I'm so sorry this took me so long! I've had this scene for a bit, but I had to reformat it. No copyright infringement intended.
Enjoy the third scene of "Peterson's Return"!
(MAE is in a hospital bed. She has noticeably thinned and paled and her hair is limp. There is a doctor checking her vitals. The same doctor that was on the phone with ROSE.)
Mae: (with obvious difficultly) Do you know if Albert's coming?
Doctor: (sighs sadly) You've been asking that for the past hour, Mrs. Peterson. I'm sure he told me he was coming (MAE merely stares at the opposite wall).
Doctor: (leaves to go check on other patients. He runs into ALBERT, ROSE, and ENRIQUE on his way out) I'm not sure this is the place for the little one.
Rose: He has never met his grandmother. I think it's best if she met him, soon (DOCTOR nods as he lets them pass).
Albert: (sadly, as if choking back tears) Oh, Mama... (slowly walks over to her bedside).
Mae: Albert? You came. (she gives a small smile).
Albert: (swallows) Of course I did, Mama. Why wouldn't I?
Mae: Because of all those things I've done and said. Poor, Rose. Why would she want an in-law like me? (a tear slips down her cheek).
Rose: (Comes forward). Oh, Mae. It's alright. You just wanted Albert all to yourself. I understand that feeling, now. Enrique has me busy, but I can't imagine him growing up and being married off.
Mae: (sits up with help from ALBERT). Rose! You're here, too! I didn't dare ask for you to come, because I thought you would refuse. (she suddenly spots ENRIQUE). So, this is my grandson? Bring him closer, Albert. I want to see him properly before... well, before you all leave.
Albert: (Picks up ENRIQUE and sets him on the side of the hospital bed). Now be careful, Ricky. This is your grandmother.
Mae: (holds ENRIQUE'S small hand). He's precious. I'm glad I was able to meet him. *(tears well up in her eyes and spill over).
Rose: (goes over to MAE'S other side and holds her hand) Of course, Mae. He's your grandson.
Mae: (sobbing) I was just so horrible! I haven't seen either of you two in five years and I missed the birth of my first grandchild. It's only when an old women is on her deathbed that she sees the error of her ways. (there's a long silence while ALBERT and ROSE are comforting MAE).
Albert: So, what is it, Mama? How long-? (he doesn't finish his train of thought).
Mae: It's cancer. I've been handling it for awhile now, but I've been too stubborn to call.
Albert: You should have called, Mama. We would have come.
Mae: You say that now, Sonny, but the way we left things, I'm not so sure.
Rose: Well, we're here now and we can stay here for as long as you need us. (she pats MAE'S hand).
Mae: They say about a week or two, but knowing me I'll last longer than that. (everyone smiles a bit).
Enrique: (starts to get fussy) Mama, can we play?
Rose: (chuckles) Yes, Sweetie. Let's leave Daddy and Grandma to talk for a bit. (she takes him out of the room. Exit stage left).
(The two pause is a sort of awkward silence for a bit).
Albert: I'm sorry, Mama. I should have called.
Mae: (shakes her head weakly) No, Sonny. You did what was best. It took me a few years to find what had gone wrong. I'm sorry it took me so long to see it.
Albert: Well, we're here now. What have you been doing these past five years?
Mae: Moping, mostly. Then I found out about... about this. (gestures around the room). But what's an old woman's tale good for? How have you and Rose been? Obviously busy with the little one. How old is he?
Albert: He'll be three soon. We've been well. Ricky does keep us on our toes and with the new one coming soon we'll be ever the more busy, but we'll manage.
Mae: When is she due? Is there even a chance I'll get to meet my second grandchild?
Albert: Any day now, really. I was nervous about the train ride here. It all depends. (he looks dazed as he remembers memories. They make him smile). She's actually doing too much considering her due date. She never stops working and Ricky is a 24/7 job as well.
Mae: (Smiles) Rose has always been a go-getter. How do you think you two even ended up together? She didn't give up on you.
Albert: (Blushes) I know. She came pretty close to it though. I'm glad I finally regained my senses before it was too late.
(There's a bit of silence).
Mae: (finally) Why don't you send Rose in here? I owe her an apology.
Albert: (nods) Alright, Mama. (he turns and leaves. Enter ROSE.)
Rose: You wished to see me, Mae?
Mae: Sit down, Rosie. (ROSE sits in a chair to the right of MAE).
Mae: I'd like to apologize for the things I did to you and Albert. It was wrong of me to try and break you two apart. I can see now that you two are perfect for each other. (she gives a small smile).
Rose: Oh, Mae (she starts tearing up). That means so much. (she takes MAE'S hand. Lights down).
Now, it's going to take me a bit to finish up the fourth scene. I know where I want this story to go, I've just been very busy with college this year. I hope you understand!