As the Sands Burn

BET Spin-off

2008-01-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

Click the episode numbers on the right to read the BET.com Episodes of As The Sands Burn. This set of Episodes will correspond to Season 3 of the Regular season. Enjoy!

Episode 80

2008-01-04T15:52:00.002-08:00

BOBBY is talking to PAULA in the hallway near QUINTON's door. AURORA ALEXIS has been hiding in QUINTON's room.

BOBBY - Paula...I can't blame you for the way that you feel. But if you give me one more chance, just one more to prove that I've changed and I can give you all the love you need, I swear I'll never hurt you again.

PAULA - Bobby, check this out.

(PAULA's tone changes and she is now speaking much softer.)

PAULA - I gave you a chance. You only get one chance with me. I told you when we met that I'm not the one to be cheated on and played with. I'm a strong woman. I don't need a man and I certainly don't need to be lied to by a man. So, as I applaud you for making mature changes in your life, I deeply believe that the changes you've supposedly made are only because of the fact that I caught you. Otherwise, you would be the same ol' Bobby. So, in that, I have lost interest.

(silence)

PAULA - Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta run.

(BOBBY watches her turn around and walk towards the elevator.)

PAULA thinks - I hope I don't start crying before the elevator comes! Please hurry up elevator!

(QUINTON's door opens and ALEXIS walks out into the hallway.)

BOBBY thinks - Oh shoot!

(BOBBY quickly turns his back to PAULA who is still walking toward the elevator. He motions to ALEXIS to walk in the other direction.)

PAULA thinks - Don't turn around!

(ALEXIS understands the hint and quickly turns her body around. BOBBY walks up next to her to shield her from PAULA.)

BOBBY whispers - Just walk with me. Paula is back there.

ALEXIS whispers - Thank you!

PAULA thinks - I can't take this! Where the hell is the elevator?

(PAULA looks up at the elevator numbers to see where the elevator is.)

PAULA thinks - I can't take it anymore!

(PAULA peeks toward where BOBBY was standing and she sees him walk through the exit door to the stairs with a girl.)

PAULA thinks - What the...

BOBBY - Hurry up and get out of here!

ALEXIS - Okay! Thank you, Bobby!

(ALEXIS smiles at BOBBY who doesn't smile back.)

BOBBY - No problem. Now get out of here and stop being so obvious! You can't come see Quinton over here!

ALEXIS - Okay!

BOBBY - Aight! Be careful, pledge.

(ALEXIS smiles as she starts to go down the stairs.)

BOBBY thinks - Dag!

(BOBBY steps back through the door and walks slowly toward QUINTON's room.)

BOBBY thinks - I can't believe this is happening to me!

(BOBBY stands in front of QUINTON's door but doesn't knock.)

BOBBY thinks - You know what? I can't do this right now. I'd probably kill one of the guys with this bad attitude. I gotta go.

(BOBBY turns and looks toward the elevator. He can already hear DONTE through QUINTON's door raising his voice.)

BOBBY thinks - Oh, I know I can't stay in there now! If that fool is getting ready to act up!

(BOBBY takes the elevator down to the lobby.)

BOBBY thinks - I really messed up with Paula. I really ruined it.

(BOBBY walks outside.)

BOBBY thinks - I can't ruin anything else in my life! Dag, I gotta stop being so stupid and wake the hell up!

(A student speaks to BOBBY as he walks by.)

DANIELLE - Hi Bobby!

BOBBY - Huh? Oh, hey.

(BOBBY almost ignores her.)

DANIELLE - That's all you got to say to me? Fine! Act that way if you want to! I don't get no hug or nothin'?

(BOBBY doesn't notice her speaking as he continues to walk.)

BOBBY thinks - It's my fault that Paula left. I haven't been responsible in my life!

(BOBBY walks on for what seems like forever. As he looks up, he realizes that he has walked onto the yard.)

BOBBY thinks - Hmmm, what a coincidence, just where I need to be.

(BOBBY quickens his pace and hurries across campus.)

BOBBY thinks - This is exactly what I need. Some psychotherapy. I need some help.

(He enters one of the buildings on campus.)

BOBBY thinks - I should've thought of this before. I need to refocus and get things in order?

(BOBBY knocks on the office door.)

BOBBY thinks - ...for once in my life!

ALEX - Come in!

(BOBBY enters DR. JEFFERSON's office.)

BOBBY - Dr. Jefferson?

ALEX - Yes, can I help you?

BOBBY - Yes sir, um, I don't know if you remember me but you helped me change my son's diaper one day in the bathroom last semester.

ALEX - Oh yeah! I knew you looked familiar! Come on in!

(BOBBY enters the office and closes the door behind him.)

ALEX - What was your name again?

BOBBY - Bobby.

(They shake hands.)

ALEX - Right right! Bobby! How is the little guy?

BOBBY - Well, that's why I'm here, Doc. I need your help with Lil? Derrick.

ALEX - My help? How?

BOBBY - I need custody. I want to take my son from his mother and her boyfriend and I don't know what kind of legal stand I have.

(silence)

(ALEX sits behind his desk and grabs his chin.)

ALEX - Tell me the situation, Bobby. I'll figure out a legal angle for ya.
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

The brothers of Iota Phi Theta are meeting and discussing the incident that occurred at the building dedication. An unidentified person dressed as an Iota pledge interrupted the ceremony with a loud, obnoxious greeting.

(There is a knock on the door. SAIFA answers it.)

SAIFA - Wassup, frat! Just the brother we want to talk to.

SEAN - And I'm glad we're all here!

(SEAN hurries in with confidence and stands in front of all the brothers.)

SEAN - Bros, I have some news about what happened! This is very hurtful to me and I almost can't believe it! But I know who that pledgee was! I know who did this!

(Everyone stops what they're doing and focuses on SEAN.)

SAM - You do?

RAY - Who?

SAIFA - Who did this?

(SEAN looks as if he wants to punch the wall.)

SEAN - I just did my research and I found out that the Iota brothers at Amgis College have one guy pledging underground! It must've been him!

(silence)

SAM - What?

SEAN - They got a dude pledging! It must've been him!

SAM - Sean, it wasn't the Amgis bros.

SEAN - How you know it wasn't?

SAM - Because those bros wouldn't do that to us. That's not what frat does to one another? What? You think they would do that to us as a joke?

SEAN - I don't know.

SAM - Naw, man. That guy even had your name up in the greeting. This was a personal attack.

SEAN - Oh. Well, maybe you're right.

RAY - Yeah. He's right. Frat wouldn't pull a stunt like that.

SAM - You've got a lot to learn, neo.

(Everyone laughs and SEAN joins them laughing.)

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - But seriously brothers. I'm more concerned with cleaning up the name and the image of our beloved Iota. I'm more interested in that then apprehending the culprits of this act.

SAIFA - I think we need to do both, sir. It's important that the campus know that we did not do this. But it's also important for us to find out who would play a trick like this. That way, we can be prepared for anything crazy in the future.

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - I understand my brother. I just want us to realize that if we do find out who is behind this, retaliation is not always the wisest choice.

SEAN - And why not?

DR COLIN MWATSUMI - Because retaliation is usually orchestrated without thought?Thought of consequence or repercussions.

SAIFA - Colin is right y'all. We can't go out trying to kill whoever is behind this.

SAM - Kill is such a harsh word. We do need to maim some folks though. Seriously. I mean come on y?all. These cats made Iota Phi Theta look bad. Real bad. And I know everybody in this room loves I-Phi. How we gonna take this lying down?

SAIFA - We won't lie down and we definitely won't roll over dead. We just need to be smart and careful.

RAY - Yeah.

SAIFA - If nothing else, the entire campus body and administration is looking at us through a microscope now. The last thing we need to do is give them something to focus on.

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - So true.

(DR. MWATSUMI's cell phone rings.)

DR. MWATSUMI - Excuse me, brothers.

SAIFA - Sure, sir.

SAM - So are we back at square one with finding out who did this?

SEAN - I am.

RAY - I don't have a freakin' clue.

SAIFA - Well, I got some people on campus keeping their ears and eyes open. Maybe something will turn up or someone will hear something.

SAM - Good idea.

SAIFA - In the meantime?

(DR. MWATSUMI returns.)

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - Brothers, I need to leave. That was President Bryce. I have to meet with him now over dinner.

SAIFA - Okay, sir.

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - I'll keep you all informed as to what transpires.

SAIFA - Good.

SEAN - Doc, you and President Bryce are buddies, right?

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - Yes, but that's personal. This is business.

SEAN - It's like that? He can't look out for ya?

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - His phone call was very professional and his voice was all business. I have to treat it as such.

SAIFA - Yeah, Sean, he does.

SEAN - You know best.

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - Saifa, I will call when we have completed.

SAIFA - Yes, sir.

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - Good evening, brothers.

SAM - Ow! Ow! Doc!

(The doctor leaves.)

SEAN - This is so ugly.

RAY - Yeah.

SAIFA - What was I saying? Oh yeah. In the meantime, bruhs, we need to put our heads together and really think long and hard on who would do this to us.

RAY - Well, let's look at this smartly, like how Colin was telling us. You said the pledgee used Sean's name right?

SAIFA - Right.

RAY - So, whoever did this had to have known that Sean is now an Iota.

SAIFA - Right. He knew Sean's name. Any other clues?

SAM - Hmmm, let me think.

(The room gets quiet as everyone is brainstorming.)

SEAN - Clues. Clues. Are there any other clues.

SEAN thinks - Are there any clues? Clues? Clu?

(SEAN stops thinking and turns toward SAIFA.)

SEAN - Wait a minute!

SAIFA - What?

SEAN - Clues! Clues! Ques! That's it!

RAY - What?

SEAN - The Ques!

SAIFA - What are you talking about?

SEAN - I got into it with Ronnie the week before this happened! I bet the Omegas did this!

(PRESIDENT BRYCE extends his hand toward DR. MWATSUMI. They shake and sit.)

PRESIDENT BRYCE - Thanks, Colin, for meeting me on such short notice.

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - Yes, sir. We are as anxious and eager to put the event to a close as the administration is.

PRESIDENT BRYCE - Good. Basically Colin you know me. I get right to the point. The board of trustees has recommended to revoke the young charter of your brotherhood forever.

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - Our charter? Forever!

PRESIDENT BRYCE - Colin, this school has strict policies on hazing and you know that. If we don't act swiftly and severely in this manner, it will set a precedent through the entire campus.

DR. COLIN MWATSUMI - But sir, you know we had nothing to do with this! You know that person was in no way shape or form involved with Iota Phi Theta!

PRESIDENT BRYCE - I know that and you know that. But unless you can come up with who it is, the word of the board is final.
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 3

MONA has boarded the shuttle bus toward Taylor Hall to the interest meeting for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She's going to see if she finds her younger sister MIYA there.

MONA thinks - I know that girl better not be up in their interest meeting! I know that!

(MONA looks out the window as the bus begins to pull off.)

MONA thinks - This doesn't even make any sense! Miya has always wanted to be an AKA. She's been into Mommy's AKA stuff even before me!

(The bus comes to a jerking stop as a couple students rush to get on it.)

MONA thinks - I wish they'd hurry up! Gosh, come on!

(There are only a few seats available on the bus. One of them is next to MONA. As the seats quickly fill in, MONA's is the last seat available as the last student rushes onto the bus.)

MONA thinks - Oh no!

(MONA places her bag on the seat to occupy it. She then looks out the window as if she doesn't notice one last student needing a seat.)

JAHANNA - Is this seat taken?

(MONA looks up.)

MONA thinks - Dag!

(MONA takes her bag down and turns toward the window again.)

JAHANNA - Hello, Mona.

MONA - Hey...um...Jahanna right?

JAHANNA - You know my name.

MONA - Mmmm hmmmm.

(The bus takes off.)

MONA - So, how have you been Miss Jahanna?

JAHANNA - I can't complain. How are you, Monster?

MONA - What?

JAHANNA - I mean Mona.

(MONA cuts her a funny look.)

MONA - I've been better to be honest. I gotta go snatch up my little sister.

JAHANNA - You have a sister?

JAHANNA thinks - Oh God!

MONA - Yeah, I have a little sister. She's coming to Ahpla next semester.

JAHANNA thinks - Lord, no!

MONA - And I think she may be hanging with my cousin Sharonda now.

JAHANNA - So? What's wrong with that?

MONA - Sharonda is a Zeta and tonight is their interest meeting.

JAHANNA - It is?

MONA - Yeah, you didn't see the fliers?

JAHANNA - No, actually I hadn't.

MONA - Oh yeah, you probably wouldn't. You're still lookin' for ours to be posted up, huh?

(JAHANNA cuts MONA a look, then spins around quickly to see if anyone is listening.)

JAHANNA - Uh, yeah, Mona. Right.

MONA - So anyway, I'm headed over there now to see if Miya is over there and if she is, I wanna get her out and on the right track to AKA.

JAHANNA thinks - Oh, my God, two Fergusons in the chapter? And what if I do get accepted next time! She may be my line sister!

JAHANNA - So, what happens if you find her over there? What are you gonna do?

MONA - I'm gonna remain calm. And then I'm gonna slap her silly. And then I'm gonna make sure she gets her head straight and goes pink and green and not blue and white. Feel me?

JAHANNA thinks - Hell no!

JAHANNA - Yeah, I feel you.

(The bus pulls up on campus and stops. MONA looks out the window and can see Taylor Hall.)

MONA - Gosh, now I gotta walk into a land of Zetas!

JAHANNA - Uh, Mona, would you mind if I went with you?

MONA - Huh?

JAHANNA - Well, I was thinking.

(JAHANNA and MONA stand up to exit the bus.)

JAHANNA - She may not listen to you about pledging AKA because you're her sister. But if I tried to convince her, she may be more inclined to listen to me. Ya know?

MONA - You know what, Jahanna? That's not a bad idea.

(They step off the bus.)

MONA - So, you're willing to help me? You're willing to go with me to the Zeta meeting?

JAHANNA - Yeah. What are friends for Mona?

(JAHANNA extends her hand toward MONA. MONA takes it and shakes it.)

MONA - Okay, cool. Thanks, Jahanna.

JAHANNA - Yeah.

MONA - It'll definitely help if you steer my sister toward AKA.

JAHANNA - Yep.

JAHANNA thinks - And I'm gonna do everything in my power to steer young Fergie to Zeta!

Episode 79

2008-01-04T15:52:00.001-08:00

STACIE has just walked out of ROBIN's room leaving her line sisters and sorors with the Pyramid pledgees.

(STACIE quietly opens the door and steps outside.)

STACIE thinks - This whole thing is slowly becoming old to me. It's good to see my line sisters but seeing the girls is starting to get played.

(STACIE walks toward the elevator.)

STACIE thinks - Yeah. This is the last line I'll probably see.

(STACIE pushes the elevator button and looks back toward the room.)

STACIE thinks - I wonder if I only feel this way because of how I feel about Christian right now.

(STACIE stares back at the elevator and waits for it to open. She hears ROBIN's door open, where she just came from.)

CHRISTIAN - Stacie, do you have a minute? I'd really like to have a word with you.

(silence)

(The elevator rings and the door begins to open. STACIE turns to look at the elevator. There are two students standing on it.)

(silence)

STACIE - Y'all go ahead down. I'll catch the next one.

(The door closes and CHRISTIAN walks toward STACIE.)

CHRISTIAN - Thank you.

STACIE - Talk fast, Chris.

CHRISTIAN - Okay, okay. Um...Stacie, if I said I'm sorry...

(STACIE turns away and faces the elevator.)

CHRISTIAN - Wait! No, don't leave.

(STACIE turns back around, now seemingly aggravated. She doesn't speak.)

CHRISTIAN - Okay, I'll be real, Stacie. I can't say I'm sorry. When I did what I did...

(CHRISTIAN looks down.)

CHRISTIAN - ...when I did what I did, I knew what I was doing. It was the most un-sisterly thing I could have ever done.

(silence)

(CHRISTIAN looks STACIE in the eyes.)

CHRISTIAN - Stacie this sorority means everything to me. It does. I know it may not have shown through my actions but it really does. If I could go back in time to change things, I would. I would in a heartbeat.

(silence)

CHRISTIAN - I swear, I never would've done what I did. I never would've placed my selfishness in front of your sisterhood to me. I never would've disrespected you or what you have.

(STACIE is staring back in silence.)

CHRISTIAN - I think that it's more than what I did as to how I felt about it. I don't think that the magnitude really hit me until I saw your face when you and Alex came into my room that day. When I knew that he told you and it affected my life with you and Delta, my whole world crashed.

(CHRISTIAN holds her hands out.)

CHRISTIAN - This may sound crazy, Stacie, but up until that point, I only saw you as Alex's wife. Even though I knew perfectly who you were in the chapter, I saw you as Alex's wife and not as Soror Stacie Jefferson. That day that you came to see me, I saw you as a soror. And when you left upset with me, I died.

(CHRISTIAN starts to cry.)

CHRISTIAN - Ever since I have prayed that you would try and understand. I don't expect for you to forgive me. Because what I did was unforgivable. But I hate the fact that you don't consider me a soror to you anymore. I can't live with that, Stacie.

(She turns away and wipes her eyes. The elevator comes again. The doors open and there are students on it. It closes back.)

CHRISTIAN - Stacie...

(CHRISTIAN pauses.)

CHRISTIAN - Stacie, I'm not standing here giving you an apology. I'm not asking for you to forgive me now, hug me, and be on your way. I'm not even asking you to say anything. Just the fact that you stood here and listened...speaks volumes.

(silence)

CHRISTIAN - Thank you, Stacie.

(STACIE turns around and pushes the elevator button.)

(silence)

CHRISTIAN - Well, um...

(CHRISTIAN wipes her face and sniffs her nose.)

CHRISTIAN - ...I guess, I'll, um...see you when Theresa and Breanna cross next week?

(STACIE doesn't answer.)

CHRISTIAN - Okay, maybe not.

(The elevator comes and the door open.)

CHRISTIAN - Um...take care, Stacie.

(STACIE turns her back on CHRISTIAN and steps onto the elevator.)

STACIE - Take care, Christian.
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

The brothers of Iota Phi Theta fraternity have decided to have a meeting to discuss what occurred at the building dedication.

SAIFA - This is crazy!

DR. MWATSUMI - Crazy is being very generous, Saifa -- very generous.

RAY - Dude, it's almost like I don't want to believe this story! I can't believe this!

SAIFA - Oh, it's very true. Just like I told you.

(SAIFA starts to recount the story.)

SAIFA - Me and Sean are sitting there and we're proud to see Brother Mwatsumi on the rostrum, and just as the ceremony is getting underway, this...this...

(SAIFA pauses.)

SAIFA - this dude dressed like a Centaur...runs on stage and starts...this ridiculous and disrespectful greeting.

DR. MWATSUMI - I was appalled!

RAY - So, the dude starts to do a greeting? Right in the middle of everyone!

SAIFA - Yes! And he's saying all kinds of foul stuff!

RAY - So, then what happened?

SAM - He runs off and security chases him.

RAY - Dag! And then it ended?

DR. MWATSUMI - No, my brothers. Then it began!

(Everyone focuses their attention toward DR. MWATSUMI, who is visibly upset.)

DR. MWATSUMI - How embarrassing it was for me as I sat there through the rest of the ceremony with everyone thinking that this was a pledgee of my fraternity! The president of the university, himself, asked me to have a council with him this week! This has nothing to do with us!

SAIFA - I know sir. I know.

RAY - So, what should we do?

(silence)

RAY - Where's Sean?

SAIFA - He's on his way over. I just spoke to him.

RAY - So, Saifa, what are we gonna do, man? Seriously.

SAM - Yeah, we need to find out who's behind this because it obviously wasn't us.

DR. MWATSUMI - But who would do such a thing? Intentionally?

SAIFA - I don't know, sir. But apparently, someone would because someone did it.

SAM - And since it wasn't us, then someone had to do it.

(SAIFA's cell phone rings.)

SAIFA thinks - Not again!

(He checks the caller id on his phone before he answers.)

SAIFA - Ever since it happened, my cell phone has been blowing up! People keep asking me what the deal is and I honestly don't know! Then they think I'm lying and just protecting our Centaur!

(SAIFA answers his phone.)

SAIFA - Hello? Hey what's up.

(RAY turns toward the doctor.)

RAY - Did anything else happen, Dr.?

DR. MWATSUMI - I just know that I was embarrassed out of my wits! I didn't know what to say to any of the faculty. I couldn't offer an apology because I didn't orchestrate it!

SAM - But check this out, Sean had on his frat jacket.

RAY - Oh, word?

SAM - Man, if you think it was bad on Brother Mwatsumi, how do you think Sean felt going through the crowd when it was over?

RAY - Oh, that must have been nuts!

SAM - It was! For real, we had to huddle up and come together! People were looking over at us like we really had something to do with it. So, we just got out fast.

DR. MWATSUMI - This is not good. This is not giving a good impression of Iota on campus.

(SAIFA comes back.)

SAIFA - That was another phone call of someone asking what the deal is. The news is all over campus!

SAM - Well, everyone in the school was there! Everyone saw it!

(silence)

SAM - Where's Sean?

SAIFA - I don't know, I thought he'd be here by now. Let me call his cell.

(SAIFA dials.)

SAM - Doctor, what do you think I should do?

(DR. MWATSUMI rubs his chin.)

DR. MWATSUMI - We need to show a bit of patience and intelligence. We need to construct a letter to the administration on Iota Phi Theta letterhead stating that we had nothing to do with the incident that occurred and have no idea of any illegal pledge activity going on.

SAM - That's a great idea! I'll start writing it now.

DR. MWATSUMI - Good, in the meantime I'll call some of the faculty that I personally know on an individual basis. Just to let them know.

RAY - Great!

(SAIFA rejoins them.)

SAIFA - Sean was right downstairs when I called him. He'll be right up.

RAY - Good. We need to carefully figure out our next move. Dr. M says we should write a letter to administration.

SAIFA - Good idea. If we can diffuse this before it gets any bigger, that would really help.

RAY - Yeah.

(There is a knock on the door. SAIFA answers it.)

SAIFA - Wassup, frat! Just the brother we want to talk to.

SEAN - And I'm glad we're all here!

(SEAN hurries in with confidence and stands in front of all the brothers.)

SEAN - Bros, I have some news about what happened! This is very hurtful to me and I almost can't believe it! But I know who that pledgee was! I know who did this!

(Everyone stops what they're doing and focuses on SEAN.)

SAM - You do?

RAY - Who?

SAIFA - Who did this?

(SEAN looks as if he wants to punch the wall.)

SEAN - I just did my research and I found out that the Iota brothers at Amgis College have one guy pledging underground! It must've been him!
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 3

REGGIE pulls up in his car in front of BOBBY's place. He calls him from his cell phone.

BOBBY - Yeah.

REGGIE - You ready? I'm outside.

BOBBY - Oh, okay. I'll be right down.

(They hang up.)

(REGGIE sees BOBBY coming out.)

BOBBY - Wassup?

REGGIE - Chillin', man.

(REGGIE pulls off.)

REGGIE - Can you believe it's that time of year again?

BOBBY - Who you tellin'!? Seems like Quinton and them just crossed and already we got some new dudes.

REGGIE - I know. We gettin' old, man!

(They both laugh.)

BOBBY - You know I heard Donte is there.

REGGIE - Where?

BOBBY - At Quinton's.

REGGIE - He's there now?

BOBBY - Yeah.

REGGIE - Oh, God! We'd better hurry before he kills one of them new boys!

(They both laugh.)

BOBBY - But, forget that, let's talk about some important stuff.

REGGIE - Important stuff?

BOBBY - Don't front! You know the deal!

REGGIE - What? What are you talkin' about?

(REGGIE smiles.)

BOBBY - Negro, you know exactly what I'm talking about! You said you were seeing someone. Who?

(silence)

BOBBY - Oh, so now you can't talk?

REGGIE - Yeah, I can talk.

BOBBY - So, wassup, man? Who's the lucky girl?

REGGIE - Well...

(REGGIE pauses.)

REGGIE - ...I didn't know how to tell you this man.

BOBBY - Tell me? What's the big deal.

(REGGIE laughs to himself.)

REGGIE - You'll see when I tell you.

BOBBY - Okay, now the suspense is killin' me! Spill the beans bro. Who are you seeing?

(REGGIE pauses.)

REGGIE - Caryn.

(silence)

(REGGIE looks over at BOBBY to see his reaction. BOBBY is staring back at REGGIE.)

