1Scene III

A Classroom in

The Community School

Teacher CATHERINE SEIDU sits at her desk eating her lunch when Efua runs on, out of breath.

EFUA

Mrs. Seidu - I’m so sorry I am late.

CATHERINE

(Pointedly looking at her watch) I am sorry too, Efua.

EFUA

Here is my essay.

CATHERINE accepts the paper and looks it over as Efua waits, beaming with pride.

CATHERINE

Very fine work, Efua. As usual. (Handing it back) Perhaps it will be useful next year.

EFUA

(Stunned) Next year? But Mrs. Seidu . . . why—

CATHERINE

I told you a number of times that I needed to send my sponsored student’s application to the University of Accra by the first of May. That means the postal mark on the envelope shows that date. But because you seem to think that someone will always help you and you needn’t trouble yourself with responsibilities, you have arrived after the mail has been picked up.

EFUA

But - but - Mrs. Seidu - my Ma insisted that I work for my Daddy with his cotton crop this morning - she would not let me come!

CATHERINE

Then how is it you managed to be here?

EFUA

Because I tricked—(stops) Because I . . .

CATHERINE

Stop. Efua.

MANY TYPES OF GIRLS

COME HERE THROUGH THAT DOOR.

I WORK HARD TO HELP THEM FIND THEIR PLACE.

THOUGH I DO MY BEST,

SOME GIRLS ARE A TEST.

YOU PRESENT A CHALLENGE I EMBRACE.

BRIGHT BUT SO NAIVE,

TALENTED BUT RASH,

YOU HAVE TRAITS THAT MAY NOT ALWAYS MIX.

I THOUGHT YOU WERE STRONG.

SADLY, I WAS WRONG.

I'M AFRAID YOU'VE PLAYED TOO MANY TRICKS.

THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM I CAN FIX.

BOYS ARE LUCKY.

THEY LEARN A TRADE.

GIRLS LEARN LIMITS.

THEY SEE HORIZONS FADE.

YOU WERE READY TO ADVANCE.

YOU MIGHT HAVE.

BUT GIRLS DON'T ALWAYS GET A SECOND CHANCE.

EFUA

I'm sorry. I cannot tell you how sorry I am.

CATHERINE

From now on you must help yourself, Efua. That is how this world works.

Efua fights back tears.

I wish I could change things for your sake.

EFUA

Thank you, Mrs. Seidu. I promise I will not disappoint you again.

Efua goes off.