Chereads / Festac / Chapter 39 - Episode 38( Fifty-Five Not Fortified)

Chapter 39 - Episode 38( Fifty-Five Not Fortified)

|POETIC INTRO|

What do you have to lose when you came naked?

What would it profit you if death will take it all?

Why chase helplessly when you will be forgotten?

You are Fifty-five, not Fortified

You are made from dust and dust you shall return

You could be everything and still be nothing.

Why do you think you are special?

Why should it all revolve around you?

Your lens is worth a million but your eyes will rot after life.

_____________________________________

GRACELAND SPECIALIST HOSPITAL|

"Robert gazes at his trembling hands, stained with Lolade's blood"

ROBERT

Someone should tell me what is going on

NURSE B

Sir, please calm down. As soon as the doctors are done, they will inform you.

ROBERT

I have been sitting here for almost an hour.

(He points at one of the seats in the waiting room.)

Still, no update concerning her.

NURSE B

Sir, I understand how you feel, but I want you to calm down.

We are doing the best we can.

ROBERT

I know that, but you all can't keep me in the dark.

(He walks towards the door.)

NURSE B

Sir, please, you can't go in there.

"Bisi rushes into the room alongside Olamide and others, her eyes filled with tears."

BISI

Where is she?

(Tears stream down her eyes.)

Where is my mother?

NURSE B

They are still in the operating room.

OLAMIDE

What's the situation on the ground?

Is she going to be okay?

NURSE B

I'm as clueless as you all are.

"Dr. Craig walks into the waiting room."

MRS K BALOGUN

Doctor, what's going on?

Dr. CRAIG

Are you a relative of the patient?

ROBERT

Yes, she is.

Mrs K BALOGUN

I'm her mother.

Dr. CRAIG

(He takes a deep breath.)

The bullet punctured her lungs. Luckily for her, we were able to remove the bullet on time.

BISI

So she will be fine?

Dr. CRAIG

I advise you to hold tight to your faith. She's still at risk of lung failure.

OLAMIDE

What do you mean?

Dr. CRAIG

I'm saying there are possibilities that her body might not be able to recover.

BISI

No!

Doctor, no. Please save her.

(She cries out uncontrollably.)

MRS K BALOGUN

(She wraps her hands around Bisi.)

Calm down.

She will be fine.

Your mother is a fighter.

"Robert drops his oyibo body on one of the chairs as he fights tears from dropping down his paled cheeks."

_____________________________________

ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|

"Ayo gazes at Adebisi as she relaxes in her office chair, his expression a mix of concern and frustration."

Mr. A BALOGUN

You did what?

The Adebisi I know would never take such a risk.

My father is not a man you want to play games with.

ADEBISI

Calm down, Ayo.

Mr. A BALOGUN

Why should I?

Chief is dangerous, and you know too much to breathe for too long.

He would come after you big time.

ADEBISI

(She's furious)

So what should I have done?

Let him take Temilade and let your sister off the hook?

Mr. A BALOGUN

You should have let me handle it.

Do you even think Lolade would let this slide?

She could come after you again, and trust me, she won't miss this time.

ADEBISI

They should come.

I am prepared for them!

This is the only way I know I can fight and get justice for what was stolen from me.

Mr. A BALOGUN

Do you think playing both of them against each other would get you what you want?

You are playing with fire, Miss Agnis.

ADEBISI

And I hold the key to the oceans, Mr. Ayo.

I will put them out with or without your help.

"Taiwo walks into the office, sensing the tension in the air."

TAIWO

What is happening here?

Mr. A BALOGUN

(He turns to Taiwo)

Is that your idea of a greeting?

TAIWO

I'm sorry, sir.

E ka a ale.

ADEBISI

Don't take your anger out on my son!

I wronged you, not him.

TAIWO

What happened?

Mr. A BALOGUN

Can you believe she gave out some confidential information concerning the elections to Chief in exchange for Temilade?

TAIWO

Wait a minute, Grandpa was here?

ADEBISI

Yes, he was, and I saved the day.

(She smiles at Taiwo)

"Ayo's phone rings, momentarily breaking the tension."

Mr. A BALOGUN

It's Robert.

(He picks up)

Hello, Robert.

_____________________________________

LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|

"Chief Balogun scans through the documents on Lolade's home office desk."

