Episode 22(3rd MainLand Bridge)

|POETIC INTRO|

To my dearest self, I see no light

To my dearest self, I see nothing but chaos

To my dearest self, I brought nothing but pain

To my dearest self, there is no hope for tomorrow

I have burnt my bridges of energy

I have fed my good fortunes to the vultures

I have sold my soul to my misguided desires

I have brought on myself that which I deserve

"Ayah, I feel sorry for her", They whispered to themselves

"Omo na she fuck up", They let out in their circle

"She's a whore" So did I think they thought.

"Chai nawa oh" They couldn't believe a lady born of silver spoon would go rounds without rubbers.

Grace; Gods Riches At Christ's Expense

They say all of it is sufficient for me

But I must dine with the Deity to ripe from it

How is his love unconditional if it requires my loyalty?

_____________________________________

|3rd MAINLAND BRIDGE|

Eniola sits on the guardrail. She gazes at Lagos's largest lagoon as her hands and feet tremble.

At that moment, she felt nothing but fear and nuisance as she heard the crowd pleading with her to come down from where she was sitting.

For a minute, she felt this was it for her.

The moment she let go and gave up on life.

She holds firmly to the guardrails and pushes herself towards the water's surface.

One of the Danfu Drivers called out to her;

"Madam, we know say Naija hard, but that nor mean say you go kill yourself na. Na Lagos be this oh the land of opportunities.

No, go lose guard fight for your life, Ejor."

ENIOLA

(Notice a middle-aged woman walking towards her with her Bible in her hands)

Madam, stay back!

(She turns to the crowd)

Please, let me be.

Go on with your lives. This is my decision to make, not yours. Make una leave me abeg.

Mrs T

I don't know who you are, young lady, but I want to tell you that Jesus loves you.

Jesu feran re

(She said in Yoruba)

The book of Psalm35: 17-20 says;

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

(She turns to Eniola)

Beautiful Girl, this is not the solution. Killing yourself won't solve your problem.

ENIOLA

(She cries out to the middle-aged woman)

Then what will?

How do I get past something heftier than myself?

Mrs T

God's grace is sufficient for all of us, My dear.

Come to Jesus today and be saved.

Only God can save you, my daughter.

I do not know what you are going through, but My heavenly Father does, and he is calling you today to come to him.

ENIOLA

(She laughs out loud)

Why should I believe any of what you just said?

We all know the Bible is a piece of fiction.

Mrs T

No, it isn't, my dear daughter.

The scripture is sacred, and the reality of God's words can never be emphasized.

God's love for you is unconditional

ENIOLA

How is his love unconditional if it demands my loyalty?

Go home, madam, you can't stop me.

"The press and The Nigeria police arrive alongside Taiwo and the others."

RUKKY

Eniola, come down from that place, Now!

(She attempts to approach Eniola)

"The crowd screams at her; Madam, nor go near her!"

TEMI

Eniola, this is not the solution.

Please come home with us

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

TAIWO

Eniola, please don't do this.

Think about your daughter and your family.

ENIOLA

I'm tired.

I can't take it anymore.

I brought this upon myself. I must face the consequences of my actions.

(She faces the flowing water)

RUKKY

Eniola, what are you saying?

You don't deserve to die, please.

So you want to leave us alone in this world.

"Bisola attempts to approach Eniola."

ENIOLA

Mummy, if you come closer, I will let go.

OFFICER KESTER

(He holds Bisola)

Madam, please step back.

Mrs B BALOGUN

(She turns to the police officer)

Ṣe o ya were?

Do you know who you are talking to?

TEMI

(She turns to Bisola)

Mummy, that's okay!

We are not here to fight anyone.

We are here for Eniola.

Mrs T

Eniola, stop ignoring God's call.

Please come to Jesus.

(She touches Eniola's Hand)

Mrs B BALOGUN

Who the hell is that lady?

Why is she trying to push my daughter?

TAIWO

Mother, stop it!

