Dialog

Annette: "Let's go up to the attic."

Cassie: "But mama said not to play in there."

Annette: "Well mama's not here. She's gone to get her hair done and you know that's gonna take at least 3 hours."

Cassie: "No it won't."

Annette: "Yes, it will. The reverend is coming over for dinner tomorrow, and you know mama likes to look extra special for the reverend.

Cassie: "I don't know why. He's a religious man and he's not supposed to have girlfriends. And why is he coming over for dinner anyway. I know he cooks 'cause he brought that chocolate cake over last time."

Annette: "Grow up Cassie. He didn't cook that cake. Didn't you see that box said Food Lion? Man, you are so naïve."

Cassie: "Am not. I know a lot of stuff."

Annette: "Like what?"

Cassie: "Like I know you're not supposed to be going up to the attic when Mama said not to."

Annette: "What does Mama know? All I want to do is look around. What harm is that. If ain't nothing good up here, then we'll come right down."

Cassie: "Promise."

Annette: "You know I don't make promises."

Cassie: "Why not?"

Annette: "'Cause I just don't."

Cassie: "Well, Mama said you don't make promises 'cause of Daddy."

Annette: "That's not true, and he's not my daddy." Cassie: "Well how did you get here then? Magic?

Annette: "Shut up. It doesn't matter how I got here. I just don't have a daddy."

Cassie: "Well Mama said no matter what, we should love our daddy."

Annette: "What does Mama know? She's the one that can't keep a decent job. And she's the reason you're still wearing that same shirt and those same ugly jeans you got last year for your birthday."

Cassie: "Why are you always talking about Mama like that? She's doing the best she can."

Annette: "You're too young to understand Cassie. If Mama had left Daddy a long time ago, when he first started drinking, we wouldn't be in this situation."

Cassie: "You shouldn't blame Mama. She's doing the best she c-.

Annette: "That's all you ever say 'the best she can'. But what about the best I want for me. I'm tired of this."

Cassie: "Things are going to get better, Ann."

Annette: "Don't call me Ann."

Cassie: "Mama calls you Ann."

Annette: "Exactly, don't call me Ann. My name is Annette."

Cassie: "Mama's right, you have some ugly ways."

Annette: "I got them from your daddy."

Cassie: "He's your daddy too.

Annette: "Listen Cassie, you just wouldn't understand."

Cassie: "Understand what?"

Annette: "Never mind."

Cassie: " Why are you so mean to me?

Annette: "I don't mean to be."

Cassie: "Mama says you're just too selfish."

Annette: "I'm not selfish. She just says that because she thinks I resent you over Daddy."

Cassie: "Mama never said that you didn't love me. She just said you had a lot of things to work out for yourself. It's gonna be alright, Ann."

Annette: "I know."

Cassie: "Ann? What's wrong?"

Annette: "Nothing. There's just so much dust in this attic, and it's getting in my eyes. Now hurry up. Mama's gonna be home soon."