Dr. AKANDE

(He walks up to Chief)

What is that?

CHIEF BALOGUN

Can you believe Soji's oil is slowly losing value?

Dr. AKANDE

(He notices Chief's awkward smile)

You seem to be happy about that.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Of course, I am.

This proves my daughter is helpless without me. I warned her about investing with them, but as usual, she blocked her ears and did what she does best.

(He sits on her chair as he flips through the pages of the document)

Damn, I still find this hard to believe.

Dr. AKANDE

Do you realize you are in a scene where your daughter was almost murdered?

CHIEF BALOGUN

Should that stop me from enjoying this?

Dr. AKANDE

Williams!

CHIEF BALOGUN

Don't guilt-strip me, brother.

Lolade would dance at my funeral when the time comes.

Dr. AKANDE

I know both of you do not get along, but we both know she loves you regardless.

CHIEF BALOGUN

This is one of the moments when I question the blood that runs in your veins.

"One of the investigators walks into the scene."

CHIEF BALOGUN

What's the update?

Any clue as to who might have done this to my daughter?

INVESTIGATOR

We have an unidentified suspect.

This is a clip from the CCTV camera.

(One of his subordinates drops a laptop in front of Chief and Dr. Akande)

Do you recognize the young man?

Dr. AKANDE

I have never seen him before.

CHIEF BALOGUN

(He smiles)

I can't remember the name, but I can't forget that face.

He was one of Eniola's puppets.

Dr. AKANDE

Puppet?

What do you mean?

CHIEF BALOGUN

A subject who satisfied her sexual fantasies.

INVESTIGATOR

How do you know about this, sir?

CHIEF BALOGUN

Well, let's say I have long formed the habit of keeping an eye on my loved ones.

INVESTIGATOR

Is there a way we can get more information on him?

CHIEF BALOGUN

Of course, I will send his file to your office.

INVESTIGATOR

Thank you, Chief.

(He walks out of the scene)

Dr. AKANDE

(He gazes at Chief)

Do you have a file on me?

CHIEF BALOGUN

You know the answer to that question.

_____________________________________

Mr ACHEBE's RESIDENCE, ABUJA|

"Adaobi jumps on Nnamdi's body in excitement."

ADAOBI

Bro Nnamdi, I missed you!

(She wraps her arms tightly around him)

NNAMDI

I missed you too, my baby girl.

How have you been?

ADAOBI

Fine, oh.

How was your trip?

(She leads him into the sitting room)

NNAMDI

My trip was fine. Funny enough, it wasn't hard to find my way here.

ADAOBI

I guess Abuja didn't change much.

NNAMDI

(He scans through the room)

Yes, it didn't, just a little.

But it seems like Dad did some extra interior decoration.

ADAOBI

My mom actually.

NNAMDI

Oh, okay, that's good.

"Mrs. Achebe walks into the sitting room."

Mrs. ACHEBE

Adaobi, help me with your comb, please.

NNAMDI

(He formally gets up)

ụtụtụ ọma, mummy.

Mrs. ACHEBE

(She is startled)

Nnamdi, is that you?

ADAOBI

Yes, oh, mummy.

Mrs. ACHEBE

I didn't know you were coming in; you should have informed us.

ADAOBI

But mummy, this is his house too, na.

He doesn't have to take permission before coming.

NNAMDI

I told Dad and my beautiful sister right here.

(He smiles at Adaobi, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.)

Mrs. ACHEBE

So you didn't see the need to tell me because I'm not your mother?

NNAMDI

I'm sorry, ma.

But the last time I reached out to you, I remember you warning me never to dial your number again.

Mrs. ACHEBE

This is different. I should be informed if anyone is coming into my home.

(She turns to Adaobi)

You knew, and it didn't occur to you to say something.

ADAOBI

Em...

It's not like that, mummy.

Mrs. ACHEBE

Shut it.

(She turns to leave, then comes back to pick up the comb on the glass table before walking out of the scene.)

_____________________________________

"Mrs. Achebe angrily walks into Mr. Achebe's Chambers."

Mrs. ACHEBE

Emeka, so it didn't occur to you to inform me that your son was coming in today?

Mr. ACHEBE

Wow, it's been a while you called me that.

Mrs ACHEBE

I'm serious here! Do I look like I'm joking with you?

