Scene 23

Scene 23

(This scene opens with Loretta entering Fredrick's office).

Fredrick: I thought we weren't on speaking terms.

Loretta: Good day to you too, don't worry I accept your un said apology. And don't flatter yourself, I'm not here because I miss you, I'm here because you did something right. You had kids and you raised them right and they are smart. (She stretches her hand to him with her phone in it). Listen to this, it's about Anna and the whole incident.

Fredrick: This again. What is it?

Loretta: proof.

(He hesitates before he takes the phone from Loretta's hand and Loretta sits down. He loses the ear piece from the phone, puts it on and is looking at the phone as he plays it. Seconds later he raises his head up slowly and looks at Loretta).

Scene 23b

(This scene opens with Fredrick storming into his living room with Loretta following behind. The kids look up when they see him walk in then they look at each other).

Whitney: (Whispering). Did it work?

Jennifer: we don't know yet.

Fredrick: (Shouting angrily). Tomike, Dayo!

Isaac: yes it did, like a charm.

(They smile as Tomike and Dayo come down stairs. The staff too come out and stay away from where the rest where but close enough to hear everything going on).

Tomike: Fredrick has someone stolen again, it seems to be the reason for your shouting these days. (Fredrick presses the phone in his hand and places it on the table as it plays).

Tomike: ...(Laughs). Uh, now we are living the best life. Can't you see how beneficial it was to us to get rid of that Anna girl. I mean after all our efforts of trying to keep Fredrick on a leash so we can keep living off of him that Nanny was just going to ruin everything.

Dayo: (Laughs). Calm down mom, quit complaining, it's over now.

Tomike: Thanks to you my son for bringing up that great suggestion in time of need. Sneaking into Fredrick's room, stealing that money and planting it on her was the best idea you've ever had, the best thing to have done to her. It seems like your brain functions only when there is trouble. (Dayo laughs). Keep it that way, who knows we may need to steal from Fredrick again. Hmm, you just watch and see, our best is yet to come. I will bleed my brother in-law dry. Our best life is coming soon.

(As it's playing, Tomike gasps and her and Dayo begin to look terrified. When it stops, they face Fredrick and start to cry).

Tomike: (Goes on her knees). My in-law, it's not like that.

Dayo: Uncle it's not what you think.

Fredrick: Yes it's not cause what I'm thinking is why didn't I just send you guys away when you guys were using me. I'm thinking that you should leave my house this instant before my sister tears you into pieces. (The kids and the staff are shown celebrating but quietly. The kids make gestures to Tomike and Dayo to go away as they beg while Fredrick's back is turned to them).

Tomike: Abeg, please. (Sorry, please. Please). It was the work of the devil.

Loretta: (Laughs). Why are you blaming the devil. Everything is the devil. If somebody decided on their own free will to be evil, the devil. Somebody act's stupid, the devil. Someone's calabash broke the devil, must he be responsible for everything? Tomike be responsible.

Tomike: Loretta keep quite jor, your own na to dey worse matter, no be even your house self.

(Loretta marches towards her to and they stand up and run).

Loretta: Stay please. After everything you still get mouth talk rubbish. If my hand reach your face ehn, your brain go rest for life. (They run out of the house). Don't ever come back. (The staff celebrate and go back inside the kitchen. The kids are excited). I believe my work here is done.

All three of them: Thanks Aunty Lorry. (They go to hug her).

Fredrick: Thank you Lorry.

Loretta: You are welcome. (They hug as they continue talking).

Fredrick: And I'm sorry.

Loretta: Like I said apology accepted. There's someone else that needs that apology too. (They release each other from the hug). You know what to do. Alright buy guys. Kunle! Stop to dey chop, come close gate.

(They laugh lightly as she leaves. Kunle comes out running and chewing as he follows behind Loretta. The kids laugh. They look to Fredrick and he pulls them into a hug).

Fredrick: Thank you. I love you guys.

All three of them: We love you dad.

Scene closes.