1.

Scene 1

The lighting is dim. Interior of a small livingroom. Upstage left is a bookshelf, in front of itis a plain colored two-seater couch. A smallcoffee table is placed in the center of the room,atop of it sits an empty vase. Downstage right isa small childs cradle. We see JUNE, an attractiveyoung woman in her early twenties. June is wearinga thin light pink nightgown, her curly hair out ofplace in all directions as she frantically pacesback and forth with an inconsolable baby wrappedin blankets. We do not see the childs face, weonly hear its frantic, tormented screams.Downstage left, underneath a tall, skinny lampsits an old woman in a rocking chair. She iswearing a bathrobe and fuzzy slippers. She rockssteadily, calmly, paying no mind at all to Juneand her crying baby.

JUNEOh, what do you want? I did everything right. I fedyou, didnt I? All that milk, and then you went andspit it up ten minutes later, didnt you? Yes you did!Oh yes you did! Right all over my favorite blouse, too.And you cried then too! As if it had been your shirtruined. My mother bought me that shirt you know. For mybirthday. Before you were even born. Many years ago.Before you were even an idea. But I guess you shedenough tears for both of us, I guess thats what you donow, isnt it sweetie, just strip me of all my feelingsand hoard them for yourself! I mean, what would youpossibly have to cry about? You little parasite. I takecare of you. I feed you. I cater to all your needs.Thats what I do now, remember? I bathed you, didnt I?

The child wails louder.

JUNEShut up! I put you to sleep! I wrapped you in blanketsso you wouldnt get cold! I played the godforsakenlullaby music that your father insists will "foster aninquisitive mind". I take care of you, dont I? DontI? Why are you crying? Why are you crying!?

THE OLD WOMANIt was the serpent.

June turns to look at her with a stony look on herface. She turns back to the baby in her arms, andher composure crumples.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 2.

JUNEMommy wants to sleep, baby. Mommy wants to sleep andnever wake up. Mommy wants to die, sweetheart. Wontyou let her? Pretty please, with a cherry on top? Mypretty little girl. Mommy wishes you had never beenborn. Mommy wishes you would just go away. Wont youstop crying, baby? Wont you let Mommy rest? I try sohard, dont you think so? I try so hard to be good toyou. To love you. I try, I really do.

The baby is silent for a moment. June lights upwith relief and then loses it when the childresumes screaming once more, this time even louderthan before.

THE OLD WOMANAs one consumes, the other is consumed.

JUNE(shaking the baby now)

Shut up! Shut up! Shut UP!

Now the lights turn on, painfully. The cryingceases completely. THE FIANCE enters the roomwearing a long trenchcoat. June stands perfectlystill, caught. The old woman continues rockingwordlessly in the background.

THE FIANCEJune! What are you doing!

JUNETh-the baby! It - I mean, she - wouldnt stop crying.And I...I...

THE FIANCEJune. What baby?

JUNEWhat are you talking about? Our baby, our beautifulbaby girl, the daughter youve always wanted. What washer name again? Delilah? Or was it Lilac?

THE FIANCEJune. Please. Weve been over this. There is no baby.

JUNETheres no baby? Of course theres a baby! Just becauseI mix the names up doesnt mean -

THE FIANCEYou had a miscarriage.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 3.

JUNE(blinks) I did?

THE FIANCEGo to bed, June. Please. Just get some rest.

He walks towards her slowly, reaches out to touchher arm but she violently jerks it away.

JUNEBut if theres no baby then who have I been -

The "baby" drops to the floor, revealing nothingbut a pile of blankets. JUNE stares at her feet,mouth gaping in horror. The Fiance just looks ather and sighs.

(They freeze.)

Scene 2

A young girl runs into the room and plops onto thecouch. She is grinning gleefully and wearing abright yellow dress with a white collar and short,puffy sleeves. Her socks are white and her shoesare shiny and black with buckles. She wears aflower in her hair. June enters, is wearing asimple brown house dress, does not seem to noticeor even see the girl. She steps on the pile ofblankets, furrows her brow in confusion and picksthem up one by one, folding each carefully andplacing it in the cradle. When she has finishedthis, she takes to dusting off the coffee table,lifting up the empty vase and turning it over inher hands thoughtfully for a moment. As always,the old woman rocks steadily in her chair. June isstartled by the booming voice of The Fiance. Heenters the room, a bouquet of sunflowers in hand.He takes off his trenchcoat and hangs it on thecoat rack. He walks over to June and kisses hercheek as he loosens his tie.