Mr ACHEBE

My son or any of my other children do not need any permission from you before they can visit me. As a matter of fact, Adaora and her mother will be coming in today. Also, Nnamdi's mother will be here too.

Mrs ACHEBE

I guess it's a family reunion then.

Mr ACHEBE

Oh yes, it is. I want all my children home for my forthcoming party, and if they choose to stay behind, then that's fine too.

Mrs ACHEBE

Emeka, really? I thought we agreed on a family reunion once a year during the festive period? Why are you doing this to me?

Mr ACHEBE

What are you so worried about? I married you, right? You see me every day, what else do you want? Why can't I spend time with my other children?

Mrs ACHEBE

Don't try and guilt-strip me, Oga. I am your legitimate wife; Chibuike and Adaobi are your only legitimate children. I do not care about your mistresses and their illegitimate children.

Mr ACHEBE

(He drops his thick right palm on her chocolate cheek)

All my children are equal; they all have equal rights. You were aware of the kind of man I am before you married me, so don't complain. If you are tired, the door is always open for you to leave. Rubbish!

(He walks out of the scene)

"Mrs. Achebe holds on to her slapped cheek as warm tears make their way to her eyeballs."

_____________________________________

ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC LAGOS|

"Temi walks into Awelle's room."

TEMI

My love, how are you?

AWELLE

(She shines her yet to be thirty-two)

I'm fine. Auntie Temi, I want my hair to be long like yours. It's so beautiful.

TEMI

Don't worry; it will grow long. All you have to do is eat well so that they will grow well.

AWELLE

Ehen, is it true that beans will make me grow taller?

TEMI

(She smiles)

Who told you that?

AWELLE

My Daddy. I felt like he was lying; he just wants me to kill my hatred for beans.

TEMI

No, he's not. Beans are good for your health.

AWELLE

I can't believe you would lie to my face too.

"Michael walks into the room."

MICHAEL

You see, I told you. Beans are good for you, except you don't want to be taller than you are.

AWELLE

Liars! I can see it in both your eyes.

MICHAEL

That's enough. (He notices Temi's unusual quietness) Are you okay?

TEMI

I'm okay. I just feel like throwing up.

MICHAEL

You should rest, Temi.

Temi

No, I'm fine.

AWELLE

But you don't look fine. You look sick.

TEMI

I'm fine. (She places both her hands on her mouth and dashes out of the room)

AWELLE

What is wrong with her?

MICHAEL

She is fine, don't worry about her. I will be back; let me check up on her. (He walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

"Onyinye fixes Adebisi's nails."

ADEBISI

This is so beautiful! Where did you learn to fix nails so well?

ONYINYE

YouTube.

ADEBISI

You mean you learned all of this online?

ONYINYE

Yes, ma'am.

ADEBISI

Wow, that's amazing. If you do something for my feet too, I will pay you well.

ONYINYE

Oh no, you don't have to pay for it, ma'am.

ADEBISI

But I want to. You deserve it.

ONYINYE

Don't bother, ma'am. Besides, you have done more than enough for me and my family.

ADEBISI

Hmm, are you in school?

ONYINYE

Yes, ma'am. UNILAG.

ADEBISI

That's great. What course are you studying?

ONYINYE

Law, first year.

ADEBISI

Excellent. But I heard you guys have resumed, so why are you still here?

ONYINYE

Oh, I and Maria will be leaving with Uncle Taiwo later this week.

ADEBISI

Alright. If you need anything, let me know.

ONYINYE

I will be fine, ma'am.

ADEBISI

Don't be shy, girl. You remind me a lot of your Dad. He was often quiet and shy too.

ONYINYE

Are you serious?

ADEBISI

Oh, yes. He was the best of all my staff. My Dad wasn't happy that I took him along when I married Ayo.

ONYINYE

Wow, can you tell me all about him?

ADEBISI

Sure I can, but I want something from you too. I know you are a bit close to Taiwo. I want to know what he likes and how I can win him over.

ONYINYE

You are really a businesswoman. Deal, I will tell you about him, then you tell me about my father.

ADEBISI

Very good.

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|

"Chief noticed the unusual silence at the dining table"

CHIEF BALOGUN

Why the silence? It seems everyone's mind is elsewhere.

