DEEPDESI

RES
I
NSERT1
(
Coul
dntedi
t)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Adrenalinerush!Cityli
ght s,t
hebusyst reets
withpeopl eandcar s.Differ
entodour s,di
ffer
ent
scenarios,diver
secul t
ures.At asteoff r
eedom
whati desiredallmyl i
fe.Mot hercit
yGabor one.
Univer
si t
yofBot swanai tsev er
ychild'
sdr eam
tomakei thereandi am oneoft heluckythat
getaccept edintothev arsit
y.Igazeout si
dethe
caraswedr i
veinsi
de.
Hendri
ck:Thisschool
issobi
g.Howarewe
evengoingtoknowwherewearesupposedt
o
go.
Joy
:Youreal
lydi
dnothav
etobr
ingmeal
lthe
wayher
efather
.
Hendri
ck:Myli
tt
legi
rli
scomingtodoherfi
rst
yearofcour
seihavet
obringyouher
e.Letme
askt
hesecur
it
yguar
d.
(Ifi
ndmy selfroll
i
ngmyey esasheget spacks
i
nt hemi ddleoft heroadt oaskthesecur i
ty
guard.Myf atherisatradit
ional
manwhor aised
meupi nast rongt r
aditi
onalhome.Mymot her
passedawaywheni was10andi thasbeenhi m
allalongr aisingmeonhi sown.Fort hefir
st
ti
mei am par ti
ngway swithhim,leavingthe
vil
lagel i
febehi ndtobreathsomef reshairof
theci ty
.Hecomesbackandget sinthecar ,
therear el otofcarsbehinduswi thdrivers
growi ngimpat i
ent.)
Hendrick:Idontli
kethiscityJoy,j
ustlookat
thosegirl
s,theyarebarelyputti
ngondecent
clot
hing.Lookatthoseboy swit
htheirsaggi
ng
pants.Whatki ndofdressingisthi
s?
Joy:
Timesar
echangi
ngBaba.Thi
sist
he21st
cent
ury
.
Hendri
ck:Ihopet
hisci
tywi
ll
notcor
ruptyou
Joy.Rememberwhatyoucameherefor
,
r
ememberourt
alk.
Joy:Idoremember
,iam her
eformy
psy
chologydegr
eeandthatsi
t.
Hendri
ck:
Goodgi
rl
.Rememberyouhavea
husbandwai
ti
ngf
oryoubackathome.
(
Lord!Nott
hishusbandt
alkagai
n.somebody
r
escueme.)
JoyousPhekoi
nshortj
ustJoy,19year
sol
dof
age.Let
stakeaj
ourneyasiexplor
ewhatl
i
es
aheadofus.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Adream comet ruef i
naly.Astepintofulf
il
ing
mybiggestdesi re.Stepbyst epiam closet oi
t.
Icanfinall
yf eeli
t,sooni wil
lgrabitwit
hbot h
hands.Ijustneedt ogi v
ei tal
lmybestt hen
ever
ythingi everwant edwi l
lbemine.Ambi ti
on!
Sucess!myhear tcraveforit.Mymot her'
s
wordsr epl
ayi nmyhead.
Bul
elwa:
Youar
ecal
l
edf
orgr
eatt
hingsNal
edi
.I
didnotcall
y ouNaledif
ornothing.Youarea
start
hatwillout
shinethem al
l.Gobeast art
hat
iknowy ouare.Shinebri
ghtmygi rl
because
youareaSt araft
erall
.
(Ihav ewat chedmymom st ruugletor ai
seme
andmybr othersafterourfatherabandonedus
andl efttotheci t
ywi thanotherwoman.Ihav e
wat chedt hatwomanspendendl essni ghts,
sweat ingfrom mor ningt i
ll
nightjustthati can
hav efoodonhet able.Iowehermyl ife.Iowe
heral lthedeepdesi resofherhear t.Iwi l
lshine
ma.Iwi ll
becomet hef i
rstdoctorinTamasane
vil
lage.Iwi l
l makey ourhomeshi neli
kemy
name.Iwi llmakey oushi neMa.Justhol don
ti
ght .Iwillrai
seournameup.Ihav et o.Ihav e
topr ovet oev er
yonet hatiam indeedast ar.
)
Taxi
man:Excusemey ounglady
.Wear
eher
e.
Thi
sist
heUni ver
sit
yofBotswana.
(Ist
areoutsi
dethewindowatthebui
ldi
ngs
aheadofinfrontofme.Thi
sisit
.Thi
siswher
ei
havetomakemydr eamsar eal
ity
.Thet axi
takesmet otheresi
denceblockthatihave
beengiven.Thisisi
tNaledi
.Ikeeprepeating
thesamesent enceoverandoveragainsoi t
cansinkin.ShineNal
edi.Shi
neStar!Shi
ne!)
Nal
ediMor
oka,18year
sol
d.Aj
our
neyt
o
out
shi
nethem al
l.
.
..
..
..
..
Thef reshbr eathofshops.Thedr awi
ngi nsmel l
ofnewcl othes.Thear ousingsightofcars.I
havel i
vedi ntheci t
yallmyl if
ebutnothing
beatst helov eIhavef orthesetwo.Ifi
ndmy sel
f
sali
vat i
ngasamer cedezbenzAmgC63passes
by.Ifonlyi tcouldbet hateasytojusthav e
everydesi rethatmyhear twants.Iam goingt o
domyf irstyeartodaybuti fthi
ngswer eupt o
mei woul dnotev enwast emyt imegoing
thr
oughschool .Icouldbesomeone' smi stress
outther elivi
ngthedr eam.Butgoi ngtov arsity
cantbesuchabadt hing.Itcangivemesome
f
reedom t
odowhatmyhear
tdesi
res.
Bont
le:
Arey
ousur
eyouhav
etakenev
ery
thi
ng
y
ouwi
l
lneedBusi
siwe?
Busi:
Iam sur
ema!Canwej
ustgetgoi
ng
al
ready.
Bont
le:
Yourfatheri
snothappywi
tht
hisi
deaof
yougoi
ngtostayinschool
.
Busi:
Wehav etalkedaboutt
hisma.Idontwant
total
kaboutitanymore.
Bont
le:
Promi
semey
ouwi
l
ltakecar
eof
your
sel
f.
Busi
:Iwi
l
l,dontwor
ryaboutat
hing.
(Isayasi putonmyheadset sandlookout side.
Mypar entsar eal i
tt
lebitoverprot
ectiv
eat
ti
mes.Mymot heri
sjustahousewi feall
she
doesisst ayhomeandchowmyf ather'
smoney
withherfriends.Andmyf atherisanaccount ant
.
Hei sbarelyev erhome.Bet weenthet woi dont
knowwhoi takeafter.It
hinki musthavebeen
swit
chedatthehospi
tal
becausei
am not
hing
l
ikethoset
wo.
Busi
si
weKenosi
,19yearsol
d.Aj
ourneyt
osee
i
ficantapi
ntot
hedesi
resofmyheart
.
.
..
..
..
..
.
Sociall
ife!Fri
ends!Fr eedom t hatsall
i have
evercravedf or.Iwonderwhati tisli
ket ohav e
fri
ends.Tobet aughtinacl assenv ir
onmentl i
ke
otherstudents.Al lmylifeihav eneverat t
ended
anyschool .Ididwhati scal l
edhomet eaching.
Wher eihav etutorsteachingmewi thinour
homeenv ir
onment .Mypar entspreferdoing
thi
ngsdi ff
erently.Goingt omyv ar
sit
ywi llal
low
met odosomet hingsi nevergott odo.
Domi
nick:
Heyki
ddo.
Vanessa:
Hidad.Youar
eback.
Domi
nick:
Arey
our
eadyf
ort
ommor
ow?
Vanessa:
Ihavebeenwai
ti
ngfort
hisdayal
lmy
l
if
edad.Iam morethanr
eady
.
Dom: That
smygir
l.Gomakeusproud.Your
motheriswai
ti
ngf
orus.I
tsdi
nnerti
me.
Vanessa:
Rightbehi
ndy
ou.
(Iputmyphoneawayasandputonmyshoes.
Mypar entshavebeenmar r
iedfor15y earsnow,
myDadi sisabusinessman, heownal arge
publi
shingcompany .Andmymot herisa
denti
st.Bothofthem theyar eneverreal
lyhome.
Mybi gbrotherandibasical
lyhav ebeenraised
upmai ds.)
VanessaThompson,
18y
ear
sol
dandt
hisi
s
myjourney
.)
[
06/
03,
11:
09]Ron:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t2
Vanessa
Myhear tispalpi
tat
ingasourcardri
vesthrough
theschool gat
es.Thisisi
t,amomentofr eal
it
y.
Ilookoutsidemywi ndowsoi cancompose
my sel
f.Idontwantpeopletoseethatiam
nerv
ouswr eck.It
ryt odr i
nkwat erbutitdoes
notevenhelpasmyanxi etykicksin.Getagr i
p
Nessa!Youcandot hisgi r
l!Youbeenpr epari
ng
fort
hisal
lyourlif
e.Myi nnerwomanscr owls,
Youhavenoi deahowi tfeelslike.Justthenmy
phonedecidestoring.Itsmybr ot
her.
Vanessa:
Bri
an!
Br
ian:
Lit
tl
esi
s!Ar
ewer
eadyf
ort
hef
ir
stday
?
Vanessa:
Idontt
hinki
candot
his.Iam not
pr
epared.
Br
ian:Idi
dnotknowt
hati
hav
eacowar
dfora
si
ster
.
Vanessa:
Iam notacowar
d.
Br
ian:
Thendontactl
i
keone.Justbey
our
sel
f.
Vanessa:
Alr
ighti
wil
ltr
y.
Br
ian:
That
smygi
rl
.
Vanessa:
Whenwi
l
liseey
ou?
Br
ian:
Ihav
eat
ightschedul
etoday
.Lect
ures
whol
eday
.Buti
wil
ltr
ytosqueezey
oui
n.
Nessa:
Alr
ight
.
Br
ian:
Hav
etogonow.Takecar
e.
Nessa:
Bye.
(Ihungupandsi gh!Tomy self.Bemy sel f!I
fit
wasonl yt hateasyBr i
an.Thecarpul l
sov erby
thecarpar ki
ngandi getoff.Let sdot his.Isay
tomy selfasi grabmyphoneandl ookatmy
ti
met ableonceagai n.Letsseei ficanpul lthi
s
oneof f.Idontknowwhathappensbuti find
my selfgoingf al
li
ngdown.Icl osemyey esasi
bracemy selftotoucht hegr ound.I nsteadof
thegroundi fi
ndmy selfi
nst rongmuscul ine
arms.Iopenmyey esandhei sl ookingdownat
mesmi ll
ing.Ibli
nkaf ewtimescont empl ating
onmynextmov e.Mysubconci ousl ooksme
foldi
ngherar msgi vingmet hei -knew- i
t-look.
Lefa:Asmuchasiam enj
oyi
ngt
hismoment
,
butiam goi
ngtobel
ateformyl
ectur
e.
(itt
akesafewmoment st
oreal
isehei
stalki
ng
tomeasi am st
il
lmesmeri
sedbyhisl
ooks.)
.
..
..
..
..
Nal
edi
Iam oneoft hefirst10peopleinthelecture
room.Ichooset osi ti
nthemi ddlerow.Ver y
soonthel ect
ureroom start
sf i
ll
ingup.Iputmy
bagont hechairnexttomeanat t
empttosav e
i
tforaf ri
end.Iglanceatmyt ime, y
ouwi l
l be
l
ateJoy .Speakoft hedevi
l!Shecomesr ushing
i
n, i
raisemyhandt ohersoshecanseeme.I
methery ester
dayaswewer esigni
ngini nto
ourresidenceblocksandwecl i
cked.
Joy
:(Si
tt
ingdown)Thi
sschool
issobi
g.Igot
l
osttwi
cetoday
.
Nal
edi
:Wer
eyour
unni
ng?Youar
epant
ing.
Joy:
Ididnotwantt
ogeti
nlate.I
tssoscar
y
whenyoufindev
ery
oneal
readyseated.
Nal
edi
:Dontt
ell
mey
ouwer
elat
etoy
our
mor
ningl
ect
ure.
Joy:
Ididsayigetl
ostalot
.Maybeweshoul
d
hav
eat ouri
ntheeverni
ngtof
amil
iar
ise
our
selv
eswiththeschool
.
Nal
edi
:Nopr
obl
em.
(Il
ookatmywat chandatt hedoor .Myey es
almostpopoutoft hei
rsocketwheni seehim
walkin.Li
ghtincompl exion,blackdar khair
withaboy i
shcut, amberbigey es,pinkishli
ps,
aquili
nenosepefect l
yali
gned, broadshoul der
s.
Hei sputt
ingona3pi eceslimf i
tsuit.Iget
stomachbut t
erf
liesjustbyst arr
ingathi m.He
hast obethemosthandsomemani haveever
seen.
Joy
:Hei
sacat
ch.
Nal
edi
:Huh?
Joy
:Theguyt
hatj
ustwal
kedi
n.
(IcanhearJoyt
alki
ngbuti
cannothearwhat
sheissayi
ngbecauseal
lmyatt
enti
onisonthe
my st
eriousguy.Heclosesthedoorafterhi
m
andput shisbagont hefr
ontdesk.Helooksat
usandt hewholeclassgoesquite.Oncehegot
ourattenti
onhewr i
tes"DrDlami
ni"inl
arge
capit
alsont heboar
d. )
DrDlamini
:Mynamei sontheboar
d.Iwil
lbe
t
akingyourthought
hiscour
sefort
hissemester
.
(Noway s!Heisj
usttooy oungt
ohav eaPHD!
Orev entobealect
urer.Mylect
urerIsi
ghi
n
disappoi
ntmentasili
stenhisdeepmanlyvoi
ce.
)
DrDlamini:Rul
e1: Nolatecomingtomycl ass,
i
fbyanychancey oumayf indoutsi
dethatdoor
at11am monday s,wednesdaysandf r
idays
dontbothercomi ngin.Rule2:Allmyclasses
arecompul sor
yf ail
uretodosowi ll
resulti
n10
percentdeducti
onsi nallyourfi
nalmarks.Rule
3:Nouseofcel lphonesinmycl ass.
(Forsomeonewhot hi
shandsome, Heisj
ust
toomuchnj e!It
houghttheysaidter
ti
aryi
s
dif
ferentf
rom secondaryschool
.)
Joy
:Hei
supt
ight
.
Nal
edi
:Iknowr
ight
.
DrDl
amini:
LastRul e:Nowhisper
ingortal
king
wheniam tal
king.Yout wonextt
imeicatch
yout
alki
ng,youwi llnotat
tendmyclassforthe
whol
esemest er.
(Hesay
sashel ooksatmeandJoy
.Fi
rstday
andiam al
readyi
ntroubl
e.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
Busi
Ihavebeensi
tti
ngbyt
heparkformorethanan
hournow wait
ingf
ormyfr
iend.Ikeepl
ooki
ng
atmywat cht
imeandagai
n.
Candy
:Di
dikeepy
ouwai
ti
ngf
orl
ong?
(
Iturnaroundtofi
ndherbehindme.Ibar
ely
r
ecogniseher.Shehaschanged,
putt
ingona16
-
inchbrazi
ll
ianweave,
sissyboyj
eansandhigh
heel
s,cr
optopandanikef
latcapIbli
nkaf
ew
ti
mesasi l
ookatheri
nadmirat
ion.
)
Candy
: Ar
eyougoi
ngst
areatt
het
hewhol
eday
,
nohel
lo?Nohug!
Busi
:ofcour
senot
!
(
Iwal
ktoherandgi
veherawar
m hug)
Busi
:Imi
ssedy
ou!
Candy
:Youhav
enoi
deahowi
missedy
ou.
Busi
:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
.
Candy:Youknowme.Myboyfri
endisact
ual
ly
wait
ingformeattheot
hersi
de,iwant
edtosee
youbeforeigo.
Busi
:Buty
ouj
ustgother
e?
Candy:Iknowdol
l
,that
swhyi am aski
ngy
ou
tagal
ongsowecancat chup.
Busi
:Idontwantt
oint
rude.
Candy
:Heiswithafr
iendal
sopluswear
ejust
goi
ngtogetsomethi
ngtoeat.
Busi
:Icanti
hav
eal
ect
ure.
Candy:Anotherexcuse.Dontbesuchabore
Busi
,dontyout hi
nki havealect
uresal
so!
Todayisfi
rstday,i
tsnotlikewearegoingt
obe
doi
ngany t
hingproductiv
e.
Busi
:Iguessyouareright.Justonelect
ure
wonthurt
.Plusiam beingofferedf
reelunch
her
e.
Candy
:Andar
ideonar
anger
overspor
t.
Busi
:(exci
tedl
y)Youar
eki
ddi
ngr
ight
?
Candy
:YouknowmeBusi
.Gobi
gorgohome!
Busi
:Youhav
etot
eachhowy
oudoi
t.
Candy:
Iwi
l
l,butf
ornowl
etgof
orl
unchmy
dear
.
(Igetmybagandwal
kwi
thhert
othewai
ti
ng
car.
)
[
06/
02,
15:
30]Ron:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t3
.
..
..
..
BUSI
Hav eyoueverdreamtofsomet hingandwheni t
actuall
yendsuphappeni ngy oudontev enknow
howt ocontainyourself.Ifi
ndmy sel
fsmi l
l
ing
fr
om eart oearasi siti
nt heresturant,
ilong
dreamtofdiningher eandnowi t
sactuall
y
happening.Wear eatCBDatCapel l
o.Candyis
al
l l
oveydoveywi t
hherboy fr
iendThabo.Di di
ment i
onhel ooksoldenought obeherol der
brotherorevenfather?Thef riendthatsjoi
ning
usi sl
ate.SoIkindoff eeloutofspace,
i
nv adi
ngintheiral
onet ime.
Thabo:
Youar
elat
e.
(Hesay
slookingbehi
ndme.Ihavenochoi
ce
butt
oturnaroundtoseewhoheistal
ki
ngto.
Behi
ndstandsaman, hei
shandsome,hemust
beinhi
slat
e30s.Thefir
sticheckishiswri
st,
a
manisdefi
nedbythewatchhewear s.Arol
lex
!
Idi
e10times.Notbad,
total
lynotbad.)
Hi
m:Iknow.Igotcaughtup.
(
Hegi
vesussmi
l
esashesi
tsdown)
Hi
m:Hel
l
oladi
es.
(
Webot
hmur
murgr
eet
ingst
ohi
m.)
Thabo:
Babe,youknowDomini
ckri
ght
,Nick
meetmygirl
Candy.Andourf
ri
endBusi
,Busihe
i
sourfri
endDominick.
(
Hekissesmyhahd.Okayagent
lemen!Anot
her
t
ick.)
Dominick:Apleasur
emeet
ingy
oul
adi
es.Hav
e
youorderedyet?
Thabo:
Nonoty
et.Wewer
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.
Domi
nick:
Alr
ightl
etsor
dert
hen.
(
Awai
tr
esscomest
oourt
abl
e)
Wai
tr
ess:
MrThompson,
whatcanwegety
ou
t
oday
?
(
Hei
sar
egul
arher
e.Anot
hert
ick)
Dominick:
Bri
ngmeandmyf r
iendBlackVel
vet
doubleontherocksandourl
adyfr
iendsher
ea
bott
leofChardonnay.Whi
l
ewedeci deonwhat
tohave.
Wai
tr
ess:
Comi
ngr
ightupsi
t.
(Amanwhoknowswhatwant s.Iam i mpr
essed.
Worthyofanotherti
ck.Wehav ealight
convesat
iongoingasweenjoyt hef oodand
dri
nks.Agirl
couldgetusedtot hi
s..Befor
ei
knowitthebottl
eisempty.)
Thabo:
(looki
ngathi
swat ch)Lookattheti
me.
Wehavet ogetgoi
ng,beatthetraf
fi
cbeforei
t
get
slat
e?
Candy:Sincey
ougoingsamedirect
ionasBusi,
iam sureyouwontminddroppi
ngherri
ghtNick?
Dom:
Notatal
l
.Youguy
scangor
ightahead.
(
Candyhugsmeandwi
nksatmeast
heywal
k
outwit
hThabo.Soonwef ol
l
owt hem,wewal k
tohi
scar,l
atestedit
ionofRangeRoverSport.
Heopensthedoorf ormeandgetcomf ort
able
asiabsor
pint heexpensi
vesmellofl
eather.)
Dom:
SowhatdoesBusi
standsf
or?
(
Hesay
sashej
oinst
hemai
nroad)
Busi
:Busi
siwe.
Dom:(noddi
ng)I
tsanicenamebutit
hinkan
engl
i
shnamewoul dsuity
oumorebett
erli
ke
Maryl
in.
Busi
:(smi
l
ing)Real
l
y?
Dom:Yes!Ir
eall
yenj
oyedy
ourcomapanyandi
hopet
oseey ouagai
n.
Busi
:Thatcanal
way
sbear
ranged.
Dom:Iwi
llgety
ournumbersoi
cancal
lyou.
Howaboutthat
?
Busi
:I
tsnopr
obl
em wi
thme.
(
Ilookathi
shandashehol
dst
hest
eer
ing
wheel
,hi
svei
nsal
mostpoppi
ngout
.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Joy
Talkaboutbei ngt i
redimurmurt omysel fasi
getupf rom thebed.Myr oommat ei
snoty et
back.Ihav enthadanoppor tuni
tytoknowher
well.
ijustknowt hathernamei sBusiandt hat
s
all
.Ilookatmywat chandit
salreadylate,i
wonderwher eshei s.I
tsnoneofmybusi ness
whereshei s.Igetupandgobat hmyf ace.I
passbyNal edi'
sroom togethersowecango
getsomet hingt oeatbutsheisnotther e.Looks
l
ikei wil
lbeonmyown.Imur murtomy selfasi
walkoutoft heresi
denceblockstothe
cafeteri
a.
Pheny
o:Whyisapr
ettyl
ikey
ouwal
ki
ngal
lby
her
sel
fthi
sti
meofnight
?
(
Itur
nandl
ookback)
Joy
:Ar
eyout
alki
ngt
ome?
Phenyo:
Ther
eisonl
ymeandy
ouont
hisr
oad
mylady.
(
Ohsi
l
lyme,
ofcour
sehei
stal
ki
ngt
ome.
)
Joy
:Ishoul
dbeaski
ngy
out
hesamequest
ion.
Phenyo:
Iam l
ooki
ngf orsomeoneto
accompanyme.Iguessi j
ustf
oundher
.
(Ext
endi
nghi
shand)Pheny o!
Joy
:(weshakehands)Joy
!
Pheny
o:Ni
cename.Goi
ngt
othecaf
eter
ia?
Joy
:Yah,
andy
ou?
Phenyo:
Thebl
ocksbehi
ndt
hecaf
eter
ia.Fi
rst
year
?
Joy
:Yeah!Howdi
dyout
ell
?
Phenyo:Askmet hatquest
ionaft
eryougety
our
fi
rstal
lowance.Iwi
llbeinabett
erposi
ti
onto
answeryouthen.
Joy
:I'
mit
hatr
ural
?
(
Hecr
acksup)
Pheny
o:Rur
al?Nono!Butt
her
eisadi
ff
erence.
Joy:
(t
easi
ngl
y)Iam of
fendedPheny
o.Real
l
y
off
ended.
Pheny
o:Youwil
lfor
giv
eme,myladyof
fendi
ng
youwasthel
astthi
ngonmymind.
Joy
:Whati
sthef
ir
stt
hingt
hat
..
.
(
Idontgettof
ini
shmysent
enceasi
am
i
nter
uptedbymyphoneri
nging)
Joy
:Baba!
Hendr
ick:
Hel
l
o!Howar
eyoumydaught
er?
Joy
:iam okay
.Andy
ou?
Hendri
ck:
Apar
tfr
om mi
ssi
ngy
ou,
Iam okaymy
daught
er.
Joy
:Imi
ssy
oual
soDaddy
.
Hendr
ick:
Hav
ethecr
edi
tedy
oural
l
owancesy
et?
Joy
:Nonotyet,andthecuefort
hecollect
ionof
FNBcar
dsisjusttoomuch.Iwil
lsurv
iveont he
moneyyougavemef orthet
imebeing.
Hendri
ck:Alri
ghtmydaught
er.Calli
fyouneed
anyt
hing.Leabanengwasherethi
smor ni
ng.He
sai
dhewant st osendhi
suncles.
(
Nott
hisagai
n)
Joy:Dad!Canwenotjustnottal
kaboutthi
s?
Justholdhi
m of
f.Iam st
il
ltr
yingtoset
tl
ein.
Hendri
ck:
Iwillbutyoushouldntfor
getthatt
his
marri
agehaslongbeenar r
angedJoy ,
icant
keeponholdi
ngof fpeopl
eforever.
Joy:
Iknow,wewill
tal
kaboutt
hiswheni
come
homeforthehol
i
days.Ihav
etogonow.
Hendr
ick:
byemyangel
.
(
Ihungup)
Pheny
o:Daddy
'sl
i
ttl
egi
rl
.
Joy
:No!Iam notdaddy
'sl
i
ttl
egi
rl
.
Pheny
o:Idi
sagr
ee.
(Il
ookathim andsmil
e.I
fheonlyknewthati
am daddy
'sbargini
ngt
oolinst
eadofli
tt
legi
rl
.
Thi
smani
sreal
l
ykeenont
hismar
ri
aget
hing.)
.
..
..
.
Amont
hlat
er.
..
[
06/
02,
15:
31]Ron:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t4
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Nessa
Theroom isqui
tewithonlynoi
secomingfrom
thecurt
ler
ywear eusi
ng.Igl
ancemybrother
andhesmi l
esatme.Itisni
cetohavemehome
foronceeversi
ncehemov edoutt
hehousei t
hasbeenquite.
Domi
nick:
Howi
swor
kBr
ian?
Br
ian:
Itsgr
eatsof
ar.
Domini
ck:
Idontknowwhyyour
efuset
ojust
j
oint
hefamil
ybusiness.
Br
ian:Idontwanttotalkaboutthi
sdad,i
have
al
readymadeitclearthatihavenoint
ent
ionsof
j
oini
ngt
hef
ami
l
ybusi
ness.
Hi
l
ga: Canwejusthaveanicepeacef
uldinner
wi
thoutbusi
nesstal
kjustf
oronenight?
(
Myphoneri
ngsanddadlooksatmewit
h
r
aisedey
ebr
ows.Br
iangi
vrsmeawickedgr
in.)
Vanessa:
Pleaseexcuseme.
(
Ist
andupt
ogot
akecal
l
.)
Vanessa:
Lef
akaeMoeng.
Lef
a:Nobabe!Nol
ove!
Vanessa:Youar
eget
ti
ngwayt
ooaheadof
your
selfMr.
Lef
a:Cantbl
ameaguyf
ort
ryi
ng.Idi
dnotsee
youtoday
.
Nessa:Idi
dnotknowt
hati
am supposedt
o
seeyouevery
day.
Lef
a:Ouch!Youhurtmyf
eel
i
ngMsThompson.
Haveyoudecidedy
et?
Nessa:
huh?
Lefa:
Aboutt
ommor r
ow?Thefreshersbal
l
?I
needtoknowifi
shouldbuy2t
icketsorwhat
?
Nessa:Iam noty
etsur
e.Cani
cal
lyouaf
teran
hourtoconf
irm?
Lef
a:Vi
deoCal
l
?
Nessa:
Alr
ightv
ideocal
l
.
(Ihangupsmil
li
ngtomysel
f.Igetbackandmy
dadislooki
ngatme.)
Dominick:
Ther ul
esi
nthishousehavenot
changedthelastt
imeichecked.Nophonecal
l
s
al
lowedduringmealti
me.
Nessa:Iam sor
rydaddy
.Mommycani
askf
or
something?
Hi
l
ga:
Whati
sitmyangel
?
Nessa:TheSRChasorgani
sedaf
resher
sbal
l
f
orallt
hefir
styear
stommorowiwas
wonderi
ngificoul
datt
endit.
Domi
nick:
No!
Nessa:
Butdad.
..
..
!
Domi
nick:Doyouknowwhathappensatt
hose
ki
ndofevent
s,gi
rl
sgetr
aped,dr
ugged.
Nessa:Iwontbedri
nki
ng.Ij
ustwantt
oat
tend
plusi
tsnotl
ikeanyofyouwil
lbehome
tommor r
ow.
Domi
nick:
Theansweri
sNo.Andt
hedeci
sion
i
sfi
nal
.
Bri
an:
Howaboutyouletherat
tendi
wil
lmake
sur
eigetherhomesafe.
Hi
lga:Thenit
ssort
ed.Youwi
l
lat
tendandy
our
br
otherwil
lgety
ouhome.
Domi
nick:
Pleaseexcuseme.
(
IlookatBr
ianandsmil
ehappi
l
y.Hemi
ghtbea
j
erkatti
mesbutheispr
ett
ycool.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Joy
Iam wi
thPheny
oinhi
sroom.Idontknowhow
i
thappenedbutf rom justar andom talkint he
middleofthenighttot his.Icantevenexpl ain
whatthisis.Wehav ebeengr owingcloserand
cl
oserev ery
day.Iam gr owingt oli
kehim, i
knowi am notsupposedbuti canthelpit.The
heartwantswhati twant s.Pheny oi
saSRC
member ,minst
erofj ustice.Hei sabittal
l,
caramel,small
ey es.Hehasdr eadlocks.
Pheny
o:So!
Joy
:So?
Pheny
o:Hav
eyoumadeadeci
siony
et?
Joy:Ihear
dbadt hi
ngshappenatthi
sbashs
Phenyo.Idontwanttobeav i
cti
m.
Pheny
o:Youwil
lbewi
thme.Whatdoy
ouhav
e
toworr
yabout
?
Joy
:Iguessi
hav
enot
hingt
owor
ryabout
.
Phenyo:Youcanbri
ngyourupt
ightf
ri
endal
ong
andyournosyroomate.
Joy
:Youdi
dnotj
ustcal
lNal
edi
upt
ightr
ight
?
Phenyo:
Idi
d.Imeani hav
enev
erseent
hatgi
rl
smil
enotevenonce.
Joy:Nal
edii
snotupt
ight.Shej
ustt
akesher
schoolwor
kalotser
ious.
Phenyo:
Maybetooal
i
ttl
ebi
ttooser
ious.She
shoul
dli
veali
tt
le.
Joy:
Sheisambiti
ous.It
hinkshehasacr
ushon
oneofourl
ect
ures.
Phenyo:
Acr ush!May
beitwi
l
l gethert
oloosen
up.Andyourroommate,
sheisjustsomethi
ng
el
se.
Joy:i
fyouthi
nkBusiist
oomuch,youcl
ear
ly
havenotmetherfri
endCandy
.Toget
hert
hey
areunst
opabble.
Pheny
o:Doy
out
hinkt
heywi
l
lcome?
Joy:Iwi
llt
rytot
alkt
oNaledi
.Iam notsosur
e
aboutBusi
,shel
ooksli
kesheonl
ydot hehi
gh
rol
ler
s.
Pheny
o:Okay
,tel
lmewel
li
nti
me,
ift
heywi
l
l
makei
t.Soi
canor
gani
set
icket
sfort
hem.
Joy
:Al
ri
ghtmymi
nist
er.
Pheny
o:Damnr
ighty
ourMi
nist
er.
(Hesaysasheturnsandki
ssesme.Iputmy
handsaroundhi
sneckasikisshi
m back.
)
.
..
..
..
.
Nal
edi
Fri
day !Thewhol eschool i
sbuzzingwi th
excitmentf ort heev entthi
sevening.Ast hey
l
ookf or wardt ot hefreshersballil
ookf orward
tomy11am l ecture.Heisagoodl ectur
er
despitehi supt i
ghtness.Iam noty etsureifi
enjoyhi slecturesbecausehei sagoodl ectur
er
orbecausei hav ebeencompl etelysweptof f
myf eet .Isitdownonmyusual spotandwai t
forthel ecturet ocommence.Joywal ksin,she
i
shar dt of i
ndt hisday seversincePheny o
camei ntothepi cture.
Joy
:St
ar!
Nal
edi
:MyJoy
!
Joy
:Beenl
ooki
ngal
lov
erf
ory
ou.
Nal
edi
:Wentt
othel
i
brar
y.Anypr
obl
em?
Joy
:Iwantedtoknowi
fyoucant
agal
ongwi
th
metothebash.
Nal
edi
:Thoseai
ntmyki
ndoft
hing.
Joy:Comeon!St
ar,y
oushouldli
veal
i
ttl
e.
Phenyopr
omisedtogetust
icket
s.
Naledi:
Whati
sinf
orhi
m?Whywi
l
lhebuyus
t
ickets?
Joy:
Heisj
ustbei
ngni
ce.Meamdhi
m wear
e
ki
ndofdat
ing.
Nal
edi
:Ki
ndof
??
Joy
:Ahhi
cantexpl
ainSt
ar.Pr
ett
ypl
ease.
Nal
edi
:iam notsur
e.
Joy:
Justagree.I
twonthur
ttoj
ustgetaway
fr
om thebooksonce.
Nal
edi
:Youar
enott
aki
ngNof
orananswerar
e
yoi
?
Joy
:Youdamnr
ighti
am.
Nal
edi
:Okayfi
neiam comingbuti
am l
eav
ingi
f
t
heydar
etrysomethi
ngfunny.
Joy:Yesma'
am.Iwi
l
ltel
lhi
mtobeont
hebest
behavi
our
.
Nal
edi
:Shh!Thebossj
ustgoti
n.
(Isitupstr
aightasipayat t
enti
ontot he
my steri
ousDrDl amini.Hestar
tsteachingas
usual ashisregi
sterrotat
esaroundforus.An
hourl at
erhestops.)
DrDl
amini
:That
sal
lfort
oday
.Seey
ouon
monday
.
(Ihavenocl
assaft
erthi
ssoi r
elaxabitand
textmymotheramessage.OnceIam donei
gatherupmybooks,t
heclassi
sal mostempty
now.Igetupandwalktothedoor.)
DrDl
ami
ni:
Nal
edi
(
Ifr
eezeont
hespot
.Heknowsmyname)
Nal
edi
:Yessi
r.
DrDl
ami
ni:
Goi
ngt
othef
resher
sbal
l
.
(
Hisquest
ionscat
chesmeof
fguar
d)
Nal
edi
:Iam noty
etsur
e.
DrDl
ami
ni:
Okayi
ncasey
oudo.Besaf
e.
Nal
edi
:Thanky
ouSi
r.Iwi
l
lbe.
(
Henodshi
sheadandwal
ksout
.Okaywhat
wast
hat
?)
[
06/
02,
15:
31]Ron:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t5
.
..
..
.
Busi
Il
ookattheclot
hesl
aidonmybed,notsur
e
whichi
shouldwear.
Joy
:Idontevenwhyyouindeci
siv
e,youcloset
i
sfull
ofclot
hes.Pl
usyoualwayslookgoodon
any
thi
ngy
ouput
.
Busi:
That
sthethi
ng,di
nkal
amat ho.I
fitwas
possi
blet
oputonall
ofthem atonceiwould.
Joy:Nowwebothknowthat
simpossi
ble.Be
fastPheny
osai
dhewantstogowit
hust othe
shopssowebuydri
nks.
Busi
:okayi
wil
lbe.IwishCandywasher
eshe
woul
dchooseanoutfi
tforme.
Joy:Wher
edi
dshego?Ihav
en'
tseenhert
his
week.
Busi
:Sheaccompani
edThabot
oKasane.He
hadaworkshopt
herefort
hewhol
eweek.
Joy
:Whataboutschool
?Doesntshehas
l
ect
urest
oattend?
Busi
:Candyisverybr
ight
,i meanshei
soneof
thet
opachiever
s.Shewillcat
chup.
Joy:
Okay,whydontyouweart
hebl
ackri
pped
j
eans,wi
ththewhit
evestandt
heti
mber
lands.I
meansothatify
oudanceitwi
ll
besomethi
ng
y
oucomf
ort
abl
ein.
Busi:
(noddi
ng)Youhav
eapoi
nt.Letmet
ry
them on.
(Iwearasshesuggested.Onceiam donei
startapplyi
ngmakeup.Anhourlat
erwear e
walkingoutofther
esidencebl
ocktothe
parkinglotwher
ePhenyoandhisfr
iendsare
waiting.Myphoneri
ngsasweappr oachthe
car.
)
Busi
:Excusemeasec(isayt
othem asi
take
mycall
)Hi t
her
est
ranger
.
Domi
nick:
Heybeaut
if
ul!Howar
eyou?
Busi
:Iam goodandy
our
sel
f.
Ni
ck:
Coul
dntbebet
ter
.It
saf
ri
dayanypl
ans?
Busi
:Wehavesomeent
ert
ainmentatour
amphit
heat
ersogoi
ngt
here.
Ni
ck:
Ohokay
!
Busi
:Whyy
ouaski
ng?Wantt
otagal
ong?
Nick:
(chuckl
es)Thatschil
dren'
sst
uffMar
yli
n,I
donthangoutwithchil
dren.
Busi
:Ouch!Soi
not
herwor
dsi
am aki
d.
Nick:Notreal
l
ybutibel
i
evewit
htheri
ghtman
byy oursi
desomethi
ngcanbedoneaboutt
hat
.
Busi
:Letmeguess.Youar
ether
ightman.
Nick:
Yougotthatri
ght.Sowheny ouaredone
orbychancegetboredwiththechi
ldr
en'spar
ty.
Givemeacalliwil
lcomet akeyouto
somewherepret
tyseri
ous.
Busi
:Okayi
wil
l
.
Ni
ck:
Seey
ousoon!
(Hehangsupandi fi
ndmyselfstarr
ingatthe
phonewithmyhearti
nknot
s.Thet hingsthi
s
mandoest ome.Ishovemyphonei nthe
pocketasiwal
ktojoi
ntheothers.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Nessa
Maybei shouldj ustaskt hedr iv
ertoturnback
andtakemehome.Ihav enev erbeenouti nmy
ent
ireexistence.Whati fidontgett oenjoy
myself
,ori am abor i
ngcompany ."
Ther eisonl
y
onewayt of i
ndout .Dontbeachi cken"My
i
nnerwomansay sasshef oldsherarmsdar ing
me.Okayf i
ne!Let sdot his,whatdoi hav eto
l
ose?Itakeahugebr eathast hecarpar ksat
ourusual spot.Lefasai di wil
lfindhim here.
Nessa:
Thanky
ouTi
m.Br
ianwi
l
lbr
ingme
home.
Ti
m:Takecar
eMsThompson.
(Icloset hedoorandwat chhi m dr
iveoff,
i
woul dntwanthi mrunningof ftogotellmydad
whati hav ebeenupto.Iam aboutt ocallhim
whensomeonehugsmef rom behind.Ismil
e,i
dontneednoconf ir
mat i
on, ashiscolognehas
alreadydi dthat
.Igetbutterfl
iesonmyst omach
ashebr eathsdownmyneck.
Lef
a:Hi
!
Nessa:
Hey
!
Lef
a:Howi
smyf
avour
it
egi
rldoi
ng?
Nessa:
Im goodandy
our
sel
f??
Lef
a:Iam goodnowt
haty
ouar
eher
e.
(It
urnar
oundandhug.If
eel
cont
ent
.West
are
ateachot
hersmi
li
ng.)
Lef
a:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Nessa:
Thanky
ou.Notbady
our
sel
f.
Lef
a:Sot
hegr
eatThompsonl
ety
ououtt
oday
?
Nessa:Yeah!Mybr
otherwi
l
lbepi
cki
ngme
af
tertheevent
.
Lefa:
May beishoul
djustmakeyoumywifesoi
canenjoyyourcompanywit
houtanyThompson
breat
hingdownmyneck.
Nessa:
Iam notsur
eify
oucanaf
for
dmeMr
Lef
akaeMoeng.
Lef
a:Ther
eisal
way shir
epur
chace.Gety
ou
andpaymonthl
yinstal
ment
s.
Nessa:
Youmustbesmoki
ngny
aope!
Lef
a:(
hepullsmecloserandwef
renchki
ss)Or
maybeiam smoki
ngNessa.
(Hi
sfreshmi ntbr
eathdrawsmeandi f
ind
myselfclosi
ngmyey es,ashi scoldsof
tli
ps
meetmi ne.Mywor l
dstops, andmyhear t
pal
pit
atesasweki ss.Aftersomet i
mehepulls
awayandst areatmebittinghislowerl
ip.
)
Lef
a:Comeletusgo,
myf ri
endsmustbe
wonder
ingwhereweare.
(Hehol
dsmyhandaswewal
ktot
he
amphit
hreat
er.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nal
edi
Idontknowi fit
sthemusi c,
thecrowdorthe
discoli
ght
sbutsomet hingj
ustmakesmedi zzy.
IlookatJoyandshakemyhead, ididnotknow
thatshehast hewil
dsi deal
so.Sheismingli
ng
withthecrowd,dancingnotthatibl
ameher .I
ts
thealcoholthatsmaki ngherdot his.AndBusi
sheseemsbor edev ersi
nceLef adi sppeared.
Hermoodhaswentf r
om 100t o0.Idontev en
knowwhati am doingher ebecausei tscleari
am notcutoutf orthiskindofthings.Isipmy
orangejuiceasi l
eanagai nstt
hewal landlook
atpeopledancing.
Omphile:
Arey
ousur
eyoudontwantsomet
hing
st
ronger?
(Ifi
ndmy selfrol
l
ingmyey es,Joy'
shabbitsar
e
rubbingoffonme.Thent hereishim,thi
sguy
j
ustdoesntgi veup.Hehasbeenhi tt
ingonme
sincewegoti ntr
oduced.Ihavetr
iedgivi
nghim
signsthatiam notint
rest
edbuthej ustwont
backof f
)
Nal
edi
:Noi
am goodwi
tht
hej
uice.
Omphi
l
e:Al
ri
ght
,letmer
efi
l
lfory
out
hen.
(Ipasshi
mt hegl
assandlookatLefaashe
walksinwit
habeauti
ful
yell
owbonegirl
.She
hasbigambereyesl
ikemylect
urer
.Icanthel
p
butst
areatheri
nadmi
rat
ion.Shei
snat
ural
l
y
beaut
if
ul.
)
Lef
a:Starlooksli
kei
foundy
ouanondr
inki
ng
par
tnerli
key ou.
(
Ilookathi
m andsmi
l
e)
Lefa:babethi
sar emyfriends,t
hatsPheny o
andhisgirl
Joy ,
thatsJohnandMaat l
a,Dave
andOmphi l
e.Andt hat
sNal ediandBusi,Joy'
s
fr
iends.GuysthisisVanessa,orcall
herjust
Nessa,thegir
lf
riend.
(Weal lchantgreet
ingstoher.At
leastthisone
ont henondr i
nkingspeeli
keme, Lefabr i
ngsus
twocampchai r
sandwesi tdown.West art
chatti
ngandsoonwear ehit
ti
ngitoffli
kewe
haveknowneachot herforalongtime.Busi has
disapperedandJoyl ookstobehav i
ngt heti
me
ofherlife.Ar
ound1am Nessasay sasher
goodby esannouncingthatsheiscall
ingita
night.
)
Nal
edi
:it
hinki
tst
imei
got
oo.
Omphi
l
e:Dontwor
ryi
wil
laccompanyy
oul
ater
.
Nal
edi:Noit
sokay.Iwi
llj
ustgowit
hLef
aand
Nessa.Hopeyouguysdontmind.
Nessa:
Notatal
l
.
(Ist
andt omyf eet
,andf
eel
dizzyast
hewhol
e
worldspinsaroundme.Whoa!Whati
s
happening?)
Nessa:
Star
,ar
eyouokay
?
(Thelastt
hingIrememberdoi
ngisnoddi
ngmy
headasdarknessconsumesmein.)
[
06/
02,
15:
31]Ron:
DeepDesi
re
I
nser
t6
.
..
..
Busi
Isqueezemywayoutoft heamphi
threat
er.
Wonder i
ngwhyi evencamehereinthefi
rst
place,
justawasteofmyt imeandenergy.Okay
may beitwasnotthatbad,i
tonl
ygotbad
becauset heonlyguyamongstt hecr ewwhoi
foundat tracti
vehav eagirl.Abl oodybeaut if
ul
gir
lfr
iendf orthatmat ter
.Isi ghandl ookf or
Nick'scaramongstt heonei nthepar kingl ot.
Hesentmeamessagel ettingmeknowhei s
thepar ki
ngl ot.I
tdoesntt akemel ongt of i
nd
hisAudi RS7becausehei sl eaningagai nstitin
awhi tet-shirt
,abomber sj acket, blackj eans
withwhi tejordansholdingagl assofwhi sky.
Damn!Thi smanr eal
lydoeshav et ast e.He
smilesasheseesmemyi nsidest urn!Oncewe
aresett l
edi nhiscaranddr i
v i
ngouthel ooksat
meamused.
Ni
ck:
Bor
edal
ready
??
Busi
:Dontst
artwi
thmeNi
ck.
Nick:I
tsjustani
nnocentquesti
on.Youshoul
d
havejustsavedyour
selft
hemi ser
yandjust
taggedalongwhenifir
stcal
led.
Busi
:I
sthist
hepar
twher
eyouar
egoi
ngt
osay
it
oldyouso?
Nick:(
kissi
ngmyhand)Dontworryiwi
ll
just
spareyoutoday
.Haveyoueverbeentoaclub?
(
Ishakemyheadmyhead)
Ni
ck:Thereisafi
rstt
imeforever
ythi
ng.Today
i
syourluckyday,
wear egoi
ngtoSkylounge,a
f
ri
endofmi neist
hrowinganexcl
usiv
eparty
t
here.
Busi
:Al
ri
ght
!Beendr
eami
ngofgoi
ngt
her
e.
Ni
ck:I
tisdr
eam comet
ruet
odayt
hen,
my
Mary
li
n.
(Hesaysaspul
lsi
ntot
hepri
vat
eparki
ngand
cometomysidetoopent
hedoorforme.If
eel
l
ikesomepri
ncessatt
hemoment.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nessa
Il
ookatNaledishakeherheadrightaft
er
shaki
ngherhead,shefai
nts.Lefajumpswell
in
ti
metocatchher.Whatiswr ongwithher?
Nessa:Whati
swr
ong?Shoul
dwegethert
othe
hospi
tal
?
Omphil
e:Someonemusthavespi
kedherdri
nk.
Thi
sbloodyj
erks,
youseewhyiwasinsi
sti
ng
ontaki
ngherbacktor
es.
Nessa:
Wil
lshebeokay
?
Lef
a:Wear enotsur
eifatal
lherdr
inkwas
spi
ked.It
hinkweshouldgethert
othehospi
tal
.
Omphi
l
e:Letmet
akehert
hen.
Nessa:
Shehadalr
eadyi
ndicat
edt
hatshe
wantst
ogowithussoit
hinkit
sbett
erwetake
her
.
(
Isayasitakehercel
l
phoneandt
hedr
inkshe
washavi
ng)
Nessa:
Ithi
nkit
sbett
erwegowi
tht
hedr
inkso
i
tcanbecheckedoutal
so.
Omphil
e:Ar
entyouguystaki
ngthi
sfar
?i mean
maybeshej
ustcoll
apsedofnoi
se.Imean
somepeopl
earejustsensi
ti
vet
otoomuch
noi
se.
Nessa:Yout
heonewhocameupwi t
hthe
t
heoryofspi
keddr
inkssol
etsf
oll
owyour
i
ntui
ti
on.
Lef
a:Babel
etsgo.
(
Wewal
koutl
efacar
ryi
ngNessaout
)
Lefa:
Ithi
nkOmphi
l
eist
heonewhospi
kedher
dri
nk?
Nessa:
(ast
oni
shed)Real
l
y?
Lefa:Hehasbeenhi t
ti
ngonStarthewhole
nightandshekeptongivi
nghim col
dsignal
s.
Hehasar eput
ati
onofusi
ngdr ugsonfir
st
years,sohecansleepwit
hthem.
Nessa:Wow!Hei ssowicked.Thatswhyhe
keptoninsi
sti
nghebri
ngsStartoherroom
becauseheknewhespikedherdrink.
(Wewalkout
,aswewalktotheparki
ngl
oti
noti
cemybrot
herandcousi
nleani
ngagai
nst
thecar
.Pr
obabl
ywaiti
ngforme.Whenhesees
usher
ushesf
orwar
d.)
Br
ian:
Whathappenedt
oher
?
Nessa:
Shej
ustcol
l
apsed.
Li
am:
Theymusthav
espi
kedherdr
ink.
Lef
a:Wear
etaki
nghert
othehospi
tal
.
Bri
an:Thatwontbeneccesar
y.Theygav
ehera
sedat
ive.Handherov
er.
(
Lef
alooksatmeandi
nodmyhead.
)
Br
ian:
Theymusthav
egi
venherFl
uni
tr
azepam.
Li
am:
Rohy
ponol
?
Nessa:
Whati
sthat
?
Brian:
Itssedat
ivedr
ug,
itof
tenusedasadat
e
rapedrug.
(
Mybrothert
akesSt
arf
rom t
heLef
aandwal
ks
t
othecar.
)
Li
am:Thanky oubuddy.Youj
ustsav
edt
hat
i
nnocentchi
l
df rom r
ape.
Lef
a:Nosweat
.
Li
am:
Nessaar
eyoucomi
ng?
Nessa:
Giv
eme5mi
nut
es.
(Helooksatmesuspci
ousl
ythenwal
kst
othe
car
.)
Nessa:
Ibet
tergetgoi
ng.
Lef
a:Thanky
ouf
ort
oday
.
Nessa:
Not
hanky
ou.Iwi
l
lcal
lyouoncei
get
home.
Lef
a:Al
ri
ght
.It
hinki
tst
imei
headedhomeal
so.
Nessa:
Alr
ightby
e.
(Itur
nandwal ktothecar.It
akethefr
ontseat
asBr i
anseatsinthebackseatwithNal
edi
sleepi
ngacrosstheseat.Herheadonhisl
ap.
Il
ookatLi
am andheal
soshr
ugshi
sshoul
der
s.)
Br
ian:
(angr
il
y)Wer
eyouguy
sdr
inki
ngal
cohol
?
Nessa:
No!Ofcour
senot
,St
arandIwer
e
dr
inki
ngj
uice.
Br
ian:Andthenexplai
nhowt
hehel
ldi
dyour
dr
inksgetspiked?
Nessa:
IdontknowBrianokay
.Whyar
eyou
evenworkedupaboutthi
s?
Bri
an:Thi
sisexact
lywhatdadwasaf
rai
dwi
l
l
happen.
Li
am:Ti
meoutguys!Youar
guingwonthel
pus.
Wher
earewetaki
ngourfai
ntedgi
rl
?
Br
ian:
Obv
ious,
shewi
l
lgowi
thushome.
(Li
am andibot
hturnasthesamet i
met olook
atBri
anwhoisjustcal
mint hebackseat
.Okay
whoareyou?Andwhathav eyoudonewi t
hmy
brot
her)
Li
am:Homeasi
nyourpl
aceory
ourpar
ent
s
pl
ace.
Bri
an:TheThompsonMansion.Whyareyou
guysl
ookingatmeli
kethat,
ifwel
eaveherat
herpl
ace,whoev
erdruggedhermi
ghtcomef or
her
.Soi
tsbet
terwegowi
thher
.
Li
am: Whyyouget
ti
ngdef
ensi
ve?wenev
ersai
d
anyt
hing.
Brian:AndyouNessa,itakeitNal
edii
syour
fr
iendy ouwouldntwanttothrowhert
othe
vultur
esoutthere.
Nessa:
Howdi
dyouknowhernamei
sNal
edi
?
Bri
an:
Youcal
l
edherst
ar,
Start
ransl
atedt
o
set
swanai
sNaledi
.
Nessa:
Yeahr
ight
!
Br
ian:
Canwej
ustgetgoi
ng?
Li
am:
(amused)Yeahofcour
se.
(Il
ookatmybr ot
heramused.Couldi
tbet
hat
mybr ot
herhasacrushonStar?Buthowi
mean
hejustmether!
Wearri
vehomeandhecarriesheral
lthewayto
myroom.Igetri
dofhercl
othesandgetherin
sl
eepi
ngclot
hing.Byt
heti
mei am doneLiam
andBri
anar
egone.Soi
getmyphoneandt
alk
toLef
a.)
[
06/
02,
15:
31]Ron:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t7
.
..
..
Nal
edi
Myheadi spoundingasi openmyey es.Iscan
mysurroundingswonderingwher ei am?Iam in
asil
ksleepi
ngshi r
t.Theroom i'
mi ni spink,
so
aret
hebedcov er
s.It
sobv i
oust hatitsagirl
'
s
bedr
oom.Whi l
eiam sti
lltr
yingtofigureout
whereiam andhowi di
dev engether e.The
dooropensandNessawal ksinsidewi t
ha
womandr essedinamai duni f
orm car r
yinga
tr
ay.
Nessa:
Oh!Youf
inal
l
yawake?
Nal
edi
:Nessa!Howdi
digether
e?
Nessa:
Youpoort
hing,
dontev
enr
emember
.
(Il
ookathert
ryi
ngt
ofi
gur
ewhatshei
son
about
)
Nessa:Dontworr
yyouar
einmyr
oom,
noone
hastakenadvant
ageofy
ou.
Nal
edi
:Nessayouarenotmaki
ngsense,what
ar
eyoutal
kingabout
?Whowil
ltakeadv
antage
me?
Nessa:
Theper
sont
hatdr
uggedy
ouobv
iousl
y.
Nal
edi
:Iwasdr
ugged?
?
Nessa:Yepyouwere.Letmesi
tdownsoi
can
t
ellyouall
abouti
t.
(Shejoi
nsandt el
lsmeabouttheevent
sofl
ast
nightorshoul
di sayt
hismorni
ng.Whenshei
s
donei l
ookedatherhorri
fi
ed.
)
Nal
edi
:ItmustbeOmphil
e,heistheonl
yone
whowasrefi
ll
i
ngmydrinkall
night.
Nessa:Weal sothoughtt
hesamet hi
ng.Andhe
keptoninsist
inghetakesyoubacktoresaf
ter
youfainted.WeluckyLefaknewhistypeof
behav
iour
.
Nal
edi
:AndJoyi
ssheev
ensaf
ewher
eshei
s.
Nessa:
Joywasdi
sappear
edwi
thPheny
o
bef
oreus.
Naledi
:ThankyouNessa,
idontknowwhat
wouldhavehappenedi
fyoudidbri
ngmeal
ong
wit
hy ou.
Nessa:Youcanthankmybr
other
,heist
heone
whoinsist
edthatwebr
ingy
ouhere.
Nal
edi
:Wher
eishesoi
cant
hankhi
minper
son?
Nessa:Hewentoutwit
hourcousi
nlastni
ght
henevercameback.
Nal
edi
:Toobad,r
emindmet
othankhi
mifour
pat
hscoul
devermeet.
Nessa:
Iwoulddef
inat
elywi
ll
.Goonandtakea
bat
hwhilei
setupthetabl
eforbr
eakf
ast
.
Nal
edi
:Yourparentsdontmi
ndy
ouhav
ing
br
eakf
asti
ny ourroom.
Nessa:
Mymot heri
soutoft
hecount
ryanddad
pr
obablyatwor
k.
Nal
edi
:Soi
tsj
usty
ouandy
ourbr
other
.
Nessa:No!Mybrot
herhashisownapart
ment,
heiskeenonmakinganamef orhi
mself
wit
houtTheThompsoninfl
uence.I
tsj
ustme
andthemaids.
Nal
edi
:Ohokay
!Letmegoandt
akeabat
h.
(
Ist
andupandwal
ktot
hebat
hroom.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Joy
Iwakeupi nPheny o'schest
,hi
sar mdswr apped
aroundmybody .Idri
nkinhisscent.It
ouchmy
l
ipsasi recal
ltheearlyhour
sofmor ni
ng,wheni
gavehim myi nnocence.Howhi shands
carassedmybody ,howIsoulsconnected.
Pheny
o:Mor
ningbabe!Ori
sitAf
ter
noon?
Joy
:It
sjustaf
terone!Af
ter
noon.
Pheny
o:Icoul
dgetusedt
othi
s,waki
ngupt
o
youever
ydayl
iket
his.
Joy
:Woul
dntt
hatbeni
ce.
Pheny
o:I
fonl
ywi
shescoul
dbehor
ses.
Joy
: (
i getontopofhi
m)Howaboutour
morningaftergl
ory
.Orisi
tAf
ter
noon?
Pheny
o:Ther
egoesmygi
rl
.
(Hekissesme.Asmyhandsexpl
orehi
sbody
ever
yaspectofhi
sit
.)
Joy
:Youwi
l
lbet
hedeat
hofmeVi
ctor
y.
Pheny
o:Iwi
l
lfol
l
owy
out
oyourdeat
hbabygi
rl
.
(Hesay sasheswit
chesandif
indmy sel
funder
him.Myhandspinnedt ot
hemattr
essabove
myhead.Hegoesdownonmewi t
hhissult
ry
kisses.Hismout
hfindsmyni
ppleandhestart
sucking.Imoanhi
sname.)
Mr
sMv
elase:
(openi
ngt
hedoor
)Pheny
o.
Pheny
o:Ahh!Mamahowmanyt
imesmustI
asky
out
oknock?
MrsMv
elase:
(tur
ningherback)God!Idi
dnot
knowyouhavecompany.
(Sheclosest hedoorasshewal ksout.Att
his
momenti wishthegroundcanjustopensoi
hide.Didjusthismotherwalkonusmaki ngout.
Pheny olooksatmel aughi
ng.)
Joy
:DontevenlaughPhenyo.Howam i
even
goi
ngtofaceheraft
erthi
s?
Pheny
o:Dontworr
y,mymamaisacool
woman.
Letmehearwhatshewant
ed.
Joy
:Iwi
l
luset
het
imet
obat
h.
(Isayasi
getf
rom t
hebed,but
tnaked.Pheny
o
spanksmyassasigetup)
Pheny
o:Il
ovey
ourass.
Joy:
Iknowy oudo.Youwouldntbest
arr
ingati
t
l
ikethat
,ify
oudidnotl
ikei
t.
Pheny
o:(
laughi
ng)Iam comi
ngbackt
otapt
hat
ass.Letmejustgohearwhatthatol
dwoman
wantnow.Joy:Dontkeeptheguestwai
ti
ngf
or
l
ong.
Pheny
o:Nev
er.
(Iwalkint
ohisbathroom andopentheshower
tosetthewaterattheri
ghttemperatur
ewhil
ei
brushmyt eet
hinthemeant ime.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Busi
Masahot el!Exquisiv
er oom withanel egant
view!Itakeasel fi
einther ope.Thi sisli
fe!I
l
ookatt hebl ackcardandmyhear tswell
swi th
j
oy .Myanxi etyl
evelsskyr ocketasi wonder
whatl i
feawai tf
orme. Thismanhasnotev en
tappedity etbuthespoi l
smer otten.What
otheroppor t uni
ti
esact ual
lyawai tfofmeaf t
er
het apsit
.Myphoner ingsandi pickitup.
Busi
:Ni
ck!
Ni
ck:
Mybeaut
if
ulgi
rl
.
Busi
:Howar
eyou?
Ni
ck:
Iam goodl
oveandy
ou?
Busi
:Iam gr
eatj
ustwokeup.
Ni
ck:Ihopet
hehot
elr
oom l
i
vedupt
oyour
st
andard.
Busi
:I
tsur
edidbuti
twouldhav
ebeenbl
i
ssf
ul
i
fyouwereher
ebymy si
de.
Nick:Bepat
ientmyl
itt
leone.Ver
ysoonIwoul
d
be.Justenj
oyyourt
imealonewhil
eitst
il
ll
ast
s.
Busi
:Okay
!
Ni
ck:
3245!
Busi
:Huh?
Nick:Thepint
othecard.Buyyour
sel
fwhatev
er
youwant .Mydri
veri
sdownstai
rstot
akeyou
whereveryouwant.
Busi
:Wow!Thanky
ouDomi
nick.
Ni
ck:
Dontt hankmemyl ov
e,TheThompson
mentakecareofthei
rwomen.Lookihav
eto
go.Iwi
l
lseey
ouont
uesday
.
Busi
:Tuesday
?
Ni
ck:Yeah!Iwil
lpi
ckyouatschool
aft
eryour
cl
asses.Ther
eissomethi
ngiwantusto
di
scuss.
Busi
:Okayseey
ouont
uesday
.
Ni
ck:
Enj
oyy
our
sel
f.
(Hehangsupandi dropmy sel
finthebed
screamingwit
hhappiness.Thisi
smyl if
e!I
couldntevenwantt
ot r
adeitforanyt
hing.)

