Refugio Para el Amor #60-61 Fri 7/6/12 Part I- The Piecart Hits and Don Aquiles Surprises; Part II- Operation Sink Luci; One Angry Dude; One Crying Babe

Part I Recap by Madelaine

The Night Before The Pie Cart Hit

Mexico City:

We are still in Gharabaldi Square dancing and having a great time. Rod and Luci are smoochy, and that pie cart is getting closer all the time. Vio and Polo join the happy party, and she informs everyone Marcial stood her up, she has a shot of tequila. Marcial does show up finally, and tells Vio he had lots of work, and Aldo also comes with Vicky, who he says is his future novia! Rod asks if this is Don J's daughter, and Aldo says yeah, Rod is giving her a good stare. There is line dancing, drinking and smoochies. Now there is picture taking and lots of dancing and smoochies, the poor things, that pie cart is almost upon them.

We now join the three conspirators as Don A joins them. They are all having champagne but Don A would like a double cognac, that is his drink of choice. Lastra tells Don A that Luci worked for him at Inferno. Lastra tells Julie and Gala whatever they want him to do he will. The Don pipes up that he doesn't take orders from anyone, he wants an explanation and make it quick. He wants to know what is this about my palomita? Julie tells the Don that chacha stole Rod right from the altar from Gala. Don A wants to know what chacha? Suprisingly he isn't agreeable to their plan it seems. They tell the Don Luciana Jacinto of course. The Don is getting upset and says Luciana is the most beautiful girl in the pueblo, while Lastra is removing his glasses and Julie is sneering. He tells the table that Luciana is a good girl. Gala now pipes up and says that this girl was a servant (note to commenters, we really SHOULD count how many times she says domestica, cause it IS in every sentence she utters). and they are both her victims. Don asks Lastra why he is there and Lastra just grins and Gala gives the Don the stinkeye. Each then proceeds to tell the Don the "plan" on taking down Luciana Jacinto. Gala is claiming that Luci stole Rod right at the altar, Lastra is claiming that Luci is a thief who stole from him when she worked for him. The Don doesn't think any of this is true, he thinks Rod is at fault for leaving Gala, and Lastra is insulting his palomita and he won't have it, by gum. The Don wants to leave but Gala tells him to be calm. She tells him to sit back down cause they are taking Luci down manana. He tells Gala he has had enough of Lastra insulting his palomita, he finishes his drink and starts to leave when Julie calls him back. She has taken something out of her purse she hands to him. It is those pics of Luci working at Inferno. Well the Don takes those pics, and wait for it, tears them to pieces and throws them back on the table, he did look at them. He says he doesn't care about these things, I have to say here, yay Don Aquiles! Don Aquiles leaves in a huff, and the rest of the conspirators say they really don't need his help and can proceed anyway. Gala tells them once they all confront that DOMESTICA and she learns Don A is in town too, she will flee all the way back to Het Het. They toast each other with champagne. After Don A leaves this meeting he is walking the streets of the D.F. and saying to himself that his palomita couldn't have done these things, the chilangos must have turned her.

Hanna, Rosa and Conny are in the library at Torreslanda, and Rosa is talking about Conny's love life, Hanna says she wants to be like Tia Conny, full of happiness and love and the phone rings. Aldo is calling her from the little party, he needs a loan, of precisely 30 thousand pesos that his friend Lorenzo needs. As soon as Conny mentions Lorenzo, the bro of Luci, Hanna takes off to talk to Boris, and Rosa is all ears. Conny is shocked and can't beleive Lorenzo needs that much, but Aldo says Lorenzo is in a jam. While Aldo is on the phone, Lorenzo is nearby and hiding his face. He has heard everything. Rosa is still listening to Conny and now Rosa thinks the whole family are money grubbers.

Max and Oscar are at the office and Oscar tells Max that Claudio is in Belgium. Max wants to know why Belgium. (I have to say here, how is Oscar always getting this info on Claudio?) Oscar tells Max that Claudio is attending a conference of lawyers that specialize in fraud and banking. Max isn't liking that. Max is convinced that Claudio is a formidable enemy and out to get him. Oscar tells Max to calm down, he can't touch the money, but Max says Claudio isn't after money, he is after ruining Max's prestige and "good name". Oscar says well he is just in Europe so what? Swiss Banking anyone? Max tells Oscar he is leaving with Pato for Boston in the morning. He leaves Oscar in charge of the business and tells him he will be focused on Pato's recuperation and hopefully Pato will be able to walk again. Oscar tells Max he wants to call it a day, it is Sunday after all. Max wants one more thing from Oscar. He wants Oscar to keep an eye on Aldo and give him, wait for it, an office! Oscar is like why? Max tells him Aldo is very ambitious. Oscar says this is Conny's son correct, the gopher. Max says yes. Oscar also tells Max, he wants to take his relationship with Conny to a more formal level. Max is pleased with this.

