1
Rubi Romero
Play Writing
11/20/06
Human Borders Act I
The Interview
This scene happens at 10:00
am present day. Place: Room
hospital in Fresno
California.
Lights up on the hospital
room.
TONY is sitting up on
a hospital bed badly hurt
with bruises on his face.
Tony is handcuffed to the
bed.
There
is
a
police
officer standing by Tony’s
bed.
We see a detective coming in
identifying himself to the
police officer.
CHARLIE
I’m detective Charlie Mathews special investigations. What
do we have here?
POLICE OFFICER
Well, we found him in an alley with a deceased woman; it is
a miracle that he is alive! Who ever did this really wanted
him dead.
CHARLIE
What do you know about the attackers?
POLICE OFFICER
Not much, I don’t think he speaks enough English to be able
to tell us anything.
CHRLIE
Well, I speak some Spanish. Anything else you thing I
should know?
POLICE OFFICER
No.
2
CHARLIE
O.K. then let me know when the forensic report is ready.
No, I speak Spanish.
Both walk toward TONY while
the POLICE OFFICER stands by
the bed. Charlie sits on a
chair besides the bed where
Tony is while Police Officer
stands close to the door.
Charlie takes his pen out and
writes something on a file.
CHARLIE
Buenas noches amigo, soy el detective Charlie Mathews;
investigaciones especiales “FBI” y estoy aqui para hacer
unos pregutas. Esta bien?
TONY nods to agree.
CHARLIE
Tu nombre es Antonio Lopez, pero te gusta que te llamen
Tony correcto?
Tony nods to agree
CHARLIE
Tiene su identificacion?
TONY
No, ellos me los quitaror
CHARLIE looks at him
confused.
TONY
They took my paper away from me!
CHARLIE
Tu hablas Ingles?
TONY
A little
CHARLIE
Can we talk in English? And if you don’t understand or
cannot say it in English, just let me know and I’ll try my
3
best to do it in Spanish o.k. (Tony nods to agree) Who took
your papers?
TONY
The men who brought me here
CHARLIE
The Coyotes?
TONY keeps quiet.
CHARLIE
Did you work for the people who brought you here?
TONY
Yes.
CHARLIE
How much did they pay you?
TONY
Nothing!
CHARLIE
What do you mean?
TONY
I have to pay them first!
CHARLIE
Pay them for what?
TONY
I didn’t have money to pay them for bringing me here and
finding me a job, so they told me that I was going to make
lots of money, so I could pay them and have money to send
to back home!
CHARLIE
So you have family there?
TONY
My mother, but they told me they will kill her if I escape
or say anything to the police!
CHARLIE
Are you afraid for your mother?
TONY nods to agree
CHARLIE
4
I understand, but you don’t have to tell me anything that
you don’t want to o.k.? Tony what do they make you do at
work?
TONY
I had to do different jobs, sometimes I had to work on
gardens, other times installing floors and sometimes fix
their cars.
CHARLIE
How many hours did you have to work a day?
TONY
Some days 14 hours, some 16.
CHARLIE
Did you live with any friends?
TONY
No, I live in a garage with other workers.
CHARLIE
Were you able to leave that place?
TONY
NO, if we try, they’ll kill us!
CHARLIE
I see, Tony can you tell me how do you meet these men?
TONY keeps quiet.
CHARLIE
I know this is hard, but you don’t have to tell me their
names o.k. I’m just trying to understand what happened to
you.
TONY
No, I don’t want them to hurt my mother
CHARLIE
Tony, I am trying to help you, if you don’t tell me what
happened, you can be charged with the murder of that woman
and spend many years in jail
TONY
5
But I didn’t kill her, she was sick!
CHARLIE
If that is true you can still be charged with negligence or
for protecting the ones who did it. Either way you will go
to jail, so what’s going to be?
(sigh)
TONY
Six months ago, they went to my pueblo, you know my town.
One man was asking for men and women to work for him in the
states
CHARLIE
Women?
TONY
Yes, they tell them to come here to take care of the
gringo’s children and clean their houses, but it wasn’t
true.
CHARLIE
What do you mean?
TONY
When we got here they were left in a cantina
CHARLIE
Cantina?
TONY
A brothel! They force them to… you know…to sleep with other
men
CHARLIE
I see, was that woman one of them?
TONY
Her name was Sofia, I met her on our way here, she was very
afraid that we could die in the desert, but she didn’t know
what they were going to do to her! They force her to work
in that place. I saw her sometimes when we had to do work
in that place!
CHARLIE
What kind of work?
6
TONY
Fixing the stairs, sometimes they broke things so we have
to fix them.
CHARLIE
Tony, tell me what happened the night that Sofia died.
Lights fade down where TONY
and Charlie are sitting down
while lights light up on one
of the corners to indicate
change of time going back.
Soft music plays. SOFIA is on
stage looking for TONY.
SOFIA
Tony, hey Tony, Tony is me Sofia (pause) Tony, is me Sofia.
Off Stage
TONY
Quien es, quien anda ahi?
SOFIA
Soy yo, Sofia!
TONY enters
TONY
Sofia, que haces aqui? What are you doing? Do they know
you’re here? What happened?
SOFIA
Me quieren matar!
TONY
Who wants to kill you?
SOFIA
No me quiero morir, ayudame nome quiero morir!
TONY
You’re not going to die o.k. I’ll help you!
SOFIA
Tengo tanto miedo!
7
SOFIA pass out and TONY holds
her in his arms.
TONY
Don’t be afraid, te voy a llevar al hospital
TONY starts walking when
Lorenzo appears behind him
LORENZO
Where do you think your going?
TONY
La voy a llevar al hospital, esta muy enferma!
LORENZO
You’re taking her to the hospital? I am not paying you to
take care of her. You and that whore better go back to
work, you need to fix the bar shelves and this door before
the customers start coming!
TONY
No, she can’t work, she’s very sick man!
LORENZO
Well, if she doesn’t want to be found in the bottom of a
river, I suggest, she goes back to work! Come on whore you
better wake up!
TONY
She is not a whore! She is sick, I’ll work extra hours, but
let me take her to the hospital!
LORENZO
You and that bitch owe me a lot of money. Do you think that
I’ll allow you two to leave before you pay me? You’re
fucking crazy!
LORENZO tries to make
SOFIA stands up.
LORENZO
Come on princes! You need to go back to work!
SOFIA tries to stand up but
she fells on the ground. TONY
leans over to help her up.
8
TONY
Sofia? Please talk to me! She is not breathing! Sofia?
Lorenzo checks on Sofia.
LORENZO
Esta muerta?
TONY
You kill her!
LORENZO
Fuck me! Let’s take her away from here let’s go
Lorenzo grabs Tony from the
arm
TONY
Let me go!
Lorenzo kicks Tony on the
face
LORENZO
I said! Let’s go!
Tony tries to fight back
Lorenzo, but Lorenzo keeps
kicking and punching him
until he has Tony on the
floor, so Lorenzo gets his
knife out and put the knife
on Tony’s throat. Lights fade
down while fight sounds are
heard. Soft music plays.
Lights up on the other side
of the stage at the hospital
room where TONY and CHARLIE
are talking
TONY
I don’t remember anything else, after that I woke up here
in the hospital
CHARLIE
So you didn’t kill her?
9
CHARLIE serves TONY some
water and some for him from
the end table by the bed
where TONY is laying down.
TONY
No, I wanted to help her. I’m not a criminal
CHARLIE drinks some water.
POLICE OFFICER
But, you committed a crime by coming to America illegally.
TONY
I know I shouldn’t come to this country, but I wanted to
work, there is no work in Mexico!
POLICE OFFICER
But, that means taking away the work from the Americans?
CHARLIE
Enough!
TONY
No! Americans don’t want to do this kind of work; this work
is for people like me!
POLICE OFFICER
You mean illegal? You people charge less money for your
work, so we can’t compete with your prices!
TONY
Why is that bad? You think you can pay American farm
workers $15 dollars an hour for picking up tomatoes, so
that you’ll end up paying $8 or $10 dollars for a pound of
them?
POLICE OFFICER
Well, I never saw it that way! But still is
pay for you, you could of die!
high price to
TONY
It’s about dying of hunger or dying crossing!
CHARLIE
O.K. enough with this conversation! Why don’t you go get me
that forensic report!
10
Police Officer agrees and.
He exits.
CHARLIE
We’ll find out what happened with Sofia soon. For now you
need to relax, I know it must be hard for you after losing
your friend!
Police Officer enters the
cell with an envelope in his
hands
POLICE OFFICER
We got the forensic report!
Police Officer signals
Charlie that he needs to talk
to him away from Tony.
CHARLIE
What happened?
POLICE OFFICER
She died from appendicitis complications and malnutrition
so, he can go free or we can call immigration
CHARLIE
NO! He has valuable information; I know he can lead me to
the men who trafficked him and Sofia. Tony may be the only
chance I have to put these criminals behind bars!
POLICE OFFICER
So, he was a victim of Human Trafficking, huh? Well he’s
all yours then, I am out of here! (to Tony) Buena suerte
amigo!
CHARLIE
Thanks, I’ll let him know he is free to go.
Police Officer exits from
exit A and Charlie goes back
to Tony
CHARLIE
11
Tony, we find out what happened to Sofia and you are free
to go, but you need a safe place to stay; these men may be
looking for you, so you need to go to a shelter where
you’ll be safe. I’ll be calling you soon. I need to talk
you few more questions. You cannot leave without telling
me o.k. . If you think that you’re in danger, you call me
right away. Your case is a federal case now, that means
that even if you’re free your not entiendes?
TONY
But I’m innocent, I want to go home, I want to see my
mother
CHARLIE
Not now, but if you fear for your mother’s life, there is
an option for her to come to this country and for you to
stay.
TONY
How?
CHARLIE
If you help us to get the people who did this to you and -.
TONY
NO!
CHARLIE
Think about it Tony! If you help us to put these people in
jail you’ll be helping many that are suffering like you and
Sofia were. This will allow you to stay in the states and
bring your mother here. Think about it, this is my card.
