Mother of Blue Stars

Scene 5

LIGHTS UP  

One week has passed since Raymond left for the Marines.   MARY, ANDY, ELEANOR, and DOLORES are sitting around the kitchen table.   DOLORES has a note pad.  ALL are drinking coffee.  

DOLORES: Thank you, Mrs. Banas, for agreeing to speak with me.

MARY: You are very persistent.

ELEANOR: This is so exciting!  I can’t wait to see the paper. You’re going to be famous, Mom!

[Mary forces a smile]

DOLORES: I take it Raymond shipped out, on time, as planned?  Have you heard from him?

ANDY: I took him to the station bright and early and watched the train pull out - it was freezing outside!  

MARY: No, Dolores, we have not heard from him. 

DOLORES: I have to ask, Mrs. Banas, what made you change your mind about the interview?  On my last visit you practically threw me out.

MARY: That was very rude of me, I’m sorry. I was worked up—

DOLORES: No apology is necessary.  I understand.

MARY: Did you know we’re taking in the Stefanik boy?

DOLORES: Your husband told me.

MARY: My husband tells you everything!

DOLORES: Mr. Banas is a sweetheart! An Old World gentleman.  So again, what’s changed from last time?  Don’t get me wrong – I’m delighted to be here enjoying a cup of coffee, yet I’m also surprised.  You were adamant about NOT speaking with me. 

MARY: I still have doubts about talking to you.  I am not sure it’s the right thing to do.

DOLORES: Well, if we’re going to do this, then you should be on board 100 percent.  (Beat) And before you answer, please remember why I’ve been chasing you like a pesky dog.  Your brave story, Mrs. Banas, is important to the war effort and YOU are as vital to our success in this conflict as any G.I. sitting in a fox hole.  Your story will lift the spirits of thousands of other mothers with sons and daughters in the war.

Beat as Dolores gives Mary a chance to absorb what was just said.

DOLORES: There’s a lot at stake here – more than you know!

Beat

ANDY: Hey, some speech, Dolores!

DOLORES: Thank you! I rehearsed it on the way over. 

Beat.

ANDY: So, Mama, what is your answer to Dolores?

Beat.

MARY: You’ve already made the effort to be here; you should stay. Besides, it’s cold out.  Do you need more coffee?  

DOLORES: No, thank you, I’m still working on the first cup.

Continued tomorrow.