No Monet.pdf

7/27/2019 No Monet.pdf

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NO MONET

By

Gbolahan Akitunde

&

Chris Mordi

@[email protected]@[email protected]


2/36

EXT. LAGOS - ROAD - NIGHT

Its late in the night. Barely any pedestrians in sight andonly 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. Acheerful girl with dark glasses on.

KIKERemi, are you sure about this?

REMICome on, hon. Youve done this

before. Ive seen even midgetsdrive.

Kike, in the driver seat, giggles.

KIKEYouve seen midgets?

REMIMidgets, Kike. Trust me, if theycan 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 itbecomes clearer that Kikes dark visors arent just afashion accessory. Shes visually impaired.

Clutching the brake, she heaves it downward.

KIKE(Giggles)

Ooh... that sounded like a fart.

(CONTINUED)


3/36

CONTINUED: 2.

Remi cant help but chuckle while softly clasping thegearshift with her hand.

REMIIts on Park now. So just, moveit...

(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?

REMINo, 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

REMIYoure on two lanes.

(They giggle)But no, just steer to the left alittle...

She starts to...

REMI (CONTD)Okay, stop! Thats perfect. Nowsteady your hands... yeah?

(CONTINUED)


4/36

CONTINUED: 3.

KIKEYeah, its steady.

REMIPerfect. Keep going.

EXT. ROAD - CONTINUOUS

The saloon is on the median. Cruising down at a steadiedpace.


REMIWere directly in the middle of theroad.

KIKEReally? I thought you said it wasperfect?

REMIWho cares? Theres no one in theway.

KIKEYoure crazy, Remi.

REMI(Gleefully)

Nah. Im just a man in love.

He winds down the windows...

KIKEWhat are you doing?

Wafts of breeze blowing her hair all over her face.

KIKE (CONTD)My hairs all over the place.

REMIKeep your leg on the accelerator...and let go of the wheel.

KIKEWhat?

(CONTINUED)


5/36

CONTINUED: 4.

REMIJust 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. Thelights 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 itall 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.

REMIJesus 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:


6/36

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 abruptstop. And start cackling at themselves.

KIKEChrist, I thought we were going todie on your birthday.

(More seriously)Happy birthday, babe.

He moves in on her. They lock lips.

KIKE (CONTD)

Ill finally be able to see whatyou look like?

REMI(Jokingly)

Youre gonna be so disappointed.

KIKEI wont.

REMII cant believe how everythingsjust falling into place. Youre

gonna get your surgery. Im goingto finally have my eouvres inplaces like Prado, the Louvre, theMOMA, the Mets...

REMI & KIKE(Kike making jest)

Vatican City, Musee dOrsay...

Remi takes the hint and stops. Kike laughs.

KIKECome on, help me out. Im late.

INT. RADIO STATION - BROADCAST ROOM - NIGHT

Kike, in a dark enclosure, sits behind a desk of computersand a microphone with headphones on.

(CONTINUED)


7/36

CONTINUED: 6.

KIKE(Into mic)

Welcome back from that beautifulmusic interlude. That was Signed,sealed, delivered by theincomparable Stevie Wonder, as

requested by Ejike. hope he enjoyedthat. This is still Wish Linewhere I, your host, Kiki Girl, makeyour every song wish come true. Andwe have another caller on the linealready...

(Beat)Hello, sir. Whats your name?

CALLERMy name is Afam George and Imcalling from Ogba.

KIKEHi, Afam. Whats up?

CALLERWell... theres this girl actually.Shes in my school. And I reallyreally like her. Shes cool, shesgorgeous, ya know?

KIKEBut...

CALLER

But Ive asked her out twice nowand, she keeps turning me down. Idont know what to do to make hersay yes.

KIKEWhy do you think she keeps turningyou down? Is it your swag? Does shehave a boyfrie--

CALLERNo, its neither of that. Sheslike three years my senior.

KIKEWow. So shes three years olderthan you? Fair to say?

