Beyond the Burning Sands

Episode 50

2008-02-11T13:19:00.001-08:00

DENICE - Hey Brandon, how you been? Hi Breanna. Is the seat next to you taken?

BRANDON thinks - Oh shoot!

(DENICE smiles as she looks BRANDON directly in his face.)

BREANNA thinks - No she didn't!

(BRANDON turns his stare from DENICE and looks at BREANNA who is sitting next to him. He searches her face for an answer.)

BREANNA - Uh no Denice. This seat isn't taken. You can have it.

DENICE - Thanks.

(DENICE smiles as she starts to walk into the pew in front of BRANDON.)

BRANDON - No wait, I was just um... getting up.

DENICE - Oh okay.

(BRANDON starts to stand up and step into the aisle.)

BRANDON - So I'll talk to you later.

BREANNA - Okay.

(BRANDON kinda shrugs as if to say he has no idea what DENICE is doing. He then turns around and steps aside for DENICE to pass by him.)

DENICE - Thanks.

BRANDON - Um... you're welcome.

(DENICE smiles as she passes by him and sits down next to BREANNA. BRANDON is still very surprised as he walks toward the front of the church.)

DENICE - Beautiful decorations huh?

BREANNA - Yes. Very nice.

(silence)

DENICE - I still can't believe Miri is getting married. Its so nice.

BREANNA - Yeah.

DENICE - I tell ya. Its weird seeing people grow up ya know? Like, I met Miri while he was on line and he was a scared little somebody.

(DENICE laughs and BREANNA smiles.)

DENICE - But to see him now as a family man, its real nice.

BREANNA - It is nice. I don't really know him that well. But he is a real nice guy and Gina is a nice person too. They're perfect for each other.

DENICE - Yeah, they are. And its good that they are like a family. Ya know? With the baby and all.

BREANNA - Oh yeah. He's precious.

DENICE - Yeah.

(silence)

DENICE - So Breanna, do you believe that family is important?

(BREANNA turns toward DENICE.)

BREANNA - Huh?

SHARONDA - Hey girl! Scoot over!

(DENICE looks up and sees her sorors in the aisle.)

DENICE - Hey sorors! Come on and have a seat!

(She turns to BREANNA.)

DENICE - Scoot on down Bree. My sorors want to sit down.

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BUCK is upstairs in the Que house. He is looking into the mirror and checking out what he has on.

(There is a knock on the door.)

BUCK - Come in.

(The door opens and KENNY walks in.)

KENNY - Wassup dog.

BUCK - Bruh, what's up?

KENNY - Hey, what you doin' in here? People are coming in and its gettin' pretty live downstairs.

BUCK - I know. I had to change shirts. Dumb ass Ronnie spilled his beer on my other shirt.

(KENNY laughs.)

KENNY - You know how the bruhs get bruh.

BUCK - Yeah. I aint mad.

KENNY - No doubt.

(KENNY throws a couple of jackets on the bed.)

KENNY - Aight dog, you comin'?

BUCK - Yeah. I'll be right down.

KENNY - Aight dog, happy birthday bruh!

BUCK - Thanks dog.

KENNY - Yo, I got my wood for you so after the party, you can get these birthday strokes!

(KENNY laughs.)

BUCK - Nigga I aint scared of you! You aint got no stroke!

(They both laugh as KENNY is closing the door.)

KENNY - Aight! I been practicing!

(KENNY closes the door.)

(silence)

(BUCK sits on the bed and pulls his cell phone out. He looks at it in his hand.)

(silence)

(BUCK dials.)

(silence)

(BUCK hangs up.)

(silence)

(BUCK stands up and puts his phone into his pocket. He checks his shirt and opens the door to go downstairs.)

BUCK thinks - Damn! A lot of people came in since I been upstairs!

(BUCK sees one of his teammates dancing with a girl. He nods to him.)

CHELSEA - Hi Buck! Happy birthday!

(BUCK turns around and hugs his friend CHELSEA.)

BUCK - Thanks! Thanks for coming!

CHELSEA - Oh you know I wouldn't miss this!

BUCK - Thanks! You having a good...

QUES - A tit! A tit! Aaaaaaaah bullshit! I like my titties! Yeah! Like sandwhich spread! Yeah!

My dick is the meat! Yeah! And her titties the bread! Aaaaaaaah tit...

CHELSEA - They playing your song!

(CHELSEA laughs as BUCK does too. BUCK throws up his hands in the Omega sign and starts to bark.)

BUCK - Yep! I'll be right back!

(BUCK joins his frat brothers.)

QUES - I like my titties! Yeah! In crimson and cream! Yeah!

So when I lick them... Oooo-oop is what they scream! Aaaaaaaah tit! A tit! Aaaaaaaah bullshit!

RONNIE - Happy birthday nigga! Roo! Roo! Roo! Roo!

QUES - I like my titties!

BUCK - Thanks dog!

QUES - In pink and green! Yeah!

So when I squeeze them... Skeewee is what they scream! Aaaaaaaah tit! A tit!

(BUCK feels a tap on his shoulder as he is stepping and he turns around.)

GINGER - Hi.

BUCK - Hey babe. What's up?

GINGER - Sorry to interrupt you but I want to bring your cake out now. Is that okay?

BUCK - Yeah that's cool.

GINGER - Can I get you to help me with it? Its heavy.

BUCK - Right now Gin? I mean...

(He points at his frat brothers who are still stepping.)

GINGER - Yeah, I need you right now. It'll only take a second. In the kitchen.

(She turns and starts to walk toward the kitchen, assuming BUCK is walking behind her.)

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BAILIFF - All rise! The Honorable Judge Reeves' court in session! Govern yourselves and come to order!

(ERIC stands up. He looks across the court room at JESSICA. She is dressed in a sharp blue dress suit, white shirt opened at the top and she has her hair done. Standing next to her is VAL EDWARDS who looks very professional and like a person who is straight forward and down to business.)

REPORTER - Case of Jessica Alicia Camlin versus Eric Robinson! Attorney for the plaintiff!

VAL EDWARDS - Valerie Edwards your honor.

REPORTER - Attorney for defendent!

MR. NELSON - Richard Nelson your honor for defense.

JUDGE REEVES - I see case number one one one one nine oh six, case of sexual assault and assault. Attorney Edwards.

VAL EDWARDS - Thank you your honor.

(She stands up and turns toward the jury.)

VAL EDWARDS - Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

(She strategically pauses.)

VAL EDWARDS - Unfortunately, we have assembled here today to talk about a subject that too often gets brushed under the rug. Not the subject of rape or sexual assault, or the subject of guilt or innocence. No. The subject that we rarely discuss is the aftermath.

(She walks back to her table and points at JESSICA.)

VAL EDWARDS - Ladies and gentlemen, what you see before you is a college student. A young person in the prime years of her life. A person with endless potential, right at the cusp of something incredibly big. One of the first in her family to earn a degree. A smart young lady. Articulate. Punctual. Professional. Vibrant and full of life.

(She turns around and faces the jury again.)

VAL EDWARDS - And one more adjective to describe this young lady... victim. A victim of sexual assault at the hands of another. A young woman forced to do something past her will, past her plea for help... past no. How will that affect her now? How does it leave her to handle interactions with men? Other students? Her peers? Other women? What is the aftermath of this event?

(She slows down as she walks back toward her seat.)

VAL EDWARDS - Only you can answer this question ladies and gentlemen. At the least, all we want is justice. That way, maybe we can all move on and sleep better at night. Knowing with all certainty that the culprit of this vicous act is in a place where he can no longer enforce this on anyone else... again.

(silence)

JUDGE REEVES - Attorney Nelson.

MR. NELSON - Eric Robinson. Honor roll student. Eric Robinson. Daughter of Attorney Robinson of Robinson and Hall. Eric Robinson. Clean record, not even a driving incident. Eric Robinson, devoted boyfriend. Eric Robinson. Active member and president of local chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

(He steps from behind his table.)

MR. NELSON - None of these sound like the picture that will be painted of this young man. But what I describe is the truth and the real picture of Eric Robinson. You will see for yourself that the accusations against my client are nothing more than that. Accusations of spite and jealousy. Accusations of anger. Vicious accusations lacking one essential element...

(He sits.)

MR. NELSON - ...truth.

(silence)

JUDGE REEVES - Mrs. Edwards, your first witness.

VAL EDWARDS - Thank you your honor. Prosecution calls Jessica Camlin to the stand.

JUDGE REEVES - Very well.

(JESSICA stands up and looks back in the courtroom. She sees AKINA and shows no expression as she walks to be sworn in.)

BAILIFF - Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?

JESSICA - Yes.

(She takes the seat in the witness booth.)

VAL EDWARDS - Please state your full name for the record.

JESSICA - Jessica Alicia Camlin.

VAL EDWARDS - Thank you. You nervous?

JESSICA- Very!

VAL EDWARDS - That's okay. Take a deep breath okay?

(JESSICA inhales and exhales slowly.)

VAL EDWARDS - Jessica, what is your relationship to the defendent?

JESSICA - Former friend. We do attend the same college. Amgis.

(VAL EDWARDS pauses and walks back toward her desk.)

VAL EDWARDS - Jessica, let's talk about the day in question.

(She picks up a paper.)

VAL EDWARDS - You state that you had received information that the defendent, a friend of yours was hospitalized?

JESSICA - Yes. I heard that he got sick and was in the hospital. I went to visit.

VAL EDWARDS - And what happened when you got there?

JESSICA - Well, I found out what room he was in, I went to see him. We spoke for a few minutes and the next thing you know...

(She pauses.)

VAL EDWARDS - Its okay. Take your time.

JESSICA - I'm... I'm sorry. I thought I would be okay up here.

VAL EDWARDS - Its okay. Tell us what happened.

JESSICA - He um... got up. And he stood over me. He asked me for a kiss and I told him that I didn't think that was a good idea.

(ERIC shifts in his seat.)

JESSICA - But he was insistent. He grabbed my arm and it hurt. And I told him it was hurting me. And then...

(Her voice is cracking.)

JESSICA - ...he pinned me down to the bed by my wrists and he wouldn't get up off me. He was trying to kiss me.

VAL EDWARDS - Then what happened?

JESSICA - It seems like just as fast as it started, it stopped. And people were pulling him off me. And I was crying and my wrists were bruised.

VAL EDWARDS - Anything else happen?

JESSICA - He tore my shirt because he grabbed at my chest.

VAL EDWARDS - Anything else?

JESSICA - He grabbed me down below also. At first. That's when I swatted his hand away.

VAL EDWARDS - Okay. So he made several advances toward you, pinned you down, tore your shirt and tried to kiss you.

JESSICA - Yes. Just like that.

(VALERIE pauses.)

VAL EDWARDS - No further questions.

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The little chapel is almost full. Lots of students and family are in the chapel to observe the marriage vows of MIRI and GINA. Everyone is talking quietly but the buzz of chatter quickly dies down as REV. BEAUFORD, MIRI and MIRI's brother and best man RALEN walk from the back and take their place. MIRI's groomsmen follow them.

OCTAVIA - Wow, what a nice tuxedo. That's different.

APRIL - Yeah, African inspired.

(APRIL looks back in the chapel.)

APRIL - Where the hell is PJ?

KATRICE - How you gonna say hell in church?

APRIL - Ooops, sorry Lord. Where the heck is PJ?

(Everyone turns around as the first bridesmaid comes to the door. Soft music is played as she enters in smiling. Cameras are going off. SETH steps out of line and walks down the aisle toward her. He meets her half way and hands her an African violet. He then takes her arm to walk her into place.)

SHARONDA - Wow that's nice. Go head frat wit yo bad self!

KIM whispers - Sharonda! Stop bein' so ghetto! Shhhhh!

SHARONDA whispers - Ooops my bad!

(Every groomsmen follows suit from BRANDON to AHMAD to CALVIN to MIRI's younger brother SHAREEF. The matron of honor, GINA's sister JACKIE comes down the aisle by herself.)

APRIL whispers - Wow, beautiful dress.

KATRICE whispers - Yeah, beautiful girl.

(The AKAs turn and look at KATRICE.)

KATRICE whispers - What?

(JACKIE's little daughter ZARRIA comes down the aisle as the flower girl but she doesn't drop any flowers, she just hurries to stand next to her mother at the front. Everyone laughs as JACKIE takes her hand and goes back to put some flowers in the aisle.)

KIM whispers - Aww, hot cute.

SHARONDA whispers - Yeah!

(SHARONDA leans over to DENICE.)

SHARONDA whispers - Hey, why is she sitting next to us?

(Everyone stands as the doors to the church open and the music fades to silence. MIRI steps forward.)

APRIL whispers - I wonder what song they're gonna play.

OCTAVIA whispers - Oh you didn't hear? They aren't using music right here in the ceremony. Miri is gonna do a poem instead.

(The doors open and GINA is standing in her wedding gown with her father, arm and arm. MIRI has a microphone attached to his vest. He speaks loud and clearly.)

MIRI - If I could sing to you in the summertime, I`d give you June and July in a box.

I`d serve you August on a tray

along with a bouquet

I picked in May.

Every December I`d remember...

the way your eyes danced and ears rejoiced

at the sweet sound of my tender voice.

And if I could remember anything...

I know we did this every spring.

We`d walk through the roses like the florists do,

holding hands as if the world consisted of only us two.

Our love is our air, we need it to breathe.

When my spirit touches your spirit, we set spirits free.

Whether summer, spring, winter or fall.

Every morning, your name will be the first thing I call.

You gaze into my eyes and question if you`re even awake,

then I'll pray the Lord my soul to take.

Because heaven will be lying right here before my eyes.

My winter wonderland... My summer surprise....

More than a spring thing... More than a autumn breeze...

You`re my funny valentine who makes me believe....

Believe in what I would forever want...

(MIRI pauses as he chokes up a little.)

MIRI - ...a heart full of seasons with you through every month.

(He takes a deep breath.)

MIRI - Gina... my darling... my love for you will grow with every year

but not just for the seasons quoted here.

But my love for you will increase in every month and every week...

every hour and every minute we speak!

My feelings grow and multiply, they increase more and more...

I love you this second more than the second you and your father walked in the door!

SHARONDA - Dag!

(GINA is now standing directly in front of MIRI. She has tears in her eyes. Her father is smiling.)

MIRI - If I'm your deja vu...

then you're my dream come true.

You compliment me best...

my female version... so call me poetess...

for without you I'm poemless.

With you we can conquer the world...

with my handsome baby boy...

and you... my beautiful baby girl.

(silence)

MIRI - I love you way more than words, or this poem, or this gathering of beautiful friends could ever say.

You make me the happiest man... the most complete Miri... the finished puzzle... the deja vu poet...

every second, minute and hour of every day.

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MR. NELSON stands to address JESSICA.

MR. NELSON - Miss Camlin. What is the nature of your friendship with Mr. Robinson?

