The Wedding of My Ex romance continues…
AARON ANSAH-AGYEMAN
WEDDING OF MY EX
EPISODE 16
OCEAN FRONT HOTEL
Chris is seen parking his car several meters away from the entrance of the Ocean Front Hotel.
He gets out, and Afful appears at his side. They begin to talk, and Afful glances furtively over his shoulder, and quickly directs Chris half-way round the hotel, and they enter through a small side door.
Afful opens another door, and Chris finds himself on a landing that has steel door marked SECURITY.
Afful taps twice, and the door is opened by a hulk of a man. He is wearing a dark green military uniform, black boots and a cap.
AFFUL
Captain, this is the friend I was telling you about. Chris, meet Captain Bosomtwe. He is the Head of Security here.
CAPTAIN
Come in then.
The two of them are now in the garden. Chris enters a most impressive security room.
It has about thirty CCT screens, arranged in three arced rows. There are some gadgets connected to computers all around and emitting beeping sounds.
The Captain indicates a high-backed chair facing the screens and Chris sits down tentatively.
The Captain stands beside Chris, and then he punches a few buttons on the huge keyboard-like control pad lying on the desk.
The screen directly in front of Chris zooms outward, giving Chris a fully-coloured close-up of an aged man and a woman.
They are sitting side-by-side on a garden bench. The man is speaking, and the woman is listening attentively.
He is holding one of her hands in both of his.
He is in a suit, and their heads are so close together that it appears they are kissing.
They sits up, and Chris has a direct look at her.
She is Effe.
CHRIS
Oh, Lord, no!
Chris’ face screws up with pain. For a moment it looks as if he is going to faint.
CAPTAIN
The man checked in last night as Joshua Darkwa. He spent the whole night in there, and the whole of the morning. He left late afternoon today and came back with the lady. And he is in Room 209.
Chris watches as Effe lifts a hand and smoothes the old man’s hair in a blatant gesture of affection and the man responds by rubbing her right cheek gently.
With trembling fingers Chris brings out his mobile phone and calls Effe.
Chris watches as Effe picks up her handbag and rummages inside. She brings out her mobile phone and stares at the screen for a moment.
AFFUL
(alarmed)
What’re you doing, man? Don’t let her know you’re here! Don’t give the game away, because there’s more you have to know!
CAPTAIN
Leave the man alone, Jon. Can’t you see he’s hurting bad?
Effe allows the phone to ring through without picking the call.
Chris redials.
On the screen he sees the old man urging Effe to pick the call.
EFFE
Hello, my love.
CHRIS
(voice unsteady.)
Angel, are you home yet?
EFFE
What’s wrong, honey? Your voice sounds strange. Are you okay?
Chris closes his eyes and takes fast breaths in an obvious attempt to remain cool.
CHRIS
Oh, I’m fine. Just checking to know if you’re through with the pastor.
EFFE
I’m almost through, my love, and I’ll be going home soon.
His tortured eyes grow into enraged slits as he stares at the screen.
His jaw works tightly as he breathes hard.
Afful touches his arm and shakes his head with concern, warning him not to give the game away.
EFFR
Hello, my love. You still there?
CHRIS
Yeah, yeah, Angel. Okay, you take care then. Will see you tomorrow, right?
EFFE
Yes, my dearest. Have a good night then. I love you!
Chris cuts the call and shakes his head numbly as he watches Effe.
She looks worried, but the old man pats the back of her hand, and presently they both stand up.
They hold hands as they walk out of range of the camera, but the Captain indicates another screen, and a moment later Effe and Joshua Darkwa are seen entering the main reception area of the hotel.
The Captain indicates a third screen. This camera is a shot of a corridor, and the Captain punches some dials on his control board.
The angle of the camera rotates and fixes on a door marked 209.
CAPTAIN
I’m sorry, young man, but I think they’re headed here now.
Chris’ hands are clenched very tightly. Effe and the old man soon appear on the screen in front of Room 209.
The man opens the door, and the two of them slip inside. The door shuts.
Chris is breathing hard as he throws his head back to stem the flow of his tears.
CAPTAIN
I’m sorry.
CHRIS
Can I stay here for a while?
CAPTAIN
Sure, sure. I’ll go out for my routine checks now.
He leaves the room, and Afful takes out one of his foul-smelling cigarettes.
CHRIS
No, man, don’t smoke that in here. I can’t take it.
AFFUL
But I can take it, Romeo. And anyway, the scent of my smoke is the last thing you must be worried about now, because, as we speak, that pussy you’re waiting to enjoy on your wedding night is being hammered right now by an old bugger!
In a flash Chris is out of his chair. With his right hand he knocks the cigarette out of Afful’s hand and grabs the fat man’s lapels in his left hand.
His voice is filled with fury as he addresses Afful.
CHRIS
You shut your foul mouth. You don’t want me cutting you up to pieces now, and believe me, nothing in the world will give me more pleasure!
AFFUL
(holds up his hands in a supplicatory manner.)
