1
Rubi Romero
Play Writing
01/11/07
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
Hello, I’m special agent Charlie Mathews, FBI. What do we
have here?
POLICE OFFICER
Well, we found him in an alley with a dead woman; it’s a
miracle that he is alive! Who ever did this really wanted
both dead.
CHARLIE
Did you read his Miranda rights in his language?
POLICE OFFICER nods to
indicate he did.
CHARLIE
Great! Anything on the attackers?
POLICE OFFICER
He doesn’t want to talk!
CHARLIE
Anything else you think I should know?
POLICE OFFICER
2
He is 26 years old. He’s from Mexico. He speaks some
English. He said he learned it when he came to this country
the first time; I think he was only 17 at that time. We’re
waiting for the forensic report to find out the cause of
death of that woman, it should be ready any minute.
CHARLIE
O.K. then let me know when the forensic report is ready.
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 agente Charlie Mathews;
investigaciones especiales “FBI” y estoy aqui para hacer
unos pregutas. Esta bien?
TONY nods to agree.
CHARLIE
Tu eres Antonio Lopez, pero te gusta te llamen Tony cierto?
Tony nods to agree
CHARLIE
Tiene su identificacion? ID?
TONY
No, ellos me lo quitaron. They take my papers from me!
CHARLIE
Tu hablas Ingles?
TONY
Little.
CHARLIE
Can we talk in English? And if you don’t understand or
can’t say it in English, just let me know and I’ll try my
best to do it in Spanish o.k. (Tony nods to agree) Who took
your papers?
3
TONY
The men that brings 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 to them!
CHARLIE
Pay them for what?
TONY
I didn’t have money to pay to them for bringing me to here
and to giving me work. They say I making lots of money. I
pay to them later working for them.
CHARLIE
Do you have family in Mexico?
TONY
My mother, but they say they kill my mother if I leave or
call police!
CHARLIE
I understand. What they made you do at work?
TONY
I had different works, I work gardens, install floors and
fix their cars.
CHARLIE
4
How many hours did you have to work a day?
TONY counts with his
gingers in English.
TONY
Mmm (whispers) 10,11 12, 13, (normal voice)14 hours, some
16.
CHARLIE
Where did you live?
TONY
I live in garage with other workers.
CHARLIE
Were you able to leave that place?
TONY
NO, if I leave, they’ll kill me!
CHARLIE
I see, Tony can you tell me, how did you meet these men?
TONY keeps quiet.
CHARLIE
I know this is hard for you! I’m just trying to understand
what happened to you.
TONY
I don’t want them 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
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)
5
TONY
Six months ago, he went to my… pueblo… my town.
mans and womans to work for him in the States.
He ask for
CHARLIE
Women?
TONY
Yes, they tell them to come here to take care of the
gringo’s childrens and clean houses, but not true.
CHARLIE
What do you mean it wasn’t true?
TONY
When we get here, they left the womans in the cantina
CHARLIE
Cantina?
TONY
Prostibulo, a…you know they force them to…do things with
men.
CHARLIE
You mean like a prostitute house?
TONY nods to agree.
CHARLIE
I see, was that woman one of them?
TONY
Her name was Sofia, I meet her on our way here, she was
very afraid we die in desert, but she don’t know what they
going to do! They force her work in that place. I see her
sometimes when I fix things!
CHARLIE
You have to fix what?
TONY
Fix stairs, sometimes they break things so I fix them.
CHARLIE
Tony, tell me what happened the night Sofia died.
Lights fade down where TONY
and Charlie are sitting down
6
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, Tony estas ahí, Tony contestame soy yo, Sofia (pause)
Ayyyy! Tony ayudame. Me duele mucho, Tony! Virgencita de
Guadalupe ayudame! Dame fuerzas para aguantar! Ayyyy! Tony!
Off Stage
TONY
Quien es, quien anda ahi?
SOFIA
Gracias a dios! Soy yo Tony, Sofia! Ayúdame!
TONY enters
TONY
Sofia, que haces aqui? Que te pasa? Si te encuentran aqui
conmigo nos pueden hacer algo!
SOFIA
No me siento bien, estoy muy debil. Ya van varios dias que
tengo este dolor y esta fiebre no se me quiere quitar!
TONY
Y ellos saben que estas enferma?
SOFIA
Si
TONY
Y porque no te llevan al doctor?
SOFIA
Lorenzo no quiere que vaya al doctor! Quiere trabaje!
TONY
Pero si estas enferma, no puedes trabajar!
SOFIA
7
A el no le importa, ya me dijo que si no trabajo me va ha
matar! Auch, me duele mu.. mucho, ayy… no me quiero mo..
morir.
TONY
No te vas a morir! Yo te voy ayudar o.k. Te voy a llevar al
hospital!
SOFIA
Tony si me pasa algo, prometeme que no le vas a decir
mamá,lo que hice aquí.
mi
TONY
No hables asi Sofia, te vas a poner bien!
SOFIA
Auch, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah me duele, ayudame. No quiero
morirme aquí!
TONY
No te vaz a morir, ven trata de pararte, apoyate en mi.
SOFIA
No puedo me duele mucho, no me dejes aqui, no me quiero
morir. Tengo miedo, mucho miedo! Ayyyy!
SOFIA passes out and TONY
holds her in his arms.
TONY
Sofia, Sofia respondeme, te voy a llevar al hospital, Sofia
no te vayas a morir! Aguanta Sofia, aguanta! Vaz a estar
bien, ya lo veras, aguanta!
TONY starts walking when
Lorenzo appears behind him
LORENZO
Where do you think you’re going?
TONY
Esta enferma cabron! La voy a llevar al hospital!
LORENZO
You’re taking her to the hospital? I am not paying you to
take care of the Puta!. You better go back to work. You
need to fix the shelves in the bar and the entrance door
8
before the customers start coming! And she needs to get
ready!
TONY
She no work, no puede trabajar cabron, esta muy mal she
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 PUTA de
mierda! You better wake up!!
TONY
She no PUTA! Esta enferma, she sick. I work for her, but I
take her to hospital!
LORENZO
You’ll work for her? Do you think men come here to be with
you? You and that PUTA owe me a lot of money. Do you think
that I’ll let you two to leave before you pay me? You’re
fucking crazy!
LORENZO tries to make
SOFIA stands up.
LORENZO
Come on princess! You need to go back to work! Fucking
bitch!
SOFIA tries to stand up but
she fells on the ground. TONY
leans over to help her up.
TONY
Sofia hablame! No esta respirando cabron! Sofia?
Lorenzo checks on Sofia.
LORENZO
She’s fucking dead!
TONY
Chingada madre! You kill Sofia!
LORENZO
Fuck me! Fuck this shit! Let’s take her away from here!
Come on!
9
Lorenzo grabs Tony by the
arm.
TONY
Sueltame pinche asesino!
LORENZO
You want to die cabron?
TONY
Que no ves que esta muerta Lorenzo?
LORENZO
I told you not to call me by my fucking name!
LORENZO grabs TONY from his
neck
LORENZO
If you ever mention my name again! I’ll kill you cabron!
Entiendes! Te mato!
Lorenzo kicks Tony on the
stomach.
LORENZO
Let’s go! Don’t make me fucking kill you now!
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 more, later I wake up here in hospital
CHARLIE
So you didn’t kill her?