[
06/
02,
15:
31]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t8
.
..
..
Vanessa
Suchagr eatweekendihadwithNaledi.Ifi
nd
my sel
flooki
ngforwardtoschoolt
oday .Two
reasonstolooktoschoolact
uall
y,Nalediand
Lef
akae.Igr
abanappl
easi
headt
othedoor
.
Dominick:
Whoa!Youngl
adywher
ear
eyou
rushi
ngoffto?
Nessa:
School
!
Domi
nick:
ithoughty
ourcl
assesst
art
sat11
am.
Nessa:
Iwantt
ogot
othel
i
brar
yfi
rst
.
Dominick:Okay!Iam onmywayt
oameet
ing
t
hatside.Iwil
ldropyouoff
.
Nessa:
Youar
edr
oppi
ngmeof
f?
Domi
nick:
Yes.Comeonl
etusgo.
(Whati supwi t
hthem thisday s?Fir
stitwas
Brianactingst r
angeonf r
idaynowi tsmydad.
I
st heresomecont agi
ousi nf
ectionthatthey
hav ecaughtt hatidontknowabout ?Wegeti n
hiscarwhi chi fi
ndr eal
lyawrkwar dbecausei
thi
nkt hisisthef i
rstti
mehehasof f
eredtogive
mear i
de.Wemakesomesi mpleconv esati
on
ont heway .)
Domi
nick:
Anypr
obl
emssof
ar?
Nessa:
Noev
ery
thi
ngi
spr
ett
yokayatt
he
moment.
Domi ni
ck: Dontf
orgetthatiam gr
oomi ngyou
totakeov erthecompanyVanessasi nceyour
brotherdecidedtofol
lowy ourmother'
sfoot
steps.
Nessa:Iknowdad,
onedayThompson
Publ
ishi
ngwill
beallmi
ne.
Domini
ck:Goodnowy oudoknowwhatt hat
means,wecantaff
ordyoutobesi
det r
ackedby
usel
essthi
ngsli
keboys.Ar
eyouli
steni
ng?
Nessa:
yesdad,iam.Dontwor
rynothi
ngwi
l
l
di
str
actmefrom reachi
ngmygoal
s.
Domini
ck:That
smygir
l.I
fyouaceyourf
ir
st
yearwi
thaGPAabove4.0iwil
lgety
outhatcar
youbeenwanti
ng.
Nessa:
(exci
tedl
y)Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Domi
nick:
Iam butr
emembery
oucanonl
yget
i
twheny
our
eacht
hatGPA.
Nessa:
Oh!Dontwor
ryaboutt
hatone.Igott
his.
Domini
ck:
That
swhati
li
ket
ohearmyl
i
ttl
e
angel
.
(Ismileathi
m, mydadi soneoft hosestri
ct
parentsbutwithasoftspot.Ir
elatewellwith
him comparedt omymot herbutwhowoul d
blameme, imeanhesocool andl ovi
ng.Bri
anis
nothisbiol
ogicalsonbutheloveshi mli
kehis
ownson.Thi sjustgoestoshow howcool he
i
s.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Joy
Naledi
:Wow!Butdoy
out
hinkt
hatwasawi
se
decisi
ont
omake?
(Ij
ustfi
nishedtel
li
ngNalediandBusi aboutmy
weekendwi thPhenyoandallthatt
ranspi r
ed.
Naledi
doesnotseem t hr
il
ledthatidecidedt o
giv
eawaymypur it
ytoPheny onotthati expect
herto,weal lknowt hatshei
sthemi ss-goody
twoshoes.Busi sheishappyformet hati
foundlov eandgi vi
ngitashot
, sheisago
getterandi l
ikethatabouther
.If eel
freetotal
k
toheraboutany t
hingbecauseshedoesnot
j
udgel ikeNaledi.
)
Busi
:Helovesherandshel
oveshi
m.I
tneeds
nowisedecisi
onStar
.
Naledi:
Ithoughtmay
bey ouwant
edt
ogi
ve
yoursel
fawayt ot
heri
ghtper
son.
Joy
:Pheny
oist
her
ightper
son.
Nal
edi
:Howdoyouknow?Imeanyoujustmet
hi
m amont
hbackandyoual
readysl
eptwit
h
hi
m.
Busi:i
joi
jo!Nal
edit
hemmaomobony eng!This
daysthereisnomorewait
ing90day st osleep
withaguybecauseyoucansti
llwaitthat90
daysandgetdumpedbyt heguyafterhesl eeps
withyou.Andyoucansl
eepwi t
haguyy oumet
theverysamedayandthatrel
ati
onshipcan
wor
kout
.
Joy:Andifyouli
kesomeoneandhel
i
kesyou
whyshouldy ouwait
?Youneedt
ogai
nsome
experi
ncebeforeyouset
tl
edown.
Nal
edi:
Ibegtodi
ff
er,i
sti
ll
thinkwai
ti
ngand
get
ti
ngtoknowsomeonefir
stbefor
eyoujump
i
ntobedwit
hthem i
swise.
Busi:
Experi
encei
sthebestteacherStar
.St
op
bei
ngsobor i
ngandupt
ight,
liv
eal i
tt
le.I
t
doesnthur
t.
(Atlastsomeoneagr eeswithme, Nal
edi
shouldjustli
vealit
tl
e.imeanl ookatme,ihav
e
afatherbreathi
ngdownmyneckaboutmy
arr
angedmar ri
agebutthatdoesnotmeani
canthav efunbefor
ei set
tl
edown. )
Joy
:Sohowwasy
ourweekendwi
thNessa?
?
Nal
edi
:Itwaspr
ett
yawesome.Shei
sjusta
ni
cegi
rl
.
Busi
:Whoi
sNessa?
Joy
:Lef
a'sgi
rl
.
Busi
:Oh!Her
.Idontl
i
keher
.
Nal
edi
:(l
aughi
ng)Youdontl
i
keherbecause
youwantherboyf
ri
end.
Busi
:It
houghti
stoodachancethenbam!The
Nessagi
rlt
ookover.Iact
ual
l
ythi
nkiam t
he
bet
termat
chforLefakae.
Joy
:Whatmakesy
ousayt
hat
?
Busi
:Lef
aseemst ohaveanaughtysi
de.Nessa
i
sagoodgirlshewouldntknowhowtohandlea
guyl
ikeLef
akae?
St
ar:
Ihav
etogogi
rl
s.Lonal
ekant
ia.
(Shewal
ksoutandBusi
rol
l
sherey
es.
)
Busi
:Hlema!Tsal
ayagagoy
abor
a.(
Yourf
ri
end
i
sboring.
)
Joy:
Tellmeabouti
t,shewantstosucceedso
muchthatshedoesnotevengiv
eherselft
ime
tobr
eathali
tt
le.
Busi:
Naledi st
il
lthinksshei
sinTamasane,she
shouldj
ustwakeupandsmel lt
hecoff
eethi
sis
Gaborone.Imeanev enherdr
esscodeisnot
cutoutforthecity.Whathappenedtoherf
ir
st
al
lowancekant e?TheP4500?
Joy:Shesenti
thome,
tohermot
hert
ohel
pout
backhome.
Busi:
Sobasi call
yshesupport
sherfamil
ywith
theall
owance.P1200amont hhowdoesit
supportafami l
ywhenitnotevenenoughfor
j
ustoneper son.
(Ishr
ugmyshoul
ders.Asmyminddri
ft
sto
Phenyo.Imi
sshi
sli
psandaddi
cti
veki
sses.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nal
edi
Iam tr
yingbyal
lmeanstoconcent
rat
ebuti
cantconcent
rat
ewhenhekeepslooki
ngmy
waytimeandagain.God!Howam ieven
supposedtoconcent
rat
ewithasexyozi
ng
thi
nginfr
ontofme?Howcanamanbet his
beaut
ifulbutbesodet achedt
ohi
semotions?
Notoncehav ei seenhim smi
l
e?Notev
ena
small
t i
ghtsmile.
Dlami
ni:
Thatwr
apsupfort
oday.Pl
easego
readt
opic5ony
ourcour
sel
ine.
(Classisoveralr
eady,
sosoon!Whydoestime
hav etoracesomuchev ery
timeiat
tendDr
Dlamini'
sclasses?Isi
ghloudly
!Asi
textNessa
myl ocati
on)
DrDl
ami
ni:
MsMor
oka?
(
Irai
semyheadandhei
sst
andi
ngbef
oreme)
Nal
edi
:YesSi
r.
DrDl
ami
ni:
Wher
eisy
ourot
herf
ri
endt
oday
?
Nal
edi
:Shewasnotf
eel
i
ngwel
l
??
DrDl
amini
:Tel
lherthati
wil
lbededuct
ingmy
10%endofsemester.
Nal
edi
:YesSi
r!Iwi
l
lpasst
hemessaget
oher
.
DrDl
ami
ni:
Sodi
dyougot
ofr
esher
'sbal
l
?
(Ther
ehegoesagai
nwi
thhi
sawkwar
d
quest
ions.
)
Nal
edi
:Idi
dgot
houghi
wishi
nev
erdi
d.
Dl
ami
ni:
Ihopey
ouwer
esaf
e.
Nal
edi
:Let
ssayi
twasmyl
uckyday
.
Dl
amini:Alr
ight,
seeyounextlessonNal
edi
Moroka.(Smili
ng)Dontf
orgettoreadt
opic5.
(Lorddidhejustsmileatme?Tellmei am
dreaming.Istareathi
sbroadshouldersashe
walksout.Doesheev enknowtheki ndofef
fect
hehasonme? )
[
06/
02,
15:
32]Rn:
DEEPDESI
RES
I
nser
t9
.
..
..
..
..
..
Busi
Fi
nall
yiti
satuesday!Ispendagr
eatdeal i
n
fr
ontofthemir
rorasi beaut
if
ymysel
f.Icant
helpbutwonderwhati si
tt hatNickcoul d
possiblywanttodiscusswi thme.Iguesst here
i
sonl yonewayt of i
ndout .Anhourl ateriam in
thecabt hathehashi r
edf ormet opi ckmeup
andgodr opmeatCr estaHot el
.Ifindhim
alr
eadyt here,
sett
ledinthepent housesui te.He
i
sseat edont hearm chairholdi
ngagl assof
whiskyinhishand.
Domi
nick:
Wel
comebabygi
rl
.
Busi
:(shy
ly)Hi
!
Domi
nick:
Howar
eyou?
Busi
:Iam goodt
hanky
ou,
your
sel
f?
Domi
nick:
Iam al
sogr
eatcantcompl
ain.
Busi
:Sowhatdi
dyousayy
ouwantt
odi
scuss
wit
hme?
Dominick:
Soeagert
ogetdowntoi
t,i
li
ket
hat
myli
tlemousse.Whatcani
gety
ou?
Busi
:iwi
l
lhav
eor
angej
uicet
hanky
ou.
Dominick:It
houghtmay
bey
ouwoul
dwant
somethingstr
onger.
Busi
:Theweekj
ustst
art
edi
needt
obesober
.
Domi nick:
Alri
ght!Iam ol
dBusi andi dontli
ke
beati
ngar oundthebush.Soi am justgoingt o
befrankwi thyou,iam att
ract
edt oyou, ihave
tr
iedfighti
ngthisattr
acti
onbuti am l
osingt he
batt
le.
Busi
:Ohokay
,iam l
i
steni
ng.
Domini
ck:
Althoughiam at
tr
act
edt
oyou,it
hink
youknowthatihavesomeonei
nmyli
fe.
Busi
:(laughi
ng)Ther
eisnogrownupassman
l
ikeyouwhowoul dntbewi
thoutawomaninhi
s
l
ifeNick.
Domini
ck:Iam marr
ied,beenmarri
edf or15
year
snow.Ihavetwochi l
dren,
theoldestis28
year
soldandanotheronesheis18y ears.
Busi
:Wow!Justhowol
dar
eyou?
Domi
nick:
Oldenough!Takeaguess.
Busi
:Pr
obabl
ylat
e40s.
Domi
nick:
Notbad,
iam 55y
ear
sol
d.
Busi
:What
!Buty
oudontl
ookt
hatol
d.
Nick:Becausei l
i
veaheal thli
fe.Anyway
despi
tethef actt
hati am marriediwantyou,
i
wanttoexplorewhat everthi
sat t
ract
ion
betweenismi ghttur
ni nt
o.
Busi:
Inotherwor
dsy
ouwoul
dli
kemet
obe
yourmist
ress.
Nick:Yes!Youcanhav eany
thingyouwantit
,
partofthebenefi
tsthatwil
lcomewi t
hbeing
mymi stress.Iwoul
dofcoursealsorecqui
re
cert
ainthingsfr
om you.
Busi
:(cur
iousl
y)Li
ke?
Nick:
Thatsalli
nhere,poi
nti
ngt otheenvel
ope
ontopofthecoffet
able.I
tisacont r
actwhich
sti
pul
atesexcatl
ywhatmyexpect ati
onsareif
youagreeandwhaty ouwillgetfr
om me.
Busi
:Whydoesi
tsoundmor
eli
keabusi
ness
pr
oposal
?
Nick:
Iti
snot,
butiam anor
ganisedmanil
ike
t
odot hi
ngsacert
ainwaydi
ffer
entfr
om what
youareusedt
o.
Busi
:Whati
fidontwantt
osi
gnt
hecont
ract
?
Nick:
Thenicantbewit
hyou,
thecont
racti
s
supposedt
oprotectmeasmuchasitprot
ect
s
you.
Busi
:Whatdoesi
tent
ail
?
Nick:Duri
ngt hecour seofouraf fai
r ,y
oushal l
commi tyourselft
omeonl yuntilwebot hdecide
toendit.Upondeci dingtoendt heaf f
air
,you
will
walkawaywi t
hany t
hingt hatyouwoul d
haveacquiredduringt heaf f
air,whichincl
udes
anapartmentofy ourchoi ce,acarandmont hl
y
all
owance.Icannotbeseenar oundt hevarsit
y
faci
li
ti
essoy ouwi l
l needt omov eoutofrest o
anapartmenti buyf oryou.Ineedy ou
somewher ewher ei canseey ouany ti
mei feel
l
ikeit.
(OhLord!Howam ievent
oref
uset hi
swhen
thebenefi
tsj
ustmakemyheartbecomever
y
happy.
)
Busi
:Goon!
Nick: Youshal lcontinuewithyourst udiesand
availyourt i
met abletomesoi canknowwhen
nott odi srupty ourstudies.Iwanttoseey ou
somewher ei nlifesoi dontwouldntwantt obe
adi st
r action.Youwi l
lrespectt
hati am a
mar ri
edmanandr espectmywi fe.Failuret odo
sowi ll r
esulti nouragr eementbeingt ermi nated
andy ouwal kingawaywi t
hnothing.Myf ami l
y
andcompanyi soutofboundsandouraf fai
ris
supposedt ost ayjustbetweeny ouandme.
Failuret odowi llasl
or esul
tinterminationand
youwal kingawaywi thnothi
ng.Youwi llhavet o
signanondi scloserformthatyouwi l
lnot
breathawor dtoany bodyaboutwhat soev erour
relati
onshi pi s.
Busi
:Okayi
heary
oubuti
thi
nky
oul
eft
somet
hingbehind.Whathappensifihav
ea
chi
ldy
ourchil
ddur i
ngthedurat
ionofouraf
fai
r.
Dominick:Icannotaff
ordtogetyoupregnant
Busi
.Ifyoufallpr
egnantyouwil
lhavenochoice
butt
ot er
minatethepregnancy
.
(Oh!God!Whydoest hisfeelslikei am selli
ng
mysoul tothedev i
lhereormor elikemybody !
No!ThinkB!Thi si sanoppor tunityofal ifeti
me
icannotletitjustpassmeby .Butifi agreetoo
soon,Nickwi llt
hinkiam t oodesper ate,
alt
houghi alreadyhav emyanswerbuti tbetter
tokeephi m waiti
ngf orsomet i
me. )
Busi
:Canithi
nkabouti
t?Goov
ert
hecont
ract
andgetbacktoy
ou.
Ni
ck:
Sur
enopr
obl
em.
Busi
:iwi
l
lbei
ntouch.
(
Isayasi
standt
omyf
eetandgett
heenv
elope)
Ni
ck:
Leav
ingal
ready
?
Busi
:Yeahi
hav
eat
utor
ial
classi
n2hour
sti
me
soIneedt
opr
epar
efori
t.
Ni
ck:
Okaybeaut
if
ul.
(
Ikisshischeekandwal
kout
,smi
l
li
ngt
o
myself
.)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Nessa
Ihavet owai tf
orLefat ofini
shhislecture
beforei cangohome.Imi sshim al ot.And
Naledi,mybookwor mf r
iend,shehasbeeni n
theli
brar ysi
ncemor ning.ImakemywayBr ian'
s
off
iceaf terigothi
stextmessaget elli
ngmehe
gotmel unch.Mywor kahol i
cbrot
her .Ismil
eas
iopenhi sdoor .
Nessa:
Myf
avour
it
eper
son.
Br
ian:
Bol
opekej
waeng?
Nessa:Iam gi
vi
ngy
ousomel
ove.Sowher
eis
mylunch?
Br
ian:
Itwasj
ustanexcuset
oseey
ou.
Nessa:AoBr
ian!Ar
eyoudonewi
thy
our
l
ectur
es?
Br
ian:
Yahmytuesdaysi
snotasbusyasmy
mondays,
wednesday
sandfr
iday
s.
Nessa:
Cool
!Theny
oucant
akemet
olunch.
Br
ian:
Okayf
ine,
youar
edr
ivi
ngmar
e.
Nessa:
Nopr
obl
em.
Br
ian:
Howi
syourf
ri
end?
Nessa:Nal
edii
sokay
.Shespentt
hewhol
e
weekendwit
hme.
Br
ian:
Iwentwi
thLi
am t
othef
arm af
terwe
dr
oppedyouof
f.
Nessa:Doyouhaveacr
ushonmyfr
iend?I
meany oucant
ell
memay bei
cant
alktoheri
n
yourbehal
f.
Brian:Iam amanVanessaThompson,idont
needy ourhel
p.Pl
uswhosaidanyt
hingabout
crushes.
Li
am:
Soy
ouwontmi
ndi
figof
orherr
ight
?
(
Wet
urnandseeLi
am st
andi
ngbyt
hedoor
.)
Bri
an:
LeaveNaledi
alone,
weall
knowever
yone
whogetsi
nvol
vedwithyouLi
am al
way
sgets
bur
nt.
Li
am:
Iwi
l
lbegent
let
hist
ime.
Br
ian:
No!Findsomeoneelse.Whatar
eyou
ev
endoinghere?Shoul
dntyoubeatwork?
Li
am:
Iwantt
otakey
out
olunch.
Nessa:
Lunch!Whathappenedt
oyou?
Li
am:
Bri
anar
eyoucomi
ng?
Br
ian:
(laughi
ng)Ri
ghtbehi
ndy
ou.
Li
am:
Dontf
orgety
ourwal
l
ety
ouar
epay
ing.
Nessa:
(laughi
ng)i
knewi
t.
(
Wegeti
nLi
am'
scaranddr
ivet
oRi
ver
wal
k)
[
06/
02,
15:
32]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t10
.
..
..
.
Joy
It
sfri
daynowandt hel
astti
mei saw Pheny o
wasonmondaywhenhedr oppedmeof f.
Wholeoft hisweekhehasbeent ell
ingmehow
busyhei swithschoolandSRCst af
f .Imisshim
andi dontthinkicanwaitanylonger ,imakemy
waytohi sroom hopingiwillfi
ndhimt her
e,t
his
cheeseboyhehasar oom inschool buthe
stay
shomewi thhi
smot her.Idontknowwhy ?.
Iknocktwiceonhi sdoorbef oreheopensf or
me.
Pheny
o:Ohi
tsy
ou!
Joy
:Yes,
wher
eyouexpect
ingsomeoneel
se?
Phenyo:Asmat
teroff
acty
es.Somakei
t
snappy.
Joy:Areyouokay?Youbeengi
vi
ngmeacol
d
shoulderev
ersi
ncemonday.
Pheny
o:LookJoyy
ouar
eani
cegi
rlandany
guywi l
lbehappyt ohaveyouasagirl
fr
iend.But
Icantbecausei alr
eadyhaveanot
herspecial
l
adyi nmylife.Thankyouforl
astweekendi
real
lyenjoy
edmy sel
f.
Joy
:Wai
t!Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
?
Phenyo:Geez!Doy ouhav eyobesosl ow!You
wereneversupposedt ocat
chfeel
ings.Ihavea
gi
rlf
ri
end,sostopcal l
ingmeandt exti
ngme
becauseyoumi ghtjustblowupthingsforme.
Joy
:(emot
ional
l
y)Whyy
oudoi
ngt
his?
Pheny
o:Youwill
bestrongmygir
l.Ihav
etogo,
mygir
lfr
iendi
swait
ingforme.
(Heget shi
swat chandwal letandwalksout
l
eav i
ngmei nfrontofhi sroom.Irunaf t
erhim
buti st
opdeadonmyst epswheni fi
ndhi m
kissi
nganothergi r
ljusti
nfr
ontofhisresbl ock.
Ifeelmyheartbr eakingi
ntopieces.Astears
fallf
rom myeyes.It houghtheisgenuine.How
canhedot histome?Toev enthi
nkthati sl
ept
withhim.Idontknowhowi makeitmyr oom,
buttheminut
ei wal
kin,
Icr
ymylungsout.
Candygetupfrom t
hebedandhugsme.)
Candy:Shh!Whati
swr
ongbabe?Whyy
ou
cr
ying?
Joy
:Heplayedwit
hmyemoti
ons.Hetookmy
i
nnocencet
ojustt
ell
mehehasanothergi
rl
.
Candy:Oh!Loveiam sosor
ry.Dontworrythi
s
wil
lpass.Thati
sj usthowv
arsit
ystudentsare.
Joy:
(sobbi
ng)Ir
eall
ythoughtwehad
somethi
ngCandy.
Candy:Dontcryforthatjerkheisnotev
en
wort
hy ourtear
s.Youneedt oarealman,areal
manwontmakey oucrylikethi
s.Whenyou
dat
ey ouragemat esthisiswhatyouget.
Joy
:It
houghthewasdi
ff
erent
.
(
Busi
wal
ksi
nfr
om herl
esson.
)
Busi
:Whyar
eyoucr
ying?Whodi
ed?
Candy
:Shegotdumped.
Busi
:Sosoon!Iam sor
rydol
l
.Ij
ustknowt
he
cur
eforabrokenheart
.
Candy
:Whatar
eyouupt
onow?
Busi
:I
tisafri
day
.Weshoul
dgoout
,justt
hree
ofus,noman.
Candy
:Il
iket
hei
deabuti
am br
okewhoi
s
goi
ngtopay?
Busi
:Ihav
eitcov
ered(
wav
ingt
hebl
ackcar
d)
Candy
:Hehasal
readygi
veny
out
hebl
ackcar
d?
Busi:
Iplaymycar
dsri
ghtdar
li
ng.Joymy
preci
ousJoy.Got
akeabathiam t
akingy
ou
out.
Joy:Iam noti
nagr
eatmoodt
ogoout
.Imi
ght
rui
ny ourmood.
Busi
:Youareintheri
ghtmood.Plust
hisi
sall
tocheeryouup.St
opcryi
ngandletusgotakea
shower.
(
Candyst
art
spl
ayi
ngsomemusi
conherl
apt
op
andt
akesoutabottl
eofredwi
neandaboxof
ci
gar
ret
tesf
rom herbag)
Candy
:Thereisnot
hingthatgoodcompany,
goodmusicandofcoursegreatdr
inkscant
cur
e.
Busi
:Def
inat
elyr
ightmyl
ove.
(Ismil
etomy
sel
f.Thi
stwoar
ejustcr
azyi
tel
l
you.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Nessa
Iam outwi
thLef
a,hehast akenmeouttogo
watchsomemov i
es.If
eelhiseyesonme
ever
yti
metherei
sakissingsceneonthemovie.
Lef
a:So!
Nessa:
So?
Lef
a:Nessahl
emaopodi
.
(
Itakesomepopcor
nsandshov
ethem i
nhi
s
mouth)
Nessa:
Justkeepqui
teandwat
cht
hemov
ie.
Lef
a:Buti
wantki
ssy
ou.
Nessa:
Sowhati
sst
oppi
ngy
ou?
(Hel
ooksatmeandsmilesashecarpsmyf
ace
andki
ssesmesoft
lyandpassi
onat
ely.
)
Lef
a:(
mur
mur
ing)Yourl
i
psar
esosof
t.
Nessa:
Isi
t?Andy
our
sar
ecol
d.
Lef
a:Iam col
dbl
ooded.
Nessa:
Ohpl
easewhatar
eyou?Av
ampi
re?
Lef
a:Yougott
hatr
ight
!
Nessa:
Keepondr
eami
ngl
ove.
(hel
ooksatmesmi
l
li
ngandi
smi
l
eback.
)
Anhourl
aterwewalktohiscarhol
dinghands
aswesipourmil
kshakes.
)
Li
am: mymy !Lookwhatwehaveher
e!Li
tt
le
Nessalooki
ngcosywithaguy.
(
Itur
nsamet
imewi
thLef
aandwef
indhi
m
smi
l
li
ngatus.
)
Nessa:
Shoul
dnty
oubeatwor
k?
Li
am: Myinsti
nct
st ol
dmet ocomeherenowi
canseewhy .(
Extendi
nghishandtoLef
a)Iam
Li
am thebigbrot
herstrokecousi
n.
Lef
a:Iam Lef
akaeory
oucanj
ustcal
lmeLef
a.
Li
am:
Goon,
youar
enotdoneLef
athewhat
..
!!
Lef
a:Oh!The.
..
Nessa:(
int
err
upt
inghi
m)Thenoneofy
our
busi
nessLiam.
Li
am: Youhurtev
enonest
randofhai
rfr
om her
headyouwill
havemetodealwi
th.Ar
eweclear
boy?
Lef
a:Yeswear
e.
Liam:Great
,youcancont
inuewi
thwhat
ever
thisi
s.!(
Winki
ngatme)Youowemewena
Nessa.
(
Hewal
ksaway
.Andwet
urnt
ocont
inue
wal
ki
ngt
othecar
.)
Lef
a:Hei
sscar
y.
Nessa:Liam scary
!That safir
st,hei
sactual
l
y
thecool
estoft hem all
,waitti
l
lyoumeetmy
brot
her,heissodeat chedfrom emoti
onsbut
notscaryandmyf at
her,welll
etssayyouwil
l
knowwhatscar yl
ookslike.
Lefa:
Ithi
nki
wil
lwetmypant
s,t
hedayi
meet
them.
Nessa:
Dontworr
y,t
heyhav
esof
tspot
s.Iwi
l
l
l
etyouknowthem.
Lef
a:Andy
ou,
doy
ouhav
eanysof
tspot
s?
Nessa:
Yes!
Lef
a:Whatar
ethey
?
Nessa:
You!
Lef
a:Orr
eal
l
y?
(
Inodmyheadandexhaleheavi
l
yashepul
l
s
mecloserandki
ssesme.Heist
rul
ymy
weakness.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nal
edi
Itakeahugebr eathinandout .Asi st
and
outsi
dehisdoor ,
cont emplatingonwhet heri
shouldknockornot .Star
!Getagr ippleasethe
mani nsi
det hereisy ourbloodyl ectur
er.You
cannotpossi bl
yhav eacr ushonhi m.Irebuke
suchthings.Heav enlyfather!Whoam i even
ki
dding?Hehasani mpactonmet haticant
evenstarttodescr i
be.
Dl
ami
ni:
Arewegoi
ngt
oknocki
norst
andt
her
e
t
hewhol
eday?
(IturnandDrDl aministarri
ngatme, heis
l
eani ngagainstthewal l
,wearingmerronsli
mfi
t
tr
ouser s,whiteshi
rttuckedin,exposi
nghis
perfecttorsoandf or
mal shoes,ablackti
e.How
canamanl ookthi
sgoodandhandsome
wit
houtev enputti
nganef fort
.Hissmookey
amberey esshine,ashisli
pst ur
ntogivemea
col
gatesmile!Igetbutt
erf
li
esinmyst omach
ashesmiles.Heavenlyfat
herpleasedontdo
thi
stomer i
ghtnow?Ir ebukethisfeel
i
ngsiam
havi
ngri
ghtnow. )
Nal
edi
:Iwasact
ual
l
ylooki
ngf
ory
ousi
r?
Dl
amini
:Icanseethat
!Buti
tseemsl
i
key
ou
wer
ehesist
anttogoin.
(Hesaysashewal kst
omeandst andsbefor
e
me.Forsomet i
mehei sjustst
arr
ingatme
sayingnot
hing.Thenhet ur
nsandopenshis
door,hehol
dst hedoorformetogetin.He
closesi
tfi
rmlyafterme.)
Dl
ami
ni:
Whatbr
ingsMsMor
okat
omyof
fi
ce?
Nal
edi
:Icamet
ohandi
nmyassi
ngmentSi
r?
Dl
ami
ni:
Doneal
ready
?
Nal
edi
:Yessi
riam done.
Dl
amini
:Impressi
ve,
yout
akey
ourschool
wor
k
pr
ett
yseri
ous.
Nal
edi
:Mystudi
esar
etheonl
ybr
eakt
hroughf
or
myfamil
y.
Dl
ami
ni:
Ambi
ti
ousal
so.Il
i
ket
hat
.
(Ihandhi
m mypaperandi
nst
eadhehol
dmy
hand.)
Dlamini
:Iam ver
yor ganisedper sonNal
edi,
i
l
iketostayontopoft hingsincludingmy
emotionsandfeel
ings.Howev erwhenitcomes
toyou,isomehowl oseal l
mysenses.
Nal
edi
:Si
r!
Dlami
ni:
Ihavetr
iedfight
ingt
hisbuti
dontt
hink
icandoitany
mor e.
(
Hesaysashepul l
smecloserunti
lmybreast
t
ouchhishardchest
.Hi
sexpensivecol
ogne
f
eelsmeup.Hebr i
ngshi
sfacecloser,
hetakes
adeepbreat
handhisfr
eshmintybreat
hmakes
mykneesbuckleup.
)
Dl
amini
:Iam goi
ngt
okissyouNal
edi
Mor oka.
I
fyoudontwantmeto,
speaknoworfor
ever
hol
dyourpeace.
(Heavenl
yfather!Howcani refusewhenmy
bodyisalr
eadygi vi
ngmeaway .Iclosemyeyes,
ashissoft
,smoot hlipst
ouchmi nedrawi
ngme
closer
.Iam gladthatheisholdingmeatt he
backbecausemyl egsgi
vemeaway .)
[
06/
02,
15:
32]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t11
.
..
..
..
..
..
Busi
Iam wi thNickchecki ngoutt hef l
att hathis
agenthassuggest edf orus.Youpr obabl y
wonder ingifisignedt hecont ractornot ?Welli
didsigni t
,iti
sev er y
thi ngi everwant edsohow
couldi possibl
yt urnitdown.I tisar easonable
contractandi woul dhav ebeenaf ool turnit
down.Heopenst hedoorandi walki nside.My
j
awsal mostdr opwheni walki nsi
de.I tsisa
exquisiteapartmentf ullyfurnished, alivi
ng
room withanopenkitchenar
ea.2bedrooms,a
studyroom andbathroom.Af
termytour,i
retur
ntot hel
iv
ingroom andfi
ndhi
m standing
wherei l
efthim smil
i
ng.
Ni
ck:
And?
Busi
:Gosh!Ni
cki
lov
eit
.Ev
ery
thi
ngabouti
tjust
sui
tsmystyl
e.
Ni
ck:
Iknewy
ouwoul
dli
kei
tbeaut
if
ul.
Busi
:Thanky
ou!
Nick:
(brushi
nghi
sli
psovermine)l
etmecal
l
Angelasowecansignev
eryt
hingovert
oyou.
Busi
:Sosoon?
Ni
ck:Youl
ovetheapar
tmentsowhyshoul
dwe
wast
eanyt
ime.Doyouhaveapasspor
t?
Busi
:YesIhav
eone.Whyy
ouaski
ng?
Ni
ck:
Good!Wheni
syoursemest
erbr
eak?
Busi
:Nextweek.
Ni
ck:
Greatnews,
iwi
l
lcl
earmyschedul
efor
nextweekandwewi
l
lfl
ytoDur
bant
obuyacar
youwant.
Busi
:Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Ni
ck:
Asr
eal
asy
ouwantmet
obe.
(Ij
umpofhim andattackhi
m wit
hkisses.Just
howluckyam i
?Thingsareabouttogetheated
whenhisphoneri
ngs.)
Ni
ck:
Iam sor
ryi
hav
etot
aket
his.
Busi
:Al
ri
ght
.
(Ikneelbef
orehi
m andunbuckl
ehisbel
t.He
l
ooksatmewi t
hapassion.
)Busi
:Takeyour
calll
ove.
(Hetakeshi scallwhil
emeandmynaught y
mout hhavesomet imewit
hhispistol
.Fora
manhi ssizeitissadnewst oseethathei snot
thatgif
ted.Ijustprayandhopeheknowshow
tousehi stoyorelsewearegoingtohav et o
revi
ewourcont r
actandaddacondi ti
onthatwil
l
aĺl
owmet ogetpl easur
esomewher eelse.He
f
inal
l
yhungsup)
Ni
ck: Youareav erynaught
ygirlBusi
,ihaveto
gohomemydaught erhasi
nvit
edherf r
iend
overtodinner
.Buti am sur
etheywi l
lnotmind
i
fi am abitl
ate,
i haveanaughtychil
dcaset o
at
tendt o.
(Hesay
sashepi
cksmeupandheadst
othe
bedr
oom.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
JOY
Ibeensleepi
ngthewholeday,i
dontev
enhav e
thest
rengthtogooutandfacethewor
ld.Ther
e
i
saknockatt hedoorandidragmysel
fther
e.I
fi
ndNaledioutsi
de.
Nal
edi
:Whoa!Youl
ookamessmyf
ri
end.
Joy
:Hi
Star
!
Nal
edi
:Youhavebeentoschool
wholeoft
his
weeki
camet ochecki
fyouarewel
l
.
Joy
:Comei
n.
Nal
edi
:Imadey ousomenotesfrom Dr
Dl
amini
'
sclass.Ial
solethi
m knowyouaresi
ck.
Sohewontdeductmarksforyou.
Joy:
Whyy oudoi
ngt
his?Areyouher
etogl
oat
tome.?Thaty
ouwer
er i
ghtal
lal
ong.
Naledi
:iam notli
kethatJoy,i
wouldnev er
gloatt
oy ouaboutyourmisfor
tunesbecause
youneverknowt ommor owitmightbeme.Ose
tshegeyoowel eng,
mar el
ediasalepele.
Joy
:(cr
ying)I
thur
tsSt
arsopr
ett
ybad.
Naledi:Itwil
lgetbetterwit
htimemyf r
iend.
Justletitallout
,afteryoucrymakesurey ou
dontev ercryoverthesameagai n.Phenyo
pl
ay edwi t
hy ouremot i
ons,l
etthi
sbeal esson
l
earnt.
Joy
:Iknow,
ihav
elear
ntal
essont
hehar
dway
.
Naledi
:Mygrandmausedt
oalwayssayt
ome,
dontbehar
dony our
sel
fwhenyoumake
mi
stakes,
becausey
ougett
olear
nfr
om t
hem.
Joy
:Thanky
ouSt
ar.
Nal
edi:Youarewel
come.Nowdusty oursel
f
andgetup,br
eathandsmi l
e.Yousti
llhaveyour
whol
ewor l
daheadofy ou.Youcantbeshaken
andcrumpledowneveryti
meitgetstough.I
t
al
waysgetstoughbeforebett
er.
Joy:(
laughi
ng)Ar
ey ousur
eyoui ntheri
ght
prof
ession,
maybeyoushouldbedoi ngsoci
al
work.Yousoundl
ikeDrPhilr
ightnow.
Nal
edi
:It
hinky
ouareri
ght
,iwil
lgochecki
fit
s
t
oolat
eformetoswit
chprogr
ammes.
Joy
:Youdothat
,whatareyoudoi
ngt
oni
ght
?
Canwegocatchamov i
e?
Nal
edi:Iam sor
ryl
ovei wi
ll
notbeav ai
labl
e
wholeoftheweekend.Iam spendi
ngthe
weekendwithNessaandherf amil
y.
Joy:Nessahashercl
awsonmyf
ri
end.Shei
s
real
l
ysteali
ngher
.
Naledi
:Noonecanst ealmel ove.Idontwantt o
seem gossipingorjudgi
ngbuti r
eal l
ydontl
ike
spendi
ngt i
mewi thBusiandCandy .All
they
everdoistalkaboutmen, clothesandf un.I
thi
nktheyar ejustbadcompanyt hatwhyi
spendmor et i
mewi thNessa.
Joy
:Okayigoti
tlov
e.Iguessi
wil
lseey
ouon
monday.
Nal
edi
:Yahy
out
akecar
eofy
our
sel
fforme.
Joy
:Iwi
l
l.Hav
efunwi
thNessa.
(Shehugsmeandwal ksout.Igogetabath,
andgoov ert
henot esshecamet ogiveme.
Naledii
snotthatbad!Shemi ghtbeupti
ghtbut
sheisagoodper sonwithagenuineheart
.He
parent
smustbepr oudofher .
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
Nal
edi
"Iam goingtoki
ssyouNalediMor
oka,speak
noworf orev
erhol
dyourpeace.
"Hi
sv oi
cehas
beenr i
nginginmyv oi
ceeversincelastweek
whenheki ssedme.Idontevenknowhowi got
throughthisweekletal
onehislecturesafter
thatkiss.Andhehasbeensocal m asi fnothi
ng
hasev erhappened.
Nessa:
(touchi
ngmyhand)hel
l
oany
bodyhome?
Nal
edi
:Sor
ryaboutt
hat
,igotdi
str
act
ed.
Nessa:Wearehome.Looksl
i
keev
ery
onei
s
al
readyher
e.
Nal
edi
:Ev
ery
one?
Nessa:
mom,
dad,
broandt
hecousi
n.
Nal
edi
:Whydoi
suddenl
yfeel
ner
vous?
Nessa:
Igoty
oul
over
.Dontbener
vous.
(Shekissesmycheekaswegefof fthecar .
Thispeoplearefil
thyrichanditisnotev en
funny,t
heirri
chesintimidat
ethehel l
outofme.
Ijustdontgetusedt otheideathatihavear i
ch
fri
end.Wewal kinside,aswewal kinsideaman
comesdownt hestairs.)
Li
am:
Final
l
ytheyar
eher
e,wecaneat
.
Nessa:
That
smydr
amat
iccousi
n.
Li
am:
Ihear
dthaty
oungl
ady
.
(Hesaysashewal
kstomeandhugsme.Il
ook
atNessawhoisl
aughi
ng.
)
Liam: Ihear
dsomuchabouty ouStar,i
ta
pleasuretofinal
l
ymeetyou.Ihaveafeeli
ng
thatwear egoingtobegr
eatfri
ends.Iam Li
am
byt heway .
Hi
l
da:
leav
ethepoorchi
l
dal
oneLi
am.
(
Shesaysasshehugsmeal
sookayt
hisf
ami
l
y
i
sful
lofhugl
over
s.)
Hi
lda:Oh!Nessayouforgott
oment
ionthatshe
i
sabeaut y
.Iam Hil
da,Nessa'
smom,youcan
j
ustcall
memom al so.
Nessa:
Okayy
ouar
efr
eaki
ngmyf
ri
endout
.
Hi
lda:
Lor
rai
newi
llt
akeherbagtotheguest
r
oom.Letusgoi
nandhavedinneryouf
ather
hasbeenwai
ti
ng.
(Wewal kt
othedinni
ngroom andchant
greet
ings.MrsThompsonisfri
endlyand
tal
kati
veunli
keherhusbandheisreser
vedand
l
ooksscary.)
Bri
an:Iam sor
ryi
wasst
il
lmaki
ngaf
ewphone
cal
ls.
(It
urnandi am shockedwheni seehim.No!
Thiscanthappen.Ther ei
snowayhecanbe
whoi thi
nkheis.Heav enl
yfat
herpleasedont
dothistomer i
ghtnow. )
[
06/
02,
15:
32]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t12
.
..
..
.
Nal
edi
Br
ian:
MsMor
oka,
wemeetagai
n!
No!Ibl
i
nkafewtimespl
easedontt
ellmet
his
i
shappeni
ng.DrDl
amini
cantbeNessa'
s
br
other
.Noway
!Pl
easedontt
ell
mehei
s!
Nessa:
Wai
t!Yout
woknoweachot
her
?
(
Igetsomej
uiceandgul
pitdown.Wor
ldcan
y
ouopensoicanhide.
)
Li
am: Ofcour
set
heyknoweachot
her
,Br
iani
s
herl
ectur
er.
Hi
l
da:
Wow!Smal
lwor
ld.
(Heseatsdownr i
ghtopposi
teme.Andgiv
eme
his,
colgatesmil
ethatgiv
esmeunsett
li
ng
butt
erfl
ues.Doesthi
smanr eal
l
ywanttobethe
deathofme?i havesomanyquesti
onsri
ght
nowt hatneedsanswers.
)
Bri
an:Idontthi
nkwehavefor
mallyi
ntr
oduced.
(ki
ssi
ngmyhand)BrianDlami
ni,
Iam Nessa'
s
bigbr
other.
Nessa:St
opitBr
ian,y
ouarefreakingStarout
,
i
tsalr
eadybadenoughthatshejustfoundout
t
hatyouareherl
ecturer
.
(
Damnr
ight
!Nessai
am f
reaki
ngout
.Mycr
ush
whohappenstobemylectur
ert
urnsouttobe
yourbr
otherj
usthowf
u**edup,
isthi
s?)
Ni
ck:
Soy
ouar
est
udy
ingmedi
cine?
Nal
edi
:Yes.
Ni
ck:
Whymedi
cine?
Naledi:Eversinceiwasal it
tl
egi r
lialways
i
magi nedmy selfbeingadoct or.Lastyearwhen
il
ostmygr andmot her,
ijustgotmot i
vatedto
goformedi cinesot hatIwon'thavetowat ch
myf ami l
ymember sdieanymor ewithoutdoi
ng
anythi
ngabouti t
.
Ni
ck:Ambi
ti
ousandgogett
er.i
li
kethat,you
r
emindmeofBrianwhenhewasy ourage.
Hi
l
da:
Iwasaboutt
osayt
hesamet
hing.
Nick:AndyouBr
ian,
youarenotget
ti
ngany
youngerwhendoyouint
endongett
ingmar
ried?
(
ichokeonmydri
nkandBri
anchuckl
es.I
twas
abadideat
ocomehere.
)
Li
am: (
laughing)Thi
sjustkeepsgett
ing
i
nter
esting.Nessayoushouldinvi
teStarov
er
moreoften.
Br
ian:Dontwor
rydad,
ver
ysooni
wil
lbeget
ti
ng
marri
ed.
(hesaysashest
aresatme.i
avoi
drai
singmy
eyes.
)
Hilda:Iam goingtohav
eanearl
yni
ght.(
she
standsandki ssesmycheekaswel
lasNessa)
Nal edii
willseeyouint
hemorni
ng,
iti
sagirl
s
dayout ,bereadyby10am.
Nessa:
Thanky
ou!Mommyy
ouar
ethebest
.
Ni
ck:Iam goi
ngt
ocal
li
tani
ghtal
so.
Goodni
ght!
(Heholdsherwife'
shandsandt heylaughas
theywalkoutofthedi
nningroom.NessaandI
foll
ow,asshetakesmeonat ouraroundthe
house.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iam supposedt obesl eepi
ngbuti cant
becausei keept urningandt ossingthewhol e
night.Iam st i
ll
inshock.Br iani stheDrDl ami ni
.
Iam goi ngt ogetdar kci
rcl
esi fidontgetsome
sleep.Istandupandgetmygownt henmake
mywayt otheki tchen.Ineedsomewar m mi l
k
thatalway sdidt het ri
ck.Wheni cl
osethef r
idge,
Ireali
set hereisaper son'
sshar dowbehi ndt he
fri
dgedoor .Idropt heglassont heti
lest
ar t
led.
Br
ian:
Idi
dntmeant
ost
art
ley
ou.
(ifr
eezeonthespot
.It
shi
m!Whatam i
supposedt
odo?)
Nal
edi
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nthedar
k?
Br
ian:
Icoul
dntsl
eepandy
ou?
Nal
edi
:Sameher
e.
(Imovesoi canlookforamopt ocleanmy
mess,butistepintooneofthebrokenglasses.
Makingmet oscream inpai
n.Beforeiknowi ti
am alr
eadyinhisarmsandhei swalking
t
owar
dst
hest
air
s.)
Nal
edi
:Putmedown,
icanwal
k?
Br
ian:Idontr
ememberaski
ngi
fyoucannot
walk.
(Gosh!If orgetthathei ssorude.Ikeepqui t
eas
het akest hestairsholdingme.Iwast hinking
hei staki ngmet ohi sroom buti am surprised
whenhegoest heopposi tedirection.Heopens
thedoorandswi tchsint heli
ght s.Iam
sur pri
sed, thewhol er oom mi ghtbet hesi zeof
ourhouseathome.Aki ngsizebedi sinthe
mi ddleoft heroom wi thwhi t
ebedcov er
s.On
myl ef
tt her ei
swhi tecouch, whi chhasawhi te
fl
uf fymatandcof feet ablei
shesomesor tof
cleanf reak.Onmyr i
ghtlooksl i
keanof f
ice, a
bookshel vesfullofbooks, anof ficedeskand
chai rwithacomput er.Andt wodoor swhi chi
assumei sanot herfort hebathroom anot heri
dontknow.Heput smeont hecouchand
disappear sont her ooms, hecomesbackwi t
ha
f
ir
stai
dboxandst
artsat
tendi
ngt omyf
eet
.I
j
ustwat
chhi
m,gosh!Iam smi
tten.)
Br
ian:
Arey
oual
way
sthi
scar
eless?
Nal
edi
:Idi
dntl
ookwher
eist
epped.
Bri
an:Justl
i
keyoudi
dntlookov
ery
ourdr
ink
dur
ingthefr
esher
sbal
l.
Nal
edi:
Idi
dnotknowmydr
inkwoul
dget
spi
ked.
Bri
an:Whydoy outhinkitoldy
out
obesaf
e
becauseinnocentprettygir
lsl
i
key
oual
ways
getspikedatthoseev ent
s.
Nal
edi
:howwasi
toknow?
Brian:Youarecarel
essNaledi
.Godknowswhat
woul dhavehappenedtoyouifNessawasnot
there.
Nal
edi
:Whydoy
oucar
eifi
gethur
tornot
?
Bri
an:Icar
ebecausei
choosetoNaledi
.Icar
e
becauseIl
oveyouNal
ediMoroka.
(Hesaysashesmasheshi sli
psintomi ne.I
fi
ndmy sel
frespondi
ngtohisroughkisses.He
pull
sawayandl ooksatmeforfewmi nutes
thenst
andsupandgett hefi
rstaidbox.)
Bri
an:St
opbeingsocar
elessNal
edi
,oriwi
l
l
hir
eyouanannythatwi
ll
foll
owyouever
ywher
e
yougoNaledi
.
(Hedi
sappearsi
ntotheotherr
oom givi
ngme
ti
metoabsorpwhathejustsaid.Di
dhej ustsay
helov
esmeori didnothearhi
m clearl
y?So
manyrevel
ati
onsinj
ustoneday .Hecomes
backwit
haglassofmi l
kandhandsi tt
ome)
Nal
edi
:Thanky
ouSi
..
.
Bri
an:
(int
err
upt
ingme)Dontdontev
endar
etr
y
cal
lmeSir.
(
Ilookathi
m andsmi
l
e.)
Nal
edi
:Thanky
ouBr
ianDl
ami
niThompson.
Br
ian:
Hav
edi
nnerwi
thme?Onmonday
.
(
Gosh!Hedoesnotwast
eany
timedoeshe?
)
Nal
edi:Havedi
nnerwi
thwho?Bri
anNessa'
s
br
otherorDrDl
aminimyl
ectur
er?
Br
ian:Havedi
nnerwit
hBr i
an,t
heman
i
nstr
estediny
ou,yourfut
urehusband.
(
Iblushasil
ookathi
m.Justwhoi
sthi
s
Myster
iousmani
nfrontofme.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
[
06/
02,
15:
33]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t13
.
..
..
..
..
Busi
Iam outwithCandybutmymoodisnotr
eal
ly
onit
.Mymoodj ustwemtf
rom 100t
o0%since
myyesterday.
Candy
:Okayspi
titout
?Whati
seat
ingy
ouup?
Busi
:(i
nnocent
ly)Not
hing!Iam j
ustokay
.
Candy:
Thisismey ouar
etal
ki
ngto?Icansee
ri
ghtt
hroughyou.Whati
swrong?
Busi
:Iam st
arv
ingCandy
!
Candy
:Shoul
dior
dery
ouf
ood?
Busi
:Dontbeaf
ool
Candy
!Imeansexual
y
st
arvi
ng.
Candy:
(laughi
ng)It
houghtbynowNi
ckwoul
d
haveal
readysort
edyouout?
Busi:That
sthet
hingCandy,Nickmi
ghtberich
andhandsomebutGoddi dhim noj
ust
icedown
ther
e.
Candy:(
amused)Youwantt
otel
lmet
hathei
s
notgi
ft
ed?
Busi:No,gi
ftatal
lmydearandt
hesadnewsis
thathealsogotzer
ogamewhenitcomesto
thedeli
very.
Candy:(l
aughi
ng)Somuchsav
age!Hecantbe
thatbad.
Busi
:Badi
sev
enanundest
atement
.
Candy
:Wecanthav
eital
lmydear
.Youj
ust
havetosuckitupmydear
,youknowy oucant
aff
ordtolosehim.Hei
syourmealt
icket.
Busi
:Iam keepi
nghim buti
am goi
ngtofi
nd
someoneont hesi
deyogivemesati
sfact
ion.
Someonelikehi
m.
(Ipoi
ntt othecolouredguyt hatjustwalksinto
theclubVI Psecti
on.Ourey esmeetandl ock.
Hebi t
eshi slowerli
pashel ooksatmeandi
feelmyst omachr ollupinknot s.Hissmokey
eyesandpi nklipsdohi m nojustice.Behi
ndhim
i
sanot herguywhoi sjustashandsomeashi m
buthelookscol dandshowsnoemot i
ons.Gosh!
Thisguy sjustl
ookliket hetypest ogiv
ey ou
orgasmsj ustbylookingatt hem.Thecol done
j
ustwal kspastus, whiletheonewi t
hpinkli
ps
winksatmeashewal kspastus. )
Busi:Therei
smynextmi stake.Iam notgoi
ng
backtor est
oday
,iam spendingthenightwi
th
thatguy.
Candy
:Enj
oyi
tmyf
ri
end.I
tmi
ghtbel
astt
ime
y
out
ast
egooddi
ck.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nessa
Afteradayoutshoppingwi thmymom and
Naledi.St
arandirelaxintheloungeroom.Iam
helpi
ngherouttojoinsocialmediasli
ke
facebookandwhat sapp.Final
lygota
smar t
phonetodayasapr esentfrom mymot her
.
Nal
edi
:Wher
edi
dLi
am andBr
iandi
sappeart
o?
Nessa:I
tisasaturday
.Liam goestot
heclub
ever
ysaturdayandBri
angoeswi thhi
m.Sohe
candri
vehim homeaf t
erhegetshimsel
fdrunk.
Nal
edi
:Oh!Okayandy
ou?Doy
ouev
ergot
o
cl
ubs?
Nessa:
Mydadwoul
dki
l
lme.
Naledi
:Iwanttotel
lyousomethingNessabuti
dontknowhowt o?Butialsodontwantyouto
fi
ndaboutitf
rom someoneelse.
Nessa:
Youar
escar
ri
ngme,
whati
sit
?
Naledi:
Ihonestl
ydidnotknowthatheisyour
brother
.Doy ourememberwheni t
oldy out
hat
ihaveacr ushononeofmyl ect
urers?
Nessa:Yesi
dor emember.Ohlor
d!(Laughi
ng)
Donttel
lmethatthel
ect
ureri
sBrian?
(
Ishy
lynodmyhead)
Nessa:(
laughi
ng)Wow!Thisissof
unny
!You
haveacrushonmybrotherandhehasacr
ush
onyou.Howcut e.
Nal
edi
:wai
t!Howdi
dyouknowhehasacr
ush
onme?
Nessa:Iknowmybr ot
her.Onfr
esher'sbal
l
wheny ourdr
inkgotspiked.Hewast otal
l
y
worri
edandl astweekhegav eLiam awar ni
ng
tostayawayfrom you.Onlyamani nlovecan
behavethatway.
Naledi
:Gosh!Thi
sissowrongyetitf
eelsso
r
ightNessa.Imeanheismylectur
er,your
brot
herforheavensake.(
Shecoversherface
andgroans)Ithi
nkili
kehim,ohl
ord!Andwhen
hekissedme,Nessamywhol eworldstopped.
Nessa:
Wai
t!Di
dyouj
ustsayki
ss?
(
Nal
edi
standst
oherf
eetandget
sherphone)
Nal
edi
:Noi
didntsayki
ss.Idi
dntsayany
thi
ng
i
nfact
.
(Shelooksatmeandst
ickshert
ongueoutas
sherunsoutoft
heroom.)
Nessa: (runningafterher
)comebackher e,
youngl adyy ouowemet hosej
uicydet
ails.You
alsogoi ngt opaydoubleformakingmer un
afteryouNal edi
Mor okawhenicatchy
ou.( She
stickshert ongueoutatmeasshecont inuesto
runt owardst hestair
s).
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Joy
Iam att
heli
brar
yforl
atenightst
udyi
ng.Ihav
e
beensobusywithmyli
fethatihavebeen
maki ngmyacademi clifesuff er.Istareatt he
sumsi nfrontofmeandi havenocl uehowi am
evensupposedt osolvet hem.Goshi fonlyStar
washer e,shewoul dknowhowt osol vethem.
Bunki ngclassesdoeshav eser ious
repercussionsi guess.Iam her estarringatmy
textbookcl uelessaboutwhatwayt ogo.If eel
l
ikei justwaistedmyt i
mecomi ngher ewheni
shouldhav ej
ustsleptorbet terj usttookBusi '
s
offerandwentoutwi thher .Pheny ocrossesmy
thought sandi fi
ndmy selftaki ngmypenand
pieceofpaperandst artwr i
ti
ngoni tfuri
ously.
Damny ouPheny o!Icurset hedayi mety ou.
Kagi
so:
Badday
!
(Ii
gnoret
heguyandcont
inuewi
thwhati
am
doing.
)
Kagi
so:Isawyoustruggl
ingwit
hthemat
hs.
Thoughtmaybeicouldhelp.
Joy:
Why ?Ar
ey out
ryi
ngtogetsomescor
eso
youcangeti
ntomypants?
Kagi
so:Whoa!Calm downyoungl
ady.Whosai
d
anyt
hingaboutget
ti
ngint
oyourpant
s?
Joy:Whati
syourhi
ddenagenda?Noguyi
s
everni
cewit
houtanagenda.
Kagiso: Looksl i
key ourper cepti
onaboutmeni s
damaged, doy ourselfsomef avorandget
yourselfhelpbef oreitslate.Notev er y
guywho
i
nni cet oy ouwi l
lwantt ogetintoy ourpants,
someofuswegott aste.Wedonotget
att
ractedt oev eryskirtthatpassesby .Isaw
youstruggl i
ngwi ththemat hsandt houghti
couldhel pi wasonceaBSCst udental so,buti
dontthinky ouneedmyhel pany mor e.
(Hetur
nsandwal
ksaway
.Gosh!Joyy
ouneed
hishel
p.)
Joy:
Wait
!Iam sor
ry.Maybei
doneedhel
pwi
th
afewsums.Canyouhelp?
Kagi
so:
Please?
Joy
:Huh?
Kagi
so:
Askni
cel
y?
Joy:(
irol
lmyeyes,
doeshehast
obeso
di
ff
icul
t)Canyoupl
easehel
pmeout
.
Kagi
so:
Thatwasntsodi
ff
icul
t.Iam Kagi
so.
Joy
:Iam Joy
ousory
oucanj
ustsayJoy
.
Kagi
so:
Sowher
ear
eyoust
uckJoy
?
Joy
:Ev
ery
thi
ngi
thi
nk
(
hegr
absachai
randt
akesmyt
ext
book)
Kagi
so:
Let
sseewher
ethepr
obl
em i
s.
(Isi
tpr
oper
lyandli
stenat
tent
ivel
yashebr
eaks
downandexplai
nsthemathstome.)

[
06/
02,
15:
33]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t14
.
..
..
..
..
.
LI
AM
Sheissit
tedbehindme.Ikeep, l
ookingbehind
me.Gosh!Ijustcanthol
dmy sel
f,herbigey
es
keeppopping,ii
maginemy selfdoingthi
ngsto
her.Shel
ookslikesomekindoff reak.
Br
ian:
Whendi
dyouwear
eleav
ing?
Li
am:
Rel
axBr
ian!Iam st
il
ll
ooki
ngf
orpr
ey.
Bri
an:Idontgetwhyyouhavetoalway
sgeta
gi
rlev
er yweekend.Whynotset
tl
edownand
commi ttoonl
yoneperson?
Li
am: Commi t
-what?Idontdothosethi
ngs,
i
donthaveti
met oinvestmyemot i
onswheni
canjusthav
eallthefunwithoutf
eeli
ngs
i
nvolved.
Br
ian:Whenyouar
edoneget
ti
ngy
ourpr
eyy
ou
wi
llfi
ndmeinthecar
.
Liam:Shehasaf
ri
end,
donty
ouwantherj
ust
fortheni
ght
?
Bri
an:
Youofall
peopl
eshoul
dknow,idontdo
oneni
ghtst
andsLi
am.Plust
hisgi
rl
sarenot
myt
ypes.Theyl
ookdesper
ate.
Li
am: Justgobef
oreyour
uint
hingsf
orme.I
wi
llf
indy oui
nthecar
.
(
Hest
andsup&wal
ksout
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Busi
Thecol donedoesnotev englanceatusashe
walksout.Howcansomeonebet hishandsome
butbesodet ached?Hei ssoy ummyt obethis
cold.Heshouldjustr
elaxli
kehi sf
ri
endthere,
thethingsicoul
ddot ohimlord!Ifi
ndmy self
getti
ngupf r
om mychai rsoicangooccupyt he
seatthatwasseatedbyhi sfr
iend.
Busi
:Iam goi
ngov
er.
Candy:Thaboj
usttext
edme?Hei
sdownst
air
s.
Shoul
di l
eaveyoubehind.
Busi
:Gomyf
riend.It
oldy
oui
am l
eav
ingwi
th
MrPinkl
i
pst
oday .
(Candystandsup,wehugandshewal ksout
.I
walktothecounterandsitnextt
ohi
m.
Crossi
ngmyl egsinfrontofmeandlookathim.
)
Busi
: Whatdoesaladyhav
etodot
ogetsome
ser
vicearoundher
e?
Li
am: Theladyonl
yhast
oask.(
Ext
endi
nghi
s
hand)Liam Dl
amini
.
Busi:(
imeethi
shandhal
fwayandst
arei
nhi
s
eyes)Mary
li
nDomini
ck.
Li
am:
Abeaut
if
ulnamef
orabeaut
if
ull
ady
.
Busi
:Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ofl
att
erme?
Li
am:
Isi
twor
king?
Busi:
Ithasbeenwor
kingsi
ncey
ouwal
ked
thr
oughthatdoor
.
Li
am:Youreyes,
Mary,y
ourey
esmakesme
wantt
odot hi
ngstoy
ou.
Busi
:Thi
ngsl
i
kewhat
?
(
Hest
andsupandwhi
sper
sinmyear
.)
Busi
:Il
i
ket
oputt
hatt
otest
.
Li
am: Iwashopi
ngy
ousayt
hat
.Youwantt
o
getoutofher
e?
Busi
:Mypl
aceory
ourpl
ace?
Li
am:
Mypl
ace.
(Hest andsupandgetsmet omyf eet.He
kissesme, asl
owpassi onatedruggingkissthat
l
eav esmewant ingmor e.If
indmy selfl
ooking
forwardtothenightahead.Letsseei fhecan
l
iveupt omyexpect at
ion.Nickwillj
usthavet o
forgiv
eme, whathedoesnotknowwonthur t
me.Agi r
lgott
odowhatagi rlgottodo.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
NALEDI
Monday!Eversincefr
idayihavebeenlooking
for
wardtomonday .Howi evengotthroughhis
l
ectur
etodayi dontknow,hewasser i
ous,did
notevengl
ancemywayt oday.buti
twas
expect abl
ei meant heguyhasal ready
confessedt hathel i
kestost ayi ncont rol
.Il ook
my selfonceagai ni nthemi rror.May bei should
j
ustt exthim andt ellhimt hati wil
l notbeabl e
togof orthisdinnerofhi s.Itsaschool night ,
i
cantgooutonaschool night.Youcantaf ford
tolosef ocusNal edi,youar eher et ogety our
degree, notbegoi ngi ndinnerdat esespeci all
y
withy ourlect urer, Iscol
dmy self.Mymom wi ll
bev erydisappoi ntedi fshewast oseemenow.
Youhav et omakeherpr oudNal edi,shinel i
ke
yourname.Idr opmy selfont hebedandsi gh!
Whendi dev er y
thi ngget ssocompl icated?Why
didi havet of al
l forhi m ofallpeopl e?Myphone
ri
ngswhi l
ei am st illi
nthemi dstoft he
quest i
ons.
Nal
edi
:Hel
l
o!
Br
ian:
MsMor
oka!
(
Irecogni
sehi
svoi
cewi t
hinani
nstant
.Hei
s
t
heonlyonewhoadressesmewithmy
sur
name.
)
Nal
edi
:Dl
ami
ni?
Br
ian:
Yourcar
ri
agei
swai
ti
ngbyt
hepar
kingl
ot.
Nal
edi
:Isi
tal
readyt
ime?
Bri
an:It
oldy
oui
wil
lbecomi
ngt
ogety
ouat
730pm.
Nal
edi
:Gi
veme5i
wil
lbet
her
e.
(Ihungupandt akeahugebr eat hasi look
my selfoncemor ei nthemi rrorbef orei goout.I
spothi ml eaningagai nsthi scar ,heisi nthe
samecl otheshewor eearlierathi slecture,
formal sli
m- ti
ghtt rousers,formal shoes, awhite
shirttucked.Hei sl eaningagai nsthiscarand
pressinghi sphone.Heav enlyf atherisiteven
all
owedf orsomeonet obet hishandsome?He
rai
seshi sheadandourey esl ock.Heopenst he
doorf ormeandi getin.Oncei nsidei takea
hugebr eat h.Hej oinsmei nabi tandl ooksat
met hensmi les,ashel eansf orwar dandpul l
s
myseatbel
t.
Br
ian:
Bet
tersaf
ethansor
ry.Hi
!
Nal
edi
:Hel
l
o.
Br
ian:
Shal
lwe?
Nal
edi
:Yespl
ease.
(Hedr i
v eswhi lei rel
axbackont hechair
.He
holdst hest ar r
ingwheel withonehandwhi le
hisotheroneget smyhandandhol dit.
Heav enlyf ather !Ithi
nkiam goi ngtofaint.Iam
suprisedwhenhepul l
sinfrontofamot orgate
andwewai tfori ttoopen.Itsabeaut i
fuldouble
storyhouse, withpool onitrightandside
parking.Hepar kst hecarnextt otheone
alr
eadyt here.Andcomest oopent hedoorf or
me.Aswegoi nsidethehouse, hekneels
beforemeandunt i
emyshoesl aces.Hehel ps
met akesof ftheshoesandgi vemesleeper s.
)
Br
ian:
Theyhav
ebeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
ou!
Nal
edi
:Thanky
ou!
Bri
an:Youarewel
come.Wel
comet
omyl
i
ttl
e
sanct
uary.
Nal
edi
:Ar
ewegoi
ngt
ohav
edi
nnerher
e?
Br
ian:
Yes!Whydoy
ouask?
Nal
edi
:Noit
houghtmay
bewear
egoi
ngt
oa
r
est
urant
.
Bri
an:Sorr
ytodi
sappoi
nt.Ihadabusyday,j
ust
l
ookingfor
wardt
oahomecookedmeal .Pl
usi
dontthi
nkyouwouldwanttobeseenwithme
outther
e.
Nal
edi
:Al
ri
ghtsowhoi
sgoi
ngt
ocook?
Brian:(
hel ooksatmeandsmi les)Dontworryi
willnotmakey oucookony ourfir
stdayhere
thoughy ouaregoi ngt
ocookformeoncei
makey oumywi f
ebuttodayiwil
lhegenerous
andbet hechef.Yougettobeluckyandwatch
measi cook.
(
Hetakesmyhandandleadsmet
ohiskit
chen.
Hepi
cksmeupandplacesmeontheki
tchen
stool
swhil
ehet akesanapronandstar
t
cooki
ng.Heavenlyfat
her
!Iswearthi
smanj
ust
wantstobedeathofme.)
[
06/
02,
15:
33]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t15
Coul
dntedi
t
.
..
..
..
..
Nal
edi
Iwat
chhim ashemov esintheki
tchen.Hei
s
soper
fectthatifi
ndmysel
fwonderinghowhe
canbesointerest
edi
naboringpersonli
keme.
Br
ian:
Pennyf
ort
hought
s?
Nal
edi
:Yeah!Ar
eyousur
ether
eisnot
hingi
can
dot
ohelp?
Brian:
Iam sur
e,youar
etheguestsoj
ustsi
t
thereandr
elax.
Nal
edi
:Okay
,cani
asky
ouaquest
ion?
Br
ian:
Gor
ightahead.
Nal
edi
:Howarey
ouaDl
ami
niwhenVanessai
s
aThompson.
Brian:Mymotherhadmebef or
eshemet
Domi ni
ck,
iam Nick'
sstepson.Wheni
was13
theymarri
edsoi deci
dedtokeepmymother
's
surname.
Nal
edi
:Why
?
Br
ian:Ial
waysknewiwantedadi ff
erentpat
hof
l
if
e,Nickwantedmetotakeafterhim buti
wantedtomakesomethingformyname
wit
houttheThompsonnamei nfl
uence.
Nal
edi
:Oh!Okay
.Howol
dar
eyou?
(
Hel
ooksatmeandl
aughs)
Bri
an:Nal
edi
!Youcantasky
ourmant
hat
quest
ion.
Nal
edi
:Why
?
Br
ian:
(hewalkst
omeandstandsi
nfr
ontofme)
Amanshouldbeaskedt
hoseki
ndofquest
ions.
Nal
edi
:Say
swho?
Br
ian:
(smi
l
ing)Yourman.
Nal
edi
:Whoi
smyman?
Br
ian:
Youar
est
arr
ingathi
m.
(Hebri
ngshi
sfacecloserandki ssesme.Iput
myhandsaroundhiswaistasi enjoyhi
skisses.
Ipul
lawayandlookathisface.)
Nal
edi
:It
hinksomet
hingi
sbur
ning.
Br
ian:
Shi
t!
(Herunst
ohi
spot
sandi
findmy
sel
flaughi
ng
athi
m.)
.
..
..
..
Wear esi
ttedinthedinningroom havi
ngdinner
.
Gosh!Heissuchagoodcooker ,
idontthi
nki
canbeatthisstandardsandl l
ookathishalf
plat
e.Gosh!Heev enhasabi gappeti
te,
Heavenl
yfatherlookslikeiam i
nbigproblems.
Irai
semyey esandl ookathim.
Br
ian:
(sl
i
cinghi
sst
eak)Whati
sit
?
Nal
edi
:Not
hing.
Br
ian:
Nal
edi
?
(Gosh!Heissoaut
hori
tat
ive.Ev er
ythi
ngabout
him demandspowerov
eryou, thewayhe
speaks,hewal
ksgoshevent hewayheeat s.
)
Nal
edi
:Wher
edi
dyoul
ear
ntocook?
Bri
an:It
ookcookingl
essons.(
Het
akesmy
handandlooksatme.)Nal
edi!
Nal
edi
:Br
ianDl
ami
ni.
Br
ian:
Ilov
eyou.
Nal
edi:I
sitnott
oosoont
obeconf
essi
ng
f
eel
ings?
Brian:Ther ei
snot hi
ngliketoosoonort ooslow
wheni tcomest ofeeli
ngsNal edi.Whatifeelf
or
youi t
sgenui ne.Ourlovejustlikeanyotherwill
facepr oblemst hefi
rstone,ist hati
am your
l
ect ur
er ,
itsagainstuniver
sit
yr ulesforl
ectur
ers
tobeinvol
vedi
nrel
ati
onshi
pswi
tht
hei
r
student
s.
Nal
edi:Whydoihav
eaf
eel
i
ngt
haty
ouhav
ea
sol
uti
onfort
hat
?
Brian:Iam onlyt
eachingy ouf orthissemest er
,
nextsemest eriwil
lnotbey ourl ecturer
.Iam
askingy outowaitformeNal edi,letusget
throught hi
ssemesterasjustl ecturerand
studentandbet ogetherwhenwear edone.
Plusi dontwanttobeadest ructiontoy ou.
Hav i
ngt oteachyouwhi l
ei datey ouwi l
l behar
d
forme.
Naledi
:Idontknowwhatify
out eachmet
he
nextacademicyear
,whatwil
lhappen?Wi
l
lyou
breakupwithme?
Bri
an:wewi l
lnotbuticanalwaysletgoof
bei
ngal ect
urer.Iam j
ustaski
ngforthi
s
semesterNaledi.
(Il
ookathi
m wonder
ingi
fthi
swi
l
lwor
katal
l
.
Canwepulli
toff
?)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Nessa
Itr
yt ocomposemy self
, i
am wi thmom and
dad,wear emeetingpot enti
al busi
nesspartner
s
fordinner
.Somet i
mesi wishi wasasboldas
Bri
anandt ellmyfatherthati am notint
erested
i
nt akingaft
erhim.Liam ist heonewhoi s
i
nterestedinthefamilybusinessnotme.
Ni
ck:
Theyar
eher
e.
(Hesay sashest andst ohisfeetandwef oll
ow
suite.Iraisemyey esandl ookatt hi
sguest s.I
am sur prisedtoseehi m wal ki
ngwi thhisfather
towar dsus, ifi
ndmy selfdownmemor ylaneas
irecallhowwemet .Lefakae!Myher o?He
savedmef rom fall
ingandembar assingmy self
onmyf irstdayatv ar
sity.Mymrmuscl e.There
i
ssomet hingaboutt hisdarkguyt hatgivesme
goosebumps.Hel ookssogoodi nat uxedo.We
stareateachot herasweshar egreeti
ngsand
i
nt r
oduct ions.Soonourpar entsaredr i
ft
edt o
busi
nesst
alksast
hedi
nnercont
inues.
)
Nessa:
Ist
hissomesor
tofsetup?
Lef
a:Iwasaboutt
oaskt
hesamet
hing.
Nessa:
Youl
ookgoodi
nat
uxedoLef
akae
Moeng.

