Episode 15

XAVIER is on the computer in the office of The Sands, the Ahpla University school newspaper. He is typing an email to APRIL.

XAVIER types - so I just feel that...

(silence)

XAVIER erases - so I just feel that...

XAVIER types - I understand that this may all sound real crazy to you. Sometimes it feels crazy to me. But I have to follo...

ELIZABETH - Hey Z.

(XAVIER spins around in his chair and sees ELIZABETH walking toward him. He closes the email window so she cannot see what he is typing.)

XAVIER - Hey. Leaving?

ELIZABETH - Yeah man. I gotta study and I was trying to study here because its so quiet but I keep surfin' the internet here. I aint gettin' no work done.

(XAVIER laughs.)

ELIZABETH - So I'm gonna go up to the stacks in Pearl.

XAVIER - Okay then.

ELIZABETH - You got the keys to lock up if you leave right?

XAVIER - Yeah, I'm straight.

ELIZABETH - Okay, see ya later.

XAVIER - Peace.

(She secures her bag over her shoulder and walks out. She locks the door behind herself as she leaves. XAVIER reopens the email and reads from the beginning.)

XAVIER reads - Dear April, I am writing you this letter in hopes that you are able to understand my position on our recently ended relationship. I had to end things with you April not because of you but because of me. You see, God is a very integral part of my life as you know. And lately, I haven't prayed the way that I used to or read the bible like I used to. I even talked to my father about it...

(XAVIER changes the word talked to spoke.)

XAVIER reads - ...I even spoke to my father about it and he directed me to go before the Lord in prayer, like I used to. Well I did just that and in doing that, I realized that in a lot of ways I have been changing lately. I don't write articles and stories for the paper the way that I used to. I don't speak to people the way that I used to. My problem April is that I am being distracted. And THAT is the major lesson that I have to learn. The bible says that the enemy tries to distract us and attract us. Well no doubt I am attracted to you but at the same time you are distracting me from my callin...

(There is a knock on the door. XAVIER looks and sees GREGG posing and throwing the Kappa sign through the glass door of the office.)

XAVIER thinks - Stupid!

(He laughs as he gets up to open the door.)

XAVIER - Wassup fool!

GREGG - What up man.

(MIKE comes in behind GREGG.)

MIKE - What up Nupie.

XAVIER - Big Mike. What's up player?

MIKE - Think fast yo!

(MIKE tosses his cane quickly to XAVIER. XAVIER catches it just before it hits the floor. He spins it around his hand and behind his back.)

MIKE - Good reactions nigga.

XAVIER - Oh come on bruh, you aint gonna catch me slippin'. Ha ha ha!

(XAVIER lets it slide down his arm. Once it hits his hand, he tosses it back to MIKE. He catches it.)

MIKE - Aight, watch this...

(He tosses it in the air and catches it behind his back. He spins it behind his back fast as if it was in front of him.)

XAVIER - Nice... nice.

MIKE - Yeah, see I been practicing without looking. That way, I can do something like this...

(He spins it in his left hand while extending his right to shake XAVIER's hand.)

XAVIER - Cool.

MIKE - So the behind the back thing works for me. Just can't keep your eye on it.

XAVIER - Let me see.

(MIKE stops twirling it. He spins it around to hand XAVIER the hooked end.)

XAVIER - What did you do, like this...

(XAVIER spins it and looks the other way. He drops it immediately. GREGG starts to laugh loudly.)

GREGG - Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

XAVIER - Aw nigga, you aint much better! Let me see you handle it!

GREGG - Huh?

(XAVIER bends over and picks it up.)

XAVIER - Let me see you handle it better than me!

GREGG - Man, I aint laughin' at that, I'm crackin' up over this shit!

XAVIER - Wha... oh shoot!

(GREGG has been sitting at XAVIER's desk and reading his email to APRIL.)

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WILLIE and JASON have been left alone... to talk.

WILLIE - Hi.

JASON - Hi.

(silence)

JASON - Um... I'm sorry about catching you here, I didn't mean to interrupt your meeting or anything. I was gonna catch you after you came out. But then I saw Robin and Christian and them leave, so I figured it was okay to poke my head in.

WILLIE - No, that's fine. I'm glad you stopped by.

JASON - You are?

WILLIE - Sure. Its good to see you.

JASON - Its good to see you too. What? I don't get a hug no more?

(WILLIE smiles as she walks toward JASON and opens her arms. She hugs him tightly around his neck and feels JASON's arms around her waist pull her close.)