Angie will take you to a shelter and she will explain to
you how this program works. I will visit you in few days.
Tony looks at the business
card, Charlie and Tony shake
hands.
Lights fade down. Music plays
CHARLIE and TONY leave the
stage. Lights go up while we
see TONY escaping cautiously.
Lights off. End of scene.
12
The Run Away
Place: Outside the shelter
few days after TONY arrived.
Tony is leaving the shelter.
Soft music plays. TONY
hesitates whether he leaves
or stays in the shelter.
Tony prays, gets his back
pack and leaves. TONY exits.
Light off. End of Scene
13
The Date
This scene takes place in the
Yakima College Cafeteria.
Time: Couple of months after
Tony’s release from the
hospital. Light on at the
cafeteria. Tony is sitting
writing and reading a letter.
TONY
Mamita, como sabe ya tengo unos meses por aca en Yakima,
entre a la escuela de ingles paraTony is approached by Maria
who is a teacher’s assistance
in the English class where
Tony assists. During this
meeting they get to know each
other and set up their first
date.
MARIA
Hola Tony!
TONY
Hello Ms. Lopez
MARIA
Me llamo Maria, you can call me by name, that’s o.k.
Tony gets up and offers Maria
a sit
TONY
Gusta sentarse?
MARIA
Really? You’re inviting me to sit with you
TONY
If it’s o.k.
14
MARIA
It is, I just thought…never mine
Maria sits by Tony
MARIA
I see you’re writingTONY
Yes, this is a letter to my mother.
MARIA
I see, you write letters to your mother often?
TONY
Yes I do
MARIA
We’re not in class now, so you don’t need to answer inTONY
I know, but I like practicing.
MARIA
Your English has improved so much since the first day of
school
TONY
You think so?
MARIA
Yes, your vocabulary has grown and I see your effort, I
think next quarter you’ll be ready for English 101, no more
ESL
TONY
Thank you Ms. LoMARIA
Maria, call me Maria
TONY
Gracias, Maria
MARIA
Are you from Mexico?
15
TONY
Yes, I was born in Veracruz.
MARIA
My grandma was from there, what part of Veracruz are you
from?
TONY
From Jalapa and you?
MARIA
I was born in Mexico City.
TONY
Really? I thought you were from here
MARIA
No, soy Mexicana, like you
TONY
So you moved here a long time ago, huh?
MARIA
Yes, I was like six when we move up here.
TONY
You like music?
MARIA
Music?
TONY
Yeah! Latino music?
MARIA
Oh! No I only like Sinatra, BeethovenTONY
Oh, sorry.
MARIA
I’m kidding! I love Latino music, salsa, rege, cumbia all
of it!
TONY
I thought you were serious.
16
MARIA
No, my mom and dad always listen to Latino music, at first
I thought they were torture me, but now I’m thankful for
it!
TONY
Are you coming to the Salsa dance this weekend?
MARIA
I don’t have a dancing partner.
TONY
Oh! (Pause) Is it o.k. if I can be your dancing partner?
MARIA
(concerned)Are you asking me out?
TONY
I’m sorry.
MARIA
I’m kidding again, you’re so serious.
TONY
You got me again.
MARIA
Then is a date, we go to the dance together this Saturday.
TONY
O.K.
MARIA
Well, I’ll see you then, I have to go
TONY
O.K.
Maria starts to walk away,
but she comes back
MARIA
So, you know where I live?
TONY
No.
17
MARIA
So?
TONY
So what?
MARIA
Never mine!
MARIA is about to leave.
TONY
I got you! I need your phone number and address!
They both laugh. Lights deem
down as Maria is writing her
address in a piece of paper.
Lights out. End of Scene
18
MARIA’s house several weeks
later. MARIA and MELY are
making and altar to celebrate
the day of the death.
MELY
Pasame las flores miha!
MARIA
The yellow ones?
MELY
Si, si, we need to finish this!
MARIA
This is looking beautiful mamita!
to grandma?
Should I serve tequila
MELY
Go head, I’m going to get some pins to hang more flowers
MELY exits
MARIA
Here you go abuelita! Tu tequila! Y es de tu favorito!
Abuelita, I’m so happy, today Tony, my boyfriend is coming
to have dinner with us. I hope that papito likes him.
Abuelita, since you’re in heaven closer to God, ask him for
us! I love him abuelita, he is so wonderful, always trying
to please me. He makes me laugh! Sometimes he can be like
a little boy. I wish you were here abuelita, it thing you
would of like him.
MELY enters.
MELY
Well, I see you’re talking with grandma, I’m sure she is
very happy to see Maria happy y enamorada!
MARIA
Yes mamita I’m in love!
MELY
Maria, let’s have some tequila, I’m sure your dad won’t
even notice we had some of his tequila.
MELY serves two shots of
tequila.
19
MELY
Mamita a tu salud!
MARIA
Abuelita cheers!
MARIA and MELY drink
MELY
Uf! This is strong! I don’t know how you could drink it
mamita!
MARIA
I guess grandma had a strong throat!
MARIA and MELY laugh.
bell door rings
The
MELY
That must be Tony, you get it Maria, andale miha!
MARIA
Ya voy! Un momento!
MARIA opens the door,
TONY enters with white
flowers. TONY kisses
MARIA on her hand.
TONY
Buenas noches
MELY
Buenas noches miho, pasale. We are talking to my mother.
TONY
Isn’t sheMELY
Of course she is, but it is a tradition!
TONY
I see
MELY
Here you must have some tequila,but just today!
20
TONY
Thank you
MELY
Mamita, this is Antonio Lopez, or you can call him Tony!
Tony this is my mother! Enriqueta Mora!
TONY looks at the
picture of
Enriqueta
TONY
A su salud doña Enriqueta!
MARIA
Mamita, I think dad will definitely notice the tequila!
MELY
I will just put some water in it, he won’t notice it!
MARIA
You can do that mamita, he will notice it!
MELY
Trust me Maria, he won’t!
TONY
Your grandma was a very beautiful woman!
MELY
Maria looks so much like her, don’t you think?
TONY
Now that you mention itMARIA
Do you celebrate the day of the death in your family?
TONY
My mother always sets up an altar for my dad and brother.
MELY
I’m sorry I didn’t know your dad and brother were… I’m
sorry.
TONY
21
That’s o.k. doña Mely, don’t worry!
MELY
Y de que se murieron miho?
MARIA
Mamita, don’t ask him why they died!
TONY
That’s o.k. Maria, but perhaps some other day Mely?
MELY
Of course Tony! I’ll go check to see if food is ready!
MELY exits. MARIA
holds TONY’s hand.
MARIA
Abuelita this is my Tony, the one I have talk to you about.
TONY
Mucho gusto doña Enriqueta, your grand-daughter is an
amazing woman! I wish I would of know you, I would of ask
you about Maria when she was a little girl.
MARIA
I can tell you all about it!
TONY
It’s not the same; grandmas have a especial way to tell
their grandchildren’s stories.
MARIA
You’re right! My grandma used to tell me stories of talking
birds!
TONY
Mine used to tell me about a talking snake in some town in
Mexico!
MARIA
I know, sometimes I got scare about her stories, but at the
end she managed to make me feel safe!
MELY enters
carrying a plate of
food
22
MELY
Food is ready! Your dad should be here any minute! Come on
Tony, Maria, I know you want to talk to doña Enriqueta, but
now she has her dinner ready.
MELY places the plate in
front of her mother’s
picture
MELY
Here you go mamita, your favorite! I hope you enjoy it!
Vamos, vamos, time to eat!
Mely exits. MARIA and
TONY kiss lights deem
and lights focus on a
mirror above the altar
where we see ENRIQUETA
dinking her tequila.
Lights off. End of
scene
23
Meeting with the Trafficker
Time: Couple of weeks later.
Place: Tony’s job in a car
repair shop in Yakima.
Lights on repair shop. We
see Tony working on a car
while he is singing and
wearing a gray jumpsuit full
of car oil and grease.
Lorenzo comes in from
entrance A.
LORENZO
Como estas Tony?
TONY
Que diablos haces aqui? Como me encontrastes?
LORENZO
You thought I was stupid enough not to find you?
TONY
Just go Lorenzo I don’t want any trouble man!
LORENZO
You think I’m here looking for trouble? I’m not; you owe me
money, lots of it!! So I’m here to collect “My money”
TONY
I don’t owe you anything! Leave now orLORENZO
Or what? Ah? What? You’re going to call the police? You
know what would happen to your and your precious mother
don’t you? So don’t fuck with me!!
TONY
I just don’t want to have problems with my boss, man.
LORENZO
24
I know that a detective has been looking for you, but you
know what would happen if you talk don’t you?
TONY
What detective?
LORENZO
You should know!
TONY
I don’t know any detective
LORENZO
Well, I have been informed that some “detective” is looking
for you, I think he is trying to get evidence to put us
away, but he hasn’t been lucky, may be because he doesn’t
have the connections I have
TONY
What do you mean?
LORENZO
It was very easy to find you man, I have connections
everywhere! Do you thing that I am the only one in this
business? Think again!! This is bigger that you can think
of! So now you can imagine who you’re fucking with. You
have become the detective’s only hope, but I am making sure
he doesn’t find you first, because you own me a lot of
money and second, I’m not ready to go to jail. After you
pay me I might leave you alone or have you silenced!
TONY
You don’t need to do that, I would never tell him anything!
LORENZO
That’s good for your mother’s safety! What about my money?
TONY
I don’t have any money!
LORENZO
NO? So how come you drive a nice truck and have dinner with
a cute woman? Or should I say your girlfriend?
TONY
She has nothing to do with this! Leave her out of it!!
25
LORENZO
So sweet! You’re in love! What about her? Does she love you
enough to put her life at risk for you?
TONY
Leave her out of this or I’llLORENZO
You’ll what? The only reason you still alive it’s because
you owe me $20,000 dollars!
TONY
You’re crazy man! I don’t have that money!
