Chereads / Festac / Chapter 41 - Episode 40 (Leave me be)

Chapter 41 - Episode 40 (Leave me be)

|POETIC INTRO|

Sadness and Quietness,

Leave me be!

Paranoia and tearfulness,

Leave me be

Doubt and Debt

Let me go

Deep within, something seems amiss

Quiet within, nothing seems promising

Cold and sad it was as chaos before me.

Leave me be freedom is free

I am no saint

My love is real so let me be!

Rejection is real so your heart bleeds

I love you not so leave me be!

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN'S RESIDENCE|

"Simi slaps Maria's left cheek with her right palm."

MARIA

Ma'am, I'm sorry.

(She holds her slapped cheek as tears gather in her eyes)

SIMI

How could you do this to me, Maria?

You, of all people, whom I treated like my sister.

(She pulls Maria's hair)

MARIA

Ouch, Ma'am, I'm sorry. Please let me go.

(She cries out as she tries to free herself from Simi's firm grip)

SIMI

So both of you are secret lovers, right?

MARIA

Ma'am, please let go; it hurts.

(She cries out)

"Taiwo rushes into the room."

TAIWO

Simi, let her go!

(He attempts to pull Maria away from Simi)

"Simi pushes Maria to the ground."

SIMI

(She turns to Taiwo)

So this low-class brat is the reason why you treat me like trash!

TAIWO

Simi, calm down. Someone might come in here. E jor.

SIMI

Do I look like I care?

TAIWO

Simi, please.

MARIA

(She gets up from the ground)

I'm sorry, Ma'am.

I didn't mean to.

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

"Bayo walks into the kitchen, leaning against the wall."

BAYO

I'm so enjoying this.

(He folds his arms and wears a mischievous smile)

SIMI

You're sorry?

How dare you.

(She grabs Maria by the neck)

TAIWO

Simi, that's enough!

(He pulls her away from Maria)

"Mrs. Aisha rushes into the kitchen."

Mrs AISHA

What's the problem?

SIMI

(She turns to Mrs. Aisha)

Your granddaughter is a slut, a high-class whore.

TAIWO

Simi, what is your problem?

Mrs AISHA

Why would you call her that?

What happened?

(She turns to Maria)

Maria, what happened?

What did you do?

SIMI

This brat you call a granddaughter is having an affair with my husband!

You slut!

(She pulls Maria by the hair)

MARIA

Ouch!

(She cries out)

"Mrs. Aisha manages to pull Simi away from Maria with Taiwo's help."

Mrs AISHA

(Pointing her index finger at Simi)

Watch your tongue, lady. Do not accuse my granddaughter of something so serious. I will not take that insult from you.

SIMI

She's right behind you. Ask the whore yourself.

Mrs AISHA

I do not need to ask her anything to know that it is not true.

SIMI

Or is it because you are both the same?

BAYO

Alright, that's enough, Simi. Do not talk to Nanny that way. I won't let you.

I know you are mad and you have every reason to be mad, but do not take it out on Nanny or me, or you'll have a problem with me.

SIMI

I don't care, Bayo!

They are both leaving this house today.

(She walks out of the scene angrily)

"Taiwo follows behind her."

Mrs AISHA

(She turns to Maria)

Are you okay?

Did she hurt you?

MARIA

(She bursts into intense tears)

Mama, I'm sorry.

Mrs AISHA

It's fine, my love. I know you didn't do it.

BAYO

Hmm, I wouldn't be so sure about that.

Mrs AISHA

(She turns to Bayo)

And what's that supposed to mean?

BAYO

(He looks at Maria)

I love you, Maria, and I don't want to see you get hurt, but I think it's best you tell Granny the truth.

Mrs AISHA

(She turns to Maria)

What truth?

_____________________________________

"Taiwo walks into the room."

TAIWO

I'm talking to you, young lady!

SIMI

Leave me alone, Taiwo, or you won't like me this morning.

TAIWO

What is your problem? Go and apologize to Nanny!

