Season 1 - Episode 7
We resume our episode this week at the campus administration building where Ahpla University President, Dr. Melinda Ferguson has just settled back into her office after convocation. A bit frazzled and behind schedule, Dr. Ferguson sits at her desk, turning on her computer and buzzing the front desk at the same time.
Over the intercom: Yes, Dr. Ferguson?
Melinda: Uh, Romona, please forward all of my calls to voicemail. I have a report I need to complete for the Board of Trustees by 5. I must not be disturbed-do you understand?
Romona: Yes, Dr. Ferguson.
Melinda: Thank you, Romona.
Romona: No problem Dr. Ferguson.
Melinda turns to her computer and opens her email.
Melinda thinks: 208 unread emails. Great. I'm never getting out of here today.
Melinda leans back into her chair, closes her eyes, and lets out a deep sigh.
"It can't be that bad."
Melinda jumps up in the seat in surprise and opens her eyes. She quickly relaxes and smiles when she sees who it is that is speaking.
Melinda: Joe..........how did you get in here? I just told Romona I wasn't seeing anyone this afternoon.
Joseph Davenport III: Oh well in that case, I can leave.
Melinda: Are you crazy? Close that door and get over here.
Joseph closes the door and begins to walk over towards Melinda.
Joseph: Well girl, are you gonna get up or not?
Melinda getting up: Oh Joe. It's so good to see you. You wouldn't believe the morning I've had.
Joseph: Well hopefully this will make it all better.
Melinda smiles and begins to blush as Joseph grabs her and pushes her up against the wall. He begins to kiss her passionately and he holds her body close against his.
Melinda pulls away slowly
Melinda: Well............what did I do to deserve that?
Joseph: Well like you said, you had a rough morning. Big Daddy was just trying to make it better.
Melinda smiling: Well Big Daddy better watch himself. Someone could have walked in on us!
Joseph: And?
Melinda: Okay let me rephrase that.......Carsen could have walked in.
Joseph: Carsen is on her way to the mall with Sheena. Now what?
Melinda stands in silence smiling.
Joseph: Just what I thought....... nice to know my kiss can still make you speechless. I guess I haven't lost my touch after all these years.
Melinda: I guess not. I've missed you, Joe.
Joseph: I've missed you too, Linda.
Melinda and Joseph stare at each other in silence for a few moments.
Joseph (sitting down on the couch and patting the space next to him for Melinda): So tell me what's goin' on..
Melinda takes a deep sigh and sits slowly.
Melinda: Joe, you know I love my daughter but sometimes she puts me in some really bad situations. She gets up to give her opening speech at convocation and starts spouting out all these new policies that her office has created for greek life on campus and the students are very unhappy. I don't know what is going to happen. I cannot have any situations on campus. I don't need any negative media attention for the University.
Joseph: Well did you know about these policies?
Melinda: We discussed them briefly a few weeks back at the spa. But it was a casual conversation and I told Mona we'd have to sit down at the office and really go over them. I certainly did not think she was going to get up on the first day of class and announce them to the entire campus! I've already gotten 4 calls from Board of Trustees members trying to figure out what is going on!
Joseph: Take a deep breath, baby. It's going to be okay. Remember that you are the President. You were elected President because you are more than capable of leading this University. You have to do what you have to do, Linda. Even if Mona is your daughter, you have to do what is best to protect yourself and this University.
Melinda: Yeah, I know, you're absolutely right but it's just sometimes it's......
Melinda is interrupted by a buzz on her telephone.
Melinda (speaking very sternly): Romona, what is it? I told you I was not to be disturbed this afternoon.
Romona: I know Dr. Ferguson and I'm terribly sorry. I told Mrs. Davenport you didn't want to be disturbed but she says it's urgent.
Melinda: Mrs. Davenport?
Romona: Yes, Mrs. Carsen Davenport. She's here to see you. Should I send her in?
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Across campus, Laray and Krystalyn are having lunch in the cafeteria
Krystalyn: Did you know about those rules?
Laray: No girl! I was just as shocked as everybody else.
Krystalyn: Then what's the point of you being an officer? I thought we finally had an inside track. That's the only reason I kept you as a roommate. (laughs) That and the fact that you had first pick on housing.
Laray (laughing): Yeah, whatever! You mean I kept you as a roommate! And I only did that because I felt sorry for you!
Krystalyn (laughing): Whatever soror! We both know the truth! But anyway.........yeah those rules are crazy. Mona is kinda stank.
Laray: She's very stank!
Krystalyn: How the heck did she come up with that foolishness?
Laray: Who knows........but uh, Jovan called me a few minutes ago and told me he's callin' an emergency NPHC meetin' tonight about it.
Krystalyn: Oh for real? That's what's up. Just let me know what we need to do!
Laray: Look at you! Always ready to fight!
Krystalyn: You know me. I'm down for the cause.
Laray: Oh yeah? And what cause is that?
Krystalyn: The...... if we don't get these rules changed, Mona is gonna catch beatdown cause!
The girls laugh together in unison
Krystalyn: So why didn't you give your financial report at convocation?
Laray: Um, I'm not sure. President Ferguson changed the format at the last minute.
