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"Copyright (c) 2010 This screenplaymay not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author." I GOT YOU BY MUONEKE CHIDIEBERE OVER, then there are simple words in white lettering: I GOT YOU We, hear, D banj, "fall in love"…… INT. JOHN'S HOUSE___BIG WEEDING DAY In Mr. John Collins's big, comfortable sitting room. There is music and dancing and laughing and tables covered with wine and food. There is also a table with some wedding presents upon it. A wedding has been in progress. It is wedding of Mr. John Collins and Miss Mary Jackson. John is a husky man, around thirty or thirty-two and Mary is a preened, slender, beautiful woman in her late twenties. There are buzzes of conversation in the sitting room. The bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are gleaming and conversing to each other about the marriage ceremony. They are later joined by bride's cousin, Nora. Mr. Jackson is gentle-looking, dark-skinned man in his fifties. MR. JACKSON I am so happy that our daughter is finally married. Mrs. Jackson is a beautiful, middle age woman. MRS. JACKSON (Wipes a joyful tear from her eye; stares at the couple) It is indeed a good wedding. They are both pretty. Miss Nora walks up to Mr. Jackson and Mrs. Jackson. She is obviously excited. NORA (Staring at the couple; smiling) They look as beautiful as a picture. A server man comes to them passes saucer of glasses of wine to them. NORA (Sipping the wine) Hmmmm…. taste great. John darts his sight and sees Adam standing at the balcony. JOHN (To Mary) Can I speak to Adam at the balcony? MARY Okay. John strolls to the Balcony EX. ON THE BALCONY____CONTINOUS___SUNSET John walks to the balcony. Adam sees him. Adam draws a plastic smile in his face ADAM (Raises his glass of wine slightly high) Nice wedding, John. The wine is wonderful. JOHN Does it? Adam nods and smiles. JOHN Aren't you considering getting married? ADAM (Waves a hand) Marriage isn't for me, Johnny. JOHN You're joking, aren't you? ADAM Getting married is like living with Hay fever, you know— JOHN Marriage is nice, Adam. A call comes from my the main room WOMAN's VOICE John! Wedding portrait!! JOHN (Hollers back) Okay, I am coming! (To Adam) Let's go and take a snap. ADAM (Sipping his wine and stares at the sky) Don't worry about me, Johnny. Wedding pictures makes me insecure. JOHN (Pulling Adam's hand gently) Come on. It can't. Adam and John strolls into the main room. ADAM (To John) Most people think marriage is a good thing, but it enslaves men with a single ring. John laughs. JOHN Marriage is fun…it's like living in Oasis of love or something like that— ADAM ...nothing scares me like getting married. There is a long whistle in the room. PHOTOGRAPHER Everybody gather around the married couple. Everybody shuffles and gathers around the married couple, John and Mary gaily. PHOTOGRAPHER (With his camera) Okay, this perfect! (Clicks his camera) INT ADAM'S APARTMENT____MORNING It's evening; Adam is sitting on his long, sitting room couch watching basketball. It's a very comfortable room in the house. His door bell RINGS. Adam stands up and walks to the door and opens the door. ADAM (Very surprised) Mama! Good morning! Mrs. Eze, Adam's mother enters. She is a stout, gravelling voice, domineering woman in fifties. She carries a luggage bag. MRS. EZE Adam. Adam quickly helps his mom with her bag. ADAM Please come in? Come in…… Mrs. Eze nods. ADAM What brings you to Lagos? Mrs. Eze ignores the question Adam leads his mother into the apartment. MRS. Eze No work today? ADAM Today is Saturday, mama. MRS. Eze Oh... Mrs. Eze sits on the couch. Adam sits beside his mother. MRS. EZE I was terribly bored in Asaba. ADAM ....Bored? But I send you a lot of money, Mom. MRS. EZE But monies can't make grand children. Can they? ADAM (Grinning) But it can make you very happy, mama. MRS. EZE (A scowl builds on her face quickly) Haven't you considered having kids? ADAM Now? MRS. EZE Yes, son ADAM NO! MRS. EZE You need a wife, because you need someone to rescue you. ADAM Rescue me? Do I look lost? MRS. EZE Yes. Grown unmarried men are like lost boats abandoned in sea. (She looks at Adam warily) Have you been eating? You look skinny like a half baked skeleton. (Caresses his neck) And you neck so thin like a crane. ADAM Mama… MRS. EZE ....I am serious. You need to get married as soon as possible. You need a woman to take care of you… ADAM But I have women…Ladies that I…..I…I MRS. EZE Please don't tell me you have been sleeping around because I raised you as a Christian. ADAM Sorry, mama. Mrs. Eze stands up and walks to window She looks out of the window. MRS. EZE How old are you this year? ADAM (Mumbles) Hmm MRS. EZE (Turns and stares at Adam) Don't lie to me; I guess you forgot that I'm your mother. Adam is embarrassed and scratches the back of his head. ADAM (Speaks slowly) Thirty MRS. EZE At that age, your late father had you. Do you want me to get a wife for you? ADAM (Waves a hand) Oh, don't worry about that. (Changes the topic discussion quickly) So how is uncle Pius doing in Asaba? MRS. EZE Your late father's brother? ADAM Yes MRS. EZE He's always tired and quiet. ADAM He's getting old, I guess? MRS. EZE No, he is always drunk and whenever, he's drunk he blames himself tiredly for his misfortunes. ADAM Blames himself, how? Is it because he refused to go to college? MRS. EZE No, he said God is punishing him because he didn't pay his tithes in church. ADAM Oh. (Tiny pause) How long would you be staying, because I hope you will be staying for a long time? MRS. EZE One week. ADAM Mama, let me show you the visitor's room and make dinner quickly. Adam leads and Mrs. Eze fellows. They both walk out of the sitting room. INT. JOHN'S BEDROOM____MORNING Lettering writes below the screen "After three weeks" In the bedroom, ANGLE on, John is getting ready to go work. He is trying to choose the best shirt to wear to work. It is the first time; he is going to work, since his wedding. He is on a white T-shirt and trousers and standing close to the ward robe. His wife, Mary, enters the bedroom. Mary stands and leans at the door. MARY Getting ready for work, dear? JOHN (Glances at Mary) Yes. MARY I think you should try the blue one. JOHN (Holds a blue shirt slightly high) This one? MARY Yes, blue is magnificent. John tries on a blue shirt. MARY When would you buy me the car you promised me before our wedding? JOHN (Doesn't look at her as he wears the blue shirt) Which one? MARY ....Mercedes Jeep? JOHN Come on, sweet heart. We just got back from Dubai. MARY ...but you promised? JOHN Mercedes Jeep cost two million naira! The price is outrageous… Mary strolls close to John and sits on the bed. MARY But that's the same car my dad bought me after my graduation. JOHN (Mildly) So what happened to it? MARY Remember I told you that it was hijacked and stolen. JOHN But think of it, Mary two million for a car— MARY (Speaks in a persuasive voice) But you promised me? JOHN Yes, I know, but the price is outrageous. MARY How am I going to trust you? JOHN Baby, you will. MARY ....but a promise should be kept and done JOHN We need to be prudent. Sorry for promising and failing. Mary stands up from the bed and storms out of the bedroom. John tries calling her back. JOHN Sweetheart, I will get you a different car or something close…..Mary! No response. JOHN (CONT'D) ………Mary! No response. INT. G.M ADVERTISING, CO. LTD___DAY A dark corona salon pulls up, and Adam comes out from the car and enters the building. The building is an imposing building in Lagos, with a broad, large sign: "G.M ADVERTISING CO. LTD." EX. G.M. ADVERTISING, CO. OFFICES_____CONTINOUS As John walks we can hear his footsteps. He exchanges mutual "how-do-you-do" and greetings with other employees and colleagues. His fellow employees congratulate him in informal ways and handshakes. INT. ADAM'S OFFICE IN G.M ADVERTISING, CO. LTD It is modern and