|POETIC INTRO|
She was dancing at the core of Africa
She took away our attention as we wondered at her impeccable beauty
She spoke in other tongues that were nothing like ours
Yet our ears found her lingo fascinating!
I was star stroked when I graced her presence with my curiosity
I looked into her green pupils as I seek for her identity
She opened my hands and dropped on them a black liquid
She looked me in the eyes and said;
"I am the light of Africa sitting on a hill that can not be hidden; when I lay down, my eyes see that thou can't see even when thou sit on the pinnacle of human evolution. I am the queen of the city, the one who holds the key to the black liquid. I am the voice of the oil city. I am the giant of Africa. I am Miss Nigeria"
Suddenly, I witness the wrath of man rip out her heart
She falls to the ground as she is drowning in her black liquid
The wrath of men whispered in my drum;
"The Queen of the city has become the sin of the kings in her city.
They have stripped her of the black liquid.
A world filled with pain, suffering, and chaos has been unleashed on her people
It shall spread like wildfire from the south to the east, west and north. They shall become slaves to the black liquid. They shall crave that which should be flowing like honey in their hands."
_____________________________________
LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE 1|
"Lolade polishes her golden pistol as she watches Robert struggle with his bleeding arm."
LOLADE
(She rests her back on the sofa directly opposite Robert)
Your father is the only reason you will leave this room alive.
I owe him a lot, and I married you because of my contract with him but don't think for a second that I will let you lend your body to another woman under my nose.
You belong to me!
ROBERT
(He holds his bleeding arm)
You pushed me into infidelity, Lolade.
I have done everything possible to make you love me as I love you. To my father, our union is purely business, but to me, Lolade, I married you because I loved you. But instead of giving me a chance to prove my affection for you, you keep making excuses to gaze at the darkness that only exists in your imagination.
LOLADE
(She smiles at Robert)
Do not speak about love, you cheating white whore!
How is it love if your manhood could find the conscience to lay with my own flesh and blood?
ROBERT
Give me a reason why he shouldn't.
At some point, a man's leg gets tired of chasing after a woman that clearly doesn't feel the same way he does for her.
I would screw Eniola a thousand times if I could.
LOLADE
Gbenu so un!
Oga, she get HIV, so how e con be you for body now?
Better go and check yourself, oh, Idiot
(She gets up from the sofa)
Doctor Collins will be arriving any minute from now.
Try not to lose too much blood.
(She walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
ST PHILIPS SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, LAGOS NIGERIA|
"Simi rushes into the waiting room alongside Gen Abiola and Dr Shade."
SIMI
(She turns to Temi)
Where is my husband?
TAIWO
(walks into the room with a broken arm)
Simi.
SIMI
(She hugs him)
How are you?
Are you okay?
(She scans through his body)
TAIWO
Simi, I'm fine.
Besides, I'm a good swimmer.
(He smiles at her)
TEMI
You are a good swimmer!
Are you seeing your arm?
You and Eniola are just too stubborn!
TAIWO
Relax, Temilade, I'm fine.
The most important thing is that everyone is fine.
SIMI
How is Eniola?
Are the rumours true?
TEMI
Sadly it is, but she will be fine.
Dr SHADE
Taiwo, you shouldn't be up.
You still need rest.
GEN ABIOLA
Exactly!
What you did was risky, and you are lucky to be alive.
By the way, where are your patents?
TAIWO
They are with Eniola. They will soon be out.
"Bisola and Ayo walk out of Eniola's room."
Dr SHADE
(She approaches Bisola)
My dear, how are you?
Mrs B BALOGUN
I'm tired, Dr Shade
(she hugs her in tears)
Dr SHADE
Stop crying, my love
Everything will be alright.
We all need to be strong Eniola needs our support now more than ever before.
GEN ABIOLA
(He gazes at Ayo)
I don't know what to say to you to make this easier, but I know everything will be alright.
Most importantly, we didn't lose anybody to the Lagos Lagoon.
Mr B BALOGUN
I'm grateful for that too.
