Episode 18

The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity are having a get together at their frat house to congratulate their newest members. BRANDON and DENICE are
already there.

DENICE - Looks like you guys made a lot of fans. Who are all these girls?
BRANDON - They're probably here to see Seth. You know he's the ladies man of the line.
DENICE - Is that what it is?
BRANDON - Yeah, look at him.

(SETH is sitting on the couch with a girl at each side. All three are talking and laughing.)

BRANDON - The smooth player.

(DENICE laughs as the doorbell rings.)

BRANDON - Hey sweetie, hold this while I answer the door.
DENICE - Okay.

(BRANDON hands DENICE his cup and opens the door. There is a brief moment of silence.)

BRANDON - Hey Soror.
SHARONDA - Brandon…what's up frat?

(They hug lightly.)

BRANDON - Come on in.
SHARONDA - Thanks. My girls here yet?
BRANDON - Uh yeah. D is here and Saleema is in here somewhere. I haven't seen Tonya.
SHARONDA - Thanks.

(SHARONDA walks away but turns back.)

SHARONDA - Next time don't act so happy to see me. You almost knocked me down with affection.
BRANDON thinks - Whatever.

(BRANDON goes back to DENICE.)

DENICE - Here.

(DENICE gives him his cup back.)

BRANDON - Huh? Oh thanks.
DENICE - Was that Sharonda that just came in?
BRANDON - Yeah.
DENICE - Oh cool. What 's she talkin' bout?

(BRANDON pauses as he looks over at SHARONDA.)

BRANDON - Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

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CENTAUR SEAN has gone to find DR. MWATSUMI. He knows that the Doctor conducts
briefs for his students and he never misses those. CENTAUR SEAN goes to the
classroom where the briefs are held.

(CENTAUR SEAN hurries to the building where DR. MWATSUMI's classroom is located.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - I know he's here. He's so anal about these briefs. He never misses this!

(SEAN runs upstairs.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Hey…his room looks…

(SEAN quickly runs to DR. MWATSUMI's class.)

CENTAUR SEAN - …dark! He isn't here!

(SEAN stares at the empty classroom for a moment. He then looks down the hall in both directions. He is the only person in the hallway.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - I don't understand this. Where is he?

(He slowly walks to the bulletin board at the other end of the hall to see if the Doctor left a notice to his students. He sees a note with the Doctor's
name on it.)

To Dr. Mwatsumi's students,
In regard to today's class briefs, they are postponed until next week in which they will resume at the regularly scheduled time and location. Thank
you for your consideration. Dr. C. Mwatsumi.
CENTAUR SEAN thinks - So why in the world would he have to cancel his briefs if he got all his free time back?

(SEAN starts to slowly walk away.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - I bet he's home asleep! He probably is catching up big time and is using tonight to just rest up. That's what it is!

(SEAN looks at his watch as he walks outside the building.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Dag! I don't have time to run by there and check!

(He looks up at the clock on the tower of Pearl Library.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Damn, I need to get this assignment back to the big brothers! And I only have one hour!

(SEAN looks in both directions, and then back at his watch.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - There's no way I could make it to the Doctor's house, and then try and talk him into coming back, and then get back in time to…

(SEAN thinks about it and then starts to walk toward the library.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Naw, bump that!

(SEAN turns and starts to run as fast as he can in the other direction.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - This is about brotherhood and I have to rescue my brother!

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(As BRANDON is looking at SHARONDA across the room, she notices him looking and turns away to speak to someone.)

BRANDON thinks - Damn, we just don't get along.

(DENICE starts to speak to BRANDON about something.)

DENICE - You know what I'm sayin'?
BRANDON - Huh? Oh I'm sorry Denice. What did you say?
DENICE - Oh, I was just saying how nice it was for sorors to do all this food for yall. I wish I knew how to cook like this. I just brought the soda and stuff. But I wish I could cook food like Saleema and Tonya.
BRANDON - Oh yeah, sorors are great! Well…most of yall are.

(DENICE slaps his arm playfully.)

DENICE - What you mean most of us!
BRANDON - I'm just playing sweetie. Ha ha ha, nevertheless, I got the best one!
DENICE - Stop before you make me blush up in here!

(They laugh.)

