Chereads / Festac / Chapter 7 - Ep6 (Laughter & Goosebumps)

Chapter 7 - Ep6 (Laughter & Goosebumps)

|POETIC INTRO|

"She found peace in the silence.

Even in fear, she found love. LaughterTears in one box. GoosebumpsSadness on both cheeks.

She found a home in rubber spoons! Though she was born with a silver spoon! She found pleasure gazing at his bareness! Though she's been with no one!

OMG!

Who the hell is she? 🌚

I hope she brings you Laughter & Goosebump"

LAGOS STATE TELEVISION REPORT BREAKING NEWS|

"Happysad the public is that Mrs Adesoji, a governorship aspirant, pulled out from the elections yesterday morning. The NEC Chairman, Mr Adetola, announced Mr Ayo Balogun as the next governor of Lagos state this afternoon. It comes with a lot of shock and mixed feelings; we cannot speak for the public, but we are very certain the general public is asking, "what could have made Mrs Adesoji pull out at the dying minute?"

Rumours have it that it was no coincidence that she took this decision twenty-four hours after her daughter, Stella Adesoji, was involved in a car accident on the third mainland bridge. It's been a trending topic on Twitter that Stella's misfortune and Mrs Adesoji's sudden political decisions are intertwined. Ocsthoughts, a popular influencer on Twitter, said that;

"it is no coincidence that Mrs Adesoji pulled out from the elections hours after her daughter was involved in a car accident; I strongly believe there is more to this story. Has her Family's safety been compromised? If it has, who is responsible? Could it be The Balogun's?"

At this moment, nobody knows the exact reasons for Mrs Adesoji's decision to pull out, but we are hoping for an official statement from Mrs Adesoji and her Family.

This is;

Michael Henrietta, reporting from LST News!"

Mrs ADESOJI WATCHES THE LST NEWS FROM HER ROOM|

Mrs ADESOJI

You will pay for this, Chief Balogun!

(She flings her glass of whisky at the television screen)

STELLA

(She dishes into the room)

Ahh, Mother, what is the problem?

Mrs ADESOJI

I can't accept this. I worked a lot for this election. I should be the winner; I should be the one getting the congratulations.

(She vents)

STELLA

Calm down, mother; this isn't good for your health, it's just an election, and there is always a next time. You just damaged a seven millionaire worth of flat screen.

Mrs ADESOJI

Just an election?

Do you think it's just an election? This is our future in their hands. The Balogun's murdered your Father, they got away with this, but I cannot let them get away with this one.

(She drops her buttocks on the bed)

STELLA

(He walks into the room)

Mother, relax, please; I am pleading with you to take it easy!

Dad wouldn't have been happy to see you like this.

TONY

(He walks into the room)

What happened here?

STELLA

Mother was watching the news earlier; Mr Ayo Balogun has been announced as the governor of Lagos State so she smashed the Television to solve her problem!

Mrs ADESOJI

I will make everybody in that Family suffer even if it's the last thing I do before I die; I won't spare a soul. Everyone will suffer the consequences of Chief Balogun's action.

STELLA

Don't talk like that, please; doing that wouldn't make you any different from Chief Balogun; his Family has nothing to do with this. He alone should face the consequences of his actions

Mrs ADESOJI

I do not care; if becoming a demon will give me the justice I deserve, then so be it!

STELLA

But Mother, you shouldn't say these things; Chief alone did this, not the entire Family; Father will turn in his grave if he witnesses the words that are proceeding out of your mouth right now!

Mrs ADESOJI

(She drops her left palm on Stella's right cheek)

Leave your Father out of this, do not blackmail me with the one I love the most in this world!

TONY

Mother, that is okay!

(He stands in their middle)

STELLA

Did you just slap me?

(Rubs her right cheek with her left hand)

Mrs ADESOJI

I did and will do it again if you do not walk out of this room this minute!

TONY

Mother, that's enough, Stella; go to bed, please!

