ALEXIS has begun her pledge process for Sigma Gamma Rho sorority incorporated. In her first night, she is distracted by a passion mark on the neck of Big Sister GammaRamma who is dating her ex boyfriend BOBBY.
(ALEXIS is staring at PAULA's neck. JENNIFER, ANGELIQUE, and PAULA have just demonstrated the greeting for ALEXIS.)
CANDACE - I told you that you can do this...now get yourself together. Come on.
(ALEXIS closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.)
CANDACE - So let's try this greeting one more time. Take your time, you can do this.
(PAULA walks up and places her hands on ALEXIS' shoulders.)
PAULA - It's awkward at first. It was for me the first night as well. But you'll do fine. Just keep trying hard and you'll...
ALEXIS - Get your hands off me!
(ALEXIS throws PAULA's hands off her. Everyone stares and ALEXIS runs into the bathroom crying.)
PAULA - What? What happened?
CANDACE - I don't know! Let me go see...
ROSALIND - No, let me go. I'm her dean now. I need to get close to her. Maybe I can get to what is troubling her.
(ROSALIND walks to the bathroom and knocks on the door.)
JENNIFER - I heard of being nervous but damn.
ANGELIQUE - Yeah, she scared the crap out of me when she screamed. Dag!
(ROSALIND softly knocks on the door.)
ROSALIND - Alexis...Alexis...
(ROSALIND slowly turns the knob and peeks inside the bathroom. ALEXIS is staring in the mirror at herself crying. ROSALIND enters and closes the door behind her.)
ROSALIND - Alexis, what's wrong?
ALEXIS - Big sister, I'm sorry. I am a wreck of emotions right now for real!
ROSALIND - You wanna tell me about it?
ALEXIS - It's...I know I am stupid and I'm not supposed to let this bother me...
(ALEXIS stops.)
ROSALIND - It's okay. Go on.
ALEXIS - But it's Paula and her relationship with Bobby.
(silence)
ROSALIND - What about it?
ALEXIS - What about it? It's killing me!
ROSALIND - Why? Do you have a thing for Bobby or something?
ALEXIS - A thing for...you don't know that Bobby and I used to date?
ROSALIND - You did?
ALEXIS - We dated for three years. We were very serious.
ROSALIND - I didn't know that! And I'm sure Paula doesn't know either!
ALEXIS - She has to know! I'm sure Bobby has told her!
ROSALIND - I wouldn't count on it. She has no idea! You wanna ask her?
ALEXIS - I don't know.
(silence)
Meanwhile...
PAULA - What's goin' on in there?
CANDACE - I don't know.
PAULA - Hey Candace, I know Alexis is cool and you and her go way back but what's up with the outburst?
CANDACE - I know she's upset about her boyfriend and her breaking up.
ANGELIQUE - Oh dag, this is a bad time for those emotions to come out.
PAULA - That must be what's his name...Quinton right?
CANDACE - Yeah, they just broke up recently and she is taking it kinda hard.
PAULA - Yeah, Bobby told me that they were having issues.
CANDACE - Bobby told you?
PAULA - Yeah. We ran into them one night at Pharoahs and she looked like she was upset. I thought it was because she was nervous around me. But Bobby said that they were having problems.
CANDACE thinks - Oh my God I am such a fool! This all makes sense now!
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The Deltas are counting down the remaining ten seconds, waiting for PYRAMID THERESA to arrive and join her line sister PYRAMID BREANNA.
CHRISTIAN - Ten...
BREANNA thinks - Please get here Theresa! Please!
CHRISTIAN - ...nine...
THERESA thinks - This hot bath feels so nice!
CHRISTIAN - ...eight...seven...
ROBIN - This ain't looking good Pyramid!
BREANNA thinks - God please!
CHRISTIAN - ...six...
THERESA thinks - I hope I don't fall asleep in this water and drown! Hee hee.
CHRISTIAN - ...five...
THERESA thinks - Let me get out before I turn into a raisin! I've been in here for the longest!
(THERESA pulls the stopper out of the drain and the water begins to run out of the tub.)
