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!

SCENE 8
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
sh00t
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)