Wedding of my Ex still rolling…
AARON ANSAH-AGYEMAN
WEDDING OF MY EX
EPISODE 6
EVELYN
(looking sadly at Chris).
So Effe hides in your car after the orphanage bus is involved in an accident. You bring her to Accra, and take her to a hotel room. She tells you about a horrible Mr. Afful, the man in charge of the orphanage who supposedly wants to defile her. She pleads with you to call an Auntie Joyce, a woman who has been good to her at the orphanage. Did you call her?
CHRIS
I did. We arranged to meet at Winneba Junction on my way back to Takoradi. It was evident that Mr. Afful had not reported that one girl was missing from the accident. The next day I met Auntie Joyce. She was a fine woman. She told me a terrible tale. Auntie Joyce confirmed all that Effe told me. She went on further to say that Mr. Afful had this awful practice of not detailing some of the kids that turn up at the orphanage.
EVELYN
And what exactly do you mean by that?
CHRIS
Well, see, there are a lot of childless couples around, okay? Most of them are filthy rich. So if an abandoned child turns up at the orphanage, and the child is really handsome or beautiful, Mr. Afful does not enter any details about such a child in the official log books. The child’s name would not be on any document or recorded anywhere. In other words, the child does not exist. Later, Mr. Afful selects a childless couple from his private list of rich-but-childless couples, and sells the child at a hefty price.
EVELYN
Oh, but that’s so horrible!
CHRIS
It is, but it happens. Authorities can’t trace such a child whose particulars are not documented.
EVELYN
So Effe was such an inmate? Undocumented?
CHRIS
Exactly. According to Auntie Joyce, Mr. Afful woke up one dawn to find Effe lying in a basket with a slip of paper that had a name on it: Effe Kedem. Only difference was that Mr. Afful saw how beautiful she would be, and decided not to sell her off. So she grew up in the orphanage, and Mr. Afful had begun touching her. Auntie Joyce took her under her wings to protect her. She threatened to tell the authorities about his deeds, and he was obviously trying to work on a transfer for Auntie Joyce when the accident happened.
EVELYN
I see. So evidently, there was nothing to show that Effe was an inmate of the orphanage. Did Mr. Afful think she perished in the accident?
CHRIS
Exactly. So Auntie Joyce begged me to do all I could for the poor girl, you know, give her a clean start. Effe was twenty-two years old, I was twenty-six. I felt sorry for her, so I decided to take her to Takoradi with me.
EVELYN
That was a big decision.
CHRIS
I think I was already in love with her then.
EVELYN
In love with her? I don’t get it. Elaine told me once that you and her went way back, since you were teenagers, and there has never been a third party between you. If that’s true, how do you tie Effe in?
CHRIS
Elaine’s mother and mine are the best of friends, more like sisters; they lived in the same area, attended the same schools, you know, stuff like that. When they grew up it just happened that my mother gave birth to only me, and Elaine is an only child too. The two friends decided to let us marry each other, and thus when we were old enough to understand that crap they let us know that we would eventually be man and wife. It worked out okay, somehow, and we were really close. I even thought I loved Elaine, and everything was moving to its normal conclusion.
EVELYN
And then you met Effe.
CHRIS
(with a sad smile)
Yes, until I met Effe. I sent her to Takoradi. I knew this nice woman who was a caterer. She and her husband had been childless for a long time. As soon as I got to Takoradi I took Effe to her. Mrs. Ivy Opoku. She was so thrilled. She warmed to Effe immediately, and I was glad I was able to give her some happiness.
Chris is quiet for a few seconds. He drinks more wine.
CHRIS
Mr. Opoku, her husband, was also very happy. Mrs. Opoku made Effe the center of her life, and began teaching her the craft of catering. Luckily, Effe had had decent education, to a level, at the orphanage, and she fitted in superbly.
Chris breaks off. There is great pain on his face. He grimaces, and drains his cup with one gulp, and then he begins to twirl the stem of the glass in his hand.
EVELYN
Chris, we can do this another time.
CHRIS
This is the first time I’m trying to speak about this to anybody, Boss. Elaine knows a part of the story, my best friend knows a part, my own mother knows a part, but nobody has really been told why I broke off with Effe finally.
He rubs his forehead in a distracted way.
CHRIS
Maybe I have kept it all bottled up for too long. Maybe it is time to talk about this festering sore that has kept company with my heart all these years. But you know something funny? I still can’t bring myself to talk about her, not now. You’ll have to excuse me, Eve darling. Maybe, after the wedding, I’ll tell you about my doomed life with that devil.
Chris stands up. He walks to the bar and carefully rinses out his glass and sets it down gently.
He walks out of the office and closes it behind him without looking at Evelyn.
Evelyn stays in her chair. She stares at the shut door. She speaks softly.
EVELYN
Poor boy.
(she shakes her head sadly.)
Out in the corridor Chris walks briskly towards his office. His mobile phone rings. He puts it to his right ear.
CHRIS
Hello, Angel.
ELAINE
My dearest darling. How’re you doing?
