is a bitch. I guess.

Ok so that was the great YouTube experiment. It went ok I guess, total recapping time about 2 hours, that’s just as good or better than watching and then typing or whatever. I might do this again.

Labels: enemiga

We open to a replay of Toribio and his new novia chatting with a frustrated Alonslow in the living room. He wanted to read his medical book and she scolds him because life is too short. He makes his excuses and runs. She wants to know if that boy is really Toribio’s son—he’s so serious and Toribio is so niiiice. She flashes him a huge grin and Toribio takes the bait.

Lorena leaves the restaurant to find Ern waiting—she’s surprised. He’s worried about her—she’s been a little off tonight. Has something happened? It wouldn’t interest him. What? Hasn’t he shown her how much it might interest him? He can’t lie to himself---she’s become way too important to him. He puts his hands onto her arms, moves gently in to kiss her, and she gets all weird. This Magic Moment…isn’t happening tonight. Lorena just can’t commit to a kiss with Ernesto. (All of us are rooting for her out here in telenovelaviewerland, but she isn’t listening. Drat, frustrated again!) Lorena gives him all the reasons why she can’t and he agrees she’s right. Their relationship is very different and they have different lifestyles. She points out he likes his freedom and doesn’t like formal relationships. That’s not her ideal. She doesn’t share his ideas, but respects them. Ern bites his lip—there’s really nothing constructive he can say here, is there?

Rossy dashes up and wants to know if he’s giving them a ride. Nope, they’re taking a taxi. The muchachas pile into the cab and Ern looks after it wistfully, hand raised in a feeble wave of farewell. Our mucho macho hero looks like he wants to cry. Does it get a rating on Ferro’s UCS?

The People’s Clinic #23 is busy and the sirens are roaring. Alonslow is in the operating room with Florencia on the table. She’s on her tummy, so we can assume she’s having a spinal tap—she’s getting a local anesthetic. She’s scared to death as he tries to help her stay calm-it’ll only be a little stick of the needle. At least in this, Alonslow knows what needs to happen. She asks him to hold her hand so she can feel more secure and Alonslow complies. Nice Bedside Manner with patients, at least.

Meanwhile, down the hall, Bruno welcomes Snortensia’s Sleazy Lawyer but scolds him—it’s not prudent for him to show up at the clinic. Folks might recognize him. Ya think? Not that he’s been on the tele or anything like that. The lawyer points out that when he sees what’s coming he won’t feel like griping, and opens the briefcase to reveal muchos pesos. Bruno’s eyes get predictably bigger than the make-up already makes them look. It’s 20% -- the first installment. What, she couldn’t just write a check? (Evil chuckle). What, you nuts? (Okay, I paraphrased). Bruno reaches to touch the pile and the lawyer slams the briefcase shut. There’s a little more—his client wants info on the wedding, speed it up already. Bruno assures him he should just tell her to get the second payment ready. They smile at each other, oil oozing.

Rossy comes into the combo bedroom of Lorena/living room shaking her finger. She’s not moving until Lore tells her what’s up with the Profe. Lorena closes her eyes and says “he was at the point of kissing….” Rossy flops back on the sofa “NO!” She knew Lorena would trap him! Lorena tells her to hold on; she doesn’t want something between them. Rossy argues with her. He’s SOOO handsome! Lorena points out he’s got a pile of discarded novias and she can’t really be anything important in his life. He’s not up for a family and sharing a life with someone like she wants. Rossy thinks she could try. Nope, Lorena doesn’t ever want to suffer for love again. Gee, folks, she really IS young, isn’t she?

Tío Ernesto greets his sister and little niece into his living room. He peels shoes off his niece who has thrown herself in his arms yelling “¡Tío, it’s been forever since I’ve seen you!” He exchanges chitchat with his sister. The boys are on a school trip with their Pop. She’s got nowhere to leave the little tyke. Well, what about daycares? Meanwhile his niece plops on his sofa and announces she told her Mami she wants to stay with him. He’s sorry, but he has to work. She promises to be really good and whines charmingly to stay with him. He tries to talk her into staying at his house with Fanny. He can’t take care of her at work. No problem, she’ll take care of herself and be really good. Sis sees her moment of escape and exits, stage left, thanking him before he can think twice. We note that she had a plan—her shoes never came off for a split second. Ern ruffles his hair in consternation. His charming sobrina gives him a gap-toothed grin that would melt Frosty. He smiles back and we know whose grin genes she got. Maybe he can handle one kidlet at a time.

Maruja and Zulema prepare the day’s orders and chat. Zulema’s so appreciative and Maruja’s glad to do it since she resigned from Snorty’s shop. Will she look for work? Later—they gave her a good severance pay. She deserves a good job, and Zulema will miss her so much. Whatever, they’ll always be friends, according to Maruja. Hugfest.

