Episode 8(Just Negodu)
INT. HOSPITAL.
"Dr. Nkem walks into the waiting room"
Mr. OKOH
(Walks towards her)
Doctor, how is my daughter?
"Dr. Nkem takes off her glasses."
Mrs. OKOH
Doctor, how is she?
Dr. NKEM
(Takes a deep breath)
I'm sorry, we did all we could...
Mrs. OKOH
No.
(Screams out)
Dr. NKEM
I'm sorry for your loss.
Mrs. OKOH
No, my daughter is alive.
Mr. OKOH
(Holds Mrs. Okoh)
Honey, calm down.
Mrs. OKOH
I want to see my daughter.
(Turns to Mr. Okoh)
My daughter is not dead.
I want to see my daughter.
"Mr. Okoh pulls Mrs. Okoh into his arms."
Dr. NKEM
Please accept my condolences, sir.
I pray God gives you the strength to bear your loss.
Please, excuse me.
(Walks out of the scene)
"Dr Ike dials Mrs. Iwebema number"
____________________\____\__________
INT. THE IWEBEMA'S HOUSEHOLD, DINING TABLE.
"Mrs. Iwebema's phone rings"
Mrs. IWEBEMA
(Picks up her phone)
Hello.
Hmm, all right.
(Hangs up)
BEMA
(Notice the slight change in her mood)
Mum, is everything okay?
Mrs. IWEBEMA
Yes, everything is fine.
BEMA
Why did Dr. Ike call you at this time?
Mrs. IWEBEMA
How is that any of your business Mr. Man?
Finish your meal and go do something reasonable with your time.
(Gets up to leave)
BEMA
Ahh, where are you going?
Mrs. IWEBEMA
I will be in my room.
Make sure you do the dishes before going to bed.
BEMA
But you barely touched your food?
"Ignores Bema and walks out of the room."
_____________________________________
INT. MINISTERS RESIDENCE, LAGOS, NIGERIA, SITTING ROOM.
"Faith turns to Mrs. Wole."
FAITH
Mummy don't tell me you are taking his side too.
Mrs. WOLE
Faith, we are doing what is best for you.
Yes, I was skeptical about the idea at first, but this is a great opportunity to be a student at the best school in the country.
FAITH
But I like it here in Westhill College.
MINISTER
Ifemi, I know you do but this is a good opportunity your mother and I would not want you to miss out on.
FAITH
I know you think you are doing what is best for me, but you aren't.
Please Dad, can I stay here?
MINISTER
No, you cannot, Faith.
You are leaving for Winner Academy as soon as possible.
(Walks out of the scene)
FAITH
(Turns to Mrs. Wole)
Mummy, please.
I don't want to go to Abuja, please.
Mrs. WOLE
Faith we are doing what is best for you besides you are the one who keeps telling me about how important change is.
Now this is an opportunity to experience one and you are running away from it.
FAITH
This is not the kind of change I was talking about.
Mrs. WOLE
Well, change is change young lady.
You are leaving for Abuja whether you like it or not.
(Walks out of the sitting room)
FAITH
Oh, God.
Nobody is even listening to me.
(Folds her hands across each other as she wears an unpleasant facial expression)
_________________________________
WASHINGTON, D.C, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
"Tunde smiles at Kemi"
TUNDE
Welcome to our new home.
KEMI
(Scans through the huge hall)
Is this really necessary?
TUNDE
What do you mean?
Of course, it is.
KEMI
This is nearly half the size of my dad's mansion back home.
What do you need all that space for?
TUNDE
This is for us, Kemi.
Soon we will be married, and we are going to have kids of our own.
KEMI
We both know I would spend most of my time on campus even though my dad moved me here to be closer to you.
TUNDE
(Moves closer to Kemi)
Kemi!
What can I do to get you on the same page as me?
Can't you see that I am doing my best to show you how much I love you?
KEMI
Some things are not just meant to be.
(Turns to leave the sitting room)
TUNDE
(Grips her by the wrist)
Why can't you just open your heart to me?
What have I ever done to you to make you hate me so much?