I don't care about Eniola's health state; I love my daughter regardless.
Thank you for your support, General.
GEN ABIOLA
You don't have to thank me, Mr Governor.
We are one family.
"Eniola opens her eyes as she hoped to have made it to hell."
ENIOLA
Grandma!
Mrs K BALOGUN
(She rushes to Eniola)
My baby Girl, how are you?
(Tears roll down her cheeks)
ENIOLA
(She scans through the room and notices everything, but Rukky, Bayo, and Kate are unfamiliar)
Where am I?
RUKKY
You are at the hospital, Eniola, but you will be fine
(She picks up Eniola's palm)
ENIOLA
But how?
The last thing I remember was falling into the Lagoon.
BAYO
Your other brother jumped in after you.
(He smiles at Eniola)
Mrs K BALOGUN
Don't stress yourself, Eniola and don't think about anything. You are safe now.
ENIOLA
How about my daughter?
How is she?
(She attempts to get up from the bed)
RUKKY
Eniola, relax!
Hope is fine.
Mrs K BALOGUN
I called Uncle Akande earlier to pull some strings to get her a donor, but he said they had already found one.
ENIOLA
But how?
BAYO
That doesn't matter, Eniola. The most important thing is that she is getting her treatment.
ENIOLA
I want to see her.
Mrs K BALOGUN
You will see her, but first, you must rest and recover.
The doctor said you would be discharged tomorrow morning if you rested well.
ENIOLA
Can I at least call?
Even if it's just for a second, Ejor.
RUKKY
I will call her parents, but I doubt they will pick up cause it's late already.
BAYO
Eniola, I will be back
I want to let others know you are awake.
(He kisses her on the forehead as he walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN RESIDENCE. BANANA ISLAND, LAGOS|
"Chief walks into the sitting room."
Mrs K BALOGUN
E kaaro, Chief
(She buries her eyes in the screen of her three eyes)
CHIEF BALOGUN
Iyawo mi bawo ni o?
Mrs K BALOGUN
(she avoids eye contact with Chief)
I'm fine, Chief.
CHIEF BALOGUN
No, you are not, Kate.
Kini iṣoro naa?
Mrs K BALOGUN
I'm okay, Williams
Where are you off to this morning?
(She attempts to change the topic of conversation)
CHIEF BALOGUN
I have some work to do at the office though I will because before sunset because we will be having dinner with The Obi's tonight.
Mrs K BALOGUN
What?
And you didn't see the need to inform me before now?
CHIEF BALOGUN
I'm sorry, Kate, but you have nothing to worry about. Everything has been taken care of all.
Mrs K BALOGUN
It doesn't matter, Chief.
You should have told me.
I have plans today.
CHIEF BALOGUN
What plans?
I spoke to your secretary; you are free today.
Mrs K BALOGUN
You spoke to my secretary?
Why would you do that?
So my opinion doesn't matter anymore?
Please, Williams, do not get on my nerves this morning today na Sunday, Ejor!
CHIEF BALOGUN
Hmm, I apologize, so what do you have planned for today?
Mrs K BALOGUN
I'm taking on some responsibilities you refused to embrace.
I have to be at the hospital to check on your granddaughter; then I will go to Ayo's place to see Eniola too.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Ehen!
Now I know why you are mad at me.
How are they doing?
Mrs K BALOGUN
Like you care.
Please, let me be.
Go to wherever you are going.
CHIEF BALOGUN
I have reached out in my way, Kate.
How do you think Hope got a donor so fast?
Just because I denied my granddaughter my presence doesn't me I will turn my back on her.
By the way, two of my boys will be coming in today to store petrol for us. You have seen the news today, so I will not explain it further.
Mrs K BALOGUN
Yes, I have seen it, but I feel this is strongly political, and You and the party are strongly involved in it.
CHIEF BALOGUN
This is not the first time the demand for petroleum exceeds the present supply. My involvement in this should matter to you.
The most important thing is that, in a way, we benefit from this politically
Mrs K BALOGUN
At the expense of the masses?