BOBBY - Seriously?

REGGIE - Yeah.

BOBBY - Seriously.

REGGIE - Yeah, man. Seriously.

(silence)

BOBBY - You're hittin' Caryn? My ex, Caryn?

REGGIE - She ain't your ex.

BOBBY - Yeah but...

(silence)

(BOBBY starts laughing.)

REGGIE - What? What's so funny?

BOBBY - Nothin', man. I mean, I ain't mad at ya or nothin'.

REGGIE - Well, to be honest, she ain't my girl or nothin'. I know she's still messin' with that dude from the basketball team.

BOBBY - Derrick.

REGGIE - Yeah, Derrick. But I was chillin' with her one night, and one thing led to another.

BOBBY - Yeah. Typical.

REGGIE - So, it's just like that. I kinda figured you wouldn't care. It's not like it's Paula.

BOBBY - Yeah. I'd have to kill you then.

REGGIE - No, you wouldn't because I'd never go there.

(REGGIE begins to park in front of QUINTON's dorm.)

BOBBY - So you and Caryn, huh?

REGGIE - Don't make it more than it is. Ya know?

BOBBY - Yeah but...

(BOBBY laughs again.)

BOBBY - I hear it man.

(They get out of the car.)

REGGIE - Speaking of Paula, have you spoken to her?

BOBBY - Naw, man.

(They walk into the dorm in silence.)

BOBBY - I wish I could just get a chance to talk to her. But she won't let me.

REGGIE - Is she still mad?

BOBBY - Honestly man, I think she's just through with me. It's my fault.

REGGIE - Wow.

BOBBY - If I could just talk to her, I know I could change her mind.

(BOBBY and REGGIE step off the elevator on QUINTON's floor. They both stop short as they notice QUINTON hugging ALEXIS in the hallway. She is crying into his shoulder.)

REGGIE - Is that Alexis? I thought she was pledging.

(BOBBY is staring at the couple as the second elevator opens behind him.)

PAULA - I know she's here, Jenn! Alexis is so predictable, I know she's coming to see her...

Episode 78

2008-01-04T15:51:00.002-08:00

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

Episode 77

2008-01-04T15:51:00.001-08:00

DERRICK is waiting in the Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans, Louisiana. He and his teammates have a flight to catch to Chicago for a game. He is falling asleep when his cell phone rings.

DERRICK - Wassup?

CARYN - Hey, baby.

DERRICK thinks - Baby?

DERRICK - What's goin' on?

CARYN - I miss you. Where are you?

DERRICK - New Orleans.

CARYN - Ooooh! I like New Orleans! Buy me a ticket and I'll come down and meet you.

DERRICK - I'm leaving New Orleans now. I'm at the airport; we're flying to Chicago.

CARYN - Oh. Never mind -- too cold there.

(CARYN laughs.)

DERRICK - Yeah. Listen, I'm mad sleepy. Let me hit you?

CARYN - No wait, I gotta talk to you about something?

DERRICK - Oh yeah? Wassup?

(DERRICK yawns.)

CARYN - Boo, there's a few questions I need to ask you. Okay?

DERRICK - For what?

CARYN - Just answer 'em. I'll explain after I finish askin' 'em.

DERRICK - Aight.

(CARYN clears her throat.)

CARYN - How do you feel about Lil' Derrick?

DERRICK - How do I feel about him?

CARYN - Yeah, how do you feel about him?

DERRICK - Caryn, what's this about?

CARYN - Just answer please. I'll tell you in a second.

DERRICK thinks - Lord!

DERRICK - I mean, I love lil' man. He's my pride and joy.

CARYN - And would you give up everything for him?

DERRICK - In a heartbeat.

CARYN - Okay, next question.

DERRICK - Uh, huh.

CARYN - How do you feel about me?

(silence)

DERRICK - Um...in what sense?

(silence)

CARYN - Let me just cut to the chase, Derrick.

(CARYN pauses.)

CARYN - You wanna get married?

DERRICK - Do I wanna what?

CARYN - Do you wanna get married?

DERRICK - To you?

CARYN - Of course to me, silly!

(CARYN laughs.)

DERRICK - Caryn, what's this about?

CARYN - Nothing. I think we should get married. We've been together long enough and we need to make it official.

(silence)

DERRICK - Okay you imposter, can you put the real Caryn on the phone, please?

(They both laugh.)

CARYN - This is the real me.

DERRICK - Oh yeah? Prove it!

CARYN - Okay, I know you got a mole right next to your?

DERRICK - Okay! Okay! It's you!

(CARYN smiles.)

CARYN - So, what do ya think of my...proposal?

DERRICK - I think you've been drinking. What in the world brought this on?

CARYN - Like I said, I just think that we?

DERRICK - Caryn, Caryn. Keep it real.

(silence)

CARYN - Okay look. I'm afraid of Bobby trying to get Lil' Derrick from me. And I think that if we were married, he'd never be able to take him away. We'd be a family.

DERRICK - Is that what this is about? So, you want to marry me because you're afraid of Bobby?

CARYN - Well, yeah. What's wrong with that?

DERRICK - Caryn, you marry someone because you are in love with them and you want to spend the rest of your life with them. You don't marry people just out of the blue or for other reasons like that.

CARYN - What difference does it make?

DERRICK thinks - God, why me?

DERRICK - Caryn, that's why everybody is running around getting divorces these days -- because they get married for the wrong reasons. Look, don't worry about Bobby. He doesn't have a legal leg to stand on when it comes to Lil? Derrick.

CARYN - Are you sure? I don't think you know Bobby very well. He's shady.

DERRICK - Yeah, well even shady has its limits.

CARYN - So, you're saying you don't want to marry me?

DERRICK - I'm sayin' that you really don't want to marry me.

(silence)

DERRICK - Now, don't say anything to confirm that. You'll hurt my feelings. So let me go and I'll call you from Chicago, okay?

CARYN - Okay, Derrick.

DERRICK - Will you be home tonight?

CARYN - Actually, no. Me and my girls are partying tonight.

DERRICK thinks - Dag every night?

DERRICK - Okay, well, you just call me then.

CARYN - Okay, boo. Bye.

DERRICK - Yeah. Later.

(They hang up. DERRICK stares at his phone then slowly gets up to go to the bathroom.)

DERRICK thinks - I can't believe that girl. What the hell makes her say the things she says?

(As DERRICK is walking toward the bathroom, he sees a very familiar face.)

DERRICK thinks - Hey, I know her from?

(DERRICK approaches.)

DERRICK - Excuse me, have we met before?

(CANDACE turns around.)

CANDACE - Hey! Derrick, right!

DERRICK - Yeah, um?

(DERRICK is trying to remember her name.)

CANDACE - Candace.

DERRICK - Right! You went to Ahpla!

CANDACE - Yeah, I'm still there now. I remember you playing basketball. You're playing in the NBA now right?

DERRICK - Yeah. We played New Orleans last night. That's why I'm here. Flying out to Chicago now.

CANDACE - Oh, cool. Well congratulations on making it to the big league.

(DERRICK laughs.)

DERRICK - Thanks! What brings you here?

CANDACE - Well, I'm from here and I had to come back home for?

(CANDACE pauses.)

CANDACE - ...to take care of something. I'm flying back to school now.

DERRICK - Oh, okay.

(silence)

DERRICK - Well, it was nice running into you, Candace.

CANDACE - Yeah, you too, Derrick. Good luck in playing ball.

DERRICK - Thanks.

(silence)

DERRICK - Okay, well...see ya around.

(CANDACE smiles and pushes her hair from in front of her eye.)

CANDACE - Yeah.

(DERRICK turns to leave, then quickly turns back.)

DERRICK - Candace, is it okay if I maybe called you? Like tonight after my game?
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

As MONA attempts to call her cousin SHARONDA, her little sister MIYA answers the phone.

MIYA - Hello?

MONA - Hey, girl you are not gonna believe what I'm watching!

MIYA thinks - Oh, shoot!

(silence)

MONA - Hello? Sharonda?

(MIYA looks around for SHARONDA quickly but doesn't see her amongst the many Zetas and interested ladies at the interest meeting.)

MIYA - Yeah...hey Mona.

(MIYA disguises her voice to sound like SHARONDA.)

(silence)

MONA - Miya?

MIYA thinks - Dag!

MONA - Miya, why are you answering Ronda's phone?

(MONA gets up. She glances back at MIKE, who is arguing with AHMAD, then she walks toward the exit door.)

MONA - Where are you?

(As MONA walks out the revolving door, she doesn't notice GREGG and XAVIER walk through the door into the dorm right past her.)

MIYA - Um...um...

MONA - Where's Ronda?

MIYA - Uh...she's around here somewhere?

MONA - Around where? Where are you, girl?

MIYA - I, uh...I was trying to surprise you!

MONA - Surprise me?

MIYA - Yeah. I came up to campus and I hooked up with Ronda. We were gonna come by your place.

MONA - Oh, cool! You're silly, girl. Well, where are you right now?

MIYA - Um?

(MIYA looks around.)

MIYA - At Ronda's.

MIYA thinks - Whew! That was close!

MONA - Well, what time are y?all comin' through?

MIYA - Soon, I guess.

MONA - Okay, cool. So, I'll see you two in a few.

MIYA - Okay, Mona.

MONA - Later, sis.

MIYA - Bye.

(They hang up.)

MONA thinks - She is so sweet!

(MONA remembers MIKE about to fight with AHMAD.)

MONA thinks - Oh, shoot! I almost forgot about Mike!

(As MONA hurries to go back into the lobby, she sees a flier on the front door of the dorm.)

MONA thinks - What's this?

MONA reads - Are you progressive? Are you energetic? Do you want to advance yourself and your community? If so, come check out the progressive, energetic, finer women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, at our interest meeting. Tonight in Taylor Hall. Learn our history; our purpose; see if you have what it takes to become an illustrious lady of our sorority. Tonight from seven to nine. Refreshments served after.

MONA thinks - Seven to nine?

(MONA looks at her watch. It's 7:55.)

MONA thinks - Wait a minute, wouldn't Sharonda be at the...

(MONA reaches into her pocket and pulls out her cell phone. She dials.)

MONA thinks - Sharonda better answer!

SHARONDA's ANSWERING MACHINE - Hey, this is Sharonda Ferguson. Leave me a mess?

(MONA hangs up. She turns and looks back at the Zeta Phi Beta flier.)

MONA reads - Tonight in Taylor Hall.

MONA thinks - Taylor Hall.

(She looks at her watch again. MONA starts to jog toward the waiting shuttle bus.)
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 3

DRE opens the door to the Omega Psi Phi house and walks in.

DRE - What's up, bruh!

RONNIE - What up, dog!

DRE - Wassup, Nasim.

NASIM - Ay, Dre.

(DRE slaps hands with RONNIE's cousin NASIM who is sitting on the couch next to RONNIE.)

DRE - What's up with y?all, man?

RONNIE - Just watching the Laker game, dude. What's up with you?

DRE - Nothing, man. Got some reading to do. Can y'all keep it down? I know how you two get.

RONNIE - No problem, bruh.

NASIM - Yeah, no problem.

DRE - Thanks.

(DRE walks upstairs to study.)

NASIM - Y'all got anymore chips up in here?

RONNIE - No cuz, you ate 'em all! Dag man!

(NASIM laughs.)

NASIM - Let me go see what else y'all got up in here.

(NASIM gets up to walk into the kitchen.)

RONNIE - Hey man, don't get crazy! Food in here is for the bruhs!

NASIM - I know man. I just want a snack.

(NASIM disappears into the kitchen as the front door opens again.)

RONNIE - What's up, team?

TY - What's the deal?

RONNIE - Nothin' much. Where you coming from?

TY - Hangin' on the yard.

RONNIE - Oh, yeah? Is it jumpin out there or something?

TY - Naw, not really. Everyone on the yard is buzzin' over that Iota stuff. It's crazy!

(RONNIE starts to laugh as NASIM comes out of the kitchen.)

RONNIE - Ha ha ha ha! What are people sayin?, dude?

TY - Man, they sayin' that the Iotas are bold as hell to pull a publicity stunt like that! They said that their chapter just got started and they about to get suspended already!

RONNIE - Really?

(RONNIE cracks up laughing as NASIM sits down.)

NASIM - What's the big joke? I wanna laugh, too. Ha ha ha ha!

TY - I was just telling Ronnie what the peeps on the yard are saying about the Iotas. Ha ha ha ha!

NASIM - The who?

RONNIE - Ha ha ha ha! You know man, Iota Phi Theta. That other frat!

NASIM - Oooooooooooh!

(NASIM starts to laugh loudly.)

TY - Bruh, what in the world were they thinking? That was the stupidest thing I ever saw!

(RONNIE starts to laugh even louder.)

RONNIE - Wait, wait! Ha ha ha ha! Sean's name was in the greeting! Ha ha ha ha!

(All three laugh loud. DRE comes downstairs.)

DRE - Bruhs! Come on, man! I gotta study! What the hell!

RONNIE - Ha ha ha ha! Oh, my bad, dog! I'm sorry! Ha ha ha ha!

DRE - Why are y'all laughin' so loud, anyhow?

TY - Ha ha ha, I was just telling them that I came from the yard just now?

(TY is still laughing and trying to catch his breath. He wipes a tear away from his eye.)

DRE - Uh, huh.

TY - ...and everyone on the yard is talking about that Iota Phi Theta pledge thing that happened at the ceremony.

DRE - Really?

(DRE starts to laugh.)

RONNIE - Dude, them negroes are up to their necks in trouble!

DRE - Are you serious? Ha ha ha ha!

TY - Of course, they're in trouble! What in the world would make them disrespect the ceremony like that? What were they thinking?

NASIM - Ha ha...ha...huh?

TY - Oh, let me explain, man. A frat wouldn't disrespect like that. Makes the frat look real bad. Like, if the Iotas were thinking that their frat would get some publicity or something for their new chapter, it really backfired, because now the administration is looking at them real bad. They may even get suspended over something like this.

(The laughter in the room starts to quiet down. NASIM looks at RONNIE.)

NASIM - What's he talkin' about, man? He don't know?

(RONNIE looks at NASIM, then back to TY. RONNIE is still smiling.)

RONNIE - I guess we can let you in on it, Big Ty.

TY - Let me in on what?

(RONNIE starts to laugh.)

RONNIE - See the thing is?

(RONNIE starts to laugh again, which makes TY laugh.)

TY - Ha ha ha ha, what? What's so funny?

DRE - Ty, that Iota pledgee didn't look familiar to you?

TY - Familiar? How could he?

(DRE, RONNIE, and NASIM start to laugh again.)

NASIM - Yo Ty, check this out.

(NASIM stands up.)

NASIM - I have been pledging all day and all night!
Trying to dig deep for Iota Phi!
Getting hazed by my Big Brother Sean!
Pledging hard for Iota all day long!

(DRE, RONNIE, and NASIM start to fall over laughing.)

TY - What the...

(TY is looking in disbelief.)

TY - That was...that was you?

RONNIE - Yeah, dog! That was Nas! Ha ha ha ha!

DRE - Yeah, man! Ha ha ha, wasn't that mess hilarious? Ha ha ha ha ha!

(DRE, RONNIE, and NASIM laugh once again.)

(silence)

TY - No, it wasn't hilarious! Are y'all crazy!

Episode 76

2008-01-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

Buck and June are walking to BUCK's room. They have been discussing their relationship as they've been walking.

BUCK - I wanna know where this is all coming from June.

JUNE - I don't have to have reasons for asking questions about a girl I never met before.

BUCK - Yes, you do, you ain't never tripped out like this before and I know you better than this. And, you should know me too.

(silence)

BUCK - So, are you gonna talk to me or not?

JUNE - I am talking to you.

BUCK - Well, talk to me without the sarcasm then.

JUNE - That's just how I talk.

BUCK - No it's not June!

JUNE - Don't raise your voice.

BUCK - Well stop pissin' me off!

(BUCK pulls out the key to his door and lets JUNE in.)

JUNE - Let me tell you something, I don't care how mad at me you get, don't raise your voice to me!

BUCK - And you can raise yours?

(silence)

(JUNE turns around and sits down. She folds her arms and grabs BUCK's remote and turns the TV on.)

BUCK - Oh, heck no!

(BUCK walks over and turns the TV off.)

BUCK - We're not finished.

JUNE - What Buck? What!

BUCK - June, baby...

(BUCK sits down.)

BUCK thinks - Let me try a different approach.

BUCK - Did I do something to upset you? If so, tell me what it is. I have no idea. If I know what I did, I can apologize or something. But I don't know why you're so upset.

(JUNE is silent but she turns to look at BUCK in his face.)

BUCK - Baby, talk to me.

JUNE - I just don't want to get hurt Buck.

(JUNE's demeanor begins to change.)

BUCK - What makes you think I would hurt you?

(BUCK takes JUNE's hand.)

JUNE - I don't think you will, but...

(silence)

BUCK - But, what?

JUNE - I didn't think Derrick would cheat on me and he did.

(BUCK lets go of her hand.)

BUCK - This is about Derrick?

JUNE - No, not at all, Buck.

BUCK - I'm not Derrick, June. I'm Buck. I wish you would stop comparing me to him.

JUNE - I'm not. It isn't about him at all.

BUCK - Then, what is this about?

(silence)

JUNE - Someone told me that...

(JUNE pauses.)

JUNE - ...that there is a rumor out about you and some girl on campus.

BUCK - What? Who told you that?

JUNE - I really don't wanna say Buck.

BUCK - What do you mean you don't wanna say?

JUNE - I promised I wouldn't say anything.

BUCK - And you promised me you would trust me! Now you're gonna let somebody tell you that I'm doin' something that I'm not and you won't even tell me where the rumor came from? Whose side are you on June?

JUNE - I'm on your side Buck!

BUCK - I don't think so!

(BUCK gets up.)

JUNE - Buck, really I am.

BUCK - Then how can you believe something like that about me? Don't you know me better than that?

JUNE - I know Buck I'm sorry!

(JUNE gets up and approaches BUCK.)

JUNE - I'm sorry!

BUCK - I can't believe you!

(BUCK turns around and starts to walk toward the bedroom.)

JUNE - Buck wait, I knew you weren't cheating on me. But when I saw you with that girl I just went crazy. I'm sorry.

(BUCK stops.)

BUCK - Who told you this, June?

(JUNE is silent.)

BUCK - June, who told you?

JUNE - Buck please...

BUCK - Who told you, June?

(BUCK is visibly growing angrier every time he asks.)

JUNE - Buck, I promised.

BUCK - Are you dating me, or that person?

(silence)

BUCK - Who told you?

(JUNE looks down at the floor.)

JUNE - Renee.

(silence)

(BUCK walks over and picks up the phone.)
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

QUINTON and LARRY are speaking with four students, who are interested in Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. As they speak with the students, a surprise guest arrives.

QUINTON - Let me get the door because I'm about to get upset and that isn't what this meeting is supposed to be for. You know what I'm sayin'? I just want to chill and get to know these guys but I can see I'm about to get pissed and this meeting is about to go in another direction.

(QUINTON gets up and goes to the door.)

LARRY - Let me give you guys a word of advice. When you start to piss brothers off, the meetings that are cool turn hectic. And you don't want that. Q and I are some real cool, laid back brothers. But some of the chapter brothers like Jason and Bobby aren't as cool as we are. So, I suggest you keep it cool while you are with the cool brothers!

QUINTON - Larry, they ain't with the cool laid back brothers no more! It's about to be on up in here!

(LARRY turns around to see who just came in.)

LARRY - Oh, my God!

DONTE - What's up frat! What y?all got jumpin' off up in here!

QUINTON - What's up man!

(QUINTON slaps DONTE's hand hard and gives him a hug. LARRY gets up but makes one statement to the students as he turns toward DONTE.)

LARRY - Um...forget everything I just said.

(LARRY laughs as he turns toward DONTE.)

LARRY - Wassup, baby!

DONTE - What's the deal, frat?

(LARRY and DONTE hug.)

LARRY - What's brings you back in town, big baby?

DONTE - Came to see my girl. You know how it is.

LARRY - Cool ,man.

QUINTON - That's cool, bruh, I'm glad you came through.

DONTE - Oh, no doubt.

QUINTON - As a matter of fact, you're right on time!

(KEITH leans over to MARTIN and whispers.)

KEITH whispers - Who is that?

MARTIN whispers - That's Donte. I remember seeing him on the campus before he left.

KEITH - Left? Where did he go?

MARTIN - He graduated.

QUINTON - You want some pizza?

LARRY - Yeah baby, get a slice!

DONTE - I don't mind if I do.

(QUINTON sits back down and addresses the students in his room.)

QUINTON - Okay, so who can tell me the name of the brother who just walked in the door.

(As QUINTON points to MARTIN, KEITH speaks up.)

KEITH - That's Donte. He pledged Alpha Phi Alpha and graduated last year. He left after he graduated.

(MARTIN stares at KEITH.)

QUINTON - At least you knew that. . .sheesh.

(KEITH smiles.)

DONTE - He's been messin' up so far?

QUINTON - He's a liar; that's all.

DONTE - Oh really?

(DONTE walks toward KEITH.)

DONTE - You know we don't like liars in our frat right?

LARRY - Nope! Nope! No, we don't!

KEITH - But... but I wasn't ly...

DONTE - Is he speaking? Did I ask you to speak, dude?

MAX thinks - What is wrong with this dude?

QUINTON - I told you he was full of drama!

(DONTE starts to take his jacket off.)

LARRY - I told y'all not to piss brothers off. And especially this one! Lord!

DONTE - What's your name, dude?

KEITH - Um, my name is Keith.

DONTE - And what's your name?

(DONTE points at MARTIN.)

MARTIN - My name is Martin.

DONTE - And you two?

MAX - My name is Max.

FRANK - I'm Frank.

DONTE - Okay. Here's the deal. Since Keith here knows me so well...

QUINTON - And since he's a liar...

(DONTE and LARRY laugh.)

DONTE - Since Keith knows me so well, I'm going to ask him to recite all of my information. My line name, the year I crossed, my number, the name of my line, and my line brothers.

KEITH thinks - Oh no!

DONTE - And for every answer he gets wrong, I take it out on...

(DONTE acts as if he is contemplating whom he should choose.)

DONTE - Martin. So, for every question you get wrong Keith, Martin has to do push ups.

(silence)

KEITH - Um, I don't understand.

DONTE - You don't understand? What's there to understand?

KEITH - Well...

(KEITH pauses.)

KEITH - If I get the question wrong,

DONTE - Uh, huh.

KEITH - You mean Martin pays for it?

DONTE - Yeah.

(silence)

KEITH - Well, why would I care if I don't pay for it and he does instead?

(DONTE looks at QUINTON in shock at KEITH's statement.)

QUINTON - Bruh, was I this bad back in the day?

(There is a knock on the door.)

DONTE - Keith, man, best believe you are so saved by the knock! Ha ha ha ha!

QUINTON - Lar, get that, man. Maybe it's Jason.

LARRY - Aight, big baby!

(LARRY gets up and answers the door.)

QUINTON - Keith, man, you just turned this meeting real ugly, man. I'm tryin' to tell ya!

(DONTE starts to crack his knuckles.)

DONTE - Y'all gonna make me come out of retirement!

LARRY - Yo, Q!

QUINTON - Yeah...who is it?

LARRY - Um... it's for you man.

(QUINTON turns around.)

QUINTON - Is it Jason?

LARRY - You better go see, Sands.

(QUINTON looks at LARRY surprised as he gets up and goes past him to get to the door. He opens the door and looks into the hallway.)

QUINTON - What are you doing he... are you okay baby?

(ALEXIS is crying her eyes out as she reaches out toward QUINTON for a hug.)
:: NEW PAGE ::
SCENE 3

The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity have arrived back at the fraternity house at Amgis College.

HAYDEN - Hey look, there's a letter here.

CALVIN - Is that strange?

HAYDEN - Actually, yes. Nobody has the mailing address here to send letters. Usually just bills come to the frat house.

CALVIN - Well, who is it from?

(HAYDEN grabs the letter.)

HAYDEN - Oh, it's from Miri!

CALVIN - Oh yeah! Open it!

(HAYDEN opens the letter as he and CALVIN enter the frat house.)

CALVIN - What's it say?

