Caray, Caray!

(Roughly episode #47 on esmas.com)


Diana’s on the phone with a mystery person, asking for help and for him or her to come to her house.

At the hospital Macarena tells Paloma she’s going to get well, like she’s never seen, and from now on things are going to be different. She promises that Pal isn’t going to have problems with money, she’ll be able to study wherever she wants. Just trust me. . .it’s time for all the lies to be over and for the truth to come out. Paloma doesn’t understand. Macarena says she discovered things that are going to change their destiny.

Cristobal is on the phone with Padre Benito (from his old church) saying that Macarena is alive, there was no suicide, I’m not a killer. Padre Benito hopes it’s clear to Cris now why God sent him to Real del Monte--he wanted you to find peace once and for all. Cris wants to know why did Carlota lie, why didn’t Mac look for him? The padre advises Cris to pray and ask God for guidance to be able confront his past and resolve his doubts.

Liliana is at the dance club dancing with some guy--he tells her that he wants to get to know her better, and she agrees to his suggestion that they go out alone.

Ines and Angelica talk about Ange getting a new job--she needs something with a flexible schedule so she can finish writing her book. Ange thinks maybe she can do some private therapy sessions for awhile to get by.

Orlando and Camila are drinking wine and laughing (she seems kinda giddy), she hadn’t realized how much she needed this evening. They start dancing, he tells her that he loves her, and they kiss.

So, it turns out that the mystery person is Ines, who has arrived at Diana’s house. Diana doesn’t want Emiliano to hear them. . .

Ines: We had agreed that Gudelia would never reappear in either one of our lives.

Diana: And you think I want her to come back? For me Gudelia died, but not for him. And now Orlando is here, he’s Emiliano’s boss.

Ines: I told you that you couldn’t disappear off the face of the earth like you wanted, that sooner or later life was going to make you pay for all that you did.

Diana: What do I do? How do I hide from Orlando? You have to help me.

Ines: How? I don’t even know. I only know what you told me about him. If it wasn’t for that day that we met in that place where you went to drown your sorrows, in order to try to be different, we never would have been friends.

Diana: We kept a secret for a secret. You didn’t want your parents to know that you worked in that nightclub as Diana, the queen of the town. And since I needed to disappear as Gudelia, I took your name when your parents were about to discover you.

Ines: And that favor cost me dearly. I think it would have been better that my parents find out about my real job. In the end it was no sin to sing there. On the other hand, you were about to commit the worst of sins.

Diana: But I didn’t do it.

Ines: Because you couldn’t, it was too late. I can’t help you Gudelia, that man knows you’re here. Why don’t you leave town? The divorce is the perfect pretext for leaving.

Diana: No, I don’t want to leave Emiliano or Rafael.

Ines: It’s the only solution I see. Run away, or confront Orlando, for whom it won’t be hard to put two and two together [atar cabos] and reach a conclusion.


Camila is back at her house wondering why she feels like she’s being unfaithful to Rafael. But she liked being with Orlando last night.

At the hospital, Dr. Rodolfo checks Macarena and says she can go home now; he offers to take her. Rufi leaves to get the house ready for them.

Macarena is getting ready to leave when someone comes in--her back is to the door and she thinks it’s Paloma so she says “Let’s go.” We hear Cris saying, “That’s what we were going to do the last time that we saw each other, remember? Go away together, Macarena.” Mac turns around and they have a tearful embrace.

Mac: You’re here, you’re alive! It’s like a miracle.

Cris: I also thought you were dead.

Mac: Dead, me? no. Only my heart from thinking you were dead.

Cris: They told me you had taken your life because of me. All this time I’ve been tormenting myself believing that I was a killer. And it was all a lie.

Mac: But who told you that I had killed myself?

Cris: Now I know that I should have checked for myself, but everything fit--you didn’t arrive at our meeting place, later I went to your house and there was a black bow over the door, you weren’t at the burial.

Mac: The one who died was my father. He died the night that I was going to go with you. Carlota discovered me and called my father. I tried to explain that if I was running away with you it was because he was never going to accept you.

Cris: You should have let me talk with him. It’s true that I didn’t belong to a well-to-do family, nor did I have money like he had wanted, but I was a man with good intentions.

Mac: I knew it, but neither he nor Carlota understood that. My father became enraged and suddenly got a strong pain in his chest and had a heart attack. All this time I’ve been burdened with his death on my conscience.

Cris: And I with yours.

The reunion is interrupted when Paloma comes in and calls him “Padre”, rendering Mac even more impactada than she already was, so he reveals to her that he’s a priest.

Dr. Rodolfo is in the hospital hallway talking with one of the ladies from church who has come to ask about Mac and why she fainted. He explains that Mac’s health isn’t good, due to the ups and downs in her sugar levels. What can we do to take care of her? Rodolfo says she needs to avoid scares and strong impressions or shocks (too late for that, doc), that they have to do everything possible to make her feel calm and at peace. He talks about sweet Mac is and that loves her not just as a patient, but also as a woman, and the church lady is thrilled to hear it.

Camila knocks at the Espinosa house when Rufi arrives home and gives her the news about Mac being in the hospital. Camila wanted to chat with Mac, and Rufi thinks Mac also has a lot to tell Cami.

Paloma talks away without noticing that Cris and Mac are looking at each other longingly with weepy eyes. She mentions that Cris was going to marry Natalia and he explains that he tried to remake his life with her (after years of agony over thinking he had lost the woman he loved most), but couldn’t. And he decided to dedicate his life to God. Paloma also spills the beans about Rodolfo and how she wants Mac to marry and be happy some day, and Cris is surprised to learn that Mac never married.

Carlota calls home from her hotel room and Rufi reports that Mac is in the hospital, she fainted yesterday. Carlota looks pleased by this and comments that despite Rodolfo’s treating her, she got sick. Rufi thinks Mac is definitely going to get better, forever. Carlota just smirks like Rufi is crazy.

Diana is in the plaza when she sees Orlando coming her way--she ducks behind a newsstand until he leaves. Ines comes up behind her and they hurry off to Diana’s.

Cris sees Mac and Paloma off from the hospital. Mac wants to continue talking with Cris tomorrow, but Rodolfo wants her to stay home and rest. Cris offers to come by the house but Mac thinks it will be better if she seeks him out once she’s recovered. Paloma bids Cris goodbye with another Meaningful Hug.

Diana complains that she can’t even go to the corner without Orly seeing her, she’s going to have to be hide in her house. My new hairdo was all for nothing. What am I going to do, and without Rafael? Ines wants to know what he has to do with this, and Diana wails, “everything!” If they divorce she won’t have anyone to protect her from that madman (energúmeno). She decides she can’t sign the divorce papers as long as Orly lives there, it’s too dangerous.

Romina is talking with a friend at school who asks if she already knows that Angelica was fired.

Orlando and Emiliano are in the office having a little chat about their love lives--Emiliano comments that Romina hasn’t come looking for him; he’d like for her to find someone that makes her happy. And how’s it going with Camila? Orly answers that it’s going well. He thinks maybe Romina is jealous of having to share her mom with him, so he wants to win her over and wonders if Emil can help him with that.

Romina goes to gloat over Angelica as she’s packing up her things. Ange says knows Romi is behind her getting fired. No, it’s your fault for being meddlesome (entremetida). Ange insists that she wasn’t mistaken about Romi, but R doesn’t care what she thinks.

Rodolfo and Paloma bring Macarena home and surprise her with balloons etc. She wonders how Pal was able to buy everything, and Pal confesses that she used some of the money Carlota had left for their expenses.

Emiliano tells Orlando that he thinks Romina hopes her dad comes back so her parents can get back together. German drops by with some paperwork for Emil’s and Orly’s business partnership--I guess he’s the only one who does any work there--to inform them the notary is waiting for them to sign. Orlando invites them out to dinner to celebrate and is going to invite Cristobal too. He comments that at least Emiliano and German don’t compete for any woman, because before Cris was a priest he always got along with (or flirted with, I’m not sure what he was saying) the woman Orly liked. But they had an agreement to never go out with the woman that the other was interested in. German looks uneasy and guilty during all this.

Camila reads the card Orlando sent her—it's been a long time since I’ve had such a wonderful night. From now on we can walk together like the couple that we are.

Rodolfo checks Mac again before leaving the house and declares that she’s doing well. Once he’s gone, Mac actually asks Rufi to shut the door--a first in this show, no?--and fills her in on her meeting with Cris at the hospital. He didn’t abandon me, he left believing I had died. Mac agonizes that now he’s a priest and belongs to God. Rufi thinks they still have a lot to clear up, especially how they came to believe the other had died. Mac believes she has the answer--only one person wanted them apart, Carlota. And Cris’s obituary, you think she made it up? Rufi asks. Mac vows that if she confirms her suspicions, Carlota’s whole world is going to crash down on her, because it’s not just the stuff with Cris, it’s also the issue of Paloma’s inheritance. Rufi warns her to be careful but Mac declares that she doesn’t care and assures herself of an anvil delivery by saying “even if it’s the last thing I do in this life.” If she caused this much harm, she’s going to have to pay.

Cristobal talks with Padre Mateo about the Espinosa family and mentions that he met them (as well as Paloma’s parents) years ago. Mateo says it’s a tragic family; Mac and Carlota are pious and have dedicated themselves to Paloma.

Carlota’s lawyer informs her that the detective found that Cristobal isn’t dead, and she’s very pleased, she wants to talk to Cris.

As Angelica sadly leaves the school she runs into Paloma, so she explains why she was fired. She warns Pal to be careful with respect to Romina, but Pal doesn’t believe Romi is a bad person. Paloma asks if they can continue to see each other, not as teacher and student but as friends. Of course, replies Ange. Romina was spying on them the whole time.

Orlando and Emiliano finish signing the paperwork, and Emiliano thanks him. Orly says he sees in him the son he never knew, and E wants to be deserving of that honor. As Julia said the other day, oh the IRONY.

Romina and Paloma briefly discuss Angelica’s departure, then Romi changes the subject to ask if Emiliano was worried about her when she was in the hospital, and if Paloma thinks that E is in love with her (Paloma). Paloma insists that she doesn’t care what he feels and that she would never go out with him. I know, because that would be betrayal, Romina replies, and among sisters, we don’t do that to each other.

Cris tells Orlando he thinks he’s going to need his friend more than ever now--he found Macarena, but he wasn’t ready for this revelation. Orly is amazed that Cris has found her here when he had just decided to bury his past. Cris is very nervous about talking with Mac again, as doesn’t know what other surprises he’s going to find. Sigh, the irony (and agony) of it all.

Rafa watches Camila walk Joel out from her store and give him a goodbye hug; he looks confused/annoyed.

Rodolfo brings a huge boquet of roses to Macarena. He’s ready to leave Real del Monte for the capital so Paloma can live with them while she studies, and so Mac can get away from Carlota forever. He asks her to marry him.


