Why? 3: Shackled to the Heart 40

EPISODE 40

Only Wife

INT. ANN’S PENTHOUSE- NIGHT

Ann and Bankole enters the dining table only to find CAROL, Ann’s mother with the kids seated at the dining table eating their dinner with the maid standing next to them.

ANN

You started without me, mom?

She turns around and sees Ann

CAROL

Well, you were taking your sweet time under the shower?

ANN

(Rolls her eyes at her mother) Bankole, sit

She directs Bankole to sit next to her as she takes her place at the helm of the table

CAROL

Hello Bankole

BANKOLE

Hello, Ma’am, it is nice to see you again

CAROL

Nice to see you too

He pulls the plate of jollof and fried rice dished side by side on the plate with small amount of salad by its side and chicken. Then he digs into it.

Loveth drops her spoon after she has finished eating her food and then cleans her mouth with the serviette next to her plate. She stands up

ANN

Make sure you brush your teeth before you sleep

LOVETH

Yes, mom, Brother Bankole…

BANKOLE

I will check up on you before I leave

She smiles and leaves the dining room. Ann looks at her younger son who is now playing with his food

ANN

Yetunde, he is filled up already, please take him to his room

YETUNDE

Yes, Ma’am

Yetunde helps the boy out of the dining room while the adults continued with their food. Carol finishes her food, drink a cup of water before she cleans her mouth and rest her back on the chair

CAROL

Still single, Bankole?

He smiles lightly as he chews

ANN

Mom, please don’t

CAROL

What? Are you not worried about him? He is what? 33

BANKOLE

32 actually

CAROL

A 32 year old man and not married

ANN

It is no big deal mom, brother Ade didn’t get married until he was 37

ANN

Don’t compare that brother of yours with Bankole, that man does not know the difference between his left and right. I really wish your father will look into his matter other than think it is my jealousy against his first wife’s son

ANN

Only wife, mom, only wife

CAROL

(Offended) Seriously, Ann

ANN

I am just saying… (Sees the deep frown on her mother’s face) I am sorry

Carol hissed then turns back to Bankole

CAROL

Back to what I was saying, you are different from her useless brother. You are smart, handsome, hardworking and rich… you are rich right?

BANKOLE

(Flustered) I am okay ma’am

CAROL

Even if you are not, it does not matter. You are from a rich family, that covers it but with all of these, I don’t know why you are not married yet. Please don’t tell me you are still stuck up on my daughter

ANN

(Raises her voice) Oh! come on, mom, stop embarrassing me

CAROL

What is the matter, I think I raised a valid question, are you still in love with my daughter?

BANKOLE

No, am not ma’am, I stopped having feelings for your daughter a long time ago

Ann’s heart drops at this, her expression turns sour

CAROL

Good, maybe Anike here can introduce you to some of her young clients

BANKOLE

Oh no, thank you

CAROL

Trust me, she knows how to pick them

ANN

Oh really, then why won’t you go out with the men I introduce to you

CAROL

I think it is time for bed

She stands up

ANN

Should I tell Dr. Kalejaiye to set up the date with you?

CAROL

Goodnight Bankole

BANKOLE

Good night, Ma’am

ANN

Come on Mom

CAROL

Goodnight Ann

Carol leave the dining room

BANKOLE

Does she still think your father is going to leave the first lady for her?

ANN

I am pretty sure she prays that she dies in her sleep overnight

BANKOLE

Oh come on, it can’t be that bad

ANN

(Sigh heavily) I am just worried about her, deep down she knows he is not coming for her and he knows that only death can separate him and his wife but he just won’t let her go

BANKOLE

(Scoff) Shocker, you are father’s daughter

Looks at him strangely

ANN

And what is suppose to mean?

BANKOLE

Nothing

He continues with his food. She stares at him as he continues his food. Even though he feels her eyes on him, he ignores her and chews his food. In annoyance, she stands up and starts to places her mother’s emptied plate on her uncompleted plate of food

Bankole watch her as she clears the table

BANKOLE

I thought you were famished

ANN

(Sassily) Not anymore, thanks to your good news

BANKOLE

My good news?

ANN

(Sarcastically) You are no longer in love with me, congratulation

He drops his fork in annoyance

BANKOLE

Don’t do that