KEMI
(Smiles)
I do not hate you.
I'm not just interested in the kind of relationship you want with me.
TUNDE
(Takes a deep breath)
I love you, Kemi.
KEMI
I know.
Please let me go, I am tired.
I want to rest.
TUNDE
Sure
(Let's go of her wrist)
KEMI
Thank you.
"Walks out of the scene."
_____________________________________
EX. WINNER ACADEMY, VICE PRINCIPAL OFFICE.
"Dr. Gloria smiles at Miss Kate"
Dr. GLORIA
Wow, this is good news.
MISS KATE
Yes, ma this is an opportunity to take back what is rightfully yours.
Dr. GLORIA
There is no way she can get out of this.
Mr. ADAMU
Hmm, how certain of you that the death of that child is enough to impeach her?
MISS. KATE
This is a very serious case, Mr. Adamu.
There is no way Mrs. Iwebema can hide this from the board.
Mr. ADAMU
I am aware of that but let's not forget this isn't our first attempt to get the board members to turn against her. Somehow, she keeps finding ways to figure out our traps.
All I'm saying is that we should not underestimate her.
Dr. GLORIA
Mr. Adamu, why all these negative energies? Is she God?
This time we are not letting her get away with anything.
This is about a possible murder involving hard drugs. There is no way the board will let this slide.
Mr. ADAMU
(Takes off his glasses and turns to Dr. Gloria)
Okay, even if the board members turn against her, don't forget your father will most likely take her side.
She has the support of the Chairman.
MISS KATE
(Turns to Dr. Gloria)
Mr. Adamu has a point.
Don't forget the chairman has a huge influence on the board members hardly will they go against his wishes.
Dr. GLORIA
Let me worry about my father.
Focus on spreading the news.
(Turns to Mr. Adamu)
Mr. Adamu, I want you to spread this article online.
Pay whoever the hell you want to pay to circulate this article.
Mr. ADAMU
(Gets up to leave)
Alright ma I will do my best.
_____________________________________
INT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR.
"Isio hugs Ngozi"
ISIO
I missed you so much.
NGOZI
I missed you more.
KOME
(Clears her throat)
I 'm here too, oh
NGOZI
(Turns to Kome)
Come here jor.
Jealousy!
(Pulls Kome into the huge)
BEMA
Guys, can we go to class now?
NGOZI
I know you want a huge too.
BEMA
Yes, I do but we have to hurry, you know Mr. Patrick's head dey touch sometimes.
ISIO
I swear, with his face that looks like a masquerade.
NGOZI
I swear, that man is just too ugly.
KOME
And wicked.
BEMA
Still won't stop him from making us stand outside till the end of his class if we don't hurry up now.
KOME
Bema has a point let's hurry guys.
"They walk to the classroom."
__________________________________
INT. WAREHOUSE.
"Uche walks up to Efe."
UCHE
Efe, are you sure about this?
EFE
This is the only way we can get Cheta out of there.
UCHE
I know but don't you think we should slow down and really think about this?
This is Tiga, Efe.
EFE
Guy, I have told you not to worry, I will get Cheta out of this mess.
UCHE
Efe I still think we should slow down.
EFE
There is no time!
My flight is in two days, you know I can't leave till I know he is safe.
UCHE
(Takes a deep breath)
It's obvious I can't convince you.
EFE
I'm glad you are slowly realizing that.
UCHE
So, what exactly is your plan?
EFE
It's simple I pay off Cheta's debt in exchange for his freedom.
UCHE
Really?
EFE
Yes.
UCHE
Common Efe you can come up with something much more realistic.
EFE
Well, this is my plan.
Cheta's life is at stake so we can't play games.
UCHE
Whatever
Do what you have to do to get him out.
Ngozi and Mama Cheta are losing it.
_____________________________________
INT. WINNER ACADEMY, PRINCIPALS OFFICE.
"Dr Ike drops his iPad in front of Mrs. Iwebema."
Dr. IKE
Have you seen this?
Mrs. IWEBEMA
(Picks up the iPad)
How did this get out?