CHRISTIAN - ...four...
(CHRISTIAN walks over and gets in BREANNA face.)
CHRISTIAN - Tweetle Dee better have her ass out in that hallway in three...two...
(ROBIN quickly opens the door and looks out into the hall.)
THERESA - Surprise!
(silence)
THERESA - Hello? I said surprise! Guess who?
JASON - Is this Theresa?
THERESA - Yep! Yep! Give that man the thousand dollar prize!
JASON thinks - Oh God!
THERESA - Hey J! What's up?
JASON - Hi Theresa. How are you?
THERESA - T...I...R...E...D! Tired!
JASON - Been up studying late or something?
THERESA - Nope, you'll never guess what I've been up to.
JASON thinks - Do I really care?
JASON - What Theresa? What have you been up to?
THERESA - You will never guess in a million years! Try! Ha ha ha, try and guess Jason.
JASON thinks - You've been taking late night anger management classes!
JASON - I give up. What have you been doing that has kept you up so late?
(THERESA smiles at the telephone.)
THERESA - Believe it or not...I've been pledging!
JASON - You've been what?
THERESA - Pledging! I started line already for DST. And believe me, pledging is hard and it is serious business!
CHRISTIAN - You thought I was joking huh? You didn't think this was serious business did you? Did you Pyramid?
PYRAMID BREANNA crying - Yes! I mean...no...I didn't think you were joking, and yes I know this is serious business Big Sister DSTeazy off the Heazy fo Sheazy My Neazy!
(BREANNA is holding two trophies in each hand. They are from back to back Delta Sigma Theta step show wins from two homecomings ago. She was told to keep them outstretched, but now can barely keep her hands up and is crying.)
ROBIN - Arms getting tired?
PYRAMID BREANNA crying - Does it seem...Big...Sister Jeopardy?
(ROBIN smiles. WILLIE is just looking on.)
CHRISTIAN - I can't believe you don't know where your line sister is! What kind of mess is that? What kind of bond do yall have? We don't play there here at Ahpla!
CHRISTIAN thinks - This is going easier than I thought! This tramp will drop line by tomorrow!
CHRISTIAN - And Theresa obviously doesn't care anything about you! Does she?
PYRAMID BREANNA - She loves me...and I...love...her.
(WILLIE walks up and whispers in CHRISTIAN's ear.)
WILLIE - Alright, she's had enough. Take it easy.
CHRISTIAN thinks - Whatever!
CHRISTIAN - Bree, give me those.
PYRAMID BREANNA thinks - Thank God! Theresa please show up!
(BREANNA gives the trophies to CHRISTIAN. Her arms feel as if they're gonna fall off.)
CHRISTIAN - Watch this.
(CHRISTIAN holds the trophies out.)
CHRISTIAN - This is how you're supposed to hold these. It isn't that hard Breanna so stop all the drama okay! When you stretch your arms out, it looks like you form an A. A for Ahpla U...and this is how we get down at Ahpla. Got it?
PYRAMID BREANNA - Yes Big Sister DSTeazy off Tha Heazy for Sheazy My Neazy!
WILLIE - Chris...
(CHRISTIAN ignores WILLIE.)
CHRISTIAN - We take this serious here and unless you wanna quit...
PYRAMID BREANNA - No! Never!
(CHRISTIAN smiles.)
CHRISTIAN - Fine! Then we're gonna show you what it means to be responsible for somebody else!
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After ALEXIS' outburst, the big sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho are talking to one another.
PAULA - Hey Candace, I know Alexis is cool and you and her go way back but what's up with the outburst?
CANDACE - I know she's upset about her boyfriend and her breaking up.
ANGELIQUE - Oh dag, this is a bad time for those emotions to come out.
PAULA - That must be what's his name...Quinton right?
CANDACE - Yeah, they just broke up recently and she is taking it kinda hard.
PAULA - Yeah, Bobby told me that they were having issues.
CANDACE - Bobby told you?
