13 Aug 2015

PROMPT:  A dirty boxfan in the window . . .

Carolyn Maye, interdisciplinary artist

Natalie, 56, and Martin, 58, sit in their van that is parked in a driveway, looking out the front window and over the heads of the audience.
NATALIE
(shocked)
Wow.
MARTIN
It’s worse than I thought.
NATALIE
No AC.
MARTIN
The window screens are all ripped.
NATALIE
At least they have box fans in the windows.
MARTIN
Dirty box fans.
Silence.
NATALIE
(pointing up
Is that a hole in the roof?
MARTIN
I think so.
Silence.
NATALIE
We are so lucky.
MARTIN
So lucky.
Seeing Anna come on stage.
NATALIE
Here she comes!
Natalie and Martin get out of the car and go to greet, Anna, 19.
NATALIE
Hello sweetheart!  How are you?
Anna acts a bit shy, but hugs Natalie and even gives Martin half a hug.
MARTIN
It’s so good to see you.  How are you doing?
Anna steps back.
ANNA
(slight Mexican accent)
I’m fine.
NATALIE
That’s good.
MARTIN
We miss you.
ANNA
I miss you too.
Silence.
NATALIE
Are you... working?
ANNA
I’m a flagger on a road construction crew.
MARTIN
Wow.  That’s sounds good.
NATALIE
Do you like it?
ANNA
(holding out her arms)
Yea, except I’m turning brown.
NATALIE
You are getting brown.
ANNA
Starting to look like a real Mexican.
MARTIN
You look beautiful.
ANNA
(shyly)
Thank you.
NATALIE
Is you’re mom here?  We’d like to meet her.
ANNA
She’s working.
MARTIN
And your sister?
ANNA
(scornful)
She moved in with her boyfriend... And she’s pregnant again!
MARTIN
I’m... sorry to hear that.
NATALIE
How many kids does she have?
ANNA
Two.
NATALIE
So this will be her third.
ANNA
Uh-huh.
Silence.
MARTIN
And... what about.. Denzel?
ANNA
I broke up with him about three weeks ago.
MARTIN
How do you feel about that?
ANNA
Good.  I just couldn’t handle anymore of his junk.
NATALIE
Okay.
ANNA
(angry)
Him and all his hoes.
Silence.  Everyone looks uncomfortable.
ANNA
Listen, I’ve got friends coming by in a few minutes...
MARTIN
Yea.  We need to get back on the road too.
Anna gives Martin a hug.
MARTIN
I love you...
Anna steps back.  He looks down at her.
MARTIN
You’re still our daughter.  That hasn’t changed.  We still love you.
Natalie hugs Anna.
NATALIE
We love you.
ANNA
I love you.
Silence.
ANNA
Would it be okay if I came and visited?
NATALIE
You are always welcome in our house.
MARTIN
Your house.  You are still our daughter.
ANNA
(nodding)
I’d like that.
End of play.