Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Mother of Blue Stars



Scene 7

ELEANOR: That’s not true!  I’m very level-headed.

RAYMOND: You’re--

MARY: [Interrupting RAYMOND] We need to start supper.  Eleanor, start browning the meat.  I’ll take care of the cabbage.  Raymond, put your game away and set the table.  Don’t forget to wash your hands.

[Beat]

ELEANOR: Say, Raymond, when you ship out you’ll need a valise.  You know, a traveling bag, right?

RAYMOND: Yeah, I guess so.

ELEANOR: Do you have one?

RAYMOND: I’ll hafta check the attic.  Ma, do we have a valise?

MARY: If we had any, your brothers took them.

ELEANOR: Gee, Raymond, it seems you’ll need a valise, and fast!  On the other hand, you can always use a burlap bag from the shed.

RAYMOND: I’m not using no burlap bag!  Where’s the best place to get a . . . what’d you call it?

ELEANOR: A valise?  Any department store will do.

RAYMOND: Are they expensive?

ELEANOR: [Dramatically]  Oh, yes, Raymond, they’ll wipe out your whole bank account!

RAYMOND: Knock it off, Sis!  Just answer the question!  Are they expensive?

ELEANOR: They’re not too much.  Probably five dollars.

RAYMOND: Five bucks!  That kinda dough for a valise!

ELEANOR: I’m just guessing.  Maybe they’re less.

RAYMOND: I hope so.

ELEANOR: Well, there’s always the burlap bag.

RAYMOND: Sis, dry up with the burlap bag.  In fact, just stop talking.

ELEANOR: To you, or just in general?

RAYMOND: I don’t care.

ELEANOR: Then I’ll talk to Ma.  Say, Ma, I have a question.  If a person were taking a trip on Monday and needed a valise, wouldn’t he have to get one TODAY since the stores are closed TOMORROW?  [MARY does not respond; after a few beats] Ma?

MARY: What is it?

ELEANOR: Did you hear my question?

MARY: The grease can is under the sink.

ELEANOR: No, my question was, if a person needed a valise for a trip on Monday, wouldn’t he have to get one today since the stores are closed tomorrow?

MARY: Who’s taking a trip on Monday?

RAYMOND: No one!

ELEANOR: Raymond!  Why are you doing this?  It’s silly.

RAYMOND: I know what I’m doing.

Continued Tomorrow. 

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