Shomama - Episode 3
SHOMAMA
Arinze S. Chiji
Episode 3
SCENE 1
MAXWELL
MANSION
THE
LIVING ROOM
(Mariam
is looking outside through the window. Thelma is on the chair going through her
Facebook feed on her phone)
Mariam
They
are here!
Thelma
Thank
God (jumps to her feet as Mariam goes to open the door)
Mariam
(opens
the door. Julian, Bam and Shomama walk in)
Welcome
sir… How is she?
Thelma
Mariam
calm down. Let them sit.
Julian
Excuse
me. I will be in my room (leaves as Bam and Shomama sit)
Thelma
How
is Fikayo?
(no
reply)
Shomama
Mariam,
please can you get me a glass of water?
Mariam
(Hesitates)
Ma?
Now?
Shomama
Yes
please… I am very thirsty.
(Mariam
shakes her head and walks away)
Bam
What
is wrong with her? Women and drama!
Shomama
She
wants to hear the story. She will hear one way or another.
Thelma
Can
we end this already? How is Fikayo? You guys were not picking my calls.
Shomama
She
is okay. She is two month gone.
Thelma
Two
months pregnant?
Shomama
Yes!
She has really stressed herself. The doctor will monitor her for a few days.
Bam
Apparently,
her pregnancy is a delicate one. I wonder why she is stressing herself so much.
What has she been up to lately? It would be sad if she loses this one again.
Thelma
What
does that mean? She has been having miscarriages?
Shomama
(Nods)
She
has also been to different fertility clinics and this one…
Thelma
…is a
product of a fertility clinic. This is heart-breaking.
(Mariam
enters with the glass of water)
Mariam
What
is heart breaking? Is she dead? (Gives Shomama the glass of water)
Shomama
Mariam,
she is fine. She needs to rest.
Mariam
…and?
Bam
(Stands)
I
should go to my room just like Julian.
Shomama
Julian
really tried. He was everywhere.
Bam
Yes…
that’s my son. Always looking out for those he loves.
SCENE
2
ST
MALENS HOSPITAL
(Thelma
is at the front desk. She meets the receptionist typing on a desktop)
Thelma
Good
evening
Receptionist
(Still
typing and doesn’t look up)
Good
evening. How may I help?
Thelma
Eem…
never mind. (Turns to walk away when she bumps into Fikayo)
Fikayo
Thelma?
What are you doing here?
Thelma
Fikayo!
i… i…
Receptionist
Madam
fainty fainty! What are you doing here? You are supposed to be in bed and not
walking around.
Fikayo
I had
to use the toilet but I am lost.
Receptionist
The
bell in your room has a purpose. You should have pressed the bell and a
caregiver would have been by your bedside. Please… stay put while I call one.
Thelma
Just
give me directions and I will take her there.
(The
receptionist looks at Fikayo)
Receptionist
Would
you like that?
Fikayo
Its
fine.
Receptionist
(points
to her left)
Straight
down the corridor. Take the right.
SCENE
3
ST
MALEN’S HOSPITAL
FIKAYO’S
ROOM
(Fikayo
is in bed. Thelma stands with folded arms)
Fikayo
I
told you to sit. I don’t know why you are standing like a mannequin.
Thelma
You
gave us a huge scare! Mariam told us you collapsed and our hearts started to
race.
Fikayo
Collapse?
Interesting. It was just simple fainting o. (shakes her head)
Thelma
It
doesn’t matter. You fell to the ground…
Fikayo
…and
I’m all right. Why are you here?
Thelma
i..
i.. i.. I dropped off my mum at her apartment and decided to see how you were
doing. Although Bam told us that you were okay.
Fikayo
As
you can see.
Thelma
Yes…
that’s great. Try to take care of yourself and the baby.
Fikayo
Who
told you that? Of course… they told you.
Thelma
(nods)
You
will be fine.
Fikayo
Definitely
Thelma
Who
is sleeping over? Your husband?
Fikayo
He is
not in town. He will be here in the morning. I can take care of myself this
night.
Thelma
I
know. You are a strong woman.
Fikayo
Thanks…
Thelma
Thelma
Yes…
Fikayo
Don’t
forget our little converstion. You and your mum should know better. Don’t tear
this family apart. I beg you.
Thelma
We
shouldn’t be talking about this right now. You should get some rest.
Fikayo
(shakes
her head)
Promise
me here and now that you and your mum will stay away from my father and the
Maxwell family. For the sake of my dying mother, do something decent.
Thelma
What
is wrong with you? What is really eating you up?
(A
doctor walks in)
Doctor
Mrs
Abiodun? You are up. (looks at Thelma) is she staying the night?
Thelma
No
doctor, I am leaving. Fikayo, rest well. Good night (leaves the room)
Doctor
I
hope I didn’t frighten her.
Fikayo
Not
at all doctor. She was about to leave.