WILLIE thinks - God!

(They let go of each other.)

JASON - Do you have to leave? Seemed like your sorors were headed out somewhere, Tiny Tot you mentioned?

WILLIE - Uh yeah, but I have a few minutes if you want to talk.

JASON - Yeah. Okay.

(JASON walks over to a desk and leans back on it. WILIE sits down.)

JASON - Well, I just wanted to see how you're doing. We really haven't spoken.

WILLIE - Yeah, we haven't.

JASON - And see the thing for me is, we used to talk a lot. We used to talk a whole lot. And now, its like I just... well I surround myself with work. You know I'm a lot busier now.

WILLIE - Are you?

JASON - Yeah, we got some boys about to start. I'm gonna be there dean.

WILLIE - You are!

JASON - Yeah. How did I wind up with that job?

(JASON laughs.)

WILLIE - You're gonna be perfect for it! Congrats!

JASON - Well don't congratulate me yet. Hit me up when we're all done and things go smoothly.

WILLIE - Gosh I remember when you were a scared little intimidated pledgee. What a change!

JASON - Scared? Hey let me tell you something, I was hardcore okay? Nothing phased me on line!

(WILLIE just stares at JASON until they both laugh.)

WILLIE - Whatever boy!

JASON - Okay okay, so I was a little scared.

WILLIE - A lot of scared.

JASON - Okay! Okay!

WILLIE - But you got your confidence now and its cool. You'll do fine and those new boys are gonna love you.

JASON - Yeah, right after I kick their ass huh?

WILLIE - Isn't that how it always works?

(They both laugh.)

JASON - Lord knows I love Reggie.

WILLIE - And I love me some Devonya.

JASON - Yeah.

(silence)

JASON - You...

WILLIE - So...

(They speak at the exact same time.)

JASON - Go ahead.

WILLIE - No, you go first.

JASON - No, ladies first. Or should I say beautiful divas first.

(WILLIE smiles.)

WILLIE - Well since you put it that way my pharoah...

(He laughs loud.)

JASON - Good one.

(She smiles again.)

WILLIE - I was just gonna ask... I know you didn't come all the way over here to tell me that you're the next Alpha dean. There's got to be more to this visit than that.

JASON - Naw, that was it.

WILLIE - Oh okay, well let me catch up with sorors then.

(WILLIE pretends like she is leaving. She grabs her bag and starts to walk toward the door. JASON grabs her hand.)

JASON - Naw naw naw, I'm just playin'.

(He doesn't let go of her hand.)

JASON - Actually, there is a reason I came by Willie. A good reason.

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GREGG is laughing at XAVIER's email to APRIL.

GREGG - Man, I aint laughin' at that, I'm crackin' up over this shit!

MIKE - What's that?

XAVIER - Yo chill!

(MIKE blocks XAVIER from stopping GREGG from reading.)

MIKE - What? You keepin' secrets now frat?

XAVIER - G!

GREGG reads - Dear April...

GREGG - Ooooooooh!

(Both GREGG and MIKE laugh.)

GREGG reads - Dear April, I am writing you this letter in hopes that you are able to understand my position on our recently ended relationship. I had to end things with you April not because...

GREGG - Man, what is this?

(MIKE lets XAVIER get past.)

XAVIER - Man!

(XAVIER makes GREGG get up and he sits down in his chair. GREGG sits on the desk and MIKE stands behind XAVIER. MIKE is looking at the computer screen.)

GREGG - Dude, what are you saying to that girl? Have you lost it?

XAVIER - Look, I can't be with April anymore. I already told her but I think I owe her more than that. I owe her an explanation. At least that. When I told her that I think we should break up, she stormed away with her soror. I didn't get to tell her how I feel.

GREGG - Well you bout to make a bad situation worse. I can tell ya that right now!

XAVIER - How so?

GREGG - Z, have you even read this letter over? Are you crazy? You can't say these things to her!

XAVIER - Why not?

GREGG - Z...

(GREGG turns the screen toward himself.)

GREGG reads - ...My problem April is that I am being distracted. And THAT is the major lesson that I have to learn. The bible says that the enemy tries to distract us and attract us. Well no doubt I am attracted to you but at the same time you are distracting me from my calling and the purpose for my life.

GREGG - So you're saying that April was sent to you from the devil?

XAVIER - Well no but...

