The Soup ii (cont..)

CUT TO: 

11 INT.  AMARA’S OFFICE – DAY

AMARA is dressed rather too extravagant for the scene due to her date later that day. She stands by a dash board trying to arrange a sequence of events for a project she was working on. Two casually dressed ladies are sitting on the couch watching her arrange the cards on the board. And then there’s a knock on the door and its BUDAA with his hands behind his back. Immediately uneasy by his presence AMARA continues to address the two ladies ignoring BUDAA. He invites himself in regardless and interrupts the session.

BUDAA

(smiles)

Good morning ladies

How are you doing?

-the ladies respond but AMARA remains uninterested. BUDAA walks up to her and hands out a bouquet of red roses.

AMARA

(irritated yet astonished)

What’s this?

BUDAA

(smiling)

Flowers.

AMARA

(still irritated)

And who is this supposed

to be for?

BUDAA

Let’s just say a little something

to say am sorry and can we move

forward happily.

AMARA

(suspicious)

Huh! I guess so.

BUDAA

So, you forgive me?

AMARA

Sure, I wasn’t really upset

I know what I signed up for.

BUDAA

(smiles mischievously)

Good girl!

-He turns to leave but then turns back again.

BUDAA

Uhmmm! One more thing, you might 

not want to throw the tag away just yet. 

Just so you see the little note I wrote.

AMARA

(reluctant)

Really!

BUDAA

Oh yeah! It’s just

a simple something to

tickle your fancy.

-AMARA looks down to read the note with BUDAA looking over her hands, and as she reads through she falls sick to her stomach. It wrote; 

Dear AMA, this is just a simple

note to remind you how special you are 

to me and more so unforgettable. 

Love, 

DUKE.

-BUDAA immediately bursts into loud laughter.

AMARA

(angry)

Unbelievable! Get out!

BUDAA

(quietly laughing)

Now, why would I want to give

you flowers AMA?

Take a second to think about that. 

This is the very reason I say

you’re too sensitive.

AMARA

(infuriated)

Just get out and leave me 

the hell alone.

(pauses)

And you know what, I think

this is getting way out of

hand, and if you don’t quite

I am going to have a conversation

with the board on how long I 

might be staying here.

BUDAA

(smirks)

Oh wow! Say no more.

Why don’t I arrange that 

specially for you. I mean it’s not

like the recession could really

affect a onetime practicing talent manager

like yourself. Plus this could build up a

really great resume for your next application. 

Where would that be though, Togo?

AMARA

(frustrated)

Just leave, please!

BUDAA

(turns to leave)

Good bye ladies.

CUT TO: 

12 INT.RECEPTION – DAY

DUKE comes by later that day to pick up AMARA. He meets BUDAA at the reception as he’s trying to talk to the receptionist. BUDAA engages in a little chat with him when he finds out he’s here for AMARA.

BUDAA

Sup Mehn!

DUKE

Am good! Thank you.

BUDAA

You must be the DUSK guy right?

DUKE

Nah, its DUKE.

BUDAA

(sneers)

What did I say?

-Just then AMARA comes out of the elevator, looking suspiciously at BUDAA, she races to give DUKE a hug and then pulls his left arm as they leave.

CUT TO:

13 INT.RESUARANT – DAY

AMARA and DUKE arrive at a restaurant sitting at an ordered table close to a view of the city.

DUKE

(slightly holding her hand)

So how was your day?

AMARA

(inhales and exhales)

I hate my job!

DUKE

(surprised)

What! What do you mean?

You told me how much you

loved music and how you

wanted to always be around

it, no matter what you had

to be doing.

AMARA

Okay! Maybe not necessarily my job.

Maybe it’s who I have to do it with.

DUKE

Who’s that?

AMARA

My artist.

DUKE

Oh yeah! You know I’ve never 

still seen one photo of him

not even a music video.

AMARA

But you already did meet him.

DUKE

(surprised)

I did?

AMARA

Yes, the guy at the reception.