Previews: Mac says she has to resolve things from her past, things that can’t be postponed.

Labels: amor

Erika reminds Fer about all the good times with Miguel: the flowers he sent; the parties they danced with; the serenade he sang for her on her 20th birthday in the dorm courtyard. I'm sorry Franco, but you are no longer my telenovio. Miguel has replaced you in my affections and I haven't even met him yet. He had me at serenata. Fer says what happened in Spain stays in Spain. Erika, on the other hand, thinks it's time for Fer to get back into circulation, unless she's interested in someone else….

Aurora acts uncomfortable around Barbie, who acts overly affectionate with Aurora. Barbie notices the strangeness, but Aurora brushes it off as being surprise about Barbie's coming to visit. Barbie says she'll do what she has to do to get Aurora's forgiveness and trust.

Fer says she's confused, but Erika just wants her to come on the trip and have a good time. Fer won't commit to a trip. Well, we all saw what happened the last time she made a commitment…can you blame her? Erika says it would be the best wedding present ever, so Fer agrees.

Gardenia wonders if Fernanda really is clueless about Franco's real identity. He supposes she would have let him have it already if she knew the truth. Gardenia, for the two millionth time, threatens to tell and they start to have an argument about it as Margie walks in. Gardenia gets her boobs all up in Franco's grill and suggests he come on up and see her sometime when he's at Lactos before she sashays away. Margie wants an update on Jacinto, who has had his meds and is sleeping. Margie hassles Gardenia about not being at work, but she had to come over and get her shoes, since Barbie "ordered" her, Tomasa, and Flor to help out at the party. She suggestively eats a peeled fruit of some kind. We suspect it's a mango, but I don't think it's colorful enough.

Erika calls Franco to tell him the good news about the weekend trip…"Just like we planned it!" He's pissed, but she hears it as happiness and excitement. She says she'll see him tonight and sends him more magical kisses. Fer has to go to the window for a breath of fresh air before she vomits.

Aurora asks where Santi is and is told he's in Florence. Barbie says she wants them to reconcile and be together. Aurora is doubtful. Barbie says she came to get Aurora and take her to Santi, right now if Aurora wants.

Jacobo tells his secretary to hold all his appointments until Friday. The accomplice points out Vlad coming home with a couple of buddies. They watch him walk inside his apartment building. Jacobo tells him to enjoy his last few hours of life.

The desk clerk gives Vlad his mail and Vlad tells him to give Damian the keys to his car when he comes over.

Aurora stalls Barbie by saying she doesn't know how to tell the sisters she's going. Barbie doesn't see the problem--she's going to see Santi, the love of her life. Aurora wants to put off the trip…until tomorrow? She still thinks that's too soon and asks Barbie for a favor: more time to think about things. She wants a few days and then she'll tell Barbie when they'll leave. Barbie agrees that when Aurora decides to leave, she'll take her straight to Santiago.

Pris comes over to see Damian. Has she looked this pregnant before? Pris' conscience is weighing on her. Knowing about Anibal's plans makes her an accomplice. Damian suggests confession. Pris wants Damian to talk Vlad into backing down, but he breaks it to her that he has, in fact, been hired to have Vlad liquidated. Pris is impactada. Dam tells her it's all arranged, and for tonight. Pris is upset about his cavalier attitude, but Dam blames it on Vlad: "I told him to get out of town and he wouldn't listen to me." Damian says it will be quick and efficient and Vlad won't know what's happening. He reveals that he's going to summon Vlad to see him, and Vlad will have to take a taxi, in which his "verdugo" (executioner) will be riding. He leaves the rest to her imagination, which doesn't seem to be good for her mental state. And probably isn't good for the baby's health either. She cries and looks angrily at Damian. It's a little late for that, lady. Before the commercials, we see Vlad papering Pris' car with Post-its of love. Ah, those were the good times. All those wardrobe changes ago.

Venus is all dolled up in a blue and green print halter dress. She adjusts and primps as Esteve knocks. He wants to talk, so she invites him in. They make eyes at each other. Venus is almost ready. Esteve asks if she still won't tell him what she's doing "after," and she says it's her business. He wants to help her, but she thinks he's helped enough. Esteve says he's worried about her, but Venus tells him to worry about himself. Esteve caves and leaves to wait for her downstairs. Venus cries that Esteve is leaving tomorrow and she'll never see him again and he'll never know she loves him. Because they're both stupid.

Party guests arrive at the club. Four of Camilo's friends roll up in a convertible making bad jokes about going to Cami's funeral.

Anibal and Pris' boobs walk in and are greeted by Cami and Lovely. Lovely comments the pregnancy really suits Pris. Gonzo and Barbie come up and Lovely thanks Barbie for arranging the party. Cami gets a hug from his dad. The four friends walk in and are introduced to Lovely. They're his friends from college, he says. One whispers, asking where Camilo got the "cromo" (picture…maybe he's comparing her to a pinup?) and Cami replies "los tres reyes" (the three kings; the wise men--they're the ones who bring gifts at Christmas, not Santa). They enter now. Lovely smiles big as Natacha walks in. Natacha isn't as happy. She greets Camilo and Lovely asks for an introduction. Cami calls her a friend from college. Natacha says Lovely is as pretty as Camilo's other girlfriends. Lovely wants to know what her basis for comparison is. The ladies trade barbs. Lovely wants to trade stories. Camilo looks sick to his stomach.

Inside, the buffet table has a shrimp ice sculpture. Various familiar characters come in, sit down, and mill about. Natacha looks like she wants to do something, but she doesn't know what. Martina looks nervous. Franco walks in and finds Esteve, who says he still doesn't know what's going down tonight. Franco decides he'll talk to her, but Esteve says he's wasting his time. And don't ask Martina, either, because she was sworn to secrecy. Franco says he has to tell Fer what's going on. Because of Lili. He makes a semi-decent argument about everything affecting her, but it sounds like an excuse to me. Franco thinks Gonzalo will withdraw his support and he needs to give Fer the heads up so she can intervene. But Fer isn't there.

She's on the phone with Erika, lying in bed, begging off because she feels bad. She doesn't want to talk about exactly why and is amazed that Erika is there. Erika says it's just because she's Franco's date. Erika says she had a big surprise for Fer, but she'll give it to her later. Fer's phone rings after she hangs up. It's Franco this time. She tells him she's not going, especially now that she knows what Camilo did to Aurora. Franco says she has to be there because of Lili and something might happen and she has to be there. Again, sounds like an excuse to me. He begs and says he'll explain, so she agrees. Erika gives him a hard time about working while he's at the party. Erika passes on the news that Fer isn't coming, then gives a standard TN lie that her battery is dying and asks to borrow Franco's phone. She dials home, pretends Ruthie can't hear her so she can get farther away from Franco and Esteve, and then checks his call log and finds out he was talking to Fer. She looks angry, but doesn't do anything. Yet, I assume.

Cami excuses himself from Lovely to "go to the bathroom," which is slang for "sneak out of here before I can be humiliated." Venus may or may not have seen him sneak out. Actually, he snuck around to another ballroom entrance, apparently looking for Natacha. He calls her on his cell when he doesn't see her. She's up by the dance floor and he wants her to meet him in front of the bathrooms. She apparently agrees.

For his last meal, Vlad is eating…cereal with a banana? Well, he could do worse. Damian asks him to come to his apartment in an hour to meet with Jacobo to do the papers for the paternity stuff. Vlad agrees. When he hangs up, Jacobo tells Damian that the accomplice is waiting in the taxi. Dam suggests they toast to Vlad's final voyage. Jacobo giddily agrees.

At the entrance to the bathrooms Cami tries to make this Natacha's fault for being there. She says it's his fault for not telling her he was engaged and using her all this time. She asks about their love, their plans. She tells him he's worthless and she isn't going to make a scene. If Camilo's secretary had told her what was going on tonight, she wouldn't have come. She walks off as Camilo mutters, "secretary?"

In the kitchens, Gardenia instructs one of the servers about how to arrange a platter. Flor talks to somebody about the drinks. Camilo walks in and yanks Flor away by the arm, assuming she's the "secretary" Natacha was referring to. We can all guess how this is going to go down. Cami yanks her by the hair and says she'll pay like Jacinto did and also he'll have her fired. He throws her into a table. Gardenia finds her crying.

Margie dries Jacinto's hair after his sponge bath and re-adjusts the straps on his, uh, corset? She jokes that if he hadn't fallen out of a tree, they'd be out dancing at Cami's party. Jacinto has to beg her not to make him laugh because it hurts. He wonders what would take longer--for them to get in or for Cami to have them thrown out? She gives him his meds and then starts complaining about Gardenia and her threats. Jacinto says she'd do it, if she were pissed off enough. Margie doesn't want Fer to find out and then be mad at them for not telling her.

Flor won't say what happened, but Gardenia guesses it was Camilo. Before she can run off, Flor stops her, but that only means the servers all hear Gardenia loudly complaining about how Camilo can't treat them like this, etc., etc. Flor promises to tell Fer in order to stop Gardenia from making a scene. Gardenia says if Flor doesn't do it soon, she beat the crap out of Camilo herself. Tickets, tickets, get your tickets!

More partying. Natacha has come back onto the dance floor. Fer has arrived in an awesome purple satin dress. Camilo tries to sass her, but she's not having any of it. He tries to joke with her that she should pick up another guy while she's there. She tells him not to call her little sister ever again, she's no longer his sister from that moment forward.

Camilo is surprised by her anger, but he gets over it in about a second and a half. Franco thanks Fer for being there. He says he's going to give her the quick and dirty version of what's going down tonight. He says that Lovely isn't going to marry Camilo, but before he can explain, Erika comes over to attach herself to Franco and marvel over Fer's quick recovery.

Vlad prepares to leave his apartment. He smiles as he turns out the lights to leave.

Party. Dancing. Drinking. Pris hassles Anibal about how much he's drinking, then gives up. He tells her to relax because the nightmare's over tonight. Gonzalo grins at Ani and Pris and puts his arm around Barbie.

Vlad comes out the door to his apartment and then starts walking down the sidewalk. The accomplice checks in, then gets in his taxi and heads down the street towards Vlad.

Party. Dancing. Bitter, jealous crying (Natacha). Waving around of napkins (college buds). Toasting. Anxiety (Martina). Nausea (Esteve). Gonzo is happy for Camilo. Fer doesn't give a crap. Gonzo brings up Lili and his occasional desperation. Barbie talks him down…she's with Obregon of her own free will, Stockholm Syndrome, blah, blah, blah. Gonzo says it hurts that he'll never see her again, but Franco says before he leaves the country, Lili will be back with them. Gonzo wonders what's going on with Lili.

She's sleeping. Artemio comes into her room. He marvels that the daughter of his enemy is now under his protection. Lili, "la loca, la despreciada, la incomprendida" (crazy, unappreciated, misunderstood) He thinks they're not so different. They're tied together by "soledad" (loneliness; but also, quite literally, Soledad--very poetic of him!) but they're not alone anymore. They have each other.