Brussels, Belgium:

Claudio is wanting to check Swiss Bank Accounts, didn't I tell you? He is trying to find one connected to Max, about the time the fraud happened. He is also wanting to check Carribean Accounts, Cayman Islands, anyone? He is checking all these out to see if any can be connected to Maximino Torreslanda and the fraud charges against Claudio. He also says why, Max, why did you do this to me? Claudio wants to get postive proof that Max framed him for this fraud.

The Next Morning or The Day The Pie Cart Hits:

Mexico City:

Everyone has come to see Pato off. Everyone from the family is there but Melissa. They all wish him luck, including the Frigid one, who Pato cuts off, and Mati is the last to wish him luck, he tells her he loves her. Melissa finally rushes in, says she was late due to traffic, and was hoping to catch him before he left. She also wishes him good luck. Everyone goes outside with Pato but Frigid who is giving the eye roll. Meantime, Max is in his little home office, calling Vicky, who is at work, and tells her she *better* answer his calls while he is away no excuses and he will be back soon. Frigid is in the kitchen now at Torreslanda and Gala has called. She wants Frigid to get rid of Mati for a couple of hours so there is noone to defend Luci when the intervention loca (thanks Anon 12:29) happens. Frigid says she will take care of it.

Het Het:

Ariche and his little friends run into Copio. Ariche tells Copio he is leaving soon for the D.F. with Magda and Paz to see Luci and his friend Rod. Copio says that's funny, that's where my Patron went. Ariche tells Copio they are going for a special reason and tells Copio bye.

Magda has gotten her new dress for the wedding and is thrilled with it. They are so looking forward to the wedding and Magda is especially happy to be seeing Vio who she hasn't seen in some years.

Airport:

Now we are at the airport where Max and Rosa have brought Pato, and Luci and Rod come to bid Pato bye. Rosa comes over to Rod and gives him a kiss and Rod goes over to Pato. Rosa is with Luci and wishes her a good day, but you can tell Luci is very wary of her. Rosa invites Luci over to the Torrelanda home in the afternoon (Run Luci Run, please run) and now Luci is even warier of Rosa, and Rosa is doing a horrific, fakey smile at Luci. Luci, unfortunately agrees to come over. Luci joins Rod and Rosa says to herself, ay Luciana you only have a couple more hours of happiness with Rodrigo, mi hijo. Meanwhile Luci is wishing Pato the best of luck. She asks if she can give him the blessing, he is like sure, she does and Rosa is giving her the major death ray. Luci kisses Pato on the cheek, he thanks her for coming and goes off with Max, as he goes off he tells Rosa adios, she says adios back, no hug or kiss for Pato from Rosa, gee what a Moms, jus' sayin'. After Max and Pato go, Rosa is giving Luci and Rod that fakey smile and Rod and Luci just look at her. She goes finally and Luci gives Rod a kiss on the cheek and tells him everything will be fine.

Pie Cart Afternoon:

Rosa is home finally and calls Rod from her bedroom, he is wanted at the Torreslanda home y punto. He says he's at work, but Rosa will not take no for an answer. She hangs up and Rod is left staring at the phone.

Frigid is in the upstairs hallway, fake dusting and looking for Mati. Finally Mati comes in the hall and Frigid says she is busy and could Mati dust the elevator that Pato uses. Mati goes to do so and when she does, Frigid has the remote control and basically locks Mati in the elevator. The only way out is with the remote Frigid has. Poor Mati is yelling at Frigid to let her out, and Frigid doesn't answer her.

Now the coven of the brujas that will be performing their intervention loca tell Frigid, who is there too, that when Luci comes to bring her to the library. Rosa has that magazine in her hand. Rosa also wants to know where Mati is? Frigid says she is in her room. Rosa thinks that it is best that way, she won't interfere. Note to Frigid, I hope they lock you up somewhere, so you get claustrophobia, jus' sayin'. Rosa also wants no interruptions. Rosa says she can't wait for Rod to find out about esta typa. Rod will be the first victim of these brujas and their "intervention" and he walks right in and is surrounded by these brujas. Rod greets them all and wants to know from Moms why she invited Luci this afternoon. He is very suspicious. She won't tell him, only that she wanted to see him first. He wants to know what is so urgent. Those brujas are surrounding him. Rod is starting to get the heebie jeebies. Meanwhile, Luci has arrived and Gennaro lets her in. He tells her to wait for Frigid. Luci is left cooling her heels in the hallway.

