Season 1 - SEASON FINALE We resume our episode this week on the campus of Ahpla University. It is a clear and crisp evening and the campus is quiet and still. On their way back from a romantic dinner, Kyle and Stasha are taking a walk around campus, hand in hand. Stasha: It’s such a beautiful evening. Kyle: Yeah, it is. Stasha: Thanks for dinner. Such a fancy place! What’s the special occasion? Kyle: I gotta have a reason to take my girl out to dinner? Stasha: Of course not! But we don’t normally go to such a nice place! My auntie says if a man takes you out for a fancy meal, it’s either a special occasion or he’s feeling guilty about something. So what did you do? Silence Kyle: Your auntie sounds nuts. Stasha lightly hits him in the shoulder. Stasha: Don’t say that! Now seriously….what did you do? Stasha stops and stares at him with a mean look on her face. Kyle: Nothing, honey. I…. Stasha bursts out into laughter. Stasha: I’m only jokin! I couldn’t take it anymore! You looked so serious! Stasha continues to laugh at Kyle. Kyle pretends to laugh. Kyle: Oh yeah baby. Got me there! Stasha: You are so crazy! I love you so much! Kyle stops and turns around to face Stasha. He pulls her close to him and puts his arms around her waist. Kyle: I love you, too, baby. You know I’d never do anything to hurt you, right? Stasha: Of course I do. And I’d never do anything to hurt you. I can’t wait to be Mrs… Karissa: Well……….hello you two! Stasha and Kyle turn to see Karissa walking towards them. Kyle begins to tighten up his grip around Stasha’s waist. Stasha: Eee-Yip! Karissa: Hey soror roommate! Kyle. Kyle: Sup. Karissa: What are you two doin’ out? Stasha: Just comin’ from dinner. Where you headed? Karissa: Back to the room, actually. Stasha: Not hangin’ out with Shakir tonight? Karissa: Nope. I thought we were, but somethin’ came up at the last minute… Kyle (under his breath): Yeah, I bet it did…. Stasha squeezes Kyle’s hand tightly and Karissa rolls her eyes at him. Karissa: Anyway……..you comin’ home tonight? Kyle pulls Stasha close to him and stares at Karissa. Kyle: Not if I can help it… Karissa (ignoring Kyle’s response): Well I’ll just see ya later, soror…... Stasha: Okay roomie. Love you! Karissa: Love you too! Karissa gives Stasha a hug and continues walking. Kyle: I don’t know how you two are such good friends. That girl gets on my nerves! Stasha: Kyle, what is your problem with Karissa? You two seemed to get along okay before. Kyle: I don’t know. I just think she’s a snake. She’s not your real friend, Stash. You need to watch her. Stasha: What? Karissa is my soror! Kyle: Just trust me. Have I ever steered you wrong before? Stasha: Well no, but…. Kyle: But nothing. You need to find a new roommate for next semester cause I’m telling you….. that girl cannot be trusted… ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Over at the dorm of Laray and Krystalyn…they are preparing to meet up with their line for a session. Laray: Krys, you almost ready to go? Krystalyn: Yeah, just give me a second. Laray: You gonna be okay? Krystalyn: What do you mean? Laray: You know exactly what I mean. You gonna be okay seein’ Joi tonight? Silence Laray: I see you still haven’t talked to Patrick. Krystalyn: I have nothin’ to say to that liar. Laray: Did you see his status on facebook earlier? Krystalyn: Nope! Laray: It said….Patrick is sad….. Krystalyn: Excuse me? Patrick is sad? What about Patrick is a liar? What about Krystalyn is sad? What does he have to be sad about? He’s the one who lied and cheated. If anyone should be sad, it’s me! Laray: You have to talk to him eventually, Krys. Krystalyn: I don’t wannna talk about this right now. Laray: Okay….. Laray’s cell phone rings. She goes over and picks it up off the bed. Laray: It’s Sy’Mone. Krystalyn: Oh, the traitor? Laray: Krys! Be nice! Krystalyn: Whatever. Laray: Hello? Oh okay….See you there. Laray hangs up the phone and looks over at Krystalyn. Laray: Sy’Mone said she’s on her way to the spot with the girls. Krystalyn: Oh good for her! Her and her best friend, Joi can discuss how they ruined my relationship on the way over. Laray: Are you sure you want to go tonight? Krystalyn: And miss seeing Joi? Oh trust me….I wouldn’t miss this for the world… Laray: Okay. Well put your jacket on and let’s roll. Krystalyn gets up and looks for her Zeta Phi Beta line jacket. She finds it and puts it on and starts to walk towards the door. Laray stops her. Laray: Hold up for a sec, soror. Laray embraces Krystalyn and gives her a hug. Krystalyn relaxes her head into Laray’s shoulder and begins to cry a little. Laray: I know soror. I know this is hard. Krystalyn: I just can’t believe he would do this to me, Laray. Laray: Me either…..I’m still shocked… Krystalyn (sighs loudly): Well…..no time to cry about it now. We have to go. Krystalyn wipes her face and follows behind Laray to the door. Upon opening the door, Laray and Krystalyn find Patrick standing on the other side with a dozen roses in one hand and a blue stuffed bunny in the other. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Scene 1 Continued... Back at the Omega house, Kyle and Stasha are relaxing on the couch, watching a movie, when Kyle’s cell phone rings. He goes over to pick it up off the charger and sees that it is Karissa calling. Kyle thinks: Is this girl crazy? What the heck is she doin’? She knows Stasha is here… Kyle presses the ignore button and goes back to sit down by Stasha. Stasha: Who was that? Kyle: Huh? Oh that was nobody. The phone begins to ring again. Kyle goes over and looks and sees it is Karissa again. Kyle thinks: This chick is crazy for real… Kyle presses ignore. Kyle: Maybe I should turn my phone off. Stasha: Somebody really wants to get a hold of you. Kyle: Don’t matter. I’m with my baby. Kyle goes back over and sits down beside Stasha. The house phone begins to ring and Kyle begins to get annoyed. Kyle: Honey, I’ll be back. The phone’s in the kitchen. Stasha: Okay. Kyle: You need anything? Stasha: Oh no. I’m fine. Kyle walks into the kitchen and picks up the phone. Kyle: Hello? Karissa: Why didn’t you answer your cell phone? Kyle (whispering loudly): Why are you callin’ me? What do you want? Karissa: I need to talk to you. Kyle: Well it’s gonna have to wait because I’m chillin’ with Stasha. Karissa: No actually it’s not goin’ to have to wait. I need to talk to you now. Kyle: Too bad. Karissa: Do you want me to call Stasha? Because I will. Kyle: You wouldn’t do that. Karissa: You feel like testin’ me? Silence Karissa: I am on my way over. You have 20 minutes to get her out of the house or else. Don’t test me, Kyle. I mean it. Karissa hangs up the phone before Kyle can respond and Kyle hears the dial tone. He furiously slams the phone down. He turns around to find Stasha standing behind him. Stasha: Honey, is everything okay? Kyle: Oh um, sure baby. Stasha: It sounded like you were yellin’. I was comin’ to see if you were okay. Kyle: Oh um, yeah. I’m cool. What’s up? Stasha: Kyle, who was that? Kyle: Who was what? Stasha: On the phone, Kyle. Who was that? I heard you yellin’. What is goin’ on? Kyle: Oh that was just Armani. He’s trippin. Stasha: Trippin’ how? Kyle: Um I can’t really say. Frat stuff, you know. But uh…I gotta go pick him up. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m gonna have to cut our evenin’ a lil short. Stasha: Oh no! But… Kyle: I know baby… Stasha: Well, can I wait for you? Kyle: Um you know that’s not a good idea. I’m not sure how long I’m gonna be. Stasha begins to pout. Kyle: I know baby. I’m so sorry. I swear I’ll make it up to you. Stasha: You better! Kyle: I will. Stasha (sighing): Okay, fine. Well call me when you get home, okay? Kyle: I promise. Stasha gets up and starts to put on her jacket. Kyle: I know you ain’t leavin’ without givin’ me a kiss… Stasha goes over and kisses Kyle on the lips. Kyle looks into Stasha’s eyes. Kyle: Stasha, you know I love you right? Stasha: Yeah….and I love you too, silly! Kyle: Really baby. I love you. Stasha: Kyle, what has gotten into you? Kyle: Nothing. I ….I just wanna make sure you know how I feel. Stasha: Stay out of trouble, okay? Kyle: Always…. Stasha: Yeah right! (starts to laugh) Call me later. Stasha turns to leave and Kyle breaths a sigh of relief that Karissa didn’t arrive before she left Twenty minutes later, Kyle is pacing back and forth when Karissa arrives. He hears her knock and goes and furiously swings the door open. Karissa walks in past him and Kyle slams the door closed. Karissa: Well….hello to you too. Kyle: Don’t play games with me Karissa. What do you want? Karissa: Is that any way to greet your company? Kyle: Company? I don’t see any. Karissa: Don’t try to get all self-righteous with me. You weren’t bein’ all high and mighty when you was tryin’ to get some! Kyle (lets out a low scream of frustration): Karissa, what do you want? Karissa: I need to talk to you. Kyle: And it couldn’t wait? Karissa: No, it couldn’t. Kyle: You’re such a…. Karissa: I’m a what, Kyle? Huh? Kyle: You’re a piece of work is what you are! Karissa: And you’re a self-centered… Kyle (cutting her off): Did you come over to call me names? Cause if that’s all you wanted, you could have just saved that. Karissa: No that’s not why I came by. Kyle: Well what is it? And make it quick. Karissa: The way you acted the other night at dinner with Shakir and Stasha was completely uncalled for. Kyle: Please tell me this is not why you came over here. Karissa: I’m so pissed at how you treated Shakir. Kyle: I could care less about that dude. Maybe you need to be more worried about how you treat him. Karissa: What does that mean? Kyle: It means you come over here tryin’ to act all crazy like I did Stasha so wrong, but last time I checked, it was two of us and not one! Karissa: Okay look, I didn’t come over here to fight with you. Silence Karissa: I came over because….I think Stasha is starting to suspect somethin’. Kyle: What? Karissa: I mean because…things are so tense everytime we’re around each other. She knows something is wrong. Kyle: I don’t want Stasha getting’ hurt. Karissa: Nice time to think of that. Look….we just need to make a pact that we’ll start acting more civil towards each other. Otherwise, Stasha is goin’ to start askin’ more questions. Kyle: Fine. Karissa: I’m just sayin’….what happened between us needs to stay there forever. Kyle: Well finally somethin’ we both agree on. Karissa: If we keep fightin’, she’s gonna know somethin’ is up. Stash isn’t as aloof as you think. Kyle: I know that. Karissa: Stash can never find out what happened between us. It was a huge mistake and she’d be devastated if she knew. Kyle: You think I don’t know that? Karissa: I’m just sayin’, Kyle… Kyle: Alright. So we’re in agreement….this secret goes with both of us to the grave? Karissa: Agreed. Kyle: Cool. That’s it? Karissa: Yep. Kyle: Great. Holla! Karissa: I honestly don’t know how Stasha deals with you…..jerk! Kyle: Yeah whateva. Bounce. Karissa rolls her eyes at Kyle and walks towards the door. Kyle walks behind her and slams the door as soon as she gets out of the doorframe. Kyle walks back into the house, to the phone ringing again. Kyle thinks: Now who is it! Kyle: Hello? Johnice: Uh yes, hello.. I’m looking for Kyle Cooper. Kyle: This is he. Can I ask who is calling? Johnice: This is Johnice from the Planned Parenthood Clinic.