The writer likes to paint and draw. She is from the Dominican Republic and is very proud of her country.
“I have a secret. I know that we’re moving and that Dad has to stay behind because he has cancer, and they can’t take care of him where we are moving.”
I have a secret. I know that we’re moving and that Dad has to stay behind because he has cancer, and they can’t take care of him where we are moving. Now, I’m confused about what to do. I’m going to go and break everything to Jake.
MAYRA goes to JAKE’s room and knocks on the door.
MAYRA: Knock, knock.
JAKE: Come in!!!
MAYRA: Um, Jake, can I talk to you about Dad please?
JAKE: Um, sure. About what, and why are you so serious too? Are you okay? Like, you’re worrying me?
MAYRA: Okay, umm here I go, um um, okay, so um.
JAKE: Mayra, just spill it already! I can’t take the tension!!!
MAYRA: Okay fine, we’re moving, and Dad’s not coming because he has cancer. Oh, and Mom said if you want Chick-fil-A.
JAKE: Whoa, you can’t drop a bomb like that then ask me about Chick-fil-A! So let me get this straight. We’re moving, and Dad can’t come because he has cancer. I am overwhelmed. Wait, when did he get diagnosed, and why did they tell you and not me? I’m the older sibling!!
MAYRA: Okay, Jake. Calm down, deep breath, and they didn’t tell me I wa /
JAKE: / Wait, please don’t tell me you eavesdropped on Mom and Dad again!!!
MAYRA: Okay okay okay okay okay okay okay okay okay okay okay, I didn’t eavesdrop. I just happened to walk by at the right moment, and I heard everything, so I freaked out and came to tell you.
JAKE: I’m going to tell Mom and Dad!
JAKE says as he goes downstairs with MAYRA rushing after him, yelling to not tell on her.
MAYRA: Noooooo! Do not tell Mom and Dad. They will kill me for telling you and eavesdropping on them and an /
JAKE: / Aha, I knew you were going to eavesdrop. I know you so well.
MOM: Don’t tell Mom and Dad what, and why will we kill you, Mayra? You’re not answering me!
MAYRA: We can’t tell you about the surprise trip we planned to the zoo, and you’d kill me for not telling you ‘cause I know you lovvvvvve penguins.
MOM: Awww, thank you! Let me call your father. Eric!!!
DAD: Yeah, Marilyn?!
MOM: Come down here. Mayra made a surprise for all of us to go to the zoo tomorrow.
DAD comes down the stairs and into kitchen where everyone else is.
DAD: Oh, well that’s nice but I can’t. Do you remember the “incident?”
MAYRA: What “incident?”
MOM: Oh, nothing.
Scene 2: The Zoo (Where MAYRA gets in trouble)
MOM: Alright, everyone get in the car. We’re going to the zoo. Woo hoo!
JAKE: I call shotgun!!!
MAYRA: What, no fair! You always get shotgun! Mom, tell him it’s not fair!!!
MOM: Sweetheart, just let your brother sit here, and coming back you can sit here. Is that okay?
MAYRA: Fine.
JAKE: Ha ha ha. I’m the favorite child, I’m the favorite child, I’m the favori / Ow!!
/ MAYRA knocks JAKE in the head.
MOM: Mayra!!
MAYRA: What? He was being annoying, and I shut him up.
MOM: Still, that’s not an excuse. Say sorry!
MAYRA: Sorry, uh not fair!
JAKE: Hahahahaha!
DAD: Bye, guys. Love you. Have fun.
They get out of the car and go to the seal exhibition.
MOM: I appreciate Mayra making the whole trip just for us.
MAYRA: No problem, Mom.
JAKE: I’m going to go buy something to eat. You guys are welcome to come.
While they are walking to go get something to eat, they pass by the penguin exhibit.
MOM: Look at the penguin, it looks miserable.
JAKE: Oh, yeah, like someone I know.
Myra looks at JAKE sternly.
Myra: Jake, shut up!
MAYRA gives her mom a concerned look.
MAYRA: (scratching arm) Mom, I have to tell you something.
MOM: (raising her eyebrow) Yeah, what?
MAYRA: Mom, I overheard you and Dad’s conversations yesterday. I know everything, I know Dad has cancer, and that we’re moving.
MOM: I can’t believe you eavesdropped on our conversation. We’re going home!
JAKE: (mouth full of food) What!? I started eating!
End Scene
MAYRA is in the hallway and knocks on her mom’s door, concerned and disappointed with her actions.
MAYRA: I’m sorry, Mom. I know you’re mad at me, but please just let me explain.
MOM: What? Mayra, I’ve made my decision, and no, I’m not mad. I’m upset! I’m glad you told me that you know, but you are going to have to pay with three weeks of chores.
MAYRA: What!! Three weeks, uh fine, whatever makes you happy.
MOM: Go upstairs, kiddo. Good night.
MAYRA runs upstairs and into JAKE’s room while slamming the door.
JAKE: What do you want? You cost me my zoo food!
MAYRA: Let’s sneak out to steal a penguin.
JAKE: Okay, I know you’re obsessed with penguins, but this is a whole new type of crazy. Mayra, how do you suppose to keep the penguin cool in a hot house in summer, and how are you going to get there and not get caught?
MAYRA: You have a license, right?
JAKE nods and looks at MAYRA very concerned.
MAYRA: Looks like I have my getaway car and driver.
JAKE: Oh no, you are not dragging me into this!
MAYRA: Pleasssse. I’ll tell Mom about Brittany!
JAKE: No, you know how Mom hates Brittany’s mom. Fine, I’ll go!
MAYRA: Yay, we’re stealing a penguin!
JAKE: Ssshhhh, we’ll get caught!
MAYRA: Awww, you said “we.” Yay!!
End Scene
MAYRA and JAKE leave the zoo. They are walking slowly down the corridor towards the parking lot. Myra cups her hands tightly over her mouth in an attempt to cover her devious grin. JAKE rolls his eyes.
JAKE: Okay, Mayra, this is your last chance. Are you sure you want to steal this penguin?
MAYRA: Jake, I know you’re worried that we’re gonna get caught, but just trust me.
JAKE: Fine, whatever, but I called backup. We have to pick her up, okay.
MAYRA: Please don’t say it’s Brittany.
JAKE: What do you have against my girlfriend? She’s nice and pretty and really likes me, so please try to be nice to her please.
MAYRA: Fine, whatever.
MAYRA: You know, I don’t want to steal the penguin anymore. I’m going to bed. Good night.
JAKE: I knew it would work. Wow, she really hates Brittany. Eh, at least I don’t have
to steal a penguin.
MAYRA (to the audience): So in the end, we ended up not moving, and Dad got better which is a win in any way we can get. And Mom is happier than before, but I’m still grounded so…
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