ACT III
SCENE 1
DEWUNMI’s apartment
AT RISE: DEWUNMI is crying, there is used tissue paper lying around the living room.
(Doorbell rings but Dewunmi seats still)
TIMILEYIN
(Shouts from outside)
Hello DEWUNMI
I saw you rush into your apartment, I hope you are fine?
Please let me in
DEWUNMI
(Opens the door with swollen eyes)
Hi
TIMILEYIN
(Evidently worried)
Are you ok?
DEWUNMI
This is not a good time TIMILEYIN
I would be fine thank you
TIMILEYIN
It doesn’t work that way
I am worried about you. I would like to know what is making you cry, perhaps I could help somehow.
DEWUNMI
It is embarrassing
I promise I would be fine
TIMILEYIN
I insist, honestly, there is zero need to feel embarrassed
Remember, a problem shared is half solved
I won’t leave your doorstep till you give me audience
(WUNMI walks away from the door but TIMI follows closely behind. She sinks into the sofa nd Timi squats by her side)
TIMILEYIN
What’s the problem?
Hope you haven’t forgotten that you can always talk to me
DEWUNMI
I have never been more humiliated
(Sobs)
I never wanted any of these dates but BIMMS kept forcing them on me.
TIMILEYIN
What happened?
DEWUNMI
The guy I went on a date with is apparently married!
His pregnant wife created a scene at the restaurant, It was so embarrassing
TIMILEYIN
Please wipe those tears, they do no justice to this pretty face of yours plus I don’t like to see you cry.
On the bright side I am glad you got to know the truth about him before you got in too deep
DEWUNMI
Yes I guess
This love thing is not for me
I have tried to discourage BIMPE from setting me up on these fruitless dates, I love my life just the way it is
TIMILEYIN
Sorry about the incident at the restaurant WUNMI
You know, it was just unfortunate you fell into wrong hands. You are a beautiful and kind hearted woman and
definitely deserve nothing but the best
DEWUNMI
I guess you are the only one that thinks so
All the other guys I have gone on dates with either think I am weird or boring
TIMILEYIN
Far from it, I must admit, when we first met you were a bit hostile but of course that was as a result of your clinical condition. With time however, I got to meet the funny WUNMI with a huge heart.
DEWUNMI
(Smiles with tear filled eyes)
Really! You think I am funny?
TIMILEYIN
Yes you are!
I think this is the best time to confess
(Looks into Wunmi’s eyes)
I actually relocated back then because of you
I fell completely in love with my patient and that was quite unethical but I could not help it. You were struggling to recover and quite vulnerable, I did not want anyone saying that I took advantage of you.
DEWUNMI
(Quite shocked)
Why did you not say anything or even look for me after I recovered
I really missed your company when you left, I had become quite fond of you
TIMILEYIN
I am sorry dear, the circumstances were not right then. The truth however is that I am hopelessly in love with you Please don’t shut love out before you even get a chance.
DEWUNMI
This is quite much to take in
You know, I could have been saved from this dating disaster if you made your confession a little earlier
(giggles)
TIMILEYIN
(Pleasantly surprised)
Do you really mean that?
DEWUNMI
Yes, I would have been happy to avoid the dating series but instead you disappeared and made no attempts to contact me after I recovered
What if I never moved into your neighborhood?
TIMILEYIN
I am sorry WUNMI I only had your best interest at heart
Like I mentioned earlier, you were vulnerable at the time. I actually tried contacting you a couple of times after I relocated but “Medical ethics” kept drawing me back.
I did not want people thinking I took advantage of my patient and I wasn’t even sure the feeling was mutual
DEWUNMI
Well, I was quite fond of you
You reached out to me and broke barriers nobody else had ever broken
I must say though that I have no idea how relationships work and no bearing on how to love anyone. if I am going to give it a shot though, I most definitely would not mind trying with you.
TIMILEYIN
That is the most encouraging and heartwarming speech I have heard all day
Please could you make those tears dissappear and smile for me.
DEWUNMI
(Smiles)
I know two people that would tumble with joy to see us together as a couple.
TIMILEYIN
Who might these two be?
DEWUNMI
LOVELYN and BIMMS!
At least I would escape the crazy blind dates
(They burst into laughter)
LIGHTS FADE
(END OF SCENE)
ACT III
SCENE 2
DEWUNMI’s apartment
AT RISE: DEWUNMI is having a phone conversation with BIMPE
DEWUNMI
Hello girlfriend!
BIMPE
(Speaks offstage)
Hi dear
You seem quite happy today
I am guessing the date was awesome
You should be thanking me you know
DEWUNMI
Yeah right!
Please don’t remind me of that disastrous date
Thanking you indeed!
BIMPE
What happened?
Why did you call it a “disastrous date”
DEWUNMI
You set me up with a married man whose pregnant wife humiliated me because she caught me on a date with her husband
BIMPE
Oh my!
I am so sorry
I had no idea
DEWUNMI
Anyway I am done with blind date setups
I am now in a relationship with a responsible and kind hearted man
BIMPE
Huh?
How does someone suddenly go from being single to being in a relationship overnight?
DEWUNMI
(Laughs)
Better believe it
Infact I should actually thank you for introducing him to me
BIMPE
I am confused
Who is this mystery man?
DEWUNMI
It’s Dr TIMILEYIN BANJO
BIMPE
What!
(Sounds surprised)
Are you messing with me?
DEWUNMI
Of course not
I am very serious
BIMPE
Wow!
This is major news!
Is this a recent development or did you decide to keep this juicy gist from me all this while?
DEWUNMI
Can I ever succeed in keeping anything from you?
