BROADCASTS.com

Published: Dec. 30, 2021, 8:08 a.m.

Trigger Warnings below the script, below.

Two girls in very different times and places both make their way to the top - One finds exaltation, the other merely death.

Cast List
Tess - Beverly Poole
Teza - Lyndsey Thomas
Mom - Kris Keppeler
Markie/Malque - Julie Hoverson
Doctor/Trainer/Priest - Mathias Rebne Morgan

Music:\xa0 Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com)
\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Josh Woodward (JoshWoodward.com)
\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Philippe Mangold
[Music of Woodward and Mangold used under a Creative Commons license and available through Jamendo.com]
Editing and Sound: \xa0 Julie Hoverson
Cover Photos:\xa0Chris Gilbert
\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0(courtesy of Stock Xchange.com)

\xa0

"What kind of a place is it?\xa0
Why, it's a mother's heart.\xa0 Can't you tell?"

****************************************************************

LONELY AT THE TOP

Cast:

• Tess (F/16)
• Teza (F/16)
• Markie/Marquay (F/16)
• Mom (F/40)
• Priest/Trainer/Doctor (M/40)

\xa0

NOTE:\xa0 the roles are deliberately doubled to present the same \u201cpeople\u201d in both girls\u2019 lives.\xa0 The \u201cmom\u201d speeches apply to both at the same time.

\xa0

OLIVIA \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0Did you have any trouble finding it?\xa0 What do you mean, what kind of a place is it?\xa0 Why, it's a Mother's heart, can't you tell? \xa0

MUSIC

1. MOM's MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Darling, this is wonderful.\xa0 You can't imagine how proud I am of you!\xa0 I've always known you were special, but it means so much to have someone like that see what I have always seen!

MUSIC OUT

1. AMB MODERN

MARKIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 I totally can't believe it!\xa0 You made the cut?

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 It's not set in stone yet - It's just the semi-finals, but mom's about to wet herself, she's so excited.

MARKIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 But Miss Modern Teen Model 2009!\xa0 I mean, even if you wash out on the semi-finals, that's still soooo cool!\xa0 I wish I was pretty.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Puh-lease.\xa0 You're cute.\xa0 Cute lasts.\xa0 Beauty fades.

MARKIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Cute.\xa0 Yeah, that's my curse.\xa0 Not tall enough to be a model, not short enough to walk under turnstiles... [laughs a bit bitterly]

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Cute lasts.\xa0 I have to make the most of this while I can.\xa0 Besides, you have plans for your future - the scholarships are lining up.\xa0

MARKIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah yeah yeah, but brains don't get you dates.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Brains last too.

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 The idea that my daughter - my lovely child - could go all the way to the top.\xa0 That you could have the perseverance and willpower to do what has to be done to make it.\xa0 It will reflect so well on all of us!

MUSIC OUT

1. AMB AZTEC

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 You are one of the chosen?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [laughs delightedly] Yes!\xa0 There is still a long path ahead of me, but I feel - it feels right!

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 You are so fortunate!\xa0 I wish I was graced with beauty pleasing to the gods.\xa0

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Everyone's fate is different, my dearest friend.\xa0 I hear your parents have found you a husband!

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 He is ... kind.\xa0 Not unappealing.\xa0 Not too old.\xa0 Yes, it is a promising match.\xa0 I could certainly do worse.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 So you have as much to look forward to as I do!

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Could you ... do something for me?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Anything - you are my dearest friend and I love you!

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 When you ... get there, could you petition the great mother Chalchihuitlicue [chal-chee-weet-lee-cue] to smile upon my first pregnancy?\xa0 That say that should you survive the first, the others are not so hard.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Not even a bride yet, and you worry about bearing?\xa0 Silly.\xa0 Let your time come when it may.\xa0

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 But--

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 But!\xa0 But I will.\xa0 I will speak with every goddess in the heavens if it will help ease your burden.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 I love you!

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Don't be afraid honey, I won't let you fail.\xa0 I know you can reach any goal you set your mind on.\xa0 You simply must keep your focus.\xa0 Can you do that?\xa0 Eyes on the prize, sweetheart.\xa0 And you know what that means - giving up the things that don't matter to clear the way for the things that do.

