Chereads / Behind Bars / Chapter 7 - Episode 5(Nothing)

Chapter 7 - Episode 5(Nothing)

INT. |WAREHOUSE|

"A lady is forced to kneel before Bob."

BOB

(Picks up a gun from the table beside him)

Where is my money?

LADY

Sir, please give me one more chance.

I promise your money will be ready by Monday.

BOB

Are you playing me?

You said the same thing two weeks ago.

Come e be like you nor sabi me oh.

Look me!

Why you dey take me play?

LADY

Sir, have mercy, please.

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

BOB

Shut up your mouth.

Na only English you sabi speak.

You go dey borrow money were you nor fit pay.

(Points the gun towards her forehead)

LADY

Ahh, Oga abeg

I promise you I will get you your money next week.

Don't kill me!

BOB

Too late.

(Hears a noise coming from the vault)

Did you hear that?

BODYGUARD 2

Hear what?

BODYGUARD 1

I think it's coming from the vault.

BOB

(Walks towards the vault)

Are you sure it was coming from here?

BODYGUARD 1

Yes, sir,.

BOB

(Opens the vault with his fingerprint, and scans through the room filled with money)

There is nothing here.

BODYGUARD 1

But I'm certain the noise came from here, boss.

BOB

Why are you so stupid?

BODYGUARD 1

I'm sorry, sir.

BOB

(Walks out of the vault)

Forgive me for the delay.

(Points the gun towards the Lady)

LADY

Sir, please don't do this.

No, please don't shu...

"Bob pulls the trigger."

BOB

(Turns to bodyguard 2)

You know what to do with the body.

BODYGUARD 2

Yes, Boss.

"Bob walks out of the room alongside Bodyguard 1. Bodyguard 2 picks up the dead body and carries it out of the room."

"Cheta jumps down from where he was hiding picks up the huge envelope of cash and finds his way out of the vault."

_____________________________________

INT. |CLUB 247|

"Efe walks in."

PABLO

My Oga don show

(Salutes Efe)

EFE

(Smiles)

Pablo, nor start abeg.

PABLO

But I nor lie na.

You na my Oga normally.

EFE

Pablo, abeg.

How business last night?

PABLO

Very fine.

But a lot are beginning to ask for F9.

Any news on when it will be launched?

EFE

(Sits in front of the bar stand)

Nothing, for now, bro.

Although a new version of the F8 might be arriving next month.

PABLO

That one good at least e go calm customers.

Mama dey her office I know say na she you come see.

EFE

Yeah, I have some business with her.

PABLO

Alright, but you gat see your boy before you go oh.

EFE

We dey together bro.

(Gets up and walks into the corridor)

STELLA

Welcome, Mr. Efe.

EFE

Thank you.

I want to see Mama.

STELLA

Mama is busy right now.

EFE

It's urgent, Stella.

STELLA

She's busy.

She asked not to be disturbed.

I'm certain you have ears, and you can tell she's having a good time.

____________________________________

|MAMA'S OFFICE|

"Mama places both her hands on the table as she's hits from the back"

Oh, my G!

Keep doing that.

Yes, that's the spot.

____________________________________

EFE

(Hears mama mourns from her office)

Hmm, alright.

Give this to her when she's done.

(Hands the bag of money to her)

Tell her to send it to my anonymous.

STELLA

Sure, I will.

Anything for Mama's favorite business associate.

EFE

Also, I will be bringing in some supplies tomorrow tell your people to be on guard.

STELLA

Yes, Boss.

EFE

Take this too.

(Gives her some money)

It's not much but share it with Pablo.

STELLA

Thank you, Boss.

EFE

Take care.

(Turns to leave)

_____________________________________

|THE AZUKA HOUSEHOLD|

"Ngozi drops a cup of water in front of Mrs. Azuka."

NGOZI

Mummy, sit up.

You need to take your drugs.

(Assist Mrs. Azuka in getting up)

Sorry, take it easy.