____________________________________________________________________________________________ Over at the administration building, Melinda Ferguson has just arrived to her office. Seemingly, it’s a normal day on the campus of Ahpla University. Students can be seen walking all over campus. Melinda, dressed in a conservative black suit, lavender top, and black heels whisks into her office at 8:00 a.m. sharp, coffee in one hand, briefcase in the other…. Melinda: Good morning, Romona. Romona: Good morning, Dr. Ferguson. You have a very busy day ahead of you. Would you like to go over your schedule? Melinda: Not right now… I have some very important things to take care of this morning. You'll have to clear my schedule entirely. I have an urgent meeting with the Board of Trustees that just came up. Romona: Yes, Dr. Ferguson. Melinda quickly continues towards her office. Romona: Oh Dr. Ferguson, by the way.... Melinda opens her door and finds Joseph sitting on the other side. Romona: I was going to tell you that Dr. Davenport was waiting for you in your office. Melinda gives Joseph an exasperated look and then turns to look back at Romona. Romona: I’m sorry…but he assured me that you would be okay with it…. Melinda: That’s fine, Romona. Thank you. Please hold all of my calls. Romona: Yes, Dr. Ferguson. Melinda walks into her office and closes the door behind her. Melinda: Good morning, Joseph. Joseph: So formal...... Melinda: Joe, what are you doing here? Joseph: I came to see you. You won't return my calls, you won't see me..........Melinda…. we need to talk. Melinda: Oh we do? Joseph: Yes, we do! Melinda: And what do you suggest we talk about, Joe? Here's one for you....why don't we talk about the fact that your wife has filed a moral conduct charge against me with the board of trustees? Silence Melinda: Still feel like chatting? Joseph: Baby....I didn't know...I swear....I didn't know.... Joseph gets up to hug Melinda, who shrugs him off. Joseph: Baby, why are you pushing me away? Melinda: Because this is what got me into this mess in the first place, Joe. I worked very hard to get to where I am.....and now I don't know what is going to happen. My entire career could be ruined, Joe! Ruined! Joseph: Baby.......I make plenty of money. More than enough to support us. You don't have to worry about anything. I am going to take care of us. Melinda: Joseph, you’re completely missing the point! If this gets out, it would be an embarrassment to the university, to my sorority, my family.....for goodness sakes, my daughter works here! Your daughter is a student here! You want her to deal with everyone on campus knowing that the President of the University is daddy's girlfriend? Joseph: Melinda, I don't understand. What has gotten into you? I thought this was what we both wanted. Melinda: I thought so, too. I guess I was wrong. And now, I have to deal with the repercussions. Joseph: But... Melinda: But nothing! What about this are you not understanding Joe? Joseph: I don’t understand why you are pushing me away. Baby, I love you. We can get through this thing together Melinda: Together? Are we going to be together when I’m facing the board in an hour? No, it will be me! Alone! Defending my entire career! I am humiliated! Joseph: Baby, I know… Melinda: No, you don’t know. I don’t see you having to defend your medical license because of this. I’m the only one in the hot seat over this. Listen, Joe. I love you. You know this. I just........I just can't deal with this right now. Not when my career........everything I've been working for my entire life is hanging in the balance. Joseph: What are you saying? Melinda: I’m saying that I want you to leave. I have a lot to get done before my meeting. Joseph: But what about us? Melinda: Us? There is no us. There’s you and then there’s me…..the President of Ahpla who may be out of a job by the end of the day. Joseph: Are you saying we’re over? Melinda: I’m saying I want you to leave. Joseph: Melinda, I left my wife for you! Melinda: I know. And I’m sorry. I should have never let it go this far. But think about this realistically Joe….what kind of life would we have together? Joseph: A happy one! Melinda: Really? You really think so? With the way things are….you really think we’d be able to live a happy, normal life together? Joseph: Melinda, why are you doing this? I know you’re stressed. So I’ll just give you some time to think and then I’ll call you tomorrow. Melinda: I don’t need time. My mind is made up. Please..you have to go… Joseph: But Linda... Melinda: Joseph……go. Joseph slowly walks towards the door. He turns around one last time to look at Melinda. As he catches her eye, she turns away quickly and looks out of the window…..partly to avoid him and partly to hide the tears that have slowly began to fall. He finally turns and the tears continue to stream down Melinda’s face. But in true Melinda form, despite the pain she is feeling, she allows herself to cry only for a few minutes. She then quickly dries her tears, takes a deep breath, smoothes out her skirt, reapplies her lipstick, and begins to prepare for the biggest ordeal she has ever had to encounter. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Scene 2 Continued... Krystalyn wipes her face and follows behind Laray to the door. Upon opening the door, Laray and Krystalyn find Patrick standing on the other side with a dozen roses in one hand and a blue stuffed bunny in the other. Laray (in a surprised tone): Patrick! Krystalyn looks away down at the floor. Patrick: Hey Laray…. Patrick looks past her at Krystalyn in an attempt to make eye contact. When she never looks up, he begins to speak anyway. Patrick: Krys……baby… Krystalyn continues to look at the floor. Patrick: Krys, I know you hate me…. Krystalyn looks up quickly, shooting Patrick a hateful look. Krystalyn (interrupting): Yes, I do! Patrick (taken aback and a little hurt by her bluntness): I….please….will you just talk to me? Laray: You know Pat, this isn’t a good time, and I don’t think Krys wants to see you just yet. Krystalyn (in a low voice): It’s okay. Laray turns around to look her in the eye. Laray: Soror, are you sure? Krystalyn: Yes. I have to talk to him at some point like you said. Might as well get it over with. Laray: You want me to wait for you? Krystalyn: No, it’s okay. Go ahead with out me. I’ll meet you over there. Laray: Okay. Laray gives Krystalyn a quick hug before hurrying out the door past Patrick. Krystalyn goes over and sits on her bed, while Patrick stands in front of her. Patrick: Can I sit? Krystalyn: No. Patrick: Okay……. Krystalyn: Look, whatever it is you want to say, just go ahead and say it. I have things I need to do and I can’t be held up sittin’ up here listenin’ to you lie. Patrick: Krys, I love you…. Krystalyn: You love me? You………..Love……….Me. That’s funny. Did you love me when you were havin’ sex with someone else? Silence Krystalyn: That’s all you got to stay to me? That you love me? That’s supposed to fix this? Patrick: Krys, I never meant to hurt you. I mean………when all that stuff happened…you and I were goin’ through a really tough time. I needed you so badly, Krys. I tried so hard to reach out to you and you just kept pushing me away. Krystalyn (yelling): So instead of tryin’ harder, you thought to yourself….hmm, let me go mess around with someone else? Yeah, that makes a lot of sense! Patrick: No, of course not. That’s not what I’m sayin’… Krystalyn: Well then what are you sayin’, Patrick? Cause from where I’m standin’ it sounds like a bunch of crap. You’re wastin’ my time! Patrick: Krystalyn, please…….don’t throw our entire relationship away over this. Krystalyn (screaming): What! I’m the one throwin’ our relationship away? I’m the one throwin’ the relationship away? Did you really just say that to me! Patrick: I’m sorry… Krystalyn: I want to know everything that happened with her! Patrick: Krys… Krystalyn: Everything! Patrick: I mean……..what exactly……. Krystalyn: Okay. Let’s start at the beginning! How did you meet her? Patrick: We had a class together last semester of last year. We had to do a group project together and she was our team lead. Krystalyn: And… Patrick: And…..like I said that was when me and you was goin’ through our issues…..so it was like….I don’t know….it was just nice to have somebody outside the situation to talk to. Krystalyn: You talked to her about us? Patrick: No……..I mean not at first anyway…. Krystalyn: You just said you were talkin’ to her about us. Now you are sayin’ you didn’t! Which one is it, liar? Patrick: Krys, don’t call me names. Krystalyn: I’ll call you anything I want to, Li-ar! So what were you talkin’ about huh? Since you weren’t talkin’ about us at first? What was so important that you just had to talk to Joi? Patrick: I don’t know. Just regular stuff like music, movies….that kinda stuff. Krystalyn: Oh the kinda stuff you talk about with someone you’re datin’ and tryin’ to get to know? Patrick: No, it wasn’t like that, Krys. I swear. We were just friends. Krystalyn: Oh really? Cause I don’t remember hearin’ anything about her, so obviously you felt the need to keep her a secret, which means you were more than just friends and you knew it! Patrick: Krys, I swear…….I never meant to hurt you. Krystalyn: How many times did you sleep with her? Patrick: I don’t know. Krystalyn: Wow, that much huh? And you were sleepin’ with me at the same time? You could have given me a disease! Patrick: We were usin’ protection. Krystalyn: Oh you were? That’s interestin’…..seein’ as how she is pregnant! Patrick: That’s not my baby. That’s Jovan’s baby. Krystalyn: And how can you be so sure of that? Did you have a test? Did you do that behind my back, too? Patrick: No. Krystalyn: So then really…….you don’t know for sure that this isn’t your baby? Silence Krystalyn: Get out. Patrick: What? Krystalyn (yelling): I said get out! Get out of my face now! I never want to see you again, Patrick! Krystalyn takes off her engagement ring and throws it at him. Krystalyn: And take your ring with you! I hate you, Patrick. I hate you! Patrick: Krys, you don’t mean that. Krystalyn: Yes, I do! I hate you with everything I have! Now get out! Patrick slowly sets the flowers and bunny down on the floor. Krystalyn: Take that crap with you! I don’t want it! Patrick picks the flowers and bunny back up and walks out of the room, leaving a fuming Krystalyn even angrier than she was before and ready to face Joi head on. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Scene 1 Continued.. Karissa rolls her eyes at Kyle and walks towards the door. Kyle walks behind her and slams the door as soon as she gets out of the doorframe. Kyle walks back into the house, to the phone ringing again. Kyle thinks: Now who is it! Kyle: Hello? Johnice: Uh yes, hello.. I’m looking for Kyle Cooper. Kyle: This is he. Who's calling? Johnice: This is Johnice from the Planned Parenthood Clinic. You participated in the free STD screening that was held at Ahpla University a few weeks back and we’ve gotten your test results back. Kyle: Okay great. So everything’s cool? Johnice: Well I’m calling to schedule a follow up time for you to come in so the doctor can go over those results with you. Kyle: Wait a minute. Is something wrong? Johnice: I’m not privy to that type of information, sir. I simply call to set up the follow up appointments. Kyle: Is this standard? Johnice: Yes sir. We don’t give out any test results over the phone. Kyle: Oh. So you call everybody? Johnice: Yes, sir. Kyle: Oh okay. Cool. Scared me there for a minute! Um….what you got open? Johnice: Are you available tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m.? Kyle: Dag, that’s early….but alright. Johnice: Great. I have you down for 9:00. Kyle: Thanks. Johnice: We’ll see you tomorrow morning! Kyle hangs up the phone and goes upstairs and gets some well needed sleep after a very long day. The next morning, Kyle gets up and prepares to head over to the Planned Parenthood. Waking up late, he throws on his Ahpla University Athletic Sweats and an Omega Psi Phi T-Shirt. He arrives to the clinic and walks right up to the counter and taps lightly on the window. Kyle: Hi my name is Kyle Cooper and I have a 9:00 appointment Johnice looks down at the appointment book. Johnice: Oh yes, Mr. Cooper, please have a seat. Dr. Suarez will see you in a few minutes. Kyle: Thanks. Kyle sits down and looks around. He is surrounded by pregnant women and this makes him nervous. He looks at the table and begins to sift through the magazines. The only magazines he sees are parenting magazines, so he puts them all back and sits back into his seat. Just as he is starting to get comfortable… Johnice: Mr. Cooper! Kyle looks up in response Johnice: Dr. Suarez will see you now. Please follow me. Kyle gets up and follows Johnice towards the back. She leads him into a back office. The office is pretty basic, with a large oak desk and two chairs in front of it. Johnice: If you have a seat, Dr. Suarez will be right with you. Kyle: Thanks. Kyle sits down in one of the seats and looks around the office. He sees Dr. Suarez’s medical degree hanging on the wall. He looks at his desk and sees a picture of a smiling girl who appears to be about five. Over in the corner is a small table with various pamphlets. Kyle takes a deep breath and sits back into the chair to wait for the doctor when the door swings open. He turns around to find a man who looks to be about middle aged. His thin, wavy hair is perfectly combed and his dark, bushy eyebrows seem to overwhelm his face. Dr. Suarez: Hello. … (looks down at clipboard) Dr. Suarez: ….Mr. Cooper? Kyle: Yes. Dr. Suarez extends his hand to shake Kyle’s hand. Dr. Suarez: My name is Dr. Suarez and I am the staff doctor here at the Planned Parenthood. Kyle: Oh okay. Dr. Suarez: I see we’re scheduled to go over your test results from the STD testing a few weeks ago. Kyle: Yep. Dr. Suarez opens the folder to review the tests again. Dr. Suarez: I was able to go over your tests yesterday and I asked Johnice to call you to come in so we could speak face to face. Kyle, who suddenly is feeling fidgety looks down at watch and begins to tap his foot lightly. Kyle: Mmm hmmm…. Dr. Suarez: Now it says here on your questionnaire that you are in a committed relationship and have been for the past two years, correct? Kyle: Yep. Dr. Suarez: Is this the only partner you’ve had in the past six months? Silence Dr. Suarez: Mr. Cooper, let me just reassure you that all information shared is confidential. Kyle (reluctantly): Well….. I’ve had one other partner. Dr. Suarez: And did you use protection? Kyle: Um, yeah. Well….most of the time. Dr. Suarez: Are these the only two partners you’ve had in the past year? Kyle: Yes, sir. Can I ask why you are inquiring about this? Dr. Suarez: Well, based on your test results, I feel that it would be beneficial if we got both of your partners into the office immediately for testing. Kyle: What? Why? Is something wrong? Dr. Suarez: Well Mr. Cooper….your HIV test result….it came back….positive… ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Scene 3 Continued... Back on campus at the Administration Building, Melinda Ferguson has just arrived to the meeting room, where the Board of Trustees is assembled. Melinda: Good morning, everyone. Board President: Good morning, Dr. Ferguson. Please, have a seat.... Melinda goes down the table to her normal seat and sits down. Board President: Dr. Ferguson, getting right down to business.........Are you aware that you have been asked to appear before the Board this morning in response to a charge that was filed against you by the President's Council? Melinda: Yes, Dr. Vines.... I am. Board President: Very well. At this time, I would like to ask the Board Secretary, Mrs. Bryant to read the charge..... Mrs. Bryant: To the Board of Trustees of Ahpla University, this notice hereby serves as an official charge against Ahpla University President, Dr. Melinda Ferguson. It has been brought to our attention that Dr. Ferguson has been conducting her private affairs in a way that is in direct violation of the Ahpla University Moral Code of Conduct. Board President: Thank you, Mrs. Bryant. Dr. Ferguson....you have heard the charge that has been brought against you by the Parent's Council. Do