Episode23(Fuel Scarcity)

|POETIC INTRO|

She was dancing at the core of Africa

She took away our attention as we wondered at her impeccable beauty

She spoke in other tongues that were nothing like ours

Yet our ears found her lingo fascinating!

I was star stroked when I graced her presence with my curiosity

I looked into her green pupils as I seek for her identity

She opened my hands and dropped on them a black liquid

She looked me in the eyes and said;

"I am the light of Africa sitting on a hill that can not be hidden; when I lay down, my eyes see that thou can't see even when thou sit on the pinnacle of human evolution. I am the queen of the city, the one who holds the key to the black liquid. I am the voice of the oil city. I am the giant of Africa. I am Miss Nigeria"

Suddenly, I witness the wrath of man rip out her heart

She falls to the ground as she is drowning in her black liquid

The wrath of men whispered in my drum;

"The Queen of the city has become the sin of the kings in her city.

They have stripped her of the black liquid.

A world filled with pain, suffering, and chaos has been unleashed on her people

It shall spread like wildfire from the south to the east, west and north. They shall become slaves to the black liquid. They shall crave that which should be flowing like honey in their hands."

_____________________________________

| LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE 1|

"Lolade polishes her golden pistol as she watches Robert struggle with his bleeding arm."

LOLADE

(She rests her back on the sofa directly opposite Robert)

Your father is the only reason you will leave this room alive.

I owe him a lot, and I married you because of my contract with him but don't think for a second that I will let you lend your body to another woman under my nose.

You belong to me!

ROBERT

(He holds his bleeding arm)

You pushed me into infidelity, Lolade.

I have done everything possible to make you love me as I love you. To my father, our union is purely business, but to me, Lolade, I married you because I loved you. But instead of giving me a chance to prove my affection for you, you keep making excuses to gaze at the darkness that only exists in your imagination.

LOLADE

(She smiles at Robert)

Do not speak about love, you cheating white whore!

How is it love if your manhood could find the conscience to lay with my own flesh and blood?

ROBERT

Give me a reason why he shouldn't.

At some point, a man's leg gets tired of chasing after a woman that clearly doesn't feel the same way he does for her.

I would screw Eniola a thousand times if I could.

LOLADE

Gbenu so un!

Oga, she get HIV, so how e con be you for body now?

Better go and check yourself, oh, Idiot

(She gets up from the sofa)

Doctor Collins will be arriving any minute from now.

Try not to lose too much blood.

(She walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

|ST PHILIPS SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, LAGOS NIGERIA|

"Simi rushes into the waiting room alongside Gen Abiola and Dr Shade."

SIMI

(She turns to Temi)

Where is my husband?

TAIWO

(walks into the room with a broken arm)

Simi.

SIMI

(She hugs him)

How are you?

Are you okay?

(She scans through his body)

TAIWO

Simi, I'm fine.

Besides, I'm a good swimmer.

(He smiles at her)

TEMI

You are a good swimmer!

Are you seeing your arm?

You and Eniola are just too stubborn!

TAIWO

Relax, Temilade, I'm fine.

The most important thing is that everyone is fine.

SIMI

How is Eniola?

Are the rumours true?

TEMI

Sadly it is, but she will be fine.

Dr SHADE

Taiwo, you shouldn't be up.

You still need rest.

GEN ABIOLA

Exactly!

What you did was risky, and you are lucky to be alive.

By the way, where are your patents?

TAIWO

They are with Eniola. They will soon be out.

"Bisola and Ayo walk out of Eniola's room."

Dr SHADE

(She approaches Bisola)

My dear, how are you?

Mrs B BALOGUN

I'm tired, Dr Shade

(she hugs her in tears)

Dr SHADE

Stop crying, my love

Everything will be alright.

We all need to be strong Eniola needs our support now more than ever before.

GEN ABIOLA

(He gazes at Ayo)

I don't know what to say to you to make this easier, but I know everything will be alright.

Most importantly, we didn't lose anybody to the Lagos Lagoon.

