|POETIC INTRO|
I can not hold a pen
For my hands are quivering at the words left unsaid.
My soul has wondered into my subconscious
My mind lost in in-depth thoughts
How I desired for time to be at my feet
For the clock to cheat nature
For my beloved to smile again
For chaos to leave me be.
Guilt has before me
My fate has seduced me
I can not weep for a lost soul
For I'm lost in all my ways
If only my tongue were sealed at the last moment
Thy soul would not leave me be
If only I could time travel
I would take the last bus to our memories
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Maria cries out to Bayo and grabs him by the arm."
MARIA
Bayo, let him be.
BAYO
(He pushes her away and delivers an extra punch to Taiwo's bleeding cheeks)
Why, Taiwo?
You of all people know how I feel about Simi. I almost died when she was betrothed to you.
If you don't want her, why didn't you say something?
TAIWO
(He struggles to sit on the bed)
I don't know, Bayo.
BAYO
How dare you?
(He attempts to punch Taiwo's face again)
MARIA
(She jumps in front of Bayo)
Bayo, stop, please.
(Tears stream down her eyes)
BAYO
(He points at Maria)
And you, how could you do this to me?
I treated you like a sister.
You were the one person I never got mad at. I love you like I love my sisters.
Why, Maria?
MARIA
I'm sorry, Bayo.
Please do not tell anyone, Bayo, ejor.
TAIWO
Don't take it out on her, Bayo.
It's all my fault. Let Maria be.
BAYO
I thought you were the saint, brother?
The brother who everyone believes is perfect.
Yet you cannot stay faithful to a woman you are married to.
TAIWO
I cannot stay faithful to the chains your grandfather has put me in.
Do you think it's easy to wake up every morning to a woman that you clearly have nothing in common with?
A woman that I cannot connect with?
Do you know what it takes to be me?
BAYO
I do not care about you or your feelings, Taiwo.
She loves you; that is all that matters.
You had the chance to call it off, but you didn't.
You have no excuse for your shortcomings, brother.
You have messed up big time, and it will cost you a lot beyond your imagination.
(He walks out of the room)
MARIA
(She sits beside Taiwo)
I'm sorry.
TAIWO
Go.
MARIA
Why? I can't leave you this way.
TAIWO
Do you realize what Bayo could do with the information he just learned?
MARIA
I know, but I can't leave you this way.
Give me a minute; I will get the first aid box.
(She walks out of the room)
"Taiwo lies on the bed, holding onto his tummy."
_____________________________________
"Adebisi walks onto the balcony and notices Bisola lost in thought."
ADEBISI
(She turns to Bisola)
You know that glass of wine won't drink itself.
MRS. B BALOGUN
(She turns to Adebisi)
Are you suggesting I drink to forget the pain of losing a daughter?
ADEBISI
No, I didn't know what else to say.
I just wanted to get your attention, hoping that I could make you believe that everything would be alright.
Please accept my condolences.
MRS. B BALOGUN
Thank you.
(She sips her glass of wine)
ADEBISI
I'm Miss Agnis.
(She extends a formal handshake)
MRS. B BALOGUN
I'm Bisola.
(She shakes her hand)
ADEBISI
Nice to meet you.
(She wears a smile)
MRS. B BALOGUN
You too.
ADEBISI
Yeah.
(She exhales and inhales)
MRS. B BALOGUN
I slapped her.
That was my last interaction with her.
Eniola had always been strong-willed, stubborn, and bold.
I am a mother who believes a child must adhere to their parents' instructions.
We argued and disagreed on many things.
(Tears roll down her swollen red cheeks)
ADEBISI
(She slowly places her left hand on Bisola's back)
Everything will be fine.
My words may be meaningless to your ears at this moment, especially because I'm practically a stranger to you, but I hope you find my presence comforting.
MRS. B BALOGUN
You are not a stranger.
Who doesn't know the popular Oil Billionaire who is stealing the spotlight from notable men and women in Lagos?
Your name is on the lips of both the rich and the poor.
ADEBISI
You still find the strength to flatter me.
