Wedding Of My Ex

Episode 21

THE BAWA RESIDENCE – EVENING

Chris stands just inside his living-room.

He looks around slowly, his face anxious.

He takes a few steps further into the room.

He racks his memory, dredging up that painful moment when he had seen a mean-looking Effe standing over the sprawled body of his mother, holding a side-table in her hand as blood dripped from his mother’s scalp.

He hears Dr. Anaman’s voice talking about glass particles …

and then, suddenly, Chris remembers!
There had been a fancy flower pot, shaped like an octagon, near the door!

It had held artificial seaweeds with lights in them!

Yes, he remembers now! It had shattered that day!

He is so engrossed that he does not notice that his mother has appeared on the landing, and that she is staring at him with a slight frown of worry on her beautiful face.

He gives a startled jerk when she speaks suddenly, breaking into his reveries, her voice in a happy.

MADAM LOIS
Chris, my darling Prince! You’re here!
His mother is coming down the stairs with outstretched arms.

She looks extremely happy.

She throws herself into Chris’ arms and hugs him tightly.

She steps back with a look of sudden anxiety on her face.

MADAM LOIS
Chris-love? What’s it? You don’t look too cheerful. Sick? Where’s my daughter-in-law? I thought you were coming here together.

CHRIS
(softly)
Mom, Effe didn’t hit you that night with the side-table. You fell down on the glass flowerpot accidentally, didn’t you? And you lied that Effe hit you, didn’t you?

His mother’s face collapses instantly.
The happiness drains from her face, and she looks haggard and old suddenly.
Her shoulders drop, and she looks at Chris with abject misery.

She looks scared.

MADAM LOIS
I’ve been dreading this day, son.

Her words make Chris’ own face contort with shock.

He feels so weak that he almost falls down.
He shakes his head numbly at his mother.

CHRIS
Oh, my God, Mom! How could you? Oh, dear Lord, you lied to me? You accused Effe falsely? Why, oh why, Mama?

Madam Lois turns away.

Shakily she sits down and clamps her hands in her laps.

Her head is down because she cannot bear to look into her son’s hurt eyes.

Her voice is contrite.

MADAM LOIS
I won’t bother to deny it, Chris. It has haunted me ever since. I don’t know why I did it, son. I felt so ashamed afterwards and wanted to tell you, but I couldn’t. I was overcome by the moment, son, and acted shamefully without thinking!

CHRIS
Oh, my God! Oh, God! Oh, dear sweet Jesus! How could you, Mama?

MADAM LOIS
Oh, son! Please forgive me! I think I was still angry with you for breaking off with Elaine. When Dr. Anaman told me you were hurt and I came here to check on you that night, Effe was very moody. She was weeping and told me you were angry because you saw Steve kissing her, much against her will. I was convinced you had finally seen her for what she was, and on the spur of the moment I lied to you.

CHRIS
Did Effe push you, Mom?

Madam Lois remains silent.

Chris’ voice explodes like a whiplash.

CHRIS

MAMA!

MADAM LOIS

(trembling, wringing her hands)
No, she did no such thing. She didn’t push me, son. I tripped when I tried to hit her and fell down hard on the flowerpot. The flowerpot cut me on the head. The side table got dislocated and trapped my hand. Effe picked up the side-table and she was trying to help me get up, and that was when you came in…oh, Chris-love, I’m so sorry! Please forgive me!

Chris wordlessly begins to walk away from her.
She gets up and blocks his way, and her face is acutely distressed.

MADAM LOIS
Oh, son, I’m so sorry! Please, forgive me! I would’ve told you, but I was scared. Later, I thought whatever caused the breakup between you two had nothing to do with my lie! If you broke off with her because of what I accused her of, then I’m very sorry, Chris-love! I have been feeling so ashamed for four years now. Please, son, forgive me!

Chris looks at his mother with so much pain on his face that she drops her gaze, and tears come into her eyes.

CHRIS
Yes, it is true that I was going to break up with Effe anyway before that incident, but because you lied, our breakup was nastier, and very painful. I would’ve spoken to her and broken off with her with mutual understanding, because although I was very angry and disappointed in her, I didn’t hate her. However, because you made me believe that she dared raise a hand against you, my mother, my treasured Mother, I hated her that night! That was something I couldn’t tolerate. I hated her for that single act. That hatred has lived with me all these years and I have suffered considerably because of a lie. Why would you compromise me in such a way? What in God’s name were you thinking, Mama?

Chris stops and looks at his mother with his tormented soul on his face.

CHRIS
What you did was wrong, Mama, so d–n wrong!
Madam Lois doesn’t speak.

She keeps her head bowed as Chris steps past her and climbs the stairs.
She speaks behind him.

MADAM LOIS
Chris? Did you speak to Effe? Is she the one who told you?

CHRIS
Does it really matter where I learnt the truth that my own mother could betray me like this? For your information, Dr. Anaman made me see the light of day. He told me you had glass particles in the wound. Obviously, the side-table didn’t have any glass.

He enters his bedroom and falls on the bed.
He shuts his eyes tightly as he recalls how he had screamed at Effe that night, and would not allow her to speak.

His phone rings; it is Elaine.

CHRIS
Hello, Angel?

ELAINE
Darling, is everything alright? We are very worried! I expected you back here ages ago.

CHRIS
I’m okay, darling. Doc told me … no, ordered me, actually, to rest after he gave me a barrel of medications. I didn’t want to spoil your mood so I came home. Was about to call you when your call came through.

