NO MONET By Gbolahan Akitunde & Chris Mordi

@gbollzee@gmail.com @krik_mordi@yahoo.com

EXT. LAGOS - ROAD - NIGHT Its late in the night. Barely any pedestrians in sight and only a few vehicles whizzing by. On the shoulder of the road is a parked saloon car. The engines left running. INT. REMIS CAR - STATIONARY - NIGHT REMI, young and upbeat, clips on KIKEs seat-belt for her. A cheerful girl with dark glasses on. KIKE Remi, are you sure about this? REMI Come on, hon. Youve done this before. Ive seen even midgets drive. Kike, in the driver seat, giggles. KIKE Youve seen midgets? REMI Midgets, Kike. Trust me, if they can do it, then yes you can. KIKE (Timidly) Okay. REMI (CONTD) Okay, so now... brake. She obeys. REMI (CONTD) (Takes her hand in his) And then... Guides it to the handbrake. And it is at this moment it becomes clearer that Kikes dark visors arent just a fashion accessory. Shes visually impaired. Clutching the brake, she heaves it downward. KIKE (Giggles) Ooh... that sounded like a fart. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

2.

Remi cant help but chuckle while softly clasping the gearshift with her hand. REMI Its on Park now. So just, move it... (Slowly shifts gears) To Drive. (Releases her hand) Both hands firmly on the steering. Kike gripping the wheel like shes about to sheer a ship. KIKE (Beat) Is there anyone in my side mirror? REMI No, but, I want you -Suddenly, Kike steps on the gas. The car lurches forward... REMI (CONTD) (Hysterically) No, no, no! I didnt sa-... And ZOOMS OFF, on the curb. EXT. MAIN ROAD - NIGHT The saloon zigzags back and forth lanes. KIKE (V.O) Am I on the right lane? INT. REMIS CAR - MOVING - CONTINUOUS REMI Youre on two lanes. (They giggle) But no, just steer to the left a little... She starts to... REMI (CONTD) Okay, stop! Thats perfect. Now steady your hands... yeah?

(CONTINUED)

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3.

KIKE Yeah, its steady. REMI Perfect. Keep going. EXT. ROAD - CONTINUOUS The saloon is on the median. Cruising down at a steadied pace. INT. REMIS CAR - MOVING - CONTINUOUS REMI Were directly in the middle of the road. KIKE Really? I thought you said it was perfect? REMI Who cares? Theres no one in the way. KIKE Youre crazy, Remi. REMI (Gleefully) Nah. Im just a man in love. He winds down the windows... KIKE What are you doing? Wafts of breeze blowing her hair all over her face. KIKE (CONTD) My hairs all over the place. REMI Keep your leg on the accelerator... and let go of the wheel. KIKE What?

(CONTINUED)

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4.

REMI Just trust me. Take your hands off. Albeit shakily, she places them on her laps. REMI (CONTD) (Beat) How does it feel? Her hair blowing in the wind. The car driving itself. The lights outside streaking past them. Its ethereal. KIKE (Blissfully) You should see it from here. Remi just chuckles. Doesnt say a word more as he drinks it all in. Lost in the beauty of her grace. Too lost to hear the distant honking. KIKE (O.S) Remi, is there a car coming? Remi snaps out of the euphoria and sees --- An incoming truck heading straight for them. REMI Jesus Christ, turn! Quickly! The truck gets CLOSER! Its honks blaring out LOUDER! Kike buckles under panic and freezes. The car on autopilot. The truck a few inches away. Remi, blinded by the headlights, GRABS AND STEERS the wheel. Kike SCREAMS as the vehicle SCREECHES. SWERVING VIOLENTLY... SMASH TO BLACK: Title slowly appears... NO MONET FADE IN:

5.

EXT. RADIO STATION - PARKING SPOT - MINUTES LATER Remis car halts. PARKING ASKEW... INT. REMIS CAR - STATIONARY - CONTINUOUS With Kike still behind the wheel, they come to an abrupt stop. And start cackling at themselves. KIKE Christ, I thought we were going to die on your birthday. (More seriously) Happy birthday, babe. He moves in on her. They lock lips. KIKE (CONTD) Ill finally be able to see what you look like? REMI (Jokingly) Youre gonna be so disappointed. KIKE I wont. REMI I cant believe how everythings just falling into place. Youre gonna get your surgery. Im going to finally have my eouvres in places like Prado, the Louvre, the MOMA, the Mets... REMI & KIKE (Kike making jest) Vatican City, Musee dOrsay... Remi takes the hint and stops. Kike laughs. KIKE Come on, help me out. Im late. INT. RADIO STATION - BROADCAST ROOM - NIGHT Kike, in a dark enclosure, sits behind a desk of computers and a microphone with headphones on.