Hmm, you are a strong woman, I must say.
MRS. B BALOGUN
I don't know about that.
I have done things I am not proud of, and I'm close to the edge.
The consequences of my actions are slowly catching up to me.
ADEBISI
(She pretends to be clueless)
What do you mean?
MRS. B BALOGUN
It's nothing.
Thank you for coming.
(She wears a forced smile on her face and walks out of the scene)
_____________________________________
Somewhere in her subconscious|
(2:25 AM)
ENIOLA
Temilade...
(She smiles at her, but there's an unsettling edge to it.)
TEMI
Eniola, I don't understand that smile. What's going on?
ENIOLA
Can I use your new car?
TEMI
Hell no. Grandpa just gave that to me. Why do you need it?
ENIOLA
Temi, please, it's important. Just for one night.
TEMI
No! I can't let you take it.
ENIOLA
Give it to me, or else...
TEMI
Or else what? Where are you going?
ENIOLA
You know...
TEMI
(Suddenly, the scene shifts. Temi finds herself in a dark, foreboding space)
Eniola? What's happening? Where are you?
(Eniola suddenly appears, falling from a staircase)
No, Eniola! Wake up!
(Temi rushes to Eniola's bleeding body, gripping her tightly)
TEMI
Eniola, no! Please, don't leave me!
(She screams in anguish)
"Ayo rushes to Temi's room, alarmed by the screams"
MR. A BALOGUN
(He embraces Temi tightly)
Relax, my love, it's just a dream. It's not real.
TEMI
(Breathing heavily, tears streaming down her face)
No, it felt so real. I saw Eniola. She was alive. We have to do something.
MR. A BALOGUN
Eniola is gone
TEMI
But Daddy, I saw her. .
"Rukky rushes into the room, concerned for Temi"
RUKKY
What's happening? What's with all the screaming?
MR. A BALOGUN
(Turning to Rukky)
It was just a nightmare, Rukky. Temi had a terrible dream.
TEMI
(Desperately trying to compose herself)
No, Rukky, I saw Eniola. She needs our help. We have to save her.
RUKKY
(Soothingly embracing Temi)
Temi, my dear, Eniola is no longer with us. She's at peace now. It's hard to accept, but we must find a way to move forward.
TEMI
(Tears streaming down her face, her voice trembling)
I miss her so much. It hurts.
"Hope enters the room, sensing the distress"
HOPE
(She holds tight to her teddy bear)
What's happening? Why is everyone upset?
RUKKY
Come here, my sweet Hope.
(She holds both Temi and Hope)
We had a bad dream, that's all. Everything will be okay now.
MR. A BALOGUN
I'll be in my room if you need me. Try to get some rest, my loves.
(He kisses Temi and Hope gently before leaving the room)
_____________________________________
LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|
"Bisi walks into the dining room."
BISI
E káàró, Ma.
(She sits opposite Lolade)
LOLADE
Finally, my prodigal daughter remembers the breast she sucked on.
BISI
Mummy, don't start, e jòr. It's too early to argue with you.
(She picks up her cutlery. It's her favorite: fried yam and egg sauce.)
LOLADE
Very true. I wouldn't want to share the same fate as your Auntie Bisola, who squandered her last moments with Eniola. What a pity.
(She picks up her glass of red wine.)
"Olamide walks in."
OLAMIDE
Mummy, can't you pretend to care a little? I understand you may never see eye to eye with Uncle Ayo, but I don't see how it relates to poor Eniola.
LOLADE
(She turns to Olamide)
I suppose that's your "Good morning"?
OLAMIDE
Forgive me, your royal highness. E káàró, Ma.
LOLADE
Hmm, how is Ayo and the others holding up?
BISI
Don't you feel any shame asking such a question?
LOLADE
(She turns to Bisi)
And why would I feel the need to welcome shame when I'm simply showing nothing but care and regards?
OLAMIDE
Wow, you must offer the best care service in the whole of Lagos City. Well done, Ma.
"Robert sits beside Lolade."
LOLADE
What's the meaning of this? Why are my children turning against me?
