|POETIC INTRO|
In our heads,
there are things we never want to reminisce about.
But in our reality,
some circumstances remind us that our past shaped us into the being we have become.
We live in the shadows of our sins till will repent of them!
Karma is the reflection of the consequences of our actions
Just as reaping that which we sow is the essence of our existence🦅
{no puedes sobornar tu Camino a la existencia}
_____________________________________
{Flash Back}> June 13th 2001!
FESTAC MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. LAGOS IKAJA|
"Ayo visits Mrs Adebisi Balogun at the hospital"
Mrs ADEBISI BALOGUN
How is my son doing?
Mr A BALOGUN
Taiwo is fine, my Love; your boy just turned Nine.
(He holds his sick wife's hands)
Mrs ADEBISI BALOGUN
Can I see him one last time before I go
(Tears roll down her eyes)
Mr A BALOGUN
Stop this, please, nothing will happen to you; the Doctor recommended a new treatment though it's not stable, there is hope!
Mrs ADEBISI BALOGUN
Please don't bother about that, Ayo; I have accepted my fate
(She wears a smile on her paled face)
Mr A BALOGUN
Nothing will happen to you
Mrs ADEBISI BALOGUN
I want to see my son
Mr A BALOGUN
I will ask Mr Adebayo to bring him now, excuse me I will be back in a minute
(He walks out of the Vip room)
_____________________________________
THE WAITING ROOM|
"Chief Balogun and Kate approach Ayo immediately after he came out from the room"
Mrs K BALOGUN
How is she doing?
Mr A BALOGUN
I don't know, mom, but I don't want to lose hope; Uncle Akande said there is hope
CHIEF BALOGUN
Yes, there is, son, there is a way this can be fought. I have requested she be transferred to our branch in Florida, don't worry about the papers; I have prepared everything, including a private jet that will fly her there first thing tomorrow morning.
Mr A BALOGUN
Thank you, father. This means a lot to me.
Mrs K BALOGUN
You are our only son; of course, we will do anything to make you happy
Mr A BALOGUN
Thank you, Mother.
"Bisola walks into the waiting room"
BISOLA
Ayo!
Mrs K BALOGUN
What is this woman doing here?
Mr B BALOGUN
Stop it, mother, she is the mother of my children too!
(He walked up to Bisola)
BISOLA
(She hugs Ayo)
How is she?
Mr A BALOGUN
She's fine.
We hope she will respond to the new treatment
(He lifted eight years old Bayo from the ground)
BISOLA
Sorry, I couldn't bring Eniola and Temilade.
Mr A BALOGUN
That's fine.
How is Taiwo?
BISOLA
Taiwo is fine, but his consistency in appetite loss scares me a lot.
(She takes Bayo from Mr Balogun's arms)
Mr A BALOGUN
He will be fine; he just misses his mother
BISOLA
So when is Adebisi leaving for the states?
Mr A BALOGUN
Tomorrow morning
BISOLA
All right, I guess she will want to see Taiwo before leaving
Mr A BALOGUN
Oh yes, that reminds me, where is Mr Adebayo?
BISOLA
I asked him to wait in the car
"Mr Adebayo was Mrs Adebisi's driver since childhood."
Mr A BALOGUN
Tell him to drop you guys home and return immediately with Taiwo; Adebisi wants to see him before leaving
BISOLA
All right, I will let him know!
_____________________________________
{Today} September 28th 2022
AFTER SERVICE|
"There is tension in the scene after Michael mentioned Awelle in a troubled phone call"
Mrs ADEBAYO
What is the problem?
Is Awelle fine?
MICHAEL
I don't know
I couldn't hear her clearly, but I know she mentioned Awelle's name
(He attempts to Dial her number)
TEMI
Is it ringing?
She wrestles with her trembling hands)
MICHAEL
No, it isn't; I have to leave for the hospital now. I can't rest till I know my daughter is safe!
Mrs ADEBAYO
I'm coming with you
TEMI
Mama, let us all go together
TAIWO
I was about to suggest that our car is outside.
We can all go together
MICHAEL
But would that be okay with you?
I do not want to be responsible for any inconvenience
TAIWO
No, you haven't inconvenienced anyone; it's your daughter we are talking about here, and I know she means a lot to my sister, too.
MICHAEL
All right, let's hurry, please.