(CONTINUED)

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6.

KIKE (Into mic) Welcome back from that beautiful music interlude. That was Signed, sealed, delivered by the incomparable Stevie Wonder, as requested by Ejike. hope he enjoyed that. This is still Wish Line where I, your host, Kiki Girl, make your every song wish come true. And we have another caller on the line already... (Beat) Hello, sir. Whats your name? CALLER My name is Afam George and Im calling from Ogba. KIKE Hi, Afam. Whats up? CALLER Well... theres this girl actually. Shes in my school. And I really really like her. Shes cool, shes gorgeous, ya know? KIKE But... CALLER But Ive asked her out twice now and, she keeps turning me down. I dont know what to do to make her say yes. KIKE Why do you think she keeps turning you down? Is it your swag? Does she have a boyfrie-CALLER No, its neither of that. Shes like three years my senior. KIKE Wow. So shes three years older than you? Fair to say? CALLER Four.

(CONTINUED)

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7.

KIKE Whao, okay. Thats interesting. You know what, Afam, girls are usually more mature-minded than guys their age. So this girl is obviously going to be way more mature than you are. Its no mean feat but what you have to do is convince her youre up to the task of being her man. That you can protect her, love her and treat her right. CALLER Right. I understand. KIKE Exactly. Age is only a matter of the mind, and the same rule applies here, persistence. You have to persist. Its one of the first signs of maturity shes gonna see in you. CALLER But I am, but nothing gives. KIKE Winning love isnt easy, Afam... INT. REMIS CAR - MOVING - CONTINUOUS Remi listening intently to the radio conversation... KIKE (V.O) You have to persist. And by persist, I dont mean doing the same thing over and over, hoping shes going to say yes. Do something extraordinary, Afam. Show her how much youre willing to give up to get her. Those last statements resonating with Remi. CALLER (V.O) Youre right, Kiki. I think I know just what to do to take her breath away. She wont see it coming. Thank you, kiki Girl. you rock.

(CONTINUED)

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8.

KIKE (V.O) (Giggles) My pleasure, Afam. You rock too. Now go get that girl. Remi turns down the stereo to think... Then smiles. INT. INVESTMENTS & SECURITIES FIRM - OPEN OFFICE - MORNING EMEKA, a chubby and chirpy chap, strides down the office aisle with arms full of overflowing folders. WORKSTATION Remi stares at his desktop monitor... MONITOR An artsy picture of Kike as his screen saver. EMEKA (O.S) How far, man? BACK TO SCENE EMEKA (CONTD) You dey busy shey? REMI (Grabs his mouse) Uh... MONITOR Glides the cursor across the screen to a bottom tab... REMI (O.S) Very very. Changes the picture to an MS-EXCEL spreadsheet. BACK TO SCENE REMI (CONTD) (Regaining composure) So... uh, whats all that on your chest? EMEKA A lot of problems. I mistakenly mixed up Mrs. Ajalas accounts for another clients.

(CONTINUED)

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9.

REMI Ehn then un-mix them up. I dont see what the problem is. EMEKA (Hesitantly) I sort of mixed up their share purchases too... REMI (His eyes light up) Jesus Christ, youre in deep soup. EMEKA Fried stew to be specific. I need your help, man. REMI Im going to end up in fried stew too if I dont do my work. EMEKA I know youre always picking up the slack for me and I appreciate that. But if theres ever been a time in all our ten years of friendship that-REMI Seven years, Emeka. And okay, Ill help you. Cos I need a favor too. EMEKA (Drops folders on Remis desk) Guy! (Surrendering himself) Anything. INT. INVESTMENTS & SECURITIES FIRM - STORAGE ROOM - MORNING Amidst empty computer boxes stacked atop each other, Remi paces about. Emeka stands still but is as unsettled. EMEKA Remi, I no too cool with this idea o. REMI I just wan practice now, haba.

(CONTINUED)

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10.