CALLERFour.

(CONTINUED)


8/36

CONTINUED: 7.

KIKEWhao, okay. Thats interesting. Youknow what, Afam, girls are usuallymore mature-minded than guys theirage. So this girl is obviouslygoing to be way more mature than

you are. Its no mean feat but whatyou have to do is convince heryoure up to the task of being herman. That you can protect her, loveher and treat her right.

CALLERRight. I understand.

KIKEExactly. Age is only a matter ofthe mind, and the same rule applieshere, persistence. You have to

persist. Its one of the firstsigns of maturity shes gonna seein you.

CALLERBut I am, but nothing gives.

KIKEWinning love isnt easy, Afam...


Remi listening intently to the radio conversation...

KIKE (V.O)You have to persist. And bypersist, I dont mean doing thesame thing over and over, hopingshes going to say yes. Dosomething extraordinary, Afam. Showher how much youre willing to giveup to get her.

Those last statements resonating with Remi.

CALLER (V.O)Youre right, Kiki. I think I knowjust what to do to take her breathaway. She wont see it coming.Thank you, kiki Girl. you rock.

(CONTINUED)


9/36

CONTINUED: 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 officeaisle with arms full of overflowing folders.

WORKSTATION

Remi stares at his desktop monitor...

MONITORAn 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...

MONITORGlides 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 yourchest?

EMEKAA lot of problems. I mistakenlymixed up Mrs. Ajalas accounts foranother clients.

(CONTINUED)


10/36

CONTINUED: 9.

REMIEhn then un-mix them up. I dontsee what the problem is.

EMEKA(Hesitantly)

I sort of mixed up their sharepurchases too...

REMI(His eyes light up)

Jesus Christ, youre in deep soup.

EMEKAFried stew to be specific. I needyour help, man.

REMIIm going to end up in fried stew

too if I dont do my work.

EMEKAI know youre always picking up theslack for me and I appreciate that.But if theres ever been a time inall our ten years of friendshipthat--

REMISeven years, Emeka. And okay, Illhelp 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, Remipaces about. Emeka stands still but is as unsettled.

EMEKARemi, I no too cool with this ideao.

REMII just wan practice now, haba.

(CONTINUED)


11/36

CONTINUED: 10.

EMEKAWetin you wan practice again? Disgirl already said no, twice!

REMIAre you helping me or not?

EMEKAEhn, hurry up, ah!

Suddenly, his countenance changes and hes looking dreamilyinto 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 thingover and over again, hoping shesgoing to say yes..."

REMI(Walks closer)

"So do something extraordinary,Afam! Show her how much yourewilling 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 takethat plunge with me. But since whenhave you ever known me... to letyou 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-caratsshimmering designer diamond ring."

(CONTINUED)


12/36

CONTINUED: 11.

EMEKA(Flabbergasted)

Remi, Jesus Christ! How manymonths salary is this?!

REMI

Its from my trust, ah! Stopshouting --

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 tooclose 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 residentphysicians 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 hospitalhave left?

RESIDENTThirteen million, sir. To be exact.

DR. UGAGU (O.S)And eligible applicants?

RESIDENTThere are eight left, sir. One hasleukemia, that we need to look intofast. The blind girl with severecorneal injury. Then the third --

DR. UGAGU (O.S)I can read, doctor. Just hand overthe files.

(CONTINUED)


13/36

CONTINUED: 12.

RESIDENTUm... just let me rush back andmake photocopies, sir, so we --

DR. UGAGU (O.S)Theres no need, Dr. Evelyn. Justhand them over.

Still from his POV, Dr. Ugagu collects the eight foldersfrom the reluctant resident physician. Dumps them along withthe other stockpile in his bureau and locks it up.

DR. UGAGU (O.S)(CONTD)Now, while I owe you noexplanation, Im aware what gossipyou residents get up to when youall get together in the lounge. Thehospitals in urgent need ofrepairs and facilities Im sureyoure all aware of. Pending staff

salaries to be offset, et cetera.We cant treat all these people andstill keep the place afloat.