THE FIANCEHows my favorite lady? How are you feeling?

(he touches her stomach gently andsmiles)

JUNE(grimacing) Im alright. How was work?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 4.

THE FIANCE(placing the flowers in the vase)

Great! In a few days, our proposals are being presentedto the Board. Whoevers portfolio is most impressive isgoing to be promoted to Assistant Director, so Ivebeen trying to pull in extra hours. Im exhausted.Starving, too. Whats for dinner?

JUNEOh my goodness! I spent the whole day cleaning...Ididnt even remember to cook...I was so tired, and justabout to sit down when you came in...Im so sorry.

THE FIANCEAlright, no worries! Well order in! What are you inthe mood for?

THE DAUGHTERPizza!

THE FIANCEHow does pizza sound?

JUNEOh, I dont know. All that cheese. You know how much itupsets my stomach.

THE DAUGHTERChinese food!

THE FIANCEAlright, so pizza is out. How about Chinese, then? Youlove that fried rice.

JUNEI do, dont I? All those grains, thousands of em. Soyummy.

THE FIANCEWhat do you want to eat, June?

JUNEI dont know. Im not even hungry.

THE FIANCEWell, you cant not eat, think about -

THE FIANCE- the baby.

JUNE- the baby.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 5.

JUNEI know, I know.

THE FIANCEYou know, I thought youd be more excited when thedoctors told us we were having a girl. Have you thoughtof a name yet?

JUNENot yet.

THE DAUGHTERMy name is!

THE FIANCELavender, maybe?Peony? Lilac?

JUNEGee, I dont know how Ill ever choose.

THE FIANCEThink it over, June.

JUNEYou know, I have been thinking it over. And Ive cometo a very important realization. Why dont women evername little girls after themselves? We could haveourselves a June Jr.

THE FIANCE(laughing) If thats what you want.

JUNEAnyway, why dont you go pick something up from thebakery downtown? Ill have whatever youre having.Surprise me.

THE DAUGHTERCan I come with you, Daddy?

THE FIANCEAre you sure?

JUNEYes. Ill be right here when you come back.

(she kisses his cheek)I love you. Bring home something good.

6.

Scene 3: The Interlude of Roses

The room is dim lit, and empty except for the OldWoman, who never leaves anyway. Enter "Baby Girl",though she is slightly older now. She is wearingthe exact same attire as before but instead of afour year old girl, she now appears to be elevenor twelve, her hair in two solemn braids. Shestands erect center upstage, hands behind herback.

THE DAUGHTERA rose by any other name would smell as sweet, said thebeloved Juliet. But I am not beloved. Nor am I a rose.And I am nameless. A seed planted in soil unfertile,but still commanded to rise. I get my warmth from awinters sun, and my petals are plucked for sweetness.Perfumes are curated from my dreams and adorn thebreasts of the sorrowful and the passionless, that theymight mask their lifeless vessels with beauty. Ghostsamong us. I, too, born out of obligation but not oflove. And what will they call me?

THE OLD WOMANMedusa.

THE DAUGHTERDelilah, he said. Lily, he said. Rose, he said. Violet,he said. Jasmine, he said. Daisy, Iris, Lavendar. Andthe petal falls, and the petal falls.

THE OLD WOMAN"For any unfortunate soul whose gaze should fall uponthat wretched Medusa shall surely turn to stone." Youare the serpent, your beauty made of snakes, yourexistence a defiance.

THE DAUGHTERDoes Juliet pray for me? Is it me of whom she speaks,am I the rose whose sweetness goes unnamed?

THE OLD WOMAN(rocking quickly)

It was the serpent who poisoned the apple! The vilefruit of the viper casts its seed in my womb, and I canonly weep.

THE DAUGHTERAnd the petal falls, and the petal falls. And what willthey call me?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 7.

THE OLD WOMANMedusa.

THE DAUGHTERAnd what will they call me?