you understand the charge in its entirety? Melinda: I do. Board President: As you are well aware, the Board Policy and Procedure in cases where a charge is filed against the President is to launch a full investigation of the matter. So that you aware, we have in fact launched the said investigation. Today, we will need to interview you and take your statement, as well as a statement from the President of the Parent’s Council. Once we have taken both statements, the board will deliberate over the findings of our investigation, the statements, and we will deliver our decision to you this evening. I don’t think there’s any need to drag things out for days. We want to be as fair to all parties involved as we possibly can. Do you understand everything I’ve just shared with you, Dr. Ferguson? Melinda: Yes, Dr. Vines, I do understand. Board President: Okay. Well…..Mrs. Davenport is scheduled to arrive at 1:00 p.m. to deliver her statement to the board, so we’ll be starting with you this morning. Before we get started, would you like to take a short 10 minute recess? Melinda: No, I’m fine. We can proceed. Board President: Very well. Let's Begin... ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Scene 2 Continued... Over at an undisclosed location off campus, the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. have gathered with their line. In the middle of their session, Krystalyn arrives alone. Krystalyn walks up on Laray talking to the line. Laray: ……..and honestly, I don’t think any of you are even halfway good enough to join the ranks of women who are blessed enough to become a part of the Finer Womanhood we know as Ze-ta Phi Be-ta! You all better shape up and I mean quick or this entire line is gettin’ dropped…….and soon! I am really startin’ to loose my patience with every last one of you! Laray turns around and sees Krystalyn walking up. Krystalyn: What’s goin’ on here soror? Laray: What’s goin on here is this triflin’ line! Krystalyn: Sounds like a problem with the dean to me. Krystalyn glares at Sy’Mone and fixates her eyes on her in anticipation of a response. Sy’Mone: Well……. Krystalyn: Well what? When you were on line we didn’t have this problem? So why is that you can’t keep your line straight? Sy’Mone: Soror….…. Krystalyn: I don’t wanna hear it. I’m sick of this line and I’m sick of you. Get out of my sight and take your line with you. Laray: Krys… Krystalyn (screams): Now! Sy’Mone goes over and whispers to the line and the line turns and begins to walk away. Krystalyn: Wait a second! The line stops and turns around. Krystalyn: Everyone except Joi can leave. I need to talk to her alone. Laray: Krys, I don’t think… Krystalyn: Laray, now is not the time, okay? Krystalyn walks over and whispers into Laray’s ear. Krystalyn: I’ll be okay. But I need to do this….alone. Laray: Are you sure? Krystalyn: Yes. Laray turns to face the line. Laray: Alright……..you heard Big Sister Finesse………let’s go! The line, Sy’Mone, and Laray reluctantly leave Joi and Krystalyn alone. Joi: Greetings Big Sister Finesse! Krystalyn: Drop the act. You know exactly what this is about. Joi: I’m sorry? Krystalyn: Oh your friend, Sy’Mone didn’t warn you? Joi: Warn me about what? Krystalyn: About the fact that I know you were screwing my fiancé last year! Silence Krystalyn (yells): Oh don’t even think you’re about to just stand there and not say anything, you home wrecking whore! Joi (voice shaking): Krystalyn, please…….it wasn’t like that. Krystalyn: Wasn’t like what? Huh? Huh? Wasn’t like what, Joi? You didn’t know he had a girlfriend? Is that it? You didn’t know we were together? Joi: No….I just… Krystalyn (yells): Answer the question! Did you or did you not know that we were together? Joi: Yes, I knew, but… Krystalyn: But what? You decided to be a hoe anyway? Joi: I am not callin’ you names, so why are you callin’ me names? Krystalyn: I just call it like I see it! If it looks like a hoe and walks like a hoe……….chances are…….it’s a hoe! Joi starts to cry hysterically. Krystalyn: What the heck are you cryin’ about it? You’re the one who ruined my relationship! I’m the one who should be cryin’! You stupid whore! Are you pregnant with Patrick’s baby? Joi: I don’t know! I don’t know! He won’t take the test! Krystalyn steps close to Joi. Joi begins to step backwards and finds herself pinned up against the wall. Krystalyn (screaming loudly in her face): Do you know how much of time and effort I put into my relationship! Did you think about any of that? Did you think about me at all? No! Of course you didn’t! It was just all fun and games to you! Never mind the stupid fiancée sittin’ at home alone! And then you have the nerve to try and pledge my sorority! To have me calling you my sister knowing what you have done! You let me throw you a baby shower! You lying, deceitful slut…you owe me $300! I can’t believe you! The more I think about I the more pissed off I get. All you’ve done is lie to me from the minute I met you. What was it, some kind of ploy to get closer to me so you could get closer to my man? I hate women like you! NO I hate little girls like you! Lying, scheming, tricking little girls! Does Jovan even know or does he think it’s his baby too? Jovan is too good of a guy for you. You don’t deserve him! You want Patrick? You can have him cause both of you are lying no good jerks! You belong together! And you can forget about ever becoming a Zeta! Zeta’s are women of high moral standards and you wouldn’t know anything about that! Joi gasps and grabs her stomach Krystalyn: Oh what is it now, you liar? Joi: No, Krystalyn, really! Joi bends over in pain Joi: I think I’m havin’ a contraction! Krystalyn (screaming even louder): Are you for real? Don’t even try that! Tryin’ to use goin’ into labor as an excuse not to own up to your crap? Joi lets out a loud moan and grabs her stomach even tighter. Joi (whimpering in pain): I…….I…….think my water just broke…. Krystalyn looks her up and down and rolls her eyes. Krystalyn: Yeah, whatever. How convenient… Joi (yelling in pain): Krystalyn please! I really think I’m in labor! Please, Krys…you are the only one around………..I need help………..please Krys…….. you have to help me……. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Scene 3 Continued.. During the recess, Melinda walks back over to her office, to try and compose herself while she waits. Romona: Good afternoon, Dr. Ferguson. Melinda: Good afternoon, Romona. Romona: You have a lot of messages waiting for you. Melinda: And they’ll continue to wait. My meeting with the board has gone longer than I thought it would. You’ll have to clear my afternoon schedule as well. Romona: Yes, Dr. Ferguson. Is there anything else I can get you? Melinda: A time machine would be nice. Romona: I’m sorry? Melinda: Nothing. Again, please hold my calls. I must not be disturbed. The only call I will take is from Dr. Vines, do you understand? Romona: No problem. Melinda turns and walks towards her office. Romona: Oh and Dr. Ferguson? Melinda: What is it, Romona? Romona looks up and gives Melinda a sympathetic look, while struggling for words. Romona: I just wanted to say that…that…. Melinda: Yes? Romona: You uh….look really nice today. That’s all. Melinda: Thank you, Romona. Melinda gives Romona a half smile in response to her unsuccessful, but sweet attempt at comforting her. Melinda: Romona… Romona: Yes, Dr. Ferguson? Melinda: Thank you. I know I don’t say it much but I really do appreciate all you do for me. I realize that I can sometimes be a bit…well.. sometimes I can be a bit demanding. So um…thank you. Romona: You’re welcome, Dr. Ferguson! Melinda, now uncomfortable with the small display of emotion she is displaying quickly goes back into her business mode and turns to go into her office and closes the door. She goes over to the window that overlooks the entire Ahpla Campus. She looks out and sees students passing by, laughing and talking and she thinks how completely oblivious they all are to just how carefree their lives are. She opens the window, closes her eyes and breathes in deeply. She hears the students laughing and this forces a slow, genuine smile to creep across her face. She remembers why she loves being the President of Ahpla so much and in an instant, the thought of that all being gone creeps into her mind and her smile fades away. Her heart begins to beat rapidly and her palms begin to sweat. She sits down to try and catch her breath and in doing so, a large tree across campus catches her eye. Seeing this tree stops Melinda for a second, and then she continues slowly into her seat. It’s the tree she was walking under the first time she met Joe so many years ago. Things were so much simpler then, she thinks. She lets out a deep sigh, unbuttons her jacket, closes her eyes, and allows her mind to travel back to that time. Melinda (whispering to herself): Oh Joe….where did we go wrong? She thinks back to happier times of the two of them attending Greek events together, walking each other to class hand in hand, holiday’s spent with each other’s families, getting engaged…..and then Melinda’s smile fades to a frown as she remembers the breakup…Carsen’s pregnancy…and now the affair. She turns towards her desk and opens a mirror that she has on her desk. She stares into the mirror with a look of confusion. She feels like she is looking at a stranger. Melinda (to her reflection): Who are you? I don’t even know you anymore…. As she utters these words to herself, she feels a lump rising in her throat and tears welling up in her eyes. Suddenly they aren’t welling anymore, they are pouring out of her eyes and her reflection becomes even more blurry through the tears than it was before. She cannot stand the sight of herself any longer; in fact the longer she stares, the more infuriated she becomes. She violently swings her arm against the mirror and it goes flying to the floor. The absence of the mirror reveals the picture that was directly behind it. It is a photo of her, Mona, Miya, and her soon to be ex husband on the day she was installed as the President of Ahpla. They are all smiling so broadly, with looks of pride on their faces. She wonders how someone who could feel so proud that day could now be sitting and feeling such shame and humiliation. The thought of this causes her to sob and her body to heave. She doubles over in her seat, in an attempt to muffle the sounds that are accompanying her tears. BUZZ! Melinda continues to sob BUZZ! Melinda looks up and sees a light flashing on her phone. Melinda thinks: I told her I wasn’t taking any calls. BUZZ! Melinda clears her throat and presses the intercom button. Melinda (in a cross tone): What is it, Romona? I told you I was not to be disturbed! Romona: I know Dr. Ferguson, but you have some visitors, and I thought... Melinda (cutting Romona off): I told you I wasn’t seeing anyone! Romona: Yes, but I thought… (From the background): Mona: Mommy, it’s me! Melinda: Mona? Mona: Yes. Melinda: What? Why…okay, come in. Melinda grabs some tissues and tries to clean up her face quickly, but