Caray, Caray!

Wow. A triumph of filler....and what a llorathon. AY!

Here goes!

Baddie Burnie and crew have arrived to take Maria somewhere. Vic and the echo machine want to know where they are taking her hija. She cries. She begs them to let her hija go. She will do anything they ask. Hiiiiiiiiiijjaaaaaaa! Mariiiiiaaaa, I just lost a girl named Marriiiiiaaaaa! The sound of gunshot! Noooooo! Burnie looks on and smirks. (Maria is ok. The bad guy makes a show of pointing to a bullet hole in a box.) Vic continues to cry buckets. Burnie b!tch slaps her (was that a cheer from Viewerville? Heaven knows *I* wanted to slap her.) Vic's cries drown out the lines of the kidnapper.

Let's throw mama under the bus
Gui has Xi and her mother at gunpoint. He asks why Xi is robbing him. Xi blames mom and the meds. She didn't know what she was doing. She reminds Gui that they are both on the same (anti-Sandoval) side. Gui doesn't trust them. It would be easier to just get rid of them. Xi and mom beg. Gui will give them another chance, but they better be careful not to double-cross him.

Leo and Os
Os can't believe Leo took such liberties. He reminds her that he doesn't love her, that he loves Victoria (He's is so hopeful...that's why I like him.) She apologizes. Os says he just wants to try and help, but she can't keep being a flake. She asks him not to distance himself from her. She begs. He gives her another chance, but reminds her to cool it. If his family had seen it would have been a huge mess. er..too late

Fer rolls into the kitchen and thinks about the Os vs Voice face-off. Then she thinks about the Os vs Leo lip-lock. She cries. Her parents don't love each other. Her family is being destroyed.

Back to the Kidnapping
Vic has calmed down but only minimally. The kidnappers have her calling the Sandoval Manse. O-o-o-s-vall-d-d-d-o-o hiccup sob... She sobs about her niña. They toook heeerrr. Who? Asks Os...who did they take? Where did they take her? Vic says she doesn't know and sobs some more (Burnie, hon, could you slap her again?) Vic continues to sob. She heard shots. She doesn't know if her niña is dead or alive. The head baddie gets on the phone and tells Os to hurry it up with the lana (money.) Probably because he's tired of listening to Vic, too.

Commercial break: So what does everyone think of La Fuerza del Destino????


Voice, Max and Lon have found what the presume to be Maria's clothes. They walk in circles. Voice rallies the torpid troops. They have to find out if the blood is human (aaaand we add CSI Officer to the doctor's resume.) Max should head home where the kidnappers will be calling they head back for Casa Sandoval.

Everyone searches for Vic and Maria Desamparada. Dramatic music and facial expressions. FF>>

The head kidnapper, Nicolás by name, is being berated by the Maria stand in. She isn't happy. Things are turning out more complicated than they should be. She knows the Sandovals will do anything (mover el cielo y mar y tierra? move heaven, sea and the earth) to get the ladies back. More browbeating from her. Shut ups! from him.

Os paces. Leo tells him everything will be fine. Fer looks on and stares daggers. Leo tries to comfort Fer...who reacts icily. Millie and the searchers begin to arrive. More dramatic music, facial expressions and flailing (Pip mainly.)  Really, it starts to look like bad comedy....like a squillion clowns popping out of a tiny car. Do you think the writers couldn't think of any dialogue?

Whew! Finally some talking. Max arrives and asks if there's any news. Os tells everyone they have to be strong. Please note: there are no representatives from law enforcement. Those Sandoval's are fiercely independent I guess. "We don't need no stinking police." He tells the group about Vic's phone call. Max asks about Maria. Os explains how Maria was taken away and how later Vic heard shots. It's not supposed to be funny, but everyone's reaction makes me laugh. NO! NO PUEDE SER! Max squints and puckers. Holy crap that's funny! We get a close up of each character to savor: Pip, Alonso, Toni, Nati, Voice, Fer y su papá. Cruz asks about the stain on the clothes and wants to know if it's blood. There is a mini bull-snort from William! He must be crying.

Millie spies the clothing and proclaims she has seen Maria wearing those clothes before. William Mush mouths and Fer frets. Alonso wants to know exactly what was said. More re-hash from Os. Vic doesn't know if Maria is alive or dead. More crowd reaction. Os mentions the kidnappers want money. Pip is all "give it to them" and Oscar is all voice of reason and is all "the business has no liquid assets." Somehow Pip is to blame. I'm sure he spend too much on fabric or something. (I didn't listen closely.) Pip pitches a fit. Toni soothes him. Everyone offers to pitch in the pesos they've saved and Os mentions selling some of Vic's jewelry. Millie is going to rally the vecindad. She takes her leave.

*annoyed sigh* Cruz offers to take Fer home and she says no, thank you I will stay here at MY house (emphasis added.) Os tells her her house is with her husband. Fer whines that there is no love in her house or in the Sandoval house. whine whine. She made all that progress and now she's just back to spoiled brat. Cruz won't stand in her way.

Heri is going to head to the lab and find out if the stain is blood or not. Leonela is leaving, too. She tells Max she's sorry....there's really nothing for her to do there. Max objects and Fer says to let her leave. Leo and Heri go.

Max wants to know what's up with Fer's attitude. She says she saw Leo kissing Dad.

Vic and the llorathon FF>>

Heri wants the lab results, pronto.

