Episode 28

The ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority are hanging out in PAULA's room.

ALEXIS - I think it was wrong. Just wrong.

(ALEXIS says while smiling.)

JENNIFER - I didn't mean it. Well, not like that at least.

PAULA - Shut up, you meant that shit.

JENNIFER - Naw! It was one of those things where you know when you say something one second before you think about it? I could see the words come out of my mouth and I was wishing I could just grab them out the air and eat them back!

(Everyone laughs as JENNIFER motions picking something out of the air, putting it in her mouth and chewing it.)

JENNIFER - He was pissed!

PAULA - Look, all you did was say what everyone else thinks. I mean come on.

ALEXIS - That's not true. I aint got nothing against the Iotas. I think Sean is cool.

PAULA - I aint got nothing against them either. But I aint mad about what you said. Everybody knows the Iotas aint up to par with the Ques or the Kappas. Not even with the Sigmas. I mean, come on.

ALEXIS - Yeah but at the same time, some people say the same thing about us. So what then?

PAULA - Then those people are stupid. Look at when we were founded. Look at the climate of the times when we were founded. Look at where we were founded. Come on Lex, you can't even compare the two.

ALEXIS - Hey, I aint say it. Don't look at me.

ROSALIND - Well I think...

PAULA - Oh boy, yall ready for this?

ROSALIND - What?

PAULA - Go ahead and insight wisdom oh knowledgeable one.

(They laugh as PAULA pretends to bow down to ROS.)

ROSALIND - Girl shut up and get up. Lowly subject!

PAULA - See!

ALEXIS - Be quiet Paula. Go on Ros.

ROSALIND - Anyway, my thing is this. Even if that was true and that's how you feel, there is a time and a place for everything. And certain things just shouldn't be said. And remember, Dwayne isn't even a member of Iota yet. So you're talking to a non Greek about Greek business. And that probably wasn't cool.

ALEXIS - So what happened after you said it?

ROSALIND - Can we finish talking about this part of the day so I can tell yall about the better part of that day?

JENNIFER - Oh Gaaaaaary.

(JENNIFER shakes her hips and everyone laughs.)

ROSALIND - I wanna tell yall what happened when he called me.

JENNIFER - Okay okay, well real quick. Dwayne asked me what I said and I couldn't lie at that point. Damage was already done. He went off for a bit then realized that we were out in public and he stormed off. I tried to call him and apologize but like I said, its one of those things that once you say, its said. End of story.

ALEXIS - So how is he now?

(ROS' cell phone rings.)

JENNIFER - I think we may break up.

ALEXIS - Over this?

JENNIFER - Naw but this is like the straw that broke the camel's back. There's been some other stuff. Stuff that I just don't like about him. He aint the most honest cat in the world.

ROSALIND - Hey yall, I'm out.

JENNIFER - You leavin'?

PAULA - Where you going? What about your story?

ALEXIS - Yeah, we're all ready to hear it.

ROSALIND - Jennie will have to fill you in on how cute he is... because I gotta go meet him right now so we can study! Toodles!

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MIRI and GINA are at the altar at their wedding. As the ceremony continues, a surprise guest interrupts.

REV. BEAUFORD - If any man or woman has any just reason why these two should not be wed on this day, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

(silence)

REV. BEAUFORD - Now we...

(The door to the church swings open and a loud cry is heard from a man coming in.)

FASAKALA - Wait! I denounce this wedding!

(Everyone turns around and gasps. MIRI and GINA spin around.)

FASAKALA - These two should not be wed! My name is King Fasakala Ndulu Jefe Swingali and I represent here for my wife, the queen Nzingha Swingali.

(Several men enter the church with this man while he is speaking.)

REV. BEAUFORD - Sir! What right do you have to interrupt this ceremony!

FASAKALA - This man and this woman have committed a crime against me and my household!

(Everyone gasps loudly.)

GINA - What!

MIRI - What? I don't even know you!

FASAKALA - They have seized my most prized possession and taken it for their own! Good people, my son Prince Mubwesi Semela Swingali has been abducted by this couple and taken as their own son!

(The king points directly at MIRI.)

FASAKALA - You have taken my son! And I am here to claim him back and we will not leave without him!

