As the Sands Burn would like to express our condolences to the members of

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated

in the passing of one of their Founders,

Elias A. Dorsey, Jr.

Season 3 - Episode 7

We resume our episode this week with Melinda Ferguson at her home....

Joseph: So how was your day?

Melinda: It was...interesting.

Joseph: What does that mean?

Melinda: Nothing. How was yours?

Joseph: It was fine...

Melinda: Were you able to speak to Sheena?

Joseph: Oh yea....she did call me.

Melinda: And?

Joseph: She said she'd think about it...

Melinda: I see.

Joseph: Melinda, don't be that way. It's no reflection on you.

Melinda: I know....

Joseph: It's more of a reflection on me, actually. It's just difficult. With everything....

Melinda: Yeah, I know. You're right. I just hope she'll take it. It will be a great opportunity for her.

Joseph: I think so too. I'll try to talk to her again.

Melinda: Thanks.

Joseph; You wanna go out for dinner?

Melinda: No....I'm actually expecting Mona in a bit....

Joseph: Really?

Melinda: Yeah. We kinda need to talk....

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Over in the caf, Stasha has just arrived with Kiaterria. Students are very excited to see that Kiaterria has returned for the year....

Stasha: Dag girl! You're like a celebrity now!

Kiaterria: Oh please!

Stasha: You are!

Stasha and Kiaterria find a table.

Stasha: What do you want to eat?

Kiaterria: Nothing for now. Let's just chill for a second.

Stasha: Okay, cool.

Stasha sits down across from Kiaterria.

Kiaterria: So how's married life, girl?

Stasha starts to blush

Stasha: It's great.....

Kiaterria: I heard my auntie flipped out when Kyle told her!

Stasha: She did!

Kiaterria: Only because she wanted to be there. She loves you!

Stasha: You think so?

Kiaterria: Oh, I know so!

Stasha: Well, she seemed to get over it by the end of the summer.

Kiaterria: Good. I'm happy you are in the family. You're good for Kyle. How's practice been goin for him?

Stasha: Um, it's okay so far. Just kinda weird cause he's been gone so long.

Kiaterria: Oh yeah, that's what Jeff was sayin' last night too....

Stasha: Jeff? Tee, are you back with him? After everything that happened?

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Scene 1 Continued...

Joseph; You wanna go out for dinner?

Melinda: No....I'm actually expecting Mona in a bit....

Joseph: Really?

Melinda: Yeah. We kinda need to talk....

Joseph: Oh...is everything okay?

Melinda: Sorta. It's business related.

Joseph: Gotcha. I know what that means.

Melinda: Thanks, Joe. I'm not keeping secrets from you. I...I just need to have this talk with her first.

Joseph: I understand. Besides, I'm sure you'll make it up to me later.

Melinda smiles

Joseph: So I guess I'll get out of here.

Joseph leans down to kiss Melinda on the forehead.

Joseph: Call me later.

Melinda: Will do!

Joseph opens the door to leave and finds Mona standing there.

Joseph: Hey Mona!

Mona: Oh hi Dr. Davenport....

Joseph: I was just leaving...

Mona walks past Joseph as he is walking out.

Mona: Bye!

Mona closes the door behind her.

Mona: Hello soror mommy!

Melinda: Hello Mona....

Mona: So what was so important?

Melinda: Sit down, sweetheart....

Mona sits down on the couch and looks around nonchalantly.....

Melinda: Mona...the parent's council.....they are finished with your case and....well.........I don't know how to tell you this, but........

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Over at Jovan's apartment, Joi has arrived with Patrick to pick up Zion....

Joi: Oh my gosh....wh...where is my baby? Jovan! Where is my baby?

Joi begins to run around the apartment looking for Zion.

Joi: Jovan, where is he?

Jovan: I.....I.....I don't know......

Joi: What the heck do you mean you don't know?

Jovan: Joi, I'm sorry...I fell asleep and....

Joi: You fell asleep?

Jovan: Yeah, we took a nap.....

Joi: We?

Joi looks back and forth between Jovan and Krystalyn

Joi: Oh my gosh! I can't even believe this! Were you in the back gettin' freaky while my child was out here alone on the couch?

