Episode Eight:-"Trouble in paradise"

June 8th, 2025

Radio City Music hall, Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The 78th Tony awards ceremony. 10 minutes before Dianna received her award. James Corden is on stage standing in front of a microphone and wearing a leather suit with blue shoes.

JAMES CORDEN:-...and here are the nominees for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. (the cast of Anchor is seated at the auditorium with the audience. From the left, Christine is sitting next to Tintina who is holding two awards. Tintina is sitting next to Dianna. Dianna is sitting next to Lea. Lea is sitting next to Vero and next to her is Mr.Riley who is sitting next to Bello.)

MR. RILEY:- ( holding Bello's hand and whispered to him)...did I tell you you look gorgeous this evening?

BELLO:-(no expression on his face. He is looking at the stage as he answers Mr.Riley) Oh save it, Murphy. I'm not intrigued. (then he removes his hand from Mr.Riley's hand)

MR.RILEY:- is there something wrong?

BELLO:- nothing is wrong (still not facing Mr.Riley)

MR.RILEY:- Here you go again ( he rolled his eyes)

BELLO:- excuse me? ( this time he faced him)

MR.RILEY:- you do this thing whereby you are upset about something instead of saying what's bothering you, you say nothing is wrong!

BELLO:- because nothing is wrong!

MR.RILEY:- Yes there is!! ( People sitting around them all turned in their direction Including Vero and the rest of the cast)

VERO:-( she whispered to Lea) seems like trouble in paradise. ( Lea then nodded her head curiously as they continued to look at Bello and Mr.Riley)

BELLO:- Lower your voice, people are looking.

MR. RILEY:- I don't care about what people think, I care about you!

BELLO:- well I find that very hard to believe. ( drum rolled as James Corden opens the envelope)

JAMES CORDEN:-.. and the award goes to Bello Muhammad For Anchor!! ( without wasting a second Bello quickly stood up and he walked to the stage )

BELLO:- ( Standing in front of the microphone. From afar, you won't notice he is sweating) Wow I'm so nervous ( he smiled as audience laughed) I'm a Hausa boy from Nigeria so I have to say, holding a Tony with my name on it is an impossible turn possible ( audience clapped) so I want to thank Tintina Harrison for this big opportunity and to let her know I will forever be grateful ( he then blow a kiss to the audience which is mainly for Tintina) I'm still nervous so I better get off the stage now before I pee on myself ( audience laughed as he walked towards the backstage)

3 hours later.

Bello and Mr. Riley are coming out of the Building where they hosted the Award after-party.

MR. RILEY:- I think we got to wait a while for the valet to arrive with my car.

BELLO:- don't worry I will take a cab.

MR.RILEY:- are you being serious right now?! (Bello then faced him with an angry but peaceful look) please talk to me. if there is anything I have done wrong I'm really sorry and sorry again for not noticing.

BELLO:- Yeah right. ( he rolled his eyes as he looks for a cab)

MR.RILEY:- ( HE grabbed him by the arm with force) look at me when I'm talking to you!!

BELLO:- get your hands off me ( he released his arm from Mr. Riley's grasp then they went silent for a moment) we have been dating for five months now and it still feels like a week.

MR.RILEY:- what do you mean?

BELLO:- I want to know more about you but you won't let me in. you are not letting me know the real you.

MR.RILEY:- I have been honest with you about everything in my life since we started seeing each other.

BELLO:- I know but kinda hard to explain. I don't feel you 100%. I feel like you are holding back on something...or someone.

MR.RILEY:- I don't understand, what are you asking of me?

BELLO:- do you love me?

MR.RILEY:- ( he looked shocked and very confused) What kind of question is that?

BELLO:- it's a simple question. Do. You. Love. Me? ( Mr.Riley froze and couldn't utter a word) now do you see the problem?... ( Bello started tearing up ) I can't count how many times you had made mention of how much you loved James but you can't even form the words out of your mouth that you love me. ( he laughed a little but still pained) I don't mean to be disrespectful but I mean I'm literally competing with someone who is dead.

MR.RILEY:- Bello I...

BELLO:- don't worry it's fine. you have given me a lot to think about actually. ( he wiped his tears and Sniffed his nose as he whistles for a cab. As usual, a cab magically appeared ) Good night Mr.Riley ( he got into the cab as it drove off)

ANCHOR" written by Isa Hafsat Hamtin

21st September 2017

The academic ground in Principal Ruth Sunday's office. A day before announcing the election results.