CHRIS
I can barely hear you. Where are you?
ELAINE
On my way to the airport, love. Remember the symposium I told you about? The date was moved forward, and we’re attending it today. For obvious reasons I forgot to tell you about it last night.
CHRIS
I see. And when do I expect you back?
ELAINE
Oh, darling, don’t sound that way. You know I’ll miss you too. It is just for today. I’ll see you tomorrow night.
CHRIS
Alright, then, but do take care, okay? You know how precious you are to me.
ELAINE
Oh, darling, I adore you too. Got to go now. I’ll call you when I get to Kumasi, okay? Bye baby.
Chris, clips the phone back into its carrier, and resumes walking.
Almost immediately the phone rings again. He sighs and unclips it again as he opens his office door.
Chris glances at the screen and smiles. He puts the phone to his ear.
CHRIS
Hello, Stoneman.
STEVE
Shelve it, man! What the hell happened yesterday? My phone went off, I tried to reach you again, but the call wasn’t going through. I sent a text message, but you haven’t gotten back to me yet.
CHRIS
Yeah, man, saw your text and meant to get back to you but the whole situation has taken over me, you know, blown me overboard.
STEVE
And what’s this damn stuff you were telling me about Effe? Was it for real, or were you just shitting me?
CHRIS
Wish it were just a dream, man. But everything I told you is the truth. I just tried to back out of that wedding, but my reasons didn’t wash with my boss.
STEVE
I just can’t wrap my mind around this, Bawa boy. Say, I need to hear the whole bundle of hell! Why don’t you bring Elaine to the usual joint tonight? Zac is getting a few friends together. We’ll all be there. He was complaining the other time about not seeing you around for a spell.
CHRIS
Well, I think I might just take you up on that. Actually, Elaine just called me. She’ll be out of town for a day, and right now I don’t really cherish being alone. Alright then, paddy. I will see you at The Joint when I close from here.
STEVE
Right, my boy. See you then.
CHRIS
Chill, bro.
EPISODE 7
Chris parks his huge car and surveys the glass-fronted night club.
Two huge bouncers are manning the doors. Chris walks into the interior of the nightclub.
He is greeted by the blast of high octane hip-life music. There is a main dancing floor and outer tables where revellers are sitting.
The dancing floor is filled with gyrating bodies, their flashy clothes and exposed bodies illuminated by the coloured hues of the dancing lights.
Curved staircases just near the entrance lead to upper terraces that overlook the dancing hall.
Chris runs up the staircase. He emerges on the upper terrace, and is greeted with subdued lights, cigarette smoke and a heavy mixture of sweat and perfume.
He hears his name being called, and after peering through the throng of bodies and tables he notices the beckoning hand of Steve Hollison at the far end.
Chris pushes his way to their table. There are three people around the table.
Steve is dressed in a white shirt and black slacks. His tie is undone. His arm is around the shoulders of a buxom black-haired young woman of around 30.
Her name is SANDRA ARTHUR, and she is Steve’s fiancée.
The third person is a young woman. She is very attractive. Her name is IRIS NAANA BONSU. She is 32, and is one of Elaine’s friends.
STEVE
Sit down, Loverboy, and take the weight off your feet.
Chris sits down next to Iris.
SANDRA
Where’s Elaine, Chris? Don’t tell me she didn’t come with you! She’s supposed to be bringing me a perfume!
STEVE
Is that all you women think of? Perfumes, clothes, money and sex?
IRIS
Watch it, Stevie! Women no longer take that kind of crap from chauvinistic maniacs like you.
CHRIS
Hey, you sound bitter. Sorry, Sandra, darling. Elaine left me alone tonight. She’s in Kumasi for a symposium.
IRIS
So, you’re all alone too, huh?
CHRIS
Hmm, that bitterness again. Don’t tell me you had a fight with Jack again, Iris.
IRIS
Actually, I sent the bastard packing.
STEVE
Hell, no.
SANDRA
Iris, what happened, darling?
CHRIS
Finally did it, huh?
IRIS
I went to his house yesterday ’cause a meeting I was supposed to attend was postponed. I went to his bedroom to rest. Woke up and heard funny sounds from the living-room. I walked in there, and guess what? That son of a goat thought I was tied up at the meeting, and he was shagging some old broad right there on the floor! That guy is crazy! She could’ve been his mother, can you believe that?
Her calmness breaks, and suddenly tears glisten on her lashes and fall down her cheeks.
SANDRA
Oh, you poor, poor dear!
STEVE
I’ve always known that guy was too slick to be real. I never liked that camel. Hell…
CHRIS
Check it, Steve. Girl ain’t in the mood for any of your damn drivel, man.
Sandra reaches for Iris. Wordlessly the two women reach out for each other and embrace.
Chris and Steve exchange glances, and wordlessly they both stand up.
They make their way to the magnificent bar at the end of the terrace.
They pull out tall stools and sit down. A bar attendant approaches them with a wooden smile on his face.
STEVE
A bottle of the best wine you’ve got, please.