10
CHARLIE serves TONY some
water and some for him from
the end table by the bed
where TONY is laying down.
TONY
No, I want help her. I’m no criminal!
CHARLIE drinks some water.
POLICE OFFICER
You committed a crime by coming to America illegally.
TONY
I want work, no work in Mexico!
POLICE OFFICER
To take away the work from the Americans?
TONY
No! You no like this work!
CHARLIE
That’s enough!
POLICE OFFICER
These people charge less money for their work man!
CHARLIE
Why do you think you can pay one dollar for a burger, huh?
It’s because of them!
POLICE OFFICER
Well, I guess! But they can die trying to cross! Aren’t
they afraid?
TONY
El hambre es mas canija que el miedo!
POLICE OFFICER
What?
TONY
Hunger is more bad than fear!
11
CHARLIE
O.K. enough with this conversation! Why don’t you see
what’s going on with the forensic report!
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 and deal with all of this! But now you’re in
good hands o.k.
Police Officer enters the
room 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.
There is no crime other than what these people did to Tony
and Sofia. He’s free at least on our part!
CHARLIE
He has valuable information I can use to put these
traffickers behind bars. I know he can lead me to them. I
just have to be patient. I’ll let him go, but under certain
conditions.
POLICE OFFICER
So, he was another victim of Human Trafficking, huh?
CHARLIE
Unfortunately! But I’ll do everything to put this man
behind bars!
12
POLICE OFFICER
Well he’s all yours then!
CHARLIE
Thanks, I’ll let him know he is free to go.
Charlie goes back to speak
with Tony
CHARLIE
Tony, we found out what happened to Sofia and you are free
to go, but I think you may be in danger. These people may
be looking for you. You need a safe place to stay; like a
shelter.
TONY
But I need work!
CHARLIE
I know Tony and we can help you with this! You don’t want
to go back with these people do you?
TONY
No, they kill me!
CHARLIE
That’s why you need to go to a shelter. Look just go and
check it out. You’ll have a place to stay and they’ll give
you some food. You’ll be able to go out of the shelter
anytime you want to. Tony there are options for people in
your situation. We can help you to become legal in this
country. We can place you in a protection witness program.
You can go to school to learn English or training, we can
also help you to bring you mother here!
TONY
Really you can help my mother? I can work too?
CHARLIE
We can talk more about these options tomorrow when I visit
you in the shelter o.k.
TONY
O.K.
CHARLIE
13
Tony if you feel you’re in any danger, you need to call me
right away. These people are dangerous and they will look
for you to make sure you’re not talking. I’m going to make
some calls now; I will refer your case to a social worker
who will help us to transfer you to a shelter. I’ll be
right back.
POLICE OFFICER talks to
CHARLIE
POLICE OFFICER
You’re going to let him go? What if he escapes?
CHARLIE
Well, I know they are looking for him, if they find him,
I’ll find them! Besides, he is the only one who can
identify this man.
POLICE OFFICER
O.K. if you don’t need anything else from usCHARLIE
No, you can go, thank you!
POLICE OFICER
O.K. then, I’m out of here! Good luck Amigo!
POLICE OFFICER and CHARLIE
exit. Lights off. End of
Scene
14
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
sealing an envelope. Maria
enters.
MARIA
Hola Tony!
TONY
Hello Ms. Lopez
MARIA
Me llamo Maria, you can call me by name, it’s o.k.
Tony gets up and offers Maria
a sit
TONY
Gusta sentarse?
MARIA
Really?
TONY
If it’s o.k.
MARIA
Of course it’s o.k.
Maria sits by Tony
MARIA
You’re writing a letter!
TONY
It’s for my mother!
MARIA
Wow!
TONY
What?
MARIA
15
It’s just that not many people write letter anymore!
TONY
NO?
MARIA
With e-mail and cell phone, but that’s nice you know,
you’re taking the time to do it, that’s very sweet!
TONY
I can just imagine her very happy when the mail person go
to our house! She likes it, because she like touching it
because I touched it!
MARIA
That’s very nice, you and your mom must be very closed.
TONY
She only have me and I only have her.
MARIA
Oh! I thought you lived here with your family.
TONY
No, I don’t have any family, only my mother in Mexico.
MARIA
Do you go back to visit her often?
TONY
No, the last time, two years ago.
MARIA
You must miss her. It must be hard for you!
TONY
Yeah butt with work and school. No time to think.
MARIA
Your English has improved so much since the first day of
school
TONY
You think so?
MARIA
16
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
What part of Mexico are you from?
TONY
I was born in Michoacan.
MARIA
My grandma was from there, what part of Michoacan?
TONY
Maravatio 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 four when we moved up here. So how did you
end up in Yakima?
TONY
I had a friend that wanted to come to Yakima, I think she
had a cousin here.
MARIA
Is your friend here?
17
TONY
No, she died
MARIA
I’m sorry
TONY
That’s o.k.
MARIA
So you came here to find her cousin?
TONY
It was the plan, but I only had his work address and when I
went there, he no work there, but the owner offer me work.
MARIA
What do you do?
TONY
I fix cars, I can fix your car if you need to!
MARIA
Thank you!
TONY
You like music?
MARIA
Music?
TONY
Yeah! Mexican music?
MARIA
Oh! No I like U-2 andTONY
Oh, sorry.
MARIA
I’m kidding! I love Mexican music, ranchera, quebradita,
boleros. All of it!
TONY
I thought you’re serious.
MARIA
18
No, my mom and dad always listen to this music, at first I
thought they were torturing me, but now I’m thankful for
it!
TONY
Are you going to the Mexican Independence dance this
weekend?
MARIA
No, I don’t have a dancing partner.
TONY
What about your boyfriend?
MARIA
My boyfriend?
TONY
The guy who pick you up after class.
MARIA
Memo? We broke up, but we still good friend.
friends since we were in second grade.
We are
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
Me agarraste otra vez!.
MARIA
You know I think this is a good idea, I love fiestas
mexicanas! There’s tamales and mole y el baile!
TONY
I like to dance too and I like the food it’s like I’m in
Mexico.
MARIA
19
Then it’s a date, we’ll go to the dance together this
Saturday.
TONY
O.K. I’ll pick you up at eight?
MARIA
Yeah, 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.
MARIA
So?
TONY
So what?
MARIA
Never mind!
MARIA is about to leave.
TONY
I got you! I’m going to need your phone number and address!
MARIA
You’re funny!
They both laugh. Lights deem
down as Maria is writing her
address in a piece of paper.
Lights out. End of Scene
20
The Family
MARIA’s house several weeks
later. MARIA and MELY are
making and altar to celebrate
the day of the death.
MELY
Pasame mas flores mija!
MARIA
The yellow ones?
MELY
Si!
MARIA
This is looking beautiful mamita!
to grandma?
Should I serve tequila
MELY
Si,si, voy por mas flores!
MARIA
More flowers?
MELY exits.
MARIA
Here you go abuelita! Tu tequila! Y es de tu
favorito!(pause) 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, I think you would of like him.
MELY enters.
MELY
Talking with mama! I see?
MARIA
Yes mamita I’m telling her about Tony!
MELY
I like Tony! No more Memo!
21
MARIA
You didn’t like Memo did you?
MELY
NO, he was mmm mujeriego
MARIA
That’s true, he did like women a lot!
MELY
Maria, hay que brindar con tequila!
