As The Sands Burn

Characters

2007-11-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

As The Sands Burn - Characters

THE LADIES OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY

APRIL - Junior, prophyte member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. PJ's roommate. Likes XAVIER but doesn't know that he has feelings for her soror SHAREESA. Has dated DERRICK and has been involved with KATRICE.

OCTAVIA - Senior, prophyte member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. APRIL's line sister. Is very serious about grades and wants to be a physician. Is now dating DONTE, who has graduated from Ahpla University after being in college for six years.

PRESJINA (PJ) - Neophyte member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. APRIL's roommate. Previously dated GREGG but didn't know that he had a girlfriend and that she is an AKA. Wants her friend JAHANNA to pledge AKA. Hates MONA.

JUNE - Neophyte member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Is a history buff and can recite any history of the sorority. DERRICK is her ex-boyfriend. They separated while she was pledging because he was not supportive. Now she is dating BUCK, who plays for the Amgis College basketball team and is DERRICK's sports rival. BUCK is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

KATRICE - Neophyte member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Hides the secret that she is a lesbian. Has had a romantic encounter with APRIL. Voted against JAHANNA being chosen for line because JAHANNA beat up MONA.

GINA - Transfer member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Previously dated MIRI then dated JERREL, and now is in Africa with MIRI.

SYLVIA - Prophyte member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and basilius of the chapter. Good friends with SALEEMA and does not get along with WILLIE. Is a Muslim.

SHAREESA - Prophyte member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and is a graduate of Ahpla University. Was Kappa Alpha Psi member GREGG's girlfriend but has a crush on his fraternity brother XAVIER. Now dating AHMAD, new member of Phi Beta Sigma at Amgis College. Works for Woolfolk Enterprises, a marketing firm.

MONA - Neophyte member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and is daughter of MELINDA FERGUSON. MONA did not earn her letters but proudly wears them. Extremely obnoxious and was given the line name Paper Wait because she only signed a "paper" to become a member and she should have "waited" to try and pledge. Previously dated MIRI. Conniving and causes most of the controversy on campus.

SOROR MELINDA FERGUSON - Member of the charter line of Alpha Kappa Alpha at Ahpla University. Mother of MONA. Wants the members of the chapter to handle chapter activity strictly by the books. Overlooks MONA's ways at times.

THE LADIES OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY

WILLEMINA (WILLIE) - Junior, prophyte member of Delta Sigma Theta. President of the Ahpla University student assembly. Dating Alpha Phi Alpha member JASON but may still have feelings for ex boyfriend DEXTER of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

CHRISTIAN - Prophyte member of Delta Sigma Theta. Previously liked NINO, therefore doesn't like CANDACE. Previously dated Dr. ALEX JEFFERSON, therefore didn't like BREANNA. Good friends with MONA. Conniving and always tries to get her way.

ROBIN - Senior prophyte member of Delta Sigma Theta. Is known for hazing pledgees. Takes the sisterly bond of Delta very seriously.

THERESA - Neophyte member of Delta Sigma Theta. Began the process of pledging Delta initially to get ex boyfriend JASON back from WILLIE but grew a love of the sisterhood while on line.

BREANNA - Neophyte member of Delta Sigma Theta. Dated her teacher ALEX JEFFERSON but didn't know that he was married to STACIE JEFFERSON, the advisor for the chapter.

STACIE JEFFERSON - Prophyte member of Delta Sigma Theta. Ahpla University graduate and was former advisor to the chapter. Wife of Dr. ALEX JEFFERSON. Mother of twin babies. Resigned from her position as advisor upon realizing that her husband ALEX was sleeping with a candidate of the sorority.

THE LADIES OF ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY

SALEEMA - Prophyte member of Zeta Phi Beta and basilius of the chapter. Good friends with SYLVIA. Is a Muslim.

SHARONDA - Senior, prophyte member of Zeta Phi Beta. Cousin of MONA FERGUSON, Alpha Kappa Alpha member. Wants MONA's little sister MIYA to pledge Zeta instead of AKA.

DENICE - Neophyte member of Zeta Phi Beta. Grew up with BRANDON and BRENDON. Has been in love with Phi Beta Sigma member BRANDON since high school and now they are dating. Previously dated GREGG of Kappa Alpha Psi.

TONYA - Neophyte member of Zeta Phi Beta. Putting herself through school and is the mother of 3-year-old daughter Kaiya.

THE LADIES OF SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY

CANDACE - Transfer student from Southern University. Came to Ahpla only to be closer to NINO, her fiancee. Doesn't like CHRISTIAN, who she has had several confrontations with.

PAULA - Neophyte member of Sigma Gamma Rho. Thinks ALEXIS is a good candidate for membership into Sigma Gamma Rho but dated Alpha Phi Alpha member BOBBY, ALEXIS' ex boyfriend.

JENNIFER - Neophyte member of Sigma Gamma Rho. Amgis College student.

ROSALIND - Neophyte member of Sigma Gamma Rho. Amgis College student.

ANGELIQUE - Neophyte member of Sigma Gamma Rho. Amgis College student.

ALEXIS - Currently pledging Sigma Gamma Rho sorority. Dating Alpha Phi Alpha member QUINTON. Previously dated Alpha Phi Alpha member BOBBY. Is having a hard time being pledged by her friend CANDACE.

THE BROTHERS OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY

BOBBY - Junior, president of the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter for the second term. Dates many women. Previously was the boyfriend of ALEXIS, but has since dated Sigma Gamma Rho member PAULA. Has a son, Lil' Derrick, with CARYN who he may try to gain custody of.

JASON - Neophyte member of Alpha Phi Alpha. Is now dating WILLIE but previously dated THERESA.

QUINTON - Neophyte member of Alpha Phi Alpha. Wanted to be chapter president but lost to BOBBY by one vote. Now is dating BOBBY's ex-girlfriend, ALEXIS. Has had confrontations with BOBBY.

LARRY - Neophyte member of Alpha Phi Alpha. Practical joker and funny man of the chapter. Loves to step. Learned many steps from NINO, who is now deceased.

REGGIE - BOBBY's line brother and the dean of QUINTON, LARRY, and JASON.

THE BROTHERS OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY

GREGG - Prophyte member of Kappa Alpha Psi and ex boyfriend of Alpha Kappa Alpha member SHAREESA. Has been known to be a dog, as he has cheated with PJ, DENICE, and CARYN. Is the dean of the newest Kappa brother, MIKE. Was the roommate of NINO, who is now deceased.

XAVIER - Prophyte member of Kappa Alpha Psi and writer for the school newspaper, The Sands. Is very religious and has never had sex. Has deep feelings for SHAREESA as he knows that GREGG treated her bad. Knows that APRIL wants to be with him. Previously dated DONNA.

MIKE - Neophyte member of Kappa Alpha Psi. Pledged by himself and is now overzealous and arrogant.

THE BROTHERS OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRTERNITY

RONNIE - Junior, prophyte member of Omega Psi Phi. Hates BOBBY. Previously tried to date ALEXIS while BOBBY was with her. Now dates TRINA because BOBBY used to be with her as well.

DEXTER - Prophyte member of Omega Psi Phi. From New Orleans and went to high school with NINO, who is now deceased. Used to date Delta Sigma Theta member WILLIE but seperated after they both crossed. He was said to have spent too much time with his new frat brothers and not enough quality time with her. He now wants her back.

DRE - Senior, prophyte member of Omega Psi Phi. Is the dean of Omega's newest brother, TY.

TY - Neophyte member of Omega Psi Phi. Wanted to pledge Omega for all the wrong reasons...for the girls and for the publicity. Has been humbled and learned a lot through his pledge process.

BUCK - Prophyte member of the Amgis College chapter. Star basketball player for Amgis College. Basketball rival was DERRICK who used to play for Ahpla University and date Alpha Kappa Alpha member JUNE. BUCK is now dating JUNE.

THE BROTHERS OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY

HAYDEN - Fall 1991 initiate of Xi Alpha chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Baruch, N.Y. Came to Ahpla University as a guest to organize the brothers to start a chapter there. Was successful with the newest line with Ahpla students MIRI and BRANDON. Spoken word poet.

COREY - Fall 1991 initiate of Xi Alpha chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Baruch, N.Y. Makes guest appearance and was dean of the Crescent line of Ahpla University and neighboring Amgis College.

BRANDON - Neophyte member of Phi Beta Sigma. Ahpla student who pledged at Amgis College. Has a twin brother, BRENDON, who wants to be a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He is trying to pursuade BRENDON toward Sigma. He is dating Zeta Phi Beta member DENICE.

MIRI - Neophyte member of Phi Beta Sigma. Ahpla student who pledged at Amgis College. Previously hated all fraternities and sororities. Upon research however, deeply wanted to be a member of Sigma. Dating Alpha Kappa Alpha member GINA is in Africa with her now. Has also dated her soror, MONA. Excellent poet. His first book of poetry is called My Passion, My People, My Pen and is available for purchase.

CALVIN - Neophyte member of Phi Beta Sigma. Amgis student. The first White member initiated into Sigma at Amgis College. Had issues with MIRI over his feelings toward White members of Black Greek letter organizations.

AHMAD - Neophyte member of Phi Beta Sigma. Amgis student. Was previously on line for Kappa Alpha Psi at Ahpla University. Is now dating Alpha Kappa Alpha member SHAREESA.

SETH - Neophyte member of Phi Beta Sigma. Amgis College student.

THE BROTHERS OF IOTA PHI THETA FRATERNITY

SAIFA - Helps to initiate a chapter of Iota Phi Theta at Ahpla University by starting with SEAN and DR. MWATSUMI.

SEAN - Neophyte member of Iota Phi Theta. His father and grandfather are members of Alpha Phi Alpha. His father was very much against his pledging anything other than Alpha. Sean had expressed interest in Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma and finally Iota Phi Theta. Has had an altercation with RONNIE of Omega Psi Phi.

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - Neophyte member of Iota Phi Theta. Ahpla University African American studies professor. Advisor and mentor to SEAN.

SAM - Prophyte member. Was very hard on SEAN and DR. MWATSUMI while they were pledging.

RAY - Prophyte member.

STUDENTS

BRENDON - Wants to be a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. Was not chosen for line and doesn't know why. Goes through a time of depression about not being selected. His twin brother BRANDON is a new member of Phi Beta Sigma and is possibly considering that fraternity. Grew up with DENICE.

DERRICK - Left Ahpla University to pursue a career in the NBA with the Portland Trailblazers. Previously dated Alpha Kappa Alpha member JUNE but is now dating CARYN. Takes care of CARYN'S son, Lil' Derrick, who is actually BOBBY's child. Hates Omega Psi Phi member BUCK who is now dating JUNE.

CARYN - Ahpla University cheerleader. Very flirtatious. Mother of Lil' Derrick, who she thought was DERRICK's but found out is BOBBY's. Is now dating DERRICK because he has money from his career as a professional basketball player. Has also dated GREGG. Is afraid of losing her son to his biological father BOBBY.

TRINA - Dating RONNIE and previously dated BOBBY. When dating BOBBY, she knew that he already had a girlfriend, but dated him anyway. Is now dating RONNIE because she doesn't like BOBBY anymore.

DONNA - Previously dated Kappa Alpha Psi member XAVIER and is bisexual and has had relations with Alpha Kappa Alpha member KATRICE.

JAHANNA - Friends with PJ and is very interested in Alpha Kappa Alpha. Did not make line last year because she beat up Alpha Kappa Alpha member MONA.

Ahpla University Administration and Faculty

PRESIDENT DR. BRYCE - Phi Beta Sigma member and President of Ahpla University.

DR. ALEX JEFFERSON - Ahpla University psychology professor. Husband of Delta Sigma Theta member STACIE but has cheated with both CHRISTIAN and BREANNA.

JERREL - Works in Ahpla administration building. Very attractive brother. Dated Alpha Kappa Alpha member GINA but tried to pursue Sigma Gamma Rho member CANDAE at the same time. Initially perpetrated being a member of both Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and Omega Psi Phi fraternity, all in a plot to get MONA expelled from campus.

Episode 50

2007-11-14T10:03:00.002-08:00

SHAREESA'S ANSWERING MACHINE - Sorry but I am not in, please leave a mess...

(click)

(XAVIER hangs up.)

XAVIER thinks - I can't do this on an answering machine. As a matter of fact, I can't do this over the phone. I need to speak to Shareesa face to face.

(XAVIER walks into his bathroom and stares at himself in the mirror.)

XAVIER thinks - Okay, what should I say?

XAVIER - Shareesa, I realize that this is a very awkward situation. Believe me, I never knew I would be here. But I can't help the way that I feel about you. I love Gregg like a brother. But I want to be with you.

(silence)

XAVIER - Gregg...Gregg, um. I need to talk to you. See, the thing is...

(XAVIER looks away.)

XAVIER - Um...I kinda fell in love with...Shareesa. Wait! Wait! Think about it bruh, you were never faithful! You always had like five girls on the side and she got fed up and so did I!

XAVIER thinks - Dag!

(silence)

XAVIER - Shareesa, I can understand Gregg being upset. I mean, I would too. But I think this is a situation that we can work out. Definitely. So are you with me?

(XAVIER walks from the bathroom into his bedroom. He sits on the bed.)

XAVIER thinks - Lord, what do you want me to do?

(XAVIER closes his eyes.)

XAVIER - Father, speak to my heart. I don't want to hurt my brother, but I think this is the person for me. Please help this confused soul. Show me a sign. Help me Lord.

(XAVIER looks up and looks around. He looks at the phone.)

XAVIER - I see you don't work to our time tables huh Lord?

(XAVIER laughs to himself as he gets up and grabs his jacket.)

XAVIER thinks - The Lord helps those who help themselves.

(XAVIER grabs his keys and walks out the door.)

TWENTY MINUTES LATER

(There is a knock on SHAREESA's door.)

SHAREESA thinks - Man, I haven't been home for three minutes and already people are knocking! Sheesh!

(There is another knock.)

SHAREESA - Coming!

SHAREESA thinks - Who the heck is this anyway?

(SHAREESA looks through the peephole.)

SHAREESA - What in the world...

(SHAREESA opens the door.)

GREGG - Don't say a word. Just take these and go inside and sit down.

(GREGG hands SHAREESA a bunch of long stem red roses.)

SHAREESA - Gregg, what are you doing?

GREGG - Trust me for a second. Just go back inside and sit down.

SHAREESA thinks - What in the world is this boy doing?

(SHAREESA smiles to herself as she looks at the bunches of roses. She doesn't let GREGG see her smile. She hesitates but walks back inside. GREGG follows.)

GREGG - Just sit down and put the flowers down too.

(SHAREESA does.)

GREGG - Reece, here is the deal. I saw you, I loved you, I lost you, I died. I tried to explain, you didn't hear. You listened, but you didn't hear. So now I am here to get my life back.

SHAREESA - But Gr...

GREGG - Shhhhhhh!

(GREGG picks one flower out of the stack.)

GREGG - I remember when I first saw you. I had just crossed and I saw you. You were with the AKAs. I had seen you before, but never like this day. This was the first day I saw you. I had seen pretty girls before, beautiful girls before. But never had I seen what I saw that day. I remember that day like it was yesterday.

(GREGG gives the first flower to SHAREESA and picks up another one.)

GREGG - Remember the Kappa party? We had gone over and I was really hoping that you would come. I made sure some of your sorors got fliers and I pumped it up to them. But it was all because I wanted to see if I could recall what I saw when I first saw you. You came to the party.

SHAREESA - Yeah, I remember.

GREGG - I remember the moment you walked in. Everything else could have stopped and you could have knocked me over with a feather. I remember what I had seen when I first saw you when I saw you at the party. That is when I decided I had to talk to you.

(GREGG gives her the second rose and picks another one up.)

GREGG - Do you remember our first conversation?

SHAREESA - Yeah, you asked me to dance.

GREGG - No, that wasn't our first conversation.

SHAREESA - It wasn't?

GREGG - No, that was me trying to get you to dance with me. Even when I spoke to you that night, I was not conversing to you. Even when you let me call you and we spoke, we weren't talking. Our first converstaion came two weeks later when we first went out together. That is when I stopped being Gregg the mack, Gregg the player. I stopped trying to impress you. I wasn't in front of frat. I wasn't in front of other girls. I wanted you to get to know me for me, so I spoke to you from inside of me. This was our first conversation, and this is when I fell in love with you.

(SHAREESA begins to count the roses that remain in the bunch.)

SHAREESA thinks - Oh my God! Is Gregg going to go back in time to every significant event in our relationship? There must be forty roses here!

(GREGG briefly passes through a few more significant events which led to him and SHAREESA becoming a committed couple. SHAREESA is now holding a bunch of roses from the stack. Then he breaks the flow.)

GREGG - You have always been the perfect companion Shareesa...

(GREGG turns away.)

GREGG - ...um...you have always been perfect. In every way. You have always treated me with respect. I took that for granted. You put me on such a high pedastal in your life that it went to my head...

(silence)

(GREGG turns back to face THERESA. His face is wet from his tears.)

GREGG - I took your love for granted and it went to my head. I knew I had something special in you. I knew that from the first rose. But I still took it for granted in the end. I began to wonder and wander. I lost my focus and my vision. I was stupid...a stupid, stupid idiot.

(GREGG continues to speak. He doesn't hand SHAREESA any roses.)

GREGG - At the crossroads of my life with you, I chose the wrong path. I travelled down that path for a long time. Knowing I was on the path, regretting being on the path. Wishing I had never chosen this way. But nonetheless, travelling.

(GREGG wipes his face with his hands, but tears continue to fall.)

SHAREESA - Gregg, please stop crying. Are you okay?

GREGG - I have to do this. I have to do this.

(GREGG pauses and collects his thoughts.)

GREGG - I feel like I wasn't even being myself anymore. I mean truly who I am. Deep down. I was losing you day by day and didn't even know it. My precious gift that God gave me, was slipping right through my fingers. Then...

(GREGG stops as if he can't go on. He places his hand on his stomach.)

(silence)

(He continues.)

GREGG - Then I lost my half. I lost half of me. I lost my brother. My brother Nino left me. I died with Nino Shareesa. I died. That stupid part of me that Nino kept warning me about. He kept telling me that at some point karma would catch up to me. He meant so much to me as a person. As a man. As an example to live by. When he...when he died, I died to. But my death penalty is worse...

(GREGG picks up another rose.)

GREGG - ...my sentence is to remain here on earth and miss him every day. I know he is happy. He is making God laugh and probably having step practice with the disciples or something.

(GREGG laughs a little as he looks skyward. His attention quickly comes back to SHAREESA and the rose he holds in his hand.)

GREGG - This one rose is for life and death. Nino's death represents my life. My life as a player, a so called hustler. That part of me passed with Nino. He hated those things about me. So when he left, he took the characteristics with him. I am sure he found some garbage can in heaven to dump them in.

SHAREESA thinks - Oh God! I can't take it!

(SHAREESA wipes a tear that she was trying to hold within her eye. She hates the fact that it escaped and ran down her cheek. GREGG doesn't notice her wiping her face.)

GREGG - This rose represents Nino and the passing into the new me. The me that I knew I always was. The Gregg capable of loving, caring and sharing. The Gregg longing for your touch. Not even in the way that I used to touch you. But for a kiss from your soul. Ya know?

(GREGG stops. He sits down. He had been standing the entire time. He changes the subject a bit.)

GREGG - I didn't mean to get so emotional. And I didn't mean to make you emotional.

SHAREESA - Oh that's okay.

(They are both wiping their faces off.)

SHAREESA - Well I have a question.

GREGG - Yeah.

SHAREESA - You gave me a rose for all the significant events of us. That was beautiful. Truly beautiful.

(SHAREESA stares at the bouqet she is holding and the remaining roses in the original bunch.)

SHAREESA - You have brought us to the present but there are a few roses left. Did you select too many? I like the concept but was your counting off?

GREGG - Oh no, let me continue.

(GREGG wipes his face dry and grabs the last few roses.)

GREGG - This rose represents today. Since the last rose represented the death of the old me, this one represents the birth of the new me. I am reborn through the regeneration of us. If you choose to come back to me, you will give me a new birth. That is what this rose is.

SHAREESA thinks - Oh God!

(SHAREESA smiles. He takes out another one.)

GREGG - This next one is for the day I ask you to be my wife. I don't know when that is, but if you take me back, I will never hurt you again. If there was any chance that I would hurt you again, I really wouldn't waste your time right now. Really I wouldn't. I would let you go about your business.

(He places that one down and grabs two more.)

GREGG - This is for our wedding day, and this other one is for our son.

SHAREESA - Our son?

GREGG - Yes, I want you to be the foundation of my family. Forever.