ROBERT
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is an adult, he will not depart from it.
BISI
(She smiles at Robert)
Good morning, Mr. Luther.
LOLADE
(She turns to Robert)
Excuse you? What is that supposed to mean?
OLAMIDE
The man you married is letting you know that we are a product of your decisions and actions. You cut ties with your family, so don't be surprised if we eventually do the same with you.
LOLADE
Shut up! You all woke up to judge me this morning. I can see I'm alone in all of this. You never try to see things from my end.
BISI
Honestly, Mother, we did and we still do. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here dining with you. We would be out there, preparing to cast our votes for you during the election. But what we don't understand is why a woman who calls herself our mother would find it convenient to pay Eniola her last respects.
OLAMIDE
Now I'm beginning to think you know something, or even more than we do, about what happened to Eniola.
LOLADE
(She appears furious)
Enough! How dare you speak of respect? Did your precious Eniola think of respect before she laid with my husband? As for you, Olamide, I don't blame you.
ROBERT
Lolade, that's enough.
(He places his palm on hers.)
LOLADE
(She turns to Robert)
Fí mi silẹ̀, jòr. This is all your fault.
(She walks out of the scene.)
BISI
(She gazes at Robert in surprise)
Did you sleep with Eniola?
ROBERT
Eat your food and go to work. I will check up on your mother before she tears the mansion into two.
(He walks out of the scene.)
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Temi dials Michael's number."
CHIEF BALOGUN
Temilade, no phones on the dining table. You have to eat.
(He sips his glass of wine.)
SIMI
You can try reaching him later.
(She whispers to Temi.)
"Temi gets up to leave."
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Where are you going, young lady?
TEMI
I'm not hungry. I will be leaving for work now.
(She picks up her bag.)
CHIEF BALOGUN
There would be no need for that. Sit down and eat.
TEMI
But I have a job, Grandpa.
Mr. A BALOGUN
Temi, you need a break from work. Don't do this to yourself.
TEMI
Fine, I just need to clear my head. Can I just go today?
CHIEF BALOGUN
No, you can't! You are not ready psychologically or emotionally. I won't let you play with the lives of others just because you want to get things off your mind.
BAYO
(He turns to Temi)
He has a point, Temi. Sit down, don't be stubborn.
TEMI
But I'm fine. At least let me say goodbye to my friends and co-workers today.
CHIEF BALOGUN
I said there would be no need for that! Besides, you do not work there anymore. You will get your transfer letter in a day or two.
TEMI
What? Why, Grandpa? I love that place.
CHIEF BALOGUN
That place was never in my plans for you. Besides, it will keep you away from that boy and give you more time to reflect on the offer from Chidi and the Obis. The election is in two days. I will not lose because of your selfish emotions.
Mr. A BALOGUN
Dad, I thought we talked about this. Besides, it's too early to bother her with all of that.
TEMI
(She turns to Chief in a furious mood)
What have I ever done to you? Why do you hate me so much? Must all of our lives revolve around your selfish decisions?
RUKKY
Temi! That's enough. Please sit down.
(She attempts to pull Temi to her seat.)
TEMI
Fí mi silẹ̀, jòr.
(She turns to Ayo)
Father, say something.
(She turns to Kate)
Grandma?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Temilade, calm down. We can all talk about this when you are less tense.
CHIEF BALOGUN
There is nothing to talk about. I would rather die than let her ruin my plans.
TEMI
I would rather die than let you have your way.
(She picks up her bag to leave.)
"Chief signals his guards to prevent her from leaving."
Mrs. B BALOGUN
Temilade, come with me.
(She pulls Temi by the arm.)
TEMI
Leave me alone. Do not act like a saint. Your days are numbered in this house. Soon they will all know what you've done.
(She walks out of the scene.)
Mr. A BALOGUN
(He turns to Bisola)
What was that about?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Temi is stressed; she needs rest. At this point, I don't think she knows what she is doing or saying. By the way, where is Taiwo?
(She attempts to change the subject.)
_____________________________________
"Kate walks into Taiwo's chamber."