MARIA
What about papito, he’ll get mad if he notices we’re
drinking his tequila!
MELY
Pues le hecho agua!
MARIA
Water, mamita!
MELY serves two shots of
tequila.
MELY
Mamita a tu salud!
MARIA
Abuelita cheers!
MARIA and MELY drink
MELY
Uf! Strong!
MARIA
I guess grandma had a strong throat!
MELY
Tony look like good man!
MARIA
He is!
MELY
22
I hope he like food I cook!
MARIA
He’ll love it!
MARIA and MELY laugh.
bell door rings
The
MELY
Oh! ahi esta Tony, open door Maria, andale mija!
MARIA
Ya voy! Un momento!
MARIA opens the door,
TONY enters with white
flowers. TONY kisses
MARIA’s hand.
TONY
Buenas noches.
Buenas noches mijo, pasale.
MELY
Aquí estamos with mama!
TONY
Isn’t she dead?
MELY
Si.
MARIA
We always like to talk to my grandma!
MELY
Si, is tradition
TONY
Ah ya veo, I see.
MELY
You must have tequila, but just today!
TONY
Thank you!
MELY
23
Mamita, he is Antonio Lopez and he is from Michoacan like
you, Tony she 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!
Don’t worry.
MELY
Trust me Maria, he won’t notice!
TONY
Tu abuelita era muy bella!
MELY
My Maria is pretty like her!
TONY
Now that you mention itMELY
You have grandma?
TONY
No, they’re both dead.
MELY
Oh, I’m sorry! And your parents?
TONY
I only have my mother. My dad and my brother are dead.
MELY
Oh lo siento! Is your mother in Mexico?
MARIA
Mamita!
MELY
Que? Nothing wrong with asking!
TONY
24
That’s o.k, Maria, I don’t mind.
You see Maria.
MELY
Tony, Maria say you’re going to school.
TONY
Yes, I would like to speak better English.
MELY
You live by yourself?
TONY
Yeah, I rent a small apartment, well actually it’s a garage
made into an apartment, but it’s comfortable and the rent
its o.k.
TONY nods to agree.
MELY
So, you work?
MARIA
Mamita!
TONY
It’s o.k. Maria. Yes, I fix cars señora!
MELY
Call me Mely!
TONY
O.K. Mely.
MARIA
Do you celebrate the day of the dead in your family Tony?
TONY
Claro we’re from Michoacan and my mother always sets up an
altar for my dad and brother.
MELY
Pues que paso mijo?
MARIA
Mamita, don’t ask him how they died!
TONY
25
That’s o.k. Maria, but some other day Mely?
MELY
Claro! I’ll go check if food ready!
MELY exits. MARIA
holds TONY’s hand.
MARIA
Abuelita this is my Tony, the one I have talked to you
about.
TONY
Mucho gusto doña Enriqueta, your grand-daughter is an
amazing woman! I wish I would of known you, I would of
asked you about Maria when she was a little girl.
MARIA
I can tell you all about it!
TONY
It’s not the same; abuelitas have an 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 scared of her stories, but at the
end she managed to make me feel safe!
MELY enters
carrying a plate of
food
MELY
Food ready! Vamos, vamos Tony, Maria, I know you want
talking to doña Enriqueta, but she has her food now.
MELY places the plate in
front of her mother’s
picture
26
MELY
Mamita, your food! 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
27
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 cleaning some tools.
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
Lorenzo! What are you doing here?
LORENZO
I had a “delivery” in this area, so I thought why don’t I
visit my good friend Tony!
TONY
Yo no soy tu amigo cabron! Ademas como me encontraste?
LORENZO
Ya ves! You thought I will never find you?
TONY
Just go man I don’t want any trouble!
LORENZO
You think I’m here looking for trouble? You owe me money,
lots of it!! So I’m here to collect “My money”
TONY
I don’t owe you nothing!
LORENZO
You forgot our deal? You supposed to work for me until you
finish paying me for bringing you to the States!
TONY
I worked for you for six months with no pay!
LORENZO
So? But you ate and you also had a place to stay.
think that was free?
You
28
TONY
Just leave orLORENZO
Or what, Huh? What? You’re going to call the police? You
know what will happen to you and your mamita don’t you? So
don’t fuck with me cabron!!
TONY
I just don’t want any problems with my boss, man.
LORENZO
I know that a cop has been looking for you, but you know
what would happen if you talk don’t you?
TONY
What cop?
LORENZO
You should know!
TONY
I don’t know any cop!
LORENZO
Well, I know some cop is looking for you cabron. He wants
to put me away, but he hasn’t been lucky.
TONY
Lucky? What do you mean?
LORENZO
It was very easy to find you man, I have connections
everywhere! You think I am the only one in this business?
Think again!! This business is big! So now you know who
you’re fucking with! You better do what I say or your
mamita will suffer! After you pay me I may leave you
alone!
TONY
Don’t hurt her man, 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!!
29
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
Estas loco guey! I don’t have that money! You say three
thousand dollars!
LORENZO
And your food and rent and you also have to pay me for
Sofia.
TONY
For Sofia, estás loco cabrón!
LORENZO
Well wasn’t she your “girlfriend”. Think about it Tony, you
can pay me and keep quiet or you, your mother and your cute
girlfriend can end in the bottom of the Yakima River just
like the others, remember?
TONY’s boss, TOM enters
TOM
Tony, what is going on here?
LORENZO
Think about it Tony!
Lorenzo exits.
TOM
Who was that man?
TONY
No body, I’m sorry Tom!
TOM
He seemed upset! I hope you’re not in trouble Tony? I don’t
even know if your papers are real because I can even go to
jail!
TONY
30
No, it’s nothing like that, don’t worry! Please trust me
o.k. It won’t happen again Tom. I’m not in no trouble!
TOM
O.K. let’s get back to work then. Tomorrow is thanksgiving
and I won’t let you come to work! You have to have some
rest and a nice dinner man! Entiende Amigo!
TONY
Tom, I don’t have any family or friends to have dinner!
TOM
Well, what about your girlfriend?
TONY
We are Mexicans, no Thanksgiving.
TOM
You’re in America now, so now you celebrate it, perhaps as
a way to be thankful to be alive. Why don’t you have dinner
with your girlfriend?
TONY
That’s a good idea, I’ll ask her!
TOM
You should invite her parents!
TONY
I will. I think her mother would like the idea!
TOM
Of course she will. She will be surprised to see you
cooking and preparing everything for dinner!
TONY
Yes, I think she’ll be surprised! So you’re going to have
dinner with your family?
TOM
Yeah, I invited my brother Bob, he is a pain in the ass,
but he still is my brother. Anyway we need to go back to
work.
Tom is leaving.
TONY
Hey Tom, happy Thanksgiving!
31
TOM
Feliz Dia de Gracias for you!
TONY
Thanks, Tom!
Tom exits while Tony continues
working. Light off. End of scene.
32
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 mija! Como toda una princesa!
MARIA
English mamita, how do you expect your English to improve
if you don’t practice?
MELY
O.K. Maria you look like PRINCE!
MARIA
Thank you mamita, but it’s “princess”, prince is for man.
MELY
Like princess!
MARIA
Better!
This Tony is lucky.
MELY
I like him, he seems good man.
MARIA
I’m the lucky one, mom. He is so kind and such a gentleman.
MELY
Good he is like that. My Maria deserves good man.