THE OLD WOMAN(rocking sofuriously shealmost fallsout of thechair)

Medusa! Medusa!Medusa!

BABY GIRLJASMINE. AZALEA.VIOLET. ROSE!

The Daughter falls to her knees now, and bows herhead solemnly.

THE OLD WOMANAnd the petal falls?

THE DAUGHTERAnd the petal falls.

BLACKOUT.

Scene 4

The doorbell is ringing. We hear it go off threetimes before June hurriedly enters the roomwearing a navy blue dress. Her hair is pinned upinto a bun. She is wearing lipstick and niceshoes. She is pretty, but she looks stressedout. The Daughter, again a young girl, quietlyshadows her, still wearing the bright yellowdress.

JUNECome in! The doors open!

Enter THE MOTHER and THE BEST FRIEND. The formeris smiling too wide, face contoured excessivelywith blush. The latter looks cozy in jeans and asweater, hair down, carrying a bouquet ofsunflowers. She adds them to the vase and thenhugs June. Afterwards, June turns to hug THEMOTHER.

THE MOTHERJune, you look lovely. Look at how youre glowing! Gladto see pregnancy is treating you well.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 8.

THE BEST FRIENDNever mind that, wheres your ring? Let me see it!

Blushing, June holds out her hand.

THE BEST FRIENDIts beautiful! Youre so lucky, you know that?

JUNEI mean, I guess.

She gestures for the two woman to have a seat.They do. The Mother sits The Daughter on her lapand plays with her hair.

THE BEST FRIENDSo, wheres Mr. Fiance? He didnt want to help plan thebaby shower?

JUNEHes at work. Hes doing a lot of overtime right nowtrying to get selected for some big promotion. Heshoping that if he does, we can move out of here intoour own place by the time the baby is born.

THE MOTHERIm so glad to see youve finally turned yourselfaround.

JUNEThanks. Honestly, I envy him a little. I kind of missworking myself.

THE BEST FRIENDOh please. Soak up the bliss of maternity leave whileit lasts.

THE MOTHERAnd nows the perfect time to assess your options,maybe start circulating your portfolio.

JUNEMom. Weve been over this. I actually got a package inthe mail yesterday of drawings from all my studentsabout how much they miss me. I love teaching at the artschool. I can hardly see myself anywhere else. And youknow Ive never been too obsessed with money.

THE MOTHERThats fine when youre living alone. But once youre amother yourself, youll realize that you just cant getby like that anymore.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 9.

JUNEI will figure it out. Ill budget if I have to. Nothingwithout sacrifice, right?

THE OLD WOMANAnd so it begins.

THE MOTHERI just dont want you to be miserable.

THE DAUGHTERMommy says I make her miserable.

JUNEIm not miserable. Why do you always have to criticizeeverything I want to do? Does it bother you that much?

THE BEST FRIENDGuys. Now is not the time.

THE MOTHERGod June, I never said any of that.

JUNEBut thats what you meant.

THE DAUGHTERMommy says she doesnt love me.

THE MOTHERWhat on earth are you talking about?

JUNENever mind.

THE BEST FRIEND(pulls a notepad out of her purse)

Okay, lets talk about the real matter at hand! So lookJune, your mom and I have been drawing up drafts forthe guest list...were looking at about 70-80 people -

JUNEFor a baby shower!?

THE BEST FRIENDWell...yeah. I mean, this is nothing compared to whatthe wedding is going to be like -

JUNEI dont want you guys planning my wedding.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 10.

THE MOTHERAnd why not?

THE BEST FRIENDCmon, you know how much I love organizing events.

JUNEAnd you know how much I hate them. Look, cant it justbe a small gathering? Twenty, thirty people max? Itsnot supposed to be a big deal.

THE BEST FRIENDOf course it is! Youre having your first child andpeople want to get together in show of their supportfor you. Thats what its all about.

JUNEI cant imagine I would ever be up for it. Crowds kindof just exhaust me. And you know that.

THE MOTHERYoure being self-

THE BEST FRIENDThe guest list can be revised! Lets talk about colors.Hot pink, anyone?

THE DAUGHTEROrange is my favorite color.

JUNEA spring green might be nice, dont you think? Maybe alittle lavender.