CHIEF BALOGUN
I will be leaving now; take care of yourself
(He walks out of the room, ignoring Kate)
_____________________________________
Mr AYO BALOGUN RESIDENCE. FESTAC, LAGOS|
"Temi walks into the sitting room."
TEMI
Good Morning Taiwo.
(She drops her head on Taiwo's lefts shoulders)
TAIWO
Ahh, no church today?
TEMI
No, I'm not going. I'm tired
Besides, I'm low on gas
No fuel in Festac at all.
TAIWO
Yes, that's true, but we both know something as petty as fuel scarcity wouldn't wound the Baloguns.
TEMI
But the news said the supply rate isn't up to twenty per cent of the demand nationwide.
Don't you think it will affect us?
"Bayo walks into the sitting room."
BAYO
That's only if any of this is real.
Common Temilade, we all know this is a serious political and deliberate attempt by the government.
A group of people just come together and decide to withdraw the quantity of petroleum in public. Thereby leading to inflation in its value, the standard of living and the cost of production.
OLAMIDE
But how is any of this beneficial to the government?
TEMI
I was about to ask the same question
TAIWO
It's simple, guys.
Their major goal is to neutralize the coming election.
NNC will do anything to stay in power. So they are trying to do everything to make it difficult for Nigerians.
So over time, this fuel issue will distract the average Nigerian.
BAYO
Which will give NNC the platform to influence the result of the election.
TEMI
But Grandpa and others really have nothing to worry about, na.
I don't see any reason they will take things this far just to win an election they have been winning for years.
OLAMIDE
Well, I understand why they will go to this extent, though.
Temi, it seems you have not been politically attentive for a while now.
BAYO
Exactly.
Auntie Lolade's party are slowly becoming a big threat to The NNC.
If I were in the NNC's shoes, I would do everything to keep the spotlight.
TAIWO
(He turns to Bayo)
I don't think it's worth it, though.
This silly game will affect millions of Nigerians.
The crazy thing is that we won't suffer this either, wouldn't they?
But it will be hell for the masses as at an hour ago, a litre of fuel is about seven hundred naira. Do you think it's fair?
BAYO
This is politics, Taiwo!
There Is no place for sentiments. If you can't play the game, then let it be.
No government in the world cares more about the people than their selves.
Every political personality has some essence of selfish motive and goals no body be saint, abeg.
As long as it doesn't affect my loved ones and me, I don't care.
"Awelle walks into the sitting room."
TEMI
My love, come here.
(She smiles at Temi)
AWELLE
Auntie Temi, good morning, ma.
(She hugs Temi)
BAYO
Hey young lady, you can't greet abi?
Your Auntie Temi is not the only person in this room
See her head.
TAIWO
Bayo, let the child be.
OLAMIDE
I heard both of them fought yesterday, and the little girl dealt with him.
(He smiles at Bayo)
TEMI
Ahh seriously?
Awelle, what did he do to you?
BAYO
Nothing!
I did nothing to her.
(He gazes at Awelle)
Right?
AWELLE
(She smiles at Bayo)
Where is my bag of chocolate and teddy bear?
Your answer will determine what I'm going to say next.
OLAMIDE
Wait, Bayo, did you bribe her?
TAIWO
Obviously, he did
BAYO
I didn't not!
AWELLE
(She turns to Temi)
Auntie Temi, why do adults lie a lot?
TEMI
(She turns to Bayo)
Bayo, what's she talking about?
BAYO
Fine guys, she caught me with some sticks and threatened to tell Nanny.
TEMI
Awelle, tell Nanny to give you the ice cream I bought for you last night
AWELLE
(She smiles at Temi)
Okay
(She rushes out of the room )
TEMI
(She turns to Bayo)
Bayo, why would you expose her to such?
She's seven, for God's sake!
BAYO
How am I supposed to know you brought your boyfriend's daughter to my father's house?
TAIWO
Guys, that's enough.
(He turns to Temi)
Temilade, you are overreacting.
(He turns to Bayo)
As for you, Bayo, you shouldn't be smoking in the sitting room regardless of who is at home.
