"What's the benefit?"

“What’s the benefit?”

Scene 1

(The year was 2000. A thick layer of fog covered the streets of Canning Town. The bitter cold of winter had gripped the air. The road was completely deserted apart from a few stray cats and foxes streaking in between parked cars. Tunde slept peacefully in his bed. His feet stuck out from under the covers. He was clearly out growing his bed. However he had no choice as he shared a bunk bed with his younger sister Ola, who had just turned 6 much to his inconvenience.)

Mum: Tunde! Wake up!

(Tunde opens his eyes and turns over to cover his ears with his pillow. Tunde stirred and got up. He sighed as he noticed it was 5.45am. He had at least fifteen minutes of sleep left and he felt like he had been robbed. He walked across to the bathroom, squinting as the bright light hit his eyes. He yawned and stretched his arms above his head.)

Mum: Tunde.

Tunde: Mummy, my alarm was set to 6.00am, I still had fifteen minutes left…

Mum: (Cuts in) don’t be silly I am your alarm clock! When I was a child in Nigeria we didn’t have any alarm clocks! (She laughed.)

(Tunde grits his teeth and enters the bathroom.)

Tunde: (Mumbles under his breath.) Well we are not in Nigeria any more are we.

Mum: Tunde! The hoover is waiting for you by the stairs when you are finished.

(Tunde quickly brushes his teeth and showers. He fumbles in the wardrobe for his school uniform and pulls it on. He sprints downstairs, flicks on the switch and begins hovering. This had been his daily routine for as long as he could remember. His Mum insisted that the house should be spotless before they left it. The front door swung open and slammed shut.)

Dad: Hello Tunde. Good morning.

Tunde: Good morning Dad, how was work?

Dad: Night shift is never easy, but I can’t complain it has to be done. Where is your sister?

Tunde: She is getting ready.

Dad: Haha. Big girl now!

Mum: (Calls out) Breakfast is ready! Come quick!

(Tunde, Ola and Dad come downstairs and sat down at the table to eat.)

Mum: Ola, you need to finish all your food before you leave the table.

Ola: Mummy, I can’t finish it!

(She glares at Ola)

Mum: Tunde are you ready for your GCSE’s?

Tunde: Mum I’m still only in year eight.

Mum: And so? You have to be ready! It was not long ago that I and your father came to settle here from Nigeria! The years are flying by. You need all your qualifications so you can get a job. I don’t want any rif raf in my house please.

Tunde: But Mummy I’m…

Dad: (Laughs) What your mum is saying is that you need to work hard now to maximise your chances of getting into university and getting a good job. Just keep working hard, you won’t regret it.

Mum: I’m off to work (She plants a kiss on Dad’s forehead.)

Dad: Ok darling. I’m off to university later on, I need to hand in my assignments.

(Mum exits the house and walks up the path briskly.)

Dad: Tunde quick, you will miss your early morning tutoring.

(At this Tunde hops up, slides on his bag and jacket and leaves the house.)

End Scene

Scene 2

(The time was 8.15am. Charlie sat half-dressed on the sofa, his eyes were glued to the television. His sisters Tara and Sara jumped on the sofas opposite. They ran around the living room and crawled under the tables. They wore matching pyjamas emblazoned with the power puff girls logo on the front. Charlie’s eyes were completely fixed on the episode of power rangers. His body language was lethargic and completely relaxed.)

Mum: Oi! Charlie come and get your breakfast!

Charlie: Mum! Let me finish watching this episode!

Mum: Alright love, but if your Dad sees it on the table he will eat all your food.

Charlie: Ahh! Fine! (He slams the remote on the table and pushes past his sisters to get to the kitchen.)

Mum: Eat up darling, you’re a growing boy! (She analyses his face closely.)

Charlie: What?

Mum: You have bags under your eyes.

(Charlie shovels some baked beans in his mouth.)

Charlie: Yes I stayed up watching Power Rangers. (Shrugs)

Mum: (Laughs) Cheeky Charlie! You still want to go to school today? Or you want to stay in with mummy? 

(She ruffles his hair.)