_____________________________________

THE TABLE AND PARTY MEMBERS CONGRATULATIONS THE BALOGUNS|

MR ALI

Finally, you made it happen congratulations Chief Balogun.

(He shakes hands with Chief Balogun)

CHIEF BALOGUN

Thank you, Mr Ali.

Mrs AJAYI

Again, the Balogun's have proven themselves worthy of being called gods among men!

MR A BALOGUN

Thank you, words can't express my gratitude to you and The Table for your never-ending love and support.

MR FEMI ABIOLA

(Deputy Gov)

Thank you, Ma, for your words of Advice to us, we might have struggled and made many mistakes on our journey here, but your words and your consistent support kept us going.

Mrs AJAYI

You are welcome, my sons. Now that The Table has given you both what you want, I hope you pay your debts and stay loyal to your predecessors!

"General Abiola notice Mrs Ajayi wasn't speaking from a place of love. She was jealous of  his son and Ayo's achievements. After all, she is the only surviving member of the unfortunate five who attempted to dethrone Chief from The Table years ago"

GEN ABIOLA

There is no need to sound so threatening; I believe Mr Governor and his Deputy will do their best to make us proud.

Mrs AJAYI

General Abiola, it's so nice to see you; I wouldn't apologize for what I said. You alone are responsible for your opinion of my choice of words in your head. I would not hold you accountable for putting to death the views of the one who altered the words you choose to be judge over.

(She walks away)

GEN ABIOLA

Congratulations my son and my future-in-law, G

MR F ABIOLA

Thank you, Father, for your love and support

MR A BALOGUN

I appreciate your support, my In-law.

GEN ABIOLA

You are welcome; with both family sons in power, I know our future has been safeguarded.

CHIEF BALOGUN

(He walks in on their conversation)

Yes, it has, and I hope you both live up to our expectations; the Table has sacrificed a lot to ensure you both get here

MR A BALOGUN

Yes, Father, we know you, and The Table did everything in your power to get us here. On behalf of Femi and I, we promise to do our best to Make The Table proud.

MR F ABIOLA

Yes, sir, we guarantee you.

CHIEF BALOGUN

That is good, sons; there is no room for fallacy. The Table is an organization consisting of powerful men and women who are ready to fight, possess and Possess power at all levels.

MR A BALOGUN

Father, we understand all that The Table expects from us.

GEN ABIOLA

By the way, I hope you have not forgotten that we will meet at your place this Friday to discuss and plan Taiwo's and Simi's wedding?

MR F ABIOLA

I was about to ask about that; I do not know how long Simi can hold that voice inside of her asking her to go Crazy.

(He attempts to create humour)

MR A BALOGUN

Oh no, I cannot forget that we are all meeting at my place on Friday. Before I forget, you and your Family are also invited to a private home party to celebrate our victory in the elections.

GEN ABIOLA

Wow, that is nice; I will tell Shade about it; we won't miss it for anything in the world, though when would be?

MR A ABIOLA

It's on Saturday, sir, the day after The family meeting.

GEN ABIOLA

All right, we will be there!

_____________________________________

MR AYO BALOGUN's MANSION. FESTAC, LAGOS|

"Mrs B Balogun walks down the stairs"

Mrs B BALOGUN

Where is your Father?

BAYO

He isn't home yet. He said he and Grandfather have to be somewhere today.

Mrs B BALOGUN

Did he say where?

BAYO

No mother, but I heard him saying something about The Table and the elders. Do you know anything about that?

Mrs B BALOGUN

Oh, The Table, no, I don't!

(She pretence to not have a clue)

"Mrs B Balogun didn't know much about The Table, but she knew its membership could only be bought with money, influence and power; they are the government that controls the government"

BAYO

all right, mother, I have to leave now. I'm meeting up with some of my friends.

(He getsvup to leave)

Mrs B BALOGUN

Friends? You only have two friends, Chike and Ken

(She teased)

BAYO

Whatever, mother, I have to leave now.