THE MOTHERGreen is hardly very feminine, dear.

THE BEST FRIENDIm also not sure that it goes well with lavender?

JUNEOkay, what do you think would look best. Thats not hotpink. I dont want to be obnoxious.

THE BEST FRIENDBut hot pink is classic!

JUNEClassic is just a euphemism for overdone andpredictable.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 11.

THE MOTHERI find its more synonymous with "timeless" and"effortlessly good". Though I agree that rosier, pastelpink would be more fitting.

THE DAUGHTERWhat about orange?

JUNEBaby blue?

THE BEST FRIENDThats a boys color.

JUNEBullshit! Im an artist for goodness sake. We dontbelieve in gendering colors!

THE BEST FRIENDWere just trying to help, June.

JUNEAre you? I feel like unless Im giving into whatexactly you two want then my opinion means squat.

THE DAUGHTER(hands over ears) Youre not listening! I cant hearyou!

THE BEST FRIENDThats not true. Stop it.

THE MOTHERIts the hormones getting to her. Shes not really incontrol of her emotions right now.

JUNEOf course I am!

THE DAUGHTERLa La La! I cant hear you!

THE MOTHER(Placing a hand on Junes forehead)

Goodness! Shes burning up! Bring a glass of water fromthe kitchen, would you?

JUNE(Hoarsely)

I feel...fine...I dont want the water.

THE BEST FRIEND exits stage left.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 12.

THE MOTHERSweetheart, Im so worried about you. You havent beenacting like yourself lately.

JUNEWhats...that supposed to mean?

THE MOTHERI just worry that you arent taking this seriouslyenough. The marriage. The baby.

JUNEStop talking about the baby.

THE MOTHERWell, how can I? These are the milestones of your lifewere discussing here!

JUNEI dont need a husband and a child to be a wholeperson.

THE MOTHERThen why have either?

JUNEI didnt realize I had a choice.

THE MOTHERJune! What are you saying?

THE DAUGHTERMommy says she wishes I had never been born.

JUNEMom...Im so scared. I dont want to do any of this. Idont think Im cut out for it.

THE MOTHERIts too late to turn back now. You can only moveforward with the choices youve made. You should havethought about that before you got other people involvedin your chaos.

JUNEIm just so tired...and I...I...

THE MOTHERWhat is it?

JUNEI feel like its killing me from the inside.

(Laughing)(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 13.

JUNE (contd)Is this how its supposed to feel?

THE OLD WOMANI am dying.

THE MOTHERIts not real, June. Its all in your head.

June lowers herself onto the couch. The Motherpicks up a blanket from the cradle and wraps herin it. The Daughter sits on the floor, watchingsilently. Just then, the best friend comes in withthe water.

THE MOTHERShes sleeping now.

The mother pours the water into the vase offlowers. The two women exit.

BLACKOUT

Scene 5

We see June toss and turn once she is alone. Shebegins to kick and grumble, and eventually fallsoff the couch completely. This doesnt startle herawake, but instead seems to ignite a trance. Onall fours, she crawls over the stage, making herway back to the Old Woman.

JUNEWhy are you still here? Why wont you leave me alone?You wont tell me why youve come. You wont tell mewhat you want.

The old woman remains perfectly still. She is notrocking anymore. But she stares right back atJune.

JUNEI have tried to understand you. To find the resemblancebetween us - I know who you are. I know that much atleast. But you havent offered me anything but despair.You just keep looking at me with those eyes.

(Weakly, she stands)Youre not going to save me after all. I know that now.

THE OLD WOMANHave you learnt anything since the last time we werehere?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 14.

JUNEThere are no snakes.

THE OLD WOMANAnd how, after all these years, did you come to thatconclusion?

JUNEYou told me there were snakes. That they would bite me.That they lived within everyone who has ever claimed tolove me. You told me the venom was a slow magic. And Iam here to declare there were never any snakes at all.

THE OLD WOMANThen you have learnt nothing.

JUNEI want you to leave. You never leave when I ask. Younever listen to me. You just stare at me until itsover.

THE OLD WOMANIt will never be over. Theyre coming for you, youknow.

JUNEWho?

THE OLD WOMANYou know who.

