Y
Happy Founder's Day
to the Brothers of
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated!
December 4, 1906
A special Happy Founder's Day goes out to the CREATOR and Original Writer of As the Sands Burn,
Darrius Jerome Gourdine (ADoP)
Season 1 - Episode 31
We resume our episode this week with the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho who have just finished having dinner together.
Stasha gets up and gathers her things and leaves, after giving Kiaterria and Karissa a hug. Kiaterria walks her to the door and closes it behind her.
Karissa: Tee, what you want to show me? I'm tired and I want to go home, too. Matter of fact, can it wait? I can probably still catch up with Stash.
Kiaterria: No, it can't wait. I saw the way you were lookin' when Stasha was talkin' about Kyle. You might be able to fool her, soror but you can't fool me. You wanna tell me what's really goin' on?
Karissa: What is that supposed to mean?
Kiaterria: Exactly what I said. What is really goin’ on? Seems to me like you aren’t very happy about Stasha and my cousin.
Karissa: I mean it’s not that. I just……..I don’t know…….I think Stasha movin’ too fast.
Kiaterria: Movin’ too fast? She been with Kyle for almost two years!
Karissa: Yeah, I know but she wasn’t tryin’ to get with him before. So now what is the big rush?
Kiaterria: Karissa, you sound crazy.
Karissa: I sound crazy because I’m concerned?
Kiaterria: No, you sound crazy because you are hatin’! What is wrong, girl? What’s goin’ on with you and Shakir?
Karissa: I don’t wanna talk about that.
Kiaterria: Okay, now I see what the problem is. You and Shakir havin’ issues so you takin’ it out on Stash. Well that’s not fair, Karissa. That’s your soror. You should be happy for her.
Karissa: I am happy for her. I just don’t want to see her get hurt.
Kiaterria: Girl, Stash is a big girl. She’ll be fine. Besides, my cousin really loves her. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt her.
Karissa: I guess.
Kiaterria: Now you tryin’ to dog my cousin?
Karissa: No. But you know how men are.
Kiaterria: Yes, I do. But I also know my cousin. And I know he’s for real about Stasha. She’s gonna be in my family one day. I already know it.
Karissa: Well good for her.
Silence
Karissa: Are we done?
Kiaterria: I guess so…
Karissa: I need to get out of here.
Kiaterria: Hey, soror, I wasn’t tryin’ to upset you. You know if you need to talk about you and Shakir…or anything…you can trust me.
Karissa: Yeah, I know.
Kiaterria: No hard feelings?
Karissa: Of course not.
Kiaterria: Well give me a hug then, soror. And take it easy, okay?
Karissa: Sure thing.
Karissa gives Kiaterria a hug before heading out the door.
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Off campus, KaShawn has just realized that he messed up with Taylor and has just picked up the phone to call her in an effort to reconcile.
KaShawn dials Taylor’s number and it begins to ring.
Voicemail: Hi you’ve reached Taylor. Leave a message.
KaShawn: Taylor, hi. It’s me, KaShawn. Baby, I know I messed up but………I miss you. I wanna do this thing the right way. I hope you aren’t avoiding my calls. This might be a mistake but I’m just gonna come over. I hope you get this message soon. I’m on my way to see you and finally make things right. Love you, baby. See you in a few minutes.
KaShawn starts up his car and starts to drive toward Taylor’s apartment building with a smile on his face in anticipation of their reunion.
Over at Taylor’s apartment…….
DeVaughn: T, who is it?
Taylor looks down at her phone.
Taylor: Oh it was no one. I can call them back tomorrow.
DeVaughn: Cool. Then why don’t you get back over here and get in this bed?
Taylor: Anything you say…..
Taylor walks over and gets back into the bed with DeVaughn. She snuggles up underneath him and begins to fall asleep when she hears a knock at the door. She jumps up in surprise and looks over at DeVaughn who is also now awake.
DeVaughn: Who is that? You expectin’ somebody?
Taylor: No! Not at all!
Another knock at the door.
DeVaughn: Are you gonna get it?
Taylor: I guess so. I just don’t know who it could be.