1. AMB MODERN

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 What are you eating?

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 What?\xa0 Ice cream.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 No, no, no!\xa0 You know what Mr. Dupree said - these last few days before the pageant, you need to stick to simple foods.\xa0 No sugar!\xa0 Nothing bloaty.\xa0\xa0

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Chill mom.\xa0 I made it this far--

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 It just gets harder, honey.\xa0 Every inch of the way is like another huge step up the side of a mountain.\xa0 None of these steps are easy, but they're worth the effort, if only because of the view once you get up there.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 You're really stoked on this, aren\u2019t you?

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yes honey, I'm stoked.\xa0 For you.\xa0 I want you to be able to get everything you can out of life - a model's life isn't easy, but there are plenty of rewards.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 [heard it a million times] and you have to get it while you can, because models are over the hill before they can legally drink.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 It's not funny, honey.\xa0 It's very serious.\xa0 Can't you give it just one year?\xa0 How hard is that - to push yourself, for just one year?

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I guess.

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 When I heard that you had been chosen, that you were smiled upon out of all the girls, I nearly wept.\xa0 I was so pleased.\xa0 I've watched your sisters put themselves at the service of husband and children, and I wanted so much more for you.\xa0 You are my special, beautiful, darling.

1. AMB AZTEC

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'm sorry you will miss my wedding.\xa0

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 It is set, then?

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Not the day, no, but it will be summer next, right after the sowing.\xa0

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 A good time.\xa0 And I will be with you in spirit.\xa0

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 The midwife thinks I will be old enough, then.\xa0 [breaking a little] Oh, I will miss you!\xa0 Once you enter the grand temple, we can never speak again!

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 You will always be in my heart, as I know I will always be in yours.\xa0 I will watch over you and always hear you when you speak to me.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 It will be in the spring?\xa0 For you?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 If I am selected to represent Chicomecoatl [chih-coe-me-coe-ah-tul].\xa0 It would be a great honor.\xa0

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Your mother has been bragging everywhere.\xa0 She cannot be quieted.\xa0

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 It's as if she was the one being considered.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Never mind.\xa0 Regardless, we will be together through the winter, while you learn all you must know for the big day.\xa0

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 And you learn all you must know for your big day.

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 My dearest child, you don't know how my heart swells with pride when I think about you, up there in front of everyone, beautiful and serene, like a shining star, and knowing, deep inside myself, that I made you perfect.

1. AMB DUAL

[Both are speechifying]

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I am so pleased to be considered --

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 --to represent our lady of corn on this most sacred of days.\xa0 I have always wanted--

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 --to be able to find a way to show the world what I have inside, what I have to offer.\xa0 And if I could do one thing--

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 --I would like to make my mother, my family, and my people proud of me, for community is everything.\xa0 Without the people around us, we--

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 --would never have made it this far, this close to becoming the next to represent--

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 --Lady of the corn--

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 --Miss Modern Teen Model 2019.

1. AMB MODERN

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 [crying]

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 What the hell did you think you were doing in there?\xa0 They were laughing at you!

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 [teary] What?

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 That judge said you walk like a trucker with hemorrhoids!

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I don't know how I walk!\xa0 I don't watch me!

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [softening] Honey!\xa0 Sweetie!\xa0 Oh, come here.\xa0 It's not over - I promise you.\xa0 You were doing so well, I'm sure this one thing won't put you out entirely, as long as you don't give up.\xa0

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I want to--

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Shh. Shh.\xa0 We'll just find someone to do something about that walk.\xa0 No big deal.

1. AMB AZTEC

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [tears] It's all over! I know it!

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Why?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 The rich merchant from Tenochtitlan - he has requested I marry him!

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 But doesn't he know you are destined for the temple?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [scornful] Apparently he likes the idea of marrying someone perfect enough for the gods.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 That is - he is asking for something terrible to happen!

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Well, I haven't been chosen yet - if I tried to step away then, that would be blasphemy.\xa0 But to drop out now... what a blow it would be to everyone.\xa0 And yet - my mother may consider his offer, since he is very prosperous.\xa0 It is not fair!