Doctor
(checks
her vitals with the kit by her bedside)
I will be back in the morning to observe you
again. Sleep tight (he leaves)
Fikayo
(brings
out her phone and dials a number)
Hello…
Doyin.
Doyin
Baby…
how are you? Is everything going okay?
Fikayo
Yes…
I am fine. I am just missing you.
Doyin
I
will be there in the morning. I feel like strangling someone at that airline.
How can they cancel a flight last minute?
Fikayo
It’s
about time we get our private jet.
Doyin
I am
working hard to have all the luxury in this life.
Fikayo
I
know dear.
Doyin
Ireti
has been disturbing my line. She is very worried. I think you should call her.
Fikayo
No, I
think you should call her. I don’t think I can hold any conversation after this
call. I am (yawns) feeling sleepy.
Doyin
Okay…
I will see you in morning. Rest well.
SCENE
4
ABIODUNS’
HOUSE
THE
LIVING ROOM
(Fikayo
sits on a chair while Doyin massages her feet)
Fikayo
Thanks
babe for doing this. I didn’t know how sore my feet had gotten until now.
Doyin
(smiles)
Right?
Fikayo
Yeah…
Doyin
I am
not happy with you.
Fikayo
What
have I done?
Doyin
Why
are you entangling yourself in something that harms your well-being and the
baby’s? You still went ahead to challenge Thelma after I warned you not to.
Fikayo
This
is not what you should be saying!
Doyin
What
should I be saying? Tell me! Your blood pressure shot up within these few days
because of your scheming activities. I have warned Ireti to desist from
involving you with Maxwell family issues for now. Let Ireti handle it.
Fikayo
Maxwell
family is my family! You are forgetting that important fact! My mother is dying
and my father is so insensitive by even thinking remarriage. Do you want Ireti
to leave her sick bed and start fighting for what is right?
Doyin
We
have been trying to have another child for years. We’ve spent money on IVF and
this miracle baby comes along. Don’t ruin this! (he walks away)
Fikayo
Doyin
you are over reacting! (her phone rings and she swipes to answer) Hello? Who is
this?
Caller
It’s
Ireti.
Fikayo
(Shocked)
Ireti…
but this is not a Canadian number.
Ireti
I
know… we are in Nigeria.
Fikayo
We?
You and who?
Ireti
Mum…
have Doyin come pick us at the airport.
SCENE 5
ABIODUNS’ HOUSE
THE LIVING ROOM
(Fikayo.
Doyin, Ireti and a frail looking Adunni look at one another for a few seconds)
Adunni
(clears
throat)
Can
we end this awkward stares? I am here to fight for what is mine. I am here to
fight for my dignity. Bam cannot marry another woman while im alive.
Fikayo
I am
beyond shocked. This was not what I expected (turns to Ireti) Why did you take
such a drastic decision by bringing mum to Nigeria?
Ireti
Ask
your husband. He said I should take charge. How was I supposed to control and
monitor things when im in Canada. A decision had to be made.
Fikayo
…at
the expense of mum’s life?
Adunni
Cut
the crap! Everyone knows im going to die. I’d rather die fighting for my
dignity than not making an attempt.
Doyin
What
dignity are you talking about? You left Bam remember? The two of you are
separated and in the process of a divorce. I don’t understand this vendetta.
Adunni
Sometimes,
I wonder why Fikayo ended up with you. You are not deserving of my girl. I
built everything Bam has and i toiled with him. I won’t let Josephine win this
one. I allowed Julian into the family and that’s where it stops. She can never
marry Bam! Over my dead body!
Doyin
Josephine?
You guys didn’t tell her.
(Fikayo
and Ireti look away)
Adunni
Tell
me what?
Doyin
This
is definitely a lost cause. You are wrong to come here.
Adunni
What
is going on? What don’t I know?
Fikayo
Mum…
Dad is not marrying Josephine.
Adunni
Who
is he marrying?
Ireti
We…
Adunni
Who
is he marrying?
Fikayo
Soyemi…
your friend.
Adunni
Soyemi…
as in Shomama?
(Fikayo
and Ireti nod)
Adunni
(stands
to her feet)
I
need to rest my head.
Ireti
Mum…
we are sorry. Are you okay?
Adunni
(Nods)
Yes,
im fine. Doyin please show me to a room where I can rest my head.
SCENE 6
ABIODUNS’ HOUSE
THE DINING TABLE
(Adunni
has an empty plate in front of her. Fikayo enters and looks at her for a few
seconds)
Fikayo
Mum…
you have not said anything.
Adunni
(smiles)
This
was not the reaction you expected right?
Fikayo
(Nods)
Yes…
you need to let it out.
Adunni
I
heard you are pregnant again.
Fikayo
Mum…
that’s the least of my worries.
Adunni
Worry
less dear. Its best for the baby (smiles) I need to see Bam right now.
Fikayo
What?
Adunni
(Stands
abruptly)
Take
me to the mansion. I need to see Bam right now.
