James took Kwame to a Game Center, at first, Kwame was reluctant to enter the place. He felt the place was filthy, but James persuaded him to enter. When he realized it was a video Game Center his soul kinda left his body. He run out with tears in his eyes, James followed him out.
JAMES:
Kwame, Kwame…
( kwame kept walking away )
Talk to me please, what's happening to you?
KWAME:
Video games James, I hate them. I.. I only play it when I'm very sad or angry. It's filled with all my sad moments and anger moments. I only played them with my dad and since he's no more, I play it alone.
JAMES:
I'm sorry I didn't know, I actually thought you'd like it. It's actually what I do when I'm feeling down, it takes away my sadness and brings me joy.
KWAME:
My dad thought me how to play it, he's the only one I've played it with. Ever since he died it hasn't been the same playing video games. I kinda grew hatred towards the game and played it only when I'm sad or angry. The thing is, it makes me angrier when playing it and reminds me of my dad.
( James hugged Kwame when he saw tears flowing down his eyes )
JAMES:
Everything would be okay, I think you should go home now. I'll take you home, it's getting late.
(Kwame called his driver. He slept in the car all through the ride.)
JAMES:
Wake up Kwame, we're here. Guess I'll take my leave now.
KWAME:
No, let's go inside. I don't want you to leave, not now please.
JAMES:
Alright, let's go. Just make sure your mom doesn't get me arrested for misleading you.
( he said hilariously )
KWAME:
If anything, I misled you today. I'm the bad influence here.
JAMES:
Alright, just make sure you feed me I'm starving.
( they entered the house, Helena was sitting on the couch waiting for them )
HELENA:
The hell, Kwame don't you ever do that again. Don't do that to me again Lebrone, you got me so worried.
( kwame walked pass by his mom to his room without saying a word to his mom )
JAMES:
Good evening ma, I'm James..
HELENA:
You've got some guts showing your face here. I knew I shouldn't have allowed my son school at that place, all you got to offer him is bad influence.
JAMES:
You've got it twisted ma, your son suggested it. I tried talking him out of it buh he wouldn't listen. It's either I let him go alone or I follow him. I decided to follow him to protect him. He doesn't know his way around the place.
HELENA:
What now? You're expecting a thank you? Oh wait I know what you want, wait..
( Helena entered her room and grabbed some money, she hit him with it )
There you go, pick up the money and leave!
JAMES:
I may be poor and all but I have dignity and morals.
( James said and walked out, Kwame came out holding a first aid kit. He saw the money on the floor and noticed James wasn't inside the house )
KWAME:
Where is he mom?
HELENA:
I asked him to leave, he's a bad influence on you.
KWAME:
Wait don't tell me this money is here on the floor because of what I'm thinking.
HELENA:
I gave it to him as a thank you present but he's too proud I guess.
( Kwame stared at his mom in disbelief and left angrily. He run outside to check if he'd see James but he didn't. He got back into the house.)
KWAME:
Let's talk mom, you promised to tell me everything. Who is Mr. Sasu, and why does he think I'm his son.
(After a brief silence, Helena began to talk)
HELENA:
Mr. Sasu is my ex boyfriend. I got pregnant for him but he wasn't willing to take responsibility. He asked me to abort the baby, I was young and scared I'd die in the process so refused. Oh gosh, my parents were so disappointed in me.
KWAME:
Okay, so where's the baby now? Where's my brother?
HELENA:
My parents talked to Mr. Sasu to take responsibility and take care of the baby because I had to go to Canada to further my education. He agreed and took the baby.
KWAME:
So why then is he still asking of the baby from you?
HELENA:
Because on the night before I left for Canada he called threatening to kill the baby if I don't come for him.
KWAME:
What the hell?
HELENA:
I went for the baby Kwame, but I couldn't send him home. I was afraid of my parents, Mr. Sasu asked me to give the baby away.
KWAME:
So you did.
( kwame said looking disappointed )
HELENA:
I had no choice babe..
KWAME:
You had a choice! There's always another choice, but you chose the easiest way out!
HELENA:
I was young and naive I didn't know what to do.
KWAME:
Who did you give my brother to?
HELENA:
I don't know, a random woman I saw on the street on my way home. I asked her to hold him for me and when she did I took to my hills. I regret my actions so much trust me.
KWAME:
But you went to Canada and lived your life.
HELENA:
I hired people to search for him when I was still in Canada but they couldn't find him. When I got back I searched too, but I didn't find him.
KWAME:
I'm very disappointed in you mom. So you met my dad in Canada as you always say, got pregnant and got married hurriedly in a year time. So I'm guessing my brother is
17 years old. Buh I might never see him. Goodnight mom.
