The Illusion

Scene 1:

Artemis and Steven are sitting down in Steven's house. Steven begins to talk.

Steven: Artemis, what's wrong? Why are you so quiet?

( Artemis is still quiet indulged in her thoughts).

Steven: Artemis! Are you listening?

Artemis: ( annoyed) What's wrong, Steven?

Steven: I am asking if you are okay.

Artemis: Yes, I am fine ( hiding her face, so he wouldn't see her tears).

Steven: (concerned) Artemis, are you crying?

Artemis: ( still hiding her face) uh, no I am fine.

Steven: ( gets up to comfort Artemis) Tell me what's wrong.

Artemis: Steven, I am...

Steven: Go ahead. Tell me.

Artemis: ( crying) I am pregnant.

Steven: ( eyes widen) What! You are pregnant.

Artemis: Yes, and Steven I am genuinely happy. Being pregnant is a blessing from God, but I didn't know how you would take the news. That's why I am so emotional, but I know you love me, so you will support me, right?

Steven: ( stern) No, I will not support you! Do you want to ruin our lives!

Artemis: ( surprised) What are you saying? Aren't you happy for us?

Steven: Look, Artemis I believe that having a baby is a blessing when it is the right time. You are only 18 years old! How can you manage to take care of another life when you are just a baby yourself?

Artemis: ( hurt) I taught I would have you by my side to help me. I can't believe how insensitive you are to my feelings. I should have never told you!

Steven: Oh give me a break! We are both only 18 years old, and we both have a bright future to look forward to. I am going to the University of Kentucky with a full scholarship for basketball. You are going to Columbia University to achieve your goal of becoming a cardiologist in less than 6 freaking months! How will you achieve that goal if you are pregnant?

Artemis: I understand that we both are onto bigger and better things, but we just can't abandon the baby. And I am not the only one pregnant because last time I checked it takes two people to make a baby. You need to take up your responsibilities.

Steven: You do realize that once this baby comes it will be your first priority. Everything else will come last. Now, you tell me why did you work so hard in High School, endured all those sleepless nights, and studied for countless hours: to get a baby, and ruin your dreams.

( Artemis walks away, but is stopped when Steven keeps talking).

Steven: Not to mention the fact that your reputation will be completely tarnished. Ms. Innocent who always goes to school, and gets good grades is pregnant. My God, the world is going to end because of all people Artemis, cannot be the one pregnant.

Artemis: ( crying) Would you just shut up?!

Steven: ( yelling) No, I will not because you know I am right, and you are wrong for the first time in forever.  ( normal voice) Also, don't forget the kind of environment you are going to bring that child in.

Artemis: ( confused) What?

Steven: You don't have anyone to rely on. You are going to bring a child in a house that is infested with drugs, and alcohol. Some mother you would be!

Artemis: ( runs up to Steven and slaps him) Don't you ever speak to me like that! I will definitely be a better parent than my mother, and you! At least I am accepting the fact that I am pregnant. At least I am trying to make everything work. What are you doing? Nothing, absolutely nothing, but just complaining like how you always do.

Steven: You can slap me, or do whatever you want, but it still wouldn't change the fact that we are not ready for a child!

Artemis: I am ready.

Steven: ( laughing in a sarcastic manner) You are ready? Did I hear that right? You are the most stubborn individual that I have ever met. You didn't even want to go out with me at first because you were concerned that I would distract you from school.

Artemis: What is your point here?

Steven: My point is that you would do anything to achieve success. Why would you want to have any burdens that will stop you from being the best?

Artemis: Steven, I am going home. I don't want to listen to this anymore.

Steven: Wait! Artemis, let me speak.

Artemis: What now? Haven't you spoke enough?

Steven: I want you to have an abortion.

Artemis: Does your face want another slap?!

Steven: I think it would be the best option for the both of us. Then, when we are both ready we can have a baby. I promise you in that time I will be by your side. But, now I am afraid that I can't support you. If you do have this child you will be on your own. Theres too much at stake. I am sorry.

Artemis: ( surprised) You would really leave me?

Steven: I am sorry, but you have given me no other choice. ( He pauses) I don't want to leave, Artemis. Please, just give it a few more years. Please try to understand.

( Artemis thinks for a while. She sits down on the couch knowing that Steven is right about the unstable environment from her mother constantly getting high and drunk. She knows that they are both at the peak of their dreams, and goals. She gets scared to face bringing up a child on her own, and she definitely doesn't want Steven to leave her, so she reluctantly gives in).

Artemis: ( sad) Fine, we will go to the clinic tomorrow. Let's just go and get this over with.

Steven: ( with relief) I knew you would come through. I promise I will always be here for you, and with time you will realize that this was the perfect resolution for us, okay?

(Artemis is quiet).

Steven: Okay?

Artemis: I hope so, Steven I really do.