Is it Really Worth It?
Written By: Marisella.
Mentored By: Javier R.
Program: Each One Reach One
Dates: November 5th-17th, 2012
Description: The risks we take
By Marisella.
Characters: Exhausted the 64 Chevy Impala, Female 100 years old.
Silly the Saturn, Female 18 years old.
SETTING: Apartment Complex Carport. There are new and old cars parked and driving on the street. Kids are playing football, music blasting, and cars being washed and waxed.
TIME: 4:00 pm during a warm summer day while school is out
AT RISE: Silly is in the carport getting ready to leave. She’s applying wax, refilling the nitrous fuel and making sure there’s enough air in her tires
Mom
Um, where are you going waxed liked that?
Silly
I told you
Mom
I hope you’re not talking about
Silly
Doing the race? Yeah I am. I know you don’t want me to but
Mom
There are no buts! You’re not going. I want you to be happy, but this isn’t safe
Silly
This is the last race out of the series. I’ve done the other four and all I need to do is win this race
Mom
I congratulate you on winning so far, but you almost didn’t win the race. Seeing you come home with a busted window and doors dented made my engine overheat.
Silly
Exactly! Why do you think I am doing this, Mom? By winning these races I earn reps points, which helps me to get new parts for myself, but I have enough
Mom
So; what does that have to do with me?
Silly
Don’t act like your condition isn’t as bad as you make it seem
Mom
What are you talking about?
Silly
Well, remember when I went with you for your tune-up last week?
Mom
(Puzzled) Yeah?
Silly
I overheard you talking to the mechanic and now I know how much worse it’s gotten. I’m scared to lose you. I’m doing this race today so I can win the parts that you need. Then you can retire from doing car shows.
Mom
I appreciate how you’re trying to help me, but this is my problem. I want us to spend time together as a family. The parts aren’t important. Some things you just can’t repair. It would help me if you do something safe like your sisters do
Silly
Ewww. Be like Social the Range Rover? She’s known as Social
The taxi cab because she picks up lower class people. Before the others found out about Social I had to lie about what she does because she’s a nobody! No thanks. I’ll pass. Besides, I want to be known. I want to be a legend. Ahh; I could already see it
Mom
I’ve seen it happen before; so I see it happening with you too. (sighs) Legends die fast
Silly
Whoa! Pump your brakes. Are you trying to tell me something?
Mom
Actually I am. Do you ever wonder what really happened to your dad?
Silly
Yeah. All the time
Mom
Since you’re old enough now, I’ll let you know. You’ll understand why this race is so hard for me to let you do.
Silly
Fine. I guess I’ll listen, but I don’t have a lot of time because I have to leave
Mom
(sighs) Well your dad loved to take risks, just like you and he had the same dream that you have now. Becoming the biggest sideshow star. There was a huge race that he felt he needed to do. When he was halfway through it his tire blew out. He got so wrecked that he was totaled
Silly
Where is he?
Mom
He’s in a junkyard. He’s gone forever
Silly
This isn’t possible! Why didn’t you tell me before? You just don’t want me to have a life. I feel so happy when I race. Don’t you get that?
Mom
I just didn’t want to hurt…
Silly
It doesn’t matter because not everyone ends up the same way. All car models are different. I’m newer than he was. I can handle this.
Mom
It might be fun now, but you’ll end up hurt and lonely
Silly
No I won’t. You just want to control me and I hate it. I’m not a kid anymore
Mom
(Gives Up) I know, but I just want the best for you. When I worry about you it makes my condition worse. You’re going to do what you want no matter what I say. Just know that I love you no matter what choices you make. You mean the world to me and I wouldn’t be able to drive anymore if you’re wrecked forever!
Silly
So you’re saying that if I go to this race and you get burned out then it’s my fault?
Mom
No that’s not what…
Silly
You’re making it seem like that
Mom
I just want you to be safe and successful. Either way, I’ll burn out but I don’t want it to be as soon as it could be. Just take a few moments and think about what you really want
Exhausted drives away. Silly is left by herself in the driveway. She thinks to herself out loud
Silly
It’s my time to win this. Nothing can stop me! (Pause/Feel Guilty) But what if I make it and my mom burned out by the time I get home? She is right. It’s not safe for me to race, but what if I can save her? Every car takes risks. So it’s worth it…right
TO BE CONTINUED
(Exhausted Daughter)
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