LORENZO
Think about it Tony, you can pay me and keep quite or you,
your mother and your cute girlfriend can end in the bottom
of the river just like like the others, remember?
Tony’s boss enters from
entrance B and talks
directly to Tony
BOSS
What is going on here? This is not social club Tony, get
back to work!
LORENZO
Think about it Tony!
Lorenzo exits
BOSS
Who was that man?
TONY
No body, I’m sorry
BOSS
I hope you’re not in trouble Tony? I’m risking my ass here
for you! You know if immigration finds out that you’re
working here with no papers, I can even go to jail!
It won’t happen again Tom.
trouble!
TONY
Don’t worry I’m not in any
26
BOSS
Get back to work then and finish that car already! Tomorrow
is thanksgiving and we won’t work! You have been working on
it for hours, what is wrong with you? I won’t let you come
to work tomorrow, you have to be with your family! Entiende
Amigo!
TONY
Tom you know I don’t have any family here!
TOM
Well, what about your girlfriend?
TONY
We’re Mexicans, we don’t do Thanksgiving.
TOM
Well, you’re in America now, so now you celebrate
Thanksgiving. Perhaps as a way to be thankful to be alive,
many of your people die trying crossing the border. Anyway
back to work.
Tom is leaving.
TONY
Hey Tom, happy Thanksgiving!
TOM
Tu tambien!
TONY
I will!
Tom exits while Tony
continues working.
Light off. End of scene.
27
The Relationship
Time: Several weeks later.
Place: Maria’s house in the
living room where Maria is
talking to her mother about
the relationship with Tony
while she is waiting for Tony
to pick her up to go out for
dinner. Light on the living
room
MELY
Te vez Linda miha! Como toda una princesa!
MARIA
English momita, how do you expect your English to get
better if you don’t practice?
MELY
O.K. Maria you look like a PRINCE!
MARIA
Thank you mamita, but it’s “princess” prince is for males
MELY
Like a princess!
MARIA
Better!
MELY
This Tony is a lucky man. You know Maria, I really like
him, he seems to be a good man.
MARIA
I am the lucky one mom, he is so kind and such a gentleman.
MELY
It should be like that, my Maria deserves the best.
MARIA
I feel likeMELY
El amor, love can make you feel in heaven, I’m so happy for
you miha.
28
MARIA
Since the day we spoke at the cafeteria, I knew he was the
one, he was so shy, I had to be the one to talk to him
first.
MELY
Maria, you wait until man talks to you not the other way
MARIA
Mom we are in new millennium, now we have more freedom and
if we like a man, we can start the conversation, you know
to see what happened
MELY
This new time, in my days, a woman waited until the man
talk to her, conquer her poetry, flowers and “serenatas”
MARIA
What?
MELY
Serenatas miha, you know when a man gets his guitar and
goes to the window of the woman he loves and signs to her
MARIA
Oh! That’s old mom
MELY
That’s what happens now man are too modern, what happened
to old fashion romanticism
MARIA
May be that’s why I like Tony, he is old fashion, but not
too much, you know?
MELY
Maria you’re really in love
MARIA hugs her mom and
start spinning around
with her.
MARIA
Si mamita lo amo, I love him, I love him!
MELY
29
You’re going to make me fall down, I know you’re happy, I
am too, I like to see my Maria smiling and feeling
botherflies.
MARIA
(Maria laughs)Butterflies mamita! They are butterflies!
MELY
Well, you should know what they are; you’re the one that
feels them
They both laugh
MARIA
He is late!
MELY
May be some traffic?
MARIA
Mom we live in Yakima, there is no traffic, maybe 2 cars at
the stop sign
MELY
Be patient miha, maybe he stopped to buy you a gift
MARIA
Yea you’re right, so do I really look nice?
MELY
More than nice, you look, what’s the word…. B e a u t i f u
l
MARIA
Like mother like daughter
MELY
Oh no I’m old miha
MARIA
You’re not old and you’re the most B e a u t i f u l mom in
this planet
MELY
Estas loca miha?
30
MARIA
I’m not crazy mom (sigh) where is he?
MELY
Be calm miha, he’ll be here, he is Latino and you know
we’re always late to everything
MARIA
Not him, he is always on time.
Phone rings and Maria
answers, she keeps quite for
few seconds before she speaks
MARIA
You’re not coming? What happened? (pause) Are you avoiding
me? (pause)Tony what’s happening, talk to me! (pause) We
need to talk (pause) no, not on the phone (pause) I
understand, I just sense that something is not right
(pause) No, I not mad (pause) o.k. I’ll see you tomorrow?
(pause) o.k. bye
Maria hangs up the phone
MELY
Que pasa? Maria what’s happening?
MARIA
I don’t know mamita, he has been avoiding me lately.
MELY
Maria, you can not expect full attention all the time!
MARIA
It’s not that mamita, I feel something is wrong.
MELY
What could be wrong?
MARIA
I don’t know.
MELY
You can talk to him tomorrow.
MARIA
31
No, I am not waiting until tomorrow, I am going to his
place right now and he better give me an explanation!
MELY
You need to calm down first Maria.
MARIA
I am calm, see you mamita!
MELY
Maria, Maria (pause) esta loca!
Mely gives her blessing to
Maria while Maria is leaving
ignoring Mely’s call.
Lights out. End of scene
32
Tony tells Maria about how
her father and brother die
and take out some info
already said
The Truth
Time: Same day
This scene takes place in
Tony’s place. Lights on in
Tony’s place. We see Tony
sitting on a couch thinking
grabbing his forehead while
Maria knocks. Tony gets up
and opens the door to Maria.
Maria enters from entrance A.
Tony is upset.
TONY
Maria, what are you doing HERE?
MARIA
We need to talk!
TONY
About WHAT?
MARIA
I need to know what is wrong? All of the sudden you are
acting as if you were avoiding me!
TONY
No! I told you I have been working a lot of overtime and
I’m very tired! Please try to understand!
MARIA
Do you love me Tony?
TONY
Huh! (pause) come on Maria!
MARIA
Just answer the question!
TONY
What do you want me to say? That I cannot live without you?
MARIA
I want the truth!
33
TONY
Look Maria, I’m tired and besidesMARIA
What Tony? Please talk to me! If you don’t want to be with
me anymore, I’ll understand, but you need to tell me!
TONY
It’s not about you, there are things about me that you
don’t know!
MARIA
Like what?
TONY
Things from my past!
MARIA
From your past, what do you mean?
TONY
I’m not good for you Maria!
MARIA
Let ME decide if you’re good for me or not! How horrible
could it be that you’re giving up on us? Did you kill any
body or smuggle drugs?
TONY
No!
MARIA
Then tell me! I love you Tony! I love you for who you are
now, I don’t care about you’re past, please?
TONY
O.K. Maria, sientate
Maria and Tony sit on
the couch
TONY
Maria, I came to this country thinking that I will work and
send money to my mother, but it wasn’t like that.
MARIA
What happened?
34
TONY
The man that brought me hereSoft music starts TONY’s
voice fade off, lights
deem.
Music fades lights fully
back on
TONY
So, this man; Lorenzo found me and he wants me to pay him
$20,0000 dollars!
MARIA
That’s a lot of money!
TONY
That’s not the worse part, he knows about you Maria!
MARIA
About me? What do you mean? How does he know about me?
TONY
I don’t know, but he can hurt you and I don’t want anything
happening to you! I can work until I pay Lorenzo that
money, but if this detective finds me and Lorenzo sees him
talking to me; he might my hurt you! Either that or Charlie
will send me back to Mexico. See either way I will lose
you!
MARIA
Let’s see, so if we find a way for you to stay in the
States then he can’t force you to talk.
TONY
He told me that I can apply for some visa or something, but
only if I tell him everything, but if I do, that man will
kill my mother and you!
MARIA
So, we just have to find another way.
TONY
There is no other way Maria, I want you safe! Maria I never
told you how my father and brother died. Maria my father
and brother were abandoned in a train container, they died
35
there, and nobody help them! You see people in involved in
this trafficking business don’t care about anything, they
are criminals! And if they said they’ll kill you, they
will! I love you mi amor, no quiero que te pasa nada, no me
lo podria perdonar nunca!
MARIA
Tony, I’m so sorry about your dad and brother, I didn’t
know! Now I understand why you want to protect me, Tony
MARIA hugs TONY
MARIA
Please Tony let me help you, I know that you’re afraid, I
am too, but I can’t let you push me away! Please let me
help you maybe if we get marry?
TONY
No Maria!
MARIA
Tony if you become legal, then you don’t have to tell
anything to that detective. He’ll be off you’re back! And
then we just pay that man the $20,000 and you’ll be free!
TONY
No, Maria, I cannot put you in any danger and besides
that’s not the way I wanted to get marry!
MARIA
I know Tony, but I love you and I don’t want to lose you!
Tony gets upset
TONY
I don’t want to lose you either Maria, but I need to
protect you!
MARIA
Por favor mi amor, let me help you! (pause)What about if we
go back to Mexico?
TONY
No! Your family is here and there is no work in Mexico.
MARIA
Stop it! Don’t do it! There has to be a way!
36
Maria hugs Tony, but he
steps away from her.
TONY
You need to go Maria!
MARIA
Corazon, can you see that I care so much for you, can you
see how much I love you!
TONY
Even if we get married, that will make the detective go
away, but the other guy wants $20,000 dollars and I don’t
have that money!
MARIA
I’ll help you Tony!
TONY
No, Maria just go and forget about me!
MARIA
No, together we’ll get out of this!
MARIA
You can find a better job!
TONY
I’m illegal Maria
MARIA
Well, but if we get married, you can get a work permit and
change your job!
TONY
You want us to get marry just to help me?
MARIA
No, just because I love you I want to help you! I will work
some extra hours and I have some savings!
TONY
No, I can’t let you do that! MariaMARIA
37
What? You’re the man so therefore you can’t accept my help?
Is that it? I thought you were a man not a MACHO Tony!