well organized office. Adam re-adjusted his tie and glances at his watch. He is obviously concerned about something. He rummages the desk of his office for a file. There is a knock on the door of his office. Adam darts his sight at the door. ADAM Who? Come in the door isn't locked? The door is opened widely. Its john. John walks in calmly. JOHN Hello, Adam. Adam lifts his gaze up and sees John. He becomes suddenly excited. ADAM Wow, John! The new GROOM! Adam shoots up immediately. Adam and John shake hands informally. JOHN So what are you doing? ADAM Looking for a file for our boss Adam suddenly looks at John carefully and sees John's blue shirt isn't sleekly ironed, and his tie is sagging. ADAM Your tie sagging and your shirt isn't smoothly straightened. JOHN Do I look bad? ADAM You look like you worked for PHCN during your Honeymoon, did you? JOHN No, does my shirt look that bad? ADAM Of course, as if you were deported from Palestine last night, what happened? JOHN (Tiny pause; speaks weakly) Oh, I had a little argument with my wife this morning. ADAM Seem like marriage has blown you down! JOHN Blown me down? But as my best friend what is your advice. ADAM Get her a bible— JOHN I beg your pardon? ADAM Get her a bible, bibles are the main reason priests in monastery never leave. They are stuck to the bible. JOHN (Scoffing) Bible...Does that make sense to you? John furrows his brow. ADAM Or when you get home, you say to your wife these exact words… JOHN Which words? ADAM "Your lips cover me kisses and your love is better than wine…" JOHN YOU ARE INSANE! Adam guffaws loudly ADAM I was just kidding……this scenario between you and Mary is normal. And moreover, she loves you very much. There is a knock on the door. Adam stops talking. Adam and John stare at the direction of the door. ADAM (Loudly) Come in! The door is opened. Agatha shoves her head into the door and peeps with her eyes. She ambles in. Agatha is dark-skinned, preened, formally dressed woman. AGATHA Adam, it's time. JOHN (Quickly) For what? Agatha sees John and she grins at him delightfully. AGATHA John! Welcome back! JOHN Thanks, Agatha. Agatha glances at Adam quickly. AGATHA The meeting is about to start. ADAM We will be in the meeting soon. EXT. G.M ADVERTISING CO. LTD'S CONFERENCE ROOM A meeting is going and everybody is seated. All senior employees are all sitting around in a circle and looking fixedly at their director, Mr. James Olabode, he is a man of commanding physique and captivating aura. MR. JAMES (Gruffly voice, looks at John) Mr. John welcome back Mr. John smiles and nods at Mr. James. Mr. James continued: MR. JAMES With exception of Steve who sustained a fracture on his leg I believe all my employees are here. (Tiny pause) Thank you all for your contributions these past weeks all your ideas and efforts are appreciated in working toward our collective goal of moving this great company forward. This is the first meeting of the month and we all come together as usual to air views, and analyze how we can provide better services to our customers and boost our revenue more. Anyone who has ideas on how to boost our revenue in advertising world in Nigeria or abroad should please enlighten us. Mr. James makes a hand gesture and ceases talking. AGATHA (Speaks first) Thank you sir, according to my research and finding from various reliable sources which told me that Ovatine drinks Plc. want to change their advert for their drinks, because the old one is now obsolete . I suggest we should lobby quickly as soon as possible. Amaka, the company's secretary, jots down quickly MR. JAMES ...that's good idea. Anybody else? Mr. Ojo, a small, slender, bald man is the next to speak MR. OJO I also heard through a friend who works at Close up that the company undertaking their yearly adverts surcharges them a lot and Close up wants another good, but cheap alternative…….. Amaka jots down again. MR JAMES Okay...but that would be complicated….Anybody else? JOHN During my break, a friend of mine who works in Nigeria breweries called and told me that their company wants to advertise a new brand of one of their products…. Amaka jots down again. MR. JAMES Okay……….. (Glances at Adam) Anything to say, Mr. Adam Eze? ADAM Uh, um, that exact friend, John is talking about discussed the issue of advertising the new drink with John and I……..so we shall get back to him and finalize….. MR. JAMES Thank you all for your contributions . EXT. AFTER THE MEETING__OUTSIDE THE CONFERENCE ROOM___CONTINOUS John is standing beside the receptionist desk waiting for Adam. Some of his fellow workers walk up to him and they exchange mutual how-do-you-do. Adam is standing a few miles from John and talking to Agatha. But of them are smiling and their eyes gleaming. Adam and Agatha hug each other. Agatha does a "call me gesture" to Adam, smiles and walks away. ADAM (Walking to John; smiling) Johnny.... JOHN Whats up with you and Agatha now? ADAM What? JOHN Do you have any rapport with her? ADAM Oh, she likes me and I like her, too. JOHN You and ladies, how do you do it? ADAM Do what...? JOHN To make the ladies clamor and flutter around you like leaves. ADAM Oh, I stretch the truth a little bit. JOHN You stretch the truth a little bit? Adam gloats proudly. ADAM Just stretch the truth a little and the ladies are cheap around like chips. JOHN Don't you know meaning of love, uh? ADAM Love? Ho, love! I make it with ladies and never talk or discuss the ladies with my friends. Have I ever discussed ladies I have had sex with you? JOHN I didn't ask you that. I will teach you what love means today. ADAM Teach me love! how? JOHN We are going to visit Steve in the hospital. ADAM Steve? JOHN ....Yes. John pulls Adams hands. ADAM No….no…. MATCH CUT TO: IN HOSPITAL___LATER THAT DAY The doors swing open. Adam and John walk abreast each other. John is carrying a basket containing provisions. In front of them are paramedics wheeling an old man in the hallway of hospital. Adam is staring at the old man lying hopelessly ADAM Johnny, do you know the difference between the poor and the rich in Nigeria? John glances at the old man, too. ADAM What's the difference? ADAM The Rich families in Nigeria are opportune to see doctors when they are sick…. JOHN And poor? ADAM Oh, they lay on their beds close their eyes and pray to God. John titters gently. John looks around and sees the receptionist desk. JOHN (To Adam) Let me inquire from the receptionist the room Steve is admitted into. Adam sees a passing by nurse and leers at her and smiles. ADAM (Smiling mischievously) Let me inquire if that nurse is still single. John shakes his head and walks to the receptionist desk. Adam swaggers close to Nurse. ADAM (Grinning at the nurse) Hello, DEAR. NURSE Hello. How may I help you, sir? ADAM (Speaking in a sweet tone) In many ways, I was told an angel works as a nurse here. NURSE (Listening keenly) Eh. ADAM And she has the sexiest eyes in the planet right now…. NURSE And? ADAM She is like a distant cousin of Omotola. NURSE And who is she? ADAM (Grinning at the nurse) You, of course! You are as sexy as a FISH... NURSE (Obviously irritated) I am sexy as fish? ADAM And you are also magically DELICIOUS. NURSE (Expressionlessly) Sir, you know I am very busy. ADAM (Still grinning) Yes, I know that. NURSE And I don't have time to spare. ADAM (Nodding gently) And? NURSE I am ready to help you. ADAM (Nodding and grinning) Oh, yes. I am really in need of your help indeed. NURSE I will talk to the doctor. ADAM (A scowl builds up in his face) Why? NURSE So that he will admit you quickly because…. ADAM (Scowling) Because? NURSE Because I perceive that you are slightly emotionally disturbed. I am helping you, SIR. ADAM (Scowling; speaks in a subdued voice) What? NURSE I am trying to help you, sir. You need to be admitted into a ward, sir. ADAM (Scowling) Oh, I don't need that help right now. NURSE Okay then. I will have to leave you then. ADAM I mistook you for