JESSICA - Friend.

MR. NELSON - Friend or ex boyfriend?

JESSICA - We dated.

MR. NELSON - You dated. I see. Approximately how long did you date Mr. Robinson?

JESSICA - Oh I don't know. Quite some time.

MR. NELSON - Twenty nine months to be exact. Two years and... some time. With that sort of time invested, its easy to see how one could develop serious feelings toward another person.

VAL EDWARDS - Your honor, leading the witness.

JUDGE REEVES - Denied. Continue.

MR. NELSON - Who broke up with whom when yall separated?

JESSICA - It was mutual.

MR. NELSON - Really? That's not what you stated earlier Miss Camlin. Let me remind you. You said that Eric dumped you. So he broke it off with you. Correct?

JESSICA - Um...

MR. NELSON - Are you upset by the fact that he has a girlfriend now that he cares about?

VAL EDWARDS - Irrelevant!

JUDGE REEVES - Sustained. Get to your points counsel.

MR. NELSON - You mentioned that your wrists were bruised.

JESSICA - Yes.

MR. NELSON - Well... that's weird because the hospital report doesn't say anything about you being treatment for a wrist ailment.

JESSICA - Well, I wasn't exactly treated for it.

MR. NELSON - You weren't treated for it? Why not? Didn't it hurt and bruise and bother you some?

JESSICA - Well... yeah.

MR. NELSON - And you didn't tell a doctor?

JESSICA - Well yeah... I mean no... well they didn't treat it.

MR. NELSON - Nor did they write it down.

JESSICA - Um...

MR. NELSON - You said that you had heard that Eric was in the hospital and you were coming to see him.

JESSICA - Uh yeah.

MR. NELSON - Hmmm. That's weird too. Eric was there for tests. He had not been admitted. So how did you know what room he was in?

JESSICA - I asked at the front desk.

MR. NELSON - The front desk doesn't log in people having tests done Miss Camlin. They log in patients who check in. How did you know what room he was in?

JESSICA - Uh... I don't reme...

MR. NELSON - Well how did you hear that he was even in the hospital? He was there for tests. Does word travel that fast on the campus nowadays?

JESSICA - Well... I just heard he was there.

MR. NELSON - Mmm hmm. You said Eric tried to kiss you. Right?

JESSICA - Yes but I said no and he got mad.

MR. NELSON - But didn't you send him an email asking him to break up with his current girlfriend and get back together with you? And he said no. Do you remember that?

JESSICA - That was a long time ago. I don't care about him that way anymore. We really no longer have any kind of communication.

MR. NELSON - But you rush to the hospital to see him, find him and go into his room... before he is even admitted.

JESSICA - Well...

MR. NELSON - That's all Miss Camlin. You can step down.

JESSICA - But I don't care about Eric! I could care less!

JUDGE REEVES - Maam, you can step down now.

(JESSICA turns toward the judge.)

JESSICA - I don't care about him!

JUDGE REEVES - Please step down. Mrs. Ewards please advise your client and call your next witness.

VAL EDWARDS - Yes sir. If it please the court, I would like to call Mr. Henry Johnson.

(A man from the back gets up and walks toward the front. He takes the oath and sits down.)

VAL EDWARDS - Please state your name and title.

HENRY - My name is Henry Johnson and I work security at the hospital.

VAL EDWARDS - Thank you. Can you describe what you saw that day at the hospital?

HENRY - I heard a loud scream and I couldn't tell at first what room it came from. But I saw a nurse run that way so I took the lead. Once I got to the door, I looked inside and saw Mr. Robinson on top of Miss Camlin. She was twisting and screaming and he was pinning her down.

VAL EDWARDS - What happened next?

HENRY - I was the first to run inside the room and I tackled him to the floor. He was yelling at me and talking about she had attacked him. Of course I didn't believe that.

MR. NELSON - Objection. Ban that last statement from the record. Not relevant to the question.

JUDGE REEVES - Sustained.

VAL EDWARDS - So you saw this man...

(She points at ERIC.)

VAL EDWARDS - ...pinning down Miss Camlin by her writsts, on the bed, and himself on top of her. Is that correct sir?

HENRY - Yes, that is correct.

VAL EDWARDS - Thank you sir... your witness counsel.

(Attorney NELSON pops to his feet.)

MR. NELSON - Mr. Johnson, how long did you take to question Mr. Robinson on the day in question?

HENRY - Question him?

MR. NELSON - Yes sir. Question him. How long did it take for you to run down the list of questions that you asked him about the incident?

HENRY - Uh... I didn't ask him any questions.

MR. NELSON - You didn't ask him... any... questions? Why not?

HENRY - Uh, I couldn't. It happened so fast, I had to get the cuffs on him.

MR. NELSON - So after you cuffed him, you weren't concerned with his side of the story?

HENRY - I didn't have to hear his side of the story. I saw it for myself.

MR. NELSON - Oh I get it! So you saw it and made it your side of the story. Is that it?

HENRY - No...it wasn't my side of the story, it was simple and plain.

MR. NELSON - Plain and simple. We clearly have two sides of a story here sir and you didn't even bother to ask pertinent questions to the person in question. Instead you assumed you knew the situation and made a jugdement call on... your own. Your own! No questions huh...

(MR. NELSON laughs as he pauses. He rubs his head.)

MR. NELSON - ...thank you sir. That's all I have for this witness your honor.

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REV. BEAUFORD - Who gives this woman to be wed to this man?

DENICE whispers - Wow! That poem was awesome huh?

BREANNA whispers - Mmmmm hmmmmm.

(BREANNA rolls her eyes and focuses on the front again. MIRI takes GINA's hand as her father kisses her and takes his seat.)

REV. BEAUFORD - Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of Almighty God and this assembly to join this man...

(He gestures toward MIRI, then toward GINA.)

REV. BEAUFORD - ...and this woman, in the holy estate of matrimony.

SHARONDA - Well!

KIM - Shhhhhh!

REV. BEAUFORD - The sacrament of marriage is a serious ordained calling, instituted by God and one that should not be taken lightly.

(He getstures to the couple again.)

REV. BEAUFORD - Miri and Gina have expressed to me and to their family and friends of their desire to wed and for their deep love for one another. So we happily salute them on this day and pray that their strength be renewed in the Lord. Saints, let us pray.

(Everyone bows their heads.)

REV. BEAUFORD - Dear God, we thank you for your everlasting presence and for your faithfulness. We thank you our father for the lives of these two young people... Miri and Gina. We ask you oh God to bless them and keep them. To gird them in your word. We ask you to annoint them for when times get hard and allow them to remember you during times of smooth sailing. But God overall, bless them to be a family in the true sense of the word. Bless them to see each other the way you see them... in love always and at all times. These blessings we ask in the mighty name of your son Jesus, amen.

Everyone - Amen.

(The Reverend takes a moment to get his thoughts together.)

REV. BEAUFORD - I'm sorry yall, I thought I was about to preach up in here today! God is good!

(Everyone laughs which breaks the silence. GINA laughs and wipes her eyes, trying not to blot her make up.)

REV. BEAUFORD - Yall gonna mess around and get an early sermon!

(Everyone chuckles again.)

REV. BEAUFORD - Okay... what was I saying? Oh yeah. Here we go.

(MIRI squeezes GINA's hand and smiles at her. She smiles lovingly back at him.)

REV. BEAUFORD - If any man or woman has any just reason why these two should not be wed on this day, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

(silence)

REV. BEAUFORD - Now we...

(The door to the church swings open and a loud cry is heard from a man coming in.)

FASAKALA - Wait! I denounce this wedding!

(Everyone turns around and gasps. MIRI and GINA spin around.)

FASAKALA - These two should not be wed! My name is King Fasakala Ndulu Jefe Swingali and I represent here for my wife, the queen Nzingha Swingali.

(Several men enter the church with this man while he is speaking.)

REV. BEAUFORD - Sir! What right do you have to interrupt this ceremony!

FASAKALA - This man and this woman have committed a crime against me and my household!

(Everyone gasps loudly.)

GINA - What!

MIRI - What? I don't even know you!

FASAKALA - They have seized my most prized possession and taken it for their own! Good people, my son Prince Mubwesi Semela Swingali has been abducted by this couple and taken as their own son!

(The king points directly at MIRI.)

FASAKALA - You have taken my son! And I am here to claim him back and we will not leave without him!

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BUCK walks into the kitchen after GINGER.

BUCK - Why do we have to do thi...

(BUCK looks on the table at the cake. GINGER is smiling.)

BUCK - Oh shit! How in the...

(BUCK slowly approaches the table and looks down at the massive cake.)

GINGER - This is the cake that I ordered for you from the cake place. I hope you like it!

BUCK - Like it? Its... its off the hook!

(The cake is in the shape of the Greek letter Omega and there is a basketball at the bottom of the letter. The purple and gold colors are correct.)

GINGER - I can't take the credit for all of this. I had your frat brothers help me and I wanted you to see it. It actually just got here.

BUCK - Just got here?

GINGER - I had the delivery person meet me in the back. I didn't want it to come in the front door and have people see the box. Plus your frat brothers acting all crazy, might knock it over.

BUCK - Yeah.

(BUCK is still looking at it.)

BUCK - What kind is it?

GINGER - What else? Chocolate your favorite.

(BUCK laughs.)

GINGER - So you like it? Did I do good?

(BUCK smiles and walks up to her.)

BUCK - Yeah. You did real good. This is off the hook.

(He opens his arms to give her a hug.)

BUCK - Thank you.

GINGER - You don't have to tell me that.

BUCK - I appreciate it.

GINGER - Awwww. Of course. What are friends for right?

BUCK - Absolutely. What are friends for!

(She smiles as he bends toward her. They kiss.)

GINGER - You ready to take it out?

BUCK - Yeah. Sure. Do we got any candles?

GINGER - Yep! Got em right here. Ty told me to put the candles all around here.

(She starts to place them all along the perimeter of the Omega symbol.)

BUCK - Cool.

GINGER - So let me put the rest of the candles in and you grab those plates over there and those forks.

BUCK - Okay.

(BUCK grabs the stuff.)

GINGER - Okay, give me that and you carry the cake. Let me light the candles.

(She starts to light the candles as RENEE walks into the kitchen.)

RENEE - Hey, oh wow! What a cake!

GINGER - You like the way it looks?

RENEE - I've never seen a cake like that.

BUCK - Ginger ordered it for me.

RENEE thinks - Whatever.

RENEE - How nice.

(GINGER smiles as she lights the last candle.)

BUCK - Come on so you can be with us when I cut it.

RENEE thinks - God!

RENEE - Okay.

(RENEE follows GINGER who walks out first and holds the door for BUCK to walk out with the cake.)

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JUDGE REEVES - Mrs. Edwards, your next witness.

VAL EDWARDS - Thank you sir. Prosecution calls Eric Robinson to the stand.

(ERIC stands up and looks back into the audience. He gets a thumbs up from his frat brother JAY. His other chapter brothers are there as well.)

BAILIFF - Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?

ERIC - I do.

(ERIC takes a seat. He glances at his mother in the audience, then turns his attention to the prosecuting attorney.)

VAL EDWARDS - Mr. Robinson, you say in your statement that Jessica attacked you and that you were fighting her off.

ERIC - Yes maam.

VAL EDWARDS - But you were caught on top of her. How do you explain that?

ERIC - Because I pinned her down and started to yell. I was the one yelling, not her. If I was trying ot rape her or assault her, why was I then calling for help?

VAL EDWARDS - I'll ask the questions okay?

(silence)

VAL EDWARDS - Tell me Mr. Robinson, you say my client overpowered you that day. That although it looked like you were in control, you say that she was in control.

ERIC - Yes.

VAL EDWARDS - How much do you weigh?

ERIC - About one hundred and forty pounds.

VAL EDWARDS - That's what I thought. So you, a one hundred and forty pound male was overtaken by a female... a female that weights one hundred and sixteen pounds?

ERIC - Yes. That's exactly right. That's what happened. I never asked her to kiss me!

VAL EDWARDS - You were just... overpowered... by... her.

(She points at JESSICA.)

ERIC - Yes.

(MRS. EDWARDS takes a long pause and simply stares at ERIC.)

(silence)

VAL EDWARDS - And you were on top... of her... being overpowered.

ERIC - Yes!

(silence)

VAL EDWARDS - No further questions your honor.

(She never takes her eyes off ERIC even as she returns to her seat.)

JUDGE REEVES - Mr. Nelson.

(MR. NELSON stands up again.)

MR. NELSON - Eric, why did you and Jessica break up?

ERIC - I felt like she was becoming too possessive. Too overbearing.

MR. NELSON - How was she obsessive?

ERIC - She was very aggressive with me and all my friends. She really didn't want me to have friends and she wasn't in favor of me pledging a fraternity. I guess she thought that that would do nothing more than get me more friends. I don't know. But she would follow me, blow up my phone, email me like crazy, show up at places, all kinds of weird stuff.

MR. NELSON - And how long did this behavior go on for?

ERIC - A long time. From the time that we broke up until like now.

MR. NELSON - Has Jessica ever gotten over you?

ERIC - No.

MR. NELSON - Is Jessica jealous of your current girlfriend?

VAL EDWARDS - I object! Leading the witness!

JUDGE REEVES - Sustained!

MR. NELSON - Eric, you were the one who was yelling that day. Not her correct?

ERIC - Right.

MR. NELSON - And why were you yelling?

ERIC - Because I wanted security or somebody to come in and help me. But when they came in, they grabbed me and helped her. I know it must have looked bad but believe me, I didn't assault her.

MR. NELSON - No further questions your honor.

JUDGE REEVES - Thank you Mr. Robinson. You may step down.

(ERIC steps down and takes his seat.)

JUDGE REEVES - Mrs. Edwards?

VAL EDWARDS - Rest your honor.

JUDGE REEVES - Very well. Mr. Nelson, do you have further witnesses?

MR. NELSON - Uh no your honor. Cross examination is sufficient.

JUDGE REEVES - Very well.

(He turns to face the jury.)

JUDGE REEVES - Members of the jury, you now have the task of viewing the evidence in this case and rendering a verdict. We will recess until verdict is reached. All parties please retire to your chambers until notified.

(He slams down his gavel. Everyone stands as he rises and walks out. ERIC then follows MR. NELSON into a small room.)

ERIC - How do you think we did?

MR. NELSON - I think we did fine.

MRS. ROBINSON - Yes, it went well. We'll just have to wait and see what the jury feels.

(AKINA takes ERIC's hand.)

JAY - I thought it was hot. You're good sir.

MR. NELSON - Thank you but Mrs. Edwards is good too. She knows what she's doing. She played to them in everything she did.

MRS. ROBINSON - Yes she did.

(ERIC sighs heavily.)

AKINA - Don't worry baby. This nightmare is almost over.

ERIC - Yeah.

JAY - Anybody want something to drink or something? Some coffee?

