You Only Grow Up Once
CHARACTERS
JOSEFINA, 15-year-old girl having a quinceañera party
ROSA, Josefina’s cousin
ARTURO, Josefina’s brother
SILVA, Josefina’s aunt
PAPA, Josefina’s father
SCENE 1
1
[Josefina and her cousin Rosa are talking at Josefina’s kitchen table. Josefina’s brother Arturo is standing in the kitchen, getting himself a glass of water.]
2
ROSA: I liked the blue dress best. It had more frills. It made you look older, too.
3
JOSEFINA: But the white one matches my theme. Remember? [She looks up to the sky dreamily.] “Summer Snow.” Everything has to be —
4
ROSA: White, yes. [She laughs.] We know.
5
JOSEFINA: Mama and Silvia ordered white flowers for me to hold at the misa at St. Andrew’s Church. And even more for the centerpieces at dinner! She ordered a snow machine for the dance, too! Oh! I wasn’t supposed to say anything about that.
6
ROSA: You’re terrible at keeping secrets. [They laugh.] Let’s talk about the dance.
7
JOSEFINA: Papa and I have been practicing the waltz. He’s really nervous about it.
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ROSA: No, no. The dance! The baile sorpresa.
9
JOSEFINA: Well, I have five chambelans: Arturo, Javier, Danny, and two of my cousins. Arturo’s the chambelan de honor.
10
ARTURO: What Josefina means to say is that I am her Prince Charming for the night. [He laughs.] We’re going to dance to a traditional song—with a live mariachi band. What’s the song called again?
11
JOSEFINA: La Charreada.
12
ARTURO: That’s right. Silva found us charro suits with white boots for tap dancing. [He taps out a few steps loudly, in a silly way.]
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ROSA: [She laughs.] Only you, Josefina, would choose a song about cowboys. Are you going to ride a horse into the banquet hall?
14
JOSEFINA: Oh, I forgot to tell you! My quince’s going to be at a dude ranch outside of town. Under the stars!
15
ROSA: Seriously? Wow!
SCENE 2
16
[Rosa and Josefina are talking at Rosa’s dinner.]
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JOSEFINA: I’m so glad I didn’t make any mistakes reading at the misa.
18
ROSA: You did great. Gisele tripped walking down the steps at her misa, and I heard your mama say Via forgot to leave her flowers at the altar.
19
JOSEFINA: I was there! Padre Antonio had to call her back and remind her. But just you wait. It’s nerve-racking having all those eyes staring at you!
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[Josefina sips a drink as Rosa takes a bite of food.]
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ROSA: This food is so amazing, Josefina! You’ve actually managed to make a cowboy cookout fancy.
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JOSEFINA: Is it really? I haven’t had a bite! Mama fixed me a plate to eat after the dance. She says I can’t risk dripping barbeque sauce on my dress.
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ROSA: Where are all the boys?
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JOSEFINA: They’re in the back having a last-minute rehearsal. I told them that if they drop me like they did yesterday, I’ll never speak to them again. So they’re practicing with my sister.
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[Suddenly, lightning flashes followed by thunder. Drips of rain quickly turn to heavy drops. Everyone runs to a nearby shelter.]
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JOSEFINA: No, no! Not today! My quince is ruined.
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ARTURO: Maybe you should change your theme to “Summer Rain.” [He laughs.]
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JOSEFINA: Stop it! [She falls to the floor, her dress flopping around her. She wails.]
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SILVA: What is this? Dry your eyes and fix your tiara, young lady. [Josefina stands up, wipes away her tears, and adjusts her tiara and dress.] I saw the weather report this afternoon and made sure we had an indoor space just in case. See? [She points to a place offstage.] The band is setting up inside, and the caterers are moving the tables and chairs. Even your centerpieces will be saved. Everything will be fine.
SCENE 3
30
[All of the guests are now inside. The lights dim, and Josefina and Papa dance a waltz together. The snow machine puffs snow out onto the dance floor. Their friends and family clap when they’re done.]
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PAPA: Mija, I am so proud of you tonight. You have become a beautiful young lady. Promise me you’ll always save a dance for your Papa.
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JOSEFINA: Si, Papa.
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[The lights turn back on and Josefina and her chambelans dance to a traditional Mexican song.]
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ROSA: Oh, Josefina, your dress is exquisite. The beads twinkle under the lights. It was almost like you planned to have the dance inside!
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ARTURO: Seriously. You had tap-dancing cowboys spinning you around the dance floor. Everyone’s going to be talking about your quinceañera for years to come.
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JOSEFINA: You’re both right. I’m so sorry I freaked out about the rain. Silva said everything would work out, and it has.
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ROSA: Don’t worry. We’re all familia here. We love you no matter what. You just have to trust us!
38
ARTURO: Hey now. Your quince isn’t over yet! The music is still playing. Let’s go dance some more.
The theme of the drama is developed when —
The theme of the drama is developed when —
Rosa suggests Josephina wear a blue dress to her party.
Silvia reminds Josefina that her family is always there for her.
Arturo makes light of the rain.
Josephina breaks down into tears.
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