Easy, man, easy.
Chris holds him a moment longer, and then he pushes the man away with disgust and begins to walk towards the door.
AFFUL
I don’t think you can take any more shocks, Romeo.
CHRIS
There’s more?
AFFUL
There’s worse. If you confront that girl now, Chris, you’ll never know what she’s really capable of.
CHRIS
But I can’t take it anymore! I’m dying in here! I have to speak to her!
AFFUL
I understand, but you have to get the whole picture first, man. If your girl leaves here, tonight, she’s not going home. I can show you where she’ll be headed next, and believe me, it will blast out your heart. Can you take it? Can you be man enough to wait?
CHRIS
Oh, God, oh dear sweet God. Oh, Effe, what are you doing to me?
He drops to his knees in front of the huge chair and puts his face in the chair.
He grips the arms of the chair tightly, and his body begins to shake uncontrollably.
Chris waits at the hotel for three hours. Chris moves up and down, and he looks deeply agitated.
Afful and the Captain sit still, looking at him intently. The Captain speaks.
CAPTAIN
The door is opening. I think they’re done.
Chris bolts upwards and stares at the CCT screens. The door of Room 209 opens fully, and Effe and Darkwa walk out.
The old man is now wearing trousers and a white T-shirt. They embrace quickly, and then Effe turns and walks away.
Joshua looks after her, and then he makes a victorious sign by punching the air with his right fist. He turns and enters the room, and the door closes.
With a groan Chris dashes to the door. He grabs the handle, but Afful runs at him and grabs his arm tightly.
AFFUL
No, man, nooo! Don’t confront her now! There are more things you got to know!
Chris punches Afful, sending him sprawling. Frantically he tries the door again, and this time it opens.
He begins to pull it open, but suddenly Captain Bosomtwe is on him, pulling him back.
Chris shrugs free and pushes the Captain against the door, causing it to slam shut again.
He clamps an arm against the throat of the Captain.
CHRIS
(in an enraged voice)
You keep the hell away from me? I’m going out there to speak to my woman, and I swear by my father’s grave that if you try to stop me, I’ll kill you!
He hurls the Captain away, and reaches for the door knob.
Afful, still rubbing his jaw, reaches into his coat and brandishes a pistol and points it at Chris.
AFFUL
Calm down, you inexperienced fool. Just calm down, or I swear you’ll force me to use this!
CHRIS
Go right ahead and shoot! Shoot now, or I swear I’ll take that gun from you and stick it up your ass so deeply that it’ll replace your twisted backbone!
Afful’s face is filled with fear now. His hands tremble, and he licks his fat lips apprehensively.
He shoves the gun into his belt and raises his hands.
AFFUL
Okay, Romeo, if that’s how you want to play it, fine!
CHRIS
That’s exactly how I wanna play it, punk!
AFFUL
Your girl defamed me, and made me lose my job. I only want you to know the truth about her, and although I know the truth hurts, you got a right to know.
CHRIS
Then why are you stopping me from speaking to her?
AFFUL
I was stopping you because the whole truth hasn’t come out yet. If you confront her now she can deny all the charges. I want you to witness her shame in reality.
Chris ignores him. He opens the door and begins to step out.
AFFUL
Your fiancee is a stripper!
Chris freezes.
He grips the door handle tightly, and his teeth grate together with uncontrolled wrath.
He rushes at Afful and slaps him across the mouth. Afful crashes to the floor, and blood spurts from his mouth and nose.
CAPTAIN
Hey, man, stop that nonsense! Stop it right now or I’ll have my men tear you to pieces.
Chris does not look at the Captain. He pulls Afful to his feet and draws back his right fist to smash the man’s face in.
Afful, voice brimming with fear, begins to speak quickly.
AFFUL
It is true! It is true! She is not going home! She goes to the Gentlemen’s Perk nightclub three days in a week. Now brace yourself for this, she strips, and men fondle her. Right now she is not going home! She is headed for the nightclub to make more money as a whore!
CHRIS
(screaming in agony)
YOU BLOODY MOTHERFUCKING LIAR!
AFFUL
Then let me show you! If you doubt me postpone this beating till we go to the nightclub right now, and then you’ll know for real! Let’s go right now!
With a roar of pain Chris flings Afful away from him with distaste. Chris falls to his knees and doubles over, clutching his stomach tightly.
CHRIS
Effe, oh Effe! EFFFEEEE! WHY’RE YOU DOING THIS TO ME? WHY’RE YOU KILLING THIS HEART?
Chris and Afful leave the Ocean Front Hotel in Chris’s car. Afful is driving, and Chris takes out his phone.
AFFUL
What the heck are you doing now? Still calling her?
CHRIS
Shut the hell up and drive.
He dials and listens.
CHRIS
Hello, Steve boy. Look, pal, I can’t be at home tonight, okay? Something cropped up. Will tell you about it tomorrow. Just listen, man!
He listens for a while again.