MRS. ROBINSON - Yes, you could get me a cup of coffee. Thank you Jay.

JAY - No problem.

(JAY leaves the room.)

ERIC - I just can't believe she can sit there and follow through with this lie. And not even blink about it. This is still so crazy to me.

AKINA - I told you she was crazy when she kept popping up everywhere.

ERIC - I know. I should've listened to you then.

MRS. ROBINSON - I just hope she gets some help when this is over with. I hope she can get herself healed.

MR. NELSON - That is going to be my recommendation actually.

MRS. ROBINSON - Good.

(JAY comes back in the room with someone assigned from the court.)

JAY - Hey, they're saying that the jury is finished already and we can go back in.

ERIC - Already? Is that good?

MR. NELSON - That could be very good. See, this is probably open shut.

(ERIC's heart is racing. They leave the little room and re-enter the court room.)

BAILIFF - All rise!

(Everyone stands as JUDGE REEVES comes in and sits down. Everyone now sits.)

JUDGE REEVES - Have you come to a unanimous decision on this case?

JURY MEMBER -Yes your honor.

(The lady from the jury stands.)

JUDGE REEVES - Would the defense please rise for the reading of the verdict?

(ERIC stands with MR. NELSON. MR. NELSON has his hand on ERIC's shoulder.)

JUDGE REEVES - Guests of the court, please refrain from any loud outbursts at the reading of the verdict. Parties, govern yourselves accordingly.

(The judge looks toward the jury.)

JUDGE REEVES - Members of the jury what say ye?

JURY MEMBER - We the members of the jury, in the case of Camlin versus Robinson...

(ERIC's heart is beating to the point where he thinks people in the court room can hear it. He is sweating.)

JURY MEMBER - ...find the defendent Eric Robinson...

(ERIC closes his eyes.)

(silence)

JURY MEMBER - ...guilty for the charge of sexual assault...

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

The music stops and everyone starts to join in and singing.

EVERYONE - Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday dear Buck...

Happy birthday to you!

How old are you now?

(Some people start to laugh.)

RONNIE - Yeah old head! How old are you?

(BUCK laughs as he puts the cake down.)

EVERYONE - Happy birthday to ya!

(Everyone starts to sing the Stevie Wonder version of the song. They start clapping and dancing to their own song.)

EVERYONE - Happy birthday to ya! Happy biiiiiiiiiiirthday!

(BUCK laughs and starts to dance along.)

EVERYONE - Haaaaaaaaaaaa... pyyyyyyy... biiiiiirthdaaaaaaaaaaaay!

(Everyone laughs. BUCK bends over and starts to blow out his candles. As the last candle goes out, everyone cheers and claps. BUCK stands up to say a few words.)

BUCK - First of all, I want to thank everyone for coming. It really means a lot to have you all here. Thanks to the bruhs for settin' it out as usual! Roo!

(All the Omegas throw up the sign and start barking.)

BUCK - Thanks to my teammates! I really appreciate you guys having my back and especially playin' for me and pickin' up the slack when I was hurt! I couldn't have asked for a better team to play on. Maybe I'll get to see you guys play in the bigs one day. But good luck to all yall negroes!

(BUCK smiles at RENEE.)

BUCK - I want to thank Renee personally for all the work that she did with inviting you all here, helping me plan this, with the food and all. I love you girl and I'm gonna miss you when I'm out of this place.

(RENEE points at BUCK with both hands. He points back with both hands. A few of her sorors Skee Wee to her.)

BUCK - I thought I would never say this, but I really am gonna miss going to Amgis. I look forward to my future, with some uncertainty of course, but I am going to miss this place.

(He turns to GINGER who is smiling at him. He waits a second.)

BUCK - And last but not...

JUNE - Will you marry me!

(Everyone turns around to see where JUNE's voice came from. She is standing way in the back in the crowd. BUCK can't even see her until she starts to walk forward.)

JUNE - Will you marry me? That's what you asked me Buck. Do you remember?

RENEE thinks - Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!

JUNE - Do you remember? You told me that you loved me and wanted to be with me. You said that you would always love me and that our love was real. You said all those things, do you remember?

GINGER - What are you doing here!

(JUNE ignores her.)

JUNE - You told me that for better or for worse, you wanted to be my man and I would be your woman. Well these last few weeks have been the worst. They have been the worst times I have ever had in my life... because my life is you Buck. I still love you! I love you with all my heart!

(People have backed out of JUNE's way as she walks toward the table with the cake. She is now standing in front of the table, looking across the cake at BUCK and GINGER.)

JUNE - At the end of the day Buck, it doesn't matter who was right or wrong or whatever. At the end of the day, is love. And that is all that I have left to cling to. All I have is you. All I need is you. All I want is you.

GINGER - He doesn't want you anymore. He is happy.

(JUNE looks at GINGER.)

JUNE - Buck is a grown man and can answer for himself.

(GINGER looks up at BUCK for his reply.)

JUNE - Do you remember this?

(JUNE holds out her hand and shows off the engagement ring that she has on.)

JUNE - What did you say when you gave this to me? What did you feel when you put this ring on my finger?

(BUCK looks at the ring as it sparkles on her finger.)

JUNE - Come back to me baby. Please.

(silence)

RONNIE - What you gonna do dog?

RENEE thinks - Come on! Come on!

(silence)

(BUCK looks at GINGER. He smiles then looks away. He looks at JUNE and smiles.)

(silence)

(BUCK walks from the other side of the table toward JUNE and hugs her. Everyone in the party starts to clap.)

RENEE - Yes! Thank you Jesus!

BUCK whispers - I love you baby and I'm sorry!

JUNE - I love you too! Welcome home!

Episode 49

2008-02-11T13:18:00.001-08:00

ERIC is meeting one last time with his attorney over the case that JESSICA has against him.

MR. NELSON - We just want to make sure you are fully ready for all angles. I have all my bases covered.

ERIC - Good.

MR. NELSON - You will be called, definitely. But that's okay. Just be calm and tell the truth. Your story doesn't have any holes in it. What we want to do is first of all be convincing. And you don't necessarily want to paint a picture of that day and what happened. Because if you do that, it places someone in the room and they won't see it the way that it actually happened.

ERIC - Oh no?

MR. NELSON - No. See, if you told me what happened, right off the back I wouldn't believe you. All the physical signs say that you are lying. You're stonger than Jessica. You can overpower her. You had her overpowered when you were placed into custody. So to believe that she was harassing you is a little hard to believe.

ERIC - Okay.

MR. NELSON - But, if you go into your personality. Your relationship with her. How at times it was volatile. If they can feel you for who you are. Your grades. The frat affiliation. The good things that you are about and that you do. See, that is what makes this better for you.

ERIC - Oh, I get it.

MR. NELSON - Eric, I know that you didn't do this. I see young guys get caught up all the time. An its a shame but society doesn't always place the blame where it should be placed and we write off brothers before they even open their mouth in defense.

ERIC - Yeah. I see.

MR. NELSON - Oh you have no idea. Let me tell you. I deal with young brothers all the time. Most of the time they come in with some petty charge on them. But before they even get to defend or give their version, its like guilty! They come in with their pants hanging down or a stocking cap under a baseball cap and its guilty!

ERIC - Really?

MR. NELSON - Let me tell you. Its guilty until proven innocent in this country. And that's the unfortunate truth.

ERIC - Yeah.

MR. NELSON - But nevemind, that, back to you. So anyway, you give them you. If you're asked a question, there's nothing wrong with giving a long answer. I mean, talk for days if you have to. There is no time limit to an answer. If anything, the opposing attorneys may ask you to be more direct in your answers. But that would be a good thing. That would show that you're frustrating them in their line of questionning.

ERIC - Okay.

MR. NELSON - So that would be good.

ERIC - Sometimes I see people on tv or whatever writing things. Like the defendants writing things down. Should I do that?

MR. NELSON - Oh no! Most of the time, that is a person who is bored. It doesn't favor well with a jury. They just doodle or write stuff that can be used as evidence. One client of mine was writing, I'm gonna kill this bitch over and over. I didn't even notice until we took a recess. What a dumb move that was!

ERIC - Yeah, I can imagine.

MR. NELSON - But what I want you most to do is to calm down. Like, I spoke to your mom extensively and she described you to a t. She told me all about you from your very young days until now. I feel like I've known you for years. But the person that sits in front of me now aint the person that she described at all.

ERIC - Really?

MR. NELSON - You give me a lot of one or two word answers. Whereas your mother tells me how talkative you are. You don't look me in the face at times. You turn away. See, these are all things a jury looks at and a prosecuting attorney eats up.

(ERIC places his face into both his hands.)

ERIC - I'm sorry. This is just so unbelievably hard man. You can't possibly imagine.

(MR. NELSON takes his glasses off and puts them on his desk. He rubs his face and looks back at ERIC.)

MR. NELSON - Son, let me tell you. This is a lot more my story than you think.

(He takes a breath and continues.)

MR. NELSON - The reason I went into law is because I was facing time. The reason I defend these young brothers is because I too was out there and doing this and that. And when I got caught up, a mentor came to me to help me out. If it wasn't for that guy, I would've gotten locked up. Twenty five years.

ERIC - Damn!

MR. NELSON - Instead, I went to college and on to law school. Believe it or not, I am a ghetto success story. So brothers like you... I feel you man. I do.

ERIC - Thank you.

(silence)

(MR. NELSON gets up from behind his desk and walks around to ERIC. He places his hand on ERIC's shoulder.)

MR. NELSON - Look man. We're in this together okay? We're gonna work hard at this and be relentless. But the truth will come out and this nightmare will be all over okay?

ERIC - Thank you sir.

MR. NELSON - Young brother... no problem.

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

BIG BROTHER Oh Fuck (BANE) has just caught the Alpha pledgees, FRANK and MARTIN while they're on their assignment.

FRANK - I almost hit somebody! There's somebody behind the car!

MARTIN - What!

(FRANK and MARTIN turn around and see someone behind the car, who is almost hit and who slams both his fists down on the trunk.)

MARTIN - Oh shit! Did you hit him?

FRANK - No! I don't think so!

(The person walks around to the driver side and bangs on the window. FRANK rolls it down.)

BANE - Get the hell out the car Sphinxmen!

(BANE opens the driver's door and slams his fist against FRANK's chest and starts to pull him out.)

BANE - My name is Big Brother Oh Fuck! Because whenever I see a Sphinxman they say oh fuck! I'm your worse nightmare and you're mine for the rest of the got damn night!

(BANE starts to pull FRANK out of the car.)

FRANK - Hey!

MARTIN - Oh shit!

(FRANK barely puts the car in park and is dragged out. MARTIN gets out of his side and runs around the car.)

BANE - Ha ha ha ha ha! Its on now dammit! Its on now! Greet me!

FRANK - Uh! Gree...! eertingngs! Ah!

BANE - You! Get back in the damn car!

(BANE points at MARTIN who stops in his tracks.)

BANE - Get in the damn car and follow my car!

(BANE slaps FRANK in the back of the head and starts to drag him toward his car.)

BANE - Follow me and this idiot! He's riding with me! Do you understand?

MARTIN - Yes Big Brother Oh Fuck!

BANE - Come on you!

FRANK - Wait! Wait! No!

(BANE slams FRANK in the chest as he pulls on him toward his car.)

MARTIN thinks - What the hell should I do? Got damn!

(MARTIN watches as BANE pulls FRANK away, hitting him all along.)

MARTIN thinks - What do I do?

(MARTIN looks around and there is no one in sight. He looks at his watch and realizes that they have four minutes to get back to Dean Hazin' Jazin' with the list that they were instructed to get.)

MARTIN - Shit!

(He jumps in the driver's side of the car and looks back for BANE. BANE gets into his own car and makes FRANK drive.)

MARTIN thinks - Oh God! What are we gonna...

(MARTIN starts to back his car up and follow FRANK.)

MARTIN - We're gonna get killed!

(MARTIN starts to follow and he sees BANE slap FRANK in the back of the head again.)

MARTIN - This guy is gonna kill us! I knew his ass seemed crazy!

(They hit the highway and start to head back toward campus. BANE's car is swaying in and out of the lane as BANE hazes FRANK.)

MARTIN - Shit! Shit!

(MARTIN reaches into the glove compartment and sees his sister's cell phone which she left for him. He dials quickly.)

JASON - Hello...

(silence)

(MARTIN has the phone to his ear but cannot think of what to say.)

JASON - Hello hello!

(MARTIN hangs up.)

MARTIN thinks - Shit!

(MARTIN dials again.)

MARTIN - Come on! Come on answer!

MAX - Hello?

MARTIN - Max this is Martin! I need your help man!

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

JESSICA is meeting one last time with her attorney over the case that she has against ERIC.

VAL EDWARDS - We just want to make sure you are fully ready for all angles. I have all my bases covered.

JESSICA - Good.

VAL EDWARDS -You will be called, definitely. But that's okay. Just be calm and tell the truth. Your story doesn't have any holes in it. What we want to do is first of all be convincing. And you need to paint a picture of that day and what happened. You want to place someone in the room so that they can see it the way that it actually happened.

JESSICA - Okay.

VAL EDWARDS - See, if you told me what happened, right off the back I would believe you. Right away. All the physical signs say that he is lying. He's stonger than you. You can't overpower him. Eric had you overpowered when he was placed into custody. So to believe that you were harassing him is a little hard to believe.

JESSICA - I know! Damn liar.

VAL EDWARDS - But, if you go into your personality. Your relationship with him. How loving it was. If they can feel you for who you are. The good things that you are about and that you do. See, that is what makes this better for you.

JESSICA - Oh, I get it.

VAL EDWARDS - Jess, I see young girls get caught up all the time. An its a shame but society doesn't always place the blame where it should be placed and we write off the victims before they even open their mouths to speak.

JESSICA - Yeah. I see.

VAL EDWARDS - Oh you have no idea. Let me tell you. I deal with young sisters all the time. Most of the time they come in with some case against a young man. But before they even get to defend or give their version, its like not guilty! They say that she had on a short dress or she stayed over night in his room. Or they say that she was a tease, or she never said no. Or she didn't mean stop.

JESSICA - Really?

VAL EDWARDS - Let me tell you. Its guilty until you prove that you've been victimized in this country. And that's the unfortunate truth.

JESSICA - Yeah.

VAL EDWARDS -But nevemind, that, back to you and your case. So anyway, you give them you. If you're asked a question, there's nothing wrong with giving a long answer. I mean, talk for days if you have to. There is no time limit to an answer. If anything, the opposing attorneys may ask you to be more direct in your answers. But that would be a good thing. That would show that you're frustrating them in their line of questionning.

JESSICA - Okay.

VAL EDWARDS - So that would be good.

JESSICA - Sometimes I see people on tv or whatever writing things. Like the defendants writing things down. Should I do that?