Lef
a:Tel
lmesomet
hingi
dontknow.
Nessa:
Dontbesuchabr
agMr
.
Lef
a:It
hinki
shoul
duset
hisoppor
tuni
tywi
sel
y.
Il
ookathi
m ashestandsupwonder
ingwhat
hecoul
dpossi
blybeupto.
Lefa:
MrThompsondoy
oumi
ndi
fit
akey
our
daughteronawal
k.
(Icr
ingeinf
earasianti
cipat
emyfather
's
answer.Iwonderwhatheisgoi
ngtosay)
Ni
ck:Notatall
son,shelooksbored.(
Wait
!Am i
dr
eaming?Didjustmyfatheragr
eetothi
s?
Whati
shappeningtohimt hi
sdays?Ishe
gr
owingsoftorwhat
?Ist
andupandwal
kout
wi
thLefa)
Lef
a:(
put
ti
nghisj
acketonme)Idontknowwhy
youar
eshowi
ngothermenmyasserts?
Nessa:
Yourasser
tssi
ncewhen?
Lefa:Ij
ustwonyourf
atherov
erdi
dy ounotsee.
Induetimeiwil
lhesendi
ngmyunclesoverf
or
l
obola.
Nessa:
Youareget
ti
ngt
oobi
gfory
ourshoes
Lef
akaeMoeng.
Lef
a:Gi
veani
ggasomebr
eak,
hei
str
ying.
(
Hest
opsi
nfr
ontofmeandki
ssesme.
)
Lef
a:Imi
ssedy
ouVanessaThompson.
Nessa:
Imi
ssedy
oual
so.
Lef
a:Comel
etusgo.
Nessa:
Wai
t!
(
Itakeoffmyshoesandgiv
ehim myshoesasi
walkbar
efoot
ed.Helooksatmetot
all
y
supr
ised)
Nessa:
iam t
ir
ed.Ineedabr
eakf
rom t
heheel
s.
Lef
a: Hl
emaopodi
gadi
Nessa.
Neo
i
kgoleget
seng.
Nessa:
Gor ay
aopodi
aker
eLef
a?Gakel
e
Podi
gadi.
Lefa:Idontwantt
ogeti
nvol
vedjustl
i
kei
cannotletmywomanwalkbaref
oot.
(
Hecr
onchi
nfr
ontofme.
)
Lef
a:Womani
donthav
eal
lday
,geton.
(
Ismiletomysel
fasigetonhi
scomf yback.
Myinnerwomanfol
dsherarmsandlooksat
me.Idonthav
etimetodealwi
thherdrama.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
2Mont
hsl
ater
.
[
06/
02,
15:
33]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t16
2MONTHSLATER
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
JOY
Ilookathim ashewal ksinandsmi le.Wehav e
becomest udybuddi esov erthepastt wo
mont hs.Actuallyhei smor elikemyt utor
,doi ng
hismast er
s,hei squi tetheopposi teofguy si
cant alkt
o.Hei sf ullofhimsel fandr ude.Idont
evengethowi canbeat t
ractedt ohim.Iguess
feeli
ngsdoeswor ki nwonder s.Iam gl adt hati
am takingthingssl owt histi
mear ound.I
woul dntwantthist oblowuponmyf acebef ore
i
tev enbegins.
Kagi
:Donttel
lmeyouaredaydr
eamingabout
mewheny ouaresupposedt
obest
udying?
Joy
:Dontf
lat
tery
our
sel
fyour
sel
fKagi
so.
Kagi
so:Iam st
il
lwonderi
ngwhatlov
epor t
ion
youputonmyf ood.YouarenotmytypeJoy,
howdidigetat
tractedt
oyou.
Joy:Dontstar
t,weal
lknowt
hati
didy
oua
hugefavorhere.
Kagi
so:Oh!Getr
eal
iam t
heonewhodi
dyoua
hugefav
our?
Joy:
(iputahandovermynose)Whichcol
ogne
di
dyouputont oday
?Itsmel
l
sreal
lybad.
Kagiso:Here,wegoagain,forgeti
tJoyi am not
goingtochangemycol gonet hi
stimearound.
Itsti
mey ougettestedwhoknowsmay bey ou
arepregnantthoughidontknowhowt hat
wouldbepossi bĺ
ebecausei havenotyet
tappedthefrui
t.(Hechuckl
es)Ormay bey ou
areli
keMar y,youarecar
ryi
ngt hesecondJesus.
(Hekissesmycheek)Youl ookl i
keyouhav e
seenaghost ,iam j
ustki
dding.Seeyoul at
er
doll
.
(Hegetshisbagandwal ksout .Iam st
ill
in
shock!Pr
egnant!I
tcantbe,i cantbepregnant.I
j
ustcannotbepregnant!Istandt omyf eetasi
walktomyclosettoconfir
m somet hing,isee
thetwopacksofpadst her
e.Idoament al
countdown.Thel astti
mei hadmyper i
odswas!
Lordno!Icantbepr egnant!Myf atherwillkil
l
me, hewillr
eall
ykil
lmef orthis.AndLeabaneng,
mypr omisedhusbandwhatwoul dievent ell
him?Icameher et ostudynowi havetor eturn
homewi t
hachild,abastar
dchi ldforthat
matter!Iwouldbedead!Icantbepr egnant .I
t
wouldbear ealmess. )
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Istar eatt het wol i
nes!Twol inesmeansIam
pregnant .Thi sisthefourthhomet estkitihave
usedandi tallkeepsgivi
ngmet hesamer esults!
Oh!Lor dwhatam i goingtodowi thmy self
.
Howwi llifacemyf ather?Leabaneng?And
Kagi sot hispr egnancywi ll
justruineverything.
Whydi dy ouhav etoherecklessJoy ?Why ?And
wor stofal lthisisPhenyo'schild.Theguywho
blankl ytoldmehewant snothingt odowi thme.
Myv isionbecomesbl urr
yduet othetearst hat
stream downmyf ace.Thereisaknockatt he
doorandi
standupwipi
ngmytearsasi
goand
att
endtot
hedoor.I
tisNal
edi
,it
hrowmysel
fin
herar
msasi cr
y.
Naledi
:Hey!Whati
sit
?IcameassoonasIgot
yourmessage.
Joy
:ImessedupSt
ar,
ireal
l
ymessedup
Nal
edi
:Whati
sit
?Isi
tKagi
so?Di
dhedumpy
ou?
(
Ishakemyhead)
Nal
edi
:Whati
sitt
hen?Whyy
oucr
ying?
(
Ishowhert
heki
tsandsheexami
nest
hem.
)
Naledi:
Oh!Dol
lcomeher
eiam sor
ry,
isi
t
Kagiso'
s?
Joy:Nomeandhi
m wear
enoti
nti
mat
eyet
,
Phenyo.
Nal
edi
:Ohno!
Joy
:Whatam i
goi
ngt
odoSt
ar?
Nal
edi
:Youar
epregnantJoy,youdidnotki
l
l
any
oneandyuar
enott hefi
rstgi
rlt
obe
pregnantanddef inat
el ynotl
ast
.Thegoodthi
ng
aboutt ert
iaryisthaty ougettoatt
endcl
asses
evenwheny ouar epregnantunti
laweekyou
gi
v ebirth.Youar egivent woweekstogoand
conceiv ethencomebackandcont i
nue
attendendingcl asses.
Joy:
Myfat
herwi
l
lki
l
lmeSt
ar.Hewar
nedme
bef
orei
cameher
e.
Star:Hewill
bedi
sappoint
edyesbuthei
syour
fatherbuthewi
ll
for
giveyou.
Joy:YoudontundestandStar
,myfatheri
sa
str
ictman,ihaveahusbandwaiti
ngforme
backhome.Myhusbandt obeexpectsmet obe
avirgi
n.Iam r
uinednow.Iam asgoodasdead
Naledi
.
(Shel
ooksatmeshocked.Herey
esal
most
poppi
ngoutoft
hei
rsockets.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
BUSI
Il
ookathim ashei ssoundlyasl eep.His
pinki
shli
pslookingswollen.Iraisemyhandt o
tr
acehisfacefeauturesbuti stopmy sel
fasi
am aboutto.Youcantdot hisBusi si
we,you
cantcat
chf eel
ingsforLi
am.
Hav i
ngf eelingsf orLi am wasnev erpartoft he
plan, hewasj ustsupposedt obemyboot ycall
not hingelse.Butt hegoodsexgotmor eand
mor einterestingbef orei evenknewi t
,iwas
alreadycat chingf eeli
ngsf ortheguy .Il
ookat
him oncemor e,Godknowsi wantt ostay
l
ongeri nhi sbedandar msbutNi cki scomi ng
overt omypl acet onight,tospendt heni ght,tal
k
aboutbor edom.Igetupf rom thebedbef orei
hav esecondt hought sandputonmycl othesi n
adash.Idontwanthi mt owakeupbecausei
willnev erleav ei fhedoes.Iwr i
tehi ma
messagewi thmyl i
pstickont hemi rr
or." Thank
youf ortonight .Wi llbeint ouch.MD"i l
ookat
him andwal kout .Igetacabt or esi needt oget
mycaranddr i
v ehome, butfi
rsti switchont he
phonei usetocommuni catewithNick.Livi
nga
l
ieisfinal
lyhavi
nganef f
ectonme, Liam knows
measMar yl
i
nDomi nickast udent,thtswhyi
haveleavemycar ,behindev er
yti
mei gosee
hi
m.Yesi di
dgowi thNi cktoDur banhegotme
aBMW 450i .Oncei getinschool ichangemy
cl
othesanddr iv
et omyf l
at.Wheni walkitis
darkasi am abouttoswi tchonthel i
ghtsi got
star
tl
edbyhi svoice.
Ni
ck:
Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
(
Ijump,whati
shedoi
ngher
e,si
tt
ingi
nthedar
k
f
orthatmatt
er.
)
Busi
:Gosh!Di
dyouhav
etoscarmel
i
ket
hat
?
(Iswitchontheli
ghtsandtur
ntofacehim.He
i
ssi t
ti
ngont hecouchlooki
ngcal
m, heis
wearingasuit,
theti
eisgoneandholdinga
glassofwhisky.
)
Ni
ck:
Iaskedaquest
ion?
Busi
:Canwenotdot
hisr
ightnow?Ihav
enot
seenyouf ort
hewhol eweek,
imi
ssyou.
Int
ergorat
ionsisnotsomethi
ngi
hav
einmy
mindrightnow.
Ni
ck:
Answermyquest
ion.
Busi
:Iwasatschool
.
Nick:Iprayf
ory
oursakethaty
ouwereat
school.Remembery
ousignedacont
ract
.
Busi:Howcani for
get?Wheny ouremindme
aboutitev erychanceyouget.Cany oust
opwi t
h
theinsecur i
ty,i
tisnotsexy,
itmakesy oulook
i
nsecur e.(Istandbeforehi
m andt akeoffal
lmy
clot
hes)Iam y oursDomini
ckThompson, my
body,mysoul t
heyareally
ours.Ihavesold
them toy ou.
(Ibendandkisshi
m andt
akehi
shandl
eadi
ng
himt oourr
oom.)
Busi:Comel
etmegogiv
eyouapr
oper
welcomehomedaddy
.
.
.
.
.
Thanky
ouf
oral
lwhohav
ebeenpat
ientwi
th
me.
Iam backnow!
S!
[
06/
02,
15:
34]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t17
.
..
..
..
.
VANESSA
Ilookatmydadi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.Idontbel
i
evewhat
iam hear
ing.
Br
ian:
Youarejustgoi
ngt
osel
lyourdaght
erf
or
abusi
nessdeal
?
Br
iani
sthef
ir
stt
obreakthesil
ence.Il
ookat
mymom hopi
ngtohearwhatshehastosay
butshelooksawayconf i
rmingthatshei
swi t
h
dadinthiscrazyideaofhi
s.Theywantmet o
marrysot hattheycanmergethecompanies
wit
hthef amilytheywantmetomar ryi
nto.
Li
am:Whi
chf
ami
l
yisi
t?I
sitsomeonewe
know?
?
Nick:
Yeswemetwi
tht
hem t
womont
hsback.
TheMoengfami
l
y.
(Ohhellno!LefakaeMoeng?Myi nnerwoman
givesmet heitoldyousogood!Iknewi twas
noconsidencehowy outwomet .Sheclapsher
handsbef orefol
dingherarms.Idonthaveti
me
dramatictendenciesri
ghtnow.Ihavebeen
playedbymyf atherandpossibl
et heguywhoi
thoughtlovesme. )
Nessa:Letmegett
hisst
rai
ghty
ouwantmet
o
marryLefakae?
Ni
ck:Yesmyl ove.Thi
sisadeal
ofali
feti
me
wecannotletitj
ustpassby
.Rememberyouar
e
t
aki
ngov eryearstocomesoconsi
dert
hisj
ust
ast eptowar
dssecuringyourf
uture.Br
ian:
Wonder soft
hisworldshal
lneverend!Areyou
l
isteni
ngtoyoursel
fri
ghtnowdad, youare
sel
lingNessaforwhatafewmi ll
i
onsiny our
account.
Nick:
YouwontundestandBri
an.I
fyoumar
ri
ed
Kemo, Nessawoul
dnthavet
omar r
yLef
ari
ght
now.
Br
ian:Nott
hisKemot alkagai
n.(Shout
ing)
Whenareyougoingtost opsel
li
ngustot he
bi
ggestbi
dderoutthere?
Nick:Yougotborni
nadiffer
entfamil
y
Kgotlaesel
e,st
opact
ingli
keabratandbehave
l
ikeaman.Justbecausei l
etyoudoasy ou
wishwi t
hyourcar
eerdoesnotmeany ouare
offthehook.
Br
ian:Iwi
ll
neveragr
eet othi
snonsense,who
st
il
ldoesbusi
nessarr
angedmar ri
ageainthi
s
er
a.Nessa,donotl
etthem useyouasachess
pi
ece,towi
nsomebusi nessesbysel
li
ngy ou
of
f.
Hi
lda:
(f
uri
ousl
y)Br
ianKgot
laesel
eThompson
t
hatsenough.
Brian:Iam aDlamini
mother
,foronceiam gl
ad
thatididnotchangemysurname,itwoul
dhave
beenadi sgracet
ohav emynameat t
achedto
thi
st wist
edf ami
ly
.
(Hegr abshiskeysandwal kout.Iwishihadhis
courageandst ubbornness,heistheonl
yonein
thi
shousewhoknowshowt oputThegr eat
Domi nickThompsoni nhisplace.Someti
mesi
wonderi fi
tisbecauseBr i
anisnothissonthats
whyhei snotsohardonhi ml i
keheisonme. )
Nick:Thatboyi sspoi
l
tHil
da.Youshoul dhave
neverlethim doashepleasesi
nt hefir
stplace.
Vanessa, t
hinkaboutwhatisai
d,plusyou
al
readyliketheboymar r
yinghi
m wi l
lbea
bonus.Liam letusgo.
(Theyst
andupandwalkout.Aft
eri
seehi
scar
dri
veout,i
grabmycarkey
s, i
tst
imeit
ookmy
newcarf
orat
estdr
ive.)
Hi
lda:
Wher
edoy
out
hinky
ouar
egoi
ngy
oung
l
ady?
Nessa:
Out
.Ineedsomef
reshai
r.
Hil
da:Bebacksoon.Youf
athermi
ghtr
etur
n
soonandyouknowhedoesntwantyoudri
vi
ng.
Nessa:(mur
muring)Whatisthepoi
ntofbuy
ing
meacari ft
heyhadnointent
ionsofl
ett
ingme
dr
iveit
.
Hi
l
da:
Whatdi
dyousay
?
Nessa:
Dontwor
ryi
wil
lbebacksoon.
(Igetint
hecaranddr i
veout.Ineedtogosee
LefakaeMoeng.Isendhim atextaski
ngwhere
heis?Afteri
gethisresponse,iputmyphone
awayanddr i
vethere.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Nessa:
Weneedt
otal
k!
(
That
sthef
ir
stt
hingi
sayt
ohi
m.Asi
joi
nhi
m
andhisfr
iendsbythebenchesi
nfr
ontofmor
gul
ref
rect
oryinschool
.)
Omphi
l
e:Boy
!Whatdi
dyoudo?
Lef
a:Okay
!Let
schi
l
labi
tthenwewi
l
ltal
kmy
l
ove.
(Justlookathi m, socalm whenhehasbeenso
mischev ious.Givehim apieceofy ourmind,
wait!Idontt rustyoutodot hat,soletmedoit
foryou, j
ustr el
axthere.Myi nnerwomansay s,
asshef oldsthesleevesofjerseyupl i
kesheis
preparingf orawar .
)
Nessa:
No!I
tcantwai
tLef
akae.
Dav
id:
(lai
ghi
ng)Oh!Damnhei
sindeepshi
t.
Lef
a:Shupupyoumoron.Al
ri
ghtl
etusgot
alk
mylove.I
nyourcar
?
(
Ileadhi
mtomycarandwegeti
n)
Nessa:
Forl
ongdi
dyouknow?
Lef
a:Knowwhat
?
Nessa:
Dontactdumpwi
thmer
ightnow
Lef
akaeMoeng.
Lef
a:Longbef
orei
mety
ou.
Nessa:
Sohowi
mety
ouwasnoconci
dence?
Lefa:
Unfor
tunat
elynot
,ihadal
readygot
ten
headsupfr
om yourdad.
Nessa:Wow!Sot
hiswasasetupf
rom t
he
st
art.
Lefa:Mydadt oldmeamont hbefor eschool
openedt hatheandy ourdadar eplanni ngon
mar r
yingmeof ftoy ou,igotal l
thei nformation
ineededabouty ou.Thef irstdayi camet otell
you,thati wil
lnotagr eetot heridi
cul ousidea
butifellforyouVanessa, l
ov eatfirstsite.
Nessa: Donty oudar esitthereandt alkabout
l
ovewhi l
ey ouhavebeenbusyschemi ngwi t
h
myf atherbehindmyback.Maki ngmebel ieve
i
ny ourl i
es.Herei hav ebeent hi
nkingwemetby
fat
e,y oulovemeasmuchasi l
ovey oukante
keraa, gakei t
sesepe, ,koorekeI saacMakwal a
felakenosihel
a.(Idi
dnotknowi
wasi
nthi
s
alonejustl
i
keIsaacMakwala.
)
Lef
a:Dontsayt
hatVanee.
..
.
Nessa:(i
nterr
upti
nghim)Dontsatany t
hing,
dontsell
memor eli
esthany oual
readyhave.I
t
i
salreadybadenought hatihavebeenplayed
bymyf atherandyou.Pleasegetoutofmycar.
Lef
a:Nessapl
easedontdot
his.Letust
alk.
Nessa: Isai
dgetout.(
Screaming)Getout
Lefakae.Idontwanttoeverseeyouagain.Get
outofmycarandmyl if
e.
(Helooksatmedev astatedandheget sout.I
rever
seandspl asht hedi rtwateront hesideof
theroadonhi mi nt entionall
y."Ser
v eshimr i
ght
thatbastar
dhepl ay edwi thouremot ions"My
i
nnerwomansqueel s.Ilookont her earmirror
,
heisstil
lstandingwher ei l
efthi
m wat chi
ngat
mycar .Sti
ngsoft ear sburnmyey es,hopingfor
rel
ease.Iam notgoi ngt ocr y.Iwi
llnotcryisay
tomy sel
fasi lookatmyphone.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nal
edi
Hav i
ngt olov esomeonef rom adi stancei shar d.
Idontev engetwhyi agreedt othisabsur didea.
Itisev entor tur ethati havet oputupwi th
hav i
nghim st andi nfrontofmet eachi ng.Why
didi havetoagr eet ot hi
s?Cant hesemest er
comet oanendal readysoi canputt hismi sery
behi ndme?Icur set hedayi start
edat tend
Br ianDlami ni classes, icurset hedayi wentt o
hishouse.It hinki twasbet t
erwheni onl yhada
cr ushonhi m, beforeheconf essedhi sf eelings
forme.Whendi dev eryt
hinggetsocompl icated?
Idontknowhowmanyt imesi hadt ost op
my selffr
om pi ckingt hatphoneandbr eaki ng
ther ulescal li
nghi m.Isi ghanddr opmy selfon
bed.Justf ocusony ourschool wor kSt ar,
remembery ouwantt oweart hatwhi tecoatand
beashi nningst ar, ashinningDoct or.Myphone
ringsst art
lingme.Il ookatt hescr eeanf or
secondscont empl atingonwhet heri shoul d
answer,i
squeeli
nexci
tmenti
knewhewi
l
lbe
thefi
rstt
obreakther
ules.
Nal
edi
:(answer
ing)DrNal
edi
Mor
oka.
(Ideci
dedtost
artcal
li
ngmy sel
fadoctorbef
ore
iam evenonesothatidontfor
getwhyiam
hereandwhereiam headi
ng)
Br
ian:
(chuckl
es)Get
ti
ngbi
gfory
ourboot
s.Hi
e!
Nal
edi
:i
tiscal
l
edbei
ngambi
ti
ous.Hey
!
Bri
an:
Ibr
oket
her
ule.Ineededt
oheary
our
voi
ce.
Nal
edi
:Badday
?
Br
ian:Yeah,AsLi
am cal
l
sthem f
ami
l
y
melodramas.
Nal
edi
:Wantt
otal
kabouti
t?
Bri
an:Noi
dontwantt
opassmynegat
ive
ener
gyonyou.
Nal
edi
:Okay!Whatyouwanttot
alkaboutt
hen,
t
hatwontpassanybadener
gy.
Br
ian:
You!
Nal
edi
:(puzzl
ed)Me?
Br
ian:
Yesy ou,whoi sNal
edi
Moroka.Iam in
l
ovewithagirlyeti
dontknowwhoshei s.Arent
it
hebiggestfoolever.
(Ismil
etomysel
fandmyt oestwirl
.Il
ookatthe
ceil
i
ngasistar
ttel
l
ingthelet
halguyattheend
oftheli
newhoDrNalediMorokais.
)
[
06/
02,
15:
34]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t18
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Joy
Pheny
o:(
laughi
ng)That
saniceone.Imustgi
ve
youcr
edi
t,youar
eprett
ygood.
(Istandinhi
sroom t
alkingtohim.Ihave
practi
cedsomanyway si woul
dbreakthenews
tohim buti
ntheendijustblur
tedi
tout.)
Joy
:Iam notj
oki
ngPheny
oiam pr
egnant
.
Pheny
o:Congr
atul
ati
onst
henmydear
.
Joy:Wow!Isthat
sall
y ouhavetosay
,
congradul
ati
ons,
iam carr
yingy
ourchil
dand
thi
sisally
ouhavetosay.
Pheny
o:Whoa!Hol dyourhorsesyounglady.
Whyareyoudesperate?Likethi
s?Nowy ouare
goi
ngtoplaytheiam pregnantanditi
sy our
s
l
ineonmej ustsoyoucangetmeback.
Joy:Dontflat
tery
oursel
fPheny
o.Idontwant
you.Ijustt
houghtyoushoul
dknowthatiam
pregnant.
Phenyo:Thenwhathappensaf
teriknow?We
coul
dplayhappyfamil
ymeandy ou?Youare
real
l
ypatheti
cJoy.
Joy
:Iam keepi
ngmychi
l
d.
Phenyo:Goodl
uck,isuggestyougolookforthe
fat
herofyourbast
ardchildandstopbother
ing.
Joy
:Whyar
eyout
hiscr
uel
?
Pheny
o:Getout
.Andt
hisbet
terbet
hel
astt
ime
youcometomyroom wi
thsuchst
upidst
ori
es.
Ornextt
imei
wil
lshowyouwhatcruel
tyi
s.
Joy
:Youar
esuchaj
erk.Roti
nhel
lPheny
o.
Pheny
o:Meety
out
her
edar
li
ng.
(Iwalkoutbangi
ngthedoorbehi
ndme.Idont
evenknowwhyi gotatt
ract
edtohimi
nthefir
st
place?
Iwal
ktomyroom andf
indNal
edi
andBusi
wai
ti
ngformether
e.)
Nal
edi
:Andhowdi
ditgo?
(
Nal
edi
askscur
iousl
y.
)
Joy
:Hewant
snot
hingt
odowi
tht
hebaby
.
Naledi
:Gosh!Whyi
sthi
sguybei
ngsocr
uel
to
you?
Joy:Ishoul
dhaveknownbetter.Myfather
warnedme.Ichosetobeignorant,"
Ngwanao
sautwengmol aowabat
sadiout wawa
manong."(Achil
dwhodoesntlist
enlearnsthe
har
dway
)ihav
elear
nti
tthehar
dway
.
Naledi
:Youl
earnfr
om yourmi
stakesmydear
,
l
etthisbeal
if
elessonnotonl
ytoyoubutt
o
evenus.
Joy
:ThankyouSt
ar,
yoursuppor
tmeansal
ot.
Whatam igoi
ngt
odowiththechi
ld?
Busi
:Youknowi
tisnotev
enachi
l
dyet
.
Nal
edi
:Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngy
ousay
?
Joy
:St
arl
etBusi
tal
k.
Busi
:Youcandoanabor
ti
on.
Naledi
:What?Weallknowabort
ionisi
ll
egali
n
Botswana.Youwoul
dserveti
mei npri
sonif
theyfi
ndout.
Busi:
Yesweal
lknowiti
sil
l
egalbutshei
snot
evenshowi
ngy
et.Peopl
edontknow.Whowil
l
repor
t?
Nal
edi
:Andwherewi
l
lshedoi
t,t
heall
owance
i
snotenought
ogotoSout
hAfr
icaanddoit
ther
e?Andi nBotswananohospi
tal
does
abort
ion.Busi
:Iknowsomeonewhodoesthem.
Naledi:Dontt
ell
mey oumeanabackst reet
aborti
on.ThatsdangerousBusi
,shecouldev
en
l
oseherl if
e.Whyareyouideasalwayshaveto
beriskyanddangerous?
Busi:
ThereshegoesMrsMor al
i
ty,
Missgoody-
shoes,l
etsheary
ourunr
iskyandnotdanger
ous
i
deas.
Nal
edi
:May
be.
..
..
Joy
: (
int
err
upti
ngher)Canyouj
ustshutupbot
h
ofyou?Howcani t
hinkwhenyoutwoare
makingall
thi
snoi
se.
Busi
:Shest
art
edi
t,Mi
ssgoodyshoesher
e.
Nal
edi
:Donty
oudar
ecal
lmeMi
ssgoo.
..
..
.
Joy:(
shouting)Canyoual
lj
ustshutup.I
nfact
getout,
justleaveyout
wosoi canthi
nk.
Busi
:Thi
sisal
somyr
oom ar
eyouf
orget
ti
ng?
Joy
:Iknowbuti
needt
obeal
oner
ightnow.
Nal
edi
:Iwi
l
ltal
ktoy
oul
ater
.
Busi:
Thi nkaboutwhati
sai
d.Ti
mei
snoton
yourside.
Joy
:Yah!Thanky
ou.
(Theywal koutandilayonmybackfacingthe
ceil
ingasmymi ndithi
nkaboutmyway
forward.Myf at
herswordshi
thome.Ithought
hewasbei nganoldnaggi
ngmanwhenwar ned
me.Ir eachformyphoneandcallhi
m.)
Hendr
ick:
Myl
i
ttl
eangel
.
Joy
:(cr
ying)Daddy
!
Hendri
ck:
Hey
!Ar
eyoucr
yingmyangel
?Whati
s
wrong?
Joy
:Cany
oucomeandgetme.
Hendr
ick:
Whati
swr
ongJoy
ous?
Joy
:Imi
sshomedaddy
,imi
ssy
ou.Ineedy
ou.
Hendr
ick:
Cal
m downmyangel
.Cani
dri
ve
downt
ogety
ouonf
ri
day
?
Joy
:Yespl
ease.
Hendri
ck:St
opcr
ying,
mygi
rli
wil
lbet
her
eto
getyou.
Joy
:Thanky
oudad.
Hendr
ick:
Any
thi
ngf
ormyl
i
ttl
egi
rl
.
Joy
:Il
ovey
oudaddy
.
Hendr
ick:
Ilov
eyoumyJoy
.
(Ihungupandsmi
l
etomy
sel
f.Hei
smy
superman.
Loosi
ngmymot heratayoungageihavegrown
tobeclosetohim,hebasical
l
ytaughtme
ever
ythingiknow,t
oevenhowt ousepadson
myf i
rstper
iod.Toever
ythi
ngaboutboysand
men.Wher edidigowrong?
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Nal
edi
Igeti
ntomyr
oom f
rom Joy
'sr
oom.Iam
furi
oussoi gotakeabat haft
erwardsitr
y
Nessa'sphonebututdoesnotgot hr
ough.
Thatsafirstherphonei salwayson.Igetmy
booksandsi tbymyst udydeskprepari
ngt o
readwhilemyr oommat eissti
ll
attheli
brar y
.
Justasi am aboutt ositmyphoner i
ngs.Itno
oneothert hant hemanwhomakesgetal l ki
nds
ofemot i
onsf r
om tal
ki
ngt ohim.
Nal
edi
:(answer
ing)Thi
sisbecomi
ngahabi
t.
Br
ian:
Nal
edi
!
Nal
edi
:Rr
a!
Bri
an:
Canyouputonsomet
hingdecentand
comedownst
air
s?
Nal
edi
:Ri
ghtnow?
Br
ian:
YesIam wai
ti
ngdownst
air
s.
(Hehangsup.Gosh!Arewebackatbeingrude?
Itakemyt i
measichangefr
om mypy j
amsi nto
"somethi
ngdecent
"li
keihavebeenorderedto.
Wheni fi
nall
ywal
koutifi
ndhim andLiam
waiti
ngoutsi
de.TheylooksadwellLi
am looks
sad,icantr
eadBrian'
semot i
onsbecausehe
nevershowshisemotions.Heussodet ached
fr
om them.)
Li
am:
Yousur
etooky
ourt
ime.
Nal
edi
:Hi
toy
out
ooLi
am.
Br
ian:
Letusgo.
Nal
edi
:Whoa!wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?Ihav
eto
r
ead.
Li
am:
Readi
ngcanwai
t.Letusgo.
Nal
edi
:Cany
oustoptel
l
ingmewhatt
odoand
t
ell
mewhatisgoi
ngon?
Bri
an:Vanessahasbeeni
nvol
vedi
nacar
acci
dentNaledi
.
Nal
edi
:What
?Wher
e?Wher
eisshe?
Bri
an:Bokamosohospi
tal!Ar
eyoucomi
ngor
shoul
dwel eav
eyoubehind?
Li
am:
Giv
eherabr
eakBr
ian.Shei
sinshock.
Comesweet
ywewi
l
lexpl
ainont
heway
.
(Li
am hel
psmeinthecar
.Whi
l
eBr
ianget
s
behindt
hewheel
.)
[
06/
02,
15:
34]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t19
.
..
..
..
.
Busi
Afteril
eav ecampusi decidethatineedanight
out.Soical l
Candyandwegot oClubMiguels.I
havenev erbeenthere.Ihearditaposhclubat
thepeekofamount ain.Ineedtoletoutsome
str
eam.Isi tdownwi thCandyasi sipmy
mar t
ini
.Iam t el
l
ingheraboutmi ssgoody
shoesNal edi.
Candy:Whynott
eachheral esson?Sheisout
ther
eacti
ngli
kevir
ginMar ywhenweknowt hat
sheisshaggi
ngherlect
urerformarks.
(
Ichokeonmydr
ink)
Busi
:Ibegy
ourpar
don?
Candy:Therear
erumour
saroundcampust
hat
sheissleepi
ngwit
honeofherl
ect
urer
s.
Busi:
Youarelyi
ngwhichl
ectur
erwill
degrade
hi
msel fl
i
kethat
.ImeanNaledihasnothi
ngto
off
er.
Candy:Neversaynev
er.Wear
epeopl
ewi
th
di
ffer
enttast
es.
Busi
:Fi
ndmewhot hatl
ect
ureri
s?Iam goi
ng
tosl
eepwithhimjustsoit
eachNaledi
alesson.
Thatgi
rli
sjustsodambirr
it
ati
ng.
Candy :
Orbet tery
oucangetherexposed.Get
concreteev i
denceaboutthei
raff
airandpubl
i
sh
i
t.Shecangetexpel l
edfrom school.Andwe
wil
lseej usyhowherdreamsi fbecominga
doctorwi l
lgo.
Busi
:Orbet
ter
,icandoboth,shagtheguy,
dest
royt
hei
rrel
ati
onshipandherfutur
e.Idont
seeacomebackt her
e.
Candy
:Gobigorgohome.(Rai
singhergl
ass)
Heret
oFry
ingNaledi
Moroka.
(Irai
semygl ass.Idontknowwhati sitwith
alcoholbutev eryt
imei dri
nki feelveryhor ny
.I
trytocallNickbuthi sphonedoesnotgo
through,itryLiam hisphonei salsoof f.Gosh!
Whatam i todowi thmy self
.Ilookar ound
may beicangetj ustar andom guyt ohav ea
quickiewith.Lordknowsi coulduseadi ckright
now. )
Candy
:Thaboi
soutoftownandi
am f
eel
i
ng
ver
ynaught
yri
ghtnow.
Busi
:Whatdoy
ouhav
einmi
nd?
Candy
:Hav
eyouev
erhadat
hreesome?
Busi
:No!
Candy:Well
youareaboutt
ogety
ourf
ir
st
exper
iencet
oday.
Busi
:Iam al
way
supf
orachal
l
enge?Whoi
s
goi
ngtotheguy
?
Candy
:therei
sanagencythatoff
erguy
swho
j
ustgi
vey oupl
easur
eanyhowy ouwant
.
Busi:
(ipi
nchher
)Whydi
dnty
out
ell
met
hat
befor
e?
Candy
:Younev
erasked.
Busi
:Comeletusgobookar
oom atMasahot
el
andcal
ltheagency
.
(Westandupandgeti ntomycaranddr i
veto
MasaHotel.Af
tercheckinginCandycal
l
st he
guywhil
eiorderusdrinks.
)
Candy
:(wav
ingt
het
inybagi
nai
r)Lookwhati
got
?
Busi
:I
sthatwhati
thi
nki
tis?
Candy:
(Shespil
lssomeint
hecoff
etabl
eand
sni
ff
s)Checkitoutfory
our
sel
f.
(icr
ouchdownandf i
xal i
neusi
ngmyblack
cardthensni
fficl
osemyey esasmybody
absorbsthecocai
nein.
)
Busi
:Wow!Thi
sisgood.Wher
edi
dyougett
his?
Candy
:Ihav
emyway
sdar
li
ng.Ihav
emyway
s.
(Iwal
kuptoherandkissherasmyhandsget s
underneat
hhertopandtouchherboobs.She
unzi
psmydr ess.Herey
esburni
ngwi t
hdesire.
Thereisaknockonthedoorandipullbackand
smil
e.)
Busi
:Thatmustbeourguest
.
(Candybi t
esherl owerlip,bitchi shor nyright
now.Iwal kt othedoorandopen.Ther eisa
darkchocol atemanwi t
hbi gmuscl esl ookingat
me.Hesmi lesashewal ksi n, hepullsme
closertohim andki ssme.Whoaa!Not i
me
wast ed!It
akehi shandandl eadhi mt othebed.
Candyf oll
owswi t
ht hecokeandchampagne.I
kissCandyt akingofhercl otheswhi lesheal so
takesofmi ne.Wegi ggl
enakedonbedaswe
kissandwat chthemant akesof fhisclothes.
Whenhedr opsof fhispant s, Ifeelbloodr ush
from myf ace.Hei sgift
ednoact ualyhei s
beyondgifted,wi l
lheevenf it
.Hegi v
esmeasl y
smile.Andi getgoosepumps.Thi sisan
opportuni
tytot astesomet hingbigandi wi
llbe
afool i
fiturnitdownaf teralliam :l
i
veina
momentgi r
l"andi ntopoft hatYOLO!Icrawl t
o
hi
m wi thcandy ,comet omommy ,bi
gdaddy.
Thewhol eiswai ti
ngt oembr aceyouf ul
l
y.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Nal
edi
Ihavenev erbeem scaredasi am r
ightnow.We
pulli
ntothehospitalparki
ngandLiam helpsme
out.Bri
ani sal
ready10f eetaheadofus.
Li
am: Heisonl
ywor
ried,
hel
osthi
syounger
br
othernotsol
ongago.
(
Ther
eissomuchi
dontknowaboutt
hisman.
Ismileathim,iwanttoaskhi
m howhedi edbut
idontwantittoseem li
keiam pryi
ng.If
ollow
sui
tewithLiam.Wej oi
nhismot herandfather
i
nt hewait
ingarea.
Br
ian:
Howdi
dthi
shappen?
(
Heasksassoonaswej
oint
hem.
)
Hil
da:Shewasgoi ngoutf
orsomeair
.Two
hourslaterpol
icecamwovert
otel
lusabout
theaccident.
Br
ian:
Didy
ouhav
eaf
ightbef
oreshel
eft
?
Hil
da:Shehadat
alkwi
thherf
atherwhi
chgot
heat
edup.
Bri
an:Looki
ngathisfat
her
,thi
sisal
lyourf
aul
t,
i
fyouwer enotsokeenonsell
i
ngheroffona
marri
ageshedoesnotwantnoneofthiswoul
d
havehappened.
Ni
ck:
Thi
sisnott
hepl
aceKgot
laesel
e.
Bri
an:Whenisi
tgoi
ngtost
op?Wasitnot
enoughwhenyouki
ll
edAl
exander
?
Nick:Dontstart
,youareget
ti
ngonmynerves
ri
ghtnow?Yout heonewhowasdriv
ingt
hecar
thatki
ll
edhim notme.Stopblami
ngmefor
everyt
hingthatgoeswrong.
(Iam notsur
eiam supposedtobeher
e,
witnessi
ngthi
s.Maybeishoul
dhavestay
ed
behindandcametommor ow.)
Dr
:MrandMr
sThompson?
(
Theyst
andupandr
ushf
orwar
d)
Ni
ck:
Howdi
ditgo?
Dr:Thesurgerywassuccessfulwemanagedto
stabi
li
seher,andtherei
snointernal
bleedi
ng
howevershehassl i
ppedint
oacoma.
Hi
l
da:
Howl
ongwi
l
lshebe?
Dr:
Atthi
sst
agewedontknow?I
tcoul
dtake
weeks,
mont
hsorev
eny ear
sbef
oreshewakes
up.
Br
ian:
Canweseeher
?
Dr:Hercondi
ti
oniscri
ti
cal
.Unti
lwearesure
sheisoutofdanger
,wewillhav
etoholdyou
off
.
Hi
l
da:
Pleasedoct
orl
etusseeherev
eni
fiti
s
j
ustf
ormi
nut
es.
Dr:Okaybutdontbel
ong.Thenur
sewi
l
lhel
p
you.Excuseme.
(wewal kt
ot heward.Shelayst
hei
rconnect ed
tosomanymachi nes.Sheseemslifel
ess.I
cannotcontainmy sel
f,iwal
koutandcr y.If
eel
hispresencebehindme.Hehugsme.Isobi n
hisprotect
ivehandsuntilnot
earsfall
.)
Br
ian:
Comel
etusgo.
Nal
edi
:Whatabouty
ourf
ami
l
y?
Br
ian:
Theyar
eokay
,Li
am wi
l
lgowi
tht
hem.
(
Hetakesmyhandandhewal ksmeout
.Once
wear
einthecaril
ookout
side.Wear
egoing
t
hedir
ecti
onofhi
shouse.
)
Nal
edi
:It
houghty
out
aki
ngmebackt
ores.
Br
ian:
Andl ety
oucryinanot
herman'sarms
whowill
takeadvant
ageofyou.Idontt
hinkso.
(
Itur
nathi
m asi
wantt
osaysomet
hingbutt
he
l
ookonhisf
acet
ell
smei
twi
l
lbeal
osi
ng
bat
tl
e.)
Br
ian:
Plusi
needy
oubymy
sidet
oni
ght
.
(
Hetakesmyhandandi
lookathi
m bri
efl
yand
l
i
ebackonmyseat.Wearei
nhishouse.
)
Br
ian:
Arey
ouhungr
y?
(
Ishakemyhead)
Naledi
:No!Justshowmet
otheguestr
oom so
icangetsomesleep.
(
Hel
ooksatmei
ntensel
y)
Bri
an:I
fmyguestr
oom needssomedecor ati
on
iwil
lgobuyi
tbeauti
ful
flowers.Idi
dnotbri
ng
youheresoy
oucandecor at
emyguest r
oom.
(Okaywearebackt obei
ngr ude!Hetakesmy
handandleadsmeupst air
s.West epintoa
room whi
chi t
akeitishi
sbedr oom becausei
t
l
ooksexcatl
yliket
heonei nhisparent'
shouse
exceptt
hattherei
snost udy.
)
Bri
an: (openi
ngthewalkinwardrope)Thi
sside
i
sy ours,youwill
findany
thi
ngy ouneedinhere.
Bathroom isther
e, y
ouwil
lfi
ndev er
ythi
ngyou
needt here.
(Ther
eareclot
hesandshoesandmysi ze.How
didheknowmysi zes?Hehasboughtme
undewears.Mycheeksheat
sup.)
Nal
edi
:Howdi
dyouknowmysi
ze?
Bri
an:Imakeitmybusi nesstoknowevery
thi
ng
aboutyou.Iam goi
ngtomakeaf ewphone
cal
ls.Pr
epareyoursel
fforbed.
(Wit
ht hathei sout.Idecidetotakeashoweri
wantt obef astsoi canfi
nishbeforeheget s
back.Iwearoneoft hesilknighti
eshegotme.
wheni wal kbackint hebedroom.Hei salready
i
nbedr eadingabook.I sheal waysreadi
ng?He
rai
seshi sey esandlooksathi m.Andpoi ntsto
thetable.Thereisaor angejuicethereand
water.)
Br
ian:
Dri
nkupandcomet
obed.
(Idoashesayswheni getinbedhecloseshis
bookandgown.Ifindmy sel
fstar
ri
ngathis
perf
ecttonedt
orso.Gosh!Heisanozzingsexy
thi
ng.Heavenl
yfathert
hesetemptati
onsidont
needri
ghtnow.)
Br
ian:
Breat
hNal
edi
,bef
orey
ouf
aintonme.
Nal
edi
:
(iwhi
sper
)Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome?

Br
ian:
(hel
eansf
orwar
d)Doi
ngwhat
?
(
Igetahi
ccup)
Bri
an:(pul
l
ingmecl oser
)Thisorthi
s(heki sses
mesenselessly.Myst omachgetbutter
fl
uiesas
myf i
ngertwirlup.Hestopsthekissandlooks
atmesmi l
ling.Igetanotherhi
ccup.Hesmi les.
Heliesandpul l
smecl oserinhi
schest,il
isten
tohishear
tbeati ti
sbeatinghar
dagainsthis
ri
bcages)
Br
ian:
(kissi
ngmyforehead)Iam doi
ngexact
ly
whatyoudoingt
oy ou.GoodnightMrsDl
amini
.
Nal
edi
:No!Iam aMor
oka.DrNal
edi
Mor
oka.
Br
ian:
MrsDl
ami
ni.
Nal
edi
:Ifyouaregoingt
oaddressmeasa
Dl
aminiat
leastsayDrDl
amini
.
(
Hei ssmil
ing.If
eel
it,
myst
omacht
urns.The
t
hingsthi
smandoeat ome.
)
Br
ian:
Goodni
ghtDrDl
ami
ni.
Nal
edi
:Snuggl
eti
ghtDrDl
ami
ni.
(Ismil
etomysel
f,asit
ryt
omat
chmy
breat
hingr
atewi
thhis.
)
Br
ian:
Getsomesl
eepNal
edi
.
(
Gosh!Hei
ssocont
rol
l
ingatt
imes)
[
06/
02,
15:
34]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t20
.
..
..
..
Joy
"
Dontf
orgetwhyy
ouwentt
her
eint
hef
ir
st
place.Togetyourdegreenotbeaplaygr
ound
forboys,nottobr
ingfatherl
esschi
l
drenher
e.
Donotdegr adeourfamilynameJoyous
Pheko."
Hiswor dsringinmyhead, may beishouldhav e
nev erwentbackhomebecausemyf atherjust
addedf ueltomypr oblems.Iwentt herewi t
h
i
ntent i
onsofconf essingmysi ns,comingclean
buti nev ergottodot hat,ashewentar oundt he
vi
llagebr aggingaboutmebei ngthef i
rsttoget
i
ntot heUni versi
tyofBot swanaf r
om myv i
ll
age.
From t heretolongspeechesaboutt akingcare
ofmy selfievenmetwi t
hLeabanengmy
i
ntendedhusbandi justcoul dntbreakthenews
tohi m any moreIhadt ocomeupwi t
hagood
believablelietowhyi want edt ocomehome
andwhyi wasemot ional ont hephone.
Any thingjusttocoverupt het rut
h.
Isnapoutofmythought
sandreachformy
phonetocal
lBusi
.Shepicksuponthesecond
ri
ng.
Busi
:Hey
!
Joy
:Hi
!Howar
eyou?
Busi
:Iam good,
your
sel
f?
Joy:
Iam okay.Ar
eyoubusy
?Want
edt
otal
kto
youaboutt
hatthi
ng.
Busi
:Noi
am f
reet
otal
k.Whatt
hing?
Joy
:Yousai
dyouknowsomeonewhocando
anabor
ti
on.
Busi
:Oht
hat
!Yeahi
do.Youwantherser
vices.
(
Itakeadeepbr
eat
h.)
Joy
:Yeahi
do.
Busi
:Okayyouar
egoingt
oneedP2000.Pl
us
P200forf
oodandpads.
Joy
:Idonthav
ethatki
ndofmoney
.
Busi
:Makeaplanl
ove,
youcanal waysbor
row
thel
oanshar
ksandpaythem l
ater.
Joy
:Let
ssayi
wil
lgetbackt
oyouoncei
hav
e
f
oundt
hemoney
.
Busi
:Okayyoubet
terbequi
ckbef
oret
hatbaby
tummystar
tsshowing.
Joy
:Yahi
wil
lbe.
(ihungupandcl osemyey esasidecidehowi
am goingt ogett hemoney .Myf at
herwillnever
giv
emet hatkindofmoneyespeci all
ynowt hati
havemymont hlyall
owance.AndKagi sohei s
j
ustast udentl i
kemehedoesnothav et hat
ki
ndofmoney .Phenyohasmadei tclearhe
wantsnot hingtodowi thme.Iam j ustonmy
own, i
nthismessal one.Ireachformyphone
asi l
ogintof acebooktol ooksearchforloan
sharksinGabor one.Whatchoi cedoi reall
y
have.)
.
..
..
..
..
NALEDI
Iwal
kint
othehospi
tal
.Ichoseanhourthati
knownoonewil
lbeheretovisi
therbecausei
dontwantt ogetonherf amil
y'sway.Bef orei
openthedoor ,
i noti
ceLefabyherbedhol ding
herhand.Hel ookst obecr y
ing.Poorthinghe
mustbedev astated.Idontmeant oeardr opon
hi
sconv esationbutIcanthel pit
.Ist
andt here
andli
stentohi m.
Lefa: YouhavetowakeupNessaandcome
backt ome.Iknowwedi dnotstartonacl ean
slat
eandi am sorr
yi wentbehindy ourback
andmadeadeal wit
hy ouf at
her.Ishouldhave
j
ustl etnatur
etakeitscoursewhet herour
meet ingwasar r
angedornot ,ourarranged
mar ri
agenoneofi tchangeshowIf eelabout
youVanessaThompson.Il oveyouandnot hi
ng
willeverchangethat.Pleaseopeny oureyes
andcomebackt omemyl ove,ibegy ou.
Li
am:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngwai
ti
ngout
side?
(
Itur
nar
oundandnot
icehi
m behi
ndme.)
Nal
edi
:Heyidi
dnotseey
out
her
e.Ar
eyouher
e
t
oseeNessa?
(
Henodshi
shead)
Naledi
:Shei
sst
il
lwi
thavi
sit
or.Comeletusgo
getcoff
eeyoul
ookl
i
keyoucoulduseone.
Li
am:
Hospi
tal
cof
feet
ast
esl
i
ker
ott
eneggs.
(
Atl
easthest
il
lhassenseofhumuor
.Ismi
l
eas
i
wal
ktohim.)
Nal
edi
:Whosaidany
thi
ngabouthospi
tal
cof
fee?
Comeletusgo.
Li
am:Youar
etry
ingveryhar
dtomakemego
away
.Whoisint
here?
Nal
edi
:Lef
a.
Li
am:
Ohokay
!Letusgot
hen.
(
Wewal
kout
sidet
ohi
scar
)
Nal
edi
:Li
am!
Li
am:
Yesl
ove.
Naledi
:WhenBr i
anwasarguingwit
hhisfat
her,
hement i
onedsomet hi
ngaboutNessaand
ar
rangedmar r
iage.Whatwashetalki
ngabout
?
Li
am:
Whydi
dyounotaskhi
m?
Nal
edi
:Youknowhowhei
s.Icantaskhi
m.
Li
am:Ify
ouonl
yknewthatheisbecoming
morehumant
hisday
sallbecauseofy
ou.
Nal
edi
:Huh?
Li
am: Bri
ani
saclosedoffper
son,somesayhe
hasnoemotions,
ili
ket
osayhei sdetached
fr
om hisemoti
ons.
Nal
edi
:Whyi
shel
i
ket
hat
?
Liam:Hehasadarkpast,apastt
hathewi
l
ltel
l
youaboutwhenheisready.
Vanessaistomar r
yLef
akae,amar r
iagethat
hasbeenor gani
sedbytheparents.Looksli
ke
shewasnotsot hri
ll
edaboutit,
thatswhyshe
gothersel
fdrunkandgotint
oacar ,
thatshow
sheendedupher e.
Nal
edi:Idontgeti
t,whywillshebesadi
t
houghtsheandLef alov
edeachot her
.Shei
s
marr
yingsomeonesheal readylov
esthat
sli
ke
anaddedadv
ant
age.
Li
am: Looksli
kewedontknowal otofthi
ngs
herenotthatiam sur
prised.Welcomet othe
Thompsonf amil
y,thefamilyofsecret
s,li
esand
decei
ts.
(
Hisst
atementsendsshi
ver
sdownmyspi
ne.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
BUSI
Ihav ebeensummonedt ocomehome, ever
si
ncei movedtocampust hi
sist hef i
rstti
mei
am home.Youwoul dsweart hatmyf ami l
y
staysout si
dethecitywel l
inactual l
yfactwe
l
ivei nthesameci ty.Wesitbyt hef ami l
y
dinningtablenowor dsbei
ngut teredaswe
hav eourdinner,
ilookatmymom, hopingshe
willgiv
emesi gnalst oletmeknowwhatt hisi
s
al
l aboutbutshel ookscluelessjustasi am.
Moagi:Fi
xmeacupoft
eaonceyouar
edone
eat
ingandjoi
nmei
nmystudy.
(Hest andsupandwal ksoutleavi
ngme, my
youngerbr otherandmom t ofini
sheati
ng.
Wheni walkintohisstudyheisfacingt
he
window.Mom comesi nbehindmeandwebot h
sitdownasweant i
cipat
etohearwhatmy
fatherhast osay.)
Moagi
:Tel
lmewhyar
eyouatv
arsi
tyBusi
?
Busi
:Tol
ear
n.
Moagi
:Whydoy
ouneedt
olear
n?
Busi
:Soi
canbui
l
daf
utur
eformy
sel
f.
Moagi:
Doy outhi
nky oucanachi
evet
hati
fyou
ar
ebusyrunningaroundwit
holdermeni
nthe
ci
tygoi
ngtoclubs?
(
Myhear
tst
opsbeat
ing.
)
Bontl
e:Wher
eisthi
sheadi
ngto?Areyoutry
ing
toaccusemydaught
erofsomethi
nghere?
Moagi
:AnswermeBusi
siwe.
Busi
:No!dadi
dontt
hinkso.
Moagi
:Thenwhatar
eyouhopi
ngt
oachi
eve?
Busi
:Idontknowwhaty
ouar
etal
i
kingabout
dad.
Moagi:
Dont,dontyoueventr
yyomakeaf ool
outofme,Vi
olethasseenyounumerousti
mes
wit
hanoldermanatCapelloandMiguel
s.
Bontle:Di
dy oujustViol
et?Thatwomanis
j
ealousofmydaught er,
herdaughterf
ail
edt
o
getintovarsi
tynowshei stry
ingtorui
nmy
daughter'
sname.
(
Ideci
det
oacti
nnocent
.Ist
artcr
ying)
Busi:(
sobbi ng)Isthathowlowy out
hinkofme
dad,aftereveryt
hingy ousacr
if
icedf
ormey ou
thi
nki wil
ljustthrowmyf utur
eawayjustli
ke
that
.
Moagi
:Ohwipeawayt
hosecr
ocodi
l
etear
sand
t
ell
met het
rut
h.
Bontl
e:Enough!Moagi
,whatdoy ouwantthe
chi
ldtoadmitto?Li
esthatVi
olethasbeen
feedi
ngyou.Iwoul
dhaveneverl
ethercome
herei
fiknewthisi
swhatyoucal
li
ngherfor
.
Moagi:Goon,tur
nablindeyetoyourdaught
ers
acti
onsBontl
e.Dontcomecryingtomewhen
thi
sblowsupinyourfacebecauseitwi
ll
.Thi
s
chi
ldisdecei
ti
ngyou.
(Hewal ksout.Slammi ngthedoorbehindhim.
Mymot herhugsmewhi l
ei l
etthecrocodi
le
tear
sf all
.Agirlgottodowhatagi rlwhattodo,
dontjudgemei ftabl
eswer et
ot ur
nrightnow,
youwoul ddot hesame. )