That could be the only person that can save her right now

Please behave yourself.

(He turns to Officer Kester)

Please let me in.

She is the daughter of Governor Ayo Balogun. I am his first son.

OFFICER KESTER

I don't care about your status, Yóûng man!

Our major goal is to find a way to make sure that lady returns safely.

I understand your fears and worries, but you must let us do our job, sir.

Mrs B BALOGUN

(She grabs the officer's shirt)

If anything happens to my daughter, I will kill you with my bare hands!

TEMI

Mummy, stop, please

What is your problem?

(She cries out in rage)

TAIWO

(He seizes his moment and rushes to where Mrs T is standing)

Eniola, please don't do this to us.

ENIOLA

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

Can Jesus really save me?

Am I still in God's hands?

Mrs T

Yes, my love!

Jeremiah 29:11 says;

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you Hope and a future.

Eniola, God's love for you is second to none.

TAIWO

(He notices Eniola is glued to whatever Mrs T is saying)

Yes, Eniola. Listen to her.

God loves you.

You have me, too, and your lovely daughter, Hope.

She is waiting for you at home.

ENIOLA

(She smiles at Taiwo)

Is she okay now?

TAIWO

Yes, my love, all you must do is come home to her.

ENIOLA

OKAY.

(She turns to face the guardrail. She slips as one of her shoes falls into the lagoon)

TAIWO

(He was fast enough to grab her hands)

ENIOLA

(She looks into the water)

Taiwo, don't let me go, please.

(She cries out)

TAIWO

Don't look down

Look at me.

Mrs B BALOGUN

Where is Eniola?

(She attempts to rush to where Taiwo is standing)

OFFICER KESTER

(He holds Bisola firmly)

Madam, calm down!!!

_____________________________________

|CHIEF BALOGUN's MANSION. BANANA ISLAND, LAGOS|

"Chief Balogun arrives at the mansion."

Mrs K BALOGUN

(She rushes to the front door)

Williams, have you seen the news?

(She turns to one of the housemaids)

Get me my bag!

"The housemaid walks out of the room."

CHIEF BALOGUN

You mean Eniola's decision to end her life after she discovers her blood is corrupt for life?

(He picks a bottle of whisky)

Mrs K BALOGUN

What do you mean by that?

It hasn't been confirmed yet.

It remains a stupid rumour till I hear from my granddaughter's mouth.

CHIEF BALOGUN

(He smiles at Kate)

Trust me, Kate.

Eniola is HIV positive Ayo and Bisola were with her last night at the hospital.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Did they tell you themselves?

CHIEF BALOGUN

No, I haven't, but I have my sources.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Williams, they are some information money can't buy.

You can't fix everything with money.

I will go to third mainland bridge to convince my granddaughter that we are enough reasons for her to see the essence of life.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Good luck with that

(He turns to leave)

Mrs K BALOGUN

What do you mean by "Good luck with that?"

Are you not coming with me?

CHIEF BALOGUN

(He turns to Kate)

I had a hectic day, Kate.

Besides, I have no plans to involve myself with a child as thick as a rock. It's about time Eniola faces the consequences of her actions.

Mrs K BALOGUN

What is your problem, Williams?

Your granddaughter is about to kill herself at 3rd mainland bride, and you aren't willing to do anything about it?

CHIEF BALOGUN

What would you have me do, Kate?

I'm I the person who chose to live a reckless life?

I have done everything I can to ensure Eniola lives up to what we expect from her.

She has refused to let go of her immoral lifestyle. She even refused to work for the company.

We can do nothing to make that Girl see the light in what we want for her.

If you think otherwise, then it's your call. I wouldn't stop you.

Good Evening, Kate

(He walks out of the room)

Mrs K BALOGUN

Can you imagine?

Hmm

(She walks towards the front door)

_____________________________________

| LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|

"Bisi rushes into Lolade's Chambers."

BISI

Mother, have you seen the news?