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Taiwo, why didn't you come down for breakfast?
TAIWO
(He disguises his bruised face)
E kaaro, ma.
There's no time for that. I have to leave for work.
(He picks up some documents from the table)
Mrs. K BALOGUN
I know you have a lot of questions concerning the things you heard the other day.
TAIWO
(He turns to Kate)
Of course, I do!
I want answers. Why on earth would you and Temi keep this from me?
I've spent a lot of time searching for answers, and they were right in front of me all this while. Why?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
(She approaches Taiwo)
What happened to your face, son?
Who did this to you?
TAIWO
You all did this to me.
The secrets, lies, deceit, and dictatorship.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Relax, son.
I can tell that you're very upset.
I've never seen you this way before.
I want you to know everything will be alright.
TAIWO
Don't tell me everything will be alright, tell me the truth!
What happened to my mother?
How is Bisola, and Auntie Lolade involved in their death?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Bisola?
She's your mother, Taiwo.
TAIWO
No, she's not!
She never has been and never will be.
Why the silence?
Are you covering up for them because Lolade is your only daughter, or are you somehow involved in this?
"Simi stands by the door."
SIMI
Involved in what?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
(She turns to Simi in surprise)
It's nothing.
SIMI
But I heard clearly.
You were both talking about Lolade and Bisola.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
You heard nothing, young lady.
(She turns to leave)
SIMI
(She grips Kate's arm)
My husband has been acting strange since the incident at Festac, and he's been extremely quiet.
You are the first person he has spoken to since the incident.
You know more than I do. I am his wife; I should know if there is an issue.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Your husband is grieving, just as he should.
He lost a sibling, so it's only natural that he acts in odd colors.
Now take your hand off my arm.
SIMI
(She lets go of Kate's arm)
I will get to the bottom of this.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
You are overthinking things.
Your husband is mourning, and nothing more.
(She turns to leave)
SIMI
How do you explain the bruises on his face?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
(She turns to Simi)
Maybe if you paid a little more attention, you would have figured out that I was trying to find out how that happened.
(She walks out of the room)
SIMI
(She turns to Taiwo)
My love, talk to me.
Who did this to you?
TAIWO
Simi, not now.
SIMI
What have I done wrong, Taiwo?
You promised me you would do everything to make this work.
But all you have done is keep to yourself, ignore me, and leave me in the dark.
TAIWO
(He snaps)
What do you want from me, Simi?
Your dream since you were seven was to marry Taiwo Balogun.
Now you have that, so what else do you want?
SIMI
I want to be Happy, Taiwo.
I want to be touched by you every night Temi is obviously having a better sexual relationship with that Micheal than I have with you.
I want to feel your presence in my life.
Kilode I never try?
See how bruised your face is yet I have no clue.
Oh God where did I go wrong?
(Tears streams down her eyes)
TAIWO
(He sighs)
I'm sorry that I can not meet up to your expectations
But I'm not sorry that I am being honest with myself.
I can not feign anymore
SIMI
Are you asking for a divorce?
TAIWO
I'm asking you to understand how tight these shoes of mine are.
I will be leaving for work now
(He walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
Mr. ACHEBE's RESIDENCE, F. C .T, ABUJA|
"Adobi walks into the room."
Mr. ACHEBE
(He turns to Adobi)
My daughter, you look beautiful this morning.
ADOBI
Good morning, Daddy.
(She wraps her hands around his right arm and rests her head on his shoulder)
Mr. ACHEBE
Good morning, my baby girl.
How are you?
ADOBI
I'm fine.
What are you reading?
Mr. ACHEBE
Nothing.
I'm just going through your favorite magazine.
ADOBI
Ahh, since when did you develop an interest in fashion magazines?
"Mrs. Achebe walks in."
Mrs. ACHEBE
He's looking for something to buy for one of his side chicks.
ADOBI
(She turns to Mrs. ACHEBE)
Oh, Mommy, why would you say that?
Mr. ACHEBE
Are you surprised?
That's your mother for you.
She finds every opportunity to label me as a cheating husband.
