Alicia Visits Her Mother

Alicia loved using her personal driver and car when getting around town in style, but this trip was specifically designed not to attract attention. It was 6:00 am on a Sunday morning and it would be a 2-hour drive to reach the State Mental Hospital where her mother was a frequent patient. She slipped into her bright blue 2010 Honda Insight (inexpensive new hybrid car) dressed in a black pants suit and solid pink blouse with a large bag in tow. She dreaded these trips but they were necessary. Alicia was the only child from her mother's first marriage and the only one who ever visited anymore. She feared that if she stopped going, her mother's condition might deteriorate even more.

The hospital was a cold 6-story brick building used for both inpatient and outpatient services. The property was gated and heavily secured and the surrounding grounds were green, lush, and extensive. If someone was kept here and wanted to escape, they would have to run at least 2 1/2 miles in any direction and then scale the beautiful but imposing 10 ft wrought iron and stone fence without being caught by security. Even outside of the fence there were no homes or businesses for miles. Inside the building seemed no different that a regular hospital until you reached the inpatient wings. The fourth floor was Alicia's destination - short-term stays (usually between 8 and 14 days). In addition to the receptionist, there was a security guard, a room full of security cameras, and metal bars that separated the lobby area from the patient rooms. Both the guard and the receptionist knew Alicia and buzzed her through without asking any questions. She knocked softly on the door before entering. Diana was a morning person like her daughter and was sitting, legs crossed, at the end of her bed waiting for Alicia's arrival. She turned her head slowly from the window where she was staring out at the greens to the door.

Diana
You look thin.

Alicia
Good morning, Mom.

Diana
And you're late.

Alicia
Visiting hours don't start until 8 on Sundays. She gave her mother a quick once over. White shirt, teal sweatpants, white socks, no shoes. Standard issue. I brought you some clothes, Mom, and some of the usual stuff. Deodorant, toothpaste, soap. There's also a few snacks in here in case you don't like the food one night.

Diana
Why didn't you bring me a razor for my legs or a comb for my hair. I'm a mess in here and I need my things. You're always so forgetful Alicia.

Alicia (trying to remain patient)
You know they won't let me bring that stuff in here. If I start sneaking in razor blades and other things with teeth or sharp edges, they aren't going to allow me to come see you anymore without supervision.

A few moments of silence. Diana turns her head and stares out the window. Alicia stops emptying her bag and sits down in the only chair in the room.

Alicia
Mom, what are you doing in here? What happened this time?

Diana
I needed some peace and quiet.

Alicia sighed.

Alicia
This isn't a vacation resort or a cabin in the country.

Diana (quickly snapping back)
You don't think I know that!

Alicia walked over to the bed and sat down on the floor next to Diana. She took her hands and flipped them over to see the cuts on her arms. Diana continued staring out the window.

Alicia
I'm just...I'm really afraid that one day you're going to seriously hurt yourself and...

Diana
Spare me the theatrics. There are things about me and my life that you will never be able to understand. Look at yourself. You are in no position to lecture me anyway. Did you think coming in here in a nice suit with a tube of toothpaste and a clean t-shirt gave you carte blanche to criticize my life and my choices? Look at you. Trying to wear fancy outfits to make you feel like you're more important and special than you actually are.

Alicia slid her hands out of her mother's and remained silent. It was annoying but she was used to the crazed tirades and constant criticism by now. She chalked it up to the mental illness - it wasn't really her mother's fault.

Diana
Are you married yet? What ever happened to Daniel?

Alicia
Who? No I'm not married. I'm dating...but, you know I'm not having this discussion with you again.

Diana
Still trying to be a career woman, is that it? How is that working out for you?

Alicia started to tell her that had nothing to do with it and explain the reasons again she had no intention or desire to get married, ever, but she was determined not to have that argument again.

Alicia
Quite well actually. I'm making quite a bit, I have a nice place, good friends, and I love what I do.

Diana (finally looking back at her daughter)
Still doing that boxing crap? I told you how I feel about that. How are you ever going to meet someone when you're walking with bruises all over your face?

Alicia
It's wrestling, Mom, not boxing. And I get bruised a lot less than you'd think.

Diana
And what is that supposed to mean?

Alicia
It means that I'm sick and tired of you criticizing my career choice. I love what I do and I'm good at it. My first match was a draw, but I won my last two. I'm still pretty new but I'm one of the best in the federation and I...

Diana
2 out of 3 makes you one of the best? (with a snort) Doesn't seem like much of an accomplishment to me. I can't see how you can fight anyone anyway as skinny as you've gotten. I don't understand why you can't just find someone and settle down. If you want to work, go be a dentist or a wedding planner or an accountant. You may make stupid choices, but you were never a stupid girl. You could be almost anything you want - it's not like you don't have options.

Alicia (smiling at Diana and standing up to leave)
Thanks for the compliment. I know I can be anything I want. This is what I want. Trying to settle down and get married didn't work so well for you did it? (Diana looked up sharply.) Just like I don't understand why you keep getting yourself thrown in the hospital, you may not understand why I love wrestling so much. It makes me happy though so I'm going to do it whether you understand or agree or not.

Diana (looking back out the window)
I don't expect to be here longer than another three or four days.

Alicia leaned over and kissed Diana on the cheek. She finished emptying the bag in silence and walked towards the door. She hesitated for a moment wondering if she should tell her she loved her or ask her to call when she got home. Alicia decided against saying anything and all and closed the door behind her.

"She'll be proud of me someday," she thought. Come Saturday when I win my no disqualifications match against Leyla she'll start to see that I know what I'm doing and I really do have a good thing going for me. She'll see. They'll all see."

End RP