DUKE

(shocked)

The full beard, dreadlock guy?

AMARA

(rolls her eyes)

Yes!

DUKE

For real! No way, he seemed pretty cool

to me. I mean he looked good too,

nothing like a rascal.

AMARA

(bluffs)

Hmmm! don’t be fooled by those charms.

He’s as deadly as a parasite

a devil’s incarnate, if possible.

-Meanwhile the waitress wheels the food over and sets it on their table. 

DUKE

Thank you.

(taking a bite)

So why don’t you just

switch clients or something.

I mean your agency should be

able to work that out for you.

AMARA

It’s not that simple DUKE.

Especially for me since this

would be my very first major job

to prove I could actually do this.

Also for future referrals and all

(starts eating).

DUKE

Well, can’t you make up a story?

Like he tried to assault you 

or something. I mean stuffs like 

that would get quick attention,

straight up.

AMARA

(shakes her head)

And then what! I become

the manager who almost got raped by her

own client whom she’s supposed to cater for.

(speaking in third person)

So you all better be careful how you

relate to her cause she’s very fragile at

this point.

No! I don’t need such 

stigma and plus that’s not even my thing.

DUKE

(slides to his chair)

Look babe, I don’t know what 

to tell you, I mean I agree

that idea was too extravagant.

But I do want you to be happy and 

not stressed out cause of some job.

AMARA

I know, don’t worry.

I’ll think of something later.

But for now I just have to

keep my head above water.

Come on, let’s eat.

DUKE

(sits up)

Okay! That makes me feel

much better.

-Few minutes after their meal, the waitress comes to clear the table and then DUKE orders for a wine as the pair continue their date.

DUKE

So, how’s crazy CANDY?

AMARA

(laughs)

Don’t call my friend crazy.

She’s not crazy, she’s just a

little psycho, that’s all.

-both laugh

DUKE

So are you guys settled now?

You both got me scared the 

last time, I mean that was 

hilarious.

AMARA

(chuckles)

Don’t mind us.

We could get like that sometimes.

That’s how we blow off some 

steam from time to time.

DUKE

Indeed! 

AMARA

It’s a girl thing.

(laughs)

DUKE

I have something for you

(reaches for his pocket)

AMARA

(elated)

Oh my God!

DUKE

(looks surprised)

Dude! You know it’s not

a ring right?

AMARA

(smiles)

Oh come on! How?

But it’s not like I wouldn’t

take it if it was.

-DUKE opens a square shaped red case and brings out a gold bracelet as he wears it on her right hand. 

AMARA

(excited)

Wow! This is so beautiful.

You’re the best, wait till

I show CANDY.

DUKE

You’re sure it’s your taste?

Cause I know you could be very

picky about your stuff.

AMARA

(smiling and glaring at the bracelet)

It’s perfect! Just like you

Just like this lovely place we are,

and it’s about to get even more

perfected when we go back to your place.

(strokes his jaws).

DUKE

(looks uncertain)

Yeah! About the spending the

night thing, I don’t think we could.

AMARA

(pulls away from him)

Wait! Again?

Doesn’t it seem absurd to you 

that your girl friend(air quotes) has never

been to your home before,

I mean that’s some really shady stuff.

DUKE

(bending over to be closer to her)

I know AMA, but it’s really

not an intentional bypass

It’s complicated.

AMARA

(moves closer to his face)

Are you married?

DUKE

(chuckles)

What! Oh come on that’s preposterous.

It really hasn’t gotten to that.

And besides if I were married

I’d be at a kid’s park waiting to

pick up a seven year old and not 

here with you, having lunch.

-AMARA falls into her hands, upset. DUKE tries to raise her head up but she pushes him away.

DUKE

AMARA, please don’t be like this,

I promise everything would fall 

in place eventually, you’ll see.

AMARA

(upset)

And when would eventually be?

Huh! Is there a date or time frame

attached to it.

What have you got to hide?

Why aren’t you fully open to me?

DUKE

You’re over thinking this.

