Episode 14

CENTAUR SEAN has been talking with his father in his room and now has to return to the big brothers with his assignment.

CENTAUR SEAN - I'll see ya later dad.

(CENTAUR SEAN turns to leave.)

MR. JACKSON - Sean.

(CENTAUR SEAN turns around.)

MR. JACKSON - A word of advice. Never turn your back on any fraternity member. Especially your own big brothers of Iota. Always ask permission to leave the room, and be humble about it. And one more thing...

(MR. JACKSON smiles.)

MR. JACKSON - ...give me a greeting or something so you can be on your way.

(CENTAUR SEAN smiles.)

CENTAUR SEAN - You want me to what?
MR. JACKSON - You heard me boy! I ain't old enough to whip your butt! Now say something nice for dear old Alpha dad and be on your way.
CENTAUR SEAN - But I don't know an Alpha Phi Alpha greeting...we didn't learn any of that stuff yet.
MR. JACKSON - Sean, pledgees don't make excuses. Did you learn a poem called excuses yet?
CENTAUR SEAN - No.
MR. JACKSON - You will.
CENATAUR SEAN - Oh.
MR. JACKSON - Well?

(CENTAUR SEAN takes a moment to think.)

CENTAUR SEAN - Um...greetings Alpha...dad!

(silence)

MR. JACKSON - Nevermind Sean. Nevermind.

(CENTAUR SEAN laughs.)

MR. JACKSON - Here, you may need this.

(MR. JACKSON hands SEAN some money.)

CENTAUR SEAN - Thanks dad! Will you be here when I get back?
MR. JACKSON - No, I'm gonna go ahead and make my way home. So I will speak with you later. Good luck okay?
CENTAUR SEAN - Thanks dad.

(MR. JACKSON extends his hand to shake SEAN's. But SEAN walks forward and hugs his father.)

CENTAUR SEAN - See ya later.
MR. JACKSON - Okay.

(CENTAUR SEAN turns and opens the door for the two of them to leave together.)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEXTER is very disturbed by seeing WILLIE and JASON together. The Pyramids of Delta Sigma Theta are preparing to do a greeting for the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha.

(PYRAMID BREANNA and PYRAMID THERESA walk back out, prepared to greet the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha.)

CHRISTIAN - Okay, yall ready this time?

(PYRAMID THERESA smiles.)

DEXTER - Of course they're ready! Aren't you baby! Do your thing sweetie!

(CHRISTIAN turns to DEXTER.)

CHRISTIAN - Baby? What are you talkin' about Dexter?
DEXTER - Oh you didn't know?

(DEXTER glances at WILLIE and JASON.)

DEXTER - You didn't know that Theresa and I are going together?
THERESA thinks - What!
WILLIE thinks - What!
CHRISTIAN thinks - What!
DRE thinks - What!
ROBIN thinks - What!

(Everyone quickly stares at PYRAMID THERESA in shock.)

PYRAMID THERESA - Theresa and you what?

(DEXTER shoots THERESA a glance and then quickly motions toward JASON and WILLIE.)

DEXTER - Uh...I know I was supposed to wait til you crossed, but I couldn't help it T. Sorry.

(DEXTER starts to laugh.)

DRE - You sure kept that a secret!
WILLIE - Uh...yeah.
DEXTER - Yeah, well...I uh didn't want to jeopardize her chances. Ya feel me?
ROBIN - True! I wish I had known that before! Ha ha ha ha!
DEXTER - See what I mean?

(PYRAMID BREANNA leans over and whispers into PYRAMID THERESA's ear.)

PYRAMID BREANNA whispers - You and Dexter are dating?

(PYRAMID THERESA looks at JASON.)

PYRAMID THERESA whispers - Uh yeah.
LARRY - Now that everyone is good and surprised, can I get surprised by a phat greeting?

(Everyone laughs.)

CHRISTIAN - Yeah, we've been stalling long enough! Pyramids!
PYRAMIDS - Yes Big Sister DSTeazy Off the Heazy Fo Sheazy My Neazy!
CHRISTIAN - Are yall ready to do a greeting for the Alphas that are here?

(PYRAMID BREANNA glances at PYRAMID THERESA who winks at her.)

PYRAMIDS - Yes Big Sister DSTeazy Off the Heazy Fo Sheazy My Neazy!
CHRISTIAN - Okay!

(CHRISTIAN sits down in front of them.)

CHRISTIAN - Everyone get comfortable. This better be good! You did a good job for the bruhs, now hook up our Alpha friends!

(PYRAMID BREANNA whispers while everyone is sitting down to pay attention.)

PYRAMID BREANNA whispers - I'll follow whatever you say.
CHRISTIAN - Okay let's go. Let's see what ya got ladies!