(SHAREESA gets teary eyed again.)

SHAREESA - How do you know you won't have a daughter?

GREGG - That is what these next two flowers are for. I know that twins run in your family. So after we have a little nupe, I want twin girls.

SHAREESA - Easy for you to say, you aint gonna be the one carrying them around for nine months.

GREGG - But I will be carrying you.

(silence)

(SHAREESA pouts.)

XAVIER thinks - Okay, this is it!

(XAVIER looks up and is standing at the front of SHAREESA's apartment complex.)

XAVIER thinks - I can't go back now. I have made it all the way here. Praying all the way!

(XAVIER laughs to himself as he walks into the lobby and walks toward the elevator.)

XAVIER thinks - I am so concerned with Gregg though. I think that me telling Shareesa how I feel may be the easy part. It will be breaking the news to Gregg that will be crazy to say the least!

(XAVIER watches the numbers rise in the elevator car.)

XAVIER thinks - I just pray that this will be successful. I don't want to hurt anyone. Lord please don't let any ill will grow amongst friends. Amongst brothers.

(The elevator stops on SHAREESA's floor. XAVIER takes a deep breath.)

XAVIER thinks - Okay, here we go!

(The elevator door opens.)

XAVIER - Gregg?

GREGG - Z?

XAVIER thinks - Oh my Lord!

XAVIER - Gregg what are you doing here? Are you okay? Your eyes are all red!

(GREGG steps into the elevator and hugs XAVIER.)

GREGG - Frat, you won't believe what happened! I came here to speak to Shareesa. I knew that it was now or never. I couldn't afford to lose her man! I just couldn't! So I laid all my cards on the table. I'm saying bruh, I put it all out. All of my emotions came out. I left no stone unturned and I got it all off my chest. And now I have the greatest news in the world man! She says that she wants to work on our relationship!

XAVIER - What?

GREGG - Man, we are getting back together! I aint much of a praying man, but I know that my prayers were answered today! I am the happiest man alive! I know she wants to take it slow, and I understand. But I will never hurt her again man! Believe me! I love her man! I am in love with Shareesa and I will be for the rest of my life! What do you think man?

(The elevator door closes by accident and the car starts to move back down toward the lobby.)

(silence)

XAVIER - Gregg, I am really happy for you man. I hope that you and Shareesa are very happy together.

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DERRICK is at his place. He is discussing with CARYN the predicament that he is in between the Portland Trailblazers of the NBA and his deadbeat dad LOWELL DODGE.

DERRICK - I can't believe that bastard did this to me! I should've known there was a catch! I should've known!

CARYN - Well what difference does it make Derrick? We would...I mean...you would still be a millionaire regardless.

DERRICK - This is so not about the money Caryn. Lowell Dodge is only a part of my life right now so he can get paid. If I couldn't handle a basketball, he would have no knowledge of me whatsoever. That shit is fucked up!

CARYN - Forget his reasons Derrick! Don't be a fool! Take the money and run! Do you know how much you can buy with one million dollars? Let alone two million? Sheesh, I couldn't spend that all in one year! Ha ha ha ha!

(DERRICK just looks at CARYN and then gets up to pace the floor again.)

DERRICK - Ooooh that burns me up! It really does!

CARYN - Calm down boo. Why don't you go get some fresh air or something. Aight?

DERRICK - Good idea.

(DERRICK heads for the door.)

DERRICK thinks - Anything to get away from you right now!

DERRICK - I'll be back.

CARYN - Good. I hope some fresh air will start to clear your mind.

DERRICK - Sure.

(DERRICK doesn't look back as he walks out and closes the door behind him.)

DERRICK thinks - I can't talk to her. She can be dumb at times and I can't deal with that!

(DERRICK walks to a bench and sits down. He pulls out his cell phone and dials.)

JUNE - Hello?

DERRICK - Hey.

JUNE - Hey. You okay?

DERRICK - Still debating.

JUNE - Yeah. I see. How you feeling?

DERRICK - I just can't believe that snake Lowell is trying to get over like this! Dammit!

JUNE - Hmmm. What do you think you are going to do?

DERRICK - I honestly don't know.

JUNE - Well look. Let's weigh the pros and cons.

DERRICK - Okay, good idea.

JUNE - Okay. Let's do the cons first.

DERRICK - That motherfucker Lowell gets paid.

JUNE - O...kay. Anymore cons?

DERRICK - Yeah, that motherfucker Lowell gets paid.

JUNE - Um, how about some different cons.

DERRICK - Okay con. If I go into the NBA, I won't be able to keep you and Buck separated.

JUNE - What?

DERRICK - June, if I leave to go into the NBA, Buck will have no defense against him trying to get with you. I know that you and I are not together right now. But there is no secret that I still have feelings for you. And you can't deny that you did date Buck already. So you obviously like him.

(silence)

DERRICK - Your silence speaks volumes.

JUNE - Derrick, don't let me be a part of your decision whatsoever. I should have nothing to do with what you decide. This decision has all to do with you and nothing to do with me.

DERRICK - I wish it were that simple.

JUNE - Why isn't it? I am not the one who will have to perform on the basketball court. You will.

(silence)

JUNE - Anyway, you have people that you need to worry about besides me. You know that. What about that lil baby that Caryn had that you take care of?

DERRICK - You know what? Bobby is about to get a wake up call in fatherhood.That lil baby is not mine and I think it is about time his real

dad stepped in and took his rightful place.

JUNE - I hear you.

DERRICK - If I take this opportunity with the NBA, I may be losing you forever and that sorry excuse for a man that calls himself my father will become instantly rich and cling on to me like he has been there all along.

JUNE - Uh huh.

DERRICK - If I say to hell with Lowell and pass this opportunity up, I may never get a chance like this at the NBA again. I may never be able to buy my mother a house. I don't know. I don't know what to do.

JUNE - Derrick, close your eyes.

DERRICK - Huh?

JUNE - Just do it. Please.

DERRICK - What are you doing?

JUNE - Please just do it. Close your eyes and concentrate.

DERRICK - Okay.

(DERRICK closes his eyes.)

DERRICK - Alright, they are closed.

JUNE - Heavenly Father, we thank you for one more day. Please speak to us now and tell us what you want Derrick to do. We know that you have control of all things and you know the best things for us to do. So we trust in you and know that you will guide us in the right direction. Thank you. In Jesus name, amen.

DERRICK - Amen.

JUNE - Feel better?

DERRICK - Actually, one hundred percent better.

JUNE - Good!

DERRICK - Can I call you back?

JUNE - Yeah, I'll be here.

DERRICK - Okay, give me a few. I will call you back.

JUNE - Talk to you later.

DERRICK - Bye.

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We now find the Alphas who have gathered together at BOBY's house.

REGGIE - Bobby, you aint got no more chips?

BOBBY - Chill out, I just ordered a pizza. It should be here in a few.

REGGIE - Oh good.

(The doorbell rings.)

BOBBY - Yo Wil, get that!

WIL - I got it.

(WIL gets up and opens the door.)

WIL - What's up frat.

DONTE - What's up man.

WIL - Come on in.

(WIL and DONTE exchange the handshake.)

WIL - How's it going?

DONTE - Good man. How about you?

WIL - Chillin. Look man, I'm sorry again about what went down man. You know I would never do anything to hurt you or come between you and Octavia.

DONTE - I know man. Don't sweat it.

WIL - Are you sure?

DONTE - Yeah, it's cool.

WIL - Good.

DONTE - Let me go to the kitchen and put these beers in the fridge.

WIL - Let me grab a few of those for you.

(DONTE and WIL go into thekitchen where BOBBY is.)

DONTE - What's up man?

BOBBY - Hey Donte, what's the deal bruh? Thanks for bringing the beer.

DONTE - Yeah, as a matter of fact, grab one, and come into the other room.

BOBBY - I am trying to make sure I don't burn this shit on the stove. You know I can't cook as it is. That is why I ordered the pizza just in case.

DONTE - This will only take a second.

BOBBY - Alright.

(DONTE goes into the living room where brothers are in front of the television. They are playing Sega. DONTE turns it off.)

JASON - What the fuck man?

LARRY - Hey! I was just getting ready to beat Jason's ass in football!

JASON - You were losing thirty seven to nothing.

LARRY - Yeah, but then I had you right where I wanted you. Just when you get comfortable, then bam! I come back strong on ya!

(Everyone laughs.)

JASON - Shut the hell up! Now that I think about it, thanks Donte for stopping that game! Ha ha ha ha!

DONTE - Didn't mean to interrupt, but I have an announcement to make yall. Everyone grab a brew.

QUINTON - Aw hell! Do we have to go back on line? Is that the announcement? We didn't finish did we? Damn I knew it!

(Everyone laughs.)

DONTE - It's gonna feel like line up in here in a minute if yall don't shut up and let me finish!

(Everyone laughs again and then it quiets down.)

DONTE - I just wanted to thank my brothers for their continued support. All through the years.

LARRY - Yeah, since nineteen...

(Everyone responds.)

ALL - Oh six!

(Everyone laughs hard at LARRY.)

DONTE - Shut up you idiot!

(DONTE can't help but laugh.)

DONTE - As I was saying, thanks to some real close...family members, I was able to pull a few strings. And...

(DONTE raises his beer.)

DONTE - Brothers, I am happy to announce that I will be graduating. I am getting out of Ahpla!

BOBBY - What?

TREY - Oh shit!

WIL - Are you serious?

LARRY - Father forgive him for he knows not what he says!

REGGIE - Yo Donte, congrats man! Damn!

(Everyone touches glasses as they toast DONTE and pat him on the back and exchange the fraternal handshake.)

BOBBY - Damn man. How am I going to run the chapter without you?

LARRY - Ask Quinton!

REGGIE - Ooooh low blow! Haha ha ha!

(Everyone laughs. There is aknock on the door.)

BOBBY - Yo that must be the pizza guy. Hey town idiot, get the door.

LARRY - Man, I aint on line no more.

BOBBY - Get the door fool!

LARRY - Good grief! No respect! Ha ha ha ha!

(LARRY gets up and answers the door.)

LARRY - Dexter? What are you doing here?

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In the office of COACH EDWARDS, basketball coach for Ahpla University.

COACH EDWARDS - Hey Derrick.Come on in.

DERRICK - What's happening coach?

COACH EDWARDS - I got your message that you want to talk. I know that this is a very confusing time for you Derrick.

DERRICK - You probably can't imagine.

COACH EDWARDS - Honestly Ican't. I don't know what you are going through inside as it pertains to Lowell and your decision.

DERRICK - It also includes my girl...or my ex girl I should say. And then the girl I have been seeing and the child I have been taking care of.

COACH EDWARDS - Derrick, let me just say this to you. And hopefully this will help you out a lot. You seem to be consulting a lot of different people in helping you make a decision. And that is good. You will hear many viewpoints and that can help you narrow down what you need to do. But ultimately, this decision is for you. This is your dream, or your nightmare. You need to step back and ask Derrick what he wants and needs. And that is the person you cater to first.

DERRICK - What if Derrick doesn't know?

COACH EDWARDS - Derrick knows. Ask him.

DERRICK - I hate when coaches talk in riddles.

(COACH EDWARDS laughs.)

DERRICK - Thanks coach.

COACH EDWARDS - No problem Derrick.

(DERRICK gets up and shakes his coach's hand. He then turns to leave.)

COACH EDWARDS - Listen. I will be proud of you no matter what decision you make.

DERRICK - Thanks. That means a lot.

COACH EDWARDS - I hope so.

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DEXTER has just arrived at BOBBY's house to carry out the plan that the Omegas have to get LARRY.

LARRY - Dexter, what are you doing here? You want to come in man? We got a few beers left and we ordered some pizza.

DEXTER - Naw man, listen. Listen quick. There are some dudes after you for what happened to Jerrel up in Pharoahs.

LARRY - Who? What are you talking about man?

DEXTER - Just listen. I came here to warn you. This is what I want you to do. Grab your line brothers and follow me okay? Don't ask any questions.

(LARRY looks confused but heeds DEXTER's words.)

LARRY - Yo Q, Jason. Come here for a minute.

JASON - What's up sands?

QUINTON - Yeah, what's going on?

LARRY - Something is going down. Dexter is at the door and I think he is saying that that cat Jerrel is trying to catch me off guard.

QUINTON - What?

JASON - That perp dude? Are you serious? Where is he?

LARRY - I don't know the deal but Dexter told me to grab yall and follow him.

JASON - Hold on man. We gonna follow Dexter? What's up with that?

LARRY - Dexter is cool man.He's straight.

QUINTON - Well before we go anywhere, we need to let bros know what's up. Just in case something jumps off.

JASON - Good idea.

(QUINTON quickly gathers the brothers and informs them of what is going down. They decide to stay a good distance behind but to follow the three as they leave with DEXTER.)

LARRY - Alright man, let's go.

DEXTER - Cool. Follow me.

(They leave and close BOBBY's door behind them. A few seconds later, the rest of the Alphas come out to follow.)

DEXTER - We'll take my car. Come on.

(RONNIE and DRE are sitting in their car watching.)

RONNIE - Where the hell is Dexter going?

DRE - He is going to his car. Why is he changing the plan? He is supposed to bring him here! And why is it three of them and not just Larry?

RONNIE - I don't know. Just follow them. Come on!

LARRY - So where are we going?

DEXTER - We have to meet up with some other people at the diner.

QUINTON - The twenty four seven?

DEXTER - Yeah. I will explain all of this when we get there. Trust me.

LARRY - We got you man. This is getting crazy though.

DEXTER - It may get even worse!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DERRICK has called an assembly of his closest friends and family to his house.

DERRICK - I want to thank you all for coming and being patient. We are just waiting on one more person.

COACH EDWARDS - Take your time Derrick. We aint in no hurry. We are just dying of suspense! Ha ha ha ha!

(Everyone laughs.)

DERRICK - Sorry, I will let yall know the deal as soon as the last person arrives. But feel free to getsome more to drink or eat. I have plenty of stuff.

(Everyone ones eats and chit chats with one another.)

CARYN - You know June, Derrick promised to get us one of those new trucks. You know, the Mercedes kind?

(JUNE giggles.)

JUNE - Oh really?

CARYN - Or maybe the Lexus Land Rover type. I haven't decided yet.

JUNE - I am sure you will decide wisely Caryn.

(JUNE smiles sarcastically.)

CARYN - Don't get smart!

(JUNE just walks away. There is then a knock on the door.)

DERRICK - Our last guest.

(DERRICK opens the door.)

LOWELL - Hey son.

(DERRICK leaves the door open without saying a word. LOWELL enters.)

DERRICK - Okay everyone. If you would please quiet down, I have a few things to say. Please have a seat.

(Everyone sits and eagerly listens.)

DERRICK - As all of you know,I have been under tremendous pressure from all sides as to what decision I am to make regarding my immediate future. I want to thank you all for your kind words of encouragement and words of prayer.

(CARYN leans and whispers to JUNE.)

CARYN whispers - I prayed with him. He's talking about me.

JUNE thinks - Good heavens!

DERRICK - I want to most of all thank two people in particular.

(LOWELL smiles.)

DERRICK - I want to first thank my mom. Clap for my mother yall.

(Ms. RAINES smiles.)

DERRICK - Mom, you have been there from the very beginning. You were my mother, my father and my first coach. If it were not for you, I would not have the talent and ability that I have and I thank you. It is because of you that I am who I am. Thank you.

(Everyone claps again.)

DERRICK - Secondly...

(LOWELL smiles again.)

DERRICK - I want to thank Coach Edwards.

(Everyone claps for COACH EDWARDS, except LOWELL.)

DERRICK - It was Coach who helped me to nurture my game and teach me one important lesson. That I have to listen to me. Do the things that I need to do for me. Stop trying to please everyone else and do what makes me happy. What counts for me. I thank Coach for that because lots of times young people, especially athletes easily get caught up with a lot of hoopla and promises. But Coach Edwards has kept me grounded as a person and as a player. Thank you Coach for your words and you work ethic.You have helped me more than you know!

(COACH EDWARDS stands up and hugs DERRICK as everyone claps.)

DERRICK - And now, the moment you have all been waiting for. I have made my decision as to what I am going to do. I have decided to...

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DEXTER pulls up at the Twenty Four Seven Diner but waits in the car. Soon after RONNIE and DRE pull up. Then BOBBY, DONTE, WIL, TREY and REGGIE drive and park. DEXTER then gets out.

RONNIE - What the hell is going on Dex? Why are we here?

LARRY - I want to know that same thing. What is going on?

DEXTER - Guys guys, give me one more second and I will explain it all.

DEXTER thinks - I hope!

(Moments later, APRIL, PJ and KATRICE arrive.)

DEXTER - Okay, now we can go inside. Everyone listen. Let me do the talking please so we can get to the bottom of a serious situation.

(Since everyone is kinda confused, they listen and follow DEXTER.)

PJ - Jason, do you know what is going on? We got an urgent call from Dexter asking us to rush over here and it was really important.

JASON - Girl, I am just here for the ride. I have no idea what is going on.

(As they go inside, DEXTER looks around. He sees a couple sitting in a booth to the right. He walks that way. Everyone follows.)

PJ thinks - Is that who I think it is? What the hell?

(The man seated sees the crowd approaching and stands up.)

DEXTER - What's up Jerrel.

(JERREL extends his hand and shakes DEXTER's hand. A seated MONA then turns around to see the approaching crowd of Alphas, Omegas and AKAs.)

MONA thinks - What in the world?

(DEXTER turns to speak to everyone who has followed.)

DEXTER - Everyone, I know most of you have met Jerrel and it has probably been an unpleasant experience.I had the opportunity to speak with him privately and he cleared up a lot of things for me. If you will just hear him out, he may be able to clear up some things for you as well.

(Out of sheer curiosity, everyone listens.)

JERREL - Everybody, let me start by apologizing to most of you. I first want to apologize to the Alphas.They were under the impression that I am a member of their fraternity and I am not. For that I am truly sorry. I also need to apologize to the brothers of Omega Psi Phi. For I am not a member of Omega either.

RONNIE thinks - What?

JERREL - I never meant to impersonate a member. But as I explain, you will understand how this all happened. To begin the story, I am not even an Ahpla University student. I am a newly hired member of the faculty. I work in the Ahpla administration office.

PJ - Huh?

MONA thinks - What?

JERREL - My girlfriend attends Ahpla. She began to tell me a few months ago when I first got hired about a girl who had joined her sorority who was a real bitch. She told me stories about this girl that I could not believe! Stories so wild, I just couldn't believe it! So I wanted to meet this girl. This crazy chick that is causing so much havoc on campus. This girl named Mona!

MONA - What!

JERREL - So in order for me to meet Mona, I thought I would do better acting as a student. I posed to be a student, only to meet Mona. I just couldn't believe one person could be so diabolical. The whole thing was funny at first. My girlfriend, who actually is a student here, was laughing along with me. I knew that Mona was an AKA but I didn't know what she looked like. So when I met the AKAs, I figured that by saying I was an Alpha, I would find Mona easier. That went bad when I had to actually meet the Alphas.

MONA - I am not sitting through this!

(MONA quickly gets up and pushes past JERREL. She storms out the opposite exit door to the diner. PJ starts to go after her.)

JERREL - Let her go. Don't sweat the small stuff.

DEXTER - Tell them what you told me Jerrel.

JERREL - My entire story starts to downward spiral from there. From there, I was obviously accused of impersonating an Alpha. I didn't want to tell the truth just yet because I still hadn't met Mona. It actually helped however because by getting mixed up in some scandal, it made it easier to find Mona. Shady is as shady does I guess.

APRIL - Shady to say the least!

JERREL - Anyhow, I meet Mona and tried to start up some controversy, just to see how she would handle it. I tell her that I am an Omega and have a beef with the Alphas. That sounded controversial enough. I told her that I needed her help to get back at the Alphas. Man, did she go to work! Before I knew what was about to go down, she had almost staged an all out war between the Alphas, the AKAs and the Omegas, with everyone pointing the fingers at each other.

(DEXTER glances over at RONNIE.)

DEXTER - I just knew something was fishy about this whole deal. That is why I spoke to Jerrel privately.

JERREL - And I am glad that Dexter did. Once I confided in him, he informed me of what was about to go down. Thank God we were able to stop it!

LARRY - Yeah, this could've gotten kind of ugly!

JERREL - But wait, you don't know the half of it. Not only did she have the Alphas and Omegas about to get to fighting, she set it up where she was tamperring with most of your grades through the administration computers. She tapped into financial records for most of you, mainly the AKAs.

RONNIE - Oh shit!

LARRY - Damn!

APRIL - She did what? How?

JERREL - I just know because I work in the administration office. Don't worry, that back fired on her too. I was able to restore all the damage that she had done to your accounts and to your transcripts. Everyone is fine.