HAYDEN reads - Greetings Brothers!
I bring you greetings from the beautiful Motherland! Africa is as beautiful as it is hot!! But, we are safe and having a wonderful experience. Gina and I are adjusting to the culture well. Or we think we are, at least. I think I insulted someone the night we arrived with my bad translation skills. But it's cool; I'm learning a lot and vibing real well with our environment. Which is great and leading me into my next point. I know you guys have been telling me I should write a book. Well I'm finally taking your advice on it. Gina is very happy to know this as well. My first book is a book of poems and I've gotten so much inspiration recently since I've been gone. The book is called My Passion, My People, My Pen. So pray for me as I continue to express myself through poetry.

HAYDEN - Oh, that's hot!

HAYDEN reads - We are having a great time though although Gina misses her sorors and I miss my frat. But I know you guys are holding it down for me while I'm gone. I know my line brother Calvin got mad rhythm and he's party strollin' at all the parties!

(CALVIN and HAYDEN both laugh loud.)

HAYDEN - Miri knows his line brothers!

CALVIN - You know how I do! Ha ha ha ha!

HAYDEN reads - Brandon is probably somewhere plotting and scheming on how to increase Sigma membership at Ahpla! That brother has the mind of our Most Honorable Founders!

BRANDON - Have you thought about what we talked about?

BRENDON - I can't help not to think about it, you keep bringing it up!

(BRANDON laughs.)

BRANDON - My bad, I'm just a little excited for ya. I mean, I was so happy you got to speak to Brother president Bryce with me.

BRENDON - Yeah. Why didn't I know that he's a Sigma?

BRANDON - He's low key with his. He doesn't wear anything but he's active in the frat.

BRENDON - That's cool.

BRANDON - But I'm all about increasing our numbers man. You know?

BRENDON - Yeah.

HAYDEN reads - And to my boys Ahmad and Seth, the wonder twins.

CALVIN - Ha ha ha, those two are always together! Ha ha!

HAYDEN reads - You two just stay out of trouble!

AHMAD - What did you say?

MIKE - You heard me! I said I saw your name on my chapter's list of suspect dudes who drop line!

(AHMAD steps to MIKE.)

AHMAD - Man, you better watch what you sayin' player! You don't know me and you don't know what that situation is about!

MIKE - Whatever, man!

SETH - You better chill, dude!

(SETH tries to separate MIKE and AHMAD.)

MIKE - You ain't man enough to cross my frat and now you ain't man enough to handle your own business!

AHMAD - You ain't sayin' nothin', dude! What's up?

(AHMAD backs up as if he wants to fight MIKE.)

SETH - Yo, chill! Don't do this up in the lobby!

MIKE - What you want!

(As SETH steps between MIKE and AHMAD trying to avoid a fight, he notices two Kappas enter the lobby.)

SETH thinks - Oh, shoot! This is about to get ugly!

SETH - Ahmad! Ahmad! Let's be out man! Let's not do this here!

(XAVIER and GREGG enter the lobby.)

GREGG - Yo, what's goin' on here!

(Everyone turns and notices GREGG and XAVIER walk in. MIKE smiles.)

MIKE - Oh, yeah! Now it's about to be on! Here's that dude, frat! Here's that dude! Let's handle our business!

XAVIER - No doubt! Let's handle our business!

(XAVIER walks up and punches MIKE in the mouth.)

Episode 75

2008-01-04T15:39:00.005-08:00

MIKE was supposed to meet with his frat brothers GREGG and XAVIER. Instead, he has chosen to sit and talk with MONA in the lobby of the dorm.

MONA - Mike, do you still have some time?

MIKE - Depends.

(MIKE smiles.)

MONA - I'm starvin'.

MIKE - Then I got time.

(MONA smiles back.)

MIKE - You wanna go to the...

(silence)

(MIKE is staring at someone who just walked into the dorm. MONA turns around to see who MIKE is looking at.)

MONA - What? Who are you looking at?

MIKE - That dude?

(MIKE starts to get up.)

MIKE - ...that dude right there!

MONA - Who? What about him?

MIKE - That dude is a new Sigma from Amgis College! My prophytes Xavier and Gregg told me that he was on line pledging Kappa here at Ahpla!

MONA - What?

MIKE - Yeah, I know that's him!

MONA - Which one? There's two of them and they both have on Sigma gear.

MIKE - Him! On the left.

(MIKE grabs his cane out of his back pocket.)

MONA - Wait, Mike, what are you gonna do?

(MONA tries to grab MIKE's arm to prevent him from approaching AHMAD.)

MIKE - We were supposed to handle this at Amgis but we couldn't. So, I can handle this right now.

MONA - Handle it? Mike you're gonna start a fight! Please don't do that.

MIKE - Why not? He disrespected my frat and my prophytes! He wasn't man enough to finish the pledge process, but then gonna go pledge something else? Something easier?

MONA - Yeah, but there's two of them.

MIKE - I can handle myself.

(MIKE pulls his arm away and approaches AHMAD who is standing at the reception desk with SETH.)

MONA thinks - Oh my God!

(MONA pulls out her cell phone and dials.)

MIKE - What's up, Greek? Welcome to our campus.

(MIKE smiles as AHMAD and SETH turn around.)

SETH - Thanks. I'm Seth and this is my sands Ahmad.

MIKE - I'm Mike.

(MIKE shakes hand with SETH. When he shakes AHMAD's hand, he doesn't let go.)

MIKE - Wait a minute, you look mad familiar.

AHMAD - Have we met before? I don't think so.

MIKE - We had to have. I don't forget faces. What school are you brothers from?

SETH - Amgis.

(MIKE lets AHMAD's hand go and rubs his chin.)

MIKE - Amgis, huh? Hmmm, I don't think I know you from there, I never really hang out at Amgis.

AHMAD - Maybe I just have a familiar face.

(AHMAD and SETH laugh.)

MIKE - No, I'm tellin' you that I've seen you bef... hey wait. I think I remember!

AHMAD - Oh yeah?

(MIKE takes a step back and tightens his grip on his cane.)

MIKE - I saw you on my chapter's list of suspect, no-heart-dudes-who-dropped-line!

AHMAD - What!

MONA - Hey girl, you are not gonna believe what I'm watching!
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority are conducting their interest meeting. Surprisingly, SHARONDA's cousin MIYA FERGUSON (MONA's little sister) is in attendance.

(MIYA starts to sit down as SHARONDA starts to walk back toward the front.)

MIYA - Rhonda.

(SHARONDA turns back around.)

MIYA - You're sure my sister won't find out that I'm here? If my mother found out she'd kill me.

(SHARONDA smiles.)

SHARONDA - Don't worry about Mona. I'll handle her. It's your mother I'm more worried about.

MIYA - Okay. You know I'm mad nervous.

SHARONDA - This is what you want to do right?

MIYA - I mean, yeah. For sure.

SHARONDA - Okay don't worry about it then. I'll make it happen. You just do what I asked you to do.

MIYA - Okay.

(MIYA sits down and SHARONDA walks back to the front. She takes her seat beside DENICE.)

DENICE whispers - Now, tell me how in the world your cousin Miya is gonna pledge when she's still in high school.

SHARONDA whispers - She already has 24 college credits. By the time she gets on campus in the fall, she'll have one semester and she'll be classified as a sophomore.

DENICE whispers - Really? I didn't know they can do that.

SHARONDA whispers - Something at the school she goes to and a partnership with Ahpla.

(SHARONDA claps as TONYA finishes her speech on the history of Zeta Phi Beta.)

SHARONDA whispers - And, of course, her being a Ferguson doesn't hurt. You know her mother pulled some strings for her as well.

(DENICE giggles as TONYA sits down and SALEEMA steps to the podium.)

SALEEMA - Thank you Soror Tonya for those words on our history. Next we're going to have Soror Denice give you the requirements for eligibility for our chapter here at Ahpla University.

(SALEEMA scans the audience.)

SALEEMA - Um... y'all might wanna right these things down.

(Everyone starts to pull out pens and paper.)

SALEEMA thinks - Sheesh! I would think that that was obvious.

(DENICE passes SALEEMA and begins to speak.)

DENICE - The requirements for inclusion into our intake process are as follows. First of all...

(As MIYA is writing, the girl sitting next to her leans toward her.)

AISHA whispers - Excuse me, do you have a pen?

(MIYA stares at AISHA in silence for a second.)

MIYA whispers - You didn't bring a pen?

AISHA whispers - Uh... no. I, uh, didn't.

(MIYA rolls her eyes as she reaches into her bag and grabs a pen.)

MIYA whispers - I mean, you might wanna be a little more prepared. Don't you think?

AISHA whispers - I was so nervous, I kinda forgot it. But thanks.

(AISHA smiles. MIYA doesn't.)

MIYA - Uh, huh.

DENICE - We also request that each interested lady be...

AISHA whispers - By the way, I'm Aisha.

MIYA thinks - By the way, I didn't ask.

MIYA whispers - Yeah. Miya.

AISHA whispers - Cool. What's your major?

MIYA whispers - I don't have one.

AISHA whispers - Oh, you didn't declare one?

MIYA whispers - No, I'm not in college yet.

(AISHA stops writing and looks at MIYA.)

AISHA - You're not in college?

MIYA thinks - Is there an echo in here?

MIYA - No, I'm not in college.

AISHA - Then, what are you doing here?

MIYA - Why don't you mind your business, aight? Don't worry about it.

(AISHA gives MIYA a foul look.)

MIYA - And give me my pen back.

(The interest meeting ends after each member of the chapter speaks about the sorority, the requirements of Zeta Phi Beta and the requirements of Ahpla University. Everyone has now gone next door for light refreshments.)

SHARONDA - So, what do you think?

MIYA - This was great, Sharonda! I'm even more interested now then before!

SHARONDA - Good!

MIYA - Hey, can I use your cell phone for a second? I want to call my boyfriend.

SHARONDA - Yeah, here ya go. I'll be right back.

(As MIYA dials, SHARONDA's phone rings.)

MIYA - Hello?

MONA - Hey girl, you are not gonna believe what I'm watching!
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 3

The campus of Ahpla University is packed. The president and the administration are all in attendance for the dedication of the new campus library, the B.E. Burke Global Learning Center. Classes are canceled for the ceremony and most of the students that attend Ahpla are there.

( BOBBY takes his seat.)

BOBBY - Why in the world do we have to come to these things?

REGGIE - Oh stop complaining. In an hour, we can leave.

BOBBY - But, if they're gonna let us out of class, they should let us chill. The one hour we're out, we gotta sit up here for this ceremony.

REGGIE - This is a part of Ahpla's history, man. Enjoy it. By the time my kids come here, years from now, I can tell them that I was here when this building was built and dedicated.

(BOBBY just stares at REGGIE.)

REGGIE - Shut up man, I know that was corny.

(They both laugh.)

ALEX - Hey Colin, how you doing, sir?

DR. MWATSUMI - Dr. Jefferson! It's good to see you!

(ALEX and DR. MWATSUMI shake hands.)

ALEX - Where have you been, sir? I haven't seen you in a while?

DR. MWATSUMI - I took some time to become a member of a fraternity. I am now a full-fledged member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity.

ALEX - Really? Well, congratulations; that is great!

(ALEX sits next to DR. MWATSUMI among the campus administration. The president steps to the podium.)

DR. MWATSUMI - I would like to speak to you about my fraternity when you have time Dr. Jefferson. We could always use young professors like yourself -- especially during these times of expansion.

(ALEX laughs.)

ALEX - Thank you, sir, but the fraternity life has never been a thing for me -- just not my speed.

DR, MWATSUMI - I totally understand, Alex. Well, maybe I'll just drop off some information that you can look at, just in case you change your mind.

ALEX - Please do. I will take a look at it.

(DR. MWATSUMI smiles and turns in his seat to face the president who is about to speak.)

DR. BRYCE - Good afternoon faculty, staff, students, alumnus, and friends of Ahpla University. Today is a special day in the life of our university as we celebrate the dedication of our newest campus facility, the B.E. Burke Global Learning Center.

(Everyone claps.)

DR. BRYCE - We are pleased with the construction of this new state of the art facility and are proud to be able to offer some of the finest services to our student body. This new complex contains a new computer center that will be available to students 24 hours a day. We also have archived some of the documents that made Ahpla an official university. These documents will be sealed in our history complex, within the learning center.

(Everyone claps. SAIFA leans over to SEAN.)

SAIFA - Have you seen the new computer center in this building?

SEAN - No, have you?

SAIFA - Yeah, I got a tour of the building last week.

SEAN - Oh really? How is it?

SAIFA - Phat! They got the new Mac computers up in there.

SEAN - Oh really? Cool!

SAIFA - Dag Sean, have you taken that jacket off since you crossed? Every time I see you you're in it. Ha ha ha ha ha!

SEAN - I love my letters, man! I wear this frat jacket in the shower! Ha ha ha!

(DR. BRYCE continues.)

DR.BRYCE - The learning center has an international hub that will be home to our new international student facility. Here, we will sponsor programs and offer scholarships to Ahpla students who come from abroad to study in the United States.

(Everyone claps.)

DR. BRYCE - Before I go into more detail about the learning center itself, I would like to invite Dr. Joyce Kevlar to the podium. Dr. Kevlar is the new director of the Burke Learning Center and she will continue to describe the building, its facilities, departments, and all it has to offer. Dr. Kevlar.

(Everyone claps as DR. KEVLAR walks toward the mic.)

DR. KEVLAR - Thank you, President Bryce. I thought you were gonna tell it all for a minute!

(Everyone laughs.)

DR. KEVLAR - To the president, administration, student body, and my new staff of the B.E. Burke Global Learning Center, it is indeed an honor to...

(Everyone is startled as someone runs on stage dressed like a pledgee. He is wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt with the hood on his head. He also has on brown army fatigue pants. He has on boots with gold laces. His face is painted brown and gold. DR. KEVLAR is startled as is everyone else. The pledgee starts to scream at the top of his lungs.)

PLEDGEE - Greetings to my big brothers of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, innnnnnnnnnnnnncorporated!

SEAN - What the...

PLEDGEE - I have been pledging all day and all night!
Trying to dig deep for Iota Phi!
Getting hazed by my Big Brother Sean!

SEAN - What!

PLEDGEE - Pledging hard for Iota all day long!

(ALEX looks at DR. MWATSUMI who is staring at the pledgee in shock.)

PLEDGEE - I'm pledging hard for the brown and gold!
I took so much wood my butt is swole!
Running around like a Centaur is crazy confusion!
I've been bleeding so much I need a transfusion!
I'm pledging for that frat of the gold and brown!
Been pledging six weeks underground!
I can't eat because the big brothers take all my money!
I've lost so much weight that my clothes now fit funny!

DR. BRYCE - What is the meaning of this!?

PLEDGEE - I'm pledging! And I know it's illegal to get hazed!
But I'll be an Iota for the rest of my days!

(Two security guards start to run toward the pledgee. He notices them and starts to run in the opposite direction, still yelling his greeting.)

PLEDGEE - Iota Phi 'til the day I die! Iota Phi ?til the day I die!

(The pledgee runs past DR. KEVLAR, who drops her notes. He continues to yell as the guards chase him off the stage.)

PLEDGEE - Iota Phi 'til the day I die!

(SAIFA looks at SEAN in shock. A few students notice that SEAN is wearing an Iota Phi Theta jacket.)

SAIFA - What the hell!

SEAN - I have no idea!

(DR.MWATSUMI has his mouth wide open. DR. KEVLAR looks back at PRESIDENT BRYCE, who is still looking bewildered.)

DR. BRYCE - I will get to the bottom of this!

(RONNIE and DRE have almost fallen out of their seats in the last row from laughter.)

Episode 74

2008-01-04T15:39:00.003-08:00

STACIE has just revealed to PYRAMID BREANNA that her husband ALEX also slept with CHRISTIAN.

STACIE - You have no idea about this, and I don't even know if it is the smartest thing to tell you right now. But, I just go with how I feel.

PYRAMID BREANNA - Big Sister, what are you talking about?

(silence)

STACIE - I'm just gonna come out and say it, Breanna.

(STACIE pauses and looks back at her line sisters, who have PYRAMID THERESA against a wall as they are asking her questions.)

STACIE - Breanna, my husband had an affair with Christian.

PYRAMID BREANNA - What!

(Everyone turns around startled at who just screamed. They look at STACIE AND PYRAMID BREANNA.)

STACIE - What? What do you mean you don't know my line name! You better remember Pyramid!

(Everyone turns back around to what they were doing.)

STACIE whispers - Keep your cool, Breanna. You're still pledging.

(BREANNA listens.)

STACIE - Look, I've already confronted Christian about it and we've settled it. She's just a person I can no longer be around.

PYRAMID BREANNA - I understand, I think.

STACIE - Here's the real deal, Breanna. In sorority life, some women are your sorors; some are your sisters. Not everyone will be in your inner circle. That's just life. If you think sorority life is a utopia, then you have a rude awakening coming real fast.

PYRAMID BREANNA - But how could...

(BREANNA stops herself.)

STACIE - I can't attempt to answer those kinds of questions. You never know with some people; some just slip through the cracks and get in.

PYRAMID BREANNA - They do?

STACIE - Yeah, they do. You don't worry about all that. You just make sure that when you enter my sorority, you are a productive member. Never forget why it is you wanted to become a Delta. And you work hard at that.

PYRAMID BREANNA - Yes, Big Sister.

(silence)

STACIE - Go join your line sister. I have to go.

(BREANNA turns to leave then turns back to STACIE.)

PYRAMID BREANNA - Thank you.

STACIE - Yeah.

(BREANNA quickly joins THERESA amongst the big sisters. STACIE turns to ROBIN.)

STACIE - Robin, I'm about to be out.

ROBIN - Say no more. I understand.

(STACIE hugs ROBIN.)

ROBIN - I love you, soror.

STACIE - I love you, too, Robin.

(STACIE walks up to her line sister MARLANA.)

STACIE - Hey girl, I gotta go.

MARLANA - What? We just got here. Why you leaving already?

STACIE - Did you forget I have two babies? Ha ha ha ha ha.

MARLANA - Oh yeah. Dag girl. You're gonna miss all the fun.

STACIE - You've seen one line, you've seen 'em all.

MARLANA - Whatever!

(They laugh.)

MARLANA - Well, I'll call you later, okay?

STACIE - Yeah, that's cool. Do that.

(They hug.)

STACIE - Aight, girl. Don't go crazy on these girls okay?

(MARLANA smiles.)

MARLANA - You know me.

STACIE - Like I said Marlana...

(STACIE laughs as she turns toward the door.)

STACIE thinks - Should I announce that I'm leaving?

(STACIE looks back and sees that all the sorors are busy with the two pledgees.)

STACIE thinks - Nevermind.

(STACIE quietly opens the door and steps outside.)

STACIE thinks - This whole thing is slowly becoming old to me. It's good to see my line sisters but seeing the girls is starting to get played.

(STACIE walks toward the elevator.)

STACIE thinks - Yeah. This is the last line I'll probably see.

(STACIE pushes the elevator button and looks back toward the room.)

STACIE thinks - I wonder if I only feel this way because of how I feel about Christian right now.

(STACIE stares back at the elevator and waits for it to open. She hears ROBIN's door open, where she just came from.)

CHRISTIAN - Stacie, do you have a minute? I'd really like to have a word with you.
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

QUINTON is at home. He is watching basketball on television while he is waiting for his guests to arrive.

(There is a knock on the door.)

QUINTON thinks - Showtime!

(QUINTON shuts the television off and goes to open the door.)

QUINTON - What's up fellas. Come on in.

(Four students enter QUINTON's room.)

QUINTON - Did y'all get what I asked for?

MARTIN - Yes.

QUINTON - Okay. Put it right over there, and y'all go sit down in the other room.

(They place the pizza and water bottles on the kitchen counter and do as QUINTON tells them. QUINTON grabs a plate and takes two pieces of pizza. Then joins the four guys in the other room.)

QUINTON - Hey guys. Thanks for the pizza. I...

(QUINTON is chewing.)

QUINTON - ...appreciate it.

MARTIN - No problem at all.

QUINTON - Now, I know you're Martin. But what's your name dude? Do I know you?

KEITH - Well, we did meet before. At one of the functions put on by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

QUINTON - Oh yeah? Which function?

KEITH - The program that dealt with computer literacy in the Black community and how to deal with that issue.

QUINTON - You were there for that?

KEITH - Yes, I was.

QUINTON - That's weird. I don't forget faces and I don't remember meeting you there. Are you sure it was me?

KEITH - Positive.

(QUINTON chews in silence but never takes his eyes off of KEITH.)

QUINTON - You're sure it was me? 100 percent?

KEITH - Positive.

QUINTON - So, if I told you that I wasn't there, at the program, what would you say then?

(silence)

(KEITH looks at the three other students for help with a possible trick question.)

QUINTON - Because I wasn't there.

(QUINTON sits back and puts his feet up. He smiles.)

KEITH - But...but you and I spoke that night. I remember.

QUINTON - So, you're calling me a liar?

KEITH - Well... uh... um...no but...

QUINTON - If you're not calling me a liar, then that means I am telling the truth. Which means that I wasn't at the function that the chapter did. Which, in turn, makes you a liar.

KEITH - Uh... but...

(There is a knock on the door. QUINTON smiles as he chews and gets up.)

QUINTON - Hold that thought, Liar.

(QUINTON opens the door.)

QUINTON - What's up, frat? Come on in.

LARRY - One, one, one, one-nine!

QUINTON - Negro, stop all that yelling!

(QUINTON laughs.)

LARRY - Oooh, pizza! My favorite healthy food!

(QUINTON sits back down.)

KEITH - I think that I was talking to...

QUINTON - Don't worry about that, Keith. I don't want to talk to you anymore.

(QUINTON directs his next question toward another student.)

QUINTON - What's your name again?

MAX - Max.

QUINTON - Okay, Max. Why do you want to be an Alpha?

(LARRY sits down next to QUINTON. They are both eating pizza.)

MAX - Well...

(MAX pauses.)

MAX - ...when I was in high school, I was really impressed with the brothers that were...

QUINTON - Stop.

(MAX stops.)

QUINTON - I don't want the textbook answer. I want to know deep down what makes you want to become a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. Why in the world would you allow the brothers to put you through whatever trials and tests you would have to go through just to become a member? If you give me the textbook answer, or tell me what you think I want to hear, that won't help me learn who you are. And if I don't know who you are, then I won't feel comfortable considering you a brother. Feel me?

MAX - Yes.

QUINTON - So, tell me the real reason you want to be an Alpha. If it's for the women, then say that. If it's because we step well, then say that. Just be you, so I can get to know you.

KEITH - Well, I want to be an Alpha for the right reasons.

(silence)

LARRY - Did I hear an echo? Echo? Echo? Echo?

KEITH - I just wanted to contribute my reasons, too.

QUINTON - Did I ask you anything, Liar? Why are you trying to shine?

KEITH - Oh, I was just trying to...

QUINTON - No, you were trying to shine. First of all you are a liar, and now you are trying to impress us. Keith, man, you are so far from...

(There is a knock on the door.)

LARRY - Who the heck is this? More guys?

QUINTON - Let me get the door because I'm about to get upset and that isn't what this meeting is supposed to be for. You know what I'm sayin'? I just want to chill and get to know these guys but I can see I'm about to get pissed and this meeting is about to go in another direction.

(QUINTON gets up and goes to the door.)

LARRY - Let me give you guys a word of advice. When you start to piss brothers off, the meetings that are cool, turn hectic. And you don't want that. Q and I are some real cool, laid-back brothers. But some of the chapter brothers like Jason and Bobby aren't as cool as we are. So, I suggest you keep it cool while you are with the cool brothers!

QUINTON - Larry, they ain't with the cool, laid-back brothers no more! It's about to be on up in here!

(LARRY turns around to see who just came in.)

LARRY - Oh, my God!

DONTE - What's up frat! What y'all got jumpin' off up in here!
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 3

BRANDON is on his computer in his room when he hears his door open.

BRANDON - Bren, is that you?

(silence)

BRANDON - Brendon!

BRENDON - Yeah, man, it's me.

BRANDON - Oh. What's up, cat?

(silence)

BRANDON thinks - What's wrong with him?

(BRANDON gets up and goes into the other room. BRENDON is sitting on the couch.)

BRANDON - What's up, man?

BRENDON - Hey.

BRANDON - What's the matter?

BRENDON - Nothin'.

BRANDON - Whatever, man. What's wrong?

(BRANDON sits down across from BRENDON.)

BRENDON - Man, you won't believe what happened to me!

BRANDON - Try me.

(silence)

BRENDON - Man, I went to see my boy Mike.

BRANDON - The new Kappa?