Mr B BALOGUN

I'm grateful for that too.

I don't care about Eniola's health state; I love my daughter regardless.

Thank you for your support, General.

GEN ABIOLA

You don't have to thank me, Mr Governor.

We are one family.

"Eniola opens her eyes as she hoped to have made it to hell."

ENIOLA

Grandma!

Mrs K BALOGUN

(She rushes to Eniola)

My baby Girl, how are you?

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

ENIOLA

(She scans through the room and notices everything, but Rukky, Bayo, and Kate are unfamiliar)

Where am I?

RUKKY

You are at the hospital, Eniola, but you will be fine

(She picks up Eniola's palm)

ENIOLA

But how?

The last thing I remember was falling into the Lagoon.

BAYO

Your other brother jumped in after you.

(He smiles at Eniola)

Mrs K BALOGUN

Don't stress yourself, Eniola and don't think about anything. You are safe now.

ENIOLA

How about my daughter?

How is she?

(She attempts to get up from the bed)

RUKKY

Eniola, relax!

Hope is fine.

Mrs K BALOGUN

I called Uncle Akande earlier to pull some strings to get her a donor, but he said they had already found one.

ENIOLA

But how?

BAYO

That doesn't matter, Eniola. The most important thing is that she is getting her treatment.

ENIOLA

I want to see her.

Mrs K BALOGUN

You will see her, but first, you must rest and recover.

The doctor said you would be discharged tomorrow morning if you rested well.

ENIOLA

Can I at least call?

Even if it's just for a second, Ejor.

RUKKY

I will call her parents, but I doubt they will pick up cause it's late already.

BAYO

Eniola, I will be back

I want to let others know you are awake.

(He kisses her on the forehead as he walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

|CHIEF BALOGUN RESIDENCE. BANANA ISLAND, LAGOS|

"Chief walks into the sitting room."

Mrs K BALOGUN

E kaaro, Chief

(She buries her eyes in the screen of her three eyes)

CHIEF BALOGUN

Iyawo mi bawo ni o?

Mrs K BALOGUN

(she avoids eye contact with Chief)

I'm fine, Chief.

CHIEF BALOGUN

No, you are not, Kate.

Kini iṣoro naa?

Mrs K BALOGUN

I'm okay, Williams

Where are you off to this morning?

(She attempts to change the topic of conversation)

CHIEF BALOGUN

I have some work to do at the office though I will because before sunset because we will be having dinner with The Obi's tonight.

Mrs K BALOGUN

What?

And you didn't see the need to inform me before now?

CHIEF BALOGUN

I'm sorry, Kate, but you have nothing to worry about. Everything has been taken care of all.

Mrs K BALOGUN

It doesn't matter, Chief.

You should have told me.

I have plans today.

CHIEF BALOGUN

What plans?

I spoke to your secretary; you are free today.

Mrs K BALOGUN

You spoke to my secretary?

Why would you do that?

So my opinion doesn't matter anymore?

Please, Williams, do not get on my nerves this morning today na Sunday, Ejor!

CHIEF BALOGUN

Hmm, I apologize, so what do you have planned for today?

Mrs K BALOGUN

I'm taking on some responsibilities you refused to embrace.

I have to be at the hospital to check on your granddaughter; then I will go to Ayo's place to see Eniola too.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Ehen!

Now I know why you are mad at me.

How are they doing?

Mrs K BALOGUN

Like you care.

Please, let me be.

Go to wherever you are going.

CHIEF BALOGUN

I have reached out in my way, Kate.

How do you think Hope got a donor so fast?

Just because I denied my granddaughter my presence doesn't me I will turn my back on her.

By the way, two of my boys will be coming in today to store petrol for us. You have seen the news today, so I will not explain it further.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Yes, I have seen it, but I feel this is strongly political, and You and the party are strongly involved in it.

CHIEF BALOGUN

This is not the first time the demand for petroleum exceeds the present supply. My involvement in this should matter to you.

The most important thing is that, in a way, we benefit from this politically

Mrs K BALOGUN

At the expense of the masses?

