Had I Known
A didactic play written especially for students who feel they know more than their parents at times, forgetting the future. This is just a warning to all students that your parents might not be as educated as you are, but they are more experienced than you are.
Characters
Mr. Kunle Olowolayemo...... Husband to Catherine and Bose
Mrs. Catherine Olowolayemo....... First wife of Mr. Kunle Olowolayemo; also called Mama Segun
Mrs. Bose Olowolayemo...Second wife of Mr. Kunle Olowolayemo; also called Mama Biola
Segun......... 1st son of Catherine & Kunle Olowolayemo
Femi......Younger brother of Segun
Pelumi......Younger sister of Segun & Femi
Biola......Only child of Bose Olowolayemo and the youngest of them
Mr.Akanni...... Biola's class teacher
Bomboy...... House help to Biola
Dende......Gate man to Biola
Sule......Driver to Biola
Act 1: Scene 1
In Mr. Olowolayemo's house. In the morning, Mr. Kunle Olowolayemo is sitting in the living room reading newspaper. The place is not so furnished but at least, has some qualities to be called a living room. Although, the settees are already old and need some replacements, the setting is pleasing to the eyes. In a corner on the wall, is an old wall clock which is no more working because of its weak battery that needs to be changed. He looks at his wrist watch and looks around thoughtfully and then calls his first wife ...
MR. KUNLE: (shouting) Mama Segun, Mama Segun, Mama Segun...(no answer; then aside) I know she won't answer me. (calls again) Mama Biola.
MAMA BIOLA: (answers from the room) Sir...I'm coming my husband. (enters the living room and kneels to greet her husband) Good morning Olowo-ori mi. How was your night?
MR. KUNLE: It was fine. Where is Mama Segun?
MAMA BIOLA: (stands up) I don't know. I haven't seen her this morning.
MR. KUNLE: Ah! This woman.(calls again) Mama Segun...
MAMA SEGUN: (walks into the living room) What is it again this morning, you this useless man?
MR. KUNLE: Hmm... Can you just have your seat?
MAMA SEGUN: Oh, no! That is not necessary anyway. As you can see, I'm almost late for work. Just say whatever it is you want to say and let me have my way out since you have no place to go but to sit at home expecting your money machine to produce money for you every time.
MR. KUNLE: (disappointed) That is not the point of discussion now.(to Mama Biola) Have your seat (she did). Now, I called both of you here to discuss your children. As for you, Mama Segun, you also know that your children are not doing well in school which is unheard of. At least, they can see Biola, their younger sis_
MAMA SEGUN: (cuts in) Hey! That's enough. How dare you call me here to discuss issues about my children. It is better for you not to cross your boundary because you are not in any way responsible for the children's upbringing. You don't pay their school fees, you don't arrange for their feeding, you don't pay for the house rent... And you have the guts to call me here to discuss them. Useless man... (watches Mama Biola who opens her mouth in dismay and points at her) What is the matter with you, Agbanileti orunkun nseje. It is better you face your own business. Nonsense! (Mama Biola shuts her mouth). As for you, (points at her husband) idle hand, it is because you have no work to do that is why you have the time to call me for all these rubbish but as you can see, I'm not like you, I have somewhere to go. Good day...(she hisses and goes out)
MR. KUNLE: (turns to Mama Biola) Eh en, as I was saying, you should take good care of your daughter so that her friends or siblings will not lead her astray. Did you hear that?(Mama Biola nods in answer). You should also continue to be a good wife so that your daughter will always look forward to being like you in future. That's all I have to tell you.(he stands and pecks her on her forehead then leaves).
MAMA BIOLA: (makes some gestures as if praying to God; she calls her daughter) B-i-o-l-a...
BIOLA: (answers from the room) Ma... (rushes into the living room half dressed for school; she kneels to greet her mother) Good morning mummy.
MAMA BIOLA: (pats her back) Good morning, stand up. How are you?
BIOLA: (standing) I'm fine ma.
MAMA BIOLA: Have your seat my dear. Your dad called me now to discuss your good moral and academic performances. Therefore, I want you to keep it up. You know you're my only hope. I'm struggling for you to be successful and I also want you to strive hard for me to reap the fruit of my labor.
BIOLA: O.K ma. I promise not to disappoint you. I want to go and dress for school. My siblings will soon be going and I want to catch up with them.
MAMA BIOLA: Alright my dear, I just want you to have my words in mind in whatever it is you find yourself doing. You can go... Don't forget to take your food on the cupboard in the kitchen. May God be with you and grant you understanding from above. In Jesus name...
BIOLA: (rises to leave but hears her mother's prayer) A-M-E-N. Mummy bye...
MAMA BIOLA: (waves at her) Bye...(makes same gestures again as if praying for God's help; she looks around, arranges some necessary things, dusts some and finally leaves the living room).
LIGHT FADES
Act 1: Scene 2
In the living room, Segun, Femi, Pelumi and Biola walk in, half dressed for school. They all carry their school bags at their backs except for Biola who carries a poly bag in her hand; they take their positions on the settees and continue dressing for school. They are almost late. Therefore, Biola rushes herself to meet up to time. Meanwhile, her siblings dress reluctantly as if not willing to go to school. Now, Biola is ready for school. She watches her siblings dressing then she speaks...
BIOLA: (pleading) Be fast about it now, can't you see we are almost late? (she hears no response; then tries to speak again) can't you_
PELUMI: (cuts in) Hey! Enough! Who is your mate here that you're talking to?
FEMI: I wonder oh!
SEGUN: Leave her. There is something she doesn't know. Look, (faces Biola) look at what reasonable people are carrying as bags and you are busy loading poly bag with books and you're happy. (others laugh except Biola who only shakes her head in pity) It is better for you to start going to school now because our mum is carrying us to school in her_
ALL: (shout in chorus except Biola) BRAND- NEW- MERCEDEZ- BENZ.
FEMI: You can hear that; or do you have ear problem?
PELUMI: (giggles) Maybe...
BIOLA: (hoarsely) Bye... See you in school.(she turns abruptly and leaves).