Vlad continues walking down the street and hails a taxi, which doesn't stop. But the Death Taxi does, and he gets in.

Party. Dancing to one of those songs where the words describe the steps. Pris checks her phone, but is busted by Anibal and puts it down. The MC asks for applause for the happy couple. Natacha stews. The MC announces the happy couple will be making speeches about why they chose each other, in accordance with "English" custom. Camilo takes a shot of champagne for courage. Barbie and Gonzo beam. Martina, Fer, and Natacha look displeased, indifferent, and bitter. As Cami reaches into his jacket for…his notes (?) the episode ends.

Tomorrow: looks like Fer and Cami get into a fistfight and Cami, Esteve, and Franco get into a fistfight. Now that sounds more like a par-tay!

Labels: manana

Look folks, let's not get all bent out of shape just because happily ever after ain't happening tonight. We all KNOW we've got to wait until the bitter end, so let's take a load off and chill...

Redux: We get a replay of our favorite wordplay B: "Estas conmigo o sinmigo?" C: "Conmigo." B: "Por Eso." Un beso.

Moni accepts Mau's proprosal. Happy music, but we'll not hold our collective breaths, sigh.


Coni and Beto try to ditch Jeri's body and Beto gets heart palpitations and wants to barf. Then they argue about killing him and what to do with the body. Throw it under a train? Let a bus run over it? They turn back to the car and Yaaaaaaahhhh!! The body is gone!

Moni and Estre are super happy jumping up and down with Moni's news. Estre's slightly bummed cause Moni's got a prince and Estre's not even hooked up with a toad. Moni admits she still has not told Mau that she and Beto are not siblings.

Mau arrives home to his kids singing a welcome home papa song. Everyone is happy at last. Mau has news, he has decided to marry to help grease the adoption skids. "Not to the mummy?" the kids ask dolefully. No, to the monkey! Wheee!

Apparently some time passes and Chris is over at Grupo Sermeño pontificating to Mau and company about what could have happened to Jeronimo. Gabi tells Mau his cousin had a mountain of enemies and si, he is likely dead. Xime paces and weeps, sort of. Chris starts analyzing who is the most likely culprit and asks if anyone heard anyone else threatening to kill Sr. Jeronimo? Gabi quickly raises her hand and looks at Sal.

Beto and Coni run along the road trying to find the body but no luck. Did somebody steal the body for extortion? Beto accuses her, she's a murderer! Tasty, but a murderer!

Chris cross examines Ximena and guess what, he gets nowhere, except she admits that her brother always beat her up. Ah ha ha, a motive! He cross examines Sal who somehow diverts suspicion to...Gabi who, scratching, says she had no relationship with Jero (esas pulgas no brincan en mi petate = those fleas don't jump in my backpack) and leads suspicion to...Paula. Chris calls Pau mi amor which gets her excited, but then he warns her he must do his job.

Mau surprises Moni at the barrio and tells Moni that Beto is wanted for Jero's murder. Moni frets and Mau sez he doesn't really think Jeri is dead.

Chris gathers the employees together to discuss the murder of Jeronimo Sermeño. He says, in summary, that Sal denounces Oscar as the murderer, however Gabi says the murderer is Sal, and Pau says the murderer is Gabi; Xime says...actually she says nothing.

The accused start arguing and blaming each other and suppose that perhaps la Loca Lorenza could be the culprit. And didn't Paula wave a knife around one day? Cacaphony erupts and Chris calls for backup and an ambulance.

It's nightfall and raining and Beto comes sneaking home to mami. Moni joins them to tell him the police are after him. "I'm innocent!" he repeats his mantra before fleeing.

I think Alfred Hitchcock is directing this next scene. Xime is busy arranging the apartment the way SHE likes it. She thanks her bro for kicking the bucket and leaving her alone. The thunder booms and she thinks it's a sign of an angry Jero. "Don't be mad Jero, knock twice if you're here." She hears a knocking and almost faints. The camera shoots from a high angle making Xime appear as if she is trapped or observed from above. She answers and screams, "Aaaaaayyyyyyy!!" Plop! It's her bloody brother back from the grave. "What an idiot you are," he says to his unconscious sis, "and shut the door." (Que tarada eres.)

Moni and Pau discuss the Jero situation and Moni is interrupted by a call from her prince. Camera angle switches to Mau, he says he couldn't go to bed without telling her that very soon they will be together forever. (Them's anvil words.) His happy sigh is interrupted by Play Misty For Me, i.e. Coni who busts in all wet and bedraggled looking. "Ayyyyyy!!!! Yes it was I who killed Jeronimo!"

Xime thinks Jero has returned as a zombie or spirit to haunt her. I would think that too because he keeps talking with his eyes closed and scary zombie music plays. She says if he drinks coffee it will leak out of his holes. He says things will leak out of the holes in her head then suddenly opens his eyes and glares at her. She jumps back and says he's the first ghost she's ever seen and he should rest in peace. He says she is soing to die too, in three seconds. She counts to three and...nada. He chases her with a pillow muttering tarada, tarada.

Next morning at Casa Mauricio Coni explains to Chris with wide gestures and sobbing that it was an accident, she gave Jero a little push he slipped and hit his head and then the body disappeared. She weeps she doesn't want to go to jail.

Sal and Gabi are back in their regular positions and Sal tells Gabi that Coni admitted everything. A crazed and messy Xime stumbles in and tells them the ghost of Jero, thirsting for vengeance, tried to attack her. Another interruption, this time Jero saunters in, dressed for work acting all casual and whistling, and asks them what are they looking at, a ghost? Gabi throws the book at him, literally, and bonks him on the head. "You're not a ghost," she accuses.

The weepy Coni tries to wrap herself around Mau just because he acts a little sympathetic. He gets rid of her and Tere arrives with a bouquet of flowers she bought from a vendor, his mom's favorites, they are for Moni.

Jero gathers the key staff to apologize to them for his vile behavior. They think he's full of it but are willing to negotiate some deals with him for keeping quiet about it to Mauricio. (At least I think that's what's going on.)

Coni does a quick blush touch up while Dani watches and mimics just like kids really do. Dani asks Moni is she sad? No, just tired, sez Coni. No, you're sad because Mau is going to marry Monita sez the little tyke. What did you say, demands Coni? Dani nods her head impishly. Gotta love that kid.

Moni finds Beto running around disguised in a hood on and happily tells him that Jero showed up alive and well. Beto keeps trying to kiss her but Moni pushes back. She loves him as a bro nothing more. They are over. He tells her not to give him a hook to the heart. She sez she can't be with him because she's in love with someone else.

That someone else drives up and, hidden behind a tree, watches them. What does he see? He sees Beto convince Moni to give him a goodbye kiss, their last. To say that Mau is impactado is an understatement.

Moni pushes Beto away and he demands to know who the other man is. She says that wretched thing, "It's me not you," but admits what they have isn't true love. Beto flees in anguish and Moni follows.

Mau kinda sorta tries to follow them when Xime strolls up, sees his face and tells him three truths. 1) Robi and Moni are not siblings, 2) they are novios, and 3) she sees a lot of hate in Mau's face and it scares her. Mau is re-impactado.

Coni shakes Dani and accuses her of lying and her nose will grow like an elephant's! Shake shake yell yell. The older kids rescue their little sis. Tere joins them and confirms yes M&M are going to get married. Coni mocks Aldo, grabs her purse and runs.

Mau beats up his car because he is such a stupid dumbass. Then he beats up the flowers. He orders Xime to guard the secret though she knows she is no good at that sort of thing.

Mau goes home and Tere tells him that Coni was very aggresive with the kids. Said kids enter on cue and wonder where is the monkey? They are super excited to become a family. Poor Mau can't stand it and escapes "everything will be fine." Aldo repeats it but doesn't believe it.

Another scene with Moni crying to her friend, this time Paula. She says she feels awful about Beto and this time for sure she'll tell Mau the truth.

Now we have another crying scene, this time it's Beto holding his luchador action figures while mami comforts him. I'm obsessing on Nieves' banana bunch earrings and wishing I had them. Beto jumps up and tries to kill himself by drinking bleach. He accuses Nieves of telling Moni about Constancia. "Who?" asks Nieves. Next he sticks his head in the oven and mami pulls him out. Beto sez the only thing that will help him is to talk to his shrink and he gives a piece of paper with Dr. Lefort's number to Nieves.

Nieves runs out of her house, sees Estre and of course blames her for everything. Estre tells Nieves to shut it because Beto's no saint anyway. Beto's probs are his fault and nobody elses. It's time for him to wear pants. Is he sad to lose Monita or sad to lose the chicken with the golden eggs? Estre really lets Nieves have it this time. After Estrella stomps off Nieves mutters if Estre weren't correct she would cleave her head into four pieces.

Over at Grupo Sermeño Moni keeps asking Gabi where is Mau. Uh oh, enter Coni and I think I hear the theme to the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

Coni walks up behind Moni, turns her around and gives Moni two hard slaps, forehand and backhand. Oh come on Gabi, why are you holding Moni back? Well, I guess Coni owes Moni at least one for the other night but I still don't like it.

Manana: Xime tells Coni that Moni and Beto are novios, Beto finds Nieves in bed with Dr. Lefort, Beto threatens Consti, and Mau tells Moni what he saw.

Labels: gancho

OK so we start off where we left off with Mao crying to Mona that he lost his kids. She promises to get them back.

Sal seems to be on to Oski and accuses him of wanting Mau’s kids gone, and if he loses them, Sal personally make sure he loses his job and never practices law again. Gabi gets hot at his beastly admonitions.

Oski runs right in and takes out the agression on Jero ripping out the phone from him making “business deals” Os tells him to get off his high horse because Mau is out of jail and will come straight here to oust Jero. Jero thinks Mau is tainted now by having been arrested. Os says he’s stupid and Jero says he’ll fire him. Os tells him not to to step on an animal’s tail without looking at it well, one doesn’t know who one is messing with or something along those lines. He departs.

Estre busts in on Mona kissing and consoling Mau.

Sal calls Mau to tell him where the judge is at his grandson’s b-day party and what’s happening with Jero and Mau gives him full authority to do what is necessary. Not sure then why what happens later happens then.

Jero orders Gabi to get all HIS employees together, that he wants to talk to all of them.

Mau and Mona show up at the kids party to try and talk to the judge, but he wants nothing to do with them and makes his guards throw them away. Mona sees the clown trucks and gets an idea.

Sal tells Beto he’s no longer a fugitive. Jero comes out and makes some staffing decisions. Gabi goes to work under Pau, Xime is the new presidential secretary, and Beto is now the director, leaving Sal to take Beto‘s place. Oh, and Gabi and Sal have another option if they want, to present their resignations. I thought Sal got Mau’s support to do what ever was needed? Maybe he just wants to prove to Mau what an asshat Jero is. Anyway, of course Beto and Xime are the only ones excited, although Pau doesn’t seem to mind being in charge of Gab either.