(silence)

PYRAMID THERESA - Greetings...

(Everyone is staring at THERESA for what she will say next.)

PYRAMID THERESA - ...Jason!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Centaurs both arrive back to the big brothers of Iota Phi Theta.

CENTAUR COLIN - Are you ready Centaur?
CENTAUR SEAN - As ready as I'm gonna be!
CENTAUR COLIN - Alright, let's go.

(They knock on the door. SAIFA opens it.)

SAIFA - Hello gentlemen. Welcome back. Come on in.

(They enter and SAIFA closes the door behind them.)

SAIFA - Have a seat gentlemen. Give me the bags.

(CENTAURS COLIN and SEAN hand the bags they have over to SAIFA and sit down.)

SAM - You guys found everything okay?
CENTAURS - Yes Big Brother Goldfinger.
SAM - Good. We're going to be teaching you a few things while you guys work. So pay attention but stay busy.

(SAIFA comes over with newspaper, bricks, and paint.)

SAIFA - Lay this newspaper on the floor. You're gonna use this paint to cover these bricks in gold. Then you are gonna put the greek letters on one side and your line numbers on the other. Understand?
CENTAURS - Yes Big Brother The Man With the Hoof!
SAIFA - Good. Get started and listen to Patrick as he begins the first lesson.
PATRICK - Hello Centaurs.
CENTAURS - Hello Big Brother Brown Arrow!
PATRICK - Okay. You guys may want to take notes while I go through this information. So Dr. Centaur, grab two pieces of paper and...Dr. Centaur!

(CENTAUR SEAN looks at CENTAUR COLIN who is nodding off.)

PATRICK - Centaur Colin!

(CENTAUR SEAN nudges CENTAUR COLIN.)

PATRICK - Wake up.
CENTAUR COLIN - Yes Big Brother Brown Arrow!
PATRICK - Get some paper and two pens so you can take notes.
CENTAUR COLIN - Yes Big Brother Brown Arrow!

(CENTAUR COLIN gets up to get the pens and paper.)

PATRICK - Okay. Now, during what turbulent time in America's history was Iota Phi Theta fraternity incorporated founded?
CENTAUR SEAN - During the civil rights era.
PATRICK - Correct. During the civil rights era. This sets Iota Phi Theta apart from any other organization as it must have been extremely difficult to organize and create a fraternity during such...

(PATRICK looks at CENTAUR COLIN who has his eyes closed. He stands up and approaches him.)

PATRICK - Would you like a pillow Centaur?
CENTAUR COLIN - Huh? Oh...uh...no Big Brother Brown Arrow. This Centaur apologizes, it will not happen again.
PATRICK - Don't let me have to call Goldfinger over here.
SAM - What? Huh? Did somebody call me?
PATRICK - Naw man, calm down.
SAM - Oh okay. Ha ha ha ha!

(PATRICK goes back and sits down and continues.)

PATRICK - Okay where was I. Okay uh...oh yeah, civil rights era. So let's pick up with Medgar Evars. Write his name down. Now one of your assignments is to use this journey into Iota to learn Medgar Evars. You are to know and understand his entire life, his mission, his purpose. He was an icon during the era. I want you to know why, besides the obvious.

(CENTAUR SEAN is writing.)

PATRICK - Any questions?
CENTAUR SEAN - No Big Brother Brown Arrow!
PATRICK - How about you Dr. Centaur.

(silence)

PATRICK - Centaur!
CENTAUR COLIN - Huh? Oh, uh...yes Big Brother!

(silence)

PATRICK - Goldfinger!
SAM - You rang?

(SAM comes over.)

SAM - I think the Centaur and I could use some time alone!

(SAM cracks his knuckles.)

SAIFA - Wait, let me talk to him first.
SAM - Awww man.
SAIFA - Centaur Colin.
CENTAUR COLIN - Yes Big Brother The Man With the Hoof!
SAIFA - Follow me.

(DR. MWATSUMI gets up and follows SAIFA into a room. SAIFA closes the door.)

SAIFA - Pledgee, are you okay?
CENTAUR COLIN - Yes Big Brother The Man With th...
SAIFA - Dr. talk to me for a second. Call me Saifa.
DR. MWATSUMI - Okay.
SAIFA - Dr. you've been falling asleep.
DR. MWATSUMI - I know Saifa, and I apologize to you, to the Iota brothers and to Sean. I'm just not used to doing so many things in the course of a day.
SAIFA - I know. Pledging is a different culture than what you are used to.
DR. MWATSUMI - Yes indeed.
SAIFA - Sir, the problem is not with you falling asleep during your Iota pledge sessions. Well, that is a problem, and I'm sure you don't want Goldfinger to solve that problem for you. So don't get me wrong. But there is a larger problem that I need to address.
DR. MWATSUMI - And what is that?
SAIFA - You've been getting complaints from some of your students. Apparently pledging is starting to change your demeanor toward your students for the worse.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As PJ is waiting for someone to pull up, she sees and speaks with GREGG.