(others murmur some things to themselves and laugh out loud so that she can hear them from outside and be offended; they round up their preparation for school and rise to go).
PELUMI: (turns to the direction of the room and shouts) Mummy we're ready. Meet us outside.(pats her brothers' back; they carry their bags and leave).
LIGHT FADES
Act 2: Scene 1
At the entrance of the school gate; Mrs. Catherine Olowolayemo drops her children from the car, she bids them goodbye and leaves. The school gate is a very big one with tight security. It has surrounding it a very tall fence that serves as a means of strong security for the students. Segun peeps through the gate but he only sees the security men sitting there. He turns to his siblings and speaks in a low voice as if he doesn't want those security men to hear him...
SEGUN: We are now at the entrance of the school gate. Where should we go today?
FEMI: Maybe we should go to the field to have some fun or what do you think about that?(he turns to them for an answer).
PELUMI: En...maybe that will be_
SEGUN: (cuts in) No! I'll prefer to go to the cinema house to watch some latest Nigerian movies. Is that not preferable to field? Field is too dull men... Just sit and watch people playing...You will soon feel bored and tired and we won't have nice time. Just imagine the things that happen in cinema houses. When you're even hungry there are food sellers around that you can always order for food to fill your hungry stomach. Shine your eyes boy and stop depending on all this field field field all the time. It is better you step higher and stop staying in A while others are already in Z.
FEMI: (laughs) Ha...ah...ah...My brother, you've started again with all these your funny jokes.
PELUMI: But I think that is preferable. Isn't it brother Femi?
FEMI: Who says it is not now? Hah an, you this girl you like misquoting me. I don't know why.
PELUMI: No oh. I'm not misquoting you. I'm only trying to draw back your attention to what we were discussing earlier on because you've already changed the topic of our discussion by deviating into another thing entirely.
FEMI: (angrily) What do you mean by that? Are you_
SEGUN: (disappointed) Eh! What's the meaning of all these? Will you like to go or not before you turn this place into a battlefield and I will no longer be able to control you any more. Ah...
PELUMI: We will like to go brother Segun. I love watching movies don't you know?
SEGUN: It is better we go then.(they start moving) Why are you not happy, Femi? Don't you want to go?
FEMI: (warningly) I want to go but I want you to warn this girl not to cross her boundary with that her "always-talking mouth"...
PELUMI: Ah an... Brother Femi, I don't mean to hurt you. I was only joking...Don't mind me.(she walks closer to him and holds him; they look at themselves and laugh. They find a cab and stop it).
LIGHT FADES
Act 2: Scene 2
In Biola's classroom, Biola is sitting in one of the front seats. She has just finished a class and she is waiting for the next teacher to come in. Meanwhile, she is going through her previous notes then the English teacher comes in...
MR. AKANNI: Hello class...
STUDENTS: Hello sir...
MR. AKANNI: Who can remind me of our last topic?(Biola raises her hands) Is she the only one in class? O.K, what is it?
BIOLA: (stands to answer) "Word Stress" sir.
MR. AKANNI: Good! Now, we will treat "Sentence Stress". But before we start, I'll like you to submit your assignments to Biola.(they move one after the other to submit their assignments to Biola) Are you through with the submission?
STUDENTS: Yes sir!
MR. AKANNI: Good! As I was saying earlier on, we are treating "Sentence Stress"
today. A word is stressed in a sentence to emphasize what is being discussed in that sentence. For instance,(he writes on the board) 'The BOY was bitten by snake'. The word 'BOY' is stressed in the sentence. Therefore, the question to the sentence will be "Was the girl bitten by snake?" and the answer will be "No! The BOY was bitten by snake". Is that clear?
STUDENTS: Yes sir...
MR. AKANNI: Very good. Then, take down this note...(he writes some notes on the board). Your assignment will be taken from your textbook- page 112, exercise 2b, numbers 1-10. Lest I forget, Biola, I have not been seeing your siblings in school for a while now. Hope no problem?
BIOLA: (stands to answer) There's no problem sir... I don't know where they've gone to.
MR. AKANNI: O.K then, no qualms. We shall see in the next class. Biola, bring the assignment notes to my office. Good day class...(he leaves)
STUDENTS: (rise) Good day sir...(Biola follows him with the books)
LIGHT FADES
Act 3: Scene 1
In Mr. Olowolayemo's house. Biola enters the living room looking very tired and stressed up. She sits on one of the settees, yawns, looks around and calls...
BIOLA: (shouts) Mu-mm-y...Da-dd-y...(then to herself)No one is at home...(yawns again) Ah! School wasn't easy at all today. Those teachers wanted to kill me with assignments. It is better I start doing them now before my parents arrive, especially my mother. I'll like to help her with the kitchen cores.(she brings out her notes from her poly bag and begins to do her assignments; her mother walks in with basket full of foodstuffs that she bought from the market without her noticing).
MAMA BIOLA: Oh! My dear, you're back? Well done. How was school today?
BIOLA: (shocked) Ah! oh! Mum, welcome. School was fine and stressful today. I'm trying to do my assignments.
MAMA BIOLA: That's good. I've you eaten?
BIOLA: No, I haven't. I just arrived too.
MAMA BIOLA: E...en O.K complete your assignments in time so that you can have your garri and kulikuli since there is nothing at home to eat. This pepper I bought, I want to use it to make soup for your father with the little elubo for amala dudu. At least, when he comes, he will have something to eat. That's why I want you to face your studies squarely so that one day, you will drive away all these suffering from our home.(bitterly) If I had the privilege to go to school when I was like you, I will never have been where I am today. No! I wouldn't have been here if not for my father that is your grandpa, he trained only his male children and sent we his female children to the farm to work with him. After harvesting, we would carry them to the market to sell. It was when my father felt I am old enough for marriage that he sold me to your father and here I am today. I will do anything for you to get the best education. Finish with your assignments in time and come and have your food.
BIOLA: O.K mummy, I promise not to disappoint you.