Dr. IKE
I don't know for now if the public perceives it as a rumor but it's getting serious and it's only a matter of time before the press or one of these bloggers reach out to Victoria's family.
"Miss Iwebema's phone rings"
Mrs. IWEBEMA
(Gazes at her phone)
It's Chairman.
Dr. IKE
You should answer it.
Mrs. IWEBEMA
I will.
(Turns to Dr. Ike)
Reach out to the Victoria Family now!
Dr. IKE
Yes, Ma.
(Rushes out of the room)
"Mrs. Iwebema picks up the call."
Mrs., IWEBEMA
(Takes a deep breath)
Good morning, Chairman.
___________________________________
EXT. WINNER ACADEMY, BASKETBALL COURT.
"Frank scores another basket"
NGOZI
Wow, not bad!
FRANK
Not bad?
Girl I'm the best shooter you have ever come across.
NGOZI
Fine, you are.
But I'm not here to argue with you.
I need your help, please.
FRANK
(Picks up another ball)
Now it makes sense that you came looking for me.
NGOZI
Will you help or not?
FRANK
(Scores another basket)
Well, it depends.
(Sits beside her)
What is it?
NGOZI
You are aware I only approached Dayo and the group because I was desperate and worried about my Mum's health.
FRANK
Okay?
NGOZI
Now my mum is okay and slowly recovering.
I don't see any reason to be part of the group anymore.
FRANK
(Chuckles)
But you should know it doesn't work that way.
NGOZI
I know, Frank, which is why I came to you.
I need you to help me talk to your friend, Dayo, and make him see the reasons why I am no longer needed.
FRANK
And why the hell would I do that?
I warned you about this, but you wouldn't listen.
NGOZI
I know, Frank.
Please help me.
FRANK
Look, Dayo, and I have been my homie since day one but that wouldn't make this easy plus the others would frown at this. It has never been done before.
And your reasons are not serious enough to get them to compromise.
NGOZI
(Places both hands on her face)
Oh, God what do I do?
FRANK
Hey, I don't think you should be worrying about that at the moment your brother is missing and that is a lot on you already.
"Dayo walks into the scene"
DAYO
Hey!
Where is my package?
NGOZI
(Gets up)
Iii... I don't have it yet.
(Stammers)
FRANK
(Turns to Dayo)
Dayo, calm down.
(Places his hand on Dayo's chest)
DAYO
(Pushes Franks's hand away)
Stay out of this, Frank!
(Grips Ngozi by the left arm)
Are you toying with me or what?
Or you don't know who you are messing with?
NGOZI
(Screams out in pain)
Please let me go, you are hurting me.
FRANK
Dayo!
What is wrong with you?
(Manages to pull Ngozi away from Dayo)
Guy watin dey do you self?
TEGA
We suppose dey ask you that question.
E be like she don dey give you her food chop cause I nor dey understand you these days again.
DAYO
(Gazes at Ngozi)
You have until tomorrow to fulfill your end of the deal, or you will regret ever coming to me.
(Walks out of the scene alongside Tiga)
FRANK
(Turns to Ngozi)
Are you okay?
NGOZI
I'm fine.
(Walks out of the scene)
________________________________
INT. SCHOOL, CORRIDOR.
"Tega turns to Dayo."
TEGA
Guy calm down.
DAYO
Why that girl go dey take us play like this?
TEGA
Guy I just tire, and Frank is not making things easier for us.
His even fueling her the more.
DAYO
We have to put her in her place.
TEGA
We definitely have to, bro.
__________________________________
INT. WAREHOUSE, TIGA'S OFFICE.
"Lights a stick of F8"
TIGA
This one you come see me today hope all is well, son?
EFE
I wish I could say it is.
TIGA
Ahh, what is it?
EFE
Can I sit?
TIGA
Ahh, sure na.
EFE
(Sits down)
Thank you.
TIGA
So watin be the problem?
EFE
There have been some disturbing side talks from the other employees about something that has to do with you.
TIGA
Ehen?
(Releases the smoke in his mouth)
Watin be that?