BAYO
Mr perfect has spoken.
(He mocks Taiwo)
OLAMIDE
But Bayo, Taiwo is right.
Nobody says you shouldn't smoke, but there is time for everything, na.
You were obviously doing the right thing for yourself at the wrong place and time.
BAYO
Whatever, guys, I go do watin Dey my mind.
TEMI
I don't even get what you enjoy from hurting your lungs with tobacco.
(She hisses and walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
Eniola's Chambers|
"Rukky walks into the room."
RUKKY
Hey, my love
How are you doing?
ENIOLA
I don't know, Rukky
Where do I start?
RUKKY
Relax, my dear; everything will be alright.
I have a good news for you
(She smiles at Eniola)
Hope's transplant was successful.
ENIOLA
You are joking, right?
RUKKY
I'm serious, Eniola.
ENIOLA
But how come?
They just found a donor yesterday
RUKKY
Well, it seems someone helped us.
I spoke to hope parents, who said the donator stayed anonymous.
"Bisi walks into the room."
BISI
Eniola, how are you?
(She sits beside Eniola)
ENIOLA
(She turns to Bisi)
I'm fine.
BISI
Have you eaten?
ENIOLA
Yes, I have
Thank you.
"Awelle stands at the entrance of the door gazing at Eniola."
RUKKY
(She sights Awelle)
Hey, Awelle, come here
"Awelle takes some steps backwards."
BISI
(She smiles at Awelle)
Come inside, na.
"Awelle ignores Bisi's friendly invitation."
ENIOLA
Let her be. I think she is scared.
(She smiles at Awelle)
"Awelle walks into the room."
AWELLE
(She walks to where Eniola is sitting)
Good morning, Ma
Please, are you Auntie Temi's sister?
ENIOLA
Yes, I am.
Why do you ask?
AWELLE
I saw your face on Tv, and Grandma said you wanted to kill yourself
Is that true?
RUKKY
Awelle, come here.
ENIOLA
No, it's fine. I will answer the little girl's question
(She turns to Awelle)
Yes, I thought if killing myself, but I didn't
AWELLE
Well, I'm happy you didn't kill yourself. If not, my Auntie Temi would be so lonely and sad.
I want her to be happy, so please don't do that again.
BISI
(She laughs out loud)
Omo, whose kid is this?
She's so funny and smart.
RUKKY
She's Nanny's granddaughter.
BISI
Wow, she's very smart. I like her
(She turns to Awelle)
How old are you?
AWELLE
I'm seven
(She samples her yet-to-be thirty-two)
BISI
Wow that nice
You are a big girl, oh.
AWELLE
Yes I am
(She jumps on Eniola's bed)
"Mrs Aisha walks into the room."
Mrs AISHA
Have any of you seen, Awelle?
AWELLE
Grandma, I'm here.
Come and join me
Mrs AISHA
Awelle, come down from that bed now!
(She turns to Eniola)
I'm sorry for the inconvenience
ENIOLA
Nanny, it's fine; let Awelle be.
She's a sweet girl.
I don't mind.
BISI
Yes, oh, and very smart.
Mrs AISHA
Are you sure?
Isn't she disturbing you?
(She turns to Awelle)
Didn't I say you should come down from that place?
RUKKY
Nanny, let her be. It's fine.
Let her play jor.
Mrs AISHA
Alright, I will check on Bisola and Ayo.
(She turns to Awelle)
Better behave yourself, oh.
ENIOLA
Nanny, let her be.
You worry too much.
_____________________________________
UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS |
"Onyinye knocks on the door."
MARIA
Who is there?
(She opens the door)
ONYINYE
It's me, oh.
(She walks into the room)
MARIA
How was service?
ONYINYE
(She takes off her hills)
Omo, it was fine oh
My crush came
(She smiles at Maria)
MARIA
I knew it!
That was the reason you were so bent on going to church this morning
(She sits on her bed)
ONYINYE
Na, you know, oh
I went to church to serve my God.
MARIA
See this one!