MAMA BIOLA: Take care...I'm going to the kitchen...(she leaves; Biola looks up as if thinking then suddenly regains herself and continues with her assignments).
LIGHT FADES
Act 3: Scene 2
In Mr. Olowolayemo's house. At night, Mr. Kunle Olowolayemo is seen Sitting in his living room. He looks at his watch, it is about 11:50 pm. He rises in confusion, walks around the living room thoughtfully, looks at his wrist watch again and then speaks out finally...
MR. KUNLE: (soliloquizing) When I talk now, that she-goat will start confronting me. Ah an! What's the meaning of all these? Almost 12 midnight and these children are not back again from school. Is this a curse or what? In my entire life, I have never dreamt of facing all these marital problems that I am facing now. In fact, I don't think these are my children. If they are, then, they've got that animal-like behavior from their mother...(the children walk in). Where are you coming from by this time of the day?(no answer was given). Can't you hear me?
SEGUN: (to his siblings) Can't you see how that actor displayed in the last movie we watched? Oh God, I really love that. These Hollywood actors have now improved.(their father watched in dismay and tries to interrupt).
MR. KUNLE: Are you not_
FEMI: (to his brother) Do you mean Mr. Kola Oyewo?
SEGUN: You should know of course that he is the one I'm talking about.
PELUMI: Ah, brothers. I really enjoyed my outing today.
MR. KUNLE: Ah an... What's the meaning of all these? Are you not the ones I'm talking to? I say where are you coming from?
FEMI: Daddy, we're coming from school.
MR. KUNLE: What! You're coming from school by 12:00 midnight?
PELUMI: Yes Daddy, we had vigil at school today.
MR. KUNLE: Vigil?
SEGUN: Yes! Vigil! What about it?
MR. KUNLE: Do you just say "What about it"? Which school on earth will organize a vigil without the conscience of the students' parents?
SEGUN: That is your problem Father. Excuse me, let me have my way to the room.(to his siblings)Let's go.(they stand to go but their Father pulls them back. Segun is angry at this, so, he pushes his father and then speaks). What is the matter with you this man? Are you alright?
MR. KUNLE: (confused) Are you referring to me or your brother?
SEGUN: Who else am I referring to? Of course, you should know I'm speaking to nobody else but you. Pretender.
MR.KUNLE: Are you insane or what? Or as the Deliverance in your school vigil delivered your sanity from you?
SEGUN: (he pushes his Father's fore-head in annoyance)Nonsense, how dare you say I am insane. (to his siblings) Enough of this embracement. Please, let's go.(they stand to go and their father cannot stop them. Therefore, they leave the living room majestically to their rooms and their Father watches in dismay).
MR. KUNLE: (totally confused; then calls) Mama Segun... Mama Segun (aside) I know she won't answer me. But_ (calls again) Mama Segun...
MAMA SEGUN: (walks into the living room) Eh... I cannot even rest at this hour of the night. What is it again you this man?
MR. KUNLE: Oh yes! You cannot even rest at this hour of the night because your children are just arriving from school at this hour of the night claiming they had vigil in school and as a mother, you care less about them.
MAMA SEGUN: My children's issue again? What is it about my children since you yourself do not care about them. So, leave them alone to do what please them.(she turns to go but was stopped by her husband's interruption).
MR. KUNLE: And that is why Segun had the guts to push my fore-head with his little finger. Me!
MAMA SEGUN: (laughs) Ah, he shouldn't have done that, he should have slapped you. Nonsense! (she hisses and leaves the scene).
MR. KUNLE: (watches his wife in dismay; then in soliloquy) I don't think this children are mine. Their mother must confess to me this night. (he turns abruptly to go but remembers his newspaper on the settee and returns to pick it then, he leaves finally).
LIGHT FADES
Act 4: Scene 1
Twenty years later, Biola is seen as a chartered accountant and also as a wife to a well-known gentleman managing one of the biggest companies in Lagos State. She enters her living room with a small bag and sits on one of the cushion chairs. She dials a number on her handset then speaks...
BIOLA: Hello ma... Is that the Proprietress of Sure Success International Institutions? Good Afternoon ma... Mrs. Biola Okeowo on the line speaking from Lagos. I want to bring my children to your school ma. Oh yes, I learned it is one of the best schools in town. How much is your school fees there... Do you just say less than N20,000? With all the good facilities you render for the students? Wahoo, that's so nice. What about the Hostel fee. Oh, that's also okay. They are just three in number and they'll all be in the hostel... A girl and two boys. Yes ma... I'll bring them over on Monday for their registrations and they will resume immediately. Thank you very much ma... Bye ma...(she calls) Bomboy...
BOMBOY: Yes madam.
BIOLA: Bring my black brief case from my study (she continues pressing her handset; after some time, Bomboy enters with the briefcase).
BOMBOY: Na im be this madam.
BIOLA: Take it to the car. I mean the Lincoln Navigator and ask Sule to clean it up for me. I'll soon be out with it. Is that taken?
BOMBOY: Yes madam.
BIOLA: Good!(Bomboy turns to go) Oh wait, when my husband comes from the board meeting, tell him I went to the airport to pick up the children and you should serve him his food. It is in the freezer and mind you, don't forget to microwave it before serving him as you did some couple of days ago.
BOMBOY: Yes madam.
BIOLA: Now leave! (he leaves; now soliloquizing) I do hope they enjoyed their holiday with my parents at the United States. I have to go now. (she picks up her small bag and leaves).
LIGHT FADES
Act 4: Scene 2
Very early in the morning, in Mr. & Mrs. Okeowo's compound, Dende rushes to the gate to answer the person knocking. He opens the gate and finds a woman at the entrance. She looks very rough, wretched, miserable and in fact contemptible. Dende looks at her from her tattered pairs of slippers to her scattered hair that is half covered with a small dirty scarf. He has been carried away by the disreputable and loathsome appearance of the lady. He finds himself speaking at last...
DENDE: Hope no problem? How can I help you?
PELUMI: I saw on the Notice Board that you need a house help. That's what I'm here to apply for.
DENDE: (still staring at her in dismay) Eh...en...