Os and crew pull the jewelry from the safe. They are all quite pleased and feel that they will be able to sell them and get the money they need. Surely we all see what's coming next?

Toni arrives to tell Os that the jewelry is all fake. Vic sold the real stuff and got copies to try and save the business.

The kidnappers move the still sobbing Vic.

Back at the Sandoval's everyone discusses the rise of violence in Mexico. These people have no values or morals. Max says "Poor Mexico" (and this recapper agrees. I've attended three workshops this Summer about the subject. It's very sad.) Voice arrives with test results: IT'S PAINT! HOORAY!

Maria is tied back up to the pillar. She wants to know where mom is. Woman kidnapper says her lines and leaves. Maria screams and cries. "Don't leave me here!"

Cruz has a sad. He sings an entire song and flashbacks. Writer's don't have to come up with dialogue. FF>>

Vic is tied to a chair. The crying continues FF>>

Maria flashbacks the almost the entire dialogue between she and Vic since they were tied up together. She tilts her head. Then she remembers all the nasty stuff Vic has said to her. Maria will never forgive her.

Millie is asking the vecindad for donations for the rescate (ransom.) The Jarochas don't mind helping Maria, but they don't give a rip about Vic. FF>>

Gui still wants to know why Xi and her mom would rob him. Mom kind of wonders why Burnie gave him all that money. He did her a favor. Xi comments it must be something pretty nasty (?). Gui lets them go. He reminds Xi that she owes him big now. He let her live.

At the vecindad we get a granny donating dentures and Napo saying they need "en efectivo. CASH MONEY."

Burnie is in bed. Jail is hell, but God will reward her for her having gone through this Calvario (Calvary.) Eva brown noses. Burnie wants to get some sleep. As Eva leaves she tells her that she doesn't want to be bothered at all. No visitors EXCEPT Gui. She's sure he'll have good news for her. She plans a good rest. She expects thing aren't so calm at Casa Sandoval.

At Casa Sandoval, Heri offers Os money for the rescue.

Alonso is back on the chopping block: we get the montage of doom.

Labels: triunfo

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's Recap #4 at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 18 start at this link.

Thank you for today's picture, Carlos. Of the three, I definitely prefer the horse's patooty.

Labels: Alborada

Gonzo tells Matias that Fina is terminal and that her dying wish is to have her daughter and grandchild near her. He begs Matias to convince Berta to come back home (since he’s the only person she’ll speak to) and to not do anything crazy and irreversible (abortion, suicide?). Matias looks worried. Fina looks gleeful as she listens through the door.

Blanca, in a red hot dress (wow, still hard to believe this is the same actress who was salt of the earth Delfina in Mi Pecado!), convinces Honorio to come hang out with her for some coffee talk while Adriana and Constanza chat in his office. She takes him by the hand and leads him into her lair. What’s his name (you know, the nosey kid who has a thing for Adri) looks on with interest.

Inside Hon’s office, Connie and Adri speak about Adri moving in with Hon and Con. They both know it won’t be easy. Adri doesn’t want to intrude or take advantage of Hon, who has already done so much. Connie points out that it’s not taking advantage (abusar) since Hon is her father. Adri points out she was sort of forced on/imposed on Hon, and admits she’s not quite there yet in seeing him as her father. Connie’s glad Adri isn’t jumping on the father-daughter bandwagon just like that, as it would make her suspicious. Adri explains how her mom Aggie made sure Adri loved her absentee father. She accepts that her dad wasn’t with her because of her mom’s decision not to tell him. She’s not going to judge her decision and she knows she did her best. Connie acknowledges what a special young woman Adri is and says they have something in common- Honorio. Because Adri is special to him, she wants Adri in his life. Adri points out that this is what her mother wanted too, and accepts moving in with Hon and Con.

Hon, meanwhile is sharing yucks over coffee with Blanca.

Antonio surprises Regina with a brand new house for the two of them to move into. No problem if Cata wants to live with them or if she wants to stay in her current home, which is near the new one. Also no problem for him if the long lost daughter wants to live with them when she is found. Gina looks overwhelmed.

Dr. Do-Nothing-But Drink (and rape his wife) comes home with a bunch of roses. (I wonder if there’s a “Sorry I raped you” apology card available at the florist’s?) He is surprised to find Carina has flown the coop. She meanwhile is playing a game with Panchito, the mystery child of Alfonsina and Ezekiel. Alfie returns home and tells Cari that their home is her home. Panchito is super happy to be hanging out with Cari, who also helped him with his homework. Cari says what a blessing it is to have a child rather wistfully, and asks if she and Zeke have plans for another. Alfie, equally wistfully, says that’s not in the plans. Panchito heads outside to play and Alfie asks Cari for the scoop on what happened with Dr. Jekyll. Did he beat her (te pego)? “Something worse.” (algo peor)

In the square, Ezekiel runs into Lazaro and tells him Cari’s at his place because something bad went down with the Doc. Laz flies off to see her, with the Doc, who is looking for Cari, hot on his tail.

In front of the Church, Jero, who appears to be in a good mood for a change, is bidding Renata farewell with kisses. He’ll run his errands, while she does her church business, and they’ll meet up later in front of the church.

Back at Alfie’s and Zeke’s, Lazaro is demanding to see Cari and to find out what happened. The Doc enters and tells Laz it’s none of his biz. When the Doc then says it’s all because Cari is crazy, Laz proceeds to break his face and ribs. The women break it up and order them both to get the heck out. Alfie makes a point of kicking the Doc out of HER house, and he looks hurt at her treating him this way. Zeke gets there too late and seems to miss the meaningful look between his wife and the Doc.

