Mixed Signals – Kenna James

SCENE OPENS as a beautiful woman named Josie steps out of her car. She looks around, breathing in the fresh air and smiling, happy to finally be home after such a long drive. She pops the trunk and takes out some luggage, pausing cautiously before walking back to the passenger door. She raps on the window and it slowly rolls down to reveal an uncomfortable looking young man sitting inside. Josie has driven her 22-year-old son, Aaron, home from college for the summer. It will be the first time that Aaron has visited his mom at her new house … and with her new family. The woman recently re-married a man with a 19-year-old daughter who still lives at home. Aaron never grew up with any siblings and has certainly never spent any time with teenage girls. He is still a virgin. A very awkward virgin. His mom asks if he is ready to come inside. Aaron looks pensive. She assures him that no is going to bite. It means a lot to her that he’s agreed to spend the summer getting to know everyone. Aaron asks if he can just go to his room. Slightly frustrated, Josie opens the door and pulls her son to his feet. ‘Aaron,’ she says. ‘Now, I’m your mother and I love you. Today is a big deal for me. Will you please just play along?’ Aaron takes a deep breath and says OK. Josie smiles and gives him a big hug.