|POETIC INTRO|
In between life and death, lies the question of "what if"
What if I die and nothing matters?
What if I die and wake to reality?
What if all of these is just a dream.
The Afterlife, our reality or man's creativity at its peak?
Hell, a burning fire or a place of Kama?
Heaven a place of riches and beauty but what if?
Oh yes, what if?
Why do you fear death when you know nothing about the other side?
Why do you fear the unknown when the known only exists for you to die?
Why die when death is yet to come?
What if the essence of living is for you to die?
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Simi places both her hands on her mouth as she processes the information Taiwo just feed her ears with"
SIMI
Oh no this isn't good at all.
So she is comatose?
TAIWO
Yes, she is.
(He picks up his bag to leave)
SIMI
Are you going there, now?
TAIWO
Yes, I am.
SIMI
I will come with you
TAIWO
To do what, Simi?
SIMI
What is your problem, Taiwo?
Can't I show support?
Besides Bisi and Olamide were my friends before you and I got married so with or without you, I will be going there!
(She picks up her back and walks towards the door)
TAIWO
Where are you going?
SIMI
(She turns to Taiwo)
To the hospital, I can drive too
TAIWO
Fine, you can come with me.
SIMI
As it should be, by the way, don't think for a second that we are done talking
TAIWO
Auntie Lolade is coma and all you are worried about is if I got a chick on the side.
SIMI
A man who is on probation has no right to guilt-strip me.
And you could be next if I find out any of what Bayo said is true.
TAIWO
Can we leave now?
SIMI
You are the one who asked me to wait so I am waiting for you.
(She crosses her hands)
TAIWO
Let's go
_____________________________________
GRACELAND SPECIALIST HOSPITAL|
"Chief Balogun walks into the waiting room alongside Ayo and Bisola"
CHIEF BALOGUN
(He walks up Kate)
Tell me all of these is a lie?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Does any of this look like a joke to you, Williams?
CHIEF BALOGUN
What do you mean by that?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
So your daughter has to be coma before you visit her at the hospital?
I get that both of you don't get along but she is your daughter, Williams you owe it to her to be here!
She is our responsibility!
Mr A BALOGUN
Calm down, mum
I know you are hurting right now but you shouldn't talk to Dad like that.
Mrs K BALOGUN
(She turns to Ayo)
Stay out of this, Ayo David Balogun!
Of course you will side him all both of you care about is politics. Swear that a part of you ain't screaming for joy that your sister in there?
(She points at the Vip room)
Mr A BALOGUN
How can you say that mother?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Oh, shut it don't play the victim card!
You should be ashamed of yourself
(Chief attempts to pull her to himself)
Fi mi silαΊΉ, jor
BAYO
Grand ma that's okay.
Come with me.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
This one has become Mr nice because he wants my vote during the Shareholder's meeting.
Can't any of you care for real?
CHIEF BALOGUN
If this is how you are going to treat us then we wouldn't mind leaving your daughter for you to look after.
(He turns to leave)
Mr A BALOGUN
Dad, don't do that, please
E jor
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Leave him, jor
It's not like he cares!
"Temi walks into the waiting room alongside Michael"
BISI
(She hugs Temi)
Temilade, I missed you.
Where have you been?
(Tears roll down her cheeks)
TEMI
I heard the news
I'm sorry my love
(She cries out as she holds tight to Bisi)
CHIEF BALOGUN
(He turns to Michael)
What are you doing here?
TAIWO
Grandpa, please.
TEMI
He is with me!
"Bisola slaps Temilade"
_____________________________________
Mrs ADESOJI's RESIDENCE, VICTORIA ISLAND|
"She rushes into the sitting room with a towel wrapped around her"
Mrs. ADESOJI
Have you seen the news?
TONY
What is it, mum?
Mrs. ADESOJI
Lolade is in a coma
TONY
So?
Mrs. ADESOJI
Can't you see this might be a warning strike from The NNC party against us?