EMEKA Wetin you wan practice again? Dis girl already said no, twice! REMI Are you helping me or not? EMEKA Ehn, hurry up, ah! Suddenly, his countenance changes and hes looking dreamily into Emekas eyes. EMEKA (Nervously) Guy... youre starting to scare me. REMI (Pretending hes Kike) "You have to persist... By persist, I dont mean doing the same thing over and over again, hoping shes going to say yes..." REMI (Walks closer) "So do something extraordinary, Afam! Show her how much youre willing to give up to get her." Inches from a wary Emeka, Remi gets on one knee. REMI (CONTD) I know how scared you are to take that plunge with me. But since when have you ever known me... to let you down, Kike? Fishes out a small purple case from his black trousers. Emeka, having trouble staying in character. REMI (CONTD) (Serious as ever) My heart is my all, Kike. (Opens the case) And my heart... RING CASE "A snugly-nestled cushion-cut God-knows-how-many-carats shimmering designer diamond ring."

(CONTINUED)

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11.

EMEKA (Flabbergasted) Remi, Jesus Christ! How many months salary is this?! REMI Its from my trust, ah! Stop shouting -Someone barges in on them. An old man in glasses and suspenders. Sees Remi proposing to Emeka... M.D. Hm. I always knew you lads were too close to be friends. Off Remi and Emeka, frozen. INT. ST. STEVENS HOSPITAL - DR. UGAGUS OFFICE - DAY DR. UGAGU - a man with a baritone and traces of cockney, WHOSE FACE IS NEVER SEEN - watches one of his resident physicians make her way in with folders. The resident physician, nervous, sits across his desk. DR. UGAGU (O.S) I called you with respect to the grant. How much does the hospital have left? RESIDENT Thirteen million, sir. To be exact. DR. UGAGU (O.S) And eligible applicants? RESIDENT There are eight left, sir. One has leukemia, that we need to look into fast. The blind girl with severe corneal injury. Then the third -DR. UGAGU (O.S) I can read, doctor. Just hand over the files.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: RESIDENT Um... just let me rush back and make photocopies, sir, so we -DR. UGAGU (O.S) Theres no need, Dr. Evelyn. Just hand them over.

12.

Still from his POV, Dr. Ugagu collects the eight folders from the reluctant resident physician. Dumps them along with the other stockpile in his bureau and locks it up. DR. UGAGU (O.S)(CONTD) Now, while I owe you no explanation, Im aware what gossip you residents get up to when you all get together in the lounge. The hospitals in urgent need of repairs and facilities Im sure youre all aware of. Pending staff salaries to be offset, et cetera. We cant treat all these people and still keep the place afloat. RESIDENT But sir, the hospitals buoyant enough to handle its own problems? Five out of the eight high-priority applicants on that list will die sans the grant. DR. UGAGU (O.S) Are you done? (Intimidating her) I wasnt seeking your counsel, young lady. I was merely telling you. Now, I know whats best for the hospital. Not you. INT. REMIS CAR - MOVING - EVENING The acoustic guitar strings in Adeles Crazy for You introduce Remi driving. Unable to contain his excitement about proposing, he mouths the apt lyrics... ADELE (V.O) "Found myself today, singing, out loud your name. You said Im crazy, If I am, Im crazy for you." Other passing motorists try to tell him something. They wave and scream from their cars, but its no use. His windows are wound up and his eyes shut as he sings along. Impassioned. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

13.

ADELE (V.O) "Sometimes sitting in the dark, wishing you were here, turns me crazy. But its you, who makes me lose, my heeeeeaaaaaaad..." Suddenly, his car STOPS. Snapped back to reality, he sees, through the windshield, his rim cover bowling down the road. ADELE (V.O) "And every time Im meant to be, acting sensible, you drift into my head. And turn me in-to a crumbling fool." STREET Road-users passing glances at Remi, whos chasing down his fleeting rim cover. ADELE (V.O) "Tell me to run and Ill race. If you want me to stop, Ill freeze..." He gives up on it... ADELE (V.O) "And if you want me gone, Ill leave..." He heads back. REMIS CAR Remi, sleeves rolled up, jacking up his car... ADELE (V.O) "Just hold me closer, baby." Remi, heaving out a spare tire from his trunk. ADELE (V.O) "And make me... Craaaaaazy for you..." Remi, screwing the spare to the rare on... ADELE (V.O) "Craaaaaaaazyyyy for youuuu."

