"Come home with me"

“Come home with me”

Scene 1

The time was 10.02am…

(Ayo sat at the front seat of the car whilst his mother drove. They were on their way to church. Both of them sang praise and worship as they always did on their way to church. Jide sat at the back with his headphones in his ears. He turned the volume up so he could block them out. He looked outside the window as his mother cruised down the streets. It was another hot summer’s day in South London. Brixton was super busy, the market was buzzing. People were selling plantain, rice, green banana and all sorts of fruits. All sorts of spices and smells floated in the air. He couldn’t hide his annoyance that he had been dragged to church again. This would have been a perfect day to catch a vibe and chill with the mandem. He heard Shoreditch was popping, he had just turned 18 so the world was his oyster. But sadly for him he was making his way to church. Ayo on the other had didn’t take convincing to go to church. He was the ‘good’ twin. He was also into church and was always reading his Bible.)

Ayo: Greatttt are you Lorddddd! Greatly to be praiseddd!! Greatly to be praiseddd!!

Mum: Father you reignnnnn!

(Jide rolled his eyes and pulled out his phone. Daniel just texted him.)

Daniel: Us man are going Central, what you on?

Jide: Man’s going church, some joke ting!

Daniel: That’s an idiot ting cuz!

Jide: Trust me dawggg!

Daniel: I swear your church got tings deya? You might as well scoop some numbers whilst you are deya.

Jide: Wasteman this ain’t no rave! LOOOOL

Daniel: LOOL Ight snm I will holla at you later. Link up!

Jide: Ahh you lot are singing too loud! (He rolled his eyes.)

(Jide put his phone away. His mother pulled up to the car park and they all hopped out. Normally he could get out of church but his mother insisted because they had all got their end of year results and both Ayo and Jide passed with flying colours. Ayo had finished with top marks in Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Jide got merits in his Btec level qualifications. He was set to take on an apprenticeship in carpentry and plastering. Ayo was spoilt for choice, he could either go Kings College, Warwick or Cambridge. All 3 were very strong Universities. He was still however undecided. 

Church was packed today, African ladies came in their finest African traditional wear as did the men. It was hot and sweaty despite the air con being turned all the way up. The Pastor made his loud declarations as the congregation shouted in agreement or prayed in tongues. Ayo was fully in tune with the service and prayed. Jide was watching the clock every few minutes. He kept rolling his eyes huffing and puffing. His mother knew what he was doing but she didn’t let it stop her. She was also in tune with the service. After a long period they were asked to sit down by the Pastor.)

Pastor: TESTIMONY TIME!

Congregation: AMEN!!

Pastor: Now we have a special testimony from one of the sister’s in the house. Funmi! Sister Funmi! Come down!

(Jide’s heart sank as his mother stood up. He was sure to be embarrassed. He didn’t see it coming at all.! How stupid was he! Of course she would do a testimony, that’s why she insisted on him coming to Church today! Some of the elders nudged his back so he would get up and join her. The whole congregation clapped loudly. Ayo and Jide followed their mother to the alter.  Ayo was grinning from ear to ear, Jide wore a fake smile that had most people convinced he was happy to be there.)

Funmi: Thank you all for having me. I would like to thank Baba God, Lord Jesus for blessing me. A few weeks ago I followed Pastor’s advice and began to fast…

(Funmi read out her testimony and the congregation gushed and applauded. She broke down her fasting and prayer programme that she committed too. She also mentioned the thanksgiving service that she went to the night before Ayo’s exams. The congregation applauded. Before they left the stage the Pastor stopped Ayo and Funmi and laid hands on them and prayed.)

Pastor: Thank you father for blessing these two boys. May you guide and protect them, give them wisdom and take them from strength to strength!

Congregation: AMEN!

(Church continued for another hour and bit bit. Pastor was discussing forgiveness.)

Pastor: Psalm 51:1 Hide your face from my sins and blot out my iniquities.

(Jide wasn’t paying attention he was flicking from his phone every chance he got whilst Ayo sat and took notes. When church was finished Ayo and his mother greeted some of the church elders whilst Jide hung around at the fringes. He greeted a few people that he knew. Eventually Ayo met him outside.)

Jide: Church boy.

Ayo: HA! Let me live brother!

Jide: I’m tired man!

Ayo: What you doing today? You might as well, you got your apprenticeship coming in a few weeks, just relax until then.

Jide: Na man, the weather is too sweet I need to be about today bro.

Ayo: Yeah the weather is decent actually.

Jide: Us man are going West quickly then Ditch, you might as well roll bruv.

Ayo: You know ‘Ditch’ ain’t my thing bro.

Jide: I know, I just asked out of courtesy.

Ayo: And I need to prep for Uni, I need to fix up some things.

Jide: What you thinking? I can’t be bothered to leave these sides to go out for Uni, that’s long man, all that debt, I just want to get some money and study init.

Ayo: That’s true, more than likely I will go to Kings College. It makes life a bit easier

Jide: Yeah it makes sense and we can both help Mummy with whatever she needs. Her leg is still very dodgy even though she acts like she is ok.

(Ayo and Jide’s dad left when they were young. As they got older they looked after her wherever they could to ease the burden. Their older sister Yemi was married and lived in Essex so she wasn’t around a lot. Their Mum had some complications with her leg, she was able to walk fine but she did have some long standing issues. Both sons did their best to help her whenever, they did their best to be self-sufficient.)