CHRIS
Look, simmer down, okay? I’ll tell you about it tomorrow as I said. Listen, I think my house is not locked down well, and last night the security guy called in sick. Think you can go sleep at my place for me? Will be in tomorrow morning, I promise. Thanks, man. I owe you one. Goodbye.
EPISODE 17
WEDDING OF MY EX
THE GENTLEMEN’S PERK NIGHTCLUB
Afful turns into a wide driveway, and is stopped by three gun-wielding guards.
Afful winds down the window and pokes out his head. The guards recognize him instantly gestures to him to drive through.
They park the car and get out. Chris looks around; his face looks pained.
AFFUL
This way, Romeo. I took great pains to become a member just for this day. I tell you this; it is mighty expensive being a gold card member of this club.
Chris looks shocked. Afful takes him through glass sliding doors, down a big lighted corridor filled with well-dressed people.
He leads him to a door marked PRIVATE, manned by two of the biggest muscle-bound men Chris has ever seen.
They are in black suits and sunglasses. Afful produces a membership card.
SECURITY MAN
No need for that, Sir. We need to see your friend’s card!
AFFUL
Oh, he’s a special invite. I’m introducing him so … free pass!
The men do not smile, but again the other one who has not spoken steps forward and gives Chris a thorough check.
They let them through and enter a large, dimly-lit room filled with a lot of men.
AFFUL
Look at the great and mighty people queuing to watch sex shows and nude ladies. They are decadent souls, aren’t they?
Chris does not speak. He watches as approaches a ticketing window and comes back with two passes.
AFFUL
This is very expensive, man. You can’t believe just how much I paid to watch Sighing Sparrow. Oh, forgive me, that’s Effe’s stage name. Here, take a look at your pass.
With trembling hands Chris looks at his pass. It is a pass for a one hour show with Sighing Sparrow and friends.
And below the lettering, is a bust portrait of Effe. She looks beautiful and exotic, and she is naked to her shoulders; the tops of her breasts are also naked.
Chris trembles violently. He speaks in a totally dejected voice.
CHRIS
Oh, God, no!
Chris is directed through a glass door to a dimly-lit private viewing room.
There are high comfortable stools with back-rests and arced glass-topped tables.
Young women barely out of their teens and wearing air-hostess caps, short white skirts with matching long boots and skimpy bras walk from table to table, offering drinks.
AFFUL
There are a lot of viewing rooms, some replete with beds, housing the filthy rich who can afford a bed and a mate. The amount of screwing that goes on here cannot be matched by the Hollywood porn industry.
Chris notices that there is a performing stage, which is lighted and which now shows a very buxom white lady performing a striptease.
She is wearing only a pink G-String, and making lewd pumping actions with her crotch towards the men.
AFFUL
Mind you, the girls here are paid well. Effe is making a lot of…
CHRIS
(voice is vicious and filled with murder.)
One more mention of Effe’s name and I’ll kill you, Afful!
The white lady eventually peels her panties down her legs in a sexy way, and kicks it into the audience.
Now naked, she struts on the platform, gyrating her hips and presenting her privates to the ogling men.
She walks off the stage to loud applause and lewd remarks.
The lights dim, and when they come back on Afful speaks excitedly.
AFFUL
Yeah, man, that’s my favorite girl! Sighing Sparrow in the flesh!
Chris bolts upright, and screams silently. His face contorts into ugly lines of deep pain.
Effe is on the stage. Her face is nicely made-up. She looks really stunning. She is wearing white panties and a matchng white brassiere.
On her head is a white cowboy hat, and her feet are adorned with white knee-length high-heeled boots.
Her lips are painted red, and she is doing a very sexy dance, gyrating her body in a lustful fashion and winding her behind in a most captivating way.
The men peel off Cedi notes and throw them unto the stage. It seems that Effe is a very popular performer.
Her hat comes off first, and this she throws into the crowd.
She continues to dance, and now she turns her back to the crowd and opens her brassiere hooks, and takes it off.
Still gyrating, she looks over her shoulder at the engrossed men, and then she turns slowly, her hands covering her lovely breasts.
She steps forward, bows, and suddenly her hands drop, and there she stands, exposing her breasts.
CHRIS
(in a whisper of agony.)
No, oh dear sweet Lord, Effe, oh no!
He jumps up and runs towards the stage.
AFFUL
(fiercely)
Chris, no, stop! Don’t do that!
He tries to hold Chris back, but Chris chops him across the throat with the edge of his open right palm and Afful falls down, gagging for air.
Chris is pushing people out of his way and running across the tables, sending plates, glasses and bottles flying.
People are screaming. Some try to stop him, but he punches them away.
On the stage Effe has kicked off her boots and her thumbs are now hooked into the straps of her G-String, ready to pull it down.
She is now fixed, staring with horror at Chris charging down towards her.
She covers her breasts, and then she turns and runs towards a door at the back of the stage. Chris lets out a fearsome yell.
CHRIS
Effeeee! Don’t run, you snake! I’m gonna kill you!