JUNEI dont know who youre talking about.

THE OLD WOMANHave you learnt anything since the last time we werehere?

JUNEThere are no snakes.

THE OLD WOMANThen you do not need me to save you.

June stands perfectly still. Then, suddenly, shedrops to her knees in agony, clutching herstomach. She is crawling again, panting heavily,moaning with pain.

THE OLD WOMAN(Mimicking) its not real, June. Its all in your head.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 15.

JUNEPl...please...

THE OLD WOMANIts just the hormones, June. Youre not in control.

JUNEIt hurts! It hurts!

THE OLD WOMANHave you learnt anything since the last time I washere?

JUNEThe snakes! The snakes!

The lights turn on. Enter The Fiance.

THE FIANCEJune! What the hell is going on?

JUNE(Smiling) Oh baby, Ive missed you so much.

THE FIANCEJune, youre scaring me.

JUNETell me how your day was. Give me a kiss.

THE FIANCEYou cant keep going on like this. Im worried aboutyou. Youve got to snap out of it.

THE OLD WOMANAnd the petal falls.

(They freeze.)

Scene 6

June sits alone in the middle of the room. She isfidgeting, nervous, keeps clenching andunclenching her fists. She stares at her hands,shivers, glances around the room suspiciously. Theold woman rocks silently in the background. Juneis startled by the sudden ring of the doorbell.She does not move and does speak, as if hoping tosilently will the visitor away. But after amoment, THE BROTHER enters. He is handsome, likeThe Fiance, but taller and dressed more casually.He comes in carrying a single red poppy flower,and smiles brightly at June. She flinches.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 16.

THE BROTHERThats alright, dont look so happy to see me.

JUNEIm sorry. Im just a little under the weather today.

THE BROTHERWhich is exactly why Ive been put on babysitting duty.I was told to keep an eye on you. Although Im notstaying for long. Just checking in to see that youreokay.

JUNEHonestly, everyone is exaggerating. Im alright. Idont want to bore you or anything.

THE BROTHERHow could you? Youre like the most interesting personI know.

JUNEOh please. Dont patronize me. Im havent left thehouse in days, Im practically bedridden. And beforethis I taught arts and crafts to kindergartners.

THE BROTHERExactly! You havent grown cynical and miserable likethe rest of us.

JUNEIm getting there.

THE BROTHER(Laughs)

How have you been, June?

He sits down on the couch beside June and turns toface her directly.

JUNEIve...been okay. Sad, I guess. I really miss drawing.

THE BROTHERSo why dont you draw?

JUNE(rolls eyes) Gee, I wonder how I never thought of that.

THE BROTHERTouche.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 17.

JUNEIm too tired, I guess? Or too lazy.

THE BROTHERThats a terrible excuse.

JUNEI know. But! Ive been dreaming more vividly ever sinceI got pregnant, and I was thinking that maybe what Ineed to do is get back into the habit of drawing againby designing a...a tattoo. Something that I would haveto commit to, really think about, you know?

THE BROTHERSounds awesome! What would you get done?

JUNEI havent decided yet. I guess Im not quite sure. Iwas considering something with snakes.

THE BROTHERThat could be cool. Why snakes?

JUNEYou cant possibly be this interested.

THE BROTHEROf course I am. I wouldnt ask if I wasnt.

He moves closer.

JUNEYoud be surprised how often everyone pretends to careabout how Im feeling. Usually its just a warm-up forwhat they really want to talk about.

THE BROTHERThe kid, right?

JUNEYeah.

THE BROTHERAs excited as I am to be an uncle -

JUNEYour brother hardly sees me anymore, thats howconsumed he is by the whole thing.

THE BROTHERI dont see what more there is to say on the matterbeyond, "Wow! Congratulations!"

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 18.

JUNEThe day after I told him, he went out and bought thatstupid cradle, he didnt know what to do with himself.And its just...been sitting there...

THE BROTHER(chuckles) That sounds like him.

JUNEWell. Its nice to be asked about myself for a change.Even if I feel like theres not much to say.

THE BROTHERAs I said, youre very interesting to me. And gorgeous,too. Its a little distracting.

JUNE(laughing) Thank you.

He moves closer. Their knees are touching. Junepretends not to notice.