In the church, Padre is welcoming Nata. He says he doesn’t know Jero that well yet, but everyone loved Rafa. They don’t look that much alike, except the eyes. And Jero has a strong personality (code for being a jerk…we already knew that). Then the Padre lets spill the important frijoles. Rafa killed himself at the hacienda over the rejection (desamor) of a woman—La Bonita. Nata is impactada. The Padre is surprised that she knows nothing of this. He sits her down to tell her more. He explains about how Jero arrived after Rafa was dead and buried. Rafa was a young man of 26-27 years old. Nata now thinks she understands why Jero doesn’t want to talk about him. Not only that, the Padre explains, he also wanted to sell the hacienda and move back to Spain pronto. The hacienda was Rafa’s dream and being there only reminded Jero of the pain of losing his brother. But at the last minute (ultima hora) he decided not to sell, because he has a good heart and didn’t want to abandon the hacienda workers, particularly Lazaro and Matilde. Nata really thinks she’s getting it now about why Jero is behaving the way he is. He doesn’t know how to handle his feelings (manejar sus sentimientos). She can imagine the pain that keeping, and living in, the hacienda is causing. The Padre can’t judge Rafa for the choice he made over the desamor of a woman. Only God can do that. Nata thanks the Padre.

Outside the church, Jero is waiting for Nata when Arely and Agustin stroll up. They invite him and Nata to Auggie’s hacienda, Cruz de Amor, for dinner the following night. Jero says it’s up to Nata. When Nata arrives, she tries to be the model wife for her emotionally battered (so she thinks) husband, and defers to him. She knows going to Auggie’s won’t be pleasant for him. Auggie challenges Jero’s manhood by claiming that he can keep business and personal matters separate, and he’s sure Jero can too. Jero agrees, gets kisses from a happy Nata, and Auggies grits his teeth and bears it.

Hon and Con bring Adri home to pack her up to come with them. Adri balks at moving so fast. She can’t leave the place that was her home for so many years just like that. Connie understands and encourages Adri to drop the Senora and just call her Constanza. Hon gives in, but asks that it not be too long till she moves in with them. He gives her a parting hug, telling her he loves her. She thanks him and calls him papa for the first time. Connie looks a bit devastated.

At the office, Red Hot Blanca is sharing the gossip about Adri being Hon’s hija with annoying/nosey guy. Oh, his name is Daniel. Now that Adri’s one of the owners’ children, she’ll be put on the executive fast track. Daniel thinks that if his chances with Adri were slim before when she was a simple employee, they’re virtually impossible now! But Blanca has a master plan. If the two of them make themselves indispensible to Adri , then neither she nor Hon will be able to make a move without them. The two of them can watch each other’s back. Is he in or out?

The (finally and likely briefly) happy couple have arrived back at La Bonita. Jero is going to ask Manuela to make them a delicious dinner and he’ll even break out the red wine. Well, if there’s going to be wine, Nata’s going to get herself dolled up. They kiss on that and she skips off merrily to get ready as Carlos arrives. Carlos is happy to see that Jero is finally making his wife happy. Mati, not so much. Carlos throws in her face that he won their bet—Jero and Nata came back just as happy as they left. Now she has to take him out dancing on Saturday and teach him. He demonstrates his not so stellar, but funny, dance moves. Mati resists, and says that the man is supposed to do the inviting, but she can’t resist cracking a smile and calling him crazy.

In the (guest) bedroom, Nata has found the perfect dress and is reminiscing about her sensitive, emotionally bruised man. She thanks the Virgin and God for allowing her to find out everything and gain an understanding of what’s going on with her husband. In the office, Carlos wants to know what’s up/what changed. Jero thinks it’s because Nata changed her ‘tude- she’s more loving (where the hell has he been, because this is pretty standard for her). Carlos thinks it’s more because Jero has changed his attitude. Jero tells him about the Cruz del Amor dinner. Carlos thinks he agreed to go to alleviate his jealousy. Nope, it’s because Nata gave him his proper husbandly respect in front of Auggie (hard to translate dar su lugar in English). He also felt tenderness and affection for her (imagine that!) since she had just been rejected via phone by her mom. Oh, and Roberta is pregnant by who knows who. Nata gave up so much to be with him. He just can’t wrap his head around the enigma that is Renata. Seems like there is both good AND bad in her. (Carlos correctly points out that’s true for everyone. ) It’s like she’s two different people! The one who played with his brother’s feelings, and another that suffers because of the rejection/desamor of her family (los suyos). And suffers because of Jero’s rejection/desamor too, Carlos wisely notes. Why doesn’t Jero just love the “good” Renata, and leave the one who broke Rafa’s heart locked up for good?

At Auggie’s, Arely is trying to convince Auggie that Nata and Jero are crazy in LOVE, as newlyweds should be. Auggie’s not buying it. He noted a sadness in Renata. He orders Arely to make sure everything is perfect for the dinner, then orders her out as he angrily drinks his wine.