Somebody grabs a wine bottle and attempts to brain Chris, but it misses his head and smashes painfully into his shoulder.
With a yell of fury Chris turns and slams a fist into the man’s face, the man screams.
Chris jumps unto the stage. Effe is almost at the door.
CHRIS
Efffeeeee! Stop right there!
Chris runs after her, but suddenly two muscle-bound men in black tuxedos emerge from the door and bear down on Chris.
Two more bouncers climbed in from behind him
One lunges at Chris, catching him behind the knees and bringing him down hard unto the hard stage.
In a flash they are on him, raining hard blows on him. Chris can hear Effe’s shrill screams.
EFFE
No! Don’t hurt him! Stop it, please! Don’t hurt him!
Chris is aware of being lifted off the stage, and his phone falls down though he does not notice.
He does not struggle. They carry him out of the nightclub and hurl him into the air, and he falls down hard on the concrete.
He groans, and tastes blood in his mouth.
SECURITY MAN
You keep outta this place. You show your ugly mug here again, we will stomp all over you, asshole!
Chris struggles to a sitting position. He realizes that they have brought him to the car park, and thrown him against his own car.
A shadow crosses his vision, and looks up warily. It is Afful. He is holding his throat where Chris has chopped him.
AFFUL
(speaking with pain.)
I guess our business is done, Romeo. I hope you realize now that getting me fired wasn’t worth it because your girl, the angel you thought you had, is nothing but a devil to the core. Taking the wool off your eyes has been physically painful to me, yeah, with all your damn karate stuff. But, man oh man, am I glad! That whore does not love you. She’s in it for the money, and now that you’ve caught her, I guess she will now elope with Bright, her childhood lover. Bye, Romeo, you shithead!
With that Jonathan Afful turns and walks away. Chris painfully gets into his car and drives off.
He stops the car after a while, and puts his forehead on the steering-wheel and cries his heart out. After a while he looks for his phone to call Steve, but he cannot find it. It is lost.
He is bleeding from his nose and from a cut in his scalp. He drives to Dr. Anaman’s clinic to have his wounds treated. He tells the doctor that he was in a fight with some thugs.
When he leaves the clinic he drives around aimlessly for a while.
Finally he heads home.
EPISODE 18
WEDDING OF MY EX
THE BAWA RESIDENCE – NIGHT
Chris parks his car behind two cars in his driveway. One of the cars is for Steve.
The other one is for Effe. Chris gets out of the car. He begins to limp towards the front door.
CHRIS
Okay, Effe. Good you’re here. Now you’re going to tell me WHY! Nothing else … just WHYYYY!
His front door is not locked, and he enters living-room, and then he stops dead with a shock so great that he has to hold unto the wall to stop himself from passing out on the floor.
Chris trembles, and his legs wobble. His eyes open wide, and his mouth gapes.
The lights are off, but the television is on, with muted sound, and it illuminates the floor clearly.
Effe is lying on the floor, moaning, and Steve is lying on top of her.
Steve is wearing only his boxers. Effe is fully clothed, but the buttons of her shirt are undone.
Steve is kissing her neck passionately. Lying on the floor are two empty glasses, a can of beer, and an empty box of non-alcoholic fruit drink.
Chris leans his head back until the dizziness clears, and then he reaches up and flicks on the lights, bathing the living-room with white light.
Steve jack-knifes off Effe, and whips his head round with shock.
When he sees Chris, his face crumples with acute shock. He jumps to his feet, walks forward, and drops to his knees in front of Chris.
Tears fall down his face immediately. Effe is still lying on the floor, looking up at Chris with a pained face.
She rolls unto her stomach, and then her body begins to shake uncontrollably with tears. Steve, still on his knees, reaches out and grabs Chris’ leg.
STEVE
(in a voice shattered with pain and remorse)
Oh, God, Chris! Please forgive me, I beg of you. I was drunk when she came in. God, man, when I told her you called that you wouldn’t be in tonight, she came on to me, man. She told this wild story about needing a lot of money for some shit, that she’s always fancied me. I was very drunk, man, though that’s no excuse! I couldn’t resist her man! Oh, God, Chris, I’m so fucking ashamed. I’m so sorry, please, forgive me, man.
Tears roll down Chris’ cheeks.
CHRIS
Get up, Steve.
Steve slowly gets to his feet. Chris suddenly swings at Steve, hitting him hard across the jaw.
The blow flings Steve to the floor, where he lies, dazed.
CHRIS
You are a shithead, man. There’s no justification for going for my girl! I now know the sort of trash she is, but you had no bloody right. Now get the hell out of my house!
STEVE
(desperate, his tears fall fast, and he clamps his hands together in a form of supplication)
No, no, Chris, man! I’m a disgrace, okay? Goddamn it, man, there’s no justification! I deserve your anger and contempt, man, but please, please, Chris, I can’t lose your friendship, man! You’re the only brother I’ve ever had, man. Oh, please…
CHRIS
Forget it, Steve. I’m not mad at you. You deserved that blow, and so we’re done. That girl on the floor ain’t worth fighting over. I just want to have a word with her, so please, just leave. We’ll meet tomorrow. I’ll fill you in then.