Bruto (sic) slams his briefcase down on the reception desk and Diana jumps—he startled her. That slam had some hostility in it, friends. He wants her to blow the pop stand with him for breakfast and she can’t leave work. Bruno wonders if it isn’t time for her to think about quitting, and Diana is a bit taken aback. Apparently it hasn’t crossed her mind that she wouldn’t be working after they marry, to help pay the expenses. He tells her his salary will cover it nicely. (Yeah, and Snorty’s hefty incentive bonus). She asks about the briefcase—oh, work papers. Vasco passes, greets her and she knows who it is even from behind her. She tersely greets him and Bruno sighs with annoyance as Vasco goes on his way to work. Vasco’s one more reason for her to not work there. Diana assures Bruno she only has eyes for him. He wants to Meet with the Parents tonight. He wants to formalize their relationship. Bruno gets to the point after all the beating around the bush—he wants a date for the wedding. She gives him a lovely smile.

Paula stands at the reception desk at Snortensia’s shop asking for Sara. She’s got all her wares to peddle. The receptionist tells her there’s no SARA Armendáriz, only Snortensia and Jaime (and she conveniently omits telling Paula they’re in jail instead of at the shop). The only Sara is the granddaughter of the Señora, but her name is de la Cruz. Great, she’s my sister-in-law, Paula spits back at the chick—announce me already. The receptionist calls up to announce Paula’s Presence, but Sara’s not in. Paula wants to go up and wait—when the receptionist dials up again for authorization she asks for Sra. Jacqueline Hernández. Paula quickly sees the wisdom in staying downstairs.

Snortensia enjoys a cup of coffee and her morning newspaper, minus the coffee, in her studio apartment that has such tasteful furnishings including very contemporary grid-style bars on the front. The headline screams “Scandal Sinks Food Company.” She reads about her detention in jail, all the facts as they know them, and what it means to some reporter. And fumes. Sara comes to ask how Snortensia’s doing, and it’s about time you got here is the only response. Oh, no, there’s more. How’s the company doing? Fine, Granny. Well, are you going back to work or are you “on vacation?” This with a practiced sneer. Sara whines. “Why are you saying that?” Snorty slaps the newspaper, headline first, up to the bars and demands to know qué the h*** this means. Sara tries to mollify her—they’re exaggerating. Snorty wants to know why Sara hasn’t told her. Sara didn’t want to bother her. Sara tells her not to worry. When she gets out it’ll all get resolved. And, oh, yeah, by the way, I’m taking care of getting some fake docs back into the orphanage. Without your signature on them.

Ern apparently CAN do better with one kidlet at a time. Except that he has to take this one along when he goes to the office. Lorena, all ready for working, is surprised to see him and the little niece. She asks who it is and Ern tells her it’s his daughter. The little one keeps her mouth shut but Lorena’s gapes. Then the little one says hola, all innocence.

Your daughter? Sure. What’s wrong? Lorena is impactidíssima. The niñita says her name’s Gina. You have a CHILD? Then Lorena’s indignant because he hadn’t told her. Well, that’s why he can’t commit to anyone. Ern tells her it’s a joke, this is his niece, and Lorena stalks off, Very Put Out. Ern, glued to Gina’s hand, tries to call Lorena back but doesn’t stoop to dragging Gina so he can follow Lorena. He turns to Gina and shrugs.

Monica’s timing is IMPECCABLE. Probably the director selected her just for her timing. Out she comes from her bat cave under the restaurant. (Okay, I made that part up). She snaps at Ern—what’s this child doing here? Gina gives her a bright, cheery, gap-toothed smile and “hola.” Moni softens for a nanosecond and he tells her this is his niece. She’s with him. Moni wants to know with whose permission the kid’s here. The almost-smile is fading. Ern tells her he doesn’t need anyone’s permission and hustles Gina off to the kitchen. Moni looks bemused and a trifle irritated. Pretty much life as usual.

Sara finds Jacqui hard at work although a tad underdressed for your typical company other than Playboy, Inc. Jacqui wants her to look at some stuff, but Sara has other plans and opens the door wider to reveal Paula with her make-up kit—Sara’s getting a makeover from the sister of the guy she’s making. Paula gives Jacqui a smug look. Of course. Sara is all innocence (there’s a lot of that going on tonight) sweetly asks if they don’t already know each other? Paula retorts that they’re intimates—she’s the hag who took my husband. Jacqui says not her fault. They toss around a couple of insults before Jacqui stalks off. Paula scoffs—on top of it all, SHE’S offended?

With Sara all to herself, Paula’s going to sell her something to change her life. Funny, that’s what Chalo tries to do most nights, too. What, Sara asks, a lottery ticket? Paula’s not surprised her brother likes Sara with her sense of humor. Paula wants to show her the creams and Sara says she’ll buy some-she’s gotta run. Doesn’t Sara want a demo? Nope. Quickest sale of Paula’s life. (Given that she’s sold to two other folks so far.) Sara muses to herself that it’ll get Paula out of her and counts out a wad of cash. Paula grins like a loon.

