Episode 78

GREGG is opening the door to his room. He is trying to hold in a laugh. Both XAVIER and MIKE have been arguing the entire way to GREGG's room. MIKE has a busted lip.

GREGG - Why don't you two get a little louder so everyone at Ahpla can hear you!

(XAVIER and MIKE look at GREGG and shut up as they enter GREGG's place.)

GREGG - Okay. Continue.

MIKE - What I'm sayin' is this, man! If you got a problem with me, then fine! Have a problem with me! But we need to keep that shit in house! Don't be showing your problems in front of other people, especially other Greeks!

XAVIER - Man, you got me so mad?

(XAVIER throws his hands up.)

XAVIER - ...this isn't even like me, man!

GREGG - That's the truth!

XAVIER - But Mike, do you realize why I'm so mad at you? You're so focused on being embarrassed in front of the damn Sigmas! Bump the Sigmas!

GREGG - Did you just say, "damn"?

(GREGG is smiling. XAVIER isn't.)

GREGG - Sorry, man. Continue.

XAVIER - Mike do you know what you are doing to this chapter? Do you know it's because of you that we are under investigation? Do you know it's because of your big mouth that Dell is now watching us with an eagle eye? We don't need that nosey nigga on our backs!

MIKE - How you gonna blame all this on me! You never told me who he was! And he never said who he was either! So, this ain't my fault! And don't blame me for gettin' in the face of that Sigma because you two were about to do the exact same thing at Amgis until Dell showed up! So, don't front!

XAVIER - How do you know we were gonna fight him? Huh? How do you know we weren't gonna go talk to him?

MIKE - Come on, Z! Be real! Stop reachin'! You may have wanted to talk to him! You probably wanted to pray for him! But Gregg was gonna kick his ass! And, so were the bruhs from Amgis! Right, G?

(XAVIER and MIKE turn to GREGG.)

GREGG - Look, that's not the point. All we're sayin' Mike is you are running 100 miles an hour in a 10-mile race. If you don't slow down, we're gonna take a real big fall, man. Seriously.

(silence)

MIKE - I can't believe y'all. I can't believe y'all are making it seem like all this is my fault when it's probably been building for the last two semesters!

XAVIER - What!

MIKE - Man, be real! What were y'all doin' before I came in the chapter? The Nupes weren't runnin' the yard! They 'bout to though!

XAVIER - Man, I should hit you again! You don't know all the work we do? We do more work then all them other frats and it's just been two of us for two years!

MIKE - But, look how bad y'all did in the step show last year at homecoming!

XAVIER - The step show? So what! Bump a step show! Did you learn anything on line, man? Forget that superficial stuff! Kappas are about the community, man! Look at all those boys that we mentor! Forget the step show! You in this game for the recognition? Or are you here to work!

MIKE - I hear all that, Z, but what the hell about your social status? That's important, too! I never used to see y?all on the yard in your letters! It's important to show pride in the frat! Y'all don't do anything! Fuck all these other punk-ass niggas! These niggas didn't pledge as hard as we did and they don't get no respect! It's time for us to claim our rightful spot, man!

XAVIER - Let me tell you something, neo! What you need to learn is that pledging?

(XAVIER's cell phone rings.)

XAVIER - Hold on.

(MIKE plops down in a chair as XAVIER quickly answers in a hurried tone.)

XAVIER - Hello!

APRIL - Xavier it's, me.

XAVIER - April, I really need to call you b?

APRIL - No! Hell no! We're gonna talk and we're gonna talk right now!

(XAVIER pauses.)

XAVIER - What did you say?

APRIL - I said we need to talk and I need to talk to you right this minute! If you value our friendship at all or if you ever want to see me again, then you will hear me out!

(silence)

(XAVIER holds up one finger to MIKE and GREGG and walks toward the door.)

XAVIER - Okay, okay. Go ahead. What's on your mind?

(XAVIER opens the door and steps into the hallway.)

APRIL - Xavier, I just don't understand you.

XAVIER - You don't understand me?

(XAVIER starts to walk slowly.)

APRIL - No, I swear I don't. You talk to me all the time about how you're looking for a good woman, and someone to share things with. And then you come over here and we talk about God and spiritual things.

XAVIER - Uh, huh.

APRIL - We read the Bible and you pray with me. And you lean on me when you're weak and we go through all that. And every time I get depressed, even in the middle of the night, I call you and you talk me through it. You don't even understand how you've been my support so many times. So many times I would cry for absolutely no reason at all and it was your phone call that got me through it.