MIRI - What!

(GINA turns toward MIRI then to Rev. Beauford. There are gasps all over the church and murmuring is increasing to small chatter.)

MIRI - What are you talking about! I don't know this man!

(MIRI turns to the pastor as if he is appealing to him.)

MIRI - I don't know this guy from Adam!

GINA - You're ruining my wedding!

FASAKALA - Allow me to speak on mine and my son's behalf! These people took my son!

REV. BEAUFORD - Hold on! Wait a minute sir!

(Everyone turns and looks the Rev's way.)

REV. BEAUFORD - Clearly we have to communicate as to what has happened. Miri, Gina and sir, if you could follow me. Everyone remain here please and just allow us a few minutes to clear these allegations up. Thank you for your patience.

(REV. BEAUFORD starts to walk back toward his study. MIRI allows GINA to walk first. She is now crying. The king and one of his aids follows MIRI. The door closes as they leave the main sanctuary.)

SHARONDA - What the hell was that about?

KIM - I don't know! They stole somebody's baby?

DENICE - That don't sound like Miri at all. Its probably some misunderstanding or the wrong baby or something. I can't see Miri breaking up a happy home...

(DENICE gestures toward BREANNA.)

DENICE - ...not like some... other people... who shall remain... nameless.

BREANNA - You know what Denice, I'm about tired of your accusations and silliness! You lost Brandon because you don't seem to have what it takes to maintain a serious relationship! Don't get mad at me because I do!

(BREANNA stands up and starts to move.)

DENICE - Who do you think you're talking to!

(DENICE stands up. People start to turn around to see what the commotion is about, SHARONDA grabs DENICE's arm and pulls her back down.)

APRIL - What in the world...

KATRICE - Is that the Zetas? Just like them to be causing a ruckus.

OCTAVIA - They really have no class. I mean gosh, we're in a church first of all. And with what is going on...

APRIL - What is goin' on? This is getting crazy! This is some ol' soap opera stuff right here!

OCTAVIA - Its some misunderstanding I'm sure. Watch, Miri and G are gonna come back out, explain what the issue is, and get back to getting married.

KATRICE - I hope so because everybody in here is in shock.

AHMAD - Dude, I am in shock! What's goin' on?

CALVIN - I don't have a clue!

BRANDON - I know one thing, Miri aint kidnap no baby. I know my line brother better than that. That's some bull.

CALVIN - Yeah, I agree.

AHMAD - And how is the king or whatever gonna roll up in here ten deep? What he got the secret service with him or something?

SETH - Yeah, that's crazy! They need to come back out, get the Africans out, and get to the reception! One of those bridesmaids been givin' me the eye since we been in here! So we need to get up out of here!

AHMAD - Speaking of getting up out of here...

(AHMAD looks toward the back of the chapel.)

AHMAD - ...Brandon, isn't that your girl Breanna leaving?

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GARY is in his room on the phone.

GARY - Yeah dog, I gotta study so yall go ahead.

JORDAN - Aight man, you sure? I mean you can go ball and then come back and study.

GARY - Dude, not for this class. I need this shit to graduate and it aint no joke. I got a study partner on the way over here now.

JORDAN - Cool man, well I'll holla at cha lata.

GARY - Peace man.

(They hang up and GARY goes to reading again. His cell phone rings again.)

GARY thinks - Shit! Now what...

(He looks at the display.)

GARY thinks - Oh, okay.

GARY - Hello?

ROSALIND - Hi. I'm downstairs.

GARY - Okay cool, I'll be right down.

(GARY gets up and slips his feet into a pair of slippers. He grabs his keys and walks down the hall.)

GARY - Wassup Slim.

SLIM - What up G.

(They slap hands as GARY walks through the glass doors at the end of the hall.)

GARY - Hey!

ROSALIND - Hi Gary. How you doin'?

(They hug each other.)

GARY - Not good! This test is gonna ace me instead of me acing it!

ROSALIND - Naw, don't think that way.

GARY - You got your id?

ROSALIND - Oh yeah.

(She opens her bag and pulls out her purse. She then gives her id to GARY. He takes hers and his own and signs her in as a visitor.)

GARY - I'll show you what I mean. If you can make sense of this shit, then you're wonder woman!