In the kitchen of La Bonita, Mati is curing Laz’s wounds from his rumble with the Doc. He wants her to find out exactly what went down with the Doc and Cari. She refuses, and says they should leave married folk alone to fix their own problems. Manuela and I snort, and point out that this is NOT what she’s been doing in the case of Jero and Nata. She thinks the difference is that Cari and the Doc have been happily married for a long time, while Jero and Nata have been unhappily married for a short time. Mati tells Laz to butt out again and blames his rash behavior on his continued love for Cari. He admits to his madrina that he still loves Cari the same as when he first fell in love with her. The spare maid agrees to speak to Cari, as she has to see her about fixing the embroidery on the marital sheets.

In the church, the Doc is continuing to spew his bs to the Padre about Cari being crazy. He wants the Padre to force her to come back home where he will administer the needed medications (being the only doc in town). If Cari doesn’t return to him and keeps badmouthing him, then people in the town won’t want him to treat them and he will be forced to leave, leaving the town with no doctor. The Padre falls for this convoluted logic and agrees to talk to Cari. Idiot.

Gonzo serves Fina in bed (idiot) and tells her Matias is seeing Berta tomorrow. He then drops the bomb that Adri is Hon’s daughter.

Cata is telling her daughter Gina that she won’t move in with her and Tony. She wants to give them their space, and when the time is right, move into a retirement home. Gina still looks unsure and thinks of Gonzo. Tony finalizes the house sale and puts it in Gina’s name.

Connie gets a call from Chema of the soulful eyes. He asks how she’s feeling about the Adri situation and she points out that hubby Hon didn’t ask her that question. (He does have a lot on his mind at the moment, and Chema only has ONE thing on his mind. I’m just saying.) He tells her to take it day by day. She thanks him and they sign off as Hon enters the bedroom. He notes that she and Chema are becoming good friends. She deflects by mentioning his youth. Hon then takes her hand, caresses her cheek and thanks her for accepting Adri. (See, he IS sensitive!) She deflects again and goes into the bathroom to remove her makeup. She remembers Chema’s question about how she’s feeling about it all. Hon then gets a text message from Blanca, who is channeling Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction in her white bedroom. She lies that she’s still at the office and invites him out for a late dinner. He tells her to go home, declines the invitation, points out that he’s at home with his WIFE, and tells her goodnight. Blanca looks near tears at the rejection and ready to boil some bunnies.

Renata struggles to zip up her bubble dress and enlists Jero’s help. (Now would be a good time to help her OUT of the dress and fulfill his husbandly duties.) She asks him how she looks, and like a good husband he tells her she looks wonderful (preciosa). But then bad Jero rears his ugly head. He’s sure many men find her attractive, like all the suitors (pretendientes) she must have had. She playfully agrees there were many suitors, but only he won her heart. He’s the only one she loves. She had been thrown off by his recent attitude, but now that she knows what’s behind it, she wants him to know that he can count on her. She reveals that she knows the death of his brother was caused by the desamor of a woman. Now we get Anti-Hero in full swing. Yep. Some woman without scruples KILLED his brother. He gives Nata a penetrating glare. Hint, hint, hint. Nata points out that it was Rafa’s decision to take his own life, not La Bonita’s.
R: Who is she? Because it really has me intrigued.
J: Why don’t YOU tell me Renata! I want YOU to tell me what happened to my brother. Tell me!
R: *WTF look on her face.*

Matias helps Adri pack up some of her things. He has no time to stay for dinner. Before he goes, she mentions Nata’s call and how much she loves the hacienda. She admits to a worried Matias that she told Nata about Berta being knocked up, but told her to call her mom and sis to get the scoop straight from them. It’s not like after Fina’s performance at the office that it will be a secret for long. She wants to know what’s up with Matias and why he’s so upset. Is it because Nata is happy? Nope. Then is it because Matias is worried that Nata will be disappointed in him since he slept with Berta and is a baby-daddy suspect? Or is it because he still hasn’t stopped loving Nata, despite starting something up with Adri? Matias admits that he still loves Nata with his whole soul.

Back to the most perplexing conversation ever:
R: I can’t tell you anything about La Bonita. I didn’t know your brother, much less this woman.
J: La Bonita is from the capital, from a good family and high society, like you. She told my brother that she would leave it all for him, but it was all a game (engaño). Rafa was never enough for her.
R: Well, I suppose it was very difficult for your brother. But women like that can be found everywhere, not just in the capital.
J: (Getting really worked up.) Women without souls. Women without feelings. Women who just want to be admired. It’s their only way of feeling superior.
R: Do you know something more about her? What’s her name? Where did your brother meet her?
J: What is wrong with you?! Do you want to drive me crazy, or what?!
R: Pardon me, pardon me. I just asked because I thought talking about it would help rid you of some of your pain or rage. Wait. If you don’t want to talk about it, or aren’t ready, we don’t have to touch the topic.
J: Yes! I want to speak about it!!! I want to speak about it!!!
R: Then speak.
J: No! YOU speak!!!!
R: You speak! Get it out already!
J: (Gets in her face looking like he’s going to explode, slap her, or both.)
R: Jeronimo. What is happening? Why are you looking at me like that?
He turns and walks out the door. Renata has yet another WTF look on her face.

The Doc is trying the full court press to make Cari come back. He meets Auggie in his hacienda office and asks him to pressure Zeke to kick Cari out of his home (and back to her own home). Auggie asks why she left him and isn’t surprised at the reason. For the first time the Doc admits it’s true. Seems he feels that Auggie is a kindred spirit and points out his ungentlemanly behavior with Arely. This ticks Auggie off. He has never raped Arely or any other woman! One can seduce, conquer, or even dominate a woman. (Which does he plan for Nata?) But NEVER take her by force. He’ll help him this one time, but if he does it again, he’s SOL. Auggie looks disgusted.

