Episode Nine:- "Worth it "

June 13th, 2025

7.pm in the evening.

Christine quietly walked towards the door as 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 holding her arms, behind her is Tintina who is standing in front of her and has no expression on her face.

CHRISTINE:- Tintina I can explain.

TINTINA:- hush! ( she kissed Christine on the forehead ) good buy Christine ( her and Vero walked out on Christine and left the hotel)

ANCHOR" written by Isa Hafsat Hamtin

30th September 2017. The juvenile detention facility.

Tintina's eyes are red, drained and weak, her neck and cheek bones are even more showing then before, her hair had started growing shaid as she is seated in the same interrogation room as before wearing the zeal academy prison uniform.

P.PETERS:- ( entering the room holding a very big Bible) how are you today my child? ( Tintina remained quiet and is staring at him with peaceful but raging eyes as he took his seat and dropped the big Bible on the table) Look my child, were you ever abused by a man when you were a child that made you hate men and decided to become a lesbian?( Tintina laughed and remained silent)  look here!. you have the power to leave this place right now only if you put your hand on this Bible and swear that you will never engage yourself to the evil act of lesbianism and accept Jesus christ as your lord and savior.

( Tintina remained silent)  I am trying to save you my child so that you can make it to the Kingdom of Heaven.

TINTINA:- for the last time I'M NOT YOUR CHILD!

P.PETERS:- ... DON'T LET ME LAY MY HAND ON YOU!! ( He raised his left hand about to hit Tintina when Scoutmaster Jamal Johnson opened the door)

S.M.JAMAL:- Pastor Peters? what were you about to do to Tintina?

P.PETERS:- and how does that concern you?

S.M.JAMAL:- how dear you ask me such a question. I don't think I need to remind you of my authority in this school Pastor Peters. I have every right to know the well being of miss Harrison here because I am one of the heads of this school and her scoutmaster! so I ask again, what were you about to do to her?!!

P.PETERS:- I'm trying to bring her close to Jesus.

S.M.JAMAL:- I'm not blind Pastor Peters. I know what I saw. you were about to hit her.

P.PETERS:-Tintina is a very stubborn girl. she needs to be disciplined.

S.M.JAMAL:- have you gone mad?! you are talking about discipline her when she looks like she hasn't eaten for days.

TINTINA:- actually I haven't eaten for days.

S.M.JAMAL:- ( he faced Tintina) MY GOD! ( he looked back at Pastor Peters) for goodness sake look at her, one hit from you would have coursed her to faint.

P.PETERS:- Principal Ruth Sunday handed her to me with the hope that I can help remove the evil spirit of lesbianism from her even if the methods are extreme!!

S.M.JAMAL:- ( he took a deep breath as the room became quiet and he faced Tintina ) Miss Harrison.

TINTINA:- yes sir.

S.M.JAMAL:- get up and follow me now!

P.PETERS:- what do you think you are doing?...

S.M.JAMAL:- shut up Peters! you are the biggest hypocrite I have ever seen in my entire life. you condemn her for being a lesbian when you have skeletons in your closet.

P.PETERS:- Skeletons?! what are you talking about?

S.M.JAMAL:- Tintina leave this room now! ( She gathered some strength to stand up and took a deep breath before she could take small steps as she walked out of the room) now listen to me clearly, don't you ever lay a hand on any student in this school and understand this, I'm not telling you, I'm warning you. Remember ( he then whispered to Pastor Peter's ear) I know what you did to Serafina the sole called student who went missing two years ago so be careful with me. ( Pastor Peters went silent as the look of fear appeared on his face) Good!. you are not preaching the word of God now aren't you. ( he smiled and left Pastor Peters in the room. He stepped outside and saw Tintina waiting for him) Tintina how are you feeling?

TINTINA:- hungry( she smiled )

S.M.JAMAL:- me too ( he smiled as Tintina increase her height to give him a big hug because he is taller than her) I'm sorry I didn't come to get you out of here sooner.

