Lux scene from Lux, practice script

CATE

Wow. You really do listen to my show.

LUX

Totally. Every day. Except when I lived in Olympia. I didn’t get the station. It’s literally why I asked for a new placement. Well, that and I think my foster parents were, like, dealing drugs.

CATE

I don’t understand. When I gave you up, the social worker said they’d find you a good home, that they’d have no trouble placing you, that there were waiting lists...

LUX

I was born with this heart thing. A hole. And had to have a bunch of surgeries. A baby on the operating table’s not exactly a big selling point to prospective parents.

LUX (CONT’D)

I was fine but after everything, I was almost three. Most people, they want a baby...

LUX (CONT’D)

I mean, not everyone... obviously.

CATE

So this emancipation thing, it sounds complicated.

LUX

It’s simple, actually.

CATE

Yeah, but wouldn’t you rather hold out for someone to adopt you? I mean, if there was a chance?

LUX

No one’s going to take me unless I come with a government check attached. If no one wants three- year-olds, how many people do you think want teenagers?

CATE

I’m sorry. I probably don’t know what I’m talking about--

LUX

There it is. On the right.

CATE

It’s just I thought I knew everything at fifteen too.

LUX

I’m almost sixteen--

CATE

There are so many things you probably haven’t even considered. Like how you’d make money, where you’re going to live, school -

LUX

No offense, but I haven’t had a mother in fifteen years. I don’t need one now. Thanks though. (then adds) For the ride.