Mrs. ACHEBE
With all the apps on your phone locked with a password.
The day I get hold of what's on that phone,
I swear you won't like me that day.
ADOBI
(She laughs)
Oh, Mommy, relax.
Mrs. ACHEBE
It may sound funny, but I'm not joking.
Anaghị m egwu egwu. (I'm not playing games.)
Mr. ACHEBE
I don't blame you. If it weren't for the fear of God in me, you'd be competing with four other wives.
"Mr. ACHEBE's phone rings."
Mrs. ACHEBE
Eh, it's one of them calling.
Mr. ACHEBE
What do you mean?
It's Miss Okoye.
(He shows the phone screen to Mrs. ACHEBE)
Mrs. ACHEBE
Who is Miss Okoye?
Mr. ACHEBE
She's a member of the AUG party, you know,
the young lady who gifted you that brown bag.
ADOBI
By the way, Daddy, you have to be careful.
I know becoming the president of Nigeria has been your long-time goal,
but I don't trust that party, especially Mrs. Adesoji and Lola, or whatever her name is.
Mrs. ACHEBE
Lolade.
Adobi is right.
We have sacrificed a lot for this election.
It would be a pity if, at the end of the day,
you get played by two women.
"Mr. Benson walks into the room."
Mr. BENSON
Sir, the car is ready.
We can leave now.
Mr. ACHEBE
(He takes off his glasses)
Alright, ladies, I have to go now.
I have a meeting in Lagos.
Mrs. ACHEBE
Hmm.
A meeting?
Mr. ACHEBE
Yes, woman.
(He gets up to leave)
_____________________________________
FESTAC CENTRAL HOSPITAL|
"Dr. Mabel enters the general office."
Dr. HENRY
Dr. Mabel, have you heard from Dr. Temi?
I tried calling her this morning to check up on her, but her phone was unreachable.
"Michael pretends not to have heard as he mops the floor."
Dr. MABEL
(She wearily sits on her chair.)
We exchanged texts this morning.
She's fine.
Dr. PASCAL
Is it possible for us to visit her?
Her place isn't too far from here.
Dr. MABEL
They're still at their grandfather's place.
I don't think the police have finished their investigation yet.
Besides, I doubt any of them can stay in that mansion for now.
Dr. RAPHAEL
What happened to them was so unfortunate.
Who would have thought such a massive storm could hit the Baloguns?
Hmm.
Dr. MABEL
Omo, it's not easy at all.
I still can't get the image of her body out of my mind.
The wounds were deep.
How could someone with a soul do such a thing to another human being?
Dr. PASCAL
Well, you would know if you and that Chike person weren't busy with extracurricular activities.
Dr. MABEL
(She snaps)
Are you okay?
Dr. HENRY
But where's the lie?
You haven't even mentioned the police report or the investigation.
Dr. MABEL
That's because it's confidential.
Do you guys realize I was almost a witness in a high-profile murder case?
Dr. RAPHAEL
Since when do we start keeping secrets from each other?
The Dr. Mabel I know wouldn't even hesitate to talk about her underwear.
So either you were the murderer, which I know is not possible, or you were fooling around with Chike.
(He walks out of the office)
Dr. HENRY
(He smiles at Dr. Mabel)
I told you.
Dr. MABEL
(She turns to Michael)
Michael, you've been extremely quiet today.
What's going on with you?
MICHAEL
(He turns to Dr. Mabel)
I'm fine.
Dr. MABEL
Have you heard from Temi?
MICHAEL
I'm sure she's fine.
Dr. MABEL
You didn't answer my question.
MICHAEL
I owe you nothing.
I'll speak only when I see a reason to.
Dr. MABEL
You've changed.
This isn't the Michael I know.
Why would you abandon Temi at a time like this?
Honestly, it's not fair.
MICHAEL
(He picks up the mop)
Worry about yourself and leave us alone.
(He walks out of the office)
Please note that while I have corrected grammatical errors and punctuation, I've maintained your unique writing style.
_____________________________________
THE AUG PARTY MEETING |
"Lolade walks into the meeting room."