(Everyone is looking around at each other. They didn't notice someone come up from behind.)

GINA - Hey sweetie.

JERREL - Hey boo.

PJ - Gina?

(GINA hugs the AKAs and walks up to JERREL. They kiss.)

PJ thinks - Okay, Gina got herself a fine one! Damn!

JERREL - Gina is my girl. She is the one who was telling me all about Mona. That is what started this whole thing.

RONNIE - Shit! Are you serious?

GINA - Yeah. I aint never liked Mona's triflin' ass.

APRIL - This is all crazy but are you sure all of our records are okay in the system? That is what concerns me most.

JERREL - Oh rest assured. Everyone is fine...

(silence)

JERREL -...except Mona. I deleted her from the system. As of yesterday, she is no longer a student of Ahpla University.

Episode 49

2007-11-14T10:03:00.001-08:00

We begin this week's episode with BUCK who is at JUNE's front door. DERRICK and his mother Ms. RAINES are inside.

(JUNE sees BUCK.)

JUNE thinks - Oh no!

JUNE whispers - Buck! What are you doing here!

BUCK - I just came to see ya baby. What's going on? Can I come in?

(JUNE closes the door behind herself and steps into the hall.)

JUNE - Uh...no you can't. I am busy right now, I am...uh...reading some stuff.

BUCK - Cool, well let me chill over here. I promise I won't disturb you, I can catch up on some reading myself. Ha ha ha, you know us Amgis students study a whole lot! Ha ha ha!

(JUNE looks around and hopes DERRICK doesn't here BUCK laughing.)

JUNE - No...uh...this really isn't a good time Buck. It would be better if you just left.

BUCK - Why? What's wrong? Do you have company?

JUNE - Uh...

(The door opens.)

BUCK - Well well well. What's up my man?

DERRICK - Buck? What the hell are you doing here?

(DERRICK steps into the hallway.)

BUCK - I was about to ask you the same thing brother man.

(JUNE steps between DERRICK and BUCK.)

JUNE - Buck, why don't you just go!

(BUCK turns his glance from DERRICK to JUNE.)

BUCK - Is that what you really want June?

DERRICK - You heard her man! Be out!

BUCK - Aint nobody talking to you! I was talking to June. And if June wants me to leave then I will leave.

DERRICK - Well she wants you to leave!

BUCK - June can speak for herself! Unlike some people who need dear old dad to hook them up! You can't get a contract without dad huh? Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

DERRICK - What!

JUNE - That's enough Buck! I want you to go!

(JUNE tries to keep DERRICK back.)

BUCK - Aight I'm out! June I'll call ya later. Ha ha ha ha ha! Hey D, tell Lowell I said hello. Ha ha ha ha ha!

(BUCK continues to laugh as he walks down the hall. JUNE turns to DERRICK.)

JUNE - Don't pay him any attention.

DERRICK - No! I need to do just the opposite! I gotta go!

JUNE - Where are you going?

DERRICK - I'll be back. Tell my mother that I will be back.

JUNE - But wait! Where are you going?

(DERRICK runs down the hall.)

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The members of Omega Psi Phi are meeting at the Omega frat house, discussing what they are going to do next.

DEXTER - I say we calm down. For real. There is just too much going on right now. With everything going on in the news, we need to really think this thing out.

RONNIE - I hear what you are saying Dex, but we have to move on. I have family in New York as well as in DC. I called and checked on all of my people after the tradgedies. We can't let our lives halt because of this. This is something going on on our campus, between two fraternities, that we discussed last week. It is time for us to do what we said we were going to do.

DEXTER - But we never agreed or voted even to do anything.

RONNIE - I thought we were all in agreement.

DRE - Now wait. No we didn't agree on what we should do, but that is why I thought we were here. I do agree with Dexter on the timliness, but we can't sit around and do nothing. The Alphas jumped one of our frat brothers. That shit is wrong for any brother. Whether they are Omega or not.

DEXTER - And I still can't see them doing that. Come one man, you know the Alphas. They aint even about no stuff like that.

RONNIE - Whatever! I wouldn't put nothing past nobody.

DRE - I hear that.

RONNIE - Dex are you in or are you out?

(silence)

RONNIE - Well?

DEXTER - What's the plan?

RONNIE - Aight look. I know that they are going to be over at Bobby's place.

DRE - How do you know?

RONNIE - Trina told me. She seems to know everything about them niggas.

DRE - Okay so then what do we do?

RONNIE - We go over there and ask to speak to Larry. And we get him aside and deal with that nigga.

DEXTER - How do we get him alone?

RONNIE - We just tell that nigga to come outside.

DRE - Now you sound stupid. They are gonna just let their boy out to the hounds by himself? And with you there probably talking mad shit? I don't think so.

RONNIE - You got a better plan?

DRE - Yes I do. I say we send Dex over there.

DEXTRER - What? Me? Why me?

DRE - Because they will trust you. So if you ask to holla at Larry, he will probably come out and follow you to where we are. And then we can deal with him properly.

DEXTER - Hell no I aint doing that!

RONNIE - Why not?

DEXTER - Because man, that is betraying a trust that I have with my friends.

RONNIE - What about the trust that you have with your frat?

(silence)

RONNIE - Don't flake out on me now man.

DRE - What you gonna do Dexter? Dog, are you in or out?

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XAVIER is at home going through his story board for the upcoming issue of The Sands, the school newspaper.

XAVIER thinks - The World Trade Center crash was devastating to say the least! How can I write this and give the proper emotion behind this? Wow, I can't believe this is happening. This may be the last days that are spoken of in the word.

(XAVIER gets up from his desk and grabs a book off of his shelf.)

XAVIER thinks - Hmmm, left behind. This story seemed to put a lot of this in perspective. I am glad I started reading the series.

(He puts that book back and picks up the bible.)

XAVIER thinks - I need to say a prayer again for all the families of the victims of this senseless crime.

(As XAVIER opens the bible, there is a knock on the door.)

XAVIER thinks - I wonder who this is. Maybe this is Shareesa.

(XAVIER goes and answers the door.)

APRIL - Hey Xavier, are you busy? I hate to come by unannounced but I need to talk to you.

XAVIER - Oh sure, come on in April. How you doin'?

(APRIL comes in and XAVIER closes the door behind her.)

XAVIER - Are you okay?

APRIL - I think so.

XAVIER - Sit down. Do you want something to drink?

APRIL - Naw, I'm cool. Thanks.

XAVIER - So what's wrong?

(XAVIER sits next to APRIL.)

APRIL - Okay, I need this to remain between me and you. Okay?

XAVIER - Oh sure, you can trust in my confidence.

APRIL - Thank you. Okay, here is the deal. Somebody, well I shouldn't say somebody because I know who did it. But somebody broke into my email account and sent a letter to my sorors that I am a lesbian.

XAVIER - What? Are you serious?

APRIL - Yeah. She sent a long letter out as if it were me. Professing that that is the lifestyle that I lead and that is just the way that I am.

XAVIER - Oh my God! Can you go back and deny it?

APRIL - I can but the way that the letter was written, it makes it hard now. It's almost as if she knew that I would come back and say that it wasn't me. Lots of sorors won't believe that I really didn't say those things.

XAVIER - Man, that is messed up!

APRIL - But that isn't all.

XAVIER - There's more?

APRIL - Yeah. The thing is...

(APRIL pauses.)

XAVIER - Go on.

(silence)

APRIL - This is hard.

XAVIER - Take your time. You are talking to a friend.

(APRIL smiles.)

APRIL - The thing is, there was an incident...

(silence)

APRIL - ...where I was with a...woman.

(XAVIER has a shocked look on his face.)

XAVIER - So, are you a lesbian?

APRIL - No. Well I don't think so. I don't want to date or sleep with women. Nothing like that. As a matter of fact, right about now I don't want to sleep with anybody.

XAVIER - Me neither.

(They laugh together.)

APRIL - Well I know you don't!

(They laugh again.)

APRIL - But for me it was just something that happened. Ya know? Just kinda happened.

XAVIER - So it won't happen again?

APRIL - No. But my fear is how this person found out. I know the people who know. And I can't figure out how this person found out about this whole deal. But nonetheless, I want to kill her and I am going to kill her when I see her again.

XAVIER - Now April, that isn't the attitude to have.

APRIL - Oh no? Maybe if I told you who it was wo did this to me, you wouldn't say that.

XAVIER - It doesn't make a difference who it is. Beating her down or kicking her butt is infantile. You don't want to do that.

APRIL - It was Mona Ferguson.

(silence)

XAVIER - So when you gonna beat her up?

(They laugh.)

XAVIER - No seriously, I am only kidding. Look April, I know you came here so I could talk you out of beating Mona up.

APRIL - How did you know?

XAVIER - Because I know that as much as you don't like Mona, you don't want to kick her butt either.

APRIL - That is a fine line. Trust me.

XAVIER - I know and I understand how you feel. But let me say this to you. You don't need to get to Mona with your fists. You need to get to Mona with your mind. Don't be stronger than Mona, be smarter than Mona. Ya know?

APRIL - I think I see where you are going.

XAVIER - She keeps getting you and your sorors upset. But how? Not by beating yall up. But by doing things that she knows will piss yall off.

APRIL - True.

XAVIER - And I am not advocating revenge, but if you must do what you gotta do, do it where it will affect her. Feel me?

APRIL - You are definitely felt. Thanks.

XAVIER - No problem. And this info is safe with me for the record.

APRIL - Thanks again for that.

(silence)

APRIL - Well, I don't want to take up to much more of your time.

XAVIER - Yeah, I need to get to finishing this writing for the paper.

APRIL - Cool, well I will let you get back to that then.

APRIL thinks - Please say I can stay! Please say I can stay! Please say I can stay!

XAVIER - Okay, well call me if you need anything else or if you need to talk or anything.

APRIL - Okay cool.

APRIL thinks - Dammit!

(XAVIER and APRIL get up.)

APRIL - Thanks for the advice.

XAVIER - Any time. Thanks for stopping by.

(They pause by the door.)

APRIL thinks - Maybe he will kiss me good night!

(XAVIER opens the door and holds it open for APRIL.)

APRIL thinks - Damn!

(APRIL reaches to hug XAVIER. He hugs her back.)

XAVIER - Talk to ya later.

APRIL - Bye. Good luck with the article.

XAVIER - Oh thanks.

(XAVIER smiles as APRIL walks out and he slowly closes the door.)

APRIL thinks - Damn, I think I really am falling for him!

XAVIER thinks - Okay, that settles it! I am not going after April anymore! I have to follow where my gut and where my heart is. Lord please let me know if I am doing the right thing by following what I feel is right. I pray that this is the companion that you have sent to me.

(XAVIER picks up the phone and dials. The phone rings.)

XAVIER thinks - Sorry Gregg.

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There is a knock on LOWELL DODGE's door.

LOWELL - Derrick? What brings you by son?

(DERRICK just walks in.)

LOWELL - Sure...come on in.

DERRICK - Look, let's get to the point.

(LOWELL sits down.)

DERRICK - What do you want from me?

LOWELL - What do you mean son?

DERRICK - Cut the crap Lowell. What do you want from me?

(LOWELL gets up and goes to his mini bar. He pours himself a drink.)

LOWELL - I know you don't drink. Want some juice?

DERRICK - I don't have time for your games. Why did you come back? What do you want?

LOWELL - I want you to quit being stupid and play your heart out in the NBA. That is what I want. I want you to be happy. I know that things that I did didn't make you happy growing up. There is nothing that I can do about that now Derrick. But don't punish yourself in an attempt to punish me.

(DERRICK sits and holds his head.)

LOWELL - Look Derrick. I am not trying to play any games with you. Or with your mother. I cannot ask your forgiveness for leaving you alone. If you want to know what I want...this is what I want.

(LOWELL puts his glass down and goes to his desk.)

DERRICK - What are you doing?

LOWELL - I want to show you something.

(DERRICK gets up and goes to the small fridge at LOWELL's mini bar. He pours himself orange juice.)

DERRICK - You're right. I don't drink.

LOWELL - I know, and stay that way. Let me show you what I want. I want you to sign this.

(LOWELL comes back with a few pieces of paper.)

DERRICK - Sign what?

LOWELL - Eventhough you walked out of the Trailblazer tryouts, they were impressed. Very impressed. I spoke to the scouts on your behalf and I spoke with Coach Edwards. I explained why you were upset and why you walked out.

(DERRICK sits back down and looks at the papers.)

LOWELL - They are offerring you a deal Derrick. They are not giving you a straight up path to the court. But they want to sign you to their practice squad. From there, you will join the team. In another year you will be a starter at the rate you are going. This is your ticket Derrick. If you sign this deal, you will be a player in the NBA.

DERRICK thinks - Oh my God!

DERRICK - How much are they offerring me?

(LOWELL smiles as he sits back down.)

LOWELL - Actually Derrick, they are asking more from you than what they are giving to you. They are asking you to leave school now. They are asking you to trust their organization and believe that you will be playing in about a year. They are asking you to trust them as they train you on the real game. How to bang with the big boys.

DERRICK - I got game already.

LOWELL - I know that. And they know that too. But they want you to trust that they can improve what game you have already. They see the potential in you. Just like I do. That is why they are asking you to do all of this and offerring you...

(LOWELL pauses.)

LOWELL - They are offerring you five point six million to do it.

(DERRICK's mouth pops open.)

DERRICK - Five million dollars? Are you serious?

LOWELL - Very. So how do you feel now son?

(DERRICK just sits there staring at the papers.)

DERRICK - Five million dollars? I don't believe this!

LOWELL - Believe it. I had to pull a lot of strings for this. But you deserve it. You are a great player and you will get your chance to prove to the world just how good you are.

DERRICK - Oh shit! I don't believe this! Where does it say that in this contract?

LOWELL - Page three.

(DERRICK turns to page three.)

LOWELL - But Derrick, never mind the money. That isn't the motivation here. The true passion is the love of the game. I know that you love the game of basketball and I want to see you express that love until you don't want to anymore. And hopefully that will be after a hall of fame type career.

(DERRICK is still reading.)

LOWELL - Uh Derrick. Do you want some more juice? How about something to eat?

(DERRICK doesn't answer as he is still reading.)

LOWELL - Me and Coach Edwards went through the entire contract with a fine toothed comb. As did my lawyers at the firm as did the lawyer for Coach and for Ahpla University. The contract is fine, trust me.

(DERRICK still reads.)

LOWELL - You probably can't understand all of that legal mumbo jumbo anyhow. Let's talk about some other possibilities.

(silence)

LOWELL - Derrick. Derrick?

DERRICK - It says here that you get one million of my five point six!

Episode 48

2007-11-14T10:02:00.002-08:00

We begin this week's episode with DONTE. He is upset with WIL for telling MAX about his personal reasons for not graduating. He is calling WIL now.

WIL - Hello.

DONTE - Wil, this is Donte.

WIL - Oh what's up man?

DONTE - Yo, you told Max about me not graduating?

WIL thinks - Shit!

WIL - Look man, I didn't mean to tell her but...

DONTE - But what man? I told you that shit in confidence! That is personal!

WIL - I know I know. I am sorry man. She forced it out of me. She played on my sympathy because of her friendship with Octavia. I didn't mean to play you man.

DONTE - But you did.

WIL - I didn't mean to.

(silence)

WIL - Donte seriously, I am sorry dude. But on the real, you gotta listen to what we all are saying to you. You have to get out of here.

DONTE - Wil, I already told you that this is personal and I have my reasons.

WIL - Donte don't be a fool bruh. What are you going to be a professional pledger when you grow up? A professional stepper? What are you going to do? You are staying because of Octavia and even she is leaving you because of this nonsense! So now what are you going to have?

(silence)

WIL - Donte, we are only all saying this because we care about you man. We don't want to see you throw your future away.

DONTE - I just think none of you understand me. That's all.

WIL - What? What are you talking about?

(There is a knock on DONTE's door.)

DONTE - Hold on bruh. Somebody is at my door.

WIL - Okay.

(DONTE opens the door.)

OCTAVIA - Hey there.

DONTE thinks - Oh shoot!

DONTE - Uh...hey. I didn't know that you were coming over.

OCTAVIA - Is it a bad time?

DONTE - Oh no! Come in, come in.

(OCTAVIA comes in and DONTE closes the door behind her.)

DONTE - Let me just hang up the phone with Wil. Hold on.

(DONTE picks the phone up as OCTAVIA sits down.)

DONTE - Hey Wil, I gotta go man. But we will finish this later.

WIL - Aight man. But hey, I am sorry.

DONTE - Uh huh.

(DONTE hangs up an sits next to OCTAVIA.)

DONTE - So what's up?

OCTAVIA - I am cool. How have you been?

DONTE - Maintaining.

OCTAVIA - I was thinking it would be a good idea if we spoke.

DONTE - Sure, I think that is a good idea.

OCTAVIA - Well first of all, let me say that the last few days have been hard on me. I have gone through a lot of emotions.

DONTE - Yeah, me too.

OCTAVIA - But I spoke to Max and...

DONTE - Oh God.

OCTAVIA - Before you say anything, let me finish.

(DONTE listens.)

OCTAVIA - Max told me about her conversation with Wil.

(DONTE drops his head in anger.)

OCTAVIA - I just want to understand because I don't. If this is your attempt to impress me, it didn't. Why would you want to stay at Ahpla for me?

(DONTE looks away.)

OCTAVIA - Donte talk to me.

(DONTE stands up and walks into the next room.)

OCTAVIA - Oh you just gonna walk away from me now? What kind of stuff is that Donte?

(OCTAVIA follows DONTE who pulls a box off the top of his book shelf.)

DONTE - I have something to show you. Sit down.

(OCTAVIA sits down and stays quiet just for the sake of curiosity.)

DONTE - Take a look at this picture.

(DONTE hands OCTAVIA a picture from the box. It is an old black and white photo that has been restored.)

OCTAVIA - Who are these people?

DONTE - These are my parents. This was when they graduated from here.

OCTAVIA - Your parents both went to Ahpla?

DONTE - Yeah. My father met my mother here. They graduated in the same year.

OCTAVIA - That's cool. How did they meet?

DONTE - At a skeephi banquet. My father is frat and my mother is a soror from your chapter.

OCTAVIA - She is? Oh gosh!

DONTE - One of the things that they always talk about is the chapter back then and how they graduated together.

(DONTE hands her another picture.)

DONTE - Look at this one.

OCTAVIA - Don't tell me. Your grandparents met here at Ahpla too.

(DONTE's look answers yes.)

OCTAVIA - They did? Your grandparents met here too?

DONTE - Yep. My grandfather is frat and my grandmother is a soror. She didn't pledge here though, she pledged after college.

OCTAVIA - Wow.

DONTE - But this picture is of their graduation. They graduated together.

OCTAVIA - They did? Wow, that is cool.

DONTE - This book is full of pictures of Ahpla memories from days of old. Real old.

OCTAVIA - So they are the true old school huh?

DONTE - Yes indeed! And they still talk about it.

OCTAVIA - So I think I see where you are going with this.

DONTE - Do you?

OCTAVIA - You wanted us to graduate together?

DONTE - I think it would have been nice.

(silence)

OCTAVIA - I see. Well that is sweet. It really is. Why didn't you tell me this before?

DONTE - Because you would have told me that it was a stupid idea.

(OCTAVIA smiles.)

OCTAVIA - No I wouldn't have.

DONTE - Yes you would've.

OCTAVIA - Okay maybe I would've. But you know how I feel about education. I mean...what you are doing is sweet and all, but you cannot sacrifice your life to make a kodak moment. You can put on the cap and gown and pretend we graduated together just to show our grandkids.

(They laugh together.)

OCTAVIA - You are laughing with me but somehow I don't think that this is sinking in.

(OCTAVIA hands the pictures back to DONTE.)

OCTAVIA - Let me put it in terms that you may choose to relate to better. Let's say you had a sphinxman named John.

(DONTE laughs.)

OCTAVIA - Seriously. Go along with this.

DONTE - Okay fine. John the sphinxman.

OCTAVIA - John has four line brothers who are pledging hard.

DONTE - If they are pledging this chapter they are! Ha ha ha ha.

OCTAVIA - Uh...yeah. So anyway, sphinxman John is not carrying his weight.

DONTE - He's not doing what he has to do?

OCTAVIA - Not at all. I mean, he is kinda whack. I know that some people are not good in some areas. Some people may not remember history well. Some people may forget greetings. Some people may not be able to handle the mental mind games of pledging. And some people can't handle the physical nature of it. But John is whack in all areas.

DONTE - Damn, all areas?

OCTAVIA - In every area that I mentioned, John is terrible. Brothers have seriously questioned why they put him on line in the first place and whether or not he will be a good addition to the chapter.