Lorena’s dejected and Ern finds her in the staff locker room, moping. (Geez, Louise, does he look goooood in a red polo shirt that fits his muscles so well. Do you reckon he has an exercise corner in that apartment, girlfriends?) Lorena wonders what he’s doing here. Got tired of waiting for her to come out, that’s what. Lorena remarks that she’s an idiot and he denies it and says he’s an idiot for trying to make jokes after what happened last night. She protests that nothing happened last night and gets up off the bench, moving away abruptly. He disagrees, lots happened. He starts to tell her what he’s been thinking and she interrupts—he has his way of life and she has hers. Everyone’s happy. Ern walks around the bench she was sitting on toward her. Really, happy? She tells him not to be conceited. She’s not pining after him. He smiles charmingly (and we see why he has piles of novias strewn around the D. F.) and tells her that’s good because he’d never forgive himself for making her suffer. She mutters that’s perfect, he doesn’t understand a thing. (For what it’s worth, I thought I understood until this very moment, so I apparently don’t, either). Lorena strides out and he watches her go—at first bemused and then with a smile. But, it’s a confused smile.

Florencia looks like she’s been rode hard and put away wet, poor little thing. Alonslow comes in and announces gently that she behaved so well in the morning she deserves an award and pulls out a cute stuffed doggy. How lovely! Thanks! Her eyes fill with tears and she hugs the doggy to her, stroking it. Alonslow gets serious—she asked him not to tell her godmother anything, but it’s time to tell her. This is serious. Florencia panics—no, if you tell her, she’ll die. He tries to tell her she needs someone to be with her. Florencia insists she’s alone in the world. (Who the heck is this child’s godmother?) He hugs her, concern etched on his face. Well, of course, Sara just has to be coming into the patient’s room because she can’t wait quietly in his office, so she sees Alonslow hug this kid half his age. She retreats in a rage.

The rage becomes a raging fire as she lets him have it with both barrels in his office. (You remember the English dicho—the best defense is a good offense—well, Sara is the most offensive person we know). She puts him off balance yet again with her accusations about him hugging patients and that can’t possibly be a medical prescription. Sara wasn’t born yesterday, that’s the patient who supplanted her last night with him. Well, of course! She’s got leukemia! How moving. So, you’ll cure her with hugs? Alonslow thinks he’ll gain ground by telling Sara he won’t permit her to make a scene here. (Hah.) Lorena is helpless, she has no family. Sara catches the huge slip of the tongue—LORENA!!! He denies he said it—her name is Florencia. They fuss about what he called her. Sara’s eye bulge with rage. (Has anyone told her how unattractive that is?) She accuses him of using the wrong name because he is thinking about Lorena. What an acting job. She turns away, telling him not to lie to her, putting her hand to her forehead in “despair.” That’s all she needed, that he’s thinking about THAT girl. Will he turn his back on Sara? She, who has shown him HOW MUCH she loves him. (Oh! Is THAT what all the bedroom scenes were about?) Alonslow tries again to recover. Sara tells him she only came looking for him to go out to eat and be together. Sob. He tries to calm her, so they won’t have a storm in a glass of water. (Pay attention here) They’ll go wherever SHE wants. He hugs her and her jaw squares up a little.

Toribio’s new novia is feeding him again and “did you like it?” would be an understatement. He loved it. He kisses the hands that prepared such delicacies for him. Gee, no one has ever said such lovely things to her. He gets up to walk around a little and she reminds him there’s dessert. He asks who the guys are in the gallery of five black and white photos on her wall. He thought they might be novios. Nope, they are…um…brothers! [Ed. Note: Do we have a Black Widow in the house?] She’s nervous – how could he think they were boyfriends? They grin nervously at each other.

Gina colors quietly at a table until Lorena comes in to set wine glasses in place at the restaurant. Is Lorena still mad with Gina’s uncle? Lorena frowns—me, no. Why? Well, because he told you I was his daughter. Lorena sheepishly tells her it was a surprise to her, but she didn’t get mad…Gina asks the next logical question. Is Lorena his girlfriend? She grins hopefully. Lorena rolls her eyes toward the kitchen. NO. (Guess who’s peeping through the peephole and looking deflated?) They’re just FRIENDS. What a same. Gina wanted Lorena for her uncle. She’s a heap better than all the rest of the novias. Thanks, but nope, we’re nothing. Well, how come you’re not novios? Lorena looks pointedly at the peephole where Ern is peeping and waiting eagerly for the answer. BECAUSE your uncle is not interested in committing to any woman. She crosses her eyes and looks down at Gina sternly. Gina announces that’s what her mother says, too. What a coincidence. But, Lorena and Gina can still be friends, Lorena tells her. They high five on it. Ern grins through the peephole.

Zulema and Maruja occupy themselves productively after all the cooking is done with a count of profits. Zulema wants to pay Maruja, who doesn’t want to be paid but finally gets convinced. Maru goes for coffee, and Zulema suggests they have their coffee and watch Chef Oropeza. Zulema switches it on. Maruja loves his recipes. They settle in for some good fun. (It’s all a matter of perspective, isn’t it?) Zulema’s gotten his autograph and brings it out for show and tell. Not only did she get a bona fide autograph, it’s even on an apron. How authentic! “With affection for Zulema—Chef Oropeza.” They giggle and Maruja remarks that she wishes she could work with a chef like him. Julián interrupts—he though heard Rossy’s voice. It could be head noise, though. Maruja says they’ve been mistaken for each other before. Zulema offhandedly tosses out that if he misses her he should just talk to her. Julián looks skeptical and retreats to hibernate some more. Maruja and Zulema discuss this new twist—if he’s asking for her, that’s something at least. He loves her! Let’s hope he can recover from his problems. Maruja nods sympathetically. The television calls….