Krystalyn: Well that sucks. I know you were pissed cause you worked on it all weekend.
Laray: Oh, um yeah.
Krystalyn: Well at least you get to do it in Senate. I hate Senate but I guess I can come that day to support my roomie.
Laray: Oh that's sweet but you don't have to.
Krystalyn: I know I don't have to but you're my best fri...
Laray interrupts Krystalyn by speaking in a loud voice
Laray: Really Krys! You don't have to! Just drop it, okay?
Krystalyn: Okay. Sorry. What's wrong, soror? You seem kinda edgy. Is everything alright with Nate?
Laray: Yeah, we're straight.
Krystalyn: Okay so then what's up? That's not like you to just snap off.
Silence
Krystalyn: Laray? What's up? You know if something is wrong you can tell me. Is everything okay with your report?
Laray looks up at Krystalyn with tears in her eyes.
Krystalyn: Okay now you are scaring me. Laray, what is it?
Laray: Krys, I think I'm gonna resign from being treasurer.
Krystalyn: What? Why?
Laray slowly leans over and begins to whisper into Krystalyn's ears. Krystalyn's eyes get big as Laray is speaking to her and crying. Laray finishes whispering to Krystalyn and leans back into her seat.
Laray (crying harder): So now you see why I have to resign?
Krystalyn (with a terrified look on her face): Oh soror.........what are we going to do?
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As Mona is walking towards her office, she hears a voice from behind her.
"Mona! Mona I know you hear me! We need to have a little chat about your so called new rules!"
Mona turns around to see who that voice belongs to.
Mona: Oh! Hi...........P.J.! I thought that was you! Skee-Wee! I wasn't really sure at first.......you've gotten so........full figured. But you look good though, soror.
P.J.: Don't play games, Mona. You knew exactly who I was.
Mona (smiling): Well what do I owe this honor?
P.J: Mona, those rules are ridiculous and you know it.
Mona: No, actually they are innovative and will take the greek life at Ahpla to new levels. But anyway, you aren't in the chapter anymore, P.J. so how are my rules your business?
P.J: You know I'm the graduate advisor for the undergrad's, Mona.
Mona: Oh right.........I think I did see your name on some paper. Well anyway, I didn't change anything major for the sorors. So again, what do my rules have to do with you?
P.J.: Those rules are just wrong, Mona. There's no way you are gonna be able to enforce them.
Mona: Watch me. I'm a staff member now. I'm not a lowly student like you, soror. I have the power to make these things happen.
P.J: I don't even know why I talk to you!
Mona: What?
P.J: I said I don't even know why I talk to you, Mona. You got up there screwin' up everyone's colors.......that was just completely disrespectful. But really, you have no idea what it is to be a real greek so I shouldn't have ever expected you to get it.
Mona: P.J., aren't we a little old for this? I really thought you would have moved past all of that by now.
P.J.: And everytime I try, you pull some stunt like this.
Mona: Whatever, soror. I need to get back to my office. But since you are the grad advisor, you make sure you keep the sorors in line this year.
P.J.: I thought you said the rules didn't apply to them.
Mona: And for the most part, they don't. But I don't really feel like the chapter respects me like they should. You just make sure you're watchin' them, P.J. I know I am.....
Just as Mona is talking, her and P.J. both notice Alvin walking past.
Mona: Hey Alvin!
Alvin: Oh hey, Mona. What's up P.J.! Pretty P.J.!
Mona frowns at Alvin's comment.
P.J.: Hey Alvin! What's up.
Alvin: Not much. On my way to the mall.
Mona: I love the mall!
Alvin: Okay......so, Miss P.J........how's life for a big time grad student like yourself?
P.J. (sighing): It's okay. I'm hoping this year will be better than last year. It's just so much reading-sometimes it's hard to keep up.
Alvin: Yeah but you're a smart girl. You can do it.
P.J.: Aww that's sweet, Alvin. Thanks.
Mona: You know I like to read too, Alvin.
Alvin: Oh.......that's really great.
Mona: Alvin, you know that my office has some paid internships this semester, right? If you are looking for a job, you should consider applying.
Alvin: Oh for real? Alright......I'll think about it. Listen, I'd love to stay and chat but I need to get over to the mall and back before my 4:00 class.
Alvin begins to walk away and then turns around.
Alvin: Hey P.J..........you wanna ride with me to the mall?
P.J.: Oh um........
Alvin: Um, what? You not gonna come up with some bogus excuse are you? Come on girl, it's just the mall.
P.J.: Well....... I do need to pick up some stuff for my apartment.
Alvin: Well there you go.
P.J.: Okay, why not! But um, Alvin, can you excuse me for a second? I need to finish up my conversation with Mona.
Alvin: Sure. I'll go pull my car out of the lot.
P.J.: Thanks!
Alvin happily begins to walk towards the parking lots.
P.J. steps close to Mona and speaks to her in a firm voice just above a whisper.
P.J.: Just so you know, Mona-you might be watchin' the sorors but I'll be watchin' you. This conversation is not over.
Mona: That's fine, P.J. Just remember, you started it.
P.J.: That's right I did. And I'll be sure that I finish it, too.