DONTE - Wow! Okay, continue.

OCTAVIA - The other guys are doing fine. They began the process and would always pick up the slack where sphinxman John lacked. They would carry his weight because they were supposed to, but moreso because they wanted to.

DONTE - Okay.

OCTAVIA - But after a while, they didn't want to do that any longer. They saw that he just wasn't worth the effort. They only pulled his slack now because they had to and it would be worse on all of them if they didn't. John knew this so he purposely would do no work. He knew that his line brothers would do it for him.

DONTE - Sounds like he needs his ass beat.

OCTAVIA - That doesn't seem to work. Now, here is the dilema. The line crosses tomorrow. They have been through everything there is to go through. They have grown as individuals and as a line. Everyone except John of course.

DONTE - Uh huh.

OCTAVIA - The chapter is deciding what to do. They want to cross sphinxman John with the rest eventhough they know that he is not ready. But because of timing, they feel that they have to. They can't delay the line because there is nothing more for the line to do. You don't want to penalize the rest of the line for John either.

DONTE - Okay.

OCTAVIA - So the chapter decides to cross the line, including John. For time purposes.

DONTE - They wouldn't do that.

OCTAVIA - Why not? They have to get these guys off line. They are finished.

DONTE - But they can't cross a guy who isn't ready.

OCTAVIA - Why not. Timing is important.

DONTE - Not as important as doing things the right way. Hell no I wouldn't cross that John dude. Forget timing. That's stupid.

OCTAVIA - But you think it's intelligent to try and time our graduations together? Isn't the bigger picture life after graduation?

(silence)

(DONTE smiles.)

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Next we join the AKAs. PJ, APRIL, and KATRICE are discussing JAHANNA's actions against MONA. KATRICE however, has just learned of a letter that APRIL sent out to The Vine AKA email list confessing that she is a lesbian.

KATRICE - Hold on, it's Syl. Hello.

SYLVIA - Katrice this is Sylvia! I just found out some devastating news!

KATRICE - I heard too! We just found out!

SYLVIA - Oh my God! Can you believe this mess! How did you find out!

KATRICE - Jahanna just told me and PJ! And I just told April!

SYLVIA - April? You confronted April already?

KATRICE - Yeah, we just told her what Jahanna told us.

SYLVIA - Jahanna? How did she find out?

KATRICE - Huh? How did she find out? Jahanna is the one that did it!

SYLVIA - What! Jahanna slept with April?

KATRICE - What? Sylvia what the hell are you talking about?

SLYVIA - I am talking about this email on the vine that April sent out confessing that she is a lesbian!

(KATRICE drops the phone and turns to APRIL.)

KATRICE - Oh my God! You didn't!

APRIL - What? What happened? I didn't what?

(PJ and APRIL are looking confused.)

KATRICE - How could you! How could you tell!

APRIL - What are you screaming about?

SYLVIA - Hello? Hello? Katrice?

(PJ sees the phone on the floor and picks it up.)

PJ - Hello?

SYLVIA - Katrice?

PJ - No this is PJ. What the heck is going on?

SYLVIA - I don't even know anymore! I called Katrice about this email that I got from the vine about April, and she is talking about something involving Jahanna!

PJ - Email? What email?

APRIL - What are you screaming about? What did I do?

KATRICE - You sent an email to the vine about us?

APRIL - What?

KATRICE - You sent an email to the vine that you are gay?

APRIL - What! No I didn't! Hell no I didn't!

KATRICE - Sylvia is saying that you did!

APRIL - What? Give me the phone!

(APRIL grabs the phone from PJ.)

APRIL - Sylvia this is April. What are you talking about?

SYLVIA - I got an email from you confessing that you are a lesbian! You sent it to the vine!

APRIL - What? Hell no I didn't!

SYLVIA - How did this happen then? Are you saying that you didn't write this?

APRIL - Write what? What does it say?

Dear Sorors. I hope that this letter finds you in as good spirits as I am in in composing it. I would like to tell you all, my sisters, a little story. Sorors, when I was growing up, I was always a little different than most girls in my class. They wanted to play with dolls, I wanted to play with trucks. They wanted to put on make up, I wanted to put on overalls. My parents thought that it was a fad, a tom boy fad and that I would grow out of it. Never did, just suppressed it. In high school, most girls were caught up in the cutest boy, the captain of the basketball team or something. I was too because I had to play the part. Got to college, to Ahpla University. I knew I would meet a good man in college. Someone that could take care of me while I take care of him. Someone who would vow to love me, til death do us part. All that jazz. So I go out with a couple of guys and they are jerks. But all men are not jerks. All men are not dogs. Are they? I grew up in the church. What does the church teach us? What did the church teach me? That sex was a bad thing. That it was sin and evil. Unless sex was sanctified, in which it was after and only after you stood in front of the preacher and vowed your love before God and man. So we as humans, as women, are to surpress the urges, the natural urges that we have as humans and keep them under locks until that time where it is deemed "okay" to act upon them? I became an AKA because of the tight bond that I share with all of you. Each and every one of you. I consider you all my sisters, my closest friends. And there are times where sisters need to come together for one another. There are times when I don't want to speak to my mother. There are times when I don't want to speak to my father. There are times that I don't want to speak to my boyfriends. But my sisters and only my sisters can be there for me. Sisters, this is one of those times. I need for you all to understand that I have come to a turning point in my life. I am no longer afraid and I am ready to own up to who I am and what I am about. Let the chips fall where they may. And I am coming out to you first, because you are my sisters and I know that you will look at me as such, as a sister, regardless. Sorors, I am a lesbian. Whew! I said it! I am a lesbian and I enjoy being with a woman. The soft touch of a woman's hand. The sweet perfume that lingers on a woman when they pass you by. Yes I have dealt with men. Men that roll over and give no affection after the erection. Men that want to hit it and never call again. Men that have girlfriends when it is convenient to have girlfriends. Men that are about nothing but some bullshit. And then, I have been with women. Women who care about me. Women who touch my soul. Women who touch my mind. Women who touch my body. Women who touch my legs. Women who touch my back. Women who touch my breasts. Women who know my spots...all of them. And took their time finding them! Whew! Sorors, I am trying to tell you. There is NOTHING like being with someone that knows how to make you tingle in the best way. When a woman knows what she is doing...

Let me stop because my screen is fogging up! Back to the point. The point is that right now I don't feel afraid. The question is, will I find my fear again in the future. What I mean is, I am kinda pumped up right now. Who would ever think that I would compose a letter to AKA's confessing that I am gay. But I just had sex in the best way with a woman a few minutes ago. She is currently asleep on my bed. So right at this moment, I have the courage and the will to write this letter. But who knows how I will feel in the morning, or tomorrow or next week. I may try to come back on this very listserv and take all of these words back. I don't know. Just know that if you see me send you another letter, kind of a retraction, to not pay any attention to it. This is the genuine truth because the emotions are high right now and this feels right. It feels like the right way to express myself. If you see a letter in the future refuting this letter, ignore it. For all of you women who have not tried anything with another woman, I suggest you go try it. It is off the hook! Especially if you haven't found a man that can work it the way that you want it worked! Trust me sorors, yall are missing out! Let's all go out and try it this weekend and then log back on next week and see what the results are! Hee hee hee, sounds like fun. I know I am down to give it another go. Speaking of which, my lover is waking up. Time for some more! So let me end this letter. I hope this letter has opened your eyes about me. Specifically all of you sorors that know me personally. Don't call me and try to change my mind or change me. I have found true happiness and it was in a most unlikely place. On the lips of a woman! God bless you all! April AKA Ahpla University

(silence)

SYLVIA - April? April are you still there? Did you hear all of that? Hello? Hello?

(APRIL slowly hangs up.)

PJ - What happened?

KATRICE - Yeah, what the hell is going on?

(silence)

KATRICE - April, what is going on?

APRIL - Somebody sent a letter to the vine. From my account. I didn't send it.

PJ - But that is impossible. Who would have access to your email account?

KATRICE - Yeah, how can somebody break into your account? Do you know who could have done this?

APRIL - I know exactly who could have done this! And when I see her ass, I'm going to kill her!

PJ - Who?

(silence)

APRIL - Mona Ferguson!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MONA is speaking with the Omegas, RONNIE, DEXTER, DRE and JERREL. JAHANNA is trying to listen nearby.

RONNIE - So let me get this straight.

MONA - Uh huh.

RONNIE - This Alpha nigga Larry just jumped all over you for no reason bruh?

JERREL - That is exactly how it went down.

RONNIE - Up in Pharoahs?

JERREL - Yep.

DEXTER - But wait, I know Larry. He doesn't seem like the type.

DRE - How well do you know him?

DEXTER - Actually, I don't know him too well. But I remember talking with him once with Nino. This was when he was trying to be a member of his frat.

DRE - People are always different in that setting. They just say what they gotta say to get in the frat. They change once they get in.

MONA - True, true. I know that much for a fact.

DEXTER - Yeah, maybe you're right.

RONNIE - The bottom line is that nigga disrespected a bruh. Jerrel is a transfer student and he is frat. How the hell is he welcomed to Ahpla? With a fight? That shit is fucked up and I think we should handle business for him.

(MONA smiles.)

DEXTER - What are you suggesting man? A war with the Alphas? That shit aint cool either.

RONNIE - Fuck them!

MONA - Wait hold on. We aint suggesting a war with anybody.

JERREL - Yeah bruh. I aint trying to cause no trouble.

RONNIE - Fuck that, they started it. You aint causing no trouble Jerrel. We got your back dog.

MONA - All I am saying is that Jerrel was treated unfairly. And you know me, I hate for someone to be treated unfairly.

JAHANNA thinks - Oh God!

DRE - So Jerrel, what do you think we should do?

JERREL - Well, I think that we should...

MONA - He thinks that we should single out the responsible individuals and deal with just them. There is no need to take on the whole frat. Most of the Alphas are cool guys.

RONNIE - Whatever.

DEXTER - Maybe Mona is right. We don't need to start no campus war.

MONA - If nothing else, yall are outnumbered. Ha ha ha ha.

RONNIE - Whatever, I don't care.

DRE - Yeah, Ronnie against the world.

(They all laugh.)

RONNIE - But seriously. We single out Larry and deal with him huh?

MONA - Well there are more people responsible than Larry. They need to be dealt with as well.

DEXTER - Huh? I thought you said that Larry hit you Jerrel.

JERREL - He did. I don't know what...

MONA - Basically, Larry was the one who hit Jerrel but...

(JERREL stares at MONA for cutting him off again.)

MONA - ...there were other people conspiring against him.

RONNIE - Oh yeah? Like who?

MONA - Well first, there was June.

DEXTER - June? Buck's new girlfriend?

MONA - Yeah. I overheard her talking to Larry about Jerrel. She was telling some nasty rumors to Larry about him being a perp or something.

RONNIE - Really? Hmmm, this is getting interesting.

MONA - Then there is Katrice. She played Jerrel from the beginning. He was just being friendly and trying to meet some people. She treated him like a step child at the Ahpla Amgis game.

JERREL - Yeah, she did but...

MONA - And last but not least, there is PJ and Bobby.

RONNIE - Bobby? Okay now you are talking!

MONA - Nobody knows this yet but PJ and Larry are messing around.

DEXTER - They are?

MONA - Yep. But PJ likes Jerrel too. You know she is into the pretty boy types. Look at Gregg. Well anyway, she approached Jerrel and tried to hook up with him. Jerrel refused because he knew she had a man. Because PJ got rejected by Jerrel, she told Larry that he had hit on her and that he was very rude and disrespectful. That is what pissed Larry off at Pharoahs in the first place.

JERREL thinks - Huh?

DEXTER - Oh I get it.

MONA - And because of what June had told Larry, he already thought that Jerrel was shady to begin with.

RONNIE- So how does Bobby play into all this?

MONA - He is president of the chapter so I just think he is responsible.

RONNIE - Hey, that works for me! Ha ha ha ha!

JERREL - Hey bruhs, I gotta make a quick phone call. Hey Mona, show me where the pay phone is.

MONA - Sure. Ronnie, we will be right back.

RONNIE - Cool.

(MONA and JERREL get up and RONNIE continues to talk with DEXTER and DRE. JAHANNA ducks out of sight.)

JERREL - What the hell are you doing? I told you I wanted to get back at Larry. Who the hell are all those other people you threw up in there? I aint got nothing against any of them!

MONA - Hey, if you are going to work with me, then you do things my way. Now do you want to get Larry or not?

JERREL - Well...yeah.

MONA - Good. Then just follow my lead. Trust me, this is going to work out well for both of us.

Episode 47

2007-11-14T10:02:00.001-08:00

We begin this week's episode with ALEXIS and QUINTON. QUINTON is upset with ALEXIS for possibly not telling the truth about secrets that BOBBY told her about the frat. CANDACE listens to their conversation from the bathroom.

(ALEXIS starts to get teary. CANDACE listens from the bathroom.)

CANDACE thinks - What in the world...

QUINTON - I don't know who the hell to believe!

ALEXIS - Quinton are you calling me a liar?

QUINTON - Bobby is calling you that!

ALEXIS - Forget what Bobby is saying! What are you saying?

(QUINTON plops down on the couch with his head in his hands.)

QUINTON - I don't know what I am saying! I can't seem to get any of this out of my head! I don't know what I am saying Alexis! I just don't know anymore!

(ALEXIS sits down next to QUINTON.)

ALEXIS - Quinton, you mean the world to me. I am not trying to use you or hurt you. I don't care if you and Bobby are the best of friends. Your relationship with your frat brother is none of my business.

(QUINTON looks up.)

ALEXIS - All I care about is you...and us.

QUINTON - I just don't know what to feel. I honestly don't. My mind is telling me one thing, my head is telling me something else. Bobby is telling me this, you are telling me that.

ALEXIS - I don't care what Bobby is telling you. I am telling you that I love you and that is all that reallly matters.

CANDACE thinks - Let me step out before this gets too personal.

QUINTON - See Alexis, the problem is...

(CANDACE opens the bathroom door.)

QUINTON - What was that? Is someone here?

ALEXIS - Oh man! I forgot that Candace is here!

QUINTON thinks - Good Lord, I hope she didn't hear me making a fool out of myself! God!

(CANDACE slowly walks out.)

CANDACE - Hey Quinton. I didn't know you were here.

QUINTON thinks - Yeah right.

QUINTON - Hey girl, what's up with you?

(QUINTON stands up and hugs CANDACE.)

CANDACE - Just hanging out.

QUINTON - That's cool. Well let me not get in yall's way.

CANDACE - No no. I need to head home anyway.

ALEXIS - Do you have to leave now?

CANDACE - Yeah, I better get back.

QUINTON - Dag, I feel bad now. Like I am chasing you away.

CANDACE - No please. I am cool, I was going to get ready to leave anyway.

ALEXIS - Are you sure?

(CANDACE laughs.)

CANDACE - Positive.

ALEXIS - Okay then.

CANDACE - You two are so cute.

QUINTON - Huh?

CANDACE - You two. Yall are perfect for each other. Like two peas in a pod.

QUINTON - I didn't know that analogy was still around.

ALEXIS - Shut up boy.

CANDACE - Ha ha ha. Just remember to cherish what you two have. It is beautiful and it is new. It may seem rocky at times, but it is worth holding on to.

(silence)

CANDACE - Becuase you never know when love is going to be taken away from you.

(CANDACE's expression changes.)

ALEXIS - Yeah. I understand.

QUINTON - Me too.

QUINTON thinks - I feel stupid as hell.

(QUINTON grabs ALEXIS' hand.)

CANDACE - Let me go before I get emotional.

ALEXIS - Candace, are you okay?

CANDACE - Yeah. I am fine. Really.

QUINTON - Do you need me to walk you to your car?

CANDACE - Actually, I am right out front.I will be fine.

ALEXIS - Well thanks for coming by sister girl.

(They hug.)

CANDACE - Cool. Don't forget, you have some reading to do.

(CANDACE winks.)

ALEXIS - I won't forget.

CANDACE - Nice seeing you again Quinton.

QUINTON - You too girl.

(They hug and ALEXIS lets CANDACE out. They both watch as CANDACE walks to her car, gets in and beeps as she drives away.)

(silence)

QUINTON - I feel stupid.

ALEXIS - Shut up.

(ALEXIS grabs QUINTON and kisses him. CANDACE turns at the corner and pulls over. She puts the car in park.)

CANDACE - Why did you have to leave me Nino!

(CANDACE drops her head on the steering wheel and begins to furiously cry.)

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DERRICK is in JUNE's dorm room and just saw his mother sitting on the bed.

DERRICK - Mom?

Ms. RAINES - Hello baby.

(DERRICK looks at JUNE in shock. JUNE is smiling. DERRICK drops his head and smiles.)

Ms. RAINES - You better come over here and give me a hug!

(DERRICK lifts his head smiling and goes to give his mother a hug.)

DERRICK - What in the world are you doing here?

DERRICK thinks - Okay, June got me!

JUNE - I called her and invited her over.

DERRICK - You did? Why?

Ms. RAINES - June has told me what is going on.

DERRICK - Oh really?

(DERRICK glances at JUNE. JUNE looks away bashfully.)

DERRICK - And what has Miss June been telling you mother?

(DERRICK sits down.)

Ms. RAINES - Derrick, in all seriousness, I think we need to talk. June filled me in on your opportunity and the situation in Portland.

(DERRICK's smile fades.)

Ms. RAINES - And she told me that you met your father.

DERRICK - He aint my father.

Ms. RAINES - Biologically he is.

DERRICK - That don't mean shit.

Ms. RAINES - Watch your mouth!

DERRICK - Sorry.

(JUNE sits down and tries to look inconspicuous.)

Ms. RAINES - Derrick, what has your dream been ever since you could walk a pick up a basketball?

DERRICK - I don't know.

Ms. RAINES - I'm serious Derrick.

(silence)

DERRICK - To be the next Michael Jordan.

Ms. RAINES - Derrick, the opportunity is here. You have made the right moves all your life. Don't throw it away now.

DERRICK - But what about Lowell Dodge? How does he play absentee dad all my life and the minute I get ready to blow up, he gets to stand behind me at the press conference?

Ms. RAINES - Derrick, you have to understand a few things. When your father left, he was a coward. He walked out on his responsibility. He walked out on being a man. A real man. I never saw him the same and I never will again. Instead of facing situations that he helped to create, he took the easy way out.

(Ms. RAINES stops briefly. She then continues.)

Ms. RAINES - I hated Lowell ten times more than you ever did. Not even for all the nights I was alone at night. But for the times that you didn't have a dad to help you develop your jump shot.I hated his guts with a passion. But one thing your grandmother told me was I had to let it go. By hating Lowell, I was giving him power in my life. He meant something to me, something big. Because to me, he was someone to hate.

DERRICK - Me too.

Ms. RAINES - But without letting that go, I really couldn't live. Hating him the way that I did, didn't bring him back. Even when he became a successful scout. He helped a bunch of kids in sports, but never helped his own son. But I had to let it go. And when I did, I started to live and feel alive again.

(DERRICK is staring very attentively.)

Ms. RAINES - If you don't let this go, you are going to make the biggest mistake of your life. Trust me. Don't hate Lowell Derrick. Use Lowell.

DERRICK - Use him? Use him to help me?

Ms. RAINES - On the contrary. Use him as a stepping school. Step on him and elevate yourself to where you want to be.

DERRICK - I like the idea of stepping on him!

(Ms. RAINES giggles.)

Ms. RAINES - I know this is difficult for you Derrick. This is going to be the most important decision you have ever made. But don't make it out of anger. Don't make it out of pain or frustration. Make a clear decision. The best decision for you and what you want.

(DERRICK sits back and stares at the ceiling. He throws his hands up and rests them on top of his head. He exhales loudly.)

Ms. RAINES - Nobody wants you to decide right now Derrick. But June knew you needed to hear from me. She couldn't get through to you the way that I could. Nor could any of your teammates or coach.

(DERRICK looks back at JUNE. He smiles. She smiles back.)

Ms. RAINES - And speaking of June, let's change the subject and discuss some truly important matters. What happened to you two?

DERRICK - Mom?

(JUNE smiles and looks away. She is holding in a laugh.)

Ms. RAINES - Don't mom me young man! Now what happened? You two were lovely, just lovely. Why haven't you two gotten back together?

(silence)

Ms. RAINES - Don't all speak up at once. Come on, come on! I want some answers!

(There is a knock on JUNE's door.)

JUNE - Whew! Saved by the bell.

(JUNE jumps up.)

Ms. RAINES - Don't think you are off the hook young lady. I know my son and I know he wants you back. I can tell by the way he has smiled at you since he has been sitting here with his sneaky self. He is just like his grandfather!