EFE
Something about stolen money.
I have come to confirm if it's true.
TIGA
Why you dey bother yourself with that one?
EFE
Because if you've noticed, Cheta has been missing for days. I do not want to believe that is a coincidence.
TIGA
Supposing you are right, how does the mystery behind his disappearance relate to my missing money?
EFE
(Smiles)
Common, Tiga you and I know you know everything about everyone here.
And Cheta wouldn't be smart enough to realize that there are invisible cameras on the counters where your money is kept. I'm also certain he isn't aware of the backup system that notifies you whenever any door in the warehouse is opened.
TIGA
(Sits up)
How do you know about all of these?
EFE
Doesn't matter and compared to what I have helped you and the team accomplish over the past year, this shouldn't surprise you.
(Drops a bag on Tiga's table)
TIGA
What's this?
EFE
That is three million in exchange for Cheta's freedom.
TIGA
(Chuckles)
You can't walk in here and make demands, Efe. You know it doesn't work that way here.
EFE
I know and I'm sorry if my actions collide with your ego. I just want Cheta.
TIGA
What if all I can give you is his corpse?
Cause you know my rules; nobody steals from me and go free.
EFE
We both know you wouldn't dare because you need me, and I need Cheta.
TIGA
You really got some nerves, boy.
EFE
I just want my friend.
Take the money and let him go.
TIGA
No!
EFE
(Smiles)
You know I have been thinking of reaching out to our other branches who might be willing to offer me a better deal. Hmm, you know how that can damage your records.
And we are both aware of what will happen if I reveal my identity.
TIGA
Don't you dare threaten me!
Abi you nor sabi who you dey talk to?
Abi you dey mad ni?
EFE
Relax, Tiga. Nor be shout go solve this one.
It's simple, give me Cheta in exchange for my loyalty.
You have till nightfall.
___________________________________
INT. WESTHILL COLLEGE, LAGOS.
"Amanda notices Faith's sad look"
AMANDA
Faith, relax, it's not the end of the world, na.
FAITH
But it is for me.
I would rather go to hell than leave this school if it were up to me.
TOPE
(Laughs out loud)
Calm down, jor.
FAITH
Keep laughing, oh.
I don't blame you at all.
TOPE
Oya sorry don't mind me.
AMANDA
I'm going to miss the hell out of you.
(Hugs Faith)
FAITH
Me too.
I can't imagine going to school without you guys.
TOPE
But why are your parents even moving you to that school self?
AMANDA
It's probably because it's the most popular school in the country.
FAITH
True but I think it's mostly because of its academic status.
TOPE
Oh, that's true.
They've been winning the National Science and Art awards since 2016.
FAITH
Who cares, we won the National Art Award in 2020 and that of science in 2021.
Get your facts right madam.
TOPE
Even if.
We can't take away the fact that they have been so consistent and obviously have better track records than us.
"They enter the school cafeteria."
FAITH
(Puts on an irritated look)
Tope, please.
(Sits down)
TOPE
What?
We have to give them their flowers na.
It's not easy oh.
AMANDA
That's okay abeg.
I'm hungry.
FAITH
Me too.
TOPE
Omo, I'm so tired of school food.
FAITH
It's okay to me only that their chicken tastes odd at times.
AMANDA
Like it wasn't well-sauced.
FAITH
Exactly!
That's it.
___________________________________
INT. WINNER ACADEMY.
"Kome laughs out loud."
KOME
But that's the answer na.
Mr. DANIEL
No, it isn't.
KOME
Then what's the answer?
Mr. DANIEL
Go and find out.
Do your research.
KOME
(Folds her hands across each other)
Oh, God.
You do this all the time.
Mr. DANIEL
Because I want you to get better.
KOME
Does it really matter?
The most important thing is that I pass my finals.
Mr. DANIEL
Well, I don't just want you to pass it, I want you to be the best.
KOME
(chuckles)
Sorry, but this is funny.
Mr. DANIEL
Why is it funny?
KOME
Because I doubt if that's possible.
Ngozi has been the best student in the art arm for ages plus she eats English language for a living.