GREGG - Z, that's exactly how she is gonna read this. That's how I would read this. You're saying that the devil attracts people and then you say that you are attracted to April. You say tht the devil distracts people and you are distracted from your calling by April. If you haven't hurt her feelings yet, you'll devastate her with this.

XAVIER - Maybe you're right.

(XAVIER reads it again.)

XAVIER - Well then how should I say this? Is there a better way?

GREGG - How about no way at all.

XAVIER - Huh?

GREGG - Let me suggest to you, my misguided brother, that your problems have nothing to do with April or the devil or probably even God. Your problems have to do with you my brother.

(GREGG points his finger and presses it against XAVIER's forehead.)

GREGG - Your problems are right in here. It's a problem that Xavier has to fix within Xavier.

XAVIER - And how do you know?

GREGG - Because I've seen the change in you man. And it aint got nothing to do with April. You need to check yourself on that bro.

XAVIER - Check myself?

GREGG - Man, don't get so holy so you miss the point. You aint perfect, none of us are. You can read your bible and whatever all day long and still be shady.

XAVIER - I know that.

GREGG - But don't blame your behavior on other people until you take a look at yourself first.

(silence)

MIKE - He got a point.

XAVIER - And where did you get your theology degree?

GREGG - Naw it aint even like that. But me and you been down since forever man. I know you. I know what you're about and I know how you think. Sometimes you get so holy that you overlook simple stuff. And you're about to say the wrong thing and do the wrong thing. Trying to be a saint or something.

(XAVIER smiles and looks back at his screen.)

GREGG - I did see a change in you and the things that you were saying. She aint the one causing you to change though, you are. But at the same time, April makes you happy. She does. You need someone in your life.

MIKE - I think everyone does.

GREGG - Or else Xavier is a boring boy!

XAVIER - Shut up!

(They laugh.)

XAVIER - Well what about you? You aint with nobody right now.

(GREGG gets up.)

GREGG - That aint my choice though. If I had my way...

(GREGG pauses.)

GREGG - Nevermind. Yo where's the bathroom in here?

XAVIER - It's not working. You're gonna have to go downstairs to the other one.

GREGG - Damn. Aight, I'll be right back.

MIKE - I can help you edit your letter Z.

(XAVIER turns around and looks at MIKE.)

XAVIER - Nigga please!

GREGG thinks - That nigga is trippin'! Ha ha ha ha!

(GREGG turns the corner and walks toward the stairs.)

GREGG thinks - That nigga is lucky he got me to be there for him! Holy roller!

(He starts to walk down the stairs and he notices a flier on the bulletin board.)

GREGG thinks - What's that?

(He gets to the bottom of the stairs and goes over and reads it.)

GREGG thinks - Zeta week. Cool! Oh shoot! They got a program called What About Zeta? They must be gettin' ready to...

(GREGG feels a tap on his shoulder and turns around.)

GREGG - Hey girl, wassup!

JAHANNA - Hi Gregg, how are you?

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BOBBY is in his room. He is looking over his transcript.

BOBBY thinks - How the hell am I gonna graduate when I need to...

(There is a knock on the door.)

BOBBY thinks - Damn, I don't feel like no niggas comin' by askin' me shit about Alpha! Can I get at least one day of peace and quiet?

(He puts his transcript into his desk drawer and gets up to get the door.)

BOBBY - Oh hey... uh...

THERESA - What? You not happy to see me?

BOBBY - Of course I am suga.

(THERESA kisses him on the cheek as she comes in.)

BOBBY - Its just that I thought you told me you were gonna be busy with Delta stuff today.

THERESA - Meeting didn't take as long as I thought.

BOBBY - Oh.

THERESA - So what are you up to? I missed ya.

BOBBY - I was just lookin' at my transcript. Seein' what I need for graduation. I think I'm screwed.

THERESA - Oh yeah? What's the matter?

(BOBBY opens the drawer and pulls it out.)

BOBBY - Well it seems like I've taken so many electives already in my major that the only one left is Calculus II. Problem is it aint offered until after next semester. So if I have to stay just to take one class, I'm screwed.

THERESA - Oh wow. That's messed up. Let me see.

(BOBBY hands it to her.)

BOBBY - See right here where the electives are? See how I only have one left?

THERESA - Oh yeah.

BOBBY - Well if I can... hey wait, I just thought about something.

THERESA - What?

BOBBY - Didn't you tell me you had a service project or something to do after your chapter meeting? I knew there was something else because I was thinking that I wouldn't even see you today.