14. INT. REMIS CAR - MOVING - NIGHT Looking exhausted with dirt marks on his white dress shirt, he reaches his destination. Takes out the small purple ring case from his glove compartment... Guitar strings continue playing. One gleam from the rock, bringing to light the glimmer of hope in his eyes. EXT. ESTATE APARTMENT BUILDING - STAIRWELL - NIGHT Remi glimpses up at the --- Many flights of stairs he still has to tread. ADELE (V.O) "Pacing floors, and opening doors. STAIRS Remi, schlepping up. Further drenching his shirt in sweat. ADELE (V.O) "Hoping youll walk through, and save me boy..." FRONT DOOR Finally arriving, he waits to catch his breath. Then knocks. ADELE (V.O) "Because Im too crazy for you..." Someone answers. BOLASADE, Kikes feisty elder sister. They greet each other underneath the music. But theres a sad look on Bolasades face. ADELE (V.O) "Craaaaaaaazyyyy for youuuu." ... This worries Remi. INT. ESTATE APARTMENT BUILDING - KIKES ROOM - NIGHT Both sit on the edge of Kikes bed and in the background lies a beautiful oil painting on the wall. Remi holding Kike tightly. Rocking her gently. Her head against his chest as her sobbing subsides.

(CONTINUED)

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15.

REMI Theres this painter, Oscar-Claude Monet. I dont know if youve heard of him but, he was the founder of Impressionism. He would go and sit by a window, and paint whatever he saw. Cos it wasnt really about seeing, it was about perception. (Kike listening more intently) He lost his first wife and got remarried. She died too, along with his oldest son. His favorite. After all that loss, Monet slipped into deep depression, developed cataracts in both eyes, and could only see the colors red, and yellow. But he still painted. Called it The House Seen from the Rose Garden... Still my favorite. Theres a brief silence between them. KIKE At least... Monet could still see. Remi pulls back to look in her eyes. REMI What Im trying to tell you is... All, is never lost. Remi and Kike, both dwell on that. FADE OUT. INT. EATERY - DAY Remi and Emeka taking a lunch break from work. REMI They called to tell her that there was a lag from last years applicants, so the grant covering her treatment has been exhausted. EMEKA So shell now be next years lag shey? REMI (Hisses) (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: REMI (contd) Na lie jare. How you know say theyve not even eaten all the NGO money gan sef? EMEKA Hm. So you no fit propose again? REMI How can? The poor girl was heartbroken. EMEKA (Underhandedly) Hm. REMI (Abandoning his drink) Whats hm? EMEKA Ah, I dont know o. You know these things are hard to say. Maybe its a sign. REMI A sign. From who? And of what? EMEKA Guy, you don dey mara o. E be like say dem dey follow you go come sef. Emptying your whole trust fund on a diamond ring she cant even see. REMI Guy, what is it with you and this ring sef? Every chance you get, you keep talking about it. EMEKA Because its too much for someone who doesnt even feel the same way about you. What is it about this girl? Are you attracted to blindness or something? REMI I cant explain it, man. I just... uh, I just fucking love her. And I dont expect you to understand. You that you spend your spare time playing lotterys, looking for easy money up and down.

16.

(CONTINUED)

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EMEKA Im spending my spare time wasting it on you right now. Only reason she hasnt cut off the leash on your neck is cos, lets face it, who else is going to volunteer as her boyfriend?... Or maybe she just cant find the scissors. REMI Thats enough, okay? As hard as it is for me, imagine how hard it must be for her... when you love someone but you cant see them. EMEKA How do you intend to remedy that then, bro? I mean, even if she does agree to marry you this time, shell never really be happy. Except maybe you. And not for long either. (Gutting Remi) Are you also going to force her to have your children? So now, not only can she not see her husband, she cant put a face to her kids as well. For how long can you pretend its all gravy until it all comes crashing down? (Goes in for the kill) What youre doing is very brave and noble, and I applaud that. But the reality is, life is not a love story. And no matter how much you believe you can fly... you cant. Maybe she doesnt love you as much as you love her. And maybe she does. Either way, Remi, God is giving you a way out. Take it. Off Remi. The speech having rocked his foundation. INT. ESTATE APARTMENT BUILDING - LIVING ROOM - DAY Kike and Bolasade converse on a long sofa. Chummy sisters. BOLASADE Sis, you know I love you. If I didnt, you know me I no dey waste kini? I for don snatch loverboy tey tey. (CONTINUED)

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18.