different person. MISTAKEN IDENTITY, you know. NURSE Okay, then. Excuse me. The Nurses strolls away from Adam coldly. John walks up to Adam and sees the Nurse walking away and Adam scowling. John glances at the nurse walking away and then at Adam JOHN Did she say "no" to you? ADAM Nurses are naturally unfriendly. JOHN "Unfriendly" because she rejected your proposal, uh? ADAM (Waves his hand) "Unfriendly" because they are into doctors. JOHN That's a lie. She didn't fancy you. Adam does an ‘AHEM' and changes the topic of discussion immediately. ADAM So which is Steve admitted into? John points at the doorway. JOHN Down the hallway EXT. HOSPITAL¬¬_____CONTINOUS John sees the room and knocks at the door. MAN'S VOICE Open...The door is open. John turns the handle of the door and opens the door Adam and John walk in. Steve is lying on the bed, with his left, injured, leg hanging on a pole. JOHN Hello, Steve. Adam waves a hand toward Steve who is lying on the bed. ADAM Steve, how are you doing? STEVE (Lying on the bed) I am doing fine, now. JOHN (To Steve) When are you going to be discharged? Steve Looks at John STEVE Next week. JOHN But I hope the nurses and doctors are treating and accommodating you well? STEVE Oh, yes they are doing their best, especially the nurses. ADAM The hospital nurses? Steve glances at Adam. STEVE Yes, they are extremely nice. ADAM (Sarcastically) Sure, they are to patients, but not to strangers. STEVE Perhaps, because of stranger danger… JOHN Steve, we miss you at office. Please get well soon. STEVE Thank you very much. ADAM Sure. Please get well as soon as possible. We really miss at office. STEVE Thanks guys. I am motivated to get off this bed and resume my duties. ADAM Please not now. Don't get off the bed now. Just relax and rest. We love and miss you. STEVE Thanks. John glances at his watch. JOHN (To Steve) Okay buddy. We will be leaving now…and we brought you these. John drops the basket containing the provision on top of the drawers. STEVE Thank very much for coming. JOHN No problem. I believe you will do more for us. ADAM Same thing here! STEVE Thanks. Adam and John bow and waves at Steve and exits the room. Finally they exit the hospital. INT. JOHN'S APARTMENT____NIGHT ANGLE on John turns and opens the door of his apartment. It is dark and quiet inside—like grave silence. He switches on the light switch on the wall. John looks around. JOHN (Calls) Mary! I am back….love! There is no response. John drops his office briefcase on the sitting's room sofa. JOHN Sweetheart! I am back! Still no response John strolls to the bedroom JOHN Mary! No responses. JOHN Mary! No responses It's obvious that Mary is not at home. John dips his hand into his pocket and brings his cell phone. INT. ISABELLA'S APARTMENT_____THE SAME TIME Isabella and Mary are talking. Isabella is Mary's childhood friend. She recently travelled back to Nigeria from United States of America after her divorce with her husband who is also a Nigerian. Isabella is a gorgeous, strikingly beautiful woman with pretty eyes. As they are conversing, Mary's phone RINGS! She reaches for the phone and slips out of frame. MARY (Into the phone) Hello. INT. JOHN APARTMENT______THE SAME TIME John is sauntering around his sitting room He's on his cell phone. JOHN Hello…………sweetheart, where are you? MARY John. I am at Isabella's place. JOHN Isabella? Is she back from States? MARY Yes. JOHN Should I come and pick you up? MARY No, I am fine here. John is puzzled as he speaks to Mary in his cell phone. JOHN (Surprised) Um, let me come over and pick you, dear. MARY No. She hangs up her phone. INT. ADAM'S APARTMENT____FEW MINUTES LATER ANGLE on Adam sitting with a lady on the couch, and they are kissing and caressing. Adam's phone RINGS! Adam intentionally ignores the phone and carries on with his kissing. The phone rings again loudly. He reluctantly dips his hand into his pocket and brings out his phone. ADAM (Speaks to the lady) Please excuse me for a minute. The lady nods. ADAM (Into the phone) Hello, John. JOHN (O.S) Hello..there is a little problem…. ADAM And what is it? JOHN (O.S) My wife...She doesn't want to speak to me. ADAM Have you called her? JOHN (O.S) Yes. I am very confused right now. ADAM You are very confused? JOHN (O.S) Yeah. ADAM Okay. Dress up we are going to club…… JOHN Now???? ADAM Yes. I will pick you up in thirty minutes. JOHN Okay. No problem. ADAM Okay, then. Let's meet at GENESIS NIGHT CLUB. JOHN OKAY. John hangs up. He sits down on his sofa dejectedly. EXT. ADAM'S APARTMENT ANGLE on the lady sitting on the Adam's couch She is puzzled. THE LADY Are you going out now when I just got in? ADAM My friend is not feeling too well………… (Pauses and looks at the lady warily) What's that your name again? THE LADY What? You have forgotten my name so soon. ADAM Sorry….but what's your name? The Lady's face grows and reddens with rage. THE LADY It's very awkward. Isn't it? ADAM What? THE LADY You forgot my name so soon? ADAM It's just forty-eight hours since I met you; it's a lot of time, sweetheart to forget someone's name. THE LADY You know what? ADAM What? THE LADY You are an idiot and I don't ever know what I am doing here! The lady picks her handbag from the center table. THE LADY You should've told me that you were gay! The lady storms out of the apartment and slams the door ‘BAAM' INT. NIGHT CLUB_____NIGHT In Nightclub, on the stage a female singer is singing and playing a guitar. Near the stage, there is mass of people, who are dancing and cheering the singer. Meters away from the stage, there is a bar. Adam and Francis are near the bar. Adam signals to get the bartender's attention. ADAM (To the bartender) Hello, Charlie! How are you doing, my man? CHARLIE Fine, Adam Adam and Charlie both shake hands. ADAM Give me two glasses of whiskey for me and my friend. Adam nudges John on his shoulder. Charlie nods. JOHN (To Adam softly) I shouldn't be seen here alone, unless I am with my wife. ADAM Relax, man. You are just having fun like a normal young man should be doing on a Friday night JOHN But I am married. Married men aren't supposed to have fun in clubs alone, unless they are with their wives! Charlie is pouring Hennessey into two glasses. ADAM Charlie is married, too. Aren't you married Charlie? CHARLIE Yes, with two kids. Adam looks at John abruptly. JOHN But he works here. Adam speaks to Charlie. ADAM Charles, please tell me, on the day of your wedding, did the pastor by anyway say grooms are not supposed to go to bars and have nice time with their friends? CHARLIE Nope! Charlie passes two glasses filled with Hennessey to Adam, which Adam receives with both of his hands. He passes one glass to John. ADAM (Smiling complacently) Thank you, Charlie! Adam dips his hand into pocket and brings out some money and gives to Charlie, the bartender. ADAM Keep the change! Adam requites Charlie and Charlie salutes to Adam gratefully. EX. NIGHT BAR____THE SAME TIME As Adam and John are conversing, a Lady comes to the bar. Her name is Grace. She leers and smiles at John. She is bossy, stocky-built woman, of thirty-three and she owns the night bar. GRACE (Smiling at John) Hello. ADAM Hello, Grace. How are you doing? You look so beautiful like sun-goddess…a sun-goddess from Ethiopia. May I buy you a drink? Grace wags her finger at Adam. GRACE I wasn't talking to you, Adam. I was talking to your friend. ADAM (Shocked expression) Uh! GRACE I know you, Adam. Ladies say, "You are a player." Adam shakes his head irritably. He turns away and sips whiskey from his glass. Grace STARES at John admirably GRACE (To John) My name is Grace! Grace stretches her hand and shakes John's hand. JOHN (Shaking Grace's hand) John Collins! GRACE Hope I see you around, handsome? Have a nice time ahead Grace walks away from the bar and walks to the stage where the singer is performing. JOHN Who's she? Adam stares at Grace walking aggressively. ADAM Grace is her name. Her father is the