Ayo: Yeah I guess so.

Jide: Ight then I'm out, heading up to West end with these man, I will shout you later.

(They spudded each other and went their separate ways. Ayo jumped back in his car with his mother and they went home.)

Mum: So what Uni are you thinking my dear?

Ayo: Mummy I am not too sure, all of the Universities are good for my course.

Mum: Well it would be nice if you can stay close near me. You know that I will need help because of this leg. And your brother, he could do with your guidance.

Ayo: Jide is a strong boy, he is doing well, we are both different but he is doing well in his lane.

Mum: I know but for that I am thankful, but you know what I mean.

Ayo: I am more than likely going to Kings College, that is a quick Victorian line and then Northern line then I ma there!

Mum: Haha! No pressure boy I am sure you will make the right choice.

(Just before they got to the house Ayo got off at the McDonald’s to meet some of his college friends quickly. Max and Sarah were his close friends. Both of them were his class mates.)

Mum: See you later my son, and remember I am proud of you.

Ayo: Thank you!

(He turned the corner and entered the McDonald's. Sarah and Max were sat at the table. Sarah was short and mixed race. She had freckles and straight hair. Max was Indian, he was very tall and had curly hair. He had a huge back pack on. People always used to poke fun at him for wearing it. He was goofy and awkward but he got on well with Ayo. They were in the same classes most of his childhood.)

Ayo: To this day I don’t know why you have that bag? You are only mean’t to carry heavy in year 7 but you still don’t stop.

Max: My friend, don’t worry about what’s in my bag init! You never know what you might need in any situation.

(Sarah covered her face in embarrassment.)

Max: What? I have to be prepared like Master Yoda always says.

Sarah: Life isn’t a Star wars movie.

Max: Ah, that is why you fail!

(Sarah and Ayo cringed.)

Ayo: Any excuse to squeeze in a Star Wars reference.

(They all laughed.)

Sarah: So what uni you going to Ayo?

Ayo: Most likely Kings College.

Sarah: Erm I guess that’s a good choice.

Ayo: You?

Sarah: Aston University.

Ayo: You Max?

Max: Manchester University mate.

Ayo: You guys are going so far?

Sarah: Mate, you want to stay in Brixton forever? Where is your sense of adventure?

Ayo: I save money firstly, I’m thinking to get a part time job whilst studying. Help out my Mum with the bills. Maybe just for the first year before it gets intense.

Sarah: On paper that makes sense, but honestly you gotta live a little.

(Ayo smiled.)

Sarah: Not just partying, we know that’s not your thing. But just meeting different people, make new friends. I mean we will all still be friends but it would be nice for you to meet new people. Who knows even a girlfriend.

Max: You going to Uni to find boyfriend?!

Sarah: NO!

Ayo: *Coughs* Liar

(She elbowed his ribs and they all chuckled.)

Sarah: Well maybe who knows. But all I know is that I need to leave this place and have some fun, we are going to have to work bloody hard. So we might as well enjoy whilst we can!

Ayo: Hmmm

Max: Be like Hans Solo and-

Sarah: Shut up!

Ayo: Shut up, please.

(Max rolled his eyes. They laughed and joked for a few hours then went their separate ways. They had been good friends for a number of years. They swore to keep in contact whilst at Uni. Ayo went through the market to go and pick up some onions and meat for his mother. She was making suya that evening. He was deep in thought; he had never moved away from home ever. He never thought about having any kind of adventure. All he knew was Brixton. He barely ventured out of Brixton let alone leaving London. Jide was the same but he had many friends in the area and most of his friends weren’t going to Uni. Many were working already, or doing apprenticeships and a few others were on the roads doing what they could. It did seem daunting but he was intrigued. After all the Universities he choose were just as good as each other, surely distance wouldn’t make a difference?)

(He got home around 7pm. He greeted some of his uncles and aunties that were in the house.)

Auntie Flo: Fineee boyy! I heard you are going to Kings College. You know my other son went there and is now a Doctor.

Ayo: Really?

Auntie Flo: Oh yeah, he got top marks in his year group!

Mum: Ayo will score better than him!

Uncle: AYYYYYY!

(They all laughed.)

Ayo: I will have some rest and do some stuff on the computer. I will eat later.

Mum: Ok boy.

(Ayo went upstairs and logged into UCAS. He couldn’t stop thinking about the conversation that he had with his friends. In a lot of ways they were right but at the same time he couldn’t leave his Mother. But saying that he would always come down to visit and she would always be welcome to come down and see him too. He laid in his bed, tossed and turned. He prayed and prayed but he still didn’t come to any conclusion. He kept logging in and out of UCAS. He went onto Facebook and saw many of his friends updating their status “Whoop got into Birmingham” “Mans going BRUNEL! I hope Brunel is ready for meee” “Dun knowww your girl got into Kingston Uni! Jheezzz”. He shook his head and stared at his ceiling till he closed his eyes.)

Scene 2

(The following morning he woke up. He sat up and looked outside the window. It was still early so there was nobody out and about on their estate. Just an old couple walking their dogs. He turned to his laptop and turned it on and logged into UCAS. He took a deep breath and choose Warwick University. He knew if he thought too much that he would cop out. He called up the Uni to confirm his place there, he had no idea who would take him there and what stuff he would need to go there but he knew this is what he had to do.)