BARTENDER
Ice bucket as usual, Mr. Hollison?
STEVE
Yes, please. A bottle of scotch too, please. Have them sent to Table Seven.
BARTENDER
Yes, Sir, Mr. Hollison.
STEVE
Tell, me, bro. Are you going to attend Effe’s wedding? Checked up on the old raccoon she’s going to marry. Guy seems to be swimming in real dough, man!
The bartender presents the bill. Chris takes out his wallet, glances at the bill, and then extracts two notes from his wallet.
CHRID
Keep the change.
(The bartender murmurs his thanks and walks away to attend to other customers.
CHRIS
Old Rupert? He’s damn rich, and he’s going to be my boss, more or less, in South Africa. And yes, I’ll attend that wedding. Tried to get out, as I told you, but no juice.
STEVE
Listen, old boy, you know what I think? I think this is the time for you to get out of there!
CHRIS
What’re you talking about? Elaine barked up the same tree last night. I’m good, yes, and I know it. But I still need more exposure, the kind that Slash Designs can give me. It is not time to go solo yet.
STEVE
What are you talking about? Hell, man, your designs are holding Slash above the stormy waters, for Christ’s sake! Without you Slash will flounder like a fish out of water. You’ve got to take the chance, man. Marry Elaine, get out of Slash, and go solo!
CHRIS
I’ll do that, Steve, but not now. Look, Effe can go ahead and marry Rupert. I don’t give a damn. It is Elaine I love, now. It wouldn’t matter if Effe and I live in the same room. What I felt for her is gone, man, and she wouldn’t have that crazy effect on me anymore.
STEVE
What’s Elaine’s take on the matter? Is she game?
CHRIS
She’s not buying it. She doesn’t want me to go to the wedding. I wasn’t able to tell her that I couldn’t wiggle out of it. Somehow she doesn’t want to understand that between Effe and me, there can only be a feeling of deep hatred, at least from me!
STEVE
She’s worried, man. We all know how much you loved that girl and dotted on her! But she’s nothing but a money-grabbing crazy slut! She even tried to seduce me, your best friend! She’s trouble, and I don’t want you to get into her web again! Elaine is scared, man! She knows the kind of power that girl had over you.
CHRIS
Effe didn’t break up with me! I broke off with her! Nobody knows just how poisonous Effe is! She tried to seduce you, but you don’t know half the atrocities she committed against me! Believe me, bro! She is dead to me!
STEVE
I hope so, Chris. I sincerely hope so. But you should be careful. I am happy to see you this confident. Alright, let’s join the girls. I hope poor old Iris is in control of herself now.
CHRIS
Poor girl. She likes to deny the fact but I think she really loved that Jack boy.
STEVE
Iris is like that. She gets the guys to fawn over her all the time. This is nothing new to her. By tomorrow she’ll be on top of the world again. But she’s hot, ain’t she?
CHRIS
Be careful what your dirty mouth spews forth, Romeo. Sandra will blind you if she hears you.
They both laugh and walk back to their table. Sandra and Iris are chatting quietly.
Steve reaches for the ice bucket and takes out the chilled bottle of wine.
He mixes the drinks expertly and hands a tumbler to each of them. The song changes to a slow, sweet ballad. Chris looks at Iris.
CHRIS
Wanna dance the blues away?
IRIS
Was wondering when you were going to ask. Let’s bond.
They both stand up. Chris walks to her chair and pulls it out so that she can come round the table.
IRIS
Chris. Always the perfect gentleman. Don’t you ever do anything wild and impromptu?
STEVE
Don’t tempt him, Iris, dear. That boy used to be a stud, a real lady killer, until a man-eater humbled him.
IRIS
She must have been some woman.
Chris says nothing. He walks with her to the dancing floor. She moulds herself into him, throwing her arms around his neck.
She buries her face against his neck.
CHRIS
Iris? Behave yourself.
IRIS
Chris, I have never hidden the fact that I find you awfully attractive. I have tried to seduce you on two occasions in the past, and you’ve always turned me down.
CHRIS
You’re my fiancée’s best friend, Iris. We shouldn’t forget that.
IRIS
God doesn’t make men like you anymore, Chris. Men who are absolutely committed, loyal, loving and very focused. Elaine is so lucky to have you.
CHRIS
You’ll find him eventually, Iris.
She extricates her arms from around his neck and puts them flat on his chest, spreading them tenderly along the length of his chest.
CHRIS
Iris?
IRIS:
Don’t worry, dear. I’m not going to gobble you up. I just feel sad, you know? Finding Jack in that situation just ripped my heart apart. I need you to be kind to me tonight, Chris. Just for a little while make me forget my pain, but I can also see pain in your eyes, Chris. What’s eating you?
Chris stops dancing and looks deeply into her eyes. She gasps, and her lips part.
CHRIS
You know something, Chris? I think you need company more than I do tonight.
CHRIS:
That obvious?
IRIS
Yes it is. What do you say we leave those two lovebirds here and go somewhere quieter and more private?
CHRIS
Where precisely are you talking about?