Charlie: Urgh! Mum stop it.

Mum: Mummy will be bored at home. (She pulls a sarcastic sad face.)

Charlie: Today we are having fish fingers at lunch. I can’t miss that!

(Mum reaches into her pocket and hands over a folded piece of paper.)

Mum: You just reminded me clever clogs. This is the letter for your free school meals.

(Charlie grabs the paper and kisses it.)

Dad: Morning all!

Charlie: Hi Dad.

Mum: Are the triplets still asleep?

Dad: They are sleeping like angels, meanwhile Sara and Tara are being devils in my living room. Oi Charlie! You alright my boy?

Charlie: Yes Dad.

(Dad stands up straight and extends his hand out.)

Dad. Mr. Whatever your bloody name is. I stayed up last night analysing the Power Rangers for media studies. Can I get an A for that?

(They burst into laughter. Dad puts Charlie in a head lock, they continue to chuckle uncontrollably.)

Dad: You still going into school kiddo? Don’t you want to see our latest arrival?

Charlie: What’s that?

Dad: Our new whooping 60 inch TV!

(Charlie fist pumps. He looks at the time and notices it is 8.45am. He doesn’t flinch at his lateness. He puts on his trainers and strolls out of the front door.)

End Scene

Scene 3

(The corridor was heaving with children and teachers. Everybody was trying to reach their lessons early. The time seemed to stand still as the head teacher walked past a group of noisy year sevens. His spectacles could not hide his stern look. He glowered at them, their noisy banter stopped instantly. Tunde stood in silence at the front of the class line.)

Mr Jones: Come on, get into class, the corridor is packed.

(The children hurry into class and sit down. Mr Jones closes the door.)

Mr Jones: Right! Last week we looked at Macbeth! We looked at King Duncan. Wait! Before that I need to collect your homework! This is the fun part.

(Grumbles could be heard around the class room.)

Mr Jones: Tunde, have you got your homework or is that a silly question? Haha.

Tunde: (Smiling) Yes Sir.

Mr Jones: You all had the whole of half term to complete this homework. So I don’t want any excuses. 

Tunde could you collect the homework please.

(As Tunde approached the back on the class he could hear whispers. “Tunde is a prick” “Tunde is a wanker”. He felt someone kick his ankle from under the table. He fought with all his might to stop a tear rolling down his face. He looked across the class and saw two girls scowling at him, another girl stuck her tongue out at him. The class door creaked open. Charlie entered the class casually.)

Mr Jones: Ah Charlie. I was afraid you would miss your best part of the day. Homework submission!

Charlie: I ain’t done it sir.

Mr Jones: I ain’t done it sir is all I’ve heard since September. Get outside my class and get to my office! I 

think it’s time we called your parents in!

(Charlie shrugs his shoulders and strolls out of the class. Tunde stares in shock at Charlie’s casual demeanour.)

End Scene

Scene 4

(The class sit in the changing rooms getting ready for their P.E lesson. The heating in the room was broken causing the cold to be more relentless. The room smelt strongly of surface cleaner and deodorant spray. Charlie and Jamal sat next to each other getting changed.)

Charlie: Parents evening got moved forward to this week init. Do I look bothered?

Jamal: Naah!

Charlie: Never bothered brother.

(Jamal looks down and notices Charlie’s brand new trainers.)

Jamal: Your trainers are so sick! Your parents must have a sick job!

Charlie: Don’t be silly! They don’t work! My Dad always says there is no point in working, the government will tax you anyway. After all the tax you have nothing left. Look at all these teachers getting grey hairs and stressing out. I don’t know why Mr Jones cares about my homework so much. It’s mine not his.

Jamal: Haha

(Tunde walks into the changing rooms and sits opposite Charlie and Jamal.)

Charlie: (Points) Whoa! You have a prefect badge! I thought you can’t be a prefect until year ten!

Tunde: Erm yeah, Ms Walker asked me to.

Charlie: President Tunde! (He stands up and salutes him like a soldier.)

Tunde: (Frowns) Erm thanks.