TONY
So you think Chief will kill his daughter just to stop her from becoming vice president?
Mrs. ADESOJI
Chief would kill himself to stop himself from stopping him.
TONY
I get her cruel and heartless he can be but I don't think he would go that far just for the presidency.
Yes it might be an attack from the NNC but I don't think it's from Chief.
Mrs. ADESOJI
But who would want to hurt Lolade?
TONY
She is a Balogun many people will use her to get to Chief.
Mrs. ADESOJI
An attempt to hurt a Balogun is a death sentence, Tony
So I doubt anyone from the table of NNC would do that.
TONY
What if it's not coming from the table or party?
The Baloguns have gathered a lot of enemies over the years so it could be karma catching up with Chief.
Mrs.ADESOJI
But who would it be?
TONY
I don't know, Mummy
I don't even care if the whole family dies.
We still haven't found Stella and that is seriously freaking me out.
Mrs.ADESOJI
I have told you to relax, Tony.
My boys are doing all they can to find your sister.
TONY
What if she goes to one of our enemies and....
Mrs. ADESOJI
Antony, your sister would never do that to us.
Stop overthinking things.
(She walks out of the scene)
"Tony's phone rings"
TONY
(He picks up)
Hello, have you found her?
_____________________________________
GRACELAND SPECIALIST HOSPITAL|
"Temi holds on to her slapped cheek as Micheal pulls her to himself"
MICHAEL
Ma, that's enough, please.
Mrs B BALOGUN
So you ran from home to be with this low life?
You forgot where you are coming from, Temilade Balogun. You are a traitor
TEMI
You left me with no choice, Mother.
God knows I couldn't stand looking into your eyes for one more seconds
It's only a matter of time before they all know how dirty your hands are
MICHAEL
Temi, that's enough
Mrs B BALOGUN
How dare you?
(She attempts to hit Temi again)
Mr A BALOGUN
(He grip Bisola by the arm)
Don't you dare touch my daughter!
What is your problem?
CHIEF BALOGUN
Of course you would support her.
After all, you knew where she was all these while.
Mrs B BALOGUN
What?
Mr A BALOGUN
Dad, what's that suppose to mean?
CHIEF BALOGUN
I mean you have been spending a lot of times with That Miss Agnis since you found out she hosted Temi and this goat she calls a lover.
Mr A BALOGUN
I have no idea on what you are talking about, Dad
CHIEF BALOGUN
Don't play smart with me, Ayo
BISI
Can you all just stop!
I thought we here to support my mother?
Must we fight about everything?
BAYO
I was about to say that.
Let's make peace my people!
(He smiles)
TAIWO
You realize this is one of the times when you should just shut the hell up.
BISI
That's enough!
Bayo whatever you want to say to Taiwo, keep it to yourself.
Auntie Bisola, let's be happy that at least Temi is fine
"Bisola hisses and walks out of the scene"
_____________________________________
Mr ACHEBE's RESIDENCE, ABUJA|
"Mr Achebe summoned his children to his home office"
NNAMDI
I heard about what happened to your Vice President.
Mr ACHEBE
Oh yes, that is why I will be flying to Lagos this evening. I must visit the family.
ADAORA
I would love to come with you if you don't mind, father?
Mr ACHEBE
Sure that will be nice by the way it's been a while I spend time with you all that is why I want you all to come with me.
ADAOBI
Wow, so it's like a vacation.
Mr ACHEBE
Yes it is my baby.
CHIBUIKE
How about your wife?
My mother should come with us too.
ADAORA
If that's the case, then my mother should tag along.
CHIBUIKE
Why should a mistress go on a family vacation with us?
She is not An Achebe.
ADAOBI
Bro, Chibuike that's enough the most important think is that we all go on a vacation.
I just want to breath outside of Abuja for a seconds
CHIBUIKE
(He turns to Adaobi)
So you will choose pleasure over your birthright?
