38

AUNTIE MAMA opens her eyes, yawns drowsily. 

                     AUNTIE MAMA
       …And the tired and weary.

RUBY squeezes her hand compassionately.

                         RUBY
                (over her shoulder 
                 to the girls)
       Now look at what you’ve done.  
       You’ve awakened poor Auntie Mama.  
       Now say you're sorry.
 
                  DOROTHY & VIVIAN
       I'm sorry, Auntie Mama.
 
                       DOROTHY
                (quickly adding)
       It’s all Vivee’s fault.  She started 
       it by taking my— 

She stops short, fearing she has already let the cat out of the bag.

AUNTIE MAMA turns around in the front seat, peering suspiciously at DOROTHY.

                     AUNTIE MAMA
       Taking your what, Dorothy Jean?

STAY TUNED