IRIS
Don’t worry, Chris. I won’t try to seduce you again if that’s what you’re afraid of. My car broke down so I came by a taxi. You can take me home.
CHRIS
You promise no games?
IRIS
I promise, champ.
They both smile. They walk back to the table and find Steve kissing Sandra.
CHRIS
Hey break it up and find a room, you two.
IRIS
Listen, guys. Gotta turn in early tonight, and Chris offered to drop me off at home.
STEVE
Sure, sure, guys. You drive carefully, Chris.
CHRIS
I’m not drunk, you shallow-minded man!
IRIS
See you tomorrow, guys.
SANDRA
You take care, love. And live free, ok?
Chris and Iris head for the stairs, and disappear in the throng of bodies.
EPISODE 8
Chris is driving. Iris is sitting beside him, leaning back in her seat, half-turned towards him.
The CD track changes, and soon R. Kelly is singing WHEN A WOMAN LOVES.
IRIS
Awwww, this song kills me! Just like an old school song, but rendered with such passion.
CHRIS
I love it too, but then again, I guess women are beginning to love with a lot more reservation than he espouses, don’t you think?
IRIS
Yes, of course, and it is because you men are becoming more and more like sharks instead of human beings!
CHRIS
Wow, that hurt, lady.
Iris begins to speak, but Chris is turning into her driveway. He honks shortly, and soon afterwards the huge gates are opened by a tall lanky security guard.
Chris drives through. The house is a beautiful edifice.
CHRIS
Your house never ceases to impress me. It is beautiful.
IRIS
I like beautiful things, like this dress you designed for me. I think you’re going places, Chris. Elaine told me about the South African move, and although I was very happy for the two of you, it filled me with sadness too.
CHRIS
Sadness? Why, because you might not be seeing Elaine regularly?
IRIS
Nope. More like because I will not be seeing you again. You’re growing in me, Chris.
Chris gets out of the car and goes round the car, and their eyes meet and hold.
Suddenly Chris stops. He looks dismayed.
CHRIS
What am I doing? I’m supposed to drop you off and head back home, aren’t I?
IRIS
Yes, Chris. Since the last time I tried to kiss you in my room … about five months ago, right? You’ve never come to my house again. You know, when we were dancing, YOU almost kissed me. I could feel it. Something is happening to you, boy. Are you unhappy? Are you getting cold feet over the move to South Africa, or the wedding? Is Elaine treating you bad?
CHRIS
No, darling. I’m perfectly alright. Just a little bit vulnerable, I guess.
IRIS
Want to come inside for a while and talk about it?
CHRIS
Iris, dear, you just broke off from a relationship, and you’re vulnerable. I feel very weak emotionally right now because my mind has been forced to dwell on memories that hurt. The combination does not augur well for us to be together at this time.
Iris smiles and raises a hand to Chris’ right cheek, touching him gently.
IRIS
You know, this is the first time you’ve ever admitted that you find me attractive, Chris. I must admit that I don’t have the kind of inhibitions most girls have. Not that I go around seducing the boyfriends of my friends, but you’ve been a particular challenge to me. I can make love to you, Chris, right now. It will fulfil a need, and a curiosity. It will not make me feel like I’ve betrayed a friend. But you, I don’t know.
CHRIS
You were hurt when you found Jack making love to another woman. What will Elaine feel if she finds out you and I betrayed her?
IRIS
I was hurt, yes, but I think I was even more relieved. Right now, being with you, I don’t feel sad anymore. Maybe I didn’t love him as much as I thought.
CHRIS
Listen, Iris. I don’t want to go home now and be alone. I want to rest a while, with someone I’m comfortable with. You promise me I can trust you, and I will spend a little more time with you, okay. I do need a friend right now.
IRIS
I promise, Chris. You can even tie me up if you want.
They both laugh softly. They enter a luxurious living-room. Chris takes off his coat and loosens his tie. He flops into a huge, beautiful sofa.
IRIS
I will be with you soon, darling.
CHRIS
Yeah, okay. I’ll be right here.
The lights are soft. Chris looks comfortable as he kicks off his shoes and stretches out fully in the sofa.
He dozes off. He wakes with a start. Iris is lying beside him. She is in a stunning negligee that stops just short of her hips.
She is so close, and she is drop-dead beautiful.
IRIS
Remember this outfit? It is the first of your designs that I purchased.
CHRIS
Iris, please…
Iris only leans forward and covers his lips with hers.
Chris groans.
He tries to push her away but his hands find her firm, proud breasts.
With another groan he crushes her to his chest and kisses her with abandon. She moans deep in her throat.
IRIS
Oh, Chris, Chris…
Her hands are all over him. She rips his tie off, and flings his shirt off his shoulders.
His hands are under her negligee, exploring her smooth skin that feels like silk.
She moans deeply, flinging a thigh across his hips, giving his roving fingers access to her moist loins.
Her fingers dive into his trousers, fondling his engorged, throbbing manhood.
Suddenly, with a huge groan he rolls her over, pauses, and then jackknifes off her body.