Silence

Joi: This is unbelievable!

Jovan: Joi, I'm sorry. He was asleep.

Joi: That is no excuse, Jovan and you know it!

Krystalyn: Okay everyone stop!

Joi: Oh please! You have nothin' to say here!

Krystalyn: Maybe not! But the fact remains, little Zion is missing and we need to find him. Standing here bickering is not going to help!

Patrick: Krys is right....

Joi: Who else has a key to your apartment, Jovan?

Jovan: Uh....

Joi: Think, Jovan! Who the freak has a key!

Jovan: Stop yelling at me Joi and let me think!

Silence

Jovan: I got it! I know where he is! Let's go!

Jovan grabs his keys and runs out of the door. The others quickly follow behind him.....

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Scene 2 Continued...

Kiaterria: Good. I'm happy you are in the family. You're good for Kyle. How's practice been goin for him?

Stasha: Um, it's okay so far. Just kinda weird cause he's been gone so long.

Kiaterria: Oh yeah, that's what Jeff was sayin' last night too....

Stasha: Jeff? Tee, are you back with him? After everything that happened?

Kiaterria: No, of course not....we're not back together per se....

Stasha: Per se?

Kiaterria: We talked.

Stasha: And?

Kiaterria: And he apologized!

Stasha: And you believed him?

Kiaterria: Yes...

Stasha: Tee, I don't think this is a good idea....

Kiaterria: He said he got help over the summer for his drug abuse.

Stasha: Help where?

Kiaterria: At a clinic. Besides, the players have to take drug tests, so if that wasn't true....he'd be caught, right?

Stasha: I guess....

Kiaterria: Stasha, I know what I'm doing.

Stasha: I don't want you to get hurt.

Kiaterria: Too late for that....

Stasha: Tee....I'm serious.....I...

Kiaterria: Listen, soror....I know you're just tryin' to look out for me....but I need you to trust me, okay?

Stasha: Okay.....

Karissa: Well hello sorors! And why wasn't I informed of this luncheon?

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Scene 3 Continued...

Joi: Think, Jovan! Who the freak has a key!

Jovan: Stop yelling at me Joi and let me think!

Silence

Jovan: I got it! I know where he is! Let's go!

Jovan grabs his keys and runs out of the door. The others quickly follow behind him.....

By the time Joi gets to the bottom of the stairs, she finds Jovan holding Zion close to him and crying. She sees Mrs Tomlin, Zion's babysitter standing there.....

Mrs. Tomlin: I left a note! You didn't see it?

Jovan: No I didn't. I was so freaked out when he wasn't there!

Mrs. Tomlin: I'm so sorry, Jovan. Joi, please forgive me!

Joi: It's okay. I'm just glad he's okay!

Joi runs over and grabs Zion and hugs him tight.

Mrs. Tomlin (continuing): I came by because it's my normal night to sit him.....

Jovan: That's right, it is....

Mrs. Tomlin: I did think it was odd that he was on the couch by himself, but I just grabbed him and left. He's okay....see? We just came back from a walk didn't we, Zion?

Zion smiles and begins to laugh and coo.

Joi: Thank you, Mrs. Tomlin.

Mrs. Tomlin: I'm so sorry, you all. I never would want you to be so worried!

Jovan: We know. Thank you again.

Mrs. Tomlin: Well if you don't need me tonight, I'm gonna go back to my apartment. Just let me know!

Joi: We will, thanks!

Jovan goes to grab Zion. Joi pulls away from him.

Jovan: Um....can I give my son a hug?

Joi: No. No, you cannot.

Jovan: Excuse me?

Joi: This....

Joi points to Zion

Joi: ....is not your son! He's my son! I thought you cared about him, but clearly I was wrong! Take a long look, Jovan. Cause this is the last time you are going to lay eyes on Zion!

Jovan: But...Joi....

Joi: No! I mean it, Jovan! Don't take another step! Patrick, let's go....

Jovan: But Joi...I...I love him....

Joi: Yeah, whatever.....

Joi takes Zion and walks away toward's Patrick's car leaving Jovan and Krystalyn standing alone outside of his apartment complex....