MARIA
I feel likeEl amor.
MELY
I’m so happy for you mija. First love is heaven!
MARIA
33
Yeah, this is the first time I feel like this for someone.
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 for the man to do it!
MARIA
This is a new millennium, now we have more freedom and if
we like a man, we can start the conversation, you know, to
see what happens.
MELY
This new time. In my days, a woman wait for man talk to
her, conquer her with poetry, flowers and “serenatas”.
MARIA
I know, but serenatas here? People can call the police if
men bring music to their girlfriends in the middle of the
night!
MELY
Si pero is so romantic if Tony brings you a mariachi and
sing romantic songs all night.
MARIA
Si mamita, but it won’t happen.
MELY
Pero lo bonito es que tu lo amas. You love him!
MARIA hugs her mom.
MARIA
Si mamita lo amo, I love him, I love him!
MELY
Me vas a tirar, you’re going to make me fall, I know you’re
happy, I like to see my Maria smiling and feeling
botherflies.
MARIA
(Maria laughs)Butterflies mamita! They are butterflies!
MELY
Well, you should know, they are in your stomach!
34
They both laugh
MARIA
(Pause) He’s late!
MELY
Maybe traffic?
MARIA
Mom we live in Yakima, there is no traffic, maybe two cars
at the stop sign.
MELY
Maybe he send money to his mother or maybe he call her.
MARIA
Yeah, Tony is always checking on her, making sure she has
what she needs.
MELY
He very responsible! Man who cares for mother is good
husband! Como tu papa!
MARIA
Like papito?
MELY
Si.
MARIA
I love papito but I don’t thing he is a good husband!
MELY
Dios mio! Don’t say that
MARIA
But it’s true.
MELY
No Maria tu papá is good man!
MARIA
Mamita, I know what’s going on with papito, you always
tried to hide it, but I knew!
MELY
35
No se de que hablas Maria
MARIA
Of course you know what I’m talking about. I know that
papito is funny and make us laugh and care for us, but I
know the way he treats you!
MELY
Estas loca! No se de que me hablas
MARIA
Yes you know mamita, you didn’t deserve to be treated the
way papito use to treat you.
MELY
He never hit me Maria!
MARIA
Yes he did, all those accidents, but you cover for him.
MELY
I love your father.
MARIA
I know, I just whish he would of treated you better.
MELY
He changed no more hitting. He is good father good husband!
MARIA’s cell phone rings.
Maria answers.
MARIA
Hello. (pause) Amor, are you o.k.? (pause)You’re not
coming? What happened? (pause) I understand. (pause) I
really want to see you (pause) No, I won’t be 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 is not coming, but he… I don’t know
it’s probably nothing.
MELY
36
Is he o.k.?
MARIA
He is fine mamita, but there was something in his voice.
feel something is wrong.
I
MELY
What?
MARIA
I don’t know.
MELY
May be he has problems at work.
MARIA
No, his boss is nice.
MELY
That’s good, not many people give work to illegals now.
MARIA
Yeah, he is lucky to have Tom. But his dream is to have his
own shop one day.
MELY
He will, you see Maria, God bless good people and he is
good. You know Maria; you help him. Men need that.
MARIA
You’re right mamita. I’ll be back; I’ll see if he’s o.k.
and tell him he can always count on me.
MELY
No mija, give him space now, you tell him tomorrow! Leave
him alone, dejalo en paz.
MARIA
I’ll be right back mamita.
MELY
Maria, Maria (pause) Hay esta loca! Cuidala Virgencita!
Mely gives her blessing to
Maria while Maria is leaving
ignoring Mely’s call.
Lights out. End of scene
37
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
I just needed to see if you’re o.k.!
TONY
I’m fine Maria, you didn’t have to come.
MARIA
I noticed something in your voice, like you were not
telling me TONY
No! I told you I have been working a lot of overtime and
I’m very tired! Please try to understand!
MARIA
Tony do you want to be with me?
TONY
Estoy cansado, I’m tired
MARIA
You have never told me how you feel about me.
TONY
You know!
MARIA
NO, you never sayTONY
I’m really tired Maria!
38
MARIA
Do you love me Tony?
TONY
Huh! (pause) Come on Maria!
MARIA
Just answer me, I want to know how you feel you never say
you love me!
TONY
Maria, I… You’re a wonderful woman! You deserve the best in
life.
MARIA
That’s not what I wanted to hear!
TONY
What do you want me to say? That I can’t live without you?
MARIA
Why don’t you just say that you don’t love me, I can handle
it!
TONY
Look Maria, I’m tired and besidesMARIA
What Tony? 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!
39
MARIA
Let ME decide if you’re good for me or not! How horrible
could it be? Did you kill anybody 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 your past.
TONY
You love me?
MARIA
Don’t you know?
TONY
Maria, I don’t know what to say! You are so wonderful and
I’m nothing!
MARIA
You are the man I fell in love with, I’m sorry!
TONY
No Maria, I’m sorry, I’ll tell you what happened, 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…(pause)
TONY
And now Lorenzo found me
MARIA
Who is Lorenzo?
TONY
The man who brought me here, he is a criminal and he says I
owe him 20,000. But the bad part is that he knows about
you!
MARIA
40
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 he knows a cop is looking for me and if he finds
me and Lorenzo sees him talking to me; he might hurt you!
Either that or the cop calls immigration and they send me
back to Mexico. See, either way I lose you! He can also
hurt my mother.
MARIA
I can believe it!
MARIA
You said he told you about a cop, can he help you?
TONY
He told me about some visa or something, but I have to tell
him about Lorenzo and 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 He’s a criminal, he is not
like us, he won’t stop! This is real!
MARIA
I can’t believe there’s people like him!
TONY
They are real. You know Maria I never told you how my
father and brother died. They were abandoned in a train
container, they died there, nobody help them! People
involved in this business don’t care about nobody, they are
criminals! And if they said they’ll kill you, they
will!(pause) Maria, I love you mi amor, no quiero que nada
te pasa, no me lo perdonaría nunca! I will never forgive my
self!
MARIA
Tony, you love me! You were just afraid for me! I’m so
sorry about your dad and brother. I don’t know what to say!
TONY
That’s o.k. Maria, don’t worry!
41
MARIA
Tony, if we find a way to make you legal in this country,
this cop will not be able to do anything to deport you is
that right.
TONY
There is no way, it’s impossible to become legal. Only a
miracle will allow illegals to become legal in this country
and that’s not going to happen!
MARIA
But there are other ways to become legal I heard if you get
married to a citizen or a resident you can work
TONY
No Maria! I’m not going to marry a woman just for that
reason!
MARIA
What if you marry a woman who you love and loves you back?
TONY
No Maria, I will never ask you to do that.
kill.
You can get
MARIA
I know Tony, but I love you and I don’t want to lose you!
Tony gets upset
TONY
I don’t want you to get hurt!
MARIA
Por favor mi amor, let me help you!
Maria tries to hug Tony,
but he steps away from
her.
TONY
You need to go Maria, just go and forget about me!
MARIA
No, together we’ll get out of this!
42
TONY
No
MARIA
Tony if we get married, you can apply to become a resident
and while you wait for that you can get a work permit. You
will be able to work legally!
TONY
It can’t be that easy
MARIA
It is Memo told me.
TONY
You want us to get married just to help me?