His trouser zip is undone, and he is naked upwards. He zips up, still looking down at her unbelievable beauty.
His face is screwed tight, and her eyes follow him, still glazed with passion.
He turns away and walks unsteadily towards the huge French windows. He opens it and steps unto the balcony.
Soon Iris comes up behind him. She has pulled on a fluffy bathrobe, belted, but she still looks incredibly delectable.
CHRIS
Sorry, love.
IRIS
My loss, but it’s okay. At least I got you to kiss me with real passion. I have always wondered how it would feel like to be desired by you. I guess I wasn’t disappointed. I’ll tell you what, no man has ever been able to spurn me, but you’ve done it thrice. I’m now convinced you’re incorruptible. You’re the kind of man all women dream of, but only a few lucky ones find. You’re the only thing Elaine has that I’m jealous of. You are principled, and I really admire that.
CHRIS
You wouldn’t believe it, Iris, but I didn’t stop because of principles.
IRIS
You didn’t want to hurt Elaine? Is that it? But that also boils down to a matter of principles, doesn’t it?
CHRIS
No. I didn’t even think of Elaine. Hell, I wanted to make love to you, and terrible as it might sound, it isn’t the fact that I might be hurting Elaine that stopped me.
IRIS
Not Elaine, and not your holy principles either. And earlier on there was this small-boy-lost look in your eyes. I’m curious, Chris.
CHRIS
I only stopped because four years ago, a woman I was deeply in love with tried to seduce my best friend. I hated her for it, and if I had made love to you, my hatred wouldn’t be justified, would it?
Iris sits down on a fluffy balcony sofa. She crosses her legs and looks at him deeply.
IRIS
Never knew there ever has been another woman you really loved apart from Elaine. She always tells me yours has been a perfect love from the onset. Your parents fixed it, you grew up loving each other, and you have never loved anyone else. Now you’re telling me something different.
Chris sits down beside her and extends his legs. His laugh is like a bark.
CHRIS
Yes, Elaine and I grew up thinking we were the perfect couple, but there was another woman who took my heart and ripped it into pieces! It was a nightmare I almost didn’t wake up from.
I’ll tell you about her; she lived in an orphanage, and I met her on my way to Accra from Takoradi. She had been in a motor accident…
EPISODE 9
Chris finished telling Iris about how he met Effe and how he was forced to take her with him to Takoradi and eventually giving her to the Opoku’s to take charge of her.
He also filled Iris in on how he had seen her frequently because he was attracted to her.
Chris then goes on to tell the enraptured Iris snippets of how Effe eventually captured his heart.
FLASHBACK 1
THE OPOKU RESIDENCE – AFTERNOON
There is a party going on at the Opoku residence.
Mr. and Mrs. Opoku are in white attires. Effe is looking absolutely breath-taking in the white dress Chris had bought for her in Accra.
There is a long table of assorted food, and a well-stocked bar area.
When Mr. Opoku stands up, the music stops and all eyes are drawn to him. He is holding a glass of sparkling champagne.
OPOKU
I will like to propose a toast, please.
Effe turns in her seat and her eyes meet Chris’. She smiles warmly. Chris smiles back.
OPOKU
My lovely wife and I have been married for precisely twenty years. God, being the wise ruler He is, thought it best not to bless us with any children, and we thanked Him for that. But believe me, it has not been easy. Being wealthy in Africa, and having no kids, is a great wahala, and you all know it!
There is a general burst of laughter and brief applause.
OPOKU
And then, out of the blue, a handsome young man knocked on our door one evening. His name is Chris Bawa. Most of you know him, yes, the same Chris Bawa who is the General Manager of The Focus Supermarket. He brought a sweet young girl called Effe to us. That was almost a year ago. We accepted Effe into our home, and we finally understood why God never let us have a child.
There is a pregnant silence as Mr. Opoku turns round and stares at Effe for several seconds with a deep loving expression on his face. He turns and faces the crowd once more.
OPOKU
Effe brought not only joy and fulfilment to our home, but she fitted in so perfectly. She is the child we never had. She has woven pure magic into our hearts, and bonded us with a love we’ve never felt before. Yesterday being our twentieth anniversary, we had no greater gift than to adopt her. That sweet girl is now Effe Kedem Opoku, our dearest daughter!
There is a standing ovation. Mrs. Opoku embraces Effe. Mr. Opoku wipes tears from his eyes and raises his glass.
OPOKU
To Effe, my cherished daughter!
CROWD
To Effe!
Mr. Opoku turns and beckons to his family.
Effe and Mrs. Opoku join him with their glasses. Mr. Opoku gestures wildly to Chris to join them.
Chris descends, and Mr. Opoku shakes his hand vigorously. They take a sip from their glasses.
The music starts up again and Mr. Opoku leads Effe to the dance floor amidst cheers and cries from the crowd.
Mrs. Opoku turns to Chris, and she has tears in her eyes.
MRS. OPOKU
Chris, thank you so much for bringing such an angel into our lives!