(He kisses her forehead)

Mrs B BALOGUN

Take care of yourself; ask my driver to come with you because I know once you are with the boys, all you do is party and drink.

BAYO

All right, mother, I will take him along.

(He walks out of the room)

MARIA

(She walks into the sitting room)

Ma, Your Fitness Coach is here

"Mrs B Balogun decided to get a personal trainer. She kept wondering why Ayo will cheat. Maybe it has something to do with her looks"

Mrs B BALOGUN

Oh, all right, let me go upstairs to change.

(She gets up to leave)

"Tina Walks down the stairs"

TINA

Maria, is Ayo Back yet?

Mrs B BALOGUN

Ayo? You are not yet his wife, and you have already made yourself comfortable to the point that you call my husband by his name.

(She approaches Tina)

TINA

(She rolls her eyes at Bisola)

Ma, I was talking to Maria, not you.

(She walks up the stairs)

Mrs B BALOGUN

Do not turn your back on me when I'm still talking!

(She grabs Tina hair)

TINA

Ahh, let me go. You are hurting me, Bisola!

(She screams)

MARIA

Ma, please let her go; it doesn't have to get to this.

Mrs B BALOGUN

Let who go? This slut? Never.

(She pushes Tina to the ground)

Mrs AISHA

Bisola, that's enough.

(She approaches the scene)

Mrs B BALOGUN

Let me be Nanny. Let me finish this girl off!

(She accidentally pushed Mrs Aisha towards the glass table)

"Maria rushes to call Taiwo who was upstairs with Eniola"

TAIWO

What is happening here? That is enough.

(He succeeded in separating Tina from Bisola)

TINA

She started it!

(She holds her bleeding nose)

Mrs B BALIGUN

Taiwo, stay out of this; this is between me and that witch behind you!

TAIWO

No, mother, I won't! What is wrong with both of you? Father steps out a bit, and you both see it as an opportunity to kill each other? I do not care who is at fault here; this has to stop!

"Eniola notices Mrs Aisha is bleeding"

ENIOLA

Nanny, is that blood on your uniform?

Mrs AISHA

I'm fine; it's nothing

MARIA

No, Grandmother, you are bleeding.

(She rushes to Mrs Aisha)

Mrs AISHA

I'm fine!

(She falls to the ground)

ENIOLA

Nanny!

(She rushes to her)

TAIWO

Maria get my car key now; Eniola, tell Mario to open the gates immediately!

(He lifts Mrs Aisha's body from the ground)

Mrs B BALOGUN

Taiwo, what happened to her? Will she be fine?

(Tears rolls down her cheeks)

TAIWO

I do not know; we have to get her to the hospital right now.

MARIA

(She rushes downstairs with Taiwo's car key)

I have the key. Let's leave now, please.

(She panics in tears)

ENIOLA

(She rushes back into the house)

The gate is open. Let's go now!

TAIWO

All right, mother, come with us. I can't leave both of you together before you kill yourselves.

Tina, if Dad comes home, tell him we took Nanny to the hospital!

(He rushes out)

_____________________________________

FESTAC CENTRAL HOSPITAL|

TEMJ

How are you feeling?

(She asked Awelle who complained of headache earlier)

AWELLE

I'm fine.

I'm hungry!

MICHAEL

What do you want to eat?

AWELLE

(She smiles)

My favourite!

ONYINYE

Fried Rice is expensive; Awelle, please pick something else.

MICHAEL

Will you take swallow? You know you need strength right now.

(He tries to convince her)

AWELLE

I will eat anything; I understand that we need to save for Onyinye's schooling.

MICHAEL

Good Girl!

TEMI

(She brings out her Debit card)

Take this, please get Awelle what she wants; buy something for yourself too.

ONYINYE

Ahh, Ma, don't worry. You have done a lot for us; this is too much

MICHAEL

Dr Temi, don't stress yourself. We will be all right.

TEMI

I insist!

"nineteenth ninety-nine"that is the pin.