BRANDON - I know you must get tired of me saying I love you Denice, but I really do.
DENICE - Oh I'll never get tired of hearing that! Trust me! Tell me again.
BRANDON - I love you.
DENICE - Tell me again.
BRANDON - I love you!
DENICE - Tell me again!
BRANDON - I love you! I love you! I love you!

(They hug and laugh.)

DENICE thinks - This is a dream come true!
BRANDON - Hey, do you want something else to eat?
DENICE - Oh please, I am stuffed.
BRANDON - Me too.
DENICE - I need a nap now!

(BRANDON winks.)

BRANDON - They got a couple of beds upstairs. Let's say we go claim one of em.
DENICE - I said I wanted to take a nap. If I go upstairs with your sexy self, you know I won't get no sleep!

(They laugh.)

DENICE thinks - Even though I want to!

(DENICE quickly stares at BRANDON as he notices someone coming into the house.)

DENICE thinks - This man makes me so happy. I don't think I have to tell him anything. It wouldn't matter, he would still love me regardless.
BRANDON - Oh there's Miri. He just came in with his girl Gina. I'll be right back okay D?
DENICE - Sure. I may get something else to drink. You want something babe?
BRANDON - Yeah, grab me something.

(BRANDON walks away.)

DENICE thinks - Oh yeah, this secret goes with me to the grave. I love Brandon and he loves me! Period. He doesn't have to know that his love is new! Hee hee hee.
BRANDON - Wassup man!
MIRI - Hey sands, wassup.
BRANDON - Aw man, just chillin. Hey Gina.
GINA - Hi Brandon.
MIRI - How's it lookin' up in here.

(BRANDON turns around and faces the people in the room.)

BRANDON - Well, as you can see, we got a packed house. Over there…

(BRANDON points to SETH.)

BRANDON - …is the lady's lounge.

(MIRI and GINA laugh.)

BRANDON - Over there are some guys interested in Sigma, talking to Calvin.
MIRI - Are you serious?
GINA - Already?
BRANDON - Hey, let the games begin right?

(They all laugh.)

BRANDON - And over there…

(BRANDON points to the Zetas, SALEEMA, DENICE and SHARONDA.)

BRANDON - …are our lovely sorors of Zeta Phi Beta.

(SHARONDA is staring directly at BRANDON.)

MIRI - Cool, well let me go make my rounds and say hello to everyone.
BRANDON - Yeah man…do that.

(MIRI and GINA walk away. As soon as BRANDON turns around, he is startled by someone directly in front of him, close to him.)

SHARONDA - What's up B?

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GREGG and XAVIER are on the phone.

XAVIER - I don't know G. This may be a bad idea.
GREGG - Why? Bump that man, now ain't the time to be soft.
XAVIER - It ain't about soft or hard. It's about smart. Especially now. Dell ain't no joke man, and the last thing we want up here is a frat war on campus. You know what I'm sayin'?
GREGG - It ain't gonna be no war Z. Just talk. Men talking.
XAVIER - Gregg, I know you man. It may start out as some talk. But don't lie to me man, you wanna roll with them niggas, and that's not cool right now.

(silence)

(There is a knock on the door.)

GREGG - Z, hold on man.
XAVIER - Aight.

(GREGG opens the door.)

GREGG - Yo, wassup dog! Come on in!

(GREGG gives REGGIE a pound and a hug.)

REGGIE thinks - Damn, brother sure seems happy to see me!
REGGIE - What's up Gregg. How you man?
GREGG - Good man good. Good to see you Reg. Have a seat, let me hang up.

(GREGG grabs the phone while REGGIE sits down.)

GREGG - Yo Xavier, Reggie is here. Let me hit you back.
XAVIER - Reggie? What's he doing there?
GREGG - I invited him over. To talk.
XAVIER - You didn't tell me you were doing it today! Are you crazy?
GREGG - Because you would've talked me out of it. Now let me go and I'll tell you what goes down when I call you later.
XAVIER - Gregg don't…

(GREGG hangs up.)

GREGG - Reggie Reg! My man! What's been up player! Is the game on yet?
REGGIE - Should be startin'.
GREGG - Good! Hey, you want a brew or something?
REGGIE - Uh…yeah man. Sure.
GREGG - Cool.

(GREGG opens the fridge.)

GREGG - Heineken fine?
REGGIE - Yeah, that's cool.

(GREGG comes back with two Heinekens and grabs the remote. He turns the channel to the game.)