ADAOBI
What birthright?
We are all our father's children I don't care if the women in the house tag along or not.
NNAMDI
Same here the most important thing is that we are spending time together.
CHIBUIKE
Why would I want to spend time with illegitimate siblings?
ADAORA
(She turns to Chibuike)
Why are you so childish?
Don't you have plans on growing up?
Mr. ACHEBE
Shut up all of you I am sick and tired of your fights!
Why can't you all get it we are one family here you are all my children legally.
Your mothers are not coming with us I want to spend time with my children.
NNAMDI
Fine by me
ADAORA
Same here.
ADAOBI
As long as I'm leaving Abuja for a few days that's all I care about.
CHIBUIKE
Well, I am not interested besides we all can't leave the company so I will stay behind.
(He gets up to leave )
I will be leaving now I have better things to do with my time
(He walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
SOJI'a OIL WAREHOUSE, VICTORIA ISLAND|
"Tony walks into the warehouse"
TIGA
Good Evening, Boss
TONY
Where is she?
TIGA
This way, sir
(He leads Tony to where Stella was lying with bruises all over her body)
TONY
(He rushes to her)
I told you to find her not beat her up.
TIGA
We are sorry boss we had no choice and it wasn't intentional
TONY
Stella, can you hear me?
STELLA
(She struggles to open her eyes)
Get away from me you devil
(She pushes him offer with a kick from her leg)
You killed Chinaza
TONY
Stella listen to me I had to do everything to make sure our family is safe.
STELLA
There are no reasonable excuses for your wickedness.
You are lucky I didn't get to the authorities before you found me.
TONY
Stella, please you have to keep this to yourself.
STELLA
I can't!
I would not.
TONY
(He walks up to Tiga)
Has she eaten?
TIGA
No, boss
But what do we do with her?
If madam find out say we don find her and we nor tell her, my own don finish oh.
TONY
Relax, Tiga don't worry I will sort you and your boys out.
TIGA
Oga this one nor be about money oh
My advice na say make we carry your sister go give madam.
TONY
Not yet, Tiga
I have to make sure she will keep my secret I can not risk it
"Stella notice the guards are distracted and seize this opportunity to get out of sight"
TIGA
(He notices Stella is out of sight)
Oga she don run
(He chases after Stella)
"Tony chases behind "
TONY
Where could she have gone to?
(Scans through the area)
"Stella catches sight of the back exit and sprints towards the door "
TONY
(He traces her footsteps and chases after her)
Don't do this, Stella
(He points a pistol at her)
STELLA
(She stops and turns to Tony)
You want to kill me too
The truth will come out stop me if you can.
(She runs towards the exit)
TONY
Don't do this, Stella
(He pulls the trigger)
"Stella falls on her knees before falling to the ground. Tiga rushes to her"
TIGA
(He wraps his arm around her)
Try and breathe you will be fine.
(He turns to Tony)
Why you shot her?
If anything happens to her, you will answer to Madam.
(He applies pressure to her bleeding wound)
"Stella struggles to keep her eyes open as blood pops out of her mouth"
TONY
(He points the gun toward Tiga)
I'm sorry, Tiga
TIGA
Oga!
"Tony pulls the trigger"
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Mrs Aisha walks into Chief's Office"
Mrs AISHA
The Obi's are here to see you.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Which of them?
Mrs. AISHA
Mr Obi and his son.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Alright, send them in.
"Mrs. Aisha walks out of the room"
Dr. AKANDE
What do we do?
It's clear that Temilade doesn't want be part of any of this.
At this point, we can't force especially because you had a deal with that Miss Agnis.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Relax, brother.
Temi belongs to Chidi it's only a matter of time before you realizes that.
"Mr. Obi walks into the office alongside Chidi"
Mr. OBI
Good Evening, Chief
CHIEF BALOGUN
Good Evening my in law
Please sit.