STEVE
Chris, please…
CHRIS
Just leave, man! I ain’t got no beef with you!
Steve begins to dress up. Effe is still lying on face down, crying.
After a while she turns on her side, and tries to button up her shirt, but she is trembling so badly that her fingers cannot get the buttons into the holes.
She looks at Chris with huge eyes filled with such pain and horror that Chris shakes his head with wonder.
CHRIS
My, God, Effe! Who are you really? You’re such an actress, aren’t you? You deserve an Oscar for this performance. I know all about your dark life, so stop shitting me, okay? I’m going to get myself cleaned up, and then I’ll come back and we’ll have a real talk to end this fiasco, okay?
Effe tries to speak, opening her lips, but nothing comes out. Chris climbs the stairs to his room.
He goes straight to the bathroom and gets out of his clothes.
He gets under the shower, allowing the cold water to rain down on him.
Chris slips into his bathrobe, and when he enters the bedroom he suddenly hears a sharp pain-filled scream from downstairs.
Chris rushes out of his room and takes the stairs down two at a time. Another terrible sight meets his eyes when he gets to the living-room.
His mother is lying on the floor. Blood is streaming down her face, and she is holding a hand imploringly at Effe.
Effe is standing over his mother, holding a side-table in her hand.
Her shirt is still undone, and her face is bitter as she looks down at the elderly woman on the floor.
Chris runs to his mother’s side and holds her.
CHRIS
Mom! Oh, Jesus, what happened?
There is blood all over her face now, and Chris is terrified.
His mother looks up at him, dazed. Her voice trembles as she speaks.
MADAM LOIS
Oh, son! Keep her away from me! Please keep her away from me! Doctor Anaman called me and said he treated you. He told me you had been in a fight. I was so concerned and decided to come this night to check on you. I got here and your fiancée wouldn’t let me in to see you! She wanted me to leave, and when I said I had to see you she went mad! She began fighting with me, and then she picked up that side table and hit me!
Chris’ face is filled with uncontrollable wrath.
He gets to his feet slowly and faces Effe, who is looking at him with dazed, pained eyes.
His voice is spilling with fury and contempt.
CHRIS
That’s it, Effe. I’m sending my mother to the hospital. Get out of here before I get back. I don’t ever want to see you again!
Tears roll down Effe’s cheeks. Her voice trembles.
EFFE
Chris, you can’t do this. What have I done to you? Why are you being so cruel to me? Whatever it is, we have to talk, please. We need to thrash this out. It’s not what it seems like. I did not…..
Chris screams at her.
CHRIS
Get the hell outta of my house, you silly whore! You are no longer welcome to this house. It’s finished, Angel-Devil. Mission accomplished. The fool I have been.
Effe drops the side-table and recoils as if he has struck her.
Her voice is a terrified whisper.
EFFE
Chris…
CHRIS
I know all about your sordid life, Effe. Spare me the pain of going through all that mess. I am even ashamed to say what I know. You are really something else. I don’t want to disgrace you in front of my mother, and I don’t want the world to know just how dirty you are. Lie to your family, tell them anything, I don’t care. The wedding is off permanently. I won’t say a thing because I want to spare you the humiliation. Go on with your sordid life, girl, and stay the hell out of mine! We are done.
EFFE
( body shaking with huge sobs.)
I don’t know what has come over you. I don’t know why you are doing this. If have unconsciously wronged you, I’m sorry. Whatever it is…
CHRIS
(voice is thunderous.)
I said get out!!
EFFE
(moves towards him, wobbling badly.)
Honey, I don’t know what’s gotten into you but I can explain what…
CHRIS
I know what’s going on! Effe. Don’t try your lies with me! The cat is out of the bag. The game is over.
EFFE
Honey, let’s talk! Even if we should part, it shouldn’t be like this. I truly love…
CHRIS
(slaps her hands away as she tries to touch him)
Don’t touch me! Keep your damn hands to yourself, woman! Get the out of my house right now!
EFFE
(voice a lost whimper now)
Chris…
CHRIS
Get out, Effe! Go away from me!! I don’t want to see your sorry face ever again. Get out before I murder you! I hate you. I curse the day I met you. Get out and leave me to my misery!
Effe turns and flees from the room, and Chris turns to his mother.
Tears spill down his face as he leans over her. There is pain on his face.
CHRIS
God, Mom, you’re bleeding badly. Let me get my clothes and take you to Dr. Anaman!
EPISODE 19
WEDDING OF MY EX
IRIS’ EAST LEGON RESIDENCE – MAGIC HOUR
Chris sits up slowly, and Iris drops her hands. He leans his head back against the sofa and closes his eyes. Iris speaks gently.
IRIS
And that’s it? That’s how it ended between you and Effe?