TINTINA:- it's ok Mr Jamal. at least you came.

S.M.JAMAL:- ( they Unhug) but we have to go to Principal Ruth Sunday's office after we eat.

TINTINA:- ooh men, what punishment does she want to give me this time?

S.M.JAMAL:- don't worry. no more punishments again. I'm going to be there with you. ok?

TINTINA:- ok.

S.M.JAMAL:- come on. let's go and eat. ( Tintina then lean on his arm for support as they slowly walked out of the juvenile detention facility.)

An hour later.

Tintina and Scoutmaster Jamal entered Principal Ruth Sunday's office to see her sitting behind her large desk and Warden Julius Malema, who has no facial expression is sitting beside her .

S.M.JAMAL:- ( he whispered to Tintina ) stand there. ( directing her to the middle of the office) and remain calm. ( he then walked towards the large desk and sat beside Principal Ruth Sunday.)

MRS. SUNDAY:-( breaking the awkward silent) Miss Harrison!. do you have anything to say before we proceed?

TINTINA:- hmmm... ( June 13th, 2025. 8.pm in the evening. Tintina is standing in the middle of the stage wearing an orange overall costume facing three people ( one lady and two men beside her ) who are seated behind a very large desk. )

THE LADY:- Miss Harrison!. do you have anything to say before we proceed?

TINTINA:- ( all the stage lights went dark except the light on her. she then slowly turned to the audience's directions and began to sing Temmie Ovwasa's "Holy Water")

🎼Holy water

Upon the Shepherd

Holy water

Upon the grass

Ooh ooh holy water

Upon my bed sheet

Holy water

Pour in deepen inside of me

Turn my rainbow into black

Turn my precious heart into stone

Goes to family

They live me to die

It won't change the fact

That I was born with honor and tie

It won't change you and I

So tell your God in life

Oh no holy water can't change me

No excesses can faint me

For the day and for the night

I'll be the same when I rise

Oh no holy water can't change me

No excesses can faint me

For the day and for the night

I'll be the same, I'll be the same...🎼

( as she finished the song, some audience clapped and some audience were emotional as she looked behind to flash back on 30th September, 2017)

MRS. SUNDAY:-... Miss Harrison!. do you have anything to say before we proceed?

TINTINA:- I have nothing to say ma.

MRS. SUNDAY:- even if you did it wouldn't matter because from now henceforth, you have been expelled from Zeal academy!

S.M.JAMAL:- what?!! on who's authority?

MRS. SUNDAY:- on mine!

S.M.JAMAL:- After the humiliation of washing all the junior students hostel toilets and sending her to undergo unnecessary deliverance sessions with Pastor Peters who almost starved her to death for two weeks, you still want to expelle her?

MRS. SUNDAY:-  Expelling her will set an example to the students not to engage in the act of homosexuality. Such an act will not be tolerated or overlooked in school as far as I'm principal!

S.M.JAMAL:- well I'm her scoutmaster and I say she should remain a student and finish her last year of secondary school as a scouter!!!

MRS. SUNDAY:- ... with the way you have been defending her lately, I'm beginning to suspect that you are a homosexual like her!!

S.M.JAMAL:- ( he laughed) oh for the love of God.

W.MALEMA:- ( with a deep voice, he speaks with South African accent, so elegantly and peaceful) quiet...( the room immediately went silent as they all looked at him so surprised) the both of you are yelling and it's disrupting my peace of mind. ( the room still remains quiet and eyes were still on him) Now, that I have your attention, let's go back to the rules. Before a student, a scouter or an inmate is expelled, dismissed or transferred, the three authority must make the decision together. so since you both are not on the same page about this matter, let's put it to a vote. Agreed?

MRS. SUNDAY:- yes! I agree! let's vote.

S.M.JAMAL:- Warden Malema, I don't think voting is necessary...

