Chereads / Festac / Chapter 6 - Episode 5(Hard Knock Life)

Chapter 6 - Episode 5(Hard Knock Life)

|POETIC INTRO|

"This is the ghetto

A place filled with suffering

A place filled with Love

ibi kún pẹlu agbara

Ebe jupụtara na udo

Wurin da gidan yake zaune

Na for here life start

Love Gives

Hate Takes "

GENERAL ABIOLA's MANSION, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS|

SIMI

(She walks into the huge corridor)

Ka a ale  Mummy

(She greets in Yoruba)

Dr SHADE

Good Evening my Daughter. Finally, I have you in my arms again!

(She embraces Simi, who had just returned from London)

SIMI

Mummy, that is okay. Besides, you were with me at Tope's wedding. I wasn't gone for that long, na, and I'm here for good now.

I'm not leaving your side again.

Dr SHADE

Thank you, my daughter; words can't even comprehend how I feel right now.

(She smiles at Simi)

SIMI

So how have you been, Mother? How is the Hospital doing?

Dr SHADE

Business is fine; we have opened more hospitals in the south and east, but we will need funding to keep them going.

SIMI

Do not worry besides The Baloguns, promised to help us; that is one of the reasons I came back!

"Within her sanity, she knew she came back for Taiwo"

Dr SHADE

You mean you came back for Taiwo; we both know you've had a crush on him since you were kids. To the rest of the family and me, this is a contract marriage but for you, Simi, this a dream come true!

(She teases Simi)

SIMI

Stop that, Mother; yes, I can't fight the feeling of relief and joy right now; I am marrying the man of my dreams.

(She blushes helplessly)

GENERAL ABIOLA

(He walks into the corridor singing his favourite to run a song"

"🎶Baba mo dupe oh🎶"

SIMI

Daddy!

(Simi screams as she rushed to hug her father)

GEN ABIOLA

My Baby girl, How are you?

Look at you so beautiful; you ain't even as close to the ground as before!

(He complimented)

SIMI

Stop it, Father. I wasn't gone for long; even if I added height, it wouldn't be that obvious.

Dr SHADE

(She noticed her husband was in the best of moods)

Ahh, Oko Mi, you seem to be in a good mood; you are glowing with so much excitement!

GEN ABIOLA

Ahh, why won't I be happy my baby girl is home, I got a call from Ayoola today; The company is about to launch the oil refinery here in Lagos, all we need is to seal that contract with The Baloguns, and for both sons of the Families to win the election.

Dr SHADE

Wow, Congratulations, my Love, meaning everything is in place. Chief Balogun called earlier and said there would be a meeting between both families  Concerning Simi and Taiwo's wedding.

SIMI

Wow, Mother, I'm so excited; thank you, Daddy

(She hugs him in excitement)

GEN ABIOLA

I think you should thank your Mother for that. I guess her conversation with Kate got to Chief.

SIMI

Thank you, Mother!

Dr SHADE

It's fine, dear; anything for you!

SIMI

By the way, where are my brothers? I haven't seen them around since I came.

Dr SHADE

Adeola has been transferred to the north; he is now a Major in the Army; Femi is busy with the election; you know he is running alongside Ayo for The Governorship of Lagos.

SIMI

Wow, that's great; very soon, Adeola will be a General like a father; certainly, Femi will be Deputy Governor. The Balogun's are The gods of Nigeria politics!

GEN ABIOLA

Relax, my dear; Adeola still have a long way to go before he gets there.

SIMI

I know, father, but I know he will get there. I also learnt that The Baloguns are making headlines; I think something about Mr Balogun caught on camera with his mistress.

GEN ABIOLA

Yes, my dear, but you shouldn't worry about that; I spoke to Chief Balogun about it; everything will be fine.

SIMI

I'm not worried, father; the Baloguns are powerful people; they always find a way to get what they want.

_____________________________________

MR AYO BALOGUNS MANSION, FESTAC LAGOS|

"Bisola Reacts to Chief's decision concerning the scandal"

Mrs B BALOGUN

No, you can't kick me out; this is my home and my life; I will fight for it!

