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Period 4 Spring 2011

It's Hodge here- I think you're on to something with this scene. The relationship between girl and boy is interesting and the issue of abortion is clearly a powerful dramatic idea. I felt that much of the scene that you have here comes off a bit trite, or tongue in cheek. It almost feels rushed. As a dramatist, I am more interested with the TRUE emotional state of a young girl that is forced with such a decision and the emotional disconnect of the "BOY" who got her pregnant. Revisit the "GIRL" character. Try writing a monologue about her story. Tell us how she got to where she is today. Maybe this monologue is taking place outside the office of an abortion clinic. What is going through her mind at that moment? Take us into the mind of this character: her worries, fears, hopes, etc. I think you can apply this same idea to the "BOY" character. Have him speak about his thoughts about the relationship. Have him talk directly to the audience about how he just wanted to have sex, not have a baby or be a father, etc, etc. It sounds like this guy wants to keep the baby...why? Just think about these two kids and the particulars of the situation before you start sharing their inner thoughts and feelings. Let me know if you need any help starting!

Lauren Walker and Lexie Sechrist

Abortion Awareness, Teenage Girl vs. Teenage Boyfriend //A girl stumbles onto the stage. She is a fragile, short, insecure freshman. Her right hand is placed on the right side of her lower back, reacting to a sharp pain that pierces through her back down her spine. As she pauses, she breathes in ever so heavy and begins to tell her story.//

Girl: So I’m standing here, with my hand on my back, baby in my stomach, hurt in my heart. I was ignorant when it came to protection, and I was ignorant when it came to having sex with a senior, as I stand here as a freshman. Here’s my story..

//The focus is drawn to a teenage boy and teenage girl. The girl is looking long into the guy’s eyes as he holds her tight against his chest.//

Boy: I love you, sweetie.

Girl: I love you too and I’m so happy with you. Out of all the girls in school, why did you choose me? I’m only a freshman and I’m not that special.

Boy: You’re special to me. I chose you because you’re mature for your age and you can handle anything maturely. I feel a special bond with you and you are the only one for me. You know what though? I think it would drawl us closer if we did have sex.

Girl: I do love you.

Boy: Well if you love me, you would want to get closer to me.

Girl: I think I’m ready.

//After the sexual intercourse took place, the teenage girl frantically waited for her period to come. Beginning her menstrual period, she was irregular as a young teenager, however, this was out of the ordinary. She did not remember the last time she was that late with her period. Days and days went by as she grew worried. Her boyfriend hadn’t used protection but she was on birth control. What was the chance of getting pregnant while on the pill? After discussing her problem with her best friend, the two girls went to the local drugstore and purchased a pregnancy test.//

//The next scene takes place on the other side of the stage with the lights dimming to the couple. The young teen is trembling and her hands shake tensely as she struggles to look her boyfriend in the eyes.//

Girl: We really need to talk. You see, I was late for my period so Tracy took me to the drugstore and I bought a pregnancy test. //(The girl pauses for effect and keeps her head down as she tells the boy her fate.)// It was positive. I’m pregnant…

Boy: //(Yelling)// Stop! Just stop! This is not happening! You were on the pill! I’m 18, this is illegal.

Girl: I know! But..

Boy: No! What are we going to do?

Girl: The only option I have is to get an abortion. I’m only a freshman in high school, no way am I ready for this!

Boy: I demand that you don’t get an abortion.

Girl: You can’t tell me what to do.

Boy: It’s my baby. It takes two to tango.

Girl: It’s my body, my baby. I will take you to court. Don’t you remember the court case with Roe vs. Wade?

Boy: It’s practically illegal to get an abortion; you’re killing a human being. Also, considering the fact that you’re below the age of 18; that doesn’t help your case.

Girl: The case proved that abortion is completely legal and the case gave women privacy and the opportunity to protect themselves.

//The girl continues to acknowledge the fact that abortion is perfectly legal and the scene ends with the teenage boy receiving a call from his mother and leaving the girl alone in her room. The light is no longer shining onto the girl’s face. The lights begin to fade and the lights go out at the same rate as the girl’s tears.//