(She turns to Kate)

Sweetheart, are you okay?

Mrs. K BALOGUN

(She snaps)

Are you seriously asking me that question? My daughter is lifeless in the hospital, and you are asking me if I'm okay?

CHIEF BALOGUN

Farabalẹ.

Mrs. K BALOGUN

Don't tell me to calm down.

Mr A BALOGUN

Mummy, relax na. Why are you taking it out on Dad? He's not to blame for what happened.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Why won't you support him? All both of you care about is politics.

CHIEF BALOGUN

What does that have to do with what happened to Lolade?

BAYO

(He turns to Chief)

She is saying you might be involved in what happened to her.

TAIWO

Bayo, shut up!

BAYO

Don't tell me to shut up. Would it be a coincidence that she's lying in the hospital lifeless barely a week after she's elected president?

Mr A BALOGUN

Sometimes I wonder if you are my son, cause I feel like I should have pulled out that day. Can't you learn from Taiwo?

Mrs B BALOGUN

And what's that supposed to mean? Don't talk about my son that way. We all know Taiwo can never go wrong in your eyes.

BAYO

(He fixes his eyes on Ayo)

Of course, no matter what I do, Taiwo is still your favorite. When was the last time you held a meaningful conversation with me?

Mr A BALOGUN

When was the last time you made good use of your common sense? I mean let's be realistic. I have a better relationship with my other children because they are easier to talk to. They listen, and they don't wear an ego to a king's party.

Mrs B BALOGUN

Ayo, do not start what you can't finish. Se ti gbo? If not, you will not like me at all.

Mr A BALOGUN

Coming from a wife who doesn't take corrections, I shouldn't expect better.

BAYO

(He points his fingers at Ayo)

Don't drag my mother into this. I am warning you! If your son is so perfect, why can't he commit to one woman?

TAIWO

Bayo, that is enough.

SIMI

(She turns to Bayo)

What did you say?

TAIWO

It's nothing.

SIMI

(She turns to Taiwo)

I wasn't talking to you.

(She turns to Bayo)

Can you explain what you just said?

BAYO

Your husband is not the saint you think he is. He is having an affair.

SIMI

What?

TAIWO

Don't listen to him.

BAYO

You heard me right.

OLAMIDE

(He snaps)

Can you all shut up! I am tired of your nonsense. My mother, your sister, daughter, and auntie is at the hospital struggling for her life, and all you care about is yourselves.

(He walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

Mrs ADESOJI's RESIDENCE, VICTORIA ISLAND|

"Tony walks into his dark room and switches on the light."

TONY

(He is startled)

Jesus, Mummy, you scared the hell out of me. What are you doing in my room?

(He places both hands on his chest.)

Mrs. ADESOJI

How was work today?

TONY

Work was okay.

Mrs. ADESOJI

Have you eaten?

TONY

Yes, I have. Why these weird questions, and you haven't told me why you are in my room at this time of the night?

Mrs. ADESOJI

Where is Chinaza?

"Stella slowly walks on the tip of her toes towards Tony's room door."

TONY

I don't understand. Is she not home?

Mrs. ADESOJI

She was last seen with you, son. So don't play games with me.

TONY

(He could feel his pulse rising)

I still don't understand what you are saying.

Mrs. ADESOJI

I am aware of her pregnancy. I saw the test, and I know you did that to her.

TONY

Fine, Mother, it's not like I wanted to get rid of her. I was only after eliminating the baby.

Mrs. ADESOJI

What were you thinking?

TONY

I'm sorry. I didn't know what to do, na.

Mrs. ADESOJI

It's simple, young man. You should come to me! There are better ways to handle this. Whatever you want to do, it is very important you do it well. Her body was found this evening, and it's just a matter of time before your sins catch up to you.

"Stella places both her hands on her mouth."

TONY

(He kneels before Mrs. Adesoji)

Mummy, you have to help me. What do we do? I can't go to jail.

Mrs. ADESOJI

Luckily for you, I have taken care of your mess, but this should be the last time you keep something that could ruin our family from me.

TONY

What do we tell Stella? It's just a matter of time before she begins to ask questions.

Mrs. ADESOJI

Leave your sister to me. I will handle her.

"Stella walks into the room as tears stream down her eyes."