Taylor quickly throws on some shorts and a t-shirt, as DeVaughn gets up to put on boxers. He sits on the side of the bed, while Taylor moves towards the door. She slowly creeps to the door open and looks through the crack and is surprised to find her next door neighbor on the other side.
Taylor: Oh! Dionne….hi….
Dionne: Hi Taylor. Just lettin’ you know that I’m gonna be gone for the weekend, so if you could maybe come over and feed my cat on Saturday morning, I’d really appreciate it.
Taylor: Oh sure, Dionne, that’s no problem. Just leave me your key on Friday.
Dionne: Thanks, Taylor. I’ll do that.
Taylor: Okay…..goodnight, Dionne….
Dionne: Goodnight.
Dionne turns to leave and as Taylor goes to close the door, a hand pushes it back open. She looks up to see KaShawn.
Taylor: Shawn? Wha…..what are you doin’ here?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 1 Continued
Karissa goes outside and gets into her car and just sits for a moment. She picks up her phone and dials Shakir’s number.
Shakir: Baby!
Karissa: Hey.
Shakir: How’s my beautiful lady doin’ tonight?
Karissa: I don’t know. What are you doin?
Shakir: Chillin’ with my frat brothers right now. Why? What’s up? My baby wanna come see me?
Karissa: I don’t know. I guess we need to talk.
Shakir: Talk about what? What’s wrong, precious?
Karissa: What do you mean, what’s wrong? The better question is…what’s right?
Shakir: Girl, what are you talkin’ about? I went to look at rings today…
Karissa: Rings for what?
Shakir: An engagement ring, girl. I told you, I’m gonna make you my wife!
Karissa: Oh really? And after you make me your wife, do you plan on still sleepin’ with half the female population at Amgis?
Shakir: What are you talkin’ about? You the only one I’m sleepin’ with and that ain’t even been happenin’ lately.
Karissa: Shakir, I’m not sleepin’ with you until you get an AIDS test!
Shakir: What? I ain’t getting’ no AIDS test. The only person I been with is you so if I have somethin’, you the one gave it to me.
Karissa: Shakir, that is crazy! I don’t know why you think I’m so dumb that I don’t know what you are up to. I have sorors over at Amgis and they tell me what you are doin’!
Shakir: Oh so now you listenin’ to your friends over me? I told you bout listenin’ to those girls. They are just bitter cause they don’t have a man and you got one that loves you and treats you like a queen. I’m a good man and I know it.
Karissa: Oh please! Shakir, why can’t you just be honest with me? Honesty I can work with. It’s all these lies I can’t deal with.
Shakir: Nobody is lying to you, Karissa. You are just crazy and insecure. I told you I ain’t messin’ around with anybody. You the only female I deal with and if you don’t believe me, that is your problem and not mine.
Karissa: I can’t talk to you anymore right now, Shakir. I’m hangin’ up. Goodbye.
Karissa hangs up the phone and begins to cry out of anger and frustration. She picks the phone up again and dials another number.
Kyle: Hello?
Karissa: Kyle……….it’s me, Karissa.
Kyle: Are you okay? It sounds like you are cryin’!
Karissa: Are you alone? Can I come over?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
On campus, the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta are holding a membership rush in the Student Activities building. Sy'Mone and Laray are setting the tables up with refreshments and information packets. Krystalyn, running late, whisks into the room.
Krystalyn: Hi sorors!
Laray: Hey soror!
Sy'Mone: Z-Phi, my soror!
Krystalyn: Sorry I'm late. I've been runnin' behind all day and I still haven't caught up.
Sy'Mone: Yeah, I know how that is.
Krystalyn: Looks like you two pretty much have everything set up!
Sy'Mone: Yeah, because we got here an hour early!
Krystalyn: Yeah, I know. I'm sorry again, sorors. We're already a small chapter so it's not fair when everyone doesn't show up for stuff. Well hopefully we'll get some interest from some good candidates.
Sy'Mone: Well I posted a bunch of fliers.
Krystalyn: That's great, but I mean.........we pretty much already know who is interested, anyway.
Sy'Mone: True...
Krystalyn: Laray, you're a little quiet.
Laray: Yeah, I just have a lot on my mind.
Krystalyn: Laray, what's wrong?
Sy'Mone: Is it Nate?
Laray: No....well yes........but it's more than that.