Mr. OBI
I don't plan on taking much of your time I'm sure by now, you know why I am here so I would not beat round the bush.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Of course, I do I promised your son my Granddaughters' hand In marriage and you are upset that I haven't kept to my promise
Mr. OBI
Exactly, Chief you know I have always seen you as a man of your word and never have you proved me wrong so I want to know your plans and of you are still holding on to your reputation
(He gazes at Chief)
CHIEF BALOGUN
As you have said, I am a man of my word.
Temi will marry your son
CHIDI
But Chief I haven't even seen or heard from her in a while her line isn't reachable even her friends have no clue about her whereabouts.
CHIEF BALOGUN
She's in Festac
Miss Agnis's residence to be specific
CHIDI
Why is she there?
CHIEF BALOGUN
I wish I could tell you but I want you to relax
Everything is under control just give her some time.
Mr. OBI
How long, Chief?
From our agreement, the wedding should be a week from now.
CHIEF BALOGUN
As I said, give her some time!
CHIDI
How long?
CHIEF BALOGUN
After the swearing-in of the president to be.
Time is of the essence and with time you will understand.
Mr. OBI
Hmm, alright
Keep it in mind that failure to keep to your side of the deal, will result to some political consequences
Dr AKANDE
(He snaps)
Is that a threat?
How dare you threaten a Balogun?
(He gets up from his Chair)
Mr OBI
I said what I said!
You may hold a lot of grounds in politics and it just got stronger with your niece's win but remember the stronger you become, the greater your weakness.
(He turns to Chidi)
Son, let's go.
_____________________________________
LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|
"Olamide and Bisi walks into the sitting room"
OLAMIDE
Thank you sir for visiting us.
Mr ACHEBE
You are welcome, son.
It's good that you were able to move her here. That's way she would be properly attended to.
BISI
Yeah, and Dr. Akande made sure she got the best of the best.
Mr. ACHEBE
That's good where is Mr Luther?
OLAMIDE
Oh he has refused to leave her side ever since
Mr. ACHEBE
Hmm, I can understand that.
Before I forget, these are my children.
This is Nnamdi my second son, Adaora my first daughter, and Adaobi my last card
(He smiles at Adaora)
BISI
Hello, nice to meet you all.
OLAMIDE
(He gazes at Adaora)
She looks familiar.
I think I have seen you before.
ADAORA
(She crosses her leg)
Lagos State Entrepreneur Annual Conference I was there last week to represent our company
OLAMIDE
Oh yes, the impeccable lady that gave a nice speech.
ADAORA
Exactly.
OLAMIDE
Wow that's nice.
(He turns to Nnamdi)
My brother, what's good?
NNAMDI
Fine bro.
Sorry about your mom
OLAMIDE
Thank you.
Mr OBI
Alright, we would take out leave now we maDe a reservation at the Eco Hotel and Suits
BISI
But that would be unnecessary
We will be happy to host you and besides we need the company.
OLAMIDE
Exactly there are enough rooms here.
Mr. OBI
Are you sure about that?
We would not want to intrude
OLAMIDE
Of course, not
So it's settled
we are hosting you and your family
_____________________________________
Dr BRIGHT's RESIDENCE, IKOYI|
"Dr bright opens the door"
Dr BRIGHT
What is it, bro
You sounded urgent
TONY
(He walks into the house)
Bro, I am finished
Dr BRIGHT
(He notices the gun in his hand and the aural of anxiety written all over him)
What is the problem and why do you have a gun with you?
And it's that blood on your shirt?
TONY
I found, Simi.
Dr BRIGHT
That's good news
Did she spill.
TONY
No she didn't
(He sits on one of the couches)
Dr BRIGHT
Thank God.
TONY
She didn't because I stopped her
Dr. BRIGHT
How?
What did you do, Antony?
TONY
I didn't mean to do it.
Dr BRIGHT
What did you do, bro?