At La Bonita, Mati is happy to report that Jero has cancelled the special dinner and locked himself up in his study. Nata is about to lay into the insolent brat, when Carlos intervenes. Nata turns her questions about Jero’s mood swings to Carlos. It’s complicated and Jero’s his best friend. He can’t really talk about it. Nata knows. It’s because Carlos knows him better than her that she’s asking him. “What’s wrong with him? Is he sick, bipolar, or what?” “Of course not!” Nata wants to know why he just spurned her (despreciar). “Why do YOU think he did that?” (Shit Carlos, if she knew she wouldn’t be asking you!) Nata doesn’t know, but tells Carlos she found out about the Rafa suicide from the Padre. She thinks it all has something to do with that. Carlos confirms that could be. She has been trying to be caring and attentive so that he can feel comfortable enough to unburden himself with her. She gets up in frustration. She doesn’t understand! There are so many things about La Bonita that she doesn’t know! Carlos is perplexed. “You don’t know La Bonita?” (How many times does she have to say this people?!!!) Nata points out that if she doesn’t even know Rafa, how the heck is she going to know La Bonita? She’s never even seen a photo of Rafa.

In his office Anti-Hero is cursing (maldita) Nata again. I. Hate. Him.

Renata asks Carlos to get her a photo of Rafa and is shocked to hear that none remain in the hacienda. Jero locked them all up. Renata is utterly confused. Carlos advises it will become clearer with time. Nata’s not sure time will solve this and explains to Carlos what she’s feeling—like Jero doesn’t trust her; like he’s blaming her for something; as if she were La Bonita and he was trying to get even with her. Carlos tries to make an uncomfortable escape, but Nata pulls him back. She swears that she’s not lying. She doesn’t know La Bonita. But if Carlos tells her her name, then she can find out who she is. She begs for his help. Carlos looks conflicted and confused.

Labels: Cuando

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's Recap #4 at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 17 start at this link.

Excellent picture tody, Carlos. Thank you!

Labels: Alborada

Labels: Cuando

Please be patient, dropping my daughter off for VBS and then I will finish my masterpiece and post it up for everyone!!

Labels: Cuando

Labels: triunfo

Rooftop Romance: Teresa kisses Mariano and he resists at first but poor guy just can’t help himself. He begins to kiss her back as their theme song plays. They break long enough for her to tell him she still loves him then hands him a glass of champagne. He hasn’t said anything yet, just takes a drink. I hold my breath.

Juana/Espe’s apt: Espe continues the interrogation. She’s letting them both have it for their lack of judgment. Then Johnny inevitably throws Espe’s transgression in her face: Didn’t she go off with a married man in the name of “love”? (ouch) He immediately apologizes. She agrees she’s not in a position to judge him. She just didn’t want him to have problems. She doesn’t have the right to tell him anything and now she apologizes to him.

Rooftop Romance: Mariano says he’s not sure that what he feels now is love but he yearns for her as much as ever and that will never die. She asks if he now prefers Aida or maybe Aurora. The only thing he can tell her is that he’s confused. After what she did to him she can’t possibly expect everything to be as it was. She reminds him he once told Arturo that if she were his, he wouldn’t live in the past but would live for the future. That’s what she wants – a future with him. She clinks her glass against his saying they can plan for their future, make their dreams come true. She never imagined she’d need him so much. She can’t live without him and asks for another chance to begin again. He tearfully says he doesn’t know if he can ever believe her again. She pleads with him to try. She knows she failed him but she hadn’t realized the intensity of this love. She’ll never be happy without him. “Te amo, Mariano. Te amo, te amo, te amo!” He should never doubt that. He takes this all in for a second then gives in and reaches for her. They embrace in a smoldering kiss, kiss, kiss. (I scream).

Casa Caceres (combined scenes): Ruben tells Aida about taking over the foundation. He’s happy about it, saying this could get him noticed by the right people. She’s amazed at Teresa’s influence over Arturo, convinced she’s responsible for Arturo passing on the responsibility to Ruben. Ruben’s grateful to Teresa and he’s looking forward to working with Martin. She laughs as she tells him he’ll now be working closely with Mariano as the head of the pediatrics division. He refuses to have anything to do with that imbécil! If working with him is one of the conditions of heading the foundation, he’ll refuse Arturo’s offer. Aida reminds him he was going to work on their relationship and now that’s one of her conditions – he needs to get along with Mariano. As soon as Mariano agrees to end his friendship with Espe, she plans to renew her relationship with him. Ruben can’t believe Mariano is still friends with Espe while he’s dating Aida. Mayra walks in, ready for dinner. She wants everyone to see that her husband’s lover wasn’t able to take him away from her. Aida gives her a thumbs up.

Back at the Rooftop: Mariano and Teresa are still sucking face. He asks her to spend the night with him. She agrees – the whole night, and very soon their entire life.

