Gardener’s Daughter

In episode 11 after the lovers left the skating rink, they headed home but had a flat tyre. As carlos must have been trying to find a solution to the problem two men, (carlos described them as gentlemen in appearance), appeared an offered to help fix the tyre. After the ‘help’ , they pulled out their guns and robbed him of his posh car and drove it away.

He first led Luisa Fernanda home before going to the police to report the incidence. As he escorted Luisa into the garden of her compound, they kissed each other good night. (The ‘things’ that happens in gardens… uuh). Amelia came out at that moment and caught them ‘red-handed’. Meanwhile, the Jealous Jennifer de la Vega had turned the city upside down in search of Carlos whom she suspected of cheating on her. She went to such incredible extent of pulling Augusto, Carlos’ best friend to help seek Carlos out. They were in the hospital, Carlos was not there; they went to his patient- Don Fernando Elcantara’s house, Carlos was not there.

The frustration of Pedro must have driven him to the point of drunkenness, and when he came home, arguement must have ensued between him and Amelia that led to…I don’t know, but Amelia described the circumstance as Pedro wanting to take advantage of her.

The fourth important thing that must have happened in episode 11 is the triangular battle between Marissa-Luis Alenjandro Montero-Andrerina. Marissa was worried that her husband did not come home on time, and in order to fill the gap, called Andreina, her Assistant/Secretary in the forth-coming Jenifer’s fashion Show, possibly to work over the details of the Show’s preparation. At that moment, she was in bed with Luis Alejandro - Marissa’s husband, and she told Marissa on phone that she was with her boy friend. Mild suspicion began when L.A. came home and told Marissa not to expect too much from him on bed, because he was much overworked and fagged out. He pecked her and went to sleep.

As episode 12 began we saw Amelia forbidding Carlos Gomez never to come near Luisa again. She dragged Luisa into the house and began to cane her with words, accusing her of being a terrible liar. She said all her lies was to protect her relationship with a complete stranger, whom she went to bed with. At this point, Luisa Fernanda got angry and stood up to her mom, to defend her love for Carlos, saying that it is not true, and that she had never gone to bed with Carlos, but she loved him and he loved her. YES, they have kissed and it was the first kiss of her life, but she was never going to give him up. As to lying in order to get an opportunity to be together with Carlos, “…Yes, very TRUE, but all lovers do it”. She asked her mother if she had never done the same to her parents. if she is truly in love, then she must have done it too, in her time.

Marissa walked into Carlos’ - her son’s room to tell him that she could not sleep all-nite because of the news of his ‘new-found’ love- Luisa Fernanda. She was angry that he wanted to betray Jennifer de la Vega. She begged him not to ‘dump’ Jennifer, because it was him that asked her to contribute and support Jennifer’s Fashion Show, and it would be too bad to pull back now.

Carlos was firm in his response. He spoke with absolute conviction and soberity. He said: “I know this is a huge mess, its not my fault that I fall in love with another girl”. He said he would find time to go andf tell Jennifer to let them call it quits. Marissa objected to this saying, she need to discuss further with Carlos, before he takes any rash action that he may regret later. She even said that Jennifer is the only daughter-in-law that she would recognise. Their discussion was interupted by one of the house keepers who came to inform Marissa that her attention was needed somewhere else.

Amelia has woken up from her 18-year slumber. She told Pedro that she wants a divorce. She wants to start a new life. She wants to revamp her life. A 36- year old lady that looked 56, just because of the bondage of fear of the unknown. Now that her wicked sister had lied to her that her father Don Elcantara still hates her, she want to face the unknown and “…fight for myself and for my life without waiting for what anybody may think about me…may be, I would even meet someone I can love… I want a divorce from this phony marriage”, she concluded.

Pedro was emotionally shattered by this annoucement. He knelt down and begged her to reconsider but she held her ground. after this he stormed out of the house to Luisa’s School. Met Luisa at school, and asked her if it was true that she has a boy friend. She confirmed it with apology to the father, for the lies and excuses. As they were chatting, Carlos appeared and what an opportunity for introduction to his father-in-law to be. What a sure platform for the engagement, and finally…the wedding, which unfortunately was several times aborted by the enemies of true love and progress. Which unfortunately too, would not be witnessed by Amelia, for she would have died in an auto crash before the sweet ending.

