To The One❤️
We have come so far in the twinkle of the eye, the memories of me naming you "Festac" live fresh in my memories. Creating you has a significant relevance to my identity as a writer. I am writing to you today to tell you how proud I am of you. Thank you for letting me design and bring you into reality. Thank you for choosing me and granting me this amazing opportunity to dine with creativity at her peak.
I write you today to bring to your memory where and how we began. I was naked and broken. Vulnerable to stupor and rough around my curve-less edges yet you behold me worthy to bring you to reality. Even in my shame, you graced me with hope and certainty, and amid chaos, you opened my eyes to the seven wonders in my world.
Thank you, Festac for this timeless memory and opportunity. I will forever be indebted to you for choosing me❤️
___________________________________
|BAYO's RESIDENCE, FESTAC |
"Taiwo walks into the residence"
KELVIN
(Smiles at Taiwo)
Hello Taiwo.
TAIWO
I don't understand.
Are you the surprise Bayo left for me?
KELVIN
Yes, I am.
I killed Eniola with the help of your Auntie Lolade.
TAIWO
Why are you telling me this?
You know if this is true, there is no way you are leaving here without chains around your arms and legs.
KELVIN
I had an agreement with Bayo so you do not have to worry I'm turning myself in.
TAIWO
You are joking, right?
KELVIN
No, I'm not.
A deal is a deal.
TAIWO
Why?
What is Bayo up to?
KELVIN
I don't know the intentions of your brother but mine is simple.
I do not care about what happened to me, as long as my family's future is guaranteed.
TAIWO
Now I get it.
How much did offer you in exchange for your freedom?
KELVIN
Enough to be behind bars.
TAIWO
Why?
I don't understand why you will accept money in exchange for your freedom.
KELVIN
It's simple.
There is no freedom for me.
I'm very sick.
AIDs to be specific turns out that I gave it to your sister and not the other way round.
TAIWO
Now I get it.
But why did you take my sister's life?
Make me understand why you did that
(Sits down)
KELVIN
(Tears roll down his cheeks)
I was angry at myself and I looked for someone to blame.
I haven't been able to sleep for weeks.
I took a life so how dare I value mine?
TAIWO
(Tears roll down his cheeks)
You know I will do everything to keep you behind bars forever?
KELVIN
I'm ready for the consequences of my actions.
TAIWO
Good.
_____________________________________
|ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
" Temilade, my baby sister. Crazy how you were and still my favorite sibling. If this letter gets you then my worst fear is before me. It was never my intention to leave you behind but as you already know, I had to do this to save Mum.
I know she did a lot of wrong to us all but I can not betray her. Some had to make the sacrifice to save her.
I might not behold you with my eyes again or hold my baby niece in my arms cause trust me you've got a baby girl coming.
And I want you to know that I love you more than anything in this world and I would do anything to see you again.
Please take care of yourself tell Dad and others not to look for me. I am okay where I am. This is what I want.
Love, Bayo❤️"
MICHAEL
(Rushes to Temi as he notices tears rolling down her cheeks as she reads Bayo's letter)
Temi, that's enough, please.
(Takes the letter from her)
TEMI
Why is everyone leaving, Michael?
First, it was Eniola, then Nanny, and now Bayo and Grandpa.
MICHAEL
Come here
(Pulls her to himself)
I do not have an answer to your question, my love. But I want you to know that I am here for you and I will never leave your side.
TEMI
Thank you.
I still can't believe Grandpa is gone.
You know I never forgave him
How wish I knew this was going to happen I would have...
MICHAEL
Life is filled with uncertainty, Temi.
We both know Grandpa loved you till death although he might have had a weird way of expressing it.
TEMI
Maybe this is for the best.
No more more tears
(Wipes her face clean from tears)
Can I be alone, please?
MICHAEL
Sure.
However, if you need anything, let me know.
TEMI
Thank you, Love.
"Michael kisses her on the forehead before walking out of the room"
_____________________________________
|ABUJA DETENTION CENTER|
"One of the soldiers walks up to Bisi and Nnamdi"
SOLDIER
You can see her now
Although you have limited time make it quick.
BISI
Thank you, Sir
I appreciate.
SOLDIER
Don't thank me, ma
I'm only doing my job.
Please be fast.
(Nnamdi attempts to walk in with her)
Only families are allowed.
Mr Man, you have to wait out here for her.
NNAMDI
I can't let her go in there herself.
SOLDIER
Are you crazy?
I said you can go in there with her.
Abi you deaf?