W.MALEMA:- at this point, I doubt that.( the room became quiet again) so... Principal Ruth, should Miss Tintina Harrison stay or be expelled?

MRS. SUNDAY:- (smiling viciously) Expelled!!

W.MALEMA:- Scoutmaster Jamal, should she stay or be expelled?

S.M.JAMAL:- she should stay!! because she is a good student and has been a great asset to the scout movement! she deserve a second chance!

W.MALEMA:- hmmm. I have made my decision already but...( the room went quiet as they all looked at him waiting for him to speak. He then looked at Tintina for about 5 seconds ) Miss Harrison?

TINTINA:- yes sir.

W.MALEMA:- was it all worth it?

TINTINA:- I'm lost sir ...

W.MALEMA:- being a lesbian. the shame, the punishment and the hunger, was it all worth it?

TINTINA:- ( for 3 seconds she was quiet) I was a lesbian Yesterday, and as I stand before you I'm still like women. I'm pretty sure I'm still going to keep liking women tomorrow. I better start living my truth every single day of my life no matter what. because I'm going to die one day. when I'm old, I want to look back at my life and say to myself that it was all worth it. And if God sends me to Hell for it then so be it.

W.MALEMA:- ( the room became quiet again) Tintina do you know MaBrrr ?

TINTINA:- yes sir. I know Brenda Fassie.

W.MALEMA:- ( he smiled which shocked Scoutmaster Jamal and Principal Ruth) you sound very much like her. she was a lesbian too you know, but we loved her still. she inspired so many people in South Africa including gay people too. My uncle who was like a father to me, May his soul rest in peace, came out to us as a homosexual after Brenda died. He said in Brenda's words that " life is all about expression, you only live once and you are not coming back so express yourself right now". it's unfortunate that Nigeria is lacking behind in so many things and in my 4 years been posted to this country, Nigeria is full of people who don't mind their business ( he then gave Principal Ruth a glare ) if not, there is no big deal with a woman loving another woman or a man to a man...so Miss Harrison, go back to your hostel, take a nice bath and put on your compound wear because you are still a student of this school. ok?

TINTINA:- ok sir. ( she began to cry as scoutmaster Jamal walked towards her and gave her a big hug)

June 13th, 2025. 10:30 PM After the show.

Bello just got to his apartment and walked to the fridge to get a bottle of Corona extra ( beer) when suddenly, the doorbell rang.

BELLO:- ( he walked towards the door and opened it) Murphy?

MR.RILEY:- (standing in front of the door and holding flowers) Bello I love you.

BELLO:- what?! ( looking so shocked)

MR.RILEY:- I said I love you. ( he looked at him deep in the eyes)

BELLO:- ( he took one step closer to Mr. Riley) say it again.

MR.RILEY:- I. love. you. ( Bello then put his hand on Mr.Riley's shoulder and slowly moved the hand towards his neck)... I can't stop thinking about you. I want you in my life Bello.

BELLO:- ( he placed his other hand on Mr. Riley's hips and kissed him) You know I love you too right?

MR.RILEY:- No. I'm not sure. ( they both laughed)

BELLO:- well I do. ( he then noticed a new tattoo on Mr Riley's left hand) wait is that my name on your hand?

MR.RILEY:- yeah it is. I had the tattoo done today.

BELLO:- wow! does it to hot?

MR.RILEY:- yes it does but it's worth it. you are worth the pain. ( they stared at each other's eyes for about 3 seconds as Bello dragged him into his apartment and lock the door behind)

20 minutes earlier. immediately after the show. Dianna removed her costume, wore her regular clothes, left her dressing room and walked out of the backstage to the auditorium.

TINTINA:- you are going home? ( her voice echoed the auditorium as the stage light went on, revealing her standing on the bright stage )

DIANNA:- Yes I am. wait, what are you doing up there?

TINTINA:- ..Nothing. I'm just thinking... why don't you join me up here?