The closest I have been to her in grade is third place and that happened only twice since I came to this school.
Mr. DANIEL
Who cares?
I believe you can, and you will.
Your mock exams are fast approaching and if you continue to improve this way, coming out top of your class will be a no-brainer.
KOME
Really?
Mr. DANIEL
Yes!
(Comes closer to her)
Kome, you are the most fascinating student I have come across in my entire life.
The way you think is mind-blowing.
KOME
(Blushes helplessly)
Why are you so nice to me?
Mr. DANIEL
Because you amaze me, young lady.
KOME
Really?
(Gazes lustfully at his light brown lips, she could feel her heart beating extremely fast)
Mr. DANIEL
Yes, my dear
You are....
"Kome immediately drops her lips on his with her eyes closed. Mr. Daniel pulls her into his arms, slowly lifts her on his desk, and runs his hands around her thighs."
KOME
(Pulls him away from her)
I'm sorry.
(Picks up her school bag)
Mr. DANIEL
Kome!
"Kome ignores him and rushes out of the room."
_____________________________________
INT. FEMALE RESTROOM.
"Sophia turns on the sink to wash her hands."
SOPHIA
(Hears footstep)
Who is there?
(Looks around before turning back to the sink)
DAYO
Why have you been avoiding me?
SOPHIA
(Places both her hands on her chest)
Dayo, you scared me.
What did you do that for?
DAYO
Why have you been avoiding me?
SOPHIA
(Stammers)
Avoiding you?
How?
DAYO
(Goes closer to her)
You know what I'm talking about.
SOPHIA
Dayo, I haven't been avoiding I have just been busy, and you know my parents are back in town so I can't hang out with you guys outside school hours for now.
DAYO
Hmm, really?
So that is why you have been avoiding the group too?
SOPHIA
(Takes a deep breath)
Yes.
DAYO
Or it's because of this?
(Shows her a bead)
SOPHIA
Wow, where did you find that?
I have been looking for it.
DAYO
Oh, close to Victoria's lifeless body.
SOPHIA
Who is Victoria?
DAYO
Don't play dumb, Sophia.
That name has become more popular than the name of our school.
SOPHIA
Oh, the girl that was found unconscious.
Thank you for keeping it for me.
You know my Mum gave that to me.
Now I just have to find the second one.
DAYO
(Grabs her by the neck and pins her to the wall)
You better start talking!
Why did you do that to her?
SOPHIA
(Struggles to talk)
I don't know what you are talking about.
Let me go, Dayo.
DAYO
Why are you trying to blow my cover?
Why did you overdose her with an F product?
SOPHIA
I don't know what you are talking about Dayo.
"Dayo hears the door open."
DAYO
(Frees her)
This isn't over.
(Walks out of the room)
JUNIOR STUDENT
(Sees Sophia holding her neck as she struggles to breathe)
Senior Sophia, are you okay?
SOPHIA
I'm fine.
____________________________________
INT. CHAIRMAN'S RESIDENCE
"Mrs. Iwebema walks into the sitting room."
Mrs. IWEBEMA
Good evening, Chairman.
CHAIRMAN
(Drops the apple in his hands)
What is this?
(Drops a newspaper on the table)
Mrs. IWEBEMA
I have it under control, sir.
CHAIRMAN
Oh, no you don't!
Do you know how many of these I have interrupted today?
How the hell did drugs find its way into my school?
Look at me when I'm talking to you!
Mrs. IWEBEMA
(Looks into the eyes of Chairman)
I will do my best to fix it, sir.
CHAIRMAN
You couldn't stop drugs from coming into my school how do you expect me to trust that you can handle a death case?
Mrs. IWEBEMA
I will fix it Chairman it's a promise.
CHAIRMAN
Let me think for a second that you can now tell me what your plan is.
Mrs. IWEBEMA
I have asked my source to look for the family and we will do all we can to settle this without provoking them to go public about it.
CHAIRMAN
Do you know how lame that sounds?
Ahh, just negodu?
Nawa.
