Thirty-Three
Day room in the secure unit. A TV with low sound level plays daytime TV. Several old ladies sitting about.
Nurse Three (entering)In you come, Rita. Thatās it. This is the Downview day room. Say hello to Rita, ladies.
Several old ladies mutter hello.
Angela 84Hello. Pleased to meet you.
Nurse ThreeIs this chair free for Rita? Yes? Ivy normally takes this chair donāt you, my love?
Ivy (some distance)Iām watching the television.
Nurse ThreeThatās alright, my love. You carry on watching the telly.
Nurse ThreeLooks like itās free Rita. Better grab it while we can, my love. Shall I give you a hand, Rita?
IvyWhenās my mummy coming?
Nurse ThreeWhatās that Ivy, my love?
IvyWhenās my mummy coming?
Nurse ThreeNot today, my love.
IvyWill Mummy come soon?
Nurse ThreeIām not sure, my love.
IvyThank you, Auntie Jean.
Nurse Three (to Angela) Oh dear. Now she thinks Iām her Auntie Jean. I wonder who she thinks you are, Rita?
Angela 84 (internal)She keeps on saying Rita but Iām sure thatās not right.
Nurse ThreeThatās it, Rita. Are you comfy there?
Angela 84Itās alright. (Internal.) If itās not Rita what is it?
Nurse ThreeIs it nice being in here after all week in your room, Rita? Doctor Carter said because youāve taken your tablets and youāre much calmer now Iām allowed to bring you into the day room.
Angela 84Have you got walnut cake?
Nurse ThreeOoooh, I wish we had, my love. Iād eat it all myself.
Angela 84You want to watch your figure. Big girl like you.
Nurse Three (laughs)My husband likes a roly poly and I like a spotted dick.
Angela 84I want walnut cake.
Nurse ThreeWeāve got biscuits. Shall I get you biscuits, Rita?
Angela 84If you like.
Nurse ThreeIāll be back in a minute, Rita.
Angela 84Iām not called Rita.
Nurse ThreeNo, my love? What are you called?
Angela 84I want to be Deanna.
Nurse ThreeIs that Irish?
Angela 84Only itās not Deanna. Itās . . . why donāt I know?
Nurse Three (retreating)You have a think, my love, while I get the biscuits.
Angela 84 (internal)I was in the kitchen. Peeling potatoes.
MumWell, if you donāt want to be Rita what do you want to be?
Angela 84 (internal)What did I say?
Angela 15I want to be Peg oā My Heart.
Angela 84 (internal)No! Thatās not it. What?
Ivy (other side of the room)Mummy!
Angela 84 (internal) Whatās she ā? Old lady. Sheās talking to me. Whatās she saying?
IvyMummy!
Angela 84 (internal)Sheās calling me Mummy. Am I her mummy?
Ivy (approaching)Why didnāt they tell me you were coming to see me, Mummy?
Angela 84Well. (Internal.) Iām not her mummy.
IvyI knew youād come back, Mummy. I donāt want to watch the television any more. Can I sit beside you, Mummy?
Angela 84 (internal)She must be mad. She could get nasty. Better . . . (To Ivy.) If you like.
Ivy (approaches)Did you miss me, Mummy?
Angela 84Well, I suppose I must have done. (Internal.) Must be ninety. Iām younger than her. How can she think Iām her mummy?
IvyWhat was Australia like, Mummy?
Angela 84 (internal)Humour her. (To Ivy.) Australia? Well . . . it was hot. (Internal.) Mad old lady.
IvyIām glad you came back. I want to go to the caravan. I want to go to Bognor and I want to have fish and chips and I want you to read me my story.
Angela 84Letās see.
IvyPlease, Mummy.
Angela 84 (internal)I donāt know this room. Iām in a strange place. And this mad old lady has ā oh! Sheās putting her arms around me.
IvyI love you, Mummy.
Angela 84 (internal)Iāve got a girl only mineās a li...