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By Cindy B.
CHARACTERS: BUBBA the butterfly; female, 19 BUGGS the butterfly; female, 16
SETTING: On the rusty edge of a big old Chinese water fountain, near bright red roses and yellow lilies. There are sounds of the splashing water, birds chirping and the smell of fresh flowers, right in the middle of the medium sized garden with a great view of the moon.
TIME: Early evening (moon just came out)
AT RISE: Buggs is sitting on the Chinese water fountain. Bubba just finished putting on make up, and just met Buggs at the Chinese fountain.
Bubba I’m here.
Buggs Shoot, finally. I been waitin’ on you for a coo minute.
Bubba I was, you feel me getting dolled up.
Buggs I see that, though you know I always tell you, you don’t need to, you’re naturally beautiful sis.
Bubba Thanks Buggs, but let’s talk ‘bout why we here.
Buggs Look sis, I know you’ve had trouble accepting yourself. I’ve to talk you out of changing your colors.
Bubba Yea, it’s good though the neon moon is out tonight. I’m changing my colors fasho since it comes out only once every lifetime.
Buggs That’s what I want to talk to you about sis. I think the nude colors that run in our family fit us all perfectly. We are like our own little squad. You can’t just depart from us.
Bubba You been known how long I been wanted this, you actin’ brand new.
Buggs I’m really just not though. I always tell you you’re beautiful, and that you don’t need makeup. I love when you are yourself and you laugh hella crazy with me over nothing. I don’t understand what made you so uncomfortable in your own skin. Bubba (Crying) I’m sorry Buggs…you’re the only one that has supported me, and told me I was naturally beautiful. But…
Buggs No ‘buts’ Bubba, if you change your colors, you’re just running away from the problem. Face it, be the strong, unbreakable individual I know you can be. Look sis, I’m not ‘bout to tell you all this and let you make the wrong decision.
Bubba I know you care about me sis and you don’t want me to be different. But I feel ugly.
Buggs Bubba, I’ve always helped you, supported you and guided you along the way. I wouldn’t give you any bad suggestions. And I understand, it ain’t ‘bout that, it’s personal and internal. It’s hard to be insecure. I wish you would have let me know before so I can also help you with that and now we are at major points in our lives. I’m going to New York soon, and I would like to take you with me.
Bubba (Gasps) Right on for all of the support and help, but I’m grown now, I don’t want to sound like a slug, but I have 5 minutes until I must change my colors.
Buggs (Sighs heavy) Oh my god, you swear! I’m feelin’ like you’re letting me down tough right now, five minutes…five minutes! I’ve only got five minutes to say what I got to say to make you stay.
(Aside)
I have a problem yo! My sister doesn’t like her colors. I’ve always supported her in all her downs, I want to take her with me to New York to explore and travel, plus I want to spend some time with my sis. Thing is I’m leaving tonight. I’ll feel crushed if she decides to stay in SF in the magical garden. I will be abandoned if she changes her colors.
Bubba BUGGS!! Relax bruh, you don’t have to waste your breath on tryin’ to make me stay. I’m changing today. I’ve always took your advice and help. Let me make a decision, my damn self!
Buggs NO! Sis, your damn self? You’ve always made yo own decision. I just always helped. You sound crazy as hell if you think I’m ‘bouta let all I have, go. Screw the neon moon, the colors and magical garden. You finna have me feelin’ guilty. If I let you change, if I help you with everything, except the most important issue of all, if I let you change, I fail.
Bubba (Crying, sniffling, wipes eyes.)
Buggs I ain’t ever finna see you again, is that what you want?……..B, listen to me. I’m sorry I’m soundin’ so crazy, but how would mom feel? We can’t separate. If you change your colors, you can’t ever leave that so called magical garden.
Bubba I ain’t trynna just live insecure for the rest of my life. (Sniffs) If I change, I’ll be happy. Wouldn’t you be happy for me sis? Buggs I would be happy to help your difficult self through it. Sis, I love you.
Bubba I never been open with you ‘bout this, but here I go. You don’t understand that everyday is a struggle for me. I hide my wings and face with makeup, and I still don’t feel better. Ever since I was younger, I felt this way. The way people look at me, the way I look at me. I hurt inside sis, are you listenin’? It’s tough and I’m so grateful for you and all your help, advice and support. But a little talk won’t fix this issue. I’ve tried to live with myself and be comfortable, but I can’t, I feel a fake. I’ve heard you out and took in all you’ve had to say but look baby sis, I got my mind set.
Buggs (Crying)……I will always love you. I guess these last 5 minutes was a goodbye. I’m heart broken and I’m feelin’ some type of way…you’ve always been hard headed sis fareal…you’ve never been the type to give up on the things you want for yourself. I came prepared with a poem I would like you to keep and read when you feel you need someone, or just need to feel love. Insecurities lie in the bodies of all butterflies You were strong enough to bring your insecurity to light The foundation we grew up on will stay planted Like you in my heart Never forget me Like our childhood memories I love you Bubba From the deepest part of me Distance can’t keep you away from me Continue to follow your dreams And do so fearlessly. Love, Buggs
They hug. THE END |