BRENDON - Yeah, man. So, we hook up and talk, and he knows I still want to be down with K A Psi.

BRANDON - Uh, huh.

BRENDON - So, he convinces me that I can start line right away; and gets me started as a pledgee.

BRANDON - Started as a pledge? What do you mean?

BRENDON - Just what I said, he had me started. Then he sends me over to Xavier's house!

BRANDON - Oh, shoot!

BRENDON - Only to find out that he was just playing with me. That's so not cool, man! I'm pissed!

(silence)

BRENDON - And I really can't even say anything about it because Mike is still a Kappa! What am I gonna do? Go off on him knowing that I want his vote?

(silence)

BRANDON - Brendon, you didn't know better than to know that a line just doesn't start like that?

BRENDON - How am I supposed to know? I trusted him! He's a Kappa; why would I think he was joking with me like that?

BRANDON - Yeah, but Brendon, come on man. They haven't had an interest meeting, any programs, any community service projects that you could've participated in. You couldn't figure that out?

BRENDON - Are you saying this is my fault?

BRANDON - Actually, no. I think what happened to you is beyond messed up. Don't get me wrong, bruh.

(silence)

BRANDON - So, what happened when you got to Xavier's?

BRENDON - Well, he set everything straight. I guess. He acted like he had no idea what Mike was doing. So, he sat me down and told me a few things. He apologized for Mike.

BRANDON - Do you believe he didn't know anything about it?

BRENDON - What do you mean?

BRANDON - I mean, their chapter is small. What are the chances that what one brother does, the other two don't know about?

BRENDON - I don't know.

(silence)

BRANDON - So, then, what happened?

BRENDON - Xavier asked me what exactly Mike had told me and if he had showed me any official information.

BRANDON - Did he?

BRENDON - Yeah, well I think so. But I told Xavier no. I didn't even know what to say.

BRANDON - I hear ya.

BRENDON - So, then, Xavier sends me home and that's it.

BRANDON - Dag, I'm sorry, man.

BRENDON - Thanks.

(silence)

BRENDON - I mean, how you gonna play with a person's emotions like that? That's just not cool.

BRANDON - It isn't. That's foul man. I would never do that to somebody.

BRENDON - Yeah, man. Whatever on Mike, right now. For real.

BRANDON - I hear ya.

(silence)

(BRENDON starts changing the channels with the remote. He is obviously still upset as indicated by how fast he is changing the channels.)

BRANDON - Bren, let me ask you something man.

(BRENDON stops with the remote and looks at his brother.)

BRENDON - What's up?

BRANDON - I don't know how to ask you this, actually I wasn't going to say anything at all. But...

(BRANDON pauses.)

BRENDON - What?

(BRANDON shifts in his chair.)

BRANDON - Man, I don't know if these brothers are right for you, man. Of course, I care about you, Brendon. This dude, Mike, ain't cool and I think Gregg is kinda shady, too.

BRENDON - What you sayin'?

(BRANDON leans in closer.)

BRANDON - Bren, what do you think about learning some information on my frat, Phi Beta Sigma?

Episode 73

2008-01-04T15:39:00.001-08:00

SEAN has crossed into the Iota Phi Theta fraternity. As he puts on his new letters and colors, he runs an errand before he meets back with his frat brothers for dinner.

RAY - Hey Saifa, where's Sean going?

SAIFA - He has something to take care of real quick. Probably call his dad. He's gonna meet us at the restaurant.

RAY - Oh, okay. Cool.

Thirty minutes later...

SEAN thinks - I can't believe I am finally over!

(SEAN looks down on the letters on his jacket.)

SEAN thinks - I am an Iota man! I can't believe it!

(SEAN hurries to his destination.)

SEAN thinks - It feels so good but I still don't believe it. It hasn't hit me yet...

(SEAN knocks on the door.)

SEAN thinks - ...but it's about to...right now!

(RONNIE opens the door to the Omega house. He has a beer in his hand.)

RONNIE - What are you doing here?

SEAN - I'm Greek now! So what you gotta say now, huh? What you gotta say, now!

(SEAN slaps the beer out of RONNIE?s hand.)

SEAN - What's up with all that trash you were talking about Iota!

(RONNIE lets two seconds go by to digest what just happened. It seems as if it happened in slow motion.)

RONNIE thinks - Did this nig...

SEAN - So, what's up!

(SEAN opens his arms up as if he wants to fight.)

RONNIE - I'm bout to kick your...

(DRE walks from inside the Omega house behind RONNIE.)

DRE - Dog, who is it?

(DRE sees RONNIE push SEAN in the chest and SEAN stumble backward on the steps.)

DRE - Yo! What's goin' on!

(SEAN maintains his balance and pushes RONNIE back into DRE. DRE grabs RONNIE.)

RONNIE - I don't care that you're Greek now! You consider that frat a real Greek organization? Huh! Don't make me laugh!

(DRE is holding RONNIE back.)

SEAN - Yeah, we're real and we're here to stay! And I'm personally challenging all punk frats like you, Ronnie! You don't know about me and you don't know about my frat!

RONNIE - I know more about your club than you do!

SEAN - Whatever...dog!

RONNIE - Y'all are founded at Hurt Gymnasium at Morgan State...

(RONNIE pauses, then smiles.)

RONNIE - Hurt was a Que! What!

(SEAN is silenced.)

RONNIE - Yeah! What!

DRE - Ronnie, calm down! Come back inside!

RONNIE - You think because you're an Iota, you're gonna punk me? You better step to me like a man, boy!

SEAN - I'm gonna see you again, and you won't have your frat to protect you!

(SEAN is backing away.)

RONNIE - You know where to find me, boy! I'm right here!

(SEAN stares, then turns and runs down the street.)

RONNIE - I should've punched him in his face!

DRE - Man, calm down. Don't sweat him. He just crossed, I can tell. He's a little over his head right now. Why else would he try to fight you at our frat house?

RONNIE - Whatever, dog. I ain't gonna let no dude disrespect me! Especially Sean!

DRE - I'm not either. But we gotta be smart about this. We can get back at him and his frat easier.

(DRE gets RONNIE's attention.)

RONNIE - We can? How?

DRE - Come back inside and I'll tell you.
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

On the campus of Amgis College, BUCK is in the library with his classmate JESSICA. They are discussing the notes that were given in the last Political Science class. BUCK missed the class because he overslept.

BUCK - Dr. Johnson gave this many notes in one lecture?

JESSICA - Dude, you picked the wrong day to miss class, for real.

BUCK - I know that's right!

JESSICA - I mean, he normally doesn't go this hard at all. I think the mid-term messed up the class though.

BUCK - How so?

(BUCK is copying notes as they are talking.)

JESSICA - The class didn't do badly on the mid-term, but we didn't do great either. So, I think he wants to step up his game, so we can step up ours.

BUCK - But won't that make the class average go even further down?

JESSICA - I think Dr. Johnson has been hearing it from some of the other faculty though. Like his class is too easy or something. I don't know. But expect to get more notes from now on.

BUCK - I hear it.

JESSICA - Why did you miss class in the first place?

BUCK - We came back from a game late. I was mad tired, anyway, and we were on the road. By the time I woke up in the van, got my bag out, got upstairs to my room and got in the bed I was knocked out! I forgot to set my alarm clock.

JESSICA - Yeah? Athletes have it rough.

BUCK - Yeah.

JESSICA - I'm sorry that my handwriting is like chicken scratch. I guess if it were more legible, you could've just photo copied this. But I had to write so fast.

BUCK - That's cool. By me going through it this way, it helps me understand it better. I think.

(JESSICA laughs.)

BUCK - Hey what time is it?

(BUCK is still looking down writing.)

JESSICA - I don't even have my watch on. You gotta run?

BUCK - Oh no, my girl is supposed to be meeting me here. I thought she'd be here by now.

JESSICA - Oh, okay.

BUCK - Is this stuff in the textbook?

JESSICA - Man, this stuff is off the top of Dr. Johnson's bald head! Ha ha ha ha ha!

(BUCK laughs.)

BUCK - Geez, this is a lot! I can't believe he did all this in one lecture.

JESSICA - Well, I tell ya what. Why don't you go ahead and take these notes with you. You can give them back to me in our next class.

BUCK - Won't you need them, though?

JESSICA - Naw, I got another mid-term. I ain't even thinkin' about poli sci until after this one.

(BUCK sees JUNE walking toward them in the library.)

BUCK - Oh cool, there's June.

(JESSICA turns around and sees JUNE.)

JESSICA - She's pretty.

(BUCK smiles.)

BUCK - Thanks.

(JESSICA grabs her coat and her bag.)

JESSICA - Yeah, so just bring the notes with you. That way you don't have to rush in copying them over.

BUCK - Cool. Hey Jessica. Thanks a lot.

JESSICA - No problem.

(JUNE walks up.)

BUCK - Hey, babe.

JUNE - Hi.

BUCK - June, this is Jessica. Jessica this is my girlfriend, June.

(JESSICA smiles.)

JESSICA - Nice to meet you, June.

JUNE - Nice to meet you, too.

(They shake hands.)

JESSICA - So Buck, I'll get them from you then. Talk to ya lata.

BUCK - Okay.

(JESSICA walks away and JUNE sits down. BUCK kisses her on the cheek.)

BUCK - Wassup.

JUNE - Nothing.

(BUCK starts to write again. He speaks as he is looking down at the notes.)

BUCK - How was your day?

JUNE - Okay. Who is Jessica?

BUCK - Huh?

(BUCK looks up.)

JUNE - Who is Jessica?

BUCK - Jessica? She's in my political science class.

JUNE - Why have you never mentioned her before?

BUCK - Huh?

(silence)

BUCK - I'm supposed to mention everybody in my political science class?

JUNE - I mean, you never mentioned any study partners before. Or anything like that.

BUCK - She's not a study partner.

JUNE - Weren't you two just studying together?

BUCK - No, she was giving me the notes from the last class. I missed it after the team got back from the Hampton game. Why are you trippin'?

JUNE - I'm not trippin'. I'm just asking a question.

BUCK - Are you sure? What's wrong?

JUNE - Why did Jessica all of a sudden feel the need to leave when I walk up?

BUCK - What? She was leaving anyway, June.

JUNE - But you just said you were copying notes. You finished with the notes?

BUCK - June...

(BUCK changes his demeanor a little.)

BUCK - ...she left me with the notes to copy at my leisure because she has another exam to study for. So, she left. It just happens that she left right as you were walking up.

(silence)

BUCK - What's the matter with you?

JUNE - Nothing. What's the matter with you?

(silence)

(BUCK and JUNE are staring at one another.)

BUCK - I'm not the one who came in here with an attitude.

JUNE - Attitude? I just asked you a simple question. Is it a crime to ask...my man...a question? Why you so defensive?

BUCK - Defensive?

(silence)

(JUNE stands up.)

JUNE - You know what? Just call me later okay? I gotta go.

(JUNE turns to leave and BUCK grabs her arm.)

BUCK - No, hold up.

(JUNE turns around.)

BUCK - You're not going anywhere until you tell me what's the matter with you.
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 3

The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority are beginning to arrive for their interest meeting.

SALEEMA - Where's Tonya? She's first on the program.

(silence)

SALEEMA - Sharonda.

(SHARONDA turns away from the interested ladies entering the room and turns toward SALEEMA.)

SHARONDA - Huh?

SALEEMA - I was asking about Tonya. Have you heard from her?

SHARONDA - Oh, my bad. No I haven't. Sorry, I was looking at the girls coming in.

SALEEMA - Yeah, we got a nice crowd.

SHARONDA - I knew we would. Plus a friend of mine is coming.

SALEEMA - Oh yeah? Who...oh wait, there's Tonya. Let me go grab her so we can get started.

SHARONDA - Cool.

(SHARONDA turns back toward the crowd.)

SALEEMA - Hey, soror.

TONYA - Hey! Sorry I'm late, girl. Had to find a babysitter. Mine canceled at the last minute.

SALEEMA - I understand. Well, at least you're here. You ready?

TONYA - Oh, yeah. I'm good.

SALEEMA - Okay. I'll get sorors to start to settle people down so we can get started. You can sit right up here next to me.

TONYA - Okay.

(TONYA takes her seat in the front and starts to look through her notes.)

SALEEMA - Hey, Denice.

DENICE - Hold on, Brandon.

(DENICE puts her phone down.)

DENICE - Hey.

SALEEMA - We're gonna start to settle everyone down so we can get started on time.

DENICE - Okay, cool. Hey Brandon, we're about to get started so I'll call you later.

BRANDON - Okay, babe.

DENICE - Love you.

BRANDON - Love you, too. Oh wait, just wanted to let you know that I got an email already from Miri. Just saying that he landed safely in the Motherland and guess what else.

DENICE - What?

BRANDON - When he got on the flight, his girlfriend, Gina, was on the flight with him!

DENICE - What?

BRANDON - Yeah. She changed her mind or whatever, and decided to go to Africa with him after all! Isn't that off the chain?

DENICE - That is the bomb! I'm so happy for them!

BRANDON - Yeah. Well, call me later.

DENICE - Okay. Bye.

(DENICE hangs up and starts to ask some of the girls to take their seats.)

DENICE thinks - Starting on time! No doubt! That's how we do!

(SALEEMA steps to the podium.)

SALEEMA - Greetings sorors and guests. My name is Saleema Muhammad, and I would like to officially welcome you to the interest meeting of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. I serve as the basileus of the chapter here at Ahpla and am happy to welcome you.

(SALEEMA pauses.)

SALEEMA - Tonight, you will here the wonderful history or our organization and get to meet the sorors of this chapter. After the program is over, please feel free to join us in the next room for some light refreshments.

SHARONDA thinks - Where the heck is she?

(SHARONDA looks at her watch.)

SALEEMA - So, as we begin, we want to speak first on the history and founding of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. And to do that, we will hear from our soror Tonya.

(Everyone claps as TONYA stands with her notes and walks to the podium.)

TONYA - Thank you.

(TONYA pauses.)

TONYA - Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920 on the campus of Howard University by five dynamic women. Founder Arizona Cleaver, Founder Pearl Neal, Founder Fannie Pettie, Founder Viola Taylor and Founder Myrtle Tyler. These five women...

SHARONDA thinks - I cannot believe this girl would disrespect my time and come up in here late. She isn't here and we're five minutes into the program!

TONYA - ...was the first Greek letter organization to charter a chapter in Africa. We are also the only organization constitutionally bound to another organization, in that our brother organization is Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

(SHARONDA looks at the door as it opens and she sees a familiar face.)

SHARONDA thinks - Well, it?s about time!

(DENICE leans over to SHARONDA, who is sitting next to her.)

DENICE whispers - Wait a minute! You were serious about her coming? I thought you were joking!

SHARONDA whispers - Oh, no joke. I was serious, D.

DENICE whispers - But how...I mean why? She isn't even in college, yet.

SHARONDA whispers - I'll explain later.

(SHARONDA gets out of her seat.)

DENICE whispers - Wait, how is she gonna...

(SHARONDA ignores DENICE as she politely walks toward the back of the room.)

SHARONDA - How you gonna come up in my sorority function late? Took you long enough to get here.

(They hug.)

MIYA - I'm sorry, Rhonda. I tried to get here as fast as I could. I didn't think it would start on time.

SHARONDA - We always start on time. Take off your coat and sit down. We just started so you didn't miss too much. Make sure you take notes.

MIYA - Okay.

(MIYA starts to sit down as SHARONDA starts to walk back toward the front.)

MIYA - Rhonda.

(SHARONDA turns back around.)

MIYA - You're sure my sister won't find out that I'm here? If my mother found out she'd kill me.

(SHARONDA smiles.)

SHARONDA - Don't worry about Mona. I'll handle her. It's your mother I'm more worried about.

Episode 72

2008-01-04T15:38:00.001-08:00

JASON and WILLIE are walking together away from the Ahpla Dome.

WILLIE thinks - Dag! Dag! Dag!

JASON - Wassup, Willie. How you feelin', baby?

WILLIE - Huh? Oh, uh, I'm cool. How are you?

JASON - Good. What were you doing on the campus so late?

WILLIE - Oh, um, I have to head over to Robin's place. Stacie and them are over there with the Pyramids. So, I was on my way over there.

JASON - Oh okay. What time do you have to be there?

WILLIE thinks - I can't believe Jason walked up, right when I was supposed to meet with Dexter. Dag!

WILLIE - Huh?

JASON - What time are you supposed to be there?

(WILLIE looks at her watch.)

WILLIE - I'm actually already late.

JASON - Oh, okay. Well, we have to make one quick stop before you go over there.

WILLIE - A quick stop?

JASON - Yeah.

WILLIE - Jason, I don't have time to?

JASON - Trust me. It will be real quick.

WILLIE thinks - Lord!

WILLIE - Are you sure Jason because I can't hold sorors up.

JASON - I'm very sure. Just follow me.

WILLIE - Well, where are we going?

JASON - Shhhh. Just follow.

(WILLIE rolls her eyes but continues to walk with JASON.)

JASON - So, what do you think about me running for president of the Pan-Hell?

WILLIE - Huh?

(JASON stops walking and looks at WILLIE.)

JASON - Are you okay?

WILLIE - Uh, yeah. I'm fine. Why?

JASON - I don't know. You just seem like you aren't here -- like your mind is elsewhere. Do you wanna talk about something?

WILLIE - I'm sorry, Jason. It's just that I was thinking about the sorors and the Pyramids. I'm excited for Theresa and Breanna, and I just don't wanna miss any of what's going on over there.

JASON - Oh, okay. Well, let's hurry. I promise I won't hold you up more than five minutes. Okay?

WILLIE - Okay, sure.

(They start to walk again and arrive at JASON's place.)

WILLIE - What you have to show me is in your room?

(JASON is unlocking his door.)

JASON - Yep. This will only take a second.

WILLIE thinks - Goodness! It better only take a second!

JASON - Come on in.

(WILLIE walks in behind JASON.)

WILLIE - So what do you have to show me, Jason?

JASON - Hold on, let me get it. Sit down here. It's in my room.

WILLIE - Okay, well, hurry up. You know I gotta go.

(JASON smiles.)

JASON - I know, I know. I'll be right out. Go ahead and sit down.

WILLIE - Okay.

(WILLIE sits down and JASON goes into his bedroom. He closes the door behind him.)

WILLIE thinks - Dexter looked so sad. This is all my fault. I should have never told him to meet with me in the first place. I'm so stupid.

(WILLIE looks back to see if JASON has reappeared. He hasn?t.)

WILLIE thinks - What am I gonna do now? Should I call Dexter and apologize for leaving with Jason? I mean, Jason is my man. And Dex knows that. And I was going to tell Dex to leave me alone anyway. What better way than to see me walk off with my man. That should send a clear message.

(WILLIE looks at her watch.)

WILLIE thinks - What in the world is Jason doing!

WILLIE - Jason, I gotta go!

JASON - I know, I'm coming right now!

WILLIE thinks - Whatever, man! Dag!

(silence)

WILLIE thinks - I gotta go.

(WILLIE gets up and grabs her bag.)

WILLIE - J, I'll call you when?

(JASON comes out of his room.)

JASON - Okay, you ready to see it?

WILLIE - Jason, I gotta go.

JASON - Come here. Look.

(JASON opens his bedroom door.)

WILLIE thinks - Doesn't this boy take hints! I said I gotta go!

JASON - Check this out.

(JASON smiles and motions for WILLIE to come into his bedroom.)

WILLIE thinks - What?

WILLIE - What is it, Jason?

(WILLIE walks into JASON's bedroom. The lights are off but there are several candles lit. There are pictures and roses all throughout the room.)

WILLIE thinks - What in the world?

WILLIE - Jason, what is?

JASON - It's a photo history of our relationship. If you start here?

(JASON points to a picture on his right side.)

JASON - You can follow along this way. The pictures are in order and the roses represent some of our happiest times. Like remember this day, right here, when we went to the diner and I was so nervous that I spilled soda all over myself? Well, I only placed one rose here because I made a fool of myself.

(JASON points to another picture.)

JASON - But remember this picture right here when we went out and I snapped your picture? You kept asking me why I was taking pictures that night. But that was the first night that you said you loved me. And for that, I put several roses there. So, quickly look around the room, I know you have to leave so I don't want to hold yo?

(WILLIE jumps on JASON and hugs him tightly as tears fall from her eyes.)
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta are with their Pyramid pledgees. STACIE JEFFERSON and her line sisters of spring 90 have come to visit the pledgees. STACIE is speaking with PYRAMID BREANNA as CHRISTIAN enters the room.

(All of the sorors approach CHRISTIAN to embrace her?except STACIE. STACIE walks toward PYRAMID BREANNA.)

STACIE - Are you okay?

PYRAMID BREANNA - Yes...um...Big Sister Stacie.

STACIE - Good. Look, there are some things that you don't even know about?

(STACIE turns and looks toward CHRISTIAN, who is smiling and hugging sorors.)

STACIE - ...and now isn't the time to go into it.

(STACIE looks at PYRAMID THERESA, who is paying attention to every word.)

STACIE - You two just be strong. This is going to be a long night.

PYRAMID BREANNA thinks - Oh God!

STACIE - But trust me...you're almost sorors. And when this is over Breanna?

(STACIE starts to step away as CHRISTIAN approaches the line.)

STACIE - ...you and I will have to have a sit down.

CHRISTIAN - Hello, ladies. Long time no see.

PYRAMIDS - Greetings Big Sister DSTeazy off tha Heazy fo Sheazy My Neazy!

(The sorors laugh.)

PENNY - Okay, that's funny!

MARLANA - Christian, you stupid!

(CHRISTIAN smiles. STACIE and ROBIN look on.)

CHRISTIAN - How you ladies holding up?

PYRAMID THERESA - We are doing okay, Big Sister.

PYRAMID BREANNA - We are maintaining, Big Sister.

CHRISTIAN - Good. I really miss you two. Honestly I do. Now look. I know y'all learned a lot while I was with you. A lot of history and a lot about our chapter. You need to be able to remember all of that and recall it at a moment's notice right now. These sorors are very important to our sisterhood here at Ahpla and you need to respect them. No matter what happens, just stay strong.

STACIE - Robin, I can't take this anymore. I gotta talk to Breanna now.

ROBIN - What are you gonna tell her?

STACIE - I don't know. I just would rather talk to her than Christian.

(STACIE walks up and passes CHRISTIAN. She speaks directly to PYRAMID BREANNA.)

STACIE - Pyramid, come with me.

MARLANA - Yeah Stacie! Get it kicked off, girl! Let me grab the other Pyramid!

(STACIE smiles in acknowledgement as BREANNA follows her to the side.)

STACIE - I need to talk to you now, Breanna.

PYRAMID BREANNA - Yes, Big Sister.

STACIE - Look. You and I never got a chance to speak before you started pledging. Well, not really at least. But I wanted you to know that I don't hold any of that stuff against you that happened. I believe that you didn't know that Alex was married and you just acted naturally. And when you did find out, you ended your communication and relationship with him.

PYRAMID BREANNA - Yes, Big Sister, I did. I'm still very, very sorry about that.

STACIE - I know, Breanna. But there is something that you don't know.

PYRAMID BREANNA thinks - There is? Oh, God, what?

PYRAMID BREANNA - Something that I don't know?

(BREANNA heart jumps as she tries to figure out what STACIE is going to reveal to her.)

STACIE - You have no idea about this, and I don't even know if it is the smartest thing to tell you right now. But, I just go with how I feel.

PYRAMID BREANNA - Big Sister, what are you talking about?

(silence)

STACIE - I'm just gonna come out and say it, Breanna.

(STACIE pauses and looks back at her line sisters who have PYRAMID THERESA against a wall as they are asking her questions.)

STACIE - Breanna, my husband had an affair with Christian.

PYRAMID BREANNA - What!
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 3

MIKE was planning on staying in his dorm room practicing some steps until he gets a call from XAVIER.

MIKE - Hello?

XAVIER - What's up, frat?!

MIKE - Big Z! What's the deal playa?

XAVIER - Yo, man, I got the Scroller over here and we about to learn some greetings but I'm about to get my haze on! You wanna come through?

MIKE - Hell, yeah! It's on! I didn't think he'd be there that quick!

XAVIER - Oh, he is on point, no doubt! But you know how we Nupes do! We 'bout to get crazy hazy up in here!

MIKE - Word! Now that's what I'm talking about! I'll be right over!

XAVIER - Hurry up, frat!

MIKE - I'll be there in 10 minutes!

XAVIER - Cool!

MIKE - Yo baby, yo baby, yo!