RESIDENTBut sir, the hospitals buoyantenough to handle its own problems?Five out of the eight high-priorityapplicants on that list will diesans the grant.

DR. UGAGU (O.S)Are you done?

(Intimidating her)I wasnt seeking your counsel,young lady. I was merely tellingyou. Now, I know whats best forthe hospital. Not you.

INT. REMIS CAR - MOVING - EVENING

The acoustic guitar strings in Adeles Crazy for Youintroduce Remi driving. Unable to contain his excitementabout proposing, he mouths the apt lyrics...

ADELE (V.O)"Found myself today, singing, outloud your name. You said Im crazy,If I am, Im crazy for you."

Other passing motorists try to tell him something. They waveand scream from their cars, but its no use. His windows arewound up and his eyes shut as he sings along. Impassioned.

(CONTINUED)


14/36

CONTINUED: 13.

ADELE (V.O)"Sometimes sitting in the dark,wishing you were here, turns mecrazy. But its you, who makes melose, 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 myhead. And turn me in-to a crumblingfool."

STREET

Road-users passing glances at Remi, whos chasing down hisfleeting rim cover.

ADELE (V.O)"Tell me to run and Ill race. Ifyou want me to stop, Illfreeze..."

He gives up on it...

ADELE (V.O)"And if you want me gone, Illleave..."

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 foryou..."

Remi, screwing the spare to the rare on...

ADELE (V.O)"Craaaaaaaazyyyy for youuuu."


15/36

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 ringcase from his glove compartment...

Guitar strings continue playing.

One gleam from the rock, bringing to light the glimmer ofhope 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, andsave 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. Theygreet each other underneath the music. But theres a sadlook 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 backgroundlies a beautiful oil painting on the wall.

Remi holding Kike tightly. Rocking her gently. Her headagainst his chest as her sobbing subsides.

(CONTINUED)


16/36

CONTINUED: 15.

REMITheres this painter, Oscar-ClaudeMonet. I dont know if youve heardof him but, he was the founder ofImpressionism. He would go and sitby a window, and paint whatever he

saw. Cos it wasnt really aboutseeing, it was about perception.(Kike listening more intently)

He lost his first wife and gotremarried. She died too, along withhis oldest son. His favorite. Afterall that loss, Monet slipped intodeep depression, developedcataracts in both eyes, and couldonly see the colors red, andyellow. But he still painted.Called it The House Seen from theRose Garden... Still my favorite.

Theres a brief silence between them.

KIKEAt least... Monet could still see.

Remi pulls back to look in her eyes.

REMIWhat 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.

REMIThey called to tell her that therewas a lag from last yearsapplicants, so the grant coveringher treatment has been exhausted.

EMEKASo shell now be next years lagshey?

REMI(Hisses)

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


17/36

CONTINUED: 16.

REMI (contd)Na lie jare. How you know saytheyve not even eaten all the NGOmoney gan sef?

EMEKAHm. So you no fit propose again?

REMIHow can? The poor girl washeartbroken.

EMEKA(Underhandedly)

Hm.

REMI(Abandoning his drink)

Whats hm?

EMEKAAh, I dont know o. You know thesethings are hard to say. Maybe itsa sign.

REMIA sign. From who? And of what?

EMEKAGuy, you don dey mara o. E be likesay dem dey follow you go come sef.Emptying your whole trust fund on adiamond ring she cant even see.

REMIGuy, what is it with you and thisring sef? Every chance you get, youkeep talking about it.

EMEKABecause its too much for someonewho doesnt even feel the same wayabout you. What is it about thisgirl? Are you attracted toblindness or something?

REMII cant explain it, man. I just...uh, I just fucking love her. And Idont expect you to understand. Youthat you spend your spare timeplaying lotterys, looking for easymoney up and down.