TONY
I’m not a macho, I’m just… You wouldn’t understand.
MARIA
Tony, these are different times!
TONY
I don’t know Maria, I do want to marry you and live with
you for the rest of my life, but I don’t want you to
sacrifice.
MARIA
No, life with out you will be a sacrifice Tony!
TONY
Maria, I don’t know what to say.
MARIA
Well, you can say “Maria can I married you?”
They both smile. Tony looks
at Maria and holds her hands.
TONY
Maria would you married me?
MARIA
(Pause)Yes!!!
Maria and Tony hug. Lights
off.
End of scene
38
The House
Time: two months later.
Place: Tony’s apartment at
5:00 pm. Tony is carrying
Maria on his arms as they are
entering to their new home.
They are surprised by an
unexpected guest.
Off stage
TONY
Al fin solos mi amor!
MARIA
Yes, finally all alone at last!
MELY
Miha!
Tony let Maria fall down to
the floor
MARIA
Hauch!
MELY
Oh! Tony, are you trying to kill her?
MARIA
I’m o.k. Mamita. What are you doing here!
Maria gets up while Tony
helps her
TONY
No offense Mely, but this is my house!
MELY
This is my daughter’s house too and I had to get everything
ready for you! So don’t use that tone with me!
TONY
I’m sorry Mely, is just thatMELY
You can call me mama!
39
TONY
What?
MARIA
That’s not necessary mamita!
MELY
Don’t be silly Maria, he is my son now!
TONY
I don’t know! I’ll be in the room
Tony leaves the stage
MARIA
Mom don’t you have to get dinner ready for papito?
MELY
I already did!
MARIA
Mom what about if I visit you tomorrow and we talk then?
MELY
Miha! What’s the hurry? I know you want to give me tons of
grandchildren, but I forgot to give you my blessing, with
all the people in the wedding, I couldn’t!
MARIA
Mamita we’re a little tired!
Tony enters the stage.
TONY
I need to unload the car
MELY
No, no, sit down miho! I’ll bring you some lemonade, I just
made it!
Mely serves lemonade to
Maria and Tony while
they look at each other
with surprise
MARIA
Thank you mamita!
40
MELY
You’re welcome!
MARIA
Mamita, IMELY
Ya me voy! I’m leaving!
MARIA
No mamita, you don’t have to go.
TONY
Maria, she might have things to do! Don’t you Mely?
MELY
I don’t, really?
TONY
Are you sure?
MELY
Of course I am, silly! Besides it’s tradition! The mother
in-law makes sure that the bedroom is ready for the new
husband and wife!
MARIA
Mamita!
MELY
It is tradition Maria!
MARIA
Mamita if you have something to doMELY
Tony is right! I think I better live you two alone!
TONY
Great!
MARIA
Tony!
TONY
The lemonade is great! Thank you Mely.
41
MELY
I’m glad you liked it!
Mely hugs Maria and then
Tony
MELY
God bless you!
Mely leaves.
MARIA
I’m sorry Tony!
TONY
Why does she have a key?
MARIA
I gave her the key, it is kind of tradition, I still have
the keys of my house, well, ex-house.
TONY
That’s strange, but I understand!
MARIA
Don’t be mad!
Tony hugs and kisses
Maria on the forehead.
MARIA
I Love you Tony!
Tony laughs
MARIA
What?
TONY
(Laughing) I almost had a heart attack, she scared me!
MARIA
Stop it! (smiles) It was…TONY
I should check to see if no body else is here?
42
MARIA
Stop it!
TONY
Hey, may be your dad is here!
MARIA
Tony!
TONY
Should we?
MARIA
What?
Tony carries Maria on
his arms and talks like
Maria’s mother
TONY
It is tradition Maria!
They both laugh. Lights
off. End of scene
43
Some how making sure that TOM
is not there and that the new boss
The Officer
Couple of months later at
Tony’s work place. Tony
receives Detective Charlie’s
visit.
CHARLIE
Como esta Tony?
TONY
Detective! How are you?
CHARLIE
I’ve looking for your!
TONY
Please leave, I have a wife and I –
CHARLIE
I know you got married Tony.
TONY
Well so then you know you can’t force me to talk.
CHARLIE
Do you know why your immigration papers haven’t arrived?
TONY
It takes time!
CHARLIE
No Tony, I can make your papers take for ever if I want to!
TONY
You can’t do that! I have rights.
CHARLIE
Perhaps, but this is personal now, these men have slaved
and killed many people and since you’re my only hope, I can
do anything I want! Even accuse you of protecting these
criminals, entiendes?
TONY
44
I’ll see an attorney, I’m not afraid of you!
CHARLIE
There is not need to be afraid Tony, I am here because… the
truth is that I need your help, many people’s lives are in
your hands, I know you have a wife now and I know they
won’t leave you alone. I am offering protection. You can
even change your name and get a better job!
TONY
I don’t need to change my name and I don’t need another
job!
Tony’s boss enters
BOSS
Tony, I hope you’re working! I’m not my father! So if you
use to do that when he was here, that don’t work for me!
TONY
Yes IBOSS
Who is this man? You know I don’t like anybody to have
visitors here!
I’m leaving Sr.
moment
CHARLIE
I just needed to talk with him for a
BOSS
This is a business, not a bar! If you need to talk to your
friend, do it after work!
CHARLIE
My apologies sr.; I’m detective Charlie Mathews FBI special
investigations.
BOSS
Is he in some kind of trouble?
CHARLIE
No, no trouble at all! I’m leaving, think about what we
talked Tony!
Charlie gives a business card
to Tony and leaves
45
BOSS
What the fuck was that?
TONY
Nothing Sr.
BOSS
You illegals are always in trouble! I don’t know why I put
up with people like you!
TONY
I’m a good person Sr.
BOSS
You’re stupid! Only a stupid man will get in trouble with
the FBI
TONY
I’m not in trouble, IBOSS
I don’t want to know and a soon as I can find someone else
to replace you, I will
TONY
I need my job Sr.
BOSS
Go and tell that to someone who cares! You’ll be working
until eight today!
TONY
But I have anBOSS
I don’t care! You have to work for the time you lost
talking to your friend! Or should I say your PROVATION
OFFICER?
TONY
But, it was only for ten minutes.
BOSS
Well, they look more like 2 hours to me, so you take it or
leave it!
46
TONY
I’ll stay!
BOSS
Good! And hurry up with those cars!
Boss turns around
BOSS
These lazy wetbacks!
BOSS leaves while TONY gets some
tools.
Lights off. End of Scene
47
The Pressure
Same day at Tony’s home.
Maria is on the living room
reading a magazine and
caressing her stomach.
MARIA
Hola Mi amor!
TONY
What’s up?
MARIA
Wow! You’re in bad mood today.
TONY
Well, I had a tough day!
MARIA
Do you want to tell me about it
TONY
No Maria, I don’t need to tell you about it!
MARIA
Why not? I’m here to support you, to help you!
TONY
Are you trying to humiliate me?
MARIA
There you go, the macho side of you!
TONY
I’m not in the mood today Maria, so leave me alone!
MARIA
Tony, you need to trust me, you need to convey in me.
TONY
Look Maria… just stay away from me today!
MARIA
Marriage is about staying together not staying away Tony!
48
TONY
It is easy for you to say! All you do is reading your baby
magazines!
MARIA
I’m pregnant Tony, what do you expect, this is my first
baby! You should be happy!
TONY
This is not about you or the baby! This is about me!
MARIA
Then tell me! What happened?
TONY
Detective Matthews found me!
MARIA
How?
TONY
He said that my immigration papers are on hold because of
him
MARIA
He can’t do that Tony
TONY
Well, he is doing it!
MARIA
Tomorrow I’ll talk to memo
Tony hits the wall
TONY
NO!
MARIA
He is an attorney, he’ll help us
TONY
You’re just looking for excuses to see him, huh?
MARIA
Tony don’t start with your-
49
TONY
Aren’t your sorry to marry me, Maria? Don’t you wish you
married him instead?
MARIA
Tony, I can’t believe you’re telling me this!
Maria tries to walk
away, but Tony grabs her
by the arm
TONY
Where you think your going? Didn’t you say we needed to
stay together?
MARIA
You are hurting me Tony!
TONY
You’re leaving because you know I’m right about Memo!
MARIA
Forget it, just let me go!
Maria struggles with
Tony, until Tony let her
go
MARIA
I said let me go! I can believe you’re doing this Tony, I
though you love me and the baby! I never thought you could
hurt us!
TONY
I’m sorry Maria, I don’t know why I did that! Please baby
forgive me! I’m stupid!
MARIA
You’re not stupid Tony
TONY
My new boss is right, I am!
MARIA
Your NEW boss is the stupid one! I’m sorry that you have to
put up with him! He such an asshole! I hope his father gets
better soon so he can come back, he was a great person!
50
TONY
I know, I’m sorry I was rude to you, it will never happen
again, I promise! Please both of you forgive me!
MARIA
We love you Tony, but you need to learn to control your
temper!
TONY
It won’t happen again, I swear!
Maria hugs Tony.
Scene
END of 1st ACT
End of
51
HUMAN BORDERS
ACT II
The Debrief
Few weeks after Maria and
Tony’s fight, Maria visits
her mother in an act of
reaching out to her mother’s
advice. Mely is cleaning an
altar with the Virgin Mary
placed on a table with 2
candles and a picture of
Maria’s dead grandmother with
a shot of tequila by the
picture. The altar is located
behind a brown/yellow sofa.
Mely is singing a Mexican
song while cleaning.
MELY
De colores, de colores se visten los camposOff stage
MARIA
Mamita? It’s me Maria!
Maria enters
MELY
Maria? Come in miha! Como estas?
Mely hugs Maria and Maria
kisses Mely on her forehead.
Mely continues cleaning.
MARIA
You look happy mamita!
MELY
Si Maria, I am happy, everything is great!
MARIA
Wow! Even grandma is having tequila!
52
MELY
You know it’s a tradition to share our joy with our love
ones, even they’re gone, there spirits still here with us.