(She stares angrily at Chief Balogunwho seemed to be enjoying watching her rant)

Mrs K BALOGUN

Bisola, it is very simple; it's either you accept Chiefs decision or leave!

Mrs B BALOGUN

Ma, I will advise you to keep your tongue in your mouth on this issue; this is between me, Ayo and Chief.

CHIEF BALOGUN

My decision is final Bisola; the choice is yours!

(He holds firmly to his golden walking stick)

BAYO

But Grandfather, you can't ask Dad to marry this woman; we can't accept her into the family just like that!

TEMI

I agree with Bayo; there must be some other way we can resolve this.

CHIEF BALOGUN

My decision is final; this is the best we can come up with; your father's poor choices affected the election, all eyes are on us; the only way we can make up for this is to make it official.

Mrs B BALOGUN

But Chief, how do you expect me to accept this? This isn't easy for me!

(Tears rolls down her cheeks)

CHIEF BALOGUN

I said what I said, and that is how it's going to be

Mrs B BALOGUN

You know what? Do whatever you all want to do, but Ayo, this isn't over.

(She walks out of the room)

TAIWO

Grandfather, must I tie the knot with Simi? I'm not ready for such commitment.

Mrs K BALOGUN

We have discussed this before, and we've decided that this must happen; you are the future of The Balogun's Legacy this must be done to secure your future!

ENIOLA

But Grandmother, countless times, Taiwo has said he has no feelings for Simi; I think it's unfair to make decisions on a man's future just because it's beneficial to all of us.

HON J BOLA

You have to understand that this must be done; the Abiola family are powerful people with much influence both financially and politically, especially in the military. We have been trying to dominate this region for a long time; we can't lose this opportunity just because of Taiwo's feelings.

TEMI

I understand this, uncle, but I think it's unfair to place political influence and power above the interests of individual family members. You claim this is for our future but what is the essence if our happiness are in chains?

CHIEF BALOGUN

That is okay; this is an issue that cannot be debated.

I have made arrangements with The Abiola's; this weekend, we will all gather to discuss and plan your wedding!

(He gazez at Taiwo, who denied his tongue the liberty to speak of his paranoia at that moment)

ENIOLA

Grandfather, I don't think I'm ready to work for the company, and besides, the company's structure doesn't suit me.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Eniola Balogun, You are a Masters's Degree Holder in Petroleum Engineering; how does this not fit into Festac Oil and Gas?

(She ask angry )

ENIOLA

Grandma, we all know I only did Petroleum because Grandpa said that is the only way I can be useful to the family business, but asking me to practice is something I'm not interested in!

CHIEF BALOGUN

I am certainly not interested in your opinion and your interest. If I were, you wouldn't be on this table; non of you will; You are all here because of me. I gave you power in your names, identity money can't buy, and the best you can find out there; I have sacrificed a lot for this family; so forgive me if I can't patronise your opinions and personal feelings, I believe this meeting is over if you would excuse me, I have somewhere else to be!

(He gets up to leave)

_____________________________________

MRS ADESOJI's MANSION VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS|

Mrs ADESOJI

How are you feeling now?

STELLA

I'm okay, mom; I'm just worried about Daniel, Mother we must save him!

(She appears frightened)

TONY

Leave that to us; worry about yourself.

STELLA

But we have to do something; you and I know this has something to do with The Elections.

Mrs ADESOJI

I will get your brother out safe and sound; I promise you!

(She adjusts Stella's pillow)

TONY

Mother, what did you do? This matter is getting out of hand, And we both know Chief wouldn't go this far if you didn't push him to.

Mrs ADESOJI

I did nothing, son.

(She avoids eye contact with Tony)

TONY

Mother, this is serious I know you; you did something to provoke The Balogun's; I will ask again, what did you do?

Mrs ADESOJI

Fine!

I did something. I threatened The NEC Chairman, Mrs Adesoji confessed. But why Mother, why the chairman of all people? Didn't we agree that you wouldn't do anything too suspicious? Chief wouldn't be happy about that.