Kike laughs. BOLASADE (CONTD) Whos laughing wit dis one? Im serious, they dont make men like him anymore. KIKE I know. Sometimes Im just scared... if Id be able to do the same for him. BOLASADE Its not until hes blind before you find out. You can by marrying him. KIKE Sis, you remember Bamidele, my last boyfriend? He eventually left. He didnt even call to break-up or anything, he just disappeared. He probably thought, "whats the difference?" BOLASADE Kike, Remi, is no Bamidele. KIKE With Remi, its going to be worse. Im his first love. And I know how that feels. Thats when you start making all the wrong decisions. My doing this to protect both of us. BOLASADE Kike, I cant feel what you must be going through. But this guy, believe me, genuinely loves you and wants to marry you. Please... dont let what was taken away from you that one night take everything away from you your whole life. KIKE (Sighs) Sis, you had to come back home because you couldnt afford to live there anymore. Remi has had to put his passion on the side and work as a stock analyst because of what? Money.

(CONTINUED)

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BOLASADE But hes a trust fund baby na. He now has the money to do whatever he wants. KIKE My point exactly, Sister Bola. He had to wait years to be able to pursue a dream hes had since he was twelve. Now, how is mine any different? You people are acting as if Im asking the impossible, when really, the only object here, is the chips. (Her phone rings) Sis, we all have dreams and for now, this is mine. I believe the God who made me whole will not now forsake me. BOLASADE (Giving up) Amen o. KIKE (Answers phone) Hello? DR. UGAGU (V.O) Good afternoon, is this Ms. Kike Darlington? KIKE Yes, whos on the line please? DR. UGAGU (V.O) This is Dr. Ugagu of St. Stevens Hospital and Im calling with respect to your formerly canceled optical surgery. KIKE (Confused) Formerly? INT. ST. STEVENS HOSPITAL - DR. UGAGUS OFFICE - DAY Kike and Bolasade, in front of Dr. Ugagus desk, looking bewildered.

(CONTINUED)

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BOLASADE So, Dr. Ugagu, what you are saying in effect is... we now have the money to carry on with this... DR. UGAGU (O.S) Corneal transplant. We simply replace her defective cornea, the transparent part of the eye, with a far more functional one. BOLASADE Yes, you said. KIKE (Concernedly) But doctor, isnt there any way we can meet or at least express our gratitude to this very kind woman? I mean, this is too much of a grand gesture for her to just go unthanked for. DR. UGAGU (O.S) I agree. But when I asked her, do you know what she said? (Beat) "When you give to the poor, sound no trumpets before you, as the hypocrites do --" KIKE "... That they may be praised by others. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward in full." Matthew six, two. BOLASADE So Christians like this still exist. DR. UGAGU (O.S) (Leans in) Ms. Darlington, I cant decide for you, but I suggest we respect her wish for anonymity... And take advantage of this opportunity. Off Kike, warming up to the idea.

21.

EXT. PUBLIC GARDEN - DAY Remi and Kike sitting on a stone bench. KIKE (Excited) Remi, can you believe this is actually happening? REMI I always knew God would make a way. KIKE All is never lost, right? REMI (Smiles) Well finally be able to spend the rest of our lives together. KIKE (Coyly) Youll have to propose first. Remi, on cloud nine to hear her breathe those words. REMI I will. KIKE No... I mean now. REMI (Taken aback) But I dont have the ring here. KIKE Youre an artist, my love. Improvise. (Beat) You have four seconds. Remi, at his wits end. KIKE (CONTD) Three... The countdown causes his brain to do a back flip as he hurriedly gets on his knee. And plucks out a grass fiber.

(CONTINUED)

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KIKE (CONTD) Two... Sweating bullets, he ties both ends of the grass as tight as the Gordian Knot and quickly takes her hand in his. REMI (Super-fast) Kikewillyoumarryme?! Unable to resist, Kike creases up in silent laughter. KIKE Yes. A relieved Remi fits the encircled twine through her ring finger. KIKE Now, its official. We are one. They kiss and hug. FADE OUT. POST-SURGERY FADE IN: INT. ST. STEVENS HOSPITAL - KIKES WARD - DAY ALPHABET PLAQUE The letter Hh affixed on a white wall. KIKE (O.S) ... H ALPHABET PLAQUE CUT to the letter Ii KIKE (O.S)(CONTD) ... I ALPHABET PLAQUE Then Jj KIKE (O.S)(CONTD) ... J ALPHABET PLAQUE Ll

(CONTINUED)