MARIA
But I thought you only gave tequila to grandma on the day
of the dead.
MELY stops cleaning and
dances around with joy
MELY
But today is a special day! There is so much to celebrate,
you’re married and now I am having a grandchild, oh! let me
see!
MELY touches MARIA’s stomach.
MELY
How is my grand child? How are you doing miha? Have you had
any cravings?
Maria sits while Mely
continues cleaning the altar
MARIA
No, that’s silly!
MELY
None sense, I knew I was pregnant with you right away after
my first craving!
MARIA
Really?
MELY
You see MARIA, I hated onions and one day I woke up and all
I wanted was to run to the kitchen to get an onion, I took
a big bite and oh! It was delicious! But after you were
born I hated them again!
MARIA
That’s gross mom! Besides everybody is different. However;
I feel hungry all the time.
MELY
53
Oh! It’s going to be a boy!
MARIA
Why? Because boys eat more than girls do? Anyway, how is
papito doing?
MELY
Working as always! So how is Tony doing?
MARIA
Well… he is o.k. I guess
MELY
Is something wrong miha?
MARIA
You wouldn’t understand mom.
MELY
Come on MARIA, tell me.
MARIA
Sometimes being married is so difficult!
MELY
In what way? What do you mean difficult?
MARIA
Sometimes it can even be scary mom! And especially since he
has a new boss, he is an idiot! I can believe he is Tom’s
son, Tom was such a wonderful man! Anyway…
MELY
I know, but you say scary? Why?
MARIA
Tony can be so gentle and in one second he can lose his
temper so bad! It’s like he becomes this monster, someone I
don’t know!
MELY
Nonsense Maria, Tony is a good man, he would never hurt
you!
MARIA
Sometimes he can’t control his anger and when that happens;
I really feel that he can badly hurt me. mamita!
MELY
54
He won’t Maria, TONY is under a lot of pressure, but he’ll
never hurt you miha!
MARIA
I don’t know mamita, the other day he got really mad and he
punch the wall! Just because I suggested talking to Memo
about his immigration problem.
MELY
You did what? You don’t talk to single man about your
husband’s affairs!
MARIA
But he is an immigration attorney, I’m sure he can help!
MELY
It doesn’t matter Maria, a married woman shouldn’t talk
about her husband’s problems with another man. Miha he’ll
find the way, men always do! That’s their job!
MARIA
Sometimes he seems like he is desperate!
MELY
Of course he is desperate, just put your-self in his shoes
MARIA
What should I do?
MELY
I don’t know! But try not to beMARIA
What?
MELY
Well, so American MARIA!
MARIA
American?
MELY
Miha, in Mexico, we, women are different. We take care of
our husbands, and here women are only thinking about
competing with their husbands. Who is stronger, who makes
more money, who drinks more, who cleans, who cooks-
55
MARIA
Mamita, these are not American ideas? Women need to be
treated with respect and equality, this is not about being
American. This is about respect! Women are fighting back
for –
MELY
That’s why Maria! Now women are fighting instead of caring!
MARIA
I didn’t mean fighting in that way… never mind, mamita I
don’t know what to do, I want the baby to have both of us,
but the way Tony acts sometimes is not normal!
MELY
What is normal MARIA? You want your husband to be happy all
the time? Tony needs more support form you. You’re not
the only wife who has been mistreated by a husband, that's
normal Maria and even if you don’t like it, we are women
and that is our cross to carry! Have you forgotten how your
dad just to be if I didn’t do as he said?
MARIA
Mamita love is not a cross to be carried! Love is about
giving!
MELY
What do you want me to do Maria!
MARIA
I don’t know, may be hug me or tell me that everything will
be o.k., I don’t know mamita!
MELY
Maria I know that he won’t hurt you or the baby, he loves
you both Maria. I have seen his face when he talks about
the baby? Why don’t we pray, maybe la Virgen will help us!
MARIA
I guess mamita.
MELY
Come on Maria have faith! Here, you light up the candle.
Maria and Mely go behind the
sofa and get on their knees.
Mely lights the candles and
both start praying. Lights
off. End of scene.
56
The Visit
This takes place right
outside Tony and Maria’s
apartment. Maria is walking
about to enter into the
apartment building where they
live.
CHARLIE
Mrs. Lopez?
Maria stops and turns around
CHARLIE
Maria Lopez?
MARIA
Yes, may I help you?
Charlie shows Maria his
police badge
CHARLIE
I’m Detective Charlie Matthews withMARIA
I know who you are!
MARIA starts walking away
CHARLIE
Mrs. Lopez can we talk inside please?
MARIA
NO!
CHARLIE
Can we go somewhere where it’s safe?
MARIA
No, we don’t have anything to talk about Mr. Matthews; you
should leave my husband alone! Now if you excuse me, I have
things to do!
Maria starts walking away.
CHARLIE
57
Wouldn’t you like your husband to be become legal in this
country?
MARIA turns around and starts
walking closer to CHARLIE
while she points her finger
at him.
MARIA
The reason why my husband is not documented yet is because
of you! You want to arrest these awful individuals so much
that you don’t care who gets hurt! So don’t try to make me
believe that you would like to help us!
CHARLIE
Why don’t we talk over there by that bench? Please?
MARIA
NO!
CHARLIE
Please, I think that I can help your husband without
putting you and him in danger. Just give me two minutes
please?
MARIA
O.K. but only two minutes!
CHARLIE
Thank you, let’s sit on that bench.
Maria agrees and both walk
toward the bench, Charlie let
Maria sit first.
CHARLIE
I know this must be difficult for you, but try to
understand that –
MARIA
Understand what? That you’re treating my husband as a
criminal? You know he was a victim and yet you’re not
helping him!
CHARLIE
May I call you Maria?
58
Maria nods giving her
approval
CHARLIE
Maria, I don’t know how much you know about human
trafficking, but this is a reality that many innocent
people are living every day in this country. Does the name
Sofia Mendez sound familiar?
Maria nods indicating that
she knows.
CHARLIE
So you know that she died as a result of physical
negligence from these criminals. I know that your husband
tried to safe her and that he was a victim himself, but by
not providing the information about these individuals he
can be seen as an accomplice and therefore he is a suspect.
MARIA
But you know he didn’t do anything!
CHARLIE
Perhaps, but there are legal procedures that we have to
follow.
MARIA
Look Mr. Matthews –
CHARLIE
You can call me Charlie, Maria
MARIA
Can you see that my husband is trying to protect us!
CHARLIE
Us? You mean… Are you pregnant?
MARIA keeps quiet
CHARLIE
You are pregnant aren’t you? I thought that… never mind
MARIA
No, tell me what were you going to say?
CHARLIE
59
Well, I thought that you married TONY just to give him the
green card, I’m sorry, I guess I misjudged you.
MARIA
I love Tony and as hard as this is for both of us, we will
be so much better if you just leave us alone.
CHARLIE
You know I can’t do that! My job is to do everything I can
to put these people behind bars and TONY is the only one
who can help me!
MARIA
Why does Tony have to help you? Can you understand that if
he does that LORENZO will kill him?!
CHARLIE
Lorenzo?!
(CHARLIE smiles)
CHARLIE
LORENZO!
CHARLIE starts writing on his
notebook
CHARLIE
Don’t worry MARIA, I will do my best to protect you and
TONY.
MARIA
I, I think, I have to go, I don’t know anything and TONY is
just trying to forget this horrible experience!
CHARLIE
I know who LORENZO is, I have been following this guy for
years now, but unfortunately, I haven’t been able to put
him in jail. Look, when your husband told me the kind of
work they were doing and the way he was recruited by this
individual, I knew that it was probably “los Surenios”
MARIA
Los Sureños, who are they?
CHARLIE
These are some man and women who we believe they started
recruiting and selling Mexicans to the States 5 or may be
60
10 years ago. They started in the southern part of Mexico
and eventually move through out Mexico as their business
grew. Now they are also trafficking people from Central
America. Lorenzo is one of the leaders in charge of
recruiting in the southern part of Mexico.
MARIA
Are you sure?
CHARLIE
Los Surenios punish their victims the way Tony and Sofia
were and some of them have died out of negligence and then
their bodies were dumped in a river; others have been
killed as they tried to escape.
MARIA
And why haven’t you arrest anybody?
CHARLIE
Because few of the victims who have survived are too afraid
to talk and they prefer to go back to their countries.
However; with Tony it was different, when immigration
received his paperwork to become legal there was a warning
under his name, so they informed me and I came to make sure
that he was the Antonio Lopez we were looking for.
MARIA
I see, but you know that they are very dangerous and yet
you want my husband to be your witness? Don’t you
understand that they can kill us?
CHARLIE
I know you are afraid, but it is important to have his
testimony. These people are real, but we don’t have any
witnesses. If you help me to convince your husMARIA
NO! I will never do that, they can kill him, can you
understand that?!
CHARLIE
We can offer you and him protection; there are options so
you don’t have to be afraid
MARIA
What options? Like changing our identity? What about my
family, do you know what that will do my parents, I’m their
61
only child!
CHARLIE
Calm down Maria, I’ m not here to upset you.
I’m trying
to help, have you ever thought that this man can kill him
any day?
MARIA
He won’t do that!
CHARLIE
Why are you so sure?
MARIA
He wants money, and as long as we’re giving it to him, he
won’t hurt us.
CHARLIE
You’re paying LORENZO for TONY’s life?
MARIA
No, LORENZO wants TONY to pay him for brining him to this
country and to pay for SOFIA as well, so as long as we pay
him, will be o.k.
CHARLIE
And what is going to happen when he finish paying him, do
you think that he is going to leave you alone? He will ask
for more or even kill your husband! Think about it. What
good a green card can be if one day you found Tony dead in
a river!
MARIA
No, they can’t do that!
CHARLIE
Think about that option Maria, Lorenzo kills you and your
family. Or Tony gets deported and your baby won’t be able
to grow with his father. Or you cooperate with us and we
help you to stay as a family.