PAULA - Yeah. We ran into them one night at Pharoahs and she looked like she was upset. I thought it was because she was nervous around me. But Bobby said that they were having problems.
CANDACE thinks - Oh my God I am such a fool! This all makes sense now!
CANDACE - You and Bobby were together and you saw Alexis and Quinton?
PAULA - Yeah, at Pharoahs.
CANDACE - No wonder! I get it!
PAULA - What? You get what?
CANDACE - Of course! Alexis must be upset because she saw you and Bobby together. It must have struck her funny.
PAULA - Huh?
JENNIFER - Why?
CANDACE - Paula, Bobby didn't tell you about his past with Alexis?
PAULA - His past? What past?
CANDACE thinks - God I hate Bobby sometimes!
CANDACE - Paula, Alexis and Bobby used to date. Like seriously.
PAULA - You are lying!
(JENNIFER pulls up a chair.)
JENNIFER - Aww shoot! This is gettin' to be as good as a soap opera!
(CANDACE gives JENNIFER a look, then turns back to PAULA.)
CANDACE - I can't believe he didn't tell you.
PAULA - He never told me about his past. I mean, we spoke about it briefly, but not in detail as to his past girlfriends names and things. How long did they go out?
CANDACE - Like two or three years.
PAULA - Really?
CANDACE - Yeah. I remember once Nino mentioned to Alexis about pledging Sigma Gamma Rho, so we could have more Rho Six love on campus! Ha ha ha ha!
ANGELIQUE - Rho Six love! How tight! Ha ha ha ha.
PAULA - Damn, does she hate me or something?
CANDACE - No, she doesn't hate you. But you probably should talk to her. Get it out in the open, and tell her that you didn't know.
PAULA - Yeah, good idea.
ANGELIQUE - Good Lord, can we ever have a process with no drama?
JENNIFER - Nope.
CANDACE - That's what makes a process a process! Ha ha ha ha.
(CANDACE walks to the bathroom and knocks.)
CANDACE - Hey Ros, it's me.
(ROSALIND opens the door and CANDACE whispers something to her. They both look at PAULA, then back at each other.)
ROSALIND whispers - I didn't know Alexis used to go with Bobby either! Alexis just told me.
CANDACE whispers - They were practically married! I can't believe nobody knew.
ROSALIND - Okay, well let her come in. They need to sit down and square this whole thing away.
CANDACE - Cool.
ROSALIND - I'll tell Alexis.
(ROSALIND goes back into the bathroom and closes the door behind her.)
ROSALIND - Alexis.
ALEXIS - Yes Big Sister.
ROSALIND - I think we are all on the same page of music now. Just like I thought, Paula didn't know.
ALEXIS - Really?
ROSALIND - Really. So she wants to come in here and talk to you now.
ALEXIS - Okay.
ROSALIND - Once everything is out, I'm sure it'll be better. I know this is a funny situation, but we are all mature and we can get past this.
ALEXIS - Yeah, I would like that. I mean, Bobby is my ex, and I do have feelings for someone else, so this shouldn't even be bothering me the way that it is.
ROSALIND - I understand. Emotions are a funny thing sometimes. Well anyway, you and Paula talk this out and get everything out in the open.
ALEXIS - Okay Big Sister.
(ROSALIND turns to leave, then turns back around.)
ROSALIND - Oh, and one more thing.
(ALEXIS turns from drying her face off to face ROSALIND.)
ROSALIND - Let me remind you that you are still an Aurora. Eventhough this is an emotional situation, Paula, as the rest of us, are all your big sisters.
ALEXIS - Yes Big Sister. I'm sorry.
(ALEXIS drops her head down.)
ROSALIND - We love you Alexis and chose you to be our sister. So we got your back. Just no more outbursts like that.
ALEXIS - Okay Big Sister.
(ROSALIND turns to leave.)
ALEXIS - Thank you...Dean.
(ROSALIND smiles as she leaves. She leaves the door open for PAULA to go in.)
ALEXIS thinks - That was very nice of her. They all are great and I am just acting silly. I wish I could get that stupid Bobby out of my system! I was about to blame Paula for something that she didn't even know about! Dag!