(Tunde puts on his trainers and shorts. Jamal points to his feet and laughs hysterically.)

Charlie: Why are you laughing mate?

Jamal: Look at his trainers…they have four stripes…they ain’t Addidas.

(Jamal and Charlie both laugh together. People left their benches to see what the fuss was about. Two girls snuck in from the female changing rooms to see what the source of laughter was. The whole room erupted in laughter. Tunde sat on the bench staring at his trainers, he was livid. His Dad told him that these trainers were quality and would last long. A tear trickled down the side of his face. Mr Borris walks into the room.)

Mr Borris: Right! Everybody out in the playground! Give me ten laps!

End Scene

Scene 5

(The time was 7.00pm. The sports hall was filled with students, parents and teachers. The atmosphere was very tense. A mixture of feelings hung over the room. A combination of disappointment, joy and relief. Some parents had fury etched on their faces, whilst some pupils looked wildly confused. The teachers wore their fake smiles like masks. Tunde was sat with his parents opposite Mr Brown.)

Mr Brown: Mr. Oyin I see greatness in your son. I am lucky to have him in my class. He embodies what a student must be like. Attendance, punctuality and work submission is all perfect. He is hungry to learn. You can’t teach that, it comes from within.

(Tunde smiled)

Dad: Thank you sir you are most kind. We always try to encourage hard work and diligence.

Mr Brown: Of course, it is very evident. I hear that you and your wife are working and studying simultaneously. No doubt this encourages him, I commend you.

(Both parents smile radiantly. Mr Brown rises to his feet and shakes both their hands.)

Mr Brown: Farewell. I have no more words to say. Have a good evening Mr and Mrs Oyin.

(As they walk out of the hall Tunde spots his friend Marcus entering the hall with his mother. He nods at him, Marcus returns the nod grimly.)

Dad: Well done son, I am proud of you. Keep working hard and you will reap the rewards.

(Mum and Dad both hug Tunde before entering the car.)

(Back in the sports hall Charlie is sat with his parents opposite Ms Blair. Tara and Sara were chasing each other around the hall. The triplets were fast asleep in the pram next to Charlie’s mother. She rocked it gently. Ms Blair’s face was extremely solemn.)

Ms Blair: Your son has ability and potential to excel but his attitude will hold him back if he does not buck up his ideas.

(She reaches behind her and pulls out some paintings.)

Ms Blair: This is some of his art work. It is outstanding. This is an oil painting of The Louvre and another oil painting of the leaning tower of Pisa.

Dad: Huh? The Lou what? Could you speak English please?

Ms Blair: His ability is without question, but his attitude and his attendance are poor. He has been averaging three days a week since September. He is putting himself at risk of not being put into the upper sets next year. Have you got anything to add?

(Mum whispers into Dad’s ear)

Mum: Poor Charlie has a weak immune system that’s why is at home sometimes.

Ms Blair: Erm ok.

(Dad turns around and notices Tara and Sara running around the hall)

Dad: Oi! You two get here now!

(The triplets wake up and let out ear piercing cries. Ms Blair stares in shock.)

Mum: Oh my Bubbas.

Charlie: (Mumbles) Lets go home please.

Mum: We have to go. Sorry I forgot your name.

Ms Blair: Ms Blair.

Mum: Charlie needs to be in bed soon so he can wake up nice and early for school tomorrow.

Ms Blair: Bye Charlie, I hope I see you tomorrow.

(They walk quickly through the corridors out into the car park. Tara and Sara race to the car. The babies are still screaming. Charlie opens the door and sits in the car in silence. He pulls out a scrap book with a collection of drawings. He takes out a pencil and begins sketching. His dad looks into the mirror and notices.)

Dad: What is that? Another famous painting from some poxy place I ain’t heard of? Haha

Charlie: It’s my erm, comic drawings. I made my own.

Dad: Ok Picasso. Haha.

(Charlie looks out the window nervously.)

Dad: Look boy, in this world it’s not the hard workers that do good in life. It’s the people that work smart. I have six beautiful kids, but have I ever worked a day in my life? No! I still clothe and feed them. I just fill in the forms and the money comes in! Like a business man you see.