BISI
We are sorry, sir.
(Turns to Nnamdi)
Nnamdi, please wait for me here.
Don't worry I will be safe.
NNAMDI
Hmm, alright.
BISI
Thank you
(Walks into )
_____________________________________
"Lolade is brought into the room"
BISI
(Tears roll down her cheeks as she gazes at the chains around her arms and feet)
Mum!
LOLADE
Bisi, what are you doing here?
BISI
I came to see you of course.
How are you doing?
LOLADE
Go home, Bisi.
It's best you and others stay away for now.
BISI
No, I want to see you.
LOLADE
Go home, Bisi.
(Gets up to leave)
BISI
What is your problem, Mum?
Even behind bars, your ego knows no bounds.
Do you know how hard it was for me to see you?
Sit down, I want to talk to you.
LOLADE
(Sits down )
What do you want from me, Bisi?
Do you think I don't want to see you?
I don't just want you to see me this way.
BISI
Well, you should have thought of that before attempting to kill Auntie Adebisi or killing Eniola.
Don't act surprised I know you are guilty of those plans. I was there the day you and Uncle Robert were talking about it.
LOLADE
Since you know the truth, what else do you want from me?
BISI
The truth, Mother.
I want you to confess them to me.
Take responsibility for your actions for once.
LOLADE
Yes, I did it.
I am guilty of them all.
BISI
(Tears roll down her cheeks)
Why?
What did you stand to gain, Mother?
LOLADE
All I wanted was your Grandfather's attention.
I wanted his validation and nothing more, Bisi.
BISI
So you attempted to prove yourself at the expense of innocent lives?
LOLADE
I'm sorry, Bisi.
BISI
(Gets up to leave)
I can't stand you anymore.
LOLADE
I know and I'm sorry.
How is Olamide?
BISI
His good.
He sees no reason to visit you.
LOLADE
Oh, I get that.
BISI
Just so you know, I'm testifying against you.
I will tell the court all I know and witness.
That is the right thing to do.
"Soldier walks in"
SOLDIER
Your time is up, Madam.
BISI
Yeah, I was just leaving.
Thank you.
(Walks out of the scene)
"Lolade is taken back to her cell by two other soldiers"
_____________________________________
|CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Dr. Shade sits opposite Kate"
Dr. SHADE
I'm sorry about your, loss Kate.
I wish there was something I could do for you.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
I know Chief did a lot of things.
Inhuman acts that are unforgivable.
But it hurts to know that he is no more.
Dr. SHADE
I can only imagine how you are feeling right now.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
I know this might be the wrong timing but I need to know what happens to Chief's asset.
Dr. SHADE
General said despite all that Chief had done, that he was his friend and his descendants should not share in the consequences of his action.
So he would let you have the company but all of Chief's subsidiary business and private assets would be confiscated.
Same with Lolade.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Thank you, Shade.
I think this is the most important thing for me right now.
Although the Balogun's Empire has fallen, her descendants will live on.
And I must guarantee their future.
Dr. SHADE
Do not thank me, Kate.
You are my friend and I think this is the right thing to do.
Chief Built that company with his sweat and blood.
It's only right that it remains in the family name.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
You know this wouldn't have been possible without you.
And I'm sorry I couldn't do anything for Simi early.
Dr. SHADE
It's fine Kate.
I understand that your hands were tied and there was nothing you could do about that.
So what are your plans?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
I don't know, Shade.
Dr. SHADE
Don't worry my friend you will figure it out.
You always do.
Come here.
(Pulls Kate to herself)
_____________________________________
|LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|
"Adaora walks into Olamide's residence"
ADAORA
Hey, I have been looking for you.
(Notices that Olamide is packing up)
Are you going somewhere?
OLAMIDE
Oh, what are you doing here?
I thought you were leaving for Abuja earlier this morning.
ADAORA
(Sits on the bed)
Yeah, I thought I was.
OLAMIDE
So why are you here?
ADAORA
I sold my shares to Chibuike
OLAMIDE
You what?
(Drops his bag)
ADAORA
Calm down, Ola.
I will explain.
OLAMIDE
You better do.
Because I do not understand.
ADAORA
Well, I just realised that I don't want to be part of any Drama and there is more to life than being a CEO at the expense of my peace of mind.
I was living in fear Olamide.
OLAMIDE
Hmm, I understand you, dear.
But you loved that job.
It was more than just being a CEO or shareholder to you.
ADAORA
Yeah, it was.
OLAMIDE
So you are quitting?
ADAORA
No, I'm not.