[
06/
02,
15:
35]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t21
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Joy
Wewal kint
otheshaddyroom.Thereisanold
womani nther
ewhoscr ut
ini
zesme.Iam
nerv
ousactuall
yshaki
ngtothecore.Idont
knowificandot hi
s.
Busi
:Mam'
Kat
ie!
Mam'
K:Youhav
ebr
oughtmeanot
hercl
i
ent
.
Busi
:YebboMama.
Mam'
K:Hav
eyout
oldhert
her
ules?
Busi
:Nonoty
et.
(
Thewomanl
ooksatmecar
eful
l
y.)
Mam'K:Afteriam donewithy
ou,youaregoi
ng
towalkoutofherewhatevert
heafter
mathwil
l
be,y
oudontknowmeandy ounev
ercameher e.
Areweclearyounglady?
Joy
:Yesmam wear
ecl
ear
.
Mam'K:Gr
eatdidy
oubuyt
heDrWhi
tespads
andpai
nki
ll
ers?
Joy
:Yesi
did.
Mam' K:Thisisjustasquekyjob,
afterafew
daysy ouaregoingt ogoPri
ncessMar i
ana
hospitalcl
aim ami scar
ri
agesotheycanclean
upy ourwomb.That '
swhatmygirl
swhocome
heredo.
(
Inodmyhead)
Mam'
K:Gr
eatl
etsgetst
art
ed,
mymoneyf
ir
st.
(
Iputt
heP2000onhert
abl
e.)
Mam'K:Gr
eat
,nowtakeof
fyourcl
othes
i
ncl
udingy
ourunder
garmr
ntandli
eonthebed
t
her
e.
(Idoasinstr
ucted,Busiwalksout,asthelady
prepar
estheequipment .Mil
li
onquestionsrun
i
nmyhead, iwonderifeventhisequi
pmenthas
beensteri
li
sedornot.Itakeahugebr eathas
sheinst
ructsmet oopenmyt hi
ghs.Icantdoit.
)
Mam'K:Whyyour efusi
ngt oopenupwheny ou
di
dnotevenhesit
atet oopeny ourl
egstothe
guywhoimpregnatedy ou?Idonthaveal
lday.
(Il
ookatherandherwr i
nkledf acescaresthe
shitoutofme.Iopenupmyl egsasi nst
ructed.
Andt akeahugebreat
h,itouchmyt ummyas
tearsmakethei
rwayoutofmyey es.Iam sorry
,
veryverysor
ry,
icantkeepy ou.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Busi
Ilookatherasshewal ksintot heresidence
blocks,shel ooksbrokenandl ost.Iknowt he
feeli
ngbecauseIhav ebeent herebef ore,the
onlygoodt hingabouti tisthati hadsuppor t,
mymot herfoundoutandt ookmet hereandi
promisedhert onowf ocusonmysf udiesno
mor eboy s.Ithasbeenoutl it
t l
esecr etev er
since,notev endaddyknowsabouti t,myel dest
brotherwhoi sstudyingout si
dewoul dhav e
beendi sappointedinme.Becausej ustlike
Daddy ,hehasbi gdr eamsf orme.Fort hef ir
st
ti
mesi ncei camet ov arsit
yi fi
ndmy self
wonder ingifthispatht hati t
ooki sther ightone.
Whathappens, whent hefunends?Whathas
fr
eedom t urnedmei nt
o?Yesi thasal waysbeen
mygr eatestdr eam t obesucessful t
ohav e
moneyandev ery t
hingiwantbutwhathav ei
beendoi nglatelyi snoneofit.IfNickwast o
evenf i
ndouti couldpossi bl
yloseev eryt
hingi
havewor kedsohar dfor.Wait!Areyouget ti
ng
coldfeetrightnow?ComeonBusi si
wey oucan
dobet t
erthant his?Myphoner i
ngswhi leiam
sti
lldeepinmyt houghts.Iti
sLiam, ihavent
heardfrom himi nday sithoughtmay behelost
i
nterest.
Busi
:Mar
yli
nDomi
nick.
Li
am:
Hibeaut
if
ul!
Busi
:Heyt
her
est
ranger
,howar
eyou?
Li
am:Thi
ngshav
ebeenhecti
conmysi de.
Somefamil
ymat
ter
sicantgeti
nto.Ot
herwi
se
howareyou?
Busi:
Iam goodcantcompl
ain.Mi
ssedhear
ing
yourvoi
ce.
Li
am:
Imi
ssy
ourbeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e.
(
Ibl
ushandsmi
l
eonmyown)
Li
am: Iwaswonder
ingi
fyoucouldgi
veme2
hour
sofy ourt
ime,
iwanttot
reatyoutodi
nner
.
Busi
:Okaywhatt
ime?
Li
am:
Howabout
?At730?
Busi
:Okayseey
out
hen.
Li
am:
Lat
erdar
li
ng.
(Ihungupandr el
axonmycar .Howdidhe
knowt hatineedsomecheer ingup?Ilookat
mywat chandIst i
l
l have3hour sbef
orehe
comes, icangotomyapar t
mentt of
reshenup
andcomebackher e.Idri
veoutofparkingl
ot.
3hourslateri
am backatRes, ihaveboughtJoy
somef oodandj uicesforstrengthbutsheis
peaceful
lyasleep.Soi putthem onhert abl
e
writ
eheranot easi gooutsidet omeetLiam.
Hei si
nhiscar ,helooksti
red, withdar
kcircl
es
aroundhiseyes.Whati seat i
nghi m?
Busi
:Idi
dnotknowt
hati
wasmeet
ingaghost
?
Li
am:
Huh?
Busi
:Youl
ookt
ir
ed.
Li
am:
Andy
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Busi
:wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Li
am:
Any
wher
eyouwant
?
Busi
:Howaboutwejuststayi
ndoors,y
oulet
mecook,whil
eyougetalongbu6bblebat
h,you
coul
duseit
.
Li
am:
(ast
oni
shed)Youknowhowt
ocook?
Busi:
(l
aughing)Ofcour
sei
knowhowt
ocook.
Justwaitandsee.
Li
am:
Hmm!Iwi
l
l.
Busi
:Nowmov
eov
er,
letmedr
ive..
Li
am:
Ist
il
lval
uemyl
i
feMar
yli
n.
Busi
:Suchli
tt
lefai
thi
nme.Iknowhowt
odr
ive,
ihav
eadr i
versl
i
censeinf
act.
(
Iopenmypur
seandshowi
ttohi
m.)
Li
am:
Wow!Iam i
mpr
essed.
Busi:
Weaimtopleasedarl
i
ng.Nowmoveov
er
becausei
dontt
rustyoutodri
vet
oni
ght
.
(
Hedoesasi
sayandi
getbehi
ndt
hewheel
.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nal
edi
IhavebeensobusywithNessathatiforgot
total
l
yaboutJoyandhersit
uati
on.Iheadt oher
room andknockt
hereacoupleoftimes,justas
iam aboutt
ogiveup,sheopens.Shelookspale.
Nal
edi
:Hey
!
Joy
:ThankGody
ouar
e..
..
.
(Shedoesnotf i
nishherstat
ementasshef ai
nts.
Icatchherinti
mebef oreshetouchesthe
ground.inoti
cethebloodthathascoveredher
pants.Andont hefl
oor.
)
Nal
edi
:OhNoJoywhathav
eyoudone?
(
Istar
tpanicki
ngandpaci
ngaroundtheroom.
Whatam igoingt
odo?Befor
ei knowitiam
r
eachi
ngformyphoneandcalli
ngBrian.
)
Br
ian:
Nal
edi
!
Nal
edi
:Br
ian,
youhav
etocomepl
easehur
ry.
Br
ian:
Whati
swr
ong?
Nal
edi
:Icantexpl
ainovert
hephone.My
r
esi
denceblock,r
oom 119.
Br
ian:
Okayi
am comi
ng.
(Ihungupandstartcl
eaningupthemess.Then
ichangehert
rousersputheringownont op.I
packclot
hesandthingsshemi ghtneed.Joy
whydoy ouhavetodot hi
s?Brianknocksonthe
doorandiopenup.Heseemsshocked)
Bri
an:Whathappenedher
e?Whyar
eyou
cover
edinblood?
Joy:Iwil
lexplai
nlat
er,
weneedt
ogethert
othe
hospit
alplease.
(Hel
ooksatmef orasecondt henhegetsJoy
.I
comebehindhi
m withherbag.Peopleare
l
ookingatusaswerushtothecarbutt hat
snot
whatmatter
sri
ghtnow.Hest artst
hecar.)
Nal
edi
:
Ineedaf
avor
.
Br
ian:
Iam l
i
steni
ng.
Naledi
:Iknowyouhaveconnect
ionspl
easeshe
cantgotoapubli
chospi
talsheneedstobe
att
endedbyadoctorwhowouldbediscreet
abouthercondi
ti
on.
Br
ian:
Why
?
Nal
edi
:(il
ookdown)Becausei
thi
nkshe
commit
tedabor
ti
on.
Br
ian:
What
?
Nal
edi
:Pl
easei
begy
ou.
(
Helooksatmeandbackatt
her
oad.Then
r
eachesforhi
sphone.)
Br
ian:
Hi!Acei
tsme.Ineedahugef
avour
.Yah!
Ineedyout
ouseyourcl
i
nic.Iwi
l
lfi
l
lyoui
n
whenigett
her
e.Okaybye.
(
Hehangsup.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
2hour al
aterwearedrivi
ngtohisplace.Joyis
okay,shehasbeenattendedandhospi t
ali
sed.I
am sti
lli
nthesamebl oodyclot
hes.Hei squi
te.
Iknowhei sangry,
hekeptoncur si
ngwhenwe
gottothecli
nic.Heparksinf
rontofthehouse.
Brian:
Doy ouhav
eanyi
deawhaty
ouandy
our
fr
iendjustmademedo?
Nal
edi
:Iam sor
ry.
Bri
an:Youar
esorr
yNal
edi.I
sy oursor
rygoi
ng
tofi
xthedamageonmyreputati
on?
(
Ikeepqui
te)
Bri
an:
Dontlookatme,
li
ket
hat
?Iam aski
ng
youaquest
ion.
Nal
edi
:
Yout
heonl
yonei
coul
dthi
nkof
fatt
he
moment
.
Br
ian:
Asi
fthatwi
l
lmakeanyoft
hisbet
ter
.
(
Wewal
ktowar
dst
hedoor
)
Brian:
Isthi
swhatyoudowithyourf
ri
ends?Go
aroundgett
ingpr
egnantandcommitt
ing
aborti
ons.
(
oh!Hel
lnohedi
dntj
ustsayt
hat
.Di
dhe?
)
Naledi
:Icantbel
ievey
oujustsayt
hat
?Ar
eyou
evenli
ster
ningtoyour
sel
fri
ghtnow?
Br
ian:Whatdoy
ouexpectmet
osaywheny
ou
dothi
s?
Nal
edi
:Dowhat
?Hel
paf
ri
endout
.
Br
ian:Bycover
ingupacri
me.Damny
ouNal
edi
,
it
houghtyouareclev
ert
hanthi
s.
(Weshoutateachotheraswewal ki
ntot
he
house.myeyesalmostpopoutofthei
rsocket
s
wheni r
eal
i
sewhatwewal kedi
nto.
)
Br
ian:
(yel
l
ing)Li
aaam!
(
theybothturntolookatus.Oh!Hel
lno!
Heavenl
yfathercanthi
sdaygetanyworser
t
hanital
readyis.)
[
06/
02,
15:
35]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t22
.
..
..
..
..
.
Nal
edi
Iam shockedt ot
hecor e.Liam i
sbangingBusi
onthecouch.Hegr absat hrowast heycover
themselves.Howdidsheev engetherclawson
Liam?Shel ooksshockedt oseemeher ejust
asi am shockedtoseeher .
Li
am:
Hav
enty
ouhear
dofknocki
ng?
Brian:
Areyouforgett
ingthisismyhouse?Who
gav eyouper
missiontobringy ourbitchesinmy
house?Andwor stofally
oushagheri nmy
couchdoy ouknowhow har di workedt oget
thatcouch?
(
Oh!Lor
dhei
sgoi
ngt
otakehi
sfr
ust
rat
ionsout
onhi
m.PoorLi
am.
)
Liam:
Iwil
lrepl
acethecouch,
Nowpassal
ong
youaredi
stur
bingmeiam sti
llbusy
.
Br
ian:
Whydi
dyounotdot
hiswher
eyoust
ay?
Li
am:Youknowthesituat
ionbackathome.
Pl
usAuntyhasbannedmef rom br
ingingany
gi
rl
sther
e.Letmedotheintroduct
ions.
Naledi
:Ther
eisnoneed,
Busi
siweandIknow
eachother
.
(
Liam l
ooksatmepuzzl
ed.
)
Li
am:
Hol
dup!Comeagai
n?Whodi
dyousay
?
Nal
edi
:Busi
,thegi
rly
ouwi
thBusi
siwe.
Li
am: (
laughi
ng)Ver
yfunnySt
ar.It
hinky
ouar
e
conf
usinghertosomeone.
Nal
edi
:No!Iam not
.Youcanaskher
.
Bri
an:Idonthav
et i
meforthis.Leavemykeys
behi
ndwheny ouleave,
youar eoffi
cial
l
y
bannedfrom myhomeLi am.Andt akethe
couchwi
thy
ou.St
ary
ouwi
l
lfi
ndmeupst
air
s.
(
Hewal
kspastmet
othest
air
s.)
Liam:(
clappi
nghishands)Okay!Timeout
,what
thehel
lisNaledi
onaboutMar y
lin?
Nal
edi
:Okaythatmycuet
oleav
e,i
wil
lseey
ou
Li
am.Busiby
e.
(Iheadt othebedr oom.Theshowerwat eri
s
runningasi stepinside.Myski nisi t
chi
ng
probablybecauseoft hedir
tyclot hesiam
wear i
ng.Idontt hi
nki canendur e, wai
ti
ngfor
Briantof i
nishup.Godknowshebat hsli
kea
l
ady .Hei smyguy , well
myman, andsooneror
l
aterhei sgoi ngt oseemenakedsomi ghtas
wel l
benow.It akeoffmycl othesandputa
showercaponmyheadasi walki nt
othe
shower .Itakeahugebr eat
h, asi hughimfrom
behind.Hej umps)
Br
ian:
Whatt
hef
u**
?
Nal
edi
:Iti
sjustme,
rel
ax.
Br
ian:
Iam st
il
lmadaty
ou?
Nal
edi
:Iknow!Iam sor
ry.
Br
ian:Itol
dy ou,
yoursor
rydoesnotcuti
t
NalediMoroka.
Nal
edi
:Iknowi
messedup.
Br
ian:
Goodnowexcusemeasi
gocl
eanupt
he
messyoucr
eat
ed.
(Hest epsoutoft heshower ,iwat chhi mleav e
thebat hroom andi standundeneat ht heshower
rose, asthewat erpour sonmyski n.Oh
heav enlyfather,
doi hav etosuf ferforcaring
outf oraf ri
end?Howl ongi shegoi ngt osulk?I
messedupbutheshoul djustgetov eritalready.
Iclosemyey esandi bath,recall
ingt hestatei
foundJoyi n,whatcoul dhav ehappenedt oher
i
fi camel at
e?AndBusi t
hiswasheri dea, i
knowshewentwi t
hJoyt odot heabor t
ion,but
i
nst eadofst icki
ngaroundt oseei fJoyi sokay ,
shei sbusyshaggi ngLi am.Ij ustdontknow
whatJoyseesi nthi
sBusi characterbecause
shei
sjustpai
nint
heassi
fyouaskme.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Busi
Liam:Well
iaskedaquest
ion,
arey
ounotgoi
ng
toanswerme?
(Wehav enotmov edev ersincethecoldcute
guyandNal ediwal kedonus.Iam ast onished!I
didnotthinkNaledi haditinherbutitscleari
uderest
imatedher .Iremembermeet ingthat
guywheni metLiam andhecoul dntevenlook
atme.Nowhei swi t
hNal edi,i
wonderifhei s
thelect
urer,i
fheist heni gottheconfir
mat i
oni
needed.Butfir
stletmedosomedamage
control
.)
Busi:Isor
ryi wassti
l
lshocked.Busi
siweismy
fi
rstnamei dontl
ikeusi
ngitdarl
ing,
ipref
er
beingaddressedasMar yl
i
n.
Liam:ohokay
!Thatexplai
nsit
.Thoughtmaybe
youli
edtomeabouty ourname,iwasaboutto
showy out
hedoor
.Godknowshowmuchi
lat
er
l
iars.
(
Hest
atementmakesmyf
acegopal
e.)
Busi:
Shoul
dntwegetgoi
ng.Yourcousi
nis
rude.
Li
am: Youthinkthatwasrude?Youhaveno
i
deahowr udehecanget .Heoncethrewme
outwithagir
l agai
nanditwasraini
ngthatday
,
worstpar
ti l
eftmycarbehind.
Busi:Hedidnotlety
oubacki
nwhenhe
real
i
sedy oulef
tkeys.
Li
am: ThisisBr
ianDlaminii am talkingabout .
Thecoldruthl
essbastard,hecoul dntcar e
muchev enifif
rozetodeat honhi sdoorst ep.
(Westandupandwearourcl othes.Asi ti
emy
shoelaceshecomesdownt hest airsinnot hi
ng
buthi
spy jamabott
oms, ifindmy srlfst
ar r
ingat
hist
orso.Gosh!Isi
tevenal lowedf oraguyt o
bethi
shandsomewi t
houtev enanef f
ort.He
j
ustgivememul ti
pleorgasmsj ustbyst arring
athi
m.)
Br
ian:
Youar
est
il
lher
e,good.
Li
am:
For
gotsomet
hing.
Bri
an:
Yahamesaageforyourf
uckbuddy.(He
tur
nsandl
ooksatme)YouareastudentatUb?
(
Inodmyhead.
)
Bri
an:Greatnowi fihearanyrumour saboutme
andNaledi.Iam goingtohunty oudownand
squashyoui nt
otinyli
ttl
epieces.Areyouclear
?
(
Inodmyhead.
)
Br
ian:
Great!Gl
adwetalkthesamelanguage.
NowLiam gety
ourgi
rlandgetoutofhouse.
(Hesaysashestr
oll
stothrkit
chen.Igetmy
bagandwalkoutofthehousewithLiam.We
geti
ntohi
scaranddr i
veoutofthecompound.
)
Li
am:dontt
akehi
mli
ght
ly,
hei
samanofhi
s
word.
Busi
:Huh?
Li
am:Mycousi
nhemeantever
y t
hinghesai
d.
Hedoesnotmakeempt
ypromises.

.
..
..
..
Shor
tOnef
ort
heni
ght
I
m dosi
ngl
i
kenobody
'sbusi
ness.
Excuset
heer
ror
scoul
dntedi
t
Goodni
ght
[
06/
02,
15:
36]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t23
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Nessa
Iopenmyey es,br
ight
enessistoomuch, ishut
them andopenthem agai
n,asilookaroundme,
inoti
cewhitewall
sthaticantr
ecogniseand
Lefa,
heisthefir
stpersoninot
ice,helooksli
ke
hehasbeencr y
ing.Whatishappeninghere?
Wheream i?
Lefa:Oh!Gody
ouar
eawake?Letmegocal
lthe
doctor.
Her unsoutoft
her oom befor
eicanev enask
hi
m whati sgoi
ngon.Afterawhilethedoctor
comesr ushi
nginsi
defollowedmymom and
Lefa.Whatam idoingi
nt hehospi
tal?Howdidi
evenendupher e?
Dr:MsThompson,
cany
ouhearme?(
Inodmy
head)
Dr
:Good,
iam y
ourf
ami
l
ydoct
or.
Nessa:
Ofcoursei
knowy
ouar
eourf
ami
l
y
doct
orSims.
Dr:
Great
,youwereinv
olv
edinanacci
denta
weekback.Youhav
ebeeninacomaforalmoat
t
woweeksnow.
Nessa:
What
?
Dr
:Iam goi
ngt
orunsomet
est
s!
(
Dadcomesinsi
de.Helookswor
ri
ed!Heki
ssea
myfor
eheadashejoi
nsus.)
Dr:Thetest
swi l
lbeabl
etogiv
eusacl ear
i
nsight
.Iwil
lletyouwit
hyourfami
lywhilea
nursecomest odrawbl
oodsamples.Takeit
easy.
(Inodmyhead.Assoonashewal
j
sout
,they
crowsov
erme.)
Hi
l
ga:
Dontev
erscar
emel
i
ket
hat
?
Nessa:
Iam sor
ry.
Nick:
Itdoesnotmatt
eranymore,y
ouar
eher
e
nowwi t
husthatsal
lthaymat
ters.
Nessa:Whathappened?It
houghtiwasnot
al
lowedtodri
ve,howdidiendupinacar
acci
dent?Di
dJamesgetusi nanacci
dent?
(Theylookatpuzzl
ed.Theylookateachother
asiftheyaret
ryi
ngtofigur
eoutwhatt osayto
me.)
Ni
ck:Youweretheonedr
ivi
ngangel
.Yougot
i
ntot
hisacci
dentonyouown.
Nessa:
How?Iam acar
eful
dri
ver
.
Hi
l
ga:
Youdontr
emember
?
Hil
ga:Nonothing!Ionl
ycanr ecal
lthingsfr
om a
weeksback.Thibgsthathappenedr ecent
lyi
cannotr
ecall
.
Lef
a:Notev
enourf
ight
?
Nessa:
Whatf
ightl
ove?Whyar
ewef
ight
ing?
Ni
ck:
Not
hing!I
twasj
ustasi
l
lycoupl
efi
ght
.
(
Ifeel
li
ketheyarehi
dingsonethi
ngfrom me.I
l
ookatthem butt
heyallgoti
nnocentlooks.
)
Nick:Babyhav
esomer est
,wearegoingt
owai
t
outsi
dewhikethenur
segetsyourbl
ood
samples.
Nessa:(
ilookatLef
a)Youar
enotgoi
ng
anywher
e?
Lef
a:No!Iam goi
ngt
ober
ighther
ewheny
ou
wakeup.
Nessa:
Okay
.
(
Ifeel
tir
edal
lthesudden.Icl
osemyey
esas
dar
knessf
adesi
n.)
.
..
..
..
..
Nal
edi
Br
ian:
(pat
ti
ngmeonmycheeka)Babycakes!
(Iopenmyey esashewakesmeup.Imust
havesleptonourwayt othehospi
tal.I
tis5am
i
nt hemor ni
ng,helit
erall
yhadtodragmeof f
bed.Nessaisawake, iam inhisbasketbal
l
j
easeyandmypy jamas.Ididnotevenhav ea
chancetochange. )
Br
ian:
Babycakeswakeup,
wearher
e.
(
Isi
tupst
rai
ght
.)
Br
ian:
Letusgoandseeourl
i
ttl
esi
ster
.
(Hegetsoffthencomestoopenmydoor .We
walkinsi
deholdi
nghandsorcouldisayheis
l
eadingmei nsi
debecauseiam sl
eepwalki
ng.
Wegett oherward,LefaandMrandMr s
Thompsonar ewaiti
ngoutsi
de.
)
Br
ian:
Whati
shappeni
ng?Whyy
ouout
side?
Hi
l
ga:
Shei
sdoi
ngr
out
inechecks.
Br
ian:
Oh!Okay
.Howi
sshet
hough?
Ni
ck:
Shehasamemor yl
oss,wellshecant
r
emembert
hingst
hathashappenedrecent
ly.
Br
ian:
God!Okay
!
Ni
ck:
Ithi
nki
tisbet
terwedontt
ell
herany
thi
ng.
Br
ian:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Nick:Aboutt
hemarri
ageandstuff
.Wej ustt
ell
herthatsheandLef
aareengaged,Lef
a
proposedandahesaidy
es.
Bri
an:Wow!Idontbel
ieveyouri
ghtnow,your
daught
erj
ustwokeupf rom al
if
ethreat
ning
momentandy oual
readythi
nki
ngabouthow
youcanbugai
nfrom hercondi
ti
on.
Ni
ck:Vanessadoesnotrememberany
thi
ng
Br
ian,
whymustwebr ingherbadmemori
es
whenwecancr eat
enewones.
Bri
an:Bylyi
ngtoher,
dontforgett
hatyourl
ies
andskimmingaretheonesthatgotherher
ein
thefi
rstpl
ace.
Nick:Themar ri
agehastogoon,Br
ianwhether
youlikeitornot(hel
ooksatme)unlessyouar
e
will
i
ngt odot hesacr
if
icef
ort
hefami l
y.
Bri
an:
Iwill
notbedoi
nganysacr
if
ices.Notf
or
thi
sdysf
uncti
onal
fami
ly
.
Ni
ck:
Theny
ouhav
enor
ightt
osayany
thi
ng.
(God!Whatisgoingonwiththisfamil
y.I
thoughtr
ichpeopledonothav eanyprobl
ems
butthei
rsseem t
obemuchbi ggerthanhour
s.)
Dr
:Cani
seet
heguar
diani
nmyof
fi
ce.
Hi
l
ga:
Rightbehi
ndy
oudoc.
(Hil
gaandNickwalkwiththedoct orwhil
eiget
i
nNessa'sroom wit
hBrian.Hebr ushesherhai
r
offherf
aceandkissesherforehead.Hereyes
fl
i
ckopen.Howi missedthisbigmar bl
eeyes.)
Nessa:
Hey
!
Br
ian:
Wel
comebackPeaches.
(
Hehugaherf
oll
owedbyme.
)
Br
ian:
Youhadusscar
ed.
Nessa:Youcantgetri
dofmet
hateasil
y.Got
ell
youwit
chdoctorthatt
hemedi
cinedi
dnotwork,
heshouldpayyouback.
(
Atl
eastshest
il
lhashersenseofhumour
.)
Naledi:
Speakingofpay
back,eversi
nceyou
beenher eihavebeenatt
endi
ngclasseson
yourbehalf
.Iwil
lgi
veyoumyaccountdetai
ls
forthepayment.
(
Sherol
lsherbi
gmarbleey
es.Hermot
her
wal
ksinwit
hhisdadandLefa.)
Nessa:
Ma!
Hi
l
ga:
Yesmyl
ove.
Nessa:
Icantf
eel
myl
egs.Whycanti
feel
my
l
egs?
(
Thewhol
eroom goessi
l
entandwel
ookat
eachother
.Thedoctorhadalr
eadyi
ndi
cat
ed
thatt
hismightbeapossibi
l
ity
.)
Hi
l
ga:
Iam sosor
rymyl
i
ve.
Nessa:Pl
ease,ibegy
ouma,
iwil
ldoanyt
hing
youask.Pl
eastdontt
ell
mei
tiswhati
am
t
hinki
ng.
Brian:
Iam sor r
yPeaches,wesuspect edt
hat
thusmi ghthappen.Youhurtyourspinewhen
theaccidenthappened.Doctorsal
ready
suspectedthatyoumi ghtbeparal
ysed.
Nessa:
No!Pl
ease.
(
Shestar
tscryi
ngandiex
cusemysel
fastear
s
f
il
lmyeyesup.Whydobadthi
ngshappento
t
hegoodguys.
)
[
06/
02,
15:
36]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t24
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Busi
Iam si
tt
edi
nthecarbootwit
hCassieli
steni
ng
tosomegoodsoulmusicandfi
nishi
ngup
dri
nksfr
om l
astweekend.
Busi:Iam tel
l
ingy
oumyf r
iend,
hisv
oice,
gosh
i
tjustgivesmeorgasm.Thewayhedemands
authori
ty.
Candy
:Ineedt
oseet
hismy
ster
iousBr
ian.
Busi:Youhav eto,heiscoldy etsohandsome
andwhenhespeaksev enify oudontwantt o
star
e,y oufindy oursel
fstarr
ing.HisvoiceLord!
Havemer cy,itgiv
esy oucoldshivers,andhe
hasbigambermar bl
eeyes,andhi sli
ps,they
aresoki ssable.Idontifit
sthewayhet alksor
walksthathaspowerov eryoubutoneoft hose.
Heact uall
yr emindsofsomeone.
Candy
:(cur
iousl
y)Who?
Busi
:Hehasali
tt
lebitofNi
ckinhi
m, i
fidi
dnt
knowbet
teri
wouldthinkhei
shisson.
Candy
:Ni
ckasi
nDomi
nickThompson?
(inodmyheadandshel
ooksatmebef
ore
l
aughing.
)
Busi
:Iknowitabsur
d,i
meanhei
saDl
ami
ni
andNickisaThompson.
Candy:
Yah,
idontgethowNal
edi
gothercl
aws
onhim.
Busi:
Thatswhatbeat sme.Icantgeti
tbut
noneofitmatt
ers,heisLiam'scousi
nthat
makeshim of
fboundsnow.Mi ghtaswell
for
getaboutmyr evengeonStar.
Candy
:What?Why?Youdonthav
efeel
ingsf
or
Li
am,whyshoul
dyoustepbackf
orhi
scousin?
Busi
:Li
am hasbeennot
hingbutgoodtome.I
dontwantt
ocrosshi
m.Hehaspot ent
ial
tobea
boyf
ri
end.
Candy:
Areyousurey
ouar enotcat
chi
ng
feel
i
ngsfort
hisLi
am guy
?
Busi
:Ofcour
senot,icanthav
efeel
ingsforhi
m.
Iam j
ustr
espect
ingboundari
espl
usBrian
l
ooksli
kesomeoneiwoul
dntwantt
ocr
oss.Let
mejustl
eavet
hisone.
Candy:Okaybutist
il
lthi
nkyoushouldj
ustget
onwithyourpl
ansplusyouhaveNick'
s
pr
otecti
on.Nothi
ngcanhappentoyou.
Busi
:No!Candyihaveal
readysaidno.That
s
myfinal
answersolett
hisgoplease.
(Myphoner ings,il
ookatthescreenandit
Dominick.I
thasbeenal mosttwoweekssi ncei
heardfrom him.Myhear tswel
lsupmay bei
missedhim abi t
,istandup,wal
kadistance
andpickup.)
Busi
:Thi
sisapl
easantsur
pri
se.
Ni
ck:
Hi!Beaut
if
ul,
howar
eyou?
Busi
:Iam goodj
ustmi
ssy
ouNi
ck.
Nick:Iknowdar
l.Thi
ngshavebeenhect
ict
his
side.Howaboutwegetawaythi
sweekendj
ust
twoofus?
Busi
:Il
i
ket
hesoundoft
hat
.Wher
eto?
Ni
ck:
Zanzi
bar
?
Busi
:Okayi
am game.
Ni
ck:
Great
!Iwi
l
lseey
out
oni
ght
.
Busi
:Okayyouwi
l
lfi
ndmewai
ti
ngi
nthesexy
redl
i
ttl
ethi
ng.
Ni
ck:
Icantwai
ttot
akei
tof
f.
Busi
:Imi
ssy
ou.
Nick:
Notasmuchasi missyoumylit
tl
eone.
Babei hav
etogo.Iwi
l
lseeyoulat
er.
Busi
:Lat
erLov
e.
(Ihungupandsmi l
etomy self
,imi ssedhi m
andt hefactt hathej ustknowshowt omakei t
uptomej ustthril
lsme.May bei shoul dj
ustquit
thi
sf astlanel i
feandcommi tmy selftothisold
guyev ent houghhei snotmi nebuti neverknow
hemi ghtjustl eavehiswifetome.Ismi leto
my self
,lookingf orwardtotheweekend
getaway ,it
stimei upmygamef rom mi stress
towi f
e.Mr sBusi siweMar yl
inThompsoni li
ke
t
hesoundoft
hat
,soundspr
ett
yamazi
ng.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Joy
Istandbymyr oom'swi ndowst arri
ngoutsi
de.I
am getti
ngdi schargedt oday .Idontknow
wherei wouldbei fNal edi nev erf oundme.I
cantevenr ecognisemy selfany mor e.Whom
havei t
urnedi nto?Nowi am amur derer
?How
canonebadst epleadint oaser iesofbadones?
Myphonebeepsamessageandi l
ookatit
,its
fr
om thel oanshar ks,hewant shi smoneyend
ofmont h,P4000, igetanal lowancei fonl
y
P1400wher ewoul diev engett hatt ypeof
amount .Oh!Joywhatki ndofmesshav eyou
draggedy ourselfi
nto.Ther ei saknockasi turn,
Naledipeepsherheadi nside.
Nal
edi
:Hey
!
Joy
:Hi
!
Nal
edi
:Hear
dyouar
eget
ti
ngdi
schar
ged
t
houghty
oumi
ghtneedar
ideback.
Joy
:Youal
readydonesomuch.
Nal
edi
:It
snot
hing,
thi
siswhatf
ri
endsar
efor
?
Joy
:Icantgot
il
liset
tl
ethehospi
tal
bil
l
.Thi
sis
apri
vat
ehospi
tal
.
Nal
edi:
Dontwor
ryBr
ianhasal
readyt
akencar
e
ofi
t?
Joy
:(puzzl
ed)Br
ian?
Naledi
:Yeah!Andheiswaiti
ngdownstair
snota
ver
ypatientguysoweshouldgetgoing.(
Iwal
k
t
oherandhugher .Ihavenevermetsomeone
l
ikeNaledi,
beauti
ful
insi
deandout.
)
Joy:
Iowey
oual
otSt
arf
orwhaty
ouhav
edone
tome.
Naledi
:Iknowy oucanrepaymebyf
ocusi
ngon
yourschoolworkfr
om nowon.Andbei
ngext
ra
caref
ul,usepr
otect
ionplease.
Joy
:Yesma'
am.
Nal
edi
:Goodnowl
etsgo.
(It
akemybagandwewal ktooutsi
de.Thef i
rst
personiseei
sDrDlamini
,ourlect
urerl
eaning
againstt
hecarwi
thhisshadeson.Hesmi l
es
ourwayandNaledismil
esback.Noway !)
Joy
:(whi
sper
ingt
oSt
ar)
Pleasedontt
ell
mehe
i
stheeBr
ian?
Nal
edi
:Dontf
aintonmenow.Unf
ort
unat
elyhe
i
s.
Joy
:How?
Nal
edi
:Iwi
l
ltel
lyoual
labouti
tlat
er.
(
Wereachhi
m andhekissesNal
edi
'
sfor
ehead.
Howiwishi
washerri
ghtnow.)
Br
ian:
Yousur
etooky
ourt
imeBabycakes.
Nal
edi
:Sorr
ytokeepy
ouwai
ti
ng.Youal
ready
metmyfri
endJoy.
Bri
an:I
tisni
cet
oseeyoual
i
ve,whenibr
ought
youher
edaysbacky
ouwereasgoodasdead.
Joy
:Thanky
ouSi
r!
Br
ian:Oh!Youalr
eadyhav
elostyour10%of
at
tendanceformissi
ngmyclasses.
Nal
edi:
Bri
an!St
opmaki
ngt
hisawkwar
dthani
t
i
salr
eady.
Brian:Youshoul dhavet houghtaboutt hat
beforeyoucal l
edmet hatnight,nowi am goi
ng
togetmyr evengeonherdontf orgett
hatshe
messedupmyf av our
itecarseat sandi hadt
o
takecareofhermedi calbil
l.(
Lookingatme)
Youwi llpaydearlyunlessofcour seyoucan
asky ourfri
endt ogivemeachance.
(Heopenst hedoorf orNaledithenmebef ore
hecr ossesov ertohisside.Ifeeloutofspace,
andner vousforcr yi
ngoutl oudthisguyismy
l
ectur erandnowi am ri
dinginhiscar.Ilookat
him andNal edi,t
hewayt heylookateachot her
,
i
tisobv i
ousitistwopeopl einlove,icanthelpi
t
butfeel apangofj ealousy.)
[
06/
02,
15:
36]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t25
.
..
..
..
..
Nessa
Basical
lyiam acrippl
erightnow!Apparently
alsoengaged!Ihav enotyettol
danyoney etbut
igotmymemor iesback.Iam justwat
ching
them li
etomyf ace.Thereisaknockatt he
doorandLefawal ksincarryi
ngflower
s,red
roses.
Lef
a:Hey
!
Nessa:
Hi?
Lef
a:Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Nessa:(
isnap)Iam stucki
nawheelchai
rfor
l
if
eLefakaehowdoy outhi
nki
am doing?
(Helooksatme, i
seeheissinsereandnoneof
thi
sishisfaul
tbuticanthel
pit.Iam madat
him,myfami l
yiam madatev ery
onefort
hat
matter)
Nessa:
Iam sor
ryi
didntmeant
osnapaty
ou.
Lef
a:I
tsokay
.Comel
etmet
akey
ouf
orar
ide.
Nessa:
Ari
dewher
e?
Lef
a:Out
side.
(Hehelpsmei
ntoat
hechai
tandpushesme
outsi
de.)
Nessa:
Wher
ear
eyour
eal
l
ytaki
ngmeLef
akae
Moeng?
Lefa:Wealmostt
her
e,pat
iencemyl
ady
.Cl
ose
youreyes.
Nessa:
Real
l
yLef
a??
Lef
a:Foroncej
ustdoasi
say
.
(
Irol
lmyey esbeforeicl
osethedoor
.Looks
l
ikeheisbackathisannoyi
ngself
.Hepushes
metil
lwear eout
side.
)
Lef
a:Youcanopeny
ourey
esnow.
(Iopenmyeyesandi
nfr
ontofmether
eistabl
e
setfort
wounderawhit
eshade,
await
ressby
t
hetabl
e.Howdoeshedoi t?Hehasambushed
t
hehospit
alrest
ingspot
.Peopl
enearbywat
ch
wi
thwaryeyes.)
Nessa:
Whati
sthi
s?
Lef
a:Lunchwi
thmyf
avour
it
egi
rl
.
(Hepushesmeneart
het
abl
eandsi
tint
he
chai
ropposi
teme.
)
Lefa:It
houghticoul
dcarr
yonwitht
heliesbuti
dontwanttoli
eany mor
e,iwantt
ostar
tthison
acleanslat
e.
Nessa:Iam ki
ndofl
ostwhatar
eyout
alki
ng
about?
Lefa:Ihav
eaconf
essi
onPeaches.Inev
er
proposedtoy
ou.
(Il
ookathim.Ishecomi ngcleanrightnow?I
l
istent
ohim asstartstel
li
ngmeast orythati
alr
eadyknow.Bythet imeheisdonei l
ookat
him.Hereiwasthinkinghewillgoonwi ththe
l
iesbuthesurpri
sesmey etagain,
whati syour
mot
iveLef
akae.
)
Lefa:Iknowishoul
dhavebeenhonestl i
ket hi
s
thefi
rstdaywemet ,
butiwasafraidoflosing
yousomehow.Buti woul
dratherfaceupt he
consequencesri
ghtnowrat
herthanlater.
(Hekneel
sbef
oremeandget
saboxf
rom hi
s
pocket
.Heopensi
t.Andi
cov
ermymout
h, i
tis
ari
ng)
Nessa:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lefa:Iam doi
ngwhati l
ongshouldhavedone,i
dontcareaboutifyouarei
nthatchai
rforli
feor
notitdoesnotchangethefactt
heiloveyou,i
t
j
ustpr ov
esthatilovey
oujustevenmore.Will
youdomet hepl
easureandbemywi fe?
Nessa:
Lef
a!Idontknowwhatt
osay
?
Lef
a:Sayyes,sayyouwi
l
lbecomeMr
sLef
akae
Moeng,Vanessa.
Nessa:
(ismi
l
eathi
m)Cany
ouaf
for
dme?
Lef
a:Iwi
l
lgetonhi
repur
chase?I
sthatay
es.
Nessa:
Yesi
wil
lmar
ry.
(
Hesli
dsthedi
amondonmyfingerandki
sses
mebefor
ehejumpsi
ntheai
r.
)
Lef
a:Youj
ustmademet
hehappi
estmanon
ear
th.
(
Ismi
l
eathi
m,hel
ookssohappy
.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Nal
edi
Joy:
IdontknowStar
,hei
sy ourlect
urer
.Idont
wantthi
stoblowuponyourface.
Nal
edi
:Thi
swi
l
lnotbl
essuponmyf
ace,
Bri
an
l
ovesme.
Joy:
Areyousure?Innor
mall
yci
rcumstancesa
guyl
ikehim wi
llhaveal
ady
.Hemi ghtj
ust
wantstouseyouanddumpyou.
Nal
edi
:Br
iani
snotPhenyo,
Joyhewi
l
lnotuse
meanddumpmeleavingmewit
hachil
d.
Joy
:Icantbel
i
evey
ouj
ustsai
dthat
.Nal
edi
:I
am sor
rythatwasi
nsensi
ti
veofme.ButJoydo
youhavetobesonegati
ve,cany
ouatl
east
pret
endtobehappyforme.
Joy :Iam sor
rylov
e,ijustdontwantyoutogo
throughwhati wentthrough.Iam sor
rymy
fri
end, i
am happyfory ou,Godknowsy ouhada
crushonhi m onhisf
irstlect
urer
.
Nal
edi:
Akere!Thi
sisl
i
keadr
eam comet
rue.I
am v
eryhappy.
Joy
:Youdeser
veal
lthi
ahappi
ness.
Nal
edi
:Ihav
etogo.Iwi
l
lseey
out
ommor
ow.
Joy
:Goi
ngt
othel
i
brar
y?
Naledi
:NoIam goi
ngovertoBri
an'
spl
ace.I
needhishel
pwithsomet
hing.
Joy
:Ohokay
!Pl
easedontl
osef
ocus.
Naledi
:DontworryJoyousicantlosef
ocus
wit
hanov erbear
ingguyli
keBrian.
Joy
:Okayi
wil
lseey
out
ommor
rowl
etmeget
backt
omyr
oom.
(
Ihugherandwal
koutwi
thher
.)
.
..
..
.
Thelightsareont oindi
catehei shomeast he
cabpar ksinfrontofhiscompound.Ipayupand
walkinside.Iknowt hecodesoi payupand
walkinside,theyal l
turntolookatmeasi get
i
nside.Hei swi thtwoguy si dontknowand
Li
am, looksliket heyarewat chi
ngagame.
(
Ichantgreet
ingsasi
walki
nsi
de,Bri
anwal
ks
t
omeandhugsmebef or
ehekissesmy
f
orehead.
)
Br
ian:
Itot
all
yfor
gott
haty
ouar
ecomi
ngov
er.
Nal
edi
:It
sokay
.
Brian:
Gentsthi
sisMr sDrDlamini
,babycakes
thatsAceandVince.Fr
iendsofour
s.
Ace:
Nicey
oumeety
ouMr
sDl
ami
ni.
Vi
nce:
Shei
sbeaut
if
ul.Youshoul
dreal
l
ytel
lme
wher
eyoual
way
sfi
ndt
hepr
ett
yones.
Nal
edi:I
twasnicetomeeti
ngyou.(
Whi
sper
ing
t
oBrian)Iam goi
ngupst
air
s.
Br
ian:
okayi
wil
lbet
her
einabi
t.
(Iwalkupstai
rsandchangei nt
ooneofhi s
shir
ts.Thensitdownont hebedwi t
hmybooks
butitver
yhardt oconcentr
atewithall
thenoise
theyaremaking.Iaccident
all
ydropmypenand
anditgetsunderthebed.Makingmet il
ean
overandlookf ori
tunderthebed.)
Br
ian:
That
ssuchani
cev
iew.
(Ibumpmyheadont hebedasitryt
ogetup.I
fi
nall
ygetupandi
findhimlooki
ngatmetotal
l
y
amused.)
Nal
edi
:Iwoul
dntev
enbel
aughi
ngi
fiwer
eyou
Dl
amini
.
(hepull
smecl osetohi
m andholdmebymy
waistashestaresatme,t
herei
st hataur
athr
overwhel
mingaurathatif
eelwheneveriam
ar
oundmet
hati
cantr
eal
l
yexpl
ain.
)
Br
ian:
Arey
out
hreat
ningmey
oungl
ady
?
Nal
edi
:Iwoul
dntdar
e.
(Helower
shisheadandourf
oreheadt
ouch,
we
star
eint
oeachother
.)
Br
ian:
Cany
ouf
eel
it?
(Inodmyhead!Idontt r
ustmyv oicet ospeak
up.Whatonear thi
st hismandoi ngt ome
heavenlyfat
her?Ourlipstouchandi tlikean
elect
ri
cshockt r
avel
sf rom hi
sbodyt omi ne.My
heartquiv
ers.Hismintbreathint
oxicat esme.
Whenhepul lsawayhi seyesarebur ningwi t
h
desir
e.)
Br
ian:Youareadangertomyexist
enceNaledi
Moroka.Itol
dyouicantcont
rol
myemot i
ons
wheni am ar
oundyou.
(
Hekissesmyforeheadandlet
sgo.Helooksat
meonelastt
imebeforehewal ksout
.Isi
ton
t
heedgeofthebed.Maybeitwassuchabad
i
deat
ocomeher
etoday
.
[
06/
02,
15:
36]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t26
.
..
..
Joy
Thesemest eri scomi ngt oanend.Wear ein
themi ddleofourendofsemest erexams.I
hav epaidhal foft hemoneyi owedt hel oan
sharksnowl eftwi thonly3t housand, i
fi dont
paybyendofmont hthei nterestwi l
l goup
again.Andwi ththatmant errosi si
ngmeev er
y
chanceheget siregretev erbur rowingmoney
from me.Kagi soisawayonf ieldwor k
attachmentandwi l
lbeonl yjoi ningusnext
semest erwhi chf orhim wi llbet helast .Very
soonhewi llgraduat i
ngthati si fhehasdone
wel li
nhismast erspr ogramme.AndSt ar,idont
seemuchofhert hisdays, whenshei snotwi t
h
Brianshei satt hel i
brary,study i
ngmyner dpal.
AndBusi idontev enknowwhati cansayshe
i
sbusywi th.Ihavebeenspendingl
otoftime
withCandybecausesheseemst obegetti
ng
herprior
it
iesinorderthi
sdays,
sheisstudyi
ng
alot.Guessitsthatexam f
ever
.
Candy
:Hav
eyoumanagedt
opayy
ourdebt
?
Joy
:Nonoty
et,
iam st
il
ll
eftwi
th3t
housand.
Candy:Thatmuch,
whatareyougoingt
odoi
mean,oncampusstudent
sgetsall
owancei
f
oneP150whenschoolsarecl
osed.Howwil
l
youpayup?
Joy:
Iguesshewi
l
laddmor
eint
eresti
fidont
payup.
Candy
:If
eel
sor
ryf
ory
ou.
Joy
:Iwi
shther
ewassomehowi
canmakeeasy
moneyt
opayupthi
sdebt
.
Candy
:Act
ual
l
yther
eisaneasyway
.
Joy
:How?
Candy
:Youar
esi
tt
ingonqui
teani
nter
est
ing
stor
ythatcoul
dmakeheadl
i
nes,i
fyousel
li
tto
thenewspaper
syoucanmakeeasymoney.
Joy
:Whati
nter
est
ingst
ory
?
Candy
:Thest
udent
-l
ect
urerr
elat
ionshi
p.
(
Ilookatherpuzzl
ed.Wonder
ingwhatshei
s
t
alki
ngaboutthenithi
tshome.)
Joy:No!Icannotbetr
ayNaledili
kethat
.She
hasbeennot hi
ngbutagoodf ri
endtome.Plus
sheisnotreall
ydati
ngBri
an,theyaresti
ll
wait
ingforthesemestert
hent heycandate
fr
eel
y .
Candy:Itwasjustanidea.Oh!Ever
yoneon
campusknowst heyaredati
ng.Ver
ysoonthe
wholecountrywillal
soknow,nothi
ngeverst
ays
asecretfor
ever.
Joy:Welli
wontbet heonewholett
heworl
d
know.Icannotbet
raytheonl
ytr
uefri
endi
have.
Candy
:Tel
lmesomethingJoy,i
fthet
abl
es
weret
otur
ndoyouthinkNaledi
wouldnt
hesi
tat
etot
hrowy
ouundert
hebus?
Joy
:Shewoul
dnt
.It
rustherwi
thmyl
i
fe.
Candy:Youpoorlitt
legi
rl
.Youar
ethemost
fool
ishgi
rlihaveevermet,whodoyout
hink
hasbeenspr eadi
ngrumoursher
eoncampus
aboutyouraborti
on?
Joy
:Peopl
ewhosawmet
heni
ghtiwast
aken
tot
hehospi
tal
.
Candy:
Sorrytoburstyourbubblesli
tt
legir
lbut
i
tnootherthanyourfr
iendNaledi.Theoney ou
keenonkeepinghersecretri
ghtnow, shei
st he
onewhohasbeensel l
ingy ouout.
Joy:Youar
elyi
ngCandy
,St
arwoul
dnev
erdo
suchathi
ng.
Candy
:Butshedi
d,y
ourangeli
cNaledii
sthe
onewhohasbeenst
abbi
ngy ouinbackall
al
ong.
(
Ilookatherandshakemyhead.Iknowmy
f
ri
endshewoul dneverdosuchathi
ngtome.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Nessa
Mypar entshav efoundmeoneoft hebest
therapistunf ortunatelyhei sbasedi nAmer ica.I
havespentmont hshomenotgoi ngt oschool
asi appliedt ouni versit
iest hatsi de, soi canbe
abletoat t
endschool yetal soseemyt herapist.
Iam leav ingt odayast heuni versityi am
accept edi ntoisopenni ngv er ysoon.Wel lmy
fi
ancé, ilit
erallygetbut terfliesf rom say i
ngt hat,
wellhei snotaboutt osendmeacr osst he
worldonmyown.Sohei scomi ngwi t
hme.We
will
best ay i
ngt ogethert hatsi deal ongwi t
ht he
mycar etaker, t
houghi feel li
kedontneedone
becauseLef ahasl it
erallybeent akingcar eof
mesi ncei gotoutoft hehospi tal.Idontev eni
woul dbef l
yingacr osst hewor ldifi twasnotf or
him.Hei smyst rengt hinal l oft his.Howdoi
everrepayhi skindness.Il ookathi m andsmi l
e.
Wear eatt heai rportwi thourf ami l
i
es, bidding
them farewel l
s.
Bri
an:Youbett
err
eturnaft
er4year
swal
ki
ng,if
younotwalki
ngdontevenbot
hercomi
ngback.
(
Ilookathi
m andNal
edi
,sher
oll
sherey
es.)
Nessa:
Yesmyl
ord.Iwi
l
ldot
hat
.
Ni
ck:Notfor
get
ti
ngthatdegree.Andyou,
young
man!Ihav
enotfor
mallyhandedPeachesover
t
oyou.
Idontwantanani
malwi
thtwoey
es,
10l
i
ttl
e
fi
ngerswhenyoucomeback.
Li
am:Basi
cal
lythemanissayingtakecar
eof
hi
sdaught
erbutdontknockherup.
Hi
lda:
(huggi
ngme)Iwil
lmissyoumygirl
.
Pl
easetakecar
eofyour
sel
f.Iwi
llv
isi
tsoon.
(Theyhugme,i
tisf
inal
l
yNal edi
'
stur
n,shei
s
cryi
ngasifi
havebeendecl
areddead.
)
Nessa:
(wipinghertear
saway)Youdoknow
t
hatiam onlygoingaway.Iam notgoi
ngt
odi
e
whereiam going.
Nal
edi
:Iknowbutwhoar
eyoul
eav
ingmewi
th?
Br
ian:
Whatt
hatsupposedt
omean?
Nessa:Youarestuckwi
thhiscoldsel
fti
lli
get
back.Youcanalwaysvi
sitdur
ingholi
day
s.
Li
am:
Notsuchabadi
dea.It
hinkdecember
.
Nal
edi
:Keepi
ntouch.
Nessa:
Iwil
landy
oubet
terbeDrMor
okawheni
comeback.
Nal
edi
:Yesmyl
ady
.
Nessa:
Great
!Nowst
opbei
ngsuchacr
ybaby
.
(Iwipehert earsawayandwel aughatone
anot her
.Iam goi ngtomi ssher,i havemether
onlyacoupl eofmont hsagobutshehas
becomeagr eatdealofmyl i
fe.Shei sat wi
n
sisterineverhad.Wedoonel asthugsbef or
e
meandLef agoonboar d.Oncewei nsi
dehe
strapsmyseatbel tsonandset t
lesbesideme.)
Lef
a:Ar
eyouokayMr
sMoeng?
Nessa:(
ilookathim)Youar
eher
ebymy
sideI
coul
dntbebetter
.
Lef
a:Thatswhati
li
ket
oher
e.Il
ovey
ou
Peaches.
Nessa:
Ilov
eyoumor
eLef
akaeMoeng.
(Ilaybackonmyseatandcl osemyeyesasthe
planetakesoff.Ihopewhenicomebackhome,
iwi l
lbewalki
ngonmyownt wofeet
.)

[
06/
02,
15:
36]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t27
UnEdi
ted
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Busi
Ichokeonmydr inkasiseetheheadl
ineson
thenewspaper."
Univer
sit
yofBotswana
student
satitagain:
Studentsl
eepi
ngwi t
h
l
ectur
erformar
ks."I
thasapictureofNaledi
gl
arri
ngupatBr
ian.Istar
treadingthest
ory.
"I
tlooksl i
keweundest imatedthefirstyear
sof
thisyear.Theywast enot ime!Thisthingsare
commonamongstt hef i
nalyearsnott he
fresherman.Howev erthisyeartabl
eshav e
turned,NalediMor okaourf i
rstyearstudent
doingherpr e-
medhasbeenal legedt obe
sleepingwithherl ecturermost l
yknownasDr
Dlami nif
ormar ks.Oursour cehast oldusthat
theyhav ebeenseenar oundcam. ..
..
.
.
..
..
Icantconti
nuer eadingitakethepaperand
throwiti
nthedustbi nasiruntomyr oom to
changeintojeans.Damn!YouCandyi t
houghti
tol
dy outoletthisgo?Whymusty ougot o
report
ersaboutt hi
s?Myphoner i
ngsasi gr
ab
mycarkey s.Iti
sLiam.Ihesi st
atebeforei
answer.
Li
am:
Didy
ougot
othebl
oodyr
epor
ter
s?
(
Her
oar
sint
omyearasi
answer
.)
Busi
:Isweart
oyouLi
am.Ihadnot
hingt
odo
wit
hyou.
Li
am:
Ifi
tsnott
henwhot
hef
uckdi
dthi
s?
Busi
:IdontknowLi
am t
hat
swhati
am t
ryi
ngt
o
fi
ndoutmy sel
f.
Li
am:Youbetterpray,
prayhardBusisiwet
hat
i
ndeedyounothingtodowi t
hthis,orel
seyou
wi
llmeetyourancestorsverysoon.
(Hecli
ckshistonguebeforehehungsup.God!
Whydi dihavetotell
Candyaboutthis?Ishould
havekeptmymout hshutaboutthi
s.Idri
veint
o
thethecampusandpul lbymyr esi
denceblock.
Wheni opentheroom theybothtur
nt olookat
me.)
Busi
:Whatdidyoudo?Didinott
ell
yout
onot
doanyt
hingaboutt
hisCandy?
Candy
:Cal
m downBusi
.
Busi
:Thet
hingwi
thy
oui
sthaty
out
hinky
ou
know ev
erything.Doy
ouev
enr
eal
i
set
hemess
youj
ustcreated.
Candy
:Ihadt
odoi
t?
Busi
:Tell
mewhatdi
dyougai
nfr
om doi
ngi
t
Candy?
(
Shel
ooksatmeandsay
snot
hing)
Busi:It
houghtsotoo.Youjustr
uinedmy
rel
ati
onshipwithLi
am ihopeyouarehappy
withyoursel
f.AndyouJoy,it
houghtNal
edii
s
yourfri
end.Whatki
ndiffri
endareyouwho
stabsherfri
endint
heback?
Joy
:Iwasdesper
ate.
Busi
:Desper
atear
eyouev
enl
i
steni
ngt
o
your
sel
f?
Joy:Nal
edi
star
tedi
t.Ij
ustf
ini
shedwhatshe
star
ted.
Candy:Youwant
edtodothi
snotsol
ongago?
Dontacthol
yri
ghtnow.
Busi
:Whatevershehast
oldy ouJoy?Shewas
j
ustusi
ngy ou.Noneofi
tistrue.Thi
sishow
Candyi
s,sheliesandmanipulat
estogetthi
ngs
goherway.
Candy
:Orr
eal
l
ynow?
Busi: Yesi wouldbecar efularoundherifiwere
you, soony ouwi llbesuckedi nt
oherwor l
d,
dontsayi didnotwar ny ou.Iwanty ououtifmy
room Candy ,packy ourbagsandl eave,i
thad
beenf unhangingoutwi thy oubutourjourney
willendher e.Ifithappenst hatoneofusr etur
n
nextsemest er,stayoutofmywayi wil
lst
ayout
i
fy ourway .
Candy:OhBusi!Cal
m downy
ouj
ust
over
react
ingr
ightnow.
Busi:Noi am notyoudontreal
iseitbutwhat
youjustdidmi ghtcostmemyl if
e.Iti
snotonly
Nalediwhostandst oloseoutbutistandto
l
oseoutt oo,iloveLiam,idi
dnotplanonfall
ing
forhim buti
thappenedi am i
nlovewi t
hhim
andyoujustr
uinedthechancesofthat
rel
ati
onshi
pdevelopi
ngint
osomet hing.
(Il
ookatherandwal
koubangi
ngt
hedoor
behindme.Joycomesr
unni
ngme.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
JOY
Iactedimpulsel
ywithoutt
hinking.Ishoul
dhave
neverli
stenedtoCandy.Thi
si smyf ir
stti
mei
seeBusi thi
sangry
,normall
yshei sthebubbl
y
oneamongstus.
Busi
:Whyar
eyouf
oll
owi
ngme?
Joy:Canyoupl
easenott
ell
,Nal
edi
aboutt
his.I
dontwanttol
oseher.
Busi:
Youshoul
dhavethoughtaboutt
hat
befor
eyousetoutt
odestroyher
.
Joy
:Iwasnott
hinki
ng.
Busi:That
sthethi
ngwit
hyouJoy
ous,
youar
e
neverthi
ng,youj
umpint
obedwit
hPheny
oyou
werenott hi
nking,yougetknockedup,
youwer e
notthinki
ng,youdoanabor ti
on, y
ouwerenot
thi
nking.Whati stheuseofhavingabr
ainify
ou
dontintendinusingit?
Joy
:Iam sor
ry.
Busi:I
tisnotmewhoy oushoul
dbe
apologi
singtoJoyous.Whowenttotal
ktot
he
report
erwasityouorCandy ?
Joy:
Candyi
justpr
ovi
dedherwi
thev
idenceand
i
nfor
mati
on.
Busi
:Why
?Whydi
dyoudoi
t?
Joy:
Iwasdesperat
e,t
hel
oanshar
kiowehe
hasbeenbr
eathi
ngdownmyneck.
Busi
:Di
dyougett
hemoney
?
Joy:
Onlyaquat
erofi
t,hadt
ogi
veCandyher
shar
e.
Busi
:Howmuchdoy
ouowet
hel
aonshar
k?
Joy
:Iowehi
m 3t
housand.
Busi:Sendmeyouraccountnumberi wil
l
tr
ansferthemoneyi
ntoyouraccount.Iam
goingtomakesureCandygetsthefallf
orthi
s.
Joy
:Whyy
oudoi
ngt
his?
Busi:
Becauseidontwantyoutocat
chthe
candyvi
rus.St
ophangingaroundwi
tht
hatgi
rl
i
fyouknowwhati sgoodforyouJoy
.
(
Sheputonhershadesandwal
kst
oher
.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nal
edi
Wear einBr
ian'
soff
icei
hav ebeeninher
esi
nce
thenewspapercameout.Idontev
enhave
str
engthtogoout.
Naledi
:Icameheretobeadoctorandmakemy
famil
yproudbutri
ghtnowiam doingexact
ly
theopposit
eiam draggi
ngmyfami l
ynameinto
themud.Whati smymom goi
ngt osaywhen
sheseesthis.
Br
ian:
Iwi
l
lfi
xthi
sSt
ar.Tr
ustmei
wil
lfi
xthi
s.
Naledi:HowBr i
an?Justhowar eyougoingto
fi
xit,(ist
artcr
ying)t
heuniver
sitywi
llexpel
me
andi cankisseverbecomingDrMor oka
goodby e.
(
Hewalkst
omeandstandsi
nfr
ontofme
wi
pingmyt
ear
saway
.)
Br
ian:
Hey
!Doy
out
rustme?
(
Inodmyhead)
Brian:
Thentrustmewhenisayiwi
ll
fixt
his.
Youwi l
lbeadoctor
,youwi
l
l beDrDl
aminiin
factnotMoroka.
(
Heki
ssesmyt
ear
saway
)
Br
ian:
Stopcr
ying,
doy
ouknowhowugl
yyou
l
ookwhenyoucry?
(ilaughathi
sstat
ement .Idontevenknowhow
her emai
nssocalmi nalloft
his.Hesit
sonhis
tableandpul
lsmetost andbetweenhislegsas
hehugsme.Hi sphoner i
ngsitrytogetawayto
l
ethi mtaket
hecallbutheholdmest il
land
holdst
hephonewithhi
slefthand.Il
i
stento
himtal
ktothephonesoundslikeheistal
ki
ng
tohisf
ather
.Af
terhehungsup)
Br
ian:
Babycakes!
Nal
edi
:Rr
a!
Bri
an:
Wehav et
ogohome.Ihav
esome
damagecont
rol
todo.
Nal
edi
:Iwi
l
lremai
ninschool
.
Brian:I
fyout hi
nkiam goingt oleav
ey ouher
e,
sov ul
nerablesothatthist
hirstyvarsi
ty
predatorstakeadvantagetheny oulyi
ngto
yourselfNalediMoroka.
Nal
edi
:But
?
Bri
an:Nobuts?Ar
ey ouafr
aidofour
rel
ati
onshi
p?Areyouashamedofme?
Nal
edi
:Ofcour
senot
.
Bri
an:Theni
tsettl
ed.Iwi
ll
takeyoutomy
housewhereiknowy ouwi
llsaf
ethengosor
t
t
hismessout
.
(
Idontr
eal
l
yhav
eachoi
cedoi
.)
[
06/
02,
15:
37]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t28(
unedi
ted)
"Not
hingwei
ghsonusasheav
yasasecr
et.
"-
JeandeLaFount
aine
.
..
..
.
Busi
Imustactbef or
ei getmy sel finbigt r
oubl e.
Honestlyihav ebeenhav i
ngwhatmostpeopl e
wouldcal lwakeupcal l.Irealisedmyf riendshi
p
withCandywi l
lbri
ngmenot hingbutt roubl e
becauseal lsheeverdoi sj ustinfluencet odo
badthings.Yesshehasnev erheldagunt omy
headandf orcedmet odoanyoft hem buta
fr
iendshoul dinfl
uencey ourl ifepositi
vel ynot
badly
.Iam notsur eev eni fi will
comeback
nextsemest erbecausei hav ebeenmi ssing
cl
asses, notsubmi tt
ingassi gnment sand
wr i
tingtests.Ial
waysknewt hatiam notinto
thisschool thi
ng,ial
way swant edtobea
mi stressenjoymoneythati donthav etowor k
har df or
.Howev erNi
ckhasaaddedacondi t
ion
i
nourcont ractthatimustst ayontopofmy
studi essoi donotmakei tthissemester,ican
kissmyt hi
sl i
fegoodbye.Aper si
stentknockon
mydoorsnapsmeof fmyt houghts.Iwonder
whocoul ditbe?
Busi
:Iam comi
ng,
noneedt
obr
eakdownt
he
door
.
(Isayoutl
oudlyasicrosstheroom t
ogetit.
Wheni openiam stunnedt ofi
ndBri
anthere,
helooksreadytokil
lsomeone,ist
il
lcantget
myheadar oundwhatisitabouthi
mt hat
remindsmeofNi ck?Wait!Howdidheev enfi
nd
me?Nooneknowsaboutt hi
sapart
mentexcept
meandNi ck)
Bri
an:Gabor
onei
sjustasmall t
inyci
ty,
itdid
nottakel
ongtof
indyou.Iam hetetodel
iver
upt
omypr
omi
se,
iwar
nedy
ouaboutbet
ray
ing
me.
Busi
:Iam nott
heonewhowentt
other
epor
ter
s.
I
twasmyf ri
end!
Br
ian:Ni
cetr
y!Onceiam donewi
thy
ou,
you
wi
llknowTheDlamini
wrath.
Busi
:Iam bei
nghonesthere,iknowi shoul
d
havenott
oldherabouti
tbutthesecr etwas
har
dformet okeepionl
yt ol
dher .Sheisthe
onewhoranandt ol
dthereporter
s.
Bri
an:Whoisthi
sCandy
?Iam notaboutt
ofal
l
foryourl
i
es.
Li
am:
Shei
snotl
yi
ng.
(Wet ur
nandf aceLiam whoisbeinghi
m.He
l
ookssoy ummy ,i
nallbl
ackclot
hes.Ist
areat
hisl
ips,iknowtheyaremyf avour
itewel
lhave
hiscock.Ihavereall
ycaughti
tbad.)
Liam:Ihav
emetwit
hthejour
nal
i
st,
her
eveal
ed
thathi
ssourcei
sCandy
.
Br
ian:I
tsy
ourl
uckyday
!Let
spayt
heCandya
vi
sit
.
(Heturnandwal
ksaway ,Li
am wal
kstomeand
pul
lsmei nhi
sembrace,smasheshisl
ipsi
n
mine.Ifi
ndmysel
fjustmelt
ing.
)
Liam:
YouowemeMar
yli
nandi
wil
lcomeback
formypay
ment
.
(
Withthathet
urnsandwal
ksawayl
eav
ingme,
wet
,panti
ngandneedi
nghi
m.)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Ifixmyselfsomedi nner
,whileiplaysome
brandy'
sclassi csonmyi pad,withabot tl
eof
mer l
ottokeepmeconpany .Iam stil
lrecover
ing
from t
heaf tershocksLiam leftmewi th.Asmy
phoner i
ngs, iglanceatthescreen,i
tnoot her
thanCandy .Idonthav etimeforher.Shei s
persi
stentev entuall
yigi
v eupandt akehercall.
Busi:
Ithoughti
mademysel
fcl
eart
hati
want
nothi
ngtodowithy
ou.
Candy
:Set
ti
ngy
ourdogsaf
terme.
Busi
:Iguesst
heypai
dyouav
isi
t.
Candy:Iwil
lnotbeshakenbythisBusi
siwe,
in
fact
,ir
efusetogodownal one.
Busi:
Youmessedupony
ourownnowenj
oy
yourendr
esul
ts.
Candy
:Youseem t
obef
orget
ti
ngsomet
hing.
Busi
:Whatcoul
dipossi
blybef
orget
ti
ng?
Candy:Iknowy ourdeepestsecretsBusior
shouldisaydearestMary.Nowi wonderwhat
DaddyNi ckandboyfri
endwillt
hinkifiwasto
sharethi
ssecretswiththem.
Busi
:Youwoul
dntdar
e?
Candy:
(laughi
ng)Notsomightyanymor
e?Li
ke
isai
diam notgoingdownalong,i
am dr
aggi
ng
youtohellwit
hme.
(ShehangsupandIsmasht
heglassiwas
holdi
ngagai
nstt
hewall
.Thi
nkBusi,
thi
nkfast
befor
ey oul
osteverythi
ng.No!Iwi l
lbedamned
i
filetCandi
cedest r
oythingsforme, i
worked
hardtobehere,ineedtoneut r
ali
set hetarget
.I
needaGun!Iam goi ngtokill
Candy !Rather
haveherdeadthandest r
oyingme.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Nal
edi
Bulelwa:AnswemeNaledi
!Hav
eisenty
ou
theretosleepwi
thl
ect
urer
s?
(Iam tal
ki
ngt omymot her,t
henewshav ebeen
outforthreedaysnow, anditisnotev endying
down.Ihav ebeenwai ti
ngforcallsincethey
brokeout,Looksli
ket hepaper shavef i
nal
ly
reachedher.Thisisthewomanwhost r
uggled
tomakesur ei am here,iam sureitbreaksher
hearttoseeherdaught er'
snamespl ashed
aroundnewspaper s.
)
Bul
elwa:
Youngl
ady
!Iam t
alki
ngt
oyou.
(
Isnapoutoft
hought
s)
Naledi
:Noneofiti
struemama,
ihav
enotsl
ept
wit
hanylectur
erformarks.
Bulel
wa:Therei
snosmokewi t
houtfir
eNal edi
,
thi
speoplecantj
ustat
tacky
ouf ornoreason.
Nal
edi
:Bri
anlovesmemama,
butt
hatdoesnot
meanihavesl
eptwit
hhi
m.
Bulelwa:Tel
lmesomet hingNal
edi!Didyougo
theretostudyordate?I
st hi
swhatfreedom
turnsyouintoajezebel
?
Naledi
:Nomama!Icameher
etost
udy
,tobea
doctor
.
Bulelwa:Thenwhyar edraggi ngourf amily
namet hr
ought hemud, didi notrai
sey oubet
ter
thant hi
s.Ifatallmychildy oudontwantmet o
getadmi ttedatahospitalf orthisnonsense,
pleasest opthis,youar
et ooy oungtobe
fussingov ermen.Gety ourheadbackonwhat
youwentt here,it
houghty ouwi llbethe
breakthroughf orusbutinst eadherey ouare
turni
ngusi nt
oal aughi
ngst ockofthev il
l
ageas
i
fthi
sfami
l
yhasnotsuf
fer
edenough.
(Shehangsupandi wi
pemyt ear
saway .Her
wordshithome!Youseewhathappenswhen
yougetdist
ract
ed!Andthefactthatthe
univ
ersit
yhasaskedmet otakeaf ewdays
whil
etheygettothebot
ttom ofthi
sjustmakes
mattersworse.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
Idontknowhowlongihavebeensitt
ingher
e, i
n
thedarkj
ustst
arr
ingi
ntoblankspace,no
thought
swhatsoever
.Whydi dihavetofal
lfor
him,damnyouBri
anDlamini?
Heswitchesont
hel
i
ghtashewal
ksi
ntot
he
house?
Br
ian:
Andt
hen?Whyy
ousi
tt
ingi
nthedar
k?
(Il
ookathi
m andlookaway.Hecomessitby
myside,
iam angr
yathim,butst
il
lhehasan
eff
ectonme.Hiscolognei
ntoxi
cat
esme.)
Br
ian:
Whathav
eidonenow?
(
Igi
vehi
mthesi
l
entt
reat
ment
.)
Bri
an:Youknowverywel
lihat
emoodswings,
soareyougoingt
otel
lmewhatidi
dornot?
(
Ist
andt
omyf
eet
,andt
urnt
olookathi
m.)
Naledi :
(furiously)Howdar ey ouaskme, what
youhav edonewr ong?Iam her esi
tti
ngher e
whenmyagemat esar ebusyatschool .Youjust
hadt omakemef al
lfory ou,ontopofthaty ou
tellme, wehav etowai tforsemest ert
oendso
wecanbet ogether,theny ougoagai nsty our
ownr ul
es.Youknewt hiswoul dhappen, why
couldnty ouj usthol dlonger?Nowt hewhol e
wor ldthinksi am asl utwhosl eepswith
l
ect urersformar ksandmymom i s
disappoi ntedinme.
(
Helooksatmeandhi
sli
pstwi
tchi
ntoasmi
l
e.
I
shefucki
ngsmi
li
ngri
ghtnow?
)
Br
ian:
Arey
oudone?
(
Inodmyhead.Heget
sal
lser
iousal
lthe
sudden)
Br
ian:
Fir
stl
ysi
tyourpr
ett
yassdown.
(
Ilookathi
m, iam aboutt
osaysomethingbuti
i
nstant
lysi
t,hi
seyescomnunicat
e.Gosh!Iwish
j
edidntdemandthismuchauthouri
ty.
)
Bri
an: Secondly,t
hiswil
lbet
hefir
standlast
ti
mey ourai
sey ourvoi
ceatme,iam yourman
notyourboy fr
iend.Yourman,i
expectnothi
ng
butrespectfrom mywoman.Ar eweclear
MaDl amini?
(Gosh!Iam supposedtobeangr yathi
m but
howdoi getangrywhenhei sbusymaki ngme
feelt
hisway .Heavenl
yfather,t
ellmedidy ou
sendhimi nmyl i
fetoter
rorisemyemot ions)
Br
ian:
Iam wai
ti
ngf
ory
ourr
esponse.
(
Inodmyhead)
Brian:Suddenlyy
out ongueti
ed?Didinottel
l
youi gotthis?Di
di motgiveyouanassurance
thatiwillsolv
eallt
his?
Nal
edi
:Youdi
d!
Brian:Whydonty out r
ustmet oletmedoi t
then?Whyy ouget ti
ngcheekyDoy outhinki
want edtofallforyoual so?Itoldy ouandi st
il
l
sayi t
,icantcontrolyemot i
onswheni tcomes
toy ou.Sostopmaki ngitseem likeitsabad
thi
ngt hatifeelthiswayabouty ou.Infact
embr acethislovei havef oryou,embr acethat
youar ethebehol deroft hi
slovet hatihavefor
you.
(
Hest
aresatmef
ormi
niseconds)
Bri
an:Seei nghowmuchy oucareaboutwhat
peoplethinkaboutyoumaybeishouldfuck
yourbrainsoutsoitgi
vesthem somethi
ngreal
total
kabout .
(Iswallowibi
glumpofsal iva,asmyf lesh
throbs.Westareateachot her,i
tishere,t
hat
electr
icvi
beicantexplai
n,Nowor dsspoken,
butoursoulscommuni cate,west andupand
reachforoneanother,
ourf oreheads,nose
touchasistareintohiseyes,ineedno
i
nterpr
etat
ion, hel
ovesmeasmuchasi lov
e
him.Ourli
psmeet ,andspar ksf l
y!"HeandI .
Whenwor dsr undry,
Hedoesnott ry,nordoI .
Wear eonpar .Hejustis,
Ijustam, wej ustare."
Asweetpoem byLangLeav ,i
finall
yundest and
getit
.Icouldntdescri
beusanybet ter.
[
06/
02,
15:
37]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t29
"Makeyoutsel
fhomebutdontgett
oo
comfor
tabl
e.BeingMar
yJane"
.
..
..
..
Joy
Joy
:Ar
eyousur
eyouar
eokayNal
edi
?
(Iaskheragai noverthephone,myconsciousis
eati
ngme.If eell
i
kei havebetr
ayedherinthe
wor stpossi
bleway .I
fshewast ofindoutshe
mightnev erevenforgiveme.ihaventseenher
eversincethenewsbr oke,
sheisnowher eto
befoundbutpar
tofmei srel
i
ev esbecausei
dontthi
nkicoul
dfaceheraft
eri bet
rayedher
.I
feel
li
keshewouldseeri
ghtthroughmyey es.
)
Nal
edi
:Yesloveiam ver
ymuchokay
,dont
wor
ryyour
selfaboutme.
Joy:Howcaninotwor
ryNal
edi
?Youhave
di
sappear
ednobodyseemstoknowwher
eyou
are.
Nal
edi
:(l
aughi
ng)youaresodr
amat
icJoy
,iam
j
ustar
oundinGaborone.
Joy
:Wher
e?
(
Ihearamalevoi
cei
nthebackgr
oundand
Nal
edigi
ggl
es.
)
Nal
edi
:LookJoy
!Ihav
etogo,
wewi
l
ltal
k.
Joy
:Ar
eyouwi
thBr
ian?
Nal
edi
:Yahby
enow.
(shrhangsupgiggli
ngandiputmyphone
awaysmi l
i
ng.Atleastt
heyst
il
lgoteachot
her
.
Isighandl ookatmywat ch, welliam visit
ing
KagisoinJwanengf ortheweekendi mi sshim,
sowhenhesuggest edi visithimf orthe
weekendi agr eed.Heshoul dneher ranymi nut
e
now, hetext edmet ellingmehewi llbeher e
soon.At oy otaf ortunerpul lsinfr
ontofmeand
hegetoff .Ialmostdi dnotr ecognisehim, gone
i
st heshadyl ook, hehast ransformed, wear i
ng
blackfor
mal trouser s, bl
ueshi r
t,hehashi s
sl
eev esr
ol ledup, het akeaof fhisglassesand
smi l
esatme.
Kagiso:Def
inat
elynotthety
peofwelcomei
expectedfr
om mygi r
l?youcandobett
ert
han
that
.
(Shesayssmi
l
ing.Iwal
kuptohi
m andhughim.
Hepicksmeupandswingsmear oundt
hen
setsmetomyfeetagai
n.)
Kagi
so:
Imi
ssedy
ouf
ancyf
ace.
Joy
:Imi
ssedy
oual
so.
(heopenst
hedoorf
ormeandi
geti
nsi
de.He
holdsmyhandashedr i
ves,hekeepsgiv
ingme
glancesti
meandagai n.Hepull
sinfr
ontofa
yardansgetmybag.Ihav enochoicebutto
foll
owhimi nsi
de.It
ryverymuchtoholdmy sel
f
butitdoesnotwork)
Joy
:Kagi
?
Kagi
so:
Yesmyl
ove?
Joy:
Whatisgoingon?Whosecari
sitand
whom doest
hishousebel
ongto.?
Kagi
so:
Theyar
emi
nemyl
ove.
Joy:
Idontundeat
and?Wherewoul
dastudent
l
ikemegetmoneyt oaaf
for
dallt
his?
Kagi
so:comelet
ssitdownandi
wil
ltel
lyoual
l
youwanttoknow.
(
Wesi
tdownf
aci
ngeachot
her
.)
Kagi
so:Iam notr
eal
l
yast
udent
.Wel
liwasbut
notany
more.
Joy
:Youar
enotmaki
ngsenseatal
l
.Kagi
so:
Mostl
ygi r
lsi metwer
eforeveraf
termymoney
soipretendedtobeastudentsoicoul
dsee
youri
ntentions.
Joy
:Ify
ouar
enotast
udentt
henwhatar
eyou.
Kagiso:Iam anengi
neerher
eatDebswana
Mine,IwasatUBf oronl
yashortcour
se.
Joy
:Wow!Idontknowwhatt
osay
.
Kagi
so:Iam sorr
yicoul
dntbehonestwi
thy
ou
fr
om t
hestart.
Joy:
Ist
heresomet
hingel
sey
ouar
ekeepi
ng
fr
om me.
Kagiso:
Not
her
eisnot
hing.
.Wel
lonemor
e
thi
ng.
Joy
:Whati
sit
?
Kagi
so:Il
oveyou!Youhav
epassedt
het
est
wit
hfl
yi
ngcolours.
Joy
:(Il
ookathi
m andsmi
l
e)i
lov
eyout
oo.
Kagi
:Comel
etgoputy
oubagi
nther
oom and
seewhatwecaneati
nthi
shouse.
(Hetakesmyhandsandwewal ktotheroom
together.Iknowi shouldtakethi
schancet o
comecl eanwi thmydi rt
ylaundrybuticant
whati fhewant snothingtodowi thmeoncei
tel
lhim, thatiam engagedt oanotherman,that
icommi t
tedanabor ti
on.Mysecr etsar
emeant
tostayjustmysecr et.)
.
..
..
..
.
Busi
Iloadthegun, andputinthesi l
entor.Iwouldnt
wantt heneighbourstobealar medbyagun
shot.Iam goingtokillt
hatCandybef oreshe
canruint hi
ngsforme.Iputt hegunbehi ndme
andputt heshirthi
dindit
,ast hereisaknocki n
thedoor .Thatmustbeher .Thatf ooli
shgirl
.I
openmydoori ndeedsheisi t
sher .
Busi
:Hey
!Youcancomei
n.
Candy
:Whati
sthi
siam notr
eal
l
yint
hemood
f
ory
ourgames?
Busi
:I
tsnotgamesCandy
.Youar
etheonewho
i
splayi
nggameswit
hme.
(
Wesi
tdown.
)
Busi
:Youwi
l
lnott
ell
any
oneespeci
all
ynotNi
ck.
Candy
:Ist
hatwhaty
oucal
l
edmeher
efor
?