It is fresh gist
BIMPE
He is a great guy
I am super excited for you
DEWUNMI
Thanks dear
BIMPE
I know this is quite new to you WUNMI but please understand that no relationship is perfect
We as individuals only try our best to overlook each other’s flaws
Let your love carry you through the tough times and never forget to put God first in your relationship.
DEWUNMI
Thank you for the advice BIMMS
It is highly appreciated
BIMPE
You are always welcome my darling!
I really should come visiting soon
I miss you a lot these days
DEWUNMI
I miss you too
Please send my greetings to your husband
Goodbye
BIMPE
I will
Bye
LIGHTS FADE
(ENDING OF SCENE)
ACT III
SCENE 3
SETTING: DR BANJO’S APARTMENT; The living room is beautifully furnished and neat with a luxurious leather sofa set and a coffee table.
There are also hand cut decorations, with numerous wallpapers scattered over the living room indicating a birthday celebration.
AT RISE: DEWUNMI is putting finishing touches to the balloon set up in Dr Banjo’s living room. Bimpe and Lovelyn are her able assistant.
DEWUNMI
Thank you for coming BIMPE this really means a lot to me.
BIMPE
Oh! Stop it DEWUNMI I wouldn’t miss this for anything in the world
I owe Dr BANJO a whole lot; he is responsible for making you happy these days, so of course I am happy to be part of his birthday celebration.
LOVELYN
(Holds up a piece of decoration)
Where should I put this WUNMI?
DEWUNMI
Don’t worry love I would take care of it
(Collects the piece from LOVELYN)
Thank you for smuggling us into the apartment to prepare for this surprise party.
LOVELYN
It is my pleasure
(Smiles)
I love parties especially when my dad is the celebrant
When would he get back from work?
LOVELYN
He should be back soon but not to worry I told him to call me before coming
DEWUNMI
I hope he didn’t get suspicious when you requested him calling before coming to his own house
(Laughs out loud)
LOVELYN
I don’t think so
DEWUNMI
Is grandma still coming?
LOVELYN
Oh! I forgot to mention she might not be able to make it but Uncle KOLA and Aunty SUSAN promised to be here as soon as work is over
BIMPE
I guess I would be meeting some new folks today
Please could you both tell me who KOLA and SUSAN are?
DEWUNMI
They are his siblings
BIMPE
Oh! Ok
DEWUNMI
Were you able to reach VELMA?
BIMPE
Yes I was
She would be here soon
DEWUNMI
I am actually very nervous BIMMS
I have never planned a party for anyone before
BIMPE
Don’t worry it would be fine
(Doorbell rings; BIMPE walks to the door to respond)
VELMA
Hello everyone
(Smiles)
DEWUNMI
Hi Nurse VELMA
It is a pleasure to see you again
(Hugs Nurse Velma)
I really appreciate your presence considering the distance.
VELMA
No problem dear
Anything for you
Would you like me to help out with the decorating?
DEWUNMI
Never mind
Just make yourself comfortable, we are almost done
VELMA
Ok if you say
(She smiles before taking her sit)
DEWUNMI
BIMMS please could you check on the food and drinks, just yo be sure all is in order.
BIMPE
Ok I would get to it
(Looks out the window)
Uncle KOLA and Aunty SUSAN are here
(Opens the door for KOLA and SUSAN with a wide smile)
Come right in, Dad would be so happy to see you
(KOLA AND SUSAN CHORUS)
He better be!
DEWUNMI
Oh! good
We have a good number of loved ones around now
It’s time to surprise TIMILEYIN
(Smiles)
(LOVELYN’S mobile phone rings shortly after Dewunmi’s statement)
LOVELYN
Hi Dad
TIMILEYIN
(Speaks offstage)
Hello
I should be home in five minutes
You said to call before coming
LOVELYN
Yes Dad thank you
See you soon
(Phone conversation ends)
LOVELYN
He would be here in five minutes people!
Get ready
DEWUNMI
Lights off please
(Lights are switched off)
LOVELYN
I would open the door for him while you guys hide
This is so exciting!
(Doorbell rings; LOVELYN rushes to open the door)
TIMILEYIN
Hello Darling
Why are the lights switched off?
LOVELYN
Hi Dad
Please come in, I would explain in a bit
(The lights are switched on as TIMILEYIN walks in.
Everyone screams HAPPY BIRTHDAY!)
TIMILEYIN
(Bursts into laughter)
Oh wow! This is nice
Even KOLA and SUSAN are here!
LOVELYN
It was all her idea Dad
(She points to DEWUNMI with a wide grin)
TIMILEYIN
Isn’t she simply amazing
(DEWUNMI walks towards TIMILEYIN and hugs him)
DEWUNMI
Happy birthday Love
TIMILEYIN
I am probably supposed to give the thank you speech after the celebration but I have to say something real quick before we start
DEWUNMI
(LAUGHS)
It’s your birthday you can do anything you want
TIMILEYIN
Alright
Thank you all for honoring me with your presence on this special day
As I celebrate another year of life I would only feel complete if this beautiful and special damsel agrees to spend her lifetime with me.
(Gets on his knees holding out a box with a gorgeous diamond ring.)
WILL YOU MARRY ME WUNMI?
DEWUNMI
(Looks at TIMILEYIN with tears in her eyes)
Yes I will
(Puts the ring on her finger while everyone screams “congratulations”)
LOVELYN
She said “YES” dad
DEWUNMI
(Looks at LOVELYN)
You knew about this
LOVELYN
Yes I did
It was the hardest secret I ever had to keep
(Everyone laughs and the celebration continues)
LIGHTS FADE
(END OF PLAY)