C.E.O of one of Nigeria's top revenue generating Breweries Company, and she owns this club… JOHN She owns this night club... ? ADAM Yes, she owns the club, but she drinks like duck! JOHN ....Does she drink that much? John darts a quick glance at Grace standing near the stage where some crowd of people, are cheering. ADAM She swallows alcohols down her throat like it was used by her mother in breast feeding her when she was a baby. Adam sips his drink. John (Sipping whiskey from his glass) Wow. ADAM That shouldn't surprise you. Then you should see her brother, Francis. He is worst. He is a bare-headed and woefully dreaded bully! Have you seen him before? John shakes his head to signal ‘no'. Adam continued: ADAM He is larger than Jide Kotsoko, but Kotsoko is much finer, because this guy, Francis, makes Mugabe look like the finest guy in the world. His face is rough and rugged like henhouse! (Sips his whiskey) Are you sure you haven't seen him before? JOHN No, but I think someone with exact descriptions is standing right behind you. John points behind Adam Adam turns and sees Francis holding a bottle of whiskey. Adam freezes for a moment in fright at sight of Francis. Francis is an immense large, burly man of six feet plus tall with huge, rocky hands. ADAM (Quavering) Mr. Frankenstein, um, sorry, Francis……… FRANCIS Were you gossiping about me? ADAM No….no no one dares gossip about stallion like you. FRANCIS What's a stallion? ADAM (Puzzled look on his face) Ugh…..stallion?! FRANCIS (With a grimace) What's a stallion? ADAM It's another name for an extremely handsome person. You know you have a nice nose……. Francis smiles and his face twinkles. FRANCIS Sorry. Can I buy you guys' drinks? ADAM (Raising his glass high) No, thank you so much. FRANCIS Ok. I will see you guys later. Francis shakes Adam and John's hands and swaggers away. John stares at Francis as he swaggers away JOHN Wow, what a man! Built like a tree. ADAM (Glaring at Francis) ...he walks like a lion, too. ADAM Enough of Francis's talk lets hook and have a little chit-chat with girls. JOHN What! Which girls... ? Adam looks around and sees some ladies. ADAM (Makes hand gesture toward the ladies) Those beautiful ladies! Come on! Adam ambles up to the Ladies and drags John with him. John resists without efforts. EXT. STILL NIGHT CLUB___CONTINOUS Adam dragging John's left hand. They both reached where the ladies are clattering. ADAM (Smoothly) Hi, ladies! (To the most attractive among the ladies) What's your name, beautiful? Your face looks very familiar? THE LADY (Flicks a bright smile) My face? Where? ADAM In Paris..Mona Lisa….Nice eyes, amazing smile, style, and slender physique (Takes the lady's hands into his) Wonderful ivory hands (Sniff the air mildly) And your fragrance so unique that only flowers understands… Adam releases his hands. And let go of the lady's hand. THE LADY (Blushing) Please….. ADAM So what's your name? THE LADY My name is Jane and these are my friends, Amaka, Stephanie, and Mirabel. Jane's friends (Uniformly) Hello, Adam!! ADAM Hello, strawberries! John is very uncomfortable. He looks around insecurely. JOHN (To Adam in a low voice) Please, I want to talk to you privately? ADAM (Looking at John) Now? JOHN (In a low voice) Yes, now. ADAM (Smiles at the ladies) I will see you soon ladies…Just a minute. Adam and John walks from the ladies to talk JOHN Adam, we have to go. ADAM Now? Why? JOHN I want you to go with me to see and talk to my wife. Please… ADAM Sure. Let's go and get your wife back. Adam and John both shake hands and begin to walk toward the exit of the night club JANE ...Adam, are you leaving? Adam and John turn their heads abruptly. ADAM Hey, Jane…I will see you later. JANE Hope I will see you and we talk some other time? ADAM Absolutely! EXT. OUTSIDE THE NIGHT CLUB___NIGHT Adam and John walks out of the club, they strides to the driveway to where John parked his car. ADAM (Complacently) Those ladies were feeling me like I got them on my hook. JOHN Sorry. John opens the driver seat's door and Adam opens the passenger seat's door. John ignites the car. JOHN I just need to talk to my wife. John reverses the car. ADAM Relax, man. You will. JOHN (Big breathe) Ok. ADAM I care so much about you that if I caught you in bed with my wife, I will tiptoe to kitchen and make you a cup of tea…. JOHN ….But you are not married. Adam laughs ADAM ...I know John looks at Adam and furrows his brow. JOHN I and my wife had this incredible bond. She knows facts about me more than any other person. A scowls builds on Adam's face quickly. ADAM (Blurts out) What? JOHN My wife knows things about me that I wouldn't tell any other person. ADAM (Staring at John) Did you lose your virginity to her? John throws an angry-side glance at Adam JOHN No! ADAM Erectile dysfunction... ? JOHN No! Please, stop being so delusional. INT. ISABELLA APARTMENT____SAME NIGHT The sitting room is extremely large and ostentatiously designed. ANGLE on John and Mary are sitting on the couch conversing. Adam sits on a sofa looking at Isabella. Isabella is sitting at the dining room and with a laptop on her dining table. She is obviously using her laptop. Adam glances at Isabella at intervals irresistibly. JOHN (To Mary) Sweetheart, I love you so much and our home is extremely bored without you. MARY (Looks into her husband's eyes) Guess you missed me, dear? JOHN ...won't that be an understatement? Of course I did MARY I am really sorry walking out on you this morning in our bedroom. Isabella advised me that the cornerstone of every relationship is respect and love Adam stands up from his sofa and walks to the dining room where Isabella is sitting and using her laptop. ADAM (Grinning) Hello… ISABELLA (Grins back admirably) Hi. ADAM My name Adam… ISABELLA Hi, Adam…I am Isabella. They shake hands. ADAM I must say you have a very nice, furnished apartment. ISABELLA Thanks. ADAM I guess you are Mary's friend or cousin? ISABELLA Friend— ADAM That's nice. Kehinde enters the sitting room. He is Isabella's son. Kehinde is a boy of eleven and taller than his age. He sees John and Mary and greets them. JOHN Hello, Kehinde. Is that you? Kehinde nods and smiles John continued: JOHN You have grown so quick and big. Guess your mummy is doing her job right. Kehinde smiles and turns abruptly. Kehinde sees his mom, Isabella, sitting at the dining room. He strolls to the dining room to his mother. KEHINDE Mummy Adam is puzzled. He stares at Kehinde. ADAM You have a son. ISABELLA Yes…..he's the best thing to ever happen to me. Adam grins. Kehinde reaches the dining room. KEHINDE Mummy, I was doing a sport research. Guess what I discovered? ISABELLA What, sweetheart? KEHINDE Rashidi Yekini is the first Nigerian to score in a world cup competition? ADAM Oh, um, Yekini. Was he a hockey player? John and Mary walks across the dining room. John speaks to Isabella. JOHN Thank you so much for your hospitality towards my wife. ISABELLA Not at all……. JOHN Thanks. ADAM Are you leaving? John nods ADAM (To Isabella) Can you give me your call card? I will love to speak with you again, please….. Isabella dips her hand into her hand purse lying on the dining table. She brings out a calling card and hand to Adam. EX. THE ROAD_____NIGHT In the car, John is driving. Isabella is sitting on the passenger seat Adam is seated at the back seat. ADAM (Dreamily) She is so lovely, isn't she? JOHN Who? ADAM Isabella Mary turns her head and looks at Adam ADAM She is beautiful. She looks exactly like AN ANGEL that fell from heaven….. JOHN You are kidding… ADAM Her cheeks smooth like daffodils.... And her skins so beautiful like a baby. She is the one. Johnny….she is the true one. JOHN You want to add her to your "to do list?" MARY (Scoldingly) Nobody is adding my friend to any list. She is a nice person……and she just got out of a horrible marriage. ADAM I think I have found my missing rib... MARY (Sarcastically) ...then, you have to visit