DERRICK - Just put all my business in the street! Ha ha ha ha!

(JUNE skips by DERRICK to answer the door.)

JUNE thinks - Okay, I am mad that Ms. Raines is putting us on the spot! But why is she exactly right?

(JUNE opens the door.)

BUCK - What's up sweetie? I came by to check you out and chill over here for a little while. Ya miss me?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In KATRICE's room, PJ and KATRICE have just learned that JAHANNA beat up MONA.

PJ - Woooooo whooooo! I can't believe this shit! Oh my God! You kicked Mona's ass? Oh I wish I had a camera up in that joint! Damn, I wish I could've...

KATRICE - PJ!

PJ - Ha ha ha...what?

KATRICE - Shut the hell up!

PJ - What?

KATRICE - Are you listening to yourself? Sit down and shut up!

(PJ sits down puzzled.)

PJ - What's the matter with you?

KATRICE - Are you crazy or something? Jahanna hit a soror!

PJ - Excuse me?

KATRICE - Jahanna, I think you better leave. We need to discuss this amongst ourselves.

JAHANNA - I am really sorry for what happened...I really am.

KATRICE - I'm sure you are. We will call you okay?

(JAHANNA drops her head.)

JAHANNA - Alright.

KATRICE - PJ, please see Jahanna out and ask April to come in.

(PJ is looking a little confused.)

PJ - Okay.

(PJ walks JAHANNA to the door and opens it.)

PJ whispers - Don't worry girl. I'll call ya later.

JAHANNA - Okay.

(As JAHANNA walks down the hall, PJ notices that APRIL is still on her cell phone.)

PJ - April! April!

APRIL - Hold on Xavier...what?

PJ - Come here! This is a serious emergency!

(APRIL begins to walk back toward KATRICE's room.)

APRIL - Let me call you back Xavier okay? Okay cool. Bye bye.

(APRIL walks into the room and PJ closes the door behind her.)

APRIL - What's wrong? Did Ronnie video your butts on the yard or something?

KATRICE - No, this is serious! Jahanna just told us that she beat up Mona!

APRIL - What!

PJ - Yeah girl, she whipped Mona's ass!

APRIL - Are you serious?

KATRICE - PJ seems to think this is funny. But Mona is a soror and Jahanna just beat a soror up! Regardless of how Mona acts and the foul things that she does, she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and she got beat up!

(The phone rings.)

APRIL - I don't know Katrice, I'm kinda feeling PJ on this one.

(KATRICE rolls her eyes and checks the caller ID. It is SYLVIA calling.)

APRIL - Hold on, it's Syl. Hello.

SYLVIA - Katrice this is Sylvia! I just found out some devastating news!

KATRICE - I heard too! We just found out!

SYLVIA - Oh my God! Can you believe this mess! How did you find out!

KATRICE - Jahanna just told me and PJ! And I just told April!

SYLVIA - April? You confronted April already?

KATRICE - Yeah, we just told her what Jahanna told us.

SYLVIA - Jahanna? How did she find out?

KATRICE - Huh? How did she find out? Jahanna is the one that did it!

SYLVIA - What! Jahanna slept with April?

KATRICE - What? Sylvia what the hell are you talking about?

SLYVIA - I am talking about this email on the vine that April sent out confessing that she is a lesbian!

(KATRICE drops the phone and turns to APRIL.)

JAHANNA thinks - I have totally screwed up! Damn! I am so stupid!

(JAHANNA walks out of KATRICE's dorm and waits for the shuttle bus.)

JAHANNA - I have to talk to Presjina alone. She has to help me. She has to help me make the sorors understand why it went down like that!

(JAHANNA checks her watch and looks down the street for the shuttle bus. The bus turns the corner.)

JAHANNA thinks - Good. I need to get home before I start crying! I want to be an AKA so bad! This mess is crazy!

(JAHANNA gets on the bus and it heads toward her dorm. She stares out the window.)

JAHANNA - If I can just convince PJ of what happened, it should be okay. Man, Katrice looked really really mad and upset. There is no way she is going to forgive me! I am so screwed!

(The shuttle arrives at JAHANNA's dorm. She gets out and goes into the lobby.)

JAHANNA - I'd better get a soda from the vending machine, eventhough I need something stronger!

(JAHANNA walks past the elevator to the snack room. There are a few students scatterred throughout the room talking. She notices someone.)

JAHANNA - Oh my God that is Mona sitting over there with that Jerrel guy that I met at the basketball game! Why are they sitting with the Ques?

Episode 46

2007-11-14T10:01:00.004-08:00

We begin this week's episode with DERRICK. He is in his room with JUNE and his father, LOWELL DODGE. CARYN has just walked in.

DERRICK - June, did you just call me baby?

(JUNE grabs DERRICK's hand.)

JUNE - Baby, I remember all that you said about your father. I know how that void has been in your life. But I also know how much you want to play in the NBA. You can buy your mother that house. You can...

(CARYN uses her key and walks in.)

(silence)

DERRICK thinks - Oh shit!

CARYN - What the hell is going on in here?

DERRICK - Caryn...uh...

LOWELL - Hello Caryn. I was just talking to my son about his options for the future. How are you hon?

(CARYN speaks to LOWELL while staring at JUNE.)

CARYN - I am fine Mr. Dodge. How are you?

LOWELL - Blessed and highly favored.

CARYN - So Derrick, what is...she...doing here?

JUNE - I have to run Derrick. I will talk to you la...

DERRICK - No wait. Don't leave.

JUNE - No really. I think it is better if I go.

CARYN - You got that right!

(JUNE looks at CARYN and smiles as she walks past her.)

CARYN - Aint nothing funny!

DERRICK thinks - Must this chick be so ghetto?

DERRICK - Let me walk you out June.

JUNE - It was nice to meet you Mr. Dodge.

LOWELL - It was my pleasure June. Take care hon.

(JUNE shakes LOWELL's hand and DERRICK walks toward the door.)

DERRICK whispers - I am sorry you have to leave so soon.

JUNE whispers - Yeah, it was good to see you.

(DERRICK peeks over his shoulder to make sure that CARYN cannot hear him.)

DERRICK - June, I really wish you didn't have to leave. There is so much I need to talk to you about. I am so confused, and...I am scared. I don't know what I should do and just being with you again, just for a few minutes. It has been the one thing that I have needed.

(JUNE pouts.)

JUNE - Listen Derrick. Is there any way you can be alone in an hour?

DERRICK - Anything for you.

JUNE - Okay. If you can get alone, meet me at my place in one hour okay? Maybe I can help.

DERRICK - Okay. I will be there, no doubt.

CARYN - Derrick! I need some help with the baby!

DERRICK - Listen, I gotta go. But I will definitely see you in an hour.

(DERRICK opens the door.)

JUNE - Okay, I will see you then.

DERRICK - Ok bye...baby.

(JUNE smiles.)

JUNE - Bye bye.

(DERRICK closes the door behind JUNE.)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DONTE is at home watching the game. The phone rings.

DONTE - House of Alpha.

MAX - Good grief Donte, quit being so corny!

DONTE - Max?

MAX - Yeah, what's up man?

DONTE - Hey soror. How you girl?

MAX - I am cool. You busy?

DONTE - Naw, what's up soror?

MAX - Uh Donte, I think I need to talk to you.

DONTE - Okay, what's the deal Miss Pink Lady?

MAX - Uh yeah. Donte, let me ask you a question. Um...is Alpha your entire existence?

DONTE - Huh?

MAX - Donte, all you seem to think about, talk about, and live about is Alpha.

DONTE - That's not true.

MAX - Yes it is. You are way too serious about the frat and AKA. Do you want to be fraternity president or something?

DONTE - Ha ha ha ha, Max, what is this all about?

MAX - I just think you may have your priorities mixed up and it is hurting you as well as others. And I care.

DONTE - What are you talking about?

(silence)

MAX - Look Donte. I am only telling you this because I really care okay?

DONTE - Okay, what's up?

MAX - Promise you won't get mad.

DONTE - Okay I promise.

MAX - I'm serious. This stays between me and you.

DONTE - Okay fine, what's up? What are you talking about?

MAX - Well, I happen to know why you are not graduating. I know that you are staying at Ahpla to stay close to Octavia. And while I applaud your chivalry, you are not considering your own career and how this will affect Octavia. She is crying her eyes out over this because she really thinks highly of you. But she is going to leave you because her career is very important to her and she thinks that you guys are not compatible when it comes to that.

DONTE - How do you know this?

MAX - You promised you wouldn't get mad.

DONTE - How do you know Max?

(silence)

MAX - Wil told me.

DONTE - Wil told you what Max?

MAX - Wil told me that you are staying here for Octavia. But I am telling you that that is a mistake and if you are doing it to be closer to Octavia, it is actually going to drive her farther away. Understand?

(silence)

MAX - Donte?

DONTE - Max, I'll talk to you later.

MAX - Wait, Donte! I didn't tell you this so you could get mad at Wil. He cares about you too and he only wanted...

DONTE - I asked Wil not to tell anyone! This is not Wil's business and it really isn't yours!

MAX - I understand that and that is true Donte. But do you understand what you are doing? Do you understand what you are throwing away? You are going to lose the one reason you are trying to stay!

DONTE - That is my business and my decision!

MAX - Donte I just want to...

DONTE - Max, I will talk to you later. Thanks, but no thanks for your advice!

MAX - But...

DONTE - Later Max.

MAX - Okay okay. Good bye, but understand that I am not trying to make you upset or to put Wil out there. I just care. About Octavia and you.

DONTE - Thanks. I'll talk to you later.

MAX - Okay.

(They hang up.)

DONTE thinks - Shit!

(DONTE dials.)

WIL - Hello?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(An hour later.)

CARYN - What do you mean you have to go? You have to go where? Where the hell are you going?

DERRICK - I am going to play a pick up game.

CARYN - At the gym?

DERRICK - No, at the park.

CARYN - I want to go!

DERRICK - No, stay home for once.

CARYN - When did you become my daddy?

DERRICK - Look, you are always dragging Lil Derrick around. Why don't you relax. I got some new dvd's. Pop one of them in and order a pizza.

CARYN - You gonna pay for it?

(DERRICK grabs his wallet.)

DERRICK - Here. Here twenty should do it.

CARYN - Twenty? I can't call Dominoe's for twenty bucks! What the hell?

DERRICK - Damn! Here, take ten more!

(CARYN smiles.)

CARYN - Have fun at your game.

DERRICK - Uh huh.

(DERRICK leaves and gets in his car.)

DERRICK thinks - I wonder what me and June are gonna talk about. Damn, this should be good. I miss June. I wonder if she misses me too.

(DERRICK pulls up at a red light.)

DERRICK thinks - I know she misses me. She called ma baby. I never thought I would hear that again. I thought that I was over her, but the minute she called me that, I felt it again.

(DERRICK takes off again and turns the radio up.)

DERRICK thinks - But what the hell was up with her and Buck? That shit pisses me off! She fell for that nigga and she knows that I hate his ass!

(DERRICK drives through a stop sign and slams on the breaks as a car blows it's horn.)

DERRICK - Sorry about that!

DRIVER - Asshole!

DERRICK - Yeah, God bless you too!

DERRICK thinks - Damn, I need to calm down before I kill myself! Forget Buck's punk no playing ass. I am just happy to be going to see June again.

(DERRICK pulls up at JUNE's dorm.)

DERRICK - I wonder what she is going to talk to me about? All of this pressure from Lowell and the NBA, and Caryn. This will be real nice. Just to sit back and talk to my girl. I mean...my ex girl.

(DERRICK gets out of the car and walks up to the dorm.)

DERRICK thinks - I would much rather take advice from June then from Lowell or Coach. June really knows my heart. Damn, I really miss her.

(DERRICK goes up the elevator and gets to JUNE's door.)

DERRICK thinks - Here I am. Let's see what happens!

(DERRICK knocks on the door. The door opens.)

JUNE - Hey.

DERRICK - Hi.

(JUNE hugs DERRICK.)

JUNE - I hope I didn't inconvenience you. I know you were busy with everyone. But I thought you may have needed a different environment and a different voice of advice to help clear your head.

DERRICK - You know me so well. That is exactly what I need. Thank you.

JUNE - Good. Well come on in.

(DERRICK smiles as he steps inside. He then stops in his tracks as he sees who is sitting on JUNE's bed.)

DERRICK - Mom?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JERREL has just arrived at MONA's house.

JERRELL - Hey, are you Mona? Because if so, you are just the person I am told that I need to see!

MONA - Yeah I am Mona. And who are you handsome?

JERREL - I'm Jerrel. I just transferred to Ahpla.

MONA - Well welcome welcome welcome! Come on in!

(JERREL goes inside and sees THERESA.)

JERREL - Hello.

THERESA - Hi how are you?

THERESA thinks - Damn, he is kinda fine.

MONA - This is my friend Theresa. Theresa, this is Jerrel. He is a new student on campus.

THERESA - Pleased to meet you.

JERREL - Nice to meet you too.

THERESA - He is fine like Jason!

MONA - So Jerrel, what can I do for you? You said you heard of me? You need someone shot?

(THERESA laughs.)

JERREL - No no. Nothing that bad at all. The word on campus is that you are the person to speak to when it comes to problems with greeks.

MONA - Problems with greeks?

JERREL - Let's just say that I have heard that you are known to put people in their places.

(MONA smiles.)

MONA - Okay, my reputation preceeds me! Ha ha ha!

JERREL - Yeah.

MONA - So what is it I can do for you in that regard?

JERREL - I seem to have run into a little problem with the Alphas.

MONA - The Alphas?

JERREL - Yeah. One of the Alphas got into a scuffle with me at Pharoahs. I was just trying to talk things out with him and he hit me. It was on from there!

MONA - What? When was this? Which Alpha?

JERREL - I forget his name, but I know he just pledged on the last line that crossed.

THERESA - Jason?

JERREL - I don't know. Describe Jason.

THERESA - Fine! Fine! Fine!

MONA - Shut up Theresa!

JERREL - No, it was the joker guy. The one who is always making smart ass remarks.

MONA - Oh that is Larry.

JERREL - Yeah, that's him!

MONA - Larry is my boy. I mean, me and Larry are cool.

JERREL - Oh yeah, well he may not be such a friend after I tell you some of the things that he said about you and your process.

MONA - What? What did he say?

JERREL - He told me that you skated, that you don't deserve your shit and that all other Alphas and AKAs should avoid you.

MONA - What!

THERESA - He said all that?

JERREL - Yep.

MONA - That is hard to believe.

JERREL - I have no reason to lie to you. I didn't come here to tell you that. I came here for your help. So why would I lie?

MONA - Yeah, that's true.

JERREL - So will you help me?

(silence)

MONA thinks - Damn, Larry is cool. But if he said all those things about me, then fuck him.

MONA - Sure I'll help. What do you need for me to do?

JERREL - Good. First, I need for you to help me find some of my boys. I need some back up with this plan.

MONA - Your boys?

JERREL - Yeah. The bruhs. I pledged Omega at Southern University and I need to find the Ques!

Episode 45

2007-11-14T10:01:00.003-08:00

We begin this week's episode in KATRICE's room. PJ and APRIL are there hanging out with KATRICE.

PJ - Yo here it is!

KATRICE - Cool, put it in!

PJ - Ok. Do you have a remote or something? I have to rewind it too.

KATRICE - Yeah, I have the remote. Put the tape in and I can rewind it from here.

PJ - Okay cool.

(PJ puts a tape into the vcr.)

KATRICE - It's about time we got a copy of our own probate show! Damn, what took so long?

PJ - That nigga Ronnie! He wasn't trying to come up off this copy. Talking about he wasn't sure if I would give it back to him.

APRIL - You probably won't. Ha ha ha ha.

PJ - Ha ha ha, but that aint the point. Ha ha ha ha ha. Hey, don't rewind all the way to the beginning. Who knows what kind of foolishness Ronnie has on this tape before we marched out.

KATRICE - Good point. Let me play it from here.

(KATRICE presses play. The video shows the crowd on the yard as RONNIE is taping.)

RONNIE - Yo dog look! She got a fat ass! Look!

(The video shows a girl in the crowd from behind.)

PJ - See what I mean! Fast forward to where we come out.

APRIL - Yeah, I don't want to see this shit.

KATRICE thinks - I do!

(KATRICE fast forwards to where the crowd starts to rush over to the AKA plot on the yard.)

PJ - Wait, this must be us coming now. Play it!

(KATRICE presses play just as the line comes onto the yard.)

PJ - Yeah boy! We look tight as hell! Look at us!

APRIL - Aw man, yall wasn't as tight as my line!

PJ - Bullshit! Don't hate April! Ha ha ha ha ha!

(APRIL's cell phone rings.)

APRIL - Where did I put my...oh there it is.

(APRIL picks up her phone off the desk.)

APRIL - Hello?

XAVIER - Hey April, it's Z.

APRIL - Oh hey. Hold on for a minute okay?

(APRIL looks at PJ who is glued to the screen smiling. She then looks at KATRICE who is staring back at her.)

APRIL - I'm gonna take this call in the hallway.

KATRICE - Aight.

KATRICE thinks - Who the hell is calling April so she has to take the call outside?

(APRIL walks outside.)

PJ - Look sands, here we come!

KATRICE - Huh? Oh yeah, let me see.

(There is a knock on the door.)

KATRICE - It's open April.

(There is another knock on the door.)

KATRICE - Come in, damn!

(The door opens slowly and JAHANNA peeks her head in.)

KATRICE - Oh hey Jahanna. I thought you were April.

JAHANNA - Oh, she is out here on the phone.

KATRICE - Ok okay. Come in.

(JAHANNA waves to APRIL who is still in the hall and comes into the room. She closes the door behind herself.)

KATRICE - Pull up a chair, we are watching our probate show from last year.

JAHANNA - Okay.

(JAHANNA nervously pulls the chair from the desk and pulls it to watch as well.)

PJ - Watch this part, this is where we do Octavia's greeting, Big Sister N.A.A.C.P. I used to love that shit!

KATRICE - Yeah!

(KATRICE looks on and laughs. She then turns to JAHANNA.)

KATRICE - So what brings you by Jahanna?

JAHANNA - Um...well I needed to um...talk to you about something. Something important.

(KATRICE turns back to watch the greeting again.)

KATRICE - Something important huh?

(silence)

(KATRICE laughs again and turns back to JAHANNA.)

KATRICE - What's so important?

JAHANNA - Well...well what happened was...

PJ - That shit is classic! Let me rewind it! Ha ha ha ha ha! I love it!

KATRICE - Yeah, play that back. Octavia had a big head for weeks over that! Ha ha ha ha ha!

(PJ rewinds the tape. KATRICE turns back to JAHANNA.)

KATRICE - I'm sorry, what were you saying?

JAHANNA - That's okay. I was jut saying that I had something very important to talk to you about.

KATRICE - Oh yeah. So what's on your mind?

JAHANNA - Well, what happened was...well, I kinda went...went to...

KATRICE - Jahanna, just spit it out okay?

JAHANNA - Okay.

(JAHANNA takes a deep breath. PJ is still watching the tape, KATRICE is waiting for JAHANNA's answer.)

JAHANNA - I beat Mona up.

PJ - What!

(PJ turns around.)

PJ - You did what!

JAHANNA - I went to see Mona and I...beat her up.

PJ - Oh shit!

KATRICE - Wait a minute! Wait, you beat Mona up? What do you mean you beat her up? Tell us what happened from the beginning.

PJ - Hell yeah! I got to hear this!

(PJ turns the tape off and turns around to face JAHANNA.)

JAHANNA - They said that you aren't deserving of the letters that you have across your chest! Because if you were, you wouldn't be trying to tell me what the shield stands for! You didn't even know what it stood for because you had to look it up and get back to me!

MONA - So I forgot, big deal! You think that every single AKA remembers all that stuff all the damn time!

JAHANNA - If it means something to them then they would! Obviously it didn't mean anything to you! And you got me listening to your dumb ass, I may not get selected for line! Here I am avoiding PJ and she pledged harder than anybody else!

MONA - PJ? Forget PJ!

JAHANNA - Mona, if I didn't make line because I had listened to you, I...I swear I would've...

(MONA jumps up in JAHANNA's face.)

MONA - You would've what?

JAHANNA - You better get out of my face! I aint the one for your games!

(PJ jumps out of her chair.)

PJ - Oh shit! You told her that you aint the one for her games? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh my God! So then what happened?

MONA - What? You gonna hit an AKA?

(MONA pushes JAHANNA.)

JAHANNA - No! But I'll hit you!

(JAHANNA shoves MONA onto the bed.)

PJ - Oh shit!

MONA - You little...