I have told you if you really want to do excellently at this job, you have to be more logical.
Sometimes the only way you can fix some problems is to get rid of the people who are linked to it.
Mrs. IWEBEMA
I will understand if you ask me to resign from my job, sir.
I completely accept my mistakes and take full responsibility for what happened.
CHAIRMAN
(Chuckles)
I wasn't talking about you, Iwebema.
I have taken care of it.
The family will not cause you or the school any trouble.
Mrs. IWEBEMA
How?
What did you do, sir?
CHAIRMAN
It's simple, I got rid of them.
All I want you to do is to kill these rumors and take precautions I do not know if I will be able to protect you from the board if something like this happens again.
Mrs. IWEBEMA
Thank you, Chairman.
CHAIRMAN
Don't thank me.
Just make sure this doesn't happen again.
__________________________________
INT. UNKNOWN LOCATION.
"Tiga walks into the room."
TIGA
(Turns to one of the guards)
Untie him.
"The guards untie Cheta "
BOB
(Turns to Von)
Are you sure about this, boss?
VON
Yes, I am.
BOB
But why we go agree to Efe terms and conditions?
That boy don dey overdo, oh.
TIGA
(Points to Cheta)
If what he says isn't true
Then we might lose Efe.
VON
Which I cannot risk.
Efe is the key to my inheritance I discovered him, so he must remain within my reach.
My sister cannot get her hands on the company.
BOB
What if watin Cheta dey talk na true?
We go still lose Efe?
Na that one suppose dey bother us.
VON
(Smiles at Bob)
Relax, I have a plan.
(Drops his hands on Cheta's shoulders)
And you are the key to that plan.
____________________________________
INT. THE UFUOMA'S HOUSEHOLD.
"Uche sits on the dining table."
UCHE
(Turns to Efe)
Bro, are you sure it worked?
We haven't still heard anything concerning Cheta.
EFE
It will work.
Relax.
UCHE
Are you sure what you did wouldn't make matters worse?
EFE
Uche, can you try to be positive for once in your life?
I have told you it will work abeg nor disturb me.
"Mrs. Ufuoma walks in."
Mrs. UFUOMA
I want to ask again for the last time.
Una know where una friend dey?
EFE
Mama, how many times have we told you that we don't know?
We are as worried as everyone.
Mrs. UFUOMA
Nawa, even police people don find am tire.
Very useless people.
EFE
Let's just pray that he is fine.
Mrs. UFUOMA
Yes, oh.
UCHE
(Gets up)
Guy make I dey go.
(Turns to Mrs. Ufuoma)
Ma, I'm going.
Mrs. UFUOMA
Oh, okay.
Greet your Mama for me oh.
UCHE
I will.
____________________________________
EXT. THE AZUKA'S HOUSEHOLD.
"Frank wraps a blanket around Ngozi."
NGOZI
Thank you.
FRANK
You are welcome.
NGOZI
Wait a minute so you carry blankets wherever you go?
FRANK
Not really, I was lucky to find one in the car.
NGOZI
Alright, thank you.
FRANK
Yeah
So how is your Mum?
NGOZI
She is sleeping.
FRANK
Don't you think you guys should have gone with your friends Mum?
What's her name again?
NGOZI
You mean Kome's Mum?
FRANK
Yeah.
Because it doesn't make sense that it's just both of you here.
NGOZI
Yeah, but my Mummy wanted to come home she said in case Cheta returns home.
FRANK
Oh, I get it.
I feel for her.
But I know she will be okay, and your brother will come home.
NGOZI
I hope so.
Everything is just a mess.
Mama is sick, Cheta is missing, and I have gotten myself in trouble with Dayo.
FRANK
I warned you remember.
But no, you wouldn't listen.
NGOZI
Fine, I messed up, but you wouldn't blame me.
I was desperate.
"Cheta walks in"
CHETA
Help me
(Falls on the ground)
NGOZI
Cheta!
(Rushes to him)
FRANK
We have to take him inside.
CHETA
I'm sorry.
Efe, I'm sorry.
(Tears roll down his swollen cheeks)