(ALEXIS checks her face in the mirror.)
ALEXIS thinks - I love my big sisters! We just need to get this all out in the open, and put it all on the table. If they can be mature about this, then certainly so can I!
(PAULA walks into the bathroom.)
PAULA - Hey.
ALEXIS - Greetings Big Sister GammaRamma!
(PAULA closes the door behind herself...and locks it.)
PAULA - Listen up...I don't give a damn how long you dated Bobby! He's my man now so get over it!
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GREGG has found out that SHAREESA gave him a sexually transmitted disease. As SHAREESA explains how, GREGG gets upset.
GREGG - What I did was a mistake, uncalculated! Just happened! I didn't go out and meet some cheerleader, let her wine and dine me, and then come home to screw her!
SHAREESA - Is that what you think? Is that what you think I did?
(GREGG gets up and starts to get dressed.)
GREGG - All I think is that right now I wanna be out! And that's exactly what I'm gonna do!
SHAREESA - Well you know what...fine! Get out!
(SHAREESA throws a pillow at GREGG and hits him in the head.)
GREGG - I can't believe this!
(GREGG almost falls as he is putting his shoes on.)
SHAREESA - Here I am concerned about you and...
GREGG - Concerned? You weren't so concerned when you were with Brad were you!
(GREGG realizes he shouldn't have said that by the look that SHAREESA gives him. He wants to take it back but can't form the words. Instead he storms out and SHAREESA falls back onto her bed crying.)
GREGG thinks - Dammit!
(GREGG leaves and stands in the hallway to collect his thoughts. He looks back at the door, then heads toward the elevator.)
GREGG thinks - I gotta think this out. Dammit! I never thought...who would've ever thought...damn!
(GREGG gets outside and begins to walk into the night.)
GREGG thinks - Damn, do I even have a right to get mad? I mean, I have done a lot. More than she even knows. Hell, I was with Caryn yesterday! I need to suck this up and forgive her.
(GREGG pulls out his cell phone and dials.)
XAVIER - Heeeeello?
GREGG - Yo man it's G.
XAVIER - Who?
GREGG - Wake up man it's me.
(XAVIER rolls over and looks at the clock on his night stand.)
XAVIER - What time is it? I can't see?
GREGG - It's early okay? Look, I need to talk to you. I'm coming over.
XAVIER - Now? Why? Can't it wait til morning?
GREGG - No it's important. I'm coming now.
XAVIER - Dude, I am dead tired. I just left that skeephi party. Just call me tomorrow.
GREGG - I'll be there in two minutes.
(click)
(GREGG starts to jog toward XAVIER's place.)
GREGG - That nigga is just gonna have to get up this time. I need some advice!
(GREGG quickly gets to XAVIER's place and knocks on the door. XAVIER doesn't answer so GREGG knocks harder.)
XAVIER - Okay! Okay!
(XAVIER opens the door in his boxer shorts and a wife beater.)
XAVIER - This better be good.
GREGG - Bro, if this wasn't an emergency, believe me I wouldn't be getting you up.
(GREGG walks past XAVIER and XAVIER closes the door.)
XAVIER - So what's up man? Who is it this time?
GREGG - Shut up and listen. This is serious man! I'm not joking!
XAVIER - Alright alright sorry. What's up?
(GREGG has sat down and is holding his head in his hands.)
GREGG - I got an STD. But I got it from Shareesa.
XAVIER - What!
GREGG - I told you this was serious.
(XAVIER sits down next to GREGG.)
XAVIER - You got a what from who?
GREGG - I got something. I thought it was from me messin' around, and come to find out I got it from Reece. She dated Brad the quarterback for a hot second.
XAVIER - Brad Tillmon?
GREGG - Yeah.
XAVIER - Shoot!
(silence)
GREGG - I went off on her. I screamed on her and stormed out.
XAVIER - What? Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black Gregg?
GREGG - I know. That's why I need some advice. What should I have done? What should I do now?