(MONA rushes JAHANNA and tackles her. MONA is on top of JAHANNA.)

MONA - You'll never be an AKA! When sorors find...out about...this...you'll never be...and AKA!

(JAHANNA struggles and gets on top of MONA. She pins her arms down with one leg and one hand.)

JAHANNA - It was those same sorors that told me about you! This is for Octavia who told me that you are shady!

(JAHANNA punches MONA in the face.)

KATRICE - Stop. Stop right there.

PJ - Yeah! Stop right there! Woooooo whooooo! I can't believe this shit! Oh my God! You kicked Mona's ass? Oh I wish I had a camera up in that joint! Damn, I wish I could've...

KATRICE - PJ!

PJ - Ha ha ha...what?

KATRICE - Shut the hell up!

PJ - What?

KATRICE - Are you listening to yourself? Sit down and shut up!

(PJ sits down puzzled.)

PJ - What's the matter with you?

KATRICE - Are you crazy or something? Jahanna hit a soror!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our scenes change to SHAREESA, GREGG and XAVIER who are in the office of the Ahpla University student newspaper, The Sands. SHAREESA just told GREGG that she has decided to see someone else.

(XAVIER spins around in his chair with his mouth wide open as he and GREGG both stare at SHAREESA.)

XAVIER thinks - Oh my God! She is going to tell Gregg about us kissing!

GREGG - What? You're...you're seeing someone...else?

XAVIER - Uh...look guys. I don't think that this really needs to be discussed right here and right now. This really isn't the proper setting for you two.

SHAREESA - Why not? I think it is perfect.

(SHAREESA looks at XAVIER and smiles.)

XAVIER thinks - What in the world is wrong with this girl!

GREGG - I can't believe you are seeing someone else.

SHAREESA - Why can't you believe it Gregg? I am just like you, only difference is that I decided to wait until after our relationship was over to see other people.

GREGG - I just can't...

(GREGG is sitting with a very hurt look on his face.)

XAVIER - Look Shareesa. I know that Gregg...uh...didn't necessarily do all the things that he was supposed to in the relationship.

SHAREESA - Uh huh.

XAVIER - And I know that you may even be enjoying this moment right now by torturing him a little.

(SHAREESA smiles.)

SHAREESA - Uh huh.

XAVIER - But on the real, you know that you are not that kind of person. The kind of person to gain pleasure from someone else's pain. I know he didn't always do you right, but don't do this to him. Not here, not now. Not like this.

(XAVIER looks at SHAREESA sympathetically.)

SHAREESA - You're right Xavier, you're absolutely right.

XAVIER thinks - Whew! Lord help me!

SHAREESA - Gregg I apologize. I am not trying to hurt you by being sarcastic.

GREGG - It's cool Reece. I just know that I messed up with a good thing in you and I will try to get you back no matter what you say.

SHAREESA - And on that note, I will leave you two brothers to chill. I gotta go.

(SHAREESA grabs her things. XAVIER's heart is still beating.)

XAVIER - Well thanks for stopping by Shareesa.

SHAREESA - No problem Xavier. Thanks for your words. You are always right on time.

(SHAREESA smiles, XAVIER makes himself smile.)

SHAREESA - See ya later guys.

GREGG - Bye Reece.

XAVIER - Yeah uh, see ya later.

(SHAREESA waves and walks out.)

GREGG - Damn man!

XAVIER - What?

(XAVIER turns to his computer. He doesn't want GREGG to see his facial expressions.)

GREGG - I messed up man. For real.

XAVIER - But I was telling you that a long time ago.

GREGG - I know man. Don't give me the I told you so.

XAVIER - My bad G. Didn't mean to go there. So what are you gonna do now?

GREGG - I want to get her back bro. Later for all these chicks that I deal with. None of them hos can hold a candle next to Shareesa.

XAVIER - Shareesa is a good person, has a degree and is doing her thing.

GREGG - I know man. And I am so stupid for messing up with her! Dammit my stupid dick!

(XAVIER spins around in his chair.)

XAVIER - What?

GREGG - My damn dick gets me into trouble all the time! Damn you!

(GREGG is yelling at his own crotch.)

XAVIER - Ha ha ha ha, man you are twisted! Dicks don't have minds of their own man. That was nobody's fault but yours! Ha ha ha ha ha!

GREGG - What do you know about that? They do have a mind of their own! You can have a perfectly good woman and be satisfied. And your dick will still make you want more! It's nothing but the dick man! I'm tryin' to tell ya!

XAVIER - Shut up!

GREGG - So how do you suggest I get Shareesa back?

XAVIER thinks - Oh man!

XAVIER - I don't know man. She sounds pretty determined. Like she has had enough.

GREGG - Maybe she is putting up a front. You know? Just pretending to not miss me and not want me back. But we have so much history. How can she get over me that quick? I just know that Shareesa is a beautiful person...

XAVIER thinks - Yeah!

GREGG - ...and she is fine...

XAVIER thinks - Sure is!

GREGG - ...and she has a good head on her shoulders...

XAVIER thinks - Yes she does!

GREGG - ...and the sex is the bomb...

XAVIER thinks - I'll never know.

GREGG - ...and I want her back.

XAVIER thinks - Me too!

GREGG - Damn!

XAVIER - Let me say this man. Go home and think this thing out. Because if you get her back you cannot mess up again.

GREGG - You're right!

XAVIER - Really think about whether or not you want to travel down this road. Because if you get back with her, this could be it for you. You have to seriously think about this. If you have any incling that you may cheat again or want somebody else, then don't waste Shareesa's time.

GREGG - You are so right! You always know the right things to say man! Thanks!

XAVIER - No problem nupe.

(XAVIER turns back around to face his computer.)

GREGG - So I'll holla at you later man.

XAVIER - No problem G. Be easy.

GREGG - Yo Xavier?

(XAVIER turns around.)

GREGG - Thanks man. For real.

XAVIER - Don't mention it man. What are brothers for? I just hope you do the right thing.

GREGG - Oh I will. I will. Peace man.

XAVIER - Later.

(XAVIER turns around and watches GREGG's reflection on his computer screen as he walks out the door.)

XAVIER thinks - Oh God! What am I gonna do?

(XAVIER holds his head in his hands.)

XAVIER thinks - I think I really like Shar...no! No! I can't even think something like that! No!

(XAVIER slides his chair to the end of the desk where the phone is.)

XAVIER thinks - Only one thing for me to do!

(XAVIER picks up the phone and dials.)

APRIL - Hello?

XAVIER - Hey April, it's Z.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------

We now find THERESA who is in MONA's room studying.

THERESA - Damn, there is a lot to this stuff huh? A lot you gotta know.

MONA - Oh indeed! My line sisters and I had to learn and make everything under the sun. It was crazy, but that is the name of the game.

THERESA - Damn.

MONA - Well anyway, we won't get anywhere by chit chattin'. You got a lot of stuff to learn and I am the one to teach ya. So are you ready?

THERESA - Indeed! Ready to start on the path to DST!

MONA - Well okay! Let's get started. Let's start at the beginning.

THERESA - That sounds appropriate.

MONA - Do you know about the founding of Delta? Like how it all went down?

THERESA - A little. I skimmed it in that book that I was checking out. But I really didn't get into details. I was hoping you could help me with that part.

MONA - Of course I can. Okay, sit back and listen to this. This is an amazing story!

(THERESA sits up in her chair. MONA is sitting on her bed.)

MONA - Okay. As you know the pretty ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha were first right?

(THERESA acts like she is gagging herself with her finger. MONA laughs.)

MONA - Don't hate. Anyway, sorors were first. So after a few years, there were some sorors in the chapter that wanted to change a few things.

THERESA - Change a few things?

MONA - Yeah. Change a few things.

THERESA - Like what?

MONA - Uh...like the colors for example.

THERESA - There were some sorors that wanted to change the sorority colors?

MONA - Yeah.

THERESA - That is silly. Pink and green are great together.

MONA - No they aren't! I mean, I love my colors and everything, but crimson and cream are every girl's dream!

THERESA - Not my dreams. I want to be a Delta, but I have always liked pink.

MONA - Hmmm, go figure. So anyway, these sorors want to change a few things. When some of the older sorors found out, it caused an arguement. You know how women can be.

THERESA - Yeah, hee hee. I can imagine.

MONA - So they get to arguing about it and the sorors that wanted to change some things left the group and started their own separate organization.

THERESA - What? They broke off from the main group and started another one?

MONA - Yep.

THERESA - That is crazy! What was the other group called?

MONA - Uh...Delta Sigma Theta.

THERESA - Oh, hee hee.

MONA - I think it was very innovative and a wise move on their part. If you are not satisfied, go do what you gotta do. They were more interested in serving the community and didn't feel that those needs were being met in the current organization. So I tip my hat to those ladies.

THERESA - On the contrary. You gonna jump ship when things don't go your way? That is whack! The organization is only what the people that are in it make of it. If you don't feel like the organization is meeting the needs of the community, then you as a member of that organization start to serve the community yourself. But don't break off and become a dissenter! Goodness.

MONA - I can't agree with that. I was very proud to learn about what those ladies had the courage to do. It took guts and tremendous vision to make a move like that. And it paid off well for them.

THERESA - I mean yeah, but at what cost? I think that the move was silly and immature.

MONA - To each her own huh? Ha ha ha.

THERESA - Yeah, I guess. Hee hee hee.

MONA - Well anyway, that is where Delta started. Since then, they have done all kinds of great things. Programs dealing with woman's suffrage, the march of dimes, all kinds of great things.

THERESA - What kinds of things have AKAs done nationally?

(silence)

MONA - Let me get back to you on that.

THERESA - Okay cool.

MONA - On with the history lesson.

THERESA - Proceed madam teacher.

MONA - So then the Ques come on the scene and the Delta ladies became cool with them, which I think was a great move.

THERESA - I prefer an Alpha man myself.

THERESA thinks - Like my baby.

MONA - Suit yourself, but I want me a nasty dog! Skee roof!

THERESA - Oh Lord. Phi ooop for me.

(They both laugh.)

MONA - Anyway, to make a long drawn out story short, Delta Sigma Theta has grown to be one of the most prominent organizations to ever grace womankind.

THERESA - Bravo! Good lesson!

MONA - Was that informative?

THERESA - Very.

MONA - Good. Got any questions?

THERESA - Actually yeah I do. Let me get my pad and pen out of my bag, I may want to write your answers down.

MONA - Cool.

(THERESA grabs her things.)

MONA - Okay shoot.

THERESA - Ok. What is the founding year of Delta?

MONA - Nineteen twelve.

(THERESA writes.)

THERESA - Okay...nine...teen...twelve. Okay. And how many founders were there?

MONA - Twenty.

THERESA - The big two zero. Cool. And what school?

MONA - Howard.

THERESA - Oh Howard University?

MONA - No, Howard Teacher's College.

THERESA - Oh okay cool. That seems to be it.

MONA - Great.

(There is a knock on the door.)

MONA - I must admit that I may be a little rusty on my history so you might want to check some of those facts just to confirm.

THERESA - That's okay. I trust ya.

(MONA laughs.)

MONA - Suit yourself. Let me see who is on the door.

(MONA opens the door.)

MONA - My goodness! What is your name and where have you been all my life?

JERRELL - Hey, are you Mona? Because if so, you are just the person I am told that I need to see!

Episode 44

2007-11-14T10:01:00.001-08:00

We begin this week's episode with DERRICK who has just answered the door to see his father LOWELL DODGE standing there.

(DERRICK slowly opens the door.)

LOWELL - Good, I was hoping that you were here!

DERRICK - What the hell are you doing here?

LOWELL - Nice way to talk to your old man.

(DERRICK begins to close the door. LOWELL puts his hand on the door.)

LOWELL - What is the matter with you Derrick! Are you crazy or something!

DERRICK - Man, I aint got no words for you!

LOWELL - Well you better listen to my words then!

DERRICK - Bullshit! Let me tell you something deadbeat...

JUNE - You have company Derrick?

(DERRICK turns around and sees JUNE approaching. As he looks back, LOWELL pushes open the door and sees JUNE.)

JUNE - Derrick, I can leave if you need me to...

DERRICK - Hell no, he was just leav...

LOWELL - I am not leaving until I talk some sense into you son!

JUNE - Son? Son?

DERRICK thinks - Shit!

JUNE - Derrick, is this your...father?

(silence)

LOWELL - Yes maam, I am Derrick's dad.

(LOWELL pushes past DERRICK and extends his hand to shake JUNE's. JUNE slowly shakes his hand.)

JUNE - Uh...you are Derrick's dad? I can't belie...

LOWELL - My name is Lowell Dodge. And you must be June.

JUNE - Yeah...uh yeah I am.

DERRICK - How the hell do you know June?

LOWELL - Like I told you, I do my research.

JUNE - Okay, I am very confused.

(DERRICK closes the door.)

DERRICK - Well let me bring you up to speed. My dad here walks out on me and mom when we were broke. Didn't have shit and didn't have a dad. All I had was a basketball. I don't even remember this nigga's face, he left when I was so damn young. My mother raised me! My mother! I play ball in high school, just to get my mom a big house! I play ball at Ahpla just to be able to get my mom a big house! Now that I am super star athlete, basketball player, dear old dad is back on the scene! Hell no!

LOWELL - Don't tell the story Derrick if you are gonna forget key parts. You didn't mention how I followed your career. I was too ashamed to say a thing to you but I sat at your high school games. I took your stats. I watched you play for Ahpla. I was the one who got you the tryout with the Trailblazers.

JUNE - The Trailblazers? The Portland Trailblazers?

LOWELL - Yes, the Portland Trailblazers. It took me years to work up the kind of connections that I knew could help my son. I knew there was no way for me to apologize for leaving. So I thought that by doing this for you, it would help...help you realize your dream. Your dream of playing in the NBA.

DERRICK - Well you thought wrong!

JUNE - Derrick, you had the opportunity to play in the NBA?

LOWELL - Derrick don't be a fool! You can hate me all you want! But use me to get yourself into the NBA! That is what you really want! I wasn't even going to tell you that I am your father. Not until after you signed to play professional ball.

DERRICK - Hell no! When I really needed you, you weren't there! I don't need you to help me to get into the NBA! I needed you to pick me up from school when I was little. I needed you to go to the father son picnic with me! Now all you wanna do is jump on the band wagon and claim rights to me!

JUNE - But Derrick, wait a minute. You are talking about the NBA now? I mean...I mean come on Derrick. Your dad may have a point, this is what you want. This is what you have always wanted.

DERRICK - What I have always wanted was a father.

(silence)

LOWELL - Derrick, I am sorry for the way things went down over the years. I was scared and young when I left. That was the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life and I am sorry. But I cannot go back and change the past. All I can do is try to make things better for the future. I can try and help you get to where you want and need to be.

DERRICK - And then where does that leave me and you?

LOWELL - That leaves you playing in the league with a fabulous contract, a nice signing bonus on a growing team.

(silence)

DERRICK - And where does that leave you?

LOWELL - That leaves me where I left off...where I should have been since a long time ago. It leaves me as your dad.

(There is a knock on the door.)

DERRICK - You know what dad? I don't think so! That leaves you as the dad of a super star basketball player. If I had no ball skills you wouldn't even be here! So to hell with you!

JUNE - Baby, how can you say that to your father?

DERRICK thinks - Baby?

(There is another knock on the door.)

DERRICK - Did you just call me baby?

(JUNE grabs DERRICK's hand.)

(CARYN uses her key and walks in.)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our scenes change and we find MAX who was just told by WIL the reason that DONTE did not graduate. Her father walked up at the same time.

WIL - Donte dropped one class right at the end of the semester. He dropped it so he could stay at Ahpla with Octavia. He could have graduated, but he wanted to be here with her.

MAX - What!

MR. SVENSON - Hey baby girl! Daddy is here!

(MAX and WIL both turn around.)

MAX thinks - Oh damn!

MAX - Hey dad!

(MAX hugs her father.)

MAX - Dad, this is Wil, one of my frat brothers. Wil, this is my father.

WIL - Nice to meet you sir.

MR. SVENSON - It's my pleasure. Max, I'll be in the car.

MAX - Okay dad, I'll be right there.

(MR. SVENSON walks away.)

WIL - Max, I'll talk to you later girl.

MAX - Uh...yeah Wil. Um...

WIL - Hey hey listen, what I told you about Donte is between me and you okay?

MAX - Huh?

WIL - Promise me you won't tell anybody.

MAX - I can't do that Wil.

WIL - Max, that is confidential information. That is none of mine nor your business. That is between Octavia and my boy D.

MAX - Maybe, I just aint making no promises.

WIL - Uh huh. I see how you do.

MAX - Don't be that way Wil. Look, I gotta go. Talk to ya later.

WIL - Uh huh.

(MAX walks away.)

MAX thinks - There is no way in hell I am not telling Octavia that shit!

(MAX walks up to her father's car and gets in.)

MR. SVENSON - So how are you feeling honey?

MAX - Good daddy. How was the drive?

MR. SVENSON - Good. Nice weather too.

MAX - That's nice.

MAX thinks - I can't believe Donte! That is crazy!

MR. SVENSON - You want to get something to eat?

MAX - Huh?

MR. SVENSON - Do you want to eat?

MAX - You're treat right?

MR. SVENSON - Only until you graduate young lady.

MAX - Ha ha ha, okay. Let's eat. Make a left here and we can go to the Leigh Cafe off campus.

MR. SVENSON - Alright.

(They go to the cafe and have a seat. The waitress hands them menus and they begin to read through them.)

MR. SVENSON - What is good here?

MAX thinks - I have to tell Octavia. There is no way I can keep that kind of a promise to Wil. He just shouldn't have told me, that's all. I mean damn. If I see the girl, I would not be able to hold it in. That would be like lying to a soror right in her face.

MR. SVENSON - Max.

MAX - Huh? Yes?

MR. SVENSON - What do you suggest from the menu?

MAX - Oh...uh...today's lunch special looks good actually. Can't go wrong with that.

MR. SVENSON - Sounds good. I'll have that.

MAX - Good.

MAX thinks - I feel bad for Wil though. This is gonna really put him in the middle of all this. Especially if he knows this information in confidence. I hope this doesn't threaten his relationship with Don...

MR. SVENSON - Max, let me get right to the bottom of a few things. You know me, I shoot straight from the hip. I don't pull any punches and I don't beat around the bush. So here is the situation. I am very displeased at your career choice after graduation. I think that you should...

MAX thinks - ...that would be terrible. But gosh, what am I supposed to do? Wil is my boy and everything but Octavia is...

MR. SVENSON - Maxine!

MAX - Huh daddy?

MR. SVENSON - Have you been listening to a word I have been saying?

MAX - Yes daddy, I have. Go ahead, I am with you.

MR. SVENSON - Good. Now look. The opportunities with the firm right now are better than ever. We are in negotiations now with...

MAX - Opportunities with dad? Good grief, is that all he ever thinks about? Opportunities? What kind of an opportunity is Donte gonna have for himself? What the hell is he thinking? He may have a girlfriend by staying, but what does he plan to do with his life after graduation? Can he get into grad school? He has been here forever, what does his transcript look like? I still can't believe that he...

MR. SVENSON - ...so in my professional and personal opinion, you need to be with us. Go ahead and sign a contract with us and we will make it worth your...

MAX thinks - I need to get to a phone and call Octavia. Maybe she is still at Ashante's place. Maybe I can sneak away from daddy and go to the bathroom. Then I can use my cell phone and...

MR. SVENSON - So what do you think?

(silence)

MR. SVENSON - Max, what do you think?

MAX - Uh...about what...what you said?

MR. SVENSON - Yes. I know I said a lot, but what do you think?

MAX thinks - Oh shit, what did he say?

(silence)

MAX - Sure daddy. I think it is great.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------------------------------

CANDACE is at ALEXIS' house hanging out.

ALEXIS - So is your mother or grandmother a member of Sigma Gamma Rho or are you the first in your family?

CANDACE - Both of them are sorors?

ALEXIS - Reall? Wow!

CANDACE - Yep, I am third generation.

ALEXIS - That is so cool! So they were there for you when you pledged?

CANDACE - Oh yes indeed. They both came to my pinning ceremony. I cried like a baby, moreso because of my mother.

ALEXIS - Wow! Why because of your mother?

CANDACE - Well, my mom has been inactive for a long time. I really was surprised to see her. My grandmother is active, bless her heart. As she would say.

(They both laugh.)

CANDACE - But I didn't think my mother would show up.

ALEXIS - That is so cool.

CANDACE - Plus, my mother travels a lot on business. So she calls me from all over the place. I think she is in Tokyo now.

ALEXIS - Damn!

CANDACE - Yeah, so for her to show up, that meant that she had to adjust her schedule, and then come through.

