Lena feels it in her jaw first. The dull ache of dread, the knife of anticipation. Her mother had never given much away. For women like Amara, there is always something underneath. At its best, it serves as tacit assurance, but right now it feels like a warning.
Even if she’d refused her mother’s offer, Lena was smart enough to know she’d have ended up here anyway: stoic and tight with fists clenched, nails burrowed into her palm as distraction. With parents like hers, it was easier to be willing; to tread water until the ground felt solid beneath you. Lena was well aware of what her presence meant to a crowded room. She would just have to trust that the sea would soon clear, and that for once a familial promise would take root in the earth instead of the waves.
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(transcript + translation below)
(Amara): [Low, sudden] Roll down your sleeves.
(Lena): Huh?
(Amara): Don’t argue. Your name is on this building and your clothes should reflect that.
(Lena): Okay, Mami I’m not trying to-
(Amara): [Hushed] Si esto no funciona, nos quedamos sin opciones, Lena. He pasado meses manteniendo a raya a estos cerdos pero no durarán mucho más. (If this doesn't work, we're out of options, Lena. I've spent months keeping these pigs at bay but they won't last much longer.)
(Lena): Entiendo eso mami, pero ¿qué quieres exactamente de mí? […I understand that mum, but what exactly do you wa-]
(Receptionist): –Ah, Mrs Scott…and Miss Scott! So good to see you both. Please follow me.
[***]
(Amara): [Upon arrival] It’s good to see you all.
(Robert): There’s no need for pleasantries Amara, the sooner we can get things in order, the better.
(Amara): It’s not a crime to show civility Robert, but since you’re in a mood, I’ll be frank: I understand there’s been some turbulence of late. I know that the Scott group isn’t living up to its potential. If you continue to trust in me, I’d like to change that.
(Gregory): –I’m sorry Amara, but if I may? I believe I speak for all of us when I say that turbulence is putting it lightly. Shareholders have been pulling out left and right, there’s talk of delisting it from the exchange and while I know you’ve experienced some…personal tragedy, I can’t help but wonder if your continued involvement would do more harm than good.
(Amara): Excuse me?
(Robert): It’s not personal of course. You know I’ve supported you..and your family from the beginning, but the writing’s on the wall. The Scott group has done great work in the past and we believe it can again…We’re just not sure if you’re the person to lead us.
(Amara): [Icy] …I see. So when’s the vote?
[The board members all uncomfortable share looks]
(Linda): [Quiet, sheepish] It’s in 4 weeks.
(Amara): Okay. Well in the interest of candor I’ll say this: When my husband and I started this company, it was with the hope of taking property to the next level, and providing housing in communities that needed it most. I know lines have blurred. I know that Winston made…errors in judgement, but the reason you all sit in this room is because of me. Most companies that have dealt with such difficulties would be non-existent. It’s a testament to my passion and intelligence that after everything this heart and soul of this company remains.
(Pravesh): Amara please-
(Amara): [standing up] Enough! I understand that the needs of the business must come first, but I must warn you now that I do not take this opposition lightly. If you are on the wrong side of the river when my boat comes to pass, I will not throw you a life jacket as you get washed off the bank. Do I make myself clear?