I have decided to start my journey of life.
OLAMIDE
So what do you plan on doing with all that money?
Cause I know it's gonna be a lot.
ADAORA
I invested most of it in Nnamdi's Bank. Then I'm thinking of going into Logistics
OLAMIDE
Wow, you seem to have it all figured out.
I'm happy for you.
ADAORA
(Smiles at Olamide)
Thank you, your approval means a lot to me.
So why are you parking up?
Where are you going?
OLAMIDE
You know all my Mum's private property now belongs to the Government.
ADAORA
Oh, that's true.
So where do you plan on going?
OLAMIDE
My home
Designed to my taste.
ADAORA
Wow, that's nice.
_____________________________________
|Mrs AISHA's BURIAL|
"Kate sits beside Maria"
Mrs. K BALOGUN
How are you holding up?
MARIA
(Tears stream down her cheeks)
I'm fine, Ma.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Everything will be fine.
And I want you to know that I am here for you.
MARIA
(Turns to Kate)
Thank you, Ma
This means a lot to me.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
You don't have to thank me, Maria.
You are like a Daughter to me.
Although I don't know if this is the right time I must discuss something with you.
MARIA
Oh, I'm listening, ma.
Is everything alright?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
Oh yes, everything is fine.
This is about your Grandmother she left something for you.
MARIA
What's that?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
She has been buying shares for you in the company and they have accumulated into something very significant.
Also Chief left some shares in your name too.
So I just thought you should know. You don't have to ever worry about Money for the rest of your life.
MARIA
Thank you, ma.
(Tears roll down her cheeks)
Although none of these matters without Nanny.
She's gone.
Mrs K BALOGUN
Come here.
(She hugs Maria)
_____________________________________
"Taiwo sits beside Michael"
MICHAEL
Hey, are you good?
TAIWO
Yes, bro.
MICHAEL
Are you sure?
It's okay if you feel weird being here.
TAIWO
(Smiles )
I'm good
Thank you, Michael.
MICHAEL
For what?
(Sips the bottle of beer in his hand)
TAIWO
For looking out for my sister.
I'm glad she found someone like you.
She's lucky to find someone like you.
MICHAEL
You don't have to thank me, bro.
I love your sister.
TAIWO
You read engineering, right?
MICHAEL
Yeah.
Crazy how I never got to make use of that certificate
(Sips his bottle of beer)
TAIWO
Would you have loved to use it?
MICHAEL
Of course, bro.
I worked my ass up to put myself through school.
It hurts that all of it is going to waste.
TAIWO
Hmm, I get that.
Just so you know I am searching for someone who would replace Bayo at the company.
And I think you are the man for the job.
MICHAEL
(Drops his bottle of beer on the table)
Tell me you are joking.
TAIWO
I'm not, Michael.
The job is yours if you want it.
Besides you are a smart dude and soon to be a father again so I think you need this.
MICHAEL
Yes, I do.
I want the job, Taiwo.
TAIWO
Then it's yours.
Be at the Head Quarters on Monday with your CV.
MICHAEL
Thank you, bro
This means a lot to me.
TAIWO
You are welcome
(Notices that Maria is alone)
Excuse me bro I have to do something.
MICHAEL
Sure
"Taiwo walks out of the scene"
TEMI
(walks in)
You look so happy.
What is it?
MICHAEL
I just got a job.
Taiwo offered me a job at the company.
TEMI
(Smiles)
Are you serious?
That's good.
Congratulations my love.
(Hugs Michael)
_____________________________________
"Walks into the scene"
TAIWO
Hey can we talk?
(Maria turns to leave)
Hey, it's just for a minute, please.
MARIA
What do you want, Taiwo?
TAIWO
I just want to talk.
MARIA
Talk about what!!?
What is there to talk about, Taiwo?
I don't want anything to do with you.
TAIWO
Maria, I have apologized to you many times.
What else do you want from me?
MARIA
Nothing.
I want nothing from you.
Just leave.
Leave and never return.
I don't ever want to see your face again.
Not even your shadows.
TAIWO
Do you hate me that much?
MARIA
Hate?
You would be so lucky if what I felt for you was hate.
TAIWO
Then what is it, Maria?
Tell me what is it that you want.
I would do anything to earn your forgiveness
MARIA
It's simple, Taiwo
(Comes closer)
Leave!
Disappear and never return
(Walks out of the scene)
_____________________________________
|Dr AKANDE's RESIDENCE|
"Temi walks into Dr Akande's Office"
TEMI
E kaaro, Sir.