a bone surgeon immediately. ADAM No...I really like your friend. Each time I spoke with her this evening, I saw shinning stars in her eyes...I was blind all these years. I was like a dazed butterfly beating against a bulb... very confused, but now my sight is crystal clear. JOHN (Small laugh) Are you serious? ADAM Yes, I have found my soul mate, I saw her today, and she blew my mind away…. MARY (Unconvinced) I think you are infatuating. ADAM (Speaks to Mary) ....I am extremely serious. I saw beautiful, glowing stars in Isabella's eyes and it has never happened to me before. JOHN (Glances at Adam) We are now on your street. ADAM John, let's hang out tomorrow, Saturday? May be go to bar or watch basketball together? JOHN I will be busy tomorrow. ADAM I have known you for years and you do nothing on Saturday. JOHN That was then, but now I have to spend time with my lovely wife John gives a quick glance at Mary and smiles at her John stops the car in front of Adam's gate. Adam gets out from the car. JOHN See you on Monday, Adam! John waves and zoom the car off. Adam walks to his gate dejectedly, unlocks his gate and walks in his compound. ADAM Tomorrow is going to be miserably boring. Adam walks to the entrance door of his home. He unlocks the door, opens and closes it. INT. ADAM'S APARTMENT____SATURDAY AFTERNOON On the background, it's 3.30 pm on the wall clock. ANGLE on Adam, He is lying on the couch in his sitting room, He's listening to Asa's music playing. He is obviously bored. He picks up his phone and dials John's number. JOHN'S VOICE MAIL (Gruffly voice) Hello, it's John, I'm not in so leave a message and I'll call you back. Adam slowly sits up. He sees Isabella's work's card on his center table. He smiles. ADAM … yes. Let me call Isabella. ADAM stands up and picks up the card He dials Isabella's number from the card. ADAM (Flicks a smile) It's ringing….. INT. ISABELLA'S APARTMENT____THE SAME TIME Isabella and his son, Kehinde, are sitting on a sofa in front of the television playing Video game. Isabella phone's RINGS! She stands up and picks the call. ISABELLA (In to the phone) Hello. ADAM (O.S) Hello, Isabella. It's Adam… ISABELLA Hello…hi. Close On ADAM How are you doing? ISABELLA I am great. How're you doing? ADAM Fine…..I was, um, wondering..if… ISABELLA If? ADAM If you, um, like to go to…to? If… ISABELLA ...If I will like to go out… ADAM ...exactly ISABELLA Okay, where? ADAM At Mr. Grill restaurant. ISABELLA Okay. ADAM Is eight okay by you? ISABELLA "Eight" is fine. ADAM I look forward to seeing you. Adam hangs up and jumps around gaily. INT. MR. RESTURANT____NIGHT At the restaurant Adam is at a table. He is sitting by himself in a banquette. A waiter serves him and goes. Miss Isabella appears. She is wearing a pink chic dinner dress, looking preen and exquisitely beautiful. Adam spots her and stands up. ADAM (With smiling face) Hello. Adam goes to meet Isabella, escorts her to banquette. They both sit. ISABELLA Sorry, I'm late. ADAM No, problem (Tiny pause) You look stunning! ISABELLA Thanks. Adam makes a gesture to the waiter to come over. The waiter comes over to their table. WAITER (Politely) How may I help you, sir? ADAM (To Isabella) What would you like to take, ma'am? Isabella grins at Adam. ISABELLA (To waiter) A glass of wine with little percent of alcohol, please….. WAITER (Politely) Yes, ma'am. The waiter exits. ADAM (Very surprised) So you drink wine with little alcohol? ISABELLA (Affirmatively) Yes. Are you surprised? ADAM A bit The waiter comes over to their table carrying a saucer containing a glass of drink He places the saucer gently on the table. WAITER Anything else, sir? Adam glances at Isabella and smiles. ADAM Menu, please... Isabella raises her glass slightly high. ISABELLA This is okay for now. ADAM (To the waiter) We will call on you when we need anything. Waiter nods and leaves. ADAM Isabella, please tell me about yourself? Isabella flicks a bright smile. ISABELLA What can I say about myself? Okay, my name is Isabella Yetunde and I am an obstetrician... ADAM Helping pregnant women and delivering babies, uh? ISABELLA Yes, that's my job. Isabella sips her glass of wine and smiles. ADAM Nice (Beat) so what are your dislikes? ISABELLA I hate pretenders... (Looks at Adam and smiles) Are you one? ADAM Me! My hairs are real. I am not bald and my nose isn't fixed. No plastic surgery. Isabella laughs softly. ISABELLA Tell me about yourself, where are you from? ADAM Delta state ISABELLA The Big Heart of the Nation, you have a big heart? ADAM Yes, you want to see? Isabella laughs again. ADAM Won't you want to check the menu? They make the best barbeque in town here. ISABELLA Thanks, but I love drinking wine on dates. Isabella looks at Adam's eyes. ISABELLA I want to invite to lunch at my place tomorrow. Are you free tomorrow? ADAM (Starry-eyed and smiling) Yes. INT. ISABELLA'S APARTMENT____NEXT DAY In Isabella's sitting room and it is nearly 2pm. ANGLE on Isabella; she enters her sitting room. She wears a green apron and carrying a saucer containing array of dishes. She walks to dining room and arranges the array of dishes on the dining table with refined dexterity. ISABELLA (Calls) Kehinde! She walks to back to sitting room ISABELLA Kehinde! Kehinde enters. KEHINDE Mom….. ISABELLA Please bring a bottle of wine from the refrigerator. We are expecting a visitor. KEHINDE Who? ISABELLA ....Adam, Mr. Adam is coming to house. KEHINDE Adam... ? Will Adam bring Eve along? Isabella giggles. ISABELLA No....This Adam is your mother's friend. (Tiny pause) Please, bring me a bottle of wine from the refrigerator? ISABELLA Please go to the Kitchen and bring me a good wine, son. KEHINDE Okay, mom. Kehinde exits to the kitchen. ISABELLA Thanks. (Imposed silence) Kehinde, don't take confectioneries from refrigerator because lunch is ready. KEHINDE'S VOICE FROM THE KITCHEN Uhn.. ! Kehinde enters the sitting room from the kitchen. He's holding a bottle of wine. The doorbell RINGS. Isabella pauses for seconds ISABELLA I think it's him. KEHINDE Maybe, it's the plumber. Who knows? ISABELLA No. I don't think so. The doorbell rings again. Isabella walks to the door. Kehinde strolls and drops the bottle of wine on dining table. Isabella opens the door. She sees Adam. Adam holds another bottle of wine. Adam grins. ADAM I come with love and bottle of wine. Isabella laughs softly. ISABELLA Come in, please. Adam walks into the apartment. He sees Kehinde ADAM Hello, Kehinde. KEHINDE (Dead pan) Hello. ADAM How are you doing? KEHINDE (Expressionlessly) Please stop acting like you know me. ISABELLA (Scowls) Kehinde! KEHINDE Sorry, mom. ISABELLA (Glances at Kehinde hands) Wash your hands and come to the dinner room table. Kehinde exits the sitting room ADAM Wow, that's a really bold, strong boy. EX. DINING ROOM__DAY__CONTINOUS Isabella, Adam, Kehinde sits at an enormous dining table. The meal is elaborate and sumptuous. They all begin to eat. As they ate, Adam looks at Isabella eagerly. ADAM The meal is wonderful....very tasteful. ISABELLA Thanks. ADAM I must confess that, you cook the way you look. Adam smiles brightly. ISABELLA Thanks. Adam touches Isabella's hand tenderly. ADAM No. I am the one that is supposed to be thanking you. Thank you so much for inviting me. Kehinde is uncomfortable. He glares at Adam and his mom He storms out ominously. ISABELLA (To Kehinde) Where are you going to? KEHINDE (Doesn't look back) To my room! ISABELLA Come and eat. You have barely touched your lunch. KEHINDE I am not hungry. Kehinde storms out of dining room to his room. ISABELLA (Disappointed) Keh—kehinde! Isabella tries to follow Kehinde. ADAM Please, let me talk to him. ISABELLA Is he going to listen to you? ADAM I have sentimental affection for kids. Isabella nods. EXT. KEHINDE'S ROOM__DAY The room is decorated with Barcelona's football team posters. Posters of loniel Messi majestically plastered on walls. Adam knocks at the door from outside. ANGLE