Fikayo
Have
you thought this through?
Adunni
Fikayo,
I need to see Bam.
Fikayo
Okay…
let me grab my bag… or something.
SCENE 7
MAXWELL MANSION
THE LIVING ROOM
(Mariam
ushers Thelma and Tolu into the living room)
Mariam
You
are welcome.
Thelma
Thanks
Mariam
However,
your mum is not here.
Tolu
This
is her father’s house!
Thelma
(slightly
shoves Tolu)
Don’t
mind her. I came to see Julian.
Tolu
Yeah…
her step brother. Tell him that his big sister is here.
Thelma
Tolu!
Stop na…
(Mariam
rolls her eyes and leaves)
Tolu
Did
you see the way she just rolled her eyes?
Thelma
You
caused it.
Tolu
How?
The glorified servant was giving us attitude from the door. I could sense it
even with the big smile. She can’t fool me. I know her type. You need to tell
her off from the beginning. She doesn’t like you dear. She is just tolerating
you.
Thelma
How
can you sum up all these things in less than a minute?
Tolu
Instincts
baby! You should learn from me dear. I won’t be here forever!
Thelma
Shut
up!
(Mariam
enters again)
Tolu
(Claps
dramatically)
Oh!
The ogre is here!
Mariam
Excuse
me?
Tolu
(smiles)
I was
just greeting you ma.
Mariam
Mrs
Thelma or Miss Thelma, Mr Julian will see you in his room alone.
Tolu
(hisses)
Funny
lady! I thought I just heard ‘room’ and ‘alone’ in the same sentence with
Julian. Can I join?
Thelma
Please
sit down abeg. Mariam please get her something to drink. The b…. is always
thirsty.
Mariam
Is
that a medical condition too?
Tolu
Ask
Google biko. Get me something to drink (goes to the sofa to sit and crosses her
legs)
Thelma
(Chuckles)
Character!
Mariam
I don’t like being disrespected. I don’t like
your friend one bit.
Tolu
The
feeling is mutual dear!
MAXWELL MANSION
JULIAN’S ROOM
(The
door is slightly open. Thelma enters to see Julian reading a business magazine
on his bed)
Thelma
Hi
Julian
(Puts
down the magazine and smiles)
Hey!
Come in
Thelma
I’m
in.
Julian
So…
you would rather stand so far away?
Thelma
I’m
fine here.
(Brief
silence)
Julian
Are
you going to say something? You wanted to see me.
Thelma
Yes…
I mean… I have a lot of questions on my mind.
Julian
Shoot
Thelma
I
don’t want to jump into conclusions. I made a mistake by not letting you
explain the other day. I should have let you defend yourself.
Julian
Defend
myself? How? I didn’t commit any offence.
Thelma
Julian
I caught you red handed. First with your mum at the mall and then with Fikayo
here in the mansion. It definitely looks like a plot to take Shomama out of the
picture. It can’t be coincidence.
Julian
More
than anything, I want my father to be happy. He finds happiness in your mum.
Why would I want to jeopardise that?
Thelma
So,
it’s just separate vendettas from the two women?
Julian
My
mum wants me to do something that is so despicable. She wants me to arm twist
Bam into marrying her.
Thelma
How?
Julian
Fikayo
on the other hand was here to fight for her mum.
Thelma
Your
mum wants you to arm twist Bam into marrying her. How?
Julian
Can
we leave that for some other time? Like I said, I have a toxic mother. I am all
for Bam and Shomama. They deserve to be happy.
(Mariam
enters)
Mariam
Sorry
for interrupting. Chief and Shomama are around.
Thelma
Okay.
Thanks. We will be downstairs in a minute.
(Mariam
leaves)
Julian
I
didn’t plan on leaving my room today.
Thelma
You
have no option brother. Besides, my bestie is here. She is dying to meet you.
Julian
Who?
Thelma
Tolu
from the mall
Julian
Oh my
goodness! That lady is a whole mood!
SCENE 9
THE MAXWELL MANSION
THE LIVING ROOM
(Thelma,
Bam, Shomama, Tolu and Julian watch the television with each carrying a bowl of
popcorn)
Tolu
This
lady will die in the end.
Thelma
Tolu
please stop na! We know you’ve seen this movie ten times. Don’t spoil this
movie for us
Tolu
Julian
is not complaining. That is all that matters dear.
(They
all laugh)
Bam
Your
friend is a dose of good life.
(A
knock on the door)
Tolu
(Shouts)
Mariam!
Come and open the door o!
(Mariam
goes to open the door with a frown amidst giggles from Shomama and Julian.
Thelma gives Tolu a hard stare)
Thelma
What
is wrong with you?
Tolu
No be
her job? Abeg free me!
Mariam
(Shouts)
Madam
Adunni!
(They
all jump to their feet in shock and see a frail looking Adunni and Fikayo at
the door)
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