LOLADE

(She appears irritated by Bisi's lack of manners)

Good Evening, Auntie Bisi.

BISI

I'm sorry, Mummy

Good Evening, Ma.

LOLADE

Good Evening to my prodigal daughter

BISI

Mummy, don't talk like that.

LOLADE

Give me a reason not to.

Can you even point out your chambers in this mansion if I asked you to?

(Gaze at Bisi)

BISI

The fourth room after yours, Mummy!

LOLADE

No, Bisi, it's the next room after mine.

Do you know why I wanted yours next to mine?

Because I want to spend time with my only daughter, but you rather dine with my opponent than spend time with your mother.

BISI

Don't talk that way, mother.

Uncle Ayo isn't your opponent!

He is your only brother and sibling. He is family, Mummy.

(She sits beside Lolade)

LOLADE

(She smiles at Bisi)

Open your eyes, my dear daughter.

There is no love outside your nuclear space.

There is no difference between them and what is out there.

Soon you will realize that your brother and I are all you have, and it's us against them.

BISI

Mummy, I can't entirely agree with you; by the way, I am not here for that.

LOLADE

Oh, that's true.

Relax; Eniola will be safe.

We both know she doesn't have the balls to jump.

BISI

Why do I get the feeling that you are enjoying this?

LOLADE

It may be us against them, Bisi, but we both know I greatly care about Eniola.

I'm not the devil here neither did I encourage her to consult the 3rd mainland bridge for a solution to her predicaments.

BISI

(She gets up)

Hmm, I find that hard to believe, Mother.

We both know this is an advantage to you and your party. But I hope you remember you've got The blood of your father flowing through your veins

You may be politically divided now, but you can never deny your Identity as a Balogun.

Good Evening, Mother!

(She walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

|Mr AYO BALOGUN's MANSION. FESTAC, LAGOS|

"Bayo walks into the mansion alongside Ken and Chike."

CHIKE

Omo, I don tire as you see me so.

KEN

My guy nor be only you oh.

But thank God it's Friday. We have tomorrow and next to ourselves.

BAYO

(He notices the house is unusually quiet)

Where is everybody?

KEN

I don't think they are home.

(He switches on the flat screen)

Chike, come make I play you game na

(He picks up one of the video gamepads)

CHIKE

No na I nor dey play with small children

Me and you nor be mate

(His anus releases an unpleasant but silent air)

KEN

(He laughs out loud)

See this, Mumu, because you beat me for the last game, abi?

Just dey play, oh

(He picks up the unpleasant odour Chike Earlier dropped)

Jesus, waitin be this na?

Chike, you sure say na food you chop?

(He holds his nose)

BAYO

Chike watin dey worry you na?

You nor get manners?

CHIKE

(He laughs out loud)

Abeg make una nor vex na evidence of good living.

KEN

Good living kill you there.

Omo, this thing smell pass dead body.

CHIKE

Oya e don do

Sit down, make we play game

(He picks up the second pad)

KEN

Wait, first make I purify this place

(He picks up the air fresher on top of the glass table)

BAYO

Abeg spray this side join

Thank God I bought cigarettes on the way

At least that one will drive away this nonsense

(He lights the first stick)

CHIKE

I for suggest say you carry your smoke go room oh.

You know, say Nanny nor like that thing.

BAYO

I nor sure say she dey around.

(He drags the tobacco)

"Awelle walks into the sitting room"

AWELLE

Do you know smokers a liable to die young?

Don't you like your life?

BAYO

(He hides the cigarettes behind his back)

Hello, young lady, who are you?

(He suddenly notices her resemblance to Michael)

Oh, you are Nanny's granddaughter.

How are you?

(He smiles at her)

AWELLE

Don't play smart I saw you smoking.

Immediately you saw me, you hid the whole pack behind your back.

KEN

(He laughs out loud)

Omo Bayo forget am she don catch you already.

BAYO

Well, young lady, did your parents not teach you how to greet elders?