MISS UGO
(whispering to Mrs. Chiamaka)
What's she doing here? Shouldn't she be mourning her niece?
MRS. CHIAMAKA
I heard she hasn't even visited her brother and his family since the incident.
MISS UGO
Are you kidding me? How heartless and unreasonable can someone be?
MRS. CHIAMAKA
Well, she's a Balogun. When I heard the news, I wasn't surprised.
MRS. OKOYE
Leave Lolade be! Everyone grieves in their own way.
MISS UGO
(Turning to Mrs. Okoye)
Who does she think she is? I know you're trying to cozy up to her because she might become the Vice President of Nigeria, but if you see through her, speak up!
MRS. OKOYE
What's that supposed to mean?
MRS. CHIAMAKA
You've been on her side since day one, haven't you?
"Mr. Achebe walks into the meeting room."
MRS. ADESOJI
(Smiling, addressing Mr. Achebe)
Welcome, Mr. President.
(She teases)
MR. ACHEBE
(Smiling back)
Oh, come on, don't flatter me.
LOLADE
But she's right, you know.
You are the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
MR. ACHEBE
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Nothing is certain yet.
MRS. ADESOJI
Mr. Achebe, no one can stop us.
The NNC might appear stronger, but we have something they don't.
MR. ACHEBE
And what might that be?
MR. ACHEBE
The minds of desperate women who will do anything to achieve their goals.
LOLADE
Nothing can stand in our way.
We've got the media in our pocket. We've won over countless supporters and even made some of our opponents eat their own words.
We must win at all costs.
MR. ACHEBE
I admire your confidence and bravery.
Turning your back on your own father wasn't an easy choice.
You've made significant sacrifices for the party, and I respect that.
Regardless of the election outcome, the party and I will always be grateful for your contributions.
LOLADE
Thank you as well for believing in us.
AUG is mostly made up of women, and you chose to stand by our side.
Thank you, Mr. President.
MRS. ADESOJI
Alright, let's get down to business. We're already behind schedule.
_____________________________________
FESTAC OIL AND GAS (HEADQUARTERS, IKEJA)|
"Taiwo signs some documents early brought in by his secretary"
TAIWO
Why are the others?
This can't be all the files, na
(He soliloquies)
"Bayo walks into Taiwo's office."
TAIWO
(He gazes at Bayo)
Knocking takes nothing from you, Bayo.
BAYO
It's my company. I do not need your permission.
TAIWO
It's your company?
BAYO
Of course, bro.
(He drops his body onto one of the couches)
TAIWO
(He smiles)
I say this with no intentions of bragging. As of the moment, only Grandfather and Father exceed the number of shares I hold. Gen Abiola has extended control over his family shares to me.
BAYO
(Nodding)
Oh yeah, so I heard. But there is going to be a change of plan.
(He gets up from the couch)
You will hand over Miss Agnis's shares and those of the Abiola family to me.
TAIWO
And why would I do that?
BAYO
Because if you don't, the Abiola family will find out that you have breached the contract, and you know what that means for Grandpa.
Imagine Simi's reaction when she hears about what is going on between you and Maria.
TAIWO
I can decide to confess and face the consequences.
BAYO
You could, but you wouldn't.
I can see through you, brother.
Something is holding you back.
TAIWO
And what would that be?
BAYO
Your instinct to protect Nanny and Maria, your lover.
TAIWO
And I thought you cared about them.
Come to think of it, this is also an opportunity to get into Simi's bed, but your love for money and power has sealed your heart's desires.
BAYO
I spent the last ten years of my life dining with Grandpa and seeing how business is done, and you know one thing I learned?
Never let your emotions cloud your common sense.
TAIWO
Meaning you have no intention of chasing after the one lady you've wanted your whole life?
What would it profit you to gain the whole world and lose Simi?
BAYO
Simi is the love of my life, but my sacrifice and time in this company are everything to me.
Festac Oil and Gas is my life, and I won't let you take it from me.
You have forty-eight hours, or my tongue will spill.
(He walks out of the office)
_____________________________________