(CONTINUED)


18/36

CONTINUED: 17.

EMEKAIm spending my spare time wastingit on you right now. Only reasonshe hasnt cut off the leash onyour neck is cos, lets face it,who else is going to volunteer as

her boyfriend?... Or maybe she justcant find the scissors.

REMIThats enough, okay? As hard as itis for me, imagine how hard it mustbe for her... when you love someonebut you cant see them.

EMEKAHow do you intend to remedy thatthen, bro? I mean, even if she doesagree to marry you this time,

shell never really be happy.Except maybe you. And not for longeither.

(Gutting Remi)Are you also going to force her tohave your children? So now, notonly can she not see her husband,she cant put a face to her kids aswell. For how long can you pretendits all gravy until it all comescrashing down?

(Goes in for the kill)What youre doing is very brave and

noble, and I applaud that. But thereality is, life is not a lovestory. And no matter how much youbelieve you can fly... you cant.Maybe she doesnt love you as muchas you love her. And maybe shedoes. Either way, Remi, God isgiving 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.

BOLASADESis, you know I love you. If Ididnt, you know me I no dey wastekini? I for don snatch loverboy teytey.

(CONTINUED)


19/36

CONTINUED: 18.

Kike laughs.

BOLASADE (CONTD)Whos laughing wit dis one? Imserious, they dont make men likehim anymore.

KIKEI know. Sometimes Im justscared... if Id be able to do thesame for him.

BOLASADEIts not until hes blind beforeyou find out. You can by marryinghim.

KIKESis, you remember Bamidele, my last

boyfriend? He eventually left. Hedidnt even call to break-up oranything, he just disappeared. Heprobably thought, "whats thedifference?"

BOLASADEKike, Remi, is no Bamidele.

KIKEWith Remi, its going to be worse.Im his first love. And I know howthat feels. Thats when you start

making all the wrong decisions. Mydoing this to protect both of us.

BOLASADEKike, I cant feel what you must begoing through. But this guy,believe me, genuinely loves you andwants to marry you. Please... dontlet what was taken away from youthat one night take everything awayfrom you your whole life.

KIKE(Sighs)

Sis, you had to come back homebecause you couldnt afford to livethere anymore. Remi has had to puthis passion on the side and work asa stock analyst because of what?Money.

(CONTINUED)


20/36

CONTINUED: 19.

BOLASADEBut hes a trust fund baby na. Henow has the money to do whatever hewants.

KIKE

My point exactly, Sister Bola. Hehad to wait years to be able topursue a dream hes had since hewas twelve. Now, how is mine anydifferent? You people are acting asif Im asking the impossible, whenreally, the only object here, isthe chips.

(Her phone rings)Sis, we all have dreams and fornow, this is mine. I believe theGod who made me whole will not nowforsake me.

BOLASADE(Giving up)

Amen o.

KIKE(Answers phone)

Hello?

DR. UGAGU (V.O)Good afternoon, is this Ms. KikeDarlington?

KIKEYes, whos on the line please?

DR. UGAGU (V.O)This is Dr. Ugagu of St. StevensHospital and Im calling withrespect to your formerly canceledoptical surgery.

KIKE(Confused)

Formerly?

INT. ST. STEVENS HOSPITAL - DR. UGAGUS OFFICE - DAY

Kike and Bolasade, in front of Dr. Ugagus desk, lookingbewildered.

(CONTINUED)


21/36

CONTINUED: 20.

BOLASADESo, Dr. Ugagu, what you are sayingin effect is... we now have themoney to carry on with this...

DR. UGAGU (O.S)

Corneal transplant. We simplyreplace her defective cornea, thetransparent part of the eye, with afar more functional one.

BOLASADEYes, you said.

KIKE(Concernedly)

But doctor, isnt there any way wecan meet or at least express ourgratitude to this very kind woman?

I mean, this is too much of a grandgesture for her to just gounthanked for.