ALEXIS - I wuld be crying too.

CANDACE- Yeah. But the best part is that she started to come around more often and now she is active in the sorority again.

ALEXIS - That is wonderful!

CANDACE - Yeah, I am very happy about that.

ALEXIS - That is very inspirational. I don't have any greek members in my family.

CANDACE - Oh no?

ALEXIS - Naw. Actually didn't ever know much about it until I dated Bobby. And now I know too much messin' around with the Alphas.

(They both laug hard.)

CANDACE - I hear ya. At least you got a good one like I did.

ALEXIS - Yeah. Finally though. Quinton is great.

CANDACE - Yeah, he is a real nice guy. Nino always spoke very highly of him.

ALEXIS - Did he really?

CANDACE - Yeah he did. He thought that Quinton was the thinker of the line. Larry is the practical joker and Jason...well Jason just stays up in some drama!

(They laugh again.)

CANDACE - But Quinton is a leader. I see him going far.

ALEXIS - Yeah, I see that too. He really has a good heart and I am glad that we met when we did. We just hit it off real well. Ya know?

CANDACE - Yeah, it seems like it. Does he know that you may or may not have an interest in pledging?

(ALEXIS smiles.)

ALEXIS - I really haven't told him yet. He knows that me and you hang out a lot though.

CANDACE - Cool. Keep that under wraps for now.

ALEXIS - Okay. You want something else to drink?

CANDACE - Naw, I'm fine.

ALEXIS - So tell me more about your pinning ceremony.

CANDACE - Well obviously I can't tell you too much.

ALEXIS - Oh yeah. Hee hee.

CANDACE - But let me tell you this much. Since I became a member of Sigma, I really haven't been happier. It was one of the best things I have ever done in my life and I can say that honestly...

(There is a knock on the door.)

ALEXIS - I wonder who this is. I wasn't expecting company.

CANDACE - Cool, I'm gonna go use the bathroom then.

ALEXIS - Okay.

(ALEXIS goes to the door and opens it.)

ALEXIS - Hey babe.

QUINTON - Hi.

(QUINTON is very sarcastic but walks in.)

ALEXIS - What's the matter with you?

QUINTON - What's the matter with me? No, what's the matter with you Alexis!

ALEXIS - What? What happened?

QUINTON - You know, maybe this whole thing was a bad idea.

ALEXIS - What are you talking about?

QUINTON - I just got finished talking to Bobby about those supposed secrets that he told you about my frat! And you know what? I don't know who the hell to believe! This drama triangle is too much for me!

ALEXIS - What!

(ALEXIS starts to get teary. CANDACE listens from the bathroom.)

CANDACE thinks - What in the world...

QUINTON - I don't know who the hell to believe!

ALEXIS - Quinton are you calling me a liar?

Episode 43

2007-11-14T10:00:00.002-08:00

XAVIER and SHAREESA are in the office of the student newspaper, The Sands.

SHAREESA - Well, I just want to say, thank you for being the man that you are. There are some good men out there, and you are one of them.

XAVIER - Thanks Shareesa.

(They hug.)

XAVIER - I really appreciate that, more than you know.

(They are still hugging.)

SHAREESA - It is the truth.

(As they let go, they come in to kiss each other again.)

SHAREESA thinks - Oh God, why is this happening?

(They kiss.)

XAVIER thinks - Oh God, why is this happening?

(They stop and hug again. They then let go of each other and back up. At that moment, GREGG and APRIL walk in.)

GREGG - What's up Z...oh uh...hey Reece. I didn't know you were...what are you doing here?

SHAREESA - Uh...

XAVIER - What's up nupe?

(XAVIER slaps hands with GREGG.)

GREGG - Hey man, what's the deal?

XAVIER - You know me man, just writing. Hi April, how you doing hon?

SHAREESA thinks - Xavier is a gift from God! That was close!

APRIL - Hey Xavier, nice to see you honey.

(XAVIER and APRIL hug.)

SHAREESA - What's up girl?

APRIL - Hey soror.

(APRIL and SHAREESA hug.)

XAVIER - What's the good word with yall?

GREGG - Well I was coming by to kick it with you and I saw April walking. So she just decided to drop in and say hello also.

XAVIER - Cool. Cool. Well pull up a chair, relax.

APRIL - Actually, I can't stay. I just thought of some things that I gotta get done.

XAVIER - Aw man, do you have to leave now?

APRIL - Yeah, I'd better get back before I start getting sleepy.

XAVIER - You want me to walk you home or something?

APRIL - Oh Xavier you are so sweet. You don't have to do that, I will be fine. It isn't far.

XAVIER - You sure?

APRIL - Boy sit down. You are so cute. I'll holla at yall lata.

XAVIER - Okay but call me when you get home so I know that you made it safe.

APRIL - Okay.

APRIL thinks - He is so sweet!

SHAREESA thinks - He is so sweet.

APRIL - See yall lata.

SHAREESA - Bye girl.

(APRIL leaves.)

XAVIER - So what's up G?

GREGG - I am like Hughley.

XAVIER - Huh?

GREGG - I am on the D...L.

(They all laugh.)

XAVIER - Okay nigga, I am laughing because you are my boy. But that was mad corny.

GREGG - Ha ha ha ha ha, shut up!

(GREGG looks over at SHAREESA.)

GREGG - So what's up Shareesa?

SHAREESA - Nothing much Gregg.

GREGG - You been okay?

SHAREESA - I am cool.

GREGG - I haven't heard from you in a minute. I was about to start looking on milk cartons.

SHAREESA - I have just been busy. You know?

GREGG - Yeah. Too busy to even give me a call?

SHAREESA - Yep.

(silence)

GREGG - So can we talk for a minute?

(silence)

XAVIER - Uh...maybe I should step out for a min...

SHAREESA - No Xavier, you aint got to go nowhere.

GREGG - Yeah man, you can chill. This is your office and you are my brother. It aint like you don't know about me and Shareesa's relationship problems anyway.

SHAREESA - Relationship problems? Gregg, you have to be in a relationship to have relationship problems.

GREGG - Reece, I have been...I mean we have been going together since day one. I know that we have had rough times along the way, but that is what makes relationships stronger. I am not trying to throw in the towel.

XAVIER thinks - I really shouldn't be hearing all this.

(XAVIER tries to start typing on the computer as if he is not paying attention.)

GREGG - I know that I have not been the man that I could have been. But Reece, it is because of you that I have grown up. I understand that now.

SHAREESA - Oh now that I left?

GREGG - To be honest, yes. You know the old expression, you never miss a good thing til it's gone? Well I am learning that in the worst way.

SHAREESA - Well have you ever heard the expression, too little too late?

(GREGG smiles.)

GREGG - Cute.

(SHAREESA doesn't smile.)

GREGG - Okay look Shareesa. I am not trying to play games or make jokes right now. I have not been this serious about anything in my life. As serious as I take my education, I can't even read anything right now because of the void in my life. I miss you terribly and I want you back. I will do whatever it takes. I promise you I will never hurt you again.

(silence)

GREGG - Well?

SHAREESA - I know that you won't hurt me again Gregg...

(silence)

SHAREESA - ...because I have decided to see someone else.

(XAVIER spins around in his chair with his mouth wide open as he and GREGG both stare at SHAREESA.)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The weekly Alpha Phi Alpha meeting is winding down.

BOBBY - So that is the deal. We can use that event as a fund raiser and half of the money will be used to be the first deposit into the Nino Daniels scholarship fund.

REGGIE - Yeah, that sounds good.

BOBBY - Okay, this is the last thing on the agenda. Are there any announcements?

(LARRY raises his hand. BOBBY looks around the room and pretends that he doesn't see LARRY's hand. But LARRY is the only one with his hand up.)

BOBBY thinks - Damn, what the hell is this nigga gonna say?

BOBBY - Go ahead Larry.

LARRY - I want to announce the launch of my new book club.

(Silence as all the brothers look at each other.)

BOBBY - Book club?

LARRY - Yep.

BOBBY - You're starting a book club?

LARRY - Yep.

BOBBY - What is the first book the club is gonna read?

(LARRY smiles.)

LARRY - The bible. Great book, he dies at the end. Don't want to ruin the surprise but he comes back.

BOBBY thinks - I am an idiot for falling for that!

(All the brothers laugh, except BOBBY.)

BOBBY - And on that note, this meeting is adjourned. Who wants to join me for a drink at Pharoah's? After that dry ass joke, I need something wet!

(The brothers laugh as they get up and begin to disperse. BOBBY is collecting his papers.)

QUINTON - What's up man?

(BOBBY looks up.)

BOBBY - Hey Quinton, what's up bruh?

QUINTON - Chillin. You got a minute?

BOBBY - Uh...yeah. Sure. Hold on a second.

(REGGIE comes over.)

REGGIE - Yo Bobby, I'm trying to hit Pharoah's too. What's up?

BOBBY - Let me meet you there Reg, I gotta handle some business first.

REGGIE - Aight then, I'll see ya there.

(REGGIE is the last person to leave. BOBBY and QUINTON are now alone.)

BOBBY - So, what can I do for ya bruh?

QUINTON - I need to talk to you about Alexis.

BOBBY - What about her?

QUINTON - I spoke to you on the phone about what she told me.

BOBBY - What was that?

QUINTON - That you had told her some Alpha secrets.

BOBBY - Oh yeah. I remember that now.

QUINTON - Well, what's up with that?

BOBBY - What's up with what?

QUINTON - Why is she telling me that you are telling her secrets?

BOBBY - Because she is lying Quinton! Think man! Alexis is a liar. She is a nice person, a real nice person. But she doesn't always tell the truth.

QUINTON - Yo man, don't call my girl a liar.

BOBBY - She was my girl first so it aint an easy thing for me to say. I'm just tellin' it like it is. She has always been that way. And she aint stupid either, she knew that if she told you that I had told her secrets, that you would confront me. Can't you see that that is exactly what she wants? And you are playing right into it.

QUINTON - First of all, Alexis aint no liar! You know just as well as I do that she is the sweetest girl on the planet, and that is why you feel like an ass half the time for messing things up with her!

BOBBY - You know what bruh, this conversation is over.

QUINTON - No it's not!

BOBBY - What the hell do you want from me? I told you that I never told her anything and you choose to believe her over me. What did she say that I told her?

QUINTON - Well...

BOBBY - Well what?

QUINTON - First she said that you showed her the grip.

BOBBY - What? That is some bullshit!

QUINTON - I asked her to show it to me and she got it wrong.

BOBBY - I know she got that shit wrong because she doesn't fucking know it! Wise up Quinton, you are a smart guy! Use your head! Can't you see what is going on here?

(silence)

BOBBY - Look man, I don't have anything against you. I think you are a real smart brother and I am glad to have you as a part of my chapter. That thing about the election was a technicality. I think you have the smarts and the character to run this chapter just as well as I do. Half the brotherhood did vote for you, I only beat you by one vote.

QUINTON - Uh huh.

BOBBY - But at the same time, you are not using your head. Alexis wants to get back at me for the way I treated her in the past. So she is using you to get to me. She was always jealous of my love for the fraternity. So she is using the closest thing to me, the frat, against me. Quinton, the truth is, Alexis probably doesn't like you the way that you think she does.

QUINTON - That's not true.

BOBBY - The truth is, she has never gotten over me. She told me.

QUINTON thinks - I did hear her say that to him on the phone!

(silence)

BOBBY - Hate to burst your bubble.

QUINTON - Whatever man.

BOBBY - Look, come with us to Pharoah's. Get a drink, loosen up. There has been way too much tension between us and in the chapter.

(silence)

BOBBY - What do ya say?

QUINTON - Actually Bobby, I would love to go. But I really can't. I got some things I really have to do tonight. But I will catch yall next time.

BOBBY - Okay cool. Well look man, no hard feelings. About anything.

(BOBBY extends his hand.)

QUINTON - Yeah.

(QUINTON takes it and they exchange the fraternal handshake.)

BOBBY - Aight man, I am out. Have a good evening.

QUINTON thinks - Oh I will, I will get to the bottom of a few things with Alexis!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THERESA is walking between the book shelves at Pearl Library.

THERESA thinks - Okay, it should be right...right...here!

(THERESA reaches up and grabs a book.)

THERESA thinks - Yes! It is here!

(THERESA walks out and finds a desk. She sits down and looks at the book.)

THERESA reads - The Divine Nine.

THERESA thinks - This is what Jason wanted me to read to help me with Delta, so whatever.

(THERESA opens it up and flips through the pages. She looks at the pictures, then finds the section on Delta Sigma Theta.)

THERESA thinks - Okay, what do we have here.

(THERESA starts to read, then stops. She reaches into her bag and pulls out her CD disc man.)

THERESA thinks - Ok, let's start again.

(THERESA begins to read again and doesn't realize someone has walked up on her. She looks up when she is tapped on the arm.)

THERESA - Hey girl!

MONA - Damn, why you talking so loud.

THERESA - Huh!

MONA - Take those ear phones off!

THERESA - Oh!

STUDENT - Shhhhhhhhhh!

(THERESA pulls them off and turns the CD off.)

THERESA - My bad girl. What's up.

MONA - Nothing much. What's happening with you?

THERESA - Getting some reading done.

(MONA looks at the cover of the book.)

MONA - What the hell...

(THERESA smiles.)

MONA - Why are you reading this?

THERESA - Because maybe I have an interest in pledging a sorority.

MONA - No seriously!

(They laugh as MONA pulls up a chair.)

MONA - You have got to be kidding me!

THERESA - Why? I can't want to pledge?

MONA - Girl shut up! I know how you feel about greeks!

(They laugh together again.)

THERESA - No seriously. I may be changing my mind and this book may help.

MONA - Well, I know you could only be interested in the lovely oh so pretty ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha right?

THERESA - Nope guess again!

MONA - Well I know you aint trying to be no Zeta!

THERESA - Nope! Try again!

MONA - SGRho? They are worse than Zetas! Damn!

THERESA - Wrong again!

MONA - Oh wait a minute! Not Delta!

(THERESA smiles.)

MONA - Theresa are you crazy? They are worse than the SGRhos! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

THERESA - Shut up Mona!

MONA - Ha ha ha, girl I'm just playing withcha! For real, the Deltas are cool.

THERESA - You really think so?

MONA - Hell yeah. Deltas are the bomb girl. For real. As a matter of fact...

(MONA looks around to see if anyone is listening.)

MONA -...as a matter of fact, the only reason that I went AKA and not Delta was for my mom.

THERESA - Really?

MONA - Heck yeah.

THERESA - So do you know some Delta history and info?

MONA - What? Girl, I know it all! You are looking at a walking Delta historian! Ha ha ha ha!

THERESA - Wow! Then maybe you can tutor me.

MONA - Sure, we will make a good team!

THERESA - We will make a great team!

MONA - Good! Well stick with me and I will have you up in the Delta chapter in no time.

THERESA - Cool!

THERESA thinks - And in the process, I get my man back! Hee hee!

Episode 42

2007-11-14T10:00:00.001-08:00

We join OCTAVIA who is at ASHANTE's house. MAX is there too.

ASHANTE - I just can't believe it. That is so crazy.

OCTAVIA - Yeah. I don't believe it either.

MAX - Are you sure that Donte is that close to graduation?

ASHANTE - He has to be. I mean, look at how long it has been since I graduated. How many classes can he possibly have left?

MAX - Yeah, that's true. You are mad old.

ASHANTE - Shut the hell up!

(MAX and ASHANTE laugh. OCTAVIA doesn't.)

MAX - Sorry girl.

(OCTAVIA wipes her eyes.)

OCTAVIA - I really like Donte. I really do. But I am such an ambitious person. How can I be with someone that seems to have no drive at all?

ASHANTE - Is there a reason he hasn't gotten out of Ahpla yet?

(silence)

OCTAVIA - Well actually, yes there is a reason. But it is very personal.

ASHANTE - Oh. Well you don't have to tell us.

OCTAVIA - Just promise me that it stays in this room.

ASHANTE - Sure.

MAX - Of course.

OCTAVIA - Okay. Well, Donte is dyslexic. So he has a learning disability.

(silence)

ASHANTE - Wow, that shines a whole new light on the situation.

MAX - Yeah...really.

OCTAVIA - It did for me when he told me as well. And I have to commend him on how far he has already gotten in life. Just getting into a good college was a struggle for Donte.

MAX - I imagine.

ASHANTE - Well maybe that explains it then.

OCTAVIA - But that is the problem. It doesn't explain it. Even with his disability, he could be out of here. He can still graduate.

ASHANTE - Are you sure?

OCTAVIA - I am positive. I know what his classes are. I have tried to help him all semester. He can graduate now. He just has to want to. He has to push himself.

ASHANTE - Why doesn't he?

OCTAVIA - Because he gave up. He gave up at the end and I can't deal with that.

MAX - But everybody isn't like you Octavia. School comes easy to you.

OCTAVIA - You don't have to be me. You just have to try. Have some kind of drive. Have some determination. That's all. I would much rather Donte try hard and fail then to fail because he didn't try at all.

ASHANTE - That makes sense.

MAX - Yeah.

ASHANTE - So what happened when you told him you were leaving?

OCTAVIA - He tried to stop me. I saw a side of Donte I didn't think he had.

ASHANTE - What was that?

OCTAVIA - Well...he seemed so sad.

ASHANTE - Sad? I can't see that either.

MAX - I thought that nigga would bring out some wood on you!

ASHANTE Now that would be the Donte that I know! Ha ha ha ha.

OCTAVIA - Oh please, shut up.

ASHANTE - Did he say anything as you left?

OCTAVIA - He kept saying that I just don't understand. You just don't understand. Please don't leave, you just don't understand.

MAX - That is sad.

OCTAVIA - Yeah, but understand what? It breaks my heart, but understand what?

(OCTAVIA starts to cry.)

ASHANTE - It'll be okay girl. Maybe it is better this way.

(MAX's pager goes off.)

MAX - Damn.

ASHANTE - What's up?

MAX - My dad is close to campus. He is coming to visit. I gotta run.

ASHANTE - Tell him I said hello.

MAX - Go in my place and tell him yourself!

ASHANTE - Whatever!

MAX - Take care Tavia.

OCTAVIA - Thanks.

(MAX hugs OCTAVIA and ASHANTE and leaves.)

MAX thinks - I feel so bad for Octavia. I always thought that they were a crazy looking couple though.

(MAX gets outside and starts to walk toward her dorm.)

MAX thinks - I would love for things to work out, but I have to admit. I kind of feel Octavia on her reasons. I mean come on bruh, be about some direction in your life.

(MAX sees her dorm and looks for her father's car. She doesn't see it.)

MAX thinks - Having a purpose is an attractive quality in a man. Know what you want and go get it. I mean, damn. I don't understand that brother at all.

(MAX sits on the wall in front of the dorm and waits for her father.)

MAX thinks - If I were Octavia, I would do the sam...hey, there's Wil.

MAX - Wil!

(WIL comes over.)

WIL - What's up Max?

(They hug.)

WIL - What you doin' out here?

MAX - Just chillin. Meeting that special brother.

WIL - Oh well excuse me!

MAX - Ha ha ha ha, just kidding. My dad is meeting me here. I guess he is special.

WIL - I hear it. You silly girl.

MAX - Hey man, let me ask you something. Personal.

WIL - Yes the rumor is true, I eat out all night like IHOP.

MAX - Yeah, and I heard you are floppy like a stack of pancakes!

WIL - Ooooh! Low blow!

(They laugh.)

WIL - Seriously, what you gotta ask me?

MAX - Between me and you.

WIL - Aight cool.

MAX - I'm serious Wil.

WIL - Aight cool, me and you.

MAX - Okay. So on the real, what is up with your boy Donte? Why doesn't he get up out this piece?

(silence)

WIL - I don't...

MAX - Don't lie to me Wil.

WIL - I aint no ivy! Quit hazing me!

(They laugh.)

MAX - Seriously, he has Octavia crying and breaking up with him because he has no drive. What's the deal with that?

(silence)

MAX - Well?

WIL - Listen, this is confidential.

(MAX leans closer.)

MAX - What?

(silence)

MAX - What?

WIL - Well, Donte dropped one class right at the end of the semester. He dropped it so he could stay at Ahpla with Octavia. He could have graduated, but he wanted to be here with her.

MAX - What!

MR. SVENSON - Hey baby girl! Daddy is here!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JUNE has just visited DERRICK unexpectedly. She knocks on his door.

DERRICK thinks - I hope this aint Caryn coming back with no attitude!

(DERRICK opens the door.)

DERRICK thinks - Oh shit!

DERRICK - June? What are you...

JUNE - Can I come in Derrick? I really would like to talk.

DERRICK - Uh...sure, come on in.

DERRICK thinks - Thank you God!

