Bad Air Texas
PART 24
EVA
We have elections.
CAMI
But only for specially selected voters.
RICK
Specially selected? You mean everyone can’t vote in Craphvia?
EVA
No, daddy must certify people before they vote.
RICK
I take it not everyone can get certified.
EVA
So he doesn’t let a few people vote.
CAMI
Yeah, no communists, socialists, Marxists, environmentalists, anarchists, pacifists, or capitalists.
EVA
See, only a few people.
RICK
Come on, that’s got to mean everyone.
EVA
But it makes the elections very easy.
CAMI
The elections are so small they do a hand count.
RICK
This is hopeless. How does that country survive?
CAMI
It takes a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.
RICK
Then you’ll have to make the changes, Eva. You’ll have to bring peace to your people.
CAMI
You’re barking up the wrong tree, honey. She about as likely to bring peace to Craphvia as I am to give up chocolate.
EVA
You don’t know me as well as you think you do.
CAMI
Oh, really? Can you honestly tell me you didn’t immediately start thinking of all your daddy’s money when he turned up missing?
RICK
She’s got you there.
EVA
You’re not helping, Rick.
RICK
Fine, I’ll be over at my terminal if you need anything.
CAMI
Are you ever nice to anyone?
EVA
Nice is what you do when you want something.
CAMI
Nice is a way of living, playing, being… You could stand to learn about it. Not only would it make you a better leader, but it would make you a better person. Imagine how much better this world would be if everyone tried to be nice.
EVA
What are you, my mother?
CAMI
I wish I were your mother. I’d turn you over my knee and give you a good swat on the backside.
EVA
I’d like to see you try it.
CAMI
Or maybe a good slap across the face would do.
EVA
Try it and you’ll be sorry.
CAMI
(Sarcastic)
Oh, I’m so scared.
EVA
You should be.
CAMI
Grow up, Eva. We’re not servants you can boss around like at home. We have our own thoughts and feelings. You can’t control us here.
EVA
Want to bet?
CAMI
What do you mean?
EVA
I still have a heightened level of control over a certain male population.
CAMI
(Looks at RICK)
I’ll bet Rick will get real tired of you soon. He’ll see through you like a bad pair of fishnet stockings.
EVA
(Eyes narrowing at CAMI)
Do we have a bet?
CAMI
Sure.
(They shake)
This should be interesting.
EVA
Watch and learn.
(Gets all teary eyed. Wanders near RICK)
Oh, what will I do? I’ve lost my father… I’m all alone here…
RICK
Eva? Are you okay? Can I get you some more cocoa?
EVA
My pain is more than any cocoa could cure.
RICK
Your really upset aren’t you? Was it something Cami said?
EVA
She said I hated my daddy. That’s not true. I loved him. I really did.
RICK
I know. It’s okay. Cami didn’t mean it.
EVA
No, she’s right. I act like I don’t love him. I’m a horrible daughter. And now he’s gone and I’ll never get to tell him I love him.
(Cries and RICK holds her)
RICK
Poor, Eva.
(Let’s go of EVA and goes to CAMI annoyed)
How could you upset her like this, Cami?
CAMI
Rick, don’t you think this fit of hers came on a little suddenly?
RICK
Yes. What did you say?
CAMI
Rick, it’s all an act. Can’t you see that?
(EVA cries louder)
RICK
(Goes to her)
Is there anything I can do?
EVA
Bring me my daddy.
RICK
We’re trying, Eva.
EVA
You don’t realize what you have until it’s gone.
RICK
I wish I knew where he was. I would be the first to help him if I could.
EVA
What if we never find him?
RICK
We’ll find him. I promise.
EVA
You’re so good to me, Rick. I could use a man like you at my side.
(She smiles coyly at him)
RICK
Wha… what do you mean?
EVA
How would you like to come to Craphvia with me?
RICK
Me? In Craphvia?
EVA
I’ll make you the CEO of AirCraphvia. You can become very rich.
RICK
CEO? But then I’d have to leave my family.
EVA
Rick, you could help your family beyond your wildest dreams. You’d all be very rich. That would make him happy, no?
RICK
Yes, it would.
EVA
Then, come with me. I will make you very happy too.
(She closes her eyes and leans in to kiss him. He goes to kiss her and she turns so he kisses her cheek)
Thank you, Rick. I feel much better. I’d like some more cocoa now.
RICK
Sure, right away.
(Exits R)