It’s not even that big of a

deal. Who says I have to

show how committed I am to 

you by taking you to my house.

-AMARA having a look of disbelief he made such response.

DUKE

Okay, think about it, you did

meet my mother last summer

didn’t you?

So what else could beat that?

AMARA

(suddenly jolts up)

You know what! Go beat yourself up

on how much of a pathetic liar 

and manipulative asshole you are.

-DUKE follows her up and grabs her trying to keep her from leaving. He sets her in a pose for a tango and even forces her into dancing.

DUKE

(smiling chivalrously)

Dance with me.

Remember how we used to do

this every time, when we first met.

AMARA

(submitted)

Its official, 

I’m in love with 

a con artist.

DUKE

(laughs)

Not quite, but I’ll take it.

Long as I get to con this 

gorgeous damsel into letting her 

guard down a bit more so we

could have each other for as

long as we both live.

-She’s depressed but still lays her head on his chest as they dance through the silence.

 

CUT TO:

14 EXT. ROAD – DAY

AMARA and CANDY are taking a jog down the street when she gets a call from her mother, MAMA JU. She’s reluctant to take the call as she’s reminded of their engagement that day Friday.

-The two ladies take a stop.

CANDY

(exhausted)

Who’s that?

AMARA

It’s MAMA JU.

CANDY

Ok, so go ahead

Why are you stalling?

AMARA

It’s because I don’t know

what excuse giving her.

I was supposed to go over the

house today.

CANDY

So, what changed?

AMARA

(squints)

I kind of made arrangements 

to go to PEACE’ house party.

CANDY

Oh right! The same party you

didn’t tell me about also.

AMARA

Oh take a chill pill.

It’s not like I was

going to go there by myself.

And also remember you had

your teeth all up in my

skin a while ago.

(pauses)

Plus I made reservations for 

the salon later today.

CANDY

So what are you going 

to tell her?

-Takes a second to look at the phone and then turns it off, silent mode.

AMARA

Its fine, I’ll just call

her some other time.

CANDY

(taking to her heels)

Slut!

AMARA

(laughs)

Oh shut up!

-The two ladies race themselves down the road.

CUT TO:

15 INT. SALON – EVENING

AMARA is having her hair done by the hair stylist while CANDY with pins and rolls in her hair, was by the manicurist. The ambiance was bumbling being Friday, with ladies up and down the hall. Conversations kept spurring in as the ladies kept both their hands and mouths busy. Just then a tall, slender lady walks in; one might have taken her for a black ‘Victoria Beckham’, sophisticated and salty looking. It was no doubt all the ladies would leave their activities to stop and stare as her six inch heels came resounding through every step she took. Majestically walking up to her stylist she had the most jaw drooping reaction ever for vocal utterance. A mixture of street and rash ascent.   

ABBY

(rushing in to give her stylist a big five)

How you dey my babe?

STYLIST

Ah! ABBYLICIOUS ABBY, I dey jare

E don tay since we see you for here o.

-both speaking in Pidgin English

ABBY

(sighs)

Babe na so I see am o

Na my guy just dey do me

strong tin, he no gree pay

him dues.

STYLIST

(gives a distressed look)

Ehenn! But hope say he don 

pay, because I no go fit 

run the same package we dey run before

you know say my Madame don come 

back from Yankee.

ABBY

(sneers)

Shuu! Which kin statement be that?

You no see as people plenty for here,

no come dey embarrass me na.

STYLIST

No vex! I just dey ask

May e no be later we come dey talk stories

wey go touch the heart

cause as e be Lagos no dey smile.

ABBY

Whateva! For your information

I no even come do anything for here today

As you see say me sef I don package.

Na just show off I come do.

And mind you I go pay for the hair

of every girl wey dey here.

STYLIST

Ah ah! You mean am

This one na major due payment o

No be small thing.

-The other ladies begin leaning into the conversation after the slight drop of ‘payment for every girl in the room’, including AMARA and CANDY. And later there’s a loud burst of laughter amidst loud chattering when the STYLIST officially breaks the news.

STYLIST

(yelling)

Ladies! Attention, At ease, 

you know what all join.

My babe here, as a top babe wey she be..

-ABBY in the height of her clouds. 

Don decide say she go pay the bill 

of every human being wey dey here

(pauses)

excluding that woman, Madame na now

you enter.

(laughing hysterically)

So may una no worry

Your father Christmas don

come early this year

just do as you like.

-there’s a barbaric response of ‘AUNTY THANK YOU OO’, as well as ‘GOD BLESS OUR OGA OO’ among the overly elated ladies. Meanwhile AMARA and CANDY making eye contact laugh and wonder what to make of it. CANDY signals that they play along while making a hand gesture that she was going to walk up to ABBY. AMARA objects with the same.

ABBY of course by default makes it well known that her charitable gesture was an every Sunday galore and it took no hair off her weave wearing skull. She makes her way to the most obvious seat in the hall with her legs crossed and nose up in the air. Some of the ladies found it necessary walking up to her to pay their respects while the others mocked from a far distance seeing ABBY as one simply seeking attention.

Very shortly after, the television switches to a show  displaying a couple of men in discussion, seemed to be a Men’s show and just as one of the hair stylist is about to switch to a different channel, ABBY smuttily objects saying her man was a part of the show. 

ABBY

No! Stop it, leave it there.

My oga dey there na.

You no fit even ask customer first.

-the STYLIST comes rushing towards the television excited to know her friend’s man was on television, shockingly the other ladies where interested too, most were in disbelief.

CANDY being of the same feather as the ladies joined in as well, a crowd of ladies flood the area of the television set. Just then the STYLIST asks to know which one, and the name DUKE OSAO comes ringing in. CANDY immediately falls into panic attack. She moves closer to ABBY wanting to be sure she had misheard her.

CANDY

Sister, sorry o which did 

you say was yours?

ABBY

(sneers)

Aunty! Wetin be my own with you

Abi you know my DUKE?

CANDY

(shocked)

Say what!

-ABBY sighs, ignoring CANDY, whose jaws could almost fill three rolls of sausage. 

Meanwhile AMARA remains unbothered still on her chair waiting for her stylist who had left her to join the scene. And besides the crowd of ladies gathered around the television was all she could see through the mirror. 

A minute is passed now and her stylist was nowhere to be found. AMARA jolts up angrily heading for the crowd of women. Just then she’s met by CANDY who withholds her, saying they ought to leave. AMARA is perplexed wondering what absurd suggestion CANDY was making, with her hair half done and CANDY’S nails also partially fixed.

AMARA

(upset)

What do you mean! Stop holding

me, how do you expect me to go

to a party with a hair half done?

CANDY

(pulling her arm)

Trust me, let’s just leave now.

AMARA

(now frustrated)

You are crazy if you think

am going to leave like that.

-AMARA jerks her hand away from CANDY and races to the middle of the crowd. Reluctantly taking a stare at what the ladies had abandoned their activities for, she is instantly glued on the clear sight of DUKE. Just then ABBY blurts out saying…

ABBY

That’s my DUKEY!

AMARA

(frantically turns to her)

What did you just say?

CANDY

(worried)

Come on AMA! Please lets 

just go.

AMARA

(furious)

No! This street brat

is about to tell me 

she didn’t just call

My DUKE, her DUKE!

ABBY

(storms up)

Eeh! What did I just 

hear you say now

My DUKE!

(lands a huge slap on AMARA’S face)

 

-The rest of the scene was nothing less than a savage splendor. With AMARA and ABBY rolling through the floor like two village warriors in combat, the spectators of course were the hair stylists and random women hailing the two as they watched the fight, some even thought to bet last minute. CANDY was helpless, as the ladies wouldn’t let her into the battle ground.

CUT TO:

16 INT. AMARA’S AND CANDY’S HOUSE – NIGHT

AMARA AND CANDY are at the house now. AMARA sits on the floor with her back rested on the couch as CANDY cares for her wounds. Amidst tears and groaning AMARA lashes at CANDY for not having her back.