(He points at the door)

SIMI

You cheated on me with that rat, Maria. She's not even worth my fingernails, and all you care about is an apology to Nanny?

TAIWO

Yes! You must apologize to her.

SIMI

Hell no, and they are leaving this house today!

TAIWO

No one is leaving this house. They are family; they have been with us before you were even born.

SIMI

It's either they leave or I leave.

TAIWO

(He snaps)

I said no one is leaving. I am your husband, and you will listen to me!

SIMI

Do you know since we got married, this is the longest you have paid attention to me, and I know it's because Maria is involved.

TAIWO

I'm sorry I couldn't meet up to your expectations. Maybe this can never work. I'm tired!

SIMI

Why wouldn't you be tired? You have a whore warming your bed.

TAIWO

Can you stop making this about Maria for once! This is about me and you; this is about our marriage. I can't do it anymore! I am tired of coming home to someone for whom I feel nothing but emptiness.

SIMI

Then why did you marry me? Why did you promise me that you would try?

TAIWO

(On the top of his voice)

Because I didn't have a choice!

SIMI

You always have a choice, Taiwo! Did they put a gun to your head, force you?

TAIWO

I'm tired, Simi. I can't do this anymore.

(He gets up to leave)

SIMI

(She stands in front of him)

So you are picking her over me?

TAIWO

You still don't get it, do you? This is not about Maria; this is about us. I don't love you, and I'm not sorry about it.

SIMI

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

But you care, don't you? Please, just say you do.

TAIWO

I used to, but this marriage showed me a part of you that I do not want to be a part of.

SIMI

So what do you feel for me? Hatred? Perhaps pity?

TAIWO

Nothing. I feel nothing for you.

(He walks towards the door)

SIMI

I'm pregnant.

TAIWO

(He turns to Simi)

Accept that this can't work, Simi.

Lies won't keep me.

SIMI

I am pregnant.

And I am not raising a child alone.

_____________________________________

"Maria trembles in fear as tears roll down her swollen cheeks."

MARIA

Mama, I'm sorry.

Mrs. AISHA

Answer my question; don't tell me sorry! Is this true?

MARIA

Yes, ma.

Mama, please forgive me. I didn't mean to. He just made me feel special and...

Mrs. AISHA

(She slaps Maria)

How dare you? How could you do this to me? After all I have done for you? Why do you want to bring shame to me?

MARIA

Mama, I'm sorry.

(She attempts to go closer to Mrs. Aisha)

"Mrs. Aisha slaps her again."

BAYO

(He pulls Maria to himself)

Nanny, that's enough, please. The person you should be hitting is Taiwo, not her.

Mrs. AISHA

How could you, Maria? Why would you want to do this to me?

MARIA

Mama, I'm sorry. Please forgive me.

"Mrs. Aisha walks out of the scene."

_____________________________________

Mrs. ADESOJI's RESIDENCE, VICTORIA ISLAND|

"Tony slightly opens his eyes as he could hardly sleep through the night."

TONY

(Mrs. Adesoji is laying beside him, gazing at him)

Jesus.

(He jumps out of the bed)

Mrs. ADESOJI

What is it, son?

TONY

Why are you in my room?

You scared me.

Mrs. ADESOJI

I'm sorry, son. I was just wondering why you weren't up yet, and watching you sleep reminded me of when I first had you.

TONY

Mummy, please, I don't like this.

Ah, you wan kill me with heart attack?

Since when did this one start, na?

Mrs. ADESOJI

What is your problem, son?

So I can't come into my son's room again?

TONY

Not without my permission.

I'm not ten, please.

Mrs. ADESOJI

I don't blame you; it's because your siblings are not here that you are treating me this way.

TONY

Mummy, please leave.

Mrs. ADESOJI

What is happening to you, son?

You no longer go to work early.

TONY

Oh, na.

Mummy!

Mrs. ADESOJI

Fine, I'm leaving now.

But before I go...

TONY

Oh God.

Mrs. ADESOJI

Have you heard from Tiga and the others?

I have been trying to reach them since yesterday evening; they were supposed to give me feedback on your sister's whereabouts.

