Her Reflection

(JABARI and DIANE arrive.)

JABARI
(Clears throat.)
Taria, can you give us a minute?

TARIA
(Gives DIANE the evil-eye.)
Sure, Mr. Watson. We were gonna brainstorm about wicked step-mothers, but oh well.

(TARIA leaves.)

JABARI
What was that about?

(INA shrugs.)

Well…
(Clears throat.)
So…Diane, let me introduce you to my daughter, Ina.
(Places hand on INA’S shoulder.)
Ina, my beloved daughter, this is my fiancé, Diane Swanson.
(Gestures to DIANE.)
I thought it would be a good idea for you two to get to know each other.

(JABARI leaves.)

DIANE
Pleased to meet you, Ina. Your father has told me a lot about you.

INA
He didn’t tell me nothing ‘bout you.

DIANE
(Sits next to INA under tree.)
Well, I told him not to. I was scared to meet you, but I finally conquered my fears.

INA

(Soft voice)
This was our tree.

DIANE
Who, your friends?

INA

(Firm voice)
No, me and my mom. We used to come here and eat ice cream and look at the clouds and talk about mean people at work and school and…and…
(Crying)
Now you’re trying to erase her memory! You’re trying to replace her! You don’t belong with my dad so stop trying to marry him!

DIANE
Ina, I know I can never replace your mom, but you’re wrong. I do belong with him. You know why? Because I make him happy.
(Hugs INA.)

INA
LET GO OF ME!
(Pushes DIANE away.)
I HATE YOU DIANE SWANSON!
(Hugs tree.)
THIS IS OUR TREE!
(INA storms off.)