Mother of Blue Stars

Scene 11

DOLORES: Mrs. Banas, I promise it’ll be in good taste.

MARY: I’m sure it will.

DOLORES: Then I don’t understand your no.

MARY: What’s to understand?  No means no.

DOLORES: You might not know it, but you’re a true inspiration!  It’s one thing to have one son, or two, or maybe three in the service, but six!  People will ask, how does she do it?  Trust me.

MARY: There are people like me everywhere.  Write about one of them.  Did you speak with little Tomas Stefanek at the funeral?

DOLORES: The orphan boy?  I did, yes, briefly.  I offered my condolences and he nodded.  He didn’t say much.

MARY: What could he say?  He has lost everything.  Did you take his picture?

DOLORES: Well, under the circumstances . . . .

MARY: Then why were you there?  You go to funerals for your health?

DOLORES: I’m a reporter, looking for something to report.

MARY: And you found my husband!  I think you should report him, right to jail!

DOLORES: Mrs. Banas, six sons in the service is unusual and that makes you special.  You’ll need a bigger window for all your stars!  Which reminds me.  I already have a title, “Mother of Blue Stars.”

ANDY: I like it!

ELEANOR: Me too!

DOLORES: [DOLORES makes a dramatic, sweeping motion with her arm] Mother of Blue Stars!

MARY: You’re all cuckoo!

ELEANOR: Ma, why is this crazy?  I think it’s exciting.

MARY: Someday you’ll have children and understand.  That goes for both of you.  I will NOT have my picture in the paper at the expense of my boys in the service!

DOLORES: Mrs. Banas, think of it as being patriotic.

MARY: Look missy, we are loyal Americans!  We hang the flag, buy war bonds, and pray for our troops.  Don’t tell me about being patriotic!  

DOLORES: Yes, I know, I wasn’t questioning...

MARY: I don’t mean to sound impolite, but if you’re not staying you’d better get going. You don’t wanna keep your man-friend waiting.  Men like women who are on time.

DOLORES: Here’s what I propose, Mrs. Banas.  I’ll come back on Monday with my camera.  If you tell me to leave, I’ll go.  But if you invite me to stay, I’ll snap some pictures and ask a few questions.  Either way, you decide.

MARY: Don’t waste your time!  I won’t answer the door!  And neither will my husband!  Good-bye now!

[MARY exits, abruptly]

FADE TO BLACK – END OF ACT 3

Continued 5/1