MARIA
No, because I love you that’s why I want to help you! I
will work some extra hours and I have some savings!
TONY
Don’t do it just for me. No quiero que te sacrifiques.
MARIA
Life without you will be a sacrifice Tony!
TONY
I don’t know what to say.
MARIA
Well, you can say “Maria, can I marry you?”
They both smile. Tony looks
at Maria and holds her hands.
TONY
Maria, do you marry me?
MARIA
(Pause)Yes!!!
Maria and Tony hug. Lights
off.
End of scene
43
The House
Time: two months later.
Place: Their new apartment at
5:00 pm. Tony is carrying
Maria who is in a wedding
dress. They enter.
Off stage
TONY
Al fin solos mi amor!
MARIA
Yes, finally all alone at last! Our own home!
MELY
Mija!
Tony lets Maria fall down to
the floor
MARIA
Ouch!
MELY
Oh! Tony, you gonna kill her! Estas bien mija?
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 andMELY
This is my Maria’s house too. I had to get everything
ready for you! Maria is my only daughter I have to do it.
This night is especial!
TONY
I’m sorry Mely, it’s just thatMELY
You can call me mamá!
TONY
44
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 exits.
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
Mija! What’s the hurry? I know you want to give me
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 presents.
MELY
No, no, sit down mijo! 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!
45
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 our family 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
Ay mija! O.k. I live you two alone!
TONY
Great!
MARIA
Tony!
TONY
The lemonade is great! Thank you Mely.
46
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
O.K.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 nobody else is here?
MARIA
47
Stop it!
TONY
Hey, maybe your dad is here!
MARIA
Tony!
TONY
Should we?
MARIA
What?
TONY talks like Maria’s
mother
TONY
It’s tradition Maria!
TONY invites MARIA to
sit.
TONY
And now a Serenata for my wife!
TONY turns the stereo
and starts dancing and
signing. At the end of
the song. TONY carries
MARIA out on his arms.
Lights off. End of scene
48
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 been 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 work permit hasn’t arrived?
TONY
It takes time!
CHARLIE
Well, I can help you to get it sooner that you think! Let’s
say two weeks?
TONY
I’m not in hurry!
CHARLIE
I can also delay it for as long as I want.
TONY
You can’t do that, I have rights!
CHARLIE
Perhaps, but this is personal now, these men continue to
enslave and kill people including children! Tony, I know
you know where el Sureño is. You’re the only hope for all
the victims who are suffering now. Some will probably die
if you don’t talk. Think about it, you can save women like
Sofia and children who are been used for pornography and
prostitution purposes! Don’t you care?
49
TONY
I don’t know anything man, just leave!
CHARLIE
I can accuse you of protecting these criminals, entiendes?
TONY
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. I know you have a wife now
and I know they won’t leave you alone. I am offering you
protection for you, your wife and your mother. 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!
TONYs’s boss, Bob, enters.
BOB
Tony, I hope you’re working! I’m not my brother TOM! Just
because he’s sick, it doesn’t mean you can have your
friends over. I’m here and I’m the boss now, or at least
until my brother is back!
TONY
Yes IBOB
Who is this man?
I’m leaving Sir.
moment.
CHARLIE
I just needed to talk with him for a
BOB
This is a business, not a bar! If you need to talk to your
friend, do it after work!
CHARLIE shows his badge
to BOB.
CHARLIE
I’m Special Agent Charlie Mathews, FBI.
BOB
50
Is he in some kind of trouble?
CHARLIE
No, no trouble at all! This is a nice business. Do you
know that is illegal to have workers who are not allow to
work in this country?
BOB
I don’t know what you’re talking about Sir.
CHARLIE
Yes you do! But I tell you what, I need to talk to Tony, so
if you don’t mind. Why don’t you go to your office and take
a nap for me.
BOB
This is a family business but my brother is the one in
charge of this particular shop. I’m just helping him
because he is in the hospital, but I don’t have anything to
do with what my brother does here.
CHARLIE
So what about that nap?
BOB
We’ll talk later Tony
CHARLIE
No you won’t! Oh, and another favor, I really like Tony, so
I’ll really appreciate it if he keeps his job. Is that
understood, I don’t think you want any trouble for your
family business do you?
BOB
NO!
CHARLIE
I didn’t think so!
BOB leaves.
CHARLIE
He won’t bother you! So think about Tony, I really want to
help you and your family.
TONY
Please leave!
CHARLIE
I’m leaving, think about it!
CHARLIE gives a business card
to Tony and leaves. BOB
enters.
51
BOB
What the fuck was that?
TONY
Nothing Sir.
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 Sir.
BOSS
You’re stupid! Only a stupid man will get in trouble with
the FBI
TONY
I’m not in trouble, IBOB
I don’t want to know. And a soon as I can find someone else
to replace you, I will! You’re all lazy! The only good
things you Mexicans can do are running and swimming! You
can probably win gold medals in the Olympics!
I guess
that now you going to become high jumpers and become
champions of pole vault!
TONY
Why?
BOB
What I tell you, you’re so stupid.
BOB mimics a high jump.
Because of the wall, you now the wall we are building at
the boarder! You Mexicans going to have to master that if
you want to be able to cross!(pause) get back to work,
you’re lucky I don’t fire you right now!
TONY
I need my job Sir.
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 PROBATION
OFFICER?
TONY
But, it was only for ten minutes.
52
BOSS
Well, they look more like two hours to me, so you take it
or leave it!
TONY
I’ll do it Sir.
BOB
Good! And hurry up with those cars!
Boss turns around
BOSS
Lazy wetbacks!
BOSS leaves while TONY gets some
tools.
Lights off. End of Scene
53
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
Que paso?
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’m not going to bother you with my problem! I’m
a man, I can handle it!
MARIA
But some times it helps if you talk to somebody about it,
may be I can help!
TONY
So you don’t think I’m enough as a man?
MARIA
There you go, the macho side of you!
TONY
No estoy de humor! I’m not in a good mood today Maria, so
leave me alone!
MARIA
Tony, you need to trust me. I’m here to help! We need to
help each other and stay togetherTONY
54
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! I thought you were 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 my work permit is taking long 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
Your ex? NO!
MARIA
He is an immigration attorney, he’ll help us
TONY
You’re just looking for excuses to see him, huh?
MARIA
He is my friend, don’t start with yourTONY
55
Are you sorry you married me Maria? 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
A donde vas? Where you think your going? You say we needed
to stay together?
MARIA
You are hurting me Tony!
TONY let MARIA’s arm go.
TONY
You’re leaving because you know I’m right about Memo!
MARIA
Forget it! I can believe you’re saying this about Memo!
You know I love YOU. Tony we’re having a baby, don’t you
trust me? Que te pasa? What’s happening?
TONY
Don’t cry Maria, I’m sorry , I don’t know why I even said
that! Perdoname! Please forgive me! I’m so stupid!
TONY gets on his knees
MARIA
You’re not stupid Tony.
TONY
Bob 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’s such an idiot! I hope Tom gets better
soon!
TONY
I know I hope that too, Bob en un pendejo you know a real
asshole! I’m sorry I said that about Memo and the baby
magazines, it won’t happen again, I promise! Please both of
you forgive me!
56
I love
temper
I love
happen
MARIA
you Tony, but you need to learn to control your
mi amor!
TONY
you Maria, sometimes is just so hard! It won’t
again, I swear!