PELUMI: Please can I see your Oga.
DENDE: Oh! No problem. You can come in. (he watches her as she walks towards the building; when she gets to the entrance leading to the living room, she removes her slippers and puts it in her left hand pit holding it firmly with her left arm. She dusts her legs and makes a sign of cross then knocks).
BIOLA: Yes, Come in.
PELUMI: (she walks in as if protecting the floor from being stained with her dirty foot then she speaks fearfully and stammers). Goo...Goo...Good morning ma.
BIOLA: Yes, How may I be of help to you woman?
PELUMI: I... I saw on your Notice Board outside while I was passing by that you are in need of a house-help. So, I am here to apply for the job.
BIOLA: Have your seat.
PELUMI: Thank you ma. (she sits at the edge of the cushion chair).
BIOLA: Did you also see the requirements for the job?
PELUMI: Yes ma. You wrote there that "The applicant must have at least an O' level result". But... but... ma_
BIOLA: (cuts in) But what? As you can see, the job is not for people like you.(she rises to leave).
PELUMI: (she kneels pleading) Ah, please ma. Have mercy on me. I want to use this job to take care of my mother and my two elder brothers.
BIOLA: (shocked) Did you just say two elder brothers?
PELUMI: Yes ma. They don't have a job too and my mother has retired years back. Please ma. We're almost dyeing at my house. Have mercy on us.
BIOLA: (she sits) So you're not married.
PELUMI: Yes ma.
BIOLA: Okay, stand on your feet. What is your name?
PELUMI: I am Pelumi Olowolayemo ma.
BIOLA: (screams) What?
PELUMI: Ma?
BOMBOY: (rushes in from the kitchen) Wetin happen madam? You dey call me so?
BIOLA: (shouts at him) Will you get out of my sight?(he rushes back inside).
PELUMI: (seems frightened) I hope no problem ma?
BIOLA: (tries to recollect) Y-ou sa-id you have two elder brothers. Isn't it?
PELUMI: Yes ma.
BIOLA: And you are Pelumi Olowolayemo.
PELUMI: Yes ma. Is there anything wrong ma?
BIOLA: (tries to pretend) Oh, no. I was only trying to get some facts. I am almost late for work and my husband has gone to his own place of work. Tomorrow is Saturday. Although my husband will be off for a board meeting but you can still come tomorrow and I want you to come with your two brothers. You must come with them! Okay?
PELUMI: Okay ma.
BIOLA: (opens her bag and brings out some cash) You can have this as your transport fare home and also to come here tomorrow with your brothers. You can go.
PELUMI: (kneels to thank her) Thank you very much ma. God will bless you for me. You will never weep over any of your children. Thank you ma.
BIOLA: You are welcome. You should start going now.
PELUMI: (rises to go) Thank you ma. Bye ma... (she leaves).
LIGHT FADES
Act 4: Scene 3
In Mr. & Mrs. Okeowo's compound, Dende rushes to open the gate for the person knocking. He sees the woman he saw the day before dressed in the same tattered dress she wore yesterday. He also sees two other men that accompany her. All of them are looking so wretched and disgusting. He fears the strong facial expressions on the men's faces. Therefore, he decides to search them and be sure they are not purposed to harm his madam.
DENDE: Come in. Don't go inside the house yet. I want to search you. (he calls the driver) E-gbon Su-le... E-gbon Su-le.
SULE: (answers from the small house built for Dende and himself) Wetin happen.(he hurries to meet him).
DENDE: Na this yeye people o. Come help me search them body if dey no carry gun come shoot madam for house.
SULE: You talk true o.(he comes closer to them and they both searched them). Dey no feel carry anything come for here.
DENDE: You can now go in.(they walk towards the living room; Dende and Sule make jest of them as they watch them going) You no see how that one wey dey front tie trouser with rope.
SULE: He no have simple belt wey pickin sef dey use. The second one wey even have, he don tear am finish.
DENDE: If you dey here yesterday you go laugh tire.
SULE: Dey come yesterday?
DENDE: Na the woman come. If you come see am yesterday like the woman wey them lock for cell for 10 years.(they laugh and go to their points of duties; Pelumi and her brothers get to the entrance of the living room and she knocks).
BOMBOY: (opens the door) Come in. I'll call madam for you. You can have your seat.(they sit on the cushion chair and watch every part of the living room interestingly).
BIOLA: (walks in) So you are here. How are you?
ALL AT ONCE: Fine ma.
BIOLA: (she sits and then calls) Bomboy.
BOMBOY: Yes, madam.
BIOLA: Serve my guests.(to Pelumi and her brothers)You can have your seats in the dining room (they did as she says although surprised; Bomboy comes in and serve them. Biola watches them as they eat; they eat as if they've been hungry for years then she speaks). How is your mummy at home?
PELUMI: She is fine ma.
BIOLA: I hope the food is alright?
FEMI: Yes ma.
BIOLA: (stands and walks towards them) Do you know me anywhere?(they stare at her and shakes their head). Well, I am Biola, (she hears no response; they are all busy with their foods. Then she continues bitterly) your step-sister. The one you used to abuse and laugh at.
The one that used to carry poly bag to school. The one that used to take garri and kulikuli after school when there is no food to eat. The one that was always seen as nothing in the presence of her siblings. I am the one standing before you today by the special grace of the living God.
SEGUN: (his spoon fell from his hand due to the shock of Biola's words and he stands on his feet) W-H-A-T? I can't believe this. So you are Biola.(Pelumi has already fainted while Femi is weeping at a corner in the dining room). I have wasted the time I ought to use wisely depending on my mother's wealth that is now nowhere to be found. The wealth has melted away! What have I caused myself? Had I known, I would have listened to my Father's advise. Had I known, I would have obeyed my teachers in school. Had I known, I would have loved my sister, Biola. Had I known, I would have kept good companies. Had I known, I would have faced my studies squarely. Had I known, I would have known God earlier.... Oh! I have messed up my precious life. I'm sorry Lord, forgive me. I'm sorry sister, forgive me. I'm so sorry. Had I known...
