From On Air - Spring 2003

Truth or Consequences

PCI’s new radio program in Mexico, Ombligos al Sol (Bellybuttons to the Sun), is written, produced, and hosted by young adults, and is geared to an adolescent audience. Like all PCI programs, Ombligos is designed to educate and motivate people to live healthier lives.

The program follows a broadcast magazine format, and includes news, music, testimonials, a mini-drama, and expert advice on the topic of the week. Since its debut in November, the show has examined topics important to its target audience, including promiscuity, family violence, anorexia and bulimia, and illegal drugs.

In these scenes from episode two of the mini-drama, Jessica (17 years old) and Bety (18) discuss the consequences of Jessica’s involvement with her boyfriend Ruy (19).

(sounds of cars going by, then footsteps)

Jessica: Bety! I’m five days late!

Bety: What?! Didn’t you use anything?

Jessica: Well, Ruy and me, we fell in love and ...

Bety: Don’t kid yourself – you were in heat!

Jessica: I guess so. Anyway, no one was home, and Ruy would be crushed if we didn’t, so we took a chance. To tell you the truth, it would have been so hard to ask him to use a condom.

Bety: And what about Ruy?

Jessica: Well, he didn’t say anything either, so we went ahead. But I counted, and I don’t think it was a day that was too risky.

Bety: But rhythm is no guarantee, especially for you, since you’re irregular. Why don’t we go buy a pregnancy test?

(the sound of a door opening and closing)
Bety: We’re in luck, no one’s home.

Jessica: Let’s get to the bathroom!

(footsteps)

Bety: Did you understand the instructions?

Jessica: More or less. Bety, this can’t be happening to me!

(doorbell rings)

Bety: Stay here and do the test, I’ll see who it is.

(doors open and close)

Ruy: What are you doing here? Is Jessica home?

Bety: She’s busy in the bathroom. (after a pause) I’ll be right back.

(footsteps)

Bety: (in a low voice) Jess, hurry up! What are you doing in there?

Jessica: Shut up, Bety. My hands are shaking, and the truth is that I’m afraid to find out. Who’s at the door?

Bety: Ruy. I said nothing.

Jessica: (door opens) Here, take care of this, it’s almost done, and I’ll go see Ruy.

(footsteps)

Ruy: Hi, Jess. Listen, what are we going to do about what you told me yesterday? You know, if you’re …

Bety: (from the other room) Hey Jess! It came out clear!

Ruy: What?

Jessica: The pregnancy test came out negative!

Ruy: That’s great! I was freaking out. From now on, we’ve got to use condoms.

Jessica: Listen, Ruy, I never want to go through a scare like that again.

Ruy: Me, neither. (tenderly) See you later.

Jessica: Bye.

(They kiss goodbye, and the door closes.)

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