TONY

No, I haven't.

Mrs. ADESOJI

Hmm, alright.

Come, please freshen up and come down for breakfast.

(She walks out of the room)

TONY

Oh God.

(He gets up from the bed only to find Stella covered in blood, gazing at him)

Jesus.

(He falls on the ground)

STELLA

You killed me, brother.

(Tears in the form of blood roll down her pale cheeks)

TONY

I had no choice.

Please leave me alone, Stella.

"Mrs. Adesoji rushed into the room"

Mrs. ADESOJI

What is it?

TONY

I'm fine, mother.

Mrs. ADESOJI

I thought I heard you fall.

TONY

I'm fine, Mummy.

Mrs. ADESOJI

(She notices his pounding chest and his unusual sweating)

Are you sure you are fine, son?

Why are you on the floor?

TONY

Mummy, I'm fine, please, just leave me be.

Mrs. ADESOJI

Ahh, na me you dey speak English for abi?

Fine, I will leave you alone.

(She walks out of the scene)

TONY

(He sits on the edge of his bed with both his hands on his head)

Oh God, what have I done?

_____________________________________

Mr. ACHEBE's RESIDENCE, ABUJA|

"Ejiro attempts to go into the kitchen but notices that the door is locked."

EJIRO

Why is this door locked?

Kamsi!

(She calls one of the maids)

KAMSI

Yes, ma'am.

(She rushes into the room)

EJIRO

Why is this door locked?

KAMSI

Emm, madam asked me to lock it up.

(She avoids eye contact with Ejiro)

EJIRO

Why?

(She asks angrily)

KAMSI

I don't know, ma'am.

EJIRO

Give me the key.

KAMSI

I don't have them, ma'am.

EJIRO

Don't play with me, Kamsi.

I know you have them.

Please give it to me.

KAMSI

Ma'am, abeg try understand me na.

This thing fit cost me my job.

Try and understand, e jor.

EJIRO

Where is the so-called madam?

KAMSI

She's having breakfast at the dining table.

"Ejiro walks out of the scene angrily."

_____________________________________

"Ejiro walks into the dining room"

Mrs ACHEBE

(She turns to Ejiro)

Why that look?

Are you okay?

EJIRO

What is your problem, Angela?

Why do you always act so childish?

Mrs ACHEBE

And where is that coming from?

EJIRO

So for your mind, locking up the kitchen will stop me from eating?

You are forgetting that I'm a hardworking woman. I'm not broke, oh. I just wanted to make that clear to you.

I be Warri girl nor go dull oh

Mrs ACHEBE

Then why are you here?

You and your daughter should leave my family alone.

EJIRO

We have the right to be here!

It's not like we are taking what isn't ours, and we didn't come here on our own. Your husband, my daughter's father, invited us. So don't make it look like we are forcing ourselves on you.

Mrs ACHEBE

You know, I just think you are pained because he chose me over you.

I know it hurts to just be a mistress.

EJIRO

See this fool!

(She chuckles)

I think I'm the lucky one here. Have you forgotten that I met your husband before you?

Make I burst your bubble now. He asked me to marry him and I turned him down, you know why?

Because I didn't want to become a man's punching bag.

Dooh, I feel your pain. My only prayer is that you are still alive before you turn sixty.

Mrs ACHEBE

How dare you!

(She raises her palm)

EJIRO

You think hitting me will stop you from being the punching bag?

I'm just dey look you dey laugh.

Ewu, please get out of my way.

(She hisses and walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|

TEMI

Oh God

(She wears an angry look)

MICHAEL

What is it?

TEMI

I am trying to get something online, but none of my cards are working.

MICHAEL

That's weird. Maybe it's the network.

TEMI

I don't think that's it.

Because I can't access any of them.

I think my account has been frozen.

MICHAEL

What, by who and why?

TEMI

Who else?

My Grandpa, of course.

MICHAEL

But it's your account, not his.

Is that possible?

TEMI

With Chief, everything is possible, Michael.