Dey play
I, and you know you went to church because of that boy.
ONYINYE
At least I'm better than you.
I went to church. I am not waiting for Uncle Taiwo's texts
Or do you think I don't know you guys text a lot?
MARIA
What is wrong with that?
He is just being caring, and this is somebody I have known my whole life
Probably like a brother to me
ONYINYE
Maria, you are a clown, oh.
Please don't try and insult my intelligence.
Abeg you cook?
I Dey hungry bad bad
MARIA
Yes, I made rice.
ONYINYE
You see why I love you
(She rushes to the kitchen)
_____________________________________
Mrs ADEBAYO's RESIDENCE. FESTAC, LAGOS|
"Kemi walks into the kitchen."
KEMI
Good Evening, Michael
(She smiles at him)
MICHAEL
(He places his right palm on his chest)
What is your problem, Kemi?
I know this is an old house, and the bell doesn't work, but it wouldn't take anything from you if you knocked.
KEMI
Then you will ask, "Who is there?"
I will then say, "it's me, Kemi."
Then you will tell me one thousand reasons why you don't want to see me.
MICHAEL
After all, you've put my daughter and me through; you wouldn't blame me if I didn't want you around us.
KEMI
(She holds Michhael's hands)
But I'm here now, Michael!
I am sorry for what I did. I know nothing can fix the pain I put you. True, no, I can't blame you if you resent me your whole life, but please don't deprive me of my daughter. We both know I still have the right to see her whenever I want.
MICHAEL
(He frees his hands from hers)
I won't fall for this, Kemi!
I know you; your type can't stick around for long, probably always on the road. All you care about is yourself, Kemi.
I won't let you hurt Awelle the way you did hurt me.
Please leave!
KEMI
I have nowhere to go, Michael.
That is why I am here.
MICHAEL
What do you mean by you don't have well to go?
Where have you been staying since you came to Lagos?
KEMI
I checked into a hotel but can't continue living that way.
MICHAEL
Well, I will suggest you find another place to stay cause there is no room for you in this house.
(He walks into the dining room)
KEMI
(She follows Michael into the dining room)
Michael, please!
I promise I won't cause trouble. I just want to be closer to my daughter, and staying here is my only Hope
You are my only Hope.
MICHAEL
How about your Mom?
Can't you stay with her?
Oh, wait, you can't because you abandoned her too. I guess she asked you to leave too!
KEMI
I deserve all you are saying, Michael. I did this to myself but help me, please.
MICHAEL
Kemi, you are asking for too much!
You know Mama nor won take eye see if I were you, I will leave now that is still can.
KEMI
Wait, is she coming back today?
MICHAEL
Most likely.
KEMI
Don't worry about Mama
You and I know this is your decision to make
Once you let me stay, Mama would not have a choice but to concur.
MICHAEL
Hmm
Kemi, I'm sorry I can't help you!
KEMI
Michael, please!
I know you don't want the Mother of your child to be on the street.
MICHAEL
Eh, stop it!
Don't play psychology games with me.
Gone are the days when that your nonsense trick works on me.
If I won help you, I go help you!
KEMI
Those that mean you will help me?
MICHAEL
I don't know, Kemi.
I will have to talk to Mama about it first
For now, find a solution to your problem
KEMI
Thank you, Michael
(She hugs him)
MICHAEL
Kemi, that's okay!
I'm not promising; I only said I would discuss it with Mama.
(He pulls himself away from Kemi)
"Bimpe walks into the dining."
BIMPE
Wow, that was a passionate hug.
MICHAEL
No, it wasn't, and Kemi would be leaving now.
(He turns to Kemi)
Right?
KEMI
Oh yes.
But before I leave, can I see Awelle?
BIMPE
Awelle went out with the love of Michael's life.
MICHAEL
Bimpe!
KEMI
I guess it's the young lady I met here the other day.
MICHAEL
(He grabs Kemi by the arm)
That's it, you are leaving now.
KEMI
Fine!
I will leave now
(She walks towards the front door)
MICHAEL
(He turns to Bimpe)
What is your problem?