AWELLE

I was about to do that when my eyes caught sight of something my Daddy said was a sign of an irresponsible adult

CHIKE

Ahh, Bayo na you she tell this one?

(He joins Ken in his intense laughter)

BAYO

Guys, it's not funny

This kid clearly has no home training.

AWELLE

Good Evening, sir. I apologize for not greeting earlier.

But still, you shouldn't be smoking.

(She smiles at Bayo)

BAYO

God, I feel like killing this kid!

"Mrs Aisha walks into the sitting room."

Mrs AISHA

Awelle, where are you?

AWELLE

(She whispers to Bayo)

Don't worry; I won't spill

Though my silence comes with a price

BAYO

You little rascal

(He gets up from where he was sitting)

AWELLE

Granny!

(She runs to where Mrs Aisha is standing)

Mrs AISHA

What happened?

BAYO

It's nothing. I was chasing her around.

(He gazes at Awelle as he forces a smile on his face)

Awelle, isn't that right?

AWELLE

Yes, it is.

He promised to buy me a Teddybear and a bag of chocolates

(She smiles at Mrs Aisha)

BAYO

"I'm going to kill this child. How can a girl this little be this smart."

(He faces Mrs Aisha)

Yes, I did. She is a nice kid.

Mrs AISHA

Oh no, Bayo, don't.

She doesn't need those; besides, she's taken more than enough sugar.

"Awelle gives Bayo a look reflecting

(if you don't insist, I will tell the world you have a pack of cigarettes on you)."

BAYO

Oh no, I insist, Nanny.

(Gaze angrily at Awelle, who seems to be mocking him with her tongue and eyes)

Mrs AISHA

Alright, thank you.

Have you guys heard any news concerning Eniola?

KEN

Ahh, no, oh.

We should be asking you, na.

Where is everyone?

Mrs AISHA

Taiwo got a call from Eniola saying she's at 3rd mainland bridge about to do it

(She crosses her thumb finger across her neck as she avoids using a word shouldn't hear)

AWELLE

(She recognizes Mrs Aisha's sign language)

Do you mean Eniola is about to kill herself?

CHIKE

Damn, I love this kid

She's so smart.

BAYO

So they all went there?

Mrs AISHA

Yes, dear, except for your dad

He is in Ikaja for a meeting

BAYO

Oh God, Taiwo should have to me!

How can they access such information and leave me out of it?

(He picks up his work bag)

CHIKE

Are you going there?

BAYO

Obviously!

(we walk out of the room)

KEN

I'm coming with you.

(He turns to Chike)

Are you coming with us?

CHIKE

No

We all know Eniola won't do that.

(He drops his gamepad)

BAYO

Alright

Nanny, please take my bag upstairs. We will be back as soon as we can.

(He walks out of the room. Ken walks behind him)

Mrs AISHA

Awelle, stay with Uncle Chike. I will be back in a minute.

(She walks out of the room)

CHIKE

(He smiles at Awelle)

I'm Chike by name.

Can I be your friend?

AWELLE

I'm sorry you can't

CHIKE

Ahh, why na?

AWELLE

My Daddy said boys can't be my friends

CHIKE

(He laughs out loud)

This child, you are funny

_____________________________________

| LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE, LAGOS|

"Robert trembles as the rumours about Eniola circulate on the media."

ROBERT

(He places his phone on his ear)

I just wired you the money

Please confirm this news. I want to know what happened.

I won't believe anything I see on the net till it's confirmed.

(He hangs up the phone)

"Lolade walks into the room."

LOLADE

(She places both her hand at her back)

I haven't seen you this Evening, are you okay?

ROBERT

(He turns to Lolade)

I'm fine, my dear.

LOLADE

(She notices Robert's guilt is causing him to sweat)

You are sweating, and it's less than thirty degrees in here.

Are you sure you are fine?

ROBERT

I'm fine, LOLADE

(He seized this opportunity to quench his anxiety)

I heard about Eniola. What's the situation on ground right now?