Paula is creative in her pursuit of Raimundo. She’s found what trips his trigger and looks up movies in the newspaper—Italian movies. She would love to see them and thinks he would, too. Does she dare to call him? They’re modern adults after all. She debates with herself and calls after she remembers that Greta tells her “all’s fair in love and war.”

Dra. Serrano strides purposefully into Bruno’s office and is greeted with his usual smarmy grin and hello. She gets to the point—she’s been looking for him since this morning. Where’s he been? Hospital-type meeting. Our highly qualified slime ball has degrees from Northwestern University and the University of California on the wall over his left shoulder, folks. She rails at him that there are lots of patient complaints because he’s screwing his patients over with poor attention. (Okay, I beefed that up a little). He blames the victims and points out that vulnerable sick folks complain a lot. We’re the docs. Can we assume he means the docs are gods who must be set on a pedestal and allowed to do what they please? She ignores this and points out that before he became the Chief of Staff, complaints were virtually non-existent. He goes on the offensive—are you implying I’m failing here? She retorts that he’s supposed to be taking care of patients, and the complaints are serious. There are some that say he’s denied lab services. There’s one patient for whom you’ve cancelled consulting services five times, and there’s a lack of medicines. He vows to be keeping his eye on things better. She continues that she’s not sure he understands that his position here’s at stake. She doesn’t want a single complaint more, because she’ll be forced to consider a new Chief of Staff. Dra. Serrano spins around and leaves, with Bruno shrugging and telling himself he’ll go with the program for the time that he has left here. His future’s secure.

Peeping Julián leans down to look through the glass door outside the Les Magueyes Restaurant telling himself he only wants a glimpse of Rossy. The hostess indignantly asks from behind him if she can help him. Does he want a reservation? Julián says nothing and runs off. The hostess looks alarmed and rushes inside. Lorena is the first person she sees and tells about that strange guy who made her nervous. Where? The hostess points excitedly—there! Lorena rushes out and sees Julián, calling to him. He looks startled and runs, leaving Lorena chuckling. He still loves her!

We come into a lovely valley with a small town in it. An old man in a Mom and Pop store greets Chalo—he never expected to see Chalo back. Chalo scoffs, how could he not visit the town where he was born and raised? They talk about how he’s been while Chalo chomps down on a snack. What’s he up to these days? Oh, some business. If it all does well, he’ll be able to retire soon enough. Sister Trinidad and her long shadow come in and greet Don Cipriano. Chalo is impactado as he realizes he is probably busted. Madre Trinidad asks “Gonzalo, what are you doing here???” Now we know why he goes by Chalo. The nuns’ eyes show how impactadas they are to see him. “Visiting.” His frown is the only sign that he’s panicking. Sor T notes that he disappeared into thin air. Where’d he go. Chalo responds he went north, and Don Cipriano throws in that he went to the capital but Chalo quickly recovers and says Don C misunderstood, Chalo was really in the capital of Durango. Chalo keeps chomping, blathering, and eyeing the nuns a trifle anxiously as if he’s studying whether anything will dawn on them. Chalo muses to himself that he’s busted—those nuns are super holy (read that naïve), they’re not going to think they smelled anything fishy.

Things are hopping at Les Magueyes. Rossy rushes over to Lorena and asks if she’s seen who’s coming in the door. “Julián?” Rossy is confused, but directs her attention to Slimy Sara with Alonslow. Rossy offers to take over for Lorena, or Felipe can take the table, since they’ve been seated at one of Lorena’s stations. Lorena wants to soldier on—she’ll do her work. Rossy wishes indigestion on the witch and Lorena scolds her to stop. Lorena’s going to find out for herself what’s going on between the two of them. Rossy tries one more time to get her to give up the table to Felipe. No.

Sara flirts with Alonslow. She is so grateful he’s brought her to this divine place and Alonslow is relaxed enough for a change—until Lorena comes to wait on them. She announces her name and tells them she’s their server. Duh. Sara scowls and Alonslow is commercial break-irritated.

Alonslow can’t make eye contact and tells Sara they’re leaving. Sara looks defiantly up at Lorena and tells him no way, she wants to stay. Lorena tells them she’ll give them a moment to get their act together. Alonslow’s jaw twitches and squares as he grinds his teeth—gee, he’s really working on that facial expression stuff, isn’t he? Sara begins the trash talk litany. She’s glad this chick is waiting on them—it’s what she deserves. Alonslow tells her please, enough already. What? Does it bother you to see her? Of course it doesn’t bother him. Then let’s stay. Or, are you beginning to think about her again—first that Florencia and now her. Alonslow is getting provoked.