BIMPE
Ahh, what did I do, na?
I just told her the truth.
MICHAEL
What truth?
We both know you don't like Temilade for reasons best known to you.
BIMPE
I don't have any reason to like her. I still don't get why both of you are together. It doesn't make sense.
MICHAEL
It doesn't have to make sense to you or anybody out there.
And the next time you open the door for Kemi, you will be the one leaving.
BIMPE
You know what, Michael?
I don't blame you.
(She walks away)
"Abuka walks into the house."
ABUKA
Bimpe, my love, how far, na?
BIMPE
Abuka, please, I'm not in the mood.
(She walks out of the house)
ABUKA
(He walks into the dining)
How far watin you do Bimpe?
MICHAEL
Abeg leaves her make she Dey vex for something were nor get head.
(He notice the two gallon in Abuka's hands)
Ahh, where you Dey carry fuel gallon go?
ABUKA
Omo, I hear say Festac filling station Dey open oh so I won try my luck
MICHAEL
Ahh, wait, I go follow you oh
I need fuel too.
How much dem they sell?
ABUKA
Bro, I nor know. Oh, but one of my guy say na five hundred.
Guy hurry up abeg time don dey go oh.
MICHAEL
I Dey come make I wear shirt
(He rushes to his bedroom)
_____________________________________
Mr AYO BALOGUNS MANSION. FESTAC, LAGOS|
"Temilade walks into Taiwo's room."
TAIWO
Hey, my love, how are you?
TEMI
I'm fine, Taiwo and you?
(She sits on Taiwo's bed)
TAIWO
I'm good
Ahh, this one, you are all dressed up this evening; where are you going?
TEMI
Grandpa requested my presence, and he sent this gown to me.
TAIWO
Wow seems like a setup to me.
Probably you are next in line for an arranged marriage.
TEMI
I thought as much, but he is just wasting his time
They won't force me to marry anybody
TAIWO
Hmm
Michael is a lucky man.
(He smiles at Temi)
TEMI
What do you mean?
TAIWO
Temilade, I know, but of you are together.
Don't deny it, don't worry, I support it.
I like Michael.
TEMI
Finally, I have been dying to tell somebody.
Please keep it to yourself
TAIWO
Of course, I will.
TEMI
Taiwo, I have something serious to tell you.
TAIWO
Okay, what is it, my love?
TEMI
It's about your Mother's death.
TAIWO
What about it?
"Bayo walks into the room."
BAYO
Temilade, can you give me a minute with Taiwo"
TAIWO
(He turns to Bayo)
Sorry brother, you will have to wait.
Temi and I are in the middle of a discussion
TEMI
No, it's Taiwo.
We can still talk about it when I get back.
(She turns to Bayo)
Bayo or anyone else can't stop us from having this conversation
(She walks out of the room)
TAIWO
So what is so important that you want to talk about, Bayo?
BAYO
I must confess, brother.
I have always felt challenged by you
You have everything I ever asked for in life, including the love and affection from Simi.
TAIWO
Don't tell me this is still about Simi
I thought we had moved past this phase, Bayo?
BAYO
Shut up, Taiwo. I am still talking
TAIWO
Sorry, Sir
Go on!
BAYO
The only thing I have that you don't is the company!
I am the favourite to take over grandpa's position in Festac Oil and Gas.
It may be hard for you to admit, but nobody knows this business as I do.
TAIWO
I guess you are dying to know my response to Grandpa's proposal.
(He smiles at Bayo)
BAYO
Taiwo, I don't want to hurt you, so please don't start what you can't finish.
The chairman's seat is mine.
I know you are older, but let's be honest, you do not merit it. I have worked my ass day in and day out just to earn that position, and I won't let anyone take it from me.
TAIWO
Have you proven your worth to the company?
BAYO
In countless ways, Taiwo.
TAIWO
(He gets up from the bed)
Then I am no threat to you
I am accepting that proposal. We both know grandpa will not let me rest till I am actively involved in the family's business.