Juana/Espe’s apt: Johnny and Pati continue to apologize to Espe. Pati offers to return to Gramps to avoid further problems for him. He’s willing to risk anything, fearing her Granpa will hide her away from him forever. Juana and Refugio arrive at that moment and both are relieved to find them okay. Espe assures them “nothing” has happened between them. Refugio offers Pati the spare room in their apt after Juana says no way is she spending the night with him. Johnny reminds everyone Pati’s now an adult and they want to get married right away. Refugio joins in the discussion, telling him this isn’t how it’s done. They should have a courtship before marriage. They all leave and Juana is alone but not for long. Cutberto comes by and Juana gives him a WHACK! across the face! She starts yelling at him about being involved in the whole Johnny/Pati escándalo. He tells her he deserves the slap. WHACK! She slaps him again for the fright (susto) he caused her.

Grumpy Gramps: Now he’s Sad Sack Gramps. He pitifully tells Gris he’s looking for something, anything that will lead him to Pati. He’s crying and now she’s crying as they rummage through her room.

Mariano’s room (combo scenes): Teresa and Mariano now on his bed getting to it but they’re still fully dressed….when Ramon walks in!!! Ay Caray! Ramon tells him this is just too much (el colmo). Doesn’t he see that this, this “señora” te esta viendo la cara de idiota?(making you out to be an idiot; literally=seeing your idiot face). He doubts very much she’ll get a divorce. Teresa tries to say something and he interjects asking if she’s even considered what her husband will do to his son. They need to think about what could happen if this gets out. Mariano and Teresa have hurriedly been dressing as he’s trying to talk some sense into them. He says they haven’t considered all the consequences of their actions. Arturo’s likely to kill Mariano if he finds out. He speaks to Mariano directly, saying he can make his own decisions no matter what anyone says, not even his father! He storms out of the room and Mariano follows him telling him Teresa and he love each other. (I scream again)

Genoveva’s home: Aida has come by to give her all the details on the scandal about the Barrera separation. Geno imagines the field day the tabloids will have with the story. She just hopes they don’t reconcile. No way, says Aida. Teresa needs to learn her lesson. Even though she may keep part of Arturo’s money, she’ll never be accepted in their social circle. And she’ll make sure Mariano doesn’t take her back.

Vecindad, AKA Grand Central Station:

Ramon knows Mariano loves her but what Teresa feels for him isn’t love or she wouldn’t continue to hurt him time and again. Teresa pathetically says she loves Mariano and that’s why she’s decided to get a divorce. Ramon is exasperated and says he doesn’t believe her. Mariano tells him this is between Teresa and him. Ramon tells him it’s a pity he doesn’t realize that this woman will ruin his life. Now Teresa speaks up, saying she understands his reluctance to believe her but she loves Mariano. All she asks is for a little time to prove to him that she will make Mariano happy. Mariano does deserve to be happy, Ramon replies, too bad that won’t happen as long as he can’t get her out of his life. He walks out.

EEK! Outside, Arturo and Martin arrive at the vecindad! Arturo assures Martin he’s ok now. He’s no longer drinking and he’s just there to speak with his wife (mi mujer). Martin’s not budging, saying he’s also got a score to settle here.

Rooftop: Oh, spare me! Now Johnny and Pati are looking for a little romance on the rooftop. Too bad all signs of Tere’s and Mariano’s romantic setting have totally disappeared. Anyway Pati says she doesn’t care that she’s so young. He’s concerned he doesn’t have much money. She doesn’t care. All she’s dreamed about these past months is waking up in his arms and making him breakfast, etc. etc. He wants her to be sure she doesn’t want to wait a little longer. She loves him. They kiss. I cringe.

Refugio returns to her apt and tells Armando about all the Johnny/Pati scandal and that she offered to have Pati stay with them. No way, says Armando. They’re going to return her to her granpa ASAP! A knock on the door – it’s Arturo wondering where, oh where, can his little tiburoncita be?

Martin’s walking around the vecindad and looks up to see said Tiburoncita talking in Mariano’s doorway.

Juana is scolding Cutberto for getting Johnny in so much trouble. She goes on talking about how she was so worried thinking of all the trouble he was in and angry that he would use Gris in order for Johnny to get close to Pati. They continue like this, ending with Cutberto pulling her on to the couch with him and kissing her. She comes up for air and tells him to let her go or he’ll never win her back! He thought he’d already won her back! She criticizes him again for using Gris and for being immature. She wonders how he plans to have children when he behaves in this manner. He tells her he wants to have children but only with her. Tere walks in and wonders how he plans to support those children when he can’t even support himself. In contrast, Juana’s in a position where she’ll be given everything, not supporting a ne’er-do-well . She’s dating someone who deserves her, someone who is refined, educated, and can give her everything. He needs to stop wasting her time and leave…now! Cutberto says he won’t leave until Juana kicks him out. Juana thought she had already kicked him out or does he want her to threaten him (she picks up a measuring thing-a-ma-jig) He leaves as Teresa continues to snap her fingers at him, saying he deserves to be put in jail for all the stupid things (tonterías) he’s done. Juana looks like she’s regretting her move.

Refugio’s trying to get Arturo to calm down and tell them what’s going on. (she’s still calling him licenciado) She knows something’s wrong. How can it be he doesn’t know where Teresa is unless something is wrong? Armando tells her to butt out and then tells Arturo Tere’s not there. He also reminds him of his promise to make Teresa happy and she’s not. Arturo assures them he loves Teresa and is sure he can mend things but first he needs to find her. Armando hopes that’s true cuz he doesn’t care if he’s his boss, his daughter’s happiness comes first. Refugio asks him again to tell them what’s going on. If Teresa’s done something wrong, it’s her duty to correct her. (wait….what?! How old is Teresa?) Arturo tells them politely that this is between Teresa and him and that this problem will most assuredly be resolved.