In their corner, Rossy tells Lore “what nerve.” They’re staying. Sure, Lorena assures her, no way is Sara wasting an opportunity to humiliate her. Rossy thinks she should throw boiling soup in Sara’s face and see who’s humiliated then. Ern emerges from the kitchen in the nick of time to embrace a startled Lorena (likely excuse) so Alonslow will see she’s not missing him. Ern calls her his soul-mate. Let’s hope he takes those words to heart. He asks her to come to the kitchen a minute. Let’s note here that most of us don’t get this kind of reception when co-workers come looking for us. Rossy is impactada and Alonslow looks up just in time to see the embrace with Lorena facing off a little defiantly at him once she’s overcome her shock at being manhandled. Sara watches his sullen face, puzzled, as Alonslow remarks that now he understands. Sara wants to know what he understands and he leans over, grabs her face with quintessential finesse, and lays a big kiss on her in the middle of the crowded restaurant. Ern looks at the scene in concern, arms folded around Lorena, who looks on, distressed, while Alonslow sneaks glances at them and continues kissing Sara. Sheesh, talk about macho junior high boy behavior. Lorena looks up at Ern and Alonslow grabs Sara by the hand to drag her out. They’ve overstayed their welcome. Sara protests but they’re out of there. Lorena turns to Ern and tells him he didn’t have to hug her. He said he was just helping, since he saw her ex and thought because they were friends….Lorena cuts him off. If he thought it affected her to see them, he thought wrong. She stalks off leaving Rossy with big eyes. Ern shrugs and goes off to cook, leaving Rossy grimacing at the skirmish.

In the parking lot of the restaurant, Sara goes on the attack. So it didn’t affect you to see her? Alonslow says he thought better of it. They fight and he tells her to get over it and reminds her he’s with her after all. Sara keeps pushing. She hopes that’s true and his thoughts are with her as well. She scowls at him, willing him to be hers alone.

Back at the orphanage, Madre Carmelita scurries in where Madre Trinidad is helping one of the children. There’s a citation to appear in the D. F. –police biz. It’s for the Mother Superior but she’s in Rome. Should they send it to the Diocese? No, it’s urgent. Holy moley, Sara is involved in a private investigation! They want her adoption file. Surely they must want to be sure she’s the granddaughter of this woman, right? But wait, the file disappeared and couldn’t be found any place! Lorena’s and Sara’s, both are gone. They want an appearance day after tomorrow! Well, files or no, we have to go. They decide to look one more time in the archives. Before they leave the little girls, they do what every good teacher does when s/he leaves kids unattended—give directives for them to stay put and keep working.

Meanwhile, Chalo (aka Gonzalo) artfully breaks and enters the unlocked convent. He finds the right drawer and slips two files into separate places, flashlight skillfully held between his teeth. Hearing the frantic voices, he utters a curse and gets behind the door, grabbing a huge brass candlestick guaranteed to drop even the strongest of men. As the nuns open the door a little voice yells for them to come because Lupe has a tummy ache and she’s going to hurl. The nuns decide to go take care of Lupe together, being as they never go anywhere separately. Chalo breathes again, puts the candlestick back, and listens at the door, anxious.

Rossy hustles around the locker room, asking Lorena why she talked about Julián when Rossy told her Sara and Alonslow had come in. Lorena fibs—it would have been a surprise if he’d showed up. Rossy is successfully diverted and comments that he’s foolish. They could be so happy together if not for his nonsense. Lorena is sure they’ll work it out and Rossy wants to know how she can be so sure. Lorena’s part witch—hadn’t Rossy realized? Rossy gives her a smile of mild reproach. Then she frowns a little—something’s not quite right here. She crosses her arms and stares at Lore.

Alonslow has come for juice in his jammies when he finds the Widow in her robe and a towel around her head is wandering out of his bathroom. She greets him and a very startled Alonslow jumps behind the island in the kitchen so we can only see his shirtless torso. (Okay, we have to concede there are some pluses to having Gabriel Soto as a protagonist). Alonslow, trapped in the kitchen corner, screams for his Papa. Toribio wants to know if he realizes he’s in his jockey shorts. Alonslow whispers “What, did she stay to sleep over?” The Widow laughs charmingly. She’s plenty modern but not that modern. No, it’s that she has no water. Toribio is totally amused. What, Al wonders, first the gas and then the water? (Anyone betting on her handyman ability to turn off her water and turn off her gas?) Toribio laughs that he had nothing to do with the problems. The Widow goes off to dress, and she’ll return to make them breakfast. She turns over her shoulder—how does Tobi like his eggs? With salsa verde, please. Over a tortilla, like this. He demonstrates. Ranchero style. Got it. She ambles out. Alonslow is impactidíssimo at his Papi.

Lorena stops by the Lesser House to greet Zulema out in her yard. Julián is with her, and Lorena is glad to see them because she wanted to let them know that Rossy is leaving town and they need to tell her goodbye. She’s leaving to live in Mexicali. ¿¿¿Qué??? You heard me. Our boss lady asked her if she’d like to go to a new restaurant down there and she didn’t think twice. Lorena tried to convince her to stay, but…..There’s nothing left for her here. Maruja joins them and Zulema tells her it’s such a shame about Rossy, one never wants to say goodbye to the children. Maruja is impactada—huh??? Zulema explains what Lore just told them and Lorena looks her in the eye and tries to send Maruja signals, telling her it will all work out Just Fine. Maruja fusses about that chit not telling her this plan, she’s going to get an EARFUL! Lorena says it’ll all be fine, she only wants to forget Julián. His Mami reams that One, see what he’s caused? Julián rushes off to the rescue. Lorena cackles and Maruja fusses at her. It was a little white lie, Lore explains, to get Julián off his duff and back with Rossy. Does Rossy know? Nope, better to let him find her and they’ll work it out. The Mamas roll their eyes and they all chuckle.

