Judgement

By: Neko-chan

A/N: Anyway, this is a monodrama written for Drama class. For anyone who doesn't know, a monodrama is a presentational play acted out by one person. It involves monologues and soliloquies. Anyway, our Drama teacher had us pick out a famous historical person, do research about that person, then write a monodrama in which they're trying to argue their way into heaven. My historical person was Anne Bonny. She was one of the most famous female pirates that have ever lived. Also, historians believe that she was engaged in a lesbian relationship with Calico Jack's lieutenant, Mary Read. Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading my (short) play.

(Comes in a with a smirk on her face. Bows mockingly to the Other while sweeping off her hat grandly and smiles charmingly--Other can sense that she is still mocking.) Some people lived for greatness; others lived only to contribute to the world. And some people lived only to instill fear into the hearts of many. I am Anne Bonny, though I'm sure you've heard of me. After all, why shouldn't you? I've lied, cheated, and I've killed countless numbers of people...all before I turned twenty years old. But you already know about all of that, don't you? (Looks defiant.) It's all true. I won't deny any of it. And now, to top off all the ironic twists in my life, I get to argue with all of YOU.

(Sarcastic) I'm sure you and I will enjoy this very much, don't you think?

(Glares a bit.) There aren't many redeeming things that I've done in my lifetime. I had several children out of wedlock and I was a pirate, sailing under the skull and crossed cutlasses flag. And I made a damn good pirate! (Looks prideful and stares the Other in the eyes.) There is only one thing that I've considered good in my lifetime, but I'm sure you also know all about THAT. You're prepared to condemn me for it, aren't you? (Say last part accusingly.)

(Aside--look to right at the floor.) I miss her so much. She's the only one I've ever loved. But no one ever really understood. Our love was considered forbidden and we were hated for it. I loved her--and I still love her. I don't care what anyone else says. She was the only thing that I considered worthwhile whilst I was alive. (Wistful.) She was the only one I considered pure. Mary, how I miss you. Where are you? Heaven? Hell? Purgatory? No matter where, I will find you once again.

(Once again turns attention to the Other and tilts back her chin defiantly.) I've had a hard life, but I don't regret any of it. I've done some very dark things; I'd do it all again if I had a chance.

(Snorts derisively.) You have already judged me, haven't you? Why am I even wasting my time here? At least answer me that. Why am _I_ here??

Don't you think that I had enough of people playing games with me whilst I was alive? My family, my friends, my own husband, James Bonny. (Angry and exasperated.) I was still young and I made some very bad choices. I remember the time when I fought a Spanish lady to the death for the favor of the man I thought I loved. But he didn't love me and she's dead now. I still remember it clearly...

"How _dare_ you. You are a liar and nothing more than a trollop. Bayard doesn't love you--he loves me. He's told me plenty of times that he loves me. (Pauses.) You're LYING! If it comes to it, I'll fight you for his love. And it will be a fight to the death."

(Brings out a [wooden] sword and settles into the defense position, sword pointed at area near Other's heart.) "I've heard many rumors about you and I'm not scared of you. You don't intimidate me in the least. (Smiles coldly.) And if anyone dies here tonight, it will _not_ be me. I will not allow it. I will have Bayard--he is mine and mine alone. You will NOT have him!! (Pauses again; smile deepens and becomes more cold.) If that's what you think, then you are wrong, my little coquette. (Lunges forward suddenly and shoves sword into what would be a person's abdomen. Laughs a bit and smiles down at where the body would be.) Why didn't you listen to me, nia? I told you that if anyone would walk away tonight it would be me. And I'm never wrong. (Laughs softly.) I'm never wrong. And now, you're very, very dead."

(Glares.) Yes, I realized I committed a mortal sin. I knew what I was doing even as she gasped her last breath. I felt no remorse. I thought I loved him--I thought I loved Bayard. But then after I knocked out two of his sister-in-law's teeth, Bayard found his "use" for me diminished. And I was left alone, again. But then Calico Jack found me and made me a member of his pirate crew. He told me that he loved me, too. (Laughs cynically.) I was so young and stupid. I believed him, did you know that? I believed the lying dog. I hope he's rotting _now._ (Vicious.)

I became the best of the best. And I was proud of my skill. I was better skilled at wielding sword and pistol than most men. People--MEN!--feared me. I was a better shot than more than half the crew and only one or two people could defeat me in a sword fight. I was strong. Eventually Calico Jack lost his interest in me. But I didn't care any more. I had already fallen in love--in _true_ love this time. I loved Mary Read with all my heart and soul. I would have done anything for her. And I knew that she would do the same for me, also. (Expression softens and once against looks wistful.)

I realize now that I never loved any of the men in my life. After all...(Chuckles softly.)...how could I have loved several men that were nothing more than cowards? James Bonny had me arrested when he found out my new profession. But then he suddenly decided to not press charges, saying this: "She'll kill me if she's set free!" (Amusement deepens.) He was coward and an idiot. I'm glad he's dead now. And Calico Jack was no different. He and his crew hid in the cargo hold when we were finally caught. I was allowed to see him on the day that he was to hang. I looked at him, cowering in the corner, and I said the first thing that came to my mind:

"I'm sorry, Jack. But if you had fought like a man, you would not now be about to die like a dog. Do straighten yourself up!"

(Belly laugh.) You should have seen his face! He looked so crestfallen I _almost_ felt sorry for him. But real men would have fought. Only rats hide and try to escape while their life, their honor, and their crew is on the line. Though Mary and I are women, we proved to be more man-like than the rest of the crew! (Scathing.) Rats scurry and hide while danger is near. (Snorts and shakes head in disgust.) They were all rats.

(Seems to be brought back to the present and looks the Other up and down.) I guess that by this time, many people would be pleading for their lives. After all, not many would want to spend eternity in either Purgatory or in Hell. But there's nothing to be done. (Gesticulates.) You've already judged me. I can see it in your eyes. So what's the point in arguing with any of you? (Shrugs.) You've made up your minds and nothing will change it.

(Glares defiantly and looks Other in the eye, retaining eye contact with each.) You and I both know that there was only one (Holds up one finger.) redeeming thing in my life, and that was my love for Mary Read. But it doesn't count because we were both women. (Glare deepens.) Our love was forbidden. I knew that. She knew that. (Frowns and points to herself, then points off into the distance.) Against all odds, we still loved each other. We still LOVE each other. (Stands with hands on her hips, confidence exuding from her.) The only thing that _I_ consider worthwhile in my life isn't considered pure and worthy here. (Shifts weight onto one foot, one hand still on hip.) So what are you waiting for?

I already know the answer. I already know what you're going to say. I won't beg and plead like other people. I won't. So judge me already. I'm prepared for whatever decision you make. But...(Quickly breaks eye contact and looks down at her feet.)...please don't judge Mary Read too harshly. Whatever punishment you were going to give to her, please...(Takes a deep breath and shudders slightly.)...please give it to me. She's had a much harder life that I did. She doesn't deserve more pain and suffering.

(Regains bravado.) So, what are you waiting for? Judge me already!

(Blinks and seems taken aback.) Why are you crying? I don't need your pity! I don't need anyone's pity!! I am the way I am and nothing can change that fact. Not even you and your worthless pity. There's no point in feeling sorry for me. I don't even feel sorry for myself. So don't bother.

(Crosses arms underneath her breath and glares defiantly.) Judge me now.