(She forces the Debit Card into Onyinyes hands)

ONYINYE

Thank you so much, ma

TEMI

You don't have to thank me; please hurry up. Time is of the essence, and this child is hungry.

ONYINYE

All right, Michael, do you want anything? Onyinye asked. Oh no, get something for Yourself. I will take care of myself, Michael said.

ONYINYE

All right, I'm leaving now.

(She walks out of the room)

MICHAEL

Thank you for everything, Dr Temi; words can't express my gratitude for all you've done for my Family.

TEMI

It's all right, Michael; the most important thing is that she undergoes surgery as soon as possible

(She arranges Awelle's hair)

AWELLE

What is Surgery?

(She gazes at Temi)

TEMI

Surgery is a medical procedure done to ensure a patient gets well.

AWELLE

Oh, does it hurt? Is it bitter?

MICHAEL

(He joins Temi in laughing out loud)

Oh, no, baby surgery is not a drug; it's just a medical procedure.

AWELLW

What is a procedure?

(She appears confused)

MICHAEL

It is all the activities done to ensure that you get well.

AWELLE

Oh, but I thought that was the work of drugs. You told me I always have to take my medications to get well. Why, then, do I need surgery?

MICHAEL

Emmm, Dr Temi, can you help me out here?

(He couldn't control the tendency to laugh out loud again)

TEMI

What do you want me to say?

(She laughs out loud)

AWELLE

Don't tell me you don't know the difference.

(She mocks Michael)

TEMI

Oh God, Awelle, if you continue with this, I will laugh out my whole stomach.

MICHAEL

You know what you are doing isn't fair; you don make loose guard for where this girl dey.

TEMU

How is that my fault? It isn't my fault that you couldn't make her understand.

AWELLE

Since he can't do that, why don't you help him out!

TEMI

I will try; Drugs are Chemical substances administrated into the human body to ensure a patient gets well, while surgery is the treatment of injuries or diseases in a patient by cutting open the body and removing or repairing the damaged part.

AWELLE

Wow, I get it now, so a drug is a substance taken into the body to make me well, while surgery is when you fix a problem in the body by opening the body!

TEMI

Exactly my love.

AWELLE

Wow, I'm going to be a doctor like you when I grow up

TEMI

Then you have to get well and study very hard so that you can become even better Doctor than I am.

AWELLE

All right, I will do that!

"Onyinye runs into the room. She struggles with her breathing"

ONYINYW

Bro Michael, I just saw Grandma Aisha at the emergency ward. She was bleeding seriously.

MICHAEL

What did you say? Slow down who did you see?

ONYINYE

She was with Maria, that guy that dropped you and Mama the other day at the hospital. A young lady and a woman was with them, too.

TEMI

Do you mean Taiwo and my sister are here too? I have to check up on Nanny. Please look after Awelle. I will be back!

(She gets up to leave)

MICHAEL

Wait, I'm coming with you!

TEMI

What do you mean you are coming with me?

You should stay with Awelle. I will be back!

MICHAEL

That woman may not be my biological Grandmother but she treats me like a son. She's my Grandmother. I can't be at peace till I see her, and by the way, Onyinye is here with Awelle.

TEMI

All right, let's go.

(They both walk out of the room)

_____________________________________

"Temi stops running she rests her back on the wall"

MICHAEL

Are you all right?

( He noticed Temi's trembling hands)

TEMI

I'm fine. Can we rest a bit?

MICHAEL

Relax, Temi, everything will be fine. Granny will be fine.

(He places both hands on her shoulders$

TEMI

What if it's serious? I can't bear to see her in a bad situation; that woman took care of me my whole life.

(Tears rolls down her cheek)

MICHAEL

Look at me; everything will be okay. I understand that you can help but worry, but do not let the fear of the unknown steal your right to hope she's a strong woman, and besides, we do not know for certain what happened or how serious it is.

(He pulls her close to him)

TEMI

(She wipes her tears off her face)

All right, I'm calm now. Let's go.