(APRIL pauses.)

APRIL - So, I just don't understand how one minute you can be my crutch and then the very next day you can hurt me as bad as you do sometimes.

XAVIER - How April? How do I ever hurt you?

(APRIL jumps back in quickly.)

APRIL - How? Xavier if I call you one minute and need you and you're there for me, then I call you and need you and you aren't there, you're giving me mixed signals. You don't see that?

(silence)

APRIL - It's like...if there are gonna be times when I can't depend on you?

(APRIL stops and rethinks her statement.)

APRIL - I just need to know, Z. I mean, when you talk about your ideal woman...I mean...what's wrong with?

(She stops.)

(silence)

APRIL - Never mind. Look, I just need clarity on our friendship all right? I got a lot going on with school, finals and stuff. So I need to know what friends I can have in my life and what friends I may need to distance myself from a little. For my own goo...

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

APRIL - Dag...Xavier there is someone knocking on my door. Can you hold on for a hot second?

XAVIER - Yeah, okay sure.

(APRIL walks to the door with the phone still on her ear.)

APRIL thinks - Whoever this is, ain't stayin'.

(APRIL opens the door and XAVIER is standing there. He grabs her and hugs her close, causing her to drop her phone.)
:: NEW PAGE ::


SCENE 2

CHRISTIAN has reentered the room that is filled with her sorors of Delta Sigma Theta and THERESA and BREANNA.

ROBIN - Did you and Stacie talk?

CHRISTIAN - Yeah.

(silence)

ROBIN - Well, look, we gotta do this for the girls and finish up.

CHRISTIAN - Yeah, I know.

ROBIN - So, let's do this and maybe you and I can set up a time where we can sit down and talk about a few things.

CHRISTIAN - I would like that.

ROBIN - Okay, cool.

CHRISTIAN - Thanks, Robin.

ROBIN - Yeah.

(ROBIN quickly turns away and starts to direct her sorority sisters on what they are to do. As that happens there is a knock on the door. CHRISTIAN answers it.)

CHRISTIAN - Wassup, soror?

WILLIE - Hey, Chris. How you?

CHRISTIAN - Good, good. What's goin' on?

WILLIE - Nothin' much girl. I am so ready for all this to be over. Ya know?

CHRISTIAN - You? Girl, I want Bree and Theresa to cross more than they do!

(They both laugh.)

MARLANA - Everybody is here. You ready to get started?

ROBIN - Yeah, believe me. I'm ready. This has been the longest process I can remember.

(MARLANA laughs.)

MARLANA - I hear ya girl. Well, you guys did a good job. A real good job. Both these young ladies deserve the sisterhood and I think they're ready.

ROBIN - Thanks, soror.

(ROBIN gets ready to address the two pledges.)

ROBIN - Pledgees.

PYRAMIDS - Yes, Big Sister Jeopardy, did you address us!

(ROBIN smiles. MARLANA leans over to one of her line sisters.)

MARLANA whispers - They have to answer in the form of a question.

LISA whispers - Oh. That's funny.

ROBIN - Pledgees and sorors. We have come together under the beautiful symbol of Delta to unite once again. It's with great joy and pride that we see one another and fellowship within the love of the bond that we share.

(ROBIN becomes very serious.)

ROBIN - To my sorors...it is my honor to present to you two candidates of our sisterhood. Two ladies who have done what was asked of them to do, learn what was asked of them to learn, and sacrificed what was asked of them to sacrifice.

(ROBIN walks and stands in front of BREANNA, who is the number one.)

ROBIN - Breanna. You've personally been through more than any Pyramid that has ever come through this chapter. The fact that you were able to keep your personal life separate from your involvement with Delta Sigma Theta is a testament to your own personal fortitude, commitment, and dedication.

(BREANNA starts to cry but she stands still.)

ROBIN - I normally would never say this to a young lady entering the sorority, but Breanna I have to say that I look up to you. I have to say that I respect you as a woman?and I will as a soror.

(WILLIE wipes a tear away.)

(Before ROBIN shows any emotion, she turns and steps in front of THERESA.)

ROBIN - Theresa, Theresa, Theresa. What can I say about you?

(ROBIN smiles as she hesitates.)

ROBIN - If ever I have seen a turn around in a Pyramid, it's in you. I wasn't sure what to think of you at first. You just came with good references.

(ROBIN turns and smiles at WILLIE who has tears in her eyes.)