ELAINE
Oh, I see. You had me worried. Alright, I will see you in a little while, so get some rest. I’ll come and caress your body, Tiger.

CHRIS
Hurry up then, honey. I could use some TLC.
He ends the call but keep on looking at his mobile phone.

He sighs deeply, and stands up, but almost immediately he inputs a number manually, and then he puts the phone to his ear.
Chris hears loud music in the background, and a lot of excited voices.

And then, he hears a sweet voice in his ears.

EFFE
Hello?

Chris sits down slowly. He cannot speak for a while.

EFFE
Hello? Who’s this, please? Hello? Can you please speak up a bit? I can barely hear you.

CHRIS
It is me, Effe.

He hears her sudden intake of breath.
She is silent for a long time.

☆☆

THE BOATENG RESIDENCE – AFTERNOON

It is Friday afternoon.

Steve parks Chris’ car in the beautiful courtyard of the Boatengs.

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! I prepared Chris’ favourite.

ELAINE
Thank you Mama. But Chris won’t be coming in for now.

MR. BOATENG
And why not? My wife prepared a sumptuous meal just for you, Chris.

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 up. 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.

MR. BOATENG
Hurry back, son. We’ll be waiting for you.

STEVE
I am famished and accept your offer of a sumptuous meal, madam.

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 roo! Don’t behave like hens!

They all laugh.

RUTH
It is good to be in love. Let them be.

ELAINE
(gazing into Chris’ eyes)
You sure you don’t want me to come with you, darling?

CHRIS
No, Honeypie. I’ll see you later!
Chris says his goodbyes, 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 evil girl’s wedding at all. I told you to keep him away from her at all costs!

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 turns into the spacious compound of the Clinic and parks.

He gets out of the car and walks through the glass doors to the reception.

He speaks to a receptionist, and then shortly afterwards walks into Dr. Anaman’s consultation room.

Chris embraces Dr. Anaman with a happy smile.
The old doctor is extremely happy to see him, and they heartily exchange pleasantries.

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
(speaking into his phone)
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 up. She doesn’t want to talk about you either. Anytime I mention your name, she becomes so angry and bitter!

CHRIS
(shocked, 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 unbelievable!

DOCTOR ANAMAN
I don’t know. Maybe not so much anger, maybe it should be labelled as upset. But that’s besides 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 with shock written all over his face.

DOCTOR ANAMAN
Are you crazy, son?

CHRIS
Now what’s that supposed to mean, sir?

DOCTOR ANAMAN
(shaking his head numbly)

Forgive me, son, but that story is absolutely ludicrous! Totally silly! Effe will never do such a thing!

CHRIS
(passionately)
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 of making people believe her. Her assault on my mother is something I can’t forgive, but there are other incidents I can’t tell you of. 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
(greatly agitated)
Tell me, Chris. Did you see Effe hitting your mother on the head, with this … what did you say it was again?

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 I treated simply 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 a c–k and bull story, 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 deep wound your Mom had that night, 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 the table… He 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.

CHRIS
Effe? Are you there?

EFFE
Chris. Please. Stay away from me. I beg of you.
She cuts the line.

Chris dials again, it rings with no answer.
He redials. She cuts the call.
He redials. Her phone is switched off.
He sits down, navigates to MESSAGES on his phone, and begins to compose a text message:
I JUST FOUND OUT U DIDN’T HIT MA MOM. SHE JUST CONFESSED. I JUST WANTED TO APOLOGIZE FOR NOT GIVING YOU THE CHANCE TO EXPLAIN YOURSELF. I’M VERY SORRY 4 NOT BELIEVING YOU ON THAT THAT.

He sends the message.

He strips and enters the bathroom.

He is getting into the bath when his phone begins to ring.

In a rush he runs into the bedroom and snatches up his phone, thinking only about Effe.

CHRIS
Hello,

EVELYN
Chris, my darling. Are you in Tadi now?

CHRIS
Yeah. Landed a couple of hours ago.

EVELYN
Wonderful. The wedding is at ten tomorrow morning. Rupert has managed to arrange a meeting between you, John Tamakloe and the South African Team led by their Minister of Trade and the CEO of Black House Creations. We’ve just shown them your FURY collection and it has completely blown them away! Chris, darling, you’ve just put your stamp on world fashion!

CHRIS
I see. Time of meeting tomorrow?

EVELYN
You okay, Chris? You don’t sound overly joyous about the news! Expecting you to jump through the roof and break one leg, at least. Hahahaha!

CHRIS
I’m okay, really. Just stunned, I think. Can’t believe what began as a pursuit of a hobby can end up in such a fulfilling way.

EVELYN
Now you’re chirping the love song I want to hear! Okay, the meeting’s scheduled for seven o’clock, venue First Floor Conference Center of the Slash House. Wouldn’t take more than an hour; they just want to meet you and brief you about the South African Lounge. Can you make it?

CHRIS
Of course I’ll make it. It is the reason why Tamakloe dragged me to this wedding, isn’t it? This is good news for me in more ways than one. Way I see it, after the meeting, I may decide not to grace the wedding. Thanks, Boss.

EVELYN
No, I thank you! You’ve vindicated me, love. Some of the Directors almost had my head four years ago when I took you on and made you a section head. Now they can’t look me in the eye because you’ve put our name on the international map. But don’t start that absentee show now, please. Be at the wedding; John and Rupert would want to see you there. Bye.