Consuela, went again to L.A’s chambers to convince him not to waste his time seeking Amelia because she felt that Amelia didn’t want to relate with the Elcantaras anymore, that was why she supposedly travelled out of the country. She also tried to convince L.A that Amelia’s daughter does not exist because Amelia aborted that pregnancy 18 years ago. Consuela was horrified with fear when L.A. told her that Don is not leaving anything as inheritance for her and even Amelia, but ALL the fortune- the old man wants it willed to Amelia’s daughter, whom Consuela is still lying that the girl does not exist. She said the old man has gone insane and that L.A. should not listen to the voice of a sickly man. L.A. refused to be persuaded, he said he would follow the case to the end, even to this ‘non-existent grandaughter’. Consuela left but withot a failed attempt to bribe L.A with a kiss. L.A. turned his mouth to another side, avoiding the tongue of the serpent Consuela.

Consuela stormed home to challenge the father why he wanted to change his will. The old man smiled and confirmed his last wish to change the will as he likes. She challenged him on why he hired

The conspiracy to abort the destiny of Amelia and Luisa Fernanda thickens in this episoode as Consuela the chief architect and her husband Heriberto, drew the battle line for Don Fernando Elcantara. Consuela openly disagreed with her father on his fomula and plan to give ALL his fortune to a “Bastard”, as she referred to Luisa Fernanda, is unaceptable to her. With her eyes blazing red with fire, she dared her father and told him that she would fight and challenge his decision, she stormed out and went straight to her husband’s office.

The old maid- Rigoberto burst into dancing saying this is the most joyous day of her life. She praised Don for doing this right thing but asked him to reconsider making Consuela to share part of his inheritance. Don, in his usual stubborn stance said NO! He roared with the anger of a lion saying: “With me, No one challenges me!”.

Pedro had a man-to-man talk with Carlos, and found out that Carlos intention is genuine. He gave his tacit approval for thier relationship, but warned Luisa not to mention it to her mother, because, she would never approve of it.

Amelia’s decision to go it alone in re-defining a new life and career for herself would push her on the collision course with her destiny. What she does, and how she responds to that demand would determine if she would arrive at her divine destination. I am afraid, if she doesn’t change her attitute and air of gloominess, she might flounder this another opportunity that comes, once again to her.

With the certainty of a matrimony heading for the rocks and about to be torn apart, Amelia went to Lupe, her best and only friend, for help in seeking a job in the bank where she works. Coincidentally, this bank is Metropolitan Bank- Marissa’s Bank. Lupe’s immediate boss is Lic. Ordóñez- the attorney to the President of the bank- Marissa Gomez.

After Lupe pleaded her case with her boss, Lic. Ordóñez agreed to give Amelia a job interview, after the interview, he gave her the offer to work with Marissa as office assistant in the Bank’s President’s office. I sensed that opportunity would present itself on a platter of gold to Amelia again, but because she is blinded by her own fixation, she may squander it again. This is just my personal hunch, let’s wait to confirm it. The last hunch I gave was confirmed, then, I said Luis Alejandro Montero would not be convinced by Consuela’s new lies.

Consuela and her husband went to an exotic restaurant for lunch and to re-strategize in their battle for the fortune of Don Alcantara. As they were walking to their table, they saw Marissa and L.A. so they walked to their table and after introduction, they reminded and pleaded with Marissa of the dinner which they had invited her family to…all parties agreed to make it for that evening and Heriberto asked that they bring their son along.

