Act 2

Act 2

(Lights come up to reveal Wendy standing and Pandora sitting on a bed in a small bedroom complete with an oriental rug, a twin sized bed with cream colored bedding, a decorative dresser, a mini fireplace, and a vanity. Wendy’s arms are crossed. Pandora’s suit case sits by her.)
WENDY
I left the room somewhat plain as you can gather. I wanted you to be able to fit it liking. I hope you find the bed comfortable.
(Wendy walks over to bed and pushes down on mattress. Pandora watches her hand and then looks up at her and back again.)
If you don’t like the bedding, we can change it. Oh yes, and you have your own fireplace Pandora [points at it]. This room can get rather drafty at times, but there’s firewood in the cellar [Pandora looks at her suddenly]. That’s across from your bedroom door [looks out from the door].
PANDORA
[Looks at Wendy again] Thank you Mrs. Whitney.
WENDY
(Softly spoken) You’re very welcome Pandora. And if it’s more comfortable for you, perhaps you can call me ‘Wendy’.
PANDORA
Alright. I think I will. That does actually make me feel a little better [nods]. Thank you again.
WENDY
[Laughs a little] It’s nothing really.
(Sits down on bed)
In that dresser, I left you some of my silks [points].
(Sighs and puts hands on her lap)
I guess I’ll let you alone so you can settle and unpack your things [Long pause]. Listen Pandora, I know it will take a lot of time, but be aware that Artemis and I are always here for you to talk with [Pandora looks up with small grin.]. You just make yourself at home here, and when you’re ready you can join us in the dinning room. You can have some dinner [Wendy puts her hands on Pandora’s and stands up and walks to the door]. Just remember, take your time. There is no rush [Peaks head through door].
PANDORA
Thank you Wendy. I won’t keep you both waiting long. At least I’ll try.
WENDY
That’s fine Pandora [Smiles].
(Walks away after shutting the door. Pandora falls back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling for a few seconds. Then she sits up suddenly and walks over to her suit case. She opens it and pulls out a music box with a scene painted on it. She winds the knob on the back of it and sets it on the dresser. She moves a little tab over on the box and it begins to play a little tune. She sits back on the bed and lays her head down on a pillow facing the audience. She begins to tear, and then she starts to cry, turning her face into the pillow.)
PANDORA
(Shouts into pillow through tears) Mummy!
(Lights fade on her side of the stage and come into focus on the other. A six or seven year old Pandora sits up in a 4 post bed and cries hysterically. Her mother, in scarlet sleeping robes runs into the room, and sits on the bed hugging Pandora.)

PANDORA
(Whines) Mummy…
KATRINA (MOTHER)
Oh Pandora, shhh… Calm down now. I’m sure it was a bad dream is all. It’s alright, I’m here now. You don’t have to be afraid, I’m here.
(Pandora starts to calm down. Katrina kisses her on the forehead.)
Pandora, wait here just a minute.
(Katrina holds her finger up in a ‘one’ gesture. Runs out of the room while Pandora reaches her hands out for her. She comes back in holding something and sits on the bed. She winds a knob on the back of it. She moves a tab and sets it on the bed next to them. It begins to play a tune. Pandora watches it still sniffling.)
PANDORA
What is it?
KATRINA
Why, it’s a music box hunny, and these are little jack rabbits in the picture.
PANDORA
Jack Rabbits? But I didn’t think jack rabbits had antennas.
KATRINA
[Laughs] Oh well these aren’t antennas, they’re antlers… like a rein deer. These are special jack rabbits Pandora, very wonderful and magical creatures they are.
PANDORA
How does it work?
KATRINA
All you have to do is wind this little knob on the back and move this little switch so it can play. This is for you Pandora, you can have it. When you start to cry, let this play for you. If I can’t be here, this will be…I… will always be here Pandora. When you are terrified, play this box, and your fears will disappear.
(Pandora wraps her arms around her mother, and her mother returns the hug. Lights fade on their side and focus back on present day Pandora. She sits up on the bed and dries her eyes, smiles. She gets up to it and winds it again. She hears the music play and walks to the doorway. She looks back on it.)
PANDORA
Where are you mother?
(Smirks and closes the door. Stage goes dark.)