(He scolds her)

Mrs ADESOJI

I'm sorry, son, I just had to do something about the election.

TONY

Mother, you went too far; you touched someone important to Chief. My hunch also tells me there is more to  your involvement in Ayo's Scandal  please tell me I'm wrong.

Mrs ADESOJI

Yes I planned everything !

(She confessed)

STELLA

But Mother, it would be best if you were careful; you are dealing with The Baloguns remember what they did to father; that family is dangerous.

Mrs ADESOJI

So what do we do? I can't lose your brother.

(She panics)

TONY

You will step down; there is no other way; we have no choice.

STELLA

As much as it pains me, I support Tony on this; Mother, Daniel's safety is important, Stella said. But this isn't over; trust me, the ball will be in our court again.

Mrs ADESOJI

I have heard you; I will step down; my son's life comes first, and I won't let history repeat itself; the Baloguns might have won this time again, but the game won't end here.

_____________________________________

MR AYO BALOGUNS MANSION, FETAC LAGOS|

"Maria walks into Temi's room"

MARIA

Good Morning.

TEMI

Good Morning Maria, how was your night?

MARIA

My night was okay, and yours?

TEMI

Mine was okay

(She pulls out some clothes from her wardrobe)

MARIA

Nanny said you requested my presence

TEMI

Oh yes, I need to ask a favour from you. Do you know exactly where Michael and his family live?

MARIA

Michael? Do you mean my Cousin Michael?

(I'm I right about my suspicions? She asked herself)

TEMI

Yes, dear Michael

MARIA

Yes, ma, I do; it's not far from that Club we picked Eniola from the other day; why do you ask, ma?

TEMI

Awelle was discharged from the hospital for some reason, so I was hoping I could convince them to bring her back.

MARIA

Oh, but why? Is she not okay now?

TEMI

Not at all, my dear; that child needs serious medical care; I haven't been able to get my mind off her ever since.

MARIA

(Is it just her you can't get off your mind? She teased Temi in her mind)

Oh, I hope it's not serious. Can I come with you?

TEMI

You are coming with me, dear; go and get ready. We leave in forty minutes.

MARIA

But shouldn't you be leaving for work in an hour?

TEMI

I'm on night duties, so I have the whole day to myself

MARIA

But wouldn't Michael be at work? How do you plan on seeing him?

TEMI

Michael is on night duties too; you ask too many questions, go and get ready and meet me downstairs in Forty Minutes!

MARIA

All right, ma, let me help you with your clothes.

(She requested to join Temi in picking out her outfit for the day)

TEMI

Oh no, it's fine, dear; I will do this myself.

MARIA

Are you sure?

TEMI

Yes, dear, go and get ready

"Mrs B Balogun walks into the room"

Mrs B BALOGUN

What are you doing, Temilade Balogun?

TEMI

Nothing, Mother, I am getting ready for work

(She avoids eye contact with her Mother)

"It wasn't in her nature to lie especially to her Mother; she couldn't even explain why she lied."

Mrs B BALOGUN

All right, join us for breakfast before you leave.  Maria join us too!

(She walks out of the room)

MARIA

Why did you lie?

(She couldn't help but wonder why Temi, of all people, would lie)

TEMI

I don't know Maria; I couldn't bring myself to tell her where I was going or what I was trying to do. By the way, hurry and get ready so we can have breakfast with the others before leaving.

MARIA

All right, ma, I will be going now.

(She walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

MR AYO BALOGUN HAS BREAKFAST WITH HIS FAMILY|

"Tina walks into the dining room"

TINA

Good Morning!

BAYO

(He drops his adultery)

Father, does she has to be here?

TAIWO

Bayo that is not nice. Just eat your food!

BAYO

Of Course, why wouldn't you come to her rescue? You both belong in the same box, outsiders who shouldn't be here!

Mrs AISHA

That is enough; what the hell is wrong with both of you this Morning? I didn't spend time raising you to fight all the time; you are brothers, for God's sake!