VAL EDWARDS - Yes! You can take notes. It would show that you are interested and serious about the case. Look like you are interested and concerned and it can show through the response of other people, like jury members.

JESSICA - Yeah, I can imagine.

VAL EDWARDS - But what I want you most to do is to calm down. It seems like you are real edgy about this. Just take it easy.

JESSICA - Really?

VAL EDWARDS - You do talk a lot but you seem nervous. You don't have to be nervous.

(JESSICA places her face into both her hands.)

JESSICA - I'm sorry. This is just so unbelievably hard. You can't possibly imagine.

(VALERIE takes her glasses off and puts them on her desk. She rubs her face and looks back at JESSICA.)

VAL EDWARDS - Let me tell you. This is a lot more my story than you think.

(She takes a breath and continues.)

VAL EDWARDS - The reason I went into law is because I someone tried to assault me. I fought back as hard as I could.

JESSICA - Damn!

VAL EDWARDS - He didn't rape me but everyone blamed me. Including my father. He went to his grave thinking that I probably did something wrong to make that boy touch me that way. I swore with all that was in me that that would never happen to any other young woman, if I could help it.

JESSICA - Wow!

VAL EDWARDS - So I went to college and on to law school. Believe it or not, I am an assault story survivor. So sisters like you... I understand. I really do.

JESSICA - Thank you.

(silence)

(VALERIE gets up from behind her desk and walks around to JESSICA. She places her hand on JESSICA's shoulder.)

VAL EDWARDS - We're in this together okay? We're gonna work hard at this and be relentless. But the truth will come out and this nightmare will be all over okay?

JESSICA - Thank you Mrs. Edwards.

VAL EDWARDS - - Young sister... no problem.

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

BUCK is with some of his frat brothers of Omega Psi Phi. They are getting stuff in order for BUCK's birthday party.

BUCK - Yall done made this a much bigger deal then it started.

KENNY - Because man. This is your last year here and its your birthday! We need to celebrate that bruh.

RONNIE - No doubt!

(BUCK laughs.)

BUCK - Whatever yall say.

RONNIE - What's the deal on the spread? Where you gettin' food from?

BUCK - Man, to be honest, I just wanted to have a few friends over, some drinks and chill. Yall done made this a major production and the whole world is coming! The basketball team, the bruhs from Ahpla, the sorors from here, the sorors from Ahpla! Man everybody gonna be up in this joint!

KENNY - Good!

BUCK - Renee and her sorors! She got me having it somewhere else! I was gonna have it here.

RONNIE - I agree with Kenny. If you gonna do that shit, do it right.

TY - Yep!

BUCK - Well whatever.

RONNIE - So you got enough food for all those peeps?

BUCK - I let go of handling this party two weeks ago. You gotta ask Ginger about that shit.

RONNIE - Oh yeah?

BUCK - Yeah. She on this big party tip too.

RONNIE - Call her up so we can find out.

BUCK - Okay. Where's my phone?

TY - Is this it right here?

BUCK - Yeah. Go ahead and dial her dog. Her number is in there.

TY - Bruh.

(TY looks through the phone book until he sees the name GINGER. He calls.)

GINGER - Hey babe.

TY - Hi Ginger, this is Ty.

GINGER - Who?

TY - On of Buck's frat. From Ahpla.

GINGER - Oh, hi how you doin'?

TY - I'm cool, how are you?

GINGER - Good.

TY - We just wanted to know about the food for the party and if you needed any help with anything.

GINGER - Oh, aren't you sweet. I was just making some calls for the party just now as a matter of fact. The food is pretty much handled. I did the lasagna myself and my sister did something too. But we catered some things as well.

TY - Oh wow, that's cool.

GINGER - Yeah. If you guys wanna help and pick up some drinks, that would be fine.

TY - Okay, we can do that.

GINGER - Good, I can scratch that off my list then.

TY- Alright, no problem.

GINGER - Thanks. Is Buck there?

TY - Yeah, hold on.

(TY hands the phone to BUCK as he speaks to RONNIE.)

TY - Dog, she got the food handled. She on it.

RONNIE - I hear it.

BUCK - Hey.

GINGER - Hi hon. I had a little surprise for you for the party but now I gotta let the cat out the bag.

BUCK - What you mean?

GINGER - Well, I was trying to order you a cake with something special on it and I think I messed up. Luckily I was able to ask Renee and I think I can fix it, but just in case, I want to let you know.

BUCK - What are you talking about?

GINGER - I got you a big cake and I wanted to decorate it with basketballs and stuff but then when me and my sister went to the cake place, they had so many nice designs, I thought it would be better to do it for your fraternity.

BUCK - Okay...

(BUCK laughs.)

GINGER - So I ordered it but I didn't know your frat information. Like your names or whatever you guys have.

BUCK - Gin, what did you do?

(GINGER pauses.)

GINGER - Well I ordered the cake and Renee told me later of my mistake. I called the cake place so they can fix it and they said they could try to change it but they couldn't guarantee that they could have it corrected in time. So just in case its wrong, I just wanted to let you know in advance.

BUCK - What did you do?

(silence)

GINGER - I did the colors in black and gold instead of purple and gold.

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

MAX - Martin? What's wrong?

MARTIN - Dude, this big brother from Amgis just came and kidnapped Frank!

MAX - What?

MARTIN - We're already gonna get killed by our big brothers for being late but I gotta get Frank away from this guy!

MAX - Wait... what?

MARTIN - I need your help man! You gotta help me get Frank back!

MAX - I can't help you with that man... I'm not going the Alpha way anymore. Remember?

MARTIN - I know! Nevermind that! I... we need your help Max! Please!

(silence)

MAX - Okay okay! What do you want me to do! This is only because its you asking Martin! I want you to know that!

MARTIN - Thank you man! Thank you! This is what I want you to do. Get your car quick and come out to...

FRANK thinks - Oh my gosh! Is he drunk or something?

(BANE is yelling at FRANK with each turn that he makes.)

BANE - Stop driving so damn reckless!

FRANK thinks - Reckless?

FRANK - My apologies big brother!

BANE - Oh you aint half as sorry as you bout to be! You got that?

(BANE's cell phone rings.)

BANE - Hello!

KEN - Wassup man, what you up to?

BANE - Bruh! I got the Sphinxman!

KEN - You what?

BANE - I got the dudes from AU! Bros said we could borrow them for the night!

KEN thinks - What?

KEN - Borrow them for the night? What are you talkin' about?

BANE - Yeah man, their dean...

(He places the phone down into his lap so KEN cannot hear.)

BANE - Hey pledgee, who is your dean?

FRANK - Dean Hazin' Jazin'.

(BANE picks the phone back up.)

BANE - Yeah, Jason told me it was okay.

KEN - Wait a minute, Jason told you that it was okay to take their boys for a night? Are the bros with you too?

BANE - Naw, just me and them. Jason trusts me.

KEN - What! Man please! You lying! I know you lying now!

BANE - Oh yeah? Listen to this.

(BANE puts the phone to FRANK's face.)

BANE - Hey! Greet Big Brother Fire and Ice!

FRANK - Greetings Big Brother Fire and Ice!

BANE - See! That's the one who is driving me. The other one is following...

(BANE turns around but doesn't see MARTIN following along.)

BANE - Hey! Where did the other one go?

(He turns to FRANK.)

BANE - Didn't I tell your line brother to follow me?

FRANK - Yes Big Brother Oh Fuck.

BANE - Shit! Did we lose him or something? Ken, let me call you back bruh.

KEN - Wait!

(click)

BANE - Pull over!

(FRANK pulls over. They had just gotten off the exit toward Ahpla and are only a few minutes from campus.)

BANE - What the hell happened to your boy? Call him on the cell phone.

FRANK - Big Brother Oh Fuck, we only have one cell phone between the two of us that we are allowed to use and I have it.

BANE - You're only... shit!

(BANE turns around again.)

BANE - Wait here!

(BANE opens his door and steps out to look back.)

BANE thinks - What the hell... did that dude crash or somethin'...

(BANE gets back in the car.)

BANE - Let's just wait here a few minutes. Maybe you lost him with all that crazy swirving you were doing in.

(All of a sudden, they see the car go past.)

BANE - Hey! That's him right there! Wasn't that the car?

FRANK - Yes!

BANE - Where the hell is he going?

FRANK - I don't know Big Brother.

BANE - Follow his ass!

(FRANK steps on it and drives behind MARTIN who is driving quite fast.)

BANE - He's going right past campus! What the... keep up with him!

FRANK - I'm tryin' I'm tryin'!

(MARTIN goes through a red light. FRANK has to stop because of traffic.)

BANE - Shit! What's wrong with that guy!

(When the light turns green FRANK screeches and drives fast after the car.)

BANE - Do you see him ahead?

FRANK - Um... oh look! There he is! He pulled over! Maybe he didn't see us when he drove past!

BANE - Well his ass is about to see me now! Pull over behind him!

(BANE slaps FRANK in the back of the head again.)

BANE - Yall just made your night ten times worse! Don't fuck with Big Brother Oh Fuck!

(FRANK pulls over and BANE gets out. He walks over to the driver side of the car. As BANE is walking, another car pulls up from behind with MARTIN driving.)

MARTIN - Frank! Frank get in!

(FRANK looks to his right and sees MARTIN driving another car.)

MARTIN - Hurry up! Get in!

(FRANK jumps out of BANE's car and into the passenger seat of the car that MARTIN is driving. BANE bangs on the glass of the first car that had pulled over. The window rolls down.)

MAX - Hey! You're kinda cute... don't I know you from somewhere?

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

BUCK - Gin, what did you do?

(GINGER pauses.)

BUCK - What did you do?

(silence)

GINGER - I did the colors in black and gold instead of purple and gold.

BUCK - You did what!

GINGER - I'm sorry! I didn't know.

(BUCK pauses and then starts to laugh.)

BUCK - Okay okay... its okay. You know me and my bruhs can't eat it right! Ha ha ha ha!

GINGER - Yall won't?

(GINGER is whining now.)

BUCK - Naw, I'm just kidding. Its okay. Its just a mistake. Well Ronnie definitely won't eat it.

RONNIE - Won't eat what?

GINGER - I am so sorry. You know I don't know about sororities and stuff.

BUCK - Its okay. Maybe they can get it changed by the time of the party.

GINGER - I hope so. I am so sorry baby.

BUCK - Its okay.

GINGER - Oooh! I forgot I'm on the other line! I got Camille on hold!

BUCK - Camille the Delta?

GINGER - I guess. Frank's girl.

BUCK - Oh yeah.

GINGER - She is volunteering her services too. You got some real cool friends.

BUCK - Damn this thing is gonna be huge!

GINGER - You deserve it though. You're a great guy and birthdays only come around once a year.

BUCK - Yeah I guess.

GINGER - Well look, let me get back to her and I'll call you later on okay?

BUCK - Okay.

(They hang up.)

RONNIE - What was that all about?

BUCK - Nothing. Just jokes.

RONNIE - Oh okay.

BUCK - I know one thing. This shit is gonna be big. Its like the whole campus is coming.

KENNY - Hell yeah! I can't wait!

(BUCK sits back and holds his head.)

BUCK - God. I see this being a headache already.

KENNY - Naw dude, I'm tellin' you. You're gonna be so happy man. With all the bruhs and the people that care about you. This is the last birthday that we're gonna have you here with us. So let;\'s send you off right. Ya know?

BUCK - Yeah. I know.

RONNIE - You don't sound so excited bruh. What's up?

(BUCK looks away.)

BUCK - Naw, I'm cool dog I'm cool..

RONNIE - Bruh, I done known you a long time. A real long time. You can't pull that shit with me. What's up?

(silence)

(BUCK looks back.)

BUCK - No, seriously. I'm fine. Its just that... this birthday... its just different ya know?

TY - How so?

BUCK - I guess...

(He thinks before he says what is in his heart.)

BUCK - ...I guess because its my last one here at Amgis.

(silence)

BUCK - I'm really gonna miss this place.

Episode 48

2008-02-11T13:17:00.002-08:00

Sigma Gamma Rho sorors JENNIFER and ROSALIND are walking across Amgis' yard.

ROSALIND - You just don't understand! If you knew how hard this class is, you'd understand why I want to celebrate!

JENNIFER - I mean, I heard its no joke. But how many times you gonna say that you aced an exam?

ROSALIND - No see, you don't seem to understand. I did way more than ace an exam. I got one hundred on that joint! I was the only hundred...

JENNIFER - In the entire class. I know. You told me.

ROSALIND - You're not feeling me. You're so not feeling me.

JENNIFER - Sorry.

ROSALIND - I need someone that wants to celebrate with me.

JENNIFER - How about him?

(JENNIFER nods toward a guy walking on the yard as well.)

ROSALIND - Oooh, he's cute. Call him over so I can tell him about my exam.

JENNIFER - Excuse me... can we talk to you for a minute.

ROSALIND whispers - Girl is you crazy! I was just kidding!

(The guy comes over.)

JENNIFER - Sorry to bother you but my soror here is just so happy and she needs to share her joy with someone. Do you mind listening to what she has to say?

GARY - Uh... sure. I guess.

(He laughs.)

JENNIFER - Go head Ros, tell him.

(ROS blushes.)

ROSALIND - Oh its no big deal. Its just that...

JENNIFER - No big deal? Naw, tell him how you were the only one to...

ROSALIND - Shut up alright!

(ROS turns back to GARY.)

ROSALIND - I'm taking honors accounting and...

GARY - Hey I am too!

ROSALIND - You are? I never see you in there.

GARY - Well when is your class?

ROSALIND - Eleven.

GARY - I take it at two.

ROSALIND - You do? I didn't know there were two classes.

GARY - Oh yeah. Is your class packed? Because mine is. Its mostly people taking Dr. Mendez over.

ROSALIND - Aint that the truth!

GARY - How did you do on the last exam?

JENNIFER thinks - Here it comes.

ROSALIND - I did okay.

JENNIFER - What!

GARY - Well I'm struggling! That one class is gonna mess up my gpa!

ROSALIND - Well maybe we could study together some time.

GARY - Sure. Let me get your cell.

ROSALIND - Seven six four, one eight five five.

GARY - Cool! I'm dialing you now so you can have my number too.

(ROSALIND smiles.)

ROSALIND - Okay cool. Nice meeting you I'm Rosalind.

GARY - Definitely! And I'm Gary. Oh and what was the good news you were supposed to tell me or something?

ROSALIND - Oh it was nothing.

JENNIFER - Yes it is! She's been braggin' on the fact that she got a perfect score on the exam.

GARY - You got a one hundred from Mendez?

ROSALIND - Yeah, I got lucky.

GARY - Lucky! Well rub me lady luck! I'm gonna call you tomorrow!

(ROS laughs flirtatously.)

ROSALIND - Okay.

GARY - See ya Rosalind! Talk to you tomorrow.

ROSALIND - Bye.

(GARY walks away.)