ROBIN - But through this process I've watched you bond with Breanna when I know you wouldn't have prior to being accepted to our line. I've seen you memorize your history in a matter of hours when it used to take other pledges days. I've seen you conquer tasks and step over obstacles that I know I barely climbed over. You are going to be a great asset to this chapter because of your energy and work ethic. And you are going to be a great addition to Delta Sigma Theta overall.

(THERESA is staring straight ahead. Every word that ROBIN has spoken has touched her heart.)

ROBIN - Willie?

(WILLIE steps up and stands in front of BREANNA. She pauses.)

WILLIE - Oh, I am so bad at this! I get so emotional!

(She leaps and hugs BREANNA as tears fall down both their faces. Then she turns to THERESA as the sorors in the room laugh.)

WILLIE - Theresa! My girl! I can't wait to congratulate you on the other side girl! Be strong!

(WILLIE and THERESA hug. THERESA is trying to remain serious but she smiles.)

WILLIE whispers - I love you, girl!

THERESA whispers - I love you, big sister!

WILLIE whispers - Wait until this is over! I gotta tell you what Jason did for me! He is my boo!

THERESA thinks - What?

ROBIN - Chris?

(WILLIE steps back and CHRISTIAN steps forward.)

CHRISTIAN - Ladies?

PYRAMIDS - Yes, Big Sister DSTeazy Off the Heazy Fo Sheazy My Neazy!

CHRISTIAN - Ladies, I brought you in and led you both by the hand. I watched your development into Delta every day and every night. I carried you when you all didn't have the strength. And when I lost my strength, it was watching you two that got me through and enabled me to be here today.

(silence)

CHRISTIAN - I'm proud of both of you...from the bottom of my heart.

(silence)

CHRISTIAN - I love you guys.

(BREANNA has tears rolling down her cheeks as she realizes what is about to happen. Even THERESA's eyes begin to water as CHRISTIAN backs away and ROBIN steps forward again.)

ROBIN - Pyramids!

PYRAMIDS - Yes, Big Sister Jeopardy, did you address us!?

ROBIN - Pyramids!

PYRAMIDS - Yes, Big Sister Jeopardy, did you address us!?

ROBIN - Pyramids!

PYRAMIDS - Yes, Big Sister Jeopardy, did you address us!?

ROBIN - Pyramid Breanna, are you ready?

PYRAMID BREANNA - Am I ready? Am I ready? What, you think I'm not ready Big Sister Jeopardy!?

WILLIE - Yeah, Bree! That's what I'm talkin' about! Get hype!

ROBIN - Pyramid Theresa, you ready?

PYRAMID THERESA - Didn't I tell you I was born ready, Big Sister Jeopardy?

(Everyone in the room gets excited. ROBIN smiles until the room quiets down.)

ROBIN - Sorors.

(All the Deltas leave the room. They are whispering amongst each other and smiling. They go into the other room and close the door behind themselves. Only ROBIN remains with the Pyramids.)

ROBIN - Ladies if you are really ready...then your journey begins here. What you have done so far to get Delta is nothing in comparison to what you will go through in your life as a Delta. The real work begins once you're in. So when I keep asking you if you're ready, I know y?all are thinking that I am asking if you are ready to cross. Of course you are because you're tired of being on line. That's not what I'm asking.

(She pauses.)

ROBIN - I'm asking?

(She steps closer to BREANNA's face.)

ROBIN - Are you ready to work as a woman of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated?

PYRAMID BREANNA - You know I am so why do you keep asking me Big Sister Jeopardy?

ROBIN - Theresa, are you ready to work as my soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated?

THERESA - Is there any real reason to question Big Sister Jeopardy?

(silence)

(ROBIN turns and walks toward the closed door.)

ROBIN - Follow me.
:: NEW PAGE ::


SCENE 3

CANDACE has just boarded her flight from New Orleans. She is going back to school.


CANDACE thinks - Wow, what a coincidence to run into Derrick here in New Orleans. How crazy was that?

(CANDACE places her seat belt on.)

CANDACE thinks - I can't believe I gave him my number! What was I thinking? What if he actually calls! Why did I give that boy my number?

(CANDACE gazes out the window of the plane.)

CANDACE - I don't know if I can do this. I don't know if I can do this.

MR. RICH - Candace, you have to do this. If nothing else, you made me buy a ticket for you to fly home on the spot.

(CANDACE doesn't laugh.)

CANDACE - Daddy.