XAVIER - Dude, you can't possibly hold this against her. I mean, her cheating once is a drop in the bucket compared to you.
GREGG - Well actually, she didn't cheat. She messed with Brad when we weren't together.
(XAVIER just stares at GREGG.)
XAVIER - Gregg, you mean to tell me that she...dated...Brad when you and her weren't together, now she is infected, could be really sick, and you have the audacity after all you've done and are probably still doing, to get mad at her? She probably needs you now more than ever!
(GREGG looks up at XAVIER.)
GREGG - Think so?
XAVIER - Don't be a fool man! Go over there and be her shoulder to cry on. After all you've put her through, it's the least you can do.
(GREGG is silent, then quickly jumps to his feet.)
GREGG - You're right! You're right man! I can't be mad at her! I need to suck this shit up!
XAVIER - Now you're talking. And one more thing.
GREGG - Yeah?
XAVIER - Get the heck out of here so I can get some sleep!
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SAM - We're gonna have to show you what it means to be responsible for somebody else!
(SAM separates CENTAUR #1COLIN from CENTAUR #2 SEAN. He takes the doctor into seperate a room.)
SAIFA - I knew Sam was gonna explode. Ha ha ha ha, he couldn't take much more of Sean.
RICHARD - Yeah! Good Lord, that brother is gettin' on my nerves, and you know how hard it is to upset me!
(SAIFA just stares at RICHARD.)
RICHARD - What?
(SAM is in a secluded room with CENTAUR COLIN.)
SAM - Look...Sean is really getting on my nerves. I know he is excited, I was too when I did this. But damn! So check this out, the next time he has some kind of crazy excited outburst, I take it out on you. Understand?
CENTAUR COLIN - I understand Big Brother Goldfinger.
SAM - I'm not playing around, it's one thing to be excited. But he's gonna make it difficult to learn and to bond. So get it across to him to bring it down a few notches.
CENTAUR COLIN - I will Big Brother Goldfinger.
SAM - Alright. Let's go back out.
(CENTAUR COLIN opens the door for SAM to re-enter the room with the other big brothers and CENTAUR SEAN.)
CENTAUR SEAN screams - Welcome back Big Brother Goldfinger sir!
(silence)
SAM - Number one, give me one push up for each founder.
(DR. MWATSUMI slowly goes to the floor and starts to do push ups.)
CENTAUR COLIN - One for Albert Hicks...two for Lonnie Spruill Jr...three for...
CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Maybe I should get down and help him.
(As SEAN gets ready to help, SAM calls him over.)
SAM - Come here number two. Sit down.
CENTAUR SEAN - Thank you most gracious and forthright Big Brother Goldfinger sir!
(SAIFA snickers under his breath.)
SAM - Um...number one, start over.
CENTAUR COLIN - ...six for...one for Albert Hicks...two for...
SAM - Have a seat Sean. You care for something to drink? Maybe a piece of pie or some ice cream?
(SEAN looks at DR. MWATSUMI struggling on the floor.)
CENTAUR SEAN - Uh...no thank you. Maybe I should help my line brother.
SAM - Oh, you've helped plenty already.
(RAY whispers to SAIFA.)
RAY whispers - I see what he's doing.
SAIFA whispers - Yeah me too. This ain't according to plan.
RAY whispers - Yeah, but l'm gonna play along.
(RAY approaches SEAN who is seated.)
RAY - Hey Centaur, I'm gonna go to...
CENTAUR SEAN - Yes Big Brother Brown Bomber sir!
SAM - Number one, start over.
CENTAUR COLIN thinks - This is getting quite out of hand!
CENTAUR COLIN - One...for...Al...bert...
CENTAUR SEAN - Can I please help my Centaur line brother?
SAM - Naw man, believe me. You are helping a great deal. Now what were you saying Bomber?
RAY - Yeah, Sean. We're about to go to Wendy's. Would you like something to eat man? Combo meal? Super size it? Frosty?
CENTAUR SEAN - Uh...no. That's okay.
RAY - Seriously, it's okay. I'm taking orders from everyone. What you want?