AMARA

(upset)

I know you want to say it,

So just go ahead.

CANDY

(agitated)

Say what? 

Please just let me do what 

I have to do and don’t transfer

your aggression on me.

After all I did tell you 

that we should leave.

Twice!

-AMARA pushes off her hand but CANDY continues regardless.

AMARA

(sobbing)

I know you want to say

that am a fool and that

you told me so.

-then a knock on the door interrupts their conversation. CANDY stands to answer the door, but AMARA objects saying it might be DUKE but CANDY insists it was impossible and even if it were, he was definitely going home with a broken nose. She looks through the peephole and finds its PEACE. AMARA is distraught saying she didn’t want him to see her like that. CANDY puts her fears to rest saying she was going to make him leave.

CUT TO:

EXT. AMARA’S AND CANDY’S HOUSE

CANDY

Hi! PEACE

PEACE

Hi! How’re you doing?

CANDY

(leaning against the door)

Am loyal, and you?

PEACE

Well, I was hoping you

guys would make it to the

party but then you both didn’t 

show, so I thought I bring 

this leftover bottle of wine.

CANDY

(reaching for the bottle)

Oh, that’s so gentlemanly

Thank you.

PEACE

(looking through the door)

Where’s AMA?

CANDY

(closes the door behind her)

Uhmmm! She’s a bit down,

actually we both are.

That’s why we were a no show

at your party.

PEACE

(worried)

Really, what’s that

Is it a fever? 

CANDY

(shakes her head)

Not really, more like

the female monthly stuff.

PEACE

(embarrassed)

Oh!

CANDY

Yeah! The cramps.

PEACE

You both, at the same time? 

CANDY

(chuckles)

I mean these things

just sneak up on you at the

the slightest times

(rubbing her stomach).

PEACE

Well I guess I should leave

You both to take some rest

and I’ll come by tomorrow 

to check on you.

CANDY

(dramatic)

Oh no! It’s going to take more

than just an overnight rest

I don’t know if you’ve heard 

something like this before

but ours could get pretty intense.

(now bending)

PEACE

Ok! Ok its fine. You

just let me know when it’s okay

to come by and say hello.

CANDY

(still bending)

Ok that’s better.

PEACE

Alright, goodnight.

And say goodnight to AMA 

for me, will you?

CANDY

Sure! 

Goodnight.

-CANDY comes into the house and finds AMARA already asleep on the floor. She takes a cloth to cover her and then heads up the stairs to her room.

-Then the camera dissolves into a number of scenes showing AMARA doing the same things in repeat. Sleeping, waking up, eating, working through her laptop and sitting at the backyard by the pool constantly starring at nothing exactly, only listening to ‘Paris by Dido’.   

 

CUT TO:

17 EXT. AMARA’S AND CANDY’S BACKYARD POOL – DAY

AMARA is sitting by the pool at the backyard, dressed in her white robe and sun shades and as usual starring at nothing in particular. Then she hears the whistling coming from the other building. Not willing to entertain anyone she sits still pretending to be drawn into the ear pods she had on. But still the whistling persists and so did she.

Then a few minutes went by and AMARA falls fast asleep. She only wakes up when she realizes the sun was suddenly out of sight. Or was it...

PEACE

Hi there!

(but it was only PEACE standing over her)

AMARA

(trying to put herself together)

Hey, how... (stutters)

How’ve you been?

PEACE

(chuckles)

This is the second

time you’re asking that.

-AMARA tries to force a smile.

PEACE

(playfully)

Well I was worried actually.

Asides the fact that

CASSIE came rushing up the stairs

telling me there was a dead lady

by the pool, I mean I had 

to be sure. But it seems

you’d be fine.

AMARA

(chuckles)

Thank you for seeing me.

PEACE

(taking a seat by her)

You’re welcome.

So what have you been up to?

