The opening scene of the saga story depicts a rich Nigerian family, the Baloguns, enjoying a Sunday afternoon meal in the luxurious Banana Island, Lagos. Despite being a powerful player in Nigerian politics, Chief Balogun is shown to be just like an...
I can not hold a pen For my hands are quivering at the words left unsaid. My soul has wondered into my subconscious My mind lost in in-depth thoughts How I desired for time to be at my feet For the clock to cheat nature For my beloved to smile again For chaos to leave me be. Guilt has before me My fate has seduced me I can not weep for a lost soul For I'm lost in all my ways If only my tongue were sealed at the last moment Thy soul would not leave me be If only I could time travel I would take the last bus to our memories
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|CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND| "Maria cries out to Bayo and grabs him by the arm."
MARIA Bayo, let him be.
BAYO (He pushes her away and delivers an extra punch to Taiwo's bleeding cheeks) Why, Taiwo? You of all people know how I feel about Simi. I almost died when she was betrothed to you. If you don't want her, why didn't you say something?
TAIWO (He struggles to sit on the bed) I don't know, Bayo.
BAYO How dare you? (He attempts to punch Taiwo's face again)
MARIA (She jumps in front of Bayo) Bayo, stop, please. (Tears stream down her eyes)
BAYO (He points at Maria) And you, how could you do this to me? I treated you like a sister. You were the one person I never got mad at. I love you like I love my sisters. Why, Maria?
MARIA I'm sorry, Bayo. Please do not tell anyone, Bayo, ejor.
TAIWO Don't take it out on her, Bayo. It's all my fault. Let Maria be.
BAYO I thought you were the saint, brother? The brother who everyone believes is perfect. Yet you cannot stay faithful to a woman you are married to.
TAIWO I cannot stay faithful to the chains your grandfather has put me in. Do you think it's easy to wake up every morning to a woman that you clearly have nothing in common with? A woman that I cannot connect with? Do you know what it takes to be me?
BAYO I do not care about you or your feelings, Taiwo. She loves you; that is all that matters. You had the chance to call it off, but you didn't. You have no excuse for your shortcomings, brother. You have messed up big time, and it will cost you a lot beyond your imagination. (He walks out of the room)
MARIA (She sits beside Taiwo) I'm sorry.
TAIWO Go.
MARIA Why? I can't leave you this way.
TAIWO Do you realize what Bayo could do with the information he just learned?
MARIA I know, but I can't leave you this way. Give me a minute; I will get the first aid box. (She walks out of the room)
"Taiwo lies on the bed, holding onto his tummy."
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"Adebisi walks onto the balcony and notices Bisola lost in thought."
ADEBISI (She turns to Bisola) You know that glass of wine won't drink itself.
MRS. B BALOGUN (She turns to Adebisi) Are you suggesting I drink to forget the pain of losing a daughter?
ADEBISI No, I didn't know what else to say. I just wanted to get your attention, hoping that I could make you believe that everything would be alright. Please accept my condolences.
MRS. B BALOGUN Thank you. (She sips her glass of wine)
ADEBISI I'm Miss Agnis. (She extends a formal handshake)
MRS. B BALOGUN I'm Bisola. (She shakes her hand)
ADEBISI Nice to meet you. (She wears a smile)
MRS. B BALOGUN You too.
ADEBISI Yeah. (She exhales and inhales)
MRS. B BALOGUN I slapped her. That was my last interaction with her. Eniola had always been strong-willed, stubborn, and bold. I am a mother who believes a child must adhere to their parents' instructions. We argued and disagreed on many things. (Tears roll down her swollen red cheeks)
ADEBISI (She slowly places her left hand on Bisola's back) Everything will be fine. My words may be meaningless to your ears at this moment, especially because I'm practically a stranger to you, but I hope you find my presence comforting.
MRS. B BALOGUN You are not a stranger. Who doesn't know the popular Oil Billionaire who is stealing the spotlight from notable men and women in Lagos? Your name is on the lips of both the rich and the poor.
ADEBISI You still find the strength to flatter me. Hmm, you are a strong woman, I must say.
MRS. B BALOGUN I don't know about that. I have done things I am not proud of, and I'm close to the edge. The consequences of my actions are slowly catching up to me.
ADEBISI (She pretends to be clueless) What do you mean?
MRS. B BALOGUN It's nothing. Thank you for coming. (She wears a forced smile on her face and walks out of the scene)