MRS. SUNDAY:- As elections are presently going on, we ( she then points to Pastor Peter and Warden Julius Malema who are sitting beside her behind a large desk)... normally call upon the candidates for scanning and to tell us a little about themselves to qualify whether or not they are capable for the perfectship they have chosen for themselves. so tell us Miss Veronica Disweet, what makes you think you are qualified to be The head of girls?

VERO:- ( sitting at the front of the desk and wearing her scout uniform smiling) well, Firstly, I have been in this school since my Jss1 and never ever, even once have I broken any school rules...

MRS. SUNDAY:- not that we know of.

VERO:- Well I can assure you Ma I have never ever broken any school rules since my very first day of being a student and a scout of Zeal Academy. You can ask around if you need to. Both my classmates and Junior students will testify that I'm a good person.

MRS. SUNDAY:-( she smiled ) hmm. I like your confidence. Go on.

VERO:- secondly, I'm hardworking and I keep my grades to an appropriate level.

MRS. SUNDAY:- Well I see. ok, Next question. Why do you want to be Head of girls?

VERO:- because I believe I can make a difference. In the past, other Heads of girls and boys have failed to stop bullying in the school. I believe I can change that.

MRS. SUNDAY:- even though the bullying comes from your fellow senior classmates?

VERO:- especially because it comes from my classmates. I use to see my classmates bully Junior students but I can't do anything because I don't have the authority.

MRS. SUNDAY:- but you are a scouter, a high ranked one for that matter.

VERO:- Scouters only have rights to take charge of Fellow scouts or inmates but not on purely Academic seeking students.

MRS. SUNDAY:-so you think being Head of girls will stop bullying in the academic ground?

VERO:- Yes I think it will help.

MRS. SUNDAY:- ok. moving on. What is your religious belief?

VERO:- Well my father is a Muslim while my mother is a Christian.

MRS.SUNDAY:- Ok but which one of them are you following?

P.PETERS:- It better be Christianity

VERO:- I'm sorry but is this necessary?

P.PETERS:- of course, yes. You must know Jesus and if given the authority as Head of girls you will use the power as a child of God.

VERO:- Well I'm sorry to disappoint you but I'm neither Muslim nor Christian. I believe you don't have to be in any religion to be a good person or be close to God.

P.PETERS:- My child, Christianity is the only path in being a good person, and being a good person brings you closer to God.

VERO:- (she raised an eyebrow showing annoyance) Like seriously, is there a need for religion when you already know God and feel the spiritual connections?

MRS. SUNDAY:- Look here young lady, your religious views matter a lot because it defines who you are and if you are capable of the position.

VERO:- I don't mean to be rude but I'm not a Hypocrite. amongst the three of us campaigning for Head of girls I'm the most qualified. I mean I have been in zeal Academy since Jss1 but Tintina came where we were in Ss1 and she is even a lesbian then look at Lea, who dated Usher and even broke up with him in school grounds and I'm sure dating in the school is prohibited. ( Mrs. Sunday looked at both Pastor Peters and Warden Julius as the three of them nodded their heads)

MRS. SUNDAY:- ( she smiled suspiciously) Thank you Veronica. I think we have come to the end of your interview. have a nice day.

VERO:- But ma...

MRS. SUNDAY:-  I said have... a nice... day.

VERO:- ok Thank you ma and sirs ( She smiled uncomfortably as she made her way to the door  and close this behind her) Oh no... What have I done...

MRS. SUNDAY:- Pastor Peters.

P.PETERS:- Yes Mrs. Sunday

MRS. SUNDAY:- Gather your holy water and Bible. you are going to need them soon.

June 13th, 2025

Five Days after Tony Awards. 3.pm in the Afternoon.

Tintina walk into the empty auditorium quietly as she noticed Dianna singing Temmie Ovwasa's "Ayanfe" on the stage alone.

TINTINA:- ( she began to clap and climb the stage as Dianna finished singing) wow. That was moving.

DIANNA:- (blushing uncontrollably) Tina? sorry I didn't see you there.

TINTINA:- you weren't supposed to see me. ( she stood right in front of Dianna) so you are warming up for tonight's show?

DIANNA:- yes I am. my throat was a bit Sore so.