MARIA
I don’t know; I just want the best for Tony and my baby.
CHARLIE
Why don’t you think about it and give me a call, this is my
62
card
Charlie gives his card to
Maria.
MARIA
I have to go!
Maria starts walking away and
Maria puts the card in her
purse. Maria exits stage from
exit A.
End of Scene
63
The Secret
This scene takes place in
Tony’s house. Maria is
arriving from work. She
enters and places her car key
in her purse. Tony enters
and happily approaches Maria.
TONY
Hola! Como está la mamá más Linda del mundo or better say
the most beautiful pregnant woman in the world?
MARIA
Hey you’re home?
Maria hugs and kisses Tony.
Tony also kisses Maria’s
stomach.
TONY
Como esta miho?
MARIA
Son? What if it is a girl?
TONY
Well, I don’t know, I think it’s just a way to say hello to
the baby, take it easy! Hey look what I bought for you!
MARIA
Oranges! Thank you Tony!
TONY
Hey anything por la mujer man linda!
MARIA
For the most beautiful woman? You’re sweet! Hey how was
work today?
TONY
Like always! My boss calling me names, thinking I’m so
stupid! You know the usual, but he’s getting worse!
Tony makes a fist with his
right hand and hits his open
left hand.
TONY
I’m telling you that man needs a lesson you know!
64
MARIA
TONY! Stop that don’t get any ideas!
TONY
It’s just sometimes… don’t worry I won’t hurt him.
MARIA
So why you said that he is getting worse?
TONY
He is an asshole, he supposed to pay us today andMARIA
He didn’t pay you?
TONY
No, he said that he won’t pay us until next week because we
didn’t finish some of the cars on time!
MARIA
What? But you work all week!
TONY
That son of a bitch said he didn’t have enough money in the
bank to pay us. So if we want to get pay we need to finish
all cars!
MARIA
He can’t do that! What about all the other cars you worked
on; I’m sure he got paid on time!
TONY
Hay MARIA didn’t you understand? If he said no is no! Are
you stupid or what?
MARIA
Hey don’t talk to me …. Forget it (beat), so what else did
he say?
TONY
He said “If you don’t like it, you can LEAVE”! You know how
it is with him, he is the boss. I’ll work tomorrowMARIA
Tomorrow? But it’s Sunday, is he going to pay you overtime?
65
TONY
Are you listening? Do I speak in a language that you don’t
understand? Or perhaps is my accent? I said he is not going
to pay us until we finish with all the cars, what fucking
part didn’t you understand!
MARIA
TONY don’t get mad, I’m listening! It’s just so unfair! I
wish that we could report him andTONY
Report him? Are fucking dumb, he is doing me a favor
remember! I’m illegal!
MARIA
Why because you’re undocumented? You’re doing him a favor,
he’s making extra money because of you!. He knows he has
to pay more to documented people, that’s why gets away with
it, because he know you will never report what he is doing
with you and all the rest of the workers!... Oh God, what
about LORENZO’s money, we suppose to pay him tomorrow! He’s
not going to wait for us!
Calmate!
TONY
I’ll figure something out!
MARIA
May be I can ask my parent for a loan!
TONY
A tus papás? No Maria, we can’t go to your parents every
time we’re in trouble! Este es nuestro problema, entiendes?
MARIA
But this is important TONY, LORENZO can hurt you and he TONY
Stop it Maria, you always worry too much andMARIA
You know it’s…I’m sorry, you’re right, you need me and I
justTONY
66
That’s o.k. I’m sorry I yelled
Tony and Maria hugs
MARIA
Te Amo TONY! I don’t want anything to happen to you!
TONY
I love you too Maria, but don’t worry! I’ll finish the cars
tomorrow and I’ll get some money! Hey I’ll take care of it
o.k.? Come on let’s to go rent movie?
MARIA
O.K. but I need to use the bathroom first.
TONY
I’ll wait for you in the car, where are the keys?
MARIA
They’re in my purse.
Maria goes to the bathroom
and Tony looks for the keys
in Maria’s box. Tony gets a
business card out and looks
at it for a few seconds.
Tony hits the wall and yells
Maria’s name
TONY
No, no, no
TONY hits the wall a couple
of times
TONY
No, Maria, Mariaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Maria enters
TONY
What the hell is this?
MARIA
What?
TONY
67
This!
He throws the business card
at Maria
MARIA
I can explain TONY!
TONY
What a fuck are you going to explain?
TONY pushes MARIA hard enough
that she land on the couch
TONY
How long have you been doing this! Answer me Maria
Tony grabs Maria by the arm
MARIA
Auh, TONY wait, you’re hurting me!
TONY
You don’t know what pain is MARIA! So you better fucking
tell me the truth!
MARIA
He talked to me one dayTONY
What do you mean he talked to you?
MARIA
One day I was on my way into the building when he called my
name, I didn’t want you to get mad so I didn’t say
anything!
TONY
So that’s why you kept his card! Do you think I’m stupid?
MARIA
No Tony, I don’t know why I kept it, maybe because I
thought he could help us!
TONY
Are you fucking crazy? What about my mother? You know that
if I tell CHARLIE anything about LORENZO, he will kill her!
68
You know he knows where she lives? And what about the baby
and you!? Do you have a fucking idea what he’ll do to you!
MARIA
I’m sorry TONY I just thought that…he said, he can protect
us!
TONY
Protect us? How he is going to protect us? Do you think
that Lorenzo won’t send his people to look for us? Do you
want to leave hiding and running away for the rest of our
fucking lives!
MARIA
No TONY, I’m just so afraid that if after we pay him, he
kills you or us, have you thought of that? May be Charlie
can help!
TONY
You don’t know anything MARIA! You have no idea who these
people are! They are fucking dangerous! You had no business
talking to CHARLIE, you know that is because of him that I
don’t have my papers and I have to put up with that stupid
white trash always calling me wetback! And yet you talked
to him? You’re fucking crazy!
MARIA
TONY the papers won’t save your life if Lorenzo decides to
kill you?
TONY
And you think that you talking to Charlie won’t put us in
danger? Are you fucking stupid!
Tony hits the wall again
TONY
That’s your problem; you always think that everything you
do is right, why? Because I didn’t go to school or because
you think I’m just a stupid wetback?
MARIA
Why you always have to put yourself down?
TONY imitates MARIA’s voice
TONY
69
Why you always have to put yourself down? Do you think I
like that? What do you know? You’re legal! You don’t have
to live with the fear that one day you get deported and
never see your wife again or worse that you won’t get the
chance to get to know your child!
MARIA
What do you know what I feel? I have to live with the fear
that one day that Lorenzo kills you! And don’t you think
that I will suffer if you ever get deported? We’re both
suffering TONY! I’m just trying to help!
TONY
You can help by staying out my fucking business
MARIA
You are my fucking business God damn it!
TONY
This is not your business so stay out!
MARIA
CHARLIE asked me to convince you about talking to him about
Lorenzo
Tony with anger
TONY
LORENZO? Did you fucking tell him that his name was
LORENZO?!!!
MARIA
No, I didn’t meant to… it wasTONY
I can believe you did that, are fucking crazy?
Tony grabs Maria by the
shoulders and starts shaking
Maria. Lights get off as
Maria screams and breaking
sound are heard.
End of Scene.
70
The Shame
Time: next morning Place:
Mely’s house. Maria enters
Mely’s house while Mely is
sawing seating on the sofa.
MARIA
Mamita, it’s me, Maria!
MELY
Pasale Maria, come in miha, I’m here in the living room!
MELY looks at Maria who has
bruises on her face. MELY tries
to say something but she keeps
quite.
MARIA
Mom, look at me!
MELY says no with her head
MARIA
Mirame Mamita!
MELY
Para que? Why do you want me to look at you Maria?
MARIA
Why? Because I want you to see what he did to me, don’t
ignore my pain mom!
MELY
What do you want me to do MARIA? What do you want me to
say? Huh?
MARIA
Just don’t ignore it! This is happening mom; you can’t just
pretend this isMELY
I’m not ignoring it! But I don’t want to get involve! This
is your business MARIA not mine!
MARIA
It’s your business, I am your daughter!
71
MELY
Why are you here? Does Tony know you’re here?
MARIA
Who cares if he knows!
MELY
I do, if you upset him again he can hurt you!
MARIA
Mamita, I can’t continue like this, I feelMELY
I know MARIA, I know
Mely hugs Maria
MARIA
You have to help me mom, please help me!
MELY
Me? How MARIA? I’m just an old woman, I have no money, I
don’tMARIA
Don’t say that mamita! I don’t even know what I need; I
just know that, I’m scare for me and the baby!
MELY
Did he hit you on the stomach?
MARIA
No mamita; but he –
MELY
Huff, que alivio?
MARIA
What do you mean what a relief? He did hit me!
MELY
That’s not what I... forget it! Is the baby o.k.?
MARIA
I think so, mamita I want to leave him
MELY
72
No, Maria, you don’t want that! Not for your baby!
MARIA
I’m scare mom; I have to leave before he hurts the baby
MELY
No miha, think about Christmas and birthdays and –
MARIA
What are you talking about mom?
MELY
Maria, you know my mother left my father when I was just a
little girl don’t you?
MARIA
You told me that she left, but you never told me anything
else.
MELY
Seat here with me Maria
MARIA seats by MELY
MELY
My mother left my father after he hit her.
MARIA
What? Why you never told me this before?
MELY
I was ashamed
MARIA
Ashamed of what?
MELY
Of her for not being stronger
MARIA
I don’t understand mamita, my grand-ma was an amazing
woman, it takes a lot of courage to do what she did and yet
you were ashamed?
MELY
You don’t understand Maria, it is hard to be a child of a
single mother. I remember when we didn’t have any family
73
to go to on Christmas or for my birthday. My mother’s
family stopped talking to her; she brought shame on the
family. (pause) I remember when my friends just to talk
about their camping trips with their families, how much fun
they had with their fathers. This was very painful,
especially when they ask me about my father. At first I
told them he worked on a boat and he had to travel a lot,
but then I knew I couldn’t continue with that lie for ever
so I decided to (pause) I decided to kill himMARIA
What? You kill my grandfather?