THE BROTHERTell me about the snakes.

JUNEThere are no snakes.

THE BROTHERWhat?

JUNEI mean. (clears throat) Ive just been dreaming aboutthem a lot lately. Reading up on some mythology andwhatnot. I find it all to be so...fascinating. Theyvebeen taken up in literature as the mascots of deceit.Think about it, their mere presence is framed aspoisonous to the -

THE BROTHERNot poisonous.

JUNEWhat?

THE BROTHERSnakes arent poisonous.

JUNEThey arent?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 19.

THE BROTHERThe word youre looking for is venomous.

JUNETheyre not the same?

THE BROTHERA poison has to be absorbed or ingested to take effect.In that case, one might get killed from a simple touch.

Gently, he strokes the side of her face. Hisfingers idly trace her legs as he continues hisexplanation.

THE BROTHERVenom, on the other hand, is a little more specific.For that to work, it has to be inside you. Injection,they call it.

JUNEI see.

THE BROTHERIts the same way people always mistake jealousy andenvy for the same thing. One means to fear losingwhats already yours, and the other means to covet whatsomeone else has.

He tucks the poppy flower behind her ear.

THE BROTHERIf it really means that much to you, you should get thetattoo.

JUNEI-I think I will.

He checks his watch and stands up.

JUNELeaving already?

THE BROTHERYeah. Ive got a dinner to attend. Told you I wouldntbother you long.

He begins walking towards the exit.

JUNEYou should stay. I could make you something!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 20.

THE BROTHERId love to, but I cant.

JUNEWell I wish you would take me with you, at least. Itsso lonely here.

He walks back over to June and kisses herforehead.

THE BROTHERId love to. But I cant.

He exits.

JUNEAnd the petal falls.

She exits. Only the old woman remains.

Scene 7: Interlude of The Dearly Beloved

The lighting is dim. The living room furniture iscleared to make the room more spacious. Spotlighton The Old Woman. Classical wedding music playssoftly in the background as she begins to speak.

THE OLD WOMANIt is with great fondness now that I recall thebeginning. Of those delusions which I then consideredbeautiful. In that moment I wanted to be the epitome ofperfection, and each time I lied for the sake ofaffection, the wounds flourished upon me, made a canvasof my heart. Every promise I accepted was a poisonedfruit. But I ate of it, and it was sweet, the nectarrunning down my chin. And so I welcomed them, the bees,and made no warning of the truth that here was I, theartificial blossom, with nothing to offer in return. Iwallowed in my untruth. And I made such art of it.

Enter now The Daughter, dressed in white, wearinga flower crown and carrying a basket of whitepetals. She dances carefree around the room,sprinkling feathers at her whim, laughing.

THE OLD WOMANMy mistakes made a home of me. I was so afraid of beinga disappointment. And I waded in the thick of it, themess I had made of myself, trying to find adeterministic point from which to begin. And so Isettled on a place, on a destination. And grieved forit. Which is how I ended up here, in a hell that hascast me as its ghost.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 21.

A loud gong is heard to announce the arrival ofJune.

THE OLD WOMANAnd the petal falls.

June enters the room in a beautiful white weddingdress, with a veil over her face, a small bouquetof white sweet pea flowers in her hands. She walksslowly, almost painfully, to the front of thestage. As she settles in place, The Daughter comesover to her, showering her in petals and merrilyskipping away.

JUNEMy dearly beloved, it is my greatest blessing that fatehas afforded me someone so precious to cherish. I hadnever known peace before I met your eyes. I had neverknown sleep until I lay in your arms, caressed by handsso gentle, and kissed with lips so soft. I take younow, for better or for worse, as mine. My soul,intertwined with yours, the framework of my futurealtered. I confess that everything in me had longed foryou. All those nights I spent alone, I wept for you,prayed for you. All my life, strangers have fallen inlove with me, claimed to, and it has had nothing to dowith who I am. But you are the light of my life, and inyour warmth, I bloom. My dearly beloved.

The Brother enters and begins to dance with June.The Daughter sprinkles him with flowers.

JUNEMy love for you, incorruptible, shall last in sicknessand in health -

The Fiance enters and pulls June away from TheBrother. He exits. They dance.

