The Naked Venus Page #2

Of course, you French

have your own ideas.

In a way, it's charming.

So... Bob painted you?

And then?

We began seeing each other afterwards.

And we discovered we

liked the same things.

Now then, while you kept seeing my boy.

Going steady, as we call it here.

You posed for other painters?

Yes. I had to support myself.

Does it pay well,

being an artist's model?

You must forgive my ignorance.

No. But I'm fond of artists.

They are nice people mostly.

Did you go to college?

I started.

I had to give it up.

I couldn't afford it.

You speak English quite well.

My mother was American.

We'll make a little lady out of Sherie.

I'm very grateful.

It's my duty. I'm Bob's mother.

And I love to do it.

Only, we won't be here all the time.

Bob and I are planning

on going back to France.

We still have our apartment.

And he has his work.

I wouldn't worry, dear. Apartments

can be rented, furniture stored.

And there are many things worth

painting this side of our world.

Well, I see you two girls

are getting along just fine.

Your mother's been very kind.

I had a long talk with

your charming wife.

Very enlightening.

I'm happy to report

your daughter likes this.

Yvonne asks to be excused.

She's all tired out.

- The change of climate, probably.

- Do you think she's happy here?

She loves it, mother.

My dear boy. She loathes this country.

Can't you tell?

Now don't be so shocked.

Sit here, close to me.

We used to be friends, remember?

You never called me mother.

Always "Mary Lou"

- I've almost forgotten.

- Yes.

You've forgot a lot of things, Bob.

You were a small boy and you

didn't want to go to school.

Your father insisted on

making a man out of you.

A big, strong he-man like himself.

That's why he wanted you to start out in

public school like you were any child.

But mother took your side, didn't I?

And we got you a private tutor.

Later, Bob... when you enlisted.

You sat with me... right here.

The night before I...

- Shipped out to Korea.

- You were afraid of being a soldier.

I was...

Scared to death, mother.

You had a right to be afraid.

It's only natural.

But you did fine.

You got all the medals.

- If they only knew how... scared I was.

- Only you and I know.

You're a real pal, mother.

Are you going to marry again?

I mean, you're still

as beautiful as ever.

Oh dear no, I wouldn't

think of marrying.

Now that I have you and

a lovely granddaughter.

Yvonne won't mind.

Yvonne.

She is a responsibility, isn't she.

She's my wife. I love her.

You love your art and

you're trying to be loyal.

No, mother.

I know my boy when he's afraid.

- And you're afraid now.

- Afraid of what?

To face reality. You never could.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes