Chereads / Festac / Chapter 20 - Episode 19(Are We There Yet?)

Chapter 20 - Episode 19(Are We There Yet?)

|Letter To The AfterLife|

Dear Father,

I come to you with a heart fulfilled with nothing but disarray. At the time I put my pen to paper to send this distress message to you, I was on my way to living my life outside the eyes of Mama, Michael and the affection of your beloved granddaughter, Awelle.

Although I never could behold you with my eyes, Mama made up for your absence with stories you inspired.

Your baby girl is leaving for UniLag Mama said this was a dream come through for you. It brings me great pain that you couldn't wait to send me off before leaving for the afterlife. My eyes have never seen this many tears since I came out of Mama's womb. My hands have never been so scared of expressing my emotions on paper.

I do not know what is out there. I can not tell what will become of me the moment am behind those walls.

I do not want to let you down; I do not want to fail you. I can not be a disappointment to Mama.

There is a lot more I want to say to you, but sadly, I am caught up between what to say to a man I never met and how to please a man I never knew.

Unfortunately, I must relinquish my pen now, but I promise to reach out again.

Rest on Father. You will forever live in our memories.

Your Lovely Daughter

ONYINYE ❤️

_____________________________________

SOMEWHERE IN HER SUBCONSCIOUS|

"Onyinye is in a trance"

MR ADEBAYO

I got your message, Onyinye. I want you to know that everything will be fine.

Your problems are rather far from your days in UniLag.

ONYINYE

What do you mean by that?

MR ADEBAYO

UniLag is the least of your problems.

Worry more about with whom you and the others entangle yourselves.

ONYINYE

I do not understand you, Father.

Please talk to me. I do not get you at all.

Mr ADEBAYO

(He smiles at Onyinye)

I wish I could make it clearer to you, dear daughter.

Where are you right now?

ONYINYE

I don't know; probably in a trance.

Mr ADEBAYO

I mean before now.

ONYINYE

On my way to school.

Mr ADEBAYO

With who?

ONYINYE

Maria

Mr ADEBAYO

And who else?

ONYINYE

Taiwo

He is the son of your friend Late Mrs Adebisi Balogun.

Mr ADEBAYO

So he is a Balogun?

ONYINYE

Yes, father, he is.

Mr ADEBAYO

I repeat again and again

Worry more with whom you and the others entangle yourselves!

_____________________________________

MARIA

(She taps Onyinye, who is fast asleep)

Onyinye, wake up.

ONYINYE

(She slowly opens her eyes)

Tell me more, father!!!

(She screams out)

TAIWO

(He turns to Onyinye)

What is the problem?

Are you fine?

MARIA

I think she was dreaming.

(She mocks Onyinye)

ONYINYE

Are we there yet?

TAIWO

No, we aren't, dear.

We got caught up in Lagos traffic.

ONYINYE

(She turns to Onyinye)

Then why is my sleep being disturbed?

MARIA

Sorry oh, I felt you would be hungry.

But I do bad to care about your stomach.

TAIWO

I asked her to wake you up.

Are you not hungry?

ONYINYE

Yes, I am.

MARIA

Uncle Taiwo bought some snacks.

Do you want plantain chips?

ONYINYE

It's not like I have a choice

(She takes the chips from Maria)

So where are we?

TAIWO

Almost an hour away from UniLag's main gate

ONYINYE

Ahh, is the traffic that bad?

MARIA

Yes oh

One man said an accident happened in front, that is why.

ONYINYE

I need to reach Mama. She will be worried.

MARIA

Your phone is close to your bags

Your Apple ID is good to go.

ONYINYE

Thank you, Maria

You are a lifesaver.

(She picks up the phone)

TAIWO

(He turns to Maria)

You should call your grandmother too; she will be very worried.

ONYINYE

Omo, no network, oh.

MARIA

Same here oh

TAIWO

Try again later.

"Pure water, buy your cold pure water here, one of the hawkers kept saying as she walked past Taiwo's car."

ONYINYE

(She rolls down the back glass)

Pure water come.

(She turns to Maria)

Do you care for?

MARIA

Yes oh

ONYINYE

(She turns to the mid-aged woman)

Give me Fifty Naira own.

HAWKER

Na two Fifty Naira, oh

ONYINYE

Mama, which kind talk be that one na?

Since when water be two fifty Naira?

Nor be three fifty Naira?

HAWKER

Ahh, no, oh!

You know, say light nor dey Lagos for days now.

ONYINYE

Nawa oo na three we be need before oh.

MARIA

Ahh, please don't bother about Uncle Taiwo. He doesn't take sachet water.

ONYINYE

Okay na

(She turns to the Hawker)

Mama, just give me two oh

Hope say e cold oh?

HAWKER

Ahh, very cold oh, some of them na block self.

(She drops the sachet of water in Onyinye's hand)

ONYINYE

You get Sona's can water, abi?

HAWKER

Yes ma, e dey.

ONYINYE

Oya, give me one.

How much?

HAWKER

Na two hundred Naira, ma

(She gives Onyinye the bottle of water)

ONYINYE

Okay, na Five hundred I get oh you get change?

(She gives the woman the money)

HAWKER

Yes, e dey.

(She gives Onyinye her Change)

Thank you, ma.

(She lifts her bucket of water on her head)

ONYINYE

Thank you too, ma.

(She turns to Taiwo)

Sir, Auntie Temi loves this brand. I guess it should be okay for you.

(She gives Taiwo the bottle of Sona's water)

TAIWO

It's perfect, my dear

Thanks a lot.

(He opens the bottle of water)

MARIA

God knows I'm bored out of my life.

TAIWO

Ahh, but you have your phone with you.

ONYINYE

A cell phone without data is like life without drama.

Breathable but boring.

MARIA

Let's play again, guys.

(She smiles at Taiwo and Onyinye)

ONYINYE

Ogini?

Because we are kids, abi?

MARIA

Relax, Onyinye, we can play something advanced and fun.

TAIWO

Like?

(He finally overtakes the trailer in front of him)

MARIA

Truth or Dare

(She smiles)

TAIWO

Hell no

Count me out, guys.

ONYINYE

Common, Uncle Taiwo, it will be fun.

_____________________________________

Mr AYO BALOGUN MANSION. FESTAC, LAGOS|

"BISOLA's CHAMBERS"

TEMI

Please do not insult my intelligence, mother.

I heard Bayo.

Tell me he is lying, mother.

BAYO

(He turns to Temi)

What the hell did you even hear?

TEMI

(She ignores Bayo)

What do you have to do with Auntie Adebisi's death?

Start talking, mother!

Mrs B BALOGUN

Nothing, Temilade!

I'm serious.

Bayo believes I have something to do with her death, but I don't.

BAYO

It was just an assumption, Temilade.

TEMI

I still can't believe both of you will lie to me.

How could you do that, mother?

What did she do to you?

Even Tina had to suffer in your hands.

BAYO

Hey, watch what you say, young lady.

I do not know any about this. I just found out as you did.

TEMI

So finally, you admit that I'm right.

You even attempted to cover up for her.

BAYO

Keep your voice down.

You don't have to let the whole world know.

Mrs B BALOGUN

(She holds Temi's hands)

My baby girl, please keep it to yourself.

I had to secure my place in your father's life.

TEMI

By killing two innocent souls?

Let me go, mother.

I don't still believe you would do this to Taiwo and Father.

(She walks out of the room)

Mrs B BALOGUN

Temilade!

BAYO

Let her be, Mother.

Mrs B BALOGUN

I have to find her before she tells somebody.

Where is Taiwo?

BAYO

He isn't home yet.

Relax, I don't think Temi is thinking of that right now.

Mrs B BALOGUN

What do you mean?

We both know Temi and Taiwo are very close. She wouldn't keep this from him.

BAYO

Calm down, Mother.

Temi can't send you to jail.

And remember, Michael's late father is involved too.

I don't think she wants to lose that family.

Mrs B BALOGUN

It's Temilade we are talking about!

That girl is more innocent than an average Lagosian.

BAYO

Leave to me, Mother.

I will handle Temi.

Try and get some rest.

(He turns to leave)

Mrs B BALOGUN

I can't rest, Son

Let me come with you, please.

BAYO

You are the last person Temi wants to see right now.

She just found out you are involved in the death of the parents of her two favourite people in the world. Don't you get it?

Mrs B BALOGUN

She hates me, Bayo

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

BAYO

No, she doesn't!

She's just drowning in her own emotions right now.

Just give her time.

I will go to her now; please get some rest.

(He walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

TEMILADE's ROOM|

"Eniola walks into the room."

ENIOLA

Hey, can I talk to you?

TEMI

What is it, Eniola?

(She folds some of her clothes into her bag)

ENIOLA

Are you going somewhere?

TEMI

I guess so.

So what do you want to talk about?

ENIOLA

What do you know about leukaemia?

TEMI

Leukaemia?

Why are you asking about it?

ENIOLA

A friend of mine's daughter was diagnosed with it. So I was just curious.

TEMI

Although you are the type who keeps many unusual friends, I know you don't care that much.

ENIOLA

Whatever!

Are you telling me or not?

TEMI

Can we talk later?

I have to go now.

Besides, you can read about it online.

(She gets up to leave)

ENIOLA

If I needed Google's services, I wouldn't come to you, Temi.

By the way, where are you going? Are you even coming back this night?

TEMI

I promise we will talk when I return.

I'm on night duty as usual.

ENIOLA

Hmm

What's in that bag could last you for a week outside this house, so I'm not buying that your night duty excuse.

TEMI

I don't owe you any explanation, Eniola.

Whenever I return, we will talk.

(She walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

The Sitting Room|

CHIKE

Omo, I don they hungry oh.

RUKKY

You nor know were kitchen dey?

KEN

(He turns to Rukky)

Watin dey kitchen?

RUKKY

There is rice in the kitchen

"Olamide walks into the sitting room."

OLAMIDE

Has anyone seen Taiwo?

RUKKY

He is not back yet.

KEN

But he suppose don come back na.

(He turns to Olamide)

You don call am?

OLAMIDE

His number is not going.

"Mrs Aisha walks into the room."

Mrs AISHA

Ken and Chike, go and eat your food in the dining.

CHIKE

Nanny, I love you with my brain

(He hugs Mrs Aisha in excitement)

RUKKY

See this one.

Na food go kill you.

CHIKE

Which kind talk be that one?

E get who nor like food?

RUKKY

You talk too much. See his round stomach

(She laughs out loud)

CHIKE

Eh, even if.

Do you know how many girls dey die for this body?

KEN

Abeg nor make me laugh oh.

OLAMIDE

(He turns to Mrs Aisha)

Nanny, have you heard from Maria?

Mrs AISHA

No oh.

There numbers nor dey go.

I'm very worried.

RUKKY

Calm down, Nanny; they will be fine.

You know worrying isn't good for your health.

CHIKE

Goal!

Shey, I tell you, Ken.

Baca nor come here con play oh.

"Temi ignores everyone as she walks to the front door."

OLAMIDE

Ahh, where Temilade dey go this night?

RUKKY

I think she's on night duty.

"Bayo walks into the sitting room."

CHIKE

(He turns to Bayo)

Baca don score oh.

BAYO

(He ignores Chike)

Has any of you seen Temi?

RUKKY

She just stepped out. I think she's going to the hospital.

BAYO

Alright.

(He walks towards the front door)

Mrs AISHA

Chike and Ken una food go cold oh.

KEN

Nanny, we dey come oh.

This match dey hot.

RUKKY

Nanny, don't even stress yourself. They won't leave here till this match is over.

Mrs AISHA

Okay oh

Abeg if una hear from Maria or Taiwo make una cone tell me.

OLAMIDE

No Walhalla ma.

_____________________________________

"Bayo stands in Front Of Temi's Car."

TEMI

(She steps out of the car)

What is wrong with you, Bayo?

What if I had hurt you?

BAYO

Where are you going?

TEMI

I'm not talking to you, Bayo!

Please go

BAYO

You can't talk to anyone about what you know.

TEMI

Why?

How do you sleep at night with a secret as big as this?

How does mother even eat?

BAYO

I'm as surprised as you are, Temi.

But we have to protect mum.

This could put her behind bars.

And you know it will affect the whole family, including your relationship with that Michael.

TEMI

What do you mean?

BAYO

Late Mr Adebayo was taking Adebisi to the airport that day.

Don't tell me you have forgotten.

If you tell Taiwo, he will most likely tell Michael.

Once that happens, everything will be in chaos.

TEMI

These are murder cases, Bayo

I don't believe you are asking me to stay quiet about them.

Don't you think Taiwo has suffered enough?

BAYO

Taiwo and I may not see eye to eye on many things but his still my brother.

We both know this will break him.

And the Adebayo's will want nothing to do with you, including your beloved Michael.

TEMI

Step aside, Bayo

I am late already.

BAYO

Of course.

You are free to go but remember all I have told you.

I trust you will do the right thing.

(He moves to the side of Temi's car)

TEMI

I will do what I know is right, Bayo.

Don't expect any less from me.

(She walks into her car and drives away)

_____________________________________

TRUTH OR DARE|

MARIA

Don't tell me you are scared of the game.

TAIWO

No, I'm not.

I just think the idea of the game is built on ulterior motives

ONYINYE

What do you mean?

TAIWO

Most of the time, it's usually a platform for people to know more than they should about you or get you to do things on their bucket list of hidden desires. They call it truth or dare, but what is so truthful about their motives and what is so daring about getting people to do things they normally wouldn't?

(He notices Onyinye and Maria are gazing at him)

Don't look at me that way. This is just what I think.

ONYINYE

You are right

Hmm, I never looked at it from that angle. How come you know this much about this game?

TAIWO

I was once your age, Onyinye.

MARIA

Did you play Truth or Dare?

TAIWO

Yes, I did.

I know it sounds too casual to be true

ONYINYE

You can say that again, please.

I never pictured you to be the type.

MARIA

(She turns to Michael)

I don't believe you

TAIWO

(He smiles at Maria)

I have no reason to lie to you.

MARIA

Prove it.

TAIWO

Truth or Dare?

ONYINYE

I love where this is going.

MARIA

Truth.

(She smiles at Taiwo)

TAIWO

Why don't you like, Simi?

Please don't deny it. I see the way you look at her.

MARIA

What?

Of course, I like your wife.

(She attempts to distract herself in other to hide the obvious)

ONYINYE

It's very obvious, Maria

You don't have to hide it.

MARIA

Onyinye, don't start!

TAIWO

While I am of the opinion that this game has a very strong foundation of interior motives, the rules say you must be honest at all times

(He smiles at Maria)

MARIA

Fine!

I just think she forced herself on you.

At least I know you don't like her that much to marry her.

I do not appreciate women who don't understand that how they feel about you is as important as how they make you feel.

ONYINYE

Hmm, awkward!

So what kind of woman do you think he should be with?

MARIA

(She turns to Taiwo)

The kind that he wants to be with.

Someone who would be able to reach out to his soul, awaken his instinct as a human to be loving and understand and see through him.

ONYINYE

(She smiles at both of them)

Hmm, this is getting interesting.

(She turns to Maria)

You seem to understand and see through him a lot.