I am bringing the best of me, Bayo please don't take this as a threat
I probably just want to prove to myself that I am a Balogun. I can't keep running away from my responsibilities as the first son.
Good Evening, Bayo
(He walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's MANSION, BANANA ISLAND, LAGOS|
"Chief Balogun and Kate have dinner with The Obi's."
Mr OBI
Chief, where is our wife?
CHIEF BALOGUN
Temilade will be here soon. I guess she is stuck in traffic
Mrs K BALOGUN
Chidi, are you enjoying your meal?
Dr CHIDI
Yes, ma I am.
"Temilade walks into the dining room."
TEMI
I'm sorry I'm late
ti o dara aṣalẹ sir ati ma
Mrs K BALOGUN
Temi, what happens?
TEMI
The cue at the filling station was something else.
Dr CHIDI
(He pulls out the chair beside him)
You look so gorgeous.
TEMI
Thank you.
(She sits down)
CHIEF BALOGUN
Cue?
Why were you buying fuel at the filling station?
Didn't the company supply fuel to your father's residence today?
TEMI
I don't know, grandpa, and even if they did, isn't it unfair that the masses suffer this way, and we all sit here enjoying an endless flow of Petro?
Dr CHIDI
Well, that is why we are not the masses, Temi
We are The Balogun's and Obi's suffering isn't in our blood
Mr OBI
My son has spoken so well.
TEMI
Hmm, I think it's absurd that we keep a reserve that could carry us for months, and the masses are out there suffering. Three people lost their lives today in Ajah. I heard there was a protest in Ojuelegba too.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Well, we worked for all we have today, Temilade!
It's not our fault that the masses can not afford to live the life that we can. Yes, I feel sad about the recent development, but your safety and that of every Balogun is my only priority, and I wouldn't feel sorry about that.
Mrs OBI
Alright, enough of these fuel scarcity conversations
(She turns to Temi)
How are you, my daughter?
TEMI
I am fine, ma and you?
(She smiles at Mrs Obi)
Mrs OBI
I am fine.
My son has told me a lot about you
How intelligent and focused you are in your workspace.
TEMI
Wow, I never knew.
Mr OBI
Your name doesn't leave his mouth, oh.
Temi this, Temi that!
Ah ah, it's almost as if you are the most important part of his life.
Mrs OBI
I am jealous already, oh.
TEMI
You don't have to be jealous, ma
Dr Chidi and I are just friends and workmates.
Mrs K BALOGUN
Hmm, don't you think both of you should be more?
TEMI
Well, to be more, we need to see each other differently, and they have to be some extra emotional connection that doesn't exist in my relationship with him right now.
Mr OBI
Ahh but Rome wasn't built in a day
There is plenty of time for both of you to connect when you tie the knots.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Exactly!
(He turns to Temi)
Temi, we have all been talking and agreed that You and Chidi would be a perfect match.
Dr CHIDI
I already think she is my soul mate, but sadly Temi hasn't caught up.
"The room is filled with laughter."
Mrs OBI
(She turns to Temi)
So our wife, what do you have to say?
TEMI
Marriage has always been a big deal for me.
I can not marry a man I'm not in love with. Please do not take it personally, Ma.
Mr OBI
We completely understand you, my dear
But you need to understand that marriage is mostly not about emotions. It's about what is best for you.
TEMI
What I think is best for me, Is a man I can emotionally connect with.
Please excuse me; I have to use the restroom
(She gets up)
Mrs K BALOGUN
Use the one in my room since my room is the closest to the dining.
TEMI
Okay, ma.
(She walks out of the dining)
_____________________________________
kate's Room|
"Temilade picks up one of the books on Kate's desk. She smiles and says to herself
"This woman never stops reading."
"Kates's phone rings; Temilade picks it up and catches sight of something extremely familiar the caller ID displayed
"Adebisi Balogun"
Temi picks up the call out of curiosity.
"Kate walks into the room."
Mrs K BALOGUN
Temilade, what are you doing?
TEMI
Why I'm I speaking to a dead woman?
_____________________________________