TONY
I shut her!
Dr BRIGHT
(He takes few steps back)
What?
But how could you?
TONY
Bro, I was scared!
I can't go to jail and this could affect you in a lot of ways too.
Dr. BRIGHT
Guy but shooting her is not the way, na
But tell me she is still alive?
(He reads Tony's facial expression)
Guy, no na
Why you go kill your sister?
(He sits on the floor and places both hands on his head)
TONY
Guy I didn't mean to.
Abi I should just take my own life.
Dr. BRIGHT
Ahh Rara oh
E jor
Relax so what did you do with her body?
TONY
I buried them
Dr. BRIGHT
Them?
TONY
I killed a witness too.
Dr. BRIGHT
Nawa oh.
Oya relax the most important thing is that no one knows what you have done.
TONY
Guy my mom might catch up to this.
Dr BRIGHT
She won't
There is no way she will believe you would be capable of such, na
Abeg just relax
You don chop?
TONY
I nor dey hungry
_____________________________________
ADEBIS's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Onyinye laughs out loud as she listens to Adebisi's narration of how she met Mr Adebayo"
ONYINYE
Wait, my dad did that?
ADEBISI
Oh yes, he did.
He wasn't much of a talker but he had his moments he was loyal and kind at heart.
Men with such qualities are hard to find these days.
ONYINYE
I guess this is one of the reasons Mama never remarried.
ADEBISI
Obviously
If you had met your dad, you wouldn't just want to be with any man you will be very selective about your choice of men and they would be hard to find.
ONINYE
Hmm, now I feel bad about missing out on this.
I have never thought about it because Michael always assumed that role of a father in my life and funny enough he played it well.
I see him more like a father than a brother.
ADEBISI
I myself witness that too.
He is a man I admire and I'm happy he found someone like Temilade
ONYINYE
Yeah even though I dislike her family, Aunty Temi and Uncle Taiwo has been nothing but a blessing to our lives maybe I would have waited another year before going to school.
ADEBISI
I get it
It's okay to not like the Baloguns despite your love for Temi and Taiwo.
ONYINYE
You are only saying that because you don't like them too
(They both laugh out loud)
"Michael walks into the room"
MICHAEL
Onyinye, why are you still up?
You should be in bed.
ONYINYE
(She whispers to Adebisi)
I told you!
ADEBISI
(She whispers)
His being a Dad right now
(She turns to Michael)
Don't worry I will release her in a couple of minutes.
_____________________________________
ππ
"Michael walks into his room"
TEMI
Where did you go ?
(She wraps her hands around him)
MICHAEL
I was hearing some noice.
Seems Onyinye is bonding with Auntie Adebisi they seem to be talking a lot these days.
TEMI
I noticed that too.
(She gaze at him)
I'm sorry for the things my family said to you earlier today.
MICHAEL
You don't have to apologize on their behalf, my love. I decided to come with you.
And I'm sorry I let your mom hit you.
These cheeks of yours has comforted me in hard times the least I should do is protect them.
TEMI
It's fine, Babe.
The most important thing is that I'm in your arms right now and I look you in the eyes and tell you I love you more than anything in this world
MICHAEL
I love you more, Temilade Balogun
(He plants a kiss on her lips and gently lifts her and drops her on the bed. He kisses her neck down to her chest before gently pulling down her night gown down to her waist region. He places his dark lips on her light stomach close to her belly button)
TEMI
Michael!
(She called out his name as Michael walk his lips to her breast and teases the tip of the slight pink nipples. She holds firm to his head as he wet the tips of his left fingers with intentions of teasing her right Nipple with them as he tongue does justice to the left)
Michael!
I want you
(She trembles as Michael brushes her swollen eager flowers with his fleshy erected pride.)
MICHAEL
I love you!