GREGG - Here ya go dude.
REGGIE - Thanks.

(They both crack open the beer.)

REGGIE - So G, let me ask you.
GREGG - Uh huh.

(REGGIE places his bottle down and looks at GREGG.)

REGGIE - What's this about man? Me and you are cool, but you ain't never invited me over to watch the game. So don't bullshit me. What's up?

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CENTAUR SEAN is running off campus and heading to DR. MWATSUMI's home. He wants to talk to the Doctor and try and convince him to come back to the Iota Phi Theta intake process.

(SEAN is exhausted. He was running full speed and now is barely jogging.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - I hope this man knows how much I care about him! Gosh!

(SEAN stops at a mailbox and leans over it to catch his breath. He is dripping with sweat. He is breathing so heavy that his chest is hurting.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - I hope I don't get sick out here. Dag!

(He starts to move again. He looks up at the street signs and sees that he is only ten blocks away.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - I gotta hurry.

(SEAN gets a new burst of energy and starts to run fast again.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Gotta hurry! I'm already past my deadline with the brothers! They're gonna kill me!

(As SEAN is running, he passes a convenience store.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - I hate to stop, but if I don't get some water…I may pass out.

(SEAN goes into the store and grabs a bottle of water. He takes it to the counter.)

CASHIER - One nineteen please.

(SEAN is breathing heavy.)

SEAN - Okay.

(He reaches into his back pocket and realizes he doesn't have his wallet. He then reaches into his pockets and notices that he doesn't have any money at all.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Oh shoot! Since I put on my pledge gear, I don't have any money on me!

(SEAN looks at the guy behind the counter, then grabs the water and dashes out the door.)

CASHIER - Hey!

(SEAN yells back.)

SEAN - I'll bring the money back! I promise!

(The cashier is still yelling and pointing in the direction that SEAN ran in. He didn't hear what SEAN yelled out because the door had already closed.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Dag, I sure am doing a lot for Iota! Building a tradition baby!

(SEAN gulps down the water quickly and then starts to run to the Doctor's street.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - I am almost there! One more block.

(SEAN checks his watch as he runs hard for one more block.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Dag, an hour and a half has gone by! I'm just getting to the house, and I still have to talk to him! And then do the assignment for
the brothers! There is gonna be hell to pay tonight! I just know it!

(SEAN turns onto the Doctor's block.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - But if Colin comes back…

(He sees DR. MWATSUMI's house.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - …it'll be well worth it!

(SEAN runs up to the house and looks through some of the windows.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Dag, house does look dark. He's probably asleep. Well, time to get up old man! Ha ha ha!

(SEAN rings the doorbell. He waits a moment and then rings again.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Maybe I should knock. I know he sleeps hard.

(SEAN begins to knock loudly. He then calls the Doctor's name.)

CENTAUR SEAN - Dr. Mwatsumi! It's me Sean!

(He knocks again.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Open up Colin, it's me! It's Sean!

(silence)

(SEAN peeks through the window, the house is dark and quiet. He turns around and sees the garage.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Let me see if his car is here.

(SEAN hurries down to the garage and looks in the window.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - His car isn't here! What the hell?

(He looks in both directions and doesn't see anyone.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - He isn't here, he isn't in class…

(SEAN notices two cars parked on the street. One is a Mercedes and the other a Lexus. They both catch his eye for a reason.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - Why in the world…

(SEAN walks slowly toward the Lexus.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - …are there two cars parked here…

(He stops in his tracks.)

CENTAUR SEAN thinks - …both with Iota Phi Theta tags!

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GREGG has invited REGGIE over to talk.

REGGIE - So G, let me ask you.
GREGG - Uh huh.

(REGGIE places his bottle down and looks at GREGG.)

REGGIE - What's this about man? Me and you are cool, but you ain't never invited me over to watch the game. So don't bullshit me. What's up?

(GREGG pauses before he answers.)

GREGG - You're right. I've never called you before or invited you over or anything.

(GREGG takes a sip.)

GREGG - But that's my fault man. You know?
REGGIE - Your fault?
GREGG - Well, when Nino was still with us and living here with me, the Alphas and Nupes were cool. Real cool.
REGGIE - Yeah.
GREGG - And with his passing, we should've remained tight.
REGGIE - Well we are.
GREGG - We don't do shit together. Like, imagine if we had a party together. With all the hoes that yall get down with and all the freaks that I know?
That shit would be bananas.