(MIKE hangs up.)

MIKE - Now, this is what I'm talking about! It's about time!

(MIKE grabs his cane, spins it, and sticks it in his back pocket. He then reaches under his mattress and grabs a paddle.)

MIKE thinks - This is gonna be off the chain!

(MIKE grabs his coat and throws it on as he walks out the door.)

MIKE thinks - I knew Xavier had it in him! He just needed me to bring it out of him. Make him a little more edgy. He's such a goody two shoes!

(MIKE slams his door and heads down the hall.)

MIKE thinks - I can't wait to see how Brendon responds! I know he'll be okay. If he's as good as I was, then he'll have nothing to worry about. Ha ha ha ha!

(MIKE pushes the button for the elevator and waits for the door to open.)

MIKE thinks - I hope he can learn how to step! We should have no problem taking the step show at homecoming this year!

(The elevator opens and MIKE steps on.)

MIKE - Hey. How you?

MONA - Ehhhhh.

(The elevator door closes.)

MIKE - What's the matter with you?

(MONA just looks at MIKE; rolls her eyes, then looks up at the elevator numbers to see what floor they are passing.)

MIKE - Fine. Just asking.

(MIKE takes his cane out of his pocket and spins it around his fingers. MONA notices.)

MONA - You're a Kappa?

MIKE - Oh, now you wanna speak? When you find out I'm Greek, huh?

MONA - Don't trip pretty boy. I'm Greek, too.

MIKE - You are?

(The elevator doors open and two girls get on. MIKE and MONA step to the back. The doors close again. MIKE motions to MONA to ask what organization she belongs to. She smiles and holds up her pinkie finger. He smiles and the elevator gets to the lobby level.)

MIKE - Hi, I'm Mike.

MONA - Mona. Mona Ferguson.

(They step off of the elevator together.)

MIKE - So, let's start all over again. What's the matter? You look real sad.

(MONA pauses.)

MIKE - What? You don't wanna talk now? Why the sad face on such a pretty face?

(MONA smiles a little.)

MIKE - Come on, you can tell me.

MONA - Well?

(MONA looks around the lobby to see if anyone is listening to her conversation with MIKE.)

MONA - Well, I got in trouble with...um...my chapter. Big trouble.

MIKE - Is that all? I'm sure you can fix it.

MONA - I don't know. Not this time. I really messed up big time.

MIKE - Oh.

(MIKE glances at the clock above the exit door. MONA notices him look at it.)

MONA - I don't wanna hold you up with my issues though. I'm sure you got somewhere to be.

MIKE - Actually, Mona, I do. Dag, I wish I could stay and hear you out.

MONA - I understand. Don't sweat it, Mike. Thanks, anyway.

MIKE - Yeah.

(MIKE turns to leave, then turns back around.)

MIKE - Hey. What's your room number? Maybe I can talk about it with you when I get back.

(MONA smiles but is still looking down.)

MONA - 6-0-8.

MIKE - 6-0-8. Cool.

(MIKE looks at the clock again.)

MIKE - Mona, I really gotta go.

MONA - Yeah, do your thing. We'll talk.

(silence)

MIKE - I wish I didn't have to go, but the meeting that I have to go to is real, real important.

MONA - I hear ya.

(MIKE looks at the clock again. Then turns to leave.)

MIKE - So, I'll see ya later then.

MONA - Okay.

(MONA goes to sit down in the lobby to think. MIKE walks out the front door.)

(silence)

MONA thinks - What am I gonna do? Sorors hate me and...

MIKE - Hey.

(MONA turns around and sees MIKE standing there. She immediately smiles.)

MIKE - My meeting can wait. Let's talk now.

Episode 71

2008-01-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

SHARONDA is in her dorm room on the phone.

SHARONDA - You stupid. Ha ha ha ha!

TY - Girl, I'm serious! Ha ha ha ha ha!

SHARONDA - Yeah, right!

TY - Anyway.

SHARONDA - So Ty, you're not...

(There is a knock on the door.)

SHARONDA - Hold on Ty. Someone is knockin' on my door.

TY - Must be that dog team! Tryin' to break it on down! Roof! Roof! Grrrrrr!

SHARONDA - Ha ha ha ha ha! Stupid! Hold on boy!

(SHARONDA opens the door.)

SHARONDA - Oh, hey soror, come on in.

DENICE - I need to speak to you! Right now!

SHARONDA - Sure. Hold on a second. Make yourself at home.

(DENICE walks in. SHARONDA picks the phone back up.)

SHARONDA - You still there?

TY - Yeah, I'm here.

SHARONDA - What was I saying? Oh yeah. So, you're not seeing anybody? Like seriously?

TY - Not seriously.

SHARONDA - Really?

(DENICE folds her arms and is growing angrier by the second.)

SHARONDA - You haven't had any chick on campus tie you down yet, Ty? That's surprising.

TY - Why?

(SHARONDA smiles.)

SHARONDA - I don't know; I'm just surprised.

DENICE - I need to talk to you, Sharonda!

(SHARONDA holds one finger up to DENICE indicating that she will be finished in another minute. She then sits down.)

SHARONDA - I mean, it's not like you aren't good looking or anything Ty. But I ain't trying to gas you up, either. I know how men are with their egos! Ha ha ha ha...

(DENICE hangs up SHARONDA's phone.)

SHARONDA - Hey! What you do that for!

DENICE - I said, I need to talk to you! Not in a minute! Now!

SHARONDA - Fine, fine. Hold your horses, Denice.

(SHARONDA puts the phone down.)

SHARONDA - He was gettin' on my nerves anyway. Have a seat, what can I do for you?

DENICE - I don't wanna have a seat! This ain't no friendly visit, Sharonda!

SHARONDA - It isn't? Well, what's the matter with you?

(DENICE tries to maintain her composure before she erupts with anger.)

DENICE - You told Brandon that I lied to him! That I'm not really his girlfriend!

(silence)

SHARONDA - Is that what you're upset about? Good grief!

(SHARONDA gets up and walks toward the kitchen.)

SHARONDA - You want something to drink?

DENICE - No, I don't want anything to drink! I want to kill you! Why did you play me like that!

SHARONDA - I didn't play you. I did you a favor. You should've told Brandon the truth right after he crossed. The only reason you...we...lied to him was to get him to be there for his crossing into Sigma. So after he crossed, you should've told him. So don't get mad at me. Get mad at yourself for not being honest with your...boyfriend.

DENICE - That's not the point! The point is that I trusted you and I wanted to tell Brandon in my own time, my own way!

SHARONDA - When Denice? At the altar? You weren't gonna ever tell him.

(DENICE places both her hands on her head.)

DENICE - You just don't get it do you! Do you know how long I have loved Brandon! And I almost lost it all! God, Sharonda!

SHARONDA - Almost. Almost. That means that everything worked out. He didn't dump you. Y'all are still together.

DENICE - Yeah, but I had to work mad hard to keep it together.

SHARONDA - Well, that's good news then. Great news.

(SHARONDA sits back down with a soda. DENICE closes her eyes and puts her hand on her forehead.)

DENICE - Sharonda...

SHARONDA - Denice, forget about that. I got something much more important to talk to you about.

(SHARONDA begins speaking before DENICE has a chance to object.)

SHARONDA - You know next week is our interest meeting. Well, guess who is thinking about showing up and pledging Zeta!
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

XAVIER has a surprise visitor knock on his door.

XAVIER thinks - Well, I'll wait it out and see. I do believe Mike is a good guy. Whether he can be channeled to make better decisions...I guess we'll find out.

(There is a knock on the door.)

XAVIER - Dag, as soon as I sit down to read...

(XAVIER puts the book down and gets up to answer the door.)

XAVIER thinks - Whoever it is ain't stayin'.

(XAVIER opens the door.)

BRENDON - Greetings Big Brother Little Red!

(silence)

XAVIER - What?

BRENDON - Greetings Big Brother Little Red!

(XAVIER is staring at BRENDON in shock.)

XAVIER - Come inside!

(BRENDON quickly goes into the room. XAVIER looks down the hall both ways and doesn't see anyone. He closes the door and turns to BRENDON.)

XAVIER - Brendon, what are you doing? Are you crazy?

BRENDON - No Big Brother Littl...

XAVIER - Stop saying that! What in the world is the matter with you?

BRENDON - I was told to...

XAVIER thinks - Okay, stay cool. Don't kill this boy. Just stay cool.

XAVIER - Brendon, sit down.

BRENDON - Yes, Big Brother Little Red!

XAVIER - Okay. You said you were told. Who told you to call me that?

BRENDON - Big Brother Kaptain Kwestion.

(silence)

XAVIER - Big Brother Kaptain Kwestion?

BRENDON - Yes.

XAVIER - Brendon...um...start from the beginning and tell me what Mik...I mean Kaptain Kwestion told you.

BRENDON - Well, Big Br...

XAVIER - Brendon, call me Xavier and tell me what happened.

BRENDON - Does this mean I'm not on line?

XAVIER - Brendon, just tell me what happened.

BRENDON - Okay, well...

(BRENDON calms down a little.)

BRENDON - I ran into Big Brot...I mean, Mike, the other day and I was telling him that I really want to be a Kappa. Even though I didn't get selected for your line last year, I still really want to be a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

XAVIER - Okay.

BRENDON - So, I was telling him that I still want to be a member and he asked me if I was serious. If I seriously still wanted it.

XAVIER - Uh, huh.

BRENDON - Of course, I said yes. So he told me to follow him.

XAVIER - And where did he take you?

BRENDON - To his room.

XAVIER - So, then, what happened there?

BRENDON - Well, first he told me to repeat everything that he said.

(XAVIER puts his hand on his head and closes his eyes.)

XAVIER thinks - Oh, my, God.

BRENDON - And, so he started to recite something. I don't remember it all but I just recited it.

XAVIER - Okay. What else?

BRENDON - Okay. So, then...am I getting Mike in trouble? Did I do something wrong, Xavier?

(silence)

XAVIER - Brendon, you're a nice guy. I actually like you and I do want you to pursue my fraternity, again. I think you have a real chance at making line this time.

BRENDON - Wait, does that mean that I am not on line now?

(XAVIER chooses his words carefully.)

XAVIER - I don't want to...Brendon, I don't know if know if this is some kind of cruel joke that Mike is playing. But no, you are not on line. Neither me, nor Gregg know anything about this.

(BRENDON is staring in shock.)

BRENDON - Are you serious? You mean...

XAVIER - Let me be the first to apologize for Mike's...behavior. I don't know why he did this Brendon, but I will certainly find out.

(BRENDON turns away and looks in another direction.)

XAVIER - Brendon, I'm sorry. I'll get to the bottom of it. If this is a joke, I don't think it's funny.

BRENDON - Yeah, me neither.

(silence)

XAVIER - Did he...um...show you anything?

BRENDON - Any secret stuff? No.

XAVIER thinks - Good!

XAVIER - Okay. Is there anything else that he told you?

BRENDON - Just that his name was Big Brother Kaptain Kwestion, you are Big Brother Little Red, and Gregg is Big Brother Pretty Nupe.

XAVIER thinks - Oh, God.

(silence)

XAVIER - Brendon, go home. But let me make a few things clear.

(XAVIER leans in close.)

XAVIER - You are not on line. If Mike calls you or contacts you, call me. When we do have an interest meeting, make sure you are there and you are ready this year.

BRENDON - Okay.

(BRENDON looks very sad.)

XAVIER thinks - Give me words, Lord.

XAVIER - Brendon, you have the exact characteristics we are looking for in brothers. I know it must have been hard on you watching your brother pledge. Your day is coming, Brendon. Trust me. Stay to the course, and you will be rewarded.

(BRENDON smiles.)

BRENDON - Thanks, Xavier.

XAVIER - And if you ever want to talk, call me. Okay?

BRENDON - Okay.

(BRENDON gets up.)

BRENDON - I'm sorry if I got Mike in trouble or did something wrong. I guess I should've known better, huh?

XAVIER - It isn't your fault. I'll find out where the communication break down occurred and make sure it doesn't happen again.

BRENDON - Okay. Thanks, again.

XAVIER - No problem.

(They shake hands and XAVIER lets BRENDON out. His demeanor changes as he picks up the phone.)

XAVIER - Gregg, come over here.

GREGG - Why? What's up?

XAVIER - Just get over here as fast as you can.

(click)

(XAVIER dials again.)

MIKE - Hello?

XAVIER - What's up, frat!

MIKE - Big Z! What's the deal, playa?

XAVIER - Yo man, I got the Scroller over here and we about to learn some greetings but I'm about to get my haze on! You wanna come through?

MIKE - Hell, yeah! It's on! I didn't think he'd be there that quick!

XAVIER - Oh, he is on point, no doubt! But you know how we Nupes do! We 'bout to get crazy hazy up in here!

MIKE - Word! Now that's what I'm talking about! I'll be right over!

XAVIER - Hurry up, frat!

MIKE - I'll be there in 10 minutes!

XAVIER - Cool!

MIKE - Yo baby, yo baby, yo!

XAVIER - Yeah.

(click)

(XAVIER hangs up the phone and sits down waiting for his frat brothers to arrive.)
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 3

ROSALIND comes into the room and is told by PAULA that AURORA ALEXIS gave up her coveted pledge journal without a hesitation or a fight.

(There is another knock on the door. ALEXIS is watching PAULA open her journal.)

CANDACE - Alexis, open the door!

(ALEXIS quickly turns and opens the door.)

AURORA ALEXIS - Gree...

ROSALIND - Shhhh. Hush.

(ROSALIND walks in.)

ROSALIND - Hey sorors, wassup?

PAULA - Wassup? Wassup? I'll tell you what's up? How about your Aurora, here; the same Aurora that you said wouldn't break under pressure; the same Aurora who you kept telling us was so strong, the one that you had all that confidence in...

(PAULA smiles as she pauses.)

PAULA - ...how about she handed over to me her daily pledge journal! Without a fight, without hesitation, or without a struggle. Just gave it up!

AURORA ALEXIS thinks - What!

(ROSALIND turns to ALEXIS.)

ROSALIND - Aurora, come here.

(AURORA ALEXIS hurries toward ROSALIND.)

ROSALIND - Is this true, Aurora? Did you give up your journal?

(AURORA ALEXIS glances at PAULA, who just smiles sarcastically as she opens the notebook.)

AURORA ALEXIS - No, Big Sister. No, I didn't.

PAULA - What? How you gonna lie? If you didn't give me this notebook...

(PAULA turns to the first page.)

PAULA - ...then who wrote this...

(PAULA reads what is on the first page.)

PAULA reads - When I first started to pledge, Alexis, I was jealous of her because she was with Bobby first. So I...

(ALEXIS smiles to herself.)

PAULA - What the...what's this!

AURORA ALEXIS - I don't know Big Sister Gamma Ramma! Maybe it's your journal, your name is on it.

PAULA - My what?

(PAULA looks at the front of the notebook and it has her name on it.)

PAULA - But...but...

CANDACE - Looks like she got ya, Paula.

PAULA - Got me! Whatever!

(ROSALIND and JENNIFER start laughing.)

CANDACE - What else is in your journal, Paula? Ha ha ha ha, you're jealous of Alexis huh? Ha ha ha ha!

PAULA - Oh, whatever, Candace, you know this book ain't mine!

(PAULA walks over to AURORA ALEXIS and whispers in her ear.)

PAULA whispers - Neat trick, Aurora. But I'll have the last laugh.

(PAULA walks away as CANDACE approaches her pledgee.)

CANDACE - Okay back to business. On the real, Aurora, you are taking way too long with what we asked you to do. This isn't rocket science, you know. I mean come on, you are showing real signs of weakness and we don't need that in our chapter -- at all.

AURORA ALEXIS - Yes, Big Sister Southern Comfort!

CANDACE - Ros.

ROSALIND - Yeah, Candace.

CANDACE - I told you it was a bad idea to only have one pledge this year. We need to stop the process and have another interest meeting. We need about two or three more girls.

JENNIFER - I agree.

ROSALIND - I think Alexis can handle it. You guys don't?

CANDACE - No, I don't.

AURORA ALEXIS - I think that...

CANDACE - Nobody asked you to speak!

AURORA ALEXIS - But...

CANDACE - I said, nobody asked you to speak!

JENNIFER - I know this Aurora isn't talking back to big sisters!

CANDACE - I know right! What the heck!

AURORA ALEXIS - I don't mean to be dis...

CANDACE - Will you shut up! Don't talk back to me again!

AURORA ALEXIS - But you're supposed to be my friend.

CANDACE - No, you're supposed to be pledging!

(CANDACE gets in ALEXIS' face. ALEXIS is starting to visibly become emotional.)

CANDACE - Let me make something very clear! You are pledging Sigma Gamma Rho! None of us are here to baby sit you! Not me, and none of my sorors, okay! Right now, I am not your pal, I ain't your buddy, I ain't your girlfriend or boyfriend! So you better...

AURORA ALEXIS - At least I have a boyfriend!

(The room suddenly becomes incredibly quiet.)

Episode 70

2008-01-04T13:48:00.001-08:00

SEAN and DR. MWATSUMI have gone into their final phase in their quest for Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. They are anxious to hear the good news from SAIFA and BROTHER HILL.

BROTHER HILL - Brothers of Iota, we are all in agreement. The two candidates presented have met all of the requirements of membership. They have presented themselves worthy of this great honor and have shown that they will answer the call of brotherhood at all times.

SEAN thinks - Oh, my God! Oh, my God!

BROTHER HILL - We realize that as Iota continues to grow, we must stay close to our ideals and purpose. And we have successfully instilled those principles in these two worthy men.

(SEAN notices RAY smiling.)

SEAN thinks - I've never seen him smile before!

BROTHER HILL - Brothers...

(BROTHER HILL walks toward SEAN and DR. MWATSUMI who are standing next to one another in front of all the brothers. He reaches into a suitcase type bag and pulls out two rope necklaces.)

BROTHER HILL - ...it is my pleasure and honor to welcome Sean Jackson and Dr. Colin Mwatsumi...

SEAN thinks - Oh, my God!

(SEAN?s heart is beating hard and fast.)

BROTHER HILL - as our newest brothers of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated! Congratulations, gentlemen!

SAIFA - Ow! Ow!

BROTHERS - Ow! Ow!

SEAN - Yes! Yes!

(BROTHER HILL places the necklace over SEAN's head. The necklace has the letters of Iota Phi Theta on it. BROTHER HILL extends to SEAN the fraternal handshake.)

SEAN - Yes! Ow! Ow!

(SEAN hugs BROTHER HILL and immediately drops to his knees and holds his face in his hands. BROTHER HILL then places a necklace over DR. MWATSUMI's head.)

SAIFA - Congratulations, frat! Get up Sean and give me some love, brother!

SEAN - I can't believe it! I can't believe it! I'm an Iota! I am finally an Iota!

(SEAN and SAIFA hug.)

SAIFA - Welcome, man! You did a great job!

SEAN - I owe this all to you, Saifa! Thank you.

(SAIFA smiles. SAM walks up with an Iota Phi Theta jacket.)

SAM - Here ya go frat! Now look, don't mess this jacket up, this is mine! We didn' get yours done yet.

SEAN - You're letting me wear yours?

SAM - Yeah, man. Try it on!

(SEAN hugs SAM so hard that SAM drops the jacket.)

SAM - Good grief, man! Ha ha ha ha ha! Congrats!

SEAN - Thank you! Ow! Ow!

BROTHERS - Ow! Ow!

(SEAN tries on the jacket.)

SEAN - How do I look?

RAY - It looks good on you, bruh! It fits you well.

(SEAN turns toward DR. MWATSUMI. The Doctor is talking with some of the older brothers. He is wearing an Iota hat.)

SEAN - Doctor.

DR. MWATSUMI - Sean! Congratulation, son!

SEAN - Thank you...my brother!

(They hug and SEAN has to fight back tears.)

DR. MWATSUMI - This has been a long time coming, Sean. Cherish it forever. I will.

SEAN - I will, too, sir.

(They hug again.)

SAIFA - Let's go, guys. We don't want to keep the brothers waiting.

SEAN - Hey Saifa, I have a quick stop I need to make. I need to take care of something...very important.

SAIFA - Oh, I understand.

SEAN - I guess I can call your cell phone and find out where y'all are and meet you there.

SAIFA - Cool. Hurry back though.

SEAN - I will.

(SEAN turns to leave.)

RAY - Hey Saifa, where's Sean going?

SAIFA - He has something to take care of real quick. Probably call his dad. He?s gonna meet us at the restaurant.

RAY - Oh, okay, cool.

Thirty minutes later...

SEAN thinks - I can't believe I am finally over!

(SEAN looks down on the letters on his jacket.)

SEAN thinks - I am an Iota man! I can't believe it!

(SEAN hurries to his destination.)

SEAN thinks - It feels so good but I still don't believe it. It hasn't hit me yet...

(SEAN knocks on the door.)

SEAN thinks - ...but it?s about to...right now!

(RONNIE opens the door to the Omega house. He has a beer in his hand.)

RONNIE - What are you doing here?

SEAN - I'm Greek now! So what you gotta say now, huh? What you gotta say now!

(SEAN slaps the beer out of RONNIE's hand.)

SEAN - What's up with all that trash you were talking about Iota!
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

CARYN is on her way home from the hospital with her baby.

CARYN thinks - Dag, Derrick! Where are you?!

(She looks over at the sleeping baby and rubs his head. She puts her phone down and continues to drive home.)

CARYN thinks - Bobby must be smokin' weed if he thinks I'm about to give up my precious little baby boy to him!

(She tries to call DERRICK again.)

CARYN thinks - Dag, man!

(This time she leaves a message.)

CARYN - Derrick, call me back as soon as you get this message! This is an emergency!

(CARYN hangs up and turns the corner toward her place. She looks at the baby again.)

CARYN whispers - I love you, little man. You're my world.

(CARYN pulls up at her place and parks the truck. She starts to unbuckle the baby seat and her cell phone rings.)

CARYN thinks - Dag!

(She fumbles with the phone and manages to answer it.)

CARYN - Hello? hello?

DERRICK - Hey, what's up!

CARYN - Derrick!

(She almost drops the phone.)

CARYN - Hello?

DERRICK - What's the matter? What's wrong?

CARYN - Hey, I'm carrying Lil' Derrick up to my room from the truck. Will you answer the phone if I call you right back?

DERRICK - Up to your room? Why you got the baby out this late, Caryn!

(The baby wakes up and starts to cry.)

CARYN - Oh gosh! Shhhhh! Mommy's here. Shhhh now.

DERRICK - He's probably sleepy because you got him out so late!

CARYN - Derrick let me take care of him and I'll explain it all when I call you back.

DERRICK - Okay, hurry up and call me back! Are you sure that everything is okay?

CARYN - Yeah, yeah, everything is fine! I'll call you right back!

(He hangs up and she just lets the phone drop off of her shoulder into the front seat of the car. She carries the baby to her room.)

CARYN thinks - I'll grab the phone after I settle the baby in.

(CARYN walks with the baby and rubs his head until he stops crying. He quickly falls back asleep.)

CARYN - That's my boy. Shhhhh now.

(She puts the baby to bed and goes back outside to grab her phone. She dials DERRICK back.)

DERRICK - Hey what happened! You blew my phone up!

CARYN - Derrick, the baby was in the hospital!

DERRICK - What! What happened! Is he okay?

CARYN - Yeah, he's fine. He put something in his mouth and it blocked his air! So he was choking!

DERRICK - What!

CARYN - He was with the babysitter and when I got home it had just happened. So we rushed to the emergency room and they got it out. They ran tests and stuff to make sure he was okay.

(CARYN starts crying.)

CARYN - I was scared Derrick. But they told me that he was okay and that he would be fine. Just to be more careful next time.

DERRICK - Oh, my, God! Are you sure he's okay?

CARYN - Yeah. He's okay.

DERRICK - How are you?

CARYN - I'm shook! And then they made me and Bobby meet with a...

DERRICK - Bobby? He was there?

CARYN - Yeah, I called him because you were gone. So he met me at the hospital. They made us meet with a social worker and now Bobby wants to take the baby from me and raise him himself.

DERRICK - What!

CARYN - Yeah, he's calling me a bad mother! Bobby and the social worker were ganging up against me, Derrick!

(silence)

CARYN - It wasn't fair!

(silence)

CARYN - Derrick, what should I do?

(silence)

CARYN - Derrick?

(silence)

DERRICK - Give me Bobby's number.
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 3

XAVIER is in his room on the telephone with his dad.

