TEEN MOTHER

PRISONER

WENDY is a teenage mom who wants to start dating again. Her mother disapproves and wants her to stay home with the baby. Wendy sees this as punishment for the one big mistake of her life.

Why can’t you trust me anymore? I screwed up once. OK, it was a big mistake, but it was once, Mom. I just want to go out. It’s just a date. A first date. I haven’t had a date in ages. Why can’t I go? Do you really think I’d go out and get pregnant again? Give me a little credit. I don’t want another baby.

I know I have a baby. I know I have to take responsibility for my actions. This isn’t news. And I do all that. I take care of my baby. I never go anywhere. I never do anything. I still get good grades in school. I am grateful that you take care of him when I’m at school, and I know, since you’ve told me a million times, that you didn’t want to take care of kids anymore. You already did that. I get it. I’m grateful. I am! I just—I want one night—just a few hours!—to be a teenager again. Joey is really nice, Mom. You’ll like him. Please! I already told him I can go. Please, Mom, just give me two hours! Do I have to be punished forever for that one mistake?

You are so cruel! I hate you! I hate my whole life!