CHIEF BALOGUN

I will be leaving now; take care of yourself

(He walks out of the room, ignoring Kate)

_____________________________________

|Mr AYO BALOGUN RESIDENCE. FESTAC, LAGOS|

"Temi walks into the sitting room."

TEMI

Good Morning Taiwo.

(She drops her head on Taiwo's lefts shoulders)

TAIWO

Ahh, no church today?

TEMI

No, I'm not going. I'm tired

Besides, I'm low on gas

No fuel in Festac at all.

TAIWO

Yes, that's true, but we both know something as petty as fuel scarcity wouldn't wound the Baloguns.

TEMI

But the news said the supply rate isn't up to twenty per cent of the demand nationwide.

Don't you think it will affect us?

"Bayo walks into the sitting room."

BAYO

That's only if any of this is real.

Common Temilade, we all know this is a serious political and deliberate attempt by the government.

A group of people just come together and decide to withdraw the quantity of petroleum in public. Thereby leading to inflation in its value, the standard of living and the cost of production.

OLAMIDE

But how is any of this beneficial to the government?

TEMI

I was about to ask the same question

TAIWO

It's simple, guys.

Their major goal is to neutralize the coming election.

NNC will do anything to stay in power. So they are trying to do everything to make it difficult for Nigerians.

So over time, this fuel issue will distract the average Nigerian.

BAYO

Which will give NNC the platform to influence the result of the election.

TEMI

But Grandpa and others really have nothing to worry about, na.

I don't see any reason they will take things this far just to win an election they have been winning for years.

OLAMIDE

Well, I understand why they will go to this extent, though.

Temi, it seems you have not been politically attentive for a while now.

BAYO

Exactly.

Auntie Lolade's party are slowly becoming a big threat to The NNC.

If I were in the NNC's shoes, I would do everything to keep the spotlight.

TAIWO

(He turns to Bayo)

I don't think it's worth it, though.

This silly game will affect millions of Nigerians.

The crazy thing is that we won't suffer this either, wouldn't they?

But it will be hell for the masses as at an hour ago, a litre of fuel is about seven hundred naira. Do you think it's fair?

BAYO

This is politics, Taiwo!

There Is no place for sentiments. If you can't play the game, then let it be.

No government in the world cares more about the people than their selves.

Every political personality has some essence of selfish motive and goals no body be saint, abeg.

As long as it doesn't affect my loved ones and me, I don't care.

"Awelle walks into the sitting room."

TEMI

My love, come here.

(She smiles at Temi)

AWELLE

Auntie Temi, good morning, ma.

(She hugs Temi)

BAYO

Hey young lady, you can't greet abi?

Your Auntie Temi is not the only person in this room

See her head.

TAIWO

Bayo, let the child be.

OLAMIDE

I heard both of them fought yesterday, and the little girl dealt with him.

(He smiles at Bayo)

TEMI

Ahh seriously?

Awelle, what did he do to you?

BAYO

Nothing!

I did nothing to her.

(He gazes at Awelle)

Right?

AWELLE

(She smiles at Bayo)

Where is my bag of chocolate and teddy bear?

Your answer will determine what I'm going to say next.

OLAMIDE

Wait, Bayo, did you bribe her?

TAIWO

Obviously, he did

BAYO

I didn't not!

AWELLE

(She turns to Temi)

Auntie Temi, why do adults lie a lot?

TEMI

(She turns to Bayo)

Bayo, what's she talking about?

BAYO

Fine guys, she caught me with some sticks and threatened to tell Nanny.

TEMI

Awelle, tell Nanny to give you the ice cream I bought for you last night

AWELLE

(She smiles at Temi)

Okay

(She rushes out of the room )

TEMI

(She turns to Bayo)

Bayo, why would you expose her to such?

She's seven, for God's sake!

BAYO

How am I supposed to know you brought your boyfriend's daughter to my father's house?

TAIWO

Guys, that's enough.

(He turns to Temi)

Temilade, you are overreacting.