MELY
Don’t be silly Maria, of course not! I told everyone that
he die during one of his trips. I just didn’t want anybody
to feel sorry for me because my parents were divorced and
my father didn’t even want to see me!
MARIA
I’m sorry mamita.
MELY
That’s not the worse part, my mother was very beautiful
like you Maria and she was constantly harassed by man who
didn’t want to be in a serious relationship because she was
not a virgin
MARIA
That’s awful mom!
MELY
I know, but it was real, if you’re not a virgin, men only
want to sleep with you. Your father even thought I was not
a virgin when we got married
MARIA
Why?
MELY
Because of my mother, then after we got married and he
found out that I was a virgin he loved me more
MARIA
That is crazy mamita!
MELY
74
And as crazy as this sound, it’s the truth and I don’t want
that for you and the baby
MARIA
But it’s not the same; you will be there for me won’t you?
MELY
I have to obey what you’re father says and if heMARIA
You will do it? If my father tells you not to see me again,
you’ll do it?
MELY
I’m old Maria and this my home, the only home I have, what
is going to happen when you go back to Tony, do you think
your father is going to allow me to come back?
MARIA
Come back?
MELY
If I support you on this, he’ll ask me to leave, please
miha try to understand
MARIA
But this is your house too mamita
MELY
May be, but what will I do to pay for it and the bills and
the food andMARIA
I understand mamita, this means I’m on my own like grandma
MELY
Maria, don’t be negative, Tony needs some time, he will
change!
MARIA
What if he hit me again, would you help me then?
MELY
I don’t know miha life is so difficult and I’m scare, just
like you are.
MARIA
Scare for me or my father?
75
MELY
For you and your father. You’re strong MARIA, but I’m not!
MARIA
Look mamita, we’ll be o.k.
MELY
I hope so MARIA
MARIA
Mamita, you have to trust me o.k. and I have to be able to
trust you, can I do that?
MELY
Of course miha, I will never do anything against you; I
will give my life for you!
MARIA
Mamita, I’m going to leave Tony andMELY
Are you sure MARIA?
MARIA
You have to trust me mamita
MELY
Where will you go?
MARIA
To Ana’s placeMELY
You’re going to Memo’s mother’s house? Are you crazy
MARIA, if TONY finds out he will never forgive you!
MARIA
You said that I could trusted youMELY
Pero MARIA if –
MARIA
Mamita you have to trust me, MEMO is going to stay with
some friends, so that I can use his room, so he is not
going to be there! And you can’t tell TONY or Dad! I’ll be
76
there for a couple of weeks until I get an apartment and
may be a restraining order!
MELY
A restraining order? For who?
MARIA
Against TONY, I canMELY
MARIA, that’s crazy, that is for criminals!
MARIA
He hit me mamita and that is a crime! I’m not going to risk
my life or my baby’s
MELY
Dios mio!
MARIA
Calm down! Mamita promise me, on my grandma’s grave that
you won’t tell TONY where I am.
MELY
I’ll promise you miha, I don’t know what will happen, but I
promise not to tell anyone where you are.
MARIA
Thank you mamita, I love you, I’m so afraid, but knowing
that you’re here for me gives me strength.
MELY hugs Maria.
MELY
Cuidate mucho mihita!
MARIA
I’ll take care of myself mamita, don’t worry! I have to go
now, but I’ll call you later!
MELY
God bless you MARIA, Vayan con Dios!
MARIA leaves while Mely gives her
blessing to MARIA as she leaves.
Lights off.
End of scene
77
The Threat
Time: Next day. Place: Tony’s
work. Tony is cleaning his
working tools when LORENZO enters
TONY
What the fuck do you want now! I told you I will pay your
money as soon as I get pay
LORENZO
Do you think I can wait any time you don’t get pay?
my money now!
I want
TONY
I already told you! I don’t have any money now!
LORENZO
Get it, you hear me, I want my money today! Or –
TONY
Or WHAT?
TONY threats LORENZO whit a
hydraulic lever
LORENZO
That’s it Tony, you can say good by to your dear wife! You
hear me?
TONY
Leave her out of this you asshole! She has nothing to do
with this! If you hurt her ILORENZO
If I hurt her what? Do you have any fucking idea about who
you dealing with! No huh, you’re so fucking stupid! You
make me sick1 Do you know that your dearest wife is talking
with that detective? You probably don’t!
TONY
Of course I know, he was the one who approached her, but
she didn’t tell him anything!
LORENZO
Well, I don’t fucking care! And you can look for her in the
Yakima River; if you lucky you’ll find her!
78
TONY
I’ll fucking kill you! You hear me?
LORENZO
You kill me? Please you’re nothing, you’re piece of shit!
Do you think you scare me?
TONY
I don’t give a fuck what you think, even if this is the
last thing I do, I’ll kill you!
LORENZO
You’re fucking crazy! Do you think I’m your wife?
TONY
What?
LORENZO
I have seeing your wife, poor thing full of bruises, man
and you say you love her! You’re a fucking coward! You know
that don’t you? muy machito! Yeah, very Macho man with his
wife, but I’m not her asshole, I’m a fucking killer and if
you want to mess with me, just try, you will be fighting a
real man not a poor defendless woman!
TONY
What the fuck do you know?
LORENZO
You make me sick, at least I know who I am and I’m no
angel, you know that, but at least I admit it, look at you!
Defending your woman! Why? So that you can kill her?
TONY’s boss enters.
BOSS
What the hell is going on here!
LORENZO
We’re just talking!
BOSS
That’s it Lopez you’re fired! Get out!
TONY
You can’t do that; I need the job, I need the money!
79
BOSS
That’s not of my business leave before I call immigration!
TONY
Give me the money you owe me then!
BOSS
I don’t owe you any money! I say get out, I’m tired of all
of you wetbacks, and I wish you all get out my country!
TONY
Just give me my money and I’ll leave!
BOSS
Didn’t you fucking hear me, mojado de mierda! Largate!
LORENZO
You can work for me if you want!
BOSS
Both of you get the fuck out of here before I call the
police!
The Boss gets the phone and dials
911 while TONY and LORENZO walk
away
LORENZO
What you say, it looks like you don’t have a job anymore!
TONY
Get the fuck out my face; you’re crazy if you think I’ll
work for you!
LORENZO
It’s your choice, but it seems that you won’t get my money,
so hasta pronto amigo! And don’t cry too much when you find
your wife!
TONY
If you do anything to her I’ll
LORENZO
What, you’ll kill me? Please
TONY
80
I’ll talk to the police!
LORENZO grabs TONY from the
throat.
LORENZO
Don’t forget about your mamita in Mexico, I assure you she
will suffer more than you can think of, so don’t fuck with
me! I’m not kidding MEXICANO! And tomorrow you’ll know I’m
not! Say good by to your stupid wife! I don’t know what she
saw in you, you’re fucking wetback!
LORENZO pushes Tony out of his
way. Tony tries to stop him, but
LORENZO gets his gun out and walks
away while TONY yells at him.
TONY
Don’t you dare to hurt her! Fucking asshole, you hear
meeeee? Don’t you fucking hurt her!
Lights out. End of scene
81
The supplicate
Mely is praying in front of the
Virgin of Guadalupe at her house.
TONY knocks at her door
MELY
Who is it?
TONY off stage
TONY
It's me TONY
MELY
It's open!
TONY enters desperately.
TONY
MELY, I need to know where MARIA is!
MELY
What happened, you suppose to be at work!
TONY
Please, donde esta MARIA?
MELY
I don’t know where she is, isn’t she at home?
TONY
No, she left! She took all her clothes with her, look, I
know this is crazy, but I don't have time to explain! I
need to find MARIA and we need to leave now, Mely Please!
MELY
I don't know where she is TONY, what happened?
TONY
They going to kill her and ifMELY
What? Who is going to kill my MARIA?
TONY
I will explain it later, now I need to find MARIA! The man
that was looking for me told me he was going to kill her!
82
MELY
Nonsense TONY he won’t kill her! She hasn’t done anything
to this man!TONY
But she married me! And I told him that I was going to talk
to the police and MELY
You did what! Oh my GOD MARIA!
TONY
We need to find her MELY
MELY
I know but even if we find her, what do we do?
TONY
I’ll take her to Mexico, he will never find us there!
MELY
To Mexico? Tony we should go to the police!
TONY
NO! Where is she?
MELY moves her head saying no.
TONY grabs MELY from the arm
TONY
MELY, where is my WIFE? Can you see he will kill her and
the baby!
MELY
Stop it TONY you’re hurting me!
TONY let MELY’s arm go
TONY
I’m sorry MELY, can you see that I’m desperate?
MELY
I won’t tell you Tony, I promised her! But I’ll tell her
what is happening and then she can decide what to do!
83
TONY
NO, She is my wife!
TONY hits the wall.
MELY please, I have to see her, I know she won’t believe
you, but if she sees me she’ll know I’m telling the truth,
please this is about her life!
TONY gets on her knees and holds
MELY
MELY
O.K. but only if you promise that you’ll go to the police
first before you make a decision about Mexico you hear me?
TONY
MELY, the police won’t do anything, but o.k. I promise you,
please where is she?
MELY
She is at Memo’s mother’s place, his mother is letting her
stay there, but Memo is not there so don’t get mad, o.k.?
TONY
I’m not mad, I know Maria is a good woman MELY, thank you,
you want to go with me?
MELY
You go first, I need to leave a note for my husband and I
need to finish his dinner, just go ahead, and I’ll catch up
with you! Go on! God go with you Tony
Tony leaves while Mely writes a
note Lights off
End of Scene
84
The Escape
This takes place few minutes after
MELY tells TONY where MARIA was.
Place: MEMO’s mother’s house.
MARIA is seating on a sofa inside
the living room. TONY knocks
MARIA
Un momento! Just a minute please, Ya voy, ya voy!