(He gently slides in and pushes her thighs towards her. He hits gently as he stares lustfully into her watery demanding eyes)
_____________________________________
FESTAC OIL AND GAS, HEADQUARTERS|
"Mr. Olu walks into Chiefs Office"
Mr OLU
Good morning, Chief
(He turns to Kate)
Good morning, ma
MRS K BALOGUN
Good morning!
CHIEF BALOGUN
The morning will only be good for you if you have some useful information for me.
Mr OLU
I have something for you but I'm I permitted to share them here?
CHIEF BALOGUN
Of course, you can.
Mr OLU
Alright
(He drops a brown envelope on Chiefs desk)
Those photos and evidence of The Chief Judge meeting privately with some of the AUG party members including Lolade and Mrs Adesoji.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
(She turns to Chief)
Why are you investigating my brother?
CHIEF BALOGUN
Because of this.
I had my suspensions but I wanted a prove before I take drastic measures.
Mrs K BALOGUN
These are just pictures it proves nothing.
Mr OLU
There are also wired transfer send to the AUG from The Chief Judge during and before the elections I also learned that he gave out some useful information and resources during the election.
CHIEF BALOGUN
What else would sound more convincing my love?
Mrs K BALOGUN
Bola wouldn't do this to us, Williams.
Let's hear from him before we jump into conclusions
CHIEF BALOGUN
I know he is your brother and you are very sentimental about this and I want to believe you are not involved in this.
Mrs K BALOGUN
What's that suppose to mean?
CHIEF BALOGUN
(He turns to Mr Olu)
Anything else?
Mr. OLU
Yes, Chief I also did some home work on Mrs Agnis and I found something interesting.
There are no existing records about her identity before 2004.
Mrs K BALOGUN
So what exactly does that mean?
Mr OLU
She never existed before then meaning is assuming an identity that was forged eighteen years ago.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Meaning she was someone else before then
Mr. OLU
Exactly, Chief.
CHIEF BALOGUN
(He smiles)
I know there was something fishy about her and her sudden interest in my family.
Do more digging on her and find out everything there is to know about her.
Mr. OLU
Okay, Chief
I will take my leave now
CHIEF BALOGUN
Take care
"Mr. Olu walks out of the office"
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE|
"Taiwo walks into the dining room"
TAIWO
(He turns to Simi)
How was your night?
(He smiles as he screw through his phone)
SIMI
Now you care about my wellbeing
Wow guilty is so beautiful.
TAIWO
Simi, please don't start
Can we just have breakfast in peace?
BAYO
Peace?
(He chuckles )
There is no peace for a man who cheats
TAIWO
Bayo, really?
What's your problem?
You know what I'm done with this
(He drops his cutlery
SIMI
Where are you going?
TAIWO
Work, madam.
(He walks out of the room)
"Bayo chuckles"
SIMI
What is funny?
BAYO
I told you back then that I am the only person who would treat you right but you decided to settle for less.
SIMI
Bayo please I don't need this now.
Help me if you can
BAYO
I have!
What else would you have me do?
(He picks up the glass of wine in front of him)
SIMI
I want to know if he is really cheating.
I want to be certain of it.
And I know you know who the person is.
"Taiwo's phone beeps"
BAYO
If I were you, I will seize my moment right now.
SIMI
(She picks up the phone)
Who is Little Princess?
BAYO
Probably the lady you are so curious about.
SIMI
(She dials the number)
"Phone rings."
BAYO
Where is that coming from?
SIMI
(She traces the sound to the kitchen)
I think it's from the kitchen.
(She walks towards the kitchen)
BAYO
The best day of my life has come.
"Taiwo rushes into the dining room."
TAIWO
(He looks around for his phone before turning to Bayo)
Did you see my phone?
BAYO
Oh, your wife has it. I think she's on to your side chick.
TAIWO
Where is she?
BAYO
In the kitchen with Maria.
(He smiles at Taiwo)
TAIWO
Oh God, no!
Bayo, why do you hate me?
(He rushes out of the scene)
_____________________________________