Carmen by Walter Dean Myers Read Free Book Online Page B

SHEA
    Who’s he kidding? Terrorists wouldn’t attack this crowd. They only want to kill white people. Look—here comes Escamillo’s entourage now.
    The dimly lit stage grows brighter, and a sign comes down that reads MADISON SQUARE GARDEN. A parade of “beautiful people” makes its way to the concert. We hear music in the background, a combination of hip-hop and Bizet.
    A small crowd enters, the imposing figure of ESCAMILLO, dressed in all of his finery, at its center. CARMEN is on his arm. Photographers hover all around them. ESCAMILLO is shaking hands and smiling. He stops his entourage (made up of music types and some business types in suits) and whispers into CARMEN’s ear. He takes CARMEN’s face between his hands and lifts it gently as he kisses her.
    ESCAMILLO
    I’ll be thinking of you while I’m in there. All these suits may have their degrees and old-boy networks, but I have my street smarts—and the most beautiful woman in New York waiting for me. It’s almost not fair.
    CARMEN
    Be careful. I feel danger in the air.
    CARMEN and ESCAMILLO kiss again, and then he goes off with his entourage in tow.
    CARMEN is standing alone at center stage; we still hear the background music.
    MERCEDES and FRASQUITA enter.
    MERCEDES
    Girl, you are looking good!
    CARMEN
    Girl, I am feeling good.
    FRASQUITA
    Carmen, he’s here!
    CARMEN
    Who?
    MERCEDES
    José. I saw him on the avenue. I said hello, and he just mumbled at me. He doesn’t look good at all. He hasn’t shaved, and he’s… funky!
    CARMEN
    I told him we were through, that I didn’t want to see him anymore.
    FRASQUITA
    (chewing her gum faster)
    What did he say?
    CARMEN
    He didn’t… He didn’t seem to understand. It was as if I was just gaming him to pass the time of day. You ever tell somebody something and they act like you’re speaking another freaking language?
    FRASQUITA
    Baby, you need to be looking out for that man. José is not somebody I would turn my back on. Why don’t you come inside with us?
    CARMEN
    I’ll be okay. Right now I don’t think I can stand a crowd. I’m a little jumpy. I need to be alone with my thoughts for a bit. I told Escamillo I’d meet him outside so we can make a quick getaway when the show’s over.
    MERCEDES
    You falling for Escamillo now?
    CARMEN
    Escamillo and I understand each other. He lives for the minute, and I’m just one of those minutes. He’ll stop for a while and then move on. No big deal. No forever after, no por vida. I’m back to being Carmen again.
    FRASQUITA
    Okay, but watch your back, girlfriend. Remember, José’s a cop. You know how sneaky they can be.
    CARMEN
    Go on, guys. I’ll be okay.
    FRASQUITA
    Carmen, don’t forget us when you reach the top, baby. We don’t want anything, but just nod when you see us. We’ll understand.
    MERCEDES
    And be proud of you!
    CARMEN
    We’ll always be homegirls.
    The three girls embrace, and then MERCEDES and FRASQUITA rush off to the concert.
    We hear the music of the opening act begin. CARMEN, somewhat uncomfortable in her new role, moves to the beat and leans against a light pole. Then, from out of the shadows, comes JOSÉ. Unshaven, he is wearing a dark hoodie and sneakers. At first he appears drunk, but then we see that he’s distorted with rage.
    JOSÉ
    Carmen!
    CARMEN
    (shrinking away from him)
    José! What…? What are you doing here?
    JOSÉ
    (his speech slow and hollow)
    Carmen, I had to see you. I love you so.
    CARMEN
    (turning away)
    No!
    JOSÉ
    Love doesn’t know such a word as no. Love can only know yes.
    CARMEN
    What do you want from my life, José? What do you want? I don’t have anything to give you. ¡No más! ¡No más! I need to be by myself.
    JOSÉ
    (taking something from his pocket)
    Look, I’ve brought you something. A ring. It’s the symbol of my love for you. I give it to you, and my heart goes with it, as your heart came to me with the flower you gave me that sweet day.
    CARMEN
    (turning away)
    I am ruined by love, a bright