(He turns to Bayo)

As for you, Bayo, you shouldn't be smoking in the sitting room regardless of who is at home.

BAYO

Mr perfect has spoken.

(He mocks Taiwo)

OLAMIDE

But Bayo, Taiwo is right.

Nobody says you shouldn't smoke, but there is time for everything, na.

You were obviously doing the right thing for yourself at the wrong place and time.

BAYO

Whatever, guys, I go do watin Dey my mind.

TEMI

I don't even get what you enjoy from hurting your lungs with tobacco.

(She hisses and walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

| Eniola's Chambers|

"Rukky walks into the room."

RUKKY

Hey, my love

How are you doing?

ENIOLA

I don't know, Rukky

Where do I start?

RUKKY

Relax, my dear; everything will be alright.

I have a good news for you

(She smiles at Eniola)

Hope's transplant was successful.

ENIOLA

You are joking, right?

RUKKY

I'm serious, Eniola.

ENIOLA

But how come?

They just found a donor yesterday

RUKKY

Well, it seems someone helped us.

I spoke to hope parents, who said the donator stayed anonymous.

"Bisi walks into the room."

BISI

Eniola, how are you?

(She sits beside Eniola)

ENIOLA

(She turns to Bisi)

I'm fine.

BISI

Have you eaten?

ENIOLA

Yes, I have

Thank you.

"Awelle stands at the entrance of the door gazing at Eniola."

RUKKY

(She sights Awelle)

Hey, Awelle, come here

"Awelle takes some steps backwards."

BISI

(She smiles at Awelle)

Come inside, na.

"Awelle ignores Bisi's friendly invitation."

ENIOLA

Let her be. I think she is scared.

(She smiles at Awelle)

"Awelle walks into the room."

AWELLE

(She walks to where Eniola is sitting)

Good morning, Ma

Please, are you Auntie Temi's sister?

ENIOLA

Yes, I am.

Why do you ask?

AWELLE

I saw your face on Tv, and Grandma said you wanted to kill yourself

Is that true?

RUKKY

Awelle, come here.

ENIOLA

No, it's fine. I will answer the little girl's question

(She turns to Awelle)

Yes, I thought if killing myself, but I didn't

AWELLE

Well, I'm happy you didn't kill yourself. If not, my Auntie Temi would be so lonely and sad.

I want her to be happy, so please don't do that again.

BISI

(She laughs out loud)

Omo, whose kid is this?

She's so funny and smart.

RUKKY

She's Nanny's granddaughter.

BISI

Wow, she's very smart. I like her

(She turns to Awelle)

How old are you?

AWELLE

I'm seven

(She samples her yet-to-be thirty-two)

BISI

Wow that nice

You are a big girl, oh.

AWELLE

Yes I am

(She jumps on Eniola's bed)

"Mrs Aisha walks into the room."

Mrs AISHA

Have any of you seen, Awelle?

AWELLE

Grandma, I'm here.

Come and join me

Mrs AISHA

Awelle, come down from that bed now!

(She turns to Eniola)

I'm sorry for the inconvenience

ENIOLA

Nanny, it's fine; let Awelle be.

She's a sweet girl.

I don't mind.

BISI

Yes, oh, and very smart.

Mrs AISHA

Are you sure?

Isn't she disturbing you?

(She turns to Awelle)

Didn't I say you should come down from that place?

RUKKY

Nanny, let her be. It's fine.

Let her play jor.

Mrs AISHA

Alright, I will check on Bisola and Ayo.

(She turns to Awelle)

Better behave yourself, oh.

ENIOLA

Nanny, let her be.

You worry too much.

_____________________________________

|UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS |

"Onyinye knocks on the door."

MARIA

Who is there?

(She opens the door)

ONYINYE

It's me, oh.

(She walks into the room)

MARIA

How was service?

ONYINYE

(She takes off her hills)

Omo, it was fine oh

My crush came

(She smiles at Maria)

MARIA

I knew it!

That was the reason you were so bent on going to church this morning

(She sits on her bed)

ONYINYE

Na, you know, oh

I went to church to serve my God.