TINTINA:- so you can speak Yoruba?

DIANNA:- yes. my Mother is Yoruba actually so.

TINTINA:- wow!. well, I hope you will Teach me. So that I can be singing Temmie's Holy water for the show very well.

DIANNA:- I would love to ( they both looked deep into each other's eyes for about three seconds in silence ) why are you crying?

TINTINA:- What?! ( she wiped her tears with her arm) oh, it's nothing. something must have gotten into my eyes.

DIANNA:- are you sure? or don't you cry when you see something beautiful?

TINTINA:- ( she laughed a little) Yeah, it happens to me sometimes... but wait, how do you know about that?

DIANNA:-( she removed her contact lens revealing her dark green eyes) do you remember me now?

TINTINA:- those eyes...( more tears began to pour as her eyes were wild open ) Diane? but how?

DIANNA:- it's kind of a long story but I'm glad you remember who has those eyes. you were the first and only person who really saw me inside. and I never forgot you for that. ( Tintina still in shock as the other cast members began to enter the auditorium then Dianna quickly put back her contact lens ) we should better prepare before Mr.Riley comes in.

TINTINA:- ( trying to compose herself to reality ) Yeah..sure ( then they both smiled )

22nd September 2017

Students are slowly walking out of the school conference hall After Tintina's humiliation earlier. Lea is rushing out of the hall as Vero grabbed her arm.

VERO:- where do you think you are going?

LEA:- ( anger on her face) I'm going to principal Ruth's office

VERO-: to do what?

LEA:- to tell her the truth, that I was the one who forced Tintina to sleep with me...

VERO:- ( she placed her finger on her lips) hush!!! ( then she looked left and right to make sure nobody had listened or had eyes on them. She then lowers her voice) are you insane? And since when have you and Tintina been smashing around?

LEA-: Now is not the time... this whole thing is my fault and I'm ready to give up this blazer if it can clean Tintina's name.

VERO-: but it's not your fault it's mine!

LEA-: ( still looks angry but confused) what!?

VERO:- (She then dragged Lea to an empty class and closed the door) I was the one who told Principal Ruth that Tintina is a lesbian.

LEA-: WHAT! ( she gave VERO a hot slap that echoed the class) How could you? Tintina trust you and you do this to her?

VERO:- it was a slip of the tongue. I was trying to make a point to Principal Ruth and Pastor Peters when the information slip out of my mouth. It was a mistake.

LEA-: my God Vero you need to watch the way you say things. Now only God knows what they will do to her in the detention facility all because of your big mouth. I hope you didn't say anything else to them?

VERO-: well...( she raised an eyebrow)

LEA-: WHAT!?

VERO-: hey calm down ok. I just told them you dated Usher.

LEA:- you what?!! ( she attempted to give Vero another slap but Vero blocked and held grip of her hand ) now I know what your plan was. You wanted the perfectship so bad that you went behind our backs to the school heads so that they would disqualify us and make you Head of girls.

VERO:- ( she held her hand tighter) look think all you want. It doesn't matter anymore. I'm not the one wearing the Ash blazer aren't I? ( she then let lose of her hand as the class went quiet) look, I don't know how to tell you how sorry I am.

LEA-: you very well know I'm not the one who needs your sorry.

VERO:- You are right. I'm sure I will get the chance to tell Tintina the truth during mingleteria time because that's the only time inmates are allowed to seat with us freely.

LEA:- good idea. I can't imagine what they will do to her in there...

June 13th, 2025

6.pm in the evening.

Tintina is backstage wearing her costume which is a brown and white checked pattern gown. She is coming out of her dressing room as she sights VERO also coming out of her dressing room wearing her scout uniform costume.

TINTINA:- Vero!!! ( she then happily ran towards Vero)

VERO:- ( looking confused) watin happen ?[s1]

TINTINA:- ( Smiling ) First of all, thank Goodness you are here today. Secondly, I have something very important to tell you ( still smiling)

VERO:- me too but you go first.

TINTINA:- I have to break up with Christine.

VERO:- ( her eyes were wide open with joy and began singing and clapping her hands as she danced like an Igbo woman in church)

🎼 we are saying thank you, Jesus! Thank you, my Lord.

we are saying thank you, Jesus! Thank you, my Lord.🎼

( her smile of joy fades instantly) But Wait, why? Trouble in paradise?