DR. UGAGU (O.S)I agree. But when I asked her, doyou know what she said?

(Beat)"When you give to the poor, soundno trumpets before you, as thehypocrites do --"

KIKE

"... That they may be praised byothers. Verily I say unto you, theyhave their reward in full." Matthewsix, two.

BOLASADESo Christians like this stillexist.

DR. UGAGU (O.S)(Leans in)

Ms. Darlington, I cant decide foryou, but I suggest we respect herwish for anonymity... And takeadvantage of this opportunity.

Off Kike, warming up to the idea.


22/36

21.

EXT. PUBLIC GARDEN - DAY

Remi and Kike sitting on a stone bench.

KIKE(Excited)

Remi, can you believe this isactually happening?

REMII always knew God would make a way.

KIKEAll is never lost, right?

REMI(Smiles)

Well finally be able to spend therest of our lives together.

KIKE(Coyly)

Youll have to propose first.

Remi, on cloud nine to hear her breathe those words.

REMII will.

KIKENo... I mean now.

REMI(Taken aback)

But I dont have the ring here.

KIKEYoure 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 hehurriedly gets on his knee.

And plucks out a grass fiber.

(CONTINUED)


23/36

CONTINUED: 22.

KIKE (CONTD)Two...

Sweating bullets, he ties both ends of the grass as tight asthe Gordian Knot and quickly takes her hand in his.

REMI(Super-fast)Kikewillyoumarryme?!

Unable to resist, Kike creases up in silent laughter.

KIKEYes.

A relieved Remi fits the encircled twine through her ringfinger.

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 PLAQUEThe letter Hh affixed on a white wall.

KIKE (O.S)... H

ALPHABET PLAQUECUT to the letter Ii

KIKE (O.S)(CONTD)... I

ALPHABET PLAQUEThen Jj

KIKE (O.S)(CONTD)... J

ALPHABET PLAQUELl

(CONTINUED)


24/36

CONTINUED: 23.

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 CHARTOn 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. Youvecompleted your visual perceptiontest. 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 bean easy road. Youve been sightlessfor over three years now and yourbrain, in a bid to readjust, willfight this new change. Its part ofthe Agnosia. Therell be times

youll wish you had stayed blind.But you must keep using those eyes,until they become yours again.

KIKEI understand, doctor.

DR. UGAGU (O.S)All the best.

Dr. Ugagu leaves.

Bolasade looks at Kike. Beaming with pride.

BOLASADEKike... youre wonderful.

The only response Bolasade gets is a tear down Kikes face.

(CONTINUED)


25/36

CONTINUED: 24.

KIKE(Pensively)

He didnt travel anywhere, did he?(Bolasade says nothing)

He left me.

BOLASADEFar from that, Kike --

KIKE(Raises her voice)

Stop always treating me like achild, Sister Bola! Its beenweeks. 17 days to be exact. Hecouldnt even call. Does he evenknow 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. Hisfriend, Emeka, trying to feed him a bowl of custard.

EMEKAGuy, eat dis ting na!

REMIEmeka, 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 yourehere...

Kike, cant believe what shes seeing.

(CONTINUED)


26/36

CONTINUED: 25.

REMI (CONTD)This guy has been trying toforce-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? Iknow Kike is in this room... I cansmell her.

(Beat)Kike?

Bolasade weeping along with Kike now.

Emekas eyes well up.

REMI (O.S)(CONTD)(To Kike)

Are you disappointed?

That question causes her to eventually let out a sob. SheBREAKS the grass ring off her finger and drops it on thefloor, severed in two.

She angrily wheels herself around. Heads for the door andBolasade assists her out.

A tear falls down Emekas cheek as he watches them abandonhis best friend.

REMI(CONTD)

Emeka... has she left?

EMEKANo, Remi. It wasnt her.

REMI(Flares up)

DONT LIE TO ME, EMEKA! I KNOW ITWAS HER!

(CONTINUED)


27/36

CONTINUED: 26.