Meanwhile After Carlos picked his stolen car that was recovered by police, he phoned Luisa Fernanda that he is coming to pick her for a dinner date. He also called his best friend, Augusto to cover up for him since he wont be going to the Sotomayor dinner, however he does that is left to Augusto to figure out. Luisa Fernanda was fully dressed, waiting for Carlos when Vanessa Sotomayor appeared. Vanessa told Luisa that her Dad had organised a dinner in which Carlos’ family would be hosted and the dinner may end in proposal and engagement between her and Carlos. she just came for Luisa to assess if she was well dressed for the bash. luisa was surprised and tried to hide her feeling and expectation for the nite…what would happen at the next episode? would Carlos come to meet both of them there? would vannessa drag him to the party

We felt the tremor of multiple confrontations this new week. Last week had laid the foundations for this, but confrontations? Yes! We had one tonite in this episode; but from totally unexpected quarters- Rigo vs. Luis Alejandro Montero. Sweet old Rigo, thank you! Who says maids ain’t got power? Particularly when you challenge them in their ‘consistuency’. Be prepared for a choking and pepperish encounter, the type that was deftly and devastatingly served to L.A. by Rigoberto tonite. This week has taken off on a hillarious note on la Hija del Jadinero- The gardeners daughter. I pray it would continue at this pace till the weekend.

Another old righteous maid, this time, Rosario- Marissa’s maid, watched with consternation as Carlos doubled-dated Luisa and Jennifer on phone. She was so furious to the point of calling Carlos a JUDAS. I almost agreed with her judgement, until I saw the quandary of confusion that Carlos found himself. He was honest enough to know that it is time to call it quits with Jennifer, but does he have the courage? does he have the ‘liver’? as Warri people in Nigeria’s smouldering Niger-Delta would put it.
He had practically forgotten that he promised to come to spend the night with Jenny, he was lost in romantic thoughts after his date with Luisa and was in his parked car, still in this state, when his phone suddenly rang…it was Jenny asking for his whereabouts, as she had been waiting endlessly for him… Carlos was lost for what to say, because Jennifer de la Vega, the hottest babe and model in town does not mean anything again to Carlos’ heart. He was torn apart between, as he called it “…my obligation and my want…” He started his car and proceeded like a lamb to the slaughter…to Jennifer’s house. All the antics and nude display by Jennifer did not move Carlos, his heart was filled with how to open his mouth to tell the ‘lioness’ that IT IS FINISHED, IT IS OVER! He said in his heart aloud: “…how can I tell her that we have to break up?…”What a pity, I feel like helping him to deliver the blow, but had to restrain my emotions on my sofa. What now, lover-boy? If it is in Africa here, people would be tempted to jump to conclusion that Jenny has cast spell on him, never to resist her or say no to her demands and desires. The truth however is that Carlos, unlike the typical, cold-hearted playboy, is a conscientious lover. He wants to make an emotional omilette without breaking the traditional egg of jilt. Tomorrow’s episode would determine if he is man enough to do that.

Marissa and her hubby Luis Alejandro Montero went to the “dinner with the devil” but they did not go with “a long spoon”, so the dinner was a flop for the devil’s agents- Consuela and her hubby- Heriberto Sotomayor. Rigoberto, the good old maid made sure she took her ‘pound of flesh’ by ‘punishing’ L.A. with over-salted soup…’for Amelia’s sake’, yes for jilting Amelia 18 years ago!. That ended the dinner abruptly, as Marissa and her hubby announced their departure. Consuela took Rigo to one side and swore, that she is FIRED! Would she go? Would Don permit sulking Consuela to fire Rigoberto?…We would wait to see what happens next episode.

Vanessa too had her own share of disappointment when Carlos did not show up for the “devil’s dinner”…her dreams of ‘engagement’ night went up in flames. Marissa simply announced that Carlos could not make it because he had a date with his girlfriend (implying Jennifer). That was the spoiler for the rest of the night for eager Vanessa. She left the dinner and went crying to Luisa Fernanda’s house to share the sorrow of her disappointment.

This week has lived up to its billing as a week of multiple confrontations and exposures, just like we predicted over the weekend. If I was asked to vote who the spectacle of this episode was, I would give it to Vanessa. With passion, after being urged on, by her schemer father Heriberto, she rose from sulking and weeping to make an impossible demand. She requested for Luisa Fernanda to help her find out the Carlos Eduardo girlfriend, and she- Vanessa, would get rid of that woman! It’s like being asked to go get rid of yourself.