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 No.\xa0\xa0 Do not worry.\xa0 I think this means as much to your mother - more even - than it does to you.\xa0 She wishes you to secure her a place in the high tables of the night.\xa0 And there is money from the temple as well - the position is a very prestigious one.\xa0

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Your dreams are all that matters, my dearest child.\xa0 I will never try and stop you from getting everything you deserve.\xa0 You know you can count on my support every step of the way.\xa0 I will always be behind you to help you face forward, and will push you up every step, if that's what it takes.\xa0

1. AMB MODERN

SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 VOMITING MUFFLED BY DOOR

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Honey?\xa0 You doing all right?

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 [recovering] Just a minute.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Quick rinse, dear - there's someone here to see you!

SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DOOR SHUTS, FOOTSTEPS

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 She'll be out in a minute - fixing her face, you know.

TRAINER\xa0\xa0\xa0 Of course.\xa0 Why don't work out my fees while we wait--

SOUND \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0DOOR OPENS

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 [subdued] Hi.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, come on, show a little enthusiasm!\xa0 She's really much more excited than that.

TRAINER\xa0\xa0\xa0 Don't worry - I understand.\xa0 So this is Tess.\xa0 [hmming noises]

SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 FOOTSTEPS CIRCLE TESS

TRAINER\xa0\xa0\xa0 Has she had any formal modeling training?

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 She's been taking classes since she was nine.

TRAINER\xa0\xa0\xa0 [disapproving]\xa0 Hmm.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 But she also studied ballet, tap, jazz, deportment, and has kept up a 3.7 G-P-A.

TRAINER\xa0\xa0\xa0 [dismissive noise]

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 And I-

TRAINER\xa0\xa0\xa0 Shh!\xa0 How old is she?

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Fourteen.\xa0

TRAINER\xa0\xa0\xa0 We're starting it a bit late, but I see potential here.\xa0 Show me this walk...

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Think on this.\xa0 Think of the great ones - the ones we all idolize and hold in great regard.\xa0 Now picture your face there, among them, gracing the rest of us below.\xa0 Can't you see yourself?\xa0 Your perfect self?

1. AMB AZTEC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [whispered]\xa0 Don't they look grand in their feathers?\xa0 They hold our future - your future in their very hands.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Mother.\xa0 You will make me tongue-tied.\xa0 They are wise and all-knowing.\xa0 They will know if I am the one--

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 That you are the one--

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 --the minute they lay eyes upon me.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [gasp] Was that your name?\xa0 Did they call your name?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yes, mother it was my name.\xa0 Pray for me.

SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 ECHOING FOOTSTEPS

PRIEST\xa0\xa0\xa0 You, child.\xa0 You aspire to represent the great lady of the corn?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [awed and respectful]\xa0 Yes, if it please the gods.

PRIEST\xa0\xa0\xa0 You are lovely, but are you pure?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yes, sire.\xa0 My mother can swear to it.

PRIEST\xa0\xa0\xa0 Remove your shawl, show us your body.\xa0 Do not hesitate, child - nothing untoward will happen.\xa0 Your mother is right there watching.

SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 HEAVY FABRIC FALLS TO THE FLOOR

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 It's just skin, honey.\xa0 You have nothing to be embarrassed about.\xa0 You're lovely.\xa0 Think of yourself as a work of art, and they are objective observers.\xa0 They wouldn't be interested in you that way, anyway - you know that. \xa0And I'm right here.\xa0 Tell me if you get nervous, and I'll make them stop.\xa0 All right?\xa0 You know every girl who has gone\xa0 before has been through this same thing.

1. AMB MODERN

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 [nervous, jittery]\xa0 Well, they haven't said no, yet.

MARKIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 That's good.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I guess.\xa0 I mean, I'm starting to wonder whether it's all really worth it.\xa0 I'm supposed to get good sleep, be rested, so I can look my best, but half the time I'm too damn nervous, or hungry, or...something.\xa0 I'm always trying not to think of things, like food, or having time to myself - I mean, what is it all for?

MARKIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Wow.\xa0 Maybe you should just tell your mom you want to stop.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Tell my mom?\xa0 [laughs almost hysterically] Tell my mom?\xa0 Are you high?\xa0 She would toss me out on my ear.\xa0 She's got so into this - and besides, she's spent all this money - mucho dinero, you know - to get me this far.\xa0 How can I let her down - make her waste all that?

MARKIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 But you have to think of yourself, right?

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I promised her I would do this for one year.\xa0 Just a year - I can do it.\xa0 [affirmations] I have the willpower to maintain, and the serenity to--[breaks into a sob]

MARKIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Have you eaten anything today?

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I can't!\xa0 The pre-judging is tomorrow.

MARKIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 I have some tic-tacs--

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 No!\xa0 Don't tempt me!\xa0 Shit, Markie, you're supposed to be helping me!

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 It will all be worth it, you know it will.\xa0 The purging, the special oils.\xa0 You will always be the most lovely one in the place - caught in that one special moment, when you shine above all others.\xa0 No one will ever forget you after that!

1. AMB AZTEC

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 great and reverent master, what if I have doubts?

PRIEST\xa0\xa0\xa0 Doubts?\xa0 What doubts, child?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I fear that I will not be worthy.\xa0 That I will falter in my steps and dishonor the crown of corn.

PRIEST\xa0\xa0\xa0 I can look into your heart, child, and I see that you have the strength within you to bear this burden - to rise to the heights, and carry the name of Chicomecoatl with dignity and grace.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Do you?

PRIEST\xa0\xa0\xa0 It is always the way of men and women to doubt themselves.\xa0 To worry that they will lose themselves in fear, or to ponder what life would be like had they not stepped out upon the path to greatness.\xa0 Ever and always.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 But what can I do?

PRIEST\xa0\xa0\xa0 Fast and pray, child.\xa0 I know you will see the correctness of your choice.\xa0 And when your day of glory comes, you will never know fear or doubt again.

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 A boy?\xa0 What do you mean a boy?\xa0 You don't have time for - you're too young for boys.\xa0 All the boys you could possibly want will be at your feet, when the time comes, but right now - [hissed] it will ruin you.\xa0

1. AMB MODERN

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 But Corey's on TV!\xa0 He could help my--

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 He could get you on the covers of a bunch of sleazy tabloids--

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 But you said publicity is good--

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Not that kind - that will make sure everyone knows your name, but you will never be high class again!\xa0 Save that kind of exploitation for when your looks start to fade.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah, like when I'm 17.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 You knew going in this was a short hard run, missy.\xa0 There is no free ride.\xa0 You wanted this as much as I did!

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Well I don't want it any more!\xa0 I want to have a normal life!

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Fine.\xa0 We can go back to living a normal life.\xa0 You and me and your dad - oh, wait.\xa0 Where should we live, hun?\xa0 We sold the house when we came on the road with you - to finance your headshots and your spa treatments.\xa0 I suppose if you quit school--

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 [muttered] I can't concentrate anyway.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 --and get a job in fast food, we three between us could make enough to [ramping up, each statement a dagger] live in a crappy little apartment and eat junk food all the time and get enormously fat and covered in\xa0 acne, and then as soon as you're old enough, you can run off with some high school drop out who wants to start a band-- [sliding down, into her own misery] but of course you love each other and he ends up driving Greyhound and you lose the last vestige of your waist when you have the first three children, but the fourth child - your fourth child, she might just be perfect enough to live the good life - the beautiful life - at least until she ruins it!

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 You gave me the choice mother, and I accept my fate.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I always knew you were just too good to live.\xa0 You are an angel, honey, a perfect angel.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yes, mother.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Sweetie.\xa0 [all business] Now here's your pills from Dr. Gustavson - he said don't take them on an empty stomach, so go grab a cracker and some diet soda.

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 There is nothing wrong with wanting more for your child than you had.\xa0 Wanting to guide her and make sure she gets the advantages instead of making the same stupid mistakes you made.\xa0 Is there?\xa0 Isn\u2019t all of life - at least the lives of parents - the effort to make a better life for your children?