MARIA

What do you mean by that, Onyinye?

ONYINYE

(She laughs out loud)

Calm down, madam.

MARIA

So uncle Taiwo, Truth or Dare?

ONYINYE

Ahh, no, which kind thing be that?

You guys want to leave me out, abi!

MARIA

Fine, you can ask him.

ONYINYE

(She turns to Taiwo)

Truth or dare?

TAIWO

Truth!

ONYINYE

Why do you adore Maria?

MARIA

Onyinye, stop this thing na!

What's your problem?

ONYINYE

Hey, leave me oh.

It's a game na let me ask my question in peace

(She turns to Taiwo)

Abeg answer jor.

MARIA

Uncle Taiwo, you don't have to answer that.

TAIWO

I will because I want to.

(He turns to Onyinye)

What is there not to adore?

She is smart, kind, beautiful and well-mannered.

ONYINYE

(She could read Maria's shy facial expression)

Awww, someone is shy

(She tickles Maria)

MARIA

Oh God, this girl, stop, na.

Onyinye, it's your turn.

Truth or Dare?

ONYINYE

Dare!

MARIA

Hmm, alright

I dare you to roll down the glass beside you, push your head outside and scream

"I love you, Lagos, Unilag. I'm coming for you

TAIWO

(He laughs out loud)

What?

You are heartless; you know that.

ONYINYE

Well, I have a record of keeping to my words

(She rolls down the glass, pushes her head outside and screams the exact words.)

"I love you, Lagos, Unilag. I'm coming for you!"

(she rolls up the glass)

Done and dusted)

"They all laugh out loud."

TAIWO

You are both crazy.

Guys, I think we should check in at that hotel.

I doubt if we can make it to your school today again.

MARIA

I second that too.

Besides, there is network in this area.

Let me call granny. I know say she go don worry tire

(She picks up her phone)

_____________________________________

FESTAC CENTRAL HOSPITAL|

"Dr Chidi walks into Temi's Office."

Dr CHIDI

Good Evening Dr Temi.

Where have you been?

I have been trying to reach you ever since.

"Temilade is lost in her thoughts."

Dr MABEL

(She waves her hand in front of Temi's face)

Are you alright?

TEMI

I'm fine.

(She turns to Dr Chidi)

Good evening Sir.

Please, what did you say?

Dr CHIDI

I said you have been scarce these days.

What have you been up to?

TEMI

Nothing much

And I have been around. My shifts were altered a little, so it looked like I don't work here anymore.

Dr CHIDI

Alright

So how are you?

You looked lost in your thoughts earlier hope everything is okay.

TEMI

I'm fine, thank you.

(she tears open the chocolate on her table)

Dr CHIDI

Alright.

You owe me dinner.

TEMI

Oh, that is true.

I'm so sorry about that, dear.

Dr CHIDI

It's fine dear, I understand.

But I'm picking you up tomorrow at your residence.

I won't take no for an answer. I promise I won't take much of your time.

TEMI

Hmm

Fine, but I don't know if I will be home tomorrow, so you must wait for my call. Then I will give you my exact location.

Dr CHIDI

(He smiles at Temi)

Fine with me. The most important thing is that I have dinner with you.

I have to go now.

(He gets up to leave)

TEMI

Thanks for checking up on me. It means a lot

(She puts up a facial expression to appear convincing)

Dr CHIDI

You are welcome.

(He walks out of the office)

"Temi notice Dr Mabel is gazing at her."

TEMI

What is it?

Dr MABEL

You know Dr Chidi likes you, right?

Dr HENRY

Even a blind man would know that.

TEMI

That is his business. God knows he has no chance with me. He is the least of my problem right now.

(She tears open the third chocolate)

Dr MABEL

I know you told Dr Chidi that you are okay, but I know something is wrong with you.

What is the problem, Temi?

TEMI

I'm fine.

