Benny Moves Out [Workshop]

[USNAVI]
Yo, I can only imagine Benny’s reaction
To Nina, grown up and in the latest fashion
That awkward interaction, the simmering passion
Throughout dinner, he’s clashing with Nina’s dad
He’s gnashing his teeth, all mad at the family he never had
Flashing back to his Mom’s pad in the projects of Gunhill
He ran away at 18, the memory is one still photograph
We had to pack in a hurry
I borrowed Mr. Rosario’s car, he’s probably worried

[BENNY]
Usnavi, just hurry

[USNAVI]
What!

[BENNY]
You’re taking all day!

[USNAVI]
That’s when we saw his mom shuffling down the same old hallway
A fly on the wall, hey, I was just a pair of eyes
On the night Benny gave mommy a sad surprise

[ALMA]
Benny, is that you?

[BENNY]
Yeah ma

[ALMA]
You just getting in?

[BENNY]
Yeah—I was—just go back to bed, alright

[ALMA]
Mira, I just wanted to apologize for before, for yelling

[BENNY]
It’s over

[ALMA]
It’s just that I get so scared when we fight
You storm out and I think that you’re never coming back...
What are you doing up?
It’s late

[BENNY]
I know

[ALMA]
What’s the suitcase for?
Usnavi, is that for you?

[BENNY]
Go back to bed

[ALMA]
You first
Tell me the truth, mi amor

[BENNY]
Mom, I’m leaving home
I can’t live here anymore; I’m grown

[ALMA]
So you want to leave me alone like your father

[BENNY]
I’m nothing like—

[ALMA]
Don’t bother

[BENNY]
So, you’re impossible

[ALMA]
Impossible?
I give my life and work two jobs each night
So I can raise you right
And the thanks I get when the day is done?
An ungrateful son on the run

[BENNY]
Oh, it’s like that, huh? Huh?
Well, what do I get? Do I even get a chance to speak?
You bring home a new motherfucker trying to be my dad each week

[ALMA]
—That’s not true!

[BENNY]
So Benny, how’s school? How’s class?
He’s got a little cash but he’s takin' pity on our broke ass
And when you’re through with his money, he’s out the door—
And that’s fine—it’s your life!
But I don’t gotta live it anymore
Usnavi’s got an extra room in his suite
I got my suitcase
Just get out my way, you're not stopping me

[ALMA]
The life we have and everything I do
Has been for you and only you
I guess I always knew you’d break my heart someday
Please stay...