(ROSALIND laughs as they walk past the glass doors that GARY just came out of.)

ROSALIND - We don't have to go to the elevators?

GARY - Oh no, I'm on the first floor. Right down here.

ROSALIND - Oh okay cool. I've never been in Ogle Hall before.

GARY - You haven't? Well then let me give you the grand tour. First floor, ballas and shot callas. Second floor, pimps and hos.

(ROSALIND laughs loud.)

GARY - Third floor, tricks and playas!

ROSALIND - Oh my!

GARY - And top floor executive suite, VIP only. I can't even get up there.

(They laugh as they walk into GARY's room.)

GARY - Excuse the mess, but you know how it is when you studying.

ROSALIND - Oh I know. This is nice.

GARY - Oh thanks.

ROSALIND - I see you are in the Lisa Raye fan club.

(ROS is looking at a picture on GARY's wall.)

GARY - Hey, you know how it is.

(He smiles.)

ROSALIND - This your mom?

GARY - Oh yeah. This is my mother and this one is my sister.

ROSALIND - Nice.

GARY - Thanks.

(The both sit down.)

ROSALIND - Okay let's get down to business.

GARY - Okay lets. Okay, check this out. I was working on this problem right here right?

ROSALIND - Let me see.

(She pulls out her books and her calculator.)

GARY - I got this problem right here, and see how I applied the steps? But it doesn't come out right. Now that aint the big problem because I can back track.

ROSALIND - Right.

GARY - But then in that, it still comes out wrong.

ROSALIND - Let me see.

(ROS starts to do the problem herself.)

GARY - Wait, why did you just add that?

ROSALIND - Because you have to. Remember?

GARY - No, I don't.

ROSALIND - Oh then there's your problem. See, this last step right here. If this numnber is positive, then you add what's in the column right here.

GARY - Oh! Oh shit.

ROSALIND - Yeah, and if it isn't, then you add what's over here.

GARY - Okay. But how did you know that?

ROSALIND - Mendez said it.

GARY - I must've been asleep.

ROSALIND - Oh no, can't sleep in his class. You miss one little item and you're screwed.

GARY - Like I am now.

ROSALIND - You're not screwed. You're gonna do okay.

GARY - Well thanks for the vote of confidence but you way more confident than I am.

(ROSALIND smiles.)

GARY - And thanks for coming over too. I appreciate it.

ROSALIND - Sure, no problem.

(ROSALIND is a little surprised but smiles when GARY reaches over and kisses her on the cheek.)

(silence)

GARY - Okay, can you help me with this one?

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JASON and WILLIE have gone for a walk. WILLIE has begun to confide in JASON about her insecure feelings of herself in a position of leadership.

WILLIE - I just feel funny nowadays. Like, you ever feel like... like you're just gonna lose it all at any moment? Like you got so much goin' on... and then... its all gone.

JASON - I know how you feel. But you always got a good grip on your stuff. You aint gotta worry about that.

WILLIE - I don't know. I think I failed one of my sorors. She is just fed up and through with DST and I'm trying to think of how I could've saw it coming and tried to prevent it.

JASON - Huh?

WILLIE - Long story. But I'm not doing my job. Ya know? I'm out front but if I aint handlin' the business at home, then what good am I?

JASON - What are you talkin' about? Are you feeling sorry for yourself? Where's the Willie I know? Cuz this aint her.

WILLIE - This is real though J, I'm serious. And it is what it is. Ya know?

JASON - I hear ya, just hard to hear ya. I'm not used to you sounding like this.

(WILLIE stops walking.)

JASON - What's the matter?

(silence)

(WILLIE turns and grabs JASON and they hug deeply.)

JASON thinks - Wha...

(JASON tries to look around through the hug to see if they are being noticed.)

JASON - Are you okay?

(silence)

JASON - Listen... come here, follow me.

(They let go of each otehr and JASON takes her by the hand. He leads her and she follows.)

JASON - Come here, sit down.

WILLIE - But I don't want coffee..

JASON - Just come on anyway.

(They step inside the new Starbucks right on the outskirts of campus. JASON has never been inside but he remembers telling someone that he was so impressed with the way Magic Johnson has taken Starbucks to a whole new level. WILLIE frequents Starbucks all the time.)

