Season 1 - Episode 9
The year is 1976. It's a cold, winter day on the campus of Ahpla University and classes have been cancelled due to the unexpected snowfall. Outside on campus, some student's are having snowball fights, while others are simply passing by trying to get to their dorms.......
A strikingly beautiful 19 year old Melinda Center is hurriedly making her way through the campus, on her way to the cafeteria. She's bundled up from head to toe and is looking straight ahead. The weight from the large book bag she has slung over her shoulder containing her chemistry and biology books are making it difficult for her to quickly get through the snow . As she is walking, she feels something hit her in the back of the head. Her book bag slides off her arm into the snow and opens, causing her books and pens to fly all over the ground. She stops and turns to realize that she has been hit with a snowball and is instantly infuriated. She looks around to see who hit her with the snowball. There are dozens of student’s around, running, yelling and she can’t quite seem to figure out where the stray snowball came from, which infuriates her even further. Just as she was giving up on finding the culprit and turns to gather her books, she meets eyes with a tall, thin man with a honey brown complexion. His eyes are dark and wide and the way that they sparkled almost made them appear to be dancing. His gaze makes Melinda feel self conscious and a bit startled because it feels like he is staring right through her. She wants to look away but can’t, and she tries to move but suddenly feels paralyzed. He slowly smiles sweetly to reveal a perfect smile and deep dimples. Just then, he begins to walk towards her.
Melinda thinks: Oh no! I don’t want him coming over here. All my stuff is all over the ground and I have on these stupid mittens! Why now! No please don’t come over here!
Melinda’s thoughts are interrupted by the man’s voice.
Hi there! I think you may have gotten hit with one of my snowballs. I wanted to apologize. It wasn't’ intended for you. It was for one of my bruh’s but he moved too fast.
Melinda: Oh yeah, well, you need to watch where you throw those things.
I’m sorry. I guess I don’t have the greatest throwing hand. I guess that’s why baseball was never my game. (laughing)
He realizes he is laughing alone and stops.
Well uh……..again, I’m real sorry about that.
Melinda: Okay, whatever. Are you done? I have to pick up all my stuff that is all over the snow getting wet, if you hadn’t noticed.
I’m sorry. Let me help you pick that up. So um…..where you in a rush to?
The man and Melinda begin to gather up her things.
Melinda: Well it’s none of your business, but I’m headed over the cafeteria.
With all those books?
Melinda: I am a double major in biochemistry and math. I have to stay on top of my studies.
Oh so you’re beautiful and smart, huh?
Melinda (ignoring his comment): Listen, I have to go. Apology accepted.
Wait……..don’t leave so fast. I didn't even get your name.
Melinda (reluctantly): Uh……..it’s Melinda. Melinda Center.
Hi Melinda. I’m Joseph. Joseph Davenport III…………
Melinda: I know who you are. You’re a Que, right?
Joseph: You know it! (throws up the hook and begins to bark) Are you greek?
Melinda: No.........well I have to be on my way. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Joseph Davenport, III..
Melinda gives him a flirtatious smile and reaches out her hand to shake his.
Joseph: Oh no, Ms Melinda Center, the pleasure was all mine…….
Joseph takes Melinda's hand, turns it over and gives it a polite and endearing kiss......
We pick our story back up at present day in the Administration building at Ahpla University. University President, Melinda Ferguson is having an intimate conversation with Joseph Davenport III and has just been interrupted by her assistant, Romona.
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?
Melinda and Joe look at each other frantically.
Melinda: Uh....no. No. Uh.......I'll come out. Tell her to have a seat and I'll be right out.
Romona: Yes, Dr. Ferguson.
Melinda: Joe, I thought you said she was on the way to the mall with Sheena.
Joseph: Last I heard from her, she was.
Melinda: Joe I don't like these types of situations. This whole thing is spinning out of control.
Joseph: I know, baby. What are you going to say?
Melinda: I have no idea. I don't even know what she wants. I'm just going to go out there and find out what she wants. I'll just tell her the truth........that I have a report to work on and I'll have to meet with her tomorrow.
Melinda walks out to the waiting area.
Melinda: Carsen! What a surprise to see you.
Carsen: Oh hello, Melinda. That was quite a stunt your Mona pulled today at convocation.