PJ thinks - Where the heck is...
GREGG - PJ!

(PJ turns around.)

PJ - Gregg!
GREGG - Hey.
PJ - Uh...hey.

(silence)

GREGG - How you been?

(PJ glances at her watch.)

PJ - Fine. How are you Gregg?
GREGG - Been better.
PJ - Oh.

(silence)

GREGG - PJ I need a huge favor. I mean, I really need your help.
PJ - My help? What for?

(A car pulls up and the passenger window rolls down.)

JOSEPH - Hey PJ! You ready to roll?

(PJ turns back around and sees JOSEPH in the driver side, looking out the passenger side window.)

PJ - Um...yeah. I'm ready.

(PJ turns back to GREGG.)

PJ - Gregg, I gotta run.

(GREGG looks at the car.)

GREGG - Who's that?
PJ - Oh...uh...Gregg, this is Joseph. Joseph, this is my friend Gregg.
GREGG - Hey what's up dude.

(JOSEPH nods but doesn't speak.)

GREGG thinks - What's wrong with him?
PJ - So Gregg, I'll talk to ya lata.

(PJ opens the car door to get in.)

GREGG - Wait, PJ, about that favor that I need.

(PJ turns back around.)

PJ - Oh yeah...uh, I'm kinda in a hurry. What did you need?
GREGG - Um...I need for you to...

(GREGG looks into the car at JOSEPH who is staring right at him.)

GREGG - Nevermind PJ. It isn't important. I'll talk to ya lata.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Pyramid pledgees of Delta Sigma Theta have just begun to say a greeting for the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha.

CHRISTIAN - Everyone get comfortable. This better be good! You did a good job for the bruhs, now hook up our Alpha friends!

(PYRAMID BREANNA whispers while everyone is sitting down to pay attention.)

PYRAMID BREANNA whispers - I'll follow whatever you say.
CHRISTIAN - Okay let's go. Let's see what ya got ladies!

(silence)

PYRAMID THERESA - Greetings...

(Everyone is staring at THERESA for what she will say next.)

PYRAMID THERESA - ...Jason!

(silence)

(WILLIE looks at JASON.)

WILLIE - What the...

(PYRAMID THERESA then continues.)

PYRAMID THERESA - ...of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity incorprated! And greetings to you Larry, of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity incorporated!

(PYRAMID BREANNA begins to follow.)

PYRAMIDS - You are so bold and so cold!
You are so black and so gold!
So what your sisters wear green and pink!
In Egypt, the Pyramids stand next to the Sphinx!

(LARRY smiles and JASON laughs.)

DRE - Oh God!
PYRAMIDS - Brothers of Alpha we are sincere!
Please throw us some ice cuz it's hot in here!
LARRY - Yeah baby! Ha ha ha ha ha! That was funny!
JASON - Thank you ladies!
CHRISTIAN - Okay guys. We got some internal work to do so if yall don't mind...yall don't have to go home but you gotta get the hell out of here! Ha ha.
DRE - Aww man!
LARRY - Come on Chris, we won't tell!
CHRISTIAN - Good night gentlemen.

(DRE and LARRY laugh.)

LARRY - Alright alright. Hey Pyramids, yall be strong.
DRE - Yeah, make the bruhs proud.

(PYRAMID THERESA is staring at JASON as he and WILLIE stand up.)

WILLIE - I'll call you later.
JASON - Just call me tomorrow because I know you're gonna be here late and I'm mad sleepy. So I'll probably turn in.
WILLIE - Oh okay.

(PYRAMID THERESA turns away as WILLIE and JASON hug. As she does she notices DEXTER coming her way.)

DEXTER - Pyramid, listen...

(He gets close enough to her so she can hear him whisper.)

DEXTER whispers - I didn't mean to call you out like that, but we have similar goals and can help one another. Understand?
PYRAMID THERESA whispers - Totally.
DEXTER whispers - Good. Is there anything I can do for you? You need my help with anything at all?
PYRAMID THERESA whispers - Yes. I need for you to...
CHRISTIAN - Hurry up Dexter.
DEXTER - I'm comin'. Just give me one more second.

(DEXTER turns back to PYRAMID THERESA.)

DEXTER whispers - What do you need?
PYRAMID THERESA whispers - My pledge book. I dropped it on the way here.
DEXTER whispers - Where?
PYRAMID THERESA whispers - Over at Mona Ferguson's place. The AKA.
DEXTER whispers - Gotcha...I'll get it for you.