"Onyinye walks into Temi's room"

ONYINYE

Auntie Temi, you have a visitor.

TEMI

Who is that?

ONYINYE

Oops, you wouldn't like this.

MICHAEL

Who is it?

ONYINYE

Dr. Chidi.

TEMI

Oh God, doesn't he get it yet?

I am not interested.

MICHAEL

Calm down, babe.

I will handle this, don't worry.

(He gets up)

TEMI

I will come with you.

(She gets up)

MICHAEL

Are you sure?

I don't want you stressing yourself or the baby.

ONYINYE

Hmm, I'm stressed too, oh.

MICHAEL

(He turns to Onyinye)

Don't start, please.

_____________________________________

"Temi, along with Michael, walks into the sitting room."

TEMI

What do you want, Chidi?

I thought I made myself clear. I am not interested.

Dr CHIDI

(He walks towards Temi)

Baby, please just hear me out.

I can give you a good life. We can make this work, Temi.

MICHAEL

Hands off her.

(He pulls Dr Chidi's hands away from Temi)

Dr CHIDI

What is your problem, Michael?

I didn't send for you.

I want to talk to my wife-to-be.

MICHAEL

Keep dreaming, Mr. man.

Dr CHIDI

(He turns to Temi)

Temilade, please consider my offer.

What does this brat have that I do not have?

I can give you ten times what this guy can offer you.

Consider me, biko.

TEMI

As I said earlier, I am not interested, Chidi.

Besides, I am with child.

Dr CHIDI

What?

MICHAEL

You heard her right!

We are going to be parents.

Dr CHIDI

That's a lie. You think that will stop me from getting what I want?

MICHAEL

Just leave, please.

Dr CHIDI

I am not going anywhere without Temi.

TEMI

What makes you think I would want to go anywhere with you?

Dr CHIDI

You are coming with me.

(He holds firmly onto Temi's wrist)

TEMI

Leave me alone.

MICHAEL

(He punches Dr Chidi in the face)

Get out of here before I call security.

Dr CHIDI

This isn't over!

It's a promise.

(He walks out of the scene)

MICHAEL

What the hell is wrong with that dude?

ONYINYE

Well, I think he's just in love.

TEMI

If you call that love, then I never want to be in love.

MICHAEL

Exactly, that is nothing but obsession.

Very toxic and unhealthy.

ONINYE

Speaking of love and obsession, how do I know if a guy loves me for real and doesn't just want to use me?

"Mrs Adebayo walks into the room"

Mrs ADEBAYO

Onyinye, language!

You don't have to know because you are not getting any boyfriend soon.

ONYINYE

Says who?

I'm not a child.

MICHAEL

Oh yes, you are!

ONYINYE

If you don't want to tell me, I will just ask Auntie Adebisi when she's done talking to Uncle Ayo.

MICHAEL

Go to your room.

ONYINYE

I was about leaving.

(She walks out of the room)

"Kate is led into the mansion by one of the maids"

TEMI

Granny, what are you doing here?

(She hugs Kate in excitement)

Mrs K BALOGUN

I came to see how my favorite granddaughter is doing.

HOPE

(She smiles at Temi)

E kaaro, ma.

TEMI

Wow, you came with my baby girl.

(She lifts Hope from the ground)

How are you, my love?

HOPE

I'm fine.

_____________________________________

"Ayo picks up the DNA result from on top of Adebisi's table."

ADEBISI

Don't you think we should wait for Taiwo?

Mr A BALOGUN

I tried to reach him, but he didn't answer my calls.

ADEBISI

Weren't you supposed to come here with him this morning?

Mr A BALOGUN

Yes, but I left early. I had a meeting with some of my colleagues.

ADEBISI

Who would have thought you would become Governor?

Wow, I'm proud of you.

Mr A BALOGUN

I'm a Balogun!

We get whatever we want, whenever and however we want it.

I am opening this now.

(He opens the DNA result)

ADEBISI

Taiwo wouldn't like this.

Mr A BALOGUN

That's his business. I just want to get this over with.

(He scans through the white paper document in his hand)

It's a match, so all of this is true?