The nuns have gone through all the drawers in the archives except one. Madre Carmelita suggests they eat breakfast and then continue. Nope, Madre Trinidad wants to look just a bit more. Madre C is astonished at the amount of work the orphanage has done on behalf of children, reflected in the files. They come back to the drawer they originally looked in and the files weren’t there months ago. Well, lo and behold! BOTH of the files are there! (Not too obvious, either, as they stick up a little from the others with names prominent). Gasps and prayers of rejoicing. Madre T notices that’s a little strange, though—how did they miss them the last time? Must not have looked as well as you thought. Madre T looks into Lorena’s. She gasps again. Lorena will die of shame.

Speaking of the Queen of Rome, she’s taking her leave from Maruja and Zulema, who stops her to thank her for the info Lorena supplied. The police are going to get a statement from the Mother Superior. Lorena tells her they won’t find anything in the orphanage. Madre Trinidad checked everything. Sara for sure must have the papers. Well, the nun will be here tomorrow. Lorena will be excited to go see Madre Trinidad.

Rossy makes a promise at her little altar, candle burning. If God returns Julián to her, she promises to behave right, help him and not scold. The bell rings. It’s Julián, of course. He drops to his knees, grabs her by hers, and begs her not to go. Where could she possibly go with him clutching her legs? He practically knocks her over in his anxious quest to keep her in the D. F. He babbles about Mexicali and she thinks he’s drunk. She begs him to explain. What, you’re not going to Mexicali? Not that she’s aware. He gets up and wonders why he’s there, then. Rossy casts an eye to the altar with thanks San Antonio for bringing him back and answering so fast. She tells Julián he’s there because San Antonio sent him; the saint knows she can’t live without him. They kiss. Lorena must be clairvoyant—she comes in and grins at the reconciliation she’s wrought.

Moni, with her usual calm good humor, encounters Raimundo and greets him. Yesterday she wanted to see him urgently but he was nowhere to be found. She has a question. Is this a restaurant or a daycare? Raimundo is bemused. Is it a trick question? She demands a response. Stop playing games, then and get to the point. Monica snitches about Ern daring to bring his little niece HERE to work with him. All day. Oh. And? Well, it’s a WORK place. She’s not going to permit it to get filled up with brats. Well, did she break something? Lose us some customers? No. Well, then, what’s the problem? If Ern does whatever he feels like, before long they’ll all make their own rules and the place will be full of kids. Monica looks around the lovely restaurant in disgust at the very thought. Gee, won’t she make a great Mom some day? Raimundo gets creative—if they bring their kids, we’ll need a play area. (Sort of like the playgrounds at McDonald’s?) She warns him he’s going to be sorry for giving Ernesto such a long leash (tener or dar manga ancha—have a wide sleeve, or colloquial --be lenient with). He accuses her of being full of spleen/liver stones because of her foolishness (like gall stones—this is a historic reference, probably, to stones that were found in the Amazon and “it was pretended that (they) came from the country of the women without husbands.” Quote from “The Discovery of the Large, Rich, and Beautiful Empire of Guiana” by Sir Walter Raleigh. This is from a 1596 text that was re-edited with comments and printed in 1848 in London by Sir Robert Schomburgk. I found it on Google Book Search—it’s been scanned and uploaded from a London archive. The stone is probably Amazonite.) Moni insists they need to impose some rules on the peons. Raimundo is sorry, but today he has an inescapable appointment. What, with his chicks? Exactly. She smiles until he’s out of sight.

Alonslow finds that Florencia’s bed is empty. Val tells him Bruno had her moved to the Women’s Hospital. Alonslow fumes.

Maruja, Julián, Zulema, Lorena and Rossy toast with orange liquid stuff (doesn’t look like our orange juice, but could be tamarind juice). They toast to Rossy and Julián—and Zulema hopes Julián doesn’t give them so many problems any more. He scolds Lorena for making him suffer—he bought the whole story about Rossy. They all chuckle. Rossy thanks her and loves her a bunch. Salud! Clink, clink, drink.

Alonslow runs down the gurney with Florencia, who is in a panic. He assures her he didn’t order her transfer and demands the EMTs put her back in her room. They have orders from Dr. Palma. Alonslow yells that this is his patient and it’s not important what Dr. Palma told them. One of them tries to protest, but Alonso tells them it’s an order. He’s the treating doc and he’s doing what he sees best for his patient. He strokes her head in comfort. Gee, whiz, she looks like Lorena. He’ll go talk to Dr. Palma. They take her back, leaving Alonslow catching his breath.