I was moved to passion when she begged a perplexed Luisa Fernanda saying: “…please, don’t let them take Carlos Eduardo from me…” It could be a mildly annoying drama, if not perplexing, for an ursurper to come begging to enlist your support to help her steal your own property. That was an impossible confrontation, but that was exactly the tight corner where Luisa Fernanda found herself. Your best-friend-turned-ursurper seeking desperately to steal the only thing in your life that gives you joy. Would you give-in, for the love of your best friend? or would you fight to protect the only joy of your life from being stolen, even by your best friend? Over to you; the next unfolding episodes would determine who wins in the battle between true love and a schemer’s greed!

Rigoberto won round one of her battle against Consuela. Don Elcantara nullified the dismissal of Rigoberto with such a powerful indictment of Consuela’s wickedness. He said with a distaste to Consuela, “…how could you be incredibly ungrateful to the woman that raised you from childhood?” He ordered Rigoberto to retun back to the house with all her load and also instructed Consuela to apologize to Rigo, for her bad manners. Up Rigo!

The young shark drew blood in his first battle, Augusto won his first case against the famous and corporate attorney, Luis Alejandro Montero. The judge ruled that L.A must adequtely compensate Luisa Fernanda for injuries and emotional trauma, which she ’suffered’ when L.A. ran over her with his car. He was furious and outside the court premisces, he glared at Augusto and Luisa and threatened to unmask and expose the ’swindling thieves’ who bruised his ego and legally humilliated him.

Consuela, the evil architect suceeded in causing a big scandal in L.A.’s office as she, as is usual with her on every visit, forced herself on him and, this time…, succeeded in kindling an amorous fire in which Andreina- L.A’s mistress and concubine, walked in and caught them in the act. Like a lioness just out of her den, her eyes sparked and blazed with jealous fire, she looked at Luis Alejandro still esconded in Cosuela’s amorous embrace, Andreina poised as if she wants to pounce on them, to tear them to pieces…Whether she did that or not, we would have to find out in next episode of this telenovela.

Jennifer de la Vega, seems to be driven by the spirit of gambling. Las Vegas is reputed as the world’s capital for this game. Its like the spirit of her name is bringing her bad luck at the gaming table of love. She lost yet in another scheme to entrap lover-boy Carlos. While in the act of ‘digging’ Carlos, his phone rang and he stood up, to her utter amazement and resistant to her plea to ignore the call. Lo and behold, it was Luisa Fernanda on line, telling him that Vanessa may have found out that they were lovers. He went cold, his romantic river dried up, he couldn’t continue with Jenny after hearing the innocent voice of his only and true love- Luisa. So, told Jenny that he had to leave immediately, he did what all lovers do in such circumstances- lied that he had to go and take care of Rosario who was supposedly ill at home. Jennifer found out the following day that Rosario was hale and hearty. She became upset, sad and depressed until Andreina came to re-assure her that she would uncover and expose the new girlfriend of Carlos for her.

Amelia finally got the job in Marissa’s office, was asked to start tomorrow. She notified Pedro of her determination to go ahead with the divorce as soon as Luisa graduates from high school in the next few months. Sad Pedro walked pensively about, to inspect the garden his hand has wrought, Marissa noticed his sad countenance, asked him why, he confessed that his wife is about to divorce him. Marissa was touched with pity with his agony. She prophetically declared that all would things work out for good. That Pedro should take heart. Pedro broke the sad news of the impending divorce to Pancho, his old gardening colleague. He however refused to take heart as he foolishly determine to fight against the divorce in court. Pancho assured him he would give him a young lawyer to argue his case in the divorce suit.

Don Fernando was in Carlos hospital, warned him not to fall in love with Vanessa, because, like her father Heriberto, she is ‘no good’. This prompted Carlos to confess to him that he is in love with a young school girl and not with Vanessa. The old man showed interest, and said he would love to meet this school girl. Carlos was thrilled by the old man’s gesture and he told him he would be honoured to introduce her to him.

At last, Carlos found his ‘liver’ to muster courage to tell Jennifer de la Vega that “…there is another woman…so, we have to break up”. You may not realise it yet at this early episodes the virtuous nobility in Marissa Gomez Ruiz. Many mothers would have stubbornly and blindly so, insisted that their son MUST marry one society lady whom the son does not love. Marissa stood by and encouraged Carlos to be upright on the side of verity in his love relationships. That was the final push that made him to face Jenny with the bad news of relationship break up.