STELLA

I can't believe you did that to poor Chinaza. Both of you are evil, and you deserve to rot in jail.

TONY

Stella, it's not what you think.

STELLA

Don't bother about lying to me. I heard it all.

(She dashes out of the room)

"Tony chases after her."

_____________________________________

Mr ACHEBE's RESIDENCE, ABUJA|

"Mr. Achebe dines with his family."

Mr. ACHEBE

(He turns to Nnamdi)

So how have you been, my son?

NNAMDI

Very fine, Dad.

Mr. ACHEBE

How about work?

NNAMDI

Good!

We are about to launch our bank app, but we are yet to get approval from The Central Bank.

BUKOLA

(She turns to Nnamdi)

Are you serious? That's good.

I'm proud of my son.

(She gazes at Mrs. Achebe)

"Mrs. Achebe rolls her eyes in irritation."

ADAORA

Wow, that's great, brother, but don't you think you should be thinking of how to contribute to Father's company?

Starting up a company similar to that of Dad's is very unnecessary.

EJIROH

Let him be, Adaora.

At least he is not trying to take what belongs to you.

You, my daughter, should be preparing for your appointment as the incoming Chairman.

CHIBUIKE

(He chuckles)

Seems I'm dining with a lot of dreamers tonight.

(He picks up the glass of red wine in front of him)

ADAORA

(She turns to Chibuike)

And what's that supposed to mean?

CHIBUIKE

Relax, sister.

All I'm saying is that I am the first son. It's only natural you and your mother recognize that fact.

ADAORA

What does that have to do with the qualifications for Dad's next of kin?

ADAOBI

(She whispers to Mr. Achebe)

Dad, can you tell them to stop already?

Why do they always fight about money?

Mrs. ACHEBE

(She turns to Adaora)

What is there not to understand?

He is the first son and legitimate child of his father. The same goes for my daughter.

(She turns to Adaobi)

EJIROH

Adaora is the first child of her father and has been actively involved in the family business.

She is technically the brain behind the success of the company as of the moment.

CHIBUIKE

Who cares about that?

I work for the company too, and I am the first son.

NNAMDI

(He turns to Chibuike)

But she is not far from the truth, brother.

Adaora is more qualified in terms of intellect and experience.

Mrs. ACHEBE

And who asked for your opinion, Mr. know-it-all?

All you feel you can do is air your opinion because you managed to launch your crap bank.

BUKOLA

Hey, hold it there!

How dare you talk to my son like that?

Ṣe o ya were?

Mr ACHEBE

(He snaps)

That's enough!

Can't I have a peaceful dinner with my family without you all fighting about chairmanship and money?

None of you even care about why I called for this. I am disappointed in all of you.

(He angrily walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

FESTAC OIL AND GAS, HEADQUARTERS|

"Bayo knocks on Chief's door."

CHIEF BALOGUN

Come in.

BAYO

(He walks into the office)

I brought some documents for you to sign.

(He drops them on Chief's table)

CHIEF BALOGUN

You usually leave them with my secretary. What happened?

BAYO

Nothing, I just wanted to give them to you myself.

CHIEF BALOGUN

What do you want, Bayo?

BAYO

Me?

Nothing.

CHIEF BALOGUN

(He turns to Bayo)

Then why are you here?

BAYO

Fine, I want to apologize for how I acted at dinner last night.

CHIEF BALOGUN

We both know these apologies should be going to your father. I didn't raise you to be disrespectful to your elders. Your father might have made some poor choices, but he is still your father.

BAYO

I know, and I'm sorry.

CHIEF BALOGUN

As I said, you should tell that to him, not me. By the way, why would you accuse your brother of infidelity? Don't make me start thinking you are the problem here.

BAYO

But I'm not far from the truth, Grandpa.

CHIEF BALOGUN

I don't care if it's true or not. You are a man, and your control over your tongue should be one of your greatest assets. You crossed the line, son. I know seeing Simi with him is not easy for you, but telling on him would not make her return your affection for her.

BAYO

I have heard you, sir.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Good, now get out of my sight.

(He picks up the document earlier brought in by Bayo)

BAYO

Before I leave, I learned the shareholder's meeting was postponed.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Yes, it was. Your grandmother insisted. She feels it will be too insensitive because of Lolade's situation.

BAYO

Hmm, alright.