CHRIS
Basically, yes. I took my Mom to see Dr. Anaman that fateful night. She received a couple of stitches, and I took her to her house. Next day I checked into a hotel. Remember I told you that my phone got lost? Yeah, I was unreachable. That week I learnt Effe and her parents were looking for me, but I didn’t want anything to do with them. I got a pal of mine from the university called Michael Ameyaw, a brilliant professional accountant, to move into my home and run the supermarket with my mother.
He is quiet again. Iris moves close and touches his hand.
IRIS
Then what?
CHRIS
I moved out of Takoradi. First I went to Kumasi, you know, to get out of the heat and cool down. I had always wanted to design and make a name for myself. It has always been my dream, but my Mom didn’t see any good in it. The time in Kumasi gave me something to do. I drew a lot of sketches, and then I brought them to Accra, straight to Evelyn Boampong at Slash Designs. She took me on. I began calling Elaine, who was already in Accra. The old flame re-ignited, and here we are.
IRIS
(frowns and shakes her head slowly)
You never spoke to Effe? You never confronted her?
CHRIS
What for? I didn’t want to hear her say she made a fool of me, that she loved that Bright Koffie guy. She was ashamed, and that was enough. Secondly I didn’t want to humiliate her, to make other people hear what went down. I loved her too much to do that to her, although she totally deserved it.
IRIS
You ran away from it all. You should have confronted her, thrashed it out, you know. And then you would’ve healed ages by now. As it is now, she still has that power over you. Damn, I thought I was bad, but that girl is something else! And Steve? You forgave him totally? Amazing!
CHRIS
It wasn’t his fault, okay? I had seen just what Effe was capable of. If she can strip for strangers and sleep with married old men, what do you think she’s not capable of?
IRIS
But then, if she was so much in love with that Bright guy, why’s she marrying this South African man?
CHRIS
I don’t know. I’ve not seen her in four years. I cut her off totally. When I go to Takoradi to visit my Mom nobody mentions her. Trust me when I tell you it wasn’t easy because Effe totally eclipsed my heart with her love. She really made me fall head over heels in love with her and dropped me just like that. I’ve never totally recovered from that fall.
I know I will never love anyone the way I loved her. I also know she is not worth it. She is a viper. She is the devil’s advocate and has wondered why she picked me as her victim. As for her reasons for marrying Rupert, I cant really say but maybe it’s a perfect plan to land on some fortune. Maybe as soon as she becomes Mrs. Henderson something terrible might happen to her husband, and she might inherit a fortune; don’t forget, the man is filthy rich.
IRIS
That lady is really something else if she means to pull off a caper like that! She sounds like a real demon. But you still have strong feelings for her, don’t you?
CHRIS
It is hard to ignore the Devil, don’t you think? Hell, I thought she was buried, you know. Maybe it is just the surprise of learning she’s going to marry one of our sponsors. But yeah, hate her as much as I do, I must admit I still feel jealous about the fact that she’s gonna get married.
IRIS
Maybe Elaine is right. Maybe it is time to leave Slash Designs. I can’t imagine you in South Africa with Effe as Mrs. Henderson, always at your elbow. It is a recipe for a possible volcanic eruption.
CHRIS
You’re right, of course. At first I thought I could handle it, but now, I just don’t know. But I don’t want to think about it tonight, dear. I will burn that bridge when I come to it. This night, for the first time in four years, I’ve spoken about what happened between me and Effe. Who knows, it might be the balm to heal my heart. Just now, I feel so free, as if I just shed a ton of load off my shoulders. I think I can go home now, and I think I’m going to sleep just fine.
IRIS
Yes, I think you will. And I thank you for telling me. It makes me understand why you’re so unique, why you’re such an exceptional man. Elaine is lucky to have a man like you, although I know you might never love her as much as you loved Effe.
CHRIS
I love her enough to spend the rest of my life with her, and that’s the most important thing. Well, thanks for the shoulder, my dear. I think I might run along now.
He stands up and holds his hand out to her. She grabs it, and he pulls her to her feet.
They stand very close to each other.
Her eyes search his face, and she begins to breathe a bit faster again.
IRIS
You can stay if you want to, Chris. I promise not to harass you again.
CHRIS
I’m not afraid of you, Iris. I’m afraid of myself, because you’re so beautiful, and at this moment the only thing I want to do is make love to you. But you see, I can’t do that…
IRIS
You don’t want to justify Effe’s behaviour. Oh, Chris, it is so sad, but it seems to me you’ll always be in her shadow. All your actions are now dictated by your experiences with her!
CHRIS
No, my dear. It only made me a better man, I guess.
He takes her in his arms, and she moulds herself into him.
He kisses her, long and deep, and when he lets go, she sways.
IRIS
(she whispers)
Chris…
CHRIS
That’s my last act of unfaithfulness, Iris, dear. Good night.
He turns and walks out to his car.
EPISODE 20
WEDDING OF MY EX
THE BOATENG RESIDENCE – AFTERNOON
It is Friday afternoon.
Steve parks Chris’ car. In the passenger seat behind him are Chris and Elaine.