Mum: (Giggles) Like Richard Branson.

Dad: Bingo! Like Richard bloody Branson. Haha! Work smart Charlie boy!

(Charlie continues to stare into the night sky.)

Dad: Next stop Pizza Hut!

End Scene

Scene 6

(Fifteen years later Tunde is sat in his office in Canary Wharf. He loosens his tie, though he wears a tie every day he has still not got used to it. He strides over to his chair and pulls on his glasses and picks up The Guardian and reads the front page headline. It reads “Couple on £32,000 a year benefits demand bigger council house”. Tunde stares at the headline. He throws his head back and laughs. He shakes his head and turns the page. Someone knocks on the door.)

Tunde: Come in

(The door opens and Barbara walks in.)

Barbara: Hello Tunde. I’ve completed the review and the stocks are up by 50% it’s been a good week. Can I ask, how long have you been in the company?

Tunde: Just over a year.

Barbara: That is incredible. You are a real pro at this. You must share your secrets with the team one day.

Tunde: Just hard work and diligence. A wise man once told me if you focus you will reap the rewards.

Barbara: I would love to meet this wise man. Haha!

Tunde: I’m meeting him after work for dinner. That wise man is my father.

Barbara: (Laughs) Well enjoy! I will see you later.

(She walks out of the office closing the door gently behind her. Tunde gets up to his office window and stares at the water front outside his office.)

(A few miles away just across the water, is Limehouse where Charlie is sat in a Ladbrokes. He held his betting ticket watching the races. The room stank of cigarettes and booze. He sat on the edge of his seat praying for his dog to win the race. One hand on his ticket and one hand rocking the pram.)

Charlie: Come on. Oh oh oh yess yess! Wait no noooo you stupid dog!

Kev: Haha. Sorry mate! How much did you lose? Forty quid? Charlie: I’m pissed off my bird wanted me to get a new CD player for the house.

(He peeks inside the pram. The baby was still fast asleep despite the noise inside the Ladbrokes.)

Kev: Sorry maybe next time yeah.

Charlie: Oh don’t you worry you will definitely see me next week. I got some money from the accumulator last week. Today I get paid as well so I’ll slap down another cheeky bet.

Kev: Paid? I didn’t know you work.

Charlie: Who said I work? Haha. Mr Cameron pays me a healthy sum. (He winks at Kev and pushes the pram outside the shop.)

End Scene

"Angel Faces"

“Angel Faces”

 

Scene 1

(The year was 1981. Temperatures had dropped below minus in New York City. The snow was belting down. A thick layer of snow hid the pavement, cars were completely covered in it. Young children from different blocks meet up on the street to have snow ball fights. The blistering cold has not deterred them from launching large snow balls at each other. They squeal in excitement as they skid down the pavement. Brian chuckles at their mischievous behaviour. He walks past a hardware store. There is a 30 inch TV in the window. The image of Ronald Reagan’s stern face was on the front of the monitor.)

Ronald Reagan: Drugs are menacing our society. They are threatening our values, under cutting our institutions and killing our children. From the beginning of our administration we have taken strong steps to avoid this horror.

(Brian continued to laugh as he bought a copy of the New York Times)

Shopkeeper: That will be 80 cents sir.

(Brian hands over a 5 dollar bill)

Brian: Keep the change.

Shopkeeper: Woah! Thank you Sir.

(Brian smiles and skips joyfully through the snow. Christmas carols can be heard from passing cars and open house doors and windows. Bright lights illuminated the streets. A tall tree stands in front of the mall, at almost 15ft tall, decorated with dazzling gold and silver lights. A mother drags both her children from a nearby toy store. Both of them are dressed as reindeers. They laugh as they devour their dripping toffee apples. Both of them hop into the car. The mother jumps into the passenger, the father who is seated in the driver’s seat waiting turns on the engine and speeds off. Brian stares longingly into the distance. He was always excited about the holidays, but this one was particularly special. He had been with Helen for 3 years and intended to ask her hand in marriage. Everything was set up, he had his ring, and booked time off to take her to Canada, to his parents’ home to celebrate. He reaches into his pocket and clutches onto the ring. He enters his apartment and heads to the cassette player and presses play. The sounds of Barry White fill the room.)