CHRIS
The joy is all mine, Mrs. Opoku. Come on, let’s dance!
Chris takes her hand although she protests a bit, and they start to dance next to Effe and Mr. Opoku who turns to Chris.
OPOKU:
Can I dance with my wife?
Laughing, Chris leaves Mrs. Opoku, turns and faces Effe. She is smiling, and there are tears on her face.
He takes both of her hands. She speaks in an unsteady voice.
EFFE
Oh, Chris. Thank you so much! I’m so happy I feel as if I will burst with happiness!
CHRIS
You’re beautiful, Effe!
She exhales sharply, and her eyes become very bright. They stare at each other for a significantly long period.
Chris draws her into his arms. They start to dance slowly, eyes still locked.
Chris drops his hands to Effe’s waist. She looks startled, but she places her hands on his shoulders. His breathing comes hard. Just then Steve breaks in.
STEVE
Hey, selfish boy, can I have a dance with the sweet girl too?
Chris steps back, and they both look at Steve.
CHRIS
Oh, I almost forgot to introduce you. Effe, this is my best friend, Steve Hollison. Steve, meet Effe Kedem Opoku.
Smiling, Steve shakes Effe’s hand.
STEVE
Hello, Effe. I’ve heard so much about you, but I really didn’t picture you this beautiful!
EFFE
Chris also told me a lot about you. Pleased to meet you.
STEVE
Come on, dance with me, sunshine!
Chris chuckles and leaves them. He walks a little bit away, turns, and finds her eyes still following him.
He smiles, and she also smiles across Steve’s shoulder.
Chris speaks softly to himself.
CHRIS
Effe Kedem Opoku! You’re getting into my blood, girl!
Later, Chris is sitting at the high table. A well-dressed attendant approaches with a laden tray of assorted foods and sets it down in front of him.
CHRIS
Wow, man, how am I supposed to eat all that?
A hand falls across his shoulder, and he turns. It is Mrs. Opoku, and there is a huge smile on his face.
MRS. OPOKU
Eat, Chris. Don’t you know that you’re the Prince of our world? You have turned our hell into a blissful heaven.
CHRIS
You accepted an unknown girl into your house, Ma’am. It is God’s blessing to you. I was just a channel!
MRS. OPOKU
But God chose you to bless us, and that’s why our home shall always be yours. Go on, eat! That is a special food. Effe prepared it for you, my dear!
He looks across at the dance floor. Effe is trying to disengage herself from Steve, but he is holding on, and both of them are laughing.
Chris shakes his head, smiles briefly, and reaches for a fork and a knife.
Mrs. Opoku tucks a perfumed white napkin into his collar, and both of them laugh.
MRS. OPOKU
Thank you, Chris Bawa.
CHRIS
You’re welcome, Madam.
Chris begins to eat. The food is evidently delicious, because he swirls it around his mouth with obvious relish. The voice of Steve bursts in suddenly.
STEVE
Well, that’s what I call a lion’s share! I’ll be damned!
Chris looks up and chuckles when he sees Steve holding a single plate laden with food he has scooped from the buffet table.
CHRIS
Man, put that midget’s share aside and entertain your taste buds from my plate.
Steve sits down, picks up a fork and digs in. They eat in silence for a while, and then Steve leans back and regards Chris with a dead pan expression.
STEVE
She cooked this, right?
CHRIS
Who?
STEVE:
Stop mocking me. You know who!
CHRIS
Yeah. Effe cooked it. Best morsel your palate ever flirted with, right?
Steve carefully lays his fork down and picks up a glass. He pours red grape wine into it, swirls it in an absent-minded manner, and then he takes a long draw from it.
STEVE
She’s extremely beautiful, Chris. Won’t lie to you about that. Turns out she’s also an excellent cook. You’ve been blabbing about her nonstop ever since she came here. You hitting on her?
CHRIS
Ain’t hitting nothing. I helped her, she now has a great family. We’re like siblings, man.
STEVE
Siblings my foot. I saw the way you guys were looking at each other, bro. You’re going in deep, and I’m worried.
CHRIS:
Worried about?
STEVE
Stop hedging, Chris. We always shoot straight with each other. I’m worried because you’re in a relationship with Elaine, a relationship that has gone really far, man. Your parents are aware of what’s going down. Now, Elaine doesn’t know you’ve brought this angel to town, and it seems to me you’ve gone to great lengths to keep Elaine and Effe apart.
CHRIS
Your point being?
STEVE
My point being that it is not healthy, man. I would’ve been more comfortable if you’ve told your mother and Elaine about Effe. I’m your brother, Chris. If you feel something for Effe, come clean with Elaine and her parents. Your mother too deserves to know. These things shouldn’t be hidden, man. They have a tendency for blowing up, and believe me they do cause a mess when they do!
CHRIS
Thanks, bro. I’ve been confused for a while, I admit that. See, I’ve always been comfortable with Elaine. She’s no angel, and I’m no God, but we’ve managed to get something going. Maybe it’s because her mother and mine feel so strongly about the whole thing, but being with Effe is different, man. She’s beginning to bring out feelings I’ve never had for any woman, and frankly it’s been scaring me. But thanks, I’ll try and put my act in order, okay?