Ayo: Erm what day would I be expected to be moved in by?

Receptionist: Well it’s up to you really, 16^th of September is freshers week and then the week after is when lectures start.

Ayo: What is Freshers week?

Receptionists: It’s for 1^st years, where you can go to all the freshers events and parties, some in the day and in the night. There are is also freshers fair. A cool opportunity to make new friends and get some mentors.

Ayo: Oh I see… sounds interesting. I will make arrangements and get in contact with you as soon as possible.

(He hung up the phone. He took a deep breath and went downstairs. Jide and their Funmi were already up and in the kitchen. Jide had taken a job in JD Sports just before the summer so he was working as many shifts as possible before his apprenticeship started. He used some of his money to help their Mum with the rent. Ayo smiled at his mother as he sat at the table.)

Mum: Good morning my boy.

Ayo: Morning Mummy.

Jide: AYOOOOOOOO!

Ayo: Idiot

Jide: AYOOOOOOO BIKOOOO!

(They all chuckled.)

Mum: You can never be serious ah?

Jide: You have to laugh in this life Mummy.

(Ayo walked to the sink and opened the tap. He took a deep breath and cleared his throat.)

Ayo: Mummy I have now made a decision about what University I will be attending…

Mummy: Kings?

Ayo: Now I will be going away to Warwick. I made the call this morning and I will make arrangements for my accommodation there.

(Jide screwed his face up.)

Mummy: Oh ok, I wasn’t expecting you to say that but if that is what you want I can’t stop you.

Ayo: I just need something new, new environment, and the University has a very strong reputation. This will help on my CV. I know it will be a very long drive for you so I will ask Yemi to take me down there.

Mummy: Ok boy that’s fine, I wish you all the best out there.

(She smiled brightly and hugged him.)

Jide: Warwick yea? My bro doing big tings! You will always be the neeky twin but I’m still proud of you fam.

Ayo: Thanks bro. Mummy do me and Jide still have money left from our birthday?

Mummy: You want to take it?

Ayo: Yes, I don't think my student loan will be enough.

Mummy: Ok I will transfer you that money into your account.

Ayo: I have also made the application for Student loan so I should be fine.

End Scene

Scene 3

(Yemi drove Ayo to University. He had missed the first two days of Freshers week but he wasn’t too bothered. He just wanted to unpack and get set up. It was emotional leaving the house. His mother wept the night before and in the morning. He had to keep consoling her but she insisted she was happy for him but she would miss him. Yemi helped him put his last bits in kitchen. His mother had given him many containers of stew and chicken, he had no idea where he was going to put it. The fridges were big but not that big. He ended up putting some away in the freezer.)

Yemi: Little brother, I have to go soon. I hope you don’t finish all of the food in the first week! It needs to laugh, I know you boys love to eat but be smart.

Ayo: Thank you sister!

Yemi: Remember study hard ehn!?

Ayo: I will

(She kissed him on the cheek and slapped him on the back.)

Ayo: Ouch!

Yemi: See you soon!

(He walked her out to the car park and saw her off. He went back into his room and lay down. After a few minutes he dozed off. The journey and unpacking had tired him out. He slept for a few hours and woke up. It was 10pm. He sat up and looked outside the window. The campus was buzzing. He hadn’t seen anything like this before. When he came it was quiet but it was literally filled with students. Some in tracksuits, some in dresses, some even in suits. Some were dressed up as different cartoon characters and film characters, He saw a girl dressed as Leila from Star Wars and another guy dressed as Harry Potter. Everybody seemed happy and excited. He looked at his phone and saw missed calls and messages from his Mum, Jide and some people from Church, he rolled his eyes. He scrolled down and saw 3 missed calls from Max and one from Sarah. He called Max back straight away.)

Max: BRUVVV! I’VE BEEN CALLING YOUUUUUU!!

Ayo: I can see that! Whats up bro?

Max: Bruv! Listen to me- Like I don’t even know what to say, for real im just lost for words!

Ayo: Whats wrong?

Max: There is sooo many chicks in UNIVERSITY WHY DIDN’T ANYBODY TELL ME!

Ayo: Ha! You can’t pull any!

Max: Shut up! But listen you going to that coach rave in Leicester? There are coaches from your Uni, my Uni and Sarah’s Uni and a few others. Come tonight!

Ayo: I haven’t got a ticket!

Max: This isn’t West End man! Just hurry up!

(Ayo scrambled to his bathroom and got ready quickly. Within 30 minutes he was done. He wore slim fit jeans, nike air forces and a Hugo Boss polo he got for Christmas. He had a fresh trim and he was feeling nice. He slipped on his  camo jacket and left his room. He walked down there stairs and walked down the strip. He followed the crowds. Everybody was going on different coaches and jumped in cabs. His eyes darted around looking for the right coach to get on. He saw a tall mixed race girl holding up a sign which said “Colours Party”. He jogged over to her.)

Ayo: Is this for the coach party going to Leicester?

(The girl nodded and smiled at him, Ayo nodded and smiled back. She was very pretty, he turned his back and climbed into the coach. She pulled his hand back.)