AMARA

Not much, I’ve just been

trying to live through each day.

PEACE

(starring intently at her left eye)

What happened there?

AMARA

(embarrassed)

It’s nothing, just a little scratch.

PEACE

(slowly pull off her shades)

(pauses in shock)

AMARA, I want to believe

a woman like you could

never be a victim of 

domestic violence.

AMARA

(chuckles)

Won’t that have been golden?

Taking a blow from a man you

loved rather than from his 

side chic.

PEACE

(appalled)

Wow! What a fool.

AMARA

Look PEACE, am sorry for not

coming to your party.

Am sure you must have thought 

I bailed out on you again.

PEACE

Well, I won’t say I didn’t feel

bad at first, but when CANDY

told me about the little situation

you both had going on, I was relieved.

AMARA

(astonished)

You mean she told you about

the fight at the salon?

PEACE

(laughs)

No! But you just did that.

-both laugh

PEACE

(leaning in)

So, I suppose you have 

to make up for 

missing my party.

AMARA

(smiling)

I suppose I do.

-he gives her a kiss on the cheek and then stands to leave.

PEACE

I’ll come get you by 7:00.

AMARA

Okay.

CUT TO: 

17 INT. PEACE’ LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

PEACE comes by on time to get AMARA, and the two go over to his home.

AMARA

(smiling)

Oh wow! This place does

bring back memories.

PEACE

(surprised)

What memories?

AMARA

(embarrassed)

You know...

You and me.

PEACE

(chuckles)

Wow! You don’t really 

remember much when you’re

drunk, do you?

Well if you must know

nothing happened.

AMARA

(doubtful)

What! You liar.

I don’t know how long it took

but we did do something

I know that for sure.

PEACE

(laughs and draws closer to her, whispers)

Nothing happened!

Am going to get the wine.

(walks away)

AMARA

(talking to herself)

Oh AMA you’re done for.

You can’t even give an account

of what did or didn’t go

inside of you.

Just pathetic!

-PEACE soon arrives with the wine.

PEACE

I hope this suites you.

It’s kind of really old

so I guess it should be the best.

AMARA

(taking the glass)

I really don’t know much

about wine, so I don’t 

have any preferences.

PEACE

Good! We’ll stick to

my taste bud then.

(raises a toast)

To AMA, and her newly found

Prince charming.

AMARA

(smirks)

And who would that be,

if you don’t mind my asking.

PEACE

(chuckles)

Who else, Me!

I mean I did come just

in time to rescue you.

AMARA

Oh yeah! I am fine

I don’t need any rescuing.

PEACE

You sure about that?

(slowly leans over and gives her a kiss)

-the two share a kiss for a moment but then PEACE withdraws. AMARA wears a look of disapproval.

AMARA

What happened, why’d

you stop?

(slightly turning to smell her breath)

PEACE

Uhmm! I wanted to know

first of all where your

head was.

AMARA

(confused)

What do you mean?

PEACE

I mean, do you want to 

start something afresh with me

or you just might up and leave

any time soon.

AMARA

(exhales)

I don’t know PEACE.

I don’t want to think 

about the future just yet.

Just take me the way I am now.

Distressed and really in need 

of a prince charming.

(smiles)

-The pair embrace one another and make love through the night.

 

CUT TO: 

18 INT. AMARA’S HOUSE – DAY

AMARA comes sneaking into the house trying to keep CANDY from waking up, but she’s not surprised  when she finds her best friend coming out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee in her hand. AMARA is embarrassed but CANDY remains quiet and hands her the cup of coffee.

CANDY

(sarcastic)

Here, take this.

It should rejuvenate you.

AMARA

(embarrassed)

Thank you.

CANDY

You’re welcome.

(turns and walks up the stairs)

-just as she’s all the way up she turns and with a smudge on her face she blurts out...

CANDY

Slut!

-AMARA chuckles and shakes her head.