THERESA - Oh yeah, sorors went. I didn't have to go.

BOBBY - Didn't have to?

THERESA - Yeah, they didn't need the whole chapter. So they had the numbers that they needed already so those sorors went.

BOBBY - Oh.

(silence)

BOBBY - But wouldn't you be required to go as a neo?

THERESA - Boy! Why you all up in the DST mix! What you know bout dat!

BOBBY - I've been Greek long enough to know how things roll baby. We all the same, just wear different colors.

THERESA - Whateva! DST is special! We set apart!

(BOBBY laughs.)

BOBBY - Yeah okay. And now you sound like a neo!

(She smiles.)

THERESA - Well I'm enjoying my neo status. I love being a Delta.

BOBBY - I hear ya, and you should. You worked hard to get it so its all good.

(silence)

BOBBY - Just make sure you balance the work of the sorority with the pleasures of the sorority. I know for me, I make sure that...

THERESA - Wait, what you tryin' to say?

BOBBY - Huh?

THERESA - It seems like you're insinuating something. I work for my sorority!

BOBBY - I didn't say you didn't.

THERESA - Yes you did. You made a comment as if I don't work.

BOBBY - All I'm sayin' is, if my chapter had a service project, and I was a neo, there's no way I would've missed it. No matter how many bros showed up. New blood is the lifeline of the chapter. So we gotta be the most active, the most in there, the most everything.

THERESA - Bobby, Im tellin' you, they told me that they didn't have to be there and I didn't know any better. I don't know. Am I supposed to know that I can just override the chapter president like that and say that I'm going anyway?

BOBBY - Well that's true, I see your point. You probably didn't know that you could go anyway.

THERESA - I'm sayin'. Besides...

(She gets up and walks over to BOBBY. Then sits on his lap and starts to rub the back of his head.)

THERESA - ...I thought you'd be happy that I'm not all tied up with DST women and am spending my time with an Alpha man!

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JASON and WILLIE are holding hands and talking.

JASON - Actually, there is a reason I came by Willie. A good reason.

WILLIE - Uh huh.

(She puts her bag back down.)

WILLIE - So wassup?

JASON - I want to ask you something.

WILLIE - Sure. Anything.

JASON - Like I said earlier, I'm much busier now. Got a full course load in school, messin' around with these new boys and about to be all into that.

WILLIE - Yeah. You a busy man J.

JASON - But as busy as I seem to be, I'm like mad lonely.

(silence)

JASON - Do you feel the same way?

(WILLIE is so surprised at what JASON has said that she is just staring at him.)

JASON - I mean, I got people around me but its just like... I don't know.

WILLIE - Um... well you know I'm president of the chapter here and I still run student council. Trying to get my classes in order so I can graduate from this place at some point in my life.

(JASON laughs and lets go of her hand.)

WILLIE - But I understand what you're saying. As busy as I am, I don't sleep as well as I used to. And I feel like sometimes I'm in the world all by myself. Like nobody else is even on earth but me and all my problems.

JASON - Shit that's what I'm talkin' about! That's exactly what I'm sayin'!

WILLIE - It's like...

(WILLIE stares at the ceiling as if she is searching for her answer.)

WILLIE - ...it's like being in the twilight zone or something. People say hi when I walk across the yard but I just keep goin' and its like whatever.

JASON - Dag.

WILLIE - And if it aint DST or some board meeting, its like whatever.

(silence)

JASON - So... um... so what's missing?

(She looks at him.)

WILLIE - What do you want me to say?

JASON - I want you to tell me what's missing.

(silence)

WILLIE - The birds are missing.

JASON - The birds?

WILLIE - I remember when I used to walk across the yard and see birds and people and spring time. And then spring time meant nothing but lines crossing and then it meant me crossing and then Breanna crossing and Theresa crossing and now somebody else crossing and whatever whatever whatever. But its not about spring time anymore. Ya know?

JASON - Since when did you get all poetic?

WILLIE - I'm serious. The simple things. Like I don't remember the last time I walked in the rain and laughed about it.

JASON - Um, it was that day that we...

(silence)

(silence)

JASON - Nevermind.

(silence)

WILLIE - So um... why are we here Jason?

(JASON turns to her and pauses before he says anything.)

JASON - I just came by to tell you...

(silence)

JASON - ...I just wanted to tell you that...

(The door opens.)

CHRISTIAN - Excuse me...

(JASON turns around.)