Rosa tells Rod she is very disconcerted and Rod wants to know why she is saying this in front of Gala and Julie? Is there some type of problem? Gala will not look at Rod and Julie says they aren't the ones with the problem. Gala wants to leave, but Rosa makes her stay. Rod is getting way uncomfortable. Luci is still waiting and looking around. Frigid finally comes and escorts Luci to the piano room and tells her to wait here until Senora Torreslanda is ready for you, (Note to Luci, run girl and don't look back). Rod wants Rosa to tell him what the hell is going on here. Rosa tells him oh, I'll tell you what is going on so you fully understand. He doesn't understand what she is talking about. Rosa whips out that magazine and says she wants to talk about the woman on the cover of this magazine, the same mag Gala came by with the other day. Rod throws the mag down and says this muchacha works at the antro so what? Rosa tells him this woman is your wife, and proceeds to open the mag up to the pic of Luci and Vio together. She points to Luci with Vio and says that's your wife. Rod is just staring and Gala and Julie are smirking behind his back. Rod accuses Gala of doing this. She says she didn't do it and Rod doesn't beleive her. Julie claims they knew nothing about this till Gala did the expose and Lastra told them the name of the girls in the pics. Gala tells Rod, Lastra knows Luci very well. Rosa is giving Rod the stink eye. Frigid comes into the piano room, and says Luciana, oh, I mean Senora Luciana, she does this a number of times. Frigid brings her lemonade, which Luci doesn't drink. She thanks Frigid for bringing it to her, she wants to know how much longer she has to wait there, and is Rod with Rosa? Frigid tells her just a little while longer and yes Rod is with Rosa.

Poor Mati, is still in that elevator, banging and yelling for someone, anyone to let her out.

Serena has come by to see Vio and they are going to eat, Serena goes in the junk drawer to get the placemats and sees that envelope with Luci's name on it. Vio finally sees it, opens it, even though it has Luci's name on it and sees that mag. Vio says oh this can't be good, and shows it to Serena. She tells Serena the covergirl of this mag is Luci. Serena can't beleive it.

Now the three brujas have cornered Rod and start in with all the bad things Luci has done. Gala wants to know why Luci never told Rod about working at Inferno and she tells him Lastra told them all about Luci. Gala says Rod should have found out all about Luci. Rosa is egging Gala on, by saying that Gala "ferreted" out the truth for a good reason. Rosa thanks Julie and Gala, who are smirking behind Rod's back, about bringing it to their attention what class of woman, Luci *really* is. Rod grabs that mag and throws it, but Rosa picks it up and puts it in front of his face and Julie tells him that Lastra told them what type of woman Luci really is, like robbing clients and Lastra wanted to put her in jail. Rod grabs the mag again and remembers the talk he had with Ivan, while Polo was listening in the background, the night of the fight at Inferno. Meanwhile Luci is still waiting and looking at an artbook thinking about ceramics. Meanwile the brujas, keep up the attack on Luci's character. She ran away from Don A in Het Het, worked at the antro and then as a maid in this house. Don't beleive a word Luci says. Eva. Luci isn't the innocent she pretends to be. Rosa closes the door to the library and he is stuck in there with them. Gala leaves and Rod is now stuck with Julie and Rosa.

Gala is driving and Don A calls her. She asks Don A if he has thought about the proof he saw with his own eyes. He wants to know if what Gala and Co. have done will seperate Luci and Rod and Gala tells him Luci should be leaving soon. Don A wants a call at the hotel when she does. He wants to take her back to Het Het away from all these chilangos.

