Episode 33

MELINDA FERGUSON is sitting in the Starbucks on Ahpla's campus. She is sitting by herself.

(MELINDA dials on her cell phone.)

SOROR BERGEN - Hello?

MELINDA - Hey, its Mel.

SOROR BERGEN - Hi, how are you dear?

MELINDA - Just fine. Your husband feeling better?

SOROR BERGEN - I'll tell ya, the worst thing about that man is the fact that he can't move around. His knee is still giving him problems but he's in much more pain by not being able to get around the house and fix and unfix things.

(MELINDA laughs.)

SOROR BERGEN - Men.

MELINDA - Yeah.

SOROR BERGEN - What are you doing?

MELINDA - I have an appointment in a few minutes, I'm just waiting for them to arrive.

SOROR BERGEN - Okay. How are things progressing?

MELINDA - Just fine. That old fuddy duddy Colin won't know what hit him!

SOROR BERGEN - Melinda Ferguson!

MELINDA - What?

SOROR BERGEN - I told you before, focus on the issues and the advancement of the university. Not on Dr. Mwatsumi!

MELINDA - I know I know, I was just kidding.

SOROR BERGEN - Yeah right.

(They both laugh.)

MELINDA - Oh, here's my appointment coming in now. I'll call you later.

SOROR BERGEN - Okay, goodbye.

(MELINDA closes her phone as VALERIE EDWARDS approaches.)

VALERIE - Mel.

MELINDA - Val Harris! How are you doing?

(MELINDA stands up and hugs VALERIE.)

VALERIE - I'm well, and yourself?

MELINDA - Couldn't be better. How's coach?

VALERIE - He's good. Getting the team ready for March.

MELINDA - That's great. I'm so proud of the way he handles the department. And proud of you too Val. I mean, look at you. High profile lawyer, huge firm, isn't it great to see how far we've come?

VALERIE - Cut to the chase Mel. I know you didn't call me here to speak about my accomplishments in life.

(MELINDA gets serious but still smiles as they sit down.)

MELINDA - You know me well Val.

VALERIE - That's what I'm afraid of.

MELINDA - You? Afraid of me? Oh perish the thought.

(VALERIE just stares at MELINDA. She doesn't respond. She crosses her legs and folds her arms slowly.)

MELINDA - Okay okay, I'll cut to the chase. I see you're in no mood for joking around.

VALERIE - Thank you.

MELINDA - Same old Valerie Harris. Always taking life so seriously.

VALERIE - Same old Melinda Morgan, never taking life serious enough.

(They both smile sarcastically at each other.)

VALERIE - So what's this all about Mel?

MELINDA - You know I'm running for office.

VALERIE - Yeah, I know.

MELINDA - And you know who my competition is.

VALERIE - Yes, I know that too.

MELINDA - Well then you also know that I need some help. I can't do this by myself.

VALERIE - By yourself?

MELINDA - Yes. Bottom line Val, I need you.

VALERIE - Me? Why me?

MELINDA - Isn't it obvious? You are the epitome of the Ahpla University graduate. You and I both fulfilled what we went to Ahpla U for. You're the perfect poster child for any student. Those students need role models like you and I to aspire to. Every kid on that campus wants to be either me or you.

VALERIE - That's not a good reason.

MELINDA - You met your husband at Ahpla. You stayed in the area of the university because of his love for the athletic department. You are a strong supporter of the school when we can't even get fifty percent of alumni to give annually.

(VALERIE is listening.)

MELINDA - Val, how many female students that came through Ahpla can honestly say that both them and their college roommate came out to be as successful as you and I are right now?

VALERIE - You're losing your arguement Mel.

MELINDA - I'm not in court Valerie. Just hear me out.

(MELINDA continues.)

MELINDA - Look, I recognize your power and I know my personal weaknesses. I need you Val. I need your support.

(silence)

MELINDA - And uh...

(MELINDA picks up her cup of coffee and blows into it to cool it.)

MELINDA - - ...and honestly, you need me too.

VALERIE - I need you? How so?

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SHARONDA has left her cousins, MIYA and MONA alone with each other. MIYA is on line pledging Zeta Phi Beta sorority incorporated.

