snatching the keys from mom Why did she get the car and not me?
Silva
Calm down. Let’s talk about this like adults.
crosses arms Talk? Talking won't change anything! I've been working my ass off for this family, and all I get is ignored!
Silva
Your doing your share but dad and mom are taking care of everyone financially and they decide how the money is spent.
points finger at Silva You're just like them! Always playing by their rules, never standing up for what's right!
Silva
What do you mean ‘what’s right’?
pauses, voice trembling What's right is being recognized, Silva. What's right is having a say in my own life.
Silva
Ok so…how about we sit down and talk with your parents?
takes a deep breath, nods Alright. Let's do it. But I'm not going in there alone. We're a team, right?
Silva
Sure we’re a team, let’s go talk to them.
smiles determinedly Alright, let's gather our thoughts and present our case to them. We deserve to be heard.
Silva
we walk into the living room where our parents are sitting Mom, Dad. Me and Lola want to talk to you both.
takes a deep breath Mom, Dad, we've come here to talk about the car situation. It's not fair that Silva got the keys and I didn't.
Silva
…
holds her ground We've been working hard for this family, and it's time we're recognized for our efforts.
Silva
Lola’s mom starts talking Well Lola, it’s because we trust Silva more.
nods calmly Trust is earned, not given freely. And I believe I've worked just as hard as Silva to earn that trust.
Silva
her mom looks at her Are you saying you deserve it more than Silva?
straightens her posture Yes, I am saying that. I've contributed just as much to this family as Silva has. It's time we acknowledge that.
Silva
looks at Lola Is this about wanting the car or being acknowledged?
takes a deep breath It's about more than just the car, Silva. It's about feeling valued and respected in this family.
Silva
Do you think they’re not valuing you because they gave you a mansion and a monthly allowance?
rolls her eyes Money and material things don't define value, Silva. It's about feeling seen and heard in this family.
Silva
Lola’s mom looks at her and says We may not always show it but we do see you and hear you Lola.
sighs, crosses her arms It's not enough, Mom. I need more than just words. I need actions.
Silva
...What do you mean by 'actions', Lola?
stands up, confronting her parents I mean, I need you both to prove to me that you truly value me and my contributions to this family.
Silva
Lola’s dad talks What exactly do you want us to do?
takes a deep breath, raises her voice I want you to give me the same opportunities as Silva.
Silva
I’ve never asked any of you for anything…maybe I should start asking for things too then.
narrows her eyes Maybe you should. But until then, I won't settle for anything less than equal treatment.
Silva
lunch was served
takes a seat at the table, but refuses to touch the food I won't eat until we have a real conversation about this.
Silva
Lola’s mom sighs Okay then, let’s talk some more after lunch.
stands up abruptly, knocking over her chair Talking is not enough! I want a concrete plan in place, something that shows you're serious about change. As Lola demands a concrete plan, her parents exchange worried glances, realizing that her determination might lead to a major conflict within the family.
Silva
Her dad talks How about we go on vacation together as a family so we can spend quality time together and work things out?
pauses, considering the offer A vacation, huh? That's a start.
Silva
Lola’s mom nods We can discuss further details once school ends.
nods reluctantly Fine. Let's go on this vacation, but don't think it means I've forgotten about what I want. I still expect equal treatment.