Meanwhile Julie and Rosa are tag teaming Rod, hard about Luci. Julie tells him the night he defended Luci, it bothered Gala a lot and she will never forgive him for dumping her. Rod is getting more upset and Rosa tells Julie to stop. Rod wants to find Luci so she can do some 'splaining, but Rosa stops him and tells him how can he love and trust this type of woman and why Luci never told him any of these things from her past. Rosa tells Rod she is his Moms, loves him and is trying to defend Rod, but she is really trying to stop him from talking to Luci alone. She tells Rod she wants to talk to Luci alone to see if she tells the truth. (Note to Luci: last chance girl, run for your life, jus' sayin'). Meanwhile, in the den of the brujas, Rod has had enough and is yelling at Rosa, you go Rod, he tells her she never liked Luci and he accuses Rosa of trying to find a way to get rid of Luci. Rod also tells Rosa that since Luci has been in the Torreslanda home, she has been treated badly and Rosa has tried to find every way to be rid of her. Julie was NOT expecting this. Rod tells Rosa he left the Torreslanda home and moved into the apartment cause Rosa never liked Luci from the get go and why is Rosa wanting to seperate him from Luci? Rosa tells him it is her JOB, doncha know, cause she is his Moms to UNMASK this woman. Say what????? He wants to talk to Luci and Rosa wants to know why, oh come on now! (Note to Rosa: What are you dense? Do you think he should just beleive YOUR TRUTH????). He wants to know from Luci herself that Gala, Julie and Rosa lied. Julie says she has proof what they say is true. She goes. Rod tells Rosa you are my Moms why are you hurting me this way? Rod tells Rosa that Luci is his happiness and means the world to him. He wants to know why she is so insistent on this? Rosa tells Rod cause she's his Moms and only wants the best for him, Rod is crying. Julie leaves and calls Lastra and tells him to wait just a little longer. She hangs up and has a way smarmy look on her face.

Lorenzo is at Inferno and is meeting with Ivan. Ivan chews Lorenzo a new one and tells him he trusted him and look what he gone and did. Robbed the place. Lorenzo tries to get a word in edge wise but Ivan is going on and on, until Lorenzo pulls out the 30 thousand pesos from his pocket and gives it to Ivan. (Note to Lorenzo: bad move dude, the cash that is, should have given him a check). Ivan wants to know if Lorenzo got a receipt for this cash, no but it's all there. Ivan says too bad cause Lastra is pressing charges, I think. Poor Lorenzo.

Oscar and Aldo are at Torreslanda and Oscar is showing Aldo his new office which is, wait for it, the janitor's closet, lol. Aldo thinks it is a joke, but it isn't. It is truly his new office. Aldo asks how the hell he can work here and Oscar tells him he'll find a way to adapt. Also Aldo said something about a secretary. Of course, Aldo doesn't get one of those. Oscar tells Aldo to have a great day. Aldo is so not down with this.

Mati is still banging on that elevator door and calling Frigid to let her out already. Frigid finally answers her and tells her they can't find the remote to let her out , and had to call the architect to get a replacement. Frigid is filing her nails, and that remote is on her hand, what a beyotch.

Boston, Massachusetts:

Pato and Max have arrived, and beleive it or not, speak perfect English to the bellboy as he brings up their bags. Max is happy they have gotten there and Pato is anxious, that dad is taking time away from work. As a matter of fact, he wants his dad to go back to Mexico, since they are so busy at Torreslanda, and then come back for him. Max says no way, Jose. He's staying and Pato wonders how long this will take. Max tells him little by little he will get some feeling back, look how his hand is moving already. So Pato is happy with that, and so Max is happy too.

And The Pie Cart Hits:

Frigid finally comes for Luciana, oh excuse her, Senora Luciana, she begs her pardon again, for just calling her Luciana. She tells Luci they are waiting for her in the library. Luci thanks her and goes and Frigid says, after Luci goes, the pleasure is all mine, yeah right, you beyotch, jus' sayin'

Luci goes to the library and Rosa is giving her the stink eye and Luci goes to greet Rod. Rod who is very pithed now, holds up that mag and asks her if this cover is true and is this Luci on the cover? Luci is struck dumb with shock and Rod is DEAD TO ME!

Part II Recap by Anita

Highlights for Today
The Harpies Gang up on Rodrigo
Gala Supervises from Command Central
The Greatest Love Story of the past 61 hours—Over in 20 minutes
Patricio Gets Good News
Claudio Expects Helpful News
Violeta Gets Bad News
Aldo Tells Lorenzo Not To Worry About the Charges or His Job
The Only Happy People Live in Het Het
Rodrigo Competes With Victor Newman (Y&R) at the Punching Bag

NOTE:  Due to the amount of dialog (some of it quite loud) your faithful scribe is doing a lot of paraphrasing and using personal pronouns without quotes, so forgive the presumption of quotable accuracy.  The Luci take-down will appear in as few continuous scenes as possible.

In the Library-The Beginning of the End
Lucia arrives and immediately knows something is up with Rod.  He stands with his back to her.  She realizes she is cornered like a frightened duck by Roselena.  Rodrigo shows her the Glam-rag with the article on Antros de Moda.  Rod says: Tell me there’s no truth to this.  Tell me it’s not you.  That you had nothing to do with this.  Rosie wonders if she’s brave enough to admit it.  Luci admits it is she.

In the ‘hood
Violeta and Serena are talking about the self-same issue of Glam-rag.  They don’t like it.  It was done by someone who wants to annoy or hurt Luciana.  They’ve made it look like she was a regular employee, but she only worked there one night.  She never put that costume on again.

In Gala’s Office
Gala is pacing back and forth in Communications Central.  There’s no word on how Operation Sink Lucy is proceeding.  Her long-haired, head-banded personal assistant says that with all the stuff they have against her, the outcome shouldn’t be in doubt.  Gala asserts she did not invent the Lucy story, she just put out the facts (as she deemed most advantageous).

In Boston, MA
Patricio is shirtless (and hawt), undergoing tests with a doctor who, wow, speaks excellent Spanish and is proud of it.  He’s hooked up to machines to record any nerve reaction.  Max is a bit non-plussed because they did the same tests in Mexico.  Things look good for Pato.  Even though it will be another day before doc gets the results, he gives them the good news.  They will, Wait for It, operate tomorrow morning.  Later, Max and Patricio are talking about his chances of recovering.  Pato doesn’t know if he believes in miracles, but he’s sure he needs one now.  (Sigh, Pato has such a gorgeous smile.)

In the Library-The Middle of the End
Rose is spitting venom at Luci:  Now do you know why I can’t stand you?  Why I didn’t want you anywhere near my family.  I never would have imagined you were a, a--cabaretera. 
Rod:  That’s enough mamá.
Rose:  O qué (it always sounds like OK) are you going to defend her now?  This woman abused our trust.  She made fun of the unconditional affection Patricio had for her.  The same woman you surrendered your love to.  Neither of my sons deserved this, Luciana.  We know you worked in an antro and we have witnesses who can testify that you robbed a Mr. Lastra’s wallet.
Luci:  No, I never robbed any one.
Rose:  It’s on the public record that you did.
Luci:  (Unintelligible, protesting)  I never knew anything about those photos.
Julie enters: Luci, don’t lie.  Here’s the form with your signature attesting that you received a copy of the magazine.
Luci:  I never received anything.
Julie:  Is this your signature?
Luci: (after being badgered by Rose) Yes, it’s my signature (after she remembers signing for an envelope).
Rose: You deceived everyone.       
Luci: But I’m not a thief.
Julie: Your whole family is like that.  Rod, did you know her brother works in the same antro?
Rod:  Yes, I knew that
Julie:  Ah, but did you know he stole 30,000 pesos?
Luci: That’s not true.
Julie:  Yes, it’s true.
To prove it, the doors slide open to reveal a Satanic-looking Lastra.  Rodrigo reacts with rage and tries to throw Lastra out.  Rosie wants Rodrigo to hear him out.
Lastra:  I’m here to corroborate the story of tal Joanna, I mean Luciana.  In effect, she stole my wallet and this fellow here defended her, probably because of her innocent-looking little face.  She asked me to forgive her.  She didn’t want me to bring charges because she was working here, for this important family.
Luci: I never stole anything.

He doesn’t mention that things got a little out of hand and the estupida judge charged him with contempt, put him behind bars and dismissed the case.  But ni modo.  Rodrigo is about to throw him out when Lastra aims a parting shot.  It’s a family of thieves, her brother just stole 30,000 pesos from the firm and is going to be charged and sent to jail for robbery.  He yells they deserve a warning (Merecen un escarmiento) as he retreats.  Rosa has a very pleased look on her face as Lastra leaves and Rodrigo is no sé donde in all this.

Luci is shocked.  She begs Rod to listen to her.  If looks could kill, Luci would be dead at Rose’s hands.  Then she drops the bomb--Aldo borrowed that exact amount from Conny for his friend Lorenzo who was in trouble and she herself heard the conversation.

Rose:  And that’s not all, do you know with whom she has a very amicable relationship?  Claudio Linares, our family’s worst enemy.  She abused our trust, passing on information about our every move.  If she hid her friendship with him, there has to be some ulterior motive.
Luci:  You always judged me unjustly without knowing me, Señora.  Rodrigo, listen to me.
Rose:  Son, don’t let her ridicule, deceive or lie to you.