DIANNA:- ammm. ok? ( she joined Tintina on stage. they stood in silence as they both stared at the auditorium chairs and took deep breath )

TINTINA:- ( breaking the silence) I still can't believe we won all our Tony nominations.

DIANNA:- well Anchor is worth all those awards. even more apparently. but although, it is missing something.

TINTINA:- ( she raised an eyebrow ) And what is that?

DIANNA:- the story never showcased any scene of Tintina's family. why is that?

TINTINA:- the scenes in show were important moment in my teenage live that made me who I am today.

DIANNA:- so your family didn't play sutton important roles?

TINTINA:- hmmm. during my graduation from secondary school back in 2018, my parents came with my older brother and we celebrated. when it was time for us to go home, my father didn't allow me to put my things in the car. my brother and mother did nothing but watched how my father as he shouted at me and told me I'm no longer his daughter. And then they got into the car and left me in school.

DIANNA:- what?! why?

TINTINA:- Turns out, Principal Ruth Sunday told my parents that I'm a lesbian, on my graduation day.

DIANNA:- oh my God! that woman really does not mind her business. I'm so sorry that happened.

TINTINA:- oh no. it's ok. Thank goodness Bello hasn't already gone home before my family left. so I stayed at Bello's house for about 3 months then one morning, my mother came to take me home. I mean, that is what I thought. I got into the car with my stuff and we were silently on the road for about 2 hours. suddenly, the car stopped, and then I realised we were at the airport. she gave me a passport, a Visa and a credit card that I should go stay wait my uncle Patrick here in New York.  I got out with my things and she drove off without saying goodbye. That was the last day I saw or heard from my mom.

DIANNA:- oh my... that wasn't fair of her.

TINTINA:- when I even got to New York, she didn't even call to know if I'm ok. But My uncle Patrick is a really cool he let me stay with him till I got this job working for Mr Riley so...He actually came to the US for work-study because he's a professor back home and surprisingly knows a lot about queerness maybe because he teach sociology and he keeps telling me I remind him so much of his older brother who died years ago. He really helped me understand myself better you know.

DIANNA:- wow! that's cool

TINTINA:- but you know the funniest part about it is that I'm not angry nor do I blame my parents, I'm just sad and disappointed that they care more of what the poor society says then their own child wellbeing. but I know deep down they love me. at least I'm sure my mom does. ( awkward silent emerged as they turned and faced each other) the last time I remembered you, you had a lot of weight and you had braces on .

DIANNA:- ( she laughed ) well, when I joined my dad here in New York, he made sure I got in shape and for the braces, when I was 9, I fell down the stairs causing a fracture on my lower jaw. since then, I had had on braces to relieve pressure on my temporomandibular joints. ( The real story. when she was 9, Mr Martin gave her a blow on the face because in her school result, she got 3rd position in her class meanwhile Lea was still the one who got 1st position. the blow caused a fracture on her lower jaw making her to wear braces) but I stopped using braces two years ago. my jaw is much better now.

TINTINA:- and didn't you use to wear glasses?

DIANNA:- I stopped using glasses then started using medical contact lens instead.

TINTINA:- Oh I see. so can I see you?

DIANNA:- ( she laughed a little) I'm confused, aren't you seeing me?

TINTINA:- I mean, the real you.

DIANNA:- well, if I show you, you are just going to cry again.

TINTINA:- don't worry, I won't. ( Dianna then removed her contact lens ) My gosh you are stunning.

DIANNA:- ( she then wiped a drop of tears from Tintina's cheek ) I told you you were going to cry... you look cute when you tear up. (she grabbed Tintina by the neck and gave her a hot deep kiss leading up to 6 seconds and then pulled away)... my God. I'm sorry...

TINTINA:- Don't apologize ( she grabbed Dianna's neck as the deep kiss continued which lasted for about two minutes then they held hands as they walked toward the the main entrance of the theater together.)