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KIKE (O.S)(CONTD) (She takes longer) ... Is that an... L? BACK TO SCENE Bolasade sits beside Kikes bed. DR. UGAGU (O.S) Yes, Ms. Darlington. Thats an L. HEALTH CHART On it, the doctor scrawls 6/12 BACK TO SCENE Kike and Bolasade looking to Dr. Ugagu for his assessment. DR. UGAGU (O.S) Congratulations, Kike. Youve completed your visual perception test. Youre ready to go home. Kike and Bolasades eyes light up at the news. DR. UGAGU (O.S)(CONTD) I must warn you though, it wont be an easy road. Youve been sightless for over three years now and your brain, in a bid to readjust, will fight this new change. Its part of the Agnosia. Therell be times youll wish you had stayed blind. But you must keep using those eyes, until they become yours again. KIKE I understand, doctor. DR. UGAGU (O.S) All the best. Dr. Ugagu leaves. Bolasade looks at Kike. Beaming with pride. BOLASADE Kike... youre wonderful. The only response Bolasade gets is a tear down Kikes face.

(CONTINUED)

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KIKE (Pensively) He didnt travel anywhere, did he? (Bolasade says nothing) He left me. BOLASADE Far from that, Kike -KIKE (Raises her voice) Stop always treating me like a child, Sister Bola! Its been weeks. 17 days to be exact. He couldnt even call. Does he even know that Ive gotten better?! BOLASADE (Sighs) My dear... he knows. Off Kike, wondering at her tone. INT. ST. STEVENS HOSPITAL - REMIS WARD - DAY Remi lays there on the bed. His eyes open, but unseeing. His friend, Emeka, trying to feed him a bowl of custard. EMEKA Guy, eat dis ting na! REMI Emeka, wetin? I say no hungry. Emeka sets down the meal. REMI (CONTD) Hows Kike?... She getting better? Emeka, utterly irritated. About to lash out when --- Bolasade wheels a disconcerted Kike in on a chair. REMI (CONTD) (Grins) Hey, nurse, thank God youre here... Kike, cant believe what shes seeing.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: REMI (CONTD) This guy has been trying to force-feed me since. Kike, mortified to the point of tears. REMI (CONTD) (Puzzled at the silence) Nurse?... Nurse Ada? (Turns his head at Emeka) Emeka... whats going on, man? No answer from Emeka. No one knows what to say. REMI (CONTD) Kikes here, isnt she? Emeka responds by glowering at Kike with contempt. REMI (CONTD) Why are you keeping quiet, man? I know Kike is in this room... I can smell her. (Beat) Kike? Bolasade weeping along with Kike now. Emekas eyes well up. REMI (O.S)(CONTD) (To Kike) Are you disappointed?

25.

That question causes her to eventually let out a sob. She BREAKS the grass ring off her finger and drops it on the floor, severed in two. She angrily wheels herself around. Heads for the door and Bolasade assists her out. A tear falls down Emekas cheek as he watches them abandon his best friend. REMI(CONTD) Emeka... has she left? EMEKA No, Remi. It wasnt her. REMI (Flares up) DONT LIE TO ME, EMEKA! I KNOW IT WAS HER! (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: EMEKA Okay, okay, calm down. It was her. REMI She saw me? EMEKA Yes. (Beat) She was just overwhelmed, thats all. NURSE ADA enters. NURSE ADA Mr. Remi, how are you feeling? Remi swallows back a knot of tears in his throat. NURSE ADA (CONTD) (Playfully) Mr. Emeka, youve come with littering our hospital again abi? Whats dis one on the floor now? Emeka tries to signal her to stop... But shes only looking downward. NURSE ADA (CONTD) (Picks it up) No be grass be dis? Remis ears perk up at that. REMI Grass? INT. ST. STEVENS HOSPITAL - LOBBY - CONTINUOUS Bolasade wheeling Kike toward someone. Kike, seething. KIKE Doctor! Doctor Ugagu!

26.

From the doctors POV, he turns around as Kike and Bolasade accost him. KIKE (CONTD) (Shakes her head) All because of money? I never thought you could be this despicable. (CONTINUED)

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27.