GuesswhatBusi
,iam goi
ngt
otel
lhim and
t
hereisnot
hingy
oucandoaboutit
.
Busi
:Ar
eyousur
e?
Candy
:Yes(gr
abbi
ngherback)i
donteven
knowwhyiam wast
ingmytimewit
hyou.
(
Ipul
loutt
hegunandpoi
nti
tather
.)
Busi
:Whaty
oudontundest
andBusi
ist
hati
am
wil
li
ngt
okil
lj
ustf
ormysecret
s.
Candy:
Whatar eyoudoi
ngBusi
?Pl
easemy
fr
iendyoudontwanttof
othi
s.
Busi
:Fr
iend?Whatki
ndoffr
iendbet
ray
s
anot
her
.Youarenotmyfri
endyouaremy
ener
my.
Candy
:Iwontgobr
eat
hingawor
dtoany
one.I
pr
omise.
Busi
:It
sali
tt
lebi
ttool
atet
omakeamends
ri
ghtnow.
(
Ipointt
hegunatherandshootbet
weenher
l
egs.)
Busi:Nextt
imei wontmi
ssCandy.Iam not
Naledi,
iwil
lnotl
eaveyoubr
eathi
ngifyoudare
thi
ngofbetrayi
ngme.Areweclearsweethear
t?
(
Shenodsherhead.It
rai
lherf
acef
eat
ureswi
th
t
hegun.
)
Busi:Gobutknowi am watchi
ngy ourevery
mov e,onebadwrongmov e,iwil
lkil
lyou
withouthesi
tat
iont
heni wil
lat
tendy ourfuner
al
andbet hemostcryingone,wi
thoutany
remorse.
.
..
..
.
.
..
..
Iam sorr
yidosedof
fyest
erdaypr
epar
ingy
our
i
nsert.
[
06/
02,
15:
37]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t30
"At
tractwhatyouexpect
,refl
ectwhatyou
desi
re,becomewhaty ourespect
,mirr
orwhat
youadmi r
e."Unknown
.
..
..
..
Nessa
Thereisadropinmyf ace,iwipeitawayasi
turnandfacetheotherway .Thereisanot her
dropinmycheek.i wipeitawayandt hereis
anotherone,f
oll
owedbyanot heroneand
anotheronesuddenlyi am ir
ri
tat
ed.Isnapout
andopenmyey es.Ourey es,well
ourl i
psmeet .
Lef
a:Wakeupsl
eepi
ngbeaut
y?
Nessa:(
Igroanasi
pull
thecover
sov
ermy
head.
)Justfi
vemoreminut
es.
Lef
a:That
swhaty
ousai
danhour
back.(
Pul
l
ingawayt
hecov
ers)
Nessa:
Oyal
owaLef
a.
Lef
a:Iknow,
ral
owanai
guess.
Nessa:
wher
ear
ewegoi
ngsoear
ly?
Lef
a:Toseeyourdoct
or.Comeonwewi
l
lbe
l
atefory
ourappoi
ntment.
Nessa:If
eel
li
kesl
eepi
ngandj
ustst
ayi
ngi
n
doors.
Lefa:
Youdoknowyouar
egoinghav
etoface
theoutsi
det
hewhol
eworl
datsomepoi
nt.
Nessa:
Iam notr
eady
.
Lef
a:thewholepointwhywemov edherewas
soyoucanbef r
ee,adapttoanewenvir
oment
wit
houtpeoplear
epi t
yingorj
udgi
ngyou
Vanessa.Yougoi
ngt ohavestopf
eel
ingsor
ry
foryoursel
fbecauseitwil
l notmakey ouwalk
again.Comeonwhathappenedt otheNessai
fel
li
nl ovewit
hy ou.Thecour ageousNessa,
whoi snotafr
aidofanything,whocanf ace
anythi
ngl i
fet
hrowsaty ou.
(Myinnerwomanst andsupanddusther
sel
ves.
Fight
ing!Shescreams.Goshitni
cetohaveher
bubblyselfagai
n.)
Nessa:
OkayDrPhil
.Youmadeyourpoi
nt,
go
andcal
lCar
laiam r
eadyt
otakeabath.
Lef
a:Idontgetwhyyoudonotal
l
owt ohel
p
youout,
icam hel
pyoubathal
sojustl
i
keCarl
a.
Nessa:Dontpushyourl
uck,
justgoandcal
l
Carl
a.Iwil
lbewithyoui
nabit.
(Hesmi l
esandwal ksout.Okayheisnotbad,
myi nnerwomansay sashewal ksout.Ir
ollmy
eyes, i
tnicetohavey oubackPett
yFrançais.
Youv presencehavebeendear l
ymissed.Thats
hernewname, myinnerwoman.Shei sadrama
queendeser vingname.)
.
..
..
.
Nal
edi
Iam taki
nganap.Br i
anhasl eftint
hemor ni
ng
sayi
nghehassomet hi
ngtot akecareoffheis
notyetback.Idontknowwhatwoul dihave
doneifhehasnotbeenbymy sidet
hroughital
l.
Iopenmyey esasi tf
eel
slikesomeonei s
si
tti
ng.Hesmi l
esatme, idie,Idontknowifi
cangetusedt ohissmil
es.
Bri
an:Il
oveyou,
NalediMoroka.Inevert
hought
icoul
dlovel
i
kethisaft
er.
..
..(
hetrai
lsoff
)
(
Ipatnextt
omeandhegetsi
nbed,
hel
i
esnext
t
omeandwef aceeachot
her
.)
Naledi
:(iputmyhandonhischeek)Youdont
havetotellmeanyt
hingify
ouarenotready
,
youlovemeandi l
ovey ouDlami
nithat
sall
that
matter
s.
Bri
an:
Bef
oreVanessa,t
her
ewasabrother
,hi
s
namewasAlexander
,hewasy
oungert
hanme
by3y ears,firstbor nforNi ckandMot her.Just
l
ikeNessa, hewast omar ryagi rlf
orbusi ness,
hernamewasKemo.ThesameKemoi wasi n
l
ov ewi t
hwast hesameKemomybr ot herwas
tomar ry.Fort woy ear sourr elationshi pwent ,
butitl ookedl ikeAl exalsof ellforher .Hef ound
outaboutusdat ingandt r
iedbr eaki ngusapar t
whichdi dnotwor k.Onedayi wasdr iving, i
was
withhi mf rom home, alongt hewaywegoti nt o
af i
ghtaboutKemo, il
ostconcent r
at ionont he
road, drovest rai ghti ntoanupcomi ngcar .I
madei tbutAl exdi dnotmakei t.Islippedi ntoa
placeofdepr essi onunt iliwaspul ledoutmy
mot her ,myf at herwant edmet obet heonet o
mar ryKemoaf tert heacci dentbuti coul dntdo
i
t,notaf t
eri killedmyownbr otherf i
ght ingfor
thesamegi rl
.Il ov edherbuti couldntj ust
mar ryher ,soshel eft,mov edaway .Mywor k
becamemysanct ionandr easont ol i
v eaf t
er
shel eft.Inev ert houghti coul dloveagai naf ter
Kemount il
lImety ou.
Nal
edi:Somethingshappeninourl
if
esfora
r
eason.Dontblamey oursel
ftoomuch.
Br
ian:
Thanky
ou.
Nal
edi
:Whendi
dyour
eal
i
set
haty
oul
oveme?
Brian:Fir
stdayatcl ass,youwer etal
kingt oJoy!
Ther ewasj ustsomet hi
ngabouty outhati
foundi nt
ruquing.Bef or
ei knewi tiwasal ways
l
ooki ngforwar dtomyl ectures.Thatwheni
knewi wil
lfindyou, y
oumademywor keasi er
fi
ndoutwhoy ouar e,becausey oualway ssat
i
nonespot .Sowi thinaweek, iknewt hatyou
areNal ediMor okaandy ouar egoi ngtobemy
woman.
(
Igetbut
ter
fl
iesi
nmyst
omach.
)
Nal
edi
:Suchbi
gconf
idence.
Brian:Istudiedpsychol
ogy,icouldr
eadyour
emot ionsfrom far
,youeyeslit
eupwheni
enteredclass,andy ouwil
lholdyourbr
eath,
pressingtogetheryourl
egs.Ithinki
twaskind
ofcutet
oknowthatyouhaveacr ushone.Then
bam!YouareNessa'
sfri
end,ah!Thatwasjust
theconf
ir
mati
onineededfrom theGodsthat
youaremychosenone.
Nal
edi
:Yougetaheadofy
our
sel
fDl
ami
ni.
Brian:Notreall
y,iknowwhati wantandi
alway smakesur eigetwhatiwant.Iwanted
you, andimadesur eigetyou.Nowher eyou
are,wherey oubelongandi i
ntendtokeepyou
heref or
ever.
(
hemov esti
ll
heisi
nchesawayfrom me.His
war
m breachwhenhespeakssendsmeov er
t
heedge.)
Bri
an:YouaremineNal
edi
,al
lmi
ne,
andi
int
end
tokeepitt
hatway.
(Igetahiccupashi shandscomebehi ndme
andpul l
smecl oser,ourbodiest
ouchandi f
eel
l
ikei havebeensetonf i
re.Hi
scoldsoftli
ps
touchmi ne,
ashi shandsgetundermyt shi
rt
,
touchingmyboobs, i getli
keanel
ectri
ccharge
carryi
ngpl easurechargest oallpartsofmy
bodyandasof tmoanescapesmymout h.He
continuest okissmet ouchingme.Hi sother
handmov esandgoesunder neathmyski rt
,
touchingmydumpunder nies, herubsthefabri
c
softl
yonme.Andi stopbr eathingaswav esof
pleasure,somet hi
ngi neverfeltbeforehi
tme.
Hel ooksatmesmi li
ngasher emov eshi
s
hands.)
Br
ian:
Ot ankgol
egaNal
edi
!Thethi
ngsiwantto
dotoyou.Comeongetup,
takeabathandlet
metakeyoutocampusbef
oreigett
empted.
(Iam st
il
lincl
oud9!Icanhearhi
mtal
kbuti
cantmov e.
)
Bri
an:Iwi
llusetheguestroom.Youareno
l
ongerunderinvesti
gati
on,youcangobackand
car
ryonwithy ourstudi
es.
Nal
edi
:Huh?
Bri
an:
Iwontrepeatmysel
fbecauseyouknowi
hat
eit
.Getupbeforei
smacky ourpr
ettyt
iny
ass.
(igetup.Isti
ll
dontknoshowhedoesswi tch
upli
kethat,oneminutet
hefragi
l
eBrian,t
hen
theSeducti
veBrianandl
astl
ythecontr
oll
ing
Bri
an.Irol
lmyey es.
)
Br
ian:
Dontr
oll
yourey
esatmey
oungl
ady
.
Nal
edi:Howdidy
oudoi
t?Maket
hem dr
opt
he
i
nvest
igati
on?
Br
ian:Itoldyouigotthi
s.Howidi
ditdoesnot
matter.Jusknowi am y
ourmanandiwill
al
way sprotecty
ou.
(Ther
ehegoesagainmakingmeblush.The
seduct
ivechar
asmati
cBr
ianstay
swi nni
ng.)
.
..
.
..
Shor
tonef
ort
honi
ght
Cour
tesyofDrDl
ami
ni
Goodni
ght
(
UNEDI
TED)
[
06/
02,
15:
38]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t31
"
Weal l
gotbothli
ghtanddarki
nsi
deus.What
matt
ersisthepartwechooset
oacton,t
hat
's
whower eal
lyar
e."ByS.Bl
ack
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Busi
Ilookatdownatmymi dt erm mar ksanddr op
myhead.Ev eni fiam tositf ormyexamst here
i
s50%t hati mi ghtnotmakei t.Whydidi have
tomi ssclasses, notwrit
et estsandnotsubmi t
assignment s?TheCandyv irusreall
ydidhitme
sobad.I ficanpassecononi csandst ati
sti
cs
may bei canhav eanoppor tunitytohavea
comeback.Buthowdoi ev enpasst hem, i
twil
l
takeami r
aclef ormet oear nthatmuch
ofcourseunl essi makeitt hemi racl
ecomet r
ue
bytakingmat tersint
omyownhands.I nli
fe
therearesomanyway stosuceedy oujusthave
toknowt heri
ghtchannel
stofollow.Iapply
l
ipsti
ckt omyl i
psandf i
xmybr a.Thebandage
dresshugsmybodysowel l
.Iputonmyshades
andt akemyhandbagasi getoffmycar e.Ti
me
foraction.Iwalkt
omyeconomi cslect
urer
offi
ceandknockont hedoorsoftly
.
Pr
ofDav
id:
Comei
n.
(Iwal
kinsi
de,
hisey
esmetmi
neandi
star
eat
him.)
Busi
:Goodaf
ter
noon.
Pr
ofDav
id:
Aft
ernoonmygi
rlhowcani
hel
pyou?
Busi
:Welly
oucanstartbyt
ell
li
ngmewhati
needtodotopassecofort
hissemest
er?
ProfDavid:
Idi
dnotcatchyourname.Reading
thecoursemateri
alswegav ey
ouandattendi
ng
l
ecturer
saswel l
ast ut
ori
alswi
thoutf
ail
.
Busi:Myparent
scal
lmeBusisi
webutmy
fr
iendscal
lmeMar i
l
yn.(
Ibi
temylowerl
i
p)
Apar
tfr
om t
hatwhatel
secanagi
rldo?
(Herel
axesbacki
nhi
schai
r,l
ooki
ngatme
smil
i
ng.)
Pr
ofDav
id:
Arey
out
ryi
ngt
oseduceme?
Busi
:I
sitwor
king?
(
Isayasi
putmybagonthet
abl
emaki
ngsur
e
t
hecamerai
sfaci
nghi
m)
Pr
ofDav
id:
Iam i
ntr
igued.
Busi
:Il
i
kei
twheny
ouar
eint
ri
gued.
(
Iwal
ktot
hedoorandl
ocki
t.
)
Pr
ofDav
id:
Whatdoy
ouhav
etoof
feri
nret
urn?
Busi
:It
houghty
ouwoul
dnev
erask?Wel
la
whol
elot.Li
ket
his.
(Il
eanforwardandbrushmyl i
psoverhi
sasmy
handsunbucklehisbelticanfeelhi
m br
eat
hing
hardashegr absmyass.Iki sshim,asmyhand
toucheshiscock,
whati sitwithbi
gbuff
yguys
andsmallcocksisitsomecur se?Igodown
andputhi
scockonmymout hasistar
eupat
hi
m ashisey
esnarrowandhest
artsmoani
ng.I
pathi
minthecheeks.
)
Busi:
Bigguy,
holdyoursel
foryoumi
ghtr
uin
thi
sforusbef
oreitevenst
art
s.
(Istartgi
vinghim ablowjob,hishandsholdmy
hairanddi r
ectsitfastonhiscock.Aft
ersome
ti
mehet ensesupandgi vesal owgroanashis
seedsspi ll
inmymout h,i
stareupathim asi
swal l
owt hem thenkisshim.)
Busi
:Likeisai
dtherei
sawhol el
ottoofferal
l
youhavetodoismakesur eyoupl
ayy ourcar
ds
ri
ghtandtheful
lpackagewil
lheyours.
ProfDav
id:
Youar
esomel
i
ttl
edev
il
.Consi
deri
t
doneMary.
Busi
:Great,
nowhol
dyourendoft
hedeal
andi
wil
ldel
i
v er
.
(Iwri
tedownmynameandphonenumber,
kiss
him andwal
koutwal
ki
ngl
ikeaboss.I
fhe
thi
nksi am goi
ngt osleepwi thhim,hegot
anotherthi
ngcomi ng,i sayasi si
tmycar,
watchingthevideo.Oh!Pr ofessorDavi
dIgot
youjustwherei wanty ou,thisi
smyl i
tt
lepower
overyou.Youwer erightaboutonet hi
ngthough,
iam somel i
ttl
edev i
l
.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
JOY
Ilookatherassheexplai
nstheconcept sov er
tome.Iwonderwher eshegetsheri nter
ll
igent,
shehasbeenabsentf oraweeknowandher e
shei shelpi
ngmeoutwhohasbeeni nschool.
Shehast helooks,
shehasthebr ainsandev en
therightatt
it
udenotf
orget
ti
ngt heboy fri
end
whycoul dntGodmakememor elikeher?Iam
envious!Iwanttobel
ikeNalediMor oka.Hav e
everythi
ngshehas?Makemear epl i
cateofher
God.
Nal
edi
:Ar
eyoul
i
steni
ngorst
ari
ngatme?
Joy
:Iam cur
iousSt
arhowdoy
oudoi
t?
Nal
edi
:(smi
l
li
ng)Dowhat
?
Joy:Remainontopdespi
teev
ery
thi
ngt
hat
happenstoyou.
Nal
edi:
Whenyouhaveagoalyouf
ocusonitno
matt
erwhat
.Youkeepyourey
esonthebal
lno
matt
erwhat
?
Joy
:Whati
syourgoal
?
Naledi
:Mygoalissi
mple,geteducat
edand
changethesi
tuat
ionbackathome.Iwantt
obe
adoctor.
Joy
:Whati
fyouf
ail
?

Naledi
:(pi
nchi
ngme)Somel
i
ttl
eposi
ti
vi
ty,
iwi
l
l
notfai
lJoysowil
lyou.
Joy
:Ouch!
Naledi:Nowpayat
tent
ionori
wil
lpi
nchyou
again.Rememberwehaveourey
esonthebal
l
.
Joy
:Il
ovey
ouNal
edi
.Iam l
uckyt
ohav
ea
f
ri
endl
i
key
ou.
Nal
edi
:Lov
eyout
ooJoy
ous.
(Imeanitilov
eher,sheisjustanamazi
ng
person.Br
ianisoneluckyguy.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Nal
edi
Thedaywentv eryfastbecausei wasst udying,
theni hadtohelpJoyout .Ijustfinishedeating
andi pullonmyt racksuitsandasweat eron,
putonmyni kesneakers.Ineedt ogot othe
l
ibrary,anddosomer eading.Itishar dtomov e
aroundcampusbecausepeopl est i
ll
stareat
me, pointfi
ngersandbr i
ngheadsgossi ping
wheni pass.Myphoner ingsasi reachformy
bag.ItsMrDl amini.
Nal
edi
:Myl
ove.
Br
ian:
BabyCakes.Howwasy
ourday
?
Naledi
:Mydaywasj
ustokay,wasbusywi
thmy
bookswhol
edayandyours?
Br
ian:i
twasbor
ing,
thehousei
squi
tel
onel
y
wi
thoutyou.
Nal
edi
:Sayst
heguywhomademespendmost
ofmydaysal
lal
onet
her
e.AskLi
am t
ocomeby.
Brian:Iam notinmoodofhi
sGaydramati
c
tendenciestoday.Howi
sbei
ngbackincampus
goingsof ar?
Nal
edi
:Iam st
il
lthemaj ort
opicbuti
tdoesnot
bot
hermeanymor e.Youratt
it
udeisrubbi
ngon
me.
Bri
an:That
sgoodandyouneedtocatcht
he
spi
ri
tofyourman.Ar
eyougoingtobed?
Nal
edi
:Nogoi
ngt
othel
i
brar
yforl
ateni
ght
st
udy.
Bri
an:
Ikeepfor
get
ti
ngthatiam dat
inganer
d.
Dontr
eadtoomuch,youmightgocrazy
.
Nal
edi
:Iwont
.
Br
ian:
Okaykgar
ebey
ame.Wewi
l
ltal
k.
Nal
edi
:By
e.
Br
ian:
Youar
efor
get
ti
ngsomet
hing.
Nal
edi
:(r
oll
i
ngmyey
es)Il
ovey
ouDl
ami
ni.
Br
ian:
Lov
eyouMaDl
ami
ni.
(Ihungupandgrabmybag.Ii
mmer di
atel
yi
recei
veamessage,i
tsf
rom anuknownnumber
.
Ireaditoutl
oud.
)
Naled:(
readi
ngthetextmessage)Youhav e
tot
all
ysuceededinr
uininghiscareer.Brav
o!
Youmustbepr oudofy our
selfNaledi.
(Heavenlyf
atherwhoisthi
s?Andwhatdoes
sheorhemeanbyi havedest
royed"r
uini
nghi
s
fut
ure."Rui
nwhosef ut
ure?Whatnonsensei
s
thi
s?)

[
06/
02,
15:
38]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t32
_
___
___
__
"Maybeonedayweshall
begl
adtor
emember
eventhesehar
dshi
ps.
"ByVi
rgi
l
_
___
___
__
VANESSA
Ist
areathi
m andsmi
l
e.
Nessa:
Go,
iwi
l
lbeokay
.
Iassur ehi m oncemor e, heisr eluctanttogot o
hiscl ass.It
sourf irstdayatschool ,iam not
exci t
edasi waswheni startedatUni versi
tyof
Bot swana.Iam gl adthati backi nschool but
honest lymyhear tisbackhome.Imi ssNal edi
andev eryone.Tot hinkt hatihav et of or
m
anot hernewf r
iendshi psagai nthissi demakes
mesad.Thecampust hissidei snotashugeas
theonebi ghome.Iam gl adt hatmyf athergot
meanel ectr
icwheel chair.Idonthav ethe
strengt htobepushi ngmywayt hroughcr owds
tocl ass.Thef i
rstl ect
urei snotbadasi t
hought
i
twouldbe.Bytheenddayif
indmysel
flooki
ng
for
wardtothenextday
.Ir
eachformyphone
andcal
lNaledi
.
Nal
edi
:Nessa!
Nessa:
Sothisi
swhathappenswheni
mov
e
away?Thecommuni
cati
onstops.
Naledi
:Thingshav
ebeenabi
thect
icsi
nceyou
l
eftmyf r
iend.Howar
eyou?HowisCal
if
orni
a?
Nessa:
Bor
ingwi
thouty
ou.Imi
ssy
oudummy
.
Naledi:
Imi ssyoual
soVanessa.Wehaveto
hol
di ti
nt her
e.AndLef
a,ihopehei
streat
ing
youwel l
.
Nessa:Lef
aisf
ine,
hei
str
eat
ingmel
i
kea
queen.
Nal
edi
:Iam gl
ad.
Nessa:AndBri
an,
howi
she?Hopehei
snot
bul
lyi
ngyou?
Nal
edi
:Wehav
ebeent
hrought
hewor
stst
orm
butwesti
l
lhere.Il
ovehi
m Nessa,
Ilov
eyou
brot
heral
ot.
Nessa:
(laughed)Youar
ewhi
pped.
Nal
edi:Iknow,iam cl
osingtoday,
tommorr
owi
havetogohome, butforthefi
rstt
imeinmyli
fe
iam notlooki
ngfor
war dtogoinghome.
Nessa:Iguesst
hisi
sgoi
ngt
obet
hel
ongest3
monthsever.
Naledi
:Youhavenoideaiam act
uall
ythinki
ng
ofgetti
ngapartt
imejobsojusticanstayin
thecit
y.Butwher
ewilli
evenstay
.
Nessa:Ar
eyouinsanewhatdoyoumean?You
knowthatmyhomei syourhome.Youcanst
ay
ther
e.
Nal
edi
:Youar
enott
her
eNesaa,
idontwantt
o
bei
ntr
udi
ng.
Nessa:Youcanneveri
ntr
ude.Babeineedt
ogo.
Iwil
lcal
lyouagai
nsoon.Naledi
:Bye,
lovey
ou.
Nessa:
Lov
eyoumor
emyot
herhal
f.(
Ihungup)
_
___
___
___
___
Lef
a:Youar
esmi
l
ingeart
oear
.Whati
sit
?
Nessa:Cantbeagir
lbej
usthappyf
orno
appar
entreason?
(Iraisemyheadandl ookatt hegi
r l
hei swith.
Shehasacar amelfl
awlessskin,withadar k
natur alhairhel
dinabun.Shesmi l
esatmeand
iretur nit
!"Shewantshim!"Pettysays!Iroll
my
eyes, notthisnow, "
Dontsati di
dnotwar nyou
whensheget syourman."Shescr owls.Iam i
theonl yonewithalousyinnerwoman?)
Lef
a:Babe,
imadeaf r
iend,t
hisisXhebi
l
ef r
om
Sout
hAfri
ca,Xhebi
,thi
si sVanessamyfiancée.
(Didherjustcal lherXhebiani ckmameal r
eady
,
noshei sf ast"Pettysaysclappingherhands.
"DontshakeherhandNessa, giveheracold
shoulder,sendt hemessagel oudandcl ear
from thest ar
t."Shecontinues.)
Nessa:
ShutupPet
ty.
Xhebi
l
e:Huh?
Nessa:No!Nevermindthat
,(ext
endi
ngmy
hand)i
tnicemeeti
ngy ouXhebi,
anyfr
iendof
Lefai
smyf ri
end.
(
"Youpoorgirl
!Cantyoul
i
stentomejustonce
i
nyourli
fe."Pet
tysay
s,weallknowwhat
l
i
steni
ngt oyouleadt
oPetty
,iscrowl
ather,
j
ustbequite.
)
Lefa:
Xhebi hasaskedforari
de,t
her
eisno
probl
em dropheroff,onourwayhomeri
ght
Peaches?
Nessa:
Nopr
obl
em atal
l
.
(
Weal
lgot
othecar
.)
Xhebi
l
e:Doy oumi
ndi
fisi
tont
hef
rontsoi
can
gi
vedir
ect
ions.
(
"Hellno!Youarenotl et
ti
ngheronoursit
Nessa.Sheisheret womi nut
esandshealready
t
hinksshecant akethef r
ontsitnoway.
"The
f
uriousPettysays.Ithoughtsheissul
ki
ngbut
guessnotf
orl
ong.
)
Lefa:
Iam sureyoucansti
l
l di
rectmesit
ti
ngat
thebackXhebi,
iam usedtodrivi
ngsi
tt
ingnext
tomygirl
.
(Hesaysashel if
tsmef r
om mychai randhelps
meinmyseat ,andhelpsmebuckl eupbef or
e
heputsthechairinthecarbootandget si
nthe
cardri
vi
ng.Asf ortheinnerwomani nme, Petty
LaFrancai
ş,shehasf oldedandwat ching
ever
ythi
ng.Shei ssodr amat
icthatshecoul d
makeagr eatactressi
nasoapoper a.)
_
___
___
___
__
Nal
edi
Nal
edi
:Whatarey
oudoingher
e?Doy
ouwant
ust
ogeti
ntroubl
eagai
n.
(Isaytohi
m, hei
sinfrontofmyr oom looki
ng
atamused,hegetsinsi
det heroom,closi
ngis
hepushesmeagai nstthedoorandkissesme
hisli
pssof
tleadi
ngmi ne,hiswarmfreshbreat
h
dri
vi
ngmeov ert
heedge.Iopenmymout h
accomodat
inghi
stonguethatt
anglesover
mine.Hegr
oans,andpul
lsaway,smil
ing.
)
Bri
an:Doineedar
easont
ocomeandsee
kgar
ebeyame?
Nal
edi
:Noy
oudont
,comeher
e,i
missedy
ou.
(Helooksatmeamused, iwalkt
ohim andhug
himinhai
li
nghishypot
ini
zi
ngcologne.Hisbi
g
armsenclosearoundme,hesqueezesabit
befor
ehel i
ft
smeupandswi r
lsmearound.)
Bri
an:
Imissyoual
somylove.Wehav
ebeen
summonedtocomeandgetyouandyourbags.
Nal
edi
:Youandwho?
(
Heopenst
hedoor
)
Br
ian:
Him?
(
Liam i
sleani
ngagai
nstt
hedoor
.)
Li
am:
Arey
ou2hor
nydogsdone?
Br
ian:
Yougett
hebi
gbagi
wil
lgett
hesmal
l
ones.
Li
am:Noways,
sheisyourgi
rl
,obat
ago
i
metsamangmerwal
oy agago?
Bri
an:Monnagankeapal
elwakemer
wal
oel
e
gagagwe.
(Hesaysashepicksupthel
argebag.Igetmy
handbagandboxwhichhasmydelicat
estuff
.)
_
___
___
__
Iam spendi ngt woday sher eaccordingt o
Nessa'smom bef oreigohome, apuni shment
becausei hav ebeenscar ce.Wear egat hered
aroundt hedinningt ablehav i
ngoursupper ,i
t
feel
slikey esterdaywhenhesatacr ossmej ust
l
ikethis,notf oroncedi dIthinkthathewi l
lbe
mine.Andt odaywesi tagain,ri
ghtacrosseach
other,samespot ,butthistimear oundour
heartsarecont ent ,
ourey eslightupwhenwe
l
ookateachot her.Icanseehi sloveformej ust
bylookingi nhisey e.
Domini
ck:
Sowhenar
eyoust
art
ing?Ihav
e
gi
venyouaweekt
ogety
ourr
eady.
Br
ian:
Iwi
l
lber
epor
ti
ngonmonday
.
Nal
edi
:Repor
ti
ngt
owhat
?
Domi
nick:
Ihav
eyourof
fi
cer
eady
.
Hi
l
da:
Youhav
enott
oldhery
et?
Nal
edi
:Tel
lmewhat
?
Br
ian:
Not
hing?
Li
am:
Ohi
tisnotnot
hingdar
li
ng.
Domi
nick:
Bri
anandi
hadadeal
.
Br
ian:
(inawar
ningv
oice)Dad!
Hi
l
da:
No!Kgot
laesel
esheneedst
oknow.
Nal
edi
:Whatdeal
?
Bri
an:Wehadadeal,thethewil
lmakesurethat
yougobacktoschool,andcont
inuewi
thschool
wit
houtanypenal
ti
es.Ifi.
Nal
edi
:Ify
ouwhatDl
ami
ni?
Br
ian:I
fi qui
tmyposi
ti
onatt
heuni
ver
sit
yand
j
ointhefamil
ybusi
ness.
Nal
edi:What
?Sothepersonwhosentt
hat
messagewasri
ght?Ihaverui
nedy
outcar
eer
?
Br
ian:
Whatmessage?Whosentt
hatmessage?
Voi
ce:
Isentt
hatmessage.
(Wet ur
nourheadsandshei sstandingt
her
e,
al
lglamorous,
inablackpencildress,awhi
te
handbagandwhitesti
ll
etos.)
Kemo:
Hel
l
oHusband,
mot
her
,fat
her
.
(Di
dshej
ustsayhusband?Whatt
hehel
li
s
goi
ngonhere?)
[
06/
02,
15:
39]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t33
_
___
___
___
__
"
Thehear
twant
swhati
twant
s."BySel
ena
Gomez
_
___
___
___
_
Nal
edi
Ilookatherandbackatt hemansi tti
ngacross
myt able,hel
ooksangr ynow,somethingdarker
thanmer elyf
uri
ous,hishandisroll
edinfi
rst,
knucklepoppingout.ThisBri
anrightnow,
sitt
ingacrossme,idontknowhi m.
Hil
da:Youcantjustwal
kinher
eli
ket
hisi
syour
houseyounglady.
Kemo:Thi
ngshav
enotchanged,yousti
ll
despi
sememother,
istharwhyy
ouhav eno
shameini
nvi
ti
nganotherwomantodinewit
h
myhusband.
Hi
l
da:
Despi
sei
sanunder
stat
ement
.
Li
am:Dar
l!Whi
chhusbandar
eyout
alki
ng
about
?
Kemo:Bri
anpaidl
obol
aformesot
radi
ti
onal
l
y
wearehusbandandwi
fe.
Br
ian:
(fur
iousl
y)Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Domi
nick:
Comei
nKemo.I
fyouar
egoi
ngt
o
t
akeyourposi
ti
oni
nthefamil
ybusi
ness.You
wi
ll
needawi f
ebyyoursi
de.
Hi
l
da:
HehasNal
edi
!Hewi
l
lmar
ryNal
edi
.
Brian:I
fKemoisgoingtojoi
nusher e,
then
pleaseexcuseme,iam i
nnomoodt oplay
happyf amil
i
esri
ghtnow.AndKemowasnev er
partofthedeal
wemadedad, i
fyouaregoing
todot hist
heniwil
lbenopartofit
.
(
Hest
andsupandl
ooksatme.
)
Br
ian:
Arey
oucomi
ng?
(
Inodmyhead)
Ni
ck: Si
tdownBrian,
y ouwantedt
omarr
ythis
gi
rlnotsolongago,idontseeany
thi
ngwrong
wi
thmar ry
inghernow.
Brian:
Ihavesaidthi
sbeforeandiwil
lsayit
onceagainfather
,Iwil
lnotbeusedforyour
exploi
tat
ion.I
fyouwantsomeonet oexploi
t
thenhaveanotherson.
(
Hecomest
omysi
deandhel
psmeup.
)
Kemo:Dontgett
oocomf or
tabl
eli
tt
legi
rl
,that
manismineandiam backtogethi
m back.
(Il
ookatherandst
andupt
owal
koutwi
th
Bri
an.Wegot ohi
scar
.)
_
___
___
___
Noonehassai dawor dsincewel ef
this
parentsplace.Iam st i
llt
ryi
ngt oabsor b
everyt
hingthatwassai d.Ther eal
way shast o
besomedr amaatt hathouse.Wegett ohi s
apartment,andhegoesst r
aighttohi sstudy
whileisitdown.Af teranhourhasel apsed,i
standupt owal ktohi sroom.Ineedanswer s
andhebet terhav ethem.Iwal ki
nandourey es,
meethei sdr i
nkingwhi sky,itaketheglassand
gulpdownt her emai ni
ngone.Hei sjust
watchingmenot hingbeingsai d.Ifi
guredi need
somet hi
ngst r
ongt of acethissexybeasti nfront
ofhim.
Nal
edi
:Why
?
Br
ian:
Whywhat
?
Nal
edi
:Whydi
dyoudoi
t?Qui
tyourj
obf
orme?
Br
ian:Dontquest
ionmydeci
sionsNal
edi
Moroka.
Nal
edi:
Whyshoul dnti?Yougav eyourjob,f
or
me,andnowy ouareindeptedtoyourfather
?
Yougaveyourjobawayf orwhatamer efli
ng.
Bri
an:Igotyoui nt
othi
sandi
toldyoui wil
lfi
x
thi
s,i
fixedit.YouaremywomanNal ediandi
tol
dyout hatit
smydut yt
opr
otectyou.
Naledi
:Dontsayiam yourwoman, y
oujustlef
t
yourwomanaty ourparent
s'shome.The
womanwhoy oupaidlobol
af or
?Thatyour
womanKemonotme.
Brian:Alongtimeago, t
hatwast hecase.Not
ri
ghtnow, y
ouaremywoman, noKemo, no
Domi nickcaneverchanget hat
.Ihavemyey es
ononegi r
landthat
sy ou.Ifyouthi
nkfora
secondt hatmyexr et
urning,wil
lchangethat
theny ougotitsopret
tybadmyl ove.
(Iam tonguet ied,i
stareathim,myf ingers
i
tchingfort ouchhim, webothqui t
enow, no
shouting,eyesmeet ,
andi f
eelelevat
ed, itakea
deepbr eathandmoi stur
emyl i
pswi thmy
tongue.Hest andsupandwal kst ome, his
ambermar bleeuesnotl eavi
ngmi ne.Ican
almosthearmyhear tasitbeat
ingacr ossmy
chest.Her eachesf ormyhandandputi tover,
hislef
tchest .)
Brian:Thishear t
,thi
smanstandi
nginf
rontof
you, hehashi seyesonlyf
oronewomanand
thatsy ou.Idontknowwhatmor eihav
etodo
toshowt hatiloveyou.
(Istar
edeepi nhiseyes,iseemy sel
finhim.He
drawsmecl oserandhi sbrushesli
psov ermine.
Myhear tstops.Thenbegi nsagain,wit
haki ck
thatmakest her oom spinaround.Somet hi
ng
sweepst hroughme, makingmehot ,knees
weak.Heangl eshishead, haul
smecl oserand
takecontrol,everyt
hingexplodes.Thewor l
d
disappearsint heseari
ngf l
ashofit,wi
ld,hot
andi nsane.Hemast er f
ullytakemymout h,
parti
ngmyl ipstoslipbet weent hem andset ti
ng
meonf i
re.Hehaulsmecl oserunderi am
sprawl edagainsthischest ,mybr eatsflattened
againstt hewallofhi storso.Imeethi m ashe
pil
lagesmymout h,wi ndingmyar msar oundhi s
neck, t
r y
ingtogetev enclosert ohi m.Thisi s
toomuch, heistoomuch, i f
eel l
ikeabol tof
l
ightningi sseari
ngi ntoandt hroughme.Att his
momenti dontcarei fibur naliveaslongasi
keepdoi ngthi
s.Hedeepenst hekissandi
archeagai nsthim,undest andingt hatwheni rub
againstwhatt hathar dnessi s.Iwantmor e,I
wanthi m.Iwantev er yt
hing.Hewr enchshi s
mout hf rom mineandsetmebackf r
om hi m,
hisamberey esblazingandhi sbreathisunev en
too.Icat chmybr eath.)
Br
ian:Iam l
osi
ngcont
rol
.Icantl
osecont
rol
Naledi
.
(
Hisvoi
ceishoarse.Iuset
hewhol
eofmypal
m,
t
esti
ngtheshapeofhim ashei
spr
essedl
i
ke
steelagai
nstthef rontofhistr
ouser s.Ifeela
hollowsortofrestlessnessspool outfrom deep
i
nsideme, hunger !Itcoursesthroughmel i
ke
spikeandgreedy .Itsnosecretiwantt hisman,i
haveapur e,unadulterat
edhunv erforhim.This
i
sanewf eeli
ng,i neverfel
tli
kethisbef ore.
)
Nal
edi
:(i
ntensev
oice)Whataboutwhati
want
?
Br
ian:
Nal
edi
!
(
Hewar
ns)
Nal
edi
:Whatwoul
dhur
tifwedi
dit?
(Hestudi
esmyfaceforalong.Hemut t
ersa
curseandel
evat
esmeof fthefl
oorint
ohis
armsandwalkstowardst
hedoor .
)
[
06/
02,
15:
39]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t34
_
___
___
___
__
"
Ital
lfunandgamesunt
ilsomeoneget
shur
t.
"-
Unknown
_
___
___
___
__
Joy
Iam l
ooki
ngatmybags, ishouldhavejust
cal
ledmyfatherhewouldnthavehesit
atedto
comeandpickmeup.Whatam i goi
ngt odo
wit
hallt
hisbags?Myphoner ingsbr
ingme
backfr
om myt hought
s.
Joy
:Mot
howame!
Kagi
:Myl
ove.
Joy
:Thi
sisapl
easantsupr
ise.
Kagi
:Acari
swai
ti
ngdownst
air
sfory
ou.
Joy
:What
?
Kagi:
Myf ri
endisther
etopickyouup.Hewil
l
bri
ngy ouwhereiam.Iam sti
l
lcaughtupi
n
something.
Joy
:Okay
!Howwi
l
liknowhi
m?
Kagi
:Hei
sdr
ivi
ngt
heasi
l
verBmw520i
.
Joy
:Okayt
hanky
oumyl
ove.
Kagi
:Seey
oui
nabi
t.
(ihungupandsmi letomy self.Iam sucha
l
uckyl ady
,atleasthethinksaboutme.I ndeedi
fi
ndaguywai ti
ngformedownst ai
rsbuthei s
nothingiexpected,wit
htattoesal l
over,buffy
andmuscul ine.Hetakesmybagsputt hem in
thebootsndopenst hedoorf orme, t
heback
seat.Hestarysdriv
ingout.)
Kgot
so:
Cani
gety
ouany
thi
ngbef
orewel
eav
e?
Joy
:Not
hanky
ou.Iam pr
ett
ygood.
Kgot
so:
Okay
.
Joy:
Iam Joy
ous.Iwoul
dli
ket
oknowy
our
name.
Kgot
so:
Ever
yoneknowswhoy
ouar
e.Iam
Kgot
so.
Joy
:Whatdoy
oumeanev
ery
one?
Kgot
so:Nev
ermi
ndt
hat
.Whyar
eyoudat
ing
Kagi
so?
(
Hisquest
ionshocks,
idi
dnotexpecti
t.
)
Joy:
Becauseil
ovehi
m.Whydoy ouask?Dont
youappr
oveofourr
elat
ionshi
p?
Kgotso:Itdoesntmat teri
fiapproveornot
.You
seem innocentJoy,justbecareful
aroundKagi
,
ever
ygi r
l t
hatcrossespathswi t
hhim al
ways
getburnt.
Joy
:Whatdoy
oumeanbur
nt?
Kgotso: Nothi
ng.Iam justsay
ingbecareful
i
nfactifi wereyou,iwouldendthi
srel
ationshi
p
beforeitevenbegins.
(Istareathim,totallysur pri
sed.Idontev en
knowwhatt osay .Ideci detonotl ethim getto
me.Hemi ghtthinki am notgoodenoughf or
hisfri
end.Wef inallyar ri
vewehewast akingme,
i
tabeaut i
fulf
armi nt heoutskir
tsoft hecity.I
seehi m st
andingbyt hestair
soft hemansi on
asthecarpul l
si nfr
ontoft hehouse.Ast hecar
stopsi getoutandr uni ntohisarms.Huggi ng
him, myGod!Imi ssedt hishumanbei ng.I
noti
ceKgotsoshaki nghisheaddisapprovingl
y.
Idontknowwhathi spr oblem i
sandi am not
abouttobothermy selftr
yingtofi
ndout.We
gazeint
oeachot her'seyes.Andsomeone
cl
appinghandsbr eaksourmoment .
)
Phenyo:Wow!Justwow!Justhowdesperate
areyou?Fr
om mybed,youjumpstai
ghtintomy
cousi
n"sbed.
(
Oh!Shi
t!Wherei
shecomi ngf
rom now?Heis
j
ustgoi
ngtorui
never
ythi
ngformer i
ghtnow.
)
_
___
___
___
___
Busi
Iopenmydoorandheat tacksmewi thakiss.I
fr
eezeonhi m.Bef orereturninghiski sswiththe
sameur ge.Ireachforhisshi rtandr ipaitapart
,
butt
onsf l
yingallover.Iam innot hingbutmy
si
lkshortgown.I tdropstot hegr oundasi
unbuckleisbelt,
andwor konhi szi p.Goshi so
missedhim, hissoftwar m breathsendsme
overtheedge.Hepushesmeagai nstthewal l
andsli
pshisf
ingerinsi
demywomanhood.I
fl
inchbackal
itt
le.
Li
am:
(whi
sper
ingi
nmyear
)Al
way
sready
.
Busi
:Yes.TakemenowLi
am.
(hegi vesmeawi ckedsmi l
esashesl i
pshis
hardbigcocki nmyf lesh.Bl
oodrushesf rom
myf aceasi accomodat ehissi
ze.TheDl aminis
ithanky ouforgif
tingyousonandf otteaching
him howt ousehi sgift
.Ithi
nkitwouldbeen
betteri
fy outaughtotherfamil
i
esy oursecret
especiall
ytheThompson.Ishi verandwr apmy
l
egsar oundhi swaistandhestartshumpi ng
me. )
_
___
_
Wheni openmyey esourlegsaretangledup,
hehashisheadbet weenmybr easts.Idont
evenrememberhowwemadei ttobed.My
phonevibr
ates.Anditi
samessagef rom Nick,
aski
ngmei fineedanythi
ngfrom theshops.
Shit
!Thismeanshei scomingov er
.Itwill
bea
disast
erifhefindsLi
am here.ThinkBusi!Think
hard.Isendhim ali
stofthi
ngsi need.Hoping
thatwil
ldelayhim abi
t.IshakeLi am abitand
hiseyesshootupandhesnuggl escl osertome.
Busi
:Li
am,
wakeup,
youneedt
oleav
e.
Li
am:
Huh?
Busi:Thi
sismybrot
her
'sapar
tmentandhewi
l
l
ki
llbothofusi
fhefi
ndsyouhere.
Li
am:
Ah!Lethi
m.
Busi
:Ar
eyoui
nsane?Wakeup.
Li
am:
Idontwantt
oleav
e.
Busi
:iknowi
alsodontwanty
out
oleav
ebut
wehavenochoicemylov
e.
Liam:Tommorrowy
ousoendingthenighgwi
th
me.Iwillt
akey
ououtt
odinnerfi
rstbefor
ei
ravageyou.
(Hesaysashegetsupkissmebef
orehewal
ks
buttnakedt
othebat
hroom.If
indmysel
f
smil
l
ingaft
erhim.Ist
andatt
hedoorki
ssi
ng
hi
m goodbye.)
Li
am:
Imi
ssy
oual
ready
.
Busi
:Sameher
e.
Li
am:
Byebeaut
if
ul.
(Hebr usheshi sli
psovermi nebef oregoingt o
hiscar .Iclosethedoorandsi ghtomy self.
Whendi ditgetsocompl icat ed.Iwasnev er
supposedt ocatchfeel
ingsf orhim.Iwal kto
thebedr oom andchanget hebeddi ng,
bef orei
takeashower .Ideci
det oputonmypadand
pretendt hatiam onper i
ods.Godknowsi am
notint hemoodt obetickledbyNi ckwi t
hhi s
dickletafterihadsuchagl orif
yinglovemaki ng
withLi am.)
[
06/
02,
15:
39]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t35
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
"
Strongert
hanlov
er'
slov
eislover
'shat
e.
I
ncurablei
neach,t
hewoundstheymake.-
Unknown
_
___
___
___
JOY
Ilookathim andmyinsidesturnasragetakes
ov er
.IlookatKagi
sobuthisfacegivesnothi
ng
away .Itur
nt ol
ookatPhenyoagain.Iam not
l
et ti
nghimr ui
nthi
ngsformel i
kehealmost
ruinedmyf utur
e.
Kagi
so:
Whati
shet
alki
ngabout
?
Gosh!Ineedt
omaket
hiswor
kimyf
avourand
ver
yfast
.
Joy:Ishouldbeaskingy ouKagi
sowhatheis
tal
ki
ngabout .Doyout hi
nkyouandyourcousi
n
canjustplaywli
kethis.?
Kagi
so:
Whoa!Babywhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Joy:Tel
lme!Di
dhesendyout
omeaft
erhe
brokemuheart
?Whydoyouhavet
opl
aywit
h
myf
eel
i
ngsl
i
ket
his?
(
Ist
artcr
ying)
Kagi
:Pheny
owhatisgoi
ngonher
e?Whati
s
shet
alki
ngabout
?
Pheny
o:Thet
hingi
s..
.(hescr
atchshi
shead)
Joy:Thethi
ngis, if
ellf
oryourcousi
nwheni
fi
rstcametoUB, andi t
houghthelov
edme
back.Li
tt
ledidiknowt hathei
sonlyget
ti
ng
betweenmylegs.Af t
erhegotwhathewanted,
hethrowmeoutl iketr
ash.
Kagi
so:
Ist
hist
rue?
Phenyo:Honestl
yi t
houghtwehadacommon
groundofundestanding.YohknowKagi
thati
gotThandi
.
Kagiso:I
sthist
hegi
rly
out
oldmdabout
.The
pregnantone?
Phenyo:Yeah!Shei
s.Iguessthisi
sthechance
toaskheraboutmychild.Becauseiseeno
babybump.
Joy:Yougott
obekidding.Yourchi
l
d.Di
dnty
ou
denyeveri
mpregnat
ingme?
Phenyo:Youjustalousysl
utJoy
.Youhadan
abort
iondidntyou?Youkil
l
edmychil
d?
Joy
:Therewasnev
erachi
l
dtobegi
nwi
th.I
madeitupasmyployy
togetyouback.(Il
ookatKagiso)Iam leavi
ng,i
cantbeli
eveialmostf
ell
foryou.Ithoughtyou
wer edi
ff
erentbutl
ooksiwasjustlyi
ngy o
my sel
foncemor e.
Kagi
so:
No!Younotl
eav
ingunt
ilwet
alk.
Joy
:Wat
chme.
(
Itakeast
epbuthegrabsmywristandpi
cks
meup,put
smeonhi sshoul
derandwalkinsi
de
t
hehouse.
)
Joy
:PutmedownKagi
so.
Kagi
so:
Notaf
terwet
alk.
(
Hesay
sashet
akest
hest
air
sandwal
kst
ohi
s
r
oom.Heput
smei
nthebedandsi
tsnextt
o
me.
)
Joy
:youcantkeepmeher
eKagi
so.
Kagi
:Iknowandi
wontofcour
sdunl
essy
ou
wantto.
Joy
:Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Kagi:
Ineedy outoknowthatiam notmy
cousi
n,iam notinthi
stopl
ayy ou.honest
lyi
di
dnotknowt hathei
stheonewhopl ayedyou.
Joy
:Nowy
ouknow.
Kagi:Nowi dobutsti
lldoesnotchangethefact
thatiam here,t
hatil
ovey ou.Whathappened
betweeny ouandPheny oisnoneofmy
businessanditall
inthepastnow.Alliam
askingforri
ghtnowisachance.Achancet obe
abet t
ermant hanmycousi n.Tol
oveand
appreciat
eyou.
Joy
:Il
oveyouKagiso.Andi
wantt
hist
owor
k
moret
hananyt
hing.
Kagi
so:
Anditwi
l
lwor
kpr
incess.Dontwor
ry.
Wegotthi
s.
Joy
:Okay
!
Kagi
so:
Good!
(
Hel
eansf
orwar
dandki
ssme.
)
_
___
___
___
___
Nal
edi
I
tsnosecretiwantthi
sman, ihaveapur
e,
unadul
ter
atedhungerforhim.Thisi
sanew
feel
i
ng,ineverf
eltl
i
ket hi
sbefore.
)
Nal
edi
:(i
ntensev
oice)Whataboutwhati
want
?
Br
ian:
Nal
edi
!
(
Hewar
ns)
Nal
edi
:Whatwoul
dhur
tifwedi
dit?
(Hestudi
esmyf aceforalong.Hemut t
ersa
curseandelevat
esmeof fthefl
oorint
ohis
armsandwal kstowardst
hedoor .Hegetst
o
hisroom,igetmyhopesupt hi
nkingheis
wal
kingtot
hebedbutinst
eadhewal
kstothe
bat
hroom.Standi
nthemiddl
eoft
heshoweras
col
dwaterfal
lonus.)
Br
ian:
(amused)Weneedt
ocool
down.
(Iam jol
ted,j
ustwhoisthi
sguy?Whyi
sheso
diff
erentfr
om otherspeci
esl
i
kehim?)
Nal
edi
:Why
?Am i
notat
tr
act
iveenoughl
i
ke
Kemo?
(
Hehaul
smei
nhi
sar
msandhugsme.
)
Bri
an:Donteversaythatorcompardyoursel
fto
anyone.Youareatt
racti
veandbeyond.Andi so
muchwantt osmashmy sel
fint
oyou,buticant
.
Nal
edi
:Why
?
Bri
an:Notli
kethi
s,webothnoty
etready
.Plus
aft
erwhatwewentt hr
oughyoumotheri
sgoing
toneedsomeassurance,y
ourvi
rgi
nit
ywil
lgiv
e
hertheassur
ancesheneeds.
(Heki
ssesmyfor
eheadandmyinsi
desmel
t.I
knowthecol
dshoweri
ssupposedt
obe
hel
pingbuti
tisnothelpi
ngatall.Aft
erawhil
e
westepout,ourcl
othesaresoaked.Ichange
i
ntohisgown.Andwal ktotheroom.He
emergesfr
om hiswardropeinpy j
amas.
Br
ian:
Hotchocol
ate?
Nal
edi
:No!Let
sgetsomesl
eep.
Br
ian:
ineedt
olookatsomedocument
s.
(inodmyheadandgeti nbedifeel
him geton
hissideal
so.Andr
att
li
ngsoundofpapers.
Aftersometi
me,heswit
chesoffandpullsme
i
nhi sarms.
)
Br
ian:(
kissi
ngmyfor
ehead)Il
ovey
ouDrNal
edi
Moroka-
Dlamini
.
Nal
edi
:AndIy
ouRr
eDl
ami
ni.
(Hesi ghsandi focusonhisbreathi
ngpat
tern,
i
trytomat chmybr eathi
ngpatt
ernwithhi
s.I
real
i
set hat"he'
smor emy sel
fthaniam.
What everoursoulsar emadeof,hisandmine
arethesame. "
-Emi l
yBront
e.
[
06/
02,
15:
39]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t36
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
_
"I
t'
shar
dformet
odoany
thi
ngbutl
ovey
ou."
-
J.Ir
onWord
_
___
___
___
Busi
Isitinmycouchr eadingt henewspaper .Ihave
togohomebef oretheendoft heweekbutpar t
ofmedontwantt ogoback.I tmeansi hav eto
gobackt opretendingthati am agoodgi rlin
mypar ent'
seyes.Ihav etogoseeLi am today.I
am exci t
edt ospendt i
mewi thhim.Thepaperi s
prettybor i
ngwell i
thasbeenbor i
nhev ersince
Naledi andBr i
ansagadi edsoi goandgeta
shower .Wheni walkbacki ntheliv
ingroom t o
hav eagl assofwat erthereisaknocki nt he
door .Iti
emybat hropet i
ghtlyasigoand
answert hedoor .Iopent hedoorandabeaut iful
womanwi t
hflawl essski n,bi ghazeleyes, atiny
mout hwi t
hal ongsnobnose.Herhai risunkept ,
shortandneat ,inev ermetawomanwhol ooks
thisbeautif
ulwithj ustshor thair,
shei sput t
ing
onnudel i
psti
ckwhi chcompl imentsherski n
tone.Shehourgl assf igure.Wear ingabl ack
highwai stri
ppedj eans,whi teandbl ackv ans,
nudebl azerandawhi tev est.Istarein
admi r
ation.Lovingherf ashi onsense.
Hi
l
da:
Busi
siwe?
(Hevoi
cedemandsauthori
ty.Igl
anceather
oncemore,
iam i
nti
midatedbutidontwantto
showit
.)
Busi
:Yes!
Hi
l
da:
Arenty
ougoi
ngt
oinv
itemei
n?
(
Whoi
sthi
swomanandwhatdoesshewant
?)
Busi
:No!Act
ual
l
yno!Idonti
nvi
test
ranger
sin
myhouse.
(Shegivesmeasl eazysmi
lebef
oreshepushes
hersel
finsi
de.Ist
areathert
otal
l
yirr
it
ated.
)
Busi:
Youcantdot
hat
.Getoutbef
orei
cal
l
securi
ty.
Hil
da:Goaheadmylove.Thi
sapar
tmentwas
boughtwi
thmyhusband'smoneywhi
chmakes
i
tmyapartment.
(Iam j
olt
ed!Noway!Iref
use.Shecantbe!She
cantbewhoi t
hinki
tis.
)
Hi
l
da:
What
!Acatcaughty
ourt
ongue?
Busi
:Whoar
eyou?
Hil
da:Looki
ngbyy ourexpr
essi
onyoualr
eady
know.Youjustwantmet oconf
irmit
.Yesiam
herwif
e,Hil
daThompson.
(
Okay!Iam f
uckedupt
oday!Myancest
orshav
e
t
urnedagai
nstmesosoon?
)
Hi
lda:Iwontbeataroundthebush.Ij
ust
wantedtotel
lyouthatkeepitup.Hei
singood
moodt hi
sdaysbuti wantedtowarnyoul
ikeal
l
theothers.Dontmakey
our
sel
fcomf
ort
abl
e,i
t
neverlasts.
Busi
:Huh?
Hi
lda:Myhusbandconti
nuescr
ewinghi
m but
whenschoolopensi
nAugustiwantyoutoend
whatev
eryoudoingwit
hmyhusband.
Busi
:Whyappr
oachme?Yourhusband
appr
oachedmenott
heot
herwayar ound.
Hil
da: Youarethefi
rstanddefi
natel
ynotthe
l
ast.Iapproachedyoubecausethisisafri
endly
warning,youareali
ttl
egir
landi wouldhat
ey ou
toseey ougetfri
ed.Wheni st
ri
keevenmy
husbandcanthelpy ou.
Busi
:Andi
ficant
?
(
Shewalksmesmi
li
ngandl
eansf
orwar
d
whi
sper
ingi
nmyears.)
Hil
da:AccordingtoJordanSarahWeatherhead,
authorofNakedTr ut
h,Whenshe' smad;even
thedemonsr unforcover.Youareapret
tything
t
ober
unni
ng.
(Shekissesmycheekandwal ksoutl
eav
ingme
astoni
shedandmostofal lwi
thsomany
questi
ons.Justwhathappenedandwhoarethe
thi
speopl e,
TheThompsonFami l
y?)
_
___
___
___
___
___
VANESSA
Il
ookathi
m andsmi le.Hei
sprettyamazi
ng.I
smil
etomyself.Il
ovehim,Pett
y!Iknowyou
l
ovehimtoojustthatyoudontwanttoadmiti
t.
Lef
a:Ar
eyousur
eyouar
eokayher
e?
Nessa:
Justgobef
orei
changemymi
nd.
Lef
a:Idontwantt
oleav
eyoual
one.
Nessa:
Iam notal
onepl
usXhebi
l
esai
dshewi
l
l
passby.
(
Pet
tyr
oll
sherey
es.
)
Lef
a:Okay
.Iwi
l
lseey
oul
ater
.
(
Hewal
kst
othedoor
,wal
ksoutbutwal
ksr
ight
backi
nsi
de.)
Nessa:
Didy
ouf
orgetsomet
hing?
Lef
a:Yeah!
(
Hewal
kst
omeandki
ssesme.
)
Lef
a:Il
ovey
ouPeaches.
Nessa:
Ilov
eyoumor
eLef
akae.
(Hewalksoutandi si
gh!Idontwanthi
mt ogo
buthehastoleavehisownl i
fe.Hehasbeen
taki
ngcareofmef orsolongandhasnothad
ti
mef orhi
mself
.Ibrowset hr
oughmagazines
tryi
ngtofi
ghtt
hebor edom butit
snohelp.I
settl
efort
he100!Nal edi
haslong
recommendedittome. )
Theloudnoiseandpeopl elaughi
ngwakeme
upfrom mysleep.Iraisemyheadandl ookat
thesour
ceofnoi se.Lefai
swi thXhebil
eandhe
l
ookswasted.Iknewi twasabadi deatolet
him got
here,Pettyscrowls.It
rytostandbuti
rememberi cannotmov e.
Nessa:
Whathappenedt
ohi
m??
Xhebi
:Poorlad!Thedri
nksgothim sobad!Just
showmehi sroom andiwil
ltaghi
mi n.
Nessa:
Noi
tsokayi
wil
ltakeov
ernow.
Xhebi
:Howl
ove?Youcantcar
ryhi
miny
our
chai
r.
(
Itakeadeepbr
eat
h)
Nessa:
Lastr
oom ony
ourl
eft
.
(
Shesmi lesatmeandcar ri
eshimt other
oom.
Myinnerwomanf oldsherarmsandi help
mysel
ft ogetonmhchai randfoll
owXhebile,
whoifindalr
eadytaki
ngof fLef
a'sshoes.
)
Nessa:
Youcanl
eav
eiwi
l
ltakdi
tfr
om her
e.
Xhebi
l
e:Huh!
Nessa:
Leav
eit
.Iwi
l
ltakecar
eofhi
m.
Xhebi
:Okay
.
(
Shest
andst
oherf
eet
.)
Nessa:
Closet
hedoorbehi
ndy
ou.
(Imovemychai rtohissideandremovehi
m
shoes.Phonesfrom hispocket
s.Icov
erhi
m
withathrow.Howi wishi hadmyownlegsto
takecareofhi
m. )