Cassette Player: I just want to hold you baby!

(Brian closes his eyes and mouths the lyrics to the song. He goes upstairs to light the scented candles. He places rose petals on the stairs. The smell of mint and vanilla serenade the room generating an ethereal atmosphere. The front door opens, he strides over still mouthing the lyrics to the song. Helen walks in smiling, she begins to blush. Brian leads her to the sofa.)

Brian: I love you. You’re the woman of my dreams, you deserve the best.

Helen: (Covers her face) Oh Brian.

Brian: It’s true you’re amazing, I wanted to ask you something. (He reaches into his pocket)

Helen: (Turns away, her voice trembling) Brian I need to tell you something as well.

Brain: I know its ladies first but on this occasion I could make a good case for men first! Haha

Helen: You’re making this hard from Brian. Please. (Her face still turned away)

(Brian sits back, he gently squeezes her shoulder)

Brian: Let me guess, another long day? I have the right mind to go to your work place and tell your manager he can shove his job right up his…

Helen: I’m leaving you Brian. This isn’t going anywhere, me and you. I’ve felt like this for the last few months. I know you’re a good boyfriend but we can’t be together.

Brian: But Helen, I was going to ask you to…

Helen: Look Brian, I feel bad enough as it is. You’re a nice guy, a good guy, but you just can’t be my guy.

End Scene

Scene 2

 

(2 weeks later, Brian is in deep depression. He is sat on the floor of his apartment by his answer machine, dressed only in his vest and drawers. The room is dark, a cloud of smoke hovers close to the ceiling blocking any light. The room reeks of cigarettes and vodka. He takes another drag of his cigarette as he presses play on the answer machine.)

Answer Machine: Hey Brian! It’s Mom! We missed you during the holidays! Hope you’re ok and not working too hard. Send Helen my love! Mwah! Beep! You now have a new message. Brian! Where have you been? Man, that Helen girl has you under her thumb dude! You on house arrest! I thought you was coming to Canada for the holidays home boy!? You better holla at me dude!

(Brian presses skip and deletes his messages. He gets up and opens the curtains. He watches the thick heavy snow fall from the sky. He stares at his reflection in the window. His face is unshaven and his eyes are bloodshot. He quickly showers and changes. He heads out just in time to make the early morning train. He has already had a week off for when he was meant to take Helen to see his parents. He had also taken an additional week off sick on top. He walks into the office and grunts at his colleagues. He sits at his work station and logs on. All the graphs and numbers he had been familiar with since he was a college boy now seem foggy and misty. It is like trying to read hieroglyphics. He looks up to see a pair of blue eyes staring back at him.)

Brian: Hi Tracy.

Tracy: Hey! Your back! Here’s your latte! Did you get my get well card? Do you feel better?

(Brian swallows it whole and smacks his lips.)

Tracy: Woah! That was a strong latte. Maybe I should have given you a heads up. I was going to ask you if you wanted to come…

(The office doors swing open and Donald walks into the room straight to Brian’s table.)

Donald: Brian! Brian! Your back to make me some more money!?

Brian: Yes Sir.

Donald: I need you on deck Brian, we are on a roll don’t mess it up

(5 minutes before the end of his shift Brian logs out and speeds to catch the elevator. As he is about to enter he bumps into a tall black lady and knocks her files out of her arms. He helps her to pick them up)

Brian: Sorry Pandora

Pandora: Oh you know my name (Giggles)

(She is wearing gold bangles and big hoop earrings. She has thick lips and hazelnut eyes. He notices her piercing beneath her lip, and is memorized by her beauty.)

Brian: (Blushes) Yeah, I’ve seen you a lot and our offices are in close contact.

Pandora: Oh, I never knew they had such handsome men in Donald’s office. (Giggles) I’m not usually this forward let me take your number, we should hang out.