JENNIFER - Oh yeah, and my name is Jenn.

(ROSALID laughs.)

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

The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, RENEE, HOLLY and TRACEY are hanging out and talking about GINA and MIRI's wedding.

RENEE - Well I think its beautiful. I don't care what you say.

HOLLY - I didn't say it wasn't beautiful. I just said I wouldn't do it.

TRACEY- Aint nobody tryin' to marry your ass anyway.

(They all laugh.)

HOLLY - Girl please! I got all kind of men beatin' down my door! They want me they want me!

(They laugh as HOLLY shakes like she is slow dancing.)

RENEE - Stupid.

HOLLY - I'm just sayin'. I think when you're in college you too young to be thinking about marriage. To me, I think you should graduate and get settled. What if they both graduate and want to do separate things? What if one wants to travel and one doesn't? I just think its too soon for them.

RENEE - But think about it, they already went to Africa and spent some time there. They already got a little boy that they taking care of. They got a family already. I think Gina is lucky. I mean, look at the other dudes running around Amgis. Most of them are dogs and who knows who's on the downlow nowadays.

TRACEY - I know that's right!

RENEE - So if you find a good man who treats you well and handles his business, I say go for it.

TRACEY - Yep!

HOLLY - Desparate heffas.

(They all laugh.)

HOLLY - Yo! Speaking of heffas! Did I tell yall that...

TRACEY - Hold it hold it hold it.

HOLLY - What?

TRACEY - Is this some gossip? Cuz you know how you are.

RENEE - Yeah, I don't wanna hear no drama Holly.

HOLLY - No! Trust me, you're gonna wanna know this!

TRACEY - Please spare us!

HOLLY - Shut up! Listen... I spoke to Jahanna and she told me that she's transferring out of Ahpla!

TRACEY - Who?

HOLLY - You remember Jahanna! She was interested.

RENEE - Yeah, I know her! Her brother is Buck's frat.

HOLLY - Yeah! Dexter!

RENEE - Wow, why is she leaving?

HOLLY - She said she isn't happy there anymore and just wants to move on.

RENEE - Wow, really?

HOLLY - Yeah.

TRACEY - Well I hope it isn't an issue with herself. Because no matter where ya go, the issue remains.

HOLLY - I don't know but I kinda feel bad. I liked her.

RENEE - Yeah, she's cool. Speaking of Buck... let me call him. Yall know he's having a birthday party.

HOLLY - Yeah, I heard!

TRACEY - You hear everything! Damn is there something you don't know?

HOLLY - I don't know how fast I can kick your butt but I'm bout to find out.

(RENEE dials and waits for BUCK to answer.)

RENEE - Yall are so corny. I'm supposed to help Buck plan his party. I need to holla at him and see what he wants to do.

TRACEY - Just have basketballs everywhere. He'll be happy.

RENEE - Well you know Buck is on my list right now. Him and June are going through some problems and he's just being stubborn and...

GINGER - Hello?

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

JENNIFER - You didn't even introduce me!

ROSALIND - You were such a loud mouth in calling him over, you should've done it yourself!

JENNIFER - Whatever! He is cute though!

ROSALIND - Yeah he is!

DWAYNE - Who's so cute?

(DWAYNE has snuck up from behind and grabbed JENNIFER in a bear hug.)

JENNIFER - Ahhhhh!

DWAYNE - Hey.

JENNIFER - Boy! You scared the crap out of me!

(She slaps his arm as he laughs.)

DWAYNE - You shouldn't have been talking about cute guys... unless you was talking about me.

JENNIFER - You know I was.

DWAYNE - Yeah, right. Wassup Ros.

ROSALIND - Hey D.

DWAYNE - Where yall headed?

ROSALIND - Different directions actually. I gotta head this way.

JENNIFER - Oh, cool girl. I'll holla at you later. Congrats on your exam.

ROSALIND - Oh yeah! Hey Dwayne, I got a one hundred from Mendez.

DWAYNE - What! His class is hard as shit!

ROSALIND - I know! I was the only hundred!

DWAYNE - Well go head with your bad self! Ha ha ha ha!

JENNIFER - Oh brother! Do not encourage her!

ROSALIND - Ha ha, aight you two. See yall later.

JENNIFER - Bye.

(DWAYNE starts to walk with JENNIFER as ROS walks the other way.)

JENNIFER - So wassup with you? You seem to be in a better mood.

DWAYNE - Well, I got some good news.

JENNIFER - You do?

DWAYNE - Yep. I may have a chance to complete my process into I Phi.

JENNIFER - What! That's great! The brothers are reconsidering?

DWAYNE - Well not quite yet, but I hope that they do. I went to see Dr. Mwatsumi.

JENNIFER - Oh, the older professor?

DWAYNE - Yeah and I pleaded my case! And he is trying to help me out. He understands that everybody makes mistakes and he is really looking out.

JENNIFER - Well thats great!

DWAYNE - And not only that, but get this! Why is he running for president of Ahpla University!

JENNIFER - He is?

DWAYNE - Yes! So he has me helping him do some things and in return, he is gonna try and persuade the brothers to let me finish my process.

JENNIFER - Wow! So you're helping him with his campaign?

DWAYNE - Kinda. Its some old top secret mission impossible type shit.

JENNIFER - Oh Lord. What you mean?

DWAYNE - He only has one running opponent. So he has me doing a litle spy tactic type stuff and finding out some things about her. I'm actually working for her in her campaign and she thinks I'm on her side. But I'm not. I'm feeding the Doc all kinds of info on her and helping him gain an advantage.

JENNIFER - You're lying!

DWAYNE - Nope!

JENNIFER - Are you serious?

DWAYNE - Yeah, why?

(DWAYNE notices that JENNIFER is looking concerned. They stop walking.)

JENNIFER - Dwayne, that isn't right. You can't do that.

DWAYNE - Hey babe, all's fair in war and politics. Besides, she is off the wall anyway. You should hear some of the things she has planned for Ahpla U!

JENNIFER - Dwayne that is very dishonest! I can't even believe you agreed to do something like that! How could you?

DWAYNE - People are dishonest all day long. Its no biggie. You're trippin'.

JENNIFER - No you're trippin'. I can't even believe you can justify it by saying that all people are dishonest. What kind of lame excuse reason is that?

DWAYNE - It's not an excuse!

JENNIFER - Yes it is and its stupid and its messed up!

(silence)

JENNIFER - And for what... to get back on line for Iota Phi Theta?

(silence)

JENNIFER - I mean, I could see if it was Kappa or Que but damn!

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

ERIC, AKINA, JAY and ERIC's mother MRS. ROBINSON are meeting and discussing the rape case from JESSICA.

MRS. ROBINSON - Do you want to go over it again?

ERIC - No. Not if we don't have to.

MRS. ROBINSON - No we don't have to, if you don't want to. Just remember what you're supposed to say... but moreso, what you're not supposed to say for that matter.

ERIC - Okay.

MRS. ROBINSON - Also, remember that we get one shot at this. This is really hit or miss so keep that in mind. We don't get a second chance at this.

JAY - I'm sorry. I'm real sorry because I aint trying to prolong this whole thing but I have a question.

MRS. ROBINSON - No its okay. Go ahead and ask your question.

JAY - It's just that I don't understand how she can do this. I mean, there's so much evidence that the bitch...

(JAY looks at ERIC's mother and chooses better language. She however doesn't flinch.)

JAY - ...uh I mean, that Jessica is lying. With all the stuff at the hospital, with the way she is saying it happened... with her history with E and the fact that she never got over him... I mean, I just don't understand how anybody is taking her seriously.

MRS. ROBINSON - Well understand that a lot of people are taking her very seriously. But we want the evidence to show that this story has many holes in it and she really doesn't have a leg to stand on.

JAY - You know what you're talking about so its all good.

MRS. ROBINSON - Yes.

AKINA - I just can't believe this. I can't even believe she is doing this and we're sitting here discussing it.

ERIC - I should've saw it coming.

MRS. ROBINSON - Don't blame yourself. These kinds of things actually happen. Sometimes people don't want to accept the fact that relationships do end and when they do, some people can't move on. Its psychological.

JAY - You got that right.

MRS. ROBINSON - So don't go blaming yourself. We just hope that after this is over Jessica can get the type of help that she needs. She needs to start seeing a therapist to help her handle these issues.

JAY - Yeah, she needs a shrink!

AKINA - Who believes her anyway? Everyone I talk to knows that Eric is completely innocent.

MRS. ROBINSON - You're talking to students. You need to read the written statement submitted by the security guard. I mean, look at is this way. Let's say one of your male friends came to you and said that his ex girlfriend tried to rape him. What would you think? Honestly?

AKINA - Honestly, I would think that he was lying.

ERIC - But that aint the case. I never said that.

MRS. ROBINSON - I know. But you are claiming that she basically overpowered you to an extent. The guard saw you on top of her and she was screaming for you to get off her. Once they got you off of her, you said that she had power and control over you. I know she did because I know your heart. But for someone that doesn't know you or know Jessica, its hard to believe.

AKINA - I don't know, I still don't quite get it.

MRS. ROBINSON - Don't worry. You don't have to. That's my job.

JAY - So you're actually defending Eric?

MRS. ROBINSON - Not exactly. I did work on the case but my partner is going to be in the courtroom doing the speaking and the work. Its a conflict of interest for me. I'd get emotional.

JAY - Oh yeah.

ERIC - Speaking of the courtroom, and I can't even believe I haven't thought of this or have to think of this for that matter, but how is that gonna work?

MRS. ROBINSON - We go in and sit down. Her lawyer is going to present her case and try and make you look bad. He or she is going to paint a picture of that day and make it very visual. They'll probably throw in that you're in a frat because the perception nowadays is that frat boys cause nothing but trouble. So they're gonna try and use that more than likely.

JAY - Yeah, they're gonna milk that.

MRS. ROBINSON - We then get to cross examine her and pick apart her story. We'll go after the relationship that yall had. The break up. How it made her feel. How the break up affected her. We'll go into how she feels about your current girlfriend. If she is dating anyone right now. Her mental state. Why she was in the hospital in the first place. What happened to the phone line.

JAY - Wow, you got al lot.

MRS. ROBINSON - You have to come prepared. You never know what to expect sometimes.

ERIC - Good.

MRS. ROBINSON - We have copies of her transcripts so we can show how her grades have fallen since the break up.

AKINA - Have her grades been messing up since her and Eric broke up?

MRS. ROBINSON - Somewhat. But we don't know how significant it will be or how it will hold up. But its worth a shot.

ERIC - I can't believe this is so detailed! This is crazy!

(ERIC stands up and clasps his fingers behind his head. He walks toward the window and stares outside.)

JAY - I hate to bring this up but I have another question that I know we probably don't want to focus on.

MRS. ROBINSON - There are no bad questions like I was saying. Everything needs to be considered Jay.

JAY - Okay. Well, in the worst case scenario for us...

MRS. ROBINSON - Uh huh.

JAY - What happens to Eric... like if we lose. What happens then?

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

RENEE dials BUCK's cell phone and GINGER answers.

GINGER - Hello?

RENEE thinks - What the...

RENEE - Who is this?

GINGER - Excuse you who is this?

RENEE - This is Renee.

GINGER - Oh hi Nay, this is Gin.

RENEE - Ginger?

GINGER - Yeah girl. How you doin'?

RENEE thinks - What the hell are you doing answering Buck's phone!

RENEE - I'm good. Is Buck around?

GINGER - Yeah, hold on. Buck... its Renee on the phone.

(silence)

BUCK - Hey wassup.

RENEE - What the hell is Ginger doing answering your phone!

BUCK - What?

RENEE - You heard me! Why is that girl answering your phone?

HOLLY thinks - Some chick answered Buck's phone? Oooooooh!

BUCK - Hold on.

(silence)

(BUCK goes into a different room.)

BUCK - Yeah, what's your problem?

RENEE - What's the matter with you! You got that chick answering your cell phone?

BUCK - My phone was on the table and she just picked it up. What's the big deal?

RENEE - What's the big deal? The big deal you moron is... what if this was June calling? And you got some next chick answering!

BUCK - June aint calling me. June's mind is made up and she aint even thinking about me. So whatever.

RENEE - How stupid can you be! Ginger is playing you! She had her sights on you when you first walked in that shop to get June that ring! Can't you see that?

BUCK - Oh don't be silly. She's the one who helped me pick out June's ring.

RENEE - Yeah while she was planning on taking you from her all along.

BUCK - Ginger had nothing to do with me and June okay? June and Buck had to do with June and Buck. June was the one who wanted to break up. June was the one who said that I don't understand her. June was the one who told me... not asked me... but told me to not call her again. Not Ginger, June!

RENEE - June did all those things because June loves you with all her heart! And all you're doing is being stupid and breaking it!

BUCK - Renee, what did you call me for?

(silence)

RENEE - I called you to ask you about your birthday party.

BUCK - What about it?

RENEE - Are you doing it at the frat house or did you want to speak to Pharoahs?

BUCK - I was gonna do it at the frat house.

RENEE - Let's talk to Pharoahs instead.

BUCK - Yeah, but how much is that gonna cost? I aint got no loot for this.

RENEE - Let me see what I can do. I'm cool with one of the bouncers and he was saying that they got a small room in the back upstairs. You would never know it was there.

BUCK - Okay. If you want but we don't have a lot of time.

RENEE - I know when it is Buck.

(silence)

BUCK - Thank you.

RENEE - You're welcome.

(silence)

RENEE - Buck, please don't make a mistake that you're gonna regret later.

BUCK - I won't. Don't worry about me. I know what I'm doing.

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

JAY - What happens to Eric if we lose?

MRS. ROBINSON - That's not a bad question at all because we need to all know.

ERIC thinks - Oh God.

MRS. ROBINSON - Well, understand first of all that the case against us is not rape or sexual assault as they like to call it nowadays. Its just assault.

ERIC - Oh okay.

MRS. ROBINSON - Its kind of like attempted rape. You didn't actually do it because someone broke it up.

ERIC - Dag! I didn't do it because I didn't do it.

MRS. ROBINSON - We know. With the assault charge, there are two ways that this can go. It really depends on the judge if you are found guilty. With first time offenders its up in the air. But assault charges carry heavy penalties. We're talking about time in jail.

ERIC - How much?

MRS. ROBINSON - It could be anywhere from 12 months to ten years. It depends.

AKINA - Oh my God!

(silence)

JAY - What does it depend on?

MRS. ROBINSON - How strong her testimony will be. Or her prosecution team actually. Jessica doesn't have to take the stand. She probably won't.

AKINA - Figures! She aint got nothing to say because its all lies!

ERIC - Who is her lawyer? Someone high power?

JESSICA - Has my lawyer called me! Has she called?

KERRYN - No Jess, you asked me that twenty times already!

JESSICA - Well what if she calls and the phone is busy!