My problem with Jealous Jennifer is that she is the utterly selfish type. She was so full of pity-party for herself that she cared less about others. Andreina, seems to me to be a woman of strong character. She too just suffered a love heart-break with Luis Alejandro, but she had enough moral strength to support and comfort Jenny, without burdening others, like a little baby about her own emotional pain.

It was a bad day for Luis Alejandro, Andreina walked in right when Consuela was forcing her mouth on him. In astonishment and anger, Andreina asked the million Dollar question: “Who is this woman you are kissing?” When, ruffled L.A replied that she was a client and Consuela echoed him, Andreina launched out and pounced on her, calling her unprintable names like “a shameless whore…”, she raelly wanted to beat Consuela up but for the quick rescue by L.A. and escape by Consuela.

That incident was enough for the evil and crafty mind of Consuela to know that Andreina was L.A.’s mistress and she began another journey , ….I am sure, into blackmail of L.A. to have him love her, subsequent episodes would showcase this trend.

Vanessa went hay-wire when Carlos confronted her that he never loved her, and that was a story made-up by Augusto in order to go out with Luisa. Carlos told her that she had believed in a lie and that his real and true love IS “L…” enoughhh, Vanessa ran out with another round of tears, she could’t bear the full confession of Carlos. Perhaps, if she had waited some few more seconds, she would have known that LUISA FERNANDA is the real love of Carlos’ life. Because Vanessa ran away, I suspect that the series of episodes coming would bear the mark of mistaken identity, whereby a vengeful Jennifer would seek to ‘tear-to-pieces’ an infatuated Vanessa, for the love of Carlos. This thriller telenovela is just starting to explode, the real facsination is just begining.

Vannessa later told Luisa with all soberity that, she would seduce Carlos and would wear skimpy dresses, even if the price is to go to bed with him, afterall no man can resist a real woman…she said, it is time to play the game of real women with Carlos. Luisa was scared stiff with this new and desperate venture of Vanessa. She was uncomfortable with the planned cupid assault of Vanessa on her only love- Carlos.

Luis Alejandro received the report from the Detective that, Amelia and Pedro Perez never entered the United States, and could not be found among the migrant population of San Antonio in Texas. L.A came to Don’s house to brief him of the conclusion of the investigation. Don was not satisfied and insisted that he should continue the investigation in Mexico, if they are not in the U.S. After the old man went upstairs, L.A. accused Consuela of deceiving her father and why not tell him the truth that he doesnt have any grand daughter, so that he would not waste money on mexican investigation, he angrily left the house, but old Rigo eavesdropped and heard all what transpired.

Next day, She dressed up and went straight to L.A.’s office. L.A. mistook Rigoberto’s visit for apology for what she did to him the other day at the dinner in Don’s house. The old woman said “No, I have no apology to give, what brought me is different”. Her purpose was to come and puncture the balloon of lies that Consuela is using to confuse investigation. She refused the offer of a seat by L.A. She confronted L.A. with the truth, saying, “…That young woman (meaning, Amelia’s daughter, whom Consuela said never exist), still exist …and you know very well that she is your daughter!” L.A. was astonished, and his mouth was hung open with suprise at the old righteous maid’s disclosure.

Like any gambler that loses at the gaming table, Jennifer got herself into a drinking spree until she got into a drunken stupor. She vowed vengeance…saying “…I will get my revenge on Carlos”. She mandated Andreina to find out who the school girl is, that stole Carlos’ heart and promised the young girl would regret ever getting to cross her path!

Amelia started work and was introduced to her new boss- Marissa Gomez Ruiz. Her duties was to document the Bank’s president’s correspondences and to keep the diary of appointments for the Bank’s president. Lic. Ordóñez, Marissa’s Attorney appears to be emotionally interested in Amelia, and he has honned his strategy to win her love. After he took her to the restaurant downstairs to ‘celebrate’ her new job, he invited her for a late night dinner, to which Amelia turned down, perhaps it was too early. He still drove Amelia home in his car.

Like I suspected before, Amelia is about to collide with destiny’s opportunity. Would she grab it to rebuild her life? or would she despise the chance and the change by hanging on to a dead past? the next few episodes would tell.