Maria hugs Tony. End of
Scene
END of 1st ACT
57
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
Hay pero que lindo, que lindo es Michoacán, tu siOff stage as MARIA enters
MARIA
Mamita? It’s me, Maria!
Maria enters.
MELY
Maria? Pasale mija! 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 beautiful!
MARIA
Wow! Grandma is having tequila! I thought you only gave
tequila to grandma on the day of the dead.
58
MELY
Is tradition! Today is special day! So much to celebrate,
you’re married,I am having a grandchild, oh! let me see!
Deja ver!
MELY touches MARIA’s stomach.
Como esta el baby?
cravings?
MELY
And how are you doing mija? Any
Maria sits while Mely
continues cleaning the altar
MARIA
No, that’s silly!
MELY
Nonesense, I knew I was pregnant right away with you! After
the first craving!
MARIA
Really?
MELY
I hated onions! One day I wake up and all I want was run to
kitchen and get an onion! I take big bite! It was yummy!
Pero después, after you born, I hate them again!
MARIA
Woakala! Ay mamita! Besides everybody is different. But I
feel hungry all the time.
MELY
Oh! It’s going to be a boy!
MARIA
Why? Because boys eat more than girls do? Anyway how’s
papito?
MELY
Working as always! And Tony?
MARIA
Well… he is o.k. I guess
59
MELY
Que pasa? Something wrong mija?
MARIA
You wouldn’t understand mom.
MELY
Come on MARIA, tell me.
MARIA
Sometimes being married is so difficult!
MELY
Como?
MARIA
Sometimes it can even be scary mom! And especially since he
has a new boss, who is an idiot! I can believe he is Tom’s
brother, Tom is 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 good man, he never hurt you!
MARIA
Sometimes he can’t control his anger and when that happens…
MELY
TONY is under a lot of pressure, but he’ll never hurt you
mija!
MARIA
I don’t know mamita, the other day he got really mad and he
punched the wall! Just because I suggested talking to Memo
about his immigration problem.
MELY
Hiciste que? You did what? You don’t talk to another man
about your husband’s problems!
MARIA
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But he is an immigration attorney, I’m sure he can help!
MELY
No importa! It doesn’t matter Maria, married woman don’t do
that. Mija, he’ll find the way, men always do! Es su deber,
their job!
MARIA
Sometimes he seems like he is desperate!
MELY
Of course he is desperate, just put yourself in his shoes
MARIA
What should I do?
MELY
I don’t know! But try not to beMARIA
What?
MELY
Well, so Americana, MARIA!
MARIA
Americana?
MELY
Mija, in Mexico, we are different. I take care of your
dad. Here who is stronger, who makes more money, who drinks
more, who cleans, who cooksMARIA
Mamita, these are not American ideas?
back for –
MELY
Ves!
Women are fighting
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 from you. You’re not
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the only woman 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 used to be if I didn’t do as he said?
MARIA
Mamita love is not a cross to be carried! Love is about
giving! Ayudame, help me mamita!
MELY
Que hago Maria!
MARIA
I don’t know what you should do, maybe 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.
62
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 special agent 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
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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 legal 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
I think that I can help your husband without putting you
and him in danger. Just give me two minutes please?
MARIA
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?
Maria nods giving her
64
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
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
My husband is only 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
Well, I thought that you married TONY just to give him the
green card, I’m sorry.
65
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 Bello?!
MARIA keeps quite while
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 Bello is, I have been following this guy
for years now, but unfortunately, I haven’t been able to
put him in jail. He is one of “Los Surenios” leaders
MARIA
Los Sureños?
CHARLIE
They are men and women who we believe started recruiting
and selling Mexicans to the States five or maybe 10 years
ago. Now they are trafficking people from Central America
including children. Lorenzo, El Surenio, is one of them.
We believe he is from Michoacan.
MARIA
From Michoacan?
66
Yeah.
CHARLIE
Maria, these people are very dangerous!
MARIA
Why is Tony so important for you in this case if you know
so much about him?
CHARLIE
Because Tony is the only one who can finger and I.D.
Lorenzo for the murder of Sofia Mendez. You see Maria the
few victims who have survived are too afraid and they
prefer to go back to their countries. He his may only hope.
That’s why when immigration received his application they
noticed it was a warning under his name, so they informed
me and I came to make sure that he was the Antonio Lopez I
was 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?
CHARLIE
There is a witness protection program, you and Tony can
move to another state and even change your names so will
never be found.
What about my parents, I’m their only daughter!
CHARLIE
Calm down Maria, I’ m not here to upset you.
I’m trying
67
to help, have you ever thought that Lorenzo 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 him for TONY’s life?
MARIA
He wants TONY to pay him back for bringing him to this
country and to pay for SOFIA life as well. So as long as we
pay him, will be o.k.
CHARLIE
And what is going to happen when he finishes paying him, do
you think that he is going to leave you alone? You will
never finish paying him. Lorenzo will ask for more and more
and even kill your husband! I’m sure he knows that Tony can
help us to put him away. Think about it. What good can a
green card be if one day you find Tony dead in a river!
MARIA
No, he 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 up with his father. Or you cooperate with us and we
help you to stay together 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
card
Charlie gives his card to
68
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
69
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 mijo?
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 mira que te traje!
MARIA
Oranges! Thank you Tony!
TONY
Hey anything por la mujer mas linda!
MARIA
For the most beautiful woman? You’re sweet! Hey how was
work today?
TONY
Like always! Bob 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 chinga, you know!
70
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 did you say 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 worked 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 paid we need to finish
all the 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
Hey MARIA didn’t you understand? If he said no, it’s no!
Estas tonta o que?
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?
71
TONY
Are you listening? Do I speak in a language that you don’t
understand? Or maybe is my accent? I said he is not going
to pay us until we finish with all the cars, what part you
didn’t 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? No seas tonta! He is doing me a favor remember!
I can’t work legally in this country!
MARIA
Oh God, what about LORENZO’s money, we’re suppose to pay
him tomorrow! He’s not going to wait for us!
Calmate!
TONY
I’ll figure something out!
MARIA
Maybe 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 nagging me, siempre friegue y
friegue con el dinero!
MARIA
I’m sorry let’s don’t fight.
TONY
That’s o.k. I’m sorry I yelled
Tony and Maria hugs
MARIA
72
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, why don’t we rent movie?
MARIA
O.K. but I need to use the bathroom first. This baby is
really growing!
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 purse. 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
Puta madre! What the hell is this?
MARIA
What?
TONY
This!
He throws the business card
at Maria
73
MARIA
I can explain TONY!
TONY
Que chingados me vas a explicar mujer?
TONY pushes MARIA hard enough
that she land on the couch
TONY
How long have you been talking to him! Answer me Maria
Tony grabs Maria by the arm
MARIA
Auch, Tony wait, you’re hurting me!
TONY
Te duele? It hurts? So you better 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
Esas son pendejadas! What about my mother? You know that if
Lorenzo find out we are talking to Charlie he’ll kill her!
And what about the baby and you!? Do you have a puta idea
what he’ll do to you!
MARIA
I’m sorry Tony I just thought that…he said, he can protect
us!
74
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 live hiding and running away for the rest of our
fucking lives!
MARIA
No Tony, I’m just so afraid we’ll never finish paying him
and he end up killing us! Have you thought of that? Maybe
that cop can help!
