dramadramaduck | 04

[It should be obvious right away this is one of those 'the community is stalking me' videos. It starts off with Rita coming home. She calls for her children and gets nothing. She seems disappointed for a moment before starting to put away her things and unbutton her work uniform. She playfully calls out to them again:]

Hello? [An older woman chimes in coldly:] They're in bed. [Color Rita confused, but still cheerful.] Why so early?

Cody is being punished for sneaking away to make a phone call without permission. Astor joined him in a misguided show of support.

Well who was Cody calling? Dexter. The boy was trying to invite him to his school. Can you imagine? [Rita only looks more frustrated as the woman drones on, rubbing her forehead, exhaling before going to sit down.]

Mom, we need to have a talk. [That's right the cold, angry older woman is her mother.] I made a phone call of my own today. I spoke with Aunt Cecila. She told me the school district fired you over a year ago.

[Instant reaction from Mom. She stops what she was doing and looks incredibly annoyed. Rita is clearly feeling the same the longer her mother goes on.] We had philosophical differences. The educational system is falling apart. School should be life itself not a preparation for living. Do you know they give trophy to every child now whether they win or lose?

[Rita finally speaks up in her gentle way despite her obviously thinning patience.] You know I finally get it. It took me a few decades, but it's not just me. Nobody can deal with you. You don't leave room for anyone else to exist.

It's not my fault so many people are willing to settle for mediocrity! Just look at you! [Rita exhales in frustration and looks down at the ground.]

First Paul and then Dexter. Rita, you lack even common sense. And now you're passing on that torch of ordinary down to your children.

[Rita looks up at her. Her voice is hard when she speaks or at least as much as someone like Rita can manage.] Shut the fuck up. Nobody talks that way about my kids that way. [Her mother looks pleased, proud even.] That a girl. That's what I've been waiting to see.

[Rita gets up and laughs because wow. That's crazy.] You know what? I'm done with you.

No you're not, but you go. You give me hell! [Her mother sounds like she's waiting for it with swelling pride. Did I mention she was crazy?]

No. No I won't do that. I won't let me turn me into... you. Rita.... Here's what's going to happen. First thing in the morning you're going to pack up and go home. You'll visit us for birthdays and holidays, but you're not going to live with us anymore. [Rita stops there and stares her down. Her mother flounders.] Well... if that's what I have to sacrifice to get you on your feet.

[Rita nods and leaves her mother to her delusions. She's got kids to take off punishment.]

[ooc; Dexter canon move to 2x7. Italics is her mother.]