ADEBISI

Like I told you, I have no reason to lie to you, Ayo.

Mr A BALOGUN

But how?

Mrs. K BALOGUN

That's because I saved her and hid her from the world around you to protect both of you.

Mr A BALOGUN

(He turns to Kate)

What are you doing here, mother?

Mrs K BALOGUN

Relax, son. I won't be staying long. I just came to warn you both.

_____________________________________

LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|

"Bisi walks out of Lolade's room."

OLAMIDE

How is she doing?

BISI

I know what you're doing, Olamide.

OLAMIDE

What?

BISI

I know it hurts you to see her like that.

And you want to escape reality.

OLAMIDE

I still don't understand what you're talking about.

BISI

You haven't stepped into that room since she was moved here.

OLAMIDE

That's a lie, I went in there last night.

BISI

Really, Ola?

I slept there, and no one came into that room.

OLAMIDE

I was there, how would you know when you were fast asleep?

BISI

What was I putting on?

(She crosses her arms)

OLAMIDE

I have no reason to answer that.

(He walks out of the scene)

BISI

Men!

"Nnamdi walks into the scene."

NNAMDI

What have we done this time?

BISI

Oh, it's nothing.

Don't mind me.

(She turns to leave)

NNAMDI

You know it's okay to be scared, right?

BISI

(She turns to Nnamdi)

I don't quite follow.

NNAMDI

I couldn't help but hear your conversation with your brother.

But it wasn't intentional, I swear.

BISI

(She smiles)

It's fine.

NNAMDI

I just think he's scared, and that's okay.

We all have our different ways of dealing with rough moments.

BISI

So you are saying it's okay for me to run away from his reality?

NNAMDI

I'm saying it's okay for him to be scared of it and wander off for a while.

We can't escape our reality; he knows that.

We all do.

BISI

Hmm, so what's your point?

NNAMDI

Cut him some slack and try to see things from his perspective.

BISI

But how do I do that?

I can't do this alone; I need his support.

NNAMDI

Have you heard of the paradigm shift?

BISI

No, what's that?

(She sits in front of her classical piano)

NNAMDI

It's a broader term that describes and explains how you can open your mind to the feelings, beliefs, and viewpoints of other people.

BISI

Hmm, let me guess, you read a lot?

NNAMDI

(He chuckles)

Kind of.

BISI

Interesting.

Tell me more about this paradigm shift.

NNAMDI

Paradigm Shift!

BISI

Whatever, just hit me with it.

NNAMDI

Sure.

_____________________________________

ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|

Mr. A BALOGUN

What?

But how?

Mrs K BALOGUN

I don't know, Ayo.

I just thought I should warn both of you, especially you, Adebisi.

He knows your present identity didn't exist until a couple of years ago.

ADEBISI

I don't see why you are both panicking.

I don't care if he finds out.

As long as I am able to execute my plan before then.

Mr A BALOGUN

And what is your plan?

ADEBISI

Getting justice for what your wife and sister did to me.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Adebisi, I thought we've talked about this.

Can't you let this go?

ADEBISI

No, mother, I can't!

Do you know the pain I was in for years?

All those surgeries and burns.

Mr A BALOGUN

I understand how you feel, Adebisi, but...

ADEBISI

No, you don't, Ayo.

You forgot all about me and married the devil.

None of you know how it feels for your life to be stolen from you.

Do you know how lonely and worthless I felt?

Mrs K BALOGUN

Calm down, Adebisi.

So what are your plans?

ADEBISI

It's simple, it's either they do their time in jail or I kill them with my bare hands.

Mr A BALOGUN

(He takes off his glasses)

The Adebisi I knew and fell in love with wouldn't hurt a fly.

She was kind and selfless.

ADEBISI

That Adebisi has been burnt off.

She is dead, Ayo.

Mr A BALOGUN

Look, I am not against you as long as it ends at sending them to jail because she is still my sister and Bisola is still the mother of my children.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Ayo, really?

Mr A BALOGUN

Don't give me that look, mother.