TONY
You don’t know anything MARIA! You have no idea who these
people are! Son peligrosos chingada madre! They’re
dangerous! You had no business talking to the cop, you know
that it’s 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 you talked to him?
MARIA
TONY the papers won’t save your life if Lorenzo decides to
kill you?
TONY
And you think that you talking to that cop won’t put us in
danger? Que la chingada!
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
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 be scare that one day immigration finds you and never
see your wife again or worse! That you never see your son!
MARIA
What do you know what I feel? I have to live with the fear
75
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
He knows Lorenzo’s last name!.
Tony with anger
TONY
Puta madre Maria, you told him his whole name?!!!
MARIA
No, I didn’t!
TONY
You‘re a fucking lier!
MARIA
Charlie asked me to convince you about talking to him about
Lorenzo!
TONY
Eres una pendeja,! How can you do that? You didn’t think
about to my mother! I can believe you did that! Te voy a
enseñar a respetarme cabrona!
Tony grabs Maria by the
shoulders and starts shaking
Maria. Lights get off as
Maria screams and breaking
sound are heard.
End of Scene.
76
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 mija, 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 involved! This
is your business MARIA, not mine!
MARIA
It’s your business, I am your daughter!
77
MELY
Why are you here? 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
No mamita! I don’t need money! I don’t even know what I
need; I just know that, I’m scared for me and the baby!
MELY
He hit you on stomach?
MARIA
No mamita.
MELY
Huff, que alivio?
MARIA
What do you mean what a relief? He did hit me! Mamita, I
been having some cramps and I think it’s becuase I have
been under a lot of stress!
MELY
Ay Mija, is the baby o.k.?
MARIA
I think so. Mamita, but I’m thinking about leaving Tony!
78
MELY
No, Maria, you don’t want that! Not for your baby!
MARIA
I’m scared mom; I have to leave before he hurts the baby
MELY
No mija, 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 why.
MELY
Sit here with me Maria
MARIA seats by MELY
MELY
My mother left my father after he hit her.
MARIA
What? Why didn’t you tell me this before?
MELY
Me daba verguenza!
MARIA
You were Ashamed of what?
MELY
Of her for not being strong and stay with my father!
MARIA
I don’t understand mamita, abuelita was an amazing woman,
and it takes a lot of courage to do what she did.
MELY
It’s hard Maria, a child of divorce woman.
have no family for Christmas or birthdays.
I remember we
79
MARIA
Why?
MELY
Her family stop taking to her, she brought shame on family.
(pause) I remember my friends just talk about their parents
and families. For me very painful, especially when they ask
me about father. I told them he worked on big boat and he
travel all the time. Then I did something bad (pause) I
kill fatherMARIA
What? You kill my grandfather?
MELY
Don’t be silly Maria, NO! I told everybody he die!
MARIA
I’m sorry mamita.
MELY
It was very bad for mother
MARIA
Why mamita?
MELY
Mother was very beautiful como tu Maria and man always want
mother, no for marriage, only to sleep, she was no virgin!
MARIA
That’s awful mom!
MELY
If you’re divorce everybody think your have no morals.
Your father gave me trouble.
Why? How?
MELY
If mother has no morals the daughter is same as mother.
MARIA
That is ridiculous!
MELY
Is true, tuve que darle la prueba de mi amor a tu papa!
80
MARIA
You had to proof to Papito you were a virgin? Was this
before you got married?
MElY
Si Maria, I did it!
MARIA
That is crazy!
MELY
After he loved me more, I was good woman!
MARIA
I’m so sorry mamita!
MELY
I don’t want that for you and the baby
MARIA
But you’re not going to stop talking to me are you?
MELY
I have to do what your father says I do and if heMARIA
If my father tells you not to talk or see me again, you’ll
do it? (pause) answer me, will you do it?
MELY
I’m old Maria and this is home. Your father will be
ashamed if you leave Tony. If I talk to you he kick me out!
MARIA
But this is your house too mamita, you have rights and you
can stay in this house if you want to!
MELY
Maybe, but how I pay bills and food andMARIA
I understand mamita, this means I’m on my own like
Abuelita.
MELY
Maria, Tony needs time, he will change!
81
MARIA
Like papito did?
MELY
Maria he is your father!
MARIA
What it will take for you to be on my side? Does he have to
hit me on the stomach and lose the baby? Would you help me
then?
MELY
Yo tengo miedo como tu!
MARIA
You’re afraid? For me or my father?
MELY
For you and your father. You’re strong MARIA, 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? No llores, don’t cry.
MELY
Si, I give my life for you!
MARIA
Mamita, I’m going to leave Tony andMELY
Estas segura? Are you sure MARIA?
(MARIA nods)
And you will go where Maria? Tu papa -!
MARIA
I know papito would never let me come here, that’s why I’ll
go to Ana’s place-
82
MELY
Estas loca MARIA?
MARIA
I know it’s crazy mamita, but I talked to Ana and she’ll
help me.
MELY
Pero es la mamá de Memo
MARIA
I know she is Memo’s mom, but I have no other choice!
MELY
If TONY knows, he never forgive you!
MARIA
You said that I could trust 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
there for a couple of weeks until I get an apartment and
maybe a restraining order!
MELY
A restraining order? For who?
MARIA
Against TONY, I canMELY
MARIA, 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 Abuelita’s grave that you
won’t tell TONY where I am.
83
MELY
I promise mija, I don’t know what will happen, but I
promise not to tell where you are.
MARIA
Thank you mamita, I love you.
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
Que Dios te vendiga! God bless you MARIA, Vayan con Dios!
MARIA leaves while Mely gives her
blessing to MARIA as she leaves.
Lights off.
End of scene
84
The Threat
Time: Next day. Place: Tony’s
work. Tony is cleaning his
working tools when LORENZO enters.
TONY
Que chingados quires ahora? What do you want! I told you I
will pay your money as soon as I get paid.
LORENZO
Do you think I can wait any time you don’t get paid?
want my money now!
I
TONY
I already told you! I don’t have any money until I get pay!
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 goodbye 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 who you’re
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!
85
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 seen 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. You want to mess with me,
just try, you will be fighting a real man not a poor
defenseless 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.
TOM
This man again? What’s happening Tony?
LORENZO
We’re just talking!
BOB
What’s going on?
TOM
That’s what I would like to know! This is the second time
86
this man is here yelling?
TONY
I can explain Tom!
BOB
What are you going to explain? Why don’t you tell Tom
what’s really going on!
TOM
Tony?
BOB
He is in a lot of trouble. An FBI agent came here to talk
to him. He even threatened to report us to immigration for
hiring illegals! I told him we didn’t know anything about
it!
LORENZO
Mother fucker you’re been talking to that cop?
TONY
Just leave man!
TOM
Just go Tony, I thought you were a good man, but this is
too much! I have a family to feed and I’m not going to risk
it for a man like you!
TONY
I’m a good man Tom, I didn’t want this to happened!
BOB
That’s not true! All are the same! They just come to hurt
this country. Come on Tom call immigration, tell them he
lie to us about his paper, they’ll believe us. They won’t
believe wetback!
TOM
Just go Tony!
TONY
Tom, please let me explain!
LORENZO
It looks like you’re in trouble! You didn’t tell these man
who you really are? Eres un cabron!
87
TONY
Stay the fuck out of this cabron!
