DO AS I SAY
TRINA:
(Hurries past Mom)
Bye Mom
MOM:
Whoa not so fast. Where do you think you're going dressed like that?
TRINA:
(Wearing short top that reveals just a little skin)
Like what?
MOM:
Like this (Pinches Trina’s Midriff) Why do you have to dress so revealing? You’re not leaving anything to the imagination are you?
TRINA:
Mom (Draws the word out like Mah ahm) Everybody dresses like this.
MOM:
So if everybody wore a burlap sack, you’d wear a burlap sack?
TRINA:
What’s burlap?
MOM:
Never mind. Just cover yourself up.
TRINA:
You’d think I was going topless or something. Why are you over reacting?
MOM:
I just think that there’s still a place for modesty in our world, and I want our family to be an example.
TRINA:
Oh Mom you just don’t get it.
MOM:
What is there to get? We’re just going to maintain a modest standard that’s all.
TRINA:
Well what about you?
MOM:
What about me?
TRINA:
What about that picture I saw of you in that skimpy bikini?
MOM:
That was at a beach.
TRINA:
No it wasn’t. I heard Daddy say it was at a Grateful Dead concert at the stadium.
MOM:
Oh. Well you’re just blessed that you have parents who care about what you look like in public.
TRINA:
Oh sure like Gramma and Grampa really knew what you were wearing that day.
MOM:
OK so it was the sixties. Look, Trina. I just don’t want you to look like an ad for Victoria’s Secret or something.
TRINA:
Oh Mom. Be serious.
MOM:
Just cover yourself up.
TRINA:
With what?
MOM:
(Looks around then grabs large plaid flannel shirt)
Here.
TRINA:
Mom. What do you think I am, a lumberjack?
(Grabs a sweater, and puts it on)
There! Are you satisfied?
MOM:
That’s much better. I’m sorry Honey I just don’t want you to give people the wrong impression.
TRINA:
Whatever. I’ve gotta go. I’m gonna be late for first period. Oh yeah me and Amy and Iris are going to the Mall after school.
MOM:
To buy some longer tops, right?
TRINA:
Funny Mom. Really funny.
MOM:
Don’t forget your backpack.
(Grabs backpack which is unzipped, and book stumble out along with some extremely revealing clothing.)
TRINA:
(Tries to grab clothing, but Mom grabs it first)
Uh I better go.
MOM:
What is this?
(Holds up skimpy outfit)
TRINA:
Uhh…
MOM:
Explain this.
TRINA:
Uh… It’s for a little girl in an orphanage?
MOM:
I don’t think so.
TRINA:
It’s just an outfit, OK?
MOM:
Just an outfit?! Maybe for a Barbie doll it’s an outfit. Maybe for the hookers on the Ave. it’s an outfit. But not for my daughter it isn’t. Is this what you wear to the mall?
TRINA:
Mom…
MOM:
Do you want to look like you're selling your body?
TRINA:
I just want to be noticed.
MOM:
You have to dress like this to be noticed? No. You are not going to be seen outside this house looking like, like I don’t even want to say it.
TRINA:
You always have to freak out.
MOM:
I freak out? Well young lady, would you care to model this for your father this evening? Then you'll see freak out!
TRINA:
Mom…
MOM:
I just don’t get it Trina. Why do you want to look like this?
TRINA:
I’m just trying to be popular.
MOM:
Popular? Do the boys need you to look like some kind of sleaze before they’ll like you? Haven’t we taught you to have enough self respect to let them like you for you?
TRINA:
Oh yeah you’ve taught me alright.
MOM:
And what’s that supposed to mean?
TRINA:
What about that short dress with the deep "V" neckline that you wear to work whenever you meet with the boss. What’s the matter, don’t you have enough self respect to let him like you for you?
MOM:
You listen to…
TRINA:
So what does it look like you’re trying to sell?
MOM:
You listen to me! I’m your mother! I make the rules here young lady! You will not wear this or any other such clothing as long as you are living under this roof!
TRINA:
Fine! Whatever.
(Throws article of clothing at Mom’s feet storms out door)
MOM:
(watches Trina leave. Looks at skimpy top in her hand.)
Who does she learn this from?
Copyright © 1999 by Bonita Griffin, Pearl Griffin, Robert J. Lee
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