Martin enters Mariano’s apt and wastes no time in asking what Teresa was doing there. Ruh-Roh!

Teresa is talking to Juana and Espe about Johnny/Pati. Knock, knock, knock – it’s Arturo! She told him she wouldn’t be joining him for dinner and now he’s here. Is he checking up on her? Juana asks him to enter. She and Juana support Teresa’s cover story that she’s there to help with the Johnny/Pati incident. Arturo offers his help and in turn is invited to join them for dinner. Arturo is trying to get the story out of Teresa who asks if he doubts her reason for being here. In come Johnny/Pati, telling Espe they’ve decided to get married right away. While everyone is distracted, Teresa reaches into her purse and hurriedly puts on her wedding rings. Someone mentions jail, and now Arturo’s really confused. Pati assures him Johnny did nothing wrong, he’s her hero. Ugh

Mariano tells Martin that he and Teresa had some pending business to discuss and that’s that. Martin wants to know what’s going on between him and Aurora. Mariano explains Aurora told him she cared for him at one time, that’s all. He doesn’t know why she told him but there’s no need for Martin to get in his face about it. Martin’s always known she was hot for Mariano but still he decided to go all-out for her love. Everything was going along great until today. Mariano assures him neither he nor Aurora have done anything to betray his trust. Martin doesn’t know what to think and that’s why he broke up with Aurora until she is clear as to what she wants. If she’s still in love with Mariano, she doesn’t want her to feel obligated to him because of what they’ve had together. Mariano assures him what Aurora felt for him is in the past, that’s what she told him. Martin is certain she still cares for Mariano and is willing to step aside if being with Mariano will make her happy. However, he warns Mariano that if he wins her back, it will be forever.

Casa de Chavez: Refugio is laying into Armando as usual, complaining that he knew of the problems Teresa was having with Arturo and he didn’t tell her about it. She prays to la Virgincita that Teresa resolves all her problems. Armando says no matter what happens, he won’t allow el licenciado to hurt his daughter.

Juana/Espe’s apt: Teresa is giving her legal advice on the Johnny/Pati incident. Pati left of her own will (voluntad), therefore they shouldn’t have any problems. That’s not privación a la libertdad (deprivation of freedom). Besides, Pati clarifies, she had told the old codger she’d be leaving on her birthday. Arturo agrees that Johnny can’t be charged with kidnapping (secuestro). Teresa also tells us that in México, the police wait 72 hours before the police will take a missing person report. Johnny repeats their decision to marry immediately. Teresa asks if they’re sure, because everything changes once you’re married. Freudian slip perhaps, but her hand is hovering over a disconsolate Arturo as she says this. Johnny & Pati say they’re sure because they’re in lurrrve. Johnny worries the only thing left is to find a place for the four of them to live. Arturo asks, “¿los cuatro?” Johnny says “sure. Me, my betrothed, my sister, and my little nephew.” Arturo didn’t know! “¿estas embarazada?” Everyone looks uncomfortable and Teresa shoots Johnny a menacing look.

Casa Caceres: Ruben and Mayra have returned from dinner as he recounts that Aida has told him she’ll forgive him so long as he doesn’t pressure her to stop seeing Mariano. He repeats that Geno wisely advised that forbidding the relationship would only serve to have Aida cling to Mariano. Ruben gets to the point of suggesting to Mayra that she consider protecting her inheritance. He wouldn’t want Mariano to take advantage of Aida in order to get to Mayra’s fortune and therefore thinks she should relieve Aida of control over her finances. Mayra snidely remarks he just wants that control for himself. No, he says, he likes the thought of Mayra taking control of her money and working side by side with him. He jokingly suggests he should stop working altogether so she can have him all to herself. Kissy, kissy, smooch. Mayra’s as giddy as a schoolgirl. Poor sap.

Juana/Espe’s apt: At the dinner table, Espe fills in Arturo on all things bebé: Mayra and Aida know but think the babydaddy is someone else, Ruben knows he’s the babydaddy and wants to support her and the child. Arturo’s stunned.

Casa Chavez: Refugio sighs heavily saying Pati reminds her of her dead Rosita. Armando and Refugio agree to support the Johnny/Pati cause in the name of Rosita. Pati and Johnny arrive and explain the legal advice they were given by Arturo and Teresa. Arturo’s there? The lights go out, leaving everyone in the dark.

Casa de la Barrera: Teresa says she is safe and sound (sano y salvo) and therefore, Arturo can leave. He wants to talk and tells her he took the first steps in removing himself from Paloma’s foundation. She is not happy to hear he’s handed over the reins to Ruben. She has plenty (plenamente) reason to distrust him. Arturo explains he’s doing everything possible to distance himself from all things Paloma and he’s doing this to show his love for Teresa. She responds by telling him it’s no use. She’s made up her mind. She wants a divorce. He refuses, asking that she give him a chance. Then he asks if it’s because of Mariano, she plans to go back to him, doesn’t she? She replies, “and if that’s the case, so what?” Arturo is taken aback as though he’s been slapped.

Mariano’s apt in candlelight: Mariano’s sad to hear Ramon wants to get a job elsewhere and asks him to reconsider. Ramon feels he could get better pay and besides Mariano is starting his life and doesn’t need him anymore. He only hopes Mariano doesn’t make a mistake. Mariano knows he’s referring to Teresa and all he can say is that he’s very confused. Ramon advises him not to make any decisions until he’s thought it all over very carefully or he could live to regret it. He suggests he talk to Aurora. Mariano is pensativo.