At the party we are treated to M&M as clowns doeing pretty pathetic hat tricks. The kiddies seem ok with it though. Sebastian Rulli is doing really well, I must say.

Gabi complains about the itchy uniforms and Pau pulls rank. She reminds Gab of all the times she was dismissed when she complained about the same thing. Then Sal shows up and Gabi can’t believe he didn’t do something about this.

The clown show continues.

Beto and Jero have a chat about plans Beto has arranged. Beto wonders where Oski is and Jero says gone, the power went to his head (HA!) so he was dispensable just like any other employee. Beto wonders what it would take to be a partner and Jero gives him a few qualities, Beto says he’ll note that, thinking maybe he’s on his way up (or down depending how you look at it), but a sly look tells us Jero is playing him too.

Connie comes in and learns of all the staff shifting. She is especially impressed with the new director and his "born to conquer" shirt.

The judge compliments Mau for his great skills with children. Mau takes the opportunity to introduce his real self. This of course kind of pisses off the judge that he invaded his privacy.

Jero gives Xime a list of women he wants contacted and told of his new post as president. She thinks he’s nuts and calls him again her hermanolfo (see Hombre’s definition). Enter Gabi with coffee and Xime compliments how everything looks good on her, meaning the uniform. She leaves and Gab and Jero exchange insults, Jero enjoys now but Gab will enjoy when Mau dethrones him. She asks if he needs anything else and he responds mayo for his sandwich. She says oh you don’t need it I put rat poison on instead. For this he calls Xime to come back in to taste the sandwich for him.

The judge accuses Mau of being immature and tells him to get out and basically he’s not doing anything for him.

Estre shows up at school to see how Aldo is doing and of course he is glad to see her. She tells him M&M went to see the judge and to hang in there. He says he’s fine. She asks for a hug and he says what he really wants is this and he smacks one on her. She does not fight.

Back at the office another pair is smackin on each other, this time Coni and Beto in Beto’s new office. She’s sure Mau will kick them all out when he gets back, but Beto keep on with his agenda. Coni fights but not very hard until they are on the desk in missionary position. Just in time for Jero to burst in. Doh! Uh there went his chance at socio.



Coni says it’s not what he thinks and he doesn’t buy it, he calls Beto his ex-director, and Beto blames Coni. Jero kicks Beto out back to cleaning bathrooms and Coni offers Jero money not to talk. Guess what, he doesn’t want money, he wants her and he forces himself upon her.

Estre breaks free from the lip lock with Aldo and says this can’t happen, we can’t be, blah blah…he says he only did what he felt, and he knows she likes it too, and he’s not a kid etc. Luisa walks up and cuts the conversation short.

Gabi and Beto lament their demotions and how everything is unfair. Pau has no sympathy, business is like this, she continues to direct. Gabi scratches Beto’s itch from the uniforms she thinks was made from cat fur.

M&M argue about talking more to the judge. The argue just log enough to rescue the grandson from a speeding car that comes out of nowhere. The judge thanks him profusely, Mona wants to tell him a few things but Mau says let's go. Judge says he owes Mau, so how to pay, Mau says five minutes of your time. He listens.

The cleaning staff continues to lament the situation except for Pau, Beto says he’ll take care of that tyrant once and for all. Sal comes in and Gabi of course exalts Beto for being a man.

Jero is still molesting Coni. She fights and then pow she knees him in the nuts, then smacks him with a ball of some sort. That’s the end of Jero. He falls to the ground unconscious and she worries about him not responding. Beto shows up and calls her a murderer.

The kids return to the house and want to surprise Mau later since he’s not there yet.

Coni and Beto fight about what to do. She inculpates him, if he didn’t horndog on her they wouldn’t be in this. Beto thinks he’s going to jail.

Xime drops calls and screws up. Coni tells her a check is waiting in the safe for her and to go get it. When she does, the duo drag out the corpse across the floor.

M&M clean off their make up and think how cute each looks. They kiss and we are back to the phone rings again. It’s the kids and they want them to come over together.

Gabi runs out and wonders why no one is there answering the phones and she worries that the company is over. Sal follows and tells her to leave it be and let Jero screw up, that is the best strategy. Gabi has no patience for this and decides to resign. She runs around looking for Jero and they don’t find him. They see the blood and Pau faints. Sal tells her to call the police.

In the garage Beto and Coni put Jero in the back of the car. Beto wants to hurl. She wants to go and have him take care of throwing him somewhere, but he’s not letting her off the hook.

He smothers her into submission.

Mau and Mona discuss what the judge said. Turns out he put a few conditions on the return of his kids. He has to marry. Mona says she understands marrying the mummy is for his kids and she’ll be fine. He says he’s not marrying for that reason, he’s found the girl of his life. She realizes he’s not talking about the momia. He says the girl he wants is Valentina Lopez, la Monita and he asks her if she’ll marry him. She turns away and cries and he begs her to say something, well it’s yes. And they kiss.

And why do they show us the previews because we were only happy for about 2.5 seconds because something will destroy this. Sheesh.

Labels: gancho

EPISODE #141 (mexico #146) - Sept. 9, 2009:
* Jacinto and Margarita are having a delicious enchilada dinner and talk. A cat meows outside - apparently it's from another farm because both Jacinto and Margarita know it from its purr. Jacinto walks over to the sofa and takes out a present. He gives it to Margie. She's stunned by the surprise - it isn't her birthday. He says it isn't for her - just open it. She does. It's a wooden baby rattle. He thinks it's time for the stork to visit them. She thinks so also. They are so happy. He doesn't care if it's a boy or a girl, only that it doesn't have the character of Margie's grandfather. They laugh and hug.

* Franco and Erika have dinner and discuss Fer and Miguel's friendship in Spain, her love for Eduardo, and that Erika knows that Fer's family will never permit her to marry Eduardo, a servant's son.

* Jacinto goes to check on the cat outside. Margie sits and plays with the rattle.

* Barb sits in the home office and mutters to herself about how to convince Aurora to trust her and go away with her - far away from Gonzo and Artemio. Tomasa enters the office and tells Barbie that the police commissioner is there to speak with Gonzo. Barbie will meet with him. Commissioner enters the office - he's reporting about the investigation into Macario (apparently they found his body).

* Fer is intently reading Ana Gregoria's diary in her bedroom. She's at the part where Ana Gregoria describes Gonzo's first communion party and that Soledad (i think) goes to tell Geronimo that Ana Gregoria is in the wood waiting to see him. He looks around and sneaks away. In the woods near the large tree, Geronimo is surprised to see her there and tells her to leave before his wife finds out. Ana Gregoria tells Geronimo that she's very sick and desperate in need of money; she needs him to take care of her baby. She shows him the birth certificate with Artemio's name and her's and that the father's name isn't mentioned. Geronimo isn't interested in the birth certificate or helping with the baby. He throws the paper to the ground; hands her some coins and tells her to vacate the premises immediately. She hysterically cries as she walks away. He looks around and goes back to the party. Fer closes the diary and thought bubbles to self.

* Commissioner shows Barbie the identification that they found out Macario's body. Barbie acts shaken and stirred and cries in empathy. She says that the Elizalde's will handle all the funeral arrangements for the long-time dear employee. The commissioner says that the police are still conducting the autopsy to determine cause of death for Macario. Barbie is stunned and hopes that it will be resolved very quickly (she doesn't want a long drawn out investigation).

* Tomasa goes to Priscilla's room and sees Priscilla hasn't touched the food or drink on the tray. Priscilla isn't hungry. Tomasa talks her into at least drinking some milk for the baby. Priscilla tells her to leave the tray. Tomasa leaves the room. Priscilla thought bubbles and mumbles about her husband vs. Vladimir (does she say something and side with Vladi or does she do nothing and be an accessory to murder).

* Commissioner leaves. Barbie calls Tomasa over and tells her to keep the commissioner's visit to the hacienda a secret from everyone. Tomasa obeys.

* At the house, Erika leads Franco into the sitting room. She pounces on top of him on the sofa - he's very uncomfortable. She offers to fix him a cognac or something. He refuses. He stands and walks to the other side of the room. Erika starts to try and seduce him. He's really uncomfortable. He's saved by the phone ring - it's Margie telling him that Jacinto has been in an accident and he should come to the hospital ASAP. Franco tells Erika that his friend is in the hospital and he has to leave. Erika is adamant and tries everything she can to convince him to stay with her tonight. Franco is frustrated and tells her that he needs to leave - Jacinto is his friend like Miguel is yours. He leaves. Erika grunts with disappointment.

* Fer talks with Santi on the phone about her visit with Aurora. She tells Santi that Barbie set the whole thing up with Aurora. This gets Santi really shaken and angry - so angry that he splashes and scrubs red paint on his art canvas. He mumbles, grumbles and grunts his disgust over Barbie to Fer. He hangs up. Fer mumbles to herself about the rest of the truth about Aurora and the baby and his brother Camilo, and also how to tell daddy without jeopardizing his health.

* At the hospital, Margie cries on Eduardo's shoulder about Jacinto giving her the baby rattle, and then Jacinto going outside, climbed the tree to rescue the cat and fell out. She's so worried about him - if he has a concussion - what would she do without Jacinto in her life. Eduardo consoles her. Dr. Carlos walks out to the hallway. Margie and Franco both ask him how Jacinto is?

* Martina and Steve are frustrated as they confront Venus about her plans for Camilo and the engagement party. Venus won't
reveal what deviousness she has planned.

* Dr. Carlos tells them there's no concussion but they are still cautious about Jacinto's injuries and takes them into Jacinto's room.

* Steve is really frustrated by Venus not telling him any of her plans. He mumbles about going to the office to send some emails back home to New York. He leaves. Venus and Martina argue about Venus' vagueness with Steve and her attitude. Venus loves Steve but won't tell him because she thinks he's not interested in dating or loving her at all.

* Steve taps out on his laptop an email that he will conclude his report when he arrives back home in New York.

* Dr. Carlos gives Franco and Margie the diagnosis and treatment for Jacinto - he has a few broken ribs and some contusions - they are relieved. Margie is still upset and Eduardo consoles and makes her laugh with the thought bubble about Jacinto's full recovery and going home and joking about Jacinto being the cat rescuer. Before Eduardo leaves, he tells Margie that he thinks of Jacinto as his brother.

* Jacomo and his associate Candido are in the car, waiting and spying on Vladimir's apartment building. Jacomo tells Candido they will plan to kidnap Vladimir that night.

* At the family dinner, Priscilla and Anibal inform Gonzo, Barbie and Fer that they will name their child Anibal after the baby's father. Barbie makes her excuse to leave - she has a massage appointment and has other things to do before Camilo's engagement party. Anibal comments that he wouldn't miss his brother's party for the world and smiles. Gonzo wants to go with her. Barbie tells him that's not necessary. She leaves. Fer thought bubbles to herself that Barbie is lying; she is really planning on visiting Aurora at the convent.