LORENZO
Huy I’m afraid!
TONY
Your fuckingTOM
That’s enough! That’s it Lopez you’re fired! Get out!
TONY
You can’t do that; I need the job, I need the money!
BOB
Didn’t you heard my brother, Mexicano! Getta fuck out of
here!
O.k. just pay me
TONY
the money you owe me then!
TOM
IBOB
We don’t owe you any money! Come on get out! I’ fucking
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!
BOB
Didn’t you fucking hear me, mojado de mierda! Largate!
LORENZO
You can work for me if you want!
(Laughs)
BOB
Both of you get the fuck out of here before I call the
police!
TONY
I’m leaving! Tom, I whish-
88
TOM
Just go Tony and take your troubles somewhere else!
TONY
I just want toBOB
Leave him alone! Mexicano de mierda! That’s it, I’m calling
immigration!
BOB dials 911 while TONY and
LORENZO walk away.
TONY
Ya, ya me voy! Pinche gringo hijo de puta!
LORENZO
Hey, 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’llLORENZO
What, you’ll kill me? Please
TONY
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! Say good by to your stupid
89
wife! I don’t know what she saw in you, 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
No te metas con ella CABRON! You hear meeeee? Don’t you
fucking hurt her!
Lights out. End of scene
90
The supplicate
Mely is praying in front of the
Virgin of Guadalupe at her house.
TONY knocks at her door.
MELY
Quien es? 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
Que pasa? What’s happening!
TONY
Please, donde esta MARIA?
MELY
I don’t know, in your house?
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 TONY, what happened?
TONY
They going to kill her and ifMELY
Que? Who is going to kill my MARIA?
TONY
91
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!
MELY
What man?
TONY
A man who says I owe him money!
MELY
You owe money?
TONY
Mely, just tell me, he will kill her and the baby!
MELY
Mentira TONY he won’t kill her! Maria is good woman, she
don’t hurt nobody!
TONY
But she married me! And I told him that I was going to talk
to the police and MELY
You did what! Ay Dios mio MARIA!
TONY
I need to find her MELY
MELY
Que hacemos? What we do?
TONY
I’ll take her to Mexico, he will never find us there!
MELY
Mexico? Tony we have no choice but to call 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’t you see he will kill her and
the baby!
92
MELY
Stop it TONY me lastimas, it hurts!
TONY let MELY’s arm go
TONY
I’m sorry MELY, I’m desperate?
MELY
No Tony, I promised her! I’ll tell her what happen and she
call you later!
TONY
NO, she is my wife! I have to protect her! Mely por favor!
TONY hits the wall.
MELY 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 you promise you’ll go to police first before you
take Maria to Mexico!
TONY
MELY, the police won’t do anything, but o.k. I promise you,
please where is she?
MELY
She went to Ana’s house
TONY
Memo’s mother?
MELY
Memo is not in house! don’t get mad, o.k.?
TONY
I’m not mad, I know Maria is a good woman MELY, thank you.
MELY
Wait, I’ll go, I need to leave note for-
93
TONY
I can’t wait Mely, Maria is in danger! I need to go now!
TONY leaves.
MELY
Tony, hay dios mio, cuidalos virgencita!
MELY gives TONY her blessing then
she starts writing a note Lights
off
End of Scene
94
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 I don’t feel very good, just
leave!
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 think 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 aren’t you?
TONY
95
No MARIA, I wish that this wouldn’t be true, but it is! If
he found me he’ll find you too!
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?
96
TONY
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! Sueltame!
TONY gets her out of the door.
Off stage
97
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’m taking you to the doctor!
MARIA
Watch out TONY!
TONY
MARIAAAAA!
We hear sounds of a car crash.
Lights off. End of scene
98
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 crazy!
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
Who is Suzi?
99
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 veras!
MARIA
What do you mean we’ll see each other again?
SON
Me tengo que ir, I have to go mamita!
ANTONIO kisses MARIA’s
hand and exits. MELY
enters.
MARIA
Mamita? Did you see my son? He was here!
MELY
Your son? Mija you and TONY had accident.
MARIA
No, it wasn’t an accident he was driving like crazyMELY
Calmate mija, come down!, you need rest.
MARIA
Mamita, I saw my son, his name is Antonio, he is a Doctor
and he has a girlfriend!
MELY
I’m here now Maria.
100
MELY holds MARIA’s hand.
MELY
Maria, mija, ay no se como decirte… the baby isMARIA
What happened to my baby?
MELY
Ya esta en el cielo! In heaven!
MARIA
NO, he was here and he said we’ll see each other again!
MELY
Mija, mija, you had accident! You went thru windshield andMARIA
I saw him, he was handsome and smart!
MELY
I’m going to call doctor!
MARIA touches her
stomach.
MARIA
No, I saw him! Nooooo, why? You told Tony where I was. You
promised me on my grandma’s grave that you wouldn’t.
MELY
Maria, tuve que hacerlo! Your life was in danger!
MARIA
You put my life in danger mom! Where’s TONY?
MELY
He called police and I think they arrest Tony.
MARIA
I hope he stays in jail for ever!
MELY
No Maria he is your husband. TONY only tried to save you!
MARIA
Save me? It doesn’t seem that way mom!
101
MELY
I know, you need to rest, I explain everything later!
Maria tries to stand up, but Mely
stops her.
MARIA
Don’t touch me! You’re lying, my baby, why??
MELY
MARIA I wish… oh mija I’m so sorry!
MARIA starts breathing deeply
MARIA
You told Tony where I was and now my baby id dead!, I hate
you mother, I am ashamed of you! I don’t want to see you
again! Get out, get out!
MELY
Maria I know it is hard mija, you need to know I told TONY
becauseMARIA
I don’t care! I hate you, with all the hate you once felt
for your mother! I’m ashamed of you as you were of
Abuelita. Get out!
MELY
Maria you’re angry now, but TONY only want to save you! I
give my life for you mija!
MARIA
I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU FEEL! I TRUSTED YOU, 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
102
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
103
The Decision
Few days later at the Tacoma
Immigration Detention Center.
Maria visits Tony. Maria is
sitting 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 our baby is gone! Maybe it
wasn’t meant to be!
TONY
I didn’t mean to do that! I was afraid they were going to
kill you!
MARIA
It doesn’t matter, our son is gone!
TONY
The baby was a boy?
He visited me.
MARIA
He would’ve become a doctor, but you-
TONY
He visit you? What do you mean?
MARIA
You wouldn’t understand!
TONY
Tell me, I’ll understand.
MARIA
I guess it was just a dream!
104
TONY
Perdoname Maria,I know you’re suffering for our baby. I’m
so sorry. I’m ashamed; all I wanted was to protect you and
the baby! And look what I did! You must hate me!
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!
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
You’re not the Tony I married
TONY
105
I am that Tony Maria! I know I was different, I don’t know
why, but I’m the Tony you love! Por favor perdoname, te
juro por la verger de Guadalupe, por mi madre!
MARIA
You don’t have to swear for the virgin or your mother, 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!
MARIA
I have to go now TONY
MARIA stands up
MARIA
Buena Suerte!
MARIA starts walking away
TONY
I love you MARIA, I always will, Perdoname MI AMOR! Please
FORGIVE ME! TE AMO MARIA! PERDONAME!
106
Maria stops and looks up and takes
a deep breath and looks over her
shoulder. 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