Ayo: Can I help?

Lily: My name is Lily…yours?

Ayo: Ayo. Nice to meet you.

Lily: Hmmm 1^st year student yeah?

Ayo: Yes, yourself?

Lily: Ha! No! I am in my 3^rd year, I’m just helping out with a friend doing these events.

Ayo: That’s cool, this is my actual first rave I am going to, I’m looking forward to it.

Lily: Wow virgin yeah?

(Ayo laughed awkwardly.)

Ayo: Something like that.

Lily: Well I will see you around, come to me for any help you need Ayo.

(She blew a kiss at him. He walked up the stairs and say the coach was filled with students. He could hear so many different accents and even different languages. He nodded at some of the faces looking in his direction. He sat near the back. He looked at his phone and saw a text from his mum asking how he was. He replied “Just sleeping early, I need to be up for lectures. Goodnight xx . He felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around.)

Diego: You Ayo? From Brixton?

(Ayo was weary only because he knew Brixton had problems with some surrounding areas. Even though he wasn’t involved in any of the activity he was always cautious.)

Ayo: Um yeah why?

Diego: Don’t you remember me from Primary school? Diego? I used to kick ball with you and Jide-

Ayo: OHHHHHHHH! DIEGO!! OHH MY DAYYSSSS!

Diego: Yeah man! I thought I knew you!

Ayo: Small world! So you come to Warick now yeah?

Diego: Yeah, I’m doing Forensic Science, you?

Ayo: Medicine bro.

Diego: Nice nice, you on halls yeah?

Ayo: Defo!

Diego: Anyway forget all that, we are gonna party tonight! Man like Ayo! There are bare chicks here, I know they are feeling that fresh trim.

(They both laughed.)

Ayo: That Lily chick outside is alright init?

Diego: Man even knows her name you know!

(They both laughed again)

Diego: Oi take some of this drink man, it’s strong but it tastes like juice init.

(He passed Ayo some drink and he sipped a little, then sipped some more and more. Diego laughed. The coach peeled off and began to head down the M1. The time seemed to fly so quickly. Before you knew it they were at the club. Ayo was tipsy, his head was swimming but he was just about aware of himself and his surroundings. He saw some missed calls from Sarah and Max. He texted them as he 

got to the front of the queue.)

Sarah: Wheryu ArE Yooo uuuu ??

(Ayo cringed as he read the text, she was clearly drunk.)

Ayo: I’m outside with my friend I'm coming inside now.

(Security searched him and Diego when they got to the front. The music was playing loudly. Ms Dynamite could be heard through the speakers. In another room funky house could be heard and in another room there was dancehall. All sorts of people, whites, blacks, Asians having fun. A few chicks looked in Ayo’s direction. He was a good looking guy but had never used it for any type of gain. Diego was the same height as Ayo but had long curly hair. Ayo reminded him about how his hair was braided in primary school. Diego was half Jamaican and Costa Rican.)

Diego: I beg we go to the bar and get some more drinks in?

Ayo: Wait, let me find my friends quickly, this place is huge-

(Ayo felt a thud and on his back, he turned around quickly. It was Max grinning at him, he was clearly drunk.)

Max: MY GUYYYY!! WE ARE IN THE PLACE!

Ayo: This is my boy Diego, he went to my primary school.

(They spudded each other.)

Diego: What’s it saying so far?

Max: WHAT?! IT’S POPPING BRUV!

Sarah: AYOOOOOOO!!!

(Ayo spun around again and saw Sarah. She ran to him and hugged him.)

DJ: ALRIGHT ALRIGHT! HIP HOP TIMEEEE!

50 CENT: Go shawtyyy its your birthday! We gon party like its your birthdayyy!

Sarah: Ayo I missed youuu!

Ayo: Shullup! I was with you the other day fam!

Sarah: You shullup! Erm and these are my girls !

(She had a batch of 5 girls, all looked nice to Ayo but one in particular stood out. She was dark skinned with braids. She wore a red bodycon dress and black heels. He smiled at her and she grinned at her.)

Ayo: What’s your name?

Shakira: Shakira., nice to meet you Ayo.

Ayo: You know my name?

Shakira: Yeah, I have heard all about you. Smartest in all your classes yeah? Sarah told me.

Ayo: I’m ok I guess, haha.

Shakira: Aww she told me you were shy too, but she never told me how good looking you are though hmmm.

(Ayo laughed. The music seemed to get louder Sarah and her batch led Ayo and the rest to the bashment room. Within seconds Shakira grabbed him and began to grind on him. She caught Ayo off guard but he was able to catch her rhythm quickly. The rave had got into the full flow and everything was a vibe. Shakira and Ayo were with each other the whole night. The drinks were flowing; by the end of the night everybody was wasted or very tipsy. Towards the end of the night everybody went to the cloakroom. Diego panicked as he couldn’t find Ayo.)

Diego: Sarah, where is Ayo?

Sarah: Relax bro, he is deyaaaa!

(She pointed him out. He was in the corner kissing Shakira. They both seemed oblivious to the whole world.)

Diego: Ayo is my GUYYYY!

Sarah: Jheezz Shakksss!

Ayo: Yo Diego, bring my jacket please!

Diego: Ight bro!