Mrs ADEBAYO
(She turns to Pastor Clifford)
Pastor, we have to leave now.
PASTOR CLIFFORD
I understand; I will be there later this evening; please keep me posted.
MICHAEL
Sure we will, sir.
_____________________________________
MR AYO BALOGUNS MANSION. FESTAC, LAGOS|
"Tina knocks on Bisola's door"
Mrs B BALOGUN
Who is there?
TINA
It's me, Tina.
Can I come in?
Mrs B BALOGUN
What do you want?
TINA
I just want to talk
Mrs B BALOGUN
Hmm
Come in
TINA
(She walks into the room)
Good Afternoon
Mrs B BALOGUN
(She avoids eye contact with Tina)
How may I help you?
TINA
I want to officially apologize for my gross misconduct earlier; I know you are more affected than I am.
I'm just a mistress.
What could be worse than that?
Mrs B BALOGUN
Did you come here to apologize or beg to be pitied?
TINA
To apologize, Ma
Mrs B BALOGUN
There is no place for you in this family; I hope you realize that before it's too late. I do not care who the father of your child is.
All I know for certain is that you and that child will get nothing from my husband.
Enjoy all you are getting now because your days in our lives are numbered
TINA
(She smiles at Bisola)
I fear not your threat or tone because I believe what will be will be
(She turns to leave)
Mrs B BALOGUN
You risk a lot with such boldness; I hope you know who you are up against
TINA
Are you the devil?
Mrs B BALOGUN
I beg your pardon
TINA
Are you the devil?
Mrs B BALOGUN
I'm certainly not!
TINA
Then your threats are empty.
No wonder your vocals Echos.
I thought my ears were going nuts
(She walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
FESTAC CENTRAL HOSPITAL|
"Michael and Temi rushed into the room"
MICHAEL/TEMI
Onyinye, what happened to Awelle?
(They simultaneously asked as they walked into the room. Relax)
ONYINYE
(Smiles at them)
Relax guys, she's fine.
AWELLE
(She opens her eyes)
Daddy.
MICHAEL
My baby
(He kisses her forehead as tears rolled down his cheeks)
AWELLE
Stop crying; I will be fine
(She manages to pull her muscles together to form a smile)
MICHAEL
I'm not crying; I'm happy
(He wipes off the tears on his cheeks)
Mrs ADEBAYO
(She walks into the room)
My pikin how you dey?
AWELLE
I'm fine
Mrs ADEBAYO
Thank you, Lord
(She goes on her knees)
AWELLE
(She notices Temi has a watery eye)
Auntie Temi, why are you crying? You are ruining your beauty.
(She teased)
"The room is filled with intense laughter"
TEMI
"For a moment, I could help but think we had lost her. I thought I had lost my essence and worth, but when she smiled, I knew everything would be all right. Never have I ever felt this way about a kid before. I haven't seen her past her smiles, yet it felt like she was all that mattered to me at that moment."
Thank you
(She hugs Awelle)
Mrs ADEBAYO
(She whispers to Taiwo)
Your sister has grown so attached to this little girl
TAIWO
I haven't seen her this way with a child before.
It's like she loves her more than she loves herself
Mrs ADEBAYO
That is the power of Love, my dear; Love is the only element superior to time. They haven't been together for long, but they already share a strong bond.
TAIWO
(He smiles at Awelle)
Very true, ma; Love conquers all.
"Awelle Attempts to get up from the bed"
TEMI
Please stay in the bed you still need a lot of rest.
(She scolded Awelle)
AWELLE
Why does my head hurt?
(She places one hand on her head)
"Dr Chidi walks into the room"
Dr CHIDI
That is because you are still recovering, my dear
(He smiles at Awelle)
TEMI
(She gets up from Awelle's bed)
Dr Chidi, Good Afternoon sir
Dr CHIDI
Oh no, it's fine. You can sit.
You don't have to act formal
Mrs ADEBAYO
When can she be discharged?
Dr CHIDI
Very soon, maybe in a week or two, we have to keep an eye on her and run one or two tests
MICHAEL
Tests?
But she's fine
TEMI
Yes, she is, but we must follow standard procedures.
We need to confirm if she will need more treatments or not. It's nothing serious
(She comforts Micheal with a smile)
MARIA
Today is a good day. We should celebrate it.