1. AMB AZTEC

MARQUE \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0And is he very handsome, the chosen vessel of Tezcatlipoca?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Don't be silly - he is perfect.\xa0 They wouldn't have chosen him otherwise.\xa0 [sigh] but of course, we are set upon different paths.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Perhaps you will meet later.\xa0 Beyond the sun.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Perhaps.\xa0 But he has been given four wives who are all perfect as well. \xa0

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 And you are the Lady of Corn - none can shine brighter than a candle in the sunlight when you are in the room.\xa0 I swear you get more beautiful every day.\xa0 This suits you.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Thank you - my mother says so also.\xa0 [beat]\xa0 We are to meet at another function - what if he talks to me again?

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Talk is all well and good, but do not be alone.\xa0 It is so humiliating to prove that you have not fallen into temptation.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 ugh [shudder]\xa0 I could go my whole life without ever feeling that again.\xa0 [bucks up] And I shall.\xa0 I may talk to him, but I will never step out of the sight of the priests.\xa0 We will both remain perfect.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Very good.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I wish you could have come with me...but the temple handmaidens are devoted even earlier than we.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Well, I have news for you as well.\xa0 My husband to be, [pleased] who has meals with my family more often than custom requires -hmm? - is really quite an amusing man.\xa0 And very fond of me.\xa0 I may not have my moment in the center of the universe, but I will have a good life.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I am so pleased.\xa0 And I will remember to \xa0\xa0petition for you.

SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 [hug noise]

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Unhappy?\xa0 How can you be unhappy?\xa0 You have everything you could possibly want - your face in front of everyone, men at your beck and call, and attending all the best celebrations!\xa0 What could you possibly be missing?\xa0 [wheedling] you know I'm only doing this for you!\xa0 You want this as much as I do!\xa0 You've finally made it, honey, what more could any girl want?\xa0 Every girl out there looks at you and cries herself to sleep wishing she could trade lives with you.\xa0 That is enough to make anyone happy, isn\u2019t it?\xa0 To be envied?\xa0 How could you possibly be unhappy enough to do this?

1. AMB MODERN

DOCTOR\xa0\xa0\xa0 Now take two of these every eight hours, to prevent infection, and change the dressings every 4 hours or so.\xa0

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'll keep her on schedule, don't you worry.\xa0 And...this won't get out?

DOCTOR\xa0\xa0\xa0 It's hardly likely that people won't notice the change, even with the recuperation period, but I certainly don't keep in business by revealing personal info about my clientele.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Mom?

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Don't worry, dear.\xa0 Momma's right here.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 You said I wouldn't feel it.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Does it hurt, honey?\xa0 Here, doctor, can she have something for the pain?

DOCTOR\xa0\xa0\xa0 That's in the bag too, but do go light on them - you don't want to become dependent.\xa0

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 And when the scars heal, and everyone sees\xa0 how lovely you are, with your new curves, you will be the envy of even more of the world.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 [dully] Of course, mother.

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Even perfection can be improved on.\xa0 Beauty is pain.\xa0 That which is prized most is always hardest to come by.\xa0 If it was easy to be beautiful, everyone would want to be ugly instead.\xa0 You cannot be special if everyone can easily achieve what you have.\xa0 You must stand out.\xa0 You must shine.\xa0 Look into that mirror, dearest child, and tell me you don't love yourself even more each day as you come closer and closer to perfection.

1. MUSIC - BOTH

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Life is pain

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Beauty sucks.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I am being remade in the image of the goddess.\xa0

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Who decides what I should fucking look like?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Painted and pierced.\xa0 Smoothed and scented.\xa0 I am treated like a queen.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 If I have to have one more operation, I'll pee stitches.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I bite the stick and let the pain carry me away as they mold my flesh.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I cry all night, silently, so my mother won't come and comfort me.

1. AMB AZTEC

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 See my new ear plugs?\xa0 They made them larger again, and heavy.\xa0 They almost touch my shoulders now.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Don't they hurt?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Of course, but pain won't last forever.\xa0 I rather coveted a nose piercing as well, but that is not suited to the lady.\xa0 I am being remade in her image.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 I really admire your hair.\xa0 Such elegantly styled coils and plaits!