* Eduardo and Margie bring Jacinto back home. Jacinto grunts, grimaces and grumbles as they help him into the bed. Jacinto is upset that Margie called Eduardo. Eduardo explains he wouldn't want to be anywhere else but there to help his brother when he needs him the most.

* Fer waits by the stairs as Barbie leaves and the door closes. She runs upstairs.

* Margie excuses herself to go to the market. Jacinto complains. Eduardo sits on the bed and promises not to leave his side. Jacinto tells Margie don't be gone to long. Margie leaves.

* Fer calls the convent and advises Aurora about Barbie's visit today.

* Eduardo reads Don Quixote story in the paper. Jacinto falls fast asleep.

* Eduardo moves out to the dining table, sits and pours himself a glass of water. He starts to read the paper again as Gardenia enters. She gazes at him with a goofy grin on her face.

* Fer continues reading the diary. This time she at the end when Ana Gregoria is writing about her illness and her prayers for her baby boy. Flashback to Ana Gregoria laying on the street steps, sick and crying a prayer that God watch over her son. Fer closes the book and hugs it before setting it on her bedside table. Erika knocks and asks permission as she enters the room. Erika wants to invite Fer to coffee and to gossip with her about what's happening in their lives.

* Gardenia returns to Eduardo and says Jacinto is sleeping like a newborn baby. Eduardo says that's expected - he just got home from the hospital. Gardenia asks where's Margie? Eduardo says she had to go to the market. Gardenia then asks him a blunt question about his secretive meetings with Fer in her office. He's stunned.

* At the end of the jai lai game, Vladimir answers his cell phone. He's delighted that Priscilla is calling him. She wants to tell him something - he only wants to see her. She's worried about Anibal. He's not worried; he knows the plan is to get the DNA test and to announce to the world that he is really the father, not Anibal. Priscilla says that's why she's worried - she knows Anibal way too well and thinks he may try something. Vladimir is confident about their plan and his moving them to Monterrey to live. She wants him to leave town now. Vladimir tries to calm her. She's still worried.

* Eduardo and Gardenia argue about his wedding to Erika; and all his secret meetings with Fer. He has to explain that they had to meet secretly to figure out how to get Lili away from her kidnapper and not jeopardize Lili's life in the process. That's all. She then asked him if he was in love with Fer, to which he replied "no", leading her to believe maybe she still has a chance with him. He is flustered.

* Erika and Fer discuss her work with Franco. Erika dreams about her fiance and then tells Fer that she wants Fer to join them for a weekend bachelor/bachelorette party at her aunt and uncle's ranch - just the four of them (Fer, Erika, Franco and Miguel). (For those wondering, the actor playing Miguel is Rafael Novoa, who played Eduardo in the Columbian version of this telenovela, called Pura Sangre). Fer is intrigued.

* Eduardo has to explain again to Gardenia that he thinks of her as his little sister and that's all. Gardenia cries and tells Eduardo that her feelings for him are much more than that - she wants to love and care for him like Jacinto and Margie do for each other. Eduardo is really frustrated. Jacinto wakes up with all the shouting from Gardenia as she makes her argument to be with Eduardo. Eduardo tells her NO!! Gardenia wonders if he loves Erika? Eduardo says Yes, he does. Gardenia doesn't believe him.

* Barbie waits outside the convent.

* In the office, MS, Sister Fidelia and Aurora talk. Aurora agrees to meet with Barbie. MS tells Fidelia to take Barbie to Aurora's room. Alone in the office, MS tells Aurora that after talking with Fer, she suspects that Barbie is behind all the evilness done to Aurora at the hacienda. Aurora knows that Fer suspects Barbie for the same reasons. Aurora then tells MS that Barbie ordered the fake italian guy to take her from the convent and meet with Barbie in another location. MS reminds Aurora that she doesn't have to hide the truth from her - she's always on her side.

* Erika and Fer laugh about Fer's old friendship with Miguel. Fer thinks it was just a teenage friendship. Erika tries to play matchmaker and convince Fer to come to the ranch and meet Miguel again. Fer pauses and tries to come up with excuse to refuse to go. Erika is adamant about Fer accepting the invitation - she mentions Damian - Fer says that's officially over - Erika wonders if Fer now has a secret boyfriend.

ADVANCE: Exploding bombshells at Camilo and Lovely's engagement party!

Labels: manana

Rodolfo asks Macarena if it's true that she had a daughter and if it's Paloma? Macarena confirms it's true and asks him if he would like to hear her version. The whole truth before condemning her. He tells her that ever since Carlota told him he has had no peace. He never thought that she was such a woman as the way Carlota described her.

German and Romina are walking along the road. He says that he can't believe that her love for Emiliano would cause her to fake killing herself. She tells him she did try to, but German tells her he doesn't believe her. He knows her too well. All she wanted was to make Emiliano feel guilty. But your plan failed. Why are you so obsessed with Emiliano? I can give you so much more. Romina replies that he is the man that she loves. Plain and simple. Feelings do not turn on and off because you want them too. And you should know. I can have relations with you and have a good time, but that is all. German tells her that the best thing about this whole thing is that Emiliano will never get back with her and she will be alone. Romina tells him that a woman like her will never be alone. She kisses him and then says see. I will never be alone and walks away.

Inez tells Angelica that it's best if she doesn't see Dario. Especially after what happened at work. You is just to vulnerable. Angelica agrees. But, says Inez, he could be done with that woman and wants you back. So even if you are scared go see him. Angelica agrees.

Rafael goes to visit Diana. He tells her that he had a couple of things to do and decided to stop by. Diana tells him that this is also his house and he can come anytime. She tells him to sit down, but he doesn't want to take too much of her time. Diana tries to change the subject and asks him if he noticed her new haircut. He tells her that he thought she looked different. Diana asks him if he thinks she looks good. People are complimenting her saying how pretty she looks. Yes, you look more pretty replies Rafael. But I came here for two things. I talked to Emiliano and for the moment he doesn't want to become my associate and he is happy where he is at being Orlando's associate. Diana gets agitated and says that he cannot allow that to happen. He tells her he did what he could do now let's leave it alone. She tries to argue back but he tells her enough. He also wants to know if she signed the divorce papers yet. Diana lashes out saying what's the rush? You come here telling me I look pretty and yet you pressure me for the divorce. Rafael says you have a weird way of spinning things. Diana says that this decision is the hardest I have ever had to make. So quit pressuring me.

Orlando and Camila are having lunch and he tells her that he tried to call her this morning. Where were you? Camila tells him that she went to the factory to speak with Rafael regarding the designs. Orlando asks how it went with him. Camila says I just wanted to see the designs in person off paper. Orlando says that it calls for a celebration and that he wants her to have dinner at his house. He will prepare everything. Camila agrees. Orlando leaves and Camila reminisces about her brief kiss with Rafael.

Carlota is at the jewelers getting the ring appraised. The jeweler writes down a figure which shocks her. He asks her if she is interested in selling it or getting a replica made. She gets a gleam in her evil eye and says that it is exactly what she wanted. He can't do it but can recommend someone who can.

Liliana is dancing in her room and her friend calls. She wants to know if Liliana wants to go out dancing.

Emiliano and Cristobal brings soccer uniforms for the local kids. They are going to start a team. The kids are grateful. Emiliano says we have games on Thursdays and in the evenings we have practice. Cristobal adds that on Tuesdays we meet at the church. Why we can't play there responds Chava. No silly replies Cristobal. We are going to talk about ourselves and what is going on in our lives. Chava comments that it's better if they meet in the park. Emiliano tells him that all the professionals to it. They get together and talk. Cristbal says that the place to do that will be at the church. Chava finally agrees. The local kids leave and Cristobal thanks Emiliano for putting in his two cents. It is the only way he can find out if any of the kids are into drugs or alcohol. Chava sees Aaron and Paloma and runs up to Emiliano and tells him. Emiliano spots them too and gets mad.

Angelica stares at a ring and cries. She thinks back to Dario and remembers correcting a paper for him on the computer. He gives her a ring and says it a thank you for all that she has done for him. She thanks him for the ring and says that she is learning a lot. Perhaps one day I can publish my own book. He tells her that he's happy that he has met her and kisses her. She comes back out of her daydream and asks out loud why he lied to her? Why didn't you tell me that you had another woman?

Dario is in his office and is getting frustrated at some papers he's looking at. A lady comes in and asks him what is wrong? Nothing he replies. She tells him that his father-in-law is waiting for the book. The last one was a disaster. He asks her to talk to him. She'll see what she can do.

Macarena finishes telling Rodolfo her story. She tells him he can believe her or Carlota. Rodolfo says it must be hard to have had to give her up. Yes replies Macarena. I gave her up so that she can have a father and mother, but never gave up the right to be by her. Rodolfo asks Macarena to forgive him. He leaves her to get medicine when her blood pressure goes up. She remembers hearing Cristobal's voice right before fainting. She cries.

Chava is playing ball in the street and two guys are harassing him. They call him a mocoso. He says I am not. Prove it one of the boy replies.

Rufi tells Paloma that Macarena was taking to the hospital because she fainted. They run off.

Rodolfo tells Macarena that he was an idiot to let Carlota manipulate him. I should have asked you about it. Macarena says that it's okay. Life gave them an opportunity to correct it. She just asks that he not tell anyone especially Paloma. Rodolfo says that he has already forgotten it. He also tells her that it's not healthy for her to be with Carlota and that his proposal of marriage still stands. She tells him that she had decided to accept him, but after all that has happened she now cannot. Rodolfo says but I told you that I believe you not Carlota. Macarena says it's not that. It has to do with me... and gets interrupted by Paloma running in. Paloma asks her if she's alright. That she has to always take care of herself. Always. Macarena reassures her all is well.

Chava comes home late drunk. Metiche was worried and asks where he has been. He gets mouthy and she tells him not to talk to her that way.

Cristobal talks to the other priest who name escapes me at the moment. He tells Cristobal that it was a great idea to give the local kids soccer team uniforms. Also inviting them to come to church to talk once a week. Cristobal is happy and answers the phone. He has to go to the hospital. A family needs him.

Angelica is in her room crying and remembering meeting Dario's sister for the first time. Turns out Angelica was his assistant. Anyway she tells her that Dario has told her a lot about Angelica. Angelica is surprised and says you guys talk about me? Sure replies Dario's sister we live together (who by the way was the young girl who had leukemia on FELS). Angelica is shocked that they live together. (okay what am I missing? I thought that was his sister. That's what she said)

Carlota calls the house after returning from shopping, but no one answers. She gets annoyed that no one is answering.