Mrs. AZUKA

(Swallow the tablets)

How was school today?

NGOZI

School was fine.

How are you feeling?

Mrs. AZUKA

I'm fine my daughter.

NGOZI

We both know that is a lie mummy.

It's obvious you are in pain.

(Tears roll down her eyes)

Mrs. AZUKA

Ngozi, why are you crying?

I am fine.

NGOZI

(Cries out)

Please be fine.

Please don't leave me.

I can't face life without you, mummy.

(Hugs Mrs. Azuka tight)

Mrs. AZUKA

(Wears a bright smile)

I'm not going anywhere, my daughter.

____________________________________

INT. SITTING ROOM.

"Isio paces around the room"

NGOZI

(Walks into the sitting room)

I had no choice, Isio.

ISIO

(Turns to Ngozi)

Yes, you did!

You always have a choice, Ngozi.

Do you even understand the intensity of what you have done?

NGOZI

I know, Isio but....

ISIO

(Snaps)

No, you don't!

Cause if you did, you would understand that nothing good can come out of joining them.

Don't forget you are part of the scholarship program.

You are not a regular student if you get caught, you are out for good!

NGOZI

(Tears row down her cheeks)

Thank you for reminding me that I'm not like the rest of you.

Thank you, Isio.

(Turns to leave)

ISIO

I didn't mean it that way and you know!

I'm just trying to protect you and remind you what is at stake here.

NGOZI

I don't need your protection!

I just want you to hear me out and understand me.

ISIO

(Walks towards Ngozi)

Nothing good can come out of this, don't you get it?

They are involved in a lot of deep shit.

It's dangerous, Ngozi!

NGOZI

But not as dangerous as you sucking Dayo's dick, right?

ISIO

(Takes a deep breath)

Wow

(Picks up her school bag)

Just so you know, I was just looking out for you, and I meant what I said.

Joining them won't solve your money issues.

It will only kill your dreams and take away your scholarship.

It's one thing to consume drugs its another to be associated wit its source.

(Walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

INT. | THE UFUOMA HOUSEHOLD|

"Mrs. Ufuoma dances around as she holds on to Efe's admission letter."

Mrs. UFUOMA

Finally, the lord has done it finally!

(Goes on her knees)

Oghene Migwo, I don't have much to give to you, all I can say is thank you, lord.

Jesus, thank you.

KOME

(Smiles)

Mama, that's enough na.

(Turns to Efe)

Your mother can overdo ehh...

OVIE

Let her dance all she wants.

It's worth it.

(Smiles at Efe)

Congratulations, I'm proud of you.

KOME

Hmm, when I made it to the top five in my class, you did not tell me you were proud of me oh.

EFE

Jealousy!

OVIE

(Turns to Kome)

You know you make me proud in many ways.

Mrs. UFUOMA

So, my son is finally going to America.

Tell me am dreaming, oh.

Ahh, this God is too wonderful indeed he never fails.

When the door closes, he opens the window.

This can only be God.

OVIE

God is good.

KOME

Indeed, he is.

(Turns to Efe)

Isn't he?

EFE

Yes, he is.

(Picks up the glass of juice in front of him)

_____________________________________

INT. |IWEBEMA HOUSEHOLD|

"Mrs. Iwebema walks into the dining room."

Mrs. IWEBEMA

(Pulls her phone closer to her ear)

Alright minister we will be expecting you next week.

It will be an honor to have you in my school.

I'm looking forward to it.

(Smiles and sits opposite Bema)

Alright, Minister, take care.

Bye.

(Hangs up and drop her phone on the table)

BEMA

Like seriously!

(Smiles at his phone)

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Mr. Man let's eat.

Let that phone be!

Don't you get tired?

You are damaging your eyes by spending hours on the screen.

BEMA

Mum, don't start, please.

And you know I was just keeping myself busy while waiting for you.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Hmm, okay.