MR. RICH - No, seriously, baby. You have to move on with your life. You have to close this chapter in your life. Now, I'll wait here. You go do what you have to do.

(CANDACE looks out the window of the car, looks back at her father and gets out.)

CANDACE thinks - I can do this. I can.

(CANDACE passes by numerous plots until she reaches one and stops. She reads.)

CANDACE reads - Nino Kevon Daniels

(CANDACE places both her hands behind her neck and lets her elbows rest on her chest.)

CANDACE reads - Nino Kevon Daniels. July 19, 1979 - December 27, 2001.

CANDACE thinks - God. Oh God.

(CANDACE is silent as she stares at the plot.)

CANDACE - Um...Nino.

(CANDACE looks around then looks back at the plot. She wipes a tear away.)

CANDACE - Nino...hey baby. It's me. Candace. Well, I guess you knew that, huh?

(silence)

CANDACE - Nino, I miss you like I never knew I could miss someone. I really do. Um...see baby, the thing is...the thing is I wasn't supposed to do this by myself. Nino you were supposed to be with me. You promised to be with me until the end of time. So, when you left me...um...I was hurt. I miss you but I'm hurt because you knew you were sick. Why didn't you stop stepping, Nino? Everyone in the world told you to stop and you knew you were hurting! Why did you keep doing it, Nino! Why!

(CANDACE is crying badly.)

CANDACE - You were supposed to stay with me! You were supposed to marry me! We were supposed to have children, Nino! And now...now I can't...I mean...I can't move on. I can't move Nino because my heart...my heart is still with you.

(CANDACE puts a flower on NINO's grave.)

CANDACE - Nino, I love you. I always will. A part of me will rest with you and I look forward to seeing you in heaven. But baby...I have to move on. I don't really know how. But I know you want me to move on. I haven't been able to really date any...well, I just can't open up to another...well, first of all, I have to forgive you for leaving me. I blamed you for a long time. Nino, I know...I know if you had your way, you'd be here with me.

(CANDACE wipes her face.)

CANDACE - But I do think that God called my angel back home. So, I try not to question. But I just feel?

(CANDACE looks around and then pulls a neatly folded paper out of her pocket.)

CANDACE - Baby, I knew I would choke up pretty bad once I got here. You know how emotional I am.

(CANDACE laughs.)

CANDACE - So, I wrote down what I'm feeling. I can just read it to you. Hold on.

(She unfolds the paper.)

CANDACE - Okay here goes.

CANDACE reads - To my precious, dearest Nino Kevon. I miss you with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind. I think about you 24 hours a day and seven days a week. I know you miss me too and I feel your pain in my heart. In my heart of hearts, I know you are waiting for me on the other side.

(CANDACE chokes up a little but continues.)

CANDACE reads - I know this may be hard to understand but I haven't moved on with my life since you've been gone. I've been walking around in a daze. In and out of class. In and out with sorors. In and out with life. I have to move on, Nino. Everyone has been saying it and I thought I had moved on. But I still have all of your pictures up and I still talk to you like you're there sitting next to me. I have to move on. Don't think I will ever forget you, Nino, because I never will. You are...

(She starts to cry harder.)

CANDACE - You are my first love. You are a true love. You are my loving heart. I will always have you near me. Know that I will always love you, Nino. Always.

(She folds the paper and puts it back.)

(silence)

CANDACE - Um...I don't really know what else to say. Um...

(silence)

CANDACE - Goodbye, Nino. I'll see you in my prayers.

(CANDACE closes her eyes before she walks away.)

CANDACE thinks - Just turn and walk away. Don't look back. Just turn and walk away. Don't look...

(CANDACE feels a hand on her shoulder and it startles her.)

CANDACE - Ahhhh! Dad?

FLIGHT ATTENDANT - Oh, I'm sorry, Miss. Were you asleep?

(CANDACE looks around. The plane is in the air.)

CANDACE - Oh no, I wasn't sleep. I was just...um...thinking about something.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT - Oh, okay.

(The flight attendant giggles.)

FLIGHT ATTENDANT - Would you like something to drink? Soda or juice?

CANDACE - Um...an orange juice would be fine. Thank you.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT - Sure.

(CANDACE reaches in her pocket and feels the edge of her folded letter to NINO. She takes a sip of juice and places the cup back down. She then reaches into her other pocket and pulls out a small piece of paper folded in half. She takes it out of her pocket and opens it.)

CANDACE reads - Derrick - 906-767-0813 cell