Don't worry yourself.

By the way, how are things going with you and Chike?

(She changes the topic of discussion)

Dr PASCAL

God knows I have been dying to ask that question.

"The room is filled up with uncontrollable laughter."

Dr MABEL

Funny enough, it's going well.

That guy is so funny.

He may not be as deep and serious as the average guy, but I must give it to him; he's got style.

(She smiles at Temi)

TEMI

You have fallen for him. OMG!

Dr MABEL

Ahh, no, I haven't. Oh.

I like his personality.

Dr HENRY

While your mouth says you don't, your body language and facial expressions say otherwise. Just give up, Mabel. You are in love.

Dr MABEL

But I'm not, guys

He just makes life easier for me.

Dr RAPHAEL

That sounds like love to me.

Dr HENRY

Exactly!

Don't fight it. The heart wants what it wants.

TEMI

They are not far from the truth.

By the way, he is a good guy. I have known him since I was a kid. His practically like a brother to me.

Chike is a sweet guy with a good heart, too kind to be human.

"Dr Mabel's phone rings"

Dr MABEL

He is calling, guys.

(She steps out of the room)

Dr HENRY

See you guys later. I have to check up on my patients.

(He walks out of the room)

"Michael walks into the room."

TEMI

Michael!

(She hugs him)

"Dr Raphael and Pascal walk out of the room."

MICHEAL

I missed you.

TEMI

Me too, dear

That is why I would most likely be spending tomorrow at your place.

MICHEAL

Wow!

I can't wait.

(He pretends not to notice that Temi is avoiding home again)

TEMI

So have you eaten?

I bought bread, oh.

MICHEAL

Please, I will have some. I couldn't wait for Mama to finish cooking. Oh. By the way, she will be travelling to Ibadan tomorrow afternoon for a church program she wouldn't be back till Sunday.

TEMI

Ahh, who will stay with Awelle, especially with the nature of your job?

MICHEAL

Mama already spoke to Granny Aisha. She will be dropping Awelle off with her before leaving.

TEMI

Mama will be taking Awelle to our place at Festac.

MICHEAL

Yes, dear.

TEMI

No!

I mean, she would stress Nanny.

We can both look after her.

MICHEAL

But you have work, Temi.

Don't you think leaving her with Granny will be more convenient?

TEMI

Don't worry. I will work something out

We will be fine; I promise

(She holds Michael's hands)

MICHEAL

Temi, are you okay?

Why does it look like you are trying to avoid home?

TEMI

Me? Avoid home?

No!

I just want to spend time with you and Awelle.

By the way, have you heard from Onyinye

(She changes the topic of discussion)

MICHEAL

Oh yes, she called this evening.

Traffic was bad, so they had to stay at a hotel till tomorrow.

TEMI

Oh, okay, that's good. At least they are safe.

"Dr Mabel walks into the room."

Dr MABEL

Temi, Dr Yemi said you should report to his office now.

TEMI

Alright!

(she turns to Michael)

have to go now the bread is in my bag. I still have some tea in my flask

(She rushes out of the room)

_____________________________________

ASABA, DELTA STATE|

"Ayo barges into Chief Balogun's hotel suite"

Mr A BALOGUN

Father, have you seen the news?

CHIEF BALOGUN

Good Morning, Ayo.

I believe I raised you better than this.

Mr A BALOGUN

I apologize, Father.

e kaaro, Sir.

(He turns to Dr Akande and Hon J Bola)

I apologize for the inconvenience

Dr AKANDE

That is fine, Ayo.

So what brings you to your father's chambers this early Morning?

Mr A BALOGUN

(He picks up the flat-screen remote)

See for yourself.

HON J BOLA

(He reads out the headline)

"The vice presidential candidate of The AUG party, Mrs Alaba found dead at her residence yesterday afternoon."

Dr AKANDE

Chief, this is serious.