Casa de la Barrera: Teresa says it doesn’t matter if she ends up with Mariano or anyone else. It’s ironic that he exhibits such jealousy when he’s the unfaithful one. He’s trying to understand. He feels that if she truly loves him, he should be able to win her back despite his mistake. He asks if she truly loves him, if that’s why she married him. Of course, she says. She just can’t forgive him. In the name of their love, he asks that she forgive him. Nah, she says. If she were someone else she might have easily forgiven him. She wants him to love her as much as she loves him. She’s not willing to settle for anything less. He pleads with her, begs her to reconsider and give their marriage a chance. She unflinchingly doesn’t think he’ll succeed. She again asks him to leave. Cold as ice, that one.

Casa Chavez: Morning has arrived. Armando, Refugio, and Pati are enjoying breakfast as Johnny arrives with all the paperwork needed for their marriage. Armando and Refugio both give them advice, suggesting a courtship before marriage.

Casa Grumpy Granpa: Gris finds the old codger despondent and curled up on Pati’s bed. She tries to talk him into having breakfast. He has no need for food and only has thoughts for Pati. Then he turns on her, blaming her for her part in Pati’s abduction (rapto). At first he tells her to leave, then changes his mind, saying he’ll turn her into the police. They start to struggle.

Casa Chavez: Refugio continues to advise Johnny/Pati to go through a courtship before marriage. They talk in stereotypical gender roles: Johnny has a job, but can he support a household? Can Pati cook and clean, can she maintain a household budget? They go on like this as the accordion plays on.

Hospital: Mariano has asked Aurora to his office to talk. Sidenote: she’s wearing her lab coat with high heeled boots – not a good look in my opinion. Besides, how can you wear heels while making rounds? Just sayin’. Anyhoo, Mariano brings up the topic of discussion: She told him she loved him. She’s embarrassed and thinks she shouldn’t have said anything. On the contrary, he apologizes for being such an imbécil and not having noticed. He wonders why she decided to tell him now. Does she still love him? She tells him they’ve always been good friends and wonders if what she said made a difference to him. Well, she definitely made him realize how stupid he was for such a long time. She philosophizes that when one is in love, one notices no one else. That’s what she thinks happened to him with Teresa and what’s happening to her now with Martin. When she first started dating Martin, he knew she still loved Mariano but decided to take the risk to win her over. He’s winning her over by being so thoughtful. Mariano asks if she loves Martin. She says Martin has helped her appreciate herself and enjoy life. She wants to make it very clear that she loves Martin and that there can be nothing between her and Mariano.

Casa de la Barrera: Refugio and Armando have come to see if there’s anything they can do during this trying time in the Barrera marriage. Teresa tells them is between Arturo and her. Teresa knows Arturo isn’t perfect but she’s not the type of person who will conform because “el que poco pide, nada merece.” (he that asks for little, deserves nothing) She has the right to decide what she does and who she does it with. Refugio tells her to think very carefully what she’s looking for in a man. She was once so in love with Mariano yet along came Arturo and it was over. Now she’s doing the same with Arturo. She was so in love with him but suddenly wants nothing to do with him. She just wants her to think very seriously about what she wants to do. She needs to fight for her marriage. Does she plan to go on like this? Marriage upon marriage upon marriage and each time suffering through this loss? Teresa tells her she will get a divorce if she wants to. Refugio reminds her she’s married by the church and that’s for-e-ver. She can’t allow Teresa to be ok if she’s hurting others. Teresa leans in close and says, “that’s life! Only the strong survive.”

Back at the hospital, Mariano tells Aurora of his discussion with Martin. She knows Martin is angry by what she’s done but she doesn’t regret it. She had to close that chapter in her life. Mariano tells her Martin does love her and told him he would step aside if she wanted to be with him (Mariano). Mariano thinks that’s a sign of true love, wanting the best for the one you love. She’s got a good man. Now that he hears that she loves him, he advises her not to let him go. He tells her she’s an incredible woman and he’ll always be there for her as a friend. They embrace. I guess the TN gods didn’t hear my plea. Drat!

Casa de la Barrera: Now it’s Armando’s turn, telling Teresa that as a divorced woman, men won’t notice her as they did before. No matter, she says, she’s not planning on leaving empty-handed. That shouldn’t be her chief concern, Refugio says. She should be worried about losing the man she loves. Refugio wonders if Teresa loves Arturo. Teresa tells her not to talk about things if she doesn’t know the details. Refugio asks that she enlighten them. Teresa refuses, preferring to make the decision whether or not to divorce without the opinions of others and when she wants their opinion, she’ll ask for it, although she doesn’t think that day will ever come. She picks up her purse and leaves, whispering, “entre ser y no ser, yo soy.” So there!

Hospital: Aurora pulls back and wishes happiness for Mariano. But in order to get there, he needs to close the chapter with Teresa. He lets on that he knows Teresa and Arturo are having problems. Aurora assumes he knows about Arturo’s infidelity. He didn’t and now Mariano is furious at the thought of that imbécil being unfaithful to Teresa.

Labels: Teresa

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's Recap #4 at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 16 start at this link.

Everyone thank Carlos for today's picture. He chose one with more "bipartisan appeal."

Labels: Alborada

Labels: Teresa