_____________________________________

THE WAITING ROOM|

MARIA

(She rushes to the first person who steps out of the room)

Doctor, how is my Grandmother doing!

NURSE RACHAEL

Oh, sorry ma, I'm a nurse here.

ENIOLA

But you stepped out of the room. You have seen her, so how is she?

NURSE RACHAEL

I can't say anything, ma. I was sent to get something. When the doctor comes out, he will give you details concerning the patient.

(She turns to leave)

ENIOLA

But you saw her; you know that if anything happens to my Nanny, you all will pay for it with your lives!

TAIWO

That's enough, Eniola. You heard her. She's just a Nurse. Let's wait for the Doctor

ENIOLA

For how long, Taiwo? How long will we wait? Why did we even bring her here? We should have brought her to a better Branch.

Mrs B BALOGUN

This is the closest hospital to us; she was bleeding seriously. We had no choice Eniola!

ENIOLA

Let me be, mother; I am not talking to you; this is all your fault. I don't get why you can't just let Tina be!

Mrs B BALOGUN

I'm sorry.

(Tears rolls down her cheeks)

ENIOLA

You are sorry?

Will sorry fix the problem?

MARIA

Please, that's okay yelling at each other won't solve the problem. Granny needs our support now.

TAIWO

I agree with Maria. Let's relax and wait for the doctor!

"Temi rushes into the room with Michael"

TEMI

Mother, what happened?

MICHAEL

(He walks up to Maria)

What happened to Granny?

MARIA

I don't know, Michael, the doctor hasn't told us anything.

MICHAEL

Come here; everything will be fine.

(He hugs her)

TEMI

What exactly happened? What led to this?

ENIOLA

Mother and Tina got into a fight Nanny tried to stop them, but she got hurt by the glass table at home,

"Dr Yemi walks out of the room"

MARIA

Doctor, how is Granny?

Dr YEMI

Your Grandmother is fine. She just lost a lot of blood, she is stable for now, but she will need a blood transfusion to recover completely.

TEMI

Can we see her?

Dr YEMI

Not yet, she's still unconscious and under observation.

TAIWO

So what do we do about the blood transfusion?

Dr YEMI

According to her Medical history, her blood type is  O negative, so all we have to do is find a donor.

MICHAEL

I'm O negative, Dr Yemi. I can donate.

Mrs B BALOGUN

Excuse me!

Please, who are you?

TEMI

Sorry mother, this is Michael Nanny's Grandson

Mrs B BALOGUN

But Aisha only had one daughter who had only Maria, so how come?

MARIA

He is the son of my mother's half-sister.

Mrs B BALOGUN

Oh, I get it now, you mean step Grandson!

TAIWO

Mother, stop!

Dr YEMI

Since you claim you are a match, we have to run a test to confirm and see your medical records to know if you are fit to be a donor.

MICHAEL

All right, sir, I'm ready.

TEMI

Wait a minute, are you sure about this?

MICHAEL

Yes, I am. Please check up on Awelle and Onyinye. I will go in with the doctor now.

(He walks out of the room with Dr Yemi)

_____________________________________

CLUB FREE YOUR MIND, FESTAC LAGOS|

"Bayo goes for a drink with his friends"

CHIKE

Guys, it's been a while since we gathered like this. Bayo Grandfather won use work kill all of us!

(He sips his glass of whiskey)

KEN

I swear I haven't slept well for days; all my body just dey pain me

(He relaxes his back on one of the leather chairs)

CHIKE

(He notice Bayo is unusually quiet)

Bayo this one you quiet since, hope say everything dey all right?

BAYO

I'm fine, guys. I just have a lot on my mind.

(He sips his bottle of beer)

KEN

What I the problem? Nor tell me say girl don break your heart again?

CHIKE

Which girl? Only one girl can keep breaking this man's heart, and that is Simi!

(He teased)

KEN

Bro, don't tell me this is still about that girl?