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Smell! \xa0Only the finest oils must touch me.\xa0 Everything is moving so quickly - such a short time left before the day I ascend to the top of the sky.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Too bad it is not sooner - my sister will start her labor soon, and she could use a blessing from the lady of rivers.\xa0

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I can still burn offerings, like anyone else.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 True, but I can't help but feel the word of the corn lady will be heard so much louder than mere mortals such as we.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [laughs ruefully] I can ask any one of a legion of priests to guide me in my prayers, and they will gladly help - for it is goodly for the lady of the corn to look after those with child.\xa0

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Would you?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yes.\xa0 And the priests - well their voices will carry as far as they need to go.

[they laugh]

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 The day is set, my child.\xa0 You have reached the height.\xa0 This can never be undone and leave you a nobody ever again.\xa0 Everyone will see your face, and know - they will know - that you are the center of the universe.

1. AMB MODERN

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Who the hell am I?

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 What?\xa0 Sweetie, you're--

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I used to know!\xa0 I used to be Tess, a pretty and I dunno - slightly talented, maybe - high school student, and now--[sob catches]

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Now, you're the most beautiful woman in the world - the magazine said so.\xa0 It showed your absolute perfection--

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Not my perfection, mother - that's complete crap. \xa0I'm like - I'm like Mr. potato head, and you stuck hair and makeup and a pair of boobs on me - None of this is me!\xa0 Who the hell am I?\xa0 Did you ever ask?\xa0 Did you ever care?

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Honey!\xa0 It's just icing on a wonderful \xa0cake.\xa0 You like cake, don't you?\xa0 [ingratiating] And isn\u2019t it better with frosting?

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 [through gritted teeth] I don't GET cake, mother, not unless I want to taste it both ways [eating and throwing up].\xa0 I don\u2019t even know if I could hold it down if I tried.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 What the hell has got into you?\xa0

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 You couldn\u2019t even leave me my own name, could you?\xa0 "Tess" just isn't supermodel material.\xa0 And you didn\u2019t even choose it - you let a marketing firm do a survey and took their suggestions.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 You got to pick one of the three they came up with--

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 There isn\u2019t any me left under all this, mother!\xa0 Nothing.\xa0 I'm hollow.\xa0 Empty.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Where are you going?

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 To find something to fill me.

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Purpose.\xa0 Purpose is enough, isn\u2019t it?\xa0 You are moving forward, ever forward.\xa0 The search for perfection is a road, not a destination.\xa0 There is nothing wrong with embellishing the beauty you were born with.

1. AMB AZTEC

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 [crying]\xa0 It was horrible.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'm so sorry.\xa0 I did what I could.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 I know.\xa0 She is with the gods, now, but it was so awful.\xa0 I - I'm so scared.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Why?

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Watching her - watching the blood and the pain, hours and hours of it - and the baby died too!\xa0 How can I ever choose to go through that?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 It is what women do.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 You won't ever have to.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [teasing a bit] I have to give life to the whole world.\xa0 [serious] But I feel for you.\xa0 And for your sister, and her baby.\xa0 It is a tragedy.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Is there anything in life that doesn\u2019t hurt?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Flowers.\xa0 Chocolate.\xa0 Love.

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 You know what I mean - important things.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 What is more important than Love?

MARQUE\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sniff, then a tiny sad uh-huh]

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Only a few more days.\xa0 Nothing must go wrong.\xa0 You must be so very careful not to harm yourself, even a scratch or a nick will show.\xa0 Only the most skilled may come to do your hair, massage, and dress you in the most beautiful garments.\xa0 Nothing is left to chance.\xa0 Nothing.\xa0 Do you hear me?\xa0 Nothing will go wrong, even if I have to hurt someone.

1. MODERN AMB

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I see you're feeling a little better?

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 [dull] Yes I took my medicine.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Good.\xa0 Nothing like seeing a smile on my little girl's face again.\xa0 And there's nothing wrong with using science to combat unhappiness.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yes mother.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Unhappiness isn't natural.\xa0 Especially for beautiful people.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Beautiful.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Dear.\xa0 Don't frown.\xa0 You don't want to get wrinkles!