They both look at Luci with such scorn.  Rosa’s advice is to divorce her as quickly as possible, send her back to her lands, her pueblo, far from here.  Rod is still in shock.  He wants to be left alone with Luciana.  Rose’s parting words: Don’t think with your heart; think with your head.

At the Movies
Boris, Hannah, Melissa and Conny emerge from the película, STILL eating popcorn and discussing the action >>FF.  He volunteers to take Hannah and Melissa tomorrow with Luci to help her register to finish her preparatory course for college (la prepa).

In the Elevator
Frigida continues her little juego with poor Mati to keep her trapped in Pato’s elevator while the drama takes place in the Library.  She’s thumbing through the copy of the Glam-rag and muses about Luci having wanted to make herself the Mistress of the house.  She lies to Mati that she’s called the architect and that Roselena is resting.

In Het Het
The excitement over the trip to la capital grows by leaps and bounds.  Magda is excited that Violeta has a boyfriend.  Paz does take a couple of minutes to relay her nervousness about meeting Roselena face to face.  If she says anything to Rosa, Magda wonders, how will Luciana react to the news that Paz and Galdino were not her biological parents.  Ariche arrives to show them his new outfit.  It’s white so Magda can’t touch it until after she washes her hands.  Later, Paz is showing Magda some gold earrings that Galdino gave her on their 10th wedding anniversary.  She could have sold or pawned them, but she didn’t.

On the backstreets of the ‘hood
Fabian and Lorenzo debate whether or not they should tell Luci about the money.  Lorenzo thinks it’s only going to trouble Luciana, so close to her wedding.  Fab reflects that had Lorenzo filed charges the police would have come and taken him away.  They are in a quandary.  Fab thinks the right thing to do is to call Aldo and ask for help—he was the one who started it all.

In a Berlin hotel room
Claudio Linares is sure he will learn a lot at the bank in the morning.  He’s on the trail of the unjust accusations against him.  He muses to Aurora: How could a noble, wonderful woman like Roselena stay married to someone as wretched as Max.

In the ‘hood
Estelita knocks on Violeta’s door bringing her a visitor.  It’s, Wait for It, Mrs. Marcial.  She looks around the place as if she’s going to pick up cooties and declares, so this is her husband’s den of iniquity.  Husband?  What is she talking about, Vi wants to know.  Marcial is her husband.  Vi swears she didn’t know he was married.  Mrs. Marcial swears she’s not going to let a “tipa” like her leave her two children without a father.  She wants Vi to leave *him* alone.  (Wait a minute, what’s wrong with this picture—shouldn’t she be telling hubby to leave *her* alone?)  Vi is rightfully offended and tells her to Largate.  A mini-cat fight follows and Vi finally gets her out.  Shouting continues from outside (unintelligible, but probably unkind—one was desgraciada).  Vi dissolves into tears on her couch.  Later, Marianita and Estelita knock.  They want to know what all that commotion was about and who was that lady yelling like that.  Vi tells them of Marcial’s deception. 

Poolside
Don Aquiles is dressed to the nines, sitting by the pool, watching the lovelies, but chafing to get out of this city hotel hell-hole.  All he can think about is his Lucianita, being reunited with her again and flying back to Het Het with his Palomita, as Srta. Gala promised.

In GaLaLa Land
Gala, meanwhile, is savoring in her mind’s eye the delicious scenario of Luciana suffering at Rod’s hands.  Sadly for Viewerville, she’s watching the right channel.  Ms. personal assistant congratulates her on her planning.  Gala cuts her off.  They didn’t  P.L.A.N. anything, they merely showed Rodrigo what type of person Luci is.  (With just a few embellishments, naturally, weighted evidence and questionable witnesses  she, er, Rose had to pay through the nose to get.)  Gala knows he hates lies the most and she knows all about what it’s like to be on the receiving end of Rod’s fury, so she wouldn’t want to be in Luciana’s shoes.