(She appears furious)

ENIOLA

Nanny, please calm down. It would be best if you weren't stressing yourself. You know this isn't good for your health.

TINA

Excuse me; I will be in my room.

(She turns to leave the room)

MR A BALOGUN

Sit down; in this house, we all have breakfast together, so please sit down.

(He points at one of the empty chairs)

TINA

Yes, sir!

(She pulls the empty seat towards her)

MR A BALOGUN

(He noticed Bisola hasn't said a word to him since the family meeting)

Bisola, how was your night?

BISOLA

(She avoids Ayos direction)

Sleepless, but I'm okay!

MR A BALOGUN

How about you, Tina? Did you sleep well?

TINA

Yes, Ayo, I did!

MR A BALOGUN

Hope you like the food?

TINA

Yes, it's nice!

Mrs B BALOGUN

(She couldn't pretend to be okay with Tina's presence)

You know what?

I thought I could put up with her being here, but I can't bring myself to come to terms with this!

(She walks out of the room)

MR A BALOGUN

Bisola!

ENIOLA

Dad, I think you should let her be!

BAYO

Breakfast is ruined. I hope you are happy now!

(He gets up to leave)

MR A BALOGUN

Sit down!

ṣe o ya were? Never walk out on me; you are not the only one on this table. Grow up!

( He walks out of the room)

BAYO

As you know, your days in this house are numbered.

(He gazed angrily at Tina)

ENIOLA

Let this girl breathe, na belle she get she nor kill person

BAYO

I don't know what is more annoying, the fact that Taiwo defended her earlier or your ignorance!

(He walks out of the room)

ENIOLA

I feel guilty for saying this because I should be on my mom's side, but my brother shouldn't have spoken to you that way. I do not want you here too, but I do not care that you are here.

(She walks out of the room)

TEMI

I apologize for my brother's behaviour. He shouldn't have spoken to you in that manner, I wish I could sit and talk, but I have somewhere to be.

(She gets up to leave)

TINA

I understand, I know I'm not welcome here, but I have nowhere to go; my mom won't let me come back home.

TEMI

It's fine, Tina; just stay out of my Mother's sight and know your place!

(She emphasised)

MARIA

Ma, the car is ready. We can go now.

TEMI

All right, let's go.

(She walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN INTERACTS WITH HIS VICTIMS AT A HIDDEN WELLHOUSE|

CHIEF BALOGUN

Do you know why you are here?

(He asked Daniel, who had several bruises on his face)

DANIEL

I do not care; I know my Mother won't let you get away with this!

(He struggles to keep his swollen eyes open)

CHIEF BALOGUN

Your Mother is certainly not worth half the dust on my shoes. If she were, you wouldn't be here kneeling before my feet

(He wears a devious smile)

DANIEL

Your words mean nothing to me; they melt off before they get to my eardrums; I certainly do not fear The Almighty Chief Balogun.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Relax; you will be fine if your Mother does the right thing.

MR ADETOLA

Chief, I'm sorry; please spare my life; I will make sure your son wins the elections!

CHIEF BALOGUN

Yes, you will, you have no choice, or I will do worse things to you, trust me losing your daughter cannot be the worse that can happen to you!

Mr ADETOLA

How did you know about that, Chief?

CHIEF BALOGUN

There is nothing that can be hidden from me, Mr Chairman; I am the king of Lagos.

Mr ADETOLA

I'm sorry, Chief, she killed one of my daughters, and I was scared she would finish off my remaining family.

(He knees before Chief)

CHIEF BALOGUN

Your life and that of your daughter and wife are in my hands; if you want them alive, you know what to do!

Mr ADETOLA

But Chief, Mrs Adesoji could kill them before then. Please, you must save them now

(He pleaded in tears)

CHIEF BALOGUN

No, she won't; she is too distracted to give a damn about your family; that is her son over there!

(He points at Daniel)

Mr ADETOLA

All right, Chief, I will do my best to make sure your son is announced the winner.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Untie him!