CENTAUR SEAN - It's okay?
RAY - It's fine...trust me.
CENTAUR SEAN - Well okay then. Can I have a chicken club sandwich and a sprite.
RAY - Chicken club and a sprite, no problem. And it's on me, the big brothers will treat.
(SEAN smiles.)
CENTAUR SEAN - Well...okay.
SAM - How you doin' there number one?
CENTAUR COLIN - Fffff...fiiiine...Biiiig....Broothhhhe...
SAM - Yeah uh huh, good. Listen number one, Sean just ordered food, so why don't you lay on your back and relax.
(DR. MWATSUMI rolls over and lays on his back exhausted.)
SAM - Now give me sit ups. Twelve.
CENTAUR COLIN thinks - Oh God!
(SAM signals to the big brothers in the room.)
SAM - While you do sit ups, we're gonna go to Wendy's drive through to pick up that food. Be right back. Yall watch out for each other while yall are...alone!
(SAM laughs to himself.)
SAM - Come on, let's roll.
(The Iota brothers are talking amongst themselves and laughing as they leave the room. The door closes as they walk into the hall and toward the elevator. DR. MWATSUMI collapses on the floor.)
CENTAUR SEAN - Doctor! Are you okay?
(DR. MWATSUMI is breathing heavy.)
CENTAUR SEAN - If you want, you can have my sprite. Maybe that'll make you feel better.
CENTAUR COLIN - I'll feel better...in a few...minutes...
(He pauses.)
CENTAUR COLIN - ...as soon as I can muster...enough energy...to strangle you!
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GREGG is jogging back to see SHAREESA. He is speaking to himself and rehearsing what he wants to say when he sees her.
GREGG - Shareesa, I'm sorry I said the things I said. I take it all back. We can work this out.
GREGG thinks - Naw, that's too much.
GREGG - Shareesa, I'm sorry about the things I said. I take...most of it back. Can we work this out?
(GREGG continues to jog.)
GREGG thinks - Naw, try again.
GREGG - Shareesa, I'm sorry about the things I said. I can't take it back...but can we work this out?
GREGG thinks - Oh God, I'm an idiot!
(GREGG rethinks what he wants to say.)
GREGG - Reece...baby...I love you. And you have been great to me. I had no right to say the things I said and to walk out on you the way that I did. I'm just stupid and...
(GREGG realizes that he called himself stupid and stops running.)
GREGG thinks - Damn, I'm stupid. I'm really stupid!
(He sits down on a bench for a moment to catch his breath.)
GREGG thinks - I have a wonderful girlfriend, and I don't treat her right! If I don't wise up and stop acting so stupid, somebody else is gonna come and treat her better than me! Then where does that leave me?
(GREGG starts to get emotional.)
GREGG thinks - No! I can't do this! I'm gonna have to be strong so I can fix things between me and Shareesa! I need to stay strong!
(He gets up and starts to run faster.)
GREGG thinks - I gotta hurry! I know she didn't go back to sleep...she's probably still sitting there crying over my stupid ass!
(GREGG hurries as he gets to the building and rushes up the stairs. He bypasses the elevator.)
GREGG thinks - Gotta hurry!
(He flies up the stairs and gets to the door. Then waits. He is still out of breath from running.)
GREGG thinks - Okay, let me go through this one more time.
GREGG whispers - Reece...baby...I love you...and...
(GREGG wipes his eyes.)
GREGG thinks - Come on man! You can do this!
GREGG - Reece I love you. And I am sorry!
(GREGG pauses, collects himself, and knocks.)
GREGG thinks - Just be honest. Be honest.
(SHAREESA opens the door.)
GREGG - Reece...baby...I'm sorry. I am so sorry. I shouldn't have said the things that I said...and I'm real sorry. Can we please try and work this out?
SHAREESA - GREGG...
(SHAREESA pauses, then continues.)
SHAREESA - ...Gregg we have nothing to work out! I'm through with you for good! If you want the rest of your things, go outside and get them off the ground outside my window!
(SLAM)
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