TINTINA:- ( looking excited) No! Because I have found my soulmate

VERO:- ( she raised an eyebrow looking even more confused) eh? Soul watin[w1]

TINTINA:-...mate.

VERO:- you are even answering me. Come on Tintina don't tell me you believe in that soulmate stuff.

TINTINA:- look that stuff is real and I feel it in my bones that she is the one for me.

VERO:- ( she looks even more annoyed) wait, who are we even talking about?

TINTINA:- Diane.

VERO:- you mean Lea's sister Dianna?

TINTINA:- yes.

VERO:- come on Tintina, I thought you were past the bisexual twins sisters drama.

TINTINA:- Vero you don't understand she is the girl I'm meant to be with...

VERO:- hush there! That was how you said Christine was the right one for you. Before her Lea was the love of your life. There was even one girl you said was beautiful and had green eyes you saw one visiting day back when we were in ss1. you said you guys spoke for like five minutes then you guys fell in love. Ah! Tintina I can't believe I believed you.

TINTINA:- ( her eyes were wide open) Dianna is the beautiful girl with green eyes!!!

VERO:- eh?! How is that even possible? I mean, Dianna doesn't have green eyes?

TINTINA:- Dianna dey wear contact lens 4 eye [s2]

VERO:- ( she gasped) well that explains things ( she put her hand on her Chin) and may be on that visiting day you saw her, she came to visit her sister...

BOTH VERO AND TINTINA:- LEA!..

VERO:- destiny has brought you guys together by force. Tintina?

TINTINA:- ( Smiling) YES

VERO:- you must marry Dianna.

TINTINA:- but what about Christine?

VERO:- yes! That reminds me of what I wanted to tell you ( she then pulled her into her dressing room as they sat down) Guess what I found out about Christine.

TINTINA:- what? That she is a stripper?

VERO:- Yes...wait. You know she is a stripper?

TINTINA:- yes

VERO:- since when?

TINTINA:- she told me since we started dating.

VERO:- But Tintina, do you know what kind of Stripping she does?

TINTINA:- stage performance?

VERO:- yes but she also does Private services for her clients.

TINTINA:- what?!! That's not true. Where did you get your silly story from?

VERO:- if you don't believe me I can show you right now. She normally use to have a 6 pm appointment in Peninsula hotel

TINTINA:- how do you know all this?

VERO:- just trust me. Has my information ever been incorrect?...( she looked at her wristwatch) look. It's two hours before the show starts. We will be back before time for Anchor ( she dragged Tintina as they left the dressing room)

28th September 2017

Lea and Vero are wearing their compound wear seated in the school cafeteria (mingleteria) at the juvenile detention facility together with all students of zeal Academy.

LEA:- ( looking around the mingleteria) I can't seem to see her anywhere.

VERO:- it's been 6 days Lea and they haven't allowed her to eat with us. God knows what's happening to her right now.

LEA:- this is all your fault you know.

VERO:- hey, you think I don't know that?!. I'm pretty sure if I were in Tintina's Shoes by now nobody will be sitting here waiting for me.

LEA:- what's that supposed to mean?

VERO:- forget it it's not as if you care about me anyways. You are only here sitting with me because of your precious Tintina.

LEA:- I do care about you because we are friends...

VERO:- oh Yeah, where were you or anyone last year when the bullet stuck under my armpit hot so bad? nobody came to visit me at the school Hospital except from Tintina, and that was because saving her life was what put the bullet there. I'm pretty sure you won't have started talking to me very well if not because of the election. Election that I thought if I had won people would notice or show me respect around here.

LEA:-( crossed her legs and folded her arms) so is that why you sold us out?

VERO:- for the last time that was not my intention!

LEA:- but you did it anyway. ( Vero went silent as Bello and Ibrahim join them at the table both wearing their compound wear and holding their tray of food)

IBRAHIM:- hi guys

VERO:- HI ( then she smiled at the sight of Bello)

LEA:- hey.

BELLO:- she hasn't come out yet?

LEA:- No she hasn't.

IBRAHIM:- ( staring at the serving section) hey guys, isn't that Tintina?

LEA:- ( looking excited) where?!