CHRISTIAN - ...Willie, we need to get going. We're um... kinda waitin' on you girl.

WILLIE - Oh... okay.

(CHRISTIAN steps back out and closes the door. WILLIE grabs her bag.)

WILLIE - I gotta go.

JASON - Yeah. Um me too. Yeah.

(They both stand up but only WILLIE walks toward the door.)

WILLIE - Aren't you leaving too?

JASON - Uh actually I'm gonna make a phone call real quick. I gotta call one of the new boys. I'll be out in a second. You go on.

WILLIE - Okay.

WILLIE thinks - Good talking to you, I guess.

WILLIE - See ya around.

JASON - Yeah.

(WILLIE opens the door.)

JASON - Hope you sleep better.

WILLIE - Yeah... thanks.

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(THERESA and BOBBY are kissing.)

BOBBY - ...wait... wait T...

THERESA - Hmmm?

BOBBY - Before we get something started, I gotta finish with this transcript bull.

THERESA - Aw, poo. Do that later.

BOBBY - Well if I hurry up and do this now, I can get it out the way and have more time for us later.

THERESA - Okay!

(THERESA playfully bounces on his lap as he picks up the transcript and a calculator.)

BOBBY - Okay, I need fifteen.

THERESA - Fifteen credits? How did you wind up needing an odd number like that?

BOBBY - Who freakin' knows. This is so off and messed up.

THERESA - How you gonna work it out?

BOBBY - I don't know. See, the problem is this calculu...

(His phone rings.)

THERESA - I'll get it.

BOBBY - No, I got it.

(He rushes to get up to get to the phone before she does.)

BOBBY - Hello.

FRANK - Hello Bobby, this is Frank.

BOBBY - Frank? What do you want Frank?

FRANK - I was calling to see if you possibly had some time that I could sit and talk with you about your organization, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity incorporated.

BOBBY - I know the name of my frat, you don't have to pronounce it to me. And no, I don't have time for dudes who are not going to be selected. I told you before man, we don't like you and we don't want you so stop calling me.

FRANK - But...

(CLICK)

THERESA - Bobby! You hung up on somebody?

BOBBY - Yeah.

THERESA - What you do that for? And you told him that he isn't gonna make line? Who was that?

BOBBY - Some dude.

THERESA - What's his name?

BOBBY - Why?

THERESA - Just curious.

BOBBY - Well curiosity killed the cat.

THERESA - Satisfaction brought her back.

BOBBY - Not in this case. Mind your business.

THERESA - Aw come on, what's the big deal? He made it really didn't he?

(BOBBY starts to look at his transcript again, ignoring THERESA.)

THERESA - Meanie!

BOBBY - Whatever. Alpha business is Alpha business. Delta business is Delta business. You need to learn that lesson quick.

THERESA - Uh huh. Whatever. If we had some girls I'd tell you who they were.

BOBBY - No you wouldn't because I wouldn't ask. That's your business. Learn discretion Theresa.

(The phone rings again. He picks it up.)

BOBBY - Hello.

REGGIE - Wassup.

BOBBY - Hey.

REGGIE - We need an emergency meeting.

BOBBY - What? Now? For what?

REGGIE - Somebody's been talkin' too much and its gotten out of hand.

BOBBY - Are you serious?

REGGIE - Yeah. Can we come over to your place?

BOBBY - Naw. Call Q, we can meet there.

REGGIE - Okay. And you won't believe the shit I was up in the middle of on the yard.

BOBBY - What happened?

REGGIE - PJ and Trina got into a fight and I had to break it up!

BOBBY - Nigga you lyin'!

REGGIE - Seriously. It was crazy bruh!

BOBBY - Was they in mud and in bikinis?

(REGGIE laughs.)

REGGIE - Shut up! I'll tell you about it later, but just know Trina aint no punk! She handled hers!

BOBBY - I could've told you that shit! She from the hood! It's a mircale that she's even in college!

REGGIE - Damn but I didn't think it was like that!

BOBBY - Man listen!

REGGIE - Aight call Larry and I'll call J. We need to get over to Quinton's quick for this shit though.

BOBBY - Damn! Aight.

(BOBBY looks at his watch.)

REGGIE - Peace.

BOBBY - Oh six.

(They hang up. Before REGGIE calls JASON, he walks from his bedroom and into his kitchen.)

REGGIE - You aint finished yet?

MATT - I was just putting the mustard on your sandwich oh great brother... I mean big dean... uh... I mean big brother!