(The door fully opens and MIYA looks in disbelief.)

MONA - Little Miss Miya... my little sister... pledging. How crazy is that?

MIYA - What the hell are you doing her...

(MONA slaps MIYA across her face as hard as she can.)

MONA - Don't speak back to a Greek! You got the nerve to pledge this stupid sorority? Fine! I'm bout to make your life a living hell!

(MIYA holds the side of her face and looks back at her sister in shock.)

MONA - Now that we've established who's in charge, lets get down to busin...

(MIYA jumps on MONA and tackles her to the ground.)

MIYA - I'll kill you if you ever call Zeta Phi Beta stupid! I'll kill you!

(MIYA is banging MONA's head on the floor.)

MONA - Hey! Get off me! Get off me!

MIYA - Don't ever call Zeta Phi Beta stupid!

(MIYA punches MONA in her face.)

MONA - Ow hey! Get the hell off me!

(The door flies open and SHARONDA rushes in.)

SHARONDA - What's all that bangin... oh my God!

(SHARONDA runs over and grabs MIYA. She pushes her off MONA.)

SHARONDA - Stop it! Stop it right now!

MIYA - I'm gonna kill Mona! Kill her!

SHARONDA - Miya shut up!

MIYA - She called Zeta Phi Beta stupid!

SHARONDA - Too Much Lip! Zip it!

(MIYA shuts up and gets into her pledgee stance.)

SHARONDA - Are you okay?

(SHARONDA extends a hand to help MONA up.)

MONA - Yeah... it'll take more than one of your pledgees to get to me.

SHARONDA - Oh yeah? It looks to me like my pledgee handled you pretty well cuz.

(SHARONDA laughs.)

MONA - Shut up!

(SHARONDA turns to MIYA.)

SHARONDA - What the hell is your problem Lip?

MIYA - She called Zeta Phi Beta sorority incorporated stupid! And she hit me!

SHARONDA - So what? Look who we're dealing with! You know how your sister is!

MONA - Shut up!

SHARONDA - Apologize to Mona.

MIYA - What!

SHARONDA - Too Much Lip!

MIYA - I'm sorry.

SHARONDA - Good.

(She turns to MONA.)

SHARONDA - And what the hell are you doing putting your hands on my pledgee? You were supposed to talk to her!

MONA - First of all, why the heck is...

SHARONDA - Wait wait, come here...

(SHARONDA walks out of the room, MONA follows her. MONA is fixing her hair.)

SHARONDA - Oh and Miya, see if you can behave yourself... alone!

(SHARONDA slams the door.)

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MELINDA FERGUSON is talking with her long time friend VALERIE EDWARDS and trying to gain her support.

MELINDA - Look, I recognize your power and I know my personal weaknesses. I need you Val. I need your support.

(silence)

MELINDA - And uh...

(MELINDA picks up her cup of coffee and blows into it to cool it.)

MELINDA - - ...and honestly, you need me too.

VALERIE - I need you? How so?

(MELINDA sips her coffee.)

MELINDA - How secure is Coach's job?

VALERIE - Excuse me?

MELINDA - You heard my question.

(VALERIE unfolds her arms and leans forward a little.)

VALERIE - I know you know better then to threaten me.

(MELINDA responds calmly.)

MELINDA - Oh no threat. But you know as well as I do that since Derrick Thomas graduated and went on to the NBA, the team hasn't been the same and everyone is pointing fingers at Coach.

VALERIE - The team is just fine and so is he.

MELINDA - Really? That's not what the president of the alumni association is saying. And you can't act like these things don't get to your ears, or more importantly, your husband's..

VALERIE - That's none of my business. I deal with my work, he coaches. I don't get involved in what he does with his team or his department.

MELINDA - Oh stop with the bull Valerie. I'm not a client. You're talking to Mel. I know both you and Coach are very concerned with what is happening in athletics. And don't think I don't know how influential you were in getting him appointed to his position and to the board.

(VALERIE keeps her stern look but doesn't respond.)

MELINDA - And you know just as well as I do that Derrick saved his job two years ago just by getting drafted. When is the next Derrick Thomas coming along? And that means limited support, limited dollars, limited access and opportunities. If we lose in the playoffs this year to a team like Hampton or Amgis or Coppin State, what do you think is gonna happen to your husband?