(They both laughed at them. Ayo saw them and grinned. Shakira held his hand and they both left the club and waited outside.)

Shakira: Hmmm so you coming to mine or am I coming to yours?

Ayo: Rah, like that yeah?

Shakira: I know you want this baby, I’m going to put it on you properly.

(Maybe it was the alcohol or the atmosphere but Ayo wasn’t fazed. He was a virgin but that seemed to be pushed out of his mind for the moment.)

Ayo: I’m trying to see whats under that dress still.

(Diego passed him his jacket and he went back onto Shakira’s coach. Her uni wasn’t too far, he went back to her place.)

End Scene

Scene 4

(A month had passed and Ayo and Shakira were still speaking. They would visit each other at their respective university halls. She passed her driving test early and her Dad got her a car so she would drive down to see Ayo in his halls. Both of them were enjoying the regular sex and company. Ayo showed no signs that he wasn’t experienced in that department. Shakira was falling for him at a rapid pace. She alluded to spending money on him but Ayo refuted her suggestions. She would cook for him as well.  Ayo enjoyed her company a lot, at least for now. On campus he was making a name for himself. He was enjoying a few of the house parties and raves. His time was divided between Shakira and the club scene. His attendance to lectures wasn’t that great but he was very bright so he wasn’t doing too badly. Girls started to notice him more and more. But he hid that from Shakira.)

Shakira: Hey pretty boy

Ayo: Shaks, you alright?

(She strode confidently into his room and sat on his bed. She smiled at him as he stood in his shorts and slippers.)

Shakira: Buff ting yeah?

Ayo: You like what you see yeah?

Shakira: Hmmm, you are dangerous.

Ayo: I am very harmless.

Shakira: I can’t believe everything I hear.

Ayo: You want anything? I’ve got some snacks and some juice, feel free.

Shakira: I’m good!

(Ayo jumped in the shower. He took his time in the shower and took his time to cream himself after. He came out of the shower in his towel humming DJ Khaled’s 1All I do is Win’. Shakira sat on his bed crying, tears were streaming down her face. Ayo was taken aback and immediately worried.)

Ayo: What’s wrong? Are you ok?

Shakira: Ayo, why?

Ayo: Why what? What happened?

(She pointed to his phone. There were messages from two girls, one on his course and one from Diego’s halls. Both messages were asking him to come out. “Hey Ayooo baby come out with us tonight, we have loads of drinks at our place you and Diego need to come over so we can play some drinking games xxxx.)

Ayo: What? They are just friends.

Shakira: I don’t believe you! I knew it would be too good to be true!

Ayo: Shaks I am not touching them!

(He was frustrated because he  wasn’t lying.)

Shakira: No! Drinking games? I am not a DICKHEAD AYO!

Ayo: Calm down.

Shakira: No I will not calm down I don’t care!

Ayo: Look my neighbours will wake up.

Shakira: So I cook for you? We make love and you can’t even respect me?

Ayo: Look you can even come with us.

Shakira: You must think I’m a mug!

Ayo: Shaks relax!

Shakira: I can’t relax, you’ve got me heated, you think I drive around on the motorway for just anybody? I do a lot for you and you can’t even keep it cute.

Ayo: But you aren’t my girlfriend though.

(There was a painful silence. Shakira bowed her head in her lap and sobbed.)

Shakira: I’m off, I can’t deal with you.

Ayo: I don’t know why you went through my phone! I don’t look at yours!

Shakira: Bye Ayo.

(Ayo kissed his teeth and slammed the door as Shakira left the room. He called Diego.)

Ayo: Wagwan?

Diego: Them girls want us to come through init. What you saying?

Ayo: I’m getting ready now.

Diego: Wagwan for Shakira?

Ayo: Forget her bro she’s an ediatt.

(Ayo got his tracksuit on and met Diego outside his halls and they walked down to Demi’s halls.)

Diego: I hear that bro, girls are crazy.

Ayo: I was cool with her, didn’t ask her for anything. We used to chill and have fun, then she started moving mad.

(As they turned the corner Lily was walking in the opposite direction. Ayo hadn’t forgotten her from the first night. He called her over, she looked like she was in a rush.)

Lily: Wow, where have you been Mr?

Ayo: In my books luv, yourself?

Lily: Hmmm I've heard your name about on campus. 

(She completely disregarded Diego’s presence.)

Ayo: I’m doing me boo, just about to grab some food with my boy now.

Lily: I see but babe I’m rushing, take my number and call me yeah?

(Ayo was rattled by how brazen she was. But he didn’t show it, he acted cool . He passed her his phone and she typed her number in. She kissed him on the cheek and winked at him. She continued power walking.)

Diego: BROOOOOOOOO!! SHE’S SEXY!!

Ayo: I knowwwwwww!

Diego: You see, like my Dad says, one bus goes and another one comes along. That’s how it works!

Ayo: Trust me!

(They buzzed up Demi’s flat and she let them in. Demi came down the stairs, she wore a short and tight skirt. She was Indian but heard a very curvaceous figure. Her skin was brown and smooth.  Her eyes were red, Ayo noticed that immediately. I caught the smell of weed and knew immediately that she was high.)

Demi: Yoooooooooooo!

Diego: You are a joker. Snopp Demi Doggg!