LIGHT FADES TO DARKNESS
THE END
Mr. Kunle Olowolayemo...... Husband to Catherine and Bose
Mrs. Catherine Olowolayemo....... First wife of Mr. Kunle Olowolayemo; also called Mama Segun
Mrs. Bose Olowolayemo...Second wife of Mr. Kunle Olowolayemo; also called Mama Biola
Segun......... 1st son of Catherine & Kunle Olowolayemo
Femi......Younger brother of Segun
Pelumi......Younger sister of Segun & Femi
Biola......Only child of Bose Olowolayemo and the youngest of them
Mr.Akanni...... Biola's class teacher
Bomboy...... House help to Biola
Dende......Gate man to Biola
Sule......Driver to Biola
Act 1: Scene 1
In Mr. Olowolayemo's house. In the morning, Mr. Kunle Olowolayemo is sitting in the living room reading newspaper. The place is not so furnished but at least, has some qualities to be called a living room. Although, the settees are already old and need some replacements, the setting is pleasing to the eyes. In a corner on the wall, is an old wall clock which is no more working because of its weak battery that needs to be changed. He looks at his wrist watch and looks around thoughtfully and then calls his first wife ...
MR. KUNLE: (shouting) Mama Segun, Mama Segun, Mama Segun...(no answer; then aside) I know she won't answer me. (calls again) Mama Biola.
MAMA BIOLA: (answers from the room) Sir...I'm coming my husband. (enters the living room and kneels to greet her husband) Good morning Olowo-ori mi. How was your night?
MR. KUNLE: It was fine. Where is Mama Segun?
MAMA BIOLA: (stands up) I don't know. I haven't seen her this morning.
MR. KUNLE: Ah! This woman.(calls again) Mama Segun...
MAMA SEGUN: (walks into the living room) What is it again this morning, you this useless man?
MR. KUNLE: Hmm... Can you just have your seat?
MAMA SEGUN: Oh, no! That is not necessary anyway. As you can see, I'm almost late for work. Just say whatever it is you want to say and let me have my way out since you have no place to go but to sit at home expecting your money machine to produce money for you every time.
MR. KUNLE: (disappointed) That is not the point of discussion now.(to Mama Biola) Have your seat (she did). Now, I called both of you here to discuss your children. As for you, Mama Segun, you also know that your children are not doing well in school which is unheard of. At least, they can see Biola, their younger sis_
MAMA SEGUN: (cuts in) Hey! That's enough. How dare you call me here to discuss issues about my children. It is better for you not to cross your boundary because you are not in any way responsible for the children's upbringing. You don't pay their school fees, you don't arrange for their feeding, you don't pay for the house rent... And you have the guts to call me here to discuss them. Useless man... (watches Mama Biola who opens her mouth in dismay and points at her) What is the matter with you, Agbanileti orunkun nseje. It is better you face your own business. Nonsense! (Mama Biola shuts her mouth). As for you, (points at her husband) idle hand, it is because you have no work to do that is why you have the time to call me for all these rubbish but as you can see, I'm not like you, I have somewhere to go. Good day...(she hisses and goes out)
MR. KUNLE: (turns to Mama Biola) Eh en, as I was saying, you should take good care of your daughter so that her friends or siblings will not lead her astray. Did you hear that?(Mama Biola nods in answer). You should also continue to be a good wife so that your daughter will always look forward to being like you in future. That's all I have to tell you.(he stands and pecks her on her forehead then leaves).
MAMA BIOLA: (makes some gestures as if praying to God; she calls her daughter) B-i-o-l-a...
BIOLA: (answers from the room) Ma... (rushes into the living room half dressed for school; she kneels to greet her mother) Good morning mummy.
MAMA BIOLA: (pats her back) Good morning, stand up. How are you?
BIOLA: (standing) I'm fine ma.
MAMA BIOLA: Have your seat my dear. Your dad called me now to discuss your good moral and academic performances. Therefore, I want you to keep it up. You know you're my only hope. I'm struggling for you to be successful and I also want you to strive hard for me to reap the fruit of my labor.
BIOLA: O.K ma. I promise not to disappoint you. I want to go and dress for school. My siblings will soon be going and I want to catch up with them.
MAMA BIOLA: Alright my dear, I just want you to have my words in mind in whatever it is you find yourself doing. You can go... Don't forget to take your food on the cupboard in the kitchen. May God be with you and grant you understanding from above. In Jesus name...
BIOLA: (rises to leave but hears her mother's prayer) A-M-E-N. Mummy bye...
MAMA BIOLA: (waves at her) Bye...(makes same gestures again as if praying for God's help; she looks around, arranges some necessary things, dusts some and finally leaves the living room).
LIGHT FADES
Act 1: Scene 2
In the living room, Segun, Femi, Pelumi and Biola walk in, half dressed for school. They all carry their school bags at their backs except for Biola who carries a poly bag in her hand; they take their positions on the settees and continue dressing for school. They are almost late. Therefore, Biola rushes herself to meet up to time. Meanwhile, her siblings dress reluctantly as if not willing to go to school. Now, Biola is ready for school. She watches her siblings dressing then she speaks...
BIOLA: (pleading) Be fast about it now, can't you see we are almost late? (she hears no response; then tries to speak again) can't you_
PELUMI: (cuts in) Hey! Enough! Who is your mate here that you're talking to?
FEMI: I wonder oh!
SEGUN: Leave her. There is something she doesn't know. Look, (faces Biola) look at what reasonable people are carrying as bags and you are busy loading poly bag with books and you're happy. (others laugh except Biola who only shakes her head in pity) It is better for you to start going to school now because our mum is carrying us to school in her_
ALL: (shout in chorus except Biola) BRAND- NEW- MERCEDEZ- BENZ.
FEMI: You can hear that; or do you have ear problem?
PELUMI: (giggles) Maybe...
BIOLA: (hoarsely) Bye... See you in school.(she turns abruptly and leaves).
(others murmur some things to themselves and laugh out loud so that she can hear them from outside and be offended; they round up their preparation for school and rise to go).