Bruno sits calmly at his desk, doing paperwork (it’s about time) when Alonslow storms in. What’s in your head? Why did you order a transfer for Florencia? Who’s that? You signed the paper work and she’s MY patient. Oh, yeah. I know the girl with leukemia. Bruno tries to make a case for the transfer—the situation is grave, sooner or later the money will run out, it’s better she gets treated elsewhere—someplace they cost less. Oh, sure. You’re only thinking of the self-interest of the clinic. Alonslow wants to find financial support for her treatment here. He pounds on the desk for emphasis. Why get ourselves into complications? What’s more, the treatment will go on for a long time, and it’s not worth our while to keep someone here that long. Alonslow accuses him of thinking like a bean-counter and not a doctor. Bruno brings out his ace—she’s probably going to reject the treatment, have you seen the results of the tests? Alonslow just stares at him in defiance. (Yes, folks, it’s an actual stare of defiance and anger! Like a real doc would have on behalf of a patient!) This girl has the worst form of leukemia. Her youth in this case is an even greater risk factor. Alonslow protests hotly and Bruno says “sorry, decision’s been made.” Alonslow continues to stare in anger and disgust. Bruno smiles smarmily and wonders what he’s got going with this patient. Alonslow attacks—he doesn’t have to explain to Bruno, but this patient’s here as long as he’s here. Alonslow shakes his finger in Bruno’s smug face and then storms out. Bruno gives an unaffected shrug and eyebrow raise.

Zulema’s cheery as she arrives home with Julián. He’s just as cheery, picking her up and declaring he’s come back to life. She’s happy to see him happy. Will he go and look for work? Yep. For Rossy, for Zulema, and for himself. He asks her to forgive him. She hugs him, her darling. Meanwhile, he’ll keep helping her with the orders she gets. She tells him how much she loves him—and hopes that some day they’ll be able to regain Sara as they have him. Julián tells her that they shouldn’t be sad—it’ll all work out some day. Around mid-November, by my rough estimate.

Dra. Serrano studies a paper and there’s a knock on her door. It’s a hot and bothered Alonslow (professionally speaking). How can she help him? He wants to report an injustice. He proceeds to tell how Dr. Palma ordered the transfer of one of his patients to save money. That’s not his responsibility, notes Dra. Serrano. Alonslow continues that she’s got leukemia and he feels that this hospital is the place where she’ll get the best treatment. Dra. nods in agreement. If money is the problem, Alonslow tells her, he’ll find the funds to cover it. The Doctora tells him he can count on her support—in this hospital they never make medical decisions based on the economic ability of the patient to pay, but on the well-being of the patient. PSA time, folks. He thanks her with Serious and Sincere written all over his face.

Moni comes into the main dining area of the restaurant at the same time Ern comes looking for Lorena. He wants her to test this new dish he just invented. Moni crosses her arms when she hears he’s looking for Lore. He’d ask her, he tells Monica, but….Sure, you don’t trust my palate. No, it’s not that I think you have bad taste, but I think you don’t have any appreciation for me. Moni looks a little startled to hear him put it to her so directly. She squirms. Lorena comes in and he offers the dish to her to test. He wants her sincere opinion—this just came to him. Monica warns her to be careful with what she says, because he really only accepts the opinions of his staunch cronies. She sneers while Lorena looks taken aback. Ern says “correction, of those who care about me.” He extends the dish to Lorena—try it. Moni grabs a fork, dives in, tastes and say she’s going to test it anyway. She declares it divine, like one would want to have for a night of pleasure, just as Sandra said. Ern sighs. Moni looks over her shoulder at a still bemused Lorena, smiling snarkily. She turns and struts off. Lorena reluctantly notes that she was pretty jealous, wasn’t she? Ern asks “and you?” Lorena turns without a word and strides off, leaving Ern to muse to himself that for sure she’s jealous. Lorena was jealous. He gets a wide grin. Over in her corner, Lorena sighs to herself—she wanted to try that new dish. She scolds herself. She CANNOT fall in love. No. Ern is still grinning as he tests the dish. Mmmm. His face is blissful.

Alonslow reassures Florencia there’s nothing to worry about; they’re keeping her here and giving her the best. She thanks him and he reminds her he promised. He looks down at her arm, beat up with the testing and all, with an IV drip taped in place. He lifts her forearm off the bed and there’s blood on the sheet. He gravely tells her he hasn’t gotten the results from the latest tests. Her eyes take on a worried cast.

Night has fallen in the D. F. We know that’s where we are by the winged victory statue. Sara sits in the office with Chalo telling her “mission accomplished, I’m back and I want my reward!” She tells him she’ll see him in a little while and asks if he put them back where they found the files. Yep. And no one saw him in town? He doesn’t say yes. “I’m a professsssional.” That satisfies Sara, perfect. She tells him goodbye and goes to pour water. Ickturo knocks and walks right in, closing the door a little loudly. You rang for me? She tells them they have to prepare; tomorrow the press is going to be at the courthouse/prison. Ickturo tells her that Granny wouldn’t like that. Sara wants her Granny to be freed and with witnesses so everyone will know that she’s not guilty. All the theatrics will be over tomorrow. (Yeah, right). How can she be so sure? She tells him “You just obey.” His eyebrows go up a little. He smiles knowingly as the music with the ticking clock plays in the background.