(As JUNE walks in, DERRICK reaches to hug her. She stops walking and awkwardly hugs him back. DERRICK closes the door behind her.)

DERRICK - June it's uh...good to see you.

JUNE - You too Derrick. Did I catch you at a bad time?

DERRICK - Oh no, I was just...uh...chillin.

JUNE - Oh okay.

(JUNE sits down.)

JUNE - How you doing?

DERRICK - I can't complain. Living life ya know?

JUNE - Yeah.

DERRICK - How have you been girl?

JUNE - I've been maintaining.

DERRICK - Just maintaining?

JUNE - Things aren't bad. I just have a few things on my mind right now.

DERRICK - Really? What's the matter?

JUNE - I need to talk. I always found it easy to talk to you.

DERRICK - No doubt. I always got your back.

(JUNE smiles and looks away.)

DERRICK thinks - Damn she looks good!

JUNE - Well I know you hate it when I always used to bring up AKA, so I hope you don't mind...

DERRICK - June, we can talk about whatever you want.

(silence)

JUNE - Really?

DERRICK - Fo sho. Now tell me what's wrong.

(JUNE smiles.)

JUNE - Well, I have run into some issues with Mona.

DERRICK - Mona? Which one is that?

JUNE - The one who is always causing all the controversy.

DERRICK - Oh okay. What's up with her?

JUNE - What's up is that I want to beat her ass.

DERRICK - What! That isn't even like you. I can see PJ doing that, but not you.

JUNE - I know, and you are right. You're absolutely right. And that is why I have let so many things slide when it came to her up to this point.

DERRICK - Really?

JUNE - Heck yeah. The girl was nothing but trouble from the start and I just kept brushing it off. But now things are gonna be different.

DERRICK - What do you plan to do?

JUNE - Well first of all, I'm gonna...

(There is a knock on the door.)

DERRICK thinks - Oh shit! Please God don't let this be Caryn!

DERRICK - Excuse me for a second.

JUNE - Go right ahead.

DERRICK - Don't lose that thought though. I want to know what you want to do to Mona.

(DERRICK gets up to get the door. JUNE watches as he goes to open it.)

DERRICK thinks - Please not be Caryn! Please not be Caryn!

(DERRICK slowly opens the door.)

LOWELL - Good, I was hoping that you were here!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Theresa is sitting in the Callis Student Union reading lounge. She is waiting for her appointment to show up.

THERESA thinks - This book is so damn boring. I don't even know why I brought it with me!

(THERESA looks around the room. She doesn't recognize any of the other students who are either reading or having quiet conversations. She looks at her watch.)

THERESA thinks - Well let me at least pretend to be reading to look somewhat intelligent. Hee hee.

(THERESA starts to read her novel when someone walks up to where she is sitting. She looks up.)

THERESA - Well hello. Punctual as usual.

JASON - Theresa, what is this about?

THERESA - What is what about? Sit down Jason.

JASON - Don't play games with me Theresa. Why did you call me and ask me for an urgent emergency meeting?

THERESA - If you sit down, maybe I will tell you.

(JASON pulls up a chair.)

THERESA - So how have you been?

JASON - Get to the point.

THERESA - Ooooh touchy.

(JASON starts to get up.)

THERESA - No Jason wait!

(JASON stops.)

THERESA - I'm sorry. Please, sit down. I will get serious. I really do have something very important that I would like to talk to you about.

(JASON slowly sits back down.)

JASON - What's up?

THERESA - If you can just bear with me, I would like to tell you a few things that you may not know about me. You may wonder what this has to do with anything, but hopefully I can tie it together for you in the end.

JASON - I'm all ears.

THERESA - I don't know if you know this already, but I am an only child.

JASON - Yeah, I did know that.

THERESA - Good. Well that is the foundation of this whole thing. I am an only child and grew up pretty much on my own. I have a lot of cousins but they are all a lot older than I am. So we didn't really play or do anything together growing up.

JASON - Uh huh.

THERESA - When I was in high school, I was really shy. I didn't get into much. I didn't cheerlead, I didn't do the high school band or anything. I was almost a nerd.

(JASON tries to hide his smile.)

THERESA - Oh...you can laugh. It won't hurt my feelings. Ha ha ha, I was in bad shape.

JASON - Go ahead.

THERESA - So anyway, I graduate from high school and I remember watching my other classmates. They were all huddled together, crying, hugging each other. They were exchanging phone numbers and addresses to keep in contact while in college. And although I got a few people to sign my yearbook, I didn't get anyone to say, hey let's keep in touch.

(THERESA pauses as she looks away. JASON is wondering if she is getting emotional and where this story is going in the first place.)

THERESA - So anyhow, I get to Ahpla. And the environment here is very different than what I am used to. My high school was mostly white. This school is all black. My roommate freshman year was a party animal. So we didn't click. She was out all the damn time and never studied. We barely spoke when passing. Her ass isn't even here anymore.

JASON - Really?

THERESA - Yeah, she was out on her ass after the first year. I don't know if it was her parents when they saw her grades or the university. But the point is, she wasn't a friend.

JASON - Uh huh.

THERESA - So then, I saw a flier for the undergraduate student assembly. They were having something in this building as a matter of fact. And they needed volunteers. So I decided, what the heck. Maybe I can help out. So I came to a meeting by myself. When I got there, it was cool because people were so friendly, and I knew that they didn't know me.

JASON - Uh huh.

THERESA - So then we sit down for the meeting and I sit next to Willie.

JASON thinks - I knew this would have something to do with my girl!

THERESA - She was already on the committee and had an office. She spoke well and people seemed to like and respect her. She was real cool. So after the meeting, we exchanged numbers. Go figure, I didn't even exchange numbers with the people that I went to high school with for four years and here I am hooking up with a friend after one meeting.

JASON - Yeah, go figure.

JASON thinks - Where the hell is this story going?

THERESA - So Willie and I become real cool. Like real cool.

JASON - Wait, let me interrupt you for a second. Is this some kind of...I want to get you back so I'm gonna tell you how foul your girlfriend Willie is?

(silence)

THERESA - Let me assure you that this is not why you are here. Okay, let me clear that point real quick. I cannot lie and say that I was not upset when you two hooked up. But to be honest, I had it coming. I acted like a spoiled child. I had you first and if I had acted right, we may still be together. So I cannot blame Willie for that. And I can let go and let bygones be bygones. For real.

(silence)

JASON - To be honest Theresa...

THERESA thinks - Oh shit.

JASON - ...I am glad you said that. If that is the way that you feel, then I commend you. I wasn't feeling like coming here but now I am glad that I did.

THERESA - Thanks! Thanks a lot Jason!

JASON - Your welcome.

THERESA - I really am happy for the two of you.

(They smile.)

JASON - So continue with your story.

THERESA - Oh yeah, where was I?

JASON - Uh...oh...you were just saying how you and Willie hooked up.

THERESA - Oh yeah. So me and Willie become friends and it was so different for me because like I said, I have never really experienced that before.

JASON - Uh huh.

THERESA - She is like my only friend at Ahpla. And then she pledges Delta.

JASON - Okay.

THERESA - And that was real weird because the only friend that I had was now gone because she was on line. I never got to talk to her. And if I saw her on campus, she couldn't speak to me. I remember one time I saw her in the basement of the library. I brought her some food and met her there. That was the one time we got to speak.

JASON - That's funny.

THERESA - So then she crossed and I wanted to keep my distance from her and her sorors. You know, I wanted her to enjoy her new sisterhood and I didn't want to continually get in the way.

JASON - Uh huh.

THERESA - But she kept calling me and trying to hang out. I was telling her that I would understand if she wanted to hang with her sorors. But she was a true blue friend...or should I say a true red friend.

JASON - Ha ha ha ha, that was so corny.

(THERESA playfully slaps JASON's leg.)

THERESA - Shut up!

JASON - Ha ha ha, just kidding.

THERESA - So then you and I dated, and then you and her dated. No big deal. But the point is this..I need a favor from you.

JASON - What does that have to do with the story you told me?

THERESA - Well it all ties in. See, since me and Willie have had this recent falling out, we haven't spoken. And I need to be able to speak to her, for my own sanity I guess. She is like the only friend I have Jason, for real.

JASON - So what do you want me to do?

THERESA - I need for you to help me get back in good with Willie because...

(silence)

JASON - Because what?

(silence)

THERESA - ...because I want to be on the next Delta line.

Episode 41

2007-11-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

We begin this week's episode with BUCK and JUNE. JUNE is learning of BUCK's allegiance with MONA in her plot to get back at the AKAs.

BUCK - And that is how it went down. At first, I thought she was crazy and I wanted nothing to do with it. But then she offerred me some loot and...

JUNE - And you jumped at the chance huh? The chance to just dis me and the rest of my line sisters! For some money?

(JUNE starts to walk past BUCK and head for the door.)

BUCK - Wait wait! June listen to me. At first, yeah. I didn't know you but what difference did it make? I meet this chick who offers me some loot and I could also get back at Derrick a little. So big deal, I go into cohoots with Mona. But that was before I knew you and what kind of a person you are.

JUNE - What?

BUCK - No, I am serious. I think you are cool, real cool. I don't want to hurt you and that is why I am telling you the truth now. And this is the truth, I swear. After I got to know you a little, I wanted nothing more to do with Mona or her damn plans.

JUNE - And what about your stupid rivalry with Derrick?

BUCK - I mean, that can stay on the court. That is some basketball shit. Everybody knows Derrick got game and no matter how much trash I talk, I can't break his concentration.

JUNE - So this had all to do with Mona?

BUCK - Yeah, but now it doesn't. It has nothing more to do with her and all to do with me and you. Like I said, I am sorry for the way we started and I am sorry that you found out the way that you did. But if you would just give me a chance, I can make it up to you. If we could just start over, I will make you see that I really do like you and want to make you happy.

(silence)

BUCK - So what do you say?

JUNE - I say, get out of my way and let me out.

(BUCk stands aside and JUNE goes for the door.)

BUCK - June, I am sorry. I promise you I am really sorry. Please give me another chance.

JUNE - Good bye Buck.

(JUNE walks out the door.)

JUNE thinks - I have been way to easy on Mona! I have given her the benefit of the doubt from day one! But this is way too much! I have got to do something about her!

(While in BUCK's room...)

BUCK thinks - Dammit!

(BUCK picks up the phone.)

BUCK thinks - Damn! Damn!

(BUCK dials.)

MONA - Hello.

BUCK - Hey you! Listen, leave me out of your crazy stunts from now on okay? I knew I shouldn't have hooked up with your crazy ass in the first place!

MONA - What? What are you talking about?

BUCK - I am talking about you and your crazy notion to get back at all the AKAs. Leave me out of that shit! It is becuase of you that I lost a good friend in June and now she wants nothing more to do with me!

MONA - Consider yourself lucky Buck. I just did you a favor.

BUCK - What?

MONA - Didn't I tell you that June gave Derrick an std? That is why he broke up with her! If you had hit that, you would have been in the Amgis clinic the next morning mad about it!

(JUNE arrives at the dorm.)

JUNE - This shit is ridiculous with Mona. Lord please don't let me kill this girl.

(JUNE knocks on the door. The door opens.)

DERRICK - June? What are you...

JUNE - Can I come in Derrick? I really would like to talk.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We join OCTAVIA who has just arrived at the Alpha house where DONTE lives.

OCTAVIA - Hey D.

DONTE - What's up baby.

(They hug and kiss.)

OCTAVIA - How you feeling?

DONTE - I'm alright, how are you hon?

OCTAVIA - Cool but tired.

DONTE - Girl what you tired from?

OCTAVIA - Just drama. Some more stuff with Mona.

DONTE - Ha ha ha ha ha, welcome to greek life.

OCTAVIA - Shut up boy, I know it aint no utopia.

DONTE - You got that right!

OCTAVIA - But anyway. What you got to drink up in here?

DONTE - Hold on, I will get you something. Sprite is okay?

OCTAVIA - Yeah that is cool babe. Thanks.

(DONTE leaves the room. OCTAVIA gets up and looks around at some of the pictures and paddles on the walls.)

OCTAVIA thinks - This negro is Alpha Phi Alpha down! Good grief!

(DONTE comes back.)

OCTAVIA - You think you got enough para in here? Gosh!

DONTE - Actually, there is a small spot empty on that wall right over there. I am trying to find just the right piece to hang up.

OCTAVIA - You need to stop! But seriously, don't you think this is a bit much?

DONTE - This is the frat house. Of course it is supposed to be decked out with letters and shit.

OCTAVIA - No, this is your house. And you let frat use it as a party place. But it aint no official frat house.

DONTE - This has been the frat house for years. What are you talking about?

OCTAVIA - This has been the frat house since you crossed. Now granted, that was years ago, but this is not a sanctioned frat house by your chapter.

DONTE - Well do you have a problem with me letting brothers use my crib as a frat house?

OCTAVIA - No. You can do whatever you want with your house. That is certainly not my issue.

DONTE - But you do have an issue?

OCTAVIA - Well honestly Donte I am concerned. I mean, I think that you are way too caught up in the frat. You know?

DONTE - Huh? What do you mean?

OCTAVIA - I mean you are too caught up. It is too much a part of you.

DONTE - Whoa whoa whoa, wait a minute. What are you talking about? I am no more caught up in the frat than you are in your sorority.

OCTAVIA - That is not true. The difference between me and you is the fact that I know how to prioritize.

DONTE - And I don't?

OCTAVIA - Donte, how many nights were you with the line that just crossed? Every night they were on line weren't you?

DONTE - I mean, niggas gotta pledge. That shit is important.

OCTAVIA - It was important when Bobby pledged. It was important when Nino pledged. It was important when Wil and Trey pledged. But now, they can handle that. You should have been concerned with graduating. It shouldn't be your responsibility when you have younger bros in the chapter. It becomes their responsibility, their priority and important to them.

DONTE - Like you didn't get down with PJ and them?

OCTAVIA - Donte, I pledged last year!

DONTE - So?

OCTAVIA - So? That is different! I won't be pledging girls ten years from now, I will be a doctor somewhere and confident that the younger sorors will be able to take care of that.

DONTE - Well what if you weren't confident that they could handle it? Maybe I wasn't confident enough in Bobby and Reggie and them.

OCTAVIA - Then that is a problem that the chapter will have to work out. But I cannot put my life on hold to check on some college students when I am gone from this place. Call me if you need some advice, but soror I got work to do.

(silence)

OCTAVIA - Plus, you knew good and well that Reggie was a good choice for dean and that Bobby has been handling business for this chapter forever. You didn't even have to worry about that. They could've easily done the stuff with the line without you. But your priorities were not in order and now it leaves you in the worse predicament.

(silence)

OCTAVIA - You are not gonna graduate Donte. Isn't that important to you?

(DONTE turns and walks away.)

OCTAVIA - Don't walk away from me. Isn't that important? That is your problem, instead of facing situations, you run.

(DONTE turns back around but doesn't say anything.)

OCTAVIA - Is it important to you to graduate Donte?

DONTE - Yes.

OCTAVIA - Well what are you gonna do about it?

DONTE - What am I gonna do about it? There is nothing I can do about it. I just gotta do what I gotta do.

OCTAVIA - When? Next year? Donte, you need to be up in your proffessor's office. You need to be talking to the dean of the department. You need to be writing letters or something. You are so close yet you don't have the urgency to get there. You can walk this year, you just have some work to do.

DONTE - It isn't that simple and you know it.

OCTAVIA - Even if it is hard, you can't sit around here and do nothing. What are you gonna do? Step for the rest of your life man? Come on!

DONTE - Look, I am going to handle my business alright?

OCTAVIA - When?

DONTE - In my own time, in my own way.

(silence)

OCTAVIA - Well if that is your attitude, then you are going to handle your business without me. I cannot be with a man with no ambition. I am sorry Donte but I am out.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We rejoin SHAREESA who is in the student newspaper office, The Sands, with XAVIER.

SHAREESA - Ooh, you should put an announcement for the skeephi party in New Orleans this summer!

XAVIER - What?

SHAREESA - I saw it in the chat room. Put an announcement in there!

XAVIER - Heck no!

SHAREESA - Pleeeeeeeeease?

(SHAREESA kisses XAVIER's cheek.)

SHAREESA - You wouldn't do that for me?

XAVIER - I would post the Alpha Kappa Alpha Psi party in here! Ha ha ha ha!

SHAREESA - Awww come on Z. Put it in there.

(SHAREESA talks with a baby voice and kisses XAVIER on the cheek again.)

XAVIER - No way!

(SHAREESA kisses XAVIER's ear.)

SHAREESA whispers - I won't tell anybody that a Kappa put a skeephi ad in there. I promise.

XAVIER - Nope.

(SHAREESA kisses XAVIER's neck and ear.)

SHAREESA whispers - I won't tell a soul.

(XAVIER turns in his chair toward SHAREESA and they begin to kiss. First their lips meet a few times. Simple pecks. SHAREESA then parts her lips and turns her head as she fully kisses XAVIER.)

XAVIER thinks - What are we doing?

(They stop.)

XAVIER - Shareesa, what are we doing?

SHAREESA - I don't know.

(They stare at each other.)

XAVIER - I know we shouldn't be...

SHAREESA - ...doing this but...

(They peck each other again.)

XAVIER thinks - Oh my God, what am I doing?

(XAVIER stops and stands up.)

XAVIER - Wait Shareesa, what are we doing for real?

SHAREESA - We just kissed.

XAVIER - I know what we did literally. But what are we doing?

(silence)

SHAREESA - I don't know. I just felt something here.

XAVIER - What did you feel?

SHAREESA - I don't know. Something that I have not felt in a very long time.

(XAVIER sits back down after he pulls up a chair for SHAREESA.)

SHAREESA - I am sorry if I offended...

XAVIER - No, you didn't offend me at all. It is just scary.

SHAREESA - Kissing me is scary?

(XAVIER laughs.)

XAVIER - No, not like that. What I mean is...

SHAREESA - Yeah, you better fix that one!

XAVIER - What I mean is, it is scary that I think I felt something too.

SHAREESA thinks - Oh damn.

SHAREESA - Well what exactly did you feel?

(silence)

XAVIER - Well...it's just that I am not seeing anyone because I am tired of all the games. I try and meet nice people and all they want to do is be immature and play games. I don't have time for that. Then they complain about how they can't find a good man but when I tell them that there will be no sex going on, they bounce.

SHAREESA - I understand totally. I have been in a relationship that I knew for a long time was going nowhere. Like driving down a dead end street. But I was so caught up, I never would admit it to myself. I am tired of liars and games too.

XAVIER - I just want to be with someone sincere. Ya know? Someone who is honest and serious about being right.

SHAREESA - Yeah.

XAVIER - And most of all, someone that can respect my walk with Christ.

SHAREESA - I understand. I want the same thing. Just no more foolishness.

(silence)

XAVIER - The reason that this is all scary is because I felt that peace when you came in here tonight.

(silence)

XAVIER - And I am not supposed to feel that with you.

SHAREESA - I sincerely want a change Xavier. I am just as tired as you are. You are a good man, an honorable man. I know you have a good heart. I know what this situation is. And I know that I am not supposed to have feelings for someone like you...well not someone like you but moreso because you are a Kappa.

XAVIER - Yeah.

SHAREESA - I know what ramifications this kind of thing can cause. I know how I felt about PJ when I found out about her and Gregg, and she wasn't even a soror then.

XAVIER - Really?

SHAREESA - Yeah. And I don't know if you know this but Quinton is now dating Bobby's ex-girlfriend.

XAVIER - What? Quinton is that new Alpha right? I remember him from when he did a few columns here at the sands.

SHAREESA - Yeah, that's him.

XAVIER - So he is going with his frat brother's ex?

SHAREESA - Yeah.

XAVIER - Did it cause beef between them?

SHAREESA - I dont know.

(silence)

XAVIER - So we are saying that this is not a good thing for us to pursue...right?

SHAREESA - Yeah, maybe we are saying that.

XAVIER - It would probably be for the best. You know.

SHAREESA - Yeah.

(XAVIER stands up, SHAREESA does also.)

SHAREESA - Well, I just want to say, thank you for being the man that you are. There are some good men out there, and you are one of them.

XAVIER - Thanks Shareesa.

(They hug.)

XAVIER - I really appreciate that, more than you know.

(They are still hugging.)

SHAREESA - It is the truth.

(As they let go, they come in to kiss each other again.)

SHAREESA thinks - Oh God, why is this happening?

(They kiss.)

XAVIER thinks - Oh God, why is this happening?

(They stop and hug again. They then let go of each other and back up. At that moment, GREGG and APRIL walk in.)

GREGG - What's up Z...oh uh...hey Reece. I didn't know you were...what are you doing here?