Wrong Side of the Tracks

February 12, Rose is in St. Johns Hospital about to enter room 132 where her father, George Hugh Shelton the third is being held.

Rose: (Opens the door with some hesitation) Hi daddy.

George: (struggles to get up as the doctor restrains him) Well hello pumpkin!

Rose: How are you doing?

George: Oh I'm doing fine! I'm as healthy as an Ox. (George gives the doctor a hard stare, the doctor nods his head and leaves the room).

Rose: Daddy what was that about?

George: Nothing. That doctor doesn't know what he's talking about. I am fine and would like to be home with my family.

Rose: You just suffered a stroke from chemo complications; I wouldn't say that you are exactly fine. Now tell me what's going on.

George: (George pauses and lets out a heavy sigh while looking out the window).  Rose, we all knew that when I was diagnosed with lung cancer I wasn't going to be around for much longer.

Rose: Oh daddy... (Covers her eyes as tears run down her cheek).

George: Now don't go doing that! (George coughs some blood into his handkerchief) I love you with all my heart and I am very proud of you. You know that right?

Rose: Yes.

George: Good then there is nothing to cry about.

Rose: (Wipes her eyes with her right hand) Haha I guess you're right.

George: Hey now, where did you get that ring? It's lovely.

Rose: Oh, I just found it...

George: Honey, you stink at lying. Now come on and tell me the truth, who gave you the ring?

Rose: Daddy this isn't the time to talk about this. We'll discuss this when you get better...

George: Dammit Rose! Now I may be dying, but I am not dead yet. Now stop stalling and tell me where you got that ring.

Rose: My friend... boyfriend John gave it to me.

George: And did this John say why he gave you the ring?

Rose: Daddy, I've been seeing John for almost two years and I swear I wanted to tell you, but you were just so sick and... (Rose's voice trails off as she looks into her father's eyes)

George: Rose? I'm still listening.

Rose: Daddy, John asked me to marry him, but I said he had to ask you before I could say yes. We were going to ask you together when you got out of the hospital.

George: Well, when do I get to meet this young man?

Rose: You can meet him today if you'd like. He's standing outside the door.

George: Well what are you waiting for? Bring him in--I'm sure if you love him I will too.

Rose: (Walks outside, the audience hears whispers from behind the door. She walks in holding John's hand while holding her rosary with the other) Daddy this is John, he's a mechanical engineer.

George: (Shakes John's hand and looks him up and down) Hello John. How are you?

John: Hello sir. I'm fine thank you. Are you feeling any better?

George: I feel as well as a man in my condition can. Rose told me you two have to ask me something.

John: (Puts his arm around Rose's waist and smiles) Sir, I love your daughter very much and I know I can make her very happy. I have a job that will allow me to support her and our future children. I, we, were looking for your blessing to be married.

George: John where are your parents from?

John: (Looking confused) My mother was born in Kentucky and my father in Texas. The two met at Standford, but decided to move out to Mississippi for the scenery.

George: John why don't you wait outside while I talk to Rose.

John: (John gives Rose a squeeze and walks out of the room).

Rose: Daddy I know...

George: (Interrupting Rose) Rose you know how I feel about those people.

Rose: Why? What does race have to do with it? Yes he's black, but he loves me and I love him.

George: Rose they do not belong in our family, they are meant to work for us.

Rose: Daddy! You can't say such things!

George: Watch your tone! The answer is no and that is final.

Rose: But you don't even know him!

George: Rose! You do not have my blessing and on my death bed I forbid you to marry him!. Don't worry you will find a more suitable match. Now stop playing with your rosary and tell him my answer.

Rose: (Leans in and gives her father a hug and a kiss) I understand. (Rose walks out the door to meet John. The audience here's whispers and Rose reenters the room still holding her rosary.)

George: Well, what did he say?

Rose: He said OK.