MARIA opens the door.
MARIA
What are you doing here? You need to leave!
TONY grabs MARIA from her arm
TONY
Don’t ask questions Maria let’s go!
MARIA
I won’t go with you! I have been so blind about you! Look
at me! Look at my face!
TONY
Maria, there is no time! Do you want to die?
MARIA
Die? You’re going to kill me if I don’t go with you?
TONY
I don’t want to kill you MARIA, let’s go!
MARIA
NO, don’t you thing you already hurt me enough, now you
going to kill me? I’m pregnant TONY, how can youTONY
I’m not going to kill you, Fuck! LORENZO is going to kill
you!
MARIA
LORENZO? Why? You’re lying, you just want me to go with
you, and you’re trying to scare me don’t you?
TONY
No MARIA, I whish that this wouldn’t be true, but it is!
85
MARIA
No, you’re lying!
TONY
NO, I’m going to take you whether you like it or not! we’ll
figure what to do later!
TONY pulls MARIA by the arm while
MARIA resists.
MARIA
You’re hurting me! TONY wait!
TONY
MARIA we need to go! LORENZO will find you if you stay
here, please come with me!
MARIA
No TONY, it’s too late! Just leave or I’ll call the police!
TONY
Perdoname! I’m so stupid, but now you’re in danger and we
need to go! MARIA, I can’t lose you and the baby! I have no
job! No freedom and now … please MARIA; He’ll find you, you
can’t hide from him!
MARIA
I don’t believe you TONY! You’re saying that becauseTONY
I’m telling the truth!
MARIA
Then call detective Matthews, he will protect me and the
baby!
TONY
No MARIA, Lorenzo will find you, I know! We need to go now!
MARIA
Go where?
TONY
86
To Mexico, he will never find us there!
MARIA
Are you crazy? I won’t live hiding for the rest of my life
and what about my mom and dad? I can’t leave them!
TONY
MARIA for the last time, come with me or you will DIE!,
MARIA
No! I will call detective Matthews and I’ll do what he
tells me is the best thing to do!
TONY and MARIA struggle as MARIA
is trying to free herself from
TONY. MARIA pulls herself harder
and accidentally trips over and
lands on the ground hitting her
back
MARIA
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!
TONY
I'm sorry MARIA, I didn't mean to do that, I'm so sorry
MARIA
Oh my GOD it hurts! TONY please call my mom! I need to go
to the hospital
TONY
No, he will find you there, I’ll take you to the doctor!
TONY tries to carry MARIA as she
continues to struggle to get
herself free from TONY.
MARIA
Let me go! Can you see I’m in pain! Let me go!
TONY gets her out of the door.
Off stage
87
TONY
Get in the car MARIA!
MARIA
Let me go! I hate you TONY!
TONY
Just get in the CAR!
A sound of a shutting door and
then a sound of an engine are
heard.
TONY
Stop it MARIA I won’t let you of! Stop it, I’m taking you
to the doctor!
MARIA
Watch out TONY!
TONY
MARIAAAAA!
We hear sounds of a car crash.
Lights off. End of scene
88
Bring the son in the room
The Accident
This scene takes place in a
hospital room. Maria is
unconscious on the hospital’s bed.
A man about 25 years old enters
while MARIA is trying to wake up.
MARIA
What happened? Who are you?
SON
Hola mamita! Soy yo Antonio.
MARIA
Why did you call me mamita?
SON
Por que soy tu hijo!
MARIA
My son? I must beSON
Eres tan Linda como yo pensaba!
MARIA
This is creazy!
SON
No mamita, no te acuerdas que me compraste una bicicleta
cuando cumply 8 años?
MARIA
A bicycle?
SON
Y cuando me fui a la universidad lloraste tanto de alegria
y tristesa por que me iba? Y ahora soy todo un doctor
MARIA
You’re a Doctor?
SON
Si, y fue en la escuela donde conocí a Suzi!
MARIA
89
Who is Suzi?
SON
Mi novia.
MARIA
Your girlfriend?
SON
Si mamita cuando la conozcas la vas a querer mucho y ella a
ti. Le he contado tanto de ti.
MARIA
This is a dream, it can beSON
Solo vine a decirte que te quiero mucho y que vas a estar
bien, nos volveremos a encontrar mamita, ya lo versa
MARIA
What do you mean we’ll see eachother again?
SON
Me tengo que ir, I have to go mamita!
ANTONIO besa la mano de
MARIA and exits. Mely
enters the room.
MARIA
Mamita? Did you see my son? He was here!
MELY
Your son? Miha you and TONY had an accident.
MARIA
No, it wasn’t an accident he was driving like crazyMELY
Come down miha, you need to rest.
MARIA
Mamita, I saw my son, his name is Antonio, he is a Doctor
and he has a girlfried!
MELY
Maria, miha, your lost the baby in the accident
90
MARIA
NO, he was here and he say we’ll see each other again!
MELY
Miha, miha, you had an accidentMARIA
I saw him, he was handsome and smart!
MELY
I’m going to call the doctor!
MARIA touches her
stomach.
MARIA
No, I saw him! Nooooo, why? You told him where I was. You
promised me on my grandma’s grave that you wouldn’t.
MELY
Maria, you got it all wrong, you’re life was in danger!
MARIA
You put my life in danger mom! Where’s TONY?
MELY
He called the police and I think he got arrested.
MARIA
I hope he stays in jail for ever!
MELY
Don’t say that MARIA, TONY only tried to save your life!
MARIA
Save my life? It doesn’t seem that way mom!
MELY
I know, but you need to rest now, I’ll explain everything
to you later!
Maria tries to stand up, but Mely
stops her.
MARIA
91
Don’t touch me! You’re lying, my baby, why??
MELY
MARIA I wish… oh miha I’m so sorry!
MARIA starts breathing deeply
MARIA
You kill my baby!, you knew that Tony was going to kill
me(beat)and you told him where I was (beat) I hate you
mother, I am ashamed of you and my father! I don’t want to
see you again! Get out, get out!
MELY
Maria I know it is hard miha, but you need to know that I
told TONY becauseMARIA
I don’t care! I hate you, with all the hate you once felt
for your mother! I’m a ashamed of you were at grandma. Get
out!
MELY
I know you’re upset right now MARIA, but TONY and I only
wanted to save you! I love the baby and you; I will give my
life for you miha!
MARIA
I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU FEEL! I TRUSTED YOU MOTHER, GET OUT
AND FORGET YOU HAVE A DAUGHTER! GET OUT MELY! GET OUT! I
DON’T WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN! I HATE YOU!
Mely leaves the room, Maria is
crying and then she looks up
MARIA
Grandma, what happened? Why did my mother tell Tony where I
was? You protected her grandma! You saved her life, you
confronted the world so that she could be safe and look at
me, I let Tony kill my baby! Grandma, take care of my baby,
tell him that I’m so sorry for telling my mom, tell him
that I’ll always love him! I know I will see him again, he
told me.
MARIA continues to cry. Lights
off. End of Scene
92
The Decision
Few days later at the Tacoma
Immigration Detention Center.
Maria visits Tony. Maria is
seating on a chair in front of a
table waiting for Tony. Tony
enters and seats in front of
Maria.
TONY
MARIA you came!
MARIA
How are you TONY?
TONY
Now that I see you, I’m happy, I was so afraid that LORENZO
would hurt you!
MARIA
No TONY, I’m still alive, but you kill our baby!
TONY
I didn’t mean to do that! I was afraid they were going to
kill you!
MARIA
At first, I hated you and my mother, but then I decided
that I couldn’t live my life hating you and her.
TONY
MELY loves you MARIA, she was so afraid for you that, she
thought that telling me was the best thing to do.
MARIA
I know, I talked to her and she explained everything to me!
I was so afraid of you and then everything happened so fast
thatTONY
MARIA, you need to be careful, I have told Charlie
everything, and he said that I’ll be put under a protection
program, but I’m afraid for you.
MARIA
He offered me the same, but I don’t want to live my life
being afraid and running away! Besides Lorenzo and many of
93
his accomplices are in jail now. I think thanks to you they
will be behind bars for a long time! They won’t be hurting
anybody anymore! I will be o.k. so you don’t have to worry
about me.
TONY
MARIA I love you, please give me another chance, this time
it will be different
MARIA
Different?
TONY
Yes, they’ll give me my papers and may be I can get a loan
and start my own shop, we can start a new life. MARIA
please forgive me! I know that what I did was very wrong,
but I was afraid and angry. MARIA you are the most
important person in my life, I know I made a big mistake,
please forgive me!
MARIA
I have forgiven you TONY, I had to do it in order to keep
on living. When I married you, I want it to be with you
for the rest of my life!
TONY
So be with me MARIA, Please give me one last chance; I’ll
do anything you want!
MARIA
I’m glad you’ll get your papers TONY and I hope the best
for you in your new life.
TONY
My new life? MARIA, I’m so sorry, I have been an idiot, I
know I don’t deserve you, but if I could go back in time
everything would be different, but I can’t. I’m ashamed of
my self for not being able to protect you and the baby!
MARIA
It doesn’t matter TONY, the baby is dead and we can’t
change that!
TONY
MARIA, they will release me after tomorrow. Please give
the last chance, I promise that I’ll spend the rest of my
life making you happy!
94
MARIA
I have to go now TONY
MARIA stands up
MARIA
Good luck!
MARIA starts walking away
TONY
I love you MARIA, I always will, Perdoname MI AMOR! Please
FORGIVE ME! TE AMO MARIA! PERDONAME!
Maria stops and looks up and takes
a deep breath. Lights off. Soft
music starts for few seconds while
all the actors are off the stage.
A Latino song starts “La Vida es
un Carnaval” (with Celia Cruz) as
the actors bow.
End of Play.
By Rubi Romero
95
Dedicate it to the women warriors
in my life who have been my
inspiration of strength and faith.
My great grand mother, Chonita, my
Grandmother Placida and my mother,
Raquel.