I know you just want to protect Lolade.

It's expected of you as a mother, I won't judge you for that, but she must face the consequences of her actions.

ADEBISI

Exactly!

(She holds Kate's hand)

Look, Mom, I love you. I have always seen you as a mother. You took me in and loved me as your own, but I must do this, please.

Mrs K BALOGUN

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

I understand, and I won't stop either of you.

(She gets up to leave)

I have to go now. I want to spend some time with Lolade before heading home.

(She turns to Ayo)

Son, would you come with me to see your sister?

Mr A BALOGUN

I will pass, Mum.

Besides, I have a meeting to attend in thirty minutes.

I will see you at home later in the day.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Hmm, alright.

Take care.

(She walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

SOJI's OIL HEAD QUARTERS|

"Tony is lost in thought."

Mrs ABANJO

(She taps Tony)

Sir!

TONY

(He snaps out of it)

Where were we?

Mrs ABANJO

Miss Vera was analyzing our call to action for the Abuja project.

TONY

Okay, so what about it?

MISS VERA

We would need a budget for it, sir, and we need to meet with some of our investors in Abuja too.

TONY

Alright, what time is it?

MISS VERA

Pardon?

TONY

What time is it?

MISS VERA

Sir, the budget needs to be ready next week.

TONY

No, I mean what is the time?

(He points at her watch)

MISS VERA

Oh, it's quarter past four, sir.

TONY

Alright, this meeting is adjourned.

(He gets up to leave)

Mrs ABANJO

But, sir, there is still a lot to talk about.

"Tony ignores her and walks out of the room"

Mrs ABANJO

What is wrong with him?

MISS VERA

He's been acting weird lately.

Mr NATH

Hmm, Nawa oh.

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND |

"Mrs Aisha kneels before Chief."

Mrs AISHA

Chief, I'm sorry!

I will caution her and make sure this doesn't happen again.

SIMI

This is not about it not happening again. I do not want you or your granddaughter in this house!

Mrs AISHA

(She turns to Simi)

Please, Simi.

I know what she did was unforgivable, but we have nowhere to go. Please be considerate.

SIMI

Was your daughter considerate when she decided to get involved with my husband?

CHIEF BALOGUN

That's enough!

Hmm.

(He turns to Mrs Aisha)

Please get up, there is no need for that.

The solution to this is simple.

Both of you have to leave. Please don't take this personally. I have a binding contract with the Abiola's. I cannot compromise it for any reason.

Mrs AISHA

Chief, please.

CHIEF BALOGUN

I'm sorry, Aisha, but I think this is the best thing to do.

"Ayo walks into the office."

Mr A BALOGUN

Nobody is going anywhere.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Don't make this an issue, son.

Mr A BALOGUN

You cannot decide for me, Dad.

They are my employees, and regardless of what happened, I cannot let them go.

CHIEF BALOGUN

We have a contract with the Abiola's. We cannot compromise it.

Mr A BALOGUN

I have a contract with Nanny that I cannot compromise too.

CHIEF BALOGUN

That is not my business, Ayo.

They must leave.

Mr A BALOGUN

Come with me.

(He assists Mrs Aisha in getting up from the ground)

Maria, you too.

"Simi angrily walks out of the office."

_____________________________________

HON J BOLA's RESIDENCE, IKOYI|

"One of the residence maids walks into the sitting room."

MAID

Sir, you have a visitor.

HON J BOLA

Who is it?

MAID

It's your sister, sir.

"Kate walks into the sitting room."

Mrs. K BALOGUN

We need to talk.

HON J BOLA

Okay...

What's the matter?

MRS K BALOGUN

Alone, please.

HON J BOLA

(He turns to his wife)

Honey, I'll be back in a minute.

(He gets up from the couch)

"Hon J Bola opens his office door."

Mrs. K BALOGUN

I thought you wanted to redecorate.

(She looks around the office)

HON J BOLA

What's wrong, sis?

As you can see, I was having a good time with my woman.

Mrs. K BALOGUN

Chief found out that you are involved with Lolade and The AUG.