MARIA

See this one!

Dey play

I, and you know you went to church because of that boy.

ONYINYE

At least I'm better than you.

I went to church. I am not waiting for Uncle Taiwo's texts

Or do you think I don't know you guys text a lot?

MARIA

What is wrong with that?

He is just being caring, and this is somebody I have known my whole life

Probably like a brother to me

ONYINYE

Maria, you are a clown, oh.

Please don't try and insult my intelligence.

Abeg you cook?

I Dey hungry bad bad

MARIA

Yes, I made rice.

ONYINYE

You see why I love you

(She rushes to the kitchen)

_____________________________________

|Mrs ADEBAYO's RESIDENCE. FESTAC, LAGOS|

"Kemi walks into the kitchen."

KEMI

Good Evening, Michael

(She smiles at him)

MICHAEL

(He places his right palm on his chest)

What is your problem, Kemi?

I know this is an old house, and the bell doesn't work, but it wouldn't take anything from you if you knocked.

KEMI

Then you will ask, "Who is there?"

I will then say, "it's me, Kemi."

Then you will tell me one thousand reasons why you don't want to see me.

MICHAEL

After all, you've put my daughter and me through; you wouldn't blame me if I didn't want you around us.

KEMI

(She holds Michhael's hands)

But I'm here now, Michael!

I am sorry for what I did. I know nothing can fix the pain I put you. True, no, I can't blame you if you resent me your whole life, but please don't deprive me of my daughter. We both know I still have the right to see her whenever I want.

MICHAEL

(He frees his hands from hers)

I won't fall for this, Kemi!

I know you; your type can't stick around for long, probably always on the road. All you care about is yourself, Kemi.

I won't let you hurt Awelle the way you did hurt me.

Please leave!

KEMI

I have nowhere to go, Michael.

That is why I am here.

MICHAEL

What do you mean by you don't have well to go?

Where have you been staying since you came to Lagos?

KEMI

I checked into a hotel but can't continue living that way.

MICHAEL

Well, I will suggest you find another place to stay cause there is no room for you in this house.

(He walks into the dining room)

KEMI

(She follows Michael into the dining room)

Michael, please!

I promise I won't cause trouble. I just want to be closer to my daughter, and staying here is my only Hope

You are my only Hope.

MICHAEL

How about your Mom?

Can't you stay with her?

Oh, wait, you can't because you abandoned her too. I guess she asked you to leave too!

KEMI

I deserve all you are saying, Michael. I did this to myself but help me, please.

MICHAEL

Kemi, you are asking for too much!

You know Mama nor won take eye see if I were you, I will leave now that is still can.

KEMI

Wait, is she coming back today?

MICHAEL

Most likely.

KEMI

Don't worry about Mama

You and I know this is your decision to make

Once you let me stay, Mama would not have a choice but to concur.

MICHAEL

Hmm

Kemi, I'm sorry I can't help you!

KEMI

Michael, please!

I know you don't want the Mother of your child to be on the street.

MICHAEL

Eh, stop it!

Don't play psychology games with me.

Gone are the days when that your nonsense trick works on me.

If I won help you, I go help you!

KEMI

Those that mean you will help me?

MICHAEL

I don't know, Kemi.

I will have to talk to Mama about it first

For now, find a solution to your problem

KEMI

Thank you, Michael

(She hugs him)

MICHAEL

Kemi, that's okay!

I'm not promising; I only said I would discuss it with Mama.

(He pulls himself away from Kemi)

"Bimpe walks into the dining."

BIMPE

Wow, that was a passionate hug.

MICHAEL

No, it wasn't, and Kemi would be leaving now.

(He turns to Kemi)

Right?

KEMI

Oh yes.

But before I leave, can I see Awelle?

BIMPE

Awelle went out with the love of Michael's life.

MICHAEL

Bimpe!

KEMI

I guess it's the young lady I met here the other day.

MICHAEL

(He grabs Kemi by the arm)

That's it, you are leaving now.

KEMI

Fine!