Aaron wants to know if Rufi and Paloma want him to take them home. Paloma wants to stay and take care of Macarena instead. Macarena tells her that it's not necessary, but Paloma insists. She is going to the cafeteria to get a coffee for Rufi and a chocolate for her. As soon as Aaron and Paloma leave, Macarena blurts out that she saw Cristobal too.

Paloma thanks Aaron for bring her to the hospital. They pass Cristobal, but she comes back to greet him. Paloma asks him what he is doing here and he replies that he was baptising a baby that was born premature. And you? My aunt's blood sugar went up and she fainted responds Paloma. Cristobal says I didn't know that your aunt Carlota suffered from diabetes. No says Paloma it's my aunt Macarena. Cristobal is muy impactado.

Paloma asks Cristobal if he knew that she had an aunt named Macarena. Yes, he replies. But I thought that she had died. He sits down. No, she just has diabetes. She is alive and I hope that god let's her live a long time. Why did you think that? Because years ago someone told me, but perhaps I misunderstood replies Cristobal. Is your aunt Carlota here? Paloma informs him that she left for Mexico City for a couple of days. It's just me, Macarena and Rufi here. Cristobal wants to know if he can visit Macarena to say hi. Paloma is excited and says that it would be great. Just come with me to the cafeteria to get a coffee and chocolate.

Rufi tells Macarena that she saw him coming out of church dressed as a priest. Macarena tells that she saw him in regular clothes. Rufi is confused. Is Cristobal real or a ghost? He's real replies Macarena. It was his voice, his body and his face. It was him! And what is he doing here asks Rufi. Why did he pass himself off as dead? Why hasn't he come for you? I don't know replies Macarena. But all those questions will soon be answered. A nurse comes in wanting to take Macarena's pulse.

Paloma is in the cafeteria ordering coffee and chocolae while Cristobal says to himself that Macarena is alive and wonders what really happened long ago. He remembers going to a burial thinking it was for Macarena. Then who was it? I remember the mourning sign outside the house. Why did Carlota call me to tell me that Macarena had died? That she had committed suicide and it was all my fault. Why? Paloma asks Cristobal how he knows so much about her, Carlota, Macarena and Natalia? He tells her he has known Natalia for about 9 or 10 years. He was going to marry her, but god stepped in instead. Paloma is shocked that he was going to marry Natalia. She asks him if he had met he parents since they were good friends with Natalia. Yes replies Cristobal. Paloma tells him perhaps that is why I feel so comfortable with you. It is like I have known you forever. Cristobal says that he feels the same and wants to go see Macarena.

Liliana is at a club with friends. She meets a guy.

Camila is looking at outfits deciding what to wear for her dinner with Orlando. Romina comes in and gets ugly with her mother regarding her relationship with Orlando. Camila wants Romina to support her. Romina cannot see her with another that is not her father. Camila tells her that she can have a relationship with her father, but she (Camila) will never be with him again.

Cristobal and Paloma are going to Macarena's room and come across a nurse. The nurse tells her that Macarena blood pressure is low and that the doctor has restricted visits til tomorrow. Paloma says but I am staying here to take care of her. Well says the nurse, wait til the person in the room with her leaves. Only one person at a time in the room. Paloma agrees and apologizes to Cristobal. Don't worry he replies. I will see her later.

Rufi tells Macarena that Carlota probably lied to her about Cristobal's death.

Diana comes to visit Camila. She needs someone to talk too. Camila tells her that she was about to leave, but if she needs to talk to someone she's all ears. Diana tells Camila that she now knows that Rafael is with another woman. Why do you say that? What happened replies Camila. Well he came over and told me how pretty I looked. Camila agrees. Then he asked me if I had signed the divorce papers yet. He is rushing me and that means there is another woman.

Orlando is preparing the house for Camila's arrival.

Diana says I can't talk to any of my married friends about this. You are the only one that I know who's husband left for another woman. You know how I feel. Camila says you only have suspicions. Diana says that when the river makes noise, it's because it's carrying water. Anyway you had your suspicions and it came true. Yes agrees Camila. Diana responds by saying that a woman in love knows when her man is stepping out on her. Anyway thanks for listening. I know that you are ready to go out. No problem replies Camila. So where are you going asks Diana. Out to dinner with a friend. Diana digs a little and Camila tells her with Orlando Ferrer, Emiliano's boss. Diana is very uncomfortable at the mention of Orlando's name.

Romina calls German. She wants to know if he wants to come over for dinner. He says I'm already eating. Romina tells him that her mother left to go out to dinner and that she is all alone. German finally gets the hint, but says that he doesn't feel like going to see her. Romina gets pissed. He tells her he's not a dog to come running when she calls for him. Romina cannot believe what she is hearing. German tells her that he is going to finish watching his movie and hangs up. Romina throws her phone down.

Camila is at Orlando's house. He opens up a bottle of wine. She tells him that she has been stressed out lately. About Romina asks Orlando. Yes replies Camila. Well just forget all your problems right now and enjoy the evening responds Orlando.

Diana can't believe that Orlando now lives in Real del Monte. Of all the places he could be instead. She calls someone and wants to talk about Orlando. He has found her she says to the mystery person on the other end of the phone.

Paloma tries to feed Macarena jello. Macarena says enough and tells her that she doesn't have to worry about money anymore. Paloma says that sounds nice, but how can that be? Macarena says don't worry. I'll take care of it. I have found out things that will change my destiny along with yours.

Tomorrow: Cristobal and Macarena finally meet up

Labels: amor

What, do you think they’d play? This is Real del Monte.

Yesterday’s news: Camila swoons over the bourgeois new ceramics line so hard that she swoons right on into Rafael’s arms. Tantalized by the proximity of man-flesh, she pulls back and looks him in the lusty eyes. Their lips hover millimeters apart. Will they or won’t they?

Breaking headlines: Barely. After a moment of lip contact so brief you almost need the instant replay to catch it, Camila asks what they’re doing. Remember, it’s been quite awhile for her (unwanted kisses from Oily Orly don’t count), so she may need the refresher course. Rafa thinks it’s all pretty obvious, but Cami says no way; he’s not free and she’s sort of seeing Orlando. Rafael says he isn’t deceiving anyone as he’s already filed for divorce. Camila stands her ground and says things that start badly end badly, and she just wants to forget the whole thing. Rafa doesn’t want to forget it, just postpone until the timing is better.

Natalia tells her friend Ivonne that Alonso thinks Carlota provoked Iñaki’s heart failure. They both think Alonso is just losing his mind from grief, so Nat wants to send him to Ivonne’s shrink. (Side note: Why is Natalia’s house so old-fashioned looking? The place she had when she was about to marry Cris was much more modern. Did her tastes change that much?)

Orlando has his secretary looking high and low for an address for Gudelia. He thinks back to running into her (Diana) at the restaurant. Back in the privacy of his office, he stands in front of a painting of a horse which I rather like and asks himself how he could have let her go (my theory: survival instinct). Orly calls Camila’s place and is perplexed to hear that she’s gone out so early (how early can it be if everyone at Ferrer’s Fine Silver is already at work?).

In the school courtyard, Romina asks Paloma if she really has no designs on Emiliano. Paloma assures her that she meant what she said, and says she doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. Romina fondles a thorny plant with a dastardly look in her eyes.

Angélica shuffles through the courtyard, eyes on the pavement and face all droopy so as to garner more sympathetic attention from the nun she initially ignores. The nun, being a nun and therefore phenomenally patient, asks what’s wrong. Ange is confused, but so hopeful because her old flame might be leaving his other lover! Maybe he wants to be with her! (Didn’t the guy have a wife too? How many of his other women would he have to dump for Ange to be okay with the situation?) The nun gives Ange the gentlest of smackdowns and tries not to roll her eyes.

Emiliano has heard the gossip from secretary Vero that Orlando is still in search of the mysterious dame, so he asks how it’s going. Not well, because Orly doesn’t have a photo or anything. Orlando thinks maybe it’s foolish and he should just forget about her. “But what about your child?” asks Emil. Oh, the IRONY. Orlando doesn’t know if the kid was even born, and says he thinks of Emiliano as the son he always wanted. Oh, the IRONY. Emil says that works for him. Orly decides to forget the whole thing and concentrate on wearing Camila down.

Carlota leaves for the D.F. “Paaaaarrrrrrrteeeeeee!!!!” says Rufi. Actually, she thinks Macarena should take advantage of Cruel’s absence to tell Paloma the truth, the whole truth, and whatever else she’d like to say without Cruelota’s interference. Mac, as usual, is too scared, and thinks she doesn’t have any options if Cruel throws her out, since Carlota won’t sell the house to give her her share of the money and things are kaput with Rodolfo. Rufi is having a no-nonsense Jockey kind of day and says to talk to a lawyer about the house and call Rude-olfo and ask Qué the hell?

Paloma tells Angélica that Romina bought the story and they’re going to be besties again, good as new. Ange warns her not to trust that conniving Romina. Romi eavesdrops on the entire conversation, in plain sight about four paces behind them.

Mac actually takes the bull by the horns for once and dials Rodolfo’s office. Unfortunately, the receptionist reports that he’s not in yet and says it’s weird he didn’t show up for their date; she knows he was planning to. Right after they hang up, Rude-olfo walks in and gets the message.

Over at the church, Rufi tries to decide whether she’s crazy and wonders whether the ghost priest will appear again. She starts to walk away as Cris comes outside. He sees her and calls her name, but she doesn’t hear him. A lady summons him away for some pressing business in the dispensario.

The Madre Superiora tells Romina she’s so relieved things didn’t end up worse, and she wants Romi to get plenty of counseling from Angélica. “No way, I’m not going near her,” says Romina. MS asks what’s going on, and Romi says Ange has no ethics and has been trash-talking her behind her back. (Actually, right in front of her, too.) Hey, she is not at all wrong. Ange is the worst counselor (except for the one I had in high school, who was a doppelganger for Ursula in The Little Mermaid).

Camila finally arrives at her shop and Meche notices she’s all glowing and trembly and thinks she must be in love; nothing wrong with that.

Apparently the teenage boys in Real del Monte do nothing but play fútbol while the girls are in school. No wonder the girls have no interest in them. Chava’s hoodlum friends call him away and they have a teenage conversation which causes me to have to look up about every other word in the slang dictionary. Seems a pickup ball game is called a cascarita, and the guys want to go have chelas, which can mean either light-colored beer or light-colored girls (hey, maybe they want both). Also, something is a ruca, which can mean either a woman or a home and I’m not sure what they were getting at. Anyway, they go off, and a more clean-cut looking guy on the field watches and shakes his head.

Carlota lounges in the hotel bar in the D.F., drinking booze and chatting with her lawyer. He’s trying to get them an appointment with a judge within a few days, and she’s still pretending to him that she wants to keep Paloma from her inheritance until she’s a more mature 21 years old. The licenciado (in addition to being a noun meaning “lawyer” this also is an adjective meaning “pedantic,” btw) goes off to see about the embezzlement and also a detective to hunt down Cris. Carlota says she’s going to do some shopping (a whole city full of purple stuff!) and revels in the anonymous big-city freedom.