[
06/
02,
15:
40]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t37
_
___
___
___
"Shesavedt
hebestfort
heheartt
hat
undestoodt
heworstofher
."-JmStor
m
_
___
___
___
Br
ian'
sPOV
Iwassweati
ngasipoint
edthegunatthegir
l
whoilov
e.Myhighschoolgi
rl
fr
ied.Herey
es
beggi
ngformer
cy.
Ni
ck:
Shecannotl
i
veBr
ian.It
oldy
out
hatl
ove
i
saliabi
l
ity
,lookwhatatt
hemesswear
ein.
Youhavetokill
her
.Sheknowst
oomuch!.
Br
ian:
Icantf
ather
.Icannott
akeawayherl
i
fe.
(agunshoti
sfi
redandAmber'
sbodyf al
l
s
heav
yinthefl
oor.Bl
oodgushi
ngout.Herheel
s
makenoise,
announci
ngherar
riv
al.)
Hil
da:Icantt
rusty
outodosuchaneasyj
ob.
Youshouldhavetoldmesoonersoi
doit
mysel
f.
(Myeyesmeetwi
thher
sandshesmilesatme.
Asshehandsmyfat
herthegunandhergl
oves.
)
Hil
da:Dontworrymyboy !Thi
snothi
ngy ouwil
l
getusedto.TheThompsonf ami
lybusiness.
You,AlexandNesswill
hav etot
akeoverone
daywehav etogroom y
ouatsuchy oungerage.
(Il
ookedher,mymot herjusthasanangeli
c
facetofoolpeopl
ethinki
ngshei sanangel
beneaththeangell
ookl i
esthemostdanger ous
woman.Thequeenoft hedangerousempire.I
l
ookatherandr unout ,icanhearhercal l
ingme
buti canttur
nback, ineedtor unawayasf aras
myf eetcant akeme.Iknowt herewillbe
consequencesbutr ightnowi needtogetaway .
Theyki l
ledAmber ,ivowedtopr otecthery eti
havef ai
ledtopr otecther.MyAmberl iesont he
col
df l
oorwithabul letbetweenherey es.I
scream hernameout !Ifeelhandsonmybody
someonei sshakingme, openingmyey est hey
meetwi t
hher s.iam drenchedi nsweat .Nal edi
l
ooksatmewor ri
ed.)
Nal
edi
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Br
ian:
Justani
ght
mar
e.
(Igetoffbedandwal ktomyt hebathr
oom and
stareatthemi rr
or.Theyar eback!The
nightmares.Icannotgobackt othedar khol
ei
wasi n.IpullNaledit
omeasandki ssher
foreheadafterigetbacki nbed.Ilayawake!In
deept houghts!Ithasbeenl ongsincemy
demonsst r
iked.Coulditbebecausei agreedto
becomepar toft hef amil
ybusi ness,inever
want edpartoft hisandher ei am joi
ningt hem.
ThompsonPubl ishersisjustanamet ohi de
whatr eal
lyhappensbehi ndcl oseddoor s.I
thoughtiwilltakeadi f
ferentf rom mypar ents
buti j
ustkeepget ti
ngsuckedi nmor eandmor e.
Iwonderi fKagi soisst i
l
l hell
bur ntinhi s
revengeagai nstmyf amily.IlookatNal edishe
i
speacef ull
ysl eeping,icanthel pbutfeel li
kei
dontdeser v
eher ,sheist ooinnocentf orThe
ThompsonVi r
us.If eell
ikeitwi l
lconsumeher
i
nbuti l
oveher .Bei ngaThompsoni sacur se.
_
___
___
___
_
Nal
edi
Ilookathim holdi
ngt hesteeri
ngwheel .He
i
nsi st
edondr i
vingmest rai
ghthome.Il ook
forwardtoseeingmyf amil
ybuti am goingt
o
mi ssthi
sGreekt ycoonlookingal
ikemanbymy
side.Igl
anceathi m againandsigh!Idontknow
i
fi shoul
devenaskhi m,idontwantittoseem
l
i
kei
am pr
ying.
Br
ian:Youkeepgl
anci
ngatme.Whati
siny
our
mind?
Nal
edi
:Not
hing.
(
Her
aiseshi
sey
ebr
ows)
Naledi
:Okayfi
ne!Whoi
sAmber?Lastni
ght
,
youscreamedhernameoutl
oud.
Br
ian:
(puzzl
ed)Amber
!Ar
eyousur
eisai
d
Amber?
Nal
edi
:Yesi
am sur
e.
Br
ian:
Ahh!Idontr
emember
.
Nal
edi
:Al
ri
ght
!
Br
ian:
Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
Nal
edi
:Pr
obabl
ywhenschool
sopen.
Bri
an:Youmustbei
nsane!3mont
hswithout
seei
ngyouwouldbet
oomuch,Icantwaitt
hat
l
ong.
Nal
edi
:Wewi
l
ltal
kont
hephone.
Br
ian:No!I
tsnotthesameNal
edi
.Af
tera
monthiam comingtogety
ou.
Nal
edi
:Andwhatwi
l
lit
ell
mymot
her
?
(
Hel
ooksatmeamused.)
Brian:
Youareabi
ggi
rl
.Iam sur
eyouwi
l
lfi
gur
e
thatoneout
.
(Hetouchesmyt highandi cringeabi t,his
touchstil
lfeelssof oreigninmybody .Hishand
mov esalongmyt hight omyunder garmentand
herubst hesof tfabr i
cagai nstmyf lesh.i draw
i
nadeepbr eathandbi tmyl owerlipt osupr ess
amoan.Mynai lsdigi ntothef abri
cofhi scar.I
feelfl
ashed.Heav enlyf at
herwhyy oul etti
ng
thi
smandot hi
st ome?Hel eansfor wardand
whispersinmyearwi thhisdeepsexyv oice.)
Bri
an:I
fyoubeagoodgirlandcomebacksoon.
Iwil
lgi
veyoumul
ti
pleorgasms!Iwil
lmakeyou
moanmynamecount l
esst i
meunti
li
tbecomes
br
andedi
nyourbr
ains.
(Amoanescapemymout h,t
hehairatt
heback
ofmyneckst andsandishi
ver,myhear
t
pal
pit
ati
ng.Hedr awshi
shandawayandi gr
oan
i
nfrust
rati
on.Hegivesmewi ckedgr
in.
)
Br
ian:Iam dr
ivi
ngMaDlami
ni.Iwouldntwantt
o
ki
l
l y
oubeforeidel
i
veronmypr omise.
(Hegi v
esmehi sgenui
nesmi le,thatgi
vesme
endlessbutt
erf
li
es.Heavenlyfatherhel
pme
undestandsomethingwhoist hedev i
lhere,
you
forcreati
ngsuchabeautif
ul yetdangerous
creatureori
sithimthedev i
l?)
[
06/
02,
15:
40]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t38
_
___
___
___
Homei
sthehear
tis!-Unknown
_
___
___
___
RECAPFROM 37
Hil
da:Iwontbeataroundthebush.Ij
ust
wantedt otel
lyout
hatkeepitup.Heisingood
moodt hisdaysbutiwantedtowarnyouli
keall
theothers.Dontmakeyoursel
fcomfort
able,
it
neverlasts.
Busi
:Huh?
Hi
lda:Myhusbandconti
nuescr
ewinghi
m but
whenschoolopensi
nAugustiwantyoutoend
whatev
eryoudoingwit
hmyhusband.
Busi
:Whyappr
oachme?Yourhusband
appr
oachedmenott
heot
herwayar ound.
Hilda:Youar enotthef
irstanddef
inatel
ynot
thelast.Iapproachedyoubecausethisisa
fri
endlywar ni
ng,youar
eal it
tl
egir
landi would
hateyout oseey ougetfri
ed.Wheni str
ikeev
en
myhusbandcanthel pyou.
Busi
:Andi
ficant
?
(
Shewalksmesmi
li
ngandl
eansf
orwar
d
whi
sper
ingi
nmyears.)
Hil
da:AccordingtoJordanSarahWeatherhead,
authorofNakedTr ut
h,Whenshe' smad;even
thedemonsr unforcover.Youareapret
tything
toberunning.
(Shekissesmycheekandwal ksoutl
eav
ingme
astoni
shedandmostofal lwi
thsomany
questi
ons.Justwhathappenedandwhoarethe
thi
speopl e,
TheThompsonFami l
y?)
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
BUSI
Il
ookmy selfinthemi rr
orpr oudofmy self
.My
eyeslookredshot !Likei havebeencr yi
ng.I
walktotheroom andpul lt
hecov er
sov ermy
headasi waittofort heguesthonor .Ismilet
o
my sel
fwheni heart her att
leofkeysandst ar
t
withmycrocodi l
et ears.Icanhearhi sfoot
stepscomingt other oom.
Ni
ck:
(Cal
l
ingout
)Babe!Mar
ywher
ear
eyou?
(
Isobl
oudl
ysohecanhearhi
m.If
eel
his
pr
esencei
ntheroom.Hecomest omysi
deand
cr
ouchashert
akesofft
heblanket
.)
Nick:
Icameassoonasi gotyoutext
.Whatare
youdoinginbl
anketsi
nthi
sheat?(Helooksat
me)Ar eyoucr
ying?
Busi
:(sobbing)No!Iam notcryi
ng.Iam abig
gi
rl
,idon'tcr.
..
.(myvoi
cebr eaksasicr
yout
l
oud.Hepul lsmeinhisarmsandhugsme. )
Ni
ck:Hey
!Sh!I
tsokay.Canyoustopcr
yingand
t
ell
dadywhatgotyousoupset?
(
Ismil
etomy sel
f.GreatB!Wear
emov
ingi
n
t
heri
ghtdi
recti
on.)
Ni
ck:
(sof
ly)
Mar
yli
n!
Busi
:Hmm!
Ni
ck:(
kissi
nghertear
saway
)Whyy
oucr
ying?
Whathappened?
Busi
:Shewasher
e?
Ni
ck:
Who?
Busi
:Yourwi
fe.
(Hisbodyt
urnscol
dandhegi
vesmeacol
d
stare.
)
Ni
ck:
Hil
da!Washer
e?
(
Inodmyheadlookingathi
m.Bit
ingmyli
pand
l
oweri
ngmyheadlikeanashameddog.
)
Nick:
Whatdidshesay,
i knowshedi
dnot
hingi
f
youarest
il
lher
ebreat
hing.
(Hi
swordsgi
vesmecol
dshi
ver
sdownmy
spi
ne.
)
Busi:
Shesai
dimustenj
oyyouthenext3
upcomingmont
hsandever
ythi
ngonAugust
.
Ni
ck:
Dar
n!It
houghti
wasmor
ecar
eful
.
Busi
:Shesai
dsomet
hingv
eryscar
y.
Ni
ck:
What
?
Busi
:Somet
hingaboutdemonsr
unni
ngwhen
shei
smad.
Ni
ck:
Dar
n!Shei
sreal
l
yunt
oyou.Doy
out
rust
me?
(
Ilookathi
m br
ief
lyandnodmyhead.
)
Nick:Greatnowy ouar egoingtodoexactlyasi
tel
lyou.Weneedt othrowherof f
.Soy ouneed
apretenseboyfri
end, ofcourseyouwon'tdo
anythi
ngwi t
hhim, idon'tl
ikeshari
ng.Justpay
theguyt opret
endt obey ourboyfr
iendforthe
next6mont hs.
Busi
:Mor
eli
keourscapegoat
?Andour
show
wil
lwemeet
?
Nick:Wearetaki
ngabreakunt
ili
canf
igur
eout
mynextstep.Thi
shousehasbeen
compromisedsothi
sisthel
astti
meIcome
here.
Busi:
( sobbi
ng)Ican'tgomonthswithout
seei
ngy ouDomini
ck!Irefuset
ogoaheadwi th
thi
sridicul
ousideaifitmeansidon'
tgettosee
you.
Ni
ck:
Shh!Li
stent
ome,
iwi
l
lseey
oubutnot
j
ustregul
arl
y,ican'tgomont hswi t
houtseemy
marbleey
edgi r
l.Justtr
ustme, i
fmywi f
ewas
tokeepherpromisey ouwill
wishy ounevermet
me.Thisi
stheonl ywayi canprotectyoufr
om
her.
Busi
:Whataboutmycar
d?Won'
tshecl
osei
t
down?
Nick:Don'twor
ry!Igott
hatone.Aslongasiam
al
iveHildawon'ttouchy
ou.Ihavetogonow.
Youbeagoodgi rlt
odaddyandtakecaregood
careofy ou.
Busi
:Youar
eleav
ingal
ready
?
Ni
ck:
Yes!Ineedt
ogoanddodamagecont
rol
.
Busi
:Okay
!
Ni
co:
Iwi
l
lcal
lyouwheni
gett
hechance.
(Heleansfor
war
dandki
ssmepassi
onatel
y
beforest
andi
ngupandwal
ki
ngacr
ossthe
room.)
Ni
ck:
(cal
l
ingme)Busi
?
Busi
:Yesl
ove.
Nick:i
fifi
ndoutt
hatyoubeenscrewi
ngaround
oreventhehi
redboyf
ri
end,iwi
ll
farworsethan
mywi f
e.
(Hegiv esmeacol dst areandwal ksout .Who
thehell dotheseThompsont hinkt heyar e?
Beent hreateningmewhol eday.Ineedt oget
myhandsont heirdirt,j
ustforpr ot ection.But
myact ingski ll
s!Br avo!May bei shoul dpur suit
anactingcar eer.Istandupandwal ktot he
shower ,wher ei standi nthehotr unni ngshower .
6mont hswi thoutNi ckandhi st icklingwet
noodle!Ismi letomy selfinvi
ctor y,i willenjoy
somer ealdickoutt here.Idon'
tev engetwhy
thatbeaut i
ful womanwhocangetanydi ckshe
wantatt hesnapofherf i
nger
s, cry ingf orawet
noodle, adicklet,aikhonamadoda. )
_
___
___
___
___
NALEDI
Br
ian:
(roar
s)Dontt
ell
met
haty
ouwantt
ori
de
i
nthatt
hing.
(point
ingtotheoldbust hat
'sparkedwai t
ing
forpassenger
stof i
lli
tup.Ifi
ndmy sel
frol
ling
myey es.Heisreall
ytryi
ngbyall meansto
delaymef r
om goinghome.It houghtbydr i
v i
ng
meal lt
hewayf rom Gaboronewi l
lbeenough
butheseemst obehav ingahar dti
mel ett
ing
mego.Suchacr ybaby.)
Naledi
:Yest
hat'
sthebusthatpassat
TamasaneonitwaytoKgagodiandother
vi
ll
ages.
Bri
an:Thatthi
nglookslikei
twi ll
di eanytime
soon,
itbeatenandwor nout .Whoev enlett
his
ki
ndoft hi
ngontheroad.Ilov eyouandi sti
ll
needtomakey ouDrDl amini ,
notf orgetist
il
l
havet
odel i
veruntothepromi seimade.Iwi l
l
bedarnedifil
etyougeti nthatthingNal edi
.
Nal
edi
:(r
oll
ingmyeyes)Ihav
ebeenridi
ngi
n
t
hatbusall
mylif
e.Nothi
ngwill
happen.
Br
ian:
Iwi
l
ldr
ivey
ouhome.Iwi
l
lpar
kata
di
stanceifihav
eto.I
tsnotupt
oyout
o
di
scussion.
(Ikeepquit
ei ndefeat,ihavelear
ntt hat
debati
ngnev erwor ks.Wepassbyt heshops
andbuysomet hingst hatmightbeneededat
homewhi chhei nsistonpay i
ngfor.Hehol ds
myhandwhi ledr i
ving.Final
lyhome.Hi scar
parkedbythev i
ll
agekgot l
athat'
sthesafesti
canget.)
Br
ian:Youwi
l
ltakecar
eofy
our
sel
faker
e
mothowame?
Nal
edi
:Eer
ra.Youwi
l
lal
sot
akecar
e?
Br
ian:
Yes!Iam goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ou.
Naledi
:Youar
enotgoi
ngt
ogocr
yingonme
r
ightnow?
Br
ian:
No!Ij
ustdon'
twantust
opar
tway
s.
Naledi
:Ti
mefli
es!Iwi
l
lbewi
thy
oubef
orey
ou
evennoti
cei
am gone.
(
Hehandsmehi
sbl
ackcar
d).
Bri
an:Takei
tandbuyever
ythi
ngyoumi
ght
needduri
ngthemonthswearepart
.
Nal
edi
:Ican'
t.
Br
ian:
Whynot
?
Naledi
:It
syourmoneyDlami
ni,
idon'
twantt
o
seem l
ikeagolddi
gger
.
Br
ian:
Doi
lookl
i
keagol
dmi
net
oyou?
Nal
edi
:No!
Brian:Good!Iam y
ourman,
Naledi
Moroka,i
wantt ospendmymoneyony ouwit
houty
ou
feeli
ngbadaboutit.Nowwi
lly
oubemygood
gir
l t
akethecard.
Nal
edi
:But
..
.
(hebrusheshi
slipsovermine.Puthishands
onmycheeksandki ssesthedayl i
ght
soutof
me,makingmef orgetal
lthereasonsiwanted
togi
ve.Heavenl
yf at
her,
whydoy oumakehim
dothi
stome.)
Br
ian:
Youwer
esay
ing?
Nal
edi
:Not
hingabsol
utel
ynot
hing.
(Igetthecardandgetofft
hecarbef
orei
embr assmy sel
fmorel
ikebeghi
mt otakeme.
Hegi vesmeawi degri
nwhichj
ustevokes
butterf
li
esinmystomach.Heisthedevi
lit
ell
.)
Br
ian:
Ilov
eyou!
[
06/
02,
15:
40]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t39
_
___
___
___
__
"
Sadbi
rdsst
il
lsang"
-far
away
_
___
___
___
__
Nessa
Nessa:Iam nott
ryingtodi
ctat
ewhatyou
shoul
ddoLef a,i
justdon'
tl
ikeher
.Sheseems
l
ikebadnews.
(Icantbel
i
evewear
ehavi
ngourf
ir
star
gument
sincewegother
eandi
thast
obeaboutthat
gir
lXhebil
e.May beishouldhaveli
stenedto
Pettyandneverall
owedhert ocatchar i
defr
om
us."Yesyoushouldli
stenmor etome"Pet t
y
says.Iscrowlather
,"idon'
tneedy ourit
oldyou
sorightnow.Ineedtogetr i
dofthenuisance
call
edXhebi l
e.")
Lef
a:Wel
li
tsoundsli
kethat
'swhaty
oudoing
pl
ayi
ngmom whenihavelef
theri
nBotswana.
Nessa:Youarechanging,
andyoucan'
teven
seeit
.SheischangingyouLef
akae.Whendid
part
yingev
erynightbecomeahabit
.
Lefa:
Ican'tbecoi
ledal
lupi
nher
eever
yday
Vanessa,ineedtogooutandmi
ngl
ewith
peopleoutther
e.
Nessa:Iam notaski
ngyoutostayi
ndoorsi
am j
ustsayi
ngy oudontneedt
ogooutevery
day.
Lefa:Youarest
arti
ngtosoundmoreli
kemy
mot her
,Lef
adot hi
s,Lef
adothat
.It
sno
att
racti
veVanessa.
Nessa:Dontsayt
hat
!Soiam wrongt
opoint
outthatt
hecompanyyoukeepnow,i
sbadfor
you.
Lefa:Whatwouldyouknowaboutgoodandbad
company ?Youspentallyourli
fei
ndoor
s
surroundedbymaids.Idon'twantt
odothi
s,i
needspacet obr
eath.
(
Hesay
sashegr
abst
hekey
sandhi
sjacket
.)
Nessa:
(beggi
ng)Pl
easedon'
tl
eav
eLef
a.
Lef
a:Icantbei
nthesamer
oom wi
thy
our
ight
now.
Nessa:
Itisokay
.Iam l
eav
ing,
ihav
etogo see
myphysici
an.
(IpushmychairtothedoorandJamesopen
thedoorformeashepushesmet othw
awaiti
ngcar.Thetear
sthreat
entofal
lbuti
hol
d
my sel
f.
)
_
___
___
___
_
Isi
tbyt
hepar
kreadi
ngt
heni
cenov
el.Del
ayi
ng
ti
metogohome, i
thi
nkLefawil
lnotbepleased
toseebacksosoon.Ir
aisemyeyesand
Xhebi
l
eisinfr
ontofmewi t
hherfr
iends.
Xhebi
l
e:Lookwhatwehav
eher
e?Thecr
ippl
e.
(
Itot
all
yignor
eherandr
eadmybook)
Pamel
a:Shoul
dn'
tyoubewi
thl
overboy
.
Nessa:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Xhebi
le:
Therei
snothi
ngy
oucanof
fer
.Ial
ready
gotwhatiwant
ed.
Nessa:
Whi
chi
s?
Pamel
a:Mor
eli
kewho?
Xhebil
e:Lef
aofcourse,iknewhewill
bemi ne
theminuteil
aidmyey esonhim.Andthef act
thatt
hesupposedgirl
fri
endisst
uckina
wheelchai
r,j
ustgi
vesmeaddedadv antage,in
notimehewi l
lbeall
mi ne.
Nessa:
(tr
embli
ngvoi
ce)Whyareyoudoi
ngthi
s?
Youcanhaveanyguywhydoesithav
etobe
myf
iancé?
Pamel
a:Oh!Poort
hingwant
stocr
y.
Xhebil
e:Wakeupandsmel lt
hecoffeedarl
i
ng.
ThisisAmeri
canotBotswana,nextti
melook
forsomeonemoreinyourleague.
Pamel
a:Acr
ippl
eli
key
ouwi
l
ldo!
(Thel aughandwal kaway ."Nowear enitgoi ng
tocr y.
"Pettyremindsme." Tel lmewhatwewi l
l
do, becausei f
eelpower lessr ightnow."I
scream back."Iwi ll
t el
lyou, wear egoingt o
fi
ghtandgetoutoft hischair,thenshowt hose
girl
st hatyouareabl oodyThompson.No
Thompsoni sawal kov er."Shesay sasshe
beat sherchest.Irol
l myey es, myi nnerwoman
i
ssuchadr amaqueenbutshei sright,
iam a
Thompson, noThompsoni squi tt
er,wesoar
highonourwi ngsandmaket heimpossi bl
e,
breakgr oundandmakei mpactwher ewear e.I
thinki needMom t ogi vemeaf ewlessonson
beingat r
ueThompson.Ipi ckmyphoneand
di
alhernumber
.)
_
___
___
___
___
_
JOY
Ipickatmyf ood, lostal l
myappet i
te,myey es
dartf r
om myf at hertomysui torandi wishi can
j
ustscr eam att het opofmyl ungs.Hel ook
plain,nof ashionwhatsoev er,helooki sdull as
hisv oi
ce.Amanshoul dhol dpowerwi thout
event ryi
ng, makey oukneesbuckl ewi t
hhi s
smi leandev okebut t
er f
li
esi ny ourstomachj ust
l
ikeKagi somakesmef eel.Ilookatmysui t
or
andourey esmeet .Idontf eel any t
hingt owar ds
thisman.Ir oll myey es,ineedt ocomewi t
ha
plansoi canr eturnt ot heci ty,
i can'
ttaket his
anyl onger .Myf atherexcuseshi mselfright
afterdinnerandi servemysui torcoffeei nthe
gardenaswel ookatt hest ars.
Leat
il
e:Howi
sschool
?
Joy
:Hecti
cbutiguessi
tsal
lwor
thi
tifi
wantt
o
beanengi
neer
.
Leat
il
e:Iam suchal
uckyman,
notj
ustbeaut
if
ul
butyouhavebrai
nsal
so.
Joy:
Thankyou.LookMr
.Boagoi
hav
e
somethi
ngt
osay .
Leat
il
e:Leat
il
e,i
tol
dyoui
pref
eri
fyoucal
l
ed
meLeatil
e.
Joy:Sorry!Leat
il
e,iam notgoingt obeat
aroundt hebush,imetsomeonei ntheci
ty,
i
don'tknowwhatt hefutureformeandhi m buti
wouldliketoseewher ethingstakeus.
Leati
le:Iunderst
andJoy ,
youareyoungandy ou
sti
l
lwantt oplayaround.Youcanplaybutdon't
for
getwheny ouareoftheri
ghtageiwil
lmake
youwi f
e.Playknowingyouhaveahusband
waiti
ngf oryou.
Joy
:Youar
eokaywi
thmehav
ingaboy
fri
end?
Leat
il
e:yesaslongasy oudiscr
eteabouti
t.
Yourfat
hermightnottakeitasli
ght
lyasme.
(helooksathi
swat ch)Ihavetogonow.Hav e
al
ovel
yni
ghtJoy
ous.
(Hekissesmyhandandwal ksawayl eavi
ngme
j
olted.Whatjusthappenedhere?Whatki ndof
manper mitshisi
ntendedwifetodateother
man.Butt hat
'snoneofmybusi ness.Igetto
mewi thKagisowithoutl
ookingovermy
shoulder
.)
[
06/
02,
15:
40]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t40
_
___
___
___
_
"Onl
ytimewillt
ell
whetherIr
eleaseyout
o
hist
oryoracceptyouasmydest i
ny.
"ByCol
l
ete
O'Mahony
_
___
___
___
__
NARRATED
Lefaseatsnexttoher,bythekit
chencount
er
explai
ningtheconceptsthatshesai
dshe
cannotunderstand.Heistryi
ngbyall
means
nottoglanceherway ,
asshei sweari
ngatop
t
hatr
eveal
i
nghergl
ori
ousper
fectcl
eav
age.
Xhebi
l
e:(
Yawni
ng)al
lthi
ssoundsdi
ff
icul
t.
Lefa:
Itisnot,oncey
ougr
aspt
heconcept
s,y
ou
arewinning.
Xhebi
l
e:Howdoy
oudoi
t??
(
Herquesti
onsmakeshi
mtot
urnhi
sheadand
f
acesher.
)
Lef
a:Dowhat
?
Xhebil
e:Takecar
eofNessaandbet
opofy
our
st
udies.
Lefa:
Idontbasi
cal
l
ytakecar
eNessashehas
hi
redhel
p.
(Shepul
l
sonani nnocentl
ookandputher
handsoverhi
ssqueezing.
)
Xhebi
l
e:St
il
lthat
'st
oomuch.Youneed
someonet
otakecareofy
ou.
(Shest
andsbehindhi
m andmassageshi
s
shoul
ders.Hecl
oseshisey
esandrel
axasshe
massageshi
sst
if
fshoul
der
s.)
Xhebil
e:(whi
sper
inginhi
sear)Youneedtobe
takencareofLef
a.(Shebit
eshisear
lobeal
itt
le,
teasi
nghim)Youneedar ealwomant ot
ake
careofyou.
(Hecl oseshiseyesandenj oythemoment ,hi
s
heartpalpit
ateandbl oodrushesfrom faceas
hismanhoodbecomeal iveslowl
y.Xhebile
walksi nfr
ontofhi m andstandsbetweenhi s
l
egs.Shesmi leswithsati
sfacti
onasshe
glancesathisdi l
atedeyesandhi shar
shl y
breath.Hiseyesar egluedtoherchest.)
Xhebi
l
e:I
tsokay,y
oucantouch.I
fyoul
etme
Lef
aicantakecar
eofyou.
(Shebrushesherli
psoverhis.Wit
hunst eady
handshet ouchesherbr
easts,i
tfeelsl
ikethe
fabr
ichasbeensetonf i
rewher ehetouches
her,shei
saboutt oenj
oythemomentwhen
Lefapull
shishandsaway .Apangofgui lt
yhi
ts
hisconsci
ence.Andheabr uptl
ystandstohis
f
eet
.)
Lef
a:Ineedt
ogo.
(
Fai
l
ingt
ohi
deherdi
sappoi
ntment
)
Xhebi
l
e:Al
ready
?
Lef
a:Yes,
Nessamustbeback.
Xhebi
l
e:I
'
m sur
eshewi
l
lnotmi
ndwai
ti
ng.
Lef
a:No!Ican'
tcheatonher
.
(
Het
urns,gr
abshi
scarkeysandhur
ri
esoutof
t
her
oom asheisbei
ngchased.
)
_
___
___
___
__
Nal
edi
Ifeelhereyesonmeasi washt hedishes.She
hasnotut t
eredawor dsi
nceiarri
vedbuti know
sheisdy i
ngt osaysomet
hing.Probablywaiti
ng
fortheperfectmomenttospil
lthebeans.
Bul
elwa:
Whenyouaredonewi
ththedi
shes
cometomyroom weneedtot
alk.
Nal
edi
:Eemma.
Iam notsur
ei am prepar edforthescol di
ng.I
t
wouldhavebeenbet t erifitwasmygr andma,i
wasmor eclosetohert hanmymot her .It
ake
mytimewi t
ht hedisheshopi ngthatbyt heti
me
iam doneshewi llbef astasleep.Itakemy
phoneandtextBr i
an.
"Iam abouttor
eceiveascol
dingandi
tisal
l
yourf
aultDlami
ni.Your
sFuri
ousDrMoroka.
"
Imutemyphoneandputi tbackinmypocket
andwalktoherroom.Shei sinbedwithher
bi
blei
nhand.Sher aiseshereyesfr
om thebibl
e
whenienteri
nandl ooksatme, assheclosesi
t
andputitaway.
)
Bul
elwa:
Nal
edi
Mor
oka!
Nal
edi
:Mama!
Bul
elwa:Remindmeagai
n,iseem t
obe
for
getf
ulthi
sdays.Whyi
sitagai
nthaty
ouar
e
i
nv ar
sit
y?
Nal
edi
:Tost
udyma!
Bulelwa: Andwhathav eyoubeendoinginthe
cit
y?It houghtwet al
kedatlengt
habouty ou
andst udies.It
houghtwet al
kedaboutthat
corruptcityNaledi
!Unlessyouwanttotellme
that,al
l wordshavebeenf al
l
ingi
ndeadear s.
Nal
edi
:NoMa!Yourwor
dsdi
dnotf
all
indead
ear
s.
Bul
elwa:
Thenexpl
ainy
our
sel
fmychi
l
d.
Nal
edi :
Whatwaswr it
teninthenewspapers
mother, wasal
ll
ies,spit
efulst
udentsjust
sl
anderingmyname.Inev ersl
eptwithany
l
ecturer.Ify
oudonotbel i
eveme, youcant ake
met othehospit
al andhaveav i
rgi
nitytest
.
Bulel
wa: Letshopey ouar et ell
ingthetrut
h
youngl ady,i
pr ayiny ourest rangedf at
her'
ssoul
thatyouar etell
ingthet r
uthNal edi
.Iam
countingony ou, thi
sf ami l
yiscount ingonyou,
tomakeadi fference,i di
dnotj ustnamey ou
Naledi,youaret heSt aroft hisfami l
y.Nowif
youaregoi
ngtothrowal
lthataway,
idon'
t
knowwhatwouldbebecomeifus,wewil
lnev
er
escapet
hispov
ert
y.
Naledi:IwillbetheStarifthi
sf amil
ymama.
Givemej ustti
mev erysooni wi l
lbeDoctor
Mor oka,iwi l
lgiv
eyoual lt
hehear tdesir
es
mama.Forasl ongasi am ali
vey ouwillnev
er
havet owor ryaboutanythi
ng.Justgi vemea
fewmor ey earsandyouwi ll
leaveli
keaqueen
youar esupposedt obe.
Bul
elwa:
Ihav
efai
thi
nyou.
Nal
edi
:That
'sal
lineedt
ohear
.Il
ovey
ou
Mama.Goodni
ght.
Bul
elwa:
Ilov
eyoumor
e.
(Iwalkouttotheroom isharewithmybr other
s.
Theyaresoundlyasleep.Ifi
xmybl anketson
thecoldfl
oor,andstareinthethepatched
roofi
ng.Howcani ev
erforgetwherei come
from Heavenl
yfather
.Ireachformephoneand
dialBri
an'
snumber .Heanswersonmysecond. )
Br
ian:
MaDl
ami
ni!
Nal
edi
:Hey
!
Brian:
Iwasaboutt
odri
vedownt
her
eand
rescueoft
heli
on'
swrat
h.
Nal
edi
:Br
ian!
Br
ian:
(cal
mly
)MaDl
ami
ni!
Naledi
:Ihav
esomet hi
ngtoachi
eve.Somethi
ng
hugebutinorderf
ormetoachieveiti
wil
lneed
tomakeahugesacr i
fi
ce.
Br
ian:
Okay
!Whati
sit
?Whatsacr
if
ice?
Nal
edi
:Don'
tworr
y!Justknowthati
lovey
ou.I
l
oveyoufr
om t
hebottom ofmyheart
.
Br
ian:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Nal
edi
:Ineedt
ogetsomer
est
.Wi
l
ltal
kint
he
morni
ng.
Br
ian:
Goodni
ghtmyl
ove.
(
Ihungupandtakeshugebreat
h.Heavenl
y
f
ather
,whydoesitf
eel
li
keiam squeezed
betweentwoclashingworlds.Butatt
hus
momenti am notev ensurewhichoatht
otake.
"Onlyt
imewillt
ellwhetherIrel
easeyouto
hist
oryoracceptyouasmydest i
ny.
")
[
06/
02,
16:
01]Rn:
DEEPDESI
RES
I
nser
t41

_
___
___
___
___
_
"
Lif
eisli
keapar
ty,
dressl
i
kei
t.
"ByAudr
ey
Hepbur
n
_
___
___
___
___
_

Busi

Ourl
egsaretangl
edtoget
her,ourbreaths
st
eady.Heissoundi
l
yasleep,ibi
temyl owerl
i
p
asir
ecall
eventsoft
hepreviousnight.
"
FLASHBACK"

Hest
ormedi
nthehousewi
thoutev
enknocki
ng.
Li
am: I
tisalr
eadybadenought hati
don'tsee
wheneveriwishMari
lynnowy outel
li
ngmei
mightnotseeyouforanother3mont hs.
(Iturnedsur pri
sedandl ookedatme.Bef orei
canev enhav eamomentt or espondt ohi s
statementhi slipswer eov ermi nedev our i
ngme,
andmysel fcontrolfl
iesoutoft hewi ndow.
Somet hi
ngabouthi slips,somet hi ngabouthi s
colognei shy pnot i
c,withsomuchst r
uggl es
andt earingofcl othesleav i
ngat railt
ot he
bedr oom, wear el i
kerabbit si
nt hehi tmoment .
Insteadoft umbl ingont hepr omi singbed, he
hasmymyf rontpinnedt ot hewal l.Mywant
scratcht hepoorwal lasiwi shtohav emy
realease, Li
am rav i
shmel ikenev erbef ore, hi
s
thrustspr omisesomuch, hishandsgr abbi ng
myass.Squeezi ng,spanki ng,i
ttakesaf ew
moment s,myr el
easei sont hethreshol d.I
scream hisnameoutl oud,asamyor gasm hits
ful
lforce.Itsnotlongaf termewheni hearhim
groanoutmyname.Icol l
apsetothecol dmat ,
myener gyal lout.Hepi cksmef rom t hecol d
fl
oorandpl acesmei nbed, t
hemat tressoft he
bedsunkdownashej oinsmei nbedand
coll
ectsmei nbed.Br ushingmymessyhai r
back.Heki ssesmyf orehead, agestur ethat
awakenssomanyemot ions.Myhear tmost l
y
thuds,andf orthefir
stt imeitdoest het hree
beatings,TheBam, Bam, Bam!Wor dsbur n
downmyt hroat,
wor dst hatfi
ghtforrel ease.

Busi
:Il
ovey
ouLi
am!
(
Ifi
nal
l
yhast her
eleaseandi
nthear
msoft
he
manifal
lasl
eep.
)
"
ENDOFFLASHBACK"
Igetcol dshiversdownmyspi newheni reali
se
whatsai dlastnight .Iglanceatt heman
sleepingnextt ome.Cat chi
ngf eeli
ngsf orhi m
wasnev erpartoft hepl an.Ineedt ogo.Ineed
tocl earmyemot ions.Ev erythingi ssuf f
ocat i
ng
ri
ghtnow.It i
ptoet omybat hroom, splashing
wat eronmyf ace, istareint hemi rror.Igr abmy
phoneandsendmybr otheramessagel etti
ng
him knowi am visit
inghi mf oraf ewday s.I
changei ntosomet hingdecent ,igrabapaper
andwr i
tehim ashor tmessage.

"Thankyouforlastnight
.Ihadanemergency
havetodash.Lockt hehouseandkeepthekeys
withyou.Iwi
llgetthem wheniam backi
nthe
countr
y.M!"

Hei
sstil
lasleepwheni wal
kbackint heroom,i
l
ookathim,befor
ei cangetsecondthoughtsi
wal
kout.Iknowi am cowardri
ghtnow, r
unning
awayf r
om myf eel
ingsbutfal
li
ngforLiam
compl i
catesev er
ythi
ng.Hecannev ergiveme
whatDomi nickcangi veme.Hecannotaf ford
theli
festy
lei desir
e.Star
ti
ngtheignit
ionofthe
car.Ibegi
nmyj ourneytoKasane.Luckil
yistil
l
havemybl ackcar d,iwil
lbuythi
ngsineedt here.
My3mont hshol i
daysinKasane,iwil
l make
them worthy .NoLi am orDomini
ckatmoment .
_
___
___
___
_

JOY
Istumbl etomyf eet,al
armedast heav er
y
fami l
iarcarpull
sinfrontofourhomestead.I
glancet olookaroundifthereisanyone
wat ching.Befor
ei pacetothecar.Icanseehi
m
smi l
ingf r
om adistance.Iam seethi
ng,j
ust
whati shepl ayi
ngat.
Joy
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
(
Inst
eadofanswer
ing,
hej
ustl
ooksatme
smi
l
ing.I
sthi
sguycr
azyr
ightnow?
)
Hendri
ck:Joy
our
s,opent
hegat
efort
heguest
wil
lyou?
(Iturnbackt ofacemyf atherandhei sstanding
byt heverandahandsonhi swai st .Ihaveno
choicer i
ghtnowbutt oopent hegat eandallow
himt odriveinside.Iam lostforwor ds.
Steppingout si
de, heisput t
ingonshades, a
sli
mf i
tsuitandacoatont op.Iam madathi m,
butmyhear tstopsf orabitbef or eitbegins
again.Hel ookssohandsomer ightnow.Iam
fi
ght i
ngrightnow, t
heurget or unt ohim and
spreadki sseshim allover.Hegl ancesmyway
andsmi r
ksbef orehestrollstowar dsmyf at
her.)

Kagi
so:
(hetakesof
fhi
sshadesandext
ends
hi
shand)MrPheko.

Hendr
ick:
(doi
ngahandshake)MrMel
ekoi
take
i
t.
Kagiso:Yessir
.Buty
oucancal
lmeKagi
so.
Thanky ouforagr
eei
ngt
omeetmeundersuch
shortnoti
ce.
Hendri
ck:Yousuchapersist
entyoungman.
Comei nihavemystudyready.Joyfi
xacupof
teaf
ormeandmyguestal ongwithyour
amazingcookies.Wewil
lbeinthestudy
.

(Theydisappeart othestudyandwithtrembl i
ng
handsi walkt othekit
chen.Somanymi l
li
on
questi
onsandscenar i
osr unni
nginmyhead.
Whatam i goi ngtodoifhet el
l
smyf atherthat
heisboy f
riend?Whati fmyf at
herment i
ons
thatiam engaged?Whatmesshav eigotten
my sel
fintorightnow??Whati sKagisoplaying
at?)
[
06/
02,
16:
02]Rn:
DEEPDESI
RES

I
nser
t42
➡➡➡➡➡➡
"
Iam al
linaseaofwonders.Idoubt;
ifear;I
t
hinkst
ranget
hingswhichidarenotconfessto
mysoul.
"ByBram St
oker
➡➡➡➡➡➡

NALEDI
Isitunderthemophanet ree,donemymor ni
ng
choreswai t
ingtocooklunchf ormybr ot
her
whowi llbehomeany t
imef rom thefarm.An
i
ncomi ngcal l
int
err
upt
smewi thoutl
ooki
ngat
thescreen.
Nal
edi
:DrMor
oka.
Kemo:(smir
ks)il
ovey
ourambiti
onNal
edi
Moroka.Youcoul
dgomil
esifonl
yyoustopped
wast
ingmenwhoareol
dert
hany
ouespeci
all
y
moreoldert
hany
ou.
Nal
edi
:Excuseme!
Kemo:That'
satopi
cforanotherday
.Ihav
ea
deal
thatiwantt
ostri
kewithyou.
Nal
edi
:Whoar
eyou?
Kemo:
Bri
an'
swi
fe.
Nal
edi
:Kemo,
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Kemo:It
smor eli
kewhaticanioff
eryou.Iwant
toof
feryouscholar
shipt
ogostudyinAmerica,
i
noneoft het
opmedi cal
school
sthere.
Nal
edi
:Andwhati
siti
nfor
?Int
hisdeal
?
Kemo:Wel l
,youwil
lhav et
osignacont
ractt
hat
youwil
lleavemymant her
e,l
eaveBot
swana
andneversetfootbackhereagai
n.
Nal
edi
:Idi
dnotreal
iset
hatiposesuchathr
eat
t
oyou,t
hatyouwil
levenwanttogetri
dofme.
Kemo:
Don'
tfl
att
ery
our
sel
fyoungl
ady
.Ican
hav
emymanatt
hesnapofmyf
inger
s.
Nal
edi
:Idon'
tthi
nkso.Thenwhyar
eyout
ryi
ng
sohar
dtogetridofme?
Kemo:Star,St
ar,
Star
,youseem t
obef
orget
ti
ng
beggar
slikeyoucan'
tbechooser
s.
Nal
edi
:Youcankeepy
ourschol
arshi
p.Iam not
goi
ngt
obebought.
Kemo: (
chuckl
es)Youaresuchanai veli
tt
legi
rl
.
Thisi
sanoppor t
uni
tyofali
feti
me, iwil
lgi
ve
youti
met othi
nkabouti
t.DrMor oka,i
fiwere
you,i
wouldstri
kewhil
etheironissti
llhot
.
(Shehangsupbef oreicansayany thing.
Heavenlyf
ather
,isthisat est?Ifiti
swhymust
yougivemesuchadi f
ficulttest?Igrabmy
phoneandcallt
heoneper sonwhocangi veme
thepeaceineedrightnow. )
Br
ian:
Myv
il
lagegi
rl
!
Nal
edi
:Myci
tyguy
!
Br
ian:
Howi
sfav
our
it
egi
rlonpl
anetdoi
ng?
Naledi
:Iam good,
ijustmi
ssy
ou.Howabout
you?
Bri
an:
Tir
ed!Andmi
ssi
ngy
ourpr
ett
ybor
ing
company
.
Nal
edi
:Oh!I
sitnow?Bor
ingcompany
?
Bri
an:Yes!It
hinky
ouneedl
essonsonhowt
o
begoodcompany .
Nal
edi
:Letmebet
,youwi
l
lbet
het
eacher
.
Bri
an:That
'smygir
l,notjustaf
ancypr
ett
yface
butshehasbrai
nstoitto.
Nal
edi
:Kgot
laesel
e!
Bri
an:(
warni
ngly)Youarestar
ti
ngt
olosey
our
waysbabycakes.Notevenamonthfr
om me
andyouaregett
ingoutofhand.
(
Ilaugh,
Heavenl
yfat
her
,il
ovet
hisguy
.Whydo
i
lovehim somuch?)
Nal
edi
:Whydoy
ouhat
eyourmi
ddl
ename?
Br
ian:
Iwi
l
ltel
lyounextt
imewheny
ouar
enext
t
ome,
yourhai
rspr
awl
edov
ert
hepi
l
low.
(Ican'thelpitbutgett hebut terfl
i
esi nmy
stomach.Wear esi l
entf oramoment ,l
i
stento
him breathingdownt her eceiver,
ievenfeelmy
ownhear tbeatloudly,thereisat elepat
hy
betweenourhear ts.Mi chaelFaudet '
swords
fi
nallymakesense, "fall
inginl oveisnot
rait
ional.It
'
smadness, abeaut if
ul,wonderf
ul,
momentofmagni ficenti nsanity
.")

➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡

Nessa
Thef oodf eelsbit
terasi swall
owt hem down
myt hroat.Idon'thav eappeti
tebuti needtoeat.
"Youshoul dst opthisselfpi
ty.
"Pettyscrowls.I
roll
myey es.Idon'thavet heenergytodeal wit
h
herrightnow." May beifyoucouldchannel all
thatenergyt owardsget t
ingoffthisdamnchai r,
youwouldn' thav
etodeal withme. "Sherepl
ies
me.Ipickl
eatmyf ood,scrolli
ngthrough
channel
st ryingt
ofindsomet hi
ngtowat ch,
my
thought
st heyarewonder i
ngwher ehei s,i
fhe
withher,
ifhewi l
lbehomel ateagaintoday,
drunkli
key ester
day.Pett
ysi ghsanddr opson
thecouchl ooksdefeat
ed.
Thedooropensandhewal
ksin.Ourey
esmeet
,
hestandst
hereforamomentandhewalks
i
nside.
Lef
a:Hey
!
Nessa:
Hi!
(
Hewalkst
omeandseatsonthecof
feetabl
e
i
nfr
ontofme.Het
akesmyhandandholdsit
.)
Lefa:Iwouldli
ket oapologisef
orthismor ni
ng.I
shouldhav enevertalkedtoyouthatway .I
knowy oumeanwel l,Iam sorr
yIsnappedat
you.Itookmyf rustrati
onsoutony ou.Ishoul
d
havenev erdonethat .
Nessa:Iam al
sosorr
y,Idi
fnotmeantonagat
youorsoundasifiwanttocont
rol
you.I
tsj
..
..
.
(
Hest
opsmebyput
ti
ngaf
ingeri
nmyl
i
ps)
Lef
a:Sh!Youdon'
tneedtoexpl
ain.Igoti
t.I
l
oveyouandi onl
ywantyoutosmilemostlyi
wantyouofft
hischai
r.
Nessa:
Thanky
ou.Iwi
l
lbe.
Lef
a:Iknow.Nowher
e.
(Ihughim,andi
mmedi at
elyhercol
ognehit
smy
nostr
il
s.Andmyey esdartt
ohiscolorwher
e
theli
psti
ckissmudgedonit.Myheartbr
eaks
i
ntopieces.
)
Lef
a:Mov
ieni
ght
?
Nessa:
(for
cingasmi
l
e)Soundsl
i
keapl
an.
Lef
a:Letmegot
akeabat
hwhi
l
eyoudeci
de
whi
choneswewil
lwat
ch.
Nessa:
Okaynopr
obl
em.
(
Hest
andsupandwal
ksout
.Myhandst
rembl
e,
thepent-
uptearsf al
landi wipethem fast
,
assuri
ngmy selfthateveryt
hingisokay.Pett
y
l
ooksatmedi sapprovingl
ybutshedoesnot
sayanythi
ng.Iam i ndenial
."Iam al
linaseaof
wonders.Idoubt;ifear;It
hinkstrangethi
ngs
whichidarenotconf esstomysoul .
"
[
06/
02,
16:
02]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t43

➡➡➡➡➡
"Not
hingwei
ghsonussoheav
il
yasasecr
et.
"
ByJeandeLaFont
aine

➡➡➡➡➡

JOY
Imanagetomaket
het
ea.Taki
ngahugebr eat
h
iwal
ktother
oom t
ogi
vethem t
hei
rtea.They
stopwhatt heywer etal
kingaboutwheni walk
i
nandl ookatme.Whatar ethesetwouptonow?
Iputthetrayinfrontofthem andf akeasmil
e,
whil
eont hei nsi
dei di
e,af ewthousandsdeat
h.
Ihaveonecompl i
catedli
f e.
Joy
:Cani
gety
ouany
thi
ngel
se?
Hendr
ick:
Nomyl
ovet
hatwi
l
lbeal
l
.
Joy
:Ar
eyousur
ePa?
Hendr
ick:Yesi
am.Nowexcuseus,
weneedt
o
haveagrownupmantal
k.
Joy:
Okay .Iwi
l
lbei
nthel
i
vingr
oom i
fyouneed
any
thing.
Hendr
ick:
Thanksl
ove.
(Ibasicall
ydragmy selfoutoftheroom.Any
minut enowi mi ghthav eapanicattack.How
cant hishappen?It rytocallBusi
,sheal ways
havehergoodsol utionsbutherphonedoesnot
got hrough.Icontempl ateonwhetheri shoul
d
callNaledi,r
oll
ingmyey esidecidethatwould
beabadi dea,Miss-
Two-Goody-Shoesisjust
goingtomakemef eelevenworse.I
nsteadisit
therest
arri
ngatthecloseddoor,cur
iosi
tykil
l
ing
everypartofme.Afterwhatseemslikeages,
theywalkout,t
heyclaspthei
rhandsina
handshake.)
Kagi
so:
Thanky
ou.Iwi
l
lint
ouch.
Hendri
ck:Youar
ewel
come.Looki
ngf
orwar
dto
yourcal
l.Joy
!
Joy
:Yesdad!
Hendr
ick:
CanyougoshowMrMeleko,
where
t
hesupermar
keti
s.Hewil
lbr
ingy
ouback.
Joy
:Okay
.
(Hebidshisgoodbyeandwegetinthecar
.
Sil
entforawhil
etil
lhebreakst
hecar.
)
Kagi
so:
Howcoul
dyoudot
hatt
ome?
(OhNo!Heknows,
heknows!Whatmusti
do
now?)
Joy
:Icanexpl
ain!I
tsnotwhaty
out
hink.
(
Her
aiseshi
sey
ebr
owsatme)
Joy:
iwantedtotel
lyoui
justdidn'
tknowhow
togoabouti
t.Youhavet
obelieveme.
Kagiso:Whoa!Mylove!Whyyougett
ingworked
up!Iwasjustsay
inghowcouldyounottell
me
thatyourdadi
ssell
inghisf
arm whenyouknow
ihavebeenlooki
ngforonefort
helongestti
me.
(Fi
nall
yicanbr
eat
hagai
n.Ial
mostsol
dmy
sel
f
out.)
Kagi
so:Looksli
key ouweretal
ki
ngabout
somethi
ngentir
elydif
fer
ent.Anyt
hingy
ou
woul
dl i
ketotel
lme?
Joy:(
faki
ngalaughter
)no!Not
hing!Youj
ust
caughtmeoffguardthatal
l
.
Kagiso:
Arey
ousur
e?Youpani
ckedt
her
efora
minute.
Joy
:Yesiam sur
e.Youjusti
magini
ngthi
ngs.
Nowdidy
ouhav etocomeallthewayher
eor
youj
ustusedt
hatasanex
cuset
ocomeand
seeme.
Kagiso:
Youal
readyknowtheanswer
.Youneed
tocomebackalr
eady,imi
ssyou.
Joy
:Iwi
l
lbebacksoondon'
twor
ry.
Kagi
so:
Nowdoi
hav
etobegf
ormyki
ss.
(
Ilookathi
m andsmile.Pul
li
ngover,hisl
ips
meetmine,t
heyfeel
likehomebuti cantenj
oy
t
hismomentasi am sti
ll
shaken.)
Joy
:Il
ovey
ou.
Kagi
so:
Ilov
eyoual
otJoy
ousPheko.
(Forhowl ongam isupposedtowalki
negg
shellsafr
aidtheymaybreakanymoment .Jean
deLaFount ainecoul
dhav ebeenanyr
ight,
"nothingweighsonusasheav i
lyasasecret
."
)

➡➡➡➡➡➡➡
AMONTHLATER

BUSI
Iglanceatmyempt yglassandraisemyglass
i
ndi cati
ngthatiwantanot herref
il
l.Il
ookatmy
resultsagai
n.Ihav ethelowestmar ksever,
2
retakesandi am goingt ohavetowr i
tea
suppl ementaryexam foranothermodule.Ipick
myphone, itsti
met ocal l
myol dacquai
ntance.
Busi
:(r
elaxi
ngbackont
hesi
t)Pr
ofessorDav
id!
Pr
of:
Yes!
Busi
:Iseey
ouhav
enotkepty
ourendofour
deal
.
Pr
of:
Whoi
sthi
s?
Busi
:Yourwor
dshurtme!Youhaveforgott
en
me,whoam I,
(smi
li
ng)anoldacquai
ntance.
Pr
of:
Howcani
hel
pyou?
Busi
:
(laughi
ng)Noi
tshowi
canhel
pyou.Such
anhonourabl
emanl ikeyou.I
twill
hurtt
osee
yourdownfal
l.Icanev enseetheheadli
nes.
"Pr
ofessorDavidleakedsexvideo.Notso
honourabl
eafterall
."
Pr
of:
(pani
cki
ng)Whatar
eyouwal
ki
ngabout
?
Busi
: It
houghtwehadadeal,i
tsagoodt
hingi
tr
ustedmyi nst
ict
sabouty
ou.Tellme
Prof
essorwhathappenedtol
etti
ngmepass?
Pr
of:
Busi
siwe.
Busi:
Idon'
tknowifi
shoul
dbehappyorsad
thatyouev
enremembermyname.
Prof:
Youcanwr i
teasuppl
ement
ary
.Iwi
l
lmake
sureyoupass.
Busi:
Not hisisallyourmess.I fyoukeptyou
endofthedeal ,iwouldn'tev
enneedt owr it
e
supplementaryexam.Youcr eatedthi
smess
youfixiti
fyoudontwi shtoseey ourface
spl
ashedal lovernewspaper s,icanmakey ou
famous.Andi canr ui
ny ourmar ri
age,idon'
t
thi
nky
ourwi f
eandchi
kdr
enwil
kbet hr
ill
edt
o
knowthei
rfat
hersl
eepwi
thhi
sstudents.
Pr
of:Youempt
ythr
eat
sdon'
tscar
emey
oung
l
ady.
Busi:
(laughi
ng)Youthi
nkthi
sisj
ustempt
y
thr
eat.Checkyouremai
l.
(
Hegoessi
l
entf
oramoment
.)
Pr
of:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Busi
:Youknowwhati
want
.Gi
vemet
hat90%.
Pr
of:
Icantd.
..
Busi
:Beenpleasuredoi
ngbusinesswi
thy
ou
Prof
essor
.Igiveyoubeforet
heendofbusi
ness
tohavemadet hi
ngsokay.Orelse.
.
(il
aughasi hangup.Nowwebackinacti
on,
ti
met ogetintoact
ion.Ir
eachf
ormyphoneand
cal
lmyP. I
)
Busi
:God!Ihav
ebeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
ourcal
l
.
God:
Itsabi
tcompl
i
cat
edt
hani
thought
.The
Thompsonar
edanger
ous.
Busi
:(r
oll
i
ngmyey
es)Tel
lmesomet
hingnew.
God:Thereisagirl
,Ambershewasdat ingtheir
son,star
tedtal
kingaboutt
heirshenanigans
andshedisappearedi
nthefaceoftheear th.
Evennownooneknowswher eshei s.
Busi
:Now!Yougoi ngsomewhere.Fi
nd
somethi
ng,incr
imi
nating,
somethi
ngthatcan
havel
everageoverthem.Anyt
hingel
se.
God: Likei sai
dt hisisdanger ousf amily.The
PublishingCompanyi sjustacov erup, thereal
businessr unsunderi t,theyar ethebiggestdr ug
tr
affickerst hi
sbi gdrugcat al
s, money
l
aunder ingany thingbady oucant hinkof ,
they
areyourpeopl e.Theyjustr ecentlyventuredinto
assassi nat
ion, t
heyhav epr ofessionalhitmen,
whoar egivencont ractstoel i
minat ebigpeople
i
nbigposi ti
ons.I fiwerey ouBusi iwouldplay
awayf rom t hi
sf amily,y
ouar eoutoft heir
l
eague.Youar easmal lhousefly,theywi l
l
squashy
ou.
(Hiswordsaresupposedt oscar
emeoffbut
theyl
ivemei nt
ri
gued, i
wanttoknowmore
aboutthisf
amily.If
inal
lyknowmycar
eerpath.
Iam goingforj
ournali
sm.)
Busi
:Thanky
ou.Cal
lmei
fyouhav
esomet
hing
new.
(ihungupanddownmymarti
ni.Asthewhi
te
guywhohasbeenwat
chingmesinceiwal
ked
i
nher ewal
kst
ome.Idontwai
tformehimtalk
fi
rst
.)
Busi:Wantt ogetoutofhere.(ist
andupand
sli
pmynumberaswel lasmyr oom numberi
n
hispocket.Andwal kout,
ineedsomesexual
rel
ievibgtoday,
Kasanehasbeenabl i
ssbuti
needt oretur
ntobasenow, themusichas
changedsohast hedancebut"thosewhower e
seendanci ngwerethoughttobeinsaneby
thosewhocoul dnothearthemusi c.
"-Fr
iedr
ich
Nietzsche.
➡➡➡➡➡➡
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Exci
tedf
ort
hisst
ory
Notwhati
thoughti
twil
lbewhenibegunbut
l
ovi
ngever
ytheunexpect
edtur
noutofevent
s.
Let
sembar
kthi
sjour
neyt
oget
her
.
Li
keinser
tsandcomment
s.(
Mymot
ivat
iont
o
wri
temoreinser
ts)
Shar
ewi
thy
ourf
ri
ends,
fami
l
y.
[
06/
02,
16:
02]Rn:
D'D
I
nser
t44
➡➡➡➡➡➡
"Ir
eall
yt houghtIgotitt
histi
me.Ineverknewa
thi
nglikethiscouldend.IguessI
'mreall
yback
tonothing.Towhatt heyusetocal
lsquare
one."ByDar i
n
➡➡➡➡➡➡
NESSA
Ilookatt hecl
ockandatt hehiredhel
passhe
put smybagsi nthecarwai t
ingoutsi
de.Iknowi
am bei ngacowardr i
ghtnowbuti t
stheonly
thingi cando.Putt
ingmy sel
ffir
standmy
heal t
h.
Mai
d:Senor
á,doy
our
eal
l
yhav
etol
eav
e?
Nessa:Yest
hisisf
orthebest.Thankyouforal
l
youhavedoneforme.Iwil
lneverfor
getyour
ki
ndness.
Mai
d:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Nessa:Evenmyownf amil
ydoesnotknowthat
iam l
eav i
ngorwhereiwi
l
l.Butj
ustknowthati
wil
lbefinewhereiam.
Mai
d:Al
ri
ght
.
(
Isi
tdownandr
ightt
hel
ett
erf
orhi
m.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
DearLef
a
Bythetimey oureadt hi
s,iwi
l
lbegone.Thisis
notwhati hadinmi ndwhenwemov edto
Amer i
ca.Ithoughtwewi ll
befi
neandkeepon
l
ov i
ngeachot her.Iguesswearejustt
ooy oung
andnaivetoknowwhati sgoodforusorwhat
evenloveis.
Iknowaboutyouraff
airwit
hXhebi le?Ihave
knownforquit
esomet imenow.Iguessi di
d
notwanttobethenaggingmot her.Somehowi
under
stand,
sodon'tbeatyourselfuptoomuch.
Ihopeshemakesy ouhappy.Youdeser vetobe
happy.

