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JABBERWOCKY Opening Scene - part five |
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(Ned enters
with a blood stained handkerchief clutched to his nose.) Ned Heddo Dad. Mother (Aghast)
Oh my darling boy, what's happened? Come on my precious angel, come and sit
down so I can look at you. (She crosses to him and ushers him into one of the
chairs.) Ned Id's all right mum, honestly. Mother Who's
mummy's brave little soldier then? Look daddy, he comes in covered in blood and
he tells his mumsy that it's all right. Isn’t he a treasure. Father Does it hurt lad? Mother (Before
Ned can answer) Of course it must hurt! Edmund is just being; very
courageous that's all. Ned Mum, actually ... Mother Now you just keep your head tipped
back poppet or you'll get blood everywhere. Sit quietly for a moment cherub and
it will stop. (She examines his nose.)
There, I think that's done it. Stay exactly as you are and I'll fetch a flannel to wash your face.
(She
bustles off and reappears with a bowl and large flannel.) Father Elizabeth, stop fussing over the
lad. He's said that he's all right. Mother All right! He comes in dripping with
blood and he's all right? (During this
speech she wipes Ned's face rather vigorously, reflecting her annoyance
with
his father.) How can you
be so heartless! If you really cared about Edmund you would go out and catch the bullies that did this
to him. Father But
we don't even know what happened! Mother It doesn't take a genius to work it out!
This is the second time he's come home like this in a week. Father Let's
ask Ned shall we Mother Very well. Edmund, it
was those boys from the village wasn't it? Ned I don't think that it
was all … Mother Don't cover up for them dear. You
must always tell your mummy the truth. (With melodramatic intense sympathy) Ned (Hesitates
for a moment but he knows he will have to agree with his mother) Yes. Mother There,
I told you so! Oh those brutes, those scoundrels! Well, what are you
going to do about it? Father If I go out there and give them a
good hiding how will that help Ned? It's more likely to make matters worse! Ned (Recovering.)
I think dad's right mum. Besides, I feel fine now. Mother Oh perhaps you're right - but
something should be done to stop them. I don't see why they have to pick on
Edmund all of the time. (To Ned.) Just try
to avoid them in future dear. Ned I'll do
my best mum. (She
ruffles his hair then goes out to carry on preparing the meal.) (Part Six) |
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