Natalia, wearing a blouse with an insanely long tie thing, calls Misery Manor but gets Mac since Paloma is still at school. Mac tells her what’s up: Paloma wants to go to the D.F. to work and save money for school while she waits for a space in the public university, since she can’t afford private. “The heck you say,” says Nat. “Paloma is rich.” Mac says they don’t have any money, but Natalia says she’s absolutely sure Javier and Sagrario, que en paz descansen, left their daughter a fortune, and Iñaki was going to find out what happened to the money.

Aaron lurks outside the school gates in a baseball cap and sunglasses like the creepy creep he is while Romina pretends to have an appointment with the MS in order to get away from Paloma. When Paloma is gone, Romina walks right past him into the street as he pretends not to notice her.

Ange gets a well-deserved dressing-down from the MS. MS, who I like more and more, is seriously peeved, not only about the multiple ethics breeches, but also apparently they had a specific agreement that Ange would provide counseling during school only and work on her book in her free time, and on top of that MS is fuming about Ange’s speaking negatively about students to other students. The gist of this long-winded rant is that Ange is fired.

Aaron negotiates an unholy alliance with Romina, the aim of which is to get both of them hooked up with the objects of their obsessions. Aaron insists that Paloma come through this dirty business with a clean reputation, but doesn’t mind if Romina takes advantage of her ingenuous nature in the process. Oh, what a catch he is. He says he’s going to get a new mailbox for them to use.

The church lady, whose name is Elisa, shows Padre Cris around the dispensario and raves about that wonderful Carlota, such a great Christian and a pillar of the community, sooooo fabulous, that lady, although frankly Carlota never seems to do anything but snipe at people and Mac is the one who is always at the dispensario. Cris keeps a polite smile carefully frozen onto his face. Padre Mateo joins in the Carlota lovefest and dispensario PSA. Cris stares at them, all, “I know what a dispensario is, duh.”

Angélica cries in the courtyard and gets more sympathy from the young nun. She can’t believe she’s been fired and doesn’t understand what she’s done wrong. Also, now that she doesn’t have a job, how will she keep herself from running back to Dario?

Macarena, having quite the day of assertiveness with the cat away, calls Licenciado Rosas’s office, but learns he is in the D.F. for four or five days. She and Rufi find it veeeeeerrrrrry suspicious that his travel schedule matches Carlota’s. Quick, Mac, start a rumor about their torrid affair so it will be all over town by the time she gets back! Mac is now sure there’s funny business going on regarding Paloma’s inheritance. Rufi agrees but says to go with feet of lead (con pies de plomo), meaning be very careful and don’t do anything hastily.

Paloma returns from school and giddily asks Rufi and Mac whether they’re spying through Carlota’s stuff. Unfortunately, they are not.

Rafael dutifully asks Emiliano whether he’d like to work with him in the ceramics business. Emiliano wonders why he asks; is he jealous of Orlando or something? Rafael says he feels bad that he missed out on so much of Emiliano’s life while he was at school in the U.S. and in Monterrey. Emil assures him that he’s been a great father, and suggests that maybe someday when both their businesses are raging successes, they can team up and have some business together.

Camila tells Mac that she kissed a man and she liked it, but she’s afraid of the implications. Besides, there’s Orlando. “Forget Orlando; go for the real thing!” says Mac. Cami isn’t sure.

A similar locker-room chat happens with Rafa and Joel, but Rafa is more sure.

Carlota gives Licenciado Rosas a description of Cris. He’s 47 years old and his birthday is August 4, in case anyone wants to shop for birthday candles.

Macarena walks past the dispensario and hears Cris’s voice through the open door. She is overwhelmed, but amazingly does not just faint. She actually looks through the door and sees him!!! And then faints.

Wow. I did not expect that to happen so soon. Do we have to have an amnesia plotline now to drag this out awhile?

Cris finally shakes off the dispensario lady and heads back to the church, but unfortunately does not use the door Mac is lying next to. The lady sees her and calls for help.

Clara wants to display some of Paloma’s paintings in an exhibition. She says they won’t sell for much money at first, but gradually she’ll be able to charge more. Paloma is excited about this money-making possibility and asks for suggestions of places to keep studying in the big city.

Germy tells Orlando he’s getting antsy at work. Orlando suggests starting his own firm with a partner or joining another law firm.

Rafael relives the grand kiss with a lot more contact than I remember seeing. He also thinks back over every time he’s touched Camila, and looks thoughtful.

Mac is wheeled into the hospital on a stretcher. The worried dispensario lady (this one’s name is Hilda) phones Rufi and reports the latest.

Angélica instant messages with her pushy demanding loser ex and wonders whether she should go back to him. In a word, Ange: NO. He insists on seeing her, and when she says she isn’t in the D.F. anymore, he replies that he knows exactly where she is. Great. On the plus side, though, I’m happy to report that they don’t type with “k” in place of “qu” like the kids are doing.

Aaron sweet-talks Paloma by saying he would definitely buy one of her paintings. “How do you know you would like it?” asks Paloma. He’s sure he would, because she’s such a sweet gal. She says she’s going to have a hard time leaving Real del Monte, especially leaving Mac, but once she gets established in Mexico City, Mac can come join her there. Aaron starts with the stalker-talk, suggesting that she won’t be getting away from him because they are destined to be together and she’s going to forget all about Emiliano. Paloma does not like the direction this conversation is going.

Macarena is awake in the hospital and Dr. Rude-olfo has even deigned to treat her. She apologizes to Hilda for the scare. The doc says blood sugar surges like this are usually the result of emotional upheaval, and asks what’s up but tries to snit away without hearing the answer. Mac is having none of it and asks why the formerly hot-to-trot doc is suddenly running cold. She thinks she deserves an answer. He thinks that he deserves an explanation. For what, she asks. “Is it true you secretly had a daughter, and that daughter is Paloma?”

Avances: Mac tells Rufi she saw Cristóbal. Paloma tells Cris her aunt is in the hospital. No, not Carlota. Macarena.

Labels: amor

-Helen Rowland (lucky Erika, then, it's like she's already married to him)

Bienvenidos al recap of Colunga's Jaw es Para Siempre. Let's see how many more unpleasant surprises are in store for Fernanda this evening.

Franco begs Lili to reconsider taking this trip, and if she does go, he wants her not to leave without saying goodbye. They're both choked up. Franco says she's the most screwed-over person he knows and also the best person. Even Ciro's crying.

Barbie has to cover for her unhappiness over Artemio's plan. She says she wants whatever he wants. She does, however want to know what he's going to do with all the money. He says that's on a need to know basis, but he does plan to read Gonzalo the diary. Well, that's going to be a little difficult. Franco comes back into the office. Barbie says she's got to go, Artie invites Franco to have a seat. Artemio wants to know how Lili's doing. Franco says she seems calm. Artie finds it funny that Lili trusts him. Really, really funny.

Fer tells Aurora that she wants her out of there, especially because she's the best person to find out what Barbie wants with her. And also, she doesn't want Aurora to give Damian any information. Aurora trusts her and says she has since the day they met. The Mother Superior knocks on the door, interrupting the pajama party, and is introduced to Fernanda.

Franco and Barbie leave Artemio's office.

Erika cries over Fernanda's betrayal. I mean, screw Franco--Fer is her BFF. She screams at the picture that being separated from Damian doesn't give Fer the right to steal Erika's future husband. "No se vale" (that's just not done; you don't do that; that's not cricket). Erika weeps piteously.

Fer and the Madre (con) Superior(es facultades mentales que la mayoría de los personajes de este novela*) go back to MS's office. They talk about how/why they kept missing each other. MS says she's realized that Fer is the person Aurora trusts most. Fer is worried about all the different people threatening Aurora.

Venus is pissy with Esteve. She says "isn't this what you wanted?" and says they're going to get it, but HER way. She won't tell him what's going to happen at the party, so if he and Franco want to know, then they'll have to show up. Esteve says he won't insist, he just wants to ask her something on Franco's behalf, since he knows she wants nothing to do with him (Esteve) anymore. Esteve tells her to remember that innocent people are going to be harmed by what she's planning--people like Franco and Esteve, and even Venus herself. That's all he wants from her is to think about that. Venus looks upset and walks out.

Martina walks into Las Animas with the party invitations. Venus pulls one out of the envelope and reads it to Martina. "Lovely Norton y Camilo Elizalde Rivera tienen el honor de invitar a usted y a su apreciable familia a la recepción que se dará con motivo del anuncio de su compromiso matrimonial." A little wordy for my taste, but that's formal invitations for you. It reads: "Lovely Norton and Camilo Elizalde (whose mother's maiden name was Rivera) have the honor of inviting you and your dear family to the reception that will be given for the reason of announcing their wedding engagement." And, seriously, once you've sent invitations saying you're going to be announcing something, then why should people bother showing up? They already read it on the invitation. It's like a rerun. Well, a rerun with an open bar. Venus announces that this particular invitation is going to "la Natacha esa" (that Natacha). Venus is going to get someone (not sure who) to give her Natacha's address by pretending to be a secretary calling from Grupo Lactos. Martina really wants her to cool it, but Venus has had enough of being treated like a washer or a blender-- "something you just turn on and off." To her, that's how Esteve is treating her…he hired her, gave her lessons, she learned it all, then he wants to call the whole thing off. Martina says "donde manda el capitán no gobierno el marinero" which means "Donnie Amanda is the captain not the governor of marinara." No, wait, that's not it…"Where a captain leads, the sailor doesn't ." Or "What the boss says, goes." There's a similar saying on the sidebar (let's see who finds it!). Venus says "yo no me bajo de mi macho!" Meaning she's going to ride that macho man until…oh, no, wait. What is wrong with me tonight! This is a reference to a "macho" being a male animal that one would mount or ride…no, not like that…more like a "high horse"…so Venus is saying that she refuses to stop throwing her tantrum. Martina reminds her that people are going to get hurt, blah, blah, blah. Venus says that's tough because they were planning to tell everyone she was the town ho when it was all over, so what does she care about outing them.

Fer tells the Madre Superior she just found out the truth about what happened with Aurora (that Camilo drugged her and raped her…maybe, I'm still on the fence about whether he actually did the deed). Fer supposes Camilo had some help and she thinks that person not only helped him, but…this is the fault of a terrible woman, her stepmother. The Madre Superior covers her mouth, but come on, she was already thinking it days ago.

Franco fills Barbie in on Artemio's travel plans, but she doubts the reliability of his source, continuing to think that Lili is crazy.

Lili scarfs down her dinner salad and swears (kind of--since she didn't actually say "I swear," just waved her hand in his general direction) to Artemio that she didn't say anything to anyone. Because otherwise she won't get to see the pyramids. Artemio praises her for being intelligent. Sucka!