Fornowl
etourr
oadcomet
oanendher
e.
Lov
e
VanessaThompson.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iputt
helet
teront
hekitchencounteral
ongwi
th
myengagementri
ng.IcallBr
ian.
Br
ian:
Arey
our
eady
?
Nessa:
Yesi
am.
Bri
an:Theguywil
lbethereatt
heairport
,wil
lal
l
yourt
ravel
l
ingdocuments.Andanotherwil
l
meetyouinCanadawheny ouarr
ive.
Nessa:
Thankyouf
ordoi
ngt
his.Don'
tfor
get
mom and..
..
.
Bri
an:(i
nter
rupt
ingme)Theyar
enotsupposed
toknowwher eyouar
e.Don'
tworr
yicover
edall
yourtr
acksverywel
l.
Nessa:
Thanky
ou!Fordoi
ngal
lthi
s.
Bri
an:Anyt
hingforyoudoll.Nowdomeone
fav
our,wheny ougetther
e.Thefi
rstt
hingy
ou
doisgetoffthatchai
r.
Nessa:
Yourwi
shi
smycomand.
Br
ian:
Bye!Bei
ntouch.
Nessa:
Iwi
l
l.By
e.
(Ihungup.Brianist heonewhoencour agedme
tomaket hi
sbol ddeci si
on.Heknowsmy
parentswil
lforcemet ostaywithLef
a,that
's
whywear enoti ncludingthem i
nanyofour
plans.Igr
abmyhandbag, andlookaround,
my
eyesbecomemi stedwi thtear
s.Ihav
ebeen
hereinashor tti
mebutt hi
splacehol
dsso
manymemor i
esf orme.Ilookaroundonel ast
ti
meandi canthel pbutwonderwher ecouldwe
havegonewr ong,"Ir
eall
ythoughtIgotitthis
ti
me.Ineverknewat hi
nglikethi
scouldend.I
guessI'
mr eal
lybackt onothi
ng.Towhatt hey
usetocall
squar eone."Ipushmychai routsi
de
wit
houtanybackwar dglance,befor
ei change
mymi nd.
)
➡➡➡➡➡
Nar
rat
ed!
Helooksatheronel
astt
imeandbr
usheshi
s
l
ipsover
shersashegetsup.
Xhebi
l
e:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Lef
a:Ineedt
ogoback.
Xhebi
l
e:Can'
tyouj
ustspendt
heni
ght
?
Lef
a:Youknowi
cant
.Nessamustbewai
ti
ng.
Xhebi
l
e:Idon'
tundest
andwhyy
oucantj
ust
l
eaveher
.
Lefa:It
houghtweagreedthatyouwillst
op
tal
kingaboutl
eavi
ngNessa.Iloveher.Thisi
s
j
ustaf l
ingXhebi
l
ey oucan'
tcatchfeel
ing.
Xhebi
le:Iknowyoubel
ongt
oNessabutagi
rl
canonlydream.
Lef
a:Don'
texpectanyf
air
ytal
efrom meory
ou
wil
lbei
nforadisappoi
ntment.
Xhebi
l
e:Youar
enotgoi
ngt
otakeashower
?
Lef
a:No!Iwi
l
ltakeashowerathome.
(
Hel
eansov
erandki
ssesher
)
Lef
a:Seey
out
omor
row.
Xhebi
l
e:(
spanki
nghi
m)Tomor
rowl
overboy
.
(Heget sint
hecar ,
andf i
xhi msel foncemore
anddriveshomei nagoodmood, hy mi
ng
Shekhinah-Suit
edalongt hewayt hinki
ngabout
Vanessa.Her emember st hathepl anson
taki
ngheroutt oday.Dateni ght.Hewal ksi
nthe
house, supr
isedtofinditdar k.Switchi
ngonthe
l
ights.
)
Lef
a:Babyi
am home.
(Deadendsil
encemeet shim.Hei saboutto
headtothei
rbedr oom,whent heshinningstone
onthekit
chencount ercatcheshi satt
ention.As
hewalkstherehenot i
cest hatitNessa's
engagementring.Withtrembl i
nghandsher ead
thr
oughtheletter
.Likeamadmanher uns
thr
oughthehousel ookingf orherandher
thi
ngs.)
Lef
a:Vanessa,
Nessababedon'
tdot
hist
ome
pl
ease.
(Hetri
eshernumberwhichhei
stol
dthat"t
he
numberisnolongeri
nuse.
"Byt
hemobile
oper
ator.)
➡➡➡➡➡➡➡
NALEDI
Ilookatthephonescreenandignor
ethecall
oncemor e.Iam af
rai
dtoanswer.Heavenl
y
fatherwhydidyouhavetoletmeusethatmuch
money?Iwentoverboar
dal i
tt
le.Hei
s
per
sist
ent
,notgi
vingup.Keepsoncal
li
ngunt
ili
hav
enochoicebuttoanswer.
Bri
an:Doyouwantmetocomet her
eandgive
youagoodsmackNaledi
!Idon'
tminddr
ivi
ng
all
thewayther
e.
(
Icr
inge!Dar
n!Hei
sseet
hing.
)
Bri
an:Youdon'
tanswermycal
l
snowyouare
goi
ngallsi
l
entonme.Whatam it
odowit
hyou
Naledi
Moroka?
Nal
edi
:Iam sor
ry!
Br
ian:Tel
lmewhyareyousor
ry?Whi
chofy
our
of
fencesarey
ouapol
ogisi
ngt
o?
Nal
edi
:Goi
ngal
i
ttl
eov
erboar
dwi
tht
hecar
d!
Bri
an:Youhonestl
ythinksthat'
sthereasonwhy
iam t
hisangr
y.Yout hi
nki wil
lgetmadf oryou
usi
ngsuchasmal lamounti nmycar d.That
's
notevenquar
terofthemoneyi nthataccount.
Youneedtostopthisridi
culousbehaviourr
ight
nowNal edi,igav
ey outhatcar
dtousei
t,it
s
yours,stoprepor
tingtomeandapologi
singfor
usingthemoney .Youcanspendallt
hatmoney,
idon'tcare.Whyar esoadamantonbei
ng
stubborn.
(Hehangsupbef oreicansayany t
hing.Gosh!
Heavenl
yfathert
hisguyi snotmadt hatiused
thecar
dbutbecausei keeprepor
ti
ngwheni
useit
.Ipi
ckmyphoneandt r
ycalli
nghim buthe
doesnotpickup.Inst
eadhesendsmeat ext
message.
)

"
From Br
ian
Iam st
il
lmad!Iwi
l
lcal
lyouwheni
am bet
ter
."

(
Ismi
l
etomy
sel
fasi
typehi
sresponse.
)

"
From St
ar
Justhowmadarewe?Il
ovey
ouev
enwheny
ou
aremadokay
?."

(
Itdoesn'
ttakel
ongbef
oreher
epl
i
es.
)

"
From Br
ian
Supermad,ify
ouwer
ehereiwoul
djustshow
youjusthowmadiam aty
ouri
ghtnow."

(
Therehegoesagai
ngiv
ingmethebut
ter
fl
ies.
Wil
li
teverget
,ol
dthi
skindoff
eel
i
ng?

"
From St
ar
Howaboutwechannelthatangeri
nto
somethi
ng.Myresul
tsareout.Wantt
odot
he
honor
sofchecki
ngthem forme?"
(Iatt
achmyst udentIDandpassword.Iwai
tfor
hisresponsebutitnevercomes.Aft
er30
minutesofpacingupanddown, hiscal
lcomes
through.
)
Nal
edi
:(anxi
ousl
y)And?
Br
ian:
Whatdoi
geti
nret
urn?
Nal
edi
:Any
thi
ngy
ouwant
.
Br
ian:
Arey
ousur
e?
Nal
edi
:Yes!
Brian:
Rebet sagoutwalamylove.Passedal
l
yourmodul eswit
hfl
yingcol
ours.YourG.P.
Ais
4.2!Iwil
lsendthem i
nabit.
(
Iscr
eam att
het
opofmyl
ungs.Fi
l
ledwi
thj
oy.
Myhardwor
kpai
d.)
Br
ian:
Happy
?
Nal
edi
:Bey
ond!
Br
ian:
Iam pr
oud!Nowi
canf
inal
l
ycal
lyouDr
Dl
amini.
Nal
edi
:Get
ti
ngt
oobi
gfory
ourshoes.
Br
ian:
Now!Mypay
ment
.
Nal
edi
:Iam al
lear
s.
Br
ian:
Gety
ourpr
ett
yassont
henextbus.
Nal
edi
:ButBr
ia.
..
.
Br
ian:
(int
err
upt
ingme)Nal
edi
Mor
oka!
Nal
edi
:Rr
a!
Bri
an:Isaidgety
ourpret
tyassher
easi
n
yest
erday.Arautwana?
(Hehangsup.Andirol
lmyey
es.Gosh!Hecan
berudeyetsochi
ldi
shwit
hhi
stant
rums.)
[
06/
02,
16:
03]Rn:
DeepDesi
res

I
nser
t45

➡➡➡➡➡
"
Ifyouwanttoconquerf
ear,
don'tsithomeand
thi
nkabouti
t.Gooutandgetbusy."Dale
Carnegi
e

➡➡➡➡➡

JOY
Ilookatmyr esults,andacol dshi v
ergoes
downmyspi ne.Iwonderwher ei couldhav e
wentwr ong.It houghti prepar edforev erythi
ng
wel l
.No!Thi scan' tbemyr esul t
s.Iwasoneof
thet opstudent satschool ,howdoest hat
explainwhati am seei ngrightnow?Ibl i
nka
fewt imesandl ookagai n.Whathappened?
Howdi di gether e?Ihav eonl ypassedDr
Dlami ni
'smodul e,therestitsj ustdisaster.
Whatam i goingt otellmyf ather?Whoget sa
failanddiscont inuef i
rstsemest er?Tear s
threatentof allbuti can'tl
ett hem.Ineedt o
think.Thisi snott hetimet obesul king.Ireach
f
ormyphoneandcal
lBusi
.
Busi
:Heyt
her
est
ranger
!
Joy
:Hi
!Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Busi
:Iam wel
ll
ove,
your
sel
f?
Joy:
Bett
er,
ther
esul
tsar
efi
nal
l
yout
,howdi
d
yougo?
Busi
:Iam def
inatel
ypassi
ngont
othenext
semester
.Andy ou?
(Mythroatconst
rict
s,t
hepai
nistoomuchf or
met ohandle.Ev
enBusi t
heworstst
udenthas
passed.)
Joy
:IgotanFD,
Busi
.
Busi
:Hey !Don'
tdespair
,FDi
snottheendoft
he
worl
d,youmi ssonlyonesemest
erandappl
y
thenextsemester.
Joy:
Youmakeitsoundeasy
,inthemeant
ime
whatdoit
ellmyfat
her?Hewil
lkil
lmei
fhe
fi
ndsoutt
hatif
ail
ed.
Busi
:Whosaidyouhavetotel
lhi
m any
thing?
YougobacktoGaboroneandpret
endthatyou
ar
egoingtoschool
.
Joy:
Areyoucr
azy?Idon'
tknowany
onet
her
e,
wherewoul
distay
?
Busi:
Myf latisquit
elonel
ysoy oucanstaywit
h
meunt i
lyouhav eaplaceofyourown.Inthe
meant i
me, youwi l
ll
ookforajobandsav ef
or
sponsorshipbecauseDTEFcanbeal i
tt
lebi
t
di
ffi
cultwheni tcomestorei
nstatement.
Joy
:IdontknowBusi
,thi
slooksal
ltoor
isky
.
Myf..
.
Busi:(i
nter
rupti
ngme)No!Foroncest op
thi
nkingabouty ourfat
her
,youwil
l nev
ergrowif
youkeepsay ingdaddythi
s,daddythat.I
tsti
me
totakethewor l
di nt
oyourshoul
ders.Whatyour
fat
herdoesn'tknowwontki l
lhimlove.
Joy
:Iguessyouhav
eapoi
nt.Whenar
eyou
goi
ngbacktoGc?
Busi:
Iam back,butiam atmypar ent
splace,
keepi
ngupwi ththepret
ense.Ihaveanidea,
whydon'tyoucomebackal readyandbeginthe
j
obsearchalready?
Joy:Mydadwil
lwantt
oseet
her
esul
ts,
what
wil
lishowhi
m?
Busi
:Iwil
lsendyouNaledi'
slogi
ndet ai
l
s.All
youhavetodoisshowhim herresul
ts.Aft
erall
hedoesnotknow,yourstudentI
.dri
ght?
Joy
:Wai
t!Howdi
dyougetherl
ogi
ndet
ail
s.
Busi:
Ihavemyway s.Justdoasi
say
.Ineedt
o
go.Letst
alkl
ater
.
(Shehangsup, minuteslater,amessagecomes
i
n.Iloginandi am fl
abbergast ed!Justhow
doesshedoi t?Somet hingsar enotf ai
ratall
.
Naledigetsal
lthegoodt hings, t
hehandsome
boyfr
iendandt heBook-Gur u!A4.2GPAwhi lei
gota1. 1GPA.Mybl oodboi ls!Speakoft he
devil
,hercal
lcomest hroughandi juststar
eat
i
t.Iknowshei sgoingtopr eacht omeabout
wanti
ngtoli
etomyf
ather
,ican'
tdeal
wit
hher
r
ightnow.
)

.
..
..
.
Insteadoft akinghercal
l,
igoandsearchf
ormy
father.Ineedt ogetthi
sdoneandoverwit
hit
already .If
indtheoldmani nt
hel
iv
ingroom
wat chingbulleti
ns.
Joy
:Dad!
Hendr
ick:
YesmyJoy
.
Joy:Ther
esul
tsar
eout.It
houghtmay
bey
ou
mightwantt
oseethem.
Hendr
ick:
Yes!Iwoul
dlov
etoseemyl
ove.
(Ihandhim asisitdownnexttohi m.Mypal ms
aresweaty,ikeeprubbingthem onmyt rouser
backandf ort
hast heoldmanscr uti
nisethe
resul
ts.Hefinal
lyputsthelapt
opawayand
l
ooksatme, smil
ingfrom eart
oear ,
apangof
guil
thitsmyconscience.Iam deceivi
ngt hi
sol
d
manr
ightnow.
)
Hendri
ck:
A4. 2GPA.Iam happyt oknowt hat
youarest
il
l mybr
ightJoy.Justl
ikeyourname
Joy,
youbringmesomuchJoy .Yourmot her
mustbeproudofherpreciousli
tt
leJoyri
ght
now.
Joy:
Thankyoudaddy
.Mybi
ggestf
eari
sev
er
di
sappoi
nti
ngyou.
Hendri
ck:
Keepupwiththi
sperformanceandi
wouldneverget
sdi
sappoi
nted.Iam pr
oudmy
angel
.
(
Hehugsmeandi
hughi
m back.
)
Joy:Youknowwi t
ht heresult
sout,weareclose
toopeni
ngweneedt ogor egi
ster
,mov eint
o
campusandev eryt
hing.Iknowweopeni na
week'st
imebuti waswonder ingi
fitspossi
ble
formetoleav
et omor r
ow.
Hendr
ick:
Nopr
obl
em myl
ove.Iwi
l
ldr
ivey
ou
t
here.
Joy:Nodad!Youhavet
oletmegrownow, y
ou
can'
tal
waysbedrivi
ngmetothecit
y.Letmego
onmyown.
Hendr
ick:Okayokay
!Mi
ssgr
owup.Iwi
l
llety
ou
goony ourown.
Joy
:Thanky
ou.
(Ikisshischeek.Ifeel
guilt
y,butmyfearsdont
l
etmet obeacr ybabyr i
ghtnow.Fearof
disappoint
ingthisoldmanandf earofbeinga
fail
urearetoomuch.Someoneoncet oldme
that,"I
fyouwantt oconquerfear,
don'
tsithome
andt hi
nkabouti t
.Gooutandgetbusy ."
)

➡➡➡➡➡➡➡

BUSI
SIWE
Bontl
e:Wherear
eyougoi
ng?Whatshoul
dit
ell
yourf
ather?
Busi:(
iappl
yli
pst
icktomylips)I
fy ouwant
thoseshoesandphonemommy ,youwill
have
tocomeupwi thaperf
ectexcusetogivedad.
Bont
le:
Yourf
atherwi
l
lki
l
lusi
fheev
erf
indout
.
Busi
:Iknowthat
'swhythi
smustremainour
secr
etmom.Don'tl
etdadrui
nthi
sforus.Just
i
maginethegoodli
fewecanhaveifi
become
thenextMr
sThompson.
Bontl
e:Whatmakesy
out
hinkt
hatt
hismanwi
l
l
evenmarr
yy ou?
Busi:
Youdontknowal otoft hi
ngsdearest
mom.I fyouwanti canbey ourti
cketoutofthi
s
miserabl
emar r
iagebuty oujusthavetoplay
yourcardsri
ghtiwillpl
aymi neri
ght.
Bont
le:
Okay
!Iwi
l
lhandl
eyourdad!Go.
Busi
:That
smor el
ikei
tmommy .(Ibendand
ki
sshercheek.
)Iwon'
tber
etur
ningt oni
ght
.
Bont
le:
Becaref
ulBusi
,youheardwhatt
he
doct
orsai
dlastti
me,youcannotdoany
abor
ti
oni
fyouwantchi
l
dreni
nthenearf
utur
e.
Busi
:Don'tworryababyi
snotpar
toft
hepl
an.I
am pr
otected.
Bont
le:
Okayl
eav
ebef
orey
oudadr
etur
ns.
(Ist
andandki sshercheek.Idr i
vetoMasa
hotel.Asmuchasi hatetoadmi tbutimissed
him andhi st
icklishdickl
et.Hel ooksamess
wheni walki
nt othebookedhot elroom buthis
eyesshi neast heymeetmi ne.Ismi l
e,gi
ving
him mygenui nesmi le.Iwalkt ohim andhug
him asifmyl i
fedependsont hathug.)
Ni
ck:
(ki
ssi
ngmyneck)Imi
ssy
ouMar
il
yn.
Busi
:Imi
ssedy
oual
so.What
'
swr
ong?Whydo
youl
ookamess?
Nick:
Thingsarehecti
caret
hemoment,my
daughterhasgonemissi
ngover
seasnoone
knowswher esheis.
Busi
:Youpoorthi
ng.Iam sor
rytohearthat
.
Comeletustakeashowerfir
st,
andletsgetri
d
ofal
lthi
sIneedmysexyDaddyback.
(Hel
ooksatmeandlaughs.Wehaveanice
ti
meintheshower
,oncewedone,hesi
tsinthe
downasitr
ytoshavehim.
)
Ni
ck:
(war
ningl
y)Busi
!
Busi:
Shh!Don'ty
outrustme?icandothi
s.Just
rel
ax,cl
oseyoureyesandletmedothi
s.Okay
bigboy?
Busi
:Yesy
ourmaj
est
y.
(Idoaf ant
asticj
obwiththeshav i
ngwhichi
am
rewardedwithapassionatelovemaking
sessi
on.Wel ayinthebed.Hel ooksatmy
resul
tswelltechni
cal
lyNaledi'
sborrowed
resul
ts.)
Ni
ck:Wow!Your
eal
l
yout
doney
our
sel
f.Iam
pr
oud.
Busi
:Thanky
ou.
Ni
ck:
Atr
ipt
oPar
is?Fort
hishar
dwor
k?
Busi
:(exci
tedl
y)Real
l
y?
Nick:
Any t
hingf
oryouli
tt
lewant
ont
hing.But
youwill
goony ourown,r
ememberHi
ldaisunto
us.
(
Mymoodgoesf rom 100t
ozer
oatt
he
ment
ionofhername.
)
Ni
ck:Don'
tworr
yiwi
l
lmakesur
eyouenj
oy
ev
erybi
tofit
.
(Ineedtogetr i
dofHil
da!Iam sureshesitat
thetopofthet hr
one,i
ficangetri
dofher ,ican
ascendt othetop.Andiwouldnotfearanyone.
Fearisfortheweak."I
fyouwanttoconquer
fear,don'
tsithomeandthinkaboutit
.Goout
andgetbusy ."
)
[
06/
02,
16:
03]Rn:
DEEPDESI
RES
I
NSERT46
➡➡➡➡➡
"It
houghtyouwantedtotakei
tsl
ow.
"ByE.
L
James(Fif
tyShadesDar
ker)
➡➡➡➡➡
Nal
edi
Igiggl
eli
keaschoolkid!Asirecal
lourchat
yester
day.Iam i
nlove!If
eell
i
keshout i
ngatthe
topofmyl ungsmyloveforhi
m.
"Nal
ediMoroka,isweari
fyouar
enother
eby
tomorr
owi wil
lsendaS.W.A.
Tteam f
oryou.
That
'sapromise."
Il
aughoncemor e,thewomannextt omel ooks
atmel i
keiam somemadper sonbutijust
i
gnoreher.It
stoocompl icatedtounderstand.
Nowor dscanevenexplai ni
t.Iam exci
tedt o
seehim.Hedoesnotev enknowt hatiam
comingorthatil
iedtomymom t ocomeher e.
Thethingswedof orlove.Mymi ndtakesat our
agai
n,totheconversati
oni hadwithmymom
l
astnight.
Nal
edi
:Ma!
Bul
elwa:
Mma.
Naledi
:Iwaswonder
ingifi
tsokaywi
thy
ou.I
fi
couldr
etur
ntotheci
tytomorr
ow.
Bul
elwa:It
houghtyousai
dy ousti
llhav
ea
monthandhalfbef
oreschoolsopen.What
's
wit
htherushback?
Naledi:
Yest hathasnotchangedbutiact
ual
ly
appli
edf orapartti
mejobandt heycal
l
edigot
thejob.
Bul
elwa:
Ohokaythenther
eisnopr
obl
em.But
wherewi
lly
oubestayi
ng?
Naledi:Youst
il
lrememberVanessa?Wellher
mot hersai
dicancomestaythereunt
ilv
arsit
y
opens.
Bul
elwa:
Okay,aslongasyouarenotabur
den
tot
hem thent
hereisnopr
oblem.
Nal
edi
:No!Theyar
eper
fect
lyf
ine.
Bul
elwa:
Alr
ight
!Youwil
lgi
vemehernumberso
it
hankherf
ortaki
ngcar
eofyou.
Nal
edi
:Yesl
etmegoandgetmyphonesoi
can
gi
vei
ttoy
ou.
(Ir
etur
nedwit
hthephoneal
ongwi
thP1000i
n
cashwhichi
gaveitt
oher.
)
Naledi
:Buyt
hingsy
ouwi l
lneedi
nthehouse.I
wil
lsendsomemont hend.
Bul
elwa:
Nal
edi
wher
edi
dyougett
hismoney
?
Nal
edi:
Ourall
owancegotcr
edi
ted.Si
ncewe
cl
osedidontneedi
t.
Bulelwa:
Ihopeyoutell
ingmet hetruthNaledi.I
don'twantyoutobethosecitygir
lsthatsell
thei
rbodiestool
dmani nexchangeformoney .
Nal
edi:
(laughi
ng)Aomamamma!Suchl i
ttl
e
f
ait
hinme.Iwi l
lnev
erdisgr
aceyouandthis
f
amilyl
ikethat
.Nomatterhowharditget
s.
Bulel
wa: It
hankGodforgi
vi
ngmesuchan
obedientchi
ldl
ikey
ouNaledi
.Godbl
essy
ou
ngwanaka.
(
Ismil
eather.Basi
cal
l
yi di
dnotli
e,iam
v
olunt
eer
ingatAce'
scli
nic.Themoneyigot
fr
om Br
ian,
anall
owance.AndIam goingtobe
st
ayi
ngattheThompsonmansion,
Ijusti
fyasi
cl
osemyey est
otakeapowernap.
)
➡➡➡➡➡
Wheni openmyey esiam inGabor onebusr ank,
i
tsjustaf ter3whi chmeans, Br i
ani
sst il
lat
wor k.Withoutanysecondt houghtsi t
akeacab
totakemet oThompsonPubl isher
s
headquar ters.Ineedkey stothehousepl usi
needt oseehi m.Ipushmybagi nt
hebi g
recepti
onar ea.Ineverbeenher ebeforet he
buil
dingitssoi nt
imidat
ing.Suddenlyi feelout
ofspace, ther ecepti
oni
stgivesmel ovelysmil
e.
Nal
edi
:Hi
!Iwoul
dli
ket
oseeBr
ian.
Recept
ioni
st:
Whi
chBr
ianl
ove?
Nal
edi
:Br
ianDl
..
..
..
!
Li
am:Mymy!Whatapleasantsur
pri
se.I
fit
s
nott
heMi
sslov
elyNal
edi.
(
Ilookathi
m andsmi
l
easheki
ssesmyhand
andbowsbef
oreme.
)
Liam: (whisper
ingtotherecepri
onist)Sheis
royalt
y .Sowear ebackfrom thevi
llage.Heis
goingt oburstwhenheseesy ou,t
oact ual
l
y
thinkjustthismorninghewast el
li
ngmewe
needt ogogety ouback.
Naledi
:(r
oll
i
ngmyeyes)Ibethedi
d.Wher
eis
he?Ineedtoseehi
m.
Liam:Ofcour seyoudo.(Hewi nkstothe
recepti
onist
)i wi
l
l bebackdarl
ing,needto
escortthepri
ncesst oherpr
ince.
(Het akesmyhandandi trailbehindhi m ashe
standsi nf
rontoftheel evatorwr i
ttenr oyalty
only.Wegeti nbuti tdoesnotst artmov ing
i
nst eaditsaysent eraccesscode.Whi chtomy
surpr i
seishishand.Whati swi t
ht hemy st
eryof
thisplace.Somuchsecur i
ty.Theel ev atorstops
onf loor25whi chi pr
esumei sthel astf l
oor.
Thisf l
oorunliketheothersi squite.Aswest ep
outsidemyey esmeetwi thBr ian'sey es.Hei s
wal
kingoutofhi
soff
icewith3gentl
emenanda
l
ady.Hestopsonhi
stracksashelooksatme
bef
orewalki
ngtowhereiam st
anding.
)
Bri
an:(t
alki
ngtoLi
am)Showt hem t
othe
confer
enceroom i
wil
lbether
ei n3minut
es.
(Heget smybackandwewal kt ohisoffice.The
mi nutei walkinheclosest hedoorandt raps
meagai nstthewal l
.Hislipsmeetmi ne,ashe
kissesme, hisfr
eshbr eathgi vesme
goosebumpsasourl ipsmeeti nasy nc.He
pullsback, andkissmyf orehead, andhei s
gone.Leav i
ngmei nhi sbigof fice.Ifeel
restlessasi waitforhim.Isi tonhi schai r,
standbyt hewindow, restont hecouch.Idon' t
getwhyal lofthesuddeni feel nerv
ous.Inot ice
thehouseaccesscar donhi st ablewi t
houtany
hesitati
oni grabitandmybag.That 'sithewi l
l
fi
ndmeathome.)
➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡
Ist
epoutoft
her
efr
eshi
ngshoweri
wal
kint
o
theroom wear i
ngnot hi
ngbuthi sshi t
.Imissed
him, ii
nhalehisscentf rom theshi rt.Iget
start
ledasi not i
cehim sitt
ingont hebed.The
j
acketandt i
ear egone, hi
sshi r
thal fway
undone.Hel ooksext r
emelydanger ousr i
ght
now, especiall
ythewayhel ooksatmebuti
can'thelpgetbut ter
fli
es,ast hehai ratmyback
standstoat tenti
on.Ihonest l
yt hinki havebeen
bewi t
chedbyt hi
sGr eekGod.
Nal
edi
:(st
utt
err
ing)Why
!Whyar
eyouher
e?
Br
ian:
(smi
l
ing)Il
i
veher
eremember
?
Nal
edi
:Youar
eear
ly.
Br
ian:
Ihadtoleav
eaftermymeet
ing,
thel
i
ttl
e
mouseil
efti
nmyof f
icedeci
dedt
orunaway.
(Hetakesstr
idestowardsmeandpi cksmeup.
Iam inbedbeneathhim.Hiseyesshinewit
h
passi
on.Iam trappedint
heli
on'sden,no
escapingf
rom thepredat
or.)
Br
ian:
Youoweme.
Nal
edi
:It
houghty
ouwant
edt
otakei
tsl
ow.
Br
ian:Pastt
ense.Youhav
ebeenabadgi
rl
l
atel
y.
(Hesay shismouthdevoursmi ne.Tonightwe
werespeakingalanguaget hathadnowor ds
andrulesonlygl
ancesandt ouches.He
whisperedwordsthatdrovemeov ert
heedge
more,"Howshouldi doit,wit
hmywor dsfirstor
mybody ?Tel
lmebeautifulgir
l.Tel
lme...
")

[
06/
02,
16:
03]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t47
➡➡➡➡➡
"
Iwanttotouchy
ouinal
lpl
acesyouachet
obe
t
ouched.
"ByE.LJames(
Chri
sti
anGrey)
➡➡➡➡➡
Therayofsunlightonmyf acemakemeopen
myey eslazi
ly
.Icanheart heshowerrunni
ng
andipullthecov er
sov ermyhead, gi
ggli
ngto
myself.Memor i
esofl astnightfl
ashi
nmymi nd.
Ibl
ushast heev entsofthepr ev
iousni
ght
rev
eal t
hemselfinmymi nd.
.
..
.
Bri
an:(Hewhisper
swordst
hatdr
ivemeov er
theedgemore)"Howshoul
didoit
,wit
hmy
wordsfir
stormybody?Tel
lmebeaut
iful
girl
.
Tell
me. .
."
(Wordsfai
lme.Ibitmylowerli
pandlookedat
him.Somanyf eel
i
ngsthatineverf
eltbef
ore.
Hecaressmycheeksandi leanmore,enj
oying
thesensat
ion.
)
Bri
an:Iam notgoi
ngtot
ouchyouordo
anyt
hingunti
lyoutel
lmeNal
edi.Tel
lme.
.
(
Hisvoi
ceisl
ikeadrugyetmusictomyears.I
wantt
olosemyselft
ohim andneverev
erbe
f
ound.Mybody,soulscr
eamsforhim)
Nal
edi
:(i
nat
inyv
oice)Bot
h!Iwantbot
h.
(That
'sal
ltheconf
ir
mati
onheneeds.Hesmi
l
es
sowickedl
yatme.Heleansover
,andki
ssme
slowl
y,hebit
esmylowerl
ip.
)
Br
ian:
Goodchoi
ce.
(Het r
ail
shi skissesdownt henapeofmyneck.
Imoanascol dyetgentl
ehandsski mpdown
myshi rtandt ouchmyar ousednipples.A
burningsoot hingsensat
ioneruptswhi chmakes
memoanouthi sname.Heunbut tonst heshir
t.
Isitupandhel phimtotakeitoff
.Heki ssesmy
neck, whichmakesmequi verandshakewi th
pleasure.
)
Brian:Yourscenti
sint
oxi
cati
ngmyl ov
e.Ili
keit
,
strawberri
es.Tel
lme,wher
ey ouacheNaledi
,"I
wanttot ouchyouinpl
acesyouachetobe
touched."
(Iclosemyey esasitf
eelsl
ikeiam l
osi
ngmy
senses.Mybodyachesev er
y wher
etobe
touched.Ican'
thel
pitbutar
chemyback
towar dst hebedashi sfinger scar essmyt highs.
All t
hought sar elostasmybackt ouchest he
unkemptbed.Icl osemyey esoncemor eashi s
mout ht akesi nmyni pplewhi lehishandr ubs
thesof tfabr icofmyt hongt omyf l
esh.Ifeel
myf aceheatup, itglowsup.Iputmyhandson
hisbar echest .Iwanthi m nakedl ikeme.Asi f
her eadmyt hought s.Hest andsupt oandget
ri
dofhi scl othes, myey esar ekeenonhi sbody ,
God!Sur et ookhi st imecr eat inghi m.Hei sl eft
withnot hingbuthi sCalv i
nKl ei nbr i
efs,it
snot
har dt omi sst hebul geov erthem, wai t
ingfor
release.I tmakesmef eel war mi ntheinside, to
knowt hati am t hecauseoft hatbul ge.He
kissesmyneckoncemor eashej oinsmei nthe
bed.Hi shandpushesmyunder weart othesi de
andhei nser thisf ingerinme.If li
nchal i
tt
le
back, buthi sl i
psmeetmi ne, holdmei nplace.
Heni pplesmeear lobeandwhi spers.)
Br
ian:
OhNal
edi
!Iwantyouaqui
ver
ingmess
whenisl
i
dei
nsi
deyou.
(Icl
osemyey esasmycheekshitup.Thi
sis
notenough.Iwanthi
m.Iputmyhandsaround
hi
sneckandbr i
nghimtome.Iki
sshim.)
Naledi:
PleaseBr
ian.Iwanty
ou.Ineedy
out
his
minute.
Br
ian:
Iknowmyl
i
ttl
eone.Iknow.
(Wi t
houtanywar ninghepullsandt ear
sthe
l
ittl
et hongiam wear i
ng.Andt akesoffhi
s
briefs.Myey espopoutoft hei
rsocketsandi
l
ookathi m questi
oningi
fitwillreal
lyf
it
,heis
big!Mor ebiggerthanianti
cipated.Asifhe
sensesmyf ears.Hesettl
esbet weenmyl egs
andl eanstome. )
Bri
an:Don'
tworr
yiwi
l
lbegent
lebutineedy
ou
totel
lme.Arey
ousur
eyouwantthi
s?
(Inodmyhead.Itsalitt
lebi
ttoolatetobe
askingifi
am sure.Iwanttosaybutinsteadi
bitmylowerli
p.Ourlipsmeet,sowar m and
softhowevert
onguesj oi
nharder.Igetti
ny
bubblesonmyski nashegent l
ymakeshi sway
wi
thi
n.Icl
osemyey es,
andcrossmytoes
t
oget
her,bl
inki
ngbackthepent
-upt
ears.
)
Bri
an:l
ookatmeNaledi
.Iwantt
oseey
our
beaut
if
ulmesmer
isi
ngsmile.
(Heki
ssesmytearsawayashesli
dsi
n.Hi
s
mouthcover
sminesuppressi
ngmyneedt
o
scr
eam outl
oud.
)
Br
ian:
Iam sor
rymybabycakes.
(
Hest
opsashel
etsmeadj
ustt
ohi
m.)
Br
ian:
Cani
mov
e?
(Hisey esl
ookatmewai t
ingforconf i
rmati
on.I
nodmyheadandhest artstomov e,thepain
getssubmer gedwit
hpleasureassteady
thrustscausesweatuponhisbrow, gent
leness
hasl ef
tusnow.Likesomesor tofrhythmicarti
rai
semyhi psup,
unti
lourworldbecomesal l
foggy .
Wav esoff
eel
i
ngsarei
ntense,whi
chare
consumedbyourev
erysense.Weclaspour
handst ogether,asmyv einpleasur edrips.I
moanhi snameov erandov eragai nasmywal ls
vi
bratesast heor gasm hi tme.Notsol ong
beforeme, Br i
angr oans,anexpl osi
onofst icky
sweet,bringshiv ersf r
om ourheadt oourf eet.
Hel aysont opofmeunt i
l ourbr eat
har esteady.
Hegoest othebat hroom andr eturnwitha
warmt owel whi chheusest ocl eanmeup.
Coll
ectingmei nhi sar ms, iputmyheadofhi s
chest.Thelastt hingi rememberi sclosingmy
eyesasheki ssedmyf oreheadandwhi spered.
)
Br
ian:
Ilov
eyouMaDl
ami
ni.Goodni
ght
.
➡➡➡➡➡➡➡
Icl
osemyeyesshut
ti
ngt
hem v
eryhar
dwhen
hepul
lst
hecover
s.
Br
ian:
Iknowy
ouar
eawake.
(Iopenoneeyeandlookathi
m.Whi chmakes
himthrowhisheadbackandlaugh.
)
Br
ian:
Don'
ttel
lmey
ouar
eshyal
loft
hesudden.
Nal
edi
:Goodmor
ning.
(
Hebendsov
erandki
ssesmet
endel
y.
)
Br
ian:
That'
showiwantmygoodmor
ning
gr
eeti
ngfr
om nowon.
(
Ilookathi
m andr
oll
myey
es.
)
Br
ian:
Let
sgogety
oucl
eanedup.
(Hepicksmeupandwal kstothebat
hroom.He
placesmeint hewar
m bat
htubwhichhassome
rosepetal
s.)
Bri
an:Thewaterwil
lhel
pwit
hthesoreness.
Thi
sishowi canrepayt
hegif
tyougavemel ast
ni
ght.Il
oveyou.
(
Hewal
ksout
,leav
ingmesmi
l
ingl
i
kear
etar
d.)
(Wheniwal
kbacki
ntot
heroom,thebedi
s
al
readymade,
hecomesinwear
ingfor
malwear
,
hol
dingatr
ay.
)
Br
ian:
Sitmyl
ove.Imadebr
eakf
ast
.
(
Isi
tint
hebedandheputt
het
raynextt
ome,
handsmear
ose.
)
Br
ian:
Fory
ou.Il
ovey
ou.
Nal
edi
:(smi
l
li
ng)Il
ovey
out
oo.
Br
ian:Ihav
etogot
otheof
fi
ce.Wi
l
lyoubeokay
onyourown?
Nal
edi
:Yesi
wil
lbe.Go.
Bri
an:Ar
eyousur
e?Icancancel
mymeet
ings
fort
hedayandst
aywit
hyou.
Naledi
:Il
ostmyvir
gini
tyBri
anbuti
am notsi
ck.
Justgotoworkandstoptr
yingt
omake
excusesnott
ogotowor k.
Bri
an:
(pout
ing)Doy
oubl
ameme?Ij
ustwant
beher
e.Ohshit!
(hesay
sasher ushesoutofther
oom.Leav
ing
meconfused.Heret
urnswit
hwater.
)
Nal
edi
:Andt
hen?
Br
ian:
Taket
his!
(
Hehandsmepi
l
lsandwat
er.
)
Nal
edi
:Whatf
or?
Bri
an: Wedidnotusepr otect
ionlastni
ghtBaby
cakes.Asmuchasi wanttohavelit
tl
eBri
an
andNal ediwit
hy oubutican'taf
fordtobe
persecutedforruini
ngyourfutur
e.
(
OhLor
d!Howcani
besocar
eless?
)
Brian:Don'
tworryi
haveacleanheal
th
reputati
on.Butwecanfort
esti
ngtoget
heri
f
youwant .
Nal
edi
:Not
hat
'sokay
.
(
Itakethepil
l
.Ican'
tbel
iev
eial
mostr
uined
t
hings.Dar
nit!Nal
edi
.)
Br
ian:
Iwi
l
lseey
oul
aterokay
.
Nal
edi
:Okayl
ove.
(Heki
ssesmeandwalksout
.Itaket
het
rayand
enj
oythebr
eakf
asthemadeforme.)
[
06/
02,
16:
03]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t48
➡➡➡➡➡
Oneman'
s"I
'm notr
eadyi
sanot
herman's"
I
knewt
hesecondIsawher.
"ByMeredi
thMarpl
e
➡➡➡➡➡
Nessa
Iwaitner vouslyi nt hehouse.Ihav ebeent old
mydoct or/phy sicianwi l
l bear rivi
ngt oday.I
don'tev enknowwhati sscar ri
ngme, thedoct or
orthatIam doi ngt hi
swi thoutLef a,heshoul d
beher el i
kehewasal way s, holdingmyhand.
Assur ingme, t
hatev erythingi sokay .Pet t
yroll
s
herey esatme, "Her ewegoagai n.Lef aisno
mor e.Getusedt oi talr
eady .
"Shedoesn' t
under standt hat'swhyi t
seasyf orhert osay
thi
s." Wellthatbr okenhear twi l
lhav et owai t,
l
ookatt her arespeci ethatj ustwal kin."She
screamsandi raisemyey es.At offeecol oured
guyi sleaningagai nstthedoorst arri
ngatme,
hehast hemostcapt i
vatingey es, hazel brown
eyes, darklips,hesmi lesr ev eali
nghi sper f
ect
teeth,hiscani nesareabi tpoint
y,i
fibeli
evedin
thi
sv ampi remumboj umbo.Iwoul dthinkheis
one.Myey esdr oolt
ohi schestandi canjust
i
magi newhati sbeneathal lthat
.Icantell
withoutanyhesi t
ati
ont hathehasaper fect
torsolikethoseguy swhospendt i
meingy m.
Thoughi can' tseehislegsbutcant ell
hehas
l
ongt onedl egs.Pettyscr eams,"hesurelooks
l
ikeournextmi st
ake."Iignorehercomment
anddr ool ov erthi
sstranger .
DrG:
Isi
tsaf
etocomei
n?
(Iclearmyt hroatasitr
ytocollectmythoughts
afteri havebeencaughtdrooli
ng.Ineedtoact
l
adyl ike.ButofcoursePettydi
sagreesshehas
otherpl ans,"
ladyl
ikemyfoot,thisguyshoul
d
beourr eboundguy.")
Nessa:
Oh!Justshutup.
DrG:
(st
unned)Par
don?
Nessa:
Oh!Sor r
y.Notdir
ectedtoyou,i
tjustme
andmyt hought
s.Ihavethi
stendencyof..
..
(It
rai
loffwheni
seehim smil
ingatme.Iknowi
havebeenrambl
ingnonstop.Ithappenswheni
am nerv
ous.)
DrG:Nt
sekesai
tsegor
ebariel
eenale
monnaweomont
le.(
Idi
dn'
tknowthati
diothas
acut
esist
er)
(
Ohhol
yfu*
k!What
!Hei
samot
swana)
DrG: Yesiam!Sentfr
om Bot
swanaspeci
fi
call
y
foryou.Iam DrAceGomolemo,
butmypatient
s
call
meGee.
Nessa:
Whatabouty
ouradmi
rer
s?
(
Icl
apmyhandovermymout honcet
hewords
l
eav
emymouth.Icannotf
li
rtwi
thmydoct
or.)
DrG:
Theycal
lmeDrG.
(Hewinksatme.Andl i
terall
ymyworldst
ops.
"OH!Lordstopembar rassingyour
sel
f.
Int
roduceyoursel
f.Wehav etoontopoft
his
sit
uati
on",
Pettyscolds.)
Nessa:
VanessaThompson,
myf
ami
l
yand
f
ri
endspr
eferNessa.
DrG:
Whataboutadmi
rer
s?
(
Ilookathim andsmi
l
easi
ext
endmyhandf
or
ahandshake.
)
Nessa:I
tsupt
ototheadmi
rerst
ochoose
whatev
ernametheythi
nkwil
lbemoresui
ti
ng.
(Hetakesmyhandandpl
ant
sakiss,andiget
shi
versdownmyspineashi
scol
dlipstouch
myhand.)
DrG:
Ifyouwil
lj
ustexcusemei needt
ogoput
mybagsint
heroom iwil
lbeback.
Nessa:
Youwi
l
lbest
ayi
ngher
e?
DrG: Ibel
i
eveso,Shosho.Iam onl
yheref
ora
mont hsoibet
termakemostofi they
!(He
winks)
(Pett
y,ithi
nkwear eint
rouble."
Nowearenot ,
hesur ewil
lbeourmot i
vati
ontogetof
fthis
chair
."Sherepl
ies.Thehir
edhelpcanwalkin
beforeicanreplytohi
m.)
Nessa:
MsThompson,
MrBr
iani
sont
hel
i
ne
f
oryou.
Nessa:
Excuseme.
DrG:
iwi
l
lseey
oui
nanhour
.Letmegoset
tl
e
i
n.
(Hedi
sappear
sandi
canf
inal
l
ybr
eat
honmy
own.)
➡➡➡➡
Br
ian:
Babysi
s!
Nessa:
Hey
!
Br
ian:
HasAcear
ri
ved?
Nessa:
Hej
ustgother
e.
Br
ian:
Nt ayoudontsoundent
husi
ast
icabout
hi
sarr
ival.
Nessa:Ker
engtota!Iam surpr
isedi
didnot
expectamotswanadoctor.
Bri
an:Hei
smybestfr
iend,
ift
her
eisanyonei
cantr
ustwi
thy
ou,hel
pingyouandyourl
if
e,i
s
hi
m.
Nessa:
Okay
.Thanky
ouf
oral
lthi
s.
Bri
an:
Heisonl
yther
eforamonth,
somake
sur
ebythet
imeheleav
esther
eisprogr
ess.
Nessa:
Rogert
hat
.
Br
ian:
Great
.
Nessa:howisSt
ar?Ihopeyout
reat
inghet
bet
ter.Shei
smybff,youscr
ewher,
y ouscr
ew
me.
Bri
an:St
ari
sfi
nelove.Iam t
reat
ingherl
i
kea
queenshei
ssupposedtobe.
Nessa:
Onceev
ery
thi
ngset
tl
esi
wil
lcal
lher
.
Br
ian:
Okaymyl
ove.Wi
l
ltal
k.By
efornow.
Nessa:
Bye!
(Ihungupandcl
osemyey
est
aki
ngbr
eat
hing
exerci
ses.
)
DrG:
Car
etogi
vemeat
ouroft
hispl
ace.
(Iopenmyey esandhei snexttome.Igl anceat
hisfingers,ineedtoknowi fheiscuffed."
Mer edit
hMar pl
eoncesai d,onman' s"I '
m not
readyisanot herman' s"Iknewt hesecondi saw
her.
"Buti sayonewoman' s"i'
m notreadyi s
anotherwoman' s"Iknewt hesecondi saw
him."Hei souroneNessa."Pet tywhispersas
Acepushesmychai r.Ichooset oignoreher
words. )
➡➡➡➡➡➡➡
NARRATED
Lefawakesupf rom thecouch,andlooksasthe
ti
nsofbeersurroundinghim.Het akesNessa'
s
photothati
snexttohi m andhugitasMaj or
-
Whyi l
ovey ou,
playsonr epeatmodeont he
hometheater.Histearsfal
ldownasmemor i
es
andthelyri
csofthesonghi thome.

*
Song:
WhyILov
eYou*
*
Art
ist
:Maj
or*
[
Ver
se1]
If
oundl
ovei
nyou
AndI
'
vel
ear
nedt
olov
emet
oo
Nev
erhav
eIf
eltt
hatIcoul
dbeal
lthaty
ousee
I
t'
sli
keourhear
tshav
eint
ert
winedi
ntot
he
per
fecthar
mony

[
Chor
us]
Thi
siswhyIl
ovey
ou
Ooht
hisi
swhyIl
ovey
ou
Becausey
oul
oveme
Youl
oveme
Thi
siswhyIl
ovey
ou
Ooht
hisi
swhyIl
ovey
ou
Becausey
oul
oveme
Youl
oveme

[
Ver
se2]
If
oundl
ovei
nyou
Andnoot
herl
ovewi
l
ldo
Everymomentt
haty
ousmi
l
echasesal
loft
he
painaway
Foreverandawhi
l
einmyhear
tiswher
eyou'
l
l
stay

[
Chor
us]
Thi
siswhyIl
ovey
ou
Ooht
hisi
swhyIl
ovey
ou
Becausey
oul
oveme
Youl
oveme
Thi
siswhyIl
ovey
ou
Ooht
hisi
swhyIl
ovey
ou
Becausey
oul
oveme
Youl
oveme
Thi
siswhyIl
ovey
ou
Ooht
hisi
swhyIl
ovey
ou
Becausey
oul
oveme
Youl
oveme