I will leave now

(She walks towards the front door)

MICHAEL

(He turns to Bimpe)

What is your problem?

BIMPE

Ahh, what did I do, na?

I just told her the truth.

MICHAEL

What truth?

We both know you don't like Temilade for reasons best known to you.

BIMPE

I don't have any reason to like her. I still don't get why both of you are together. It doesn't make sense.

MICHAEL

It doesn't have to make sense to you or anybody out there.

And the next time you open the door for Kemi, you will be the one leaving.

BIMPE

You know what, Michael?

I don't blame you.

(She walks away)

"Abuka walks into the house."

ABUKA

Bimpe, my love, how far, na?

BIMPE

Abuka, please, I'm not in the mood.

(She walks out of the house)

ABUKA

(He walks into the dining)

How far watin you do Bimpe?

MICHAEL

Abeg leaves her make she Dey vex for something were nor get head.

(He notice the two gallon in Abuka's hands)

Ahh, where you Dey carry fuel gallon go?

ABUKA

Omo, I hear say Festac filling station Dey open oh so I won try my luck

MICHAEL

Ahh, wait, I go follow you oh

I need fuel too.

How much dem they sell?

ABUKA

Bro, I nor know. Oh, but one of my guy say na five hundred.

Guy hurry up abeg time don dey go oh.

MICHAEL

I Dey come make I wear shirt

(He rushes to his bedroom)

_____________________________________

|Mr AYO BALOGUNS MANSION. FESTAC, LAGOS|

"Temilade walks into Taiwo's room."

TAIWO

Hey, my love, how are you?

TEMI

I'm fine, Taiwo and you?

(She sits on Taiwo's bed)

TAIWO

I'm good

Ahh, this one, you are all dressed up this evening; where are you going?

TEMI

Grandpa requested my presence, and he sent this gown to me.

TAIWO

Wow seems like a setup to me.

Probably you are next in line for an arranged marriage.

TEMI

I thought as much, but he is just wasting his time

They won't force me to marry anybody

TAIWO

Hmm

Michael is a lucky man.

(He smiles at Temi)

TEMI

What do you mean?

TAIWO

Temilade, I know, but of you are together.

Don't deny it, don't worry, I support it.

I like Michael.

TEMI

Finally, I have been dying to tell somebody.

Please keep it to yourself

TAIWO

Of course, I will.

TEMI

Taiwo, I have something serious to tell you.

TAIWO

Okay, what is it, my love?

TEMI

It's about your Mother's death.

TAIWO

What about it?

"Bayo walks into the room."

BAYO

Temilade, can you give me a minute with Taiwo"

TAIWO

(He turns to Bayo)

Sorry brother, you will have to wait.

Temi and I are in the middle of a discussion

TEMI

No, it's Taiwo.

We can still talk about it when I get back.

(She turns to Bayo)

Bayo or anyone else can't stop us from having this conversation

(She walks out of the room)

TAIWO

So what is so important that you want to talk about, Bayo?

BAYO

I must confess, brother.

I have always felt challenged by you

You have everything I ever asked for in life, including the love and affection from Simi.

TAIWO

Don't tell me this is still about Simi

I thought we had moved past this phase, Bayo?

BAYO

Shut up, Taiwo. I am still talking

TAIWO

Sorry, Sir

Go on!

BAYO

The only thing I have that you don't is the company!

I am the favourite to take over grandpa's position in Festac Oil and Gas.

It may be hard for you to admit, but nobody knows this business as I do.

TAIWO

I guess you are dying to know my response to Grandpa's proposal.

(He smiles at Bayo)

BAYO

Taiwo, I don't want to hurt you, so please don't start what you can't finish.

The chairman's seat is mine.

I know you are older, but let's be honest, you do not merit it. I have worked my ass day in and day out just to earn that position, and I won't let anyone take it from me.

TAIWO

Have you proven your worth to the company?

BAYO

In countless ways, Taiwo.

TAIWO

(He gets up from the bed)

Then I am no threat to you

I am accepting that proposal. We both know grandpa will not let me rest till I am actively involved in the family's business.

