Two women stand on a street corner. One is chewing gum and looks more laid-back. The other is anxiously looking up and down the street with her hands in her pockets. Occasionally, headlights will sweep across their faces. It is dark, and this street is busy.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

Did you know what time they said they’d come?

OTHER WOMAN

Not sure.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

Well, don’t you think you should’ve checked?

OTHER WOMAN

Nah. It’s more fun not knowing, ain’t it?

ANXIOUS WOMAN

No, I don’t think it’s more fun. In fact, I think it’s just the opposite of fun. Next time, check the time, won’cha?

OTHER WOMAN

Gotcha.

Silence.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

Know what time it is now?

OTHER WOMAN

Don’t have a watch.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

You’re kidding! Momma told you never to leave the house without a watch. Who are you to disobey Momma?

OTHER WOMAN

Unfazed

Guess I jus’… forgot.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

They don’t accept forgetfulness. They’ll string you up right away if you forget.

OTHER WOMAN

Then I guess I won’t forget nothin’ around them.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

Groans exasperatedly, as if she has dealt with this behavior and this woman her entire life..

A pause. The two women stand there, the anxious woman calms down slightly but still bounces nervously.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

Let’s go over our lines, just one more time.

OTHER WOMAN

We already went over ‘em.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

I want to go over them again, okay?

OTHER WOMAN

You should relax. I’m sure they’ll like you.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

You don’t know anything.

Hesitates, thinking: Should I tell her?

They’re not the forgiving type… judgmental bastards, the lot of ‘em. It’s about first impressions. If I forget something, one tiny detail, one miniscule line, they’ll throw me out on my ass. Don’t tell me to relax.

OTHER WOMAN

Your worryin’ annoys me. Loosen up.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

Shut up.

OTHER WOMAN

Bet a man would loosen y’up, huh?

ANXIOUS WOMAN

I said shut up!

OTHER WOMAN

Fine.

There’s a long silence. The anxious woman wrings her hands as if she is cold, occasionally blowing on them. The other woman chews her gum and gazes off somewhere to the side.

OTHER WOMAN

You’re in a bad mood.

No response.

A bad mood.

No response.

A baaaaaaaaaad mooooooood.

No response.

Bad moodle.

Still no response.

Bad moo-diddly-oodilly.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

I get it, okay? Shut the fuck up.

OTHER WOMAN

Fine.

An uncomfortable silence. The anxious woman gets even more anxious.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

Say something.

OTHER WOMAN

Like what?

ANXIOUS WOMAN

Tell me I’ll be okay?

OTHER WOMAN

You sure you want that?

ANXIOUS WOMAN

Y… yes.

OTHER WOMAN

You’ll be okay.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

Satisfied, but scared.

Thank you.

Headlights stop in front of them. The anxious woman’s eyes fill with tears. She looks over at the other woman and inhales.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

They’re here.

OTHER WOMAN

Good luck.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

When will I see you again?

OTHER WOMAN

Not sure.

Pause

A while, maybe.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

I… I’ll miss you. Will you miss me?

OTHER WOMAN

Miss you like I miss Momma.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

Calmer.

I’ll be okay.

OTHER WOMAN

Jus’ like you practiced.

ANXIOUS WOMAN

I know.

The anxious woman exits, the other woman left onstage. She waves, then calls:

OTHER WOMAN

Say ‘hi’ to Momma for me, won’cha? Tell her I’ll see her when I see her.

Much sadder.

Tell her I’ll… I’ll still be a while ‘fore I come.

FIN