JUNEFor richer or for poorer. In strength and in weakness.I promise to love you.

THE FIANCEForevermore?

JUNEForevermore.

The Fiance leans June backward so that she isalmost touching the floor. The gong chimes loudlyrepeatedly, as it were the tones of a clock.

They freeze.

22.

Scene 8

As the furniture for the next scene is beingchanged, Junes voice can be heard offstage. Sheis speaking into a phone.

JUNE(Offstage)

Hey Mom, its me. I was hoping I wouldnt get youranswering machine, but here I am. I guess a message isthe next best thing, right? Look, I know today we weresupposed to wrap up the planning of the baby shower. Ijust...I guess I dont really feel up for it? I stayedup all night, having all kinds of second thoughts abouteverything. About the baby. Even about marrying Eden.But I love him, I really do. Im just afraid that itwont be perfect. That Ill do my best and itll neverbe...perfect. I was thinking about how much Id like tocancel the shower if I could, just for the sake ofhaving one less thing to worry about. I know I cant;youd never allow it. Im just making it known how Ifeel. Anyway, since Ive regained some of my strength,I thought it might be nice to go out. Treat myself tosomething nice, maybe. I feel like I deserve it. God,Im rambling. Sorry. Call me back when you get this?Love you. Bye.

The setting is now a cramped but clean tattooparlor. Pairs and groups of men and women ofvarious ages bustle through. Most are obnoxiousteenagers loudly ogling over provocative images.On the right of the stage is a large black chairwith a small stool beside it littered with needlesand cleaning supplies. Nearby stands ALFREDA,matron of the parlor, an older woman in herforties with baby pink hair and pearl jewelry. Shewatches the crowd, clearly annoyed by theloitering visitors.

ALFREDAAll these people tonight just standing around andspectating. Jesus, its a tattoo parlor not a goddamnmuseum.

(She bends over to dust something andlooks up to smile at a passing couple)

Hey, how are ya tonight?

The door jingles as THE DAUGHTER enters, no longeran adolescent girl but now a young woman in herlate teens, but still in her iconic attire: theyellow dress with the white socks and black shoes.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 23.

THE DAUGHTERAlfie! Busy night, huh?

ALFREDA smiles with recognition.

ALFREDAOnly the illusion of busy. Lots of teens and touriststonight. You back already, though? Wasnt expecting tosee you again for a while after you nearly fainted onme getting your sunflower done. Hows it healing?

THE DAUGHTERMy shoulder is a little sore, still. But its fine,otherwise. I was actually thinking of doing a piercingthis time? I dont know, someone suggested I might lookgood with a septum.

ALFREDASure, jewelrys in the back.

The Daughter walks over and on the wayaccidentally bumps into June, who has justnervously stumbled into the room with a guiltyexpression on her face.

THE DAUGHTERWhoops! Sorry! Im so sorry. I wasnt paying attention,I didnt mean to bump into you.

JUNEIts okay, its okay. I was probably in your wayanyhow, you dont need to apologize.

THE DAUGHTERIts a bad habit. Sometimes people step on my foot andI say sorry.

JUNEWomen tend to do that. Weve been sort of trained thatway.

(Blushes)Hey...sorry if this is like, me imposing on you orbeing too invasive or whatever, but could I ask youropinion of something?

THE DAUGHTERYeah sure, of course! What is it?

JUNEWhat do you think of this?

(She pulls a folded piece of paper outof her pocket)

June opens the paper and stares at it for a while.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 24.

JUNEIts a tattoo idea I was considering. I designed itmyself.

THE DAUGHTERCool! But, what...is it?

JUNE(Sighs)

Its kind of like, an ouroboros? But with two snakesinstead of one. Theyre like, intertwined fates, youknow? One consuming the other while being consumed.Mutual destruction and all that. Its really cyclic. Ithought it was clever. And the snakes have littlequestion marks on their scales, see? Its cute.

THE DAUGHTERWhere would you get it?

JUNEOn my stomach!

(Gestures to her side)Now THE DAUGHTER notices her slight bulge.

THE DAUGHTERIs that...safe? Forgive me, but you look a little...

JUNEDont say it.

THE DAUGHTERSo you are.