CUT TO: 

20 INT. BOARD ROOM – DAY

AMARA is sitting at the left arm of the board table, right beside the DIRECTOR, a lanky old man who’s at the head of the table. There were a total of twelve people both men and a few women also present. AMARA is having a little private discussion with the DIRECTOR when BUDAA walks in. Already an hour late to the meeting he finds his way to the other end of the table.

DIRECTOR

(sarcastic)

Well! Who do we have here?

The man of the hour, but 

never on the hour.

Glad you could join us sir

at the very end of the session.

BUDAA

I apologize sir 

I am still quite hangover

from last night’s show.

DIRECTOR

I see, well were all done

so I guess you could get a

briefing from your manager.

(standing to leave)

BUDAA

Not just yet sir!

Speaking of my manager

I think there’s something

she’ll like to bring to your

notice, something about a 

resignation.

-AMARA faces the ground completely dumbfounded by BUDAA’S allegation. 

DIRECTOR

(frantically turns to AMARA)

What! 

What is he talking about?

AMARA

(giving BUDAA a stern frown)

Uhmmm! Not really sir

He must have misunderstood me.

BUDAA

Really! You sure?

AMARA

What I meant was,

(pointing at BUDAA) 

If BUDAA would hear me

was that, as long as he would have

me, I was willing to find more 

better ways we could work together,

as a team.

-BUDAA laughs hysterically.

DIRECTOR

I see. For a moment there

I was really worried.

Mostly for you, cause you

know the situation we're in

right now.

AMARA

Yes sir, I completely understand

and I promise to do my best 

in light of your expectations.

DIRECTOR

Perfect! Just about the

right words.

Alright, see you soon.

-the DIRECTOR walks out of the room and BUDAA follows him. Hoping to have a conversation with BUDAA AMARA races after him.

AMARA

Hey! BUDAA, can I have 

a word with you.

-he ignores her at first, but later reluctantly turns as the DIECTOR leaves the two.

 

BUDAA

Look, if it’s about the

briefing don’t bother

You could just mail it to me.

-he immediately turn to leave but AMARA holds him back.

AMARA

No! It’s not that.

Actually it’s about you and me.

BUDAA

(sneers)

What about that?

AMARA

Look, I know you feel 

like I’m the least best

person to handle your

management. But I want you

to trust me when I say, I 

know your music, and I am so

committed to seeing you climb

your success ladder to no limit.

BUDAA

(chuckles)

So what’s all this sweet

talk for?

AMARA

It’s not just sweet talk

BUDAA, it’s the true fact.

(pauses)

I suppose what I’m driving at

is, I want you to give me the

opportunity to prove myself by

working together with me and

not be so against me all the time.

BUDAA

(smiles mischievously)

Good talk.

-he walks away as quickly as his last statement and AMARA is left agitated. 

CUT TO: 

20 INT. PEACE’ KITCHEN – DAY

AMARA is by the kitchen cabinet chopping up some green vegetables while PEACE was busy stuffing the chicken. He starts up a conversation about her work.

PEACE

So how’s the BUDAA situation?

AMARA

(sips her juice)

I don’t know what to say 

about it anymore. It’s clear

to see the guy loathes me.

PEACE

Wow! That’s a tough word

It’s that bad huh!

AMARA

(discouraged)

I mean I made an effort to have

a reasonable conversation with

the fellow a weeks ago but he just

bluffed me off, like I was a groupie

Or something.

PEACE

Thinking about it, the dude

might just be on crack you know.

And he’s probably acting out because

he’s constantly high all the time.

(laughs)

AMARA

(smiles)

Lol! This might be true though.

But if I’m being honest I don’t think 

I’ve ever smelt anything funny 

around him like that. He always 

seems so put together most 

of the time.

PEACE

(chuckles)

Oh honey, don’t be fooled.

There are ways to do it clean

and clear, I mean rich boy style.

AMARA

(gives him a suspicious stare)

Hmmm! I see.

So, are you’re telling me you might 

be one of those rich boys?

PEACE

(laughs)

No! Not for me. 

And honestly if I was, 

you’d never know.