So I guess you wouldn't be naming your next of kin anytime soon.

CHIEF BALOGUN

So this is what all of these are all about.

BAYO

I just want to know what your decision would be. I still don't think it should be a matter to debate.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Why are you so bothered about Taiwo's presence here?

BAYO

I don't want to lose what I have worked so hard for. I am a better man for the job, and you know it.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Get out.

BAYO

But Grandpa...

CHIEF BALOGUN

Get out, Bayo. I won't repeat myself again.

"Bayo walks out of the office."

_____________________________________

GRACELAND SPECIALIST HOSPITAL|

"Olamide rushes into the waiting room, his face filled with worry."

BISI

Hey!

OLAMIDE

Any news?

BISI

(Shaking her head)

Not yet.

OLAMIDE

Bisi, you should get some rest, please.

BISI

I'm fine.

"Kate walks into the room, her face tense with worry."

Mrs. K BALOGUN

No, you are not.

BISI

(Sighs)

E Kaaro, ma.

OLAMIDE

(Supportively)

E kaaro, ma.

Mrs. K BALOGUN

Bisi, you need rest.

BISI

But I'm fine. I don't want to leave her.

OLAMIDE

But you need to take care of yourself, too, na. You haven't eaten since you arrived here.

Mrs. K BALOGUN

Bisi, we both know your Mother would frown at you right now if she was here.

BISI

Fine, I would leave later today.

OLAMIDE

No, you are leaving now. That is why Granny is here.

Mrs. K BALOGUN

(Pulling Bisi close)

Don't worry, you can come back later in the evening.

"Suddenly, the emergency alarms go off, and some of the nurses and doctors rush into Lolade's room."

BISI

What's happening?

(She chases after them, Olamide and Kate following closely.)

NURSE ONE

(Trying to stop Bisi)

Ma, you are not supposed to be here!

OLAMIDE

What's happening to her?

BISI

(With tears in her eyes)

Why is she shaking like that?

(Gazing at Lolade's lifeless body shaking vigorously)

"Two of the nurses manage to drive Bisi, Olamide, and Kate out of the room."

Mrs. K BALOGUN

(Tearfully praying)

God, please save my daughter.

BISI

Granny, why was she shaking like that?

OLAMIDE

(He pulls Bisi to himself)

Calm down, she will be fine.

_____________________________________

Mrs. ADESOJI's RESIDENCE, VICTORIA ISLAND|

"Tony paces around the room."

Mrs. ADESOJI

(Seated, sipping champagne)

What are you doing?

TONY

Where could she have gone?

Mrs. ADESOJI

Relax, Tony.

By the way, you are late to work.

TONY

Work, really?

How can I go to work when I know Stella knows everything, and she's nowhere to be found?

Mrs. ADESOJI

Your sister is just scared; don't worry, she will come to her senses and return.

(She picks up the glass of champagne in front of her)

TONY

I can't believe your stomach is still open to liquor.

Mrs. ADESOJI

What would you have me do?

I have instructed my boys to find her.

Besides, Stella can't do anything with that info; she's just scared.

TONY

What if she tells someone or goes to the authorities?

Mrs. ADESOJI

Do you mean the same authorities we have at the back of our pockets?

Relax, Tony, you worry too much.

(She gets up)

I will be going for a massage now.

You should join me; it will relax you, trust me.

(She smiles at Tony)

TONY

I will pass.

Mrs. ADESOJI

Fine, suit yourself.

(She walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|

"Simi gazes at Taiwo as tears gush down her eyes."

TAIWO

Simi, can we talk about this when I return?

SIMI

No!

You will not leave this house till you tell me who she is.

TAIWO

There is nobody.

Bayo was just pained.

Simi, please, I am late to work already, and I will stop by the hospital to bring some things to Olamide.

SIMI

I don't care.

You are not leaving this house.

TAIWO

Why are you being difficult?

"Taiwo's phone rings."

SIMI

Who is calling you?

TAIWO

It's Olamide, look.

(He turns the screen to Simi before pulling it to his left ear)

Hello, how far?

What's the update?

"Simi notices Taiwo's sudden change of facial expression."

SIMI

What is the problem?

TAIWO

It's Auntie Lolade.

SIMI

What is it na?

Taiwo, you are scaring me!

_____________________________________