MELANIE

C’mon. Tell me the truth. Will it hurt or not?

TATTOO ARTIST

Hey, you’ll live, okay? Make up your mind.

MELANIE

Okay. I’m gonna do it. Promise me ya’ won’t laugh if I cry.

TATTOO ARTIST

I promise. I’ll draw this up for ya’. (exits)

MELANIE

(She admires the tattoo art on the walls, then stares at SARAH)
Hi. I’m Melanie. You’re not gettin’ a tattoo, are ya’?

SARAH

Vy do you say dat? Because I’m old?

MELANIE (giggles)

No. Did he draw your picture already? He’s doin’ mine now.

SARAH

So I heard.

MELANIE

Oh. Sorry. I’m going to this party tonight. She’s going to have a DJ and everything. Everybody who is anybody will be there.

SARAH

I von’t be dere.

MELANIE

When I’m excited about something, I just can’t wait.

SARAH

Yes, I noticed. Vaiting is a terrible ting. So is bad manners. Ven two people are talking, you vait until dey finish. Then it’s your turn. Fashtay?

MELANIE

What? Oh, yeah. I guess. (beat) Does it hurt to get a tattoo? Not that you would know, but maybe one of your grandchildren has one.

SARAH

My grandchildren do not have tattoos and dey vill never have tattoos. And da hurt? Most forget about da hurt. Some never forget. (beat) So, I heard about dis butterfly you’re getting. Very pretty.