Krystalyn: Soror, what is it?
Laray: I don't wanna talk about it.
Krystalyn: Okay, well you know if you need us, we're here.
Laray: I know.
Sy'Mone: Hey Laray, where are the napkins?
Laray: Oh shoot. I left them in my car.
Sy'Mone: Oh it's no problem. I can run to get them.
Laray: Thanks, neo.
Sy'Mone grabs Laray’s keys are hurries out the door.
Laray: Okay Krys, we gotta talk quick.
Krystalyn: Huh?
Laray: I didn't wanna talk in front of the neo.
Krystalyn: Oh, okay. What's up?
Laray: It's the money thing.
Krystalyn: What?
Laray: The Student Assembly money.
Krystalyn: I thought we took care of that.
Laray: I thought so too, Laray. But I don't think so. Mona called and left me a message today and she sounded pissed.
Krystalyn: Well what did she want when you called her back?
Laray: I didn't.
Krystalyn: What! Laray, why not?
Laray: Krys, I was scared!
Krystalyn: Okay, soror, relax. It might not be that.
Laray: I don't know Krys......her message sounded a little....
Just then, Laray is interrupted by a girl knocking lightly on the door.
"Excuse me? Is this where the informational for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is being held?"
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 2 Continued
Dionne turns to leave and as Taylor goes to close the door, a hand pushes it back open. She looks up to see KaShawn.
Taylor: Shawn? Wha…..what are you doin’ here?
KaShawn: I came to talk to you. Didn’t you get my message?
Taylor: No, I didn’t. I was sleepin'. Dionne just woke me up. But uh…what is it?
KaShawn: I need to talk to you. Can I come in?
Taylor: Um…..I kinda don’t feel that well tonight. Is it somethin’ that can wait until tomorrow?
KaShawn: No, it can’t. It’s very important, T.
Taylor: Okay well uh….why don’t I put on some shoes and we go to the diner or the park or somethin’?
KaShawn: Is there a reason you don’t want to stay here?
Taylor: Well no…..it’s just……
KaShawn: Oh, I get it. I know what’s goin’ on.
Taylor: You do?
KaShawn: Yes, I do. You can’t fool me, Taylor. I know exactly what this is about.
Taylor: Shawn, it’s not what you think…..
KaShawn (cutting Taylor off): Your apartment is messy and you think I’m gonna get on you like I used to about keepin’ your place clean.
Taylor: Oh um, yeah, that’s it. My place is a mess, Shawn. So why don’t you just come back in the mornin’ so I have a chance to straighten up?
KaShawn: Baby! It’s okay! I promise I won’t make a fuss. I miss you, Taylor.
Taylor: You do?
KaShawn: Yes. That’s what I came to talk to you about. I love you, girl. I was talkin’ to my frat brothers tonight and I realized that it doesn’t matter what other people think. I love you and that’s all that should…no, that’s all that does matter. No more secrets. No more sneakin’ around. I’m ready to do this thing for real, Taylor. Out in the open for everyone to see. You are a beautiful and intelligent woman and I would be proud to have you on my arm. I am so sorry for the way I treated you before. It wasn’t right and if you will just give me another chance, I swear to you, it will never happen again.
Taylor: Oh Shawn….are you serious?
KaShawn: Yes, baby, I am.
Taylor: Oh baby, I have waited so long to hear you say those things. I missed you, too!
Taylor throws her arms around KaShawn’s neck and brings him close to her in a tight hug.
From the apt, DeVaughn’s voice echoes down the hallway…
DeVaughn: Taylor, where you at? Your neighbor back or somethin’?
KaShawn looks up and sees DeVaughn walking down the hallway in his boxers only. DeVaughn sees their embrace and makes eye contact with KaShawn. He stops where he is and just stands in place. KaShawn slowly begins to release Taylor, as she turns around and realizes she has been caught. She turns back to see KaShawn staring down at her with a look of confusion and disgust on his face.
Taylor: Shawn, I can explain…
KaShawn: Don’t bother.
KaShawn looks up again at DeVaughn and then turns to leave.
Taylor: Shawn! Wait! Just let me explain!