Let's eat.

(Dishes out the food)

BEMA

Who was that on the phone?

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Oh, that was the minister of education.

He will be visiting the school next week.

BEMA

Wow, that's nice.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

(Picks up her cutlery)

So, I spoke to Mr. Adams yesterday and he told me you have fallen below average.

BEMA

I'm sorry, Mum.

I'm trying my best.

You know I have always struggled with Chemistry.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Remember what we talked about.

There is an opportunity for you to study Medicine in one of the finest schools in England.

I understand how difficult this is for you, but you have to do better.

Your WAEC is fast approaching.

You have to do above average in your core subjects.

BEMA

I will do better.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

You really have to.

I haven't told your dad because he will be so disappointed, and I don't want him to pressure you too much.

BEMA

Thank you, Mum.

Please don't tell Dad.

He will eat me alive.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Then you have to do better.

BEMA

I promise I will.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Hmm, remember Isio and others are in the art and social sciences.

You are not the same. If you like keep playing around with them.

BEMA

I will work harder, Mum.

It's a promise.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

You better do!

Finish your meal and go read your books.

BEMA

Yes, ma.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Don't let me catch you with that phone.

_____________________________________

|THE ODIBO HOUSEHOLD|

"Mr. Odibo walks into Isio's room."

ISIO

(Turns to him)

Daddy, Migwo.

Mr. ODIBO

Vrendo.

How was school today?

ISIO

Fine, sir

Mr. ODIBO

Have you had dinner?

ISIO

No, sir.

Mr. ODIBO

Alright, join me for dinner in twenty minutes.

(Turns to leave)

ISIO

I'm not hungry.

I had pancakes not long ago.

Mr. ODIBO

(Turns to Isio)

Really?

ISIO

I'm not hungry.

Mr. ODIBO

Be at the dining table in twenty minutes.

(Walks out of the room)

"Sits on her bed and places both her hands on her head."

CUT OUT:

___________________________________

| THE AZUKA HOUSEHOLD|

"Cheta walks into the sitting room"

NGOZI

Cheta, where have you been?

I tried calling you a dozen times.

CHETA

I had to take care of something.

Where is Mama?

NGOZI

She's in her room.

CHETA

How Is she doing?

NGOZI

Not much has changed but she has eaten.

CHETA

Has she taken her drugs?

NGOZI

Yes.

Are you alright?

You look unsettled.

CHETA

I'm fine.

Have you eaten?

NGOZI

Yes, I made Melon soup.

Should I serve your food?

CHETA

No, let me see Mama first.

Put water on fire for me to bathe.

NGOZI

Okay

(Walks out of the room)

___________________________________

"Cheta walks into Mrs. Azuka's room"

Mrs. AZUKA

(In her cracked voice)

Ngozi, is that you?

CHETA

(Sits on the bed)

No, mama, it's me Cheta.

(Holds her hand)

Mrs. AZUKA

(Smiles)

Where have you been?

CHETA

I had to take care of something.

How are you feeling?

Mrs. AZUKA

I'm fine my son.

(Forces a smile on her face)

CHETA

I will be taking you to the hospital tomorrow for your operation.

Mrs. AZUKA

Did you come up with the money?

CHETA

(Smiles at her)

Yes, Mama.

Everything will be fine.

You will be fine.

Mrs. AZUKA

But how?

How did you come up with it?

CHETA

Don't worry about that, Mama.

I don't want you to worry about anything.

Just focus on getting better

(Kisses her hand)

___________________________________

BACK TO:

| DINNING TABLE AT THE ODIBO HOUSEHOLD|

KEFE

(Turns to Isio)

Isio, how are you?

ISIO

(In a trembling voice)

I'm fine.

Mr. ODIBO

Kefe, let her be!

KEFE

What? Did I do wrong by asking about her well-being?

You were the same person who said we should be nice to this bastard.

Mr. ODIBO

Kefe!