( kwame stood up and walked out. Helena began to cry. The next morning, Helena packed breakfast for Kwame to send to school.)
KWAME:
You packed breakfast? two breakfast.
HELENA:
I knew you'd leave early today so decided to pack it. It's two because one is for your friend, James. Please tell him I'm sorry, I was very angry and reacted badly.
KWAME:
Okay, thank you. Have a nice day.
( kwame grabbed the food and turned to leave )
HELENA:
Won't you hug mommy?
( kwame walked out without saying a word. When he got to school, James wasn't around but Shantel was )
SHANTEL:
So..
KWAME:
I'm not in the mood Shantel, please just stay quiet.
SHANTEL:
Okay, but at least you should've given my boyfriend money for transportation instead of making him walk alone in the dark. What if I hadn't found him, he would've walked all the way from your house to his place.
KWAME:
What are you talking about?
SHANTEL:
You know nothing about James Kwame, he has been through a lot but still finds a way to be kind hearted. The last thing he needs is someone like you in his life.
KWAME:
It wasn't intentional, I didn't ..
SHANTEL:
Just save it, stay away from him. He even got hurt fighting you and..
KWAME:
I was thinking about that okay, I went inside to get a first aid kit but he was gone before I arrived.
SHANTEL:
More like your mom insulted him that he had to leave.
JAMES:
Shantel please, I told you it's okay. Kwame had nothing to do with it.
SHANTEL:
Oh please.
( Shantel said and walked out angrily )
KWAME:
I'm so sorry about yesterday, I…
JAMES:
You don't have to be sorry, you did nothing wrong. And I don't blame your mom either I kinda get why she did that.
KWAME:
Talking about my mom, she said she's sorry for how she treated you. She asked me to give you this.
( he said handing over the food )
JAMES:
Okay, tell her I said thanks.
( kwame hugged James. Mr. Sasu entered the class.)
MR SASU:
Where did you go yesterday, you made everyone worried. Your mom even threatened to make the Proprietor lose his job.
KWAME:
Stay away from my mom Mr Sasu, can't you go in search of your child yourself. My mom has done enough!
MR SASU:
Oh I see Helena finally got the courage to tell you about her past, buh seems she didn't tell you the whole truth. Your mom is evil, and your dad is the devil himself!
KWAME:
Shut up!
I won't have you insult my parents, you should've just taken responsibility..
MR SASU:
I wanted to.. I was willing to put my life on hold to take care of my son, but your mom took him away from me!
(He said looking teary)
KWAME:
Liar! Liar.. just go away and stay away from us!
JAMES:
I don't think this is the right place for this conversation.
MR SASU:
Just think about it, if your parents were so innocent all along, why is it that they're now telling you about this. Your dad, my best friend betrayed me!
KWAME:
Go away..!
JAMES:
I think you should leave sir, people are beginning to arrive.
(Mr Sasu left the class angrily. Kwame punched the wall angrily, he could barely stand. He sat and broke down into tears. James hugged him immediately)
I'm so sorry this is happening to you Kwame, you don't deserve it. I promise to be by your side till you find out the truth about all this.
KWAME:
But what if I never do? What if my brother is dead or something?
JAMES:
Don't lose hope so soon Kwame, let's be positive. Also I think you should give Mr. Sasu a listening ear, he might be right.
KWAME:
Well I hope he isn't right, I don't want to lose trust in my mom.
( When school hours was over, Helena showed up in the school. She was waiting for Kwame in her car. Kwame, James, Samuel and Shantel walked out of their class room heading to the school gate )
SAMUEL:
Is that not your moms car, Kwame?
KWAME:
It sure is, I'm guessing she's here to pick me. Okay, see you all tomorrow. I'll call you James.
( As Kwame was about to depart from his friends, Helena walked out of her car )
HELENA:
Come with your friends darling.
( she shouted )
SAMUEL:
Wait, your mom calls you darling?
( They all burst into laughter )
KWAME:
It's not that funny, if you won't go meet her then bye.
JAMES:
Calm down guy.
( They made their way to where Helena was waiting )
HELENA:
How're you guys doing?
JAMES, SAMUEL and SHANTEL:
We're fine ma.
HELENA:
I know you're wondering why I want to see you, I'm sorry for how I spoke to you yesterday James. I shouldn't have done that.
JAMES:
It's fine ma, I understand why you did that.
HELENA:
But still I'm sorry, and I'd like to invite y'all over for lunch this Saturday as a way of saying sorry.
JAMES:
It won't be necessary ma, I've forgiven you already.
SAMUEL:
It is necessary oo, don't listen to him please. We'll be there..
( they all burst into laughter )
HELENA:
Okay, I'd be expecting you. Take care of yourselves.