Dr. AKANDE
Temilade, how are you doing?
TEMI
I'm fine, Sir.
Are you okay?
It sounded so urgent when you called.
Dr. AKANDE
I'm fine, dear.
Please sit.
TEMI
Thank you, sir.
(Sits down)
Dr. AKANDE
As you know, I am the last surviving member of The Table.
Gen Abiola spared my life because of some favors I did for him years ago.
TEMI
Why are you telling me this, Uncle?
Sorry, I cut you short.
I just want to know what is it that was so important that you want to discuss with me.
Dr. AKANDE
(Gets up and walks to his safe)
After the death of my brother, your grandfather, I realized a lot of things and my guilt has been eating me up.
I am not fit to lead the hospital anymore.
The board wants me out.
TEMI
Which is as expected.
You and Grandpa hurt a lot of people.
Dr. AKANDE
I know, Temilade.
The issue with the board is why I called you here.
They want you to take over from me since I have no heir and you are the only person in the family medically inclined.
TEMI
Thank you, I am not interested
(Gets up to leave)
Dr. AKANDE
Wait, Temilade.
We both know you want this and this will help you fulfill your dreams as a medical doctor.
I get that you don't want anything to do with Chief's money. But I assure you this is all mine.
I bought Chief out some years back.
TEMI
Why me,
Dr. AKANDE
Because they want you.
You are the only family member free from all these controversies.
For some reason, the board seems to trust you.
TEMI
I would accept under one condition.
Dr. AKANDE
What would that be?
TEMI
You will not interfere with my plans.
If possible, I want you out.
Dr. AKANDE
Fine, I need the cash anyway.
I will ask my lawyers to prepare the documents for the transfer of shares.
TEMI
Good.
I have to take my leave now.
(Gets up)
Please take care of yourself, Uncle.
You do not look good.
(Walks out of the office)
_____________________________________
|ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Ayo walks into the sitting room"
Mr. A BALOGUN
Are you guys ready to leave?
ADEBISI
Yes.
TEMI
Do you guys have to go?
Can't we all just live here together?
Mr. A BALOGUN
I wish I could, Temilade
But we can't.
Festac reminds us too much of things we do not want in our memories.
TEMI
But that doesn't mean you have to leave the country na.
You will miss out on the birth of your grandchild and my wedding too.
Mr. A BALOGUN
Temi, you do not need me to live your life.
And you can come visit us in England anything you want.
I am not leaving you I just need to live my life too.
TEMI
(Hugs Ayo)
I will miss you, Dad
Mr. A BALOGUN
I will miss you too, my baby.
"Taiwo walks into the room"
TAIWO
Can we go now?
TEMI
This one is in such a hurry to leave me.
"The room is filled with laughter"
TAIWO
How can you say that?
You know I will miss you a lot.
TEMI
Taiwo is not too late
You can still decide to stay.
TAIWO
As much as I want to, I can't.
There is nothing here for me anymore.
I need a fresh start.
ADEBISI
Besides I need someone who will look after my business over there.
You know I'm not getting any younger.
TEMI
I get that.
TAIWO
(Turns to Michael)
You and Olamide are in charge, bro.
And I know both of you would look after the family.
MICHAEL
I will give it my best, bro.
You changed my life bro and I can't thank you enough for it.
_____________________________________
"Kate hugs Ayo"
Mrs. K BALOGUN
My son is leaving me.
Mr. A BALOGUN
I'm not, Mum.
I invited you to join us, remember?
Mrs. K BALOGUN
(Smiles at a Ayo)
No, I will pass.
I can't leave your sister here.
Mr. A BALOGUN
I understand, mother.
ADEBISI
(Turns to Kate
I can't thank you enough for all that you've done for me.
I owe you my life, Mum.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
You don't have to thank me, dear.
Doesn't change the fact that Lolade took years of your life away from you.
"Bisi and Nnamdi walk in"
BISI
Granny, Uncle, we have something to tell you.
Mrs. K BALOGUN
(Turns to Bisi)
Yes, my love what is it?
BISI
This is Nnamdi.
I know you don't know him very much but believe he is the one for me.
So....
Mr. A BALOGUN
Congratulations, Bisi.
So we are having two weddings.
NNAMDI
Thank you, sir
(Holds Bisi)
Mrs. K BALOGUN
(Turns to Nnamdi)
Hmm, seems like a promising young man.
Look, Bisi, I can not tell you who is right for you.
But I trust you so if you think he is the one, so be it.