EMEKAOkay, okay, calm down. It was her.

REMIShe saw me?

EMEKA

Yes.(Beat)

She was just overwhelmed, thatsall.

NURSE ADA enters.

NURSE ADAMr. Remi, how are you feeling?

Remi swallows back a knot of tears in his throat.

NURSE ADA (CONTD)

(Playfully)Mr. Emeka, youve come withlittering 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.

REMIGrass?

INT. ST. STEVENS HOSPITAL - LOBBY - CONTINUOUS

Bolasade wheeling Kike toward someone. Kike, seething.

KIKEDoctor! Doctor Ugagu!

From the doctors POV, he turns around as Kike and Bolasadeaccost him.

KIKE (CONTD)(Shakes her head)

All because of money? I neverthought you could be thisdespicable.

(CONTINUED)


28/36

CONTINUED: 27.

DR. UGAGU (O.S)Ms. Darlington, I dont know that Iknow what youre talking about. Ido know, however, I dontappreciate being insulted.

KIKEWell start appreciating it!

DR. UGAGU (O.S)(Leaving)

Whatever this is, lets at least bedecent enough to do it in myoffice.

BOLASADE(Dragging him back)

Ehn, who are you talking to? Decentenough. Mr. Man, you are not going

anywhere.(Beat)

You knew what was going on. But youcooked up that big lie and wentahead anyway.

DR. UGAGU (O.S)I didnt concoct any lie. That wasall her boyfriend. I onlyreiterated it for him.

KIKEIs this part of your Hippocratic

Oath, doctor? Deceiving patients toline your pockets?

DR. UGAGU (O.S)I am bound, young lady, by the sameHippocratic Oath which you socarelessly speak of, to respect theprivacy of my patients no matterwhat.

Kike gets up from her chair. Stares him right in the face.

KIKERemi was not your patient when youmade that deal with him. He wasyour customer.

The doctor feels threatened.

(CONTINUED)


29/36

CONTINUED: 28.

DR. UGAGU (O.S)He knew good and damn well what hewas doing. He could have waiteduntil we secured a decedent donorfor the operation as I advised butdespite the fact, he chose to have

it done. And that when we found adonor, he would get his sight back.He said you wouldnt marry him ifhe didnt do it. Turns out youwouldnt have either way.

BOLASADE(Stepping to him)

Great defence, doctor. Now you justhave to reiterate that to a judge.

Checkmate.

INT. ST. STEVENS HOSPITAL - REMIS WARD - CONTINUOUS

REMIEmeka, take me home.

EMEKAWont you let them discharge youfirst?

REMIMUST YOU ARGUE WITH ME ON EVERYDAMN SINGLE THING, EMEKA?! HUH?!

YES, YOU WERE RIGHT, OKAY?! YOUTOLD ME! ISNT THAT WHAT YOU WANTTO 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 tostep into this ride. What if I losemy heart and fail the climb? I

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


30/36

CONTINUED: 29.

ADELE (V.O) (contd)wont forgive me if I give uptrying"

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 didntunderstand a single word he said."

WHITE WALLFrom her slightly unfocused POV, an oil painting of her.

OIL PAINTINGAt the bottom left, a scrawl that reads, Your love, Remi.

ADELE (V.O)(CONTD)"Not one resemblance to the man Imet. Just a vacant broken boyinstead."

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 lovethen what iii-is? Im willing totake 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)


31/36

CONTINUED: 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 PHOTOGRAPHSomeones hand holding up a head shot of Remi, smiling.

THUG (O.S)Een no fit see abi? Baba, dat onesposed dey easy.

Theres a blurry image of a man seated across the personviewing the photograph.

BACK TO SCENE

The THUG checking out the picture eats from a stainless bowlof Amala and Ewedu with his left hand. A handgun on thetable beside it.

DR. UGAGU (O.S)My thoughts exactly.

THUGWhen you wan make we move?