TEGA

That's a bit harsh, Kefe.

KEFE

(Turns to Tega)

I don't even understand you anymore.

Today you are on my side, tomorrow you are defending the bastard.

TEGA

Well, I am neutral about this.

I don't care about either of you, so I don't have to take sides.

KEFE

Whatever

(Turns to Isio)

Is there something you might want to tell us?

ISIO

Emm, no not that I can think of.

KEFE

Think really hard.

ISIO

I have nothing to say.

KEFE

Hmm, okay.

I got a call from my accountant, and he asked about a debit of five hundred naira from your account.

ISIO

That's my money, Bro Kefe.

I can do with it what I like.

Mr. ODIBO

What did you just say?

What do you need Five hundred thousand for?

ISIO

Emm, a friend of mine Mum is sick and it's very serious, so I decided to....

Mr. ODIBO

(Slaps Isio)

That was your savings!

Are you stupid?

Or you think I pluck money from the sky?

ISIO

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

Her mother has cancer and it's serious.

I just wanted to help.

Mr. ODIBO

Do you think you would be privileged to enjoy all that you have now if I were going around helping everyone who needs help?

ISIO

But she's, my friend.

I had to...

Mr. ODIBO

(Slaps her again)

Get out of my sight you filthy animal.

"Isio rushes out of the scene with tears streaming down her red cheeks."

____________________________________

EXT. WINNER ACADEMY.

"Bema steps out from the car"

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Remember what we discussed.

You have do better if you want to go to England.

(Attempt to arrange Bema's tie)

BEMA

(Stops her)

Mum. Stop!

You are embracing me.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Then you should knot your tie properly next time.

BEMA

Whatever.

(Turns to leave)

Mrs. IWEBEMA

I love you.

BEMA

(Turns to Mrs. Iwebema)

Mum, you are embarrassing me!

Jizz

(Rush out of the scene)

___________________________________

INT. SCHOOL COREDOR.

"Kome rushes to Bema"

KOME

Hey, handsome.

BEMA

Hey

(In a low tone)

KOME

Have you seen Ngozi and Isio?

BEMA

No.

KOME

Have you submitted your math assignment?

I couldn't understand a thing.

BEMA

You can copy from mine later.

KOME

Thank you.

You are a lifesaver.

BEMA

You are welcome.

KOME

Is everything okay?

You are kind of acting weird.

BEMA

I'm good.

KOME

Hey, I know you like the back of my palm I can tell when something is up with you so don't try to hide it.

BEMA

It's nothing much.

My Mum found out my Chemistry grades were dropping, and she threatened to tell my dad if don't do something about it.

KOME

I'm sorry about that.

"Ngozi walks in."

NGOZI

About what?

KOME

(Turns to Ngozi)

Mrs. Iwebema found out her only son is failing Chemistry.

(Wraps her hand around Bema)

BEMA

Kome, seriously?

NGOZI

I have nothing to say about this.

It's all Bema's fault.

(Turns to Bema)

You should have spoken up about what you really want to study.

BEMA

Hello, have you met my Mum?

KOME

But she wouldn't have killed you na.

Highest she will be mad at you for days and move on afterwards.

BEMA

You both don't get it.

This is something I couldn't run away from.

My Dad would have been so disappointed.

KOME

Is it your dad failing Chemistry now?

I'm sorry Bema but Isio has a point.

You should have listened to us back then and followed your dream.

You are gifted with art, Bema.

Your sketches are out of this world.

BEMA

You guys really don't understand.

I have to go.

(Turns to leave)

KOME

Where are you going?

BEMA

Mr. Adams office.

I need his advice on how I can improve my grade.

See you guys in class.

(Walks out of the scene)

KOME

I'm worried about him.

ISIO

He will be fine.

KOME

Where the hell is Ngozi?

ISIO

I don't know I'm not her babysitter.

(Walks away)

KOME

Really?

Why is everybody acting so weird?