Melinda: What can I help you with, Carsen or did you just come here to berate my daughter?
Carsen (fake laughing): Oh Melinda.......still so sensitive after all these years. Anyway I was coming by because we need to discuss the parent's council nominations for this year.
Melinda: I see. Well I have to tell you, Carsen, I'm extremely busy today with a report that I need to complete for the Board of Trustees. I'll be happy to meet with you tomorrow, though. Romona, could you set an appointment up for tomorrow for myself and Mrs. Davenport?
Carsen: Oh actually, I won't be able to make that.....I have a little surprise getaway planned for Joe.
Melinda: Oh.
Carsen: Yes.....I thought we'd get away for a little romantic weekend together. Gotta keep things interesting if you know what I mean!
Melinda: Yeah.......
Carsen: Oh well I'll just call you on Monday when I get back in town. Ciao!
Carsen turns to leave and Melinda walks back into her office.
Melinda: Joe, we need to talk. I don't think I can do this anymore..
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Off campus at the diner, a group of the Ahpla University greeks have gathered for an informal meeting.
Jovan: What's up everybody. Looks like most of us are here.
Jovan starts going down a list and checking off names as he calls them out loud.
Jovan: I'm here for Alpha Phi Alpha. Dashia is here for Alpha Kappa Alpha. Joriah is here is Kappa Alpha Psi. Kyle is here for Omega Psi Phi. Kiaterria is here for Sigma Gamma Rho and.......Patrick is here for Phi Beta Sigma. Right now, looks like we're just waiting for Natalie, Kashawn, and Krystalyn. Patrick, do you know where Krystalyn is?
Patrick: Naw, I haven't talked to her since this afternoon and she said she would be here.
Jovan: Okay. And I haven't heard from Natalie or Kashawn either but I know they said they were comin'. Well I don't like to waste time so why don't we start tossin' around some ideas while we're waitin' for them to show up.
Everyone nods in agreement.
Patrick: Hey ya'll go ahead and start it off. I'm gonna go outside and try to call Krys real quick.
Jovan: Okay cool. Alright everybody........let's get started.......
Jovan's voice begins to fade as Patrick walks toward the back door of the diner. On his way, he sees Joi sitting in a booth alone, reading a book. He thinks about turning and going the other way but decides to pick up the pace, hoping to get past her before she sees him. Just as he is walking past, Joi looks up from her book.
Joi: Patrick?
Patrick looks down where she is sitting.
Patrick: Ohhhh........hey Joi, what's up.
Joi: Hey Joi, what's up? Were you really gonna just walk by me and pretend like you didn't see me?
Patrick: My bad. I'm in a rush so I ain't really see you girl.
Joi: Are you serious? As big as I am......how could anyone miss me?
Patrick: Oh well uh........what's up? How you been?
Joi: I been okay, I guess. What about you? You look great.
Patrick: Oh, thanks. You look good, too.
Joi (blushing): Thanks. Where's Krystalyn?
Patrick: I don't know. I was headed outside to try and call her.
Joi: Oh so she'll be here, too?
Patrick: Well she's supposed to be.
Joi: I see.
Awkward silence
Patrick: Well I guess I better get out here to call Krys and see where she's at. I'll see ya later, Joi.
Patrick starts to walk away when he hears Joi's voice
Joi: Patrick! Wait.
Patrick turns back around.
Joi: Aren't you gonna ask me about the baby?
Patrick: Ask you what about the baby?
Joi: Well you know.......anything. I mean, aren't you at least curious about the baby? Everyone else on campus seems so curious. I was thinkin' maybe you were too.
Patrick: Well I really wouldn't know what to ask. Um......let's see.....do you know what it is?
Joi: Yeah.....it's a girl. She should be here around your birthday.
Patrick: You remember my birthday?
Joi: How could I forget? It was the first time we.....
Joi is interrupted by Patrick's cell phone ringing .Patrick looks down at his phone.
Patrick: Hey Joi, that's Marcellus so I'm gonna holla at ya later, alright?
Joi looks sad and looks down to the floor.
Joi: Okay. Hey Patrick it was nice to see you again.
Patrick: Yeah, girl you too. Take care of yourself.