before she can, the door swings open and Mona runs in, followed by her sister, Miya. Melinda: Miya! What…Why…What are you girls doin’ here? Miya and Mona both run to hug their mother. Miya: Mommy, Mona called me and told me what was goin’ on. I had to come. I couldn’t let you go through this alone. Melinda hugs her daughters closer to her and continues to cry. Melinda: But…I’m so….I didn’t want you girls to know about this… Mona: Mommy, I work here, of course I was goin’ to find out! Miya: We love you, no matter what happens, Mommy. Melinda: Thank you, girls. Thank you. Melinda hugs the girls closer as her direct line begins to ring. She goes over and picks up the phone. Melinda: This is Dr. Ferguson. Dr. Vines: Dr. Ferguson. This is Dr. Vines. The Board has reached a decision. Melinda (sighs deeply): Okay. I’m on my way over. Melinda (hanging up the phone): That was Dr. Vines. The Board has reached a decision. That was pretty quick…. Miya: Mommy, don’t go by that. That doesn’t mean anything. We’re Ferguson women. We’re strong and we come from a long line of strong women. So just go in there with your head up. Whatever happens, we can make it through this. Melinda (smiling): And how did you get to be so smart? Miya: From my mother, that’s who. Melinda smiles lovingly at Miya. Mona (pretends to cry loudly and obnoxiously): Okay great, now that we’ve had a lifetime television for women moment….we need to get you fixed up before you go back. You look a mess, mother. You need a comb and some lipstick immediately! Miya: Mona! Melinda: That’s my Mona. Melinda smiles and sits down on the couch while her daughters fix her hair and makeup for her. Dr. Vines: Dr. Ferguson. Please come in. Melinda walks past him and looks around and everyone sitting around the table. She tries to gauge the decision by their faces, but is unable to do so. Some faces look somber, some faces have no expression, and a few won’t even make eye contact with her. She looks towards the end of the table and sees Carsen, sitting and starring straight ahead. Melinda’s thoughts are interrupted by Dr. Vines. Dr. Vines: Dr. Ferguson, please have a seat…. Melinda sits in her normal seat and wonders if it’s the last time she’ll ever sit there. Dr. Vines: Dr. Ferguson, as you know, the Board has launched an investigation into the charge brought against you by the Parent’s Council. We have reviewed the findings of our investigation, and have in fact come to a decision. Are you ready to hear our decision? Melinda: Yes, Dr. Vines, I am. Melinda takes a deep breath. Dr. Vines: Mrs. Bryant, could you please read the decision of the board? Mrs. Bryant: Yes, Dr. Vines. Mrs. Bryant stands up slowly and at this moment, it is as if everything is moving in slow motion. It feels like an eternity has passed as she makes her way to the front of the room and Melinda says a silent prayer and breathes in deeply. Mrs. Bryant: Dr. Vines….members of the Board of Trustees….a moral conduct charge has been filed against Ahpla University President, Melinda Ferguson. In accordance with the Ahpla University handbook, the Board of Trustees launched a full investigation in response. After reviewing the findings of the investigation, the Board of Trustees has mad a decision. In the case of the Parent’s Council versus Ahpla University President, Dr. Melinda Ferguson…. Mrs. Bryant looks up at Melinda to address her directly. Mrs. Bryant: Dr. Ferguson….the board of trustees of Ahpla University….. finds you….. Mrs. Bryant pauses to look back down at her paper. Melinda’s heart begins to race a million miles a minute and it feels as though it will beat right through her designer suit. Mrs. Bryant: We find you……....................................
Thank you for tuning into As the Sands Burn! To all of the fans of As the Sands Burn, old and new…thank you for an AMAZING inaugural season for me as the new writer. Some of us were fast friends… while others of us found our special place further along the way…either way, thank you for your loyalty and for being such avid readers-it what keeps me on my toes and keeps me motivated to bring even more drama week after week! To all of the members of Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Iota Phi Theta….thank you for your unyielding support of As the Sands Burn over the years. To all those who desire to cross the burning sands, and to those who have no desire whatsoever…thank you for being avid readers of the soap. Thank you to my husband, Kelby…my biggest fan! Thanks for keeping me company on all those late nights and for telling anyone and everyone who would listen about ATSB! Thank you to my line sister, Kimberly Morehead for the gorgeous site design and ATSB logo! You are a creative genius! I have so many fans that email me weekly and I love to hear from each of you! Keep the email coming! I won't start naming people, because I'd hate to leave anyone out, however, I must give a special shoutout to one of my most loyal and supportive fans, Keisha Fisher-Parker. And finally……..thank you to the creator and original author of As the Sands Burn, Darrius Jerome Gourdine (ADoP). Thank you for entrusting me with the soap! Thank you for all of your support, your critique, your guidance, and for always giving me the creative freedom to take As the Sands Burn in the direction I wanted it to go. You have been an amazing mentor and friend and I’m forever in your debt. Make sure you come back to www.atsbonline.com on May 14th for the Season 2 Premiere and please spread the word……ATSB is BACK!
|
Y