Apparently Paula (looking fine) and Raimundo have had a fabulous day of cinema. Paula comments that there are some actors who just shouldn’t die. Raimundo smiles at her and tells her Marcelo didn’t die; he’s eternal. Paula smiles widely back. The film enchanted her—she could see it a hundred times. Raimundo gets serious and faces her. There’s something that enchants him more. Being with her. And that could also be eternal. Paula smiles a little shyly. His phone rings and he sighs. It’s an emergency. Paula’s going to take a taxi home, but Raimundo insists she let his chauffeur take her and he’ll take a taxi. She somewhat reluctantly nods in acceptance. (Now we have a little more info on Raimundo—he’s muy, pero muy rico).

Bruno gets off on the right foot by thanking the Parents for receiving him. Diana sits next to him, smiling. Bruno knows they’ve been up to their eyeballs with the denunciation. Omar remarks that’s why he is surprised Bruno was so insistent. Diana breaks in—it’s for something very important. Bruno takes a breath and announces they’ve decided to get married before the end of the month. Zulema is startled—that’s quick. Why? Bruno takes Diana’s hand and Omar studies him skeptically. Bruno says they don’t want to wait more and Diana adds they want to live together, so the baby can be born in his own home. Omar notes that this means they’ve actually come to let the folks know, not seek permission, right? Bruno squirms and acknowledges he’s right. Omar comments that they’re adults—what more can the parents say? (Well, there’s a real welcome to the family if we’ve ever seen one!) Bruno suggests to Diana that she could bring some glasses of wine for a toast. That’s just great. A medical doctor suggesting that his pregnant fiancée toast. She goes off to comply, leaving Bruno squirming with the Parents. They all smile a little uncomfortably at each other. (Who said that Bruno reminds them of Eddie Haskell on “Leave it to Beaver?” He’s at his Haskell best tonight.)

Snortensia has a morning visitor at her premium lodgings. Is Sara sure that what this nun will say is going to favor their case? Sara points out that whatever she says, it’s not as important as the documents they’re bringing. Snorty asks if Sara confirmed that everything went according to plan. Yep. Good, well, then all they can do is wait. The hours she spends here seem eternal.

Joel is questioning Madre Trinidad. She’s spent a lot of years at the orphanage—does she have information or knowledge about the origin of Sara de la Cruz? Madre T reports that she had it right from Lorena de la Cruz’s mouth that Mother Asuncion, may she rest in peace, told Sara that Sra. Armendáriz brought Sara to the orphanage and is her grandmother. Joel notes that according to his understanding those who work in the orphanage can’t divulge the origins of the orphans. That’s RIGHT! Madre Trinidad cannot imagine what the reasons were that M. Asuncion did that. But she has faith that this was a person of integrity, decent, upright and fair. Period. Snorty’s Sleazy Lawyer breaks in. He understands that what she’s telling them is second-hand from Lorena dlC. It’s not really direct from Mother Asuncion. Right? Yes. Madre Trinidad asserts that Mother Asuncion NEVER talked about the origins of any of the orphans. The lawyer asks if there is a registry of the orphans in the orphanage that would support what Lorena says? That supposedly Mother Asuncion received Sara from the arms of Snortensia? She hands over the document that records Sara’s entry to the orphanage. The court reporter continues to type furiously. I feel his pain. The judge reads the document and reports that this document does record the entry of Sara into the orphanage, but it doesn’t include the name of the person who brought her. The sleazy lawyer jumps up to read. Joel looks disgusted. The sleazy lawyer smiles smarmily at the judge.

In the lobby, Sara accosts the sleazy lawyer—what happened? (Like she has no clue). He reports the declarations went all in favor of them. The Mother brought a document that clearly showed when you came into the orphanage, but no one was named as the one who brought you. Perfect! That means neither my Granny nor my Uncle can be declared guilty? Right. The lawyer’s going to inform them, ask for their release and there’s just paperwork that remains. One thing is still a question mark in his mind, though and he would like Sara to clear it up. Ask away, licenciado. If those papers didn’t name Snortensia as the one who brought you, why did she think you were her granddaughter? Sara thinks fast and tells him that Snortensia better than anyone that she is Sara’s grandmother. The lawyer needn’t ask any more questions. She turns, gives us viewers a look at her irritated and possibly anxious look, and walks away. The sleazy lawyer looks after her, understanding dawning in his brain, with an eyebrow raise.

Omar is indignantly talking to someone on the phone—how is it possible there’s nothing more they can do? They’re going unpunished, then? Joel explains the best he can. There isn’t enough evidence to take it to court. Then, the deposition of Mother Trinidad didn’t help. Nope. Sorry. Omar hangs up; he and Zulema look at each other sadly. The bell rings. It’s Sara to ream them out once and for all (from her perspective). She won’t come and tell them again, but everything they tried against her Granny was ineffective. And by the way, you’ve left yourself without a daughter—you can just forget about me forever. She spins and stalks away. The violins play. Zulema and Omar, impactados, close the door and face each other. They embrace, defeated.

Monday: Sara starts thinking of 50 ways to lose her lover. Ern tries to tell Lorena how he feels. Monica kisses Ernesto. And Lorena still hasn’t.

Have a great holiday, everyone!

Jeanne

Labels: enemiga