on Kehinde, who is sitting on the bed His fists are clenched together. KEHINDE Come in. Adam opens the door. The door makes clacking sound Adam enters. Kehinde doesn't look at him. ADAM (Exploring the room with his eyes) Nice room. Kehinde stirs and glares at Adam KEHINDE What are you doing here? I thought it is my mom knocking. Adam ignores the question intentionally. ADAM (Reads from the wall) BAR-CE-LONA fan? KEHINDE Yes, are you one too? ADAM (Obviously lying) Sure...Yep! Up Barcelona! Adam sits on a chair in the room. ADAM Barcelona for life! Best team in the world, aren't we? Kehinde nods and flicks a smile ADAM (Glances at the posters of Loniel Messi plastered on the walls) Good player. Isn't he? KEHINDE (Nodding agreeably) Best in the World! ADAM And good right foot, too. Kehinde Right foot? ADAM (Smiling) I mean good both feet! And head, too! KEHINDE Best player in the world… (Beat) I never knew you like football and you are a Barcelona fan. ADAM Of course, I am. There is a deep pause. ADAM Do you love your mother? Kehinde nods agreeably KEHINDE Yes, I do love my mom. ADAM Okay, if you do. Please go back and finish your meal. KEHINDE Okay. Adam and Kehinde lift their heads as they both prepare to go back to the dining room. They see Isabella standing by the door which had been opened Adams smiles at Isabella with victorious smile on his face KEHINDE (Apologetically; Speaks with remorse voice) Mummy, I am sorry. ISABELLA No, problem. Just come and finish your meal. She smiles at Kehinde. EXT. Isabella's CORRIDOR__SUNSET It is quiet and peaceful. The wind is timid, too. Adam and Isabella strolls abreast each other. ISABELLA (Smiling and her dimples squeezing delightfully) Thanks for coming. ADAM It's my pleasure. Adam smiles as he enters the car. He waves at Isabella. Isabella waves back. Adam zooms off INT. John's office__DAY John is sitting on an Eames chair and rummaging his desk. Adam enters without knocking. He wears a grin on his face and looks uncommonly happy. ADAM (Grinning) John, this seems to be the best weekend of my life? JOHN What happened? ADAM I and Isabella went out on a date....a very nice dinner together.... JOHN You like this girl, uh? ADAM I think I am in love with her JOHN What do you like about her? ADAM Her personality…..her smiles…..her smiles floats in air gently and sometimes hangs in air like stars. It feels like I have bonded with them instantly. There is a knock on the door. The company's secretary, Amaka, enters. AMAKA Good day, the director wants to see both of you in his office. JOHN Thank you, Amaka. We will be with him in a minute. AMAKA ....Okay. INT. G.M ADVERTISING CO. LTD'S DIRECTOR OFFICE______DAY It is a large, grandeur, well designed office. The director, Mr. James, is sitting directly opposite John and Adam. MR. JAMES (Gruffly) I got a call from the group managing director of NIGERIAN BREWERIES telling me they want to advertise their new range of products through our company.... JOHN ....You mean the G.M.D? MR. JAMES Yes, he said one of you spoke to him…… I have negotiated and concluded the deal with them….. ADAM That's good for the company. JOHN That's very nice for our company. MR. JAMES Yes, it's. INT. HOSPITAL_________DAY Isabella, in scrubs, walks quickly down the hallway of the hospital she works in. She is on her CELL PHONE. ISABELLA Hello, um, hello… INT. ADAM'S APARTMENT______THE SAME TIME Adam is lying on the sofa watching television and gnawing apple. His phone RINGS! He gets up from the sofa with slight difficulty and answers the CALL. ADAM Hello, Adam on the line..... Isabella, how are you doing? ISABELLA I am fine. Hope you're good? ADAM Yes, I am fine. ISABELLA (Persuasive voice) Please I want to ask a favor from you. ADAM (Calmly) Just ask, babe. ISABELLA Please I am a little tied up at hospital… ADAM (In a sexy way) Yes ISABELLA I will be going into operating room soon to help a pregnant lady deliver her child, and I am suppose to take Kehinde to his football practice. So I can't make it. I plead with you to help me take Kehinde to his football practice this evening. I know I am asking too much… ADAM ...no…….not at all…. Please don't border. I will take him to his football practice. So where is he now? ISABELLA He is at home...in my house ADAM OKAY, I will go pick him up ISABELLA Thank you very much. I am very grateful. ADAM You are welcome....anytime Adam hangs up. He smiles, stretches his muscles and heads to his bedroom to get himself spruce up. INT. ISABELLA APARTMENT_____DAY Kehinde is sitting on the porch waiting for his mom to pick him to his soccer practice. Adam drives in and pulls in his car to Isabella's apartment. ZOOM! He switches off the engine of the car. ADAM Hello! Kehinde! KEHINDE (Surprised) GOOD AFTERNOON! ADAM Your mom asked me to pick you up to your soccer practice. KEHINDE She did? ADAM Yes, she is kind of busy. (Makes a hand gesture) Come in. EXT. ON THE ROAD ANGLE on Adam driving, Kehinde is sitting on the passenger's seat. KEHINDE Will you watch me play soccer? ADAM Sure. KEHINDE Thanks. (Tiny pause) But— ADAM (Compassionately) But, what? KEHINDE My coach don't give opportunity to play though— ADAM Are you serious? KEHINDE Yes. ADAM Even, when you're Nigerian's MESSI? INT. ON SOCCER FIELD_____CONTINUOUS On the field, there are kids and teenagers between ages between ten and sixteen. They are jugging and doing light exercise practice. Adam pulls in to parking place for cars. He and Kehinde alight from the car. Kehinde rushes off to join his colleagues who are exercising and training. Big Frank, the team coach sees Kehinde approaching. BIG FRANK (To Kehinde) You are late again! KEHINDE I--I am sorrrrry, sir. BIG FRANK (Gruffly) ...Join the other boys! Adam sees big frank hollering at Kehinde. Adam walks up to Big Frank in a composed manner. ADAM Hello, sir. Big Frank stirs abruptly. BIG FRANK Hello (beat) you have a kid here? ADAM I am Kehinde's Dad. BIG FRANK Kehinde's dad, how are you doing sir? ADAM Fine, we are good Big Frank and Adam shake hands together. BIG FRANK Kehinde told me that you are in the United States ADAM (Calmly) Yes! I came back yesterday and I came to watch him play. He really likes football….and he is aspiring to be one…he is fond of this guy called Messi. BIG FRANK Messi! Is Kehinde that good, is he? ADAM Of course, he is. In the states, his soccer friends' call him "the Black mamba" BIG FRANK (Surprised) Are you very sure? ADAM Yes, It won't hurt if you give him a chance now, will it? Big Frank jiggles his head. BIG FRANK Kehinde! Kehinde turns abruptly. BIG FRANK Come over HERE! Kehinde jugs to Big Frank. KEHINDE Coach…. BIG FRANK Yes. From now on you are our team striker. (Glances at Adam) And your dad told me that you're good. Kehinde nods. BIG FRANK Take a training bib and let me see what you can do! KEHINDE Thanks Coach. Kehinde nods and smiles at Adam. ADAM Just have fun, son and do me proud. INT. ON THE ROAD_______SUNSET Adam is driving. Kehinde is seated on the passenger's seat happy. They are both clearly excited. ADAM That was fun. Never knew that you were that good! You skipped passed those defenders with so much easy…and I love that dribble… KEHINDE ....which one? ADAM The dummy… Kehinde laughs. ADAM It was awesome! (Slight pause) God, I wish I could play soccer. EXT OUTSIDE ISABELLA's APARTMENT_____NIGHT Adam pulls into Isabella drive way. Kehinde comes off the car. KEHINDE (In a cute, appreciating voice) Thank. Thank you for everything, sir. ADAM Oh, don't mention. KEHINDE Thanks……. Kehinde waves at him ADAM Bye. I will see you later. Kehinde runs off in to his mother's apartment Adam drives off. THE DISSOLVE TO: THE WORDS…………….. FIVE DAYS LATER INT. OUTSIDE ISABELLA'S APARTMENT___DAY Adam pulls his car into Isabella's driveway. He strolls to Isabella's door with a big smile wreathed on his face. Adam presses the door bell. He straightens his shirt, fixes and smoothen his hair. The door opens. ADAM (Smiling broadly) Isabella. Adam sees Joshua standing by door and holding the hand of the door. Instead of his presumed Isabella. Joshua is Isabella's ex-husband. Joshua is a medium-heighted, stout man with big, sugar-bowl ears and little mean-looking eyes. JOSHUA Hello. How may I help you? Adam's smile melts away from his face. ADAM I am looking for..Isabella. JOSHUA Isabella!! I am Isabella husband, and you are? Adam makes a grimace. ADAM (Winces; speaks slowly) ...Ouch……. JOSHUA (Grimaces) Ouch? What kind of name is that? ADAM Uhm, no....no. My name is Adam. ISABELLA'S VOICE (From the sitting room) Joshua, who is that? JOSHUA (Responding) Oh, I think he is a house burglar. Who disguised as a grocery boy. ADAM (Faintly angered) Grocery boy... ? Isabella ambles to door and sees Adam ISABELLA (Smiling) Ha, Adam. Hi! Welcome in. Isabella speaks to Joshua. ISABELLA (To Joshua) He is my friend. Adam walks into the apartment. Joshua explores Adam with his mean-looking eyes. JOSHUA ....Oh, I thought he is the grocery boy. ISABELLA That's wrong….very wrong (Tiny pause) This is my ex-husband Joshua. He came back to Nigeria from United States of America and he is staying with us for some time. JOSHUA I don't like being called your Ex…I am still in love with you, aren't you aware? Isabella ignores the question. ISABELLA I think I have to make something for everybody to eat. JOSHUA (Scoffing) Honey, let's go out on a date…me, you and Kehinde…excluding this ex-convict standing here. Joshua shoots a finger at Adam. Anger buds in Adam. ADAM (Speaks to himself) Ex-convict? Adam controls his Anger JOSHUA (To Isabella egotistically) You must know now that I am extremely rich…Even recently I just purchased 25% of shares in shell oil…. ADAM (Interrupts) I think I have to leave you guys. ISABELLA Now? You just got here now. JOSHUA Please let the Lech go. Before he brings poverty to you, sweetheart. (To Isabella) You know I still care about you, dear? ISABELLA (Timidly) ....Joshua cut it off, please. Joshua treads to Adam, glaring at him fixedly. He looks into Adam with disgust. JOSHUA Stay away from my wife and I hope as you leave you will get lost and never return here…. ADAM (Looking Joshua with wide-eyed) And you, with your big, over-sized ears and the hot air in Nigeria you will soon take off like Virgin Nigeria. ISABELLA Please stop! It has not gotten to that! CUT TO____ADAM'S APARTMENT__LATER THAT DAY ANGLE on Adam, he turns the handle of his door. He opens the door. Adam strays into his apartment and almost stumbled to the floor, but regains his gait and walks to the couch in an unstable manner. He is obviously angry and his face sweaty. Adam dips his hand into his pocket and brings out his cell phone and dials, John's number. INT. JOHN'S APARTMENT Angle on John and Mary, on the background they are watching television. John's phone RINGS He picks his phone and answers the call JOHN (On the cell phone) Hello, Adam is that you. ADAM (O.S) Ye……yes. JOHN Are you okay? INT. ADAM'S SITTING ROOM ANGLE on Adam, he's sitting on the couch. His head droops He is still on his cell phone ADAM (Coughs weakly) Not……..not quite. JOHN (O.S) Okay, I am coming over to your place. I will be there in few minutes. ADAM Okay. Thanks. I will appreciate that. Adam turns off the phone He grabs his chest. INT. ADAM'S APARTMENT_____NIGHT Outside Adam apartment, John pulls his car into Adam's driveway. He shuts off the motor as quick as possible. He dashes through the gates of the house which are wide open. John hurries to the door of Adam's apartment. He knocks, but no response. He tries to open the door and discovers it isn't locked. He walks into the apartment. The lights are switched off and it is extremely dark and quiet in the apartment. JOHN Adam...? Who's here? No responses. JOHN (Calls again) Adam! Adam Eze! No response. The whirling of the sitting room fan echoes. ADAM'S VOICE (Speaks in the dark in a subdued voice) John... John checks and rummages the wall for the light switch. He feels the light switch and switches on the electric light of the sitting room. John sees Adam lying hopelessly on the sitting room's couch. John walks up to him. He sits on the other couch of the sitting room JOHN (Compassionately) ...what's wrong? (Looking at Adam warily) Talk to me what's wrong? Adam is lying on the couch. ADAM (Subdued voice) John (Clears his throat) I am the most unfortunate man in the world. Within me I am dark and cold. JOHN (Scoffing him off) No! No…..don't say that? ADAM (Weakly) John, I am miserable. JOHN (Consoling) Stop saying all these things. Tell what the matter is. Are you very ill? ADAM Ill? JOHN Because your face is dreadfully pale— ADAM (Touches his face tenderly) My face? JOHN It's white like you have leprosy or something ADAM No! I am just sick…..love sick. JOHN Love sick, are you now Romeo? (Beat) what happened? ADAM (Speaks slowly) Isabella….. JOHN Mary's friend, what's wrong with her? ADAM (Tiny pause; then speaks slowly) I thought I knew women more than I knew figures, b-but but JOHN But what?— ADAM ...But I was wrong. JOHN Stop diverting. Just tell me what happened between you and Isabella, Adam? ADAM Her husband...I mean her ex-husband came back from United States to visit her. (Tiny pause) It's a harsh blow to me, you know. JOHN How? ADAM He's staying at her home now— JOHN Now?— Adam nods. ADAM Now even as we speak JOHN How does he look like? ADAM He has this pair of Chinese-looking eyes and baboon dimples. JOHN Don't forget that the guy used to be Isabella's husband. ADAM (His voice gaining some tinge of sinew) Ex-husband! John giggles. JOHN Seem you are lost in cobweb of love. John snickers Adam looks at John sternly. ADAM It's not funny. I really like this girl. John stops laughing. JOHN I hope both of you didn't get into fight, did you? ADAM Not physically. But he called me names and I called him names, too. Imagine, he said, "I look like a condemned ex-convict." JOHN (Doesn't look at Adam) Wow, he shouldn't have said that even though there are resemblances. ADAM Yes, he said that (Tiny pause; looks at John) What, do you mean I look like an ex-convict? John laughs disrespectfully again. ADAM (Solemnly) Please stop joking now, because this is a serious matter. JOHN Yes, yes. What are you going to do now? ADAM (Sinking his face into his hands) I don't know. JOHN But if you and this lady spent and had good times together that means this lady likes you to a great extent. ADAM (Looking at John) Are you sure? JOHN Umm-hmm, you need to be firm and work hard to win her love again back. Who knows, perhaps her ex-husband came for a business trip or something. ADAM May be you are saying the truth, yes you are— JOHN So be firm and be positive. ADAM Thank you, man. Thanks for the advice. JOHN What are friends for? We help each and look out for each other. (Tiny pause) Please make sure you take your bath before you sleep because you look like a poor, old…. ADAM ...poor, old man? JOHN No. You look like a poor, old squeezed lemon or something. ADAM Poor, old squeezed lemon... ? JOHN Yes. (Glances at his watch) Nine o'clock! I have to go Adam. I will see you at work. ADAM Okay, thanks for everything. INT. ISABELLA'S APARTEMENT_____NIGHT Isabella enters the sitting room holding heaps of blankets and bed spreads. Joshua is sitting on the couch watching television. She drops the heaps of blankets and bed spreads on the couch beside Joshua. ISABELLA (To Joshua) Please, you are sleeping on couch. JOSHUA (Shocked) Why? ISABELLA Remember that we are divorced. JOSHUA But emotionally we are NOT! I am coming to join you in the ROOM! ISABELLA No! JOSHUA Please, Isabella. I flew over THOUSANDS FEETS only to be with you. I beg you! ISABELLA Beg me? What... ? JOSHUA ....please just one night. ISABELLA You are DREAMING! Isabella heads to bedroom Isabella continued: ISABELLA GOOD NIGHT, JOSH! Joshua said nothing. He is dumbfounded. INT. G.M ADVERTISING CO. LTD_____DAY