DR. UGAGU (O.S)For every minute he lives, I risklosing 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 throwpillow.

REMI(To himself)

She threw the ring away.

EMEKAWhich ring? That same one?

(CONTINUED)


32/36

CONTINUED: 31.

REMINo... That twine you saw.

EMEKAYou mean you still have the otherone with you?

REMII was going to finance the surgerywith it but, I couldnt get it soldfast enough.

EMEKAAnd where is it now? Hope itssafe?

REMI(Pitying himself)

She didnt even give me the chance

to give her.

EMEKAAre you sure you dont want me tocall your people?

REMIAnd what am I supposed to tellthem? That their son is the moststupid human being in the world?

EMEKAYou definitely cant be here alone,

man. Ill go get my stuffs and comeback, okay? Hang in there.

REMI(Beat)

Emeka... thank you

EMEKAYoure welcome, bestie. I dey come.

Emeka starts for the door. Then glances back at Remi on thecouch...

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)


33/36

CONTINUED: 32.

-- It practically calls out to him. His Precious.

DISSOLVE TO:


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?! Therestrouble o. They found out about themoney and were both wanted at the

office. You said you would raiseback 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 allhis being!!! He SCREAMS his heart out like, "How did I alloweverything degenerate this terribly?"

He keeps screaming until the crying sounds take over. Hefull on devolves into a baby the way he breaks down on thefloor.

Moments later, he STOPS. Sits back on his heels. Sniffles,wiping his tears. Theres a different look on his face. Oneof newfound resolve...

INT. ST. STEVENS HOSPITAL - REMIS WARD - EVENING

*The band THE SCRIPT slips in with the strings fromBreakeven.

*Kike enters.

No Remi. Nobody.

Looking lost, she calls out to an inner room.

(CONTINUED)


34/36

CONTINUED: 33.

KIKERemi?


Remi, playing his message back to himself from a Smartphone.

REMI (V.O)... I illegally withdrew money tothe tune of four million naira fromaccounts belonging to a companyclient, Mrs. Mary M. Ajala. Mr.Emeka Osuji whom the clientsassets were entrusted with, Iassure you, had absolutely nothingto do with this. I acted alone andof my own accord. Im so sorry.Please, forgive me... if you can.

THE SCRIPT (V.O)"Im still alive but Im barelybreathing..."

He sets the device down on a nearby coffee table. And getsup.

THE SCRIPT (V.O)"Just praying to a god that I dontbelieve in..."

Exiting the sitting area, he doesnt need eyes. He knowswhere everything is.

THE SCRIPT (V.O)"Cos Ive got time, while shesgot freeduuuuuuuh-hum..."

He slides open the glass-door to his balcony... Steps out.

THE SCRIPT (V.O)"Cos when a heart breaks, no itdont break even."

BALCONY

He pads over to the edge. Takes in the air.

THE SCRIPT (V.O)"Her best days will be some of myworst..."

Plants one foot on the railing cap. Attempts to climb it...and succeeds.

(CONTINUED)


35/36

CONTINUED: 34.

THE SCRIPT (V.O)"She finally met a man thats gonnaput her first..."

Having found his balance, he just looks on ahead...

THE SCRIPT (V.O)

"While Im wide awake, shes notrouble sleeping..."

He closes his eyes.

THE SCRIPT (V.O)"Cos when a heart breaks, no itdont 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,

Of how they almost got rammed into by the oncoming truck butescaped by the skin of their teeth,

THE SCRIPT (V.O)"What am I sposed to say, when Imall choked up, and youre okay,yeah?!

Of Kike. A vivid mental picture of her hair blowing in thewind with the car cruising along by itself,

Of their passionate kiss in his car that night of hisbirthday,

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)


36/36

CONTINUED: 35.

And how she said,

KIKEAt 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 madethe biggest mistake of his life, HE --

REMI(Regretfully)

No!!! --

SMASH TO BLACK.

THE END.

Documents

No Monet.pdf