____________________________________

INT. CLASSROOM.

"Franks sits beside Ngozi."

FRANK

Good morning.

NGOZI

(Rolls her eyes)

What are you doing here?

FRANK

Emm, last time I checked, I'm an art student like you are too.

NGOZI

I mean here!

Why are you sitting next to me?

FRANK

Coincidence, I guess.

Why are you alone?

Where are your friends?

NGOZI

What do you want from me?

FRANK

Let me guess, you haven't told them.

NGOZI

Frank, can you let me be, please?

FRANK

You should tell them you are with us now.

NGOZI

(Places both her hands on her head)

Christ Jesus, can you just let me be?

FRANK

Have you gotten your supplies?

NGOZI

No!

FRANK

Why?

Don't tell me you are scared of going there alone.

NGOZI

I'm not scared.

FRANK

I can come with you if you ask politely.

NGOZI

You are a pain in the ass you know, right?

FRANK

(Smiles)

And you are cute when you are pissed.

Seem like I should be doing this every day.

"Mr. Daniel walks into the classroom"

"The students greet in uniform."

Mr. DANIEL

Good morning to you too.

I trust everyone has submitted their assignments.

____________________________________

INT. THEAZUKA HOUSEHOLD.

"Cheta walks into the room"

CHETA

Mama, are you ready?

Mrs. AZUKA

Cheta.

CHETA

Yes, Mama.

Mrs. AZUKA

You have been avoiding my question.

Where did you get the money?

CHETA

Mama, I have told you not to worry yourself about that.

The most important thing is that you are going to go for your surgery.

Afterward, you begin other treatments.

Mrs. AZUKA

The source of that money is more important to me than my life.

I am not moving an inch till you tell me how you came up with the money.

CHETA

Fine!

My Boss loaned it to me.

Mrs. AZUKA

Ahh, Cheta why you go borrow money?

How are you going to pay back such a huge amount of money?

CHETA

Relax, mama I have an agreement with him.

He will cut it out from my salary every month.

Don't worry I will explain it all to you on the way.

The cab is waiting for us.

Mrs. AZUKA

Help me!

(Stretches her hand to Cheta)

CHETA

(Helps her get up)

Take it easy.

One step at a time.

_____________________________________

INT. THE ASIKE HOUSEHOLD.

"Uche gazes at Mrs. Asike's swollen face."

Mrs. ASIKE

(Holds Uche's hands)

Relax, son.

I am fine.

(Smiles at Uche)

UCHE

(Gets up)

No, you are not!

Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately?

Mrs. ASIKE

Uche, sit down.

UCHE

This man is an animal.

Let's leave while we still can.

Mrs. ASIKE

I can't.

I love him.

UCHE

You love a man that physically abuses you and has no respect for you?

Do you want him to kill you one day before you realize he is an animal?

Mrs. ASIKE

Don't call him that!

UCHE

Why are you doing this to yourself?

Or does he have something on you?

Mrs. ASIKE

He has nothing on me.

UCHE

Then let's leave this hell you call home.

I have some money saved up.

(Knees before her)

It isn't much but it's enough for us to start life somewhere else.

Please, Mum.

Mrs. ASIKE

I can't.

(Tears roll down her eyes)

UCHE

Why?

We both know there is more to this than you are telling me.

Why can't we leave?

Mrs. ASIKE

Because I'm pregnant.

UCHE

(Gets up in shock)

What?

Mrs. ASIKE

I'm having his child, and I can't do it alone.

I am not ready to raise another child without a father.

___________________________________

INT. WAREHOUSE.

"Tiga walks into the hall."

TIGA

(Notices the tension in the hall)

We got it.

ELLA

Yes!

(Hugs Efe)

We did it.

EFE

(Smiles)

Yeah.

UCHE

So that means the company has given us access to market products in the whole of North.

BOB

Not just access.

We are now in charge of the northern region.