VALERIE - It isn't my concern.

MELINDA - One income in your household isn't your concern?

(VALERIE starts to collect her things.)

VALERIE - I should've known when you called that I could've avoided this meeting.

MELINDA - Help me get the presidency. Help me dismantle the Dr. And I'll make sure your husband stays, gets an increased working budget and we'll build a new basketball gymnasium.

VALERIE - With what budget? You gonna pay for it out of your pocket?

MELINDA - You don't worry about how I do what I do. I promise you I will build him a state of the art gym. That will attract some of the best high school talent around and bring back alum support. That's what brings the dollars back in the first place right?

(VALERIE throws her coat over her arm and stands up.)

VALERIE - Good seeing you again Melinda.

MELINDA - Always my pleasure Val, always.

(They shake hands but MELINDA doesn't let go.)

MELINDA - Will you help me?

VALERIE - How well do you know me Mel?

(MELINDA smiles a big smile.)

MELINDA - Good old Val Harris.

VALERIE - Same old Melinda.

(They let go of each other's hands. VALERIE starts to walk away.)

MELINDA - What's the big case you working on now Val?

VALERIE - Pretty big. Actually, I'm going across town to settle some things on it now.

MELINDA - Oh yeah? That big real estate gig across town?

VALERIE - No. Amgis. I have a student rally on campus to shut down. Call me.

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The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta, WILLIE, BREANNA, CHRISTIAN, and ROBIN are starting their chapter meeting.

WILLIE - Okay sorors, we got two important things to discuss.

ROBIN - Three things!

WILLIE - Okay... three things.

(ROBIN laughs.)

BREANNA - Three? I thought we were talking about intake and elections?

ROBIN - And my going away party! Yall better set it out for me!

(Everyone laughs.)

WILLIE - Let's talk about intake first.

(Everyone pays attention.)

WILLIE - I want to suggest that we do things a little different this time.

CHRISTIAN - How so?

BREANNA - I'm all ears because this is all new to me.

WILLIE - I just don't want to happen what happened last year with Theresa. The chapter went through all the time and effort to make a soror only for her to leave the sisterhood. What a waste.

(BREANNA doesn't care for that comment but doesn't say anything.)

CHRISTIAN - So how do we guard against something like that happening again?

WILLIE - Our screening process. We need to set up much more than what we do now. We can't let people like Theresa slip through the cracks.

BREANNA - Well how are we supposed to know? I mean, she did everything that she was asked to do and it wasn't until she got into the chapter that she became dissatisfied. So who would've known?

WILLIE - I knew! I knew her heart was never in this. She was doing this all for the wrong reasons from day one. She only does things to spite me, to get at me. She wants to be like me so bad and she can't so it eats at her.

BREANNA - That's not true at all. There's no way she would've gone through all that we had to go through just to prove a point to you. It wasn't worth all that.

WILLIE - You don't understand the nature of my relationship to Theresa.

BREANNA - And you don't understand that nature of mine.

ROBIN - Sorors...

WILLIE - I don't know why you keep defending her? She left you hanging more than the rest of us!

ROBIN - Willie!

(WILLIE looks over at ROBIN.)

ROBIN - That's enough.

WILLIE - All I'm saying is, we need to be more selective and careful in our screening process. That's all.

(BREANNA doesn't respond.)

CHRISTIAN - Willie's right though. Bump Theresa, we need to move on.

ROBIN - But this aint about her, this is about us. Grant it, we can take this suggestion from Willie and apply it somehow. But don't make the focal point of this whole thing Theresa. If she doesn't want to be associated with the chapter or the sorority or whatever, so be it. We cannot keep her as our focal point. If we change policy, then change it for the betterment of Delta Sigma Theta on Ahpla's campus.

CHRISTIAN - We sure are gonna miss you Robin!

(Everyone laughs.)

WILLIE - You're right. I apologize. This whole thing with me and Theresa is very personal.

BREANNA - Me too.

WILLIE - Anyway, let's talk about the election instead. We can come back to intake because that's a longer discussion anyway.