(Chief instructed one of his boys)

Mr ADETOLA

Thank you, Chief; I promise I won't fail you this time.

DANIEL

You and I know The Baloguns do not give a damn about anyone but themselves; my Mother will not give up so easily; if she killed one of your daughters, I assure you the other will follow.

"Shut up your mouth, one of Chief Balogun's men shouted as he drops a punch on Daniels's face"

CHIEF BALOGUN

I will tell you what to do with him when the time comes.

_____________________________________

TEMI AND MARIA FINALLY GETS TO MICHAEL's PLACE|

MARIA

This is the place; you can park over there.

TEMI

Michael and his family live here?

(She wondered why the place was so unkept and Razy)

MARIA

Mama Pecu, Good Afternoon ma.

MAMA PECU

Ahh, Maria my pikin how you dey? E don tay I see you oh.

(She hugs Maria)

MARIA

I'm fine. Oh, how is Peculiar?

MAMA PECU

Peculiar dey fine she don go school, you know say she Dey prepare for her primary six exam.

MARIA

Oh, that is good; Peculiar were you born which day here, she don big finish.

MAMA PECU

Yes, oh, I just Dey Thank my God every day. Ehen who be that girl were you follow come? That her car fine oh!

(She whispers to Maria as she watched Temi working towards her restaurant)

TEMI

Good Morning ma.

Good morning my dear

MARIA

Mama Pecu  this na my Madam, na her family house I dey work

MAMA PECU

Wow, welcome ma, Maria don tell us all the good things you Dey do for her and Auntie Aisha.

TEMI

Oh, ma, it's fine; Maria is very hard-working and loyal; she is family to me.

MARIA

Mama Pecu, you know if Michael Dey around?

MAMA PECU

Yes, e never tay he commot from here

MARIA

All right, thank you, we Dey come we won see Michael.

MAMA PECU

Oh, okay, no Walhalla, make una Dey careful oh hold Madam well well oh you know as this area be

"Maria and Temi walked into The compound The Adebayo are staying"

ONYINYE

Maria

(She screams in excitement as she rushed to hug her)

MARIA

How have you been?

ONYINYE

Very fine, oh, ahh, Doctor, what are you doing here? (She asked in surprise)

TEMI

I came to see you guys, especially Awelle!

ONYINYE

Wow, welcome please come in. Mama will be so happy to see you.

(They all walked into the house)

MARIA

Where are Michael and Awelle?

(She sits on one on the chairs)

ONYINYE

Oh, they are inside. Let me call them.

(She walks into one of the rooms)

MARIA

I know you are not familiar with places like this, (She noticed Temi who was struggling with the sagging chair)

TEMI

Oh no, I'm fine.

(She scans the room; she noticed most of the furniture were old, the curtains were torn, and the refrigerator in the dining room looked too old to function)

"Micheal walks into Sittingroom"

MICHAEL

Ahh, Dr Temi, what are you doing here?

(He asked in Surprise)

TEMI

Good Morning, Michael; I am here to see my patient

(She trembles at the sight of Michael's half-bareness)

MARIA

(She decided to use this opportunity to tease Temi a little)

Ahh, but I thought you said you came to see Michael?

TEMI

No, I didn't; I said I want to see Awelle, my patient.

"Awelle walks into the sitting room"

AWELLE

Auntie Temi!

(She hugs Temi)

TEMI

My Love, how are You?

(She carries her on her lap)

AWELLE

I'm fine; you are looking beautiful today!

TEMJ

Aww, Thank you, my Love!

"Mrs Adebayo walks into the sitting room"

MRS ADEBAYO

Where is Maria?

MARIA

Auntie,Good Morning, Ma

Mrs ADEBAYO

Good Morning my dear; how are you?

MARIA

I'm fine ma, how is everything?

Mrs ADEBAYO

We Dey fine my pikin, na just Awelle Dey sick.

TEMI

Mummy, Good Morning ma.

Mrs ADEBAYO

Good Morning, my dear; this face looks familiar.