Mrs ADEBAYO
That's a good idea; I went to the market yesterday, so you can all come over to our place and have lunch with us.
ONYINYE
I concur with Mama's idea; today is worth celebrating.
Mrs ADEBAYO
Dr Temi and Taiwo, you must join us
TAIWO
Oh no, ma, it's fine. I wouldn't want to intrude
MICHAEL
You should join us, and besides, we need to talk. Onyinye mentioned something about her schooling to me, so I told her I would have a word with you before I approve
TAIW
Oh, all right, if you insist
TEMI
But who is going to watch Awelle?
(She holds the little girl's hands)
ONYINYE
I can stay back with her
TEMI
No, you have been here since you also need to rest and eat well; I will watch over her
MICHAEL
(He turns to Temi)
What is the point of celebrating without the one who fixed the problem?
TEMI
But someone needs to be here with her
Dr CHIDI
I don't have much to do today, so you can all take a break; I will watch her.
ONYINYE
Sir, you would look after her?
MICHAEL
Don't worry; we will figure it out ourselves.
We wouldn't want to inconvenience you.
AWELLE
(She smiles at Michael )
Daddy, it's fine. You all can have fun.
I will be fine. I'm not a baby anymore.
MICHAEL
You will always be my baby girl; we can't leave you here alone
AWELLE
But you can't cancel Grandma's lunch because of me. At least her Food doesn't deserve it.
TAIWO
(He joins others in intense laughter)
This kid is funny
MICHAEL
(He sits beside Awelle)
We will leave you here, but Mama and I will be back in two hours; Dr Chidi will be here with you.
"Dr Franker walks into the room"
Dr FRANKER
(She smiles at Awelle)
My baby is awake
AWELLE
(She appears excited)
Auntie Franker!
(She hugs Dr Franker)
MICHAEL
Thank God Franker is here.
She will look after you, too.
(He wraps his hands around Dr Franker Sholders)
Dr FRANKER
(She turns to Mrs Adebayo)
Mama, Good Afternoon; where are you guys going?
AWELLE
They are going to have lunch
Dr FRANKER
All right, don't worry, I will be here with her
ONYINYE
(She notices Dr Frankers' newly braided hair)
Auntie Franker, I love your hairstyle.
Dr FRANKER
Aww, Thank you, my dear
Mrs ADEBAYO
All right, let's go now, Awelle bye bye, I will see you in the evening; Franker, let us know if anything comes up, shey you still get my number?
Dr FRANKER
Yes, ma I do.
_____________________________________
Mr AYO BALOGUN's MANSION. FESTAC LAGOS|
"Chike noticed Bayo had lost touch with reality"
CHIKE
(He turns to Eniola who was about to drop her body on one of the couches in the sitting room)
Eniola, where your brother mind dey?
ENIOLA
Isn't it obvious he is still disturbed by Simi's actions?
KEN
Bayo!
(He whacks Bayo on his left shoulder)
BAYO
Ouch, watin they worry you?
You nor know say your hand strong?
(He exclaims in anger)
ENIOLA
We were talking to you, but you seemed to be lost in your thoughts
BAYO
That nor mean say you go dey flog me for shoulder na
CHIKE
Nor vex abeg
But guy, dey careful make this Simi matter nor do you strong thing
BAYO
What do you mean by that?
(He gazes at Eniola and Chike, who were about to die of intense laughter)
KEN
You don't need to deny it, bro; you should take a look at yourself in the mirror
(He joins them in the intense laughter)
BAYO
You know what?
It's useless reasoning and taking with you guys
"Rukky, Eniola's best friend walks into the sitting room"
RUKKY
Guys, food don ready oh.
CHIKE
Omo na to chop be that oh my stomach don dey cry
RUKKY
Watin make una dey laugh?
BAYO
(He turns to Rukky)
Amabor, it's none of your business!
KEN
Your guy don dey think Simi matter again
RUKKY
No wonder he wants make I mind my business.
(She turns to Bayo)
Bayo, you go calm down oh!
Babes full everywhere na. You just dey fuck up, guy. I just say make I clear you
(She joins others in the violent laughter)
"Simi walks into the sitting room"
SIMI
Good Afternoon, everyone
KEN
Speaking of the devil
(He whispers to Chike)
"Good evening Simi, Eniola and others replied "
SIMI
(She notices the intensity of humour in the room)
What's giving you guys joy this evening?