(JESSICA walks toward her roommate who is on the phone.)

KERRYN - We have call waiting! Gosh calm down!

JESSICA - Call waiting? Call waiting? If my lawyer already called and you didn't give me the phone... I swear you're gonna regret it!

KERRYN - I said she didn't call alright?

JESSICA - Well! Let me borrow your cell phone!

KERRYN - What! What's wrong with yours?

JESSICA - Its dead right now. Let me borrow yours! I need to call my lawyer!

(KERRYN rolls her eyes as she hands the phone over.)

KERRYN - Don't be on there for a long time! Its day time minutes you know.

(JESSICA smiles as she takes the phone and leaves her roommates room.)

JESSICA thinks - I hate that stupid bitch! I can't wait til I can move out of here!

(She dials.)

RECEPTIONIST - Baker, Young and Rubenstein, how may I direct your call?

JESSICA - Mrs. Edwards please. You can tell her that its Jessica.

RECEPTIONIST - Sure, hold please.

(silence)

MRS. EDWARDS - Valerie Edwards.

JESSICA - Hi Mrs. Edwards, this is Jessica,

MRS. EDWARDS - Hello Jessica, how are you holding up?

JESSICA - Anxious.

MRS. EDWARDS - That's to be expected. We're a few days away and you've been through a whole lot since this whole thing started.

JESSICA - Yes, I definitely have.

MRS. EDWARDS - But don't worry. We're completely ready to go in there and handle this case.

JESSICA - You gonna handle our business huh? You sound like you ready to do the damn thing!

(JESSICA laughs.)

MRS. EDWARDS - Just know that I don't take too well to men who try and overpower women. When that happens, men go down. I don't play around in the courtroom.

JESSICA - Good!

MRS. EDWARDS - Trust me, when I'm done with Eric Robinson, he'll be way too old to mess with any more girls on campus!

Episode 47

2008-02-11T13:17:00.001-08:00

MALCOLM is shooting baskets by himself.

MALCOLM thinks - Damn, why can't I perfect this shot?

(MALCOLM shoots and it goes in. He goes and grabs the ball.)

MALCOLM thinks - My game could be so much better if I just focus a little on...

BUCK - Got room enough for two?

(MALCOLM turns around.)

MALCOLM - Its a free country.

(MALCOLM steps aside as BUCK puts his bag down an takes off his sweat pants. He has on shorts underneath and he takes his own ball out of his bag.)

BUCK - How long you been here?

MALCOLM - Not too long. Just shootin' around.

BUCK - Yeah.

(BUCK shoots.)

MALCOLM - What you been up to? How's your ankle?

BUCK - Getting stronger. I been on the track running a little bit.

MALCOLM - Oh yeah? Good.

(MALCOLM shoots.)

BUCK - Negro, you don't think its good. When I'm at full speed, you sit.

MALCOLM - Well let me kick you there then.

(They stop and look at one another. Then both bust out laughing.)

BUCK - Shut up man.

MALCOLM - So what's been up?

BUCK - Man, I don't know. Stressed.

MALCOLM - School?

BUCK - Naw. Shit with my girl.

MALCOLM - Oh, same ol same ol.

BUCK - Actually, not this time. I think we're done.

MALCOLM - Bullshit.

BUCK - Serious man. We're through.

MALCOLM - Are you serious?

(MALCOM grabs his ball and stops shooting.)

MALCOLM - What happened?

BUCK - You know...

(BUCK grabs his ball.)

BUCK - ... I don't know. It's just...

(silence)

BUCK - I'm not ready man.

MALCOLM - What! Dude, are you crazy?

(BUCK shoots and starts to play again.)

MALCOLM - Naw hold up man. What are you talking about?

(BUCK stops again.)

BUCK - This whole marriage thing. I'm not ready. I don't understand June and I think its best if we end it now. She was really not feeling some of the things that I was saying and I don't know what she wants. You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't when it comes to her. I'm just like...

(He shoots.)

BUCK - ...I just need to get my ankle patched up so I can play this season out.

MALCOLM - Play this season out? I thought June was the love of your life.

BUCK - I thought so too. Apparantly not. Those feelings weren't reciprocated.

MALCOLM - Damn!

BUCK - But at least I found out now. Ya know?

MALCOLM - Well yeah, that's true. At least you found out before you made a real investment. Like a house or some kids.

BUCK - I'm just too young. That's all. I'm too young to be thinking about marriage or hooking up on that level. I just need to be a student. I'm still in college got dammit.

(MALCOLM laughs.)

MALCOLM - Yeah, I understand.

(They both start shooting again.)

MALCOLM - So you think you gonna chill on the dating scene for a while? Take it easy and just sit back in the cut while you get over it?

BUCK - Hell naw. I aint goin' out like no punk. She can sit around and cry over me if she wants to. Not the kid.

MALCOLM - What you sayin'?

BUCK - I already got my next hook up lined up. I aint wastin' no time and this time, I aint with no immature college student!

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

MIRI and his frat brothers BRANDON and CALVIN are in CALVIN's room with the baby MIGIRI.

BRANDON - I still can't believe you're actually sittig here holding a baby. Are we growing up bros?

CALVIN - Hell no! I'm still trying to party and have fun.

MIRI - Play that funky music white boy huh?

CALVIN - Shut up!

(BRANDON laughs.)

CALVIN - That would be funny but I've heard that all my life since high school. Old joke.

BRANDON - They ever call you Eminem?

CALVIN - Always. Not funny either.

(They all laugh. The baby cries and MIRI picks him up.)

MIRI - Aww, shhhhhh.

BRANDON - Were we too loud?

MIRI - Naw, he just acts up when Gina isn't around. She's out hanging with her sorors.

CALVIN - So he prefers to be with his mommy?

MIRI - No, it isn't that so much. It's moreso a maternal thing and children. And a step further with male children. You should see it in the motherland.

BRANDON - I've always said I wanted to go to Africa.

CALVIN - I've always said I wanted to go to Ireland.

(They all laugh again.)

BRANDON - Is parenting different over there?

MIRI - Oh absolutely. I mean, its not like I traveled all over the continent and can do a research paper. But there are many different cultures and they just do things different . I think it fosters better relations between parents and children. Builds strong families.

BRANDON - Wow, I hear it.

MIRI - For example. I was in a place where one little boy had the scars on his face. You know how you've seen it on tv.

BRANDON - Oh yeah.

MIRI - So, they do that to the child as a baby. Sort of like circumcision. And if you saw it done, thank God I didn't, but if you saw it done, you would think that was the cruelest thing in the world to do to a child.

BRANDON - Uh huh.

MIRI - But at the same time, if you told that same parent that you had hired a baby sitter to watch their son while they both go to work, they'd think you were crazy. If you told them that you go to work every day and you and your wife leave your child alone with a stranger or even a different family member, they would think you were the cruelest person in the world.

BRANDON - Yeah but what if you have to work? You have to make an income to provide for your family.

MIRI - I'm just tellin' you what the culture is.

CALVIN - That's interesting.

MIRI - Isn't it?

(He puts the baby back down after he quiets.)

MIRI - But thank God Gina is so good with him. I almost had to beg her just to go hang out with her sorors. She hates to leave him.

BRANDON - Oh yeah?

MIRI - Bruh, its crazy. She loves this boy so much, I'm like... can Miri get some love at all?

(BRANDON and CALVIN laugh.)

MIRI - She is so intent on this little man. He is definitely gonna be a momma's boy.

(MIRI kisses his head and strokes his hair. The baby shifts in his chair.)

BRANDON - Well that's good.

CALVIN - Yeah.

(BRANDON's cell phone rings and the baby starts to wake up again.)

MIRI - Oh, can yall put your phones on vibrate? He has something funny about telephone rings. He doesn't seem to like it or something.

BRANDON - Oh cool.

(BRANDON answers quickly without checking the display. He tip toes out of the room.)

BRANDON - Hello.

BRENDON - Hey man, you busy?

BRANDON - Naw, wassup.

BRENDON - I gotta talk to you about something big. Real big!

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

BUCK and MALCOLM are shooting baskets.

BUCK - I already got my next hook up lined up. I aint wastin' no time and this time, I aint with no immature college student!

MALCOLM - What is you talking about?

BUCK - Nothing.

MALCOLM - You got another girl already?

BUCK - Naw, nevermind.

(They both start to shoot again.)

BUCK - Hey, didn't you guys have two boys on line? Did they finish?

MALCOLM - Naw, we had complications with them. They had to stop.

BUCK - Word? What happened?

MALCOLM - Grades. You know how it is. Both them fools.

BUCK - Oh I know that's right. Damn man, sorry to hear that.

MALCOLM - It's all good, I didn't like either one of them fools anyway.

(BUCK laughs.)

BUCK - I know the feeling.

(silence)

BUCK thinks - Okay, I'm gonna regret this...

BUCK - Yo bruh, you know I'm having a birthday party in three weeks. You tryin' to come?

MALCOLM - That's what's up! When?

BUCK - Its in three weeks. We gonna use our frat house.

MALCOLM - Oh cool! That should be off the hook!

BUCK - I hope so.

MALCOLM - You gonna bring your new girl to the joint, since you're talking about having a new flame?

(BUCK laughs as he shoots.)

MALCOLM - I just wanna see her. Because if she looks anything like June, nigga watch your back! Because June is fine!

BUCK - Can we talk about something else?

MALCOLM - Oh sorry, my bad.

BUCK - Its all good playa. I just aint used to talking about not being with June. I mean, its been so long and... well you know.

MALCOLM - I know.

BUCK - So any new situation, it'sjust like I'm not jumping too fast in, just seeing.

MALCOLM - Yeah.

(MALCOLM holds his ball and puts it on the floor and steps his foot on it.)

MALCOLM - Yo, let's get a game of twenty one. You take out.

BUCK - Oooh, look at the time. I gotta run.

(BUCK laughs.)

MALCOLM - Oh man see how you are? Afraid I'm gonna whip your cripple ass?

BUCK - No not at all, its just that I have a meeting that I almost forgot about, messin' around with you!

(They both laugh.)

MALCOLM - Aight cool.

BUCK - So I'll see you at practice.

MALCOLM - Right.

(BUCK goes to gather his things.)

MALCOLM - So whats the new girl's name?

BUCK - She aint a new girl. Like I said, I aint trying to rush...

MALCOLM - Yeah yeah yeah, I heard all that. So what's her name?

BUCK - Bye Mal.

MALCOLM - Dammit! You're gonna tell me Buck!! I'm gonna find out!

(BUCK kicks open the door to leave.)

BUCK - Don't forget my birtthday!

MALCOLM - Oh belive me, I will be there!

(BUCK smiles as he walks out. He wipes the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve.)

BUCK thinks - That fool.

(BUCK reaches into his bag and pulls out his cell phone. He dials.)

GINGER - Hello?

BUCK - Hey I'm just leaving the gym now. You ready?

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

ADA, TAMMI, LAUREL and MIYA were told by the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta sorority to choose one person to be excluded from the pledge activities and to be prepared to continue with three. They are now trying to figure out what to do.

MIYA - What the hell? One of us has to leave?

LAUREL - Sounds like it.

ADA - Are they serious?

LAUREL - Seems like it.

TAMMI - But can they do that? Why would they make us make a choice like that? Can they do that?

LAUREL - Seems like it.

MIYA - Seems like it seems like it. Can you say anything else?

(LAUREL looks at MIYA but doesn't say anything.)

TAMMI - Look yall, what are we gonna do?

(TAMMI looks back at the closed bedroom door where the Zetas went.)

TAMMI - They're gonna come back in a few... so what are we gonna do?

ADA - Wait wait, what if this is a test? I don't think we're supposed to choose one of us to leave. Line should be one for all and all for one.

LAUREL - Yeah right! You heard what they said. We gotta choose!

ADA - I don't know.

LAUREL - Well we aint got time to wait for you to know and we aint got time to be messin' around.

MIYA - Hey, you aint gotta talk to her that way.

LAUREL - I'm just keepin' it real.

MIYA - Keepin' it real? You the one who nobody knows! You should be the one to leave!

LAUREL - What! They know me okay! And you the one that aint even in college! You're the joke!

TAMMI - Hey hey hey! Quiet down, they can probably hear you!

(Everyone looks back at the door, then gets immediately quiet as they look back at each other.)

ADA - I think this is a trick. You guys never heard of sorority women saying that they are always there for each other? I think they're testing us.

LAUREL - They aint testing shit. They aint trying to bring in no dead weight or extra people. That's what this is about.

MIYA - I don't know Ada. I just don't know.

TAMMI - Well what are we gonna do?

LAUREL - Yeah, we're waisting time!

(silence)

LAUREL - We need a way to choose one of us to leave. And we need to choose right now.

MIYA - What! Who made you ring leader?

LAUREL - Nobody else is doin' it.

MIYA - So you gonna step up to the plate and cut me out huh?

(LAUREL smiles.)

MIYA - Oh hell naw you aint!

ADA - Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

(They look back at the door again.)

(silence)

ADA - I think we'd made a big mistake to cut someone out. We need to stand strong and tell them that we all love one another and don't wish to see any one of us leave.

LAUREL - Are you crazy? We're in no position to tell them how to run their organization. How we gonna...tell them anything?

(LAUREL stresses the words "tell them")

TAMMI - So then lets choose.

MIYA - Well how the hell do we do that?

(silence)

TAMMI - Okay, here do this...

(TAMMI reaches into her purse quickly and pulls out a napkin. She then grabs a pen.)

TAMMI - Everybody tear a piece of this and write down a number on it between one and twenty one. The one person who has their number farthest from the other three has to leave.

MIYA - Huh?

TAMMI - Like if three of use choose twelve, thirteen and fourten and one person chooses six. The six leaves.

LAUREL - Good idea.

MIYA - Oh I get it. Give me a piece.

(They all take a piece and turn around as they write numbers down. They then turn back and look at one another.)

MIYA - Okay, who goes first.

LAUREL - I will.

(She opens hers and shows it.)

LAUREL - Three. My line number based on yall short people.

ADA - I wrote five.

MIYA - Wow, I wrote three also.

(Everyone looks at TAMMI.)

ADA - Tam, what number did you write?

(silence)

TAMMI - My birthday. Eleven.

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

CALVIN pulls his cell phone off his hip in order to turn it to vibrate. He then dials it.

GWEN - Hey, can I call you back?

CALVIN thinks - Damn!

CALVIN - Yeah. You gonna call me this time?

GWEN - I promise I will. I just am in a meeting and it just got real intense. But I'll call you back.

CALVIN - Okay well...

(CLICK)

CALVIN - Damn.

(He puts his cell phone back on his hip.)

(silence)

MIRI - What's wrong?

CALVIN - Nothing. I'm cool.

MIRI - Cal, what's wrong?

(silence)

CALVIN - It's this girl Gwen. But its nothing.

MIRI - You sure you don't wanna get it off your chest bruh?