DR. UGAGU (O.S) Ms. Darlington, I dont know that I know what youre talking about. I do know, however, I dont appreciate being insulted. KIKE Well start appreciating it! DR. UGAGU (O.S) (Leaving) Whatever this is, lets at least be decent enough to do it in my office. BOLASADE (Dragging him back) Ehn, who are you talking to? Decent enough. Mr. Man, you are not going anywhere. (Beat) You knew what was going on. But you cooked up that big lie and went ahead anyway. DR. UGAGU (O.S) I didnt concoct any lie. That was all her boyfriend. I only reiterated it for him. KIKE Is this part of your Hippocratic Oath, doctor? Deceiving patients to line your pockets? DR. UGAGU (O.S) I am bound, young lady, by the same Hippocratic Oath which you so carelessly speak of, to respect the privacy of my patients no matter what. Kike gets up from her chair. Stares him right in the face. KIKE Remi was not your patient when you made that deal with him. He was your customer. The doctor feels threatened.

(CONTINUED)

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28.

DR. UGAGU (O.S) He knew good and damn well what he was doing. He could have waited until we secured a decedent donor for the operation as I advised but despite the fact, he chose to have it done. And that when we found a donor, he would get his sight back. He said you wouldnt marry him if he didnt do it. Turns out you wouldnt have either way. BOLASADE (Stepping to him) Great defence, doctor. Now you just have to reiterate that to a judge. Checkmate. INT. ST. STEVENS HOSPITAL - REMIS WARD - CONTINUOUS REMI Emeka, take me home. EMEKA Wont you let them discharge you first? REMI MUST YOU ARGUE WITH ME ON EVERY DAMN SINGLE THING, EMEKA?! HUH?! YES, YOU WERE RIGHT, OKAY?! YOU TOLD ME! ISNT THAT WHAT YOU WANT TO SAY?! SAY IT! COME ON, SAY IT! Remi slumps back on his bed. Gasping from the exertion. Emeka, angry but understanding nonetheless. INT. EMEKAS CAR - MOVING - DAY *Adele plays. He Wont Go. Emeka drives. He glances at him and shakes his head. Remi, quiet in the passenger seat. Just looks on blankly. ADELE (V.O) "So petrified, Im so scared to step into this ride. What if I lose my heart and fail the climb? I (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

29.

ADELE (V.O) (contd) wont forgive me if I give up trying" INT. ESTATE APARTMENT BUILDING - KIKES ROOM - DAY Kike, teary-eyed, beholds something on her wall. And smiles. ADELE (V.O)(CONTD) "I heard his voice today. I didnt understand a single word he said." WHITE WALL From her slightly unfocused POV, an oil painting of her. OIL PAINTING At the bottom left, a scrawl that reads, Your love, Remi. ADELE (V.O)(CONTD) "Not one resemblance to the man I met. Just a vacant broken boy instead." EXT. ESTATE APARTMENT BUILDING - EVENING Kike walking through a parking space with her eyes closed. She appears more steady this time. ADELE (V.O)(CONTD) (2ce) "But I wont go o!!! I cant do it on my oh-own. If this aint love then what iii-is? Im willing to take the risk." She stops. Then depresses the car remote. INT. BOLASADES VEHICLE - MOVING - MINUTES LATER Kike DRIVES. Her hands shaky on the steering. Road-users cussing her through the window. ADELE (V.O)(CONTD) "Just take it all, With my love." She closes her eyes. Becomes confident behind the wheel. Theyre still cussing at her.

(CONTINUED)

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30.

ADELE (V.O)(CONTD) "Take it all..., With my love." The MUSIC ENDS as we... FADE OUT. EXT. MAMA PUT - A TABLE - DAY PASSPORT PHOTOGRAPH Someones hand holding up a head shot of Remi, smiling. THUG (O.S) Een no fit see abi? Baba, dat one sposed dey easy. Theres a blurry image of a man seated across the person viewing the photograph. BACK TO SCENE The THUG checking out the picture eats from a stainless bowl of Amala and Ewedu with his left hand. A handgun on the table beside it. DR. UGAGU (O.S) My thoughts exactly. THUG When you wan make we move? DR. UGAGU (O.S) For every minute he lives, I risk losing my license... even more. INT. REMIS APARTMENT - PARLOR - EVENING Various exquisite Impressionist artwork decorate the walls. All, Remis precious chef deouvres. Emeka helps Remi onto the sofa. Props his head with a throw pillow. REMI (To himself) She threw the ring away. EMEKA Which ring? That same one?

(CONTINUED)

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31.