HON J BOLA

What?

But how?

What do we do?

Mrs. K BALOGUN

(She sits on one of the couches)

Calm down!

HON J BOLA

I should calm down?

This could cost me my life, sis.

We have to do something about this because I won't go down alone.

Mrs. K BALOGUN

Nobody is going down!

Chief wouldn't do anything to you.

Hurting you would be hurting me.

HON J BOLA

True, but this could cost me my career.

We have to find a way around this.

Mrs. K BALOGUN

We are talking about Chief!

He's not an easy man to deceive.

HON J BOLA

That's why we have to do something.

Mrs K BALOGUN

I'm aware of that!

That's why I am here.

HON J BOLA

So what do we do?

Mrs. K BALOGUN

I have prepared a private jet that will help move your family to France for now.

HON J BOLA

What about me?

Mrs. K BALOGUN

You will stay here with me, of course.

Chief won't hurt you directly because it would affect me. He knows I don't like either of your wives, so he wouldn't mind going after either of them and your children.

HON J BOLA

Hmm!

So when are they supposed to leave for France?

Mrs. K BALOGUN

(She gets up)

Tomorrow evening.

I have to go now.

HON J BOLA

That's too soon.

They are not even aware that they are leaving.

They need time to prepare.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Then tell them now!

There is no time in this world, brother.

Unless you want them to pay for your sins against my husband.

Good evening.

(She walks out of the office)

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|

"Temi walks into the dining room."

TEMI

(Walks toward Chief's direction)

Why are my accounts frozen?

Mrs. B BALOGUN

Temilade, is that your way of saying "Good evening"?

TEMI

(She turns to Bisola)

What's so good about the evening, Mummy?

When all of you are after my peace of mind and happiness?

Mr A BALOGUN

Temilade, please calm down.

What is this about?

TEMI

(She points at Chief)

Your father here has frozen all my accounts.

Mrs. K BALOGUN

Williams!

CHIEF BALOGUN

Until you wake up from your stupidity, you do not have the right to partake in the benefits that have come from my years of hard work.

TEMI

(She chuckles)

Really?

Are you aware that this will just make me hate you more than I already do?

I want my money back; they are my birthright. I am a shareholder and my father's daughter. You have no jurisdiction over that.

CHIEF BALOGUN

And I am your father's father!

I am the reason why you enjoy all of this, and I can take it away whenever I like.

If you want it back, you know what to do.

TEMI

So you are trading your granddaughter's happiness for money and influence?

I have to marry a man I am not interested in just so that I can have access to what is rightfully mine?

CHIEF BALOGUN

It seems you got it loud and clear, so I don't need to explain myself.

TEMI

This isn't over!

And trust me, I mean it.

(She turns to leave)

CHIEF BALOGUN

Where is your car key?

You can't leave with it.

Mr A BALOGUN

Dad, that's too much, please.

TEMI

(She turns to Chief)

Why don't you just take my life instead?

CHIEF BALOGUN

I wish I could.

(He smiles at Temi)

TEMI

Fine, you can have it!

(She drops the key on the table and walks out of the scene)

Mrs. K BALOGUN

(She snaps at Chief)

What is your problem, Williams?

Are you aware she's pregnant?

How can you take her car away too?

Mr. A BALOGUN

(He gets up)

Excuse me!

CHIEF BALOGUN

Sit down!

Let her be; she needs to be taught a lesson.

TAIWO

I understand you, Grandpa, but don't you think it's risky to leave her out there without a car?

How would she get to Festac this night?

CHIEF BALOGUN

I don't care.

She's an adult. Maybe this will teach her some important lessons about life.

_____________________________________

"Temi walks angrily on the streets of Banana Island."

TEMI

(She senses a feeling that she's being followed.)

Hello, who's there?

(She scans the area, hastening her footsteps.)

Leave me be!

(She screams as a masculine hand wraps around her eyes.)

Let me go!

Help!

(His other hand wraps around her mouth.)

Mmmm mmmm hmmmmm

(She tries to scream out.)

_____________________________________