Barbie thinks its weird that Lili would give Franco this information, but he tells her that's what happens when he flexes his magical jaw muscles and lets glycerine tears of pure dolor roll down his cheeks. Mhm. Ladies Love Cool Franco. Barbie still thinks it's weird. Franco says maybe he reminds her of someone. Barbie still thinks maybe it's a fantasy of Lili's. Franco says if she disappears, their deal is off. He's not going to spare any expense to make sure the Elizaldes get back what's theirs and he'll make sure they know everything she's been responsible for (well, not the old guy down the hill, cause he doesn't know about that). Barbie looks uncomfortable. As she should. Here Artemio's made her bang the old guy for 15 years, bump people off, and wear way too much eye makeup. Now he wants her to hand over all the money and he says she can have Lili, but may actually be planning to take her away. So what's she left with? Well, nothing, as far as Artemio knows. I'm pretty sure nobody from Lactos is going to write her a reference.

Venus is telling someone that it's important to Camilo that this person be at "the meeting". It turns out to be Natacha. Esteve comes in after she gets off the phone. Venus shows him the invitations. He wants to ask her another questions. She reminds him that he and Franco have nothing to worry about. She's not going to "hacer una fregadera" (meaning she's not going to screw them over). Esteve says that's not the question, but thanks for the info. So what's the question. His question is "When this is all over, what are you thinking of doing?" Venus says she's leaving. Why? Esteve says the day after the reception, he's going back home. Would one of you two grow a pair of something already! I'm not asking for a wordy declaration of love in iambic pentameter, I'm just saying…look, you're in a room with a bed, just somebody jump somebody else's bones already!

Franco and Fer run into each other in front of the elevators. She asks to see him in her office after she's heard that he was meeting with Barbie. Fer tells Flor to hold her calls and Gardenia overhears and gets pissy. Has her hair gotten darker? Gardenia assumes they're heading to her office to do it on the desk. Well, sure, just because that's what she would do. Flor tells her to get her mind out of the gutter, people think about other things than romance. Gardenia wonders what else they could be doing in there. Flor tells her to keep her big mouth shut, because she knows what kind of problems it could cause if people find out who he is. Gardenia snits that maybe Fer's already recognized his breath. Flor has had ENOUGH, and in a move I had to go back and watch a couple of times, smacks Gardenia clear across the mouth. Now that was satisfying. Gardenia tells Flor that if she's kept her mouth shut it was out of the kindness of her heart, but she threatens, for about the millionth time, that if they piss her off, so help her, she's going to spill all the frijoles and tell everyone that Franco is really Eduardo.

Fer cries in her office and then apologizes for crying. She tells Franco she's found out something that tops the list of crappy things she's found out about her family. She tells him about Aurora and that Camilo, with Barbie's help, drugged her and raped her. And also that Aurora's pregnant and Barbie's trying to get Aurora to go away with her. And also that somehow Damian is involved in all this. She needs a big hug from him. She begs him not to betray her…"not you, not you!" She does that hyperventilating cry and Franco shakes his head. Not sure how he's going to get himself out of this one.

Erika has decided, in a very Stepford way, that she's not going to cry. Not all is lost. She's going to fight for Franco's love and count on the fact that he's given his word as a gentleman. She'll get her strength from that. And if Fer wants a fight, she'll have it. The extreme closeup was creepy.

Fer whines that she's going to completely lose it if she can't count on anyone. She promises once they've got Lili back, she'll quit bothering him with her problems. Franco's phone rings and he ignores the call from Erika. Fer pretends to be ok and tells him to answer his phone, but Franco says they've got to find a solution. Fer is surprised at the way Barbie is tearing the family to pieces. She's worried Daddy's going to croak when he finds out what Camilo did. And she needs to tell Santi that Aurora is pregnant. Franco thinks they should wait it out until they find out what Damian and Barbie are up to with Aurora. Fer thinks they're trying to get rid of her so that Camilo's crime will go unpunished. Yeah, but doesn't that defeat the purpose of destroying the whole family? Franco thinks she's right, though, but he also thinks Aurora's safe with the nuns. Fer wants to tell Damian she knows all, but Franco tells her not to. He doesn't want to upset Barbie. He tells her that Artemio is thinking of taking Lili out of the country. Franco tells her they're counting on Barbie to keep that from happening. Fer wonders why this is all happening. In reply, Franco pulls out Ana Gregoria's diary.

At the generic bar/restaurant, Damian and Vlad drink to having DNA results soon. Damian has the receipt for the results, which he won't hand over. He says Cousin Jacobo will take on the case and the DNA test and the video will be their proof. Vlad thinks he's the best friend ever and asks him, very sincerely, to be the baby's godfather. Damian says he doesn't deserve it, but he accepts. They drink to it and Vlad calls him "compadre" (literally, "co-parent" as the godparents are responsible for the child's spiritual upbringing; to the child, the godparents are "padrino" and "madrina"; to the godparents, the child is an "ahijado" or "ahijada"; and the parents and godparents are each other's "compadre" or "comadre"; when I was growing up, this was used by my parents and their friends as a way to indicate a close friendship, not necessarily that they were the godparents of each other's children, so it took me a while to figure out the literal meaning). Damian thought bubbles that the weak get devoured in the jungle and now it's Vlad's turn. Oh, that Damian, he's such a sentimental guy.

Erika sits at a restaurant with a pink drink in a martini glass and takes the photo out of the envelope for what I suspect is the hundredth time today at least. Franco shows up and she brushes off his late arrival. She supposes he was busy with the attaché of commerce (and I had to check to make sure, but it was in my last recap that he originally told this lie, so really things aren't moving any faster time-wise, we just have more of it crammed into each costume change). Tee hee. She shows him a travel brochure for a cruise, it sounds like, of some glaciers, Easter Island, and other assorted locations where she'll have to refrain from pushing him over the rail of the cruise ship on their HONEYMOON. Franco looks terrified and I hear the wheel creak as the hamster gets cranking. How is our un-galan-ly galan going to get out of this?

Fer reads all about Ana Gregoria and Abuelo Jeronimo getting it on. She's actually finding it a bit of a turn-on herself, it looks like.

Franco says the trip sounds "fine" and they can make the reservations whenever she wants. The lack of interest is palpable, but as Erika said earlier, she doesn't care. How long will that last before she gets tired of him having a headache every night of the cruise? Come to think of it, do we even suspect that Franco has had sex with anyone? Who? Erika wants to make another suggestion, she says it's silly, but she hopes he'll say "yes." Which, like a dumbass, he does without waiting to hear what it is. She wants a kinda-sorta-joint bachelor and bachelorette party at her family's "finca" (country house) in Tabasco and she wants to invite someone who's vacationed there before…Fer! Ugh.

Fer reads about Soledad being angry at Ana Gregoria because Ana Gregoria wasn't hanging out with her as much. Then she reads about how even Abuela Altagracia noticed that Ana Gregoria wasn't feeling so good and stopped chastising her for not doing such a good job of dusting.

Erika talks about all the fun times she and Fer used to have at the finca…learning to drive a tractor, smoking their first cigarettes, getting drunk for the first time, talking about what the men of their dreams would be like. Erika giggles that every year, her man was different, but Fer always dreamt of the same one. She doesn't remember what the guy was "like" but she knows who the guy was…the cook's son. Erika repeats the story of Fer and Eddie getting busted kissing on the day of Fer's first Communion and Eddie being sent away. Erika laughs that it didn't matter, since Fer wasn't going to marry a servant's son anyway, hahaha! Erika says that Fer sent letters, but Eddie never answered. They toast (Franco is drinking water). Erika offers to show him a picture of a boy they both met in college…Miguel…the only guy Fer would have wanted to be with besides Eddie. He went into economics and is out in Spain working for…I kid you not…Economists Without Borders. Erika suggests they invite Miguel to the finca with them. Franco asks if that's convenient, in the middle of all the problems Fer is having, but Erika says it will be just the thing to cheer Fer up. And, yes, Virginia, there really is an Economistas Sin Fronteras http://www.eurosif.org/member_affiliates/list_of_member_affiliates/esf.

Damian gives Jacobo all the information about Vlad and tells him he wants a clean job. Jake says his buddy is a pro at this, and not to worry. Damian shows him a bag full of money. Jacobo stalls, saying it's going to take some time to study the target, blah, blah, blah. He's using some medical analogy and now says it's going to be an express healing.

Erika goes on and on about how Miguel is just soooo hot and sooooo smart and yet mysteriously single. Miguel and Fer never hooked up, despite Miguel's repeated advances. But Erika's hoping that now the time is ripe, Miguel is coming to Mexico and she thinks he's the perfect guy for Fer. OK, let me get this straight…that photoshopped hottie was into Fer in college, then she came back to Mexico and gave Franco 1 year to come claim her. When he didn't, she instead went for Damian, who she'd just met, instead of looking up Miguel? What. Ever.

Erika is all excited about getting Miguel and Fer together. Franco says it sounds like she's thought it all out. He agrees to inviting Fer and Miguel to join them at the finca. He wonders if Fer will be interested in Miguel. Erika doesn't know, but she's looking forward to playing cupid.

Fer reads about Abuela Altagracia throwing Ana Gregoria and baby Artemio out in a rainstorm. And if this wasn't written down in Ana Gregoria's diary, it would be one of those stories that gets worse every time she tells it…"I was in labor with you for 36 hours and five minutes after I had you my patrona threw me out of the house in sleeting rain with a flash flood warning and lightning strikes every two seconds, and I had to shield you from falling tree branches with nothing by my skinny shoulders while walked barefoot, uphill, and cried my eyes out, so don't you sass me, young man!"

At Margie and Jacinto's house, they eat some tostadas and talk about how Gardenia is soooo stubborn. Margie thinks Gardenia takes after her Abuelo Pantaleon, who was not just stubborn, but also a loudmouth. Margie and Jacinto hear a cat meowing outside, but they ignore it. Jacinto pulls a wrapped present out from the middle of the couch cushions. Margie says it's not her birthday, but Jacinto says it's not really for her. It's a rattle. This is his way of saying he'd like to procreate now. Margie's down with the plan. Jacinto says he just hopes the baby doesn't come out like her Abuelo Pantaleon. They hug. I nominate Jacinto and Margie for Prom King and Queen.

Franco asks what would have happened if Eddie had come back. Erika doesn't think anything would have happened, it was just a childhood crush. And the Elizaldes never would have permitted it. Erika says Fer would have realized eventually the futility of her romance with a hired hand. "Imagine!" says Erika, "It would have been like marrying a country boy like Jacinto!" Lady, you could do worse on this show. A lot worse. And you will. That's where we end it for tonight.

Tomorrow: Erika works on getting rid of Fernanda and Gardenia wants to know what's going on between Franco and Fer.

*Mother with Superior mental faculties than most of the characters in this novela

Labels: manana