Trigger Warnings below the script, below. Two girls in very different times and places both make their way to the top - One finds exaltation, the other merely death. Cast List Tess - Beverly Poole Teza - Lyndsey Thomas Mom - Kris Keppeler Markie/Malque - Julie Hoverson Doctor/Trainer/Priest - Mathias Rebne Morgan Music:  Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com)         Josh Woodward (JoshWoodward.com)         Philippe Mangold [Music of Woodward and Mangold used under a Creative Commons license and available through Jamendo.com] Editing and Sound:   Julie Hoverson Cover Photos: Chris Gilbert     (courtesy of Stock Xchange.com)   "What kind of a place is it?  Why, it's a mother's heart.  Can't you tell?" **************************************************************** LONELY AT THE TOP Cast: Tess (F/16) Teza (F/16) Markie/Marquay (F/16) Mom (F/40) Priest/Trainer/Doctor (M/40)   NOTE:  the roles are deliberately doubled to present the same “people” in both girls’ lives.  The “mom” speeches apply to both at the same time.   OLIVIA     Did you have any trouble finding it?  What do you mean, what kind of a place is it?  Why, it's a Mother's heart, can't you tell?   MUSIC MOM's MUSIC MOM    Darling, this is wonderful.  You can't imagine how proud I am of you!  I've always known you were special, but it means so much to have someone like that see what I have always seen! MUSIC OUT AMB MODERN MARKIE    I totally can't believe it!  You made the cut? TESS    It's not set in stone yet - It's just the semi-finals, but mom's about to wet herself, she's so excited. MARKIE    But Miss Modern Teen Model 2009!  I mean, even if you wash out on the semi-finals, that's still soooo cool!  I wish I was pretty. TESS    Puh-lease.  You're cute.  Cute lasts.  Beauty fades. MARKIE    Cute.  Yeah, that's my curse.  Not tall enough to be a model, not short enough to walk under turnstiles... [laughs a bit bitterly] TESS    Cute lasts.  I have to make the most of this while I can.  Besides, you have plans for your future - the scholarships are lining up.  MARKIE    Yeah yeah yeah, but brains don't get you dates. TESS    Brains last too. MOM MUSIC MOM    The idea that my daughter - my lovely child - could go all the way to the top.  That you could have the perseverance and willpower to do what has to be done to make it.  It will reflect so well on all of us! MUSIC OUT AMB AZTEC MARQUE    You are one of the chosen? TEZA    [laughs delightedly] Yes!  There is still a long path ahead of me, but I feel - it feels right! MARQUE    You are so fortunate!  I wish I was graced with beauty pleasing to the gods.  TEZA    Everyone's fate is different, my dearest friend.  I hear your parents have found you a husband! MARQUE    He is ... kind.  Not unappealing.  Not too old.  Yes, it is a promising match.  I could certainly do worse. TEZA    So you have as much to look forward to as I do! MARQUE    Could you ... do something for me? TEZA    Anything - you are my dearest friend and I love you! MARQUE    When you ... get there, could you petition the great mother Chalchihuitlicue [chal-chee-weet-lee-cue] to smile upon my first pregnancy?  That say that should you survive the first, the others are not so hard. TEZA    Not even a bride yet, and you worry about bearing?  Silly.  Let your time come when it may.  MARQUE    But-- TEZA    But!  But I will.  I will speak with every goddess in the heavens if it will help ease your burden. MARQUE    I love you! MOM MUSIC MOM    Don't be afraid honey, I won't let you fail.  I know you can reach any goal you set your mind on.  You simply must keep your focus.  Can you do that?  Eyes on the prize, sweetheart.  And you know what that means - giving up the things that don't matter to clear the way for the things that do. AMB MODERN MOM    What are you eating? TESS    What?  Ice cream. MOM    No, no, no!  You know what Mr. Dupree said - these last few days before the pageant, you need to stick to simple foods.  No sugar!  Nothing bl