In the Library – The End of the End
Luci wants to know if he’ll listen to her.
Rod says: Only if you are going to tell the truth.  I *only* want to know if everything they’ve said is true, Yes-Or-No.
Luci: Please, give me a chance to defend myself.
Rod: Yes-Or-No (bad Rod).  You deceived me.
Luci: Yes. Yes, it’s all true, but I didn’t deceive you.
Rod: If you weren’t deceiving me, why didn’t you tell me you were the waitress at the Inferno.
Luci: Because I had nothing to do with that place or that man.
Rod: You should have told me about it *and* Claudio Linares.  Didn’t you know he was our family’s worst enemy?
Luci: Yes, I knew that.
Rod: All the accusations are true.  I can’t believe it.
Luci: I was afraid.
Rod: Afraid of what—that you did something so wrong that you were afraid?
Luci: I didn’t do anything wrong.  Claudio Linares is my friend.
Rod: Then why did you hide it from me, Luciana?  Why did you lie about it?
Luci: I didn’t lie.
Rod: But you didn’t say anything, that’s a form of lying (remember what Padre said, Luci….).  Why did you make me believe you are someone you aren’t—who are you, then, the woman I gave my whole heart and whole life to.  (Luci doesn’t answer him.)
Rod:  So, answer me, not one more lie.
Luci: I’m not a liar.
Rod: Well then, tell me the truth; at least try it for once in your life.
Luci:  You are offending me.
Rod: I’m offending *you*?  What’s my offense?  For having loved you? For having left everything for you? For defending you against everyone?  I left a woman at the altar (well, civil registration table) who had always been honest and frank with me.
Luci: Well then, vete with her then.  She’s worthy of your love, your trust, and your piety.  Call her (handing him the phone), call them, that’s what they want; they’re waiting for this to be over so they can come save you, Rodrigo.  (What, did Rodrigo think she would cave and crumple like a discarded piece of wrapping paper—GO Luciana, through your anguish, show him who’s wearing the rocks.)  Is that what you want?  Well, keep that woman, then, if she’s so worthy of you…and me?  Erase me from your life.

Luci makes a beeline for the door but Rod grabs her for a second round of verbal sparring.

Rod:  Why did you deceive me?  I didn’t deserve it, Luciana.
Luci: I  N.E.V.E.R. deceived you.  I love you.
Rod: I don’t believe you anymore.
Luci: Look at me.  These eyes can’t lie to you.  For as much as they (the harpies, not the eyes) accuse me, I *am* innocent.

Rod is as unbending as a rod.
Luci pleads with him: All these things have a reason, but none of them have anything to do with our love.  Please, you know me, you’ve been to my pueblo, you met my people, my family, but if you doubt the kind of woman I am, it’s no use, there’s no use fighting for you.
Rod: Así es, no tiene caso. (That’s right, it’s no use.)
Luci picks up her purse to leave:  Goodbye, Rodrigo. 

Slam go the sliding doors.  Rod is startled.  (What was he expecting, more begging?)  No, he’s clearly deshecho and sinks down on the carpet, crying, real man-tears.  (It tears me up—the watery kind and the ripping up kind.)

Out in the Living Room, et seq.
Julie is on the phone with Gala telling her that they are hoping the chacha won’t convince him.  Gala is pithed because they should never have left the two of them alone together.  Gala is afraid that this is their last opportunity.  All they can do is wait.  Even though Rosie thinks the longer they are together, their chances lessen, Julie doesn’t think Rod is tonto.  Julie and Rosie are waiting for the fireworks to be over and the waterworks to turn on.  Julie doesn’t think they should cry *Mission Accomplished* just yet.  They need to wait until Rodrigo runs her out of the house.  Julie is sure that Rod will see that she’s just a fortune hunter.  Just then Luci passes the ladies on her way out the door.

Rosa runs after her:  So you thought you could win this one.  Now you see, a mother will do anything to save her son.
Luci turns and addresses Roselena: You don’t know how much I would like to have known that good and generous lady that Claudio Linares talks about.  Don’t worry, he isn’t going to learn what you are really like on my account (ooh, I bet that smarts).

What about Linares, Julie wants to know.  Rose says not to ask, it’s none of her business.  Rodrigo walks out right past them.  Rose wants to know where Rodrigo is going.  Rodrigo is out of the house asking Jenaro where the Sra. went.  He’s into his blue car like a batman without a robin and nearly blows Boris, Conny and Hannah away.  Boris manages to tell him that Luci just got into a taxi. 

Frigida brings the two harpies some té de tila. (Linden-flower tea—sounds delicious.  I say we add serving tea to upset, sick or sleepless people to bingo cards, but it takes three teas to get one bingo square.)

Rosie wants to know where Mati is.  Frigida tells her about Mati being trapped in Pato’s elevator, but not to worry, she’s on top of things.  Just then the three who were nearly blown away by Rod’s exhaust, reach the living room.  Hannah learns that Mati is “indisposed” at the moment and can’t bring Conny any coffee.  Hannah and Boris go flying to the rescue.  Conny mentions that she just saw Luci leaving in a very agitated state.  It was kind of strange to see her get in a taxi while Rod got in his auto to follow her.  Rosie and Julie try hard not to look as though they just swallowed a Luci-sized canary.