PELUMI: (turns to the direction of the room and shouts) Mummy we're ready. Meet us outside.(pats her brothers' back; they carry their bags and leave).
LIGHT FADES
Act 2: Scene 1
At the entrance of the school gate; Mrs. Catherine Olowolayemo drops her children from the car, she bids them goodbye and leaves. The school gate is a very big one with tight security. It has surrounding it a very tall fence that serves as a means of strong security for the students. Segun peeps through the gate but he only sees the security men sitting there. He turns to his siblings and speaks in a low voice as if he doesn't want those security men to hear him...
SEGUN: We are now at the entrance of the school gate. Where should we go today?
FEMI: Maybe we should go to the field to have some fun or what do you think about that?(he turns to them for an answer).
PELUMI: En...maybe that will be_
SEGUN: (cuts in) No! I'll prefer to go to the cinema house to watch some latest Nigerian movies. Is that not preferable to field? Field is too dull men... Just sit and watch people playing...You will soon feel bored and tired and we won't have nice time. Just imagine the things that happen in cinema houses. When you're even hungry there are food sellers around that you can always order for food to fill your hungry stomach. Shine your eyes boy and stop depending on all this field field field all the time. It is better you step higher and stop staying in A while others are already in Z.
FEMI: (laughs) Ha...ah...ah...My brother, you've started again with all these your funny jokes.
PELUMI: But I think that is preferable. Isn't it brother Femi?
FEMI: Who says it is not now? Hah an, you this girl you like misquoting me. I don't know why.
PELUMI: No oh. I'm not misquoting you. I'm only trying to draw back your attention to what we were discussing earlier on because you've already changed the topic of our discussion by deviating into another thing entirely.
FEMI: (angrily) What do you mean by that? Are you_
SEGUN: (disappointed) Eh! What's the meaning of all these? Will you like to go or not before you turn this place into a battlefield and I will no longer be able to control you any more. Ah...
PELUMI: We will like to go brother Segun. I love watching movies don't you know?
SEGUN: It is better we go then.(they start moving) Why are you not happy, Femi? Don't you want to go?
FEMI: (warningly) I want to go but I want you to warn this girl not to cross her boundary with that her "always-talking mouth"...
PELUMI: Ah an... Brother Femi, I don't mean to hurt you. I was only joking...Don't mind me.(she walks closer to him and holds him; they look at themselves and laugh. They find a cab and stop it).
LIGHT FADES
Act 2: Scene 2
In Biola's classroom, Biola is sitting in one of the front seats. She has just finished a class and she is waiting for the next teacher to come in. Meanwhile, she is going through her previous notes then the English teacher comes in...
MR. AKANNI: Hello class...
STUDENTS: Hello sir...
MR. AKANNI: Who can remind me of our last topic?(Biola raises her hands) Is she the only one in class? O.K, what is it?
BIOLA: (stands to answer) "Word Stress" sir.
MR. AKANNI: Good! Now, we will treat "Sentence Stress". But before we start, I'll like you to submit your assignments to Biola.(they move one after the other to submit their assignments to Biola) Are you through with the submission?
STUDENTS: Yes sir!
MR. AKANNI: Good! As I was saying earlier on, we are treating "Sentence Stress"
today. A word is stressed in a sentence to emphasize what is being discussed in that sentence. For instance,(he writes on the board) 'The BOY was bitten by snake'. The word 'BOY' is stressed in the sentence. Therefore, the question to the sentence will be "Was the girl bitten by snake?" and the answer will be "No! The BOY was bitten by snake". Is that clear?
STUDENTS: Yes sir...
MR. AKANNI: Very good. Then, take down this note...(he writes some notes on the board). Your assignment will be taken from your textbook- page 112, exercise 2b, numbers 1-10. Lest I forget, Biola, I have not been seeing your siblings in school for a while now. Hope no problem?
BIOLA: (stands to answer) There's no problem sir... I don't know where they've gone to.
MR. AKANNI: O.K then, no qualms. We shall see in the next class. Biola, bring the assignment notes to my office. Good day class...(he leaves)
STUDENTS: (rise) Good day sir...(Biola follows him with the books)
LIGHT FADES
Act 3: Scene 1
In Mr. Olowolayemo's house. Biola enters the living room looking very tired and stressed up. She sits on one of the settees, yawns, looks around and calls...
BIOLA: (shouts) Mu-mm-y...Da-dd-y...(then to herself)No one is at home...(yawns again) Ah! School wasn't easy at all today. Those teachers wanted to kill me with assignments. It is better I start doing them now before my parents arrive, especially my mother. I'll like to help her with the kitchen cores.(she brings out her notes from her poly bag and begins to do her assignments; her mother walks in with basket full of foodstuffs that she bought from the market without her noticing).
MAMA BIOLA: Oh! My dear, you're back? Well done. How was school today?
BIOLA: (shocked) Ah! oh! Mum, welcome. School was fine and stressful today. I'm trying to do my assignments.
MAMA BIOLA: That's good. I've you eaten?
BIOLA: No, I haven't. I just arrived too.
MAMA BIOLA: E...en O.K complete your assignments in time so that you can have your garri and kulikuli since there is nothing at home to eat. This pepper I bought, I want to use it to make soup for your father with the little elubo for amala dudu. At least, when he comes, he will have something to eat. That's why I want you to face your studies squarely so that one day, you will drive away all these suffering from our home.(bitterly) If I had the privilege to go to school when I was like you, I will never have been where I am today. No! I wouldn't have been here if not for my father that is your grandpa, he trained only his male children and sent we his female children to the farm to work with him. After harvesting, we would carry them to the market to sell. It was when my father felt I am old enough for marriage that he sold me to your father and here I am today. I will do anything for you to get the best education. Finish with your assignments in time and come and have your food.
BIOLA: O.K mummy, I promise not to disappoint you.
MAMA BIOLA: Take care...I'm going to the kitchen...(she leaves; Biola looks up as if thinking then suddenly regains herself and continues with her assignments).