MR. MORGAN - What do you mean suspended? What exactly happened Xavier? Did you guys haze the Scrollers?

XAVIER - No dad. We only had one this year. Remember when you met him at the grad meeting?

MR. MORGAN - Oh yeah. What was his name again?

XAVIER - Mike.

MR. MORGAN - Oh, yeah. So why is the chapter in trouble?

XAVIER - Mike has...let's say that Mike has a big mouth and he talks way too much. He hasn't learned discretion too well. So he went running off at the mouth to Dell.

MR. MORGAN - Dell from the national office?

XAVIER - Yep.

MR. MORGAN - Wow.

XAVIER - So what do you think we should do?

(MR. MORGAN pauses before answering.)

MR. MORGAN - Pray. Ha ha ha ha!

XAVIER - Very funny.

MR. MORGAN - I'm just pulling your leg son. I tell ya what, let me call my chapter president and see what I can do.

XAVIER - Would you do that?

MR. MORGAN - Yeah. I'll do that and let you know what I can do. Our chapter president is personal friends with Dell. Let's see if we can convince him to ease up a little on the chapter.

XAVIER - That would be great! Thanks.

MR. MORGAN - No problem. You guys just stay out of trouble.

XAVIER - Yeah.

MR. MORGAN - How is Gregg?

XAVIER - He's alright. He's going through some things right now.

MR. MORGAN - Oh yeah? What's going on with him?

XAVIER - Well his...ways with women finally caught up to him.

MR. MORGAN - Really? He doesn't have...

(silence)

XAVIER - Oh no! Nothing like that. His girlfriend, or ex-girlfriend Shareesa caught him out there and left. And even though he took her for granted for a long time, he really hasn't been the same since.

MR. MORGAN - I'm sorry to hear that. But that happens.

XAVIER - Yeah.

MR. MORGAN - Just be there for him as a brother and keep him in your prayers.

XAVIER - Yeah, I do.

MR. MORGAN - That's good.

XAVIER - How are things at the church?

MR. MORGAN - Good. When you come home you're going to love our new video equipment room. Completely computerized.

XAVIER - Really? Sounds real nice.

MR. MORGAN - Real expensive is what it is! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

(XAVIER laughs.)

XAVIER - Expensive? As much money as you big time preachers have? Ha ha ha!

MR. MORGAN - Yeah, okay. Well, look, Xavier, I got some things I gotta take care of. Got some reading to do.

XAVIER - Okay. Well, thanks for the advice and for the help with Dell.

MR. MORGAN - Don't thank me, yet. I don't know what will happen.

XAVIER - Well, anything is better than nothing.

MR. MORGAN - Right, right.

XAVIER - So, I guess, I'll talk to ya lata.

MR. MORGAN - Okay Xavier, God bless you.

XAVIER - God bless you, too.

(They hang up.)

XAVIER thinks - Let me call G and see how he's feelin'.

(XAVIER dials GREGG.)

GREGG - Wassup Z.

XAVIER - Chillin, just callin' to see how you feelin' man.

GREGG - Pissed. Ha ha ha ha ha, hold on a second.

(GREGG clicks over.)

GREGG - Okay, I'm back.

XAVIER - Oh, you didn't have to hang up, man, I was just calling to see what's up.

GREGG - That's okay. She wasn't talkin' bout nothing. What you up to?

XAVIER - Just spoke to my father. That's about it.

GREGG - How's he doin'?

XAVIER - He's always good. He asked about you.

GREGG - That's cool.

XAVIER - Are you okay, man? You don't seem to be yourself.

GREGG - I'm cool. What do you mean?

XAVIER - I don't know. It just seems that since...

(XAVIER pauses.)

XAVIER - ...since you and Shareesa broke up that...

GREGG - Naw, it isn't that. It's this thing with the chapter. Ya know? I mean it's really upsetting.

XAVIER - I know.

GREGG - But if we launch an appeal, we should come out okay.

XAVIER - Yeah. And my dad is gonna try to help, too.

GREGG - Good.

(silence)

XAVIER - What do we do about Mike from this point on?

GREGG - I actually thought about that. Mike is a good guy. He just talks a little too much.

XAVIER - Yeah, I agree.

GREGG - We need to sit him down and tell him that we are happy that he is a part of us now and this whole fiasco isn?t his fault. But from now on, be more careful and make better decisions.

XAVIER - You think that's all we need to do?

GREGG - Yeah. I really got to know Mike's personality when he was pledging. I think he knows right from wrong and what he should and shouldn't do. We just need to channel his young energy and enthusiasm in a way that helps us and not hurts us.

XAVIER - I hear ya. Well, I'll support you on that. I thought you wanted to kill him.

GREGG - Naw. Maybe I am changing then, huh?

(They laugh.)

XAVIER - Where is Mike anyway?

GREGG - I don't know. I called his cell after he walked out of the meeting with Dell, but I keep getting his voice mail.

XAVIER - Well, if you talk to him, let me know.

GREGG - Cool, man.

XAVIER - Aight, let me do some reading.

GREGG - Cool, nupe. I'll holla at cha lata.

XAVIER - Peace.

(They hang up.)

XAVIER thinks - Gregg is being nice about Mike. This isn't the old Gregg.

(XAVIER pulls out his Bible.)

XAVIER thinks - Maybe Gregg is right though. Maybe Mike isn't as stupid as he comes off to be. I keep trying to give him the benefit of the doubt.

(XAVIER sits down and opens the Bible to begin reading.)

XAVIER thinks - Well, I'll wait it out and see. I do believe Mike is a good guy. Whether he can be channeled to make better decisions...I guess we'll find out.

(There is a knock on the door.)

XAVIER - Dag, as soon as I sit down to read...

(XAVIER puts the book down and gets up to answer the door.)

XAVIER thinks - Whoever it is ain't stayin'.

(XAVIER opens the door.)

BRENDON - Greetings Big Brother Little Red!

Episode 69

2008-01-04T13:47:00.004-08:00

AURORA ALEXIS is with her big sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. She is having a hard time dealing with the numerous assignments and tasks they are instructing her to do.

AURORA ALEXIS thinks - What in the name of God! Do the big sisters realize that I am only one person?

(PAULA grabs ALEXIS by her collar and brings her face close to hers.)

PAULA - Listen to me! I said that you're not moving fast enough! That means that you need to move faster, not slower! Do you understand?

AURORA ALEXIS - Yes, Big Sister Gamma Ramma!

PAULA - Now, stop feeling sorry for yourself and get this stuff done!

(PAULA forcibly lets go.)

AURORA ALEXIS - Yes, Big Sist...

JENNIFER - Aurora, come here, please.

AURORA ALEXIS - Yes, Big Sister J Rho!

(ALEXIS quickly goes to JENNIFER.)

AURORA ALEXIS - Yes, Big Sister J Rho!

JENNIFER - Do you know your history, Aurora?

AURORA ALEXIS - Yes, Big Sister J Rho!

JENNIFER - Say our founders!

AURORA ALEXIS - The Honorable Mary Lou Allis...

JENNIFER - Say them backwards!

(ALEXIS pauses.)

JENNIFER - Did I stutter? I said, say them backwards!

(ALEXIS turns around.)

AURORA ALEXIS - The Honorable Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little! The honorable Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson! The Honorable Vivian Whit...

CANDACE - Ha ha ha ha! I guess she got you, huh, Jenn! Ha ha ha ha!

JENNIFER - Oh don't worry, this sorry Aurora thinks she's slick! But, I got something for her; she's gonna mess up in a minute!

AURORA ALEXIS - The Honorable Hattie Mae...

JENNIFER - Stop! Turn back around!

(ALEXIS spins around.)

JENNIFER - What are these!

(JENNIFER points to the Greek letters on the jacket she has on.)

AURORA ALEXIS - Letters I'm not worthy to wear, Big Sister J Rho!

JENNIFER - What?

AURORA ALEXIS - Those are letters that I'm not worthy to wear, Big Sister J Rho!

JENNIFER - That's right! And when will you be worth to wear them?

AURORA ALEXIS - If I am ever so fortunate to cross the burning sands!

JENNIFER - Well, you are never going to cross the burning sands and do you know why, Aurora?

AURORA ALEXIS - No, Big Sister J Rho!

JENNIFER - Because none of us like you! That's why!

AURORA ALEXIS - Yes, Big Sister J Rho!

JENNIFER - Who am I?

AURORA ALEXIS - Big Sister J Rho!

JENNIFER - And where am I from?

AURORA ALEXIS - You are Jenny from the block, Big Sister J Rho!

(JENNIFER smiles. ALEXIS is almost in tears from hearing JENNIFER say that the big sisters don't like her.)

PAULA - Aurora come here.

(ALEXIS turns and quickly approaches PAULA.)

PAULA - How many line sisters do you have?

AURORA ALEXIS - We are a line by ourselves, Big Sister Gamma Ramma!

PAULA - So, if something isn't done, we don't have anyone else to blame it on but you...huh, Aurora?

AURORA ALEXIS - Yes, Big Sister Gamma Ramma!

PAULA - Okay, so where's your daily journal?

AURORA ALEXIS - In my bag, Big Sister.

PAULA - Get it.

CANDACE thinks - Oh, God.

(ALEXIS brings her journal back.)

PAULA - Let me see it.

AURORA ALEXIS - No disrespect Big Sister, but Dean Big Sister told me never to give my...

PAULA - If you don't hand me that notebook I swear I will...

(PAULA pauses as if she is truly aggravated.)

PAULA - ...give it to me!

AURORA ALEXIS - No disrespect but I was instructe...

PAULA - Aurora, I'm only going to say this one more time...

(PAULA takes off her jacket.)

PAULA - Give me that journal.

(There is a knock on the door.)

CANDACE - Aurora, get the door.

(As ALEXIS turns to hurry toward the door, PAULA snatches the notebook from her. ALEXIS stops in her tracks.)

AURORA ALEXIS thinks - My journal!

CANDACE - I said to answer the door.

AURORA ALEXIS thinks - Oh, God, my book!

(There is another knock on the door. ALEXIS is watching PAULA open her journal.)

CANDACE - Alexis, open the door!

(ALEXIS quickly turns and opens the door.)

AURORA ALEXIS - Gree...

ROSALIND - Shhhh. Hush.

(ROSALIND walks in.)

ROSALIND - Hey sorors, wassup?

PAULA - Wassup? Wassup? I'll tell you what's up? How about your Aurora here, the same Aurora that you said wouldn't break under pressure, the same Aurora who you kept telling us was so strong, the one that you had all that confidence in...

(PAULA smiles as she pauses.)

PAULA - ...how about she handed over to me her daily pledge journal! Without a fight, without hesitation, or without a struggle. Just gave it up!
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

WILLIE is waiting at the Ahpla Dome to meet and speak with DEXTER. She is surprised however by whom she finds there.

WILLIE thinks - This boy got me meeting him out here...well, actually, seeing him at the Dome was my idea, huh? Hee hee hee! I guess it will be kinda good to see Dex.

(WILLIE gets to the arena and looks around for DEXTER.)

WILLIE thinks - He isn't here yet. I hope he doesn't make me wait too long. I got things to do. I gotta go see the girls and...

JASON - Willie? Is that you? What are you doing out here in front of the Dome?

(WILLIE turns around and sees JASON walking with LARRY.)

WILLIE thinks - Oh, my God!

LARRY - Hey, Willie, girl.

WILLIE - Uh...hi Larry.

JASON - What are you doing out here, baby?

WILLIE - Um...

(WILLIE pauses.)

WILLIE - I was supposed to...um...to meet with one of the pledges. Breanna. But she is so late...

(WILLIE looks over JASON's shoulder for DEXTER.)

WILLIE - ...that I was just getting ready to leave.

LARRY - Aw, shoot! A late pledgee! Can I be around and watch the festivities when you run into her later?

WILLIE - Stop being silly, Larry.

JASON - Well, let me walk with you. Larry, I'll holla at cha lata, frat.

LARRY - Just because she has better legs than me, don't mean you gotta choose her over me, ya know!

(LARRY laughs as he walks toward the main yard on campus.)

JASON - So what's up, baby? Which direction you going?

WILLIE - Oh um...this way.

(WILLIE turns away from the yard where DEXTER will probably be walking from.)

WILLIE thinks - Dag! I really wanted to see Dex. Man!

JASON - So, what's been goin' on? I feel like I haven't seen you since y'all's line started.

WILLIE - I know J. You know how it is with that though.

JASON - Oh, of course, I understand. We're about to start talking about having a line and it'll be the same way for us.

WILLIE thinks - What is Dex gonna think when he gets there and I'm not there!

(silence)

JASON - You know what I'm sayin'? By that time, you won't see me at all! Ha ha ha ha ha.

WILLIE - Uh, yeah. Ha ha.

WILLIE thinks - Maybe I can go into the bathroom and call Dexter's cell phone and tell him what happened. But if I tell him that Jason just showed up, it may hurt his feelings and he might not want to talk to me anymore.

JASON - ...so this is the crazy part. I thought it was supposed to be Reggie, but Quinton shows up and...

WILLIE thinks - Dag, I don't want to hurt Dex right now. He is going through so much. Just the fact that he told me what he did, I know he's going through a lot. That isn't even like him, to open up like that. I wish he was like this before! Why is he doing this now?

JASON - Isn't that crazy? Ha ha ha ha!

WILLIE - Huh? Oh, uh, yeah. That's crazy.

WILLIE thinks - I feel so bad about this. What am I supposed to do? Why didn't he tell me these things when we both crossed? Why does he wait until I have a boyfriend before he tells me how he feels about me? Why can't he just let me move on and be happy?

JASON - So, what you think?

(silence)

JASON - Willie.

WILLIE - Huh?

JASON - Is something on your mind? You all right?

WILLIE thinks - Jason, I need to speak to you about...

WILLIE - I'm okay. I'm sorry Jason. I'm just a little preoccupied with not meeting up with...Breanna.

JASON - Oh. Don't sweat it, hon -- you know how it is with pledgees. They get caught up in all kinds of stuff.

WILLIE - Yeah.

(JASON grabs WILLIE?s hand.)

JASON - Don't let it bother you. I'm sure there's a good reason.

(JASON and WILLIE turn a corner hand in hand and both stop.)

JASON - Hey! Dexter, man, what's up, dude?

WILLIE thinks - Oh, Jesus!

(DEXTER looks at JASON, then to WILLIE, then back at JASON.)

DEXTER - Jason, what's up. Hey Willie.

WILLIE - Hi, Dexter. How you doin'?

DEXTER - I'm cool.

(JASON lets go of WILLIE's hand in order to shake DEXTER's.)

JASON - I need to holla at you one of these days, Dexter. I may run for president of the Pan-Hellenic Council. So if I do, I'd need your vote, of course.

DEXTER - Of course, J. No problem.

JASON - Thanks, man. I appreciate it. We'll talk.

DEXTER - Yeah.

JASON - So, I'll holla at cha lata then.

DEXTER - Yeah. Sure.

(JASON grabs WILLIE's hand and they begin to walk away.)
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 3

MIRI is at the airport with his brothers of Phi Beta Sigma. He is departing for Africa and they are sending him off.

BRANDON - I still can't believe you're gonna be gone, man. I'm gonna miss you.

MIRI - Don't get emotional on me, Brandon. I swore I wasn't gonna cry doing this.

BRANDON - I know man, I know. I won't get emotional. But dag, dude, Africa? You couldn't transfer to Amgis or something. It had to be Africa?

(MIRI shrugs.)

MIRI - Sometimes you gotta follow your heart man.

BRANDON - Hey, nothing wrong with that. I hear ya.

CALVIN - Speaking of following your heart, Miri, are you okay, man? Gina isn't here.

MIRI - I'm okay. I said I wasn't gonna cry.

(MIRI forces a laugh.)

MIRI - But seriously, I spoke to her yesterday. She said she may come to the airport to send me off but she couldn't guarantee. It's just too emotional for her.

CALVIN - Dag, man, that's deep. She loves you so much that she can't even come see you off?

BRANDON - Will you shut up?! You're making it worse.

MIRI - It's okay, man. Can't get any worse.

(HAYDEN walks up.)

HAYDEN - Hey, man. Take care of yourself and represent Phi Beta well over there.

MIRI - I will, Hayden. Thanks.

HAYDEN - Can I get a quick greeting before you go?

(Everyone laughs.)

MIRI - Heck no!

HAYDEN - Come on, man! Just a quick one.

(MIRI smiles.)

MIRI - Greetings Big Brother Smooth Blue Lion!

(silence)

HAYDEN - Never mind! Never mind! Take care man and God bless you, Miri.

(MIRI and HAYDEN hug. While hugging, MIRI looks over HAYDEN's shoulder for GINA. He doesn't see her.)

COREY - Hey Miri, we got a little something for ya, frat.

MIRI - Really?

(COREY hands MIRI a brown bag.)

COREY - Sorry about the ghetto gift-wrap. Last-minute kinda thing.

MIRI - No problem, dean!

(MIRI opens the bag.)

MIRI - Aw man! This is hot! Thanks!

(MIRI holds up a white Phi Beta Sigma jacket. The continent of Africa is on the back.)

MIRI - This is so hot!

AHMAD - Um...I'm goin' to Africa too! Can I get a jacket?

(Everyone laughs as MIRI puts his jacket on.)

VINCENT - That's hot, man! Looks good on you!

MIRI - Thanks! Thanks, Corey!

COREY - No doubt, man! Wear it well. Send us a poem or two while you're there.

MIRI - I sure will.

(MIRI and COREY hug.)

VINCENT - Hey, let me get one last picture of you and your line.

MIRI - Okay, cool.

(AHMAD, SETH, BRANDON, CALVIN, and MIRI line up and pose.)

MIRI - Hey wait, hold up!

(MIRI looks down the hall at a girl that looks like GINA. It isn?t her.)

MIRI thinks - Dag!

CALVIN - What? Wassup?

MIRI - Uh, nothing. Go ahead.

(They pose again and VINCENT snaps the picture.)

VINCENT - Cool.

AHMAD - How much time do you have before your flight leaves?

(MIRI looks at the security check point and at the clock on the wall.)

MIRI - Oh God, I need to go. My flight is already boarding!

AHMAD - Dag bruh, I'm glad I asked! Hey Miri, I love you man. Take care.

MIRI - Thanks man, I love you, too.

(MIRI and AHMAD hug. SETH walks up.)

SETH - Yeah, man, we?ll miss you and be praying for you. Hurry up and come back.

MIRI - I will.

(They hug.)

MIRI - Bran, take care man. I know you're a little hurt over Denice. But let me leave you with this, man. Don't take love for granted...

(MIRI looks down the hall for GINA again.)

MIRI - ...trust me on that.

BRANDON - Thanks, man. I'll remember that.

MIRI - I mean it, man. You're important to me, Brandon. You were the one who invited me to take a look at Phi Beta Sigma. Thank you.

BRANDON - Thank you for taking it seriously. I love you, man.

MIRI - I love you, too.

(MIRI and BRANDON hug long.)

MIRI - Cal, I'm gonna miss you the most, Scarecrow!

CALVIN - Shut up!

MIRI - Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! But seriously, come here for a second.

CALVIN - Hurry up, man, you don't have a lot of time.

(MIRI and CALVIN step to the side.)

MIRI - Listen, man, I know I didn't like you at first...

CALVIN - Say no more, man. You know I love you and I know you got my back. That's all that needs to be said.

(silence)

(MIRI smiles.)

MIRI - Look man, I need for you to do something for me.

CALVIN - Anything.

(MIRI reaches into his pocket and pulls out an envelope.)

MIRI - Give this to Gina for me.

(silence)

CALVIN - Sure, man. I will. I'll make sure she gets it.

(MIRI wipes his eyes.)

MIRI - Please do.

(MIRI turns and walks toward the security check point. He holds up the sign and yells in the airport.)

MIRI - Blue Phi!

SIGMAS - You Know!

MIRI thinks - Don't cry! Don't cry!

(MIRI goes through security and waits for his laptop to come through.)

MIRI thinks - Don't cry.

(As MIRI waits for his laptop he looks down the hall. He sees his fraternity brothers walking away, but more importantly, he doesn?t see GINA.)

SECURITY GUARD - Is this yours, sir?

MIRI - Yes, thank you.

(MIRI grabs his laptop and jogs to his gate. He pulls his ticket out of his pocket and tries his best to hold back tears.)

MIRI thinks - Dag, Gina! Dag!

(MIRI hands the woman his ticket as he continues to turn around.)

FLIGHT ATTENDANT - You need to board the aircraft, sir.

MIRI - Huh? Oh, yeah. Okay.

(MIRI lowers his head and walks onto the plane, takes off his jacket, and sits down. As he is fastening his seat belt, the flight attendant approaches him.)

FLIGHT ATTENDANT - Are you okay with everything?

MIRI - Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm okay.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT - Your eyes look puffy. Are you ill?

MIRI - No, no. I?m okay.

(MIRI rubs his eyes and gains his composure.)

FLIGHT ATTENDANT - Well, buzz me if you need anything. We've got a long ride.

MIRI - Okay, sure. Thanks.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT - Oh and uh...

(The flight attendant hands MIRI a piece of paper.)

FLIGHT ATTENDANT - I was told to give this to you.

MIRI - Huh?

(She smiles and walks away.)

MIRI thinks - What the...

(MIRI opens the paper.)

MIRI reads - Turn around and look a few rows back!

Episode 68

2008-01-04T13:47:00.003-08:00

BOBBY and CARYN are at the Ahpla University Hospital. They brought the baby in because he wasn't breathing and are now about to meet with a social worker.

BOBBY - Caryn, they're gonna have a social worker talk to you like you're an unfit parent.

CARYN - They are?

BOBBY - What do you think social workers are for?

CARYN - I take care of Lil' Derrick. I love my baby!

(silence)

BOBBY - Maybe the baby should stay with me for a while.

CARYN - What!

BOBBY - I just think that...

CARYN - Since when did you become Mr. Responsibility?

BOBBY - I just been thinking lately and a lot is changing in my life right now. A lot is changing. And I want to...

CARYN - Bobby, if you think you're gonna...

MR. DESRA - Hello Caryn? Bobby? My name is Donald Desra and I have been assigned to your case. If you would follow me we can have a seat and go over a few things.

(CARYN looks at BOBBY and the two of them stand up and follow the social worker.)

MR. DESRA - Are you guys okay? I know you must have had a terrible scare.

CARYN - Yes. My baby is fine. I'm okay now.

MR. DESRA - Good.

(He leads them into an office where there is a desk and two chairs.)

MR. DESRA - Have a seat.

(They sit down as he sits behind the desk.)

DR. DESRA - I haven't had time to go through your entire file, but can you tell me why the baby was brought in?

(CARYN looks at BOBBY worried.)

BOBBY - Um...the baby put something in his mouth. You know how babies are. Ha ha, um...yeah. So, it got stuck.

DR. DESRA - I see. Listen, you don't have to be nervous. Please, be yourself. I'm only here to help.

BOBBY - Yes, sir.

DR. DESRA - Was the baby left alone? How did he put something in his mouth?

(BOBBY looks at CARYN.)

CARYN - Well, um...she was with the babysitter.

DR. DESRA - I see.

(DR. DESRA writes something down.)

DR. DESRA - Let me ask you this. A few minutes ago I asked you how you guys were feeling and Caryn you answered by saying you are okay because your baby is okay. Why did you say your baby and not our baby?

CARYN - Because Lil' Derrick is my world. He really is. I love my baby.

DR. DESRA - I'm sure he is. But isn't he equally Bobby's baby as well?

CARYN - I take care of Lil' Derrick. Me alone.

BOBBY - That's not true.

CARYN - What!

DR. DESRA - Hold on, hold on. Calm down. Just answer my questions, please.

(CARYN quiets down but looks very mad.)

BOBBY - Let me say this, sir. I haven't been there as much as I should. I can be a man and admit that.

CARYN - Be a man? You couldn't be a man if someone paid you to be one!

DR. DESRA - Caryn, please. I'll offer you a chance to respond.

CARYN - Fine!

DR. DESRA - Bobby, continue.

BOBBY - I know I haven't been around the way that I should. But I've grown up a lot this year -- a whole lot. And I'm ready to play a much larger role in Derrick's life. I don't think Caryn is fit to...

CARYN - What!

(CARYN jumps out of her chair.)

CARYN - Oh, don't even go there!

DR. DESRA - Please Caryn, don't...