IBRAHIM:- by the serving section. ( they all faced the serving section and saw Tintina holding an empty tray. She then walked to an empty seat at a table as the other students around the table quickly stood up irritated by the sight of her and went to another table leaving her to sit at the table alone )

BELLO:- come on guys let's go ( they stood up with their trays and went to sit with Tintina) Oh my gosh. Look at you. you have lost so much weight.

IBRAHIM:- What have they been doing to you back there?

TINTINA:- (dried voice and talks slowly) unspeakable things. ( she smiled) I'm just happy to see you guys.

VERO:- ( she looked onto Tintina's empty tray) Tintina why isn't there food on your tray?

TINTINA:- the women in charge by the serving section refused to give me food. That Pastor Peters told her not too.

BELLO:- my gosh. Here. ( he gave Tintina his tray of food)

IBRAHIM:- those women are shameless. Even as they saw your condition, they still didn't have pity.

TINTINA:- You know you are all putting yourselves at risks just by sitting near me right?

IBRAHIM:- make dem try see watin go happen[s3]

TINTINA:- what can you do? It's not as if you can call your parents and tell them that they held you in the detention facility for being gay. ( they all went silent for a moment)

BELLO:- look no matter what we are here for you ok?

TINTINA:- ok but You guys should be careful. ( she turned over to Lea who looks terrified ) Lea, why are you not saying anything?

LEA:- ( she stretched forth her hand and softly touched Tintina's face ) look at what they did to your beautiful face ( she began to cry)

TINTINA:- ( she held Lea's hand on her face) please don't cry. ( she then held both of Lea's hands) don't worry I'm going to be fine.

LEA:- ( she then noticed a prison guard staring at her and Tintina so she let loose of her hands) no you are not. Only God knows how long they will keep you in there. They are going to change you and make you like men.

TINTINA:- No I'm not going to change, I don't think I can change. if I could I would have been out of here since. I will still be me and I will still be in love with you ( she then softly grab Lea's hands) I promise.

LEA:- ( she again free her hands from Tintina as she sees that the same prison guard was still staring at them) we need to stop.

TINTINA:- what? So you are saying I can't even hold your hands?

LEA:- they are going to torture you to tell them who you are lesbian with.

TINTINA:- Hey! No!. No, they are not, and even though they do, I won't tell them I promise with my life. Our love is strong enough for me to survive this.

LEA:- love? Tintin' I don't think what I feel for you is love.

TINTINA:- what? ( she began to tear up)

LEA:- Look I'm just scared.

TINTINA:- and I'm saying don't worry. I'm going to be fine. ( she held Lea's hand again)

LEA:- it was me. I did it.

TINTINA:- you did what?

LEA:- I was the one who told Principal Ruth that you are a lesbian so that they would make me head of girls.

VERO:- what?! LEA what are you doing...

LEA:- Vero please stay out of this.

BELLO:- Lea how could you?

IBRAHIM:- you are so selfish.

TINTINA:- ( she slowly releases Lea's hand as anger appear on her face) I showed you nothing but love... And this is what you give to me ?...( she laughed a little which made her cough) Ah! Na me fuck up[ s4] because I didn't see the monster in you. ( Lea just sat there and was quiet as Tintina stood up )

BELLO:- Hey where are you going? You haven't even touched your food( Tintina walked away and left the mingleteria to her sell ) Lea so this is all your fault!

IBRAHIM:- ...and you didn't even say sorry. ( Bello and Ibrahim stood up from the table and left the mingleteria)

VERO:- why did you take the blame?

LEA:- ( tears coming out of her eyes) because it made it easier for me to let go...

June 13th, 2025

7.pm in the evening. The Peninsula hotel in Manhattan

Christine wakes up beside a man whose arms are wrapped around another woman. both of them are sleeping, naked, and wearing wedding rings. She slowly stood up from the bed and quietly picked her clothes one by one and wore them. Then she picked up five bundles of 100 thousand dollar note on top of a small coffee table and put them in her bag. As she quietly walked towards the door she put on her long coat and adjust herself then the look of shock appeared on her face as she opens the door to see Vero smiling and folding her arms behind her Tintina who is standing in front of her and has no expression on her face

.

APPENDIX TRANSLATION

[w1] watin/ what

[s1] watin happen / what happened?

[s2] Dianna dey wear contact lens 4 eye? / Dianna wears contact lens on her eyes.?

[S3] mak dem try see watin go happen/ let them try and they will see what will happen.

[S4] Na me fuck up/ I fucked up.