ENIOLA
(She sees this as the perfect moment to make things worse for Bayo)
Bayo was telling us a romantic joke
(She tries to fight the urge to laugh out loud)
SIMI
Really?
(She turns to Bayo)
What is Bayo?
"The room is filled with intense laughter"
BAYO
(He notices Simi isn't as clueless as he thought she was)
You know what?
I hate you all!
(He gets up to leave )
RUKKY
Ahh, where are you going, na? Won't you have lunch with your lovely friends?
BAYO
Why would I want to have lunch with the demons in my life?
(He walks out of the room)
"Mrs Aisha walks into the room"
MRS AISHA
What is happening here?
RUKKY
Nothing, Nanny, we are just having fun
Mrs AISHA
Oh, Rukky, is that you? It's been a while since I saw you
(She embraces Rukky)
RUKKY
Yes, I missed you, my favourite
(She wraps her hands around Mrs Aisha's shoulders)
Mrs AISHA
I miss you too, my dear.
(She turns to Chike and Ken)
I didn't witness what happened, but by the look on Bayo's face, I am tempted to ask both of you what you did to him this time
KEN
Absolutely nothing oh, Ahh, today is Sunday. Why will we intentionally make Bayo upset?
CHIKE
Exactly!
It's the sabbath day we won keep am holy.
(He smiles at Mrs Aisha)
Mrs AISHA
I don't believe that, but I wouldn't ask further questions
(She turns to Simi)
Welcome, Simi; Taiwo mentioned you will be arriving today
SIMI
Yes, ma, I came in about an hour ago. I was arranging and fixing some of my stuff in our room
RUKKY
Nawa oh, marriage just they catch this one; I really missed a lot in this house oh
ENIOLA
That's what happens when you leave home for home
KEN
(He turns to Rukky)
So how is Warri?
RUKKY
Omo, Warri Dey where e Dey oo but we Thank God,
CHIKE
How mumsi and poppsi?
RUKKY
Everybody Dey all right they say make I greet all of una
(She turns to Eniola)
Eniola I get gist for you
ENIOLA
Seriously? No Walhalla na we go yan later.
RUKKY
(She turns to Simi)
Married woman, how far, na? When you come, Naija self?
SIMI
I Dey fine oh, I have been in Nigeria over a week plus now
CHIKE
But wait first, Simi, you nor bring anything for us oh. Only you run leave us; you still come back empty-handed.
SIMI
I nor understand!
You be Ten years old were I go Dey buy toy for?
(She rolls her eyes at Chike)
KENI
Simi, you be bad friend!
SIMI
You were good, watin you don offer me since I come back? Una nor fit throw me welcome party self!
Abeg nor stress me oh.
RUKKY
These ones? Their brain nor wire reach that side na, them nor know say na manage we they manage them
KEN
Rukky na me you Dey talk to?
(He walks towards her)
ENIOLA
Ahh, calm down nor be for here you go show say you get power you nor Dey shame say na that small thing Rukky tell you Dey trigger you.
CHIKE
Bro, leave them. They leave their brain for their make-up bag.
RUKKY
I nor go answer you wait make I chop finish
(She walks to the dining room)
KEN
Omo that na true make we go eat abeg, Simi you will join us abi?
SIMI
No, Thank you. I will wait for Taiwo
ENIOLA
Aww, see Love, oh, hunger never do you strong thing before.
CHIKE
I dey come make I go call Bayo
(He walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
Mrs ADEBAYO's RECIDENCE FESTAC,LAGOS|
"Temi notices Mrs Adebayo is struggling with multitasking in the kitchen"
TEMI
Mama, let me help you with that
(She takes the bowl of rice from Mrs Adebayo)
Mrs ADEBAYO
Oh no, you are a visitor.
I can't let you do that
(She attempts to take the bowl of rice from Temi)
TEMI
Mama, it's just rice; it's nothing.
(She lit the gas cooker)
Mrs ADEBAYO
Thank you for everything; you are an angel sent from heaven to my family
TEMI
We thank God, Mama.
"Bimpe walks into the kitchen"
BIMPE
Mama, Good Afternoon
Mrs ADEBAYO
(She turns to Bimpe)
Oh, Bimpe, you are here already; how are you?