Demi: IN THE PLACE!

Ayo: Ain’t you lot got security?

Demi: Who cares, we chilling, we ain’t hurting nobody!

(The stench was strong. They went into the lift and went into Demi’s room. Leah sat on the computer chair with her feet on the table. She was white girl from the local area. She was a stoner like Demi, she had a big fat spliff in her hand. She winked the two of them when they came in.)

Leah: Hmmm you lot cool yeah?

Demi: They are COOL FAMM! Spark another zoot then!

(Leah began rolling the weed quickly and passed it to Diego, he took a pull immediately. The weed hit him immediately and he sat on the bed. He passed it to Ayo who took a hit immediately.)

Diego: Raaaa, I thought you were going to say no.

Ayo: You only live once init.

Diego: Yeah you can’t be a pussy.

(They smoked and drank for the next few hours. The time seemed to pass slowly. They sat on the floor laughing and joking. Leah pulled Ayo’s arm and led him into the kitchen, she pushed him against the fridge and began kissing his neck. Ayo returned the favour immediately, they both kissed each other passionately. Ayo didn’t notice that Leah slipped her hand in Ayo’s back pocket and took his wallet and slipped it in her pocket. Ayo didn’t realise he was too excited to notice. She stepped back and laughed at him.)

Leah: Lets go back.

Ayo: Come back to mine then init.

Leah: Yeah soon, don’t worry, let’s hang out with these guys first.

(Ayo’s head was absolutely spinning. He just continued to laugh non-stop. He didn’t even know what he was laughing at. Leah slipped outside the room quickly and left them in there. She was gone for at least 30 minutes but they were all too high to notice. She slipped back the wallet onto the bed unnoticed. Suddenly the fire alarm went off. They sprang to their feet paranoid and confused. They came out of the room and a rush of people left their rooms dressed in robes and PJs. Leah winked at Demi as they left the building. Security rounded everybody up to get the numbers. Once the count was done and it was given an all clear they were ushered back in. Diego and Ayo went to follow the girls.)

Demi: I’m tired you know, you lot might have to come back another time.

Leah: Yeah I am out for the count but hold tight though.

Diego: Oh, rah? Well ok then I will shout you later.

Demi: Yeah you got my number init?

Diego: I will holla at you.

(Both of the girls giggled and jogged back inside. Ayo and Diego looked at each other confused and 

shrugged.)

Diego: I can’t lie I am finished bruv, man’s got lecture tomorrow morning too.

End Scene

Scene 5

(Ayo woke up the next day at 1.30 pm, he missed his lecture and a catch up with his lecturer. His head was pounding. He saw a long text from Shakira but he was too tired to even read it. He slammed his phone down and dozed off again. After 30 minutes Diego called him. He ignored it and went back to sleep. Around 3pm he got himself ready and headed to the strip, it was very busy. He had no food in his kitchen so he went straight to by some few bits. He went to the cash machine to withdraw money but the screen read “Insufficient funds”. He rubbed his eyes in disbelief. He kept trying but it kept saying the same thing. He left the queue and called his bank and asked them about any activity on his account. The lady on the phone told him that several orders from Asos ladies were made and some from Mac make up. She informed him all the money was taken out and they would freeze his card. She advised him to use his overdraft in the meantime although he didn’t want to do it he had no choice. He was absolutely dumbfounded he had no idea how or why money had left his account like that. He felt sick. He was still fragile from the night before, he smoked so much that he couldn’t remember anything. He took out his phone and called Diego.)

Ayo: Bro sorry I missed your call, I was finished from last night bro.

Diego: You aren’t the only one. I’m annoyed I didn’t hit Demi though.

Ayo: Hmmm for real.

Diego: Don’t watch that, next time init.

Ayo: What you up to?

Diego: I’m chilling indoors man, I can’t be bothered to move from my bed man.

Ayo: I’m going library, I will holla at you.

(Ayo climbed up the stairs and found quiet area and sat in the corner. He took his headphones out and zoned out for a few hours. He was struggling to get to grips with the topics that were laid out in front of him. It was like a foreign language to him. He took his headphones out and took out his phone. It vibrated immediately. It was Lily, his stomach folded. )

Lily: Look behind you xxx

(Ayo turned round and he saw her sat across the room. She waved at him. She was with a group of people. His hone vibrated again.)

Lily: Meet me downstairs at the vending machine at 8.

Ayo: Cool.

Lily: J xxxx

(The next few hours seemed to drag but Ayo remained composed. Again he tried his best to study but nothing was registering in his mind. It got to 7.50pm and Ayo went down the stairs. He checked out some books, he had some small talk with one of his classmates asking why he hadn’t been in some of the lab sessions.)

Ayo: Yeah, just had a lot on my plate but we will catch up.

Ben: Ok bro, we do our own extra study sessions you are welcome to join us bro.

(He nodded at Ayo and left him. Ayo went through the turnstiles and saw Lily standing there. Her frame was perfect and her face was perfect without even trying. She wore ripped jeans and converses. She had her hair tied up in a bun. He was blown away but he acted composed as possible.)

Lily: Hey baby! You ok?

Ayo: I’m good you know, trying to get through this course.

Lily: You looked like you were studying hard! I could tell from a mile away. I reckon if there was an earthquake you wouldn’t have even felt it!