ROBIN - Longer than elections? How so?

WILLIE - Well, think about it. I'm going out as president. That leaves the vacancy open to either Chris or Bree. Chris was dean last year... so she probably doesn't want to be dean of the upcoming line. That leaves the vacancy open of that spot for either myself or Bree. I know good and well I aint tryin' to be no dean.

ROBIN - I see what you're saying. So that means that by default Breanna would be the next dean...

CHRISTIAN - And I would be the next president of the chapter...

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SHARONDA slams the door and leaves MONA by herself in the room again.

SHARONDA - You hit Miya?

MONA - She's lying!

SHARONDA - Keep your voice down stupid! You won't supposed to touch her! I wanted you to talk to her, as her big sister!

MONA - She's impossible to talk to! It isn't my fault!

SHARONDA - Yeah right! Let me get you out of here before Kim has my head!

(MIYA waits a second to see if the door is going to re-open. It doesn't.)

MIYA thinks - Damn! Damn!

(She punches in the air and wipes away her tears.)

MIYA - I'm gonna kill Mona when this is all over! God I hate her!

(She looks around the room, then looks back at the door. She looks around the room again and sees a telephone on the desk. She slowly makes her way to it.)

MIYA thinks - I hope my line sisters are okay downstairs! I hope Mona doesn't get to talk to them too!

(She picks up the phone while at the same time reaching into her pocket. She pulls out her pledgee handbook and looks on the inside. She pulls out a small slip of paper tucked inside one of the back pages.)

MIYA thinks - No better time than the present!

(She checks the door again before dialing.)

(silence)

(MIYA dials the number on the little small piece of paper.)

MARTIN whispers - Hello?

MIYA whispers - Martin?

MARTIN whispers - Hello?

MIYA whispers - Martin!

MARTIN whispers - Yeah, who is this?

MIYA whispers - This is Miya!

MARTIN whispers - Who?

MIYA whispers - Miya! The girl you met who's pledging! Remember? In McDonald's!

MARTIN whispers - Oh yeah... hi.

MIYA whispers - Are you asleep?

MARTIN whispers - Yeah... I dozed off.

MIYA whispers - I'm sorry... I didn't mean to...

MARTIN whispers - No no, it's okay. I wasn't supposed to fall asleep, I was suppos...

(silence)

MIYA whispers - Hello?

MARTIN whispers - Huh... oh yeah. I uh...

MIYA whispers - Listen! I need for you to wake up Martin!

MARTIN whispers - I'm up I'm up...

MIYA whisppers - Listen... are you listening?

MARTIN whispers - Yeah yeah, I'm here.

MIYA whispers - When we met you told me to call you if I ever needed anything... well I need something!

MARTIN whispers - What you need Miya?

MIYA whispers - First of all, I need to know if you can do it.

MARTIN whispers - Do what?

(MIYA pauses.)

MIYA - Do you know any of the AKAs on campus?

MARTIN whispers - Um... yeah. Well I don't know em, I have to greet em and do things for them and stuff. I've met them all...

MIYA - Do you know Mona Ferguson?

MARTIN whispers - Who?

MIYA - Mona... Ferguson... AKA.

MARTIN whispers - What is her big sister name?

MIYA - I didn't think you knew her. Listen, I need you to do me a favor and if you do, you can have your date with me!

MARTIN whispers - I'm awake now!

MIYA whispers - I need you to find Mona Ferguson... it shouldn't be too hard.

MARTIN whispers - You said she's an AKA?

MIYA whispers - Yeah... but don't look there. You won't find her there.

MARTIN whispers - Okay... so what do I do when I find this mysterious AKA?

(MIYA looks back at the door.)

(silence)

MIYA whispers - You find that AKA... and I want you to kick her ass!

MARTIN - What?

MIYA - You heard exactly what I said... I want her hurt, and you're the person I want to do it!

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WILLIE - Those are our options.

ROBIN - Wow, I had never thought about it.

ROBIN thinks - Christian as president of the chapter! God!

CHRISTIAN - Me neither.

WILLIE - Stop lying Chris, yes you have!

CHRISTIAN - No, really. I haven't.

BREANNA - You don't like well Chris.