CHIEF BALOGUN

(He turns to Ayo)

Not serious enough for Ayo to disrupt my meeting this Morning.

Mr A BALOGUN

Don't you get it, father?

This has become an AUG-to-AUG war.

They are eating themselves. This could benefit us, Father.

CHIEF BALOGUN

I don't believe you still don't see it.

Your flesh and blood are about to step on your feet, and you are still convinced this is a party war?

Mr A BALOGUN

What do you mean, father?

Can't you see the obvious?

Even the press knows this is a party war.

HON J BOLA

You still don't get it, Ayo.

The AUGs aren't fighting themselves.

This is the sole reason why your sister joined the AUG party.

Dr AKANDE

He is trying to say that Lolade could be your Vice President if the AUG wins the presidential election.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Which can never be possible. I am her father; I can see her thoughts before she even thinks of them.

The only reason she has lasted this long outside my space is that she is a Balogun.

But it ends there. She can never be more than that without me.

Mr A BALOGUN

(He turns to Chief)

How long have you known about her plans?

CHIEF BALOGUN

That doesn't matter, Ayo.

Our focus should be on the elections.

The AUGs are at the peak of their political influence. We can't take any chances.

Dr AKANDE

I must confess Mrs Adesoji and Lolade's combo is disturbing.

HON J BOLA

Just as it should be.

Maybe this is an opportunity for The table to exercise the magnitude of power she has gathered over the years.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Exactly!

(He looks at his watch)

We should be heading to the airport in an hour. We have a lot of places to be today)

Mr A BALOGUN

I'm sorry, father.

I won't be joining you guys in Edo state.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Why?

Mr A BALOGUN

Today is Bisola's birthday. I have to spend the day with my wife.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Ayo, why can't you understand that the most important thing to you now should be your role in this forthcoming election?

Let your emotions be and do your job.

Bisola can wait!

Mr A BALOGUN

My family comes first, father.

I do not expect you to understand.

I have lived half my life in your absence. My family can't miss out on things you deprived me of.

Dr AKANDE

Relax Ayo!

Your father is trying to say that there is time for everything.

The election is very close. We need to focus on that.

Mr A BALOGUN

I understand all you have said.

Time is of the essence, and there is no essence of all these political struggles if I don't have a family to go home to.

I have promised you the votes of the south and west

I have done my part.

HON J BOLA

It's fine, Ayo.

We can't stop you.

Mr A BALOGUN

(He turns to Chief)

See you in Lagos, Father

(He walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

Mrs ADESOJI's RESIDENCE. VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS|

"Tony walks into Mrs Adesoji's  Chambers"

TONY

Good Morning, Mother.

Mrs ADESOJI

(She smiles at Tony)

Good Morning my son.

How are you?

TONY

Hmm

I'm fine, Mother and you?

Mrs ADESOJI

I'm perfect, Son.

TONY

You look very excited.

MRS ADESOJI

Would you rather have a sad mother?

TONY

No, of course.

I know it's no coincidence that Mrs Adesoji is filled with excitement and clinging to a bottle of wine a few hours after the death of Mrs Alaba.

Mrs ADESOJI

My plans are working.

Very soon will have all we ever wanted at the tips of our fingers.

TONY

Mother, what have you done this time?

Mrs ADESOJI

What I did was simple!

I made the vice president candidacy seat vacant for Lolade to occupy.

TONY

You are joking, right?

Mrs ADESOJI

No am not!

TONY

Why would you do that?

You are playing a dangerous game, mother.

The Baloguns are very unpredictable. All these plans can go against you.

Mrs ADESOJI

Relax, Son!

I know what I'm doing

Although it's difficult for us to admit, we both know Lolade  is the only person who can match The NNC party.

I don't care who sits on the throne as long as the person gets there without the aid of The Table and Chief's Influence.

TONY

Trust me, Mother, all you have said.

But this could be a game to get you.

Mrs ADESOJI

I don't care, Tony.