(He sits on one of the leather chairs in the room)

LOLADE

(She smiles at Robert as she sits directly opposite him)

I don't know.

I haven't looked into the matter.

ROBERT

Can you look into it?

She's family, and it's very important we know what is going on.

This could affect you too.

LOLADE

We both know you do not care about my family.

I will give you the opportunity to speak up while you can.

ROBERT

What do you mean, Lolade?

LOLADE

(She gets up from the chair)

Haven't you noticed I placed a limit to how far we go when we are both sexually climaxed?

(She backs him)

ROBERT

You told me the Election was stressing you, and you don't feel emotionally capable of intimacy for now.

LOLADE

You still don't get it!

(She pulls out a gun from her bag and points it directly at Robert's head)

ROBERT

Lolade, what's the meaning of this?

LOLADE

Shut up your mouth

You in-great!

We both know you are curious about Eniola because you slept with her.

How could you do this to me, Robert?

ROBERT

Please calm down, Lolade

It's not what you think, Ejor

Drop the gun. Let's talk about this, biko

LOLADE

(She laughs out loud)

Tension don hold my guy e don they beg me for Yoruba and Igbo.

For your mind, you fit toy with me abi?

You screwed my niece on the same sheets you made me drip.

ROBERT

Lolade, please calm down

We can talk about this.

LOLADE

I do not negotiate with traitors

I think it's only right that you get a fair share of Eniola's quagmire!

(She pulls the trigger)

_____________________________________

|MRS ADESOJI's RESIDENCE. VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS|

"Mrs Adesoji instructs Chinaza to open the bottle of champagne in front of her."

Mrs ADESOJI

(She turns to Mrs Obi)

Thank you for honouring my invitation.

Though I never imagined you would honour them.

Mrs OBI

I perceive that whatever you want to discuss with me is something worth my ears.

CHINAZA

Madam, I don open am

Sorry, it is open.

Mrs ADESOJI

Chinaza!

You know what?

You can go

(She points at the exit door)

CHINAZA

Thank you, ma

She walks out of the room.

Mrs ADESOJI

(She turns to Mrs Obi)

I don't want to take much of your time, so I will cut to the chase.

We both know your family is the political pillar of the eastern part of the country.

Your husband's influence in the east is second to none.

As we all know, Lolade's father is the king of the west and south. He is directly influential in those regions, which is an advantage to me because Lolade is her father's daughter, regardless of our political difference. Votes from the south and west will be shared between the two parties, but I can't say the same for the east.

MRS OBI

So you want me to convince my husband to decamp to your party?

Mrs ADESOJI

We both know that will be as difficult as a camel passing through the eye of a needle.

You are the only child of your father, who was the most influential politician in the east during his time. You are the entity behind your husband's dominance.

Your marriage to him and your father's endorsement before his death are the major factors that paved the way for your husband's dominance in the east.

Mrs OBI

You are telling me things I already know.

What is it that you want?

Go straight to the point.

Mrs ADESOJI

JoinThe AUG party.

We both know your husband has kept you behind his shadows.

But you deserve more, my dear.

Mrs OBI

First of all, do you think my marriage will stand if I take that kind of bold step?

Secondly, I don't think it's worth the risk.

What could you probably offer me that I don't already have access to?

Mrs ADESOJI

(She drops a brown envelope towards Mrs Obi)

I don't think your marriage will be a problem.

After all, you have longed moved on.

Mrs OBI

(She opens the brown envelope and sees a picture of herself and Hon J Bola in controversial positions)

What's the meaning of this?

Are you blackmailing me?

Mrs ADESOJI

(She sips her glass of champagne)

No am not!

I'm simply letting you know that you've got nothing to lose.

Mrs OBI

You know what?

I shouldn't have come here.

(She gets up to leave)

Mrs ADESOJI

I'm offering you a one-time opportunity.

I promise you the Vice President seat if you pledge your loyalty to the party and me.