Ayo: Gotta put in the work b!

Lily: Hmmm that’s true. But listen it’s cold, lets come back to mine and hang out. I got some food and drink we can chill out and watch some movies. Is that cool?

Ayo: I’m down.

(She got a few bottles of wine from the Tesco express and headed down towards town. She was stayed in a small house with a few other students inside town. She led him down the path to the house. It looked like a fairly old but rather large house. Ayo was eager to get inside because it was freezing. Lily was very chatty and friendly. She was from Sheffield and had distinct accent. The house was quiet and warm.)

Lily: Ahhh home sweet home!

Ayo: Thank you for having me.

Lily: No problem baby, you just sit down and relax.

(Her room was quite big, pink curtains, pink bedsheets. She had a long row of teddy bears on the bed as well.)

Lily: Give me 2 seconds I will be back.

(Ayo made himself comfortable and sat on the bed. She had pictures of her family across the wall. He smirked at a picture of her as a child, she must have been around 5 years old in a Christmas Grotto with tears streaming down her face. She had a picture of what looked like her mother and another with a tall bearded fair skinned man who he assumed was her brother or cousin.. Lily came back into the room wearing a night gown. She had her hair wrapped up. Her beauty was striking.)

Ayo: Lily, hmmm.

Lily: I know I know I am in tramp mode ok? Deal with it.

Ayo: If this is tramp mode then I don’t want to see you on your best day because you are looking good!

Lily: Ha Thanks!

(She snuggled up next to him and put on her TV. Ayo was engrossed by her beauty and conversation. Halfway through the film she began to kiss him and he kissed her back. She picked up the remote and turned off the TV.)

End Scene

Scene 6

(A month and a bit passed and Lily and Ayo were still seeing each other. He had fallen for her in a short space of time. She was also very fond of him but she wasn’t like Shakira, she was relaxed and chilled out. She would even go a few days without speaking to Ayo and she wouldn’t fret about it. Ayo. She told him that she had to sometimes go back home to sort out some family issues but she would tell him later on. Ayo kept himself busy with Diego, they were still partying when they could. It was exam season but they were still chasing the party hype. Ayo laid on the sofa with Lily sitting on his lap. She played music from her speakers. Aaliyah- ‘Don’t know what to tell ya’ played smoothly through the speakers.)

Aaliyah: YOU WANT MY LOCK AND MY KEY? WELL I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YA! YOU WANNA HANDCUFF ME BUT YOO I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YA!

Lily: You make me laugh you know.

Ayo: I know I make you laugh, that’s why you always got me in here.

Lily: No not like that, I mean the first night when I saw you, I knew you were feeling me but you tried to act normal.

Ayo: Please I wasn’t sweating. Harlem shaking through the pressure.

Lily: Pressure yeah?

Ayo: Not like that, well I mean-

Lily: But yeah but erm yeah but erm no, but urgh but you know them ones where-

Ayo: SHULLLUPP! HAHA

(They embraced tightly.)

Ayo: I love you

Lily: Aww baby!

Ayo: I don’t know what it is but I swear I am in love with you.

(She held his face and kissed him.)

Scene 7

(Lily went down to Sheffield during the weekend. Ayo stayed on campus instead of going back to London. He barely had enough money to get a train back home. He thought of taking train but he was still broke. The bank hadn’t refunded him back his money he was still waist deep in his overdraft ,each day his money was going down. He was eating one meal a day and it was all Tesco Brand. His heart sank as he knew that Jide would be enjoying warm jollof rice and chicken. The last few days he didn’t feel right, he felt pain every time he went to use the toilet. He noticed this mid-week but he tried to ignore it but it was getting worse. He was a medicine student and was clever enough to know ignoring signs was never a good thing. He went to A&E to get checked over. He waited some time before the Nurse came out and ushered him to the office. She made a referral for him to go to the sexual health clinic in town. He began to panic immediately.)

Nurse: It does seem you have some type of STI, I can’t say for certain but it doesn’t seem like a typical urine infection. But go and get yourself checked out just in case, rule everything out.

(Ayo was terrified. He nodded slowly as the nurse spoke. He could barely hear what she was saying. He got out of his seat and jogged to the clinic. He frantically called Lily but she wasn’t answering, after a while she switched off her phone. He went into the clinic and took a sample. The assistant told him they would send he results out to him in the next few days. He ran all the way back to campus. His heart was beating. He went to use the toilet when he got in and he felt the burn again. He tried to Lily again but she didn’t answer. He laid in his bed and stared at the ceiling. He usually used condoms but Lily told him it was fine because she was on the pill. He knew he was sleeping with anybody else but he couldn’t say for sure Lily wasn’t. He doubted it but she didn’t present as if she was active with other men. He was so deeply in love with her he couldn’t fathom that happening. The next few days he stayed in his room, he spent most of his day sleeping. He would check his phone to see if Lily had messaged or called him but she hadn’t. He logged onto his laptop and went online to check his coursework results. His heart sank, he saw two fails next to both of his assignments. He scratched his head in confusion. He could feel himself slipping into depression, he kept his phone off for long periods of the day so he could have peace. Diego knocked on his door a few times but he ignored it completely. When it came to Monday evening he was still in his room just stewing in misery. He spent every hour watching film after film after film. In the after he was about to doze off but his phone vibrated. He looked at it thinking it would be Diego but it was an unrecognised number. It spelt out his name and date of birth. It read out ‘You have Chlamydia, come in to the clinic and get your medication. Ayo was gutted although it could have been worse but it confirmed his worst fears. Lily was laying with somebody else. He sat alone in his room, his heart was beating quickly. A tear rolled down his face. He called Lily but cut the phone before it could ring. He decided it would be better if he went to her place without warning. He put on his tracksuit and went out. He was too anxious to even wait for the bus so he jogged down there. Within 15 minutes he arrived. He pressed the bell and knocked the door. He waited a few moments and nobody answered. He looked up and saw her curtain open and close. Shortly he could hear footsteps coming down the stairs. Lily swung the door open.)