REMI No... That twine you saw. EMEKA You mean you still have the other one with you? REMI I was going to finance the surgery with it but, I couldnt get it sold fast enough. EMEKA And where is it now? Hope its safe? REMI (Pitying himself) She didnt even give me the chance to give her. EMEKA Are you sure you dont want me to call your people? REMI And what am I supposed to tell them? That their son is the most stupid human being in the world? EMEKA You definitely cant be here alone, man. Ill go get my stuffs and come back, okay? Hang in there. REMI (Beat) Emeka... thank you EMEKA Youre welcome, bestie. I dey come. Emeka starts for the door. Then glances back at Remi on the couch... INT. REMIS APARTMENT - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS On entering, he heads straight for his wardrobe... Then his bedside bureau... Unlocks it and draws it out... GRABS the velvet ring case. Pops it open and -(CONTINUED)

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32.

-- It practically calls out to him. His Precious. DISSOLVE TO: INT. REMIS APARTMENT - PARLOR - EVENING Remi, still on the couch. Thinking. His phone rings. Fetches the miniature device from his trouser pocket. REMI (Answers) Hello? CO-WORKER (V.O) Remi, where you dey?! Theres trouble o. They found out about the money and were both wanted at the office. You said you would raise back the money. How far? you don -Remi cuts the line. Mulls over the call in the silence. Completely calm. His phone buzzing again... Then suddenly... HURLS the phone away and SCREAMS with all his being!!! He SCREAMS his heart out like, "How did I allow everything degenerate this terribly?" He keeps screaming until the crying sounds take over. He full on devolves into a baby the way he breaks down on the floor. Moments later, he STOPS. Sits back on his heels. Sniffles, wiping his tears. Theres a different look on his face. One of newfound resolve... INT. ST. STEVENS HOSPITAL - REMIS WARD - EVENING *The band THE SCRIPT slips in with the strings from Breakeven.* Kike enters. No Remi. Nobody. Looking lost, she calls out to an inner room.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: KIKE Remi? INT. REMIS APARTMENT - PARLOR - EVENING

33.

Remi, playing his message back to himself from a Smartphone. REMI (V.O) ... I illegally withdrew money to the tune of four million naira from accounts belonging to a company client, Mrs. Mary M. Ajala. Mr. Emeka Osuji whom the clients assets were entrusted with, I assure you, had absolutely nothing to do with this. I acted alone and of my own accord. Im so sorry. Please, forgive me... if you can. THE SCRIPT (V.O) "Im still alive but Im barely breathing..." He sets the device down on a nearby coffee table. And gets up. THE SCRIPT (V.O) "Just praying to a god that I dont believe in..." Exiting the sitting area, he doesnt need eyes. He knows where everything is. THE SCRIPT (V.O) "Cos Ive got time, while shes got freeduuuuuuuh-hum..." He slides open the glass-door to his balcony... Steps out. THE SCRIPT (V.O) "Cos when a heart breaks, no it dont break even." BALCONY He pads over to the edge. Takes in the air. THE SCRIPT (V.O) "Her best days will be some of my worst..." Plants one foot on the railing cap. Attempts to climb it... and succeeds. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: THE SCRIPT (V.O) "She finally met a man thats gonna put her first..." Having found his balance, he just looks on ahead... THE SCRIPT (V.O) "While Im wide awake, shes no trouble sleeping..." He closes his eyes. THE SCRIPT (V.O) "Cos when a heart breaks, no it dont break even... even... no." He lets himself fall forward... Off the balcony... THE SCRIPT (V.O) "What am I sposed to do when the best part of me was always you, and?! He begins having a -SERIES OF FLASHBACKS Of him with Kike on that night she drove blind,

34.

Of how they almost got rammed into by the oncoming truck but escaped by the skin of their teeth, THE SCRIPT (V.O) "What am I sposed to say, when Im all choked up, and youre okay, yeah?! Of Kike. A vivid mental picture of her hair blowing in the wind with the car cruising along by itself, Of their passionate kiss in his car that night of his birthday, THE SCRIPT (V.O)(CONTD) "Im falling to pieeeeeeces, yeah!" Of how he was forced to propose within a short timeline, Of her making fun of him. Then saying, yes. THE SCRIPT (V.O)(CONTD) "Im falling to pieeeeeeeeeceeez." Of the night he told her about Monet, (CONTINUED)

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35.

And how she said, KIKE At least... Monet could still see. Then of his response... *The MUSIC FADES...* REMI ... All is never lost... His words echoing back to him, "All is never lost..." END FLASHBACKS In free fall, he SNAPS OPEN HIS EYES... Realizing hes made the biggest mistake of his life, HE -REMI (Regretfully) No!!! -SMASH TO BLACK. THE END.