Mrs OBI

(She turns to Mrs Adesoji)

That is something only Lolade can give to me.

Mrs ADESOJI

(She gets up from her seat)

Lolade is just a vessel I will get rid of when I get what I want from her.

Trust me; she has no idea.

Mrs OBI

Trust?

(She smiles at Mrs Adesoji)

How can I be certain you wouldn't do the same to me when you get what you want?

(She walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

|Mrs ADEBAYO's RECIDENCE. FESTAC, LAGOS|

"Bimpe knocks on the door."

MICHAEL

Who is there?

(He opens the door)

Oh, it's you.

Come in.

BIMPE

Wow, you don't look too excited to see me.

(She walks into the house)

MICHAEL

That is not it, dear.

You know you are always welcome here.

(He closes the door)

So what brings you here?

BIMPE

Ahh, so I can't come and see you again?

Hmm

MICHAEL

Bimpe, you know that's not what I mean.

I'm sorry if it sounded that way.

BIMPE

Hmm, I have heard you.

So what is the problem?

MICHAEL

It's nothing, I'm fine.

BIMPE

I have known you almost my whole life, Michael.

We both know you can't lie to me.

MICHAEL

I am fine, Bimpe!

Don't worry about me.

BIMPE

I won't let this go.

So better tell me what is wrong, or I will keep bothering you.

MICHAEL

Fine!

Kemi is back, and she wants to be in Awelle's life.

BIMPE

(She pretends to be surprised)

Wow, when did she come?

MICHAEL

Last week I guess

BIMPE

Has she seen Awelle?

MICHAEL

Yes, but I didn't allow her to fill the child's ears with lies.

BIMPE

Hmm

So what do you plan to do?

MICHAEL

I will do everything to keep her out of our lives.

We do not need her!

BIMPE

We?

Guy Awelle will begin to ask questions at some point and trust me, that time is just a few years away.

Don't forget your daughter has her mother's smart brain.

MICHAEL

So what do you suggest I do?

BIMPE

I don't know, Michael.

But you can keep Kemi away from Awelle, and also, I think regardless of what Kemi has done in the past, Awelle has the right to know who her mother is.

MICHAEL

Are you saying I should let her back into our lives?

BIMPE

All I'm saying is that you should be careful. Apply wisdom to this.

Because mama and daughter bond strong oh.

I don't want a situation where you will lose what you have with Awelle just because you chose to lie and cover up her mother's Identity.

MICHAEL

Hmm, I get you, Bimpe.

BIMPE

Where is Awelle, by the way?

She supposes to be back from school by this time, na.

MICHAEL

I asked Temi to take her along when leaving this morning.

BIMPE

This morning?

Wait a minute, Temi slept here?

MICHAEL

Yes, she did.

(He smiles at Bimpe)

BIMPE

(She covers up her jealousy with a pretension smile)

Hmm, okay, oh!

Make una small small.

MICHAEL

What do you mean by that?

BIMPE

Do I look like a fool?

You know what I mean.

I can see it all over yourself.

MICHAEL

Na, you know, oh.

I don't understand what you are saying.

BIMPE

See this one

Dey play oh.

Just dey play!

_____________________________________

|3Rd MAINLAND BRIDGE, LAGOS|

"Taiwo could feel Eniola slowly slipping off his hands."

TAIWO

Hold on, Eniola, I will pull you up:

ENIOLA

Hurry up, Taiwo, I'm scared

(She cries out)

OFFICER ONOS

Oya, let's pull her out.

(He attempts to assist Taiwo)

"In the twinkle of an eye, Taiwo witness Eniola slip of his hands."

TAIWO

No!

(He pulls his shirt and jumps in after her)

MRS B BALOGUN

Eniola, No!

TEMI

(She attempts to free herself from one of the officers who held her firmly)

Eniola!

Taiwo!

Let me go, officer.

RUKKY

(She falls on her Knees in tears)

Eniola, why?

_____________________________________

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