Our Christmas Miracle – Episode 3

Our Christmas Miracle – Episode 3

© Arinze S. Chiji

SCENE 12

CHRISTMAS EVE

MARYLAND MALL

THE PARKING LOT

(Kunle is in his car swiping his phone. A knock on the window startles him)

Kunle

Bisola!

(He winds down)

Bisola

Some men are following us.

Kunle

Stop being paranoid. Where are the boys?

Bisola

They are coming.

(Two boys approach the car with grocery bags)

Boy 1

We didn’t get anything. Mum just stopped us from shopping.

Kunle

Bisola?

Bisola

Kunle… I know what I saw. Please, let’s get out of here.

(Justina emerge from a dark part of the lot)

Justina

Daddy!

Bisola

(To the boys)

Get into the car now!

(Fifteen men in mufti appear from the darkness with guns and surround the car)

Officer 1

Kunle Ladipo step down from the vehicle! Slowly!

Bisola

(Screams)

Jesus!

(Bisola is handcuffed as Kunle steps down from the car. Thelma and Shomama appear from the darkness. They watch as Kunle is handcuffed. A crowd had gathered. Thelma approaches Kunle)

Thelma

Why did you do it? Why?

Kunle

You left me and lived like I didn’t exist.

Thelma

I don’t remember it that way. You left me to be with another woman. You thought I was going to crumble and come back to you, begging.

Kunle

I am sorry.

Thelma

You are a beast! You almost ruined my life and your daughter’s. You will rot in hell!

SCENE 13

IVORY BOUTIQUE

(Thelma walks in with Justina. Joyce hugs them at the entrance)

Joyce

Merry Christmas dears.

Thelma and Justina

Merry Christmas

Thelma

(Smiles)

You know why we are here!

Joyce

(Sighs)

Of course I do!

Thelma

Is there a problem?

Joyce

The dress has been sold.

Thelma

What!

Joyce

I told you na. That dress is hotcake.

Thelma

No! Can you get in touch with the person? I don’t know maybe we can work something out.

Joyce

(Shakes her head)

Not at all. I’m so sorry. You can pick something else from the rack. I’m sure Justina won’t mind. Excuse me… let me attend to other customers while you make your choice.

Justina

Mum!

Thelma

Princess? I’m sorry.

Justina

You don’t need to be. I really wanted that dress but I can get something else. I am just glad we worked as a team to cage our monsters. Femi, Ebube and Kunle will spend Christmas in prison. It’s enough consolation for me.

Thelma

You have a dark and twisted mind! (Smiles)

Justina

Oh! I’m pained (clutches her chest)

Thelma

Drama queen!

(They burst into laughter as Joyce approach them)

Joyce

Have you made a decision?

Justina

Oh! Yes!

Joyce

Perfect! So which dress are you picking?

Justina

Not today… we are just going to settle for some ice cream at the creamery down the road. Right mum?

Thelma

Sure darling! Joyce, thanks for the troubles.

Joyce

Whatever! (Walks away)

SCENE 14

CHRISTMAS DAY

SHOMAMA’S HOUSE

(Shomama, Thelma and Justina are under the Christmas tree unwrapping gifts)

Shomama

(Hugs a knitted sweater)

Oh! Thanks Princess for this work of love.

Justina

I spent my spare time in boarding school carefully knitting with love.

(Thelma gives Shomama a box)

Shomama

(Unwraps it to find a gold necklace)

Thelma! This must have cost a fortune.

Thelma

Remember? Frivolous spending? I got it in Dubai.

Shomama

Oh dear! What did I do to deserve this?

Thelma and Justina

Drama!

(Laugh)

Shomama

(Laughs and gives Justina a box)

Your turn. Unwrap.

Justina

Yes! (Unwraps the box and reveals a dress)

Thelma

(Shouts)

The dress from Ivory boutique! Shomama!

Justina

Grandma… you… You…

Shomama

Yes. Your mum was really killing herself because she couldn’t afford it. You two were too engrossed in the case and I decided to save the day.

Justina

(hugs shomama)

I love you Grandma.

Shomama

I love you too, Princess.

(A knock on the door)

Thelma

(jumps to her feet)

I will get it…. And thanks mum.

Shomama

Go and open door jare!

(Thelma goes to open the door. It’s a delivery man. She signs the acceptance form, collects the box and closes the door)

Thelma

It’s for you Shomama

Shomama

Me? From who? Open it.

Thelma

(Opens the box, reveals a diamond bracelet, sees a note and reads)

Ololufe mi, it’s been a while. You never left my heart. I miss you. From Bam.

Justina

Ha! Shomama!

Shomama

Who asked you to read the note?

Thelma

(laughs)

Yeeeaaah! Grandma is hooked o! Who is Bam?

Shomama

Be asking question that sango cannot answer. Mind your business!

(They laugh hard)

THE END