(Everyone laughs including CHRISTIAN.)

CHRISTIAN - Okay okay, I have thought about it once or twice.

WILLIE - Now here's the deal. Usually when a person hits senior year and gets ready to graduate, they don't support the chapter as much as they once did. They focus on grad school or just getting out of here. We've got to change that. And not only that, we need to call on sorors that are already graduates but still in the area.

ROBIN - I agree.

WILLIE - There are plenty of sorors that are here that we only see at homecoming. But now more than ever we need support and we need to stand behing both Christian and Bree.

CHRISTIAN - I know that's right.

WILLIE - So with that being said, I reached out to a few sorors myself. Robin, I spoke to your line sisters Devonya and Lynn.

ROBIN - You did?

WILLIE - Yeah. It was good to speak to my prophytes.

ROBIN - You speak to them heffas more than I do!

(Everyone laughs.)

WILLIE - Well you know Lynn is real caught up with the wedding.

BREANNA - When is the wedding?

WILLIE - Its in June but that might as well be next week according to her.

ROBIN - Yeah, she's freakin' out. I don't even call her no more!

WILLIE - But they're both willing to support us fully.

CHRISTIAN - That's great.

WILLIE - Also, I called...

(There is a knock on the door.)

WILLIE - Wow! Perfect timing!

(WILLIE gets up and walks to open the door.)

WILLIE - Hey soror!

STACIE - Hey soror!

(WILLIE and STACIE hug.)

BREANNA thinks - Oh my God!

CHRISTIAN thinks - Oh my God!

ROBIN - Stace!

WILLIE - I called Stacie and asked her to come back and support us as well. And... well... here she is.

STACIE - Hi sorors!

(ROBIN gets up to give STACIE a hug. BREANNA slowly follows. CHRISTIAN doesn't move at first.)

ROBIN - Hey lady! How you been?

STACIE - Making it. Doing well.

(They hug and squeeze each other. When they let go, BREANNA is standing there.)

BREANNA - Hello Stacie.

STACIE - Come here soror!

(STACIE takes BREANNA and gives her a big hug.)

STACIE whipers - Its good to see you.

BREANNA - Its so good to see you too Stacie.

(They let go and STACIE looks at CHRISTIAN who just stood up.)

STACIE - Hey soror.

CHRISTIAN - Hi Stacie, hows it going?

(They approach each other and hug.)

STACIE - I'm good. I heard you got a lot of responsibility in the chapter next year.

CHRISTIAN - Seems like it.

WILLIE - Okay sorors, let's sit back down and get back to business. I really appreciate Stacie coming back and I wanted to give her a chance to say a few words if she chooses to.

(Everyone sits down, STACIE remains standing.)

STACIE - Oh... uh... well, let me just say that I was so glad when Willie called me last week. As you all know, I have been out of the loop because of my personal life. But I have a tremendous love for Delta and I can't shake that no matter how hard I try. I love this sorority and I love this school.

(Everyone is paying close attention and she continues.)

STACIE - Just to let you know where I am in my life, my divorce from Alex is final. We have worked out visitation rights for our children but I am placing that situation behind me. I have moved on. There's still a lot of emotion involved with that, but the past is the past and I am ready to forge ahead in my career.

BREANNA - That's great!

ROBIN - Yeah!

STACIE - As you also know, my career has me in several important circles and our firm is in a great position.

ROBIN - Can I borrow a dollar?

(Everyone laughs.)

STACIE - Sure, send me an invoice and I'll send you your dollar.

(STACIE smiles as everyone laughs.)

WILLIE - Well thanks Stace, we really appreciate...

STACIE - Hold on one second, I have one more thing. Is that okay?

WILLIE - Oh that's fine! I thought you were finished. Take as much time as you want.

STACIE - Just one more thing.

(STACIE smiles.)

STACIE - Like I was saying, my career is at an all time high. I'm making major moves. And its time for me to take it to the top, to the next level.

ROBIN - Stacie, what are you saying?

STACIE - There's going to be a vacancy in the office of president of Ahpla University. And guess what... I just worked it out through some of my ex husband's contacts and a few of my own... I'm gonna run for the position myself!