Whatever they have coming, I am ready for them.

His flesh and blood will destroy Chief.

Enough is enough; the Balogun's reign must come to an end. That is all I care about at this point.

TONY

Whatever Mother.

But keep in mind that you are not made of steel.

You still have a lot to lose if your plans fail.

(He walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

VICTORIA GARDEN HOTEL&SUITES|

"Taiwo knocks on Maria and Onyinye's room door."

TAIWO

Maria, are you guys up?

(He knocks again)

Why are they not answering me?

(He walks into the room)

"Maria walks out of the bathroom with a towel around her chest down to her lap."

MARIA

Taiwo!

(She calls out his name in Surprise)

TAIWO

(He glances at her moist body for a while)

Oh, sorry, I was knocking, and nobody was answering.

I'm sorry, I will take my leave now

(He turns to leave)

MARIA

It's fine, Sir.

I'm not naked

(She smiles at Taiwo)

TAIWO

Where is Onyinye?

MARIA

I don't know. I think she went downstairs

(Her cream slips off her hand)

TAIWO

Sorry about that

(He rushes to pick it up)

MARIA

(She looks into Taiwo's eyes)

Thank you.

TAIWO

(He couldn't help but wonder if her skin was human)

You have a very attractive skin.

MARIA

Really?

Thank you, Sir.

(She tries to hide her red face in her pockets)

TAIWO

(He trembles as he walks closer to her)

Here you go

(He drops the cream in her hands)

"They both could feel the textures of each other's skin through the surface of their hands just as they could feel the flavour of each other's lips.

Taiwo slowly places his hands on her cheeks as he pushes further for a more intense closure with Maria's lips."

ONYINYE

(She walks to the room door)

Maria, are you done?

"They both free themselves from each other."

MARIA

(In an intense voice)

Yes, I am done.

You can go in now?

TAIWO

When you guys are ready, let me know.

(He walks out of the room)

ONYINYE

(She gazes at Maria)

I can see you spent quality time with the man of your dreams.

MARIA

What is your problem, Onyinye?

He just came in to check if we were ready.

ONYINYE

Hmm, whatever.

Just so you know, I know what I saw.

(She walks into the bathroom)

_____________________________________

Mrs ADEBAYO's RESIDENCE. FESTAC, LAGOS|

"Temi is preparing breakfast in the kitchen."

MICHAEL

(He hugs Temi from the back)

You should be resting, my love.

You just finished ten hours shift.

TEMI

(She turns to Michael)

I'm fine, babe.

Besides, I slept a lot at the hospital.

MICHAEL

Alright, but after breakfast, you should take a shower and get some rest.

TEMI

A shower?

Do I stink?

MICHAEL

No, you don't, Temi.

You had your bath when we came in this Morning, na.

You look tired and sweaty, so  I figured you would need something to cool you down. You know there is no air conditioning here.

TEMI

Stop it, Michael.

I'm fine without that though we have to talk.

What I'm about to say may not go well with you, but I could die if I stay another night without telling you the truth.

MICHAEL

What is it, Temi?

You can talk to me.

(He walks her to the sitting room)

TEMI

(She sits on one of the chairs)

Alright, it's about Taiwo's late mother and your father.

MICHAEL

Alright, what about them?

"They both hear a knocks on the door."

TEMI

(She sees this as an opportunity to escape her reality)

Don't worry; I will get it.

(She walks up to the door)

KEMI

Good Morning.

TEMI

Good Morning, please; who are you looking for?

MICHAEL

(He walks to the door)

Who is there?

KEMI

It's me, Micheal

(She smiles at Micheal)

TEMI

(She turns to Micheal)

Who is she?

MICHEAL

She's Kemi.

Awelle's Mother.

_____________________________________

DEDICATION; To all the amazing women out there who grew up in the absence of a Father💜💜🥰

Spreading love to everyone out there❤️🥰