The three of them are laughing from a joke Steve just told them.
Mr. and Mrs. Boateng have emerged from the house and are coming forward to meet them.
They are both smiling happily. Steve goes to the boot of the car and takes down Elaine’s travelling bag.
Elaine is embracing her mother whilst Chris and Mr. Boateng shake hands warmly.
Already servants have come forward to take Elaine’s luggage.
Mrs. Boateng next hugs Chris. Steve closes the boot and steps forward to greet the Boatengs.
RUTH
Welcome home, my darlings. Do come inside and eat!
ELAINE
Thank you Mama. But Chris won’t be coming in.
- BOATENG
And why not? Your mother prepared a sumptuous meal just for you.
ELAINE
Chris has a terrible headache, Dad. He called Dr. Anaman, and he’s going to the clinic right now. He’ll come here after seeing the doctor.
RUTH
(puts the back of her right hand to Chris’ cheek)
Oh, you’re indeed burning. Let our driver take you then.
CHRIS
That’s alright, Ma. Dr. Anaman’s clinic is just around the corner. I’ll manage to go and come.
- BOATENG
Hurry back, son. We’ll be waiting for you.
STEVE
I am famished and accept your offer of a sumptuous meal, sir.
They all laugh.
Elaine hugs Chris, and they cuddle. Steve pries them apart with mock severity.
STEVE
Children of today are so disrespectful! Can’t you see your elders are present? Show some respect! Find a room or something!
They all laugh.
RUTH
It is good to be in love. Let them be.
ELAINE
You sure you don’t want me to come with you, darling?
CHRIS
No, Honeypie. I’ll see you later!
Chris says his good byes, and then he enters his car and reverses out.
Elaine links her arm through her mother’s as they walk towards the main door.
Ruth stops and looks at her daughter with concern all over her face.
RUTH
My darling, I don’t feel comfortable about Chris going to that devil’s wedding at all. I told you to keep him away!
ELAINE
Stop worrying, Mama. I tried, but his bosses insisted. Anyway, Effe is in the past now. The only feeling Chris has for her is absolute hatred. Everything is under control, believe me. I have Chris on the right leash now.
RUTH
That’s my girl! Come in and tell me all about your wedding preparations! I’ve waited long enough! December better come soon!
DOCTOR ANAMAN’S CLINIC
Chris is turning into the spacious compound of the Clinic.
He gets out of the car and walks through the glass doors to the reception.
He speaks to a receptionist, and then walks into Dr. Anaman’s consultation room.
Chris embraces Dr. Anaman with a happy smile. Dr. Anaman examines Chris, giving him an injection, and finally giving him a white envelope containing some drugs.
He walks Chris out of his consulting room, still chatting and laughing towards Chris’ car.
A call comes through on Dr. Anaman’s phone.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Hold on, Chris, my boy. Let me pick this call. It is from Mr. Opoku.
Chris’ smile vanishes, and he freezes for a moment.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
No need to thank me, Ken. I’ve grown quite fond of Effe myself, and I wasn’t going to miss the pre-wedding sit up for anything. That’s okay, don’t worry, I’ll be ready tomorrow. Who? Her husband? Now, he is a dear old sort, but I get the impression that he’s a tad too old, but if they love each other…Oh, yes, thank you so much. I almost forgot. I will call you later, old man. Hahahaha, okay, bye.
He cuts the call and takes Chris’ elbow.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Aha, where were we? Aha, yes, I’m glad you’re here anyway. Will you be seeing your mother today?
CHRIS
Yes. I will be spending the rest of the day with her. She moved back into the house, you know.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Yes, I know, I know. I just assumed that you’ll be with that girl … Now what’s her name? Always forget…
CHRIS
Elaine.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Yes, yes, Elaine. Her name’s always a mouthful.
CHRIS
Was that Mr. Ken Opoku on the phone?
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Yes, yes. Jolly old chap. You remember the day you brought Effe here, that night your Elaine assaulted her?
CHRIS
Yes. I remember.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Aha, well, from that day we’ve been very close. We joined the Sports Club and enjoy a good game of golf most Sundays. Naturally I became close to Effe too. She wanted me to be at her pre-wedding sit up as one of the advisors, so I was there. Nice time we all had, though I think that Rupert man … Sorry, that’s the name of her husband, he tends to waste money a bit.
Chris experiences a dizzy bout and reaches out to steady himself on his car.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Chris, are you alright?
CHRIS
Yes, yes. I’m okay. So Effe is really getting married to that old man?
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Yes, son. All is set for the wedding tomorrow. I must say though that Effe doesn’t seem like she’s so enthused about it. I didn’t see that glitter women get when they are getting married to the love of their lives. If you ask me, I will say the wedding stuff is all just flashy nonsense especially for a man as old as Rupert. I heard Effe preferred a small ceremony with just family and few friends and signing in court but like I mentioned earlier, the old man wants to throw some money away so she had to finally give in. Let me ask you this, Chris, are you still in love with Effe?