 Lily: Baby, I’ve been meaning to call you but now isn’t the time. I will call you later.

Ayo: We need to talk now-

Lily: Whatever it is it can wait but please you need to go now.

Ayo: I went to the clinic and they said that I have caught something. It must have come from you because I haven’t been sleeping with anybody else-

Lily: What? (She whispered.)

Ayo: Well have you? I thought I was the only guy-

Lily: Ayo look-

(A loud voice bellowed down the stairs. “OI whose that man? Lily?)

Lily: Ayo leave!

Ayo: Who is that?

(Somebody bounded down the stairs. A tall and muscular mixed race guy walked to the door. He has a grizzly beard and a gold tooth. It was the same man that was in one of her photos. He looked at Ayo angrily. Ayo looked at him back.)

Lily: Jermaine lets go back upstairs, this is just one dude that won’t leave me alone.

Ayo: What?

Jermaine: What? You think you can rock up to my girl’s crib like that yeah?

Ayo: I didn’t know she had a man.

Lily: Jermaine, he’s crazy lets just go back inside. (She turned to Ayo) Don’t come back again.

Ayo: Lily? How could you-

(Jermaine went back inside and was back out within seconds. He gripped a knife by his side, it seemed to glisten in the dark.)

Jermaine: I don’t know where you’re from bro, but I don’t care. You came to violate my girlfriend? 

Are you mad?

Ayo: Na bro I didn’t want to violate anybody, I just wanted to chat to her-

Jermaine: My girlfriend don’t wanna chat to you man.

Lily: Jermaine put the knife back!

Jermaine: I ain’t feeling this guy you know.

(He took a few steps towards Ayo, Ayo stepped back slowly.)

Ayo: I’m sorry man, I didn’t mean to do this, it was a misunderstanding. I won’t come back again.

Lily: Jermaine it’s ok let him go.

(Ayo turned back, a tear rolled down his face. He mumbled under his breath. He couldn’t believe this. Lily started to go back into the house. Ayo walked away from the house.)

Jermaine: Bruv did I hear you say something?

Ayo: Nah I didn’t!

(Jermaine shook his head and chased him down. Ayo ran as fast as he could. He spun around the corner but tripped over a bottle on the floor. Jermaine rounded on him and stabbed his leg. Ayo yelped in pain and Jermaine looked around and saw nobody was around. He stood over him and laughed.)

Jermaine: Pussyhole!

End Scene

Scene 8

(Ayo woke up in the hospital early hours in the morning. Police had questioned him but he insisted that he didn’t know who the perpetrator was and that he was blindsided. The cut in his leg wasn’t as severe as the doctors had thought it was but it was still serious enough to keep him bed bound. Nobody had visited him, he stared at the ceiling in the hospital bed. He had a deep feeling of shame, regret and conviction. He reached to his phone and called his mother.)

Ayo: Mummy (He sobbed.)

Mum: What is wrong my son?

Ayo: I need to come home, I’m sorry, I wronged you. Please forgive me.

Mum: Where are you?

Ayo: I am at the hospital near my uni-

Mum: I will send you money now so you can pay for your ticket to come back home now.

(She cut off the phone. Ayo saw the notification on his online banking app that money had been sent to him. He booked the train ticket and breathed a sigh of relief. He laid back down to rest for a few hours. When he woke up they ran some more checks on him. They advised him to stay for another few hours but he insisted that they discharge him, He left the hospital and jumped in a taxi headed to town to catch the early morning train. After a few hours he arrived at the station where his mother was waiting. He caught her eyes straight away, she was beaming with joy.)

Mum: My son!

Ayo: Mummy!

(She jogged towards him and gave him a big warm embrace and kissed his forehead.)

Ayo: Mother, forgive me, I am sorry I left you.

Mum: All is forgiven son, let’s go, come home with me.

(She invited some of her friends round the house and some of their neighbours. A few of his aunties were in the kitchen cooking stew and crying chicken. Music blazed through the speakers, A mix of African Gospel and Afro beats. The house will filled with laughter, the aroma of fresh food filled the house. It spilled into the street. Jide could hear the commotion from his room and came downstairs.)

Jide: Mummy? I’m confused?

Mummy: Why?

Jide: He left us to go to Uni and have fun and within a few months he has lost everything you gave him. I’ve been at home helping you and working for myself whilst studying but you’ve never done anything like this before. I should be the one being celebrated.

Mummy: I love you both exactly the same but Ayo lost his way and has come back home.

The End