CALVIN - Yeah, I'm sure. Its no big deal.

MIRI - Okay.

CALVIN - So what's the plan for the wedding?

MIRI - Well...

(MIRI smiles.)

MIRI - Its an African inspired wedding. Everything to the clothes, to the ceremony. We lighting the unity candle and the Kwanzaa candles.

CALVIN - Cool.

MIRI - Gonna jump the broom and everything.

CALVIN - Cool. Is it a big wedding?

MIRI - Kinda. I have six groomsmen and a best man. My five line brothers, Gina's brother and my brother is best man. Gina has some of her sorors from her home chapter. And I think PJ is in it. And her cousin.

CALVIN - Cool, I can't wait.

MIRI - Me neither man. My family will be complete.

CALVIN - Must be nice.

MIRI - Yeah. You don't know man. Sometimes at night, I get up. Cuz you know I never sleep well anyway.

CALVIN - You don't?

MIRI - Naw. Writers and poets don't sleep. Too many thoughts and ideas. So sometimes I'll get up to write something down and I'll just look at Gina and Migiri. And I can just stare at them sleeping. And I can literally stare all night long. Its amazing.

CALVIN - That's cool.

MIRI - Nothing like that feeling in the world. I don't even tell Gina about it.

CALVIN - Why not?

MIRI - Cuz then her crazy butt would be trying to get up at four in the morning so she could see!

(They both laugh.)

CALVIN - That's cool though.

MIRI - Yeah.

CALVIN - You're a lucky guy.

MIRI - Blessed.

CALVIN - Yeah, that too.

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

The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta are in the bedroom talking. They are about to go out and get the results.

KIM - So yall think they fell for it?

SHARONDA - Of course. You did.

LEAH - Yeah, I did too when it was me out there. And I was about to leave up out this camp!

(They quietly smile and laugh.)

KIM - Well thats good. I tried.

ASHLEY - So far so good. You're doing a great job.

KIM - Thanks. Hey, anybody seen Denice? I'm surprised she isn't here.

ASHLEY - I don't know. Let me call her.

(ASHLEY pulls out her cell phone and dials.)

DENICE - Hey.

ASHLEY - Hey wassup, where you at?

DENICE - Right down the street. I'm coming up.

ASHLEY - Oh okay good. See ya in a few.

DENICE - K.

ASHLEY - Hey, how you feelin'?

DENICE - Better.

ASHLEY - Good! Okay see ya.

DENICE - Ok.

(As ASHLEY hangs up, LEAH's phone rings.)

ASHLEY - She's on her way over.

KIM - Oh cool.

LEAH - Hello?

ROBBIE - We need to talk.

LEAH - About what?

ROBBIE - What do you think?

LEAH - Look, I aint got time okay? Especially now.

ROBBIE - Make time.

LEAH - Excuse me?

ROBBIE - I need to talk to you. I know you're with your sorors and you can't talk right now.

(LEAH looks around at her sorors.)

LEAH - You got that right.

ROBBIE - So step into the hall.

LEAH - How do you know where...

ROBBIE - Come outside.

LEAH - I'm not in my room ya know.

ROBBIE - I know who's room you're in. I followed her here so I knew you'd have to be inside.. Now come outside.

LEAH - You followed...

(silence)

(CLICK)

LEAH thinks - Dammit.

LEAH - Sorors, I'll be right back.

ASHLEY - You leaving?

KIM - Where you going? We can't go out there yet.

LEAH - I know but... I just gotta go real quick.

KIM - Leah, if you go out now... I mean, we haven't let them sit long enough.

LEAH - I'm sorry... but I just have to...

(They hear the front door open and close.)

SHARONDA - Somebody just opened the door.

LEAH - That's probably Denise. She's here.

KIM - Oh good! Now you can leave. Act like you're going to check who it is and you can casually walk out.

LEAH - Thanks Kim. I'll be back.

KIM - Okay.

(LEAH hurries as she opens the bedroom door. She only sees MIYA, LAUREL and ADA in the three chairs.)

LEAH - Where's the other one!

ADA - Um... we picked numbers and she...

LEAH - Where is Tammi!

MIYA - She left.

LEAH - She what!

MIYA - You all told us to get down to three and to sit in these chairs. She's out. So she just left.

LEAH - She left! Yall let her leave!

LAUREL - Well Kim told us to...

LEAH - Oh my gosh!

(LEAH rushes to the door and hurries into the hallway.)

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

BRANDON - So what's so big that you gotta talk to me about?

(BRENDON takes a breath before he speaks.)

BRENDON - I've been on line for KKPsi.

(silence)

BRENDON - For a little over two weeks now.

(silence)

BRANDON - What... you think I didn't know?

BRENDON - How did you know?

BRANDON - Come on man. You don't hide things well.

BRENDON - Yeah. I guess not.

BRANDON - I was just waiting for the time that you were gonna admit it to me.

BRENDON - Well I'm sorry man. I just couldn't before.

BRANDON - I see.

BRENDON - But its not because of what you think. I didn't want to say anything because I knew how bad it would make you feel and I didn't want to hurt you.

BRANDON - Oh brother! Somebody get me a violin!

BRENDON - I'm serious!

BRANDON - Yeah, but whats the end result? You went on and did your thing without me.

BRENDON - Well this isn't about that right now. Right now, I need some advice.

BRANDON - Advice?

(BRANDON laughs.)

BRANDON - So now that you need something, now that you need me, you call me for advice and admit to me that you've been lying to me for two weeks.

BRENDON - Come on man, let it go.

BRANDON - Why should I? You played me. So let's see how it feels to get played back.

BRENDON - Will you grow up? Shit! Now listen, I got a problem that I need your advice on!

BRANDON - You seem to make all other decisions by yourself. Handle this one on your own.

BRENDON - I can't! I don't know what to do!

(silence)

BRANDON thinks - Damn!

(silence)

BRENDON - Brandon, are you gonna help me or not. I got a big decision to make here and I don't know what to do.

(silence)

BRENDON - Brandon...

BRANDON thinks - This is so wrong!

BRANDON - Just follow your heart Bren. You'll be alright.

(BRANDON hangs up on his brother.)

Episode 46

2008-02-11T13:16:00.000-08:00

The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta, LEAH and KIM are in ASHLEY's room. KIM is telling them about her nightmare babysitting event with MIRI and GINA's son.

LEAH - Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

ASHLEY - You are kidding me!

KIM - Girl, I am so not lying! The boy peed straight up in the air and it got in my hair! I had to wash my hair twice!

(LEAH and ASHLEY fall out laughing.)

LEAH - That's what you get! Ha ha ha ha!

KIM - That's what I get? For what?

LEAH - Helping out them damn AKAs!

KIM - Shut up! This was about helping frat and Seth was with me so its his line brother.

(LEAH and ASHLEY are cracking up laughing.)

KIM - Oh just laugh!

LEAH - Ha ha ha ha, I'm sorry... but did he stop crying at all?

KIM - Hell no!

(LEAH laughs again.)

KIM - His bad ass! That boy screamed! To be honest, I think he was just screaming to be screaming.

(LEAH is laughing and there are tears falling from her eyes. There is a knock on the door.)

KIM - Yall just keep on laughin' but it aint funny.

ASHLEY - Kim wait! Wait! Don't open the door!

(KIM stops.)

KIM - Why?

(ASHLEY smiles.)

ASHLEY - It might be Migiri! Bah ha ha ha ha ha ha!

KIM thinks - Stupid!

(KIM opens the door.)

KIM - Well well well...

ADA - Hello Kim, how are you?

KIM - Just fine Ada.

(KIM checks her watch.)

KIM - Right on time. Impressive.

ADA - I take this very seriously.

KIM - We shall see. Come in.

(ADA walks in.)

KIM - Now let's see if everyone else will come on time.

ADA - I'm sure they will. I've spoken to each of them.

KIM - Even Miya?

ADA - Yes.

KIM - Sorors, we have company.

(ASHLEY and LEAH wipe their eyes and stop laughing.)

ADA - Hello Ashley. Hello Leah.

ASHLEY - Hi Ada.

(LEAH doesn't speak.)

KIM - Ada, you can sit right here.

(ADA notices that there are three chairs. She sits in the first one as there is a knock on the door.)

KIM - Are your girls early? I told you to have them show up every ten minutes not every two seconds!

ADA - Uh... um... I did let them um know.

LEAH - I can already see how this night is gonna go!

ADA thinks - Oh God!

(ADA looks nervous as KIM opens the door.)

KIM - Oh! You lucky! Its only Rhonda.

SHARONDA - Only Rhonda? Well forget you too!

(The Zetas laugh. ADA is looking nervous and serious.)

KIM - Girl you lucky it wasn't Tammi or Miya or that other one... what's her damn name?

SHARONDA - Lori... Linda?

ADA - Laurel.

KIM - Oh yeah, her. I don't like her too much. How bout yall?

LEAH - I don't even know her.

ASHLEY - Me neither.

KIM - Well anyway, you lucky they aint comin' in here too early because... oh nevermind.

(A few minutes go by and there is a knock on the door.)

KIM - Okay, this should be another one of em.

(KIM opens the door.)

KIM - Oh Lord.

LAUREL - Hello Kim.

KIM - Whatever. Why does no one know who you are? Come in. Sit over there.

(KIM points to where ADA is sitting. LAUREL sits next to ADA.)

LEAH - Who the heck are you?

LAUREL - Uh... my name is Laurel and I...

LEAH - Oh hush.

ASHLEY - At least you were here on time.

(There is another knock on the door. The Zetas look at one another. KIM looks at her watch.)

KIM - Okay... we all here... I know that wasn't ten minutes already... this better be a soror from Ahpla and not Tammi or Miya!

(KIM opens the door as everyone is looking.)

MIYA - Hiya! Its Miya!

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

ERIC is on the yard with his frat brother JAY and he thinks that everyone is staring at him, whispering and pointing.

ERIC - No... no just... I need to be alone... um...

(ERIC turns around and JESSICA is standing there.)

JESSICA - Hey... wassup?

ERIC - Wassup? Wassup!

(ERIC is raising his voice.)

ANDY - Yeah... uh... wassup? What's the matter?

(ERIC stares at ANDY, closes his eyes, then reopens them. He thought ANDY was JESSICA.)

ERIC - Uh... I'm sorry Andy... um... I'm just goin' through a lot and I thought... well nevermind.

ANDY - Yeah, I heard.

ERIC - You what?

ANDY - I said hi to Jay. Are you okay Eric?

ERIC - No, actually I'm not. I need to go lay down.

ANDY - Okay, well I hope you feel better.

ERIC - Yeah, me too.

(ERIC starts to walk away. ANDY just watches him walk by.)

ANDY - He looks like he's about to throw up.

JAY - Yeah. He's sick alright.

ERIC thinks - I gotta calm down. I'm losing it and I can't afford to lose it right now.

(ERIC pulls out his cell phone and dials.)

RECEPTIONIST - Simon, Brooks and Shumaker, how may I help you?

ERIC - Yes, hello. Is Mrs. Robinson available?

RECEPTIONIST - Can I tell her who is calling?

ERIC - It's her son.

RECEPTIONIST - Oh hi. Hold on.

(silence)

MRS. ROBINSON - Hey.

ERIC - Hi Mom.

MRS. ROBINSON - How are ya? You don't need some money do ya?

(His mother laughs. ERIC stops walking and sits down on a bench by the Amgis College gate.)

ERIC - No Ma, I don't need any money this time. Not yet at least.

MRS. ROBINSON - Eric what's wrong?

ERIC - Um... I got a serious problem that I need to talk to you about.

MRS. ROBINSON - Okay what is it?

(ERIC pauses.)

MRS. ROBINSON - Eric what is it?

ERIC - Ma, you remember Jessica, that girl I was dating last year?

MRS. ROBINSON - Sure sure.

MRS. ROBINSON thinks - Oh God! She's pregnant!

MRS. ROBINSON - What about her?

ERIC - Well, ever since we broke up, she's been wanting to get back together with me. And Akina was trying to warn me but I didn't believe it. Or want to believe it. I thought she had moved on/

MRS. ROBINSON - Okay.

ERIC - Well now it has become a serious issue. A real serious one.

MRS. ROBINSON - How so?

ERIC - She's falsely accusing me of rape.

MRS. ROBINSON - What!

ERIC - I didn't touch her Ma. I swear, I didn't touch her once.

MRS. ROBINSON - Okay okay slow down. Tell me exactly what happened.

ERIC - Okay... I had gotten sick and the bros took me to the hospital to get checked out.

MRS. ROBINSON - What! When was this!

ERIC - Ma... it was a few weeks ago. So anyway...

MRS. ROBINSON - Why didn't you tell me!

ERIC - Because you do exactly what you're doing now. You worry and overreact.

MRS. ROBINSON - Go ahead Eric. Finish the story.

ERIC - So anyway, I go to the hospital and they don't find anything wrong with me. But they want to run some tests so I'm just laying in the hospital bed.

MRS. ROBINSON - Uh huh.

ERIC - And Jess comes in the room. She came in from nowhere. We get to talking and she's talking real crazy like she wants to get back together and the way she's saying it is really worrying me.

MRS. ROBINSON - Uh huh.

ERIC - She locks the door and has my phone cut off so I can't call a nurse or security in the room.

MRS. ROBINSON - How in the world...

ERIC - I don't know. I still can't figure that out. So the only thing I could think of doing was to pin her down and scream for help. So that's what I did but when the guards came, they arrested me and she started crying rape!

MRS. ROBINSON - Oh my God! You should've told me this when it first happened!

(silence)

ERIC - I'm sorry...

(silence)

ERIC - I just don't know what to do now. Can you help me?

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

MIYA comes to ASHLEY's room... a little early.

MIYA - Hiya! Its Miya!

KIM - What! What the hell are you doing here so early! You were supposed to get here ten minutes after Laurel!

MIYA - Oh... I was just so excited that I...

KIM - Get in here!

(SHARONDA laughs to herself.)

KIM - Sit your happy self down.

(MIYA now looks a litte worried as she sits next to ADA and LAUREL.)

KIM - See, now I'm gettin' stressed. Miya's here too early... dag!

ASHLEY - I still don't know who the heck this second chick is.

LAUREL thinks - Huh? They all know me... why are they saying they don't know who I am?

SHARONDA - So Miya, what the heck made you come so early?

MIYA - Um... I thought I would come a little early to... um...

ASHLEY - To be juicy huh?

MIYA - Juicy?

SHARONDA - It means to impress us Miya.

MIYA - Oh... well, I'm sorry... I guess.

LEAH - You're sorry? You're sorry? You sure are sorry!

MIYA - Well I didn't mean to...

ASHLEY - Oh here we go. Excuses. Oh how I hate excuses.

(MIYA looks at SHARONDA as if she is very worried. A few minutes go by and there is another knock on the door.)