BIMPE
I'm fine. Oh, I hope you enjoyed today's service?
Mrs ADEBAYO
Oh yes, I did. You have improved a lot.
You could almost pass for the best singer in that church
BIMPE
Ahh, Mama, I still dey learn for where Sister Franker dey, oh.
TEMI- Bimpe? So that is her name. I must confess she lead the best praises my ears have ever heard today. She looks so much like Dr Franker; could they be related? "
Mrs ADEBAYO
Oh, Bimpe, this is Dr Temi. Awelle's Doctor I have been telling you about.
(She points at Temi)
BIMPE
(She gazes at Temi)
Oh, she looks like a lady I saw today in church.
(She waves at Temi)
Hello, I'm Bimpe
TEMI
(She waves back with a smile)
Nice to meet you, Bimpe; I'm Temi.
Mrs ADEBAYO
She was in church today. I guess she was the lady you saw
BIMPE
Oh, that's nice, Mama.
Where is Michael?
Mrs ADEBAYO
I don't know. I think he is outside with Temi's brother.
BIMOE
Oh, all right, I will go to him now
(She walks out of the kitchen)
_____________________________________
"Michael confronts Taiwo about his offer to sent Onyinye to School"
MICHAEL
I learnt you offered my sister an opportunity to go to school this year
TAIWK
Yes, I did, she's a smart girl, and even though she may not show it, that girl is emotionally in a lot of pain.
MICHAEL
I get that, bro; I was happy when she came to the hospital excited that day. Since then, "UNILAG" hasn't left her mouth
TAIWO
Are you serious?
MICHAEL
Yes, your offer means a lot to her.
The kind of joy that girl feels right now is beyond our imagination
TAIWO
Wow, I'm glad I was part that
(He smiles at Michael)
MICHAEL
Ihave given it some thought. I think it will be unfair if I deny her such once a lifetime opportunity, so let's do it like this, I will handle the acceptance fees, dues and upkeep. I would let you handle the rest
TAIWO
(She drops his left hand on Michael's back)
Thank you for accepting my help and giving Onyinye the opportunity to go to school
MICHAEL
(He smiles at Taiwo)
Thank you, too, I know you can do all of it, but I want to be part of it.
She's my responsibility. I'm a father figure in this family, so I want to do my best to give them the kind of life they all deserve
TAIWO
I admire you a lot; you are responsible for a lot around here; how do you do it?
MICHAEL
Omo, Na God oh
(He couldn't any longer bear the sight of Onyinye eavesdropping on their conversations)
Onyinye Adebayo, I know you are spying on us, so stop hiding.
TAIWO
I thought I was the only one who noticed thatT
ONYINYE
(She walks to where they are standing)
Thank you, Uncle Taiwo
(She turns to Michael )
Thank you bro.
MICHAEL
You are welcome; you deserve it and even more.
Go and prepare yourself for university life
"Bimpe walks in"
BIMPE
What is happening here?
MICHAEL
Ahh, Bimpe, when did you come in?
BIMPE
A While ago I was looking for you earlier. Mama said you were outside with Dr Temi's brother
(She gazes at Taiwo)
MICHAEL
Oh, you have met Dr Temi.
This is Taiwo.
(He turns to Taiwo)
Taiwo, this is my partner in crime, Bimpe
(He wraps his right hand around her neck and teases her hair with his left hand)
BIMPR
Ahh, Michael, stop that. I just made this hair, oh
(pinch Michael)
MICHAEL
Ouch, that hurts
BIMPE
Sorry about that.
TEMI- why is she all over him? Are they dating? I don't know if they are. Even if they are, why should that bother me? It's not like I'm into Michael. Michael seems to like her. Why should I even care? I'm just his daughter's Doctor."
"Onyinye walks towards Temi who is resting on one of the pillars in the frontage"
ONYINYE
(She notice Temi is drowning in thoughts)
Auntie Temi, are you all right?
TEMI
Yes, I am
(She smiles at Onyinye)
ONYINYE
Are you sure because you seemed out of reality a while ago
TEMI
Is Bimpe related to Dr Franker?
(She attempts to get Onyinye to talk about Bimpe in other to satisfy her curiosity)
ONYINYE
Oh yes, they are sisters; why do you ask?