CARYN - No, hold up! I ain't gonna let him act like I'm an unfit mother! I raise that baby boy by myself! Don't nobody help me with that! Don't nobody stay up with me at night when he's crying! Don't nobody change him and buy him diapers!

BOBBY - You don't change him, either! You're always out partyin' somewhere! You're still cheering and I told you to stop that so you can spend more time at home!

CARYN - So, my life is supposed to stop!

BOBBY - No, but you need to act like you have a baby!

CARYN - So do you!

BOBBY - I will now when I take Lil' Derrick and show him how to be a man!

CARYN - How can you? You ain't one!

DR. DESRA - Bobby! Caryn! Please!

(They stop. CARYN is still standing with her hands on her hips.)

DR. DESRA - This is getting us nowhere. Caryn, please sit back down.

CARYN - I'm not a bad mother! I love my baby and nobody is gonna take my baby away from me!
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

SEAN is meeting with the brothers of the graduate chapter of Iota Phi Theta. He is meeting their pledgee for the first time.

BROTHER HILL - Sean, you are looking rather strange right now. Are you okay?

SEAN - Uh...um...yes...sir.

BROTHER HILL - Do you know our pledgee or something?

(silence)

SEAN - That's the thing sir. I do know him.

BROTHER HILL - You do?

SEAN - Yes. I took Dr. Mwatsumi's class last semester. That is where I know him from.

BROTHER HILL - Excellent. Then you guys will be able to work together for the brotherhood from right on campus. That's good.

RAY thinks - I thought that fool was gonna spill his guts!

(SAIFA looks at SAM and smiles with relief.)

BROTHER HILL - There are a few questions that we need to ask you both. The first few questions will be directed to you from me. The brotherhood then will have the opportunity to question you at random. Firstly, why do you both want to become members of Iota Phi Theta. Sean, first.

SEAN - Sir, when I read the history of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., I was not only impressed, but intrigued. I have a vast knowledge of the fraternity system already. Both my father and grandfather are fraternity members.

BROTHER HILL - They are Iota brothers?

SEAN - Oh, no sir. They are both members of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc.

BROTHER HILL - Oh, okay. Continue.

SEAN - So upon coming to Ahpla University, I thought I wanted to be an Alpha as well. Or my dad thought so, at least. When in actuality, I started to pursue Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. That's what I thought I wanted to be. Realizing that it wasn't what I wanted either, I did look at each organization on campus. And I realized that the traditions that they upheld don't really coincide with me, and what I am doing right now for my life and for myself.

BROTHER HILL - Which is?

SEAN - Blaze a new trail. In my own personal life, Alpha is all I have ever known. I grew up going to the Alpha conventions and watching my father as a very active member in his fraternity. But I want to blaze a new trail and do my own thing; something that better suits me and my personality. I want to be an Iota man.

BROTHER HILL - Okay. And you, Dr. Mwatsumi.

DR. MWATSUMI - I started to research Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., based on the recommendation of a mentee of mine. Young brother Saifa had spoken of the fraternity a few times and led the type of lifestyle that impressed me. For him to be so young and so dedicated to the cause of brotherhood is more than impressive. When I researched further and met more brothers of Iota, I found that to be the common thread amongst the members. The fraternity is a great bond of serious-minded men. Men I can relate to and work with. I look forward to that opportunity.

BROTHER HILL - Very good. Can you tell us a goal that you have for our fraternity that we don't already service now?

SEAN - Yes. I plan to make Iota a forerunner on the campus of Ahpla University. The presence of Iota is not well known, nor strong yet. But wait until they get a load of me!

(Everyone chuckles but SEAN doesn't smile.)

BROTHER HILL - Doctor?

DR. MWATSUMI - In my position with the university, I will be able to secure many things for the chapter. I have access to funding, programming, community outreach, as well as the president of the university. There are lots of ways I can help the fraternity make a smooth transition to campus, and then further the mighty work of Iota from inside the administration.

BROTHER HILL - Very good. Are there any questions from the brotherhood?

(SAIFA raises his hand.)

BROTHER HILL - Go ahead, brother.

SAIFA - Can each of you tell us in one sentence what your goal in life is? It may not have anything to do with Iota. But to get a better sense of who you are and what is your one main goal in life. Doctor, you first.

DR. MWATSUMI - To help someone less fortunate than me.

SAIFA - And Sean?

SEAN - To be half the man my father is.

BROTHER HILL - Very good. Are there any more questions?

(silence)

BROTHER HILL - Okay, gentlemen. If you could follow me.

(SEAN and DR. MWATSUMI follow BROTHER HILL out of the room. He then turns to them.)

BROTHER HILL - You two are doing fine. The brothers will need a few moments to take care of some official business, so in the meantime, you two can go into this room and get to know one another a little better.

SEAN - Okay.

BROTHER HILL - I'll be back in a few minutes to retrieve you.

DR. MWATSUMI - That will be fine, sir. Thank you.

(BROTHER HILL leads them to an empty room, lets them in then closes the door.)

(silence)

DR. MWATSUMI - Sean, it's good to see you.

(The Doctor smiles. SEAN walks toward him with open arms.)

SEAN - Dr. Mwatsumi! Oh my God!

(They hug.)

SEAN - How in the world...

DR. MWATSUMI - We'll catch up later, Sean.

SEAN - But why didn't you tell me?

(DR. MWATSUMI smiles.)

DR. MWATSUMI - You weren't ready, Sean. I needed to do this, another way, and it had to be done on my own time so it could fit into my own schedule.

SEAN ? Well, I am glad! So happy!

DR. MWATSUMI - For now, we just need to remain calm and focus. This is our night.

SEAN - Our night?

(DR. MWATSUMI whispers.)

DR. MWATSUMI - On the way over here, I happened to notice a lot of Iota Phi Theta paraphernalia in the back of one of the cars. I believe they are gifts. Gifts for the fraternity?s two newest members!
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 3

MIRI is in his room with his frat brothers HAYDEN and CALVIN.

CALVIN - I still can't believe you're gonna be gone, man. This is nuts.

HAYDEN - Yeah. But, I guess you're sure about this right?

MIRI - Yeah. I'm sure.

(MIRI closes his suitcase and opens up his passport. He stares at it.)

HAYDEN - Man, are you okay? You keep opening up your passport and looking at it. Are you all right?

MIRI - Yeah.

(MIRI puts it back in his pocket.)

CALVIN - Blue, come on, man. Talk to us. You're upset about Gina, aren't you?

(silence)

(MIRI pulls out his passport again.)

MIRI - See this passport picture of me?

(MIRI hands it to CALVIN who shows HAYDEN.)

CALVIN - Yeah, what about it?

MIRI - That picture was from a trip I took with Gina when I first met her. We went to the boardwalk and got in one of those photo booth things. It snapped our picture. She has one and I have one. I cut it in half when we broke up. This was the only picture I had small enough when I applied for my passport so I used the half with me.

CALVIN - Dag.

(CALVIN hands it back, MIRI puts it back into his pocket.)

CALVIN - Miri, if you feel so strongly, are you sure you want to leave her here?

(MIRI answers without looking at CALVIN. He is closing another travel bag.)

MIRI - I have to.

(silence)

CALVIN - Why?

MIRI - This is something deeper than me. And deeper than her. I don't know. This is a journey. Like Phi Beta Sigma. I have to go.

CALVIN - But you love Gina. What about that?

(MIRI pauses before he answers.)

MIRI - I love Gina with all my heart. I was depressed without her and I'm going through a depression now. This is a different calling though. It's...

(MIRI stops packing and looks at them.)

MIRI - ...it's different. I just have to go man.

HAYDEN - I think you should go.

CALVIN - You do?

HAYDEN - You don't want to stay and have regrets.

MIRI - That's another thing. I don't want her to be resentful for keeping me back. Ya know?

CALVIN - I hear ya, man. It's tough.

MIRI - Yeah.

(MIRI returns to packing. HAYDEN checks his watch.)

HAYDEN - How much time do you have? Should we be leaving?

MIRI - Yeah. I'm almost ready. I have hours before the flight but I need to be at the airport early. International is like that.

HAYDEN - Well, let me grab these two bags and go to the car.

MIRI - Thanks, frat.

(HAYDEN takes the two bags and leaves.)

CALVIN - Miri, I just wanna say that I respect you a lot for what you're doing man -- for real.

MIRI - Thanks.

CALVIN - I mean, I don't think I've ever had a burning desire like you have now to go to Africa. I wanted Sigma badly, but this thing with you going to Africa is in your eyes. I can see it.

MIRI - Yeah.

(silence)

CALVIN - And I can see the pain in your heart, too, man. I'll be praying for you.

MIRI - Thank you, man.

(MIRI stops and hugs CALVIN.)

MIRI - Thank you, man.

(HAYDEN comes back in.)

HAYDEN - Anything else?

MIRI - Just these last two things. If you guys can carry these to the car, I'll be right out.

HAYDEN - Okay.

(CALVIN and HAYDEN take the last two bags and MIRI sits on his bed.)

(silence)

MIRI thinks - And now the hardest lesson engraved upon my heart, even though sleep was hard when we were together, it's worse now that we're apart.

(He picks up his phone and starts to dial GINA's number.)

(silence)

(MIRI hangs up, turns off the light, and locks the door behind him.)

Episode 67

2008-01-04T13:47:00.001-08:00

GREGG and MIKE are in GREGG's room with REGGIE. MIKE starts to get emotional and go overboard with his statements toward REGGIE.

GREGG - Um, I think his name was...um...Quinton.

REGGIE - Oh yeah, Quinton.

(REGGIE sips from his bottle.)

REGGIE - Yeah. Q is a cool dude, man. Real smart, young brother and with a good head on his shoulders. He is a born leader. He'll probably mess around and be chapter president when Bobby is done.

MIKE - Good Lord.

REGGIE - Huh? What you say?

GREGG - Nevermind him. He's just...

(GREGG turns toward MIKE and stresses his next word.)

GREGG - ...stupid!

MIKE - Man, whatever! You need to quit beatin' around the bush and get to it!

REGGIE - What are you talking about dude?

GREGG - Shut up, Mike!

MIKE - No, I'm not gonna shut up! I'm gonna tell you how it is and keep it real!

REGGIE - What's your problem, man?

MIKE - My problem? My problem!

(GREGG stands up and stands in front of where MIKE is sitting.)

GREGG - Mike shut the...

(The door opens and there is a second of silence as everyone focuses on XAVIER walking in with DELL behind him.)

DELL - Hello, Gregg. Mike.

GREGG - Dell, what's up, man. How you doin'? I didn't expect to see you here.

DELL - I thought I'd stop by since I was in the neighborhood. Do you mind?

GREGG - Oh no, of course not. Um...this is my boy Reggie. Reggie, this is my frat brother Dell.

(REGGIE hesitates as he looks at MIKE.)

DELL - Nice to meet you, Reggie.

REGGIE - Hey man, same here.

(They shake hands.)

GREGG - Hey Reg, let me holla at you for a second dude.

REGGIE - Yeah, sure.

(GREGG walks REGGIE toward the door.)

GREGG - Hey man, I got a few issues I need to discuss with my frat brother Dell. So let me catch you next time. Sorry 'bout the game.

REGGIE - Naw, that's cool G. Thanks for the invite. But what's up with your neo?

GREGG - He's a little high strung. You know how it is when you first cross. All you see is your organization. Everyone else is minor in your own eyes.

REGGIE - Yeah but dag bruh! He's downright disrespectful. Someone may put him in his place.

GREGG - I'll be sure to take care of his attitude problem.

REGGIE - I hear it, man. Well, thanks again dude. I'll holla.

GREGG - Be easy.

(GREGG opens the door for REGGIE as they shake hands.)

XAVIER - Dell, can I get you anything man?

DELL - No. Thanks anyway.

(DELL sits down. MIKE looks away and sighs.)

DELL - Good to see you, Mike.

MIKE - Don't patronize me, Dell. You're about as happy to see me as I am to see you and you know it. So just get on with it.

DELL - Fine, Mike.

(XAVIER comes from the kitchen and joins GREGG walking in. They both sit down. They didn't hear MIKE?s last statement.)

GREGG - So Dell, what's the deal?

(DELL opens his briefcase and pulls out his glasses case. He puts on his glasses and then pulls out paperwork.)

DELL - I'm glad that everybody is here. I want to first of all distribute these packets to you guys. Obviously you don't have it or Mike here wouldn't have been spilling his guts to me.

(DELL hands GREGG some papers that he passes on to XAVIER and MIKE.)

GREGG - What's this?

DELL - It's the packet from nationals with all of the executive bios. If y'all would have had this, Mike would've known who I am. My picture is in it. Also, the bylaws of the fraternity and its position on hazing. I'm sure you have this already, but it's important to hand this out to you again because it leads me into my next statement.

(Everyone is paging through the paperwork.)

GREGG - We actually do have the hazing documents and we introduced them to Mike during his intake process. I know that that is the guideline so we followed that to the letter.

DELL - If you take a look at, um...

(DELL pages through his copy.)

DELL - ...section seven on the page 16, you can follow along.

(Everyone turns to page 16.)

DELL - Basically, this states the fraternity's definition of evidence versus slander.

XAVIER - Evidence versus slander?

DELL - In other words, how much will the fraternity hold valuable when it's one person's word against another's.

MIKE - How can it hold any of it valuable? One of the people could be lying?

DELL - Exactly the point. If one person is lying, then the other person is telling the truth. And it's the truth that we seek to establish and decide from. And in this particular case, the truth is that Mike pledged. I know that and you all know that.

(Everyone is silent.)

DELL - And with that being the case, we decide to act however necessary in establishing the proper punishment on the chapter.

(DELL reaches into his bag and pulls out another paper and passes it to GREGG.)

GREGG - What's this?

DELL - Your suspension letter. I want us all to read it togeth...

MIKE - Suspension? We're getting suspended over this crap?

XAVIER - Suspended? Dell, don't do this man...can't we work something out?

DELL - I don't tolerate hazing and you all knew this going in.

XAVIER - Dell, you graduated from Ahpla. How can you do this to us?

(DELL smiles and prepares to answer but GREGG interrupts him.)

GREGG - Because he never made the Kappa line here at Ahpla and went grad. He's been pissed off at our chapter ever since!
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

ROBIN opens the door and there are several women in the hall. Some have on Delta Sigma Theta jackets. ROBIN smiles and greets the first one that enters.

ROBIN - Marlana! Hey girl!

MARLANA - Hey soror! Good to see you!

(They hug and rock back and forth.)

MARLANA - What's been going on, Robin?

ROBIN - Nothing girl! I miss you guys!

(The other sorors start to come into the room as BREANNA grabs THERESA's arm hard.)

PYRAMID THERESA whispers - What's the matter with you?

PYRAMID BREANNA whispers - This is the Spring 90 line!

PYRAMID THERESA whispers - So what?

PYRAMID BREANNA whispers - This is Stacie Jefferson's line!

MARLANA - These are the girls? Must be Theresa and Breanna that I've heard so much about!

(ROBIN turns from her sorors to address the pledges.)

ROBIN - Ladies, greet the big sisters. And do it properly.

(PYRAMID BREANNA quickly looks at PYRAMID THERESA.)

PYRAMID THERESA whispers - Just back me up.

PYRAMID BREANNA thinks - What?

PYRAMID THERESA - Greetings Big Sisters of DST, The Eleven Dreams?

(BREANNA joins in on that part because it's obvious.)

PYRAMIDS - of Crimson and Cream!

PYRAMID THERESA - So revered...and so...

PYRAMID BREANNA - Esteemed!

PYRAMID THERESA - So on point...and on the...

PYRAMID BREANNA - Scene!

PYRAMID THERESA - We little Pyramids hope and...

PYRAMID BREANNA - Pray!

PYRAMID THERESA - To be just like you some...

PYRAMID BREANNA - Day!

PYRAMID THERESA - And cross over the burning...

PYRAMID BREANNA - Sands!

PYRAMID THERESA - Into Delta Sigma Theta...

PYRAMID BREANNA - Land!

(THERESA stops and BREANNA is sweating.)

MARLANA - That was cute! Real cute! Thank you, Pyramids!

PYRAMIDS - Your welcome, Big Sister!

(BREANNA sees STACIE JEFFERSON among her line sisters.)

PYRAMID BREANNA - Oh, God! Oh, Jesus!

PYRAMID BREANNA thinks - Alex, why didn't you tell me you were married! Oh my God!

ALEX - Breanna, I love you! I don't love her!

BREANNA - But that is your wife! Stacie is the mother of your children!

ALEX - I know, and I love my kids. But I don't love Stacie! I told you that, I love you!

BREANNA - Don' say that! Stop saying that!

ALEX -But it' true!

(BREANNA backs away and ALEX takes a step forward extending his hand.)

ALEX -Please, Breanna, be with me. Please!

(BREANNA'S heart is racing as the telephone rings.)

STACIE - Hello?

(silence)

STACIE - Hello?

BREANNA - Stacie, this is Breanna.

STACIE - Hi Breanna, how are you?

BREANNA - I'm fine. Um...Stacie, there's something I have to tell you.

STACIE - Oh yeah? What's up?

(silence)

STACIE - What do you have to tell me?

(silence)

STACIE - What do you have to tell me? Say something!

(silence)

STACIE - Say something!

(silence)

ROBIN - Say something! Say something!

(BREANNA looks up. She can make out a dark figure standing over her. She is trying to understand what the person standing over her is saying.)

ROBIN - Breanna? Are you alright? Say something!

SCENE 3

BUCK, JUNE, and PJ arrive at the Twenty-Four-Seven Diner.

JUNE - Buck, grab a table while I go to the bathroom.

BUCK - Aight boo. I don't see Ty here yet anyway so we got some time to wait.

JUNE - Okay. I'll be right back.

(JUNE walks away.)

BUCK - We can sit right here.

PJ - Okay.

(BUCK and PJ sit across from each other.)

PJ - So tell me something about Ty.

BUCK - Well, I actually don't know a lot about him besides the fact that he's a bruh. I came through when he was on line. I checked him out. But we only hung out once and that was when June called you.

PJ - Are you just covering for him? You don't wanna leak any info?

(PJ smiles and BUCK laughs.)

BUCK - Naw girl, it's the truth. He's cool, but I really don't know a lot about him. Have you ever met him or seen him before?

PJ - I think so. I saw somebody with the Ques that I didn't recognize. With Ronnie and Dexter. So I assume that was him when he first crossed.

BUCK - Yeah.

(The waitress brings over glasses of water and menus.)

WAITRESS - Hi, how yall doin'?

BUCK - Great. We are waiting for one more person to arrive, and one person is in the bathroom.

WAITRESS - Okay then. Well, I'll give you some time.

BUCK - Thanks.

(BUCK grabs the menu as she walks away.)

PJ - Hey...

(PJ grabs BUCK's hand.)

PJ - ...you have real small hands for a basketball player!

BUCK - Yeah, everybody says that. But that is why my shot is good. It's a certain way that I grip the ball and it helps the ball rotate better in the air.

PJ - Wow, that's funny.

BUCK - Yeah, June thinks so too. Speak of the devil.

(JUNE walks up and scoots into the booth next to BUCK.)

JUNE - Hey, ya miss me?

BUCK - Nope, I forgot you were even here!

JUNE - Oh whatever, silly!

(BUCK kisses JUNE.)

PJ - I hope Ty isn't that corny! He's already late!

(They all laugh as PJ looks at the menu.)

PJ - Maybe I should order some dog food for him. Ha ha ha ha!

BUCK - Oh, don't hate! Don't hate! Ha ha ha ha!

(At that moment, everyone's attention is drawn to TY as he approaches the table.)

TY - Hey everybody, sorry I'm late.

BUCK - What's up, dog?

TY - Chillin' man. How you?

BUCK - Easy. Ty, I would like for you to meet PJ. This is June's line sister.

PJ thinks - Hmmm, not bad looking.

TY - PJ, nice to finally meet you. Hey June.

JUNE - Hey Ty.

PJ - Finally?

(They shake hands as TY sits down next to her.)

TY - Yeah, I remember seeing you and June on line last year. I just never met you. I was incognito with mine so I wasn't the socialite.

PJ - Oh yeah, it beez that way sometimes.

(Everyone laughs.)

TY - Did y'all order yet?

BUCK - Naw, bruh, we were waitin' for you.

TY - Oh cool, thanks.

(TY picks up his menu.)

(silence)

JUNE - So, Ty...

BUCK - Oh boy, here it comes.

JUNE - Hush boy! So Ty, you don't have a girlfriend do you? Don't you think PJ is cute?

PJ - Good grief, June. Can you be any more subtle?

TY - Ha ha ha ha, that's two questions. Do I answer them in order or what? Ha ha ha ha.

BUCK - Bruh, don't let Cupid here put you on the spot.

JUNE - You didn't mind when I shot you with my arrow did ya?

(JUNE smiles and pulls BUCK's ear.)

TY - Well, to answer your question June, I think that...

LINDA - Hello Presjina. Hello June.

(Everyone turns toward LINDA who just walked up to the table.)

PJ - Uh...do we know you?

LINDA - Well, not officially. My name is Linda and I'm an Ahpla student and I just happen to know you guys. I saw y'all come in and I wanted to say hello.

JUNE - Oh...okay..well, hello. This is my boyfriend Buck and his frat brother Ty.

TY - Hi Linda.

BUCK - Hey, how you doing?

LINDA - Nice to meet you all. Hope y'all have a nice dinner.

(BUCK smiles to himself.)

PJ thinks - If this chick is tryin' to make line...ooooh it is so on!

LINDA - Take care everyone.

JUNE - You, too, Linda. Bye, bye.

(LINDA walks away. As she exits the diner, she pulls out her cell phone and dials.)

CHARMAINE - Hello?

LINDA - Hey Charmaine, this is Linda.

CHARMAINE - Hi Linda, what's up?

LINDA - Did you know that June's boyfriend is cheating on her!

CHARMAINE - June's boyfriend...Buck?

LINDA - Yeah! Scandalous! I was in the diner, and when June was in the bathroom, Buck and PJ were holding hands and talking! I saw it with my own eyes!

Episode 66

2008-01-04T13:46:00.004-08:00

The ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho are in AURORA ALEXIS' room. CANDACE and JENNIFER are in the bedroom, while AURORA ALEXIS is on the phone with ROSALIND.

JENNIFER - Well, is there anything that I can do for Paula?

CANDACE - I don't think so. She's cool. I told her to lay low for a while and not come through to talk to Alexis. I know how Paula can get pissed off in a hot second and I don't want her over here.

JENNIFER -Yeah, I hear that. She's like a volcano ready to explode on a pledgee half the time anyway. So now I know it?s bad with her being upset with Bobby.

CANDACE - Yeah, that's what I'm sayin'.

Meanwhile in the other room...

AURORA ALEXIS - Yes big sister, I got it. Chicken and broccoli and fried rice. The combination. I got it.

AURORA ALEXIS thinks - How in the world am I supposed to pay for this!

AURORA ALEXIS - Oh hold on big sister, I think I heard a knock on my door.

(ALEXIS opens the door.)

AURORA ALEXIS - Greetings Big Sister Gamma Ramma!

(PAULA walks in past ALEXIS without speaking.)

AURORA ALEXIS - Big Sister Gamma Ramma, you are the coolest, bluest, the all-time newest...

PAULA - Stop. Be quiet. Where are your other big sisters?

AURORA ALEXIS - In the other room, Big Sister Gamma Ramma.

(silence)

PAULA - Come here.

(PAULA turns and walks toward the bathroom. ALEXIS follows.)

AURORA ALEXIS - Oh God! Oh God!

(PAULA walks into the bathroom and instructs ALEXIS to close the door behind her.)

PAULA - Look. I'm not really in a good mood but I need to talk to you. Woman to woman.

AURORA ALEXIS - Okay, Big Sister Gamma Ramma.

PAULA - Try your best not to say anything to piss me off, okay?

AURORA ALEXIS - Yes, Big Sister Gamma Ramma.

PAULA - I know there has been tension between you and me that has nothing to do with Sigma Gamma Rho. And before this week, I really didn't care about it. Those were your issues and unfortunately for you, I'm the big sister. So get over it. But now...

(PAULA pauses.)

PAULA - Now I'm going through something.

(silence)

AURORA ALEXIS - What's wrong big sister?

PAULA - I, uh...

(PAULA chokes up but refuses to cry. Especially in front of ALEXIS.)

PAULA - ...I caught Bobby. Cheating.

AURORA ALEXIS thinks - Oh shoot!

(ALEXIS turns away and looks down, clearly affected by what PAULA has said.)