I am bringing the best of me, Bayo please don't take this as a threat

I probably just want to prove to myself that I am a Balogun. I can't keep running away from my responsibilities as the first son.

Good Evening, Bayo

(He walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

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

"Chief Balogun and Kate have dinner with The Obi's."

Mr OBI

Chief, where is our wife?

CHIEF BALOGUN

Temilade will be here soon. I guess she is stuck in traffic

Mrs K BALOGUN

Chidi, are you enjoying your meal?

Dr CHIDI

Yes, ma I am.

"Temilade walks into the dining room."

TEMI

I'm sorry I'm late

ti o dara aṣalẹ sir ati ma

Mrs K BALOGUN

Temi, what happens?

TEMI

The cue at the filling station was something else.

Dr CHIDI

(He pulls out the chair beside him)

You look so gorgeous.

TEMI

Thank you.

(She sits down)

CHIEF BALOGUN

Cue?

Why were you buying fuel at the filling station?

Didn't the company supply fuel to your father's residence today?

TEMI

I don't know, grandpa, and even if they did, isn't it unfair that the masses suffer this way, and we all sit here enjoying an endless flow of Petro?

Dr CHIDI

Well, that is why we are not the masses, Temi

We are The Balogun's and Obi's suffering isn't in our blood

Mr OBI

My son has spoken so well.

TEMI

Hmm, I think it's absurd that we keep a reserve that could carry us for months, and the masses are out there suffering. Three people lost their lives today in Ajah. I heard there was a protest in Ojuelegba too.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Well, we worked for all we have today, Temilade!

It's not our fault that the masses can not afford to live the life that we can. Yes, I feel sad about the recent development, but your safety and that of every Balogun is my only priority, and I wouldn't feel sorry about that.

Mrs OBI

Alright, enough of these fuel scarcity conversations

(She turns to Temi)

How are you, my daughter?

TEMI

I am fine, ma and you?

(She smiles at Mrs Obi)

Mrs OBI

I am fine.

My son has told me a lot about you

How intelligent and focused you are in your workspace.

TEMI

Wow, I never knew.

Mr OBI

Your name doesn't leave his mouth, oh.

Temi this, Temi that!

Ah ah, it's almost as if you are the most important part of his life.

Mrs OBI

I am jealous already, oh.

TEMI

You don't have to be jealous, ma

Dr Chidi and I are just friends and workmates.

Mrs K BALOGUN

Hmm, don't you think both of you should be more?

TEMI

Well, to be more, we need to see each other differently, and they have to be some extra emotional connection that doesn't exist in my relationship with him right now.

Mr OBI

Ahh but Rome wasn't built in a day

There is plenty of time for both of you to connect when you tie the knots.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Exactly!

(He turns to Temi)

Temi, we have all been talking and agreed that You and Chidi would be a perfect match.

Dr CHIDI

I already think she is my soul mate, but sadly Temi hasn't caught up.

"The room is filled with laughter."

Mrs OBI

(She turns to Temi)

So our wife, what do you have to say?

TEMI

Marriage has always been a big deal for me.

I can not marry a man I'm not in love with. Please do not take it personally, Ma.

Mr OBI

We completely understand you, my dear

But you need to understand that marriage is mostly not about emotions. It's about what is best for you.

TEMI

What I think is best for me, Is a man I can emotionally connect with.

Please excuse me; I have to use the restroom

(She gets up)

Mrs K BALOGUN

Use the one in my room since my room is the closest to the dining.

TEMI

Okay, ma.

(She walks out of the dining)

_____________________________________

| kate's Room|

"Temilade picks up one of the books on Kate's desk. She smiles and says to herself

"This woman never stops reading."

"Kates's phone rings; Temilade picks it up and catches sight of something extremely familiar the caller ID displayed

"Adebisi Balogun"

Temi picks up the call out of curiosity.

"Kate walks into the room."

Mrs K BALOGUN

Temilade, what are you doing?

TEMI

Why I'm I speaking to a dead woman?

_____________________________________