LIGHT FADES
Act 3: Scene 2
In Mr. Olowolayemo's house. At night, Mr. Kunle Olowolayemo is seen Sitting in his living room. He looks at his watch, it is about 11:50 pm. He rises in confusion, walks around the living room thoughtfully, looks at his wrist watch again and then speaks out finally...
MR. KUNLE: (soliloquizing) When I talk now, that she-goat will start confronting me. Ah an! What's the meaning of all these? Almost 12 midnight and these children are not back again from school. Is this a curse or what? In my entire life, I have never dreamt of facing all these marital problems that I am facing now. In fact, I don't think these are my children. If they are, then, they've got that animal-like behavior from their mother...(the children walk in). Where are you coming from by this time of the day?(no answer was given). Can't you hear me?
SEGUN: (to his siblings) Can't you see how that actor displayed in the last movie we watched? Oh God, I really love that. These Hollywood actors have now improved.(their father watched in dismay and tries to interrupt).
MR. KUNLE: Are you not_
FEMI: (to his brother) Do you mean Mr. Kola Oyewo?
SEGUN: You should know of course that he is the one I'm talking about.
PELUMI: Ah, brothers. I really enjoyed my outing today.
MR. KUNLE: Ah an... What's the meaning of all these? Are you not the ones I'm talking to? I say where are you coming from?
FEMI: Daddy, we're coming from school.
MR. KUNLE: What! You're coming from school by 12:00 midnight?
PELUMI: Yes Daddy, we had vigil at school today.
MR. KUNLE: Vigil?
SEGUN: Yes! Vigil! What about it?
MR. KUNLE: Do you just say "What about it"? Which school on earth will organize a vigil without the conscience of the students' parents?
SEGUN: That is your problem Father. Excuse me, let me have my way to the room.(to his siblings)Let's go.(they stand to go but their Father pulls them back. Segun is angry at this, so, he pushes his father and then speaks). What is the matter with you this man? Are you alright?
MR. KUNLE: (confused) Are you referring to me or your brother?
SEGUN: Who else am I referring to? Of course, you should know I'm speaking to nobody else but you. Pretender.
MR.KUNLE: Are you insane or what? Or as the Deliverance in your school vigil delivered your sanity from you?
SEGUN: (he pushes his Father's fore-head in annoyance)Nonsense, how dare you say I am insane. (to his siblings) Enough of this embracement. Please, let's go.(they stand to go and their father cannot stop them. Therefore, they leave the living room majestically to their rooms and their Father watches in dismay).
MR. KUNLE: (totally confused; then calls) Mama Segun... Mama Segun (aside) I know she won't answer me. But_ (calls again) Mama Segun...
MAMA SEGUN: (walks into the living room) Eh... I cannot even rest at this hour of the night. What is it again you this man?
MR. KUNLE: Oh yes! You cannot even rest at this hour of the night because your children are just arriving from school at this hour of the night claiming they had vigil in school and as a mother, you care less about them.
MAMA SEGUN: My children's issue again? What is it about my children since you yourself do not care about them. So, leave them alone to do what please them.(she turns to go but was stopped by her husband's interruption).
MR. KUNLE: And that is why Segun had the guts to push my fore-head with his little finger. Me!
MAMA SEGUN: (laughs) Ah, he shouldn't have done that, he should have slapped you. Nonsense! (she hisses and leaves the scene).
MR. KUNLE: (watches his wife in dismay; then in soliloquy) I don't think this children are mine. Their mother must confess to me this night. (he turns abruptly to go but remembers his newspaper on the settee and returns to pick it then, he leaves finally).
LIGHT FADES
Act 4: Scene 1
Twenty years later, Biola is seen as a chartered accountant and also as a wife to a well-known gentleman managing one of the biggest companies in Lagos State. She enters her living room with a small bag and sits on one of the cushion chairs. She dials a number on her handset then speaks...
BIOLA: Hello ma... Is that the Proprietress of Sure Success International Institutions? Good Afternoon ma... Mrs. Biola Okeowo on the line speaking from Lagos. I want to bring my children to your school ma. Oh yes, I learned it is one of the best schools in town. How much is your school fees there... Do you just say less than N20,000? With all the good facilities you render for the students? Wahoo, that's so nice. What about the Hostel fee. Oh, that's also okay. They are just three in number and they'll all be in the hostel... A girl and two boys. Yes ma... I'll bring them over on Monday for their registrations and they will resume immediately. Thank you very much ma... Bye ma...(she calls) Bomboy...
BOMBOY: Yes madam.
BIOLA: Bring my black brief case from my study (she continues pressing her handset; after some time, Bomboy enters with the briefcase).
BOMBOY: Na im be this madam.
BIOLA: Take it to the car. I mean the Lincoln Navigator and ask Sule to clean it up for me. I'll soon be out with it. Is that taken?
BOMBOY: Yes madam.
BIOLA: Good!(Bomboy turns to go) Oh wait, when my husband comes from the board meeting, tell him I went to the airport to pick up the children and you should serve him his food. It is in the freezer and mind you, don't forget to microwave it before serving him as you did some couple of days ago.
BOMBOY: Yes madam.
BIOLA: Now leave! (he leaves; now soliloquizing) I do hope they enjoyed their holiday with my parents at the United States. I have to go now. (she picks up her small bag and leaves).
LIGHT FADES
Act 4: Scene 2
Very early in the morning, in Mr. & Mrs. Okeowo's compound, Dende rushes to the gate to answer the person knocking. He opens the gate and finds a woman at the entrance. She looks very rough, wretched, miserable and in fact contemptible. Dende looks at her from her tattered pairs of slippers to her scattered hair that is half covered with a small dirty scarf. He has been carried away by the disreputable and loathsome appearance of the lady. He finds himself speaking at last...
DENDE: Hope no problem? How can I help you?
PELUMI: I saw on the Notice Board that you need a house help. That's what I'm here to apply for.
DENDE: (still staring at her in dismay) Eh...en...
PELUMI: Please can I see your Oga.