BISI
Thank you, Granny.
Thank you, Uncle, your approval means a lot to me.
NNAMDI
Eshey, ma
(Goes on his knee)
Mrs. K BALOGUN
What are you doing?
Get up, my son.
(Holds his hands up)
Welcome to the family.
NNAMDI
Thank you, ma.
OLAMIDE
(Walks in)
If you hurt my sister, I will break your legs.
NNAMDI
(Smiles)
I won't do that, bro.
OLAMIDE
Congratulations, my love.
(Hugs Bisi)
BISI
Thank you, Ola.
_____________________________________
|Mrs ADESOJI's RESIDENCE, VICTORIA ISLAND|
"Mrs. Adesoji gazes at the mirror in front of her and smiles uncontrollably before she begins to laugh out loud"
DOCTOR
(Turns to Mrs Adesoji's Younger sister )
It's very serious.
Your Sister may never recover from this.
DOCAS
And there is nothing we can do to help her get better?
DOCTOR
We have tried everything, Docas.
What she went through is very traumatic.
She watched both of her children die in front of her.
DOCAS
She doesn't deserve this.
DOCTOR
Nobody deserves this, Docas.
DOCAS
How about we send her abroad?
Don't you think they can make her recover from this?
DOCTOR
I doubt.
Only she can recover from this herself.
There is nothing we can do for her medically.
DOCAS
So there is nothing I can do to help her get better?
DOCTOR
Nothing, my dear
The chances of her recovering from this is one in a million.
All I will advise you to do is stay by her side and give her the support you can.
DOCAS
(Sighs)
Thank you, Doctor.
DOCTOR
You are welcome.
I will be on my way now.
DOCAS
Oh, alright.
Thank you.
DOCTOR
Take care.
(Walks out of the scene)
DOCAS
(knees in front of her)
Talk to me, Sis.
Please.
I know this is hard for you but I'm assuring you that everything will be okay.
(Holds her Hands)
_____________________________________
|GENERAL ABIOLA's RESIDENCE|
"Ayoola walks into Simi's room"
AYOOLA
Hey, sit up, please.
SIMI
Please let me be.
AYOOLA
I'm sorry I can't do that.
You have to eat something.
You haven't eaten since yesterday.
SIMI
I am not hungry.
AYOOLA
Why are you doing this to yourself, Simi?
You are safe now.
Nobody is coming after you again.
SIMI
(Turns to Ayoola)
I'm safe?
I'm I?
Every Night in my dreams, I am tournament by the woman I killed and you tell me I'm safe?
AYOOLA
Simi, it's just your guilt dealing with you.
You will be fine.
You just have to let it go.
SIMI
I can't, Sis.
I took a life from someone.
I killed someone, Ayoola.
AYOOLA
And that is okay.
You made a mistake.
You shouldn't make yourself suffer from this.
You have to forgive yourself, Simi
SIMI
I wish I could.
I really wish I could
(Tears roll down her cheeks)
Please I want to be alone.
AYOOLA
Alright I will go but I will leave the food behind.
When you are ready, please eat
(Walks out of the room)
"Simi burst into uncontrollable tears"
_____________________________________
{Three years later}
|THE BALOGUN's CEMETERY|
"Awelle chases Hope around the open garden"
TEMI
(Kneels in front of Eniola's grave)
Hey Sis, how are you doing today?
There is someone you have to meet.
(Holds baby Eniola in her arms)
This is Eniola Adebayo Balogun, my daughter.
Your niece.
(Turns to Baby Eniola)
Say hi. This is Auntie Eniola.
Your daughter is growing so fast and she asks questions about you every day.
(Tears roll down her cheeks)
I still can't believe you are gone.
Just so you know, I opened a foundation for homeless children in your name.
I sold my shares from the company. Do not want anything to do with Grandpa's money.
Also, you are looking at The Director of the largest Hospital Firm in the country.
I miss you, Eniola
(Cries out)
"Michael walks in"
MICHAEL
My love, are you ready?
TEMI
(Wipes her tears)
Yes.
Where is Hope and Awelle?
(Switches Baby Eniola to her left hand)
"Awelle and Hope walk-in"
AWELLE
Are we leaving now?
TEMI
Yes, my love.
HOPE
But I love the garden
Can we stay longer?
MICHAEL
I'm sorry my love we can't.
We have to attend Auntie Onyinye and Maria's convocation, remember?
HOPE
Yes!
Let's go.
MICHAEL
(Lifts Hope from the ground)
Let's go.
___________________________________
THE END