(REGGIE smiles and picks up his beer.)

REGGIE - Yeah, whatever.
GREGG - I'm serious man. Think about it.

(GREGG sits back on the couch and puts his feet up.)

GREGG - All those honies, up in one party. And you and I ain't even gotta work hard at it.
REGGIE - We don't? How you figure?
GREGG - Well we just crossed one boy. And I know yall got three neos right?
REGGIE - Yeah, we had three.
GREGG - That's what I'm saying. Neos do the grunt work right? Put them fools to work on it. We just sit back…

(GREGG sips his beer again.)

GREGG - …speak to the ladies, and count the money.
REGGIE - I hear ya man. Ha ha ha ha!
GREGG - Because I know, like our neo Mike. He's hype right now. We just crossed him.
REGGIE - Uh huh.
GREGG - So he is real hype on K A Psi right now. Ya know? You know how neos are.
REGGIE - Yeah! Ha ha ha, don't I know it.
GREGG - Yeah. Hype ass nigga. Ha ha ha ha ha, remember those neo days man?
REGGIE - Oh yeah.
GREGG - Man! Those were the good ol' days, I tell ya. But now, we gotta pass it on. Feel me?
REGGIE - I know what you're sayin'.
GREGG - Just let the neos jump in and do the leg work.
REGGIE - Right.
GREGG - Speaking of which, I never met your neos. Well I did meet them when Nino proposed to Candace, but not officially. What are their names again?
REGGIE - Oh…

(REGGIE swallows, then continues.)

REGGIE - Larry, Jason, and Quinton.
GREGG - That's right, Larry, Jason, and uh…Quinton. Quinton. I just heard Quinton's name recently. I can't really…remember…what for. Tell me something
about Quinton and maybe it will jar my memory.
REGGIE - Well what you wanna know?
GREGG - Oh…anything.

(GREGG smiles.)

REGGIE - Well he's...ooooooh! Did you see that slam dunk?
GREGG - Huh? Oh…oh yeah. Awesome.
REGGIE - Damn! That nigga is ridiculous with his!
GREGG - Yeah, he is. Now back to Quinton.
REGGIE - Oh yeah. Q is cool because he…

(There is a knock on the door.)

GREGG thinks - Dammit!
GREGG - Hold that thought, I'll be right back.

(GREGG jumps up and jogs to the door.)

GREGG - I know this ain't Xavier! Even his ass couldn't have gotten here this fast!

(GREGG opens the door.)

SHAREESA - Hi.
GREGG thinks - Oh shit.
GREGG - Hi.

(silence)

SHAREESA - I hope you're not busy because I wanna talk.

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At the Phi Beta Sigma frat house…

(BRANDON turns around and is startled by someone directly in front of him, close to him.)

SHARONDA - What's up B?
BRANDON - Oh hi…you startled me. How you doing Sharonda?
SHARONDA - Just peachy Brandon.

(silence)

SHARONDA - You know, popular belief has told us that all Sigmas and Zetas love each other in a real brother sister type bond. But being in the organization as long as I have, I've learned that that isn't exactly true.
BRANDON - As long as you have? You just crossed last year.
SHARONDA - That's long enough.
BRANDON thinks - Good grief.
SHARONDA - But let me say this. As much as you and I…don't rub up on each other like loving sibling cubs…I do watch your back. You're a brother
nonetheless, and I don't like to see family get played.
BRANDON - Well thank you, but what are you talking about?

(SHARONDA looks around and looks back.)

SHARONDA - Brandon, I don't know how to tell you this.
BRANDON - Tell me what?
SHARONDA - Well…

(She looks around again, and then lowers her tone.)

SHARONDA - You're almost living a lie.
BRANDON - Huh?
SHARONDA - Brandon, do you remember your senior prom?
BRANDON - My senior prom? What in the world are you talking about Sharonda?

(She pauses.)

SHARONDA - Alright, I'll just come right out and tell you. Even though this ain't my business and I love my soror to death.
BRANDON - Sharonda, what in the world are you talking about?

(silence)

SHARONDA - You haven't been in love with Denice for years. She told you that yall are a couple when you were in the hospital recovering from amnesia and now you believe it. You two have only been dating for a couple of weeks. Your entire relationship is a lie.