DENDE: Oh! No problem. You can come in. (he watches her as she walks towards the building; when she gets to the entrance leading to the living room, she removes her slippers and puts it in her left hand pit holding it firmly with her left arm. She dusts her legs and makes a sign of cross then knocks).
BIOLA: Yes, Come in.
PELUMI: (she walks in as if protecting the floor from being stained with her dirty foot then she speaks fearfully and stammers). Goo...Goo...Good morning ma.
BIOLA: Yes, How may I be of help to you woman?
PELUMI: I... I saw on your Notice Board outside while I was passing by that you are in need of a house-help. So, I am here to apply for the job.
BIOLA: Have your seat.
PELUMI: Thank you ma. (she sits at the edge of the cushion chair).
BIOLA: Did you also see the requirements for the job?
PELUMI: Yes ma. You wrote there that "The applicant must have at least an O' level result". But... but... ma_
BIOLA: (cuts in) But what? As you can see, the job is not for people like you.(she rises to leave).
PELUMI: (she kneels pleading) Ah, please ma. Have mercy on me. I want to use this job to take care of my mother and my two elder brothers.
BIOLA: (shocked) Did you just say two elder brothers?
PELUMI: Yes ma. They don't have a job too and my mother has retired years back. Please ma. We're almost dyeing at my house. Have mercy on us.
BIOLA: (she sits) So you're not married.
PELUMI: Yes ma.
BIOLA: Okay, stand on your feet. What is your name?
PELUMI: I am Pelumi Olowolayemo ma.
BIOLA: (screams) What?
PELUMI: Ma?
BOMBOY: (rushes in from the kitchen) Wetin happen madam? You dey call me so?
BIOLA: (shouts at him) Will you get out of my sight?(he rushes back inside).
PELUMI: (seems frightened) I hope no problem ma?
BIOLA: (tries to recollect) Y-ou sa-id you have two elder brothers. Isn't it?
PELUMI: Yes ma.
BIOLA: And you are Pelumi Olowolayemo.
PELUMI: Yes ma. Is there anything wrong ma?
BIOLA: (tries to pretend) Oh, no. I was only trying to get some facts. I am almost late for work and my husband has gone to his own place of work. Tomorrow is Saturday. Although my husband will be off for a board meeting but you can still come tomorrow and I want you to come with your two brothers. You must come with them! Okay?
PELUMI: Okay ma.
BIOLA: (opens her bag and brings out some cash) You can have this as your transport fare home and also to come here tomorrow with your brothers. You can go.
PELUMI: (kneels to thank her) Thank you very much ma. God will bless you for me. You will never weep over any of your children. Thank you ma.
BIOLA: You are welcome. You should start going now.
PELUMI: (rises to go) Thank you ma. Bye ma... (she leaves).
LIGHT FADES
Act 4: Scene 3
In Mr. & Mrs. Okeowo's compound, Dende rushes to open the gate for the person knocking. He sees the woman he saw the day before dressed in the same tattered dress she wore yesterday. He also sees two other men that accompany her. All of them are looking so wretched and disgusting. He fears the strong facial expressions on the men's faces. Therefore, he decides to search them and be sure they are not purposed to harm his madam.
DENDE: Come in. Don't go inside the house yet. I want to search you. (he calls the driver) E-gbon Su-le... E-gbon Su-le.
SULE: (answers from the small house built for Dende and himself) Wetin happen.(he hurries to meet him).
DENDE: Na this yeye people o. Come help me search them body if dey no carry gun come shoot madam for house.
SULE: You talk true o.(he comes closer to them and they both searched them). Dey no feel carry anything come for here.
DENDE: You can now go in.(they walk towards the living room; Dende and Sule make jest of them as they watch them going) You no see how that one wey dey front tie trouser with rope.
SULE: He no have simple belt wey pickin sef dey use. The second one wey even have, he don tear am finish.
DENDE: If you dey here yesterday you go laugh tire.
SULE: Dey come yesterday?
DENDE: Na the woman come. If you come see am yesterday like the woman wey them lock for cell for 10 years.(they laugh and go to their points of duties; Pelumi and her brothers get to the entrance of the living room and she knocks).
BOMBOY: (opens the door) Come in. I'll call madam for you. You can have your seat.(they sit on the cushion chair and watch every part of the living room interestingly).
BIOLA: (walks in) So you are here. How are you?
ALL AT ONCE: Fine ma.
BIOLA: (she sits and then calls) Bomboy.
BOMBOY: Yes, madam.
BIOLA: Serve my guests.(to Pelumi and her brothers)You can have your seats in the dining room (they did as she says although surprised; Bomboy comes in and serve them. Biola watches them as they eat; they eat as if they've been hungry for years then she speaks). How is your mummy at home?
PELUMI: She is fine ma.
BIOLA: I hope the food is alright?
FEMI: Yes ma.
BIOLA: (stands and walks towards them) Do you know me anywhere?(they stare at her and shakes their head). Well, I am Biola, (she hears no response; they are all busy with their foods. Then she continues bitterly) your step-sister. The one you used to abuse and laugh at.
The one that used to carry poly bag to school. The one that used to take garri and kulikuli after school when there is no food to eat. The one that was always seen as nothing in the presence of her siblings. I am the one standing before you today by the special grace of the living God.
SEGUN: (his spoon fell from his hand due to the shock of Biola's words and he stands on his feet) W-H-A-T? I can't believe this. So you are Biola.(Pelumi has already fainted while Femi is weeping at a corner in the dining room). I have wasted the time I ought to use wisely depending on my mother's wealth that is now nowhere to be found. The wealth has melted away! What have I caused myself? Had I known, I would have listened to my Father's advise. Had I known, I would have obeyed my teachers in school. Had I known, I would have loved my sister, Biola. Had I known, I would have kept good companies. Had I known, I would have faced my studies squarely. Had I known, I would have known God earlier.... Oh! I have messed up my precious life. I'm sorry Lord, forgive me. I'm sorry sister, forgive me. I'm so sorry. Had I known...
LIGHT FADES TO DARKNESS
THE END
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