MARIA

Oh yes, mama, she's Mr Ayo Balogun's second daughter; she was in the car that day we dropped you and Micheal at the hospital; she's also The Doctor that attended to Awelle at the hospital.

Mrs ADEBAYO

I remember her; Michael mentioned her name to me earlier.

MICHAEL

Mama!!!

TEMI

Wow, he did? What did he say, mama?

ONYINYE

(This is the perfect moment to tease Michael)

He said you are different from all the other Doctors, that you were the only one who cared enough to ask after Awelle when she was discharged.

MICHAEL

You know you have a big mouth, right?

(He walks towards Onyinye)

TEMI

Let the girl be; she's just speaking the truth!

AWELLE

My Daddy said you are a beautiful and good woman.

(She dangles Temi's earrings)

MICHAEL

So Dr Temi, what can we offer you?

(He attempted to alter the topic of the conversation)

TEMI

Oh no, I am fine, don't worry.

ONYINYE

No, that is not possible. You are our guest; courtesy demands that we offer you something.

MARIA

Ahh, what about me? You didn't ask me what I want oh!

MICHAEL

Why will I ask you? You are not a visitor here.

TEMI

I'm fine, really don't bother.

Mrs ADEBAYO

No, we insist; Onyinye come collect money make you buy them malt.

(She untitles her wrapper to give Onyinye money)

TEMI

I came here to see how Awelle was doing, but I must confess I am also here for something else; I am requesting that Awelle comes back to the hospital and do the surgery.

Mrs ADEBAYO

We want that too, Doctor.

But we Dey very rich this period.

MICHAEL

We talked about this before; we all want her to get treated, but as mama said, we can't do that now; I will have to save up at least enough to start the treatment.

TEMI

I am aware of this, but I insist that she return to the hospital; I will take care of the bills.

"Onyinye walks into the room with two cans of malt in her hands"

ONYINYE

Ahh, Dr Temi, are you serious?

Mrs ADEBAYO

Dr Temi, that will be too much on you. Are you sure you can do that?

TEMI

Yes, ma, I can, and I want to!

MICHEAL

Don't stress yourself, Dr Temi; I will come up with something before the month runs out.

TEMI

That may be too late, I hate to say this, but her case is complicated and needs immediate attention; please do not deny me of my ability to help her and do not deprive her of this opportunity. It's not about us it's about her wellbeing.

MARIA

Michael, this will be best for her; please think about it; Temi drove down here because of this; please accept her offer.

MICHAEL

I will accept, but you are lending us, and I promise we will pay you back in full.

ONYINYE

Thank you, ma.

TEMI

It's fine. The most important thing is that she gets better

Mrs ADEBAYO

Thank you, Doctor, may my God in heaven reward you

TEMK

Amen, Mama, thank you too for accepting my help.

(She gets up to leave)

MICHAEL

Ahh, are you leaving now?

TEMI

Yes, but I will visit from time to time; I will be expecting you to bring her to the hospital tomorrow!

MICHAEL

All right, let me see you off!

_____________________________________

"Micheal Accompany's Temi to her car. Maria, Onyinye and Awelle walks behind them"

TEMI

Is it always this noisy over here?

MICHAEL

Yes, na the ghetto be this na, na for here hustling and struggle start oh

(He attempted to sound street)

TEMI

Wow, I must confess I have never seen anything like this before, but I love that it's all-natural.

MICHAEL

Thank you, Dr Temi, for appreciating us and offering to help I and my family.

TEMI

It's fine, Michael; I have to go now; see you later this evening.

(She steps into her Range Rover. Maria says her goodbye to her cousins)

MICHAEL

Alright take care, Maria greeted Granny for me.

(He waves at them)

_____________________________________

MR AYO BALOGUNS MANSION FESTAC LAGOS|

TAIWO

Father, have you seen this?

(He reads out the Headline)

"Mrs Adesoji a governorship aspirant has pulled out from the Election"

MR A BALOGUN

Give that to me!

(He takes the Tablet from him)

_____________________________________