KIM - Oh God! Now see, that's probably Tammi, who is now too early, because Miya here decided to come too early. God!

(KIM huffs as she opens the door.)

TAMMI - Hello Ki...

KIM - Yeah yeah yeah, come in.

(TAMMI quickly comes in.)

KIM - Do you know that you're too early?

TAMMI - I am? But I came ten minutes after Miya walked in. I was watching from down the hall.

KIM - You're early! Just face it! Now sit... oh wait...

(KIM looks at ADA, LAUREL and MIYA who are all seated. There are no more chairs for TAMMI.)

KIM - You can't sit down huh? There aren't any more chairs.

SHARONDA - Nope. Sure aint.

TAMMI - Uh... I'll just sit on the floor. I don't mind at all.

LEAH - This aint about what you mind! Lord Jesus help me! I told yall we shouldn't have a line this year. We should just skip this year and reorganize the chapter. Didn't I say that?

SHARONDA - Yeah you did.

KIM - Yeah Leah, stop with the I told you so's.

LEAH - But wasn't I right?

KIM - Well we gonna fix this right now. Somewhat at least.

ASHLEY - How you gonna fix it?

(KIM turns to ADA, LAUREL, MIYA and TAMMI.)

KIM - As you see, we have three chairs but four of yall. I aint a math major, but clearly something is wrong.

SHARONDA - Clearly.

ASHLEY - Clearly.

KIM - The reason we have three chairs is because we only want three of yall. We didn't plan on having a line of four, we only want three new sisters in our chapter.

(KIM folds her arms.)

KIM - Therefore, its gonna be up to yall to decide who stays and who goes. We aint messin' round with that decision, we leavin' it up to yall.

ADA thinks - What?

KIM - Each of you, look at me.

(She looks all four in the face.)

KIM - I'm serious when I tell you this. I am very, very serious. This isn't us testing you or whatever. You actually know one another a lot better than any of us know you. So its more fair to let you pick the person that goes. Good luck.

(The Zetas start to get up and leave the room.)

KIM - We'll be back in here in a few minutes. By the time we get back, I want three candidates seated, and one gone. No excuses. Finer women hate excuses.

ADA - Uh... excuse me... I have a question.

(KIM turns around.)

KIM - No questions. No excuses. Do what we ask. When I come back in here, be ready to begin the journey toward Zeta Phi Beta sorority incorporated... three of you.

(KIM walks into the other room to join her sorors and closes the door.)

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The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta, GWEN, TIA, and CAMILLE are meeting in TIA's room. They are waiting for their sorors from Ahpla University to show up.

GWEN - Will you calm down? Shit!

CAMILLE - I can't help it! It was just so off the hook!

GWEN - Please talk to your girl!

(GWEN throws her hands up as she motions to TIA who only laughs.)

GWEN - You laugh but you didn't have to walk over here with this crazy person I call my line sister.

CAMILLE - Why I gotta be crazy?

GWEN - I'm sayin', you haven't stopped talking about Vegas since we was in Vegas. Give it a break already.

CAMILLE - But wait, did you see how many sorors were there? Did you see it!

GWEN - Yes Camille, I saw it.

(TIA is laughing.)

CAMILLE - But wait, did you see the sea of red and white at the step show! Oh my God!

GWEN - Camille, I was sitting right next to you!

CAMILLE - Oh my gosh I am so glad I'm a Delta! I wanted to hug every soror there!

GWEN - You practically did! So embarrassing!

(She shakes her head.)

TIA - Let her have her moment. Its good to have enthusiastic young sorors in the chapter.

GWEN - Enthusiastic is one thing. Sickening is another!

CAMILLE - Hey! I resemble that remark!

(GWEN shakes her head.)

GWEN - Why me Lord?

(There's a knock on the door.)

TIA - Gwen, get that.

GWEN - Anything to get away from Super Neo over here!

CAMILLE - Oh so much hate!

(GWEN opens the door.)

GWEN - Hey.

WILLIE - Wassup soror.

(They hug as WILLIE, CHRISTIAN and BREANNA walk in.)

GWEN - What's goin' on?

WILLIE - Nothin' girl, just chillin'.

CAMILLE - Sorors! Ooooooo-ooooooop!

(CAMILLE throws the sign and everyone just looks at her.)

GWEN - See what I mean?

(CHRISTIAN laughs.)

CHRISTIAN - Like we aint just throw the sign eighty million times in Vegas. I aint throwin' the sign again until November!

(They all laugh.)

BREANNA - I aint mad at you soror.

(BREANNA reaches to hug CAMILLE who enthusiastically hugs her back.)

BREANNA - I was hype over Vegas too. I got your back Camille!

GWEN - You wasn't hype like this one! She didn't sleep one night while we were there! She went to like every meeting, bought so much para she'll probably have to take out a loan to pay her credit card off...

CAMILLE - Just tellin' all my business! Hey, I just had a great time with thousands of my sorority sisters. What's so bad about that?

WILLIE - Absolutely nothing. I had a good time my neo year too.

GWEN - Do not... encourage her!

(They all laugh again.)

BREANNA - Theresa isn't here yet?

TIA - No not yet.

GWEN - Yall wanna wait a few minutes before we start?

WILLIE - We can go ahead and start. She's probably right behind us and can easily catch up to what's goin' on.

TIA - Okay. Anybody want anything to drink?

(WILLIE is sitting down and pulling out a notebook.)

WILLIE - Yeah, I'll just have a water.

CHRISTIAN - Me too.

CAMILLE - Give me a shot of crimson and cream on the rocks.

GWEN - Oh God stop!

(They laugh again.)

WILLIE - Aight aight, settle down yall. Let's talk.

(Everyone sits down. TIA brings the two waters, then sits down herself.)

WILLIE - Thank yall for hosting this meeting and for having us. As yall know, this get together is really off the cuff and spur of the moment. But there was so much great information given out at convention, I thought it would be awesome if we could just have a brainstorming session on how we could help serve this shared community better.

TIA - I agree and let me say that this is a great idea Willie and I applaud your efforts.

CHRISTIAN - Yeah.

GWEN - And if I could just say, I too want to commend Willie on this idea. I mean, this is something we should've done a long time ago. I'm glad you had the foresight to call us together and I know we're gonna get some positive things from this.

WILLIE - Thanks yall, I appreciate that. I just try to work hard ya know?

BREANNA - Try? You doin' your thing girl.

CHRISTIAN - Hell yeah you are!

WILLIE - Thanks. Well anyway, down to business. And these first questions are just some things I jotted down on the flight back from Vegas. So its nothing in stone or anything.

GWEN - Okay, go ahead.

CAMILLE - Wait...

(silence)

(Everyone looks at CAMILLE.)

CAMILLE - Did you fly... Delta? Oooo-oooooop!

(silence)

GWEN - God!

(Everyone laughs.)

BREANNA - Okay sands, I can't back you on that one. That was corny.

CAMILLE - Ha ha ha ha, my bad. Proceed.

WILLIE - Uh... yeah. As I was saying. Do yall think its a good idea to have our separate chapters attack service projects as two chapters to affect more people or as one large unit of sorors to have a stronger impact?

CAMILLE - Good question Soror Willie.

(WILLIE laughs and shakes her head.)

WILLIE - Thank you.

TIA - Well, I think that...

(There is a knock on the door.)

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

ERIC is on the phone with his mother, Attorney MICHELLE ROBINSON. He is telling her about the rape case brought on by JESSICA.

ERIC - Mom, can you help me?

MRS. ROBINSON - Of course I can. I just wish you had told me! What was the last thing that happened to you?

ERIC - When I left the police station with Akina, they told me that they would get back to me about the case. Then I got a letter about a court case with a documentation number and everything! I didn't think it was really a big deal when it happened but they're serious.

MRS. ROBINSON - Of course they are. God! Okay, let me get to work and make some phone calls. Where are you?

ERIC - I'm on campus but I'm going to my room. I don't feel so hot.

MRS. ROBINSON - Okay. You go home and I'll call you. Don't do anything until I call you back. We're gonna get through this, don't worry.

ERIC - Okay.

MRS. ROBINSON - Eric listen, God doesn't let bad things happen to good people. I know you didn't do this and I never liked that girl. I always thought she was too clingy and possesive.

ERIC - Yeah.

MRS. ROBINSON - Don't worry, we'll take care of this. Go ahead home.

ERIC - Okay.

MRS. ROBINSON - I love you Eric.

ERIC - Love you too Mom.

(ERIC waits a second and so does his mother. She then hangs up, he follows. He waits about two minutes, then gets up and starts to walk toward the dorm.)

ERIC thinks - I should've told her a long time ago. I should've told her when this first went down.

(ERIC's phone rings. ERIC checks the display, then answers.)

ERIC - Hey.

AKINA - Hi baby, how are you?

ERIC - Not good. I'm headed home now. I think I need to chill or something.

AKINA - I just got out of class, you want me to meet you over there?

ERIC - Don't you have another class?

AKINA - Yeah but it aint important. I need to spend this time with you.

ERIC - No no no. Just go to class. Call me when you get out.

AKINA - Are you sure?

ERIC - Yeah, I don't want you skipping class. You'll be done in an hour and a half and I can see you then.

AKINA - Okay.

ERIC - I just called my mother and told her.

AKINA - You did! How did she take it?

ERIC - Better than I thought actually. She's ready to get on the case.

AKINA - Good!

ERIC - I think she was mad that I hadn't told her already.

AKINA - Oh yeah.

ERIC - But its okay. She's on the case now.

AKINA - Okay. Where are you now?

ERIC - I just walked from campus. I'm right in front of the dorm right now.

AKINA - Oh okay.

ERIC - Call me when you get out of your class.

AKINA - I will. And I'll probably just come by.

ERIC - Okay.

AKINA - Let me get in this class so I'll see you soon. Love you baby.

ERIC - Love you too.

(They hang up and ERIC decides to take the stairs up to his room instead of the elevator to avoid any more people.)

ERIC thinks - I just need a nap!

(ERIC gets to his room and closes the door behind himself. He doesn't turn the light on, he rather goes into his bedroom and sits on the bed.)

(silence)

(ERIC gets up and goes down on his knees by his bed side.)

ERIC prays - God, I need your help right now. I know I haven't done all that you may have wanted for me. I know that I struggle with sex but I know you always forgive me and I believe that you take care of your children. Well here I am God your child and I'm in trouble. God if you can just help me get out of this I promise to...

(There is a knock on the door. ERIC opens his eyes and looks a the door.)

ERIC thinks - I knew Kina wasn't gonna go to class!

(He smiles as he gets up off his knees.)

ERIC thinks - I'm gonna kick her butt.

(He opens the door.)

ERIC - I thought I told you to... oh... wassup man.

DELL - Hello Eric. I need to talk to you.

ERIC - Right now?

DELL - Right now.

(ERIC sighs as he steps aside. DELL walks in.)

ERIC - Dell, whatever is wrong with the chapter, whatever Jay did, or whatever, right now I really don't have time for it okay?

DELL - This isn't about that.

ERIC - Well what can I do for you? I need to make this quick and get some rest.

DELL - Sit down Eric.

ERIC - Gee, thanks. I can sit in my own room huh?

(DELL sits down as well and pulls out his briefcase and takes some papers out.)

ERIC thinks - Damn now what?

DELL - Eric, it has been brought to my attention that an incident occurred between you and an ex girlfriend.

ERIC - What!

DELL - Care to tell me about it?

ERIC - Tell you about it? How the hell did you hear about this mess? What difference does it make to you anyway! How did you hear about it?

DELL - It makes a lot of difference to me! And I heard about it this way!

(DELL hands ERIC a stack of papers.)

DELL - I heard about it through these court documents! She named Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity incorporated in her suit as well! This girl Jessica is trying to put you in jail and sue us at the same time!

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

The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta are having an informal meeting/get together.

(There is a knock on the door.)

TIA - Hold up sorors.

CHRISTIAN - It's probably Theresa.

WILLIE - Yeah.

WILLIE thinks - Let's hope so!

(TIA opens the door.)

TIA - Hey T.

THERESA - Hi.

(THERESA walks in. TIA closes the door.)

THERESA - Hi everyone. Sorry I'm late.

WILLIE thinks - As usual.

CAMILLE - What's up my devastating soror of D... S... T!

GWEN - Lord Jesus don't let me hurt this child!

(THERESA looks at CAMILLE like she is crazy.)

WILLIE - You can have a seat T. We just got started. You didn't miss much.

THERESA - Actually...

(THERESA turns to face WILLIE.)

THERESA - ...I can't stay.

WILLIE - What?

BREANNA - You can't stay? Why not?

CHRISTIAN - Yeah, you just got here. What was the point in coming?

THERESA - Well, I have something I need to talk to the chapter about. To all of you about. And then I have to go.

CHRISTIAN - Talk to us about?

WILLIE - Wait a minute.

(WILLIE takes her notebook off her lap and places it on the table next to her.)

WILLIE - Theresa, sit down for a minute. Just for a minute.

(THERESA hesitates but sits down.)

WILLIE - Listen, we're all sorors and friends and we love each other. Mostly, we're family and when a family member needs support or whatever, that's what we're here for. At the same time, we all have noticed your lack of support for the rest of us in our service projects and other activities. I mean, you went to Vegas with us, on the expense of the chapter and we barely saw you after we got there.

THERESA - Willie...

WILLIE - No, let me finish.

THERESA - Not if this is gonna be a bash Theresa session...

WILLIE - It aint about bashing anybody. Its about accountability. And that's what I'm asking for. I don't think its asking too much.

(THERESA sighs then stands up.)

THERESA - Look, let me just say what I came here to say alright? Then all this other stuff will be cleared up.

(silence)

WILLIE - Fine. You got the floor.

THERESA - Thank you.

(THERESA turns so she can face more of her sorors.)

THERESA - You know, a lot of you have said to me that I'm not pulling my weight or doing whatever to maintain the status quo. And I've never offered a rebuttle or anything. But I find it quite interesting that everyone that speaks about me speaks in front of the chapter and never to me one on one.

(Nobody says anything.)

THERESA - Except of course Willie, but who can compare to her work ethic and track record? None of us are doing half of what she gets credit for. So I'll take that tongue lashing with a grain of salt. But anyway, my point for coming here is this.

(She takes her bag off her shoulder and places it down. It looks to be full of something.)

THERESA - After going to Las Vegas to the convention with you all and spending some time... and after just being a part of this chapter and the sorority through most of this first year and semester, I've learned a lot about myself. Some things I didn't know...

(She pauses.)

THERESA - ...and some things I already knew. One thing I knew... was that sorority life just isn't for me. Its just not my cup of tea.

(THERESA opens her bag and pulls out a Delta Sigma Theta sweatshirt.)

THERESA - Ladies, I just stopped by to say that I'm returning all of my stuff and turning in my letters. I no longer wish to be a member of this chapter or sorority.