CHANGING LANES BY JEFFREY LO (DOWNLOAD PDF HERE)
MILLIE:
Wait, no Mom, I think you misunderstood me.
Yes, I am changing majors.
But Mom –
Mom –
MA!
LISTEN TO ME.
I think you misunderstood me.
Or you’re not listening to me, because let’s be real –
Ok. Just. Let me –
The reason, I think you’re not listening to me, is because you are upset.
And the news I just gave you, should not make you upset.
The news I gave you should make you… thrilled!
…
I don’t want to be an art major anymore!
I can’t do it! I give up!
…
(Responding to the lack of response)
Yaaaaay?
Why aren’t you yaaaaay-ing?
…
Mom.
Are you ok? Do you have a fever or something?
Didn’t you hear me?
Don’t you know what this means?
You were right!
I didn’t have what it takes!
You win!
You won the argument!
Celebrate!
(Pause, trying to clarify)
I’m switching majors.
I’m not dropping out of school. Did you think I was dropping out of school?
No, just switching it up.
I’m going to try to be a lawyer now.
I’m changing course.
Correcting course.
Doesn’t that sound better to you?
(Pause, still not understanding her mom’s incredulousness)
Oh - and I’m making the change in time!
Like I realized I was approaching my exit right before I passed it.
Swoosh! Made it in!
It wasn’t too late.
No accidents.
No problems!
Changing lanes right on time!
…
(Silence. Beat. Confusion.)
You know, mom, I’m really –
I don’t know what to make of what is happening right now.
Your face.
I don’t know what to make of your face.
We spent the entirety of my senior year of high school fighting with each other over my choice to study studio art and now that I’m deciding to not study studio art you’re…
You look upset.
I’m going to be a lawyer?
What?
Do you not think I have it takes for that either?
Because I’ll have you know that –
…
Mom.
Why are you acting like this?
Why do you look sad to see me quit the thing you never wanted me to do in the first place?
…
You look sad to see me quit.
…
…
I –
You’re sad I –
You’re sad I quit.
…
…
…
(A moment of silence as this sinks in)
I quit.
…
Oh.
End of Play.