JASON - Sit down.

(WILLIE doesn't argue but does what she is told.)

JASON - You sure you don't want anything?

WILLIE - Yeah I'm sure.

JASON - Good cuz I aint got no money anyway.

(JASON smiles and searches WILLIE's face for a laugh. She smiles at him without parting her lips. He then gets back to the matter.)

JASON - So what's going on for real Willster. What's the deal?

WILLIE - I'm sorry for the rush of emotion all of a sudden. You know that's not me.

JASON - This whole scene aint you but I'm playing along.

WILLIE - Its real though ya know. I just feel like I messed up and I keep messing it up. But I mask it well and I hide it behind success. Success that I really don't have.

JASON - You're gonna have to get specific or something because I don't know what the hell you're talking about. You've done so much since you been on campus. Ever since you got here its been one thing after another. What in the world is next for you? President of Ahpla?

(WILLIE smiles.)

WILLIE - Hmmmmm.

JASON - Or at least President of Delta Sigma Theta.

WILLIE - Hmmm hmmmm.

(They both smile.)

WILLIE - See, that's my point. People would look at me and think that the next logical step for me is law school or president of something else. But I don't have the slightest clue how to be president of a university or even a community college. I don't know how to be president of a national sorority. I don't know how to maintain the chapter that I got, so how the hell am I gonna do something real big?

JASON - And because you may have lost one soror, that means that you can't maintain a chapter?

WILLIE - Well...

JASON - The Deltas practically run the yard. Yall are doin' everything. I hate to say it but yall got the AKAs beat hands down on stuff. Yall are always in the community, there's always a new flier on the yard about what yall got goin' on next. You're president of student council, Theresa is vice. I mean, what more do you want?

(silence)

(silence)

JASON - Well?

(WILLIE looks away.)

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REV. BEAUFORD - Please, have a seat.

(MIRI holds a chair for GINA but she refuses to sit immediately.)

GINA - I want to know what this is about! How dare you interfere with our wedding and make such a ridiculous claim in front of my family!

FASAKALA - Family? Family you say! How dare you even bring up family when you attempt to break up mine!

MIRI - Hey! Watch the way you speak with her okay!

REV. BEAUFORD -Excuse me!

(Everyone quiets and looks at the Rev.)

REV. BEAUFORD - Sir, please pronounce your name again?

FASAKALA - I am King Fasakala Swingali.

REV. BEAUFORD - Thank you. Mr. Swingali, please have a seat.

(REV. BEAUFORD gestures toward an open chair across from his desk. The king takes a seat as does GINA. MIRI helps her because she has a hard time sitting down in her dress. MIRI continues to stand as does the king's aid.)

REV. BEAUFORD - Now everyone listen. We need to get to the bottom of this and we won't be able to do that with everyone yelling. Now I understand that what was said is very touchy. But we need to establish a level of communication and respect for one another so we can solve this. And I do not tolerate yelling and arguing in my office. Is everyone clear?

MIRI - Yes.

GINA - Yes.

FASAKALA - Yes. Please pardon my emotional outburst, but this has been very hard of my family and all of us back home.

REV. BEAUFORD - This has taken all of us off guard. I'm sure everyone is way past surprised at this point.

FASAKALA - Please allow me to explain the situation.

REV. BEAUFORD - Please do.

FASAKALA - In my homeland, there are several steps and procedures to adopt a child.

MIRI - And we went through them all!

FASAKALA - To no use young man! You knew that the agency that you utilized was of no merit!

GINA - What!

MIRI - Of no merit?

FASAKALA - They kidnapped my son!

GINA - Kidnapped your son? We went to the agency and they had our son in their records. They have had him since birth. They never mentioned you nor your wife nor our son being of nobility. You are sadly mistaken.

MIRI - Exactly. I'm really sorry about your son being taken from you. But it wasn't by us or by our agency. You have the wrong child sir.

(The king motions to his aid who brings him a briefcase.)

FASAKALA - As you can imagine minister, I am a very busy diplomat. I have dropped all of my engagements for the repair of my family of course.

REV. BEAUFORD - Of course.