(Brian stands frozen on the spot.)

Brian: Maybe that’s not such a good idea. Mixing business with pleasure…

Pandora: Take mine sugar (She slips a card in his front breast pocket and blows a kiss at him)

(As Brian walks away he checks his phone and sees a message on his phone from Alex)

Alex: Bro! I told you that Helen girl was no good! I’m at the airport in Chicago and she just boarded a plane with this tall player. Dude looks like an NBA sports star. Big ass beard and about 10ft tall. They were holding hands and everything, boarding the plane to Paris. Don’t worry brother, just keeping making that money, there is plenty more fish in the sea.

(Brian trembles with rage as he rereads the message.)

Brian: (He mutters under his breath) Bitch!

(He takes out the card that Pandora gave to him and dials her number)

Brian: Pandora! You free tonight? Dinner at 7? Ok, it’s a date!

End Scene

Scene 3

(Over the next few months Pandora and Brian are going on dates regularly. He never thought he would be happy so soon after Helen.)

Pandora: Thank you so much Brian!

Brian: Sometimes it’s good to know people in higher places.

Pandora: They told me that I would have to take at least two years out and go back to college to get the qualification before they even consider!

Brian: I’ve been there for five years, there are several loopholes babe.

(Pandora leans over and plants a kiss on his cheek.)

Pandora: Michael from human resources has been pulling some strings for me as well,

Brian: That guy thinks he is slick, a bit too confident.

Pandora: Hmmm. A bit of ego never hurt nobody. Haha

(She pulls out a small mirror and begins to adjust her make-up and applies her red lipstick)

Brian: You don’t need all that stuff, your too beautiful. Natural beauty, they don’t make them like you anymore.

Pandora: Thanks Sugar! You’re such a nice dude

(Her phone rings)

Pandora: Hey Mikey! Ok. Yeah sure, I’ll be outside sugar.

(Brian’s mouth drops open)

Brian: Mikey?

Pandora: Yeah, he’s been asking to take me out for a while so I thought why not.

Brian: I thought we were dating

Pandora: Um, yeah, just keeping my options open baby!

(She takes out some dollar bills and puts them on the table. She gets up and walks outside, the sound of her heels tapping the floor echo throughout the bar. She hops in the black Mercedes and speeds off into the night.)

End Scene

Scene 4

Radio Host: So Gary Webb, what your saying is that the C.I.A and the government are pumping drugs into the United States?

Garry Webb: I’m saying that they are turning a blind eye to the supplies being pushed into the ghettos of Los Angeles. Maybe Los Angeles have to suffer for America to survive this war on drugs. It is cut throat, everyone is out for themselves!

(Brian switches off the radio and looks at the time. He reaches over and takes another swig of vodka. The night is still young. The allure of staying in to drink his sorrows away is enticing but he rejects this notion. He opts for fresh air. He slaps on some cheap cologne and leaves. As he walks down the street many people are speeding in their flashy cars, windows wound all the way down, pumping their loud music. Guys are out in their freshest outfits hoping to find a woman for the night or a woman forever. Girls roam around in large packs, dressed in tight bodycon dresses hoping to attract fresh attention. They are wearing their highest heels and brightest colours. As Brian turns the corner, he sees a bunch of guys talking to a group of girls. He notices Tracy with her arms folded and her face screwed up. Her face lights up when their eyes meet.)

Tracy: Brian! Oh my God! (She embraces him)

Brian: Hey.

Tracy: You’re never out hunny! I didn’t expect to see you out.

Brian: I just wanted some fresh air.

Tracy: We’re headed to a bar around the corner. You’re welcome to come and join us.

Brian: I’ll think about it. I just wanted some me time.

Tracy: Oh. Is it because of Helen?

Brian: What?

Tracy: No, I mean’t…

Brian: Enjoy your evening Tracy. Goodnight.

(Brian storms off. He hears one Tracy’s friend exclaiming, “Girl I don’t know what you see in that guy. That dude is tripping”. He turns the corner and enters the nearest bar “Angel Faces”.)