TEMI
Nothing much; I just noticed the resemblance
ONYINYE
Is it just that cause you have been staring at her since you stepped out
(She sits on one of the wooden chairs outside)
TEMI
Oh no, it's just that!
ONYINYE
Hmm
All right if you say so, but if it's what I'm thinking, I don't think you have to worry about Michael.
They are just friends though it's obvious she has a thing for him. So if I were you, I would chase because nothing is promised in this life
TEMI
It seems Maria has influenced you a lot. Now you have joined her in teasing me. By the way, where is she?
"Maria walks into the frontage"
MARIA
I'm right here; Food is ready. Tell the others.
(She walks back into the house to answer Mrs Adebayo's call)
"Guys, Food is ready, Onyinye announced"
Thank God, I'm starving, Bimpe said as she walked into the house with Michael and Taiwo.
_____________________________________
"Mrs Adebayo Joins Others at the Dining Table"
Mrs DEBAYO
Dr Temi, please bless the Food for us.
(She sits besides Onyinye)
TEMI
(She half close her eyes as anxiety too her unaware)
Thank you, Lord, for this day and this meal. We pray you provide for all just as you have provided for us; amen
"Amen, They all affirmed"
ONYINYE
(She mixes a portion of her rice and stew as her mouth were busy with the previous spoon of rice)
This is nice, Mama; your stew is always the best,
MICHAEL
I was about to say the same thing this is nice
BIMPE
Mama, who made the rice?
Mrs ADEBAYO
Dr Temi did
BIMPE
(She wears a mixed facial expression)
Oh, all right
TEMI
Is something wrong with the rice?
BIMPE
Oh, no, I wasn't implying that
We have a special way of preparing rice in this house, so when I tasted it, I knew it wasn't an inside job
TEMI
Oh, I'm sorry about that
BIMPE
Oh no, it's understandable. It's fine. You are not from around here
It is what it is.
TEMI
It is what it is?
BIMPE
Just let it boil a little bit longer next time
MICHAEL
Bimpe?
BIMPE
What is it? Did I say something wrong?
ONYINYE
The rice is perfect; Mama, can I have more?
(She attempts to kill the tension in the room)
MARIA
Me too, Ma!
_____________________________________
Mr AYO BALOGUNS MANSION. FESTAC, LAGOS|
"Ayo walks downstairs for dinner"
Mr A BALOGUN
Where is Tina?
(He sits on his chair at the dining table)
Mrs AISHA
She will be down shortly!
"Bisola saw this as an opportunity to bring up the tape scandal."
Mrs B BALOGUN
Ayo, can we talk?
Mr A BALOGUN
Not now, Bisola; I'm not in the mood because I know where this is going
Mrs B BALOGUN
Sorry, sir
(She turns to Mrs Aisha)
Have the children eaten?
Mrs AISHA
Just Bayo and Eniola, ma
Mr A BALOGUN
How about Taiwo and Temi?
Mrs AISHA
They are not back yet
Mrs B BALOGUN
Ahh, this is 2:30pm already na
Why are they not back yet?
Mr A BALOGUN
Let me call Taiwo
(He picks up his phone)
"The door bell rings"
Mrs B BALOGUN
I think there is someone at the front door.
Mrs AISHA
That should be them
(She walks to the door)
"Mrs Aisha opens the front door"
LOLADE
Long time no see, Nanny
(She smiles at Mrs Aisha)
Mrs AISHA
Ahh, Lolade Balogun, my child
(She hugs Lolade)
LOLADE
I missed you, Nanny
(She walks into the house)
"Mrs Aisha walks into the dining room"
Mrs B BALOGUN
Was it Temi and Taiwo?
Mrs AISHA
Oh no, it's someone special
(She smiles at Bisola)
"Lolade walks into the room"
LOLADE
Hello brother
(She wears a contagious smile)
Mr A BALOGUN
My dearest sister
(He embraces Lolade
Mrs B BALOGUN-
"Why is Lolade here? This can't happen. Ayo cannot be this close to the one who knows my secret. This is the beginning of the end for me"
LOLADE
(She turns to Bisola)
Hello Bisola, are you shocked to see me?
We have a lot to talk about
(She helps herself to one of the seats in the dining room)
_____________________________________