FASAKALA - But I need to put this ordeal to an end and return to my native land with my family in tact.

(He opens the briefcase and pulls out some papers.)

REV. BEAUFORD - Well, the young couple may have a point your highness. How do we know that the child which you are seeking after is the child that they have adopted?

FASAKALA - Adopted? Funny choice of phrases.

(The king is looking through some papers.)

FASAKALA - Miri Arriu Bakhan?

MIRI - Yes, that is my full name.

FASAKALA - And Gina Morgan?

GINA - What are you reading from?

(He turns the page around.)

FASAKALA - Do you two remember signing this?

MIRI - Yeah, that was one of the application forms that we signed. But so what? You just got a copy from the agency. That doesn't prove anything.

FASAKALA - Did you sign this?

(He shows them another paper.)

MIRI - Sir, I have copies of every page that you have there. Yes we signed them all. What does that prove? Look, I am more than willing to do whatever I can, whatever we can...

(MIRI takes GINA's hand.)

MIRI - ...to assist you and your family in finding your missing child. If we can help, we will definitely do so. But to pull every single paper that we signed will get us nowhere.

FASAKALA - Well maybe this one can get us somewhere.

(He pulls another one out of the briefcase. It is in a folder by itself.)

FASAKALA - Miri, did you sign this one alone without Miss Morgan on purpose? Or does your bride know about this document as well?

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JASON - I'm sayin' what more do you want?

(WILLIE looks away.)

JASON - Hello? You're on top of the Ahpla world. What more do you want?

(She turns back and looks him directly in his eyes.)

WILLIE - How about someone to share it with.

(silence)

(JASON doesn't lose her glance at all and it becomes a game to see who will turn first. WILLIE then loses.)

JASON - Oh.

(silence)

JASON - Is that what this is about?

WILLIE - No.

(She turns back.)

WILLIE - I told you. I got a lot going on. Not one thing. But several that can add up. Ya know?

(JASON doesn't say anything but stands up.)

JASON - You sure you don't want anything? I'm gonna get some coffee or something.

WILLIE - You don't drink coffee.

JASON - I'm about to start!

(He turns to walk toward the register. WILLIE looks at his butt then turns quickly from a big of guilt. She smiles to herself.)

JASON - Yeah, let me get one of those hot chocolates. Its real chocolatey right?

WORKER - Oh very.

JASON - Good, let me get that.

(JASON turns toward WILLIE as he waits. She is looking away. She then looks at him and he smiles. Then he jokingly throws the Delta sign. She throws the Alpha symbol and poses in her chair.)

JASON thinks - Stupid!

(He gets his cup and pays for it then walks back toward where WILLIE is sitting.)

JASON - Okay look, play time is over. You know I aint into games.

WILLIE - Aint nobody playin' games with you boy!

JASON - Then tell me what you got on your mind. Besides a lot.

(WILLIE hesitates.)

WILLIE - I just... I miss having somebody.

JASON - You do?

WILLIE - Actually...

(She picks up his cup and takes a sip.)

WILLIE - Oooh, hot.

JASON - Sure, have some.

(She winks at him.)

WILLIE - Like I was saying, actually, I'll keep it real with you. Sure. No prob bob.

JASON - Good.

WILLIE - I miss you. I can admit it. I miss having you to talk to. I miss your friendship. Bottom line, I think...

(silence)

WILLIE - I think I need you.

(silence)

(silence)

(silence)

WILLIE - J, don't do that.

JASON - What?

WILLIE - Don't not say anything. You're not saying anything. It took a lot for me to put that out there and you aint got nothin' to say? Your silence is speaking volumes.

JASON - No, it isn't that. You just really caught me off guard. That's all.

WILLIE - My bad.

JASON - You aint sorry shut up.

(She smiles as he laughs.)

JASON - But I don't really know what to say.

WILLIE - Well...

(She crosses her legs and leans in closer.)

WILLIE - ...I'll tell you like I tell my sorors. Say what you feel.

(WILLIE smiles.)

JASON - I feel... um...

(silence)

WILLIE - Oh God. I knew I shouldn't have said anything!

JASON - No it isn't that. I'm just...

(silence)

JASON - ...seeing... somebody... right... now.