BAYO

Guys, she's marrying my brother. It hurts so much!

KEN

I understand how you feel, Bayo, but you must move on. You have tried. You need to understand that sometimes, the beauty is in the attempt; you have been crazy over that girl since we were kids, but right from the start, she loved your brother more than herself

CHIKE

Yeah, Ken is right on this; you can't force love; the heart wants what it wants, and there is nothing you can do about it!

BAYO

But I have put in too much work. I cannot give up; what do Taiwo have that I do not? Forget that first-son courtesy. I am the favourite to take over the company. Even Taiwo knows this

KEN

Bro, you need to understand that love, is not just about what you are; Simi is not the materialistic type. She is similar to Temi in many ways, and besides, she's from a wealthy home.

BAYO

Her Family may be rich and influential in many ways, but they are nothing compared to The Balogun; their wealth is a pinch of what we've got. That is one of the reasons General Abiola is very happy about the union,

CHIKE

We all know that Chief wants something in return, and you know Simi is crazy over Taiwo, so you shouldn't think she's interested in Taiwo for the money.

BAYO

Sometimes I wonder whose side you both are on. I thought you should be supporting me here.

(He gets up to leave)

KEN

Guy, relax; we are your friends. We have had your back since day one; we love you that is why we are telling you the truth. Even If we support you on this, it won't change a thing; your Family has chosen Taiwo as the favourite to seal the contract for the Family, The Abiola's prefer Taiwo, and Simi wants Taiwo, not you; you have to come to terms with these facts!

"Chike witnesses Simi walking into the Bar"

CHIKE

Wait a minute, is that not Simi? The girl in black

KEN

(He turns to look)

I think she is.

BAYO

She's the one. What's she doing here? I need to find out.

CHIKE

Don't tell me you are going there?

BAYO

Yes, I am going there. I need to talk to her. We haven't spoken in a while.

KEN

That's not a good idea. I don't support this

(He calls one of the waiters to get them more drinks)

BAYO

I do not care what you guys think. I'm going there now!

(He walks out on them)

KEN

Watin dey do your friend? He nor won chill for this girl matter?

CHIKE

I'm tired of his obsession with her. I pray he knows what his doing.

_____________________________________

"Bayo walks up to Simi"

BAYO

Good evening, Simi. How are you doing?

SIMI

Hello Bayo good-evening, I'm doing okay and you?

BAYO

I'm fine, can I sit?

SIMI

Of course, you can, Bayo.

BAYO

So what are you up to these days? Why are you here?

SIMI

Nothing much, just trying to adjust to the weather; I'm here to see your brother. We both agreed to meet up.

BAYO

Well, Taiwo is doing what he does best by keeping a woman waiting!

(He signals one of the waiters to come)

SIMI

Don't bother about that. I'm fine; I just came here to catch up with my fiancée.

BAYO

Why didn't you ever consider me? You know I have been crazy over you since we were kids

SIMI

You know the answer to that question, Bayo, I am crazy over your brother, and I can't and wouldn't apologize for that!

BAYO

What does he has that I don't possess? I can do a lot for you, things you can only imagine.

A million Models of that wheel with a three-end pointed logo surrounded by a perfect circle. Crazy exotic fine cotton and linen designers, your ears will host the best jewellery.

SIMI

My ego wants to say the worse to you. However, for the love and respect I have for your brother I will be careful with what I say.

You may have a consistent cash flow in dollars, but it bothers me that you speak of it with no shame; you were born with a silver spoon but still don't make you worthy of my love!

(She gets up to leave)

BAYO

That wedding won't hold; before then, you will realize that I am every lady's dream man.

Look around you; every lady's eyes in this room are on me; grab me before you lose me.

SIMI

You may be the average lady's standard of value, but certainly not mine. Though I wish you the best, May you put a ring on the fingers of the one for you half an hour before she figures out your ego is the best you've got; Good Evening, Bayo

(She walks out on him)

_____________________________________