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Why don't I just lie here like a blob?\xa0 That way I can't break a nail.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Are you sure you took your pills?

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sigh]

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 It is always darkest right before the dawn.\xa0 And it is always tensest the night before the main event.\xa0 You hold your breath and pray for dawn, the watch the shadows crawl across the ground, feeling like the final moment will never come.\xa0 And once it arrives?\xa0 Pfft.\xa0 It is over.\xa0

1. AZTEC AMB

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'm happy you could sit vigil this night with me, mother.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 How could I do otherwise, my darling chosen one?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [teasing] You must relinquish your claim to me, since I am now the Corn lady.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [fondly, almost in tears]\xa0 My lady of corn.\xa0 I will never forget that I was able to contribute to the glory you represent.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Without you I would not be here - would not be able to bring life to the crops for another year.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 And yet it is a melancholy time as well.\xa0\xa0 Knowing that the great lady will ascend to heaven tomorrow.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I told Marque I will watch over her.\xa0 I can watch you both.\xa0 I have two eyes.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Can Teza give her mother a final kiss before the Corn lady must take her walk?

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Of course.\xa0 [kiss noise]

1. MOM MUSIC

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 And this is it.\xa0 The end.\xa0 What we have worked so hard for.\xa0 I know it is a sad time.\xa0 I feel sad too, but the triumph, the glory, the joy will outweigh the sorrow.\xa0

1. MODERN AMB

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 What the hell do you mean, she's gone?\xa0

TRAINER\xa0\xa0\xa0 She was here for the opening - the talent portion is about to start, and she's not in the dressing room.\xa0

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Have you checked the bathroom?

TRAINER\xa0\xa0\xa0 I asked every girl in there, and between yarks they said they hadn't seen her.

MOM\xa0\xa0\xa0 How could she do this to me?

TRAINER\xa0\xa0\xa0 Worse - her opening number gown is gone too, and it was a rental.

1. AMB - MIXED

[Tess is down, Teza is filled with joy]

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I gaze up the endless stairs

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Knowing this will be my last trip

BOTH\xa0\xa0\xa0 I feel my sandals shift beneath my feet as I take the first step.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 With each step, the roaring grows louder

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 The voices in my head just won't shut up!

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I must go slowly, for while I cannot falter, neither can I look down.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 My head is so heavy

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 My crown is so weighty.

BOTH\xa0\xa0\xa0 I feel all those eyes upon me.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 [shriek] They won't leave me alone!

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [ecstatic] They love me!

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 They hate me!

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Each step takes me higher.\xa0 Closer to the heavens.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I haul myself up, one step at a time.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 My ears still ache - the pain reminds me of what I leave behind.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 The pain of what I have become will never leave me.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 The scent of a thousand flowers, thrown by the crowd, surrounds me.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 The hallway smells of puke.

BOTH\xa0\xa0\xa0 Only a few more steps.\xa0

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I thrill with fear and longing, yearning for the gods.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Please god don't let me fuck this up.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 The priests await me, stern and welcoming.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I see a face and don't recognize myself until I realize it's a mirror.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 The name me Chicomecoatl, and I know I have become the Lady of the corn.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I stare into the eyes in the mirror and have no clue who she is.

BOTH\xa0\xa0\xa0 I take up the cup.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 The drink warms me, and I love everyone.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 I drink slowly, timing the pills - too fast and I'll barf it all up before it can work.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 My mind floats.

BOTH\xa0\xa0\xa0 I can't feel anything anymore.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 They gently lay me on the altar.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 The bathroom tile is cool under my cheek.

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 The knife above me catches light from Huitztipotchli's glory.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Everything is getting dark

TEZA\xa0\xa0\xa0 The knife falls and I transcend.

TESS\xa0\xa0\xa0 Everything goes black.

OMINOUS SILENCE

CLOSING MUSIC SLOWLY CREEPS IN

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[TW - mature language and situations, extreme dieting, non-gender related body dysmorphia and modification, depression, suicide, human sacrifice]