AURORA ALEXIS - Was it Trina?

(ALEXIS closes her eyes; hoping that the answer is no.)

PAULA - No. It wasn't anyone named Trina. I was some girl...a freshman.

AURORA ALEXIS - A freshman?

(PAULA is choking up.)

PAULA - Yeah. She was young.

AURORA ALEXIS - Big sister, I'm sorry.

PAULA - I didn't pull you in here to get your sympathy, Alexis.

AURORA ALEXIS thinks - Oh. I better shut up!

PAULA - I pulled you in here because I think now I can relate to some of the things that you were feeling when you started line. I thought you wanted my man back. So I almost didn't vote in favor of having you on our line.

AURORA ALEXIS - It wasn't that at all, big sister.

PAULA - I don't think it was now.

AURORA ALEXIS - I was hurt because even though I love Quinton, it's hard to see your ex-boyfriend with someone else. I want Bobby to be happy. If that is with you, then fine. I just don't want to see it. That was my problem. I just don't want to see it. I don't want Bobby back.

PAULA - I don't want him back either.

(silence)

(There is a knock on the bathroom door.)

JENNIFER - Aurora! Did we give you permission to go to the bathroom!

PAULA - Get back into pledge mode. Come on.

(PAULA walks past ALEXIS, who straightens herself up. As PAULA opens the door, she turns back to ALEXIS.)

PAULA - Alexis...thanks.
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

DEXTER has gone upstairs and picked up the phone. He dials WILLIE.

DEXTER - Hey Willie, it's Dex.

(silence)

WILLIE - Hey man, what's up?

DEXTER - I'm cool. How are you?

WILLIE - Good, good.

DEXTER - Are you busy?

WILLIE - Naw. Hold on a second.

(WILLIE puts the phone down and DEXTER can hear her music turn down.)

WILLIE - Hello.

DEXTER - Yeah.

WILLIE - What's up?

DEXTER - We haven't spoken in a while so I wanted to call you to holla at 'cha.

WILLIE - You did?

(DEXTER laughs.)

DEXTER - What? Old friends can't talk on the phone?

(WILLIE laughs as well.)

WILLIE - Of course, we can. What you wanna talk about?

DEXTER - Well?

(WILLIE's other line rings.)

WILLIE - Uh, hold on, Dex. My other line is ringing.

DEXTER - Cool.

(WILLIE clicks over.)

WILLIE - Hello.

JASON - Hey.

WILLIE - Hey, baby.

JASON - What you up to?

WILLIE - Nothin' much. Talking to Robin on the phone about the girls.

JASON - Oh, okay. Well, call me when you're done.

WILLIE - You want me to hang up with her? I can if you want.

JASON - No, no, no, talk to her. I was just callin' to see what was up. Call me at home when you're finished.

WILLIE - Okay, sweetie. I'll call you back in a few.

JASON - Aight.

(WILLIE clicks back over.)

WILLIE - Hello?

(silence)

WILLIE - Dexter?

(DEXTER makes a noise like he is snoring.)

WILLIE - Oh, boy, shut up! I wasn't that long!

DEXTER - Ha ha ha ha ha!

WILLIE - That was Robin, she says, "hello."

DEXTER - Oh, do you need to go?

WILLIE - Oh no, I'm cool, She just told me what time I had to be there. It's all good.

DEXTER - Oh, okay.

WILLIE - And I know you ain't jokin' about falling asleep on the phone as long as you used to leave me on hold back in the day!

DEXTER - What? When?

WILLIE - Boy, please! Ha ha ha! I used to be talking to you and about to say something real deep! Let one of the bruhs call, and oh boy!

DEXTER - That's not true Willie.

WILLIE - Heck yeah, it is! You know your life stops when your boys are around. When the Omegas are around, y'all just lose control!

DEXTER - You the same way with your sorors.

WILLIE - Not like y'all! Nobody is like y'all and you know it! Why the heck ain't none of y'all got a girlfriend? Huh? You know good and well that girls hate it how y'all act.

DEXTER - Buck has a girlfriend.

WILLIE - Because Buck is the most tame out of all of y'all! Most people don't even know that Buck is a Que. Man, please! You know you can't argue with me! Ha ha ha ha!

(DEXTER starts to laugh.)

DEXTER - You know what?

WILLIE - What?

DEXTER - Maybe you're right! Ha ha ha ha ha!

WILLIE - I know I'm right, boo! Ha ha ha ha! Why do you think we didn't last! Ha ha ha ha!

(DEXTER stops laughing and there is an uncomfortable silence.)

WILLIE - Oh, I'm sorry about that.

DEXTER - No, no, Willie, you're right. If anything...I'm sorry.

(silence)

DEXTER - I'm sorry that I didn't listen when...

WILLIE - Dex don't do this, please.

(silence)

DEXTER - It's just that...

WILLIE - Stop! It's just that I have a boyfriend now! That's exactly what it is! It's just that I...

DEXTER - It's just that I still love you!
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 3

BOBBY is in his room alone. He just let TRINA out and is leaving yet another message for PAULA.

BOBBY - Paula, please pick up the phone. Please.

(silence)

BOBBY - Paula, I'm sorry. Can you just do me the privilege to hear me out? Please. If you do that, I promise I won't...

(BEEP)

(BOBBY slowly puts the phone down and sits down.)

BOBBY thinks - What am I gonna...

(The telephone rings and BOBBY picks up immediately.)

BOBBY - Paula?

CARYN - Bobby, this is Caryn!

BOBBY - Oh...uh...

CARYN - Come meet me at the hospital! It's Lil' Derrick! He isn't breathing!

BOBBY - My son! I'll be right there!

(BOBBY grabs his coat and runs out the door.)

BOBBY thinks - He isn't breathing? What in the world?

(BOBBY runs outside of his place and spots a cab, which is rare. He immediately flags it down and gets in.)

BOBBY - I need to get to the hospital fast! It's an emergency!

DRIVER - No problem!

(The cab races off as BOBBY calls CARYN back.)

CARYN crying - Bobby, oh my God!

BOBBY - Where are you?

CARYN - I'm at the hospital now!

BOBBY - Is he okay?

CARYN - I don't know! I don't know!

BOBBY - Okay, calm down! I'm on my way! Where's Derrick?

CARYN - On his way to...to...

(CARYN is breathing heavy.)

BOBBY - Okay, okay, calm down! I'm almost there, okay?

CARYN - Bobby, hurry!

(They hang up as the cab pulls up. BOBBY throws the driver the money and runs out. He sees CARYN in the emergency room crying.)

BOBBY - What happened?

CARYN - He wasn't breathing, Bobby! He was just laying there!

BOBBY - Where were you when it happened?

CARYN - Well, I was at Mona's...and...and...Diana...

BOBBY - Who?

(CARYN breaks down and starts crying.)

BOBBY - You weren't with him?

(The doctor walks out and calls CARYN?s name.)

CARYN - How is my baby? How is he?

DR. DAVIS - Caryn your boy is fine. He has something lodged in his windpipe. He swallowed something. Luckily, you got him here in time.

CARYN - Oh, thank you, Jesus!

DR. DAVIS - Is this the baby's father?

(CARYN looks at BOBBY.)

BOBBY - Yes. Yes, I am.

DR. DAVIS - Okay. Well, you two will have to have an exit interview with one of our social workers. Sit right here and one will be right with you.

BOBBY - A social worker?

DR. DAVIS - Be more careful next time. Please.

(The doctor walks away and CARYN and BOBBY sit down. CARYN is wiping her face and still crying.)

(silence)

BOBBY - Caryn, their gonna have a social worker talk to you like you're an unfit parent.

CARYN - They are?

BOBBY - What do you think social workers are for?

CARYN - I take care of Lil' Derrick. I love my baby!

(silence)

BOBBY - Maybe the baby should stay with me for a while.

CARYN - What!

BOBBY - I just think that...

CARYN - Since when did you become Mr. Responsibility?

BOBBY - I just been thinking lately and a lot is changing in my life right now. A lot is changing. And I want to...

CARYN - Bobby, if you think you're gonna...

MR. DESRA - Hello Caryn? Bobby? My name is Donald Desra and I have been assigned to your case. If you would follow me we can have a seat and go over a few things.

Episode 65

2008-01-04T13:46:00.003-08:00

GREGG watches as XAVIER runs down the hall after SHAREESA. Once XAVIER is out of sight, GREGG turns to MIKE.

GREGG - You ready to go in and talk to Reggie?

MIKE - Heck yeah! I'm ready! Let me at him!

(GREGG places his arm in front of MIKE to prevent him from going toward the door.)

GREGG - Hold on, hot shot! We gotta do this smart. We can't go in there bustin' him up. Now, I already got him chill and mellow, and he doesn't suspect anything is up. So just follow my lead and do what I do.

MIKE - Okay!

GREGG - I'm serious, Mike! Chill out and let me handle this.

MIKE - Okay, Gregg. Okay.

(GREGG takes his arm down and turns to go back into the room. MIKE follows.)

GREGG - Regg, my man! Sorry I had to step out for a minute.

REGGIE - Naw, it's cool, Gregg. Is everything all right with your girl?

GREGG - Oh, Shareesa? Oh yeah, she's okay. I told her I'd call her later.

REGGIE - Oh, okay man.

GREGG - Yo, man, I want you to meet Mike. This is my neo. Mike, this is Reggie.

(REGGIE smiles.)

REGGIE - Hey Mike, congratulations man! Welcome to this side of the Greek fence. Ha ha ha ha ha!

(REGGIE stands up and extends his hand toward MIKE.)

MIKE - Yeah?uh huh. What's up, Man?

(MIKE slaps REGGIE's hand very casually and plops down on the chair. He pulls the cane, that has been dangling out of his pocket, out and starts to play with it between his fingers.)

REGGIE - Oooooo...k.

(REGGIE sits back down.)

GREGG thinks - Mike is gonna screw this whole thing up!

GREGG - Uhh...how's the game, man?

REGGIE - Oh, it's half time. But good game though. Real good. You missed some really good shots.

GREGG - Really? Dag!

(GREGG sits down.)

REGGIE - But, that's okay. They should come out fired up for the second half.

GREGG - Yeah, I hope so.

(GREGG turns to MIKE.)

GREGG - Mike, go grab me and Reggie another beer. And get one for yourself if you want.

MIKE - Man, I ain't no Scroller no more! Get it yourself!

GREGG - Go get another beer!

(GREGG signals to MIKE to leave. MIKE sighs and slowly gets up. GREGG turns back to REGGIE smiling.)

GREGG - These neos nowadays man, I tell ya! Ha ha ha ha!

REGGIE - I know what you mean, man. Sheesh! Cats ain't comin' into the frat the way they used to. So this is what you get sometimes.

GREGG - I know what you mean, man. We need to go back to the old school. You know?

REGGIE - I hear ya, G. I hear ya.

(MIKE comes back with the bottles.)

REGGIE - Thanks, Mike.

MIKE - Yeah.

(MIKE plops back down without looking at REGGIE.)

REGGIE thinks - What the heck is his problem?

GREGG - So Reggie, you said you got some neos, too. You were telling me about one of them when Shareesa got here.

REGGIE - Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Now what was I saying?

GREGG - Um, I think his name was...um...Quinton.

REGGIE - Oh yeah, Quinton.

(REGGIE sips from his bottle.)

REGGIE - Yeah Q is a cool dude, man. Real smart, young brother and with a good head on his shoulders. He is a born leader. He'll probably mess around and be chapter president when Bobby is done.

MIKE - Good Lord.

REGGIE - Huh? What you say?

GREGG ? Nevermind him. He's just...

(GREGG turns toward MIKE and stresses his next word.)

GREGG - ...stupid!

MIKE - Man, whatever! You need to quit beatin' around the bush and get to it!

REGGIE - What are you talking about, dude?

GREGG - Shut up, Mike!

MIKE - No, I'm not gonna shut up! I'm gonna tell you how it is and keep it real!

REGGIE - What's your problem, man?

MIKE - My problem? My problem!

(GREGG stands up and stands in front of where MIKE is sitting.)

GREGG - Mike shut the...

(The door opens and there is a second of silence as everyone focuses on XAVIER walking in with DELL behind him.)
:: NEW PAGE ::

SCENE 2

ROBIN comes back into the room where PYRAMID BREANNA and PYRAMID THERESA are. THERESA quickly hangs up her cell phone from talking to MONA and comes to attention.

ROBIN - Hello, Ladies!

PYRAMIDS - Hello Big Sister Jeopardy!

ROBIN - Weren't y'all supposed to ask me a question!

PYRAMID THERESA ? Were we, big sister?

(ROBIN smiles.)

ROBIN - Y'all sit down. Let's talk.

(The two sit down on the floor. ROBIN sits on a chair.)

ROBIN - I know you guys have been through a lot so far. I want to hear a little from the both of you. Pyramid Breanna...

PYRAMID BREANNA - You want to hear from me Big Sister Jeopardy?

ROBIN - Yeah, I wanna hear from you. Tell me how you feel now that you are on your journey to Delta land.

PYRAMID BREANNA - This has been a difficult time for me big sister. Obviously a lot has gone on for me. Um...hasn't it?

ROBIN - Yeah. Continue.

PYRAMID BREANNA - Especially with Big Sister Stacie Jefferson...and all that happene...

ROBIN - No, don't call her that anymore. Call her Big Sister Old School.

PYRAMID BREANNA - Oh. Okay, well with all that happened with Big Sister Old School, I didn't know if my dreams of becoming a member of your illustrious sorority would ever come to fruition. Understand Big Sister Jeopardy?

ROBIN - Yeah.

PYRAMID BREANNA - But my big sisters have shown me nothing but love from the time I have expressed my interest. They have never looked down on me for?

(BREANNA begins to choke up.)

PYRAMID BREANNA - ...for the things I did. And for the mistakes I made. They ...

(Tears begin to slowly fall down BREANNA's cheek and THERESA places her arm around her line sister as BREANNA continues.)

PYRAMID BREANNA - ...have supported me and taught me what it means to be...

(BREANNA pauses as she wipes her eyes and leans her head on THERESA's shoulder.)

PYRAMID BREANNA - ...a sister.

(ROBIN sits back and smiles to herself.)

ROBIN - You didn't pose that as a question Pyramid.

PYRAMID BREANNA - Oh...uh...I'm...

ROBIN - Don't let it happen again.

PYRAMID BREANNA - Wouldn't it be silly for me to let it happen again Big Sister Jeopardy?

ROBIN - Don't take advantage of this down time, Pyramids. I'm trying to give you some rest but don't take advantage of my niceness.

PYRAMIDS - Yes, Big Sister Jeopardy!

PYRAMID THERESA - Would we do that, big sister?

ROBIN - Mmmmm hmmmm.

(silence)

ROBIN - Okay, next. Pyramid T. Tell me your story. How do you feel at this stage of the game?

(THERESA takes her arm from around BREANNA and sits up.)

PYRAMID THERESA - I began the journey into Delta Sigma Theta land as a child. Didn't I big sister?

ROBIN - Yes, you did Pyramid.

PYRAMID THERESA - And in a sense, I still am a child. I have learned so much and have grown to appreciate so much during this time. I feel like I am maturing, understanding myself, and my desire to become a sister in this great sorority. Did you feel the same way when you were a pyramid, Big Sister Jeopardy?

ROBIN - Yeah, I did. I see what you mean.

PYRAMID THERESA - So with that being said, big sister, I feel that I have changed so much. I have really changed a lot.

ROBIN - How so?

PYRAMID THERESA - When I first decided to try out for the sorority, my reasons were...

(THERESA pauses and tries to find the right words.)

PYRAMID THERESA - ...my reasons were...um...

(THERESA glances at BREANNA and remembers what she once thought.)

THERESA - The first thing I'm gonna do is get my man back. Back from Willie.

MONA - Claim what's yours, girlfriend. Claim what's yours.

THERESA - Then I'm gonna take care of that busy body Breanna. She gets on my nerves. Always running behind the Deltas and kissin' their butts.

MONA - Just like PJ did with my big sisters. I hate people like that.

THERESA - Well, you can bet that I will take care of that as soon as I get on line!

ROBIN - Your reasons were what, Pyramid Theresa?

(THERESA snaps back to reality when ROBIN questions her. She looks back at BREANNA, takes BREANNA's hand in hers and continues.)

PYRAMID THERESA - My reasons were selfish and not in the interest of the group. I wanted DST for me and I didn't consider me for DST. I thought of how the sorority can help me, and not what I could contribute to the sorority, to my chapter...

(She looks back at BREANNA.)

PYRAMID THERESA - And to my line sister. And I have grown. Do you understand Big Sister Jeopardy?

(silence)

ROBIN - Yeah.

(ROBIN stands up.)

ROBIN - I got ya. I understand.

(ROBIN checks her watch.)

ROBIN - Well, I am happy to hear all that I have heard. You two seem to have made significant progress and that's good. Almost.

PYRAMID BREANNA thinks - Almost?

ROBIN - Now is the time for you to pick up the pace and get in gear. And it's perfect timing, too. Your pledging is about to jump up one hundred degrees and I hope y'all are ready for it.

PYRAMID THERESA - I know we're ready, Big Sister Jeopardy! Don't you?

ROBIN - Don't speak too soon, Pyramid. Don't speak to soon.

(ROBIN walks in front of where they are sitting.)

ROBIN - Within this chapter there have been a legacy of great women who have gone on to do some wonderful things in their own lives as well as within Delta Sigma Theta. And that is why we revere our old heads so much. That is why we stress to our initiates the importance of knowing your history. We take our older sorors very serious and allow them the opportunity to meet and...

(ROBIN smiles.)

ROBIN - ...speak...to our pledges each year. Now, as this invitation is an annual thing and is an open door policy for sorors, there is one particular line that came through this chapter that takes this invitation to heart. They have made it a point to get together every year around this time to meet up with one another and to meet the line. They don't even come together during homecoming the way they do during line.

(There phone rings.)

ROBIN thinks - Perfect timing as usual!

ROBIN - Hold on, ladies.

(ROBIN picks the phone up.)

ROBIN - Hello? Oh great. Come on up. You know which room, right? Okay good.

(ROBIN hangs up and turns to face the Pyramids.)

ROBIN - Stand up.

(They both stand quickly.)

ROBIN - They're here.

PYRAMID THERESA - Now, big sister?

ROBIN - Yes now. So y'all better be on point. Do not embarrass me in front of my prophytes. Do you understand me?

PYRAMIDS - Yes, Big Sister Jeopardy!

ROBIN - I trust you guys and I know you can do well. Have faith and lean on one another. This won't be easy. As a matter of fact, this will be your hardest night since line has started.

PYRAMID BREANNA thinks - Oh shoot!

ROBIN - But, I know you guys can make it! Are y'all ready!

PYRAMIDS - Yes, Big Sister Jeopardy!

ROBIN - Are you sure you're ready!

(The Pyramids get very loud.)

PYRAMIDS - Yes, Big Sister Jeopardy!

ROBIN - That's what I'm talking about ladies! Give me some!

(ROBIN extends her fist and both pledgees give her a pound with their fists.)

ROBIN - Alright! Ladies I want to introduce to you my prophytes! This line is our chapter's pride and joy! If you cross, you need to strive to be like the sorors you are about to meet! This is our chapter's spring 90 line!

PYRAMID BREANNA thinks - Spring 90?

(There is a knock on the door.)

ROBIN - Ladies, get ready to meet The Eleven Dreams of Crimson and Cream!

(ROBIN goes to answer the door and BREANNA grabs THERESA's arm hard.)

PYRAMID THERESA whispers - What's the matter with you?

PYRAMID BREANNA whispers - This is the spring 90 line!

PYRAMID THERESA whispers - So what?

(ROBIN opens the door.)

PYRAMID BREANNA whispers - This is Stacie Jefferson's line!
:: NEW PAGE ::
SCENE 3

BOBBY turns and answers his phone, thinking that maybe it is PAULA calling him. He left TRINA standing at his door so she walks in.

BOBBY - Hello! Hello Paula?

JASON - Bobby, it's J. What's up, bruh?

(silence)

JASON - Hello?

(silence)

TRINA - Are you listening to me Bobby! I said, I want to talk to you!

JASON - Hello? Bobby what's wrong, man?

BOBBY - I thought you were Paula. My bad, Jason.

JASON - Ha ha ha ha! I don't think I resemble Paula at all! Ha ha ha ha ha!

(silence)

JASON - What's wrong with you, man?

BOBBY - It's Paula, man. She broke up with me.

JASON - She did? Why? What's up with that?

BOBBY - Man, she caught me...

(BOBBY glances over his shoulder and sees TRINA standing there looking aggravated and impatient.)

BOBBY - Jason, let me hit you back, man.

JASON - Okay, is everything okay?

BOBBY - Yeah, let me just hit you back.

JASON - Okay, man.

BOBBY - Later, bruh.

JASON - Peace.

(BOBBY hangs up and turns to face TRINA.)

TRINA - It's about time! You found a second to fit me into your busy schedule, Mr. Man?

BOBBY - Trina, what do you want?

TRINA - I am sick and tired of your name still coming up with mine! I can't even get a date nowadays because everyone on campus thinks that you and me are still messin' around or something!

BOBBY - What?

TRINA - Why is my reputation based on yours? Why does everyone think we still got somethin' going on?

(BOBBY is looking at TRINA with a confused look on his face.)

BOBBY - Don't you still go with Ronnie?

TRINA - That isn't the point!

BOBBY - Oh, God. Trina look. I got some real problems right now that are weighing heavy on me. And unfortunately, I don?t have time to...

TRINA - Problems? What do you know about problems, Bobby? What...the Alphas are having a party and you can't find a dj? What problems?

BOBBY - It's personal, okay? But the point is, I got some things on my mind and I really can't debate with you about other dudes thinking that I?m still with you.

TRINA - Bobby, I know you. You don't know what real problems are. You are the most selfish person I know and everything tends to revolve around you in that twisted head of yours. Which isn't always bad because you will probably go far in life. I've always told you that. But don't think you have real problems, Bobby, because you don't.

BOBBY - What do you know about me, Trina? You don't know anything about me. You weren't even my girl.

TRINA - And that's why I know you so well! Girlfriends think they know their men, but it's the other women that the man tells his inner most secrets too. I was the one you always would complain about Alexis to. I was the one who knew what to do because you told me what she didn't do. I was the one you ran to when you couldn't take her nagging. And did I ever nag you? No. Did I ever complain about spending time with you? No.

BOBBY - Were you ever there for me? No.

TRINA - What? Bobby I was always there for you! Through all that you were going through with your fraternity, or whatever. How do you think I felt when I knew you were with her? Huh? I liked you a lot but I stayed in my place to protect you.

BOBBY - Protect me?

TRINA - How would it have looked if it came out that you were cheating on sweet Alexis?

BOBBY - Trina...look like I said...

(BOBBY starts to walk toward the door to let TRINA out but she sits down.)

TRINA - What's the problem? Maybe I can help.

BOBBY - You? Help me?

TRINA - You never know. What's wrong?

(BOBBY sighs and sits down as well.)

BOBBY - Alright. It's my girl Paula. Or my ex, Paula...or whatever she is.

TRINA - What about her?

BOBBY - I think she's leaving me and I am dying about it. I never felt this bad before.

TRINA - Did you screw around again, Bobby?

BOBBY - Well, yeah but even that wasn't the same. I really didn't want to. I mean, it happened, but I had Paula on the brain. I didn't want to be with this other chick. So, I figured I would just let that be my last time creepin' out and then focus more on my girl. Unfortunately, she found out.

TRINA - So you haven't changed a bit?

BOBBY - Yes, I have! I love Paula!

TRINA - No, you don't, you love yourself, Bobby. Face it. You don't know what love is.

BOBBY - How can you tell me that? What do you know? Don't hate because I never loved you!

(silence)

(TRINA looks away. And then starts to get up.)

TRINA - Okay, Bobby.

(TRINA turns to leave.)

BOBBY thinks - Dag! Dag!

BOBBY - Trina, I didn't mean...I'm just sayin...

TRINA - You don't owe me any explanations, Bobby. I hope you and Paula work things out.

(TRINA is walking toward the door and BOBBY gets up and grabs her arm.)

BOBBY - Trina wait, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say...

(BOBBY stops TRINA and she turns around and immediately starts to kiss BOBBY passionately.)

TRINA thinks - I knew it! Same ol' Bob...

(BOBBY pushes her off.)

BOBBY - Trina...I said, I love Paula. I'll talk to you later.