AMARA

(moves beside him)

So, speaking about honesty

I’m glad we didn’t do anything

that night on New Year’s Eve.

Cause for a second there

I was starting to feel what 

 happened to me was karma, but it 

turns out’ my ex was just a flat 

out Casanova.

PEACE

Well, it’s not that we never

did anything per se...

-AMARA cuts in.

AMARA

(exclaims)

See! I knew there was something

you were not telling me.

PEACE

(faces the chicken)

Come on, let’s forget it.

It’s in the past now.

AMARA

(pokes him playful on his arm)

The hell I am!

It’s very important for me to

know what happened or 

what didn’t happened.

PEACE

(reluctantly)

Well, you did mostly everything.

AMARA

(confused)

What do you mean 

I did everything?

PEACE

(smiles  mischievously)

You know,

(looks below his shorts and then back at her)

AMARA

(takes a second to think and then exclaims)

No! oh my God! I didn’t, 

I wouldn’t. 

That’s disgusting!

PEACE

What can I say you were

overly excited.

AMARA

(embarrassed)  

I must have been totally stoned.

-just then CASSIE comes rushing in, as she goes on to embrace her father. He is surprised to see her knowing he was meant to pick her up for five at her mum’s office.

PEACE

(surprised)

Hey! Sweetie how are you?

(carries her)

How’d you get here this time?

I don’t get to see you till five.

CASSIE

So you’re saying I should go back

and wait till five before I could

see you?

PEACE

Not so sweetie, I just meant

who got you here?

CASSIE

My mum of course!

-she (CASSIE) point towards the kitchen entrance as a slender beautiful lady walks slowly in, she was AGNES, CASSIE’S mother and PEACE’ ex girlfriend. PEACE looks displeased while AMARA had an eye witness look on her face.

AGNES

Hey! PEAGEE.

Am so sorry, I know your time’s

for five but I have something

important to do.

PEACE

(angry)

And I don’t?

You should have called AGNES.

AGNES

(looks at AMARA and smiles)

Hi!

Am sorry I burst in on you guys

It’s really not a habit of mine.

PEACE

Just leave her out of it okay.

And stop that silly sentiment.

You can leave.

-she, (AGNES) gives her daughter a kiss and then waves at AMARA who in turn reluctantly waves back.

CASSIE

(sad)

Do I get to leave too, daddy?

PEACE

Of course not sweetie

You get to have lunch with

AMARA and I.

AMARA

(smiling)

Hi CASSIE.

CASSIE

Why does she get to eat

with us daddy?

PEACE

(puts her down)

Cause she’s our guest

and my new friend

(winks).

CASSIE

(sneers)

What do you mean?

PEACE

Ok enough of your interrogation.

Go help set the table, we’ll sit

and eat at the backyard.

-CASSIE walks up to AMARA as she ferociously takes the bowl of salad from her and goes out to the backyard.

AMARA

Thank you CASSIE.

(pauses)

That was interesting.

PEACE

(chuckles)

Am sorry, I had no idea.

If not I would have prepped

you up.

AMARA

(teasing)

It fine, PEAGEE.

-PEACE laughs, and takes a look at AMARA to see her expression.

PEACE

Hey! I hope you’re not 

taken by that.

That’s just AGNES’S way of

showing off to people like she

really knows me, even though we only

dated for two years before she brought

the whole pregnancy news.

AMARA

(smiles)

It’s okay I understand.

Every woman always wants

that sense of entitlement.

PEACE

(staring closely at her)

What about you, do you 

crave a sense of entitlement?

AMARA

(chuckles)

I don’t even know what I 

want right now, am just

somewhere in the middle

of nowhere trying to find 

a clue.

PEACE

Is there anything I could

do to bring you back home?

(sips his wine)

AMARA

(smiles)

Just keep on doing what

you’re doing.

PEACE

And what’s that?

AMARA

Rescuing me.

-the two are sharing a kiss and then CASSIE storms in...

CASSIE

(angrily)

Can we eat already?