TEGA

From tomorrow, effective, our team will take control over the distribution, selling, and marketing of all F products in Northern Nigeria

"The room is filled with excitement."

UCHE

(Turns to Efe)

Have you seen Cheta today?

EFE

No, I was about to ask you.

You know there been a little tension between us ever since I turned him down.

UCHE

Yeah, I noticed.

I just hope he is fine.

EFE

Me too.

UCHE

We should check up on him after work.

EFE

I don't think I will be available you know Kemi will be leaving for the States tomorrow, so we agreed to meet up later this evening.

UCHE

Oh, I understand.

EFE

However it goes, just let me know.

I'm sure he is fine.

UCHE

I hope so.

So, when are you planning on leaving?

EFE

Very soon.

UCHE

You know they will come for you when they eventually find out.

EFE

(Turns to Uche)

Can you come after someone who doesn't exist?

UCHE

Hmm, what are you up to Efe?

EFE

The less you know, the better for you.

Or they will come for you too.

UCHE

Whatever you are planning, you better make sure it works out.

These people are very dangerous, and your absence will cost them a lot of money.

EFE

Relax, I will handle this.

Don't you trust me?

UCHE

I do bro you are the smartest dude I know but also The New Gates are very powerful people and we both know the government is on their side meaning they have access to a lot of resources.

EFE

Uche, I got this.

I know what I'm doing.

UCHE

Hmm, alright.

(Walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

INT. WINNER ACADEMY, CLASSROOM.

"Mr. Daniel rounds up his lecture"

Mr. DANIEL

So that's it for today.

Have a good day.

(Turns to Kome)

Kome!

KOME

Sir!

Mr. DANIEL

Sit down!

(Points at the chair opposite him)

KOME

(Sits down)

Sir, is everything okay?

Mr. DANIEL

(Gazes at her Essay)

Did you write this yourself?

KOME

Yes, sir.

Mr. DANIEL

Are you sure?

KOME

Yes, sir.

Mr. DANIEL

How long have you been writing?

KOME

For a while now.

Mr. DANIEL

This is amazing.

You have a gift, Kome.

KOME

(Blushes)

Thank you, sir.

Mr. DANIEL

Your punctuation was perfect, and the storyline and style were exceptional.

I haven't seen such a perfect work in a long time.

Don't you want to develop this talent of yours?

KOME

I love to.

But I don't know if I can do it alone.

Mr. DANIEL

Well, I am willing to help if that is okay with you.

KOME

Really?

Thank you, sir.

Mr. DANIEL

But you have to be ready to give it your all.

Writing is not easy it takes time and energy.

KOME

I'm willing to do anything to get better, sir.

Mr. DANIEL

Good.

I will give you another assignment to do.

Something much more complex.

I want you to write something mysterious in an African setting but from a global perspective.

KOME

Okay, that's a bit difficult.

Mr. DANIEL

(Smiles)

I know and I also know you can do it.

KOME

I will try my best.

Mr. DANIEL

Alright, have a good day.

KOME

(Gets up)

Thank you, sir.

____________________________________

INT. SCHOOL COREDOR.

"Kome walks out of the classroom."

NGOZI

What was that about?

BEMA

Why did he call you?

KOME

Guys, he likes my essay.

BEMA

Is that why he called you?

KOME

Yes, he said my work was perfect and I'm gifted.

BEMA

Naso, nor be only gifted.

NGOZI

But that's the truth, na.

Kome has always been good at spelling and writing.

KOME

Thank you, jor.

Don't mind this joy killer.

NGOZI

Aww, see the way she's blushing.

KOME

I'm not.

NGOZI

Yes, you are.

KOME

No, I'm not.

NGOZI

Hmm, God abeg oh.

KOME

He's just so cute and guess what?

He has dimples.

BEMA

Really?

You should be careful, Kome.

See you guys' later Chemistry class begins in a few minutes.

(Walks out of the scene)

NGOZI

You know Bema has a point shall.