CHRIS
Of course not! Why do you ask such a ridiculous question anyway?
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Is it really ridiculous? Just now you reacted to her getting married in a rather unusual manner. Come, son, now that I think of it, you never really told me why you and Effe broke off. She doesn’t want to talk about you either. Anytime I mention your name, she becomes so angry!
CHRIS
(looks shocked. His voice becomes incredulous.)
Angry? She gets angry when she hears my name? What a nerve she’s got. She gets angry at the mention of my name? Ha! That’s amazing.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
I don’t know. Maybe not so much anger, maybe it should be labelled as upset. But that’s beside the point. I take it you wouldn’t tell me what made you break up, huh? Such a pity, if you ask me. Now she ends up with this foreigner, and you end up with a girl your mother chose for you. I always thought you and Effe were a perfect match.
CHRIS
There’s a saying that not all that glitters is gold, sir. I can’t tell you all that she did, but this much I can tell you. You remember that night I brought my mother to you, four years ago? You stitched a cut in her scalp?
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Yes, aha. I remember. She told me she fell down and hit her head against a side table or something.
CHRIS
That’s right, sir. But she didn’t fall down! It was Effe who hit her on the head with a side-table.
The doctor stares at Chris with a look so incredulous that Chris frowns.
The doctor shakes his head.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Are you crazy, son?
CHRIS
Now what’s that supposed to mean, sir?
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Forgive me, son, but that story is absolutely ludicrous! Totally silly! Effe will never do such a thing!
CHRIS
But she did! She assaulted my mother!
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Oh, stop that nonsense, young man. Don’t make me angry! What’re you talking about? Effe is an angel, and she’ll never do such a thing!
CHRIS
I don’t blame you, sir. She has that gift to make people believe her. Her assault on my mother is the least, but I can’t tell you the rest. I’ll let you believe what you do about her, but mark my words, one day you’ll see the true colours of that girl.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Tell me, Chris. Did you see Effe hitting your mother on the head, with this … what did you say it was?
CHRIS
A side-table.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Yes, this side-table. You were there and saw it yourself?
CHRIS
No. I found her standing over the prone body of my mother, holding the side-table. My mother told me Effe assaulted her.
Dr. Anaman looks very shocked indeed. He shakes his head.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Good day, Chris. Do take your medication and get a lot of rest. You’re stressed out, I see now.
CHRIS
Thanks, sir. I hope to see you before I leave for Accra.
Dr. Anaman only nods, turns and begins to walk away.
Chris enters his car and starts the engine. He engages the reverse gear.
Suddenly he sees Dr. Anaman coming towards him again, and he stops the car and lowers down the window.
Dr. Anaman looks worried and agitated.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
Listen, Chris, my son. I don’t know what’s going on, or your mother’s motives for telling you Effe assaulted her, but I need to tell you this, boy. Effe never assaulted your mother.
CHRIS
What are you talking about, sir? My mother is not a liar.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
I’m not calling her a liar, son. I’ll never dare call my dear Lois a liar, but I’m a scientist, and so I work with facts. I attended to your mother that day. The wound in her scalp wasn’t made by a flat object. It was made by a V-shaped sharp POINT! That kind of wound can’t happen from being smashed with a side-table, or whatever you call it. It was a deep penetrative wound. No flat edge can cause that kind of wound.
CHRIS
Doctor, Effe could’ve hit her with the pointed end of the table!
DOCTOR ANAMAN
That’s cock and bull, boy, think about it! If you pick a table by the legs, it’ll be difficult to hit someone with the sharp pointed tip hard enough to open up that kind of wound, even for a strong man. Now tell me, was that side-table made with glass?
CHRIS
No, sir. It was made of wood.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
You sure about that?
CHRIS
Stop scaring me, sir. I am sure.
DOCTOR ANAMAN
There were glass particles in your mother’s wound, Chris. I had to spend a long time cleaning the glass from the wound. She fell down and hit her head against something made with glass, Chris. No one hit her on the head with a table. I’m not calling her a liar, but she lied to you.
Without another word Dr. Anaman turns and walks away.
Chris sits in the car, immobile. His face is filled with great shock.
His mind is a now a constant scream of flashing images and crashing sounds!
He recalls his mother lying on the floor, bleeding, pointing an accusing finger at Effe!
He recalls Effe holding the leg of the table… Chris hears the doctor’s voice again and again…
SHE FELL DOWN AND HIT HER HEAD ON SOMETHING MADE WITH GLASS…MADE WITH GLASS…MADE WITH GLASS…
Chris is sweating profusely. His body is shaking…
YOUR MOTHER LIED TO YOU…SHE LIED TO YOU…
With a little cry Chris engages the reverse gear and spins round.
The speed he uses to blast out of the hospital gates is terrible.
Behind the glass doors of the reception area, Dr. Anaman is standing and watching.
He shakes his head sadly once, and then he sadly walks into the interior.
It’s nice to read your comments…
To Be Continued…
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