Out on the streets of DF, a typical car chase ensues.  Luci is in the forward car, crying her eyes out while Rod follows, getting hemmed in by turning cars in a round-about.  He loses her and gives up, pounding the steering wheel in frustration.

Hannah is telling Mati to stay calm.  Since the elevator doors can only be operated with Pato’s control, Hannah can’t figure out how the doors closed on her.  Frigida volunteers to go look for the control (i.e. her pocket).  Whoopee, Frigida must have “found” the control and Mati is free.

Lorenzo Talks to Aldo
Aldo’s not worried about a measly little 30,000 pesos.  It isn’t a fortune but it’s the principle (and the principal) of the matter.  Lorenzo needs to clear things up.  He’s already lost his job and he’s facing arrest for theft.  Worse is what he’s going to have to tell his sister.  Aldo tells him not to worry about the job, he’s got some major pull with Lastra, so he’ll fix things.

Rod Works Out but Doesn’t Work it Out
Rod has a boxing match with his punching bag.  (Does he wish it were Luciana or his mother?)  He works off some of his anger and frustration (we think), while in his mind he runs through some of his and Luci’s earlier conversation.

Back in the ‘hood
Luci arrives back at the apt.  Vi tells Luci the Marcial backstory.  Vi shows Luci the antro spread.  She’s afraid it might cause problems with her husband—it’s stale news now and only makes Luci sadder.  She tells Vi that it’s over; she and Rod are done.

Back at Communication Central
The two twitter-birds are back to check on Gala.  Julie has reported that Rod knows everything,  the serving wench has left disconsolate (desolada) and Rodrigo is furious.  Valentina (the blonde who talks straight) wonders if there might not be a chance for a reconciliation.  Gala thinks that if Rod has a shred of dignity left, he’ll start divorce proceedings first thing tomorrow.  Well, ya, says Val, but what if instead he begs for forgiveness.  They scoff at her (good place to use escarnecer).  Nope, Gala assures her, there will be no reconciliation.  They should have been there and seen him.  The first thing Rodrigo did was to look at her, Gala, as if she were the cause, so she made a quick exit.  She knows she has to give him time (before she goes hunting and trapping).  Rod needs to send Luci back on the first bus to where she came from—from where she should never have left.  Ever optimistic, Val says maybe it was destiny, destiny that brought Luci here.  Val stays on topic, destiny is something of a mystery.  If it’s their destiny to be together, then they’ll be together (no truer tn words were spoken, but we have a ways to go).

Gala calls Don Aquiles to tell him the deal is done, but would he please wait until tomorrow.  He gives a reluctant ok.  He wants to leave asap and needs the flight info for himself and his little Palomita, back to Het Het.

Bedtime in the ‘hood
Luci is ready for bed when there’s a knock at the door.  She thinks it’s Estelita, but it’s Rodrigo.

Avances
Gala celebrates her victory with a toast in the company of other Luci-haters
Rod shows up at Luci’s door – Luci wants to know what he wants.
Rod shows up at Gala’s door – Tu y yo vamos a hablar

Vocabulario
Fregar = Lit. to rub, or scour; fig. to annoy, tease
Un escarmiento = a warning, caution, chastisement
(Dictionary serendipity) Un escarnecimiento = scoffing, derision
Exhibir = to expose (No estoy inventando, estoy exhibiendo—the Luci story)
Una cabaretera = a cabaret employee, used derisively by Rose in Luci’s case
30,000 pesos = $2,239.61 at today’s exchange rate
Burlar (trans.) = to laugh at, mock; Burlarse de tí (reflexive) = make fun of you, ridicule or deceive you
Engañar = to deceive, cheat on (stronger than burlar), mislead, delude
Una pista = track (for racing), trail, clue, scent
Mendigar = to beg; un mendigo = a beggar; salir por las mendigas = live on alms (something Don Aquiles said about all the chilangos around him)
Intentar = to try
El desprecio = scorn (not used in text, but it’s the look Rosa & Rod give Luci at the end of Rosa’s harangue)
Un/a descarado/a = impudent or insolent person
Un/a desgraciado/a = disgraced person; una desgracia = a disgrace
Deshecho = undone (v. deshacer)
Desolado/a = disconsolate, desolate
--There are lots of wonderful words that start with the prefix –des- as in the examples above.