Steve nods, and then reaches out and pats Chris’ shoulder gently.
STEVE
Let’s enjoy this food. Damn, she can cook! No wonder she’s driving you bonkers.
CHRIS
She grows in a man’s blood, man, she sure does!
FLASHBACK 2
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Chris and Effe are at the beach, sitting under coconut trees. There are drinks, flasks and paper plates around them.
They laugh happily and walk hand-in-hand on the seashore. Chris chases Effe around and plants a kiss on her cheeks when he catches her.
They face the horizon with the sun behind them.
Chris is opening a car door for Effe, touching her hand as she enters, laughing into her eyes as he closes the door.
He reaches across to hold her hand as he drives and she turns to him, startled, glances at their clasped hands, and demurely looks out the window.
Now Chris showing Effe around his huge supermarket. There is a charged moment when she turns round and finds him standing just behind her.
He reaches out to steady her, she puts her hands on his shoulders, and for a moment they stay like that, caught in the electric moment of awareness.
Chris and Effe are seen eating at a plush restaurant. She is sitting across from him.
Her hair is tied back in a ponytail. He gets up, walks behind her chair, and slowly removes the hair band.
He straightens her hair, walks round, notices a lock of stubborn hair across her brow, extends a forefinger and gently rolls the hair over her right ear.
She is staring, other people are staring. There is deep silence between them in the restaurant.
He sits down without looking at her, but her eyes are huge and her face is holding a tender loving expression as she looks at him.
Chris now seen ringing a doorbell, and Mrs. Opoku opens the door.
Chris laughs with her, and Effe joins them. They run to Chris’ car, and wave to Mrs. Opoku. They get in and drive away, leaving the Opoku residence behind.
Chris driving back in. It is night, the sky dark. Chris walks Effe to the door.
She hesitates and then shyly hands him a small parcel.
He peels off the wrapping and finds a small box.
He opens it and finds a beautiful silver wrist bracelet. Chris is evidently quite taken aback.
Wordlessly he drapes it around his right wrist and locks it, and then he leans over and kisses her right cheek.
She closes her eyes, and as he steps back she quickly opens the door and enters, closing it behind her.
She is seen leaning her back against the door. On the other side of the door Chris presses his forehead against the door.
And then, after sometime, he turns and walks heavily to the car…
EPISODE 10
FLASHBACK 3
BAWA RESIDENCE – EVENING
Chris emerges from his bathroom dressed in black trousers, shoes and an unbuttoned pink shirt.
He hums a love ballad as he fixes his cuff links. His door opens, and his mother enters.
She is a buxom elderly beauty, and that morning she is dressed in a fetching kaba and slit design with a matching headgear.
She is holding a golden bracelet.
MADAM LOIS
Dear, can you fix this for me?
Chris takes the bracelet. She extends her wrist and he fixes it.
MADAM LOIS
Are we running late? You better hurry up. You know how anxious Ruth can be when we’re late to her dinners. It won’t do to start displeasing your mother-in-law so early.
Chris chuckles as he begins to button his shirt. He tucks in, and smiles again as his mother inspect herself in his huge mirror.
MADAM LOIS
How does your mother look, my son?
CHRIS
As beautiful as ever, Mom. You’re always beautiful.
MADAM LOIS
(smiles happily, turns and busses both his cheeks.)
Hurry up then, my love. I’ll be waiting for you in the living-room.
She leaves the room, and the smile disappears from Chris face.
He knots his tie absent-mindedly, and just then his phone rings. He speaks in a distressed whisper.
CHRIS
Oh, Effe. My dear, sorry for breaking off our date tonight. So sorry!
He picks up the phone and stares at it for a long time even after it has stopped ringing.
He sighs, and then he quickly sends a text message to Effe to the effect that some uncontrollable situation has arisen and he cannot see her that night.
And then he switches off his phone. He descends to the living-room and finds his mother watching a sermon on television.
She reaches for the remote control and switches off the television.
MADAM LOIS
You look so handsome, my son. Your future-in-laws would be happy as always. I think Elaine has got the most handsome man in the world for a husband.
CHRIS
You do know how to make a man feel good, Mom. Thanks.
Putting his right arm around his mother, Chris steers her out of the door.
BOATENG’S RESIDENCE – NIGHT
The Boateng compound is filled with people. Chris and his mother are met by a well-dressed attendant and escorted through a side door to the garden.
Beautiful chairs and tables are arranged nicely on the lush green grass.
There is a lovely glass-topped dining-table in the middle, and this has five high-backed excellently-crafted chairs behind it.
The guests were either sitting down or standing. They are holding drinks and munching on sweet pastries.
Chris surveys the sizeable crowd with dismay on his face.
MADAM LOIS
What’s it, dear? It looks like you’ve seen a ghost.
CHRIS
I thought it was going to be a quiet evening, with us as the only guests. Didn’t know it’s a house party.
