22 June 2015

PROMPT:  When my mother told me about my father’s …

Kristen Gandrow, writer/dramaturg/arts administrator/teacher 

Ana, 14, sits with Karen, 52 at the dining table.
ANA
Paulo wasn’t my father.  He was my step-father.
KAREN
How old were you when your mother married him?
ANA
Three, I think.
KAREN
And when did he start...
ANA
It wasn’t him.  He left my mom when I was six.  She was using heroin.  He tried to take me with him, but...
KAREN
But your mother wouldn’t let him.
ANA
I went for a couple of weeks to his mother’s, but my mom came and got me.
Silence.
KAREN
When did...?
ANA
I was ten the first time.
KAREN
You don’t have to tell me this.  It doesn’t matter to me.  I love you.
ANA
I know.  I want to tell you.  I need to tell you.
KAREN
I’m here.
ANA
I was ten.  My mother gave me to her... her boyfriend for some heroin.
KAREN
Her boyfriend was a... a dealer?
ANA
I guess.  It happened all the time after that.
Karen slides over and puts and arm around Ana.
KAREN
Oh, Ana.  I’m... I’m so sorry.
Ana cries.
ANA
My mother gave me to lots of different men.
KAREN
For drugs.
Ana nods and cries.  Karen holds her tight.
KAREN
(rocking Ana)
Oh, Ana, Ana...  I love you.
ANA
(pulling away slightly)
How can you love me now that you know?
KAREN
It’s not your fault.  You were just a little girl.
ANA
I told the counselor at school.
KAREN
About the...
ANA
That my mother was using heroin.  She called CPS.
KAREN
I’m so glad you’re here.
Karen holds her.
ANA
I’m glad I’m here too.
KAREN
Do you know where your mother is?
ANA
She lives in San Antonio.  I’ve talked to her a couple of times...
KAREN
She still... using?
Ana nods.
KAREN
Okay... How ‘bout your dad?  Your real dad?
ANA
Mom told me he was in prison.  Dealing drugs.
Karen nods.
KAREN
You’re here and you’re safe.
ANA
I know.
KAREN
(emphatic)
You are here and you are safe.  You are my little girl now.
ANA
Really?
KAREN
Yes.
Ana hugs Karen.
End of play.