It is time for lunch break and most of workers are heading out of the BIG entrance door. ANGLE on Adam, he stroll out of the Big entrance door. EXT. RESTURANT_____DAY Adam is strolling to his favorite restaurant to have lunch. He walks into the restaurant. Adam sees Isabella and Joshua having lunch and this almost took his breath away. Joshua sees him instantly and he makes a hand gesture toward Adam to draw Isabella attention that Adam is here. Joshua waves a hand toward Adam. JOSHUA HERE IS THE HUNGRY GUY! Isabella sees Adam. Everybody in the restaurant is staring at Adam. Adam walks to Joshua and Isabella's table in calm manner. ADAM Hey! Swollen head! My tolerance for you is being misused by you— JOSHUA What will you do? Adam grabs Joshua by the shirt and pretends like he is about to slap him. Joshua trembles like a squirrel ADAM What did you say again? Joshua is cold stunned. JOSHUA (Pleadingly) Sorry….sorry. Forgive me I know I talk too much and…I haven't renewed my health insurance and any punch would cause huge damage. Isabella pulls Adam's hands from Joshua's shirt ISABELLA Please stop. Stop embarrassing him. ADAM He deserves it. ISABELLA But……..what are you doing here. ADAM (Stutters) Um, I came………to have ISABELLA Were you stalking me? ADAM No... ISABELLA So... ? ADAM I only came to have lunch. JOSHUA I guess he was stalking us. Let's leave to another restaurant. ISABELLA I want to go home Isabella walks to the door of the restaurant Joshua follows her closely Adam is staring at them dumbfounded INT. ISABELLA'S SITTING ROOM ANGLE ON Isabella, she sits on the couch Joshua is standing. ISABELLA Was I harsh on him? JOSHUA No. Not all. He was stalking you, dear. ISABELLA Was he? JOSHUA Yes, he was. Sweetheart, travel with me back to States— ISABELLA Why? JOSHUA There is no privacy here, is there any? Isabella didn't respond. JOSHUA I will make sure you are happy. I promise. I will buy you a pet cat and change our housekeeper; you know Miss Louis smells like dead rat. ISABELLA Is that all? JOSHUA I will pay for a plastic surgery on your breast if you want one. There is a deep pause. ISABELLA (Big breathe) I won't travel with you JOSHUA Why? ISABELLA Because…. you think like a child— JOSHUA But I am rich— ISABELLA Your wealth is inherited JOSHUA But I made it better— ISABELLA With losses (After awkward pause) I listen to the news—business news and I also read the papers... JOSHUA ...we made few losses ISABELLA Seventy million naira…..$460, 000 or something close to that. JOSHUA Oil price is falling so you shouldn't blame me. ISABELLA That aside, I can't love you anymore--- JOSHUA Why? ISABELLA Your habits— JOSHUA My habits, how? ISABELLA You always put your hands inside your boxers and toy with your balls— JOSHUA That's because I feel heat down there— ISABELLA I am sorry. I can't love you anymore. JOSHUA Okay, I will leave tomorrow…..Okay…..I can't bear been insulted by a woman. ISABELLA I am sorry. THE DISSOLVE TO: THE WORDS…………….. SIX MONTHS LATER INT. SILVERBIRD CINEMA_____DAY Isabella and Kehinde went and watched a movie. Kehinde is blushing. They are both walking to the car park KEHINDE The movie was nice, mom. Isabella nods. Kehinde sees Adam. He makes a gesture to Adam to draw her attention towards Adam. Adam sees Isabella and Kehinde. ADAM (Smiles at them) Hello. Adam walks them. ISABELLA Hi. ADAM You look good as usual. (To Kehinde) How is school? KEHINDE Fine. ISABELLA So you came to see a movie? ADAM Yes, and you? ISABELLA We came to see a movie, too…….so where are you heading now? ADAM I came in a cab. My car was faulty--- ISABELLA Will you mind if I give you a ride? ADAM Sure. EXT. On THE ROAD Isabella is driving Adam is in passenger's seat. Kehinde is sitting in the back seat. ADAM What of, um, Johnson? ISABELLA ...you mean Joshua? ADAM Yes— ISABELLA He has gone back to States— ADAM Umm….So where are you driving to? ISABELLA I want to drop Kehinde to a birthday party of his friend. Then I will drop you…..please— ADAM Okay. INT. OUTSIDE HOUSE Isabella pulls her car in to the driveway and switches off the engine of the car. They all come out of the car and walk through a gate and strolls to Kehinde's friend's house who is having the party. Isabella knocks at the door. The celebrant's mother, Mrs. Bola opens the door. MRS. BOLA Welcome, welcome. Kehinde come in. ISABELLA Good evening, Mrs. Bola There is gaggle of kids playing around. Kehinde hurries into the main room MRS. BOLA (Glances at Adam) Is he your husband? ISABELLA He's a friend— MRS. BOLA But both of you look like a couple— ISABELLA So when should I come and pick Kehinde up? MRS. BOLA Eight....or seven-thirty ISABELLA Okay. See you. MRS. BOLA See you too. INT. ON ROAD___EVENING Isabella is driving Adam is sitting on the passenger's seat. ADAM (Looks at Isabella) I miss you. ISABELLA I did miss you, too. ADAM I…I missed your smiles, you know— The traffic light at the junction indicates the "RED LIGHT" All cars stop. Isabella stops her car. ADAM I think I love you— ISABELLA You do? ADAM Yes, since the first day I met you….I have always loved you…I don't need any evidential proof...to ask you to marry me— ISABELLA I should— ADAM Marry me. You may say I hardly know you but the love I feel for you is transparent and unique…..please marry me. Adam brings out his wallet and brings out a ring. ISABELLA Wait a minute, did you plan this today? ADAM (Holds the ring slightly high) This the ring my late dad gave my mom— ISABELLA Wow. ADAM Please marry me; I know you do love me, right— Silence roared. "The Green light" has glowed. But Adam and Isabella are both unaware. Car horns wail the atmosphere nosily. Isabella's unmoved car is the reason for the consternation. A huge, muscular man walks to Isabella's car angrily. MAN (Raps on the car's door grimly) What's wrong with both of you? ADAM I just proposed to her. MAN Did she say yes? ADAM Please marry me, Isabella? ISABELLA Yes....yes MAN Wow lucky man, aren't you? ADAM I am a lucky man, indeed. MAN Take your time. The man walks away, with a smile on his lips. INT. ADAM'S MAIN ROOM____A WEDDING ADAM and ISABELLA'S BIG WEDDING A big wedding is going on and buzzes of conversations in the room. Mrs. Eze is smiling and talking with guests. Isabella is dressed in a wedding gown and she looks very beautiful. Mary is talking with the bride, Isabella. They are laughing. Waiters are passing glasses of wine around. Kehinde is seen wearing a tuxedo suit and smiling. EXT. On the balcony John is standing on the balcony sipping his glass of wine. Adam sees him. Adam is dressed in a black suit and he looks his best. He walks to John. ADAM (To John) Johnny John smiles and shakes Adam's hand. JOHN Getting married is good, is it? ADAM Of course, it's brilliant. My wife is god sent, you know. JOHN Sure, she is. Mr. Pius joins John and Adam on the balcony. Pius is a tall, rugged-looking man, with unshaven beards. He's Adam's uncle. PIUS Nice wedding....there's enough to drink. ADAM Have fun, uncle. PIUS I am. Enough to drink… PIUS (To Adam) I wish you and wife well....happy marriage life. ADAM Thanks Uncle. PIUS I will leave you and your friend now. Pius walks back to main room. A call comes from the main room WOMAN'S VOICE ADAM! Wedding portrait!! ADAM (Hollers back) Okay, I am coming! (To John) Let's go and take a snap. JOHN Marriage pictures, doesn't make you insecure again, uh? ADAM Nah....I am wondering how the world would cope without weddings. John laughs. Adam and John walks into the main room. Mrs. Eze walks up to Adam and nudges his shoulders. MRS.EZE I am proud of you, son. ADAM Thanks mom. MRS. EZE Your late father would've been too. ADAM Thanks. Adam kisses Isabella and smiles. He nudges Kehinde's shoulders. Everybody shuffles and gathers around James and Isabella PHOTOGRAPHER (Fixing his through a hole in his camera) OKAY, this is perfect! (Clicks his camera) THE END
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