MADAM LOIS
Oh, Chris, stop being so dramatic. You know Ruth likes to do things in style. Anyway, they’re also celebrating twenty-five years of marriage and invited a few friends.
CHRIS
And you didn’t tell me? I remember you telling me they invited only us, and how inappropriate it would be if I didn’t come?
MADAM LOIS
You didn’t want to come, dear. I was sure if you had known it was a get-together you would’ve stayed away.
CHRIS
I had other plans, Mom.
MADAM LOIS
It’s okay, son. You had to be here. Elaine came from Accra just to be with you, and it seems to me that your plans doesn’t include her nowadays. Secondly, it is her parents’ anniversary and you should be here. Look, drop it for now. Let’s join them.
Chris still looks angry. Mrs. Ruth Boateng joins them and speaks happily.
RUTH
Lois, my sweetest, welcome!
She hugs her friend warmly.
MR. BOATENG
(Holding a glass of wine approaches and extends a hand to Chris.)
Chris, my boy, you do look great tonight! Welcome, welcome!
RUTH
Come on, come on. You’re sitting with us on the high table. We were just waiting for you. Now where’s Elaine?
Madam Lois gives Chris a meaningful look as she follows the couple into the garden.
Chris follows them. Suddenly his arm is gripped hard from behind and he turns.
It is Steve, dressed in an excellent tuxedo. Chris’ face lights up with pleasure immediately.
CHRIS
What the dilly-yoo, man! What’s gwan? Thought you were with your latest catch, what’s her name, Mimi? Didn’t you tell me you’re putting the works on her tonight?
STEVE
Dog that broad. Turns out she’s dating a damn cop, and he’s an Inspector-General or something like that. Almost got my cheeks ripped off when that fat cow followed her to my ghetto last night.
CHRIS
Been telling you to simmer down, Romeo. You’re gonna get your butt roasted if you keep chasing the pretty skirts.
STEVE
Let me worry about my problems. You’ve got one huge bomb on your hands right now, dude.
CHRIS
Spill it.
STEVE
Let’s set the parameters first, dude. Now, have you told Effe about Elaine?
CHRIS
No. I planned to do that this night, but then the old lady kinda forced me to cancel out on Effe and come here instead.
STEVE
And of course Elaine doesn’t know you are now dating Effe.
CHRIS
I am not dating Effe, dude. To her we’re just good friends.
STEVE
And to you?
CHRIS
I’ll tell you this, because you’re more than a brother to me. I think I’ve fallen in love with Effe.
Steve looks staggered. He empties his glass and beckons to a waiter holding a tray.
He puts his empty glass on the tray and picks a new drink.
STEVE
Boy, you’re trying to look down the neck of a bottle with both eyes, and one of your eyes is sure to pop if you continue playing around like that.
CHRIS
Hey, belt it. I’m trying to get my act together and find a way out.
STEVE
Then you better find an excuse and leave here right now, or you’re gonna get burned.
CHRIS
What the heck are you talking about?
STEVE
Effe is here.
CHRIS
(stunned, gapes at his friend without speaking for a moment.)
What?
STEVE
You heard me right. Effe is right here with her father.
CHRIS
Oh Lord, no. You kidding me, right?
STEVE
Never been more serious in my life.
CHRIS
Oh, grapes! This is bad, really bad! But how did that happen? Why are they here?
STEVE
I spoke to her. Small world, see? That’s why I’m always telling you to get your shit together. Turns out Mr. Opoku and Mr. Boateng, your two fathers-in-law, for now, shared the same dormitory at the university, and they were both SRC executives. They got together on Facebook, and Mr. Boateng invited his old friend here to the party. Unknown to each of them, you’re banging both their daughters.
CHRIS
Cut the rot, man, I’m up to my neck here in some bad trouble. Why the hell didn’t you call me when you found out?
STEVE
(Steve half-empties his glass and points a stiff forefinger at Chris.)
Tried a zillion times. Your phone was on vacation in the Bahamas, you fool. First rule in the Player’s Basic Book of Survival is this: never switch off your damn phone!
CHRIS
My phone was off? Oh, yeah, when I sent Effe a text message I switched it off. Damn!
STEVE
And speaking of trouble, here comes the first salvo, dude.
Chris turns. Elaine is walking towards him smiling happily.
ELAINE
My Prince finally decided to come wake me up with a kiss.
She puts her arms around his neck and holds him tight.
ELAINE
Chris, my breath. I missed you so much.
CHRIS
Elly. You look beautiful.
She draws his head down and brushes his lips with hers.
ELAINE
Lord, I’ve missed you, wrestler. Wish we could disappear into my room for a while. My body aches for your bullying.
CHRIS
Behave, darling. People are watching.
He steps back, and his eyes automatically searches for people who have seen their show of affection.
Standing a few inches behind Elaine is Effe. Steve is standing beside her. Steve shrugs and shakes his head sadly.
Effe looks so devastated. She looks at Elaine, then at Chris, then back to Elaine.
There is sudden pain on Chris’ face.
To Be Continued…
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