Mother of Blue Stars

ACT 4

Scene 1

Set: Banas Kitchen.

MARY is cooking.

[Andy enters]

ANDY: [Gazing out] Looks like snow.

MARY: How do you want your eggs?

ANDY: Scrambled.  You know, I had a thought.  Raymond will get on the train in winter and climb off in spring, in only three days!  It’s a miracle!  We’ll hafta wait three months! [ANDY glances at his watch and sighs.]   Two more hours and he ships out.  Think Dolores will show?

MARY: Papa, was I too harsh?

ANDY: Not at all. She’s a reporter.  She can take it.

MARY: I meant too harsh on Raymond.  I’ve been thinking about what Father Penik said.  I’ve decided to be more supportive.

ANDY: Good!  About time!   And speaking of Father Penik, I saw you chatting with him after mass, for a long time.  What was so important?

MARY: I was asking about the Stefanek boy.

ANDY:  The Stefanek boy?  We buried him on Saturday.

[ELEANOR enters]

ELEANOR: Good morning, everyone.

ANDY: Hiya, Eleanor.

ELEANOR: [ELEANOR gazes out] Has it started snowing?

ANDY: Not yet.

ELEANOR: [Disappointedly] Darn!

MARY: Eleanor, have you seen Raymond?

ELEANOR: He’s in the bathroom.  I think he’s nervous.

ANDY: Mama, where’s the newspaper?

ELEANOR: Wait ‘til you see his little valise!  It’s so cute.

MARY: Check outside!

ANDY: Isn’t that your job?

MARY: I have lots to do.  Today it’s your job!

[RAYMOND enters]

RAYMOND: Good morning, everyone!

ANDY: Hiya, son!

ELEANOR: Good morning, Raymond.

MARY: Raymond, I’m making you a BIG breakfast!

RAYMOND: Don’t bother, Ma.  I’m not hungry.

Continued Wednesday.