You should be careful.

KOME

Yeah, I know.

"Miss Erica walks into the scene"

MISS ERICA

Ngozi, your presence is requested in the principal's office now.

(Turns to leave)

KOME

(Turns to Ngozi)

Why does the principal want to see you?

NGOZI

I don't know.

MISS ERICA

(Turns to Ngozi)

Are you deaf?

NGOZI

Sorry ma

(Follow behind Miss Erica)

___________________________________

INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE.

"Mrs. Iwebema turns to Mr. Odibo."

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Don't worry sir we are going to get to the bottom of this issue.

(Turns to Isio)

You! Why did you withdraw such a huge amount of money without your father's permission?

ISIO

She needed the money for her mother's surgery, ma.

Mrs. IWEBEM

That is not an excuse to do that.

Is it your money?

Have you ever worked a day in your entire life?

Mr. ODIBO

Help me ask the idiot.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

No sir, please don't call her that.

"Ngozi walks into the office."

NGOZI

Good morning, ma.

You send for me.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Yes, dear.

How are you?

NGOZI

I'm fine, ma.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Did you take any money from Isio?

NGOZI

Ma?

Mr. ODIBO

Did Isio give any money to you?

NGOZI

(Appears scared)

Yes, sir.

She gave it to me for my mother's health.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

And you didn't bother to inquire about the source of the money?

ISIO

I told her it was my savings.

Mr. ODIBO

Shut up your mouth.

(Raises his right palm to slap Isio)

NGOZI

(Jump in front of Isio)

Sir, I'm sorry.

Please it's not her fault.

I will return the money.

Please don't hurt her.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Mr. Odibo, please calm down.

Mr. ODIBO

(Turns to Ngozi)

And you, what exactly is wrong with your mother?

NGOZI

She has cancer, sir.

Mr. ODIBO

Can't your people come up with the money?

Don't you have family?

"Tears roll down Ngozi's cheeks."

Mrs. IWEBEMA

Mr. Odibo, please that's enough.

(Turns to Ngozi)

You will send the money back to Mr. Odibo, now!

Mr. ODIBO

(Gazes at Ngozi who is in tears)

That would not be necessary.

I pray your mother gets better.

Both of you should get out of my sight.

NGOZI

Thank you, sir.

Mrs. IWEBEMA

You can both leave but this isn't over.

You will both face the consequences of your actions.

____________________________________

INT. SCHOOL COREDOR

"Ngozi tries to catch up to Isio."

NGOZI

Isio, talk to me, please.

I'm sorry.

ISIO

(Turns to Ngozi)

I'm not blaming you for this.

I was the one who gave you the money.

I helped because I wanted to.

NGOZI

I know, but I'm still sorry.

Also, I said something yesterday that I shouldn't have said.

I'm sorry I didn't mean any of it.

ISIO

Whatever

(Walks out of the scene)

____________________________________

INT. HOSPITAL.

"Doctor walks in"

DOCTOR

I have scheduled her surgery for tomorrow.

For now, we will give her some drugs for the pain and to reduce her body temperature.

CHETA

Thank you, Doctor.

Whatever you need, let me know.

Do all you can to save her from this.

Money is no longer an issue.

DOCTOR

We will do the best we can to make sure she recovers from this.

CHETA

Thank you, Doctor.

DOCTOR

You are welcome.

(Walks out of the room)

CHETA

(Holds Mrs. Azuka's hand)

How are you feeling?

Mrs. AZUKA

I'm fine.

CHETA

Don't worry everything will be fine.

Your surgery has been scheduled for tomorrow.

I will be back I want to use the restroom.

(Kisses her on the forehead and walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

INT. RESTROOM

"Cheta turns on the sink tap after using the toilet. He feels a gun pointed at the back of his head.

CHETA

(Raise both his hand)

Please don't shoot.

What do you want?

"Cheta is knocked out of consciousness by the armed man."