Brian: Excuse me sir, can I have a brandy and coke. Make it a double.

Bartender: No problem I’ll sort you out brother. It’s happy hour, you came at the right time. (He presents him with two glasses filled to the brim. The atmosphere is buzzing. Groups of guys, groups of girls, many couples, people on double dates. People from different back grounds of all different shapes and sizes.)

DJ: We got all the hits people. Make some noise!

Crowd: Whoop!

DJ: Ok hear goes! (He presses a button and Madonna “Like a Virgin” blares out of the speakers. At this point everyone seated makes their way to the dance floor. Brian however, remains seated. He feels somebody tap his shoulder. He spins round and is faced by a fresh faced oriental woman. She resembled a geisha; her bone structure is perfectly chiselled. She pouted her thin lips. But not even her alarming beauty can sway Brian to pay attention.)

Brian: Excuse me, I’m here by myself, I’m not here to entertain anyone.

Lady: My name is Nadia. (She smiles revealing her perfect set of teeth.)

Brian: Nadia, I’m doing my best to be polite. Could you respect my personal space?

Nadia: Oh, you’re a challenge. Life is nothing without a challenge, makes the reward much sweeter. Wouldn’t you agree (She winks. She reaches for the full glass and takes a sip of his drink. He yanks it from her.)

Brian: What the heck is wrong with you?

(She cackles.)

(Brian storms to the toilet in fury. Five minutes later he returns to see Nadia sitting on his chair.

Brian: Listen missy, you’ve got the wrong guy!

(He feels a tap on his shoulder and turns around. To his shock another beautiful woman faces him. To his horror she looks exactly the same as Nadia. Twins. She smiles in his face, licking her bright red lipstick.)

Nadia: This is my sister Andrea

(Brian’s head is spinning from the liquor, the vodka he had in his apartment combined with the brandy and coke he had in the bar.)

Brian: But…

Andrea; Yes double trouble. (She smirks at her sister.)

Dj: It’s like that! Yeah! (Run DMC’s “Its like that” blares from the speakers.)

Nadia: Let’s dance baby! This is my song!

The twins drag Brian to the nearest booth and close the curtains behind them. They both sandwich him, dancing to the music. Andrea runs her hands through his hair. Brian’s head is spinning uncontrollably. But he does his best to stay in time with the beat.

Nadia: Easy tiger! You need some water. Somebody has had a little too much to drink! Haha!

(Brian grabs the water and swills it down without question. The room begins to spin faster.)

Brian: What’s happening? Nadia? Hello?

Andrea: Quick! Take his wallet, let’s bounce!

Brian: Huh? (Blacks out.)

End Scene

Scene 5

Waiter: Get out you bum! Hey! Sleeping beauty, wake up! This ain’t no hotel!

(Brian stirs and opens his eyes. He has double vision, he can see two irate fat white men in front of him.)

Brian: (He mumbles.) Twins?

Waiter: No just one of me sunshine.

(Brian uses the sofa as support to get up. He rubs his eyes and slowly walks out of the club, he looks at the clock above the bar. It is 9.00am. He walks onto the street and vomits freely.)

Tramp: Haha. I thought I was the bum. When you meet them Angel Faces you will never be the same again. Watch out for them wolves in sheep’s clothing.

(Brian reaches in his pocket to give him change. To his horror he cannot find his wallet or his cell phone. He kicks a can in frustration.)

Tramp: Haha!

(He runs across the street, a car flies across him. The driver sounds his horn and hurls some inaudible profanities. Once he reaches the end of the street he can hear his name being called out. He looks down the street and can’t make out the person calling his name, his vision is still blurry.)

Tracy: Brian! (She bounds up to him and gives him a tight hug. Her sweet smelling perfume soothes him.)

Brian: I’m sorry Tracy. I was out of line last night. I’m sorry. Your always nice to me but I just…

Tracy: That’s ok hunny. How was your night?

Brian: Um. I’ve had better.

(They both laugh.)

Tracy: I can relate. You up for that cup of coffee?

(Brian nods his head. The hold hands and walk down the street)

End Scene