(A pause)ALFREDA strolls over and beams at the two girls.

ALFREDAThis a friend of yours, June?

JUNE(Startled)

Excuse me?

ALFREDA(Raises an eyebrow)

Not you, her.(To The Daughter)

She seems a bit on edge.

JUNEYour names June, too?

(Soft laugh)Thats funny. Sos mine.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 25.

THE DAUGHTERI was born at night on the 30th. They almost named meJuly.

ALFREDADid you find a ring yet?

THE DAUGHTERNot yet, Alfie. Still looking. June and Iwere...talking over designs.

JUNEAre you the tattoo artist?

ALFREDAYes, maam. Been running this shop for over fifteenyears.

(She holds out her hand)Alfreda Winsome.

JUNENice to meet you. I actually have a design Id likedone tonight.

ALFREDAWe can arrange that, Im sure. Follow me over here.

THE DAUGHTERAlfie, hold on a minute -

They halt, and turn to look at The Daughter.

JUNEShut up.

(Glares)

THE DAUGHTERExcuse me? What youre trying to do isnt right and youknow it!

ALFREDAWhats going on?

JUNESHUT. UP.

THE DAUGHTER(Softly)

Shes...pregnant.

Suddenly, the previously crowded parlor is nowclaustrophobically empty, quiet, and accusing.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 26.

ALFREDAI dont tat pregnant chicks, girlie.

JUNEPlease.

ALFREDAI mean, its not a huge risk. But still. Just not whatI would recommend. Not to mention the legal factors. Gohome maybe, hon. Get some rest. Think it over.

JUNETheres nothing to think over. I dont have to doanything. I want the tattoo.

ALFREDAFind a new artist, then.

JUNEI - I dont want a new artist! I was specificallyrecommended here, Ive seen your portfolio online, Idecided on a specific image. I want it done here! Ivehad this idea in mind...for months, before Iever...Please. Ill pay you however much you want, Idont care!

ALFREDAIts not happening.

(Crosses arms)In a rage, Jun3 now storms over to The Daughter.

JUNEYOU! Who the FUCK do you think you are? You dont evenknow me!

They are now nose to nose.

THE DAUGHTERLook. Im sorry youre mad, but the truth is, Alfie wasbound to notice. Youre showing, for Christs sake. Imean, what did you expect?

JUNEWhat did I expect?!

(A beat)You know what, youre right. What DID I expect?

She pulls out the drawing of her design andviolently rips it to shreds.

I AM SO SICK OF THIS STUPID BABY! Cant get a tattoo,the baby! It always comes back to that, doesnt it? Iam not -

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 27.

ALFREDASweetheart, calm -

JUNEI am not! Cut out for this!

There is a tense silence. The three women allstand eerily still. ALFREDA begins to reach out toplace her hand on JUNE #2s shoulder, but JUNEgently pushes it away.

JUNEOnce. Just once, I wanted to not feel like a guest inmy own body.

ALFREDASweetheart. Ju-its June, right? Listen to me, June. Atattoo is never gonna prepare you for motherhood.

JUNEI only wanted the comfort of what it represented. Atthis point, Ill never be prepared. Every day I feellike Im being eaten alive from the inside out. And itonly starts like that! This is a child that will growup, and itll take and take and take...until Imnothing else with nothing left to give. I mean, theytell you that its a beautiful thing to be a mother,but they never say what exactly the point is.

She places two hands on her stomach, looks down ather protruding belly and then slowly raises hergaze to Alfreda, fearfully.

THE DAUGHTERWhat are you gonna do?

JUNEI dont know. I feel like no matter what choice I make,I will have ruined a life.

ALFREDAThe help youre looking for isnt here, June.

JUNEI know.

(She begins weeping as she steps backslowly)

I know.

They freeze.

June remains stationary as Alfreda and TheDaughter exit. She continues crying as the scenery

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 28.

changes back to the living room. When this iscomplete, she will slowly make her way to the backof the room and plop into the now empty rockingchair. The old woman is gone. June rocks alone afew times before The Daughter reenters, but thistime as the small child. She climbs into Juneslap, and the two embrace, sobbing together. Thegong drones repeatedly as the lights dim slowly.

BLACKOUT.

END.