KaShawn looks back at Taylor with a hurt look on his face, just before he hurries down the stairs towards his car.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 3 Continued
"Excuse me? Is this where the informational for Zeta Phi Beta sorority is being held?"
Krystalyn: Why yes it is. Come on in. We aren't scheduled to begin for another 30 minutes, but please have a seat.
Tierra: Thank you.
Krystalyn: Laray, do you wanna step outside for a second?
Laray: No, I’m fine. Let’s just finish getting ready.
Sy’Mone returns from Laray’s car with royal blue napkins and begins setting them out. As they are finishing the set up, young aspirants begin to arrive, as well as their graduate advisor, Keisha.
Krystalyn: Hi Soror Keisha!
Keisha: Hi sorors. Everything looks great in here!
Krystalyn: Thanks!
Sy’Mone: Hi Soror Parker! Wow you are gettin’ big, soror! When are you due again?
Keisha: February!
Sy’Mone: Aww!
Keisha: Well sorors, it looks like you have a pretty good turnout. You think you’ll be ready to start soon?
Krystalyn: Sure! Uh Sy’Mone….can I talk to you for a second?
Sy’Mone walks over to Krystalyn.
Krystalyn: I thought you said Joi was comin’.
Sy’Mone: Well she said she was. I don’t know. Maybe she changed her mind…oh wait! There she is!
Krystalyn turns around to see Joi walk in and quietly slip into a seat in the back.Krystalyn: Oh great. Well let’s get started.
Krystalyn walks over to the front and calls for everyone’s attention.
Krystalyn: Good evening, everyone! My name is Krystalyn and I'm president of the chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, here at Ahpla University. First i want to start off by giving everyone a little bit of history about the organization. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. by five women who chose not to embrace the ideals of established black sororities. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded as a way to encourage the highest standards of scholarship, foster sisterhood, and to exemplify the ideal of Finer Womanhood. Since the founding, the sorority has held a number of “firsts” among the established black sororities. For one thing, Zeta is the only real sister-brother organization constitutionally bound to a fraternity, which I'm sure you all know is Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. Also, the sorority was the first to charter an international chapter in Africa. We also were the first to form adult and youth auxiliary groups. In terms of our own chapter here Ahpla, it was chartered in December of 1974 by eight extraordinary women! Our chapter has worked hard through the years to maintain the integrity of not only the Zeta Phi Beta name, but our chapter, as well. We have embraced the ideals and national programs of our sorority through programs in the community and on campus. Currently, the chapter consist of myself, Sy'mone, and Laray, who will all have an opportunity to come up and introduce themselves to you this evening. Right now, our graduate advisor, is going to come up. Soror Parker....
Keisha: Good evening, ladies! As Laray has already informed you, I am the graduate advisor for the chapter here at Ahpla. In this capacity, I supervise all of the undergraduate activities of the chapter, which includes membership intake. We will be having a membership process this semester and I'm glad to see that so many young women on campus can see all of the wonderful work of Zeta Phi Beta and are interested in becoming a part of that. Later on, Krystalyn will be explaining to you more of the process and what will happen from here. I would like to wish all of you the best of luck and hope that I get to meet and talk to more of you individually in the near future.
Krystalyn: Thank you, Soror Parker! Well, I think it's time to get up and move around a little bit so I'm going to ask Laray to come up and introduce herself and lead us into an icebreaker so we can get to know one another. Laray..
Laray: Hello everyone! My name is Laray and in addition to being a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, I am also the Student Assembly treasurer. I joined Zeta Phi Beta 2 years ago. What we’re goin’ to do now is a real quick ice breaker so that….
Just then the door swings open and two police officers are standing in the doorway with Mona behind them.
Keisha: Excuse me, but we’re having a private meeting.
Officer: I’m looking for Laray Holloway.
Laray: Uh…that’s me…
Officer: Laray, could we speak to you out in the hallway, please?
Laray looks over at Krystalyn and then quickly moves toward the door. Krystalyn and Keisha gets up to come out with her.
Laray: Officers, what is this about?
Mona: Don’t play that role, Laray. You know exactly what it’s about.
Officer (to Mona): Ma’am, we can handle this, thank you.
Laray: Handle what? I don’t understand!
Officer: Laray Holloway, I have a warrant here for your arrest for theft in the amount of $3,000….