(DEXTER walks away.)

DRE - Okay sorors, thanks for letting us stop by.
ROBIN - Thanks for coming by guys.
LARRY - Yeah, see yall later.

(ROBIN holds the door as everyone walks out.)

CHRISTIAN - Now, let's get down to busine...

(There is a knock on the door. ROBIN opens it.)

LARRY - Okay good, now that those crazy Ques are gone, I can stay right?
ROBIN - Larry!
LARRY - Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Just kiddin'! See yall later!

(ROBIN laughs as she closes the door.)

ROBIN - He is so stupid!
CHRISTIAN - Yeah. Now, as I was saying. Time to get down to business. Pyramids...
PYRAMIDS - Yes Big Sister DSTeazy Off the Heazy Fo Sheazy My Neazy!
CHRISTIAN - We have a lot to go over and a lot to remember. I hope yall aren't sleepy because this is going to go into the midnight hour. First of all...

(There is a knock on the door.)

ROBIN - Damn Larry! Enough is enough!

(ROBIN opens the door.)

ROBIN - Man how far are you gonna take a jok...oh, I thought you were someone else! My bad soror, come on in. Good to see ya!

(ROBIN steps aside.)

STACIE - Thanks Robin. It's good to see you too!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PJ gets into the car with JOSEPH and he drives off.

JOSEPH - What's up?
PJ - Chillin'.
JOSEPH - How'd it go?
PJ - Good. Just like you said.
JOSEPH - Good shit.

(JOSEPH stops at the red light.)

JOSEPH - I told you there was nothing to worry about.
PJ - I don't know. It still doesn't make any sense to me.
JOSEPH - Let me explain it to you again.

(He drives as the light turns green.)

JOSEPH - Your friends are going to be very suspicious of all your actions.
PJ - Uh huh.
JOSEPH - If you tell them in advance that you have tried ecstasy, then believe it or not they will be less likely to accuse you of anything based on your behavior later on.
PJ - Think so?
JOSEPH - I've seen it a million times. If people have no idea you have never tried it, and they see you trippin', it'll freak them out.
PJ - Uh huh.
JOSEPH - But if you tell them in advance, give them some kind or warning, then believe it or not, things will go a lot smoother for ya. You can take the stuff all you want.

(silence)

JOSEPH - What's wrong?
PJ - I don't feel all that comfortable with me telling Katrice that. I mean, now she is all worried about me. She probably thinks that I'm strung out or something.
JOSEPH - There's nothing wrong with that. It's good for people to love you and care about you. I'm sure she only wants what's best for you. But believe me, it is much better for you to tell her as if you needed some help then for her to hear from someone else like you are an addict.
PJ - I guess you're right.
JOSEPH - Trust me.

(silence)

JOSEPH - Have I ever steered you wrong so far?
PJ - Nope.
JOSEPH - Right. So trust me.
PJ - Cool man.

(JOSEPH turns toward PJ's dorm.)

PJ - You said you've seen these types of things before.
JOSEPH - Yeah. Like a million times.
PJ - What do people usually do once they find out their friends have tried ecstasy?
JOSEPH - Well normally they're concerned. Naturally. But the thing is, ecstasy isn't like cocaine or heroine. If you try coke or heron, you're done. Your hooked and your life is over. But ecstasy is a party drug. It ain't much stronger than aspirin. So there's nothing to worry about.
PJ - Okay.
JOSEPH - But I always suggest to let someone know because they will be concerned, eventhough their concern isn't necessarily warranted. So when I see people tell their friends, I see them asking them about it. Calling them a little extra, more than normal. Checking up on them.
PJ - That's it?
JOSEPH - Yep. Then if they do see their friend high on e, they take care of them. Get them sobered up. Don't let anything shady happen to them.
PJ - Okay.

(JOSEPH pulls up at the Ivy Towers.)

JOSEPH - You seem to be worried.
PJ - Yeah. Katrice is my line sister and I care about her a lot. I don't like to be deceitful with her.
JOSEPH - You're not being deceitful. You told her that you tried ex. Which you did.
PJ - Yeah, but I gave her the impression that I need help or something. Like I'm sick, or about to go to ecstasy anonymous or something.
JOSEPH - Well no you aren't sick, but there's nothing wrong with her having your back.
PJ - I guess you're right Joseph.
JOSEPH - PJ listen. Stop worrying so much. You'll be fine okay?

(JOSEPH smiles.)

PJ - Okay. I'll try not to focus on it as much. Thanks for the advice.
JOSEPH - I'm always here when you need me PJ.

(JOSEPH hands PJ two small pills.)

JOSEPH - Merry Christmas.

(PJ laughs.)

PJ - Thanks man. Talk to ya lata.