Patrick picks up his phone and continues to walk outside.
Back at the table, Jovan is still heading up the conversation with the other greeks.
Joriah: .........and if Mona thinks we are going to follow that rule about greek calls only being between certain hours, she is crazier than I thought.
Kiaterria: What tripped me out is that she didn't even give my sorority a day to wear our colors. I mean the idea of only wearin' our pari one day a week is crazy anyway but we ain't even get a day!
Jovan: Settle down everyone, I know you are upset but we have to be logical with our approach.
Just then, the door to the diner opens and Kashawn and Taylor walk in together and over to the table.
Taylor: Hi everyone! Natalie couldn't make it so she asked me to come.
Jovan: Okay that's no problem. How you doin' Kashawn?
Kashawn: What's up fellow greeks!
Everyone says hi.
Dashia: That's funny seeing you two show up together. Did you happen to pull up at the same time or something?
Kiaterria: That's true.......I didn't even know that you two knew each other. Did ya'll come together?
Everyone at the table looks up at Taylor and Kashawn, waiting for a response.
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Back on campus in the Student Assembly office, Laray and Krystalyn are there logged onto the treasurer's computer.
Krystalyn: Laray, how did you get yourself into this mess?
Laray: Soror, please. I don't need a lecture right now, okay?
Krystalyn: Does Nate know about this?
Laray: Sort of.
Krystalyn: Do you think this will actually work?
Laray: It has to.
Krystalyn: Well what if it doesn't? Then what are we going to do?
Laray: Krys, I don't know, okay! This is the furthest I have thought this through. This has to work.
Laray continues to type in passwords and continues getting an error message.
Laray: I need to figure out Mona's password. She's the only one with access to override all files.
Krystalyn: Well Mona doesn't seem to be that bright of a person so it can't be that complicated.
Laray (laughs): You are crazy! But that is so true. Okay help me think of something to try.
Krystalyn: I don't know. She's an AKA, right?
Laray: Yeah.
Krystalyn: Okay so try something AKA related.
Laray: Like what?
Krystalyn: I don't know. Frog. Bunny. Skee-Wee? Ivy? Pearls?
Laray tries all those as passwords.
Access Denied.
Laray: Krys! It's not working! What else could it be?
Krystalyn sighs: Okay don't get frantic. We'll figure it out, soror. Um.........what about Mona? Try Mona.
Laray tries that password.
Access Denied.
Laray: Nope. Nothing. What the heck could it be?
Krystalyn: Oh! I know! What was her line name again? Paper something........paper wear.........paper mache.........paper way.........paper weight! That's it. Paper Weight. Try that, Laray.
Laray turns and tries "paper weight" as the password.
Access Granted.
Laray: Yes! Krys, it worked! You're a genius!
Krystalyn smiles: Yes, I know.
Laray starts going into different files looking for the financial report.
Krystalyn: So listen, I was thinkin'.......maybe we should give Joi a baby shower.
Laray: Huh?
Krystalyn: I said maybe we should give Joi a baby shower. You know she was gonna do the process until she found out she was pregnant. I really like her. I hope she'll still do it after the baby gets here. But her family is far away and I just think it would be nice.
Laray: Krys, you barely know this girl.
Krystalyn: I know but I have great intuition and I just have always had a good feeling about this girl. I've just always felt a connection to her. It's like we share so much in common.
Laray: Okay Krys, whatever you say. Just let me know what you need me to do.
Krystalyn's cell phone rings.
Krystalyn: Hello?
Patrick: Hey! Where you at? You know we got that meetin' at the diner.
Krystalyn: Oh my gosh! I completely forgot. Tell everybody I'll be there in a few minutes.
Patrick: Aight. Hurry up.
Krystalyn: Don't rush me Patrick. I said I'll be there!
Krystalyn hangs up the phone.
Krystalyn: Laray I gotta go. I completely forgot about......
Suddenly the door swings up. Krystalyn and Laray look up to see Mona standing in the doorway. With a look of shock on her face, Mona looks back and forth between Laray and the computer. Just then she places her left hand on her hip and her look of shock turns to anger.
Mona in a loud voice: Laray? What are you doing in here this late?! You know assembly officers are only allowed in here during office hours. You better have a good explanation for this!