Thesongi
scutashel
if
thisf
acetoseewhatis
goi
ngon.HemeetMrsThompson'
sdeadgl
are.
Hi
lda:
What
?Didyoujustreal
i
seyoulosta
di
amondwhi
lebusypi
ckingupusel
essstones.
Lef
a:(
stummer
ing)Mr
sTho.
.Thom.
..
Hi
lda:Thi
sisnotasocialvi
sit
.Icametodel
i
ver
amessage.Ihavetakencareofthel
i
ttl
e
pr
oblem y
oucreated.
Lef
a:Mma?
Hi
l
da:
In2day
s,t
hecampuswi
l
lrecei
venews
report
ingthepassi ngofMsXhebi l
e.Nobody
hurtsmychi l
drenandgetawaywi t
hit.
(touchingLefa'scheek)Iwil
ljustl
etyougo
becauset hi
sisy ourfi
rstof
fenceplusyouar
e
suchacut ething.
(
Swal
l
owi
nghar
d)
Hil
da:Iam gi
v i
ngy ouasecondchance, t
hisis
yourl
astchance.Youar egoingt ostopfeeli
ng
sorr
yforyoursel
f,pull
yourselfup.Iwill
not
haveadullsoninlaw.Youwi llgetthatdegree
areweclear?
(
Henodshi
shead)
Lef
a:Butshedumpedme.
..
.
Hil
da:Nothi
nghaschangedmyboy .Youwil
l
marryNessalikewearranged.Don'
tworr
y
your
selfabouther.Shewanttobealone.
Lef
a:Doy
ouknowwher
eshei
s?
Hi
lda:
Yesi do!Thedon'
tcal
lmeTheOv erseer
f
ornothi
ng.Briant
ookhertoCanada.That'
sal
l
y
ouneedt
oknow.
Lef
a:Okay
.
Hilda:Seeyouaf t
er4y ears.RememberLefai
willbewatchingy ou.I
fyouscr ewthi
sup.You
shallmeety ourancestorsbeforet
ime.And
cl
eany our
selfup.Yousmel lcrapaswell
asthi
s
place.
(Herthr
eatleaveshi
m shaki
ngwi
thont
he
knees.Hefearsforhi
sli
fe.
)
[
06/
02,
16:
03]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t49
➡➡➡➡
"
Adamet hatknowst
her
opesi
sn'
tl
ikel
ytoget
t
iedup.
"ByMaeWest
➡➡➡➡
Aweekl
ater
NALEDI
Ial
way
sfeel
outofspacewheni
am her
e,i
am
notyetsureifi
tstheri
chest hatinti
mat eorthe
resi
dents.Hil
daisthelovi
ngmostcar ing
womani haveevermetwhi l
eherhusband, hei
s
theopposite.Heissoqui t
e, myGr andmal i
ked
yosaypeopl el
ikehim ar
econni vingand
manipulati
vebecausetheyhi deundert hei
r
i
nnocenceandqui techaractersowel l
.
Hil
da:(
huggi
ngme)Nal
edi!Imi
ssedy
ou.You
scar
cethi
sdaysmydar
li
ng.
Nal
edi
:(huggi
ngherback)Iwant
edtovi
sitl
ast
weekbutBri
ansai
dyouar eonabusi
nesstr
ip.
Hi
l
da:
Iam backnow,
youcanv
isi
tal
lyouwant
.
(
Bri
anki
sseshercheek.
)
Br
ian:
Mot
her
!
Hi
l
da:
Kgot
laesel
e.
(
Ismi
l
easher
oll
shi
sey
es.
)
Hil
da:Come,
iam dyi
ngtogi
vey
out
hegi
ft
si
gotyoufr
om t
heStat
es.
(Shepul
lsmetot
hecouchwherear
efew
shoppi
ngbagsar
eonthecouch.
)
Hi
l
da:
Goon,
theyar
eal
lyour
s.Ihopet
heyf
it
.
Nal
edi
:Youdi
dnothav
eto.
Hil
da:Apar
tfrom t
hefactt
haty ouar
ealmost
mydaughteri
nlaw.Youarelikeadaughtert
o
me,sodon'tf
eelbadwheni buyyouthi
ngs
okay?
Nal
edi
:Okay
.Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
.
Hi
l
da:
Athanky
ouwi
l
lbebet
ter
.
(
Ihugher
.)
Nal
edi
:Thanky
ou.
Hil
da:Most
lyar
eshoes,
youknowwhatt
hey
sayshoest
akeyoupl
aces.
Li
am:Ihopeial
sogotsomegif
t.Nal
edi
can'
tbe
st
eal
i
ngallthebenef
it
snow.
(Hesay
sasheent
erst
hehouse.Hegoesand
hugsHi
l
da.
)
Li
am:
Fav
our
it
eAunt
.
Hi
lda:
Idi
dnotgetyouanythi
ngthi
sti
me
ar
oundboy.Comedinneri
sready.
(Wesitaroundt hetabl
e.Iam nextt
oHilda,
Bri
ansitt
ingrightacrossmewi thLi
am of
courseNickissitt
ingontheheadchair
.Ther e
i
sabsolutesilencewellnotsolongasHilda
deci
destobr eakit.
)
Hi
l
da:
Kgot
laesel
e!
Br
ian:
Mot
her
!
Hil
da:Rel
aythi
smessaget oy oursi
ster,"Idon'
t
pl
ayhideandseekwithchil
dren."TellherI
'm
gi
vingher4year
sinCanadat ogetherdegr ee
andcomebackt ohonourherpr omise.
Li
am:Wait
!NessaisinCanada.Andyouknew?
Whendoesthesecr
eteverendinthi
shouse?
Hi
l
da:
Liam!Iwasnotdonet
alki
ng.
Li
am:
Sor
ryaunt
.
(Shesl
iceshermeatheeat
ssl
owl
yandt
akesa
siponherwine.
)
Hilda:Naledi!Areyounotgoi
ngtoacceptt
hat
scholarship?Itssuchagooddealtomissouti
n.
Don'twor r
yaboutKemoi wil
lputheri
nher
place.
(Ii
nvolunt
ari
l
ydr
opmyf or
kasagazeather
stunned.Howdi
dsheknowabouther
?)
Bri
an:Whatschol
arshi
p?Whati
sshet
alki
ng
aboutSt
ar?
Hil
da: YourFat
herandKemomadeadeal t
o
separateyouwithStarbysendi
nghert
oa
school i
nCuba.
Br
ian:
Youconni
vi
ngol
dman.Doy
ouev
erst
op?
Hilda:I
m notyetdone.Youcanleashoutallt
he
wayy ouwantoncei am done.Whichbri
ngsme
toLiam, y
oubeenscr ewi
ngsomeoneov er
mont hsnow.Normallyyoudumpt hem aft
era
night,whi
chcouldonlymeany ouhavecaught
feel
i
ngsforher
.Ift
hat'
sthecase,
youneedto
bri
ngherover
,sheneedstomeetourf
amily
.
Li
am:Ser
iousl
yAunti
sther
eany
thi
ngy
oudon'
t
know?
Hi
lda:Mylov
edonesar
eal
way
smypr
ior
it
y.So
i
sthatayesorno?
Li
am:
Ican'
tsaynot
oyou.Iwi
l
lseewhatt
odo.
Hil
da:Great!Recentlyihavemetani nt
erest
ing
younglady,gi
venachanceshecoul dbecome
me,infactsheisj ustl
ikemewheni washer
agetheonlydiff
er enceisthatiknewmyl i
mits.
Sheisjustacluelessy ounggir
l andworstparti
don'
tevenknowwhatt odowi thher.Groom her
tobecomemeorj usttakecareifhersil
entl
y
j
ustli
kealltheother s.
(Wehavestoppedt
alki
ngandl
ooki
ngather
cur
iousl
y.
)
Hil
da:Youcuri
ousright
.(Shelaughs)Letme
keepherasecretf
ornow.( Ki
ssingmycheek)
Thedinnersinthi
shousecangetabitmor
e
i
ntenseandser i
ousthanthi
s.Wel
cometothe
roy
altypri
ncess.WearetheThompson'
s.
(Shestandsupandwalkal
ways.Weli
stent
o
herheelsastheycl
i
ckonthet
il
etil
lwecanno
l
ongerhearthem.)
Li
am: (
laughing)Unclewhathaveyoudone?
DragonLadyi sback.Gosh!Imi
ssedthis
i
ntensemoment s.Tr
usthertodropher
bombshelll
ikethisandleaveushanging.
(Herai
seshi sglassatmeandl aughsashe
dri
nks.Ther oomsf al
l
squiteagain,moloio
kgabotse!Mill
ionquesti
onsruninmyheadbut
onebot her
smemost, Whoexactlyar
et he
Thompsons? )
➡➡➡➡➡
JOY
Il
ayi
nKagiso'
sarms,
inhisbedashehol dsme.
Wehavebeental
ki
ngaboutrandom t
hings.
Joy
:Babe!
Kagi
:Myl
ove.
Joy
:Younev
ert
alkabouty
ourf
ami
l
y,why
?
Kagi
:Il
ostmyparentswheniwasl
it
tl
e.Wehad
acaracci
dent,meandmysist
erwer
etheonl
y
sol
esurvi
vors.
Joy
:Wherei
sshe?Yoursi
ster
?Iwoul
dli
ket
o
meether
?
Kagi
:Shehasdi
sappear
edont
hef
aceoft
he
ear
th.
Joy
:Whatdoy
oumean?
Kagi:Amber !Gotmi xedupwit
hwr ongcrowd.
Shefell
inl ovewithasonofav erydangerous
famil
y.Af amilythatwill
doanythi
ngtokeep
thei
rsecretslockedup.
Joy
:Whathappenedt
oher
?
Kagi
:Whenshereal
i
sedjusthowbadtheyar
e,
shest
art
edtal
ki
ngtothepoli
ce.Thi
speopl
e
Joyhav econnecti
onsev er
ywher e,shestarted
talki
ngandt heymadeherdi sappear.I
tsalmost
7y earsnowandnooneknowswher emysi ster
i
sorev enheardanythi
ngabouther .Shetrul
y
disappearedinthefaceift
heear t
h.
Joy:iam sosorr
ytoheart
hat
.Thi
swor
odi
s
ful
lofwickedpeopl
e.
Kagiso:Youwillknowwhatwi ckednessiswhen
youmeett hatfamily
.Iknowi am ri
skingmyl i
fe
butthisi
ssomet hingAmberwi l
lwant.Iwill
not
restunti
lihavetakenthem down.Allofthem.
Joy
:Rev
engei
snev
ert
heanswer
.
Kagiso:
Myr
evengewil
lbetheanswer.Theywi
l
l
tast
emysweetrev
enge.Ipr
omiseyou.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
NOTEdi
tedf
orer
ror
s,gr
ammarandspel
l
ings!
Iknowit
sshor
tbutt
hisi
swhati
cangi
vef
or
today
!
[
06/
02,
16:
04]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t50
Unedi
ted
➡➡➡➡➡
"
Thefemaleofthespeci
esi
sdeadl
i
ert
hant
he
mal
e."Rudyar
dKipl
ing
➡➡➡➡➡
Busi
Il
ookdownatmyphoneasisi
tinMuggand
Beanenj
oyi
ngt
hesunshi
neonmyf ace.I
tsnot
ahabitoftobelate.It
apmyhandsont hetabl
e
oncemor e.Aminuteslat
erhewalksi
n,he
l
ooksr at
tl
ed.Lookingl
eftri
ghtasheenter
sthe
rest
aurant.
God:
( hel
eansf
orwar
dandwhi
sper
s)Ican'
t
st
aylong.
Busi
:Why
?
God:Peopl
ear
ebehi
ndme.Myli
fei
sindanger
.
Iam ski
ppi
ngt
hecount
ryt
oni
ght
.
Busi
:Cal
m downandt
ell
mewhati
swr
ong?
God:Sheknowsyouar
eontoherBusi
.People
havebeenfol
lowi
ngme,ev
entemperedwithmy
brakes.
Busi
:Thatmeansy
ouareuntosomet
hingor
youal
readyhav
esomet
hing.
God: (
givi
ngmeadocument )That
'sthelocat
ion
ofhercor pse.Mustbebonesonly
,it
sbeen7
year
ssi nceAmberMel ekowentmissing.The
photosshowHi l
daandherhusbandgettingr
id
ofthebody .Theywer enoty
etthatpower ful
backt hen,sot heygotri
dofitthemselves.The
personwhogav emet hismustalr
eadybedead.
Soify ouv alueyoursel
fBusi
,youwi l
ll
eav eall
thi
salone.Andhi resomeoneelsei am done
workingf ory ou,i
havenodeathwi sh.
Busi:
Thankyouthi
sismor
ethanenough.Iwi
l
l
takei
tfr
om her
e.
God:Becareful
,thosepeoplewill
nothesit
ateto
takeyouout.Thewi f
eHi l
da,"thefemaleofthe
speci
esismor edeadliert
hanthemal e.
"
(Hestandsupandwalksout.Iputtheenv elope
i
nmybag.Asi t
hinkofmynextmov e.Ineedt o
actbefor
etheyknowoam unt othem.Ior der
mylunch,andconti
nuereadi
ngmymagazi ne.)
Li
am:
Ithoughtmyey
esar
epl
ayi
ngwi
thme.
(Irai
semyey esandtheymeetwi
thhis.He
l
ooksamazi ng.Ihav
ebeenavoi
dinghim ev
er
sinceigotback.
)
Li
am:(si
tt
ingdown)Inev
eri
magi
nedy
out
obe
acoward.
Busi
:Inev
ersai
dyoucoul
dsi
tdown.
Li
am:Iknow,ineverexpect
edanyi
nvi
tat
iont
o
si
t.Whydidy
our unaway ?
Busi
:Iwasnotr
unni
ngaway
.Ihadpr
essi
ng
matt
ers.
Li
am:Howironi
c!Pr
essi
ngmatt
ers,
the
morni
ngaf
teryouconf
essy
ourfeel
i
ngstome.
Busi
:LookLi
am,dontmindwhati
sai
dthat
ni
ght,
iwascaughtupi
namoment .
Li
am: Idomind,becauseidontwantonesi
ded
l
ove.Ifeel
thesameway .
(
Myeyespopoutasmyj
awsdr
opl
i
ter
all
yto
t
hegr
ound.
)
Li
am:
Closey
ourmout
hbef
oref
li
esgeti
n.
Busi
:Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?
Li
am:
Ilov
eyouBusi
siweMar
il
ynDomi
nick.
Busi
:Li
am!Ca.
..
.
Liam: (
putt
ingahandov ermylips)Dontthi
nk,
thinki
ngcompl i
catesev
eryt
hing.Canitakeyou
outt odi
nnertonighf
?
Busi
:Yes,
whatt
ime?
Liam:Let
ssayiwill
picky
ouar
e730.Imade
reser
vati
onsatTabl
e52.
Busi
:Okayi
wil
lber
eadyt
hen.
(
Hel eansf
orwardandbrusheshi
sli
psov
er
mine.Ashestandstohi
sf eet
.)
Li
am:
Iwi
l
lseey
oul
aterbeaut
if
ul.
(Withthathewal ksoutoft herestaurant.Isiti
n
mychai rnumb, latelyt
hingshav ebeenspi l
li
ng
outofcontrol,Liam'sconfessionjustmakes
thi
ngscompl icated.Isignedacont ractwith
Nick,acontractt hatcomeswi thsomuch, that
givesmet helifei al
waysdr eamedof f.Andon
theothersideist hemani l
ove,heismyf i
rst
l
ov ebutlovecan' tpaythebill
sorgiv emet he
l
uxuryl
if
e.Whatmustido?Ineverbeenso
conf
used!Canibesel
fi
shtosayiwantboth?
Canikeepbothwit
houtl
osi
ngany ?)
➡➡➡➡➡➡
Nessa
Myheadi sachi ngafterBr i
an'
scal l
,howon
eart
hdidmot herfi
ndoutwher ei am.Andwhy
i
sshest il
lkeenonmar r
yingmeoft oLef
akae
evenafterhecheat edonme.Ij ustdon'
t
underst
andmypar ent sattimes.Iam notkeen
onthismar r
iagething.
Ace:
Pennyf
ort
hought
s?
(
Irai
semyheadandl
ookathi
m.Inodmyhead.
)
Ace:
Whatt
otal
kabouti
t?
Nessa: Ithoughti
escapedal
lthet
roublesand
complicationsofmylif
ebuti
tseemslikethey
evenfollowedmeher e.
Ace:
Youcannev err
unawayfrom your
pr
oblemsPeaches.Youj
usthavetofacet
hem
headon.
Nessa:
Idon'
thav
ethecour
aget
o.
Ace:
Letmegi
vey
out
hecour
aget
othem.
(Hesay
sashescopesmef
rom mychur
chand
car
ri
esmeoutofther
oom.
)
Nessa:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Ace:Wear enotgoingt
ositdownandsulk.We
needatleastaheadofourpr
oblems.Fi
rst
acti
vi
tyofthedayismakingyoustandup.
Nessa:
Icantdot
hatwhati
fif
all
.
Ace:Youwontfal
l
,well
ifyout
ell
yourmi
ndy
ou
wil
lfal
ltheny
ouwill
fal
l.
Nessa:
Ican'
tdoi
t.
("
Yesy
oucandoi
t.
"Pet
tycheer
s.)
Ace:
Ihav
efai
thi
nyou.Don'
tdi
sappoi
nt.
(
Hesay
sashest
opsbet
weent
womet
alr
ods.
)
Ace:
Lookatme?
(
Ili
ftmyey
esandmeethi
shazel
browney
es.I
t
v
eryeasyt
olosey
our
sel
fint
hem.)
Ace:
Doy
out
rustme?
(
Inodmyhead.
)
Ace:
Thent
rustme,
iwi
l
lnotl
ety
ouf
all
okay
?
Nessa:
Okay
.
Ace:
That
'
smygi
rl
.
(Hesetsmet wobuthol dsbet omeatt heback.
Abackhug,hisar mswr appedar oundmywai st
,
theybri
ngwarmt h,ihavegoosebumpsandi am
havingpal
pit
ations.Pet t
ythisissuchabad
i
dea, whydi
dBr ianhav etofindmesuchan
attr
acti
vedoctor, i
can'tconcentrat
e.)
Ace:(
whisper
ingi
nmyear)str
etchyourar
ms
andholdther
ods.Andbr
eathNessa.
(
Icl
osemyey
esanddoashesay
s.)
Ace:Makesureyouaresteady.Andyouwi
ll
needal
lyourener
gyforthisokay?Nomatt
er
whatdon'
tl
etgooft
her
ods.
Nessa:
Okay
.
Ace:Gr
eatiam goi
ngtocountt
ofi
ve.Onf
ivei
wil
lbel
ett
ingyouokay
.
(Inodmyheadasi pr
eparemy
sel
f.Hecounts
to5likehesaidhelet
smegoandi standt
here
onmyown.I tshard,i
bit
emylowerli
p.)
Ace:(
clappi
nghands)Youseei
tol
dyoucando
thi
s.
(Ismileathim.Idon'tknowwhathappensnext
buti f
indmy sel
font hewayt omeett hecold
ground.Stronghandcat chme.West ar
einto
eachot her
'seyes.Noonesai d.Juststarr
ingat
eachot her
,idon'tknowhowt oexplai
nitbut
thereisthi
schemi stbetweenust hatnowor ds
canexpl ai
n.'
Iam stil
lherebitnotthatimind
youcanki sshim."Pettysays.)
Nessa:
Thanky
ou.
Ace:
Itol
dyoui
wil
lnotl
ety
ouf
all
.Shal
lwe
mov
eont
othenextone.
Nessa:
Yespl
ease.
(Onceagai
nhepicksmeup.Thisti
mear oundi
putmyhandsaroundhi
sneck.Ihavebeen
dyi
ngtodothi
s.)
Nessa:
Ihopeyourgi
rl
fr
iendorwi
fewon'
tpeel
of
fmyskinforput
ti
ngmyhandsaroundyou.
Ace:Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
,nocr
azygi
rl
fr
iend,
babymamaorwife.
Nessa:Li
es!Agr
ownupmanl
i
key
oucannotbe
si
ngle.
Ace:
Thewomani
hadmyey
eson,
bel
ongedt
o
someone.
Nessa:Youshoul
dhav
emadesur
eshebel
ongs
t
oy ou?
Ace:Iwasal
it
tl
etool
ateplusit
hinki
coul
d
havewonagai
nstt
hatArabi
anki
ng.
Nessa:
Huh?
Ace:Nevermi
ndpl
usi
thi
nkGodwassav
ingme
forsomeone.
Nessa:
Real
l
ywho?
Ace:
(wi
nki
ngatme)Youwi
l
lknowi
nduet
ime.
(
Ist
hedoct
orf
li
rt
ingwi
thmer
ightnow?
)
[
06/
02,
16:
04]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t51
➡➡➡➡➡
"Tosucceed,
jumpasquickl
yatoppor
tuni
ti
es
asyoudoatconclusi
on.
"-Benj
aminFrankl
i
n
➡➡➡➡➡
Nal
edi
Istareathim onceagain,wehaven'tsai
da
wor dateachev ersi
ncewegotbackf r
om hi
s
parentsplacelastni
ght.Butst
il
liwokeupt o
fi
ndmy sel
finhisarms.Icanfeelhi
sey eson
measi eatthebreakf
astheprepared.
Br
ian:
Mom i
sri
ghty
oushoul
dacceptt
heof
fer
.
Nal
edi
:(i
chokeonmyfood)No!Hav
eyour
ead
t
hecondi
tionsoft
heof
fer
?
Bri
an:Ever
yy earTheThompsonPubl
ishi
ng
Companyof f
er ssponsor
shi
pto10st
udentst
o
gostudyoutside.
Naledi
:Kemowantsmet ogososhecanget
youBri
an,idontwantt
olosey
ou.
Bri
an:Youwon'
tloseme.Buti
alsodon'
twant
tobestandi
nyourwayofachi
evingy
ourgoal
s.
Nal
edi
:Icanst
il
lachi
evet
hem i
nBot
swana.
Bri
an:Yesbuti
tsnott
hebest
.Youcanhav
ethe
besti
ntheworl
d.
Nal
edi:Whydoesi
tfeel
li
key
ouar
echasi
ngme
away?
Bri
an:Iam not,j
ustwantt
hebestf oryou.I
t
wouldbeselfi
shofmet otel
lyounotaccept
thi
sopport
unitywhil
emyownsi sterisin
Canadagetti
ngthebesteducati
on.
(
Hest
andsandwal
kst
ome.Hest
andsbef
ore
meandt
ouchesmycheek.
)
Brian:Babycakesl ookatitli
ket hi
s,ifyougo
there,i
twill
makemyf at
herf eelli
kehewon,
wheny oucomebacki willquitatthecompany
andwecanj oinAce.Hegotf undingfrom some
guycal l
edMi guelsoiam joininghim onboar d,
openingapr i
v at
ehospi t
al.Itisonlyfor5y ears.
Naledi
:Whathappenst
ousdur
ingt
hiswhol
e5
years?
Brian:Nothing,wewi l
lgetthroughthefi
vey ear
s
togetherthatisifidon'
tmar ryyoubeforethen.
Butwewi l
lv i
siteachother
,thereisSkype,
what sapp.Wewi l
lgett
hrought hi
stogether.
Youwi l
lbeDrDl amini
.
Nal
edi
:IdontknowBr
ian,
idontwantt
oev
er
l
oseyou.
Br
ian:(
heputhishandonmycheeks)l ookat
me,iam y
oursNaledi
,tr
ulyy
ours,youcannev er
ev
erloseme.(Hetakesmyhandandpl acei
t
overhi
schest
)Thisbeati
ngoldheartbeatsonly
foryou.Nowomancanev ergetyourplaceini
t.
Howev erIdontwantyoutogrowt oregretnot
grabbi
ngt hi
sopport
unit
ywheny ouar eold.
(
Hel
eansf
orwar
dandki
ssesme.
)
Bri
an:Fi
nisheat
ing,
todayy
ouar
e
accompanyingmetowork.
Nal
edi
:Why
?
Bri
an:
Becauseyouhavetofi
llt
heappli
cati
on
for
msplusify
ouaregoingtogo,webetter
sti
ckver
ycl
osetooneanotherfr
om nowon.
(
Inodmyhead.
)
Br
ian:
Don'
tl
ooksad.I
twi
l
lwor
kout
.
(Heki
ssesmeoncemor
eashegoest
othe
bedr
oom.)
Hoursl
ateri am l
ayingonthecouchonhi
sface,
donewit
ht heapplicati
onf
orm.Heisina
meeti
ngint heboardroom.Igetavi
deocal
l
fr
om Nessa.)
Nal
edi
:TheGhostgi
rlmakesanappear
ance.
Nessa:
thef
akef
ri
end.
Nal
edi:Makgakgagaalet
elel
we.Youandyour
br
othercankil
laper
son,y
ouhaduswor r
ied.
Nessa:
Iam sor
rydol
l
.Br
ianj
ustt
oldmet
he
goodnews.
Nal
edi
:Isi
treal
l
ygoodnews?
Nessa:
Dontsul
k,youaregoi
ngt
ocomeback,
i
tsnotl
ikey
ouwill
diether
e.
Naledi:
idontknowNessa,
whati
fhef
inds
anotherwomanwheni l
eave.
Nessa:I
ttookBri
ansev
enf ul
lyearst
ogetover
Amber.Beli
evemehewill
notreplaceyou.
Nal
edi
:Amber
?
Nessa:
Bri
an'sfi
rstl
ove.Shedi
sappear
edone
dayandnevercameback.
(WhydidBr
ianli
etomel astt
ime?WhenIasked
aboutAmber?Abouthi
snightmare?
)
Nal
edi:Okay!Forsomeonewhojustf
oundout
t
hefiancéischeati
ng,
youaregl
owing.
Nessa:
Whatcani
say,l
i
feisgoodespecial
l
y
whenyouhav
easexydoct
orbyyourside.
Naledi
:(Puzzled)Whoareyou?Andwhathave
youdonewi thmyf r
iend?Whatsexydoct
or?
Nessa:Adoctor!Heissocut e,hehasbeaut i
ful
hazelbr
ownishey es,
andhisdar kcolor,God!
Helooksli
keMar celfr
om TheOr igi
nals.He
giv
esmebut ter
fli
es,ifi
ndmy selfst
arringathis
l
ipsti
met oti
mewhenhet alks.Mysensesj ust
fl
youtofthewindowwheni am nearhi m.
Nal
edi:Whoa!Baber
elax,
justt
akeadeep
br
eath.Youhaveacr
ushont hedoct
or.
Nessa:Noidon'
t,i
am j
ustsay
inghei
sgood
l
ookingthat
'sal
l
.
Nal
edi
:(l
aughi
ng)Yeahr
ight
!
Nessa:
Youaregl
owingal
so.Youl
ookl
i
ke
someonewhoisget
ti
ngit
.
Naledi
:(put
ti
nghandsov
ermyf
ace,
shy
ly)
Vanessa!
Nessa:OhmyGod!Youhav etast
edthe
for
biddenf
rui
t!Gosh!Nal
ediyouwere
supposedt
omakehi m sweatali
tt
lebef
orey
ou
giv
ein.
Nal
edi
:Ihav
etogo,
ijustr
emember
edi
hav
e
somet
hingt
odo.
Nessa:Runni
ngawayokay
?Thi
sisf
arf
rom
overgi
rl
.
Nal
edi
:Rogert
hat
.
(Ihangupandstandbythewindowlooki
ng
outsi
de.Mil
li
onthought
srunni
nginmyhead.
Most l
yiam wonder
ingwhyhel i
edabout
Amber ?)
➡➡➡➡➡➡
JOY
Kagi
so:
Ihav
eapl
an.Wor
kforme?
(Ist
opwhati am doingandlookathi
m.Final
lyi
openedtohim aboutschoolandthefactt
hati
gotafailanddi
scontinue.Hetooki
tmuch
bett
erthaniexpected.)
Joy
:(l
aughi
ng)Ver
yfunnybaby
.Wor
kfory
ou?
Doi
ngexact
lywhat
?
Kagi
so:Myof
fi
cei
tneedsaP.
A.Youcanget
thej
ob.
Joy:No!Iam notget
ti
ngi
nvolv
edinyour
rev
engeschemes.Ihaveenoughdramatol
ast
meal i
feti
me.
Kagi
so:Youdon' tneedtobasicall
ygetinvol
ved
j
ustt
akecar eofmyappoi ntmentsandst uf
f.
Therevengeissorel
ymi ne.Icannotaf
fordto
l
osey ounotaft
eri l
ostAmber .
Joy
:Okay
,Icandot
hat
.Not
hingi
l
legal
?
Kagiso:
Ao!Babymmasuchli
tt
lef
ait
hinme.I
am notli
ket
heThompsonsal
lmybusinesses
ar
elegit.
Joy
:TheThompsons?
Kagiso:Yeah!Theyaret
hef
ami
l
yiwast
alki
ng
about.Youknowt hem.
Joy:Yahthei
rdaught
erIt
hinkVanessa.But
thenagai
nitcoul
dbeacoincidencet
hatthey
sharesamesurname.
Kagi
so:Idoubti
t.Wher
eisshe?Ar
eyout
wo
cl
ose?
Joy :
Sheisstudyi
ngout si
deBotswana.No!I
toldyouthatiam notgett
ingi
nvolv
edinthis
crazyrev
engeschemes.
Kagiso:Whyyougetti
ngdef
ensi
ve?I
twasj
ust
aninnocentquest
ionmylov
e.
Joy
:Itbet
terbe.
(
Heki
ssesme.
)
Kagi
so:
Whatshoul
dwedot
oday
?
Joy
:Hav
eyouev
erbeent
obouncel
and?
Kagi
so:
No!
Joy
:Gr
eat
,letusgot
obouncel
and.I
twi
l
lbef
un.
Kagi
so:
Iam notsosur
eift
hat
sago.
..
Joy:
(int
err
upti
nghi
m)I
tis,
comeon,
youwi
l
l
notr
egrettr
ustme.
(
Maki
ngapuppyf
ace)
Kagi
so:(
pinchi
ngmycheeks)Howcani
sayno!
whenyoulooksocut
e?
Joy
:Goodboymygi
rl
.
Kagi
so:
(ti
ckl
i
ngme)Youdi
dn'
tj
ustsayt
hat
.
Joy:(l
aughing)OhKagiso!St
opi
tal
ready
.
Please!Ibegyou.Pl
ease.
(Hefinal
yletmegoaf
tersomet
ime.It
ouchhi
s
cheeksandkisshi
m.)
Kagi
so:
Ilov
eyouJoy
.
Joy
:AndIy
ou.
(
Myheartfeel
ssocontent
.If
eel
atpeaceand
f
il
ledwi
thunendi
ngjoy
.)
[
06/
02,
16:
04]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t52
➡➡➡➡➡
"Ourpart
ingwaslikestal
emate.
..
.nei
therofus
won.Yetbothoflost.Andworsesti
ll
..
..t
hat
unshakablef
eeli
ngthatnothi
ngwasev erreal
l
y
fi
nished.
"-Ranat
aSuzuki
➡➡➡➡➡
BUSI
Ilookatmy selfoncemor ei nthemi r
ror,
checki ngiftheli
pst i
ckisnotsmudgedatt he
corner softhemout h.Wear i
nganudebandage
dress, imustadmi talookbeautiful
.Igulpdown
thewi neint heglassanat temptt okeepmy
nervesatbay .Al i
ghtknockcomest hroughthe
doorandi takemyt i
met ogeti t
.Hest ands
therewi throsesi nhishand,lookinghandsome
asal way sinabl ueskinnyjeans,loaf
ers,whit
e
shirttaggedi n.Hiseyeslightupashegl ar
esat
me.
Liam:(handi
ngmef l
owers)Beaut
if
ulfl
ower
s
forthebeaut
iful
gir
liev
erlai
dmyey eson.
Busi
:(bl
ushi
ng)Thanky
ou.
Li
am:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Busi
:Notbady
our
sel
fMrDl
ami
ni.
Li
am:
Shal
lwegetgoi
ng?
Busi
:Yes!
(Heclaspsmyhandandgivemeali
ght
squueze.Si
tti
nginther
est
aur
anthi
sey
esnev
er
l
eaveme.Gl ari
ngatmeasifi
am
somet
rophyhej
ustwon.
)
Busi
:St
opi
t?
Li
am:
Ican'
thel
pit
,youl
ookst
unni
ng.
Busi
:Thanky
ou.Weai
mtopl
ease.
(
Rai
si
nghergl
ass)
Busi
:Tous!
Li
am:
Tousl
ove.
(
Wehav
eourmeal
agai
ninsi
l
ence.
)
Li
am: Ihaveaveryoverprotect
iveaunt
,who
basicall
ymakesi therbusinesstoknowever
y
l
it
tlethingthatgoesaroundi neverymemberof
ourfami l
y.
Busi
:Iam notsur
eiam f
oll
owi
ng..
Li
am:whatiam basi
cal
l
ysay
ingi
sthatshe
knowsabouty
ouandwantstomeetyou.
(
Ilookathi
m andl
augh.
)
Busi
:Youar
ejoki
ngr
ight
?
Li
am:
Iwi
shi
was.
Busi:
No!I t
stoosoontobemeet ingfamily
member s.Imeanweoffici
all
ystart
eddat i
ng
today,
letsnotr
unbeforewecr awllove.
Li
am:
Yah!Youhav
eapoi
nt.I
tst
il
ltooear
ly.
Busi
:Yesmay beaft
erayearofdat
ing.I
woul
dn'twantyourf
amil
ytomeetsosoon
wi
thoutev
enknowi
ngwhatt
hef
utur
ehol
ds.
Li
am:Iwi
l
ltel
lyouwhatthefut
urehol
ds,
you
wal
ki
ngdowntheaisl
e,wit
hababybump.
Busi
:(l
aughi
ng)Youhav
esuchni
cedr
eams.
Li
am:
(wi
nki
ng)Amancanonl
ydr
eam.
Busi
:Sotel
lov
erpr
otect
iveaunt
ytobeal
i
ttl
e
bi
tpati
ent.
Li
am: Shedoesnotli
ketosaynof
orananswer
butdon'
tworryigott
his.
Busi:Tel
lmeabouty
ourf
ami
l
y.Ar
eyour
parentsst
il
lal
i
ve?
Li
am: Il
ostmyparentswheni wassti
ll
ay oung
boy.Myaunttookmei nandraisedmealong
Bri
an.Sheissuchalovi
ngperson,whowoul d
doanythi
ngtoseeherfamil
yhappy .
Busi
:Youmustbefondofher
.Youey
esspar
kle
whenyout
alkabouther
.
Li
am:
Iowehermyl
i
fe,
Mar
il
yn.Ther
eis
absol
ut el
ynot hingi woul dn'tdof orthatlady .I
am whati am t odaybecauseofher .Any way
enoughaboutaunt ,t
hent hereisuncl e,hei sa
humbl esoul also,hehashi sweaknessesbut
heisaf athertoal lofus.Hemar r
iedauntwhen,
meandBr ianwer e13y ear soldbuther aisedus
j
ustli
kehi sown.Thent her eisBr i
an, heisa
complicatedf ell
ow, buthol dst hosewhohe
l
ovesdear ly.Hehasbeent hrought hewor st
fr
om losinghi sbr ot
herinacart olosinghi sf i
rst
l
ove,hei snotaguywhoshowshi semot ions
buteversincehemetSt arhehasbeenbet ter.
Hall
elujah!Wet hankHeav esf orthat!
(
Ilookathi
m andl
augh.
)
Li
am: Lastl
ytherei
sthepri
ncessofthehouse,
Peaches,sheiscurr
entl
yst
udy i
ngoutsi
dethe
countr
y.Wellsheisbasi
cal
lythepreci
ousgem
ofthefamily
,lov
ingandbeauti
ful
.Sheisfunny
butyetsoemot i
onal.
Busi
:Soundsl
i
ket
heyar
elov
elypeopl
e.Ihope
t
omeett
hem i
nthef
utur
e.
Li
am: Youwi l
ldon'twor
ryyouwil
landyouwi
l
l
fi
tperf
ectl
yin.Any wayyourt
urnt
ot el
lme
aboutyourfamily
.
Busi
:Hmm!Let
sseewher
edoi
begi
n.
Li
am:
(si
ppi
nghi
swi
ne)Thev
erybegi
nni
ng.
(Ilookathim andbegi nt ell
inghim aboutmy
fami l
y.Laughi ngandt alkingaboutf ami li
es,
dreams, thef uture!timer unsoutsomuchby
thet i
mewer eali
sewear et heonlyonesl eftin
ther est
aurant .Ienjoy edt henightienj oyed
talki
ngt ohim aboutl ifejustingener al,not
forgetti
ngal lthebut terfli
esi getwhenev erhe
glancesmyway .Ifeel socont entri
ghtnow, so
happybuti canonl yhopet hatthi
shappi ness
andf eeli
ngl asts.Ifi knewf alli
nginlov eand
hav i
ngsomeonet olov ey ouback, i
woul dgav e
l
ongconf essedt oLiam abouthowi feelabout
him.Ihav emywhol elifetot el
lhi
m howi feel
abouthi mi justhopehi sfami l
ywillappr oveof
meast
hei
r"makot
i"i
nthef
utur
e.)
➡➡➡➡➡➡➡
Nal
edi
Istepintheroom andi tisj
usthowi talway s
beent heonlythingmi ssingisthatNessai snot
heretomakeal lthenoise.Forthefirstti
me
eversinceshel eftimisshert err
ibl
y.She
alwayshadawayofcheer i
ngmeup.I tjust
downsonmet hati basical
lyhavenof ri
ends
apartfrom herandJoy .Joyhasbeenact i
ng
strangerecentl
ygi vi
ngmeacol dshoulder.
Hi
l
da:
Babyi
sther
eany
thi
ngel
sey
ouwi
l
lneed?
(It
urnaroundandf
aceher
,it
otal
l
yfor
gotabout
herpresence.
)
Nal
edi
:No!Mat
hatwi
l
lbeal
l
.
Hil
da:(
caressi
ngmycheek)MypoorStar!Don'
t
despai
r,coupl
esfi
ghtal
lthet
ime.Youand
Bri
anwillbeokay
.
Nal
edi
:Thanky
ou.
Hil
da:
Haveabat
h,i
wil
lcheckony
oubef
ore
yousl
eep.
(Shetur
nst
oleav
ebutst
opsonhert
rai
l
sasi
call
her.
)
Nal
edi
:Doy
out
hinkshewi
l
lev
ercomeback?
Hi
l
da:
Nessawi
l
lbebackdon'
twor
ry.
Nal edi
:(shaki
ngmyhead)No!Idon'tmean
Nessa, imeanAmber,thegir
lf
ri
endt hat
disappeared,doyout
hinkshewi l
lcomebackt o
getBr i
anback.Idon'
twanttolosehim buti
thinkifshecomesbackhewi l
lleavemef orher
.
Hil
da:Br
ianl
ovesyouNaledi
,neverdoubtt
hat
.
AndAmberdon'twor
ryshewillnevercome
back.
Nal
edi
:Howdoyouknowthat
?Ifhel
ovesme
whydi
dheli
eabouther
?
Hilda:
Insti
nct
s!Myi
nst
inct
sareneverwr
ong.
Evenifshedoesshewi
lldi
eduetomywr at
hin
factanyonewhocomesbetweenyouandBri
an,
iwil
lper
sonal
l
ymakesur
etheynev
erseet
he
nextday
.
Nal
edi:
(laughi
ng)Oh!Madon'
tsaysuch
unf
ri
endlywordssomepeopl
emaybeliev
eyou.
Hil
da:(Touchi ngmycheek)OhNal edi!Youar
e
suchani nnocentsoul.Whatcani sayiam
uproot
ingf ormysont omar rysuchalovel
ygir
l
l
ikeyourself.Idon'
tknowwhyBr i
anli
edbuti
am surehemusthav ehisreasons.Givehi
mthe
benefi
toft hedoubt.
Nal
edi
:Thanky
ou,
ifeel
bet
ternow.
Hi
l
da:
Any
thi
ngf
ory
ou.
Nal
edi
:Pl
easedon'
ttel
lhi
myett
hati
am her
e.
Hi
l
da:
Myl
i
psar
eseal
ed.
(Shewalksoutandi st
areatmyphoneagai n
somehowhopi nghewi l
lbutaft
erwaiti
ng
starr
ingati
tidisappoi
nti
nglymakemywayt o
theshower.Underthewarm watermymi nd
trai
l
sbacktohour sbackinhisoff
ice.)
➡➡
EARLI
ERON
Bri
an:
Amber
?Whoi
sshe?Thenamef
ornot
ri
ngabel
l
.
(
Ilookathi
m wonder
ingwhyhei
sly
ingt
ome.
)
Nal
edi
:Don'tli
etomeBr i
an.Youknowv er
ywell
whoAmberi s.Youarel
yi
ngjustl
ikey
oul i
edthe
morni
ngyoudr ovehome.Youwokeup
scr
eaminghernamei nt
hemi ddl
eofthenight
.
Bri
an:Idon'
tknowwhaty
outry
ingt
oinsi
nuat
e
butidon'
tknowanyAmber.
Naledi
:(angri
l
y)Dar
nit!Dlami
nist
optreat
ing
mel i
keachildandst
opl y
ingt
ome.Nessasol d
youout,iknowsheisyourex,
whodisappeared.
Bri
an:Si
nceyouknowwhoshei
sthenwhyar
e
youaski
ng?
Nal
edi
:Iwantedy
outot
ell
me.Whyli
etome?
Doyoust
il
lhopeshewi
l
lcomeback?
Bri
an:Nal
edithisi
smywor kplace.Iwi
ll
notdeal
wit
hyourinsecuri
ti
esrightnow.Iam withyou,
Amberwast hepast.Letherremai ni
nthepast
.
Idon'
twanttodiscusst hi
sany more.
Naledi
:Toobadbecausei
wanttodi
scussi
t
r
ightnow,ri
ghtatt
hismoment
.
Br
ian:
Nal
edi
isai
dno!
Naledi:WhoissheBr
ian?Doy ousti
lll
oveher
?I
am ijusthol
dingt
hefortforherwhi
leyouwai
t
forherretur
n?Whydi
dy ouli
eaboutnot
knowingher?
Bri
an:(
screaming)Becauseit'
snoneofyour
dannbusi
nessNal edi
!Ifi
lov
eherornot,
itis
noneofyourbusiness.
Nal
edi
:Wow!Justwow!That
'sabl
owi
nthe
f
acecomi
ngfrom you.
(Igetmybagandwalktot
hedoorbutheholds
myhandwi t
houtthi
nki
ngit
urnandsl
aphim
acrosst
heface.
)
Nal
edi
:Dontt
ouchmey
ouj
erkass.
(
Igetoutandsl
am t
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m)
➡➡➡
Pr
esent
Icryundershower ,
imi sshi m somuchi thurt
s
butwhahur t
ssomuchi sthati haveto
compet ewit
hhi sex.Igroanandputhandson
myf ace"Ourparti
ngwasl ikestalemat
e...
.
neit
herofuswon.Yetbot hoflost.Andwor se
sti
ll
..
..t
hatunshakablef eeli
ngt hatnot
hingwas
everreal
lyfi
nished.
"-Ranat aSuzuki

[
06/
02,
16:
04]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t53
Unedi
ted
➡➡➡➡➡
"
Onedayy
ouwi
l
lwakeupandt
her
ewon'
tbe
anymor et
imetodothethi
ngsy
oual ways
wanted.DOITNOW."-Paul
oCoelaho,t
he
al
chemest
➡➡➡➡➡
Nessa!
Thehousebuzzeswi thmusi ccomi ngf rom t he
gym, isi tenj oyingmybr eakf ast,wr i
gglingmy
toefinger s, yesi saidi t,ifi
nal lystartedget t
ing
sensat ionback.Icanf inall
yf eelsomet hing.
Theex citementcour singt hroughmei sso
much." Itoldy ouwecabdot hi
s,i am pr oud."
Pettysay s.Andi r
ollmyey es!DrGwor ksi n
withahandt owel inhi shandandwat erbot tle,
heissweat y, iguesshewentt ot akehi s
mor ningr un.I st hi
sev enal lowed?Whymusta
manbet hi sbeaut iful
?Iam ani ncht ot ell
ing
yout ot elli
ngy out ost ri
pingandbeggi nghi mt o
takey out hisinstant ,Pettysay s.Foroncei
agreewi thy ouPet tybutt hat 'sabadi deawe
don'twantt oembar r
assour selves.
Ace:PeachesEart
h!(
Hesay
sashesnapshi
s
fi
ngersi
nf r
ontofme.)
Nessa:
Ohsor
ryy
ouwer
esay
ing?
Ace:
Sincey
ouupiwil
lj
ustgoandchangeand
wecangeti
ntor
out
ine.
Nessa:
Okaynopr
obl
em.
Ace:
Greatseey
oui
nabi
t.
(If
inishmyfoodandiam abouttoheadtot
he
exerciser
oom whenmyphoner i
ngs.Wit
hout
l
ookingatthescreeni
pickup.
)
Nessa:
VanessaThompson,
speaki
ng.
(
Ther
ei ssi
l
enceattheotherendbuticanf
eel
t
hepersonbreat
hingdowntherecei
ver.
)
Nessa:
Hel
l
o!
Lefa:
Itisver
ypl
easi
ngt
oheary
ourv
oice
beauti
ful
.
(
Mysensesflyoutofthewindow.Imoment
ari
l
y
l
osemyvoice,wheredidheevengetmy
number
.)
Nessa:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Lef
a:Ouch!Iguessi
deser
vet
hat
.
Nessa:
Iam hangi
ngup.
Lefa:
Wait!Ij
ustwantedt
osayiam sor
ry,
i
shoul
dnthavescrewedupli
ket
hat.
Nessa:
Ist
hatal
l
?
Lefa:Forthesakeofyourpeaceandour
mar r
iage,
i hopethi
sti
meapar twi
ll
all
owyout
o
for
givemef oral
lihav
edone.
Nessa:(smi
rk)Whatmarri
agear
eyoutalki
ng
aboutboy?Didyounotgett
heri
ngil
eftony our
counter
?
Lefa:It
houghtsotoounti
lyoumother
contact
edmeandt ol
dmet hemar
riagei
s
conti
nuingasplanned.
Nessa:
Letmetel
lyousomethi
ngLefakae
Moengandyoubett
erbel
ist
eningbecausei
am
goingtosaythisonce.Therei
snowayinhell
thatI
,VanessaThompsonwi l
lmar
ryyouaf
ter
whatyoudid.Ifmotheriskeenonthi
smarr
iage
theniguessshewi l
lmarryyouher
sel
f.
(
Ihungupandsmashmyphoneagai
nstt
he
wal
l.
)
Ace:Takingyourf
rust
rat
ionsonthepoor
gadget.Youlookr
eadytokil
lsomeone.Wantt
o
tal
kaboutit?
(
Ishakemyhead.
)
Ace:
Okaybutcani
saysomet
hing?
(
Inodmyhead.
)
Ace:Don'
tl
etitaff
ectyousomuch,don'
tgive
anyonepoweroveryou.Youar
ethekeyplayer
,
youshoul
dholdthepowernotsomeoneelse.
Nessa:
Thanky
ou!
Ace:
Wel come,
comeletustakeawalkbef
ore
westar
t.Youarenowdist
ract
edtodoanyt
hing.
(Hepushesmeout si
de, t
ot hegarden,
noone
sayingany t
hingjustenjoyi
ngt hequiet
nessof
theplace.Itiskindoftherapeuti
c.Iam
surpri
sedwhenhehel psmeupandhol dsme
bymywai st.Ihavenochoi cebuttoputmy
handonhi schestf orsuppor t
.)
Ace:
Nowwearegoingt
osuppr
esst
hebad
memori
eswi
thgoodones.
(Bef
oreievenknowwhathei stal
kingabouthi
s
l
ipsareovermine,hekissesme,i
am appall
ed
butiki
sshim backwithsamepassionand
desi
re.Myeyesareclosed,ashepull
saway.)
Ace:
Openy
ourey
esPeaches.
(Hecommandsmeandi
openmyey
eshei
s
smil
ingatme.
)
Ace:
Wel l
done,(
clappi
nghandsf
orme)Youar
e
st
andingonyourown.
(
Ilookatt
hedist
ancebet
weenusandi r
eal
i
se
t
hatheisabsol
utel
yri
ght
.Iam st
andi
ngonmy
owntwofeel
.Isqueal
andexci
tedl
ycl
apmy
hands.
)
Nessa:
Yout
ri
ckedme.
Ace:Foragoodpurpose.Comeonbackonthe
chai
r,youl
egssti
l
lnotstrongenough.We
woul
dn'twantt
obebackatsquar eone.
Nessa:
Thedoct
orknowswhati
sbest
.
Ace:
Youabsol
utel
yri
ght
.Nowthedoctorthi
nks
ki
ssi
nghi
m agai
nwill
yousuper
nat
ural
strength.
Nessa:
Isi
t?
Ace:
Yes!
Nessa:Thenwhati
st hedoctorwait
ingfor
,he
shoul
dgivethepat
ientthesupernat
ural
str
engt
h.
Ace:
Washopi
ngy
ousayt
hat
.
(
Hebri
ngshisheaddownandourli
psmeet,
f
ir
ewor
ksevoke.Ihavebeendy
ingt
odothisso
i
grabi
twit
hopenar ms,"
Onedayyouwi
llwake
upandt her
ewon'
tbeanymoreti
metodot he
thi
ngsy oual
way
swanted.DOITNOW."-Paul
o
Coelaho.
➡➡➡➡➡➡
JOY
Aftercount l
esst i
meofsear chingforajobi
fi
nallyone, i
tisnothingbutatleastiear
n
somet hing.Iwor katMiguel
'st hetopnotch
restaurantatt hepeekofthebui ldi
ngwithan
exclusi
v eunder gr
oundclub.Igr abmypenand
bookasi gotaketheorderoft hetwoment hat
j
ustwal kedin.
Joy:Ev
erni
ng!Iam Joy
ousandi
wil
lbet
alki
ng
youror
..
..
..
.
(Myvoicetrai
lsoffwhenireal
i
sewhoi ssi
tt
ing
acr
osst hetabl
e,iti
snothardtomissthe
bewil
dermentloom hehas.Heisthelast
per
soni expectedtoseehere.
)
Cr
aig:
Lov
eyoul
ookl
i
key
ouj
ustseenaghost
.
Ar
eyouokay
?
(What!Di
dthisguyj
ustsaymyl
ove?Somy
sui
torisgay
!Wow!Ineversawt
hatone
coming.)
Leat
il
e:Joy
!whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Joy:(
Placi
ngthemenuont het
abl
e)Her
eisthe
menu,decideonwhaty
ouwi l
lhav
eiwil
lcome
backagainaft
ery
oudecided.
(Iwalkawaychoosingtoignorehisquesti
on.
Thisisal
lembarrassi
ngfindingouttheman
youaretomarryisgay.Istandbyt hecounter
taki
ngindeepbreath.Whenhandst ouchme.)
Leat
il
e:Comewi
thme.
(
Ilookar
ound,i
don'
twantt
ocauseascenesoi
walkout
sidewi
thhi
m.)
Leat
il
e:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Joy
: Whatdoesi
tlookl
i
kei
am doi
ng?Iam
worki
ng.
Leat
il
e:Why
?Shoul
dn'
tyoubeatschool
?
Joy:
IgotanFD.Soi
am wor
kingwhi
l
eiwai
tto
appl
yagai
n.
Leat
il
e:AnF.Di t
houghtyouarecl
ever.AnFD
onyourfi
rstsemesterJoy?Doesyourfat
her
know?
Joy
: No!Hedoesnotknowanditwil
lst
ayt
hat
way.Hewill
neverknowthati
fai
led.
Leat
il
e:Noyoucan'tkeepdecei
vi
ngthatol
d
manliket
hat.Iam goi
ngtotel
lhim.
Joy:Youtellmyfather,
Iwi
llt
ell
everyoneback
him aboutyouri
dentit
y.Nt
abablolel
agoreo
setabane,ojamaragoabanna.
Leat
il
e:Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e?
Joy:Tr
y!Andy ouwi
l
lsee,i
am notgoi
ngdown
al
one.Keepmysecretandiwi
llkeepy
our
secr
etsuit
or!Dowehaveadeal?
Leat
il
e:Ij
udgedy
ouwi
thy
ouri
nnocentl
ooks.
Joy:
Nev erjudgeabookbyitscov
er.Nowgoin
bef
oreloverstart
swonderi
ngwhattookyouso
l
ong,idontt hi
nkyouwanthi
m knowingt
hati
am yourpromisedbri
de.
(Idashbacki
nside.Ismiletomysel
fhim bei
ng
gaychangeseveryt
hing.Icanbefi
nall
ybef r
ee
tobewithKagi
so.Ohman!Inev ersawt hi
s
coming!)
.
.
.
.
Lastni
ght
'si
nser
tsor
ryi
fel
lasl
eep!
Wi
l
lpostt
oday
'si
nser
tlat
er!
Goi
ngt
oschool
now!
Toodl
es!
[
06/
02,
16:
05]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t54
Unedi
ted
➡➡➡➡
"y
oudesevet
obefoughtf
or,
remembert
hat
."-
Thebet
termanpr
oject
➡➡➡➡
BUSI
Ifi
dgetwi thmyf ingersasi sitinther estaurant,
nervouslyi glanceatmywat chonceagai n.She
i
saf ewmi nut eslatebuti am hopi ngshe
showsup.Iknowmypl ansomehowi sblunt
andwr ongmov ebuti needtomakeamov e
beforeshemakesst ri
kes.Stri
kewhi l
et heov en
i
shot !Ir
aisemyey esandshei swal kinginlike
sheownst hepl ace, herhazel browney esscan
theroom andset t
leonme, hert i
nymout h
for
msi nat hinlineshowi ngheri rr
itati
on.Icant
helpitbutadmi reher ,tr
uthbet oldthiswoman
i
sbeaut i
ful,promi nentcheeks, sculptedlips,
perfectthinnosescr unchedup, amberbi gey es.
Andherbody !God!Di dnoj ustice,shehasKi m
Kardashi
anki ndofbody.Weari
nganudesui t,
wit
hdar kbl
ueheel sandamat chinghandbag.
Shesitsacrossthetabl
eandpi cksupthemenu,
nowor dssaid,nogreet
ingssai
d!Sheor der
sher
meal.
Hi
l
da:
Busi
siwe!
(
Itrybyall
meanst okeepastr
aightf
aceeven
t
houghi am f
eel
inghereff
ect
.Hereyesare
t
hrowingdagger
satme. )
Hil
da:Iknowi am beaut
if
ulbuti
fyoucall
edme
her
etoj ust
cstareatme,youshouldhaveat
l
eastnotpickedsuchabusydayoft heweek.
Busi
:
(icr
ackupandl
augh,
afakeshal
l
owl
augh)
Whathappenedt
omodest
y?
Hi
lda:
Youarenerv
ousl
y,don'
tworryidontbi
te
(
shewinks)wel
li
fyoubehaveidont.
Busi
:Iadmi
reyourconf
idence.Shal
lweget
downtobusi
ness.
(
Ist
areatherasshesl
i
cest
hest
eak.
)
Hil
da:Yesplease,ican'
tsayiwassurpri
sed
wheni r
ecei
v edyourcal
l,ibel
i
eveyourend
per
iodwi t
hmyhusbandi salmosther
e.
Busi:Yes!ButIwillnotbepar
ti
ngwithyour
husbandlikeyoupr oposedi
nthefi
rstpl
ace,i
n
fact
,iwanty outoal l
owhimtoseemor eofme,
morel i
kewhenev eriwant.
Hi
l
da:
(laughi
ng)Ni
cej
oke!Real
l
yni
cej
oke.
Busi:I
tisnotajoke,l
eav
eNickandmeal one,
i
al
sowant15%i ntothefami
lybusinessor
al
ternat
ivel
yyoucanbuymeshar esi namedia
housethispowerful
mediahouseslikeThe
Voice.
Hil
da:
Idon'
thav
et i
mef orgamesy
ounggi
rl
andwhywouldidothat
?
Busi
:Becausei
hol
dyoudeadl
i
estsecr
eti
nthe
pal
m ofmyhand.
Hi
l
da:
Ihav
enosecr
ets.
Busi
:Youdi
dnopr
operj
obhi
dingi
t,nota
squeakycl
eanj
ob,
goty
ourhandsdi
rt
y.
(
Ilookatherasshegi
vesmepecul
i
arl
ook.
)
Busi:
7y ear
sbackyouki
l
ledagir
l,Amber
Meleko.Bef
oreyourf
amil
ybecamethi
sfi
lthy
ri
ch.
Hil
da:Iwouldn'
tmakesuchbasel
ess
accusat
ionswit
houtanyevi
denceimightsue
youfordefamati
on.
Busi
:Buti
dohav
eev
idence
(ipasshertheenv elopecontai
ningpictur
esof
herandNi ckbur yi
ngt hepoorgi
rl.Ial
ways
squirm asiwat chherdeadpannedf ace.Her
nostri
lsfl
airupwi t
hf uryandfi
eryglareburni
ng
behindtheey es.)
Busi
:Ial
sohavet
hebody!Youcanhav et
he
phot
osihavesomanyofthem.(Ir
aisemy
gl
ass)Cheer
s!
(
Idr
inkmychampagne.)
Hi
l
da:
Icanal
way
sgetr
idofy
ou.
Busi:
Soundsl i
keapl anbutyoufor
gett
ingone
thi
ng,ihaveinsurance,
ifsomethi
ngshould
happentome, y
ouandNi ckwil
lspendyour
miserabl
eli
fe'sbehindbars.
Hil
da:Icl
ear
lyunder
est
imatedyoubutyoust
il
l
achil
d.Youthi
nkyouhaveallt
hisf
igur
edout
r
ight.
Busi:
Mostpeopledounderesti
mateme.
(Gobbli
nguptheremai
ningfood)Iwill
givey
ou
ti
met othi
nkaboutmyproposal.Thankyou!
(Ist
andyouandt hr
owthenapkinonthefood
andwalkoutoftherest
aur
antfeel
ingli
keijust
wonalotter
y.)
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Nal
edi
Il
ookatmyphoneonceagai nwonder i
ngifI
shoul
dcallhi
m.Thisguyhehasnotev encall
ed
oncesi
ncei l
efty
esterday.Thi
sisjusttor
ment,
whydidihavetofal
lforthatcol
djerkofall
people.Istareatt
heceil
ingtr
yingbyallmeans
toignoremyphone.Ihav ebeencoil
edupon
thi
sr oom sincemorni
ng.Idon'
thaveenergyto
gooutandnowi tisal
most8pm buti havenot
mov edani nch.
Li
am:Okaythatit
!Nomoremoppi
ngand
sobbi
ngi
nthisroom.Whodi
ed?
(
Irai
semyheadandl
ookatLi
am.
)
Nal
edi
:Iam notr
eal
l
yint
hemoodLi
am.
Li
am:Iknowbutbeingy ourfai
rymot
herihav
e
cometorescueyou.Nowi commandyoutoget
upfr
om thatbedthi
sinstant.
Nal
edi
:(dr
awl
i
ng)Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Li
am:Wearegoingout,butfi
rstweneedto
cl
eanyouup.Ican'
tgowithyoulooki
ngli
kemy
l
ategr
andma,ihaveareputat
iontoprot
ect.
Nal
edi
:Gooutwi
thoutme.
Li
am:No!Iam nott
aki
ngNo!Forananswer
.
Mosi
maneogot weBri
an,
athogookaipoka
t
hat
a.
(Hecal
l
sKat
sowhowal
ksi
nther
oom af
ter
him.
)
Li
am: Cl
eanherupandmaket hi
ngsthatcant
beundonetoher.Dol
lherup,
theki
ngistaking
herout.
Katso:Yesy
oungmast
er,
youhear
dhi
mri
ght
senori
ta?
(Il
azi
lygetupf
rom thebedandtakemyt
ime
bathi
ng.Onceiam doneisi
tdownasKatso
appli
esmakeuptomyf aceandcurl
supmy
weave.)
Nal
edi
:Noi
am notwear
ingt
hat
,(i
prot
est
.)
Li
am:
Yesy
ouar
e.
(Hesi
tant
lyiputont hel
eatherleggingswit
h
l
aceonsidesr unningfr
om thetopt othe
bott
om.Thenal acebodysui
twhi chexposes
mychesti ncl
udingmycl eavage.Hemakesme
wearachokerandbl ackheels.)
Li
am:Perf
ectjustperfect
.Nowi cant
akeyou
out
.Iknewtheywillsuity
ou.Let
sgetgoi
ng.
Nal
edi
:Shoul
dn'
tit
akeaj
acket
?
Li
am:Noy ouwil
lnotbeneedi
ngajacketi
nfact
l
eaveyourphoneal
so,wedon'
twanttobe
di
stur
bed.
(Il
ookathim suspici
ouslybutdecidetodoas
hesays.Ileavemyphonepl usi ti
snotli
ke
Bri
anwillcall
.Wewal ktooutside,asiheadto
HisBMW X6hest opsandpoi ntstotheAston
Marti
n,
)
Li
am: Auntybor
rowsust
hebeasttoday
.But
fi
rstl
etfai
rymamatakeafewpict
ureofyou
witht
hisboy.
(Iposeinfr
ontofthecarashetakesafew
snapsofme.Wedr i
veoutoftheyar
d,as
Rihanna-Wil
dthoughtspl
ay.Wesingalong.)
_
___
___
___
___
_
SomehowLi
am managest
odest
ructmet
il
li
seehi
m pul
li
nfr
ontofCl
ubMi
guel
'
s.
Nal
edi
:Noi
am st
eppi
ngf
ooti
nacl
ub.
Li
am:
Yeswear
e.
Nal
edi
:Mymotheral
ongwi
thBr
ian,
theywi
l
lki
l
l
meift
heyknewicameher
e.
Liam:Goodthingtheyar
enother
e.Let
spai
nt
thetownredlove.
(Hegetsof f,
takesmyhandandl eadsme
i
nside,igetacoldshi veroffearasi wal
kinsi
de,
i
tisfull
ypacked, thispeoplearehighand
sweaty.Thel i
ghtsmakemef eeldi
zzyyet
energet
ic.OhHeav enl
yfatherwhathav ei
gott
enmy sel
finto?Liam leadsmet oaplace
whichhesay sist heVIP.Awai teratt
endstous.
Li
am: i
willhaveE&Jdoubl
eontherocksand
myladyfri
ebdherewil
lhaveacockt
ail
,bri
ng
herMargari
ta.
Nal
edi
:No!Idontdr
inkal
cohol
.
Li
am:
Thanky
out
hat
'sal
l,cockt
ail
isnot
al
cohol
.
(Wear ej oinedbyot herpeoplewhosenamesi
barelycat ch, t
hisper vetscan'tevenkeept hei
r
eyest othemsel vest heystarr
ingatmyexposes
chest.Ienj oyt hecockt ail
tappingmyf eeton
thecar pet,aftermyt hir
ddr i
nki feelli
kedancing
soi standupwat cht hepeoplei nthel ower
groundast heydance.I tseemst obear eal
partygoingt hatside.Iam aboutt ogoandsi t
downwhenaguyf r
om ourt ableasksmef ora
dance.Gl adl yiall
owhi mt owhiskmet othe
groundf loorandj oi
nt herealpar ty.Heputhi s
handsar oundme. )
Tr
avi
s:(
whi
sper
ingi
nmyear
)Tr
avi
s!
Nal
edi
:Huh?
Tr
avi
s:Mynamei
sTr
avi
s.
Naledi
:(stummer i
ng)Oh!Iam Nal
edi
!
Doc..
.t
o..rNa.
.l
..
.e.
.d.
.i
!
Tr
avi
s:Pl
easur
emeet
ingy
ouDrNal
edi
!
Nal
edi
:Li
kewi
se!
(Iwhir
laroundif
indmy selfstar
ri
ngi nhi
sdark
eyes.Hegivesmeani ntensestartandinafl
ick
ofaney eandiam bei
ngpul ledoffthedance
fl
oor.Iwincei
npain.
)
Nal
edi:
(inapl
eav
oice)Br
ianl
etmegoy
ouar
e
hur
ti
ngme.
(Anot
herpai
rofhandsgr
abmyf
reemaki
ngme
stop.
)
Tr
avi
s:Youhear
dthel
adyl
ethergo.
Br
ian:
(seet
hing)&whothef
uckar
eyoutot
ell
mewhatdoy ouandnotdowit
hmygir
l?
(Il
ookatBr i
anandi canseehei sl
i
v i
d!Myeyes
dartfrom hi
mt oTravi
s,whol ooksunshaken,
sti
l
l holdi
ngmyhandwi t
hnoi ntent
ionoflet
ti
ng
go!Oh!Heav enl
yfatherithi
nki am i
ndeepshit!
)
Liam:(exci
tedl
y)Damn!Didn'
teventakeyou10
mi nut
est ogetherecousi
n?NowIcanwat ch
thedramaunf old,
mayt hebestmanwin!Oh
Nal
edi,
"youdesev
etobef
oughtf
or,
remember
t
hat.
"
(It
hrowdagger
sathi
m,thi
sli
tt
ledev
ilser
iousl
y
howcanhebesocalminasit
uati
onli
kethis?)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Cl
i
ffhanger
TheQueenofCl
i
ffhanger
sisback!
Goodni
ghtmypeopl
e.
[
06/
02,
16:
05]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t55
_
___
___
___
___
__
"
Youmustnotfighttoooft
enwi t
honeenemyor
youwi
llt
eachhi
m all y
ourartofwar
."-
Napol
eonBonaparte
-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
NARRATED
Hildawal kedintheTheThompsonpr ivate
facili
tywhichi sl
ocat edsomewher einthe
middl eoftheirpubl i
shingcompany ,
afloorthat
notmanyknowbutknowi t
scall
ed" Room 16".
Ar oom!Theyt hi
nki tis,notknowingitisan
entirefloor
!Ar oom, t
hattheybeli
ev eisfoundin
fl
oor16whi l
einf actiti
slocatedinthemi ddle
oft hef l
oors.Afloorwhi chcannotbeaccessed
byany oneunlessy ouhav egiventhepr esti
ge
cardt oaccessi t.Shest epsinfr
ontoft he
adv ancedt echnologymachi neasi tscansher
eyeandhandf orpass.I nsi
det her ear edozens
ofcomput ersandpeopl ebehi ndt hem, thereis
alsoabi gmachi necomput erint heenor mous
boar dr
oom amai nf ramewhi chhast hewor ld'
s
fastestpr ocessingpower .Itisadeadl y
comput erwi thaccesst osatellitesbutmost l
yit
holdsal lsecr et
soft hepeopl eonpower ,thebig
mai nframecomput eriscalled" TheObser ver"
.
Theboar droom i sanexqui site, bul letproof
room whi chisall white,apartfr om The
Obser vert hereissetof5smal lscr eensar ound
i
t.All t
heboar dchai rsarepl acedf acing" The
Obser ver"andi tsbabi es.Fivemensi taround
thetable, only3si tsar eunoccupi edwhi chare
meantf orBr i
an,Ni ckandLi am.Howev er
somehowf orthi
smeet ingtheywer eexcl uded.
Theyst andupandbowasshewal ksi n,taki
ng
ofherbl ackhatandj acket,shesi tsinherchai r.
Hil
da:Thankyougent
lemenf
orcomi
ngunder
suchshortnot
ice.
(
Theyal
lnodherhead.Shesnapsherf
inger
s
andBusi'
spict
ureappearsbehi
ndheri
nthe
"TheObserv
er"scr
een.)
Hil
da:Ihavealit
tl
epetprobl
em!I tneedssome
t
raini
ngandtobet aughti
tsplace.Agent5,di
d
youfi
ndt hei
nformati
oniaskedy outofi
nd?
Agent5:YesMademol loise,Thetargetisthe
second2ndborn,Fatherisanaccount ant,
Motherj
ustastayinwi fe,thefi
rstbrotherisan
account
antli
kefather,
andshehast woy ounger
si
bli
ngs.
Hi
l
da:
Great
!Pi
ctur
es?
(Agent5snapshi
sfi
ngerandonscreen5,
Busi'
sfamil
ymemberspict
uresappear
.)
Hi
l
da:
Agent9?
Agent9:Thetar
getdoesnothavemanyf r
iends,
j
ustonefri
end,shefai
ledt
hissemest
erand
cur
rentl
yholdsawaitr
essi
ngjobatMiguel
's.
(
Justl
ikeAgent5,api
ctur
eofJoyappear
son
t
heotherscr
een.)
Agent16:BackgroundRepor
t:Shewas
molestedbyheruncleatt
heageof15.Shehas
done2backstreetabor
ti
onssof ar
.Theuncl
eis
scot
-fr
ee,st
il
ltry
ingtotr
acehiswhereabout
s.
Hil
da:Thatwoul
dexplai
nherpromiscuous
habi
t!Asexaddi
ct!MaybeClubThompson,
coul
duseherservi
ces.MovealongDrKrudge?
DrKr udge:MedicalReport;
Shehasacl ean
slatesof art
houghi can'
tpromiseforhowlong
atther at
eshei sgoing.Shecan'tdoanymore
abortionsifshewishestohavechi l
dreni
nthe
future.
Hilda:
Thanky ou!Agent00andAgent16, f
ind
thatchil
dmolester,idon'
tcarei
fyougot oends
ofearthbutfi
ndhi m.Hewi l
lbemygi ftt
oherof
coursewithabulletbetweenhiseyes.Fi
ndhim
andbr i
nghim herealiv
e,noharm.
Agent00:Ri
ghtonitMa'am.Thoughicoul
djust
putadri
veabullett
hroughherheadand
el
iminat
eathreat.
Hil
da:No!Noonewillt
ouchher ,t
hatgi
rli
smi ne,
mynewestpet!Agent5!Makerherawareofour
excl
usi
veClubThompson, makeherdrawnt o
bedrawntoit
.Ibetherthi
rstpanti
eswon't
hesi
tat
etojoi
nit.
Agent5:
Goti
t!
Hil
da:DrKr
udge,Ineedourt
argetpregnantwit
h
eit
hermyhusband'
sormynephew" schild.Can
youmakeitpossi
ble?
DrKrudge:YesIcan,
justhavet
otr
iggerwit
h
hercontr
acepti
vesmedicat
iont
henletnat
ure
doitcourse.
Hil
da:Great!Nowrememberthi
smissi
onis
cl
assi
fied,noneofthem (
poi
nti
ngt
othechai
rs)
shoul
dknowabouti t?
(
Theynodt
hei
rheads)
Agent9:Whataboutt
het
argetandher
demands?
Hi
l
da:
Fornowl
etusj
ustl
eav
ehert
hinki
ngt
hat
sheiswi nni
ng.NapoleonBonaparteoncesai
d,
"youmustnotf i
ghttoooftenwithoneenemyor
youwi l
lteachhi
m allyourartofwar.
"Thoughi
don'tseeherasat hr
eat,orenemyshei st
oo
young.
(Shestandsupputonherl ongblackcoatwhich
shetightensaroundherwaist
,andwearherhat
hidi
ngherf ace.Walki
ngoutherheelscl
ickhard
onthet i
l
e.)
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Nal
edi
Icanfeelhi
seyesonmeal lt
histi
me!Thi
sman,
thi
sjerkhasunameableef
fectonme.Eveni
n
thi
ssti
ckysit
uati
on,icanf
eelbutt
erf
li
es
fl
utt
eri
nginmybel l
y.
Trav
is:Whoiam i
snoneofyourbusi
ness?You
can'
tfor
cehert
ogoifshedoesn'
t.
Br
ian:
Say
swho?Andwhatwoul
dyoudoi
fido?
Tr
avi
s:Me,
doy
ouhav
eapr
obl
em?
Br
ian:
Afl
yli
key
ouwhatcoul
dyoupossi
blydo?
Tr
avi
s:Justt
ryandy
ouwi
l
lfi
ndout
.
Nal
edi
: Enough!(Ishoutandt
heybothl
ookat
me)Juststopit,whyareyoubehav
ingl
it
tl
e
boy
sfighti
ngov ercandy?
Li
am:
Youar
ethecandyl
ove.(
Hewi
nks)
Nal
edi:Iam notl
eav i
ngwithBrian,nei
theram i
l
eavi
ngwi t
hTr avi
s.(It
urntofaceTr av
isand
ki
sshischeek)thanky oufort
onight,ihaven'
t
hadfuninsuchal ongtime.Li
am youbr ought
meheresot akemehome, thi
sinstant.
Li
am:Ohlads!Looksli
keiwont
hecandy
wi
thoutev
entryi
ng.Letusgomylov
e.
(Hetakesmyhandandleadsmeoutofthecl
ub.
Iat
tackhimtheminut
ewest epout
side.
)
Nal
edi
:Youdev
il
,youpl
annedt
his.
Li
am:
Iam i
nnocent
!
Nal
edi
:Innocentmyf
oot
!
Li
am:Youshoul
djustt
hankme,
imeanhei
s
her
enow!
Nal
edi
:Youshoul
d'
veatl
eastwar
nedme.
Li
am: Andr
uinthefun!Noway .(
Igeti
nthecar.
Whil
eLiam t
alkst
ohi sphone.Onceheisdone,
hecomestomysi deandhugsme. )
Liam:Sorrydoll
butiwil
lhavetoleaveyouin
theprotecti
vehandsof(poi
nti
ngout)him.(i
turnandf i
ndBri
anseatedinthedri
ver'
sseat.
)
Mygi r
lneedssomel ovi
ngtonight
.
Nal
edi
:Noi
am notl
eav
ingwi
thhi
m.
Li
am: Yesy
ouare.(Heclosesthedoorand
salut
esbef
oreheturnsanddisappear
sint
othe
night
.)
(It
urnandf aceout
sideashedri
veshugging
my sel
f,awayt opr
eventmysel
ffr
om jumping
onhi mrightnowanddoingsomethi
ng
shameful .
)
Br
ian:
Nal
edi
!
(
Itot
all
yignor
ehi
m andj
ustf
aceout
side.
)
Br
ian:
Wow!Soy
ouar
egoi
ngt
oignor
eme?
Nal
edi
:Don'
tf*
*kwi
thmeBr
ian.Youi
gnor
ed
mefor2day
s.
Br
ian:Soyouar
egi
vi
ngmeat
ast
eofmyown
medici
ne?
Nal
edi
:Iam notgoi
ngt
oyourhouse.Takeme
t
otheThompsonmansiont
hisi
nstant.
(
Hei gnor
esmeandjustst
aresahead.Anhour
l
aterhepacksi
nfr
ontofhi
shouse.)
Br
ian:
Letusgoi
n.
Naledi
:No!Iam notgoi
ngi
nsi
dey
ourhouse.
Takemehome.
Bri
an:Youhave2choi
cesei
thery
ougoi
nsi
de
wil
li
nglyorunwi
l
li
ngl
y.Whi
chonedoyou
choose?
Nal
edi
:It
oldy
oui
am notgoi
ngi
nther
e.
Br
ian:
Okayy
ourchoi
ce!
(Hegetsoffthecarandcomest omysi dei
na
fl
ickofaneyei am acr
osshisshoulder
,my
headhangingbehindhisback.Ipl
ungemyf i
sts
onthisback.
)
Nal
edi
:Putmedowny
ouj
erk!
Bri
an:(
spanksme)Behave,
youwil
lscar
emy
nei
ghbour
s.(Hewalksi
nthehouseandputs
medown.)Youcannowscream al
lthewayyou
want,
thewall
saresoundpr
oof
.
Nal
edi
:Takemehome!Idon'
twantt
obeher
e.
Br
ian:
Why
?
Naledi
:ItsoverBrian!Idon'twantt
oholdthe
for
tuntilyourgir
lreturns.Idon'
twantt
obe
here,i
betshepr obablyl i
vedherewi
thyou.I
ref
uset obeat empor aryrepl
acementt
oal ost
l
over.Ideservebet t
er.
Br
ian:(shout
ing)Sheisdead!Fu*
*ingdead
Naledi
.Amberi sdead!
(
All
thecol
ordr
ainsf
rom myf
ace,
leav
ingme
f
eel
i
ngcol dandnumb!Myj
awsl
i
ter
all
ydr
opt
o
t
heground.)
Nal
edi:(st
utt
eri
ng)What
..
.what
..
.d.
.o
yo.
..
o..
o.u.
.umeandead?
.
.

.
.
.
.
[
06/
02,
16:
06]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t56
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
___
"Any
thi
ng'spossi
blei
fyougotenoughner
ve."-
J.KRowli
ng
_
___
___
___
___
Joy
Wesitintheli
vingr
oom withi
cecream
cont
ainerbetweenus.It
hinkthi
sisthef
ir
st
ti
meev ersi
ncei movedi
nwi t
hherthatwear
e
homeatt hesametime.

Busi
:(l
aughi
ng)No!Youar
ely
ing.
Joy
:I'
mtel
l
ingy
out
hehonestt
rut
h,t
hesui
tori
s
gay
.
Busi
:Imustadmiti t
houghtsomethi
ngwasoff
wit
hhim,imeannomani nhiswil
destdr
eams
wil
lal
lowhispromisedwifetobewithot
her
men.Butinevert
houghthemi ghtbegay.
Joy:Exact
ly,ibetmyfat
herwil
lhaveaheart
att
ackwhenhef i
ndsoutthet
ruthabouthi
s
mokgweny ane.
Busi
:Exactl
ythi
sisabl
essi
nginadisgui
seJoy,
younolongerhavet
omarrythemanyoudon't
l
ove.
Joy:Exactly
,i don'
tknowwhatidi
dtodeser
ve
suchabl essingbutiam sogr
atef
ul.
Busi
:Youshoul
dbe.

(Ther
eisaknockonthedoorandiat
tendt
oit.
Amanst andst
herewit
habouquetofredr
oses,
anenvel
opeandchampagnebottl
e.)

Agent5:Adel
i
ver
yforMsDomi
nic?
Joy
:(puzzl
ed)Domi
nic?
Busi
:(j
oini
ngus)Thatwi
l
lbeme.
(
Iwat
chasshet
akest
hegi
ft
s.)
Agent5:
Enj
oyyourni
ghtma'
am .Cour
tesyof
TheMrsH.T.
Busi
:Thanky
ou!
(
Ifol
l
owherbacki
nthehouset
otal
l
yin
dar
knessaboutwhati
sgoi
ngon.)
Joy
:MsDomi
nic?
Busi
:Longst
oryf
oranot
herday.(Exci
tedl
y)Oh!
Mythatwasmucheasi
erthani
t hought.
Joy
:What
?
Busi:Shegotmeshar
esofanewspaperl
i
kei
asked.
Joy
:Who?
Busi
:(i
mit
atingHi
l
da'
svoi
ceassher
eadst
he
car
dsentalongwi
tht
hefl
ower
s.)

"MsDomi nic,
ihopey ouareingoodfaith.I
special
l
ytooki tuponmy sel
fthatyoureceiveal
l
youaskedf or,t
heev el
opecontainst
heshar es
sal
escont ract
,pleasereadthoughit
,andsign
attheendoft hedocument ,amanwi llcome
col
lectthepapersi n2days.
Asyourequestedwithourman,hei sal
lyours.
Thoughisi
ncerelyaskthatyoutakehim duri
ng
weekendsashei safamilymanbutmost l
ywe
needareputat
ionincommuni t
yt ouphol
d.

Ilookf
orwar
dtoournewformedall
i
ance.Isent
achampganeandfl
owersbeff
it
ingaqueenli
ke
you.

Your
s
H.T
(
Signat
ure)
"

Busi
:(l
aughi
ng)Ifitol
dyouthati
haveaver
y
powerf
ulmaneat i
nginthepal
m ofmyhand
youwouldn'
tbel
i
ev emer i
ght
?
Joy
:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Busi
:Thel
easty
ouknowthebet
ter
.Justknowi
haveadar
ksecr
etonsomeonewhi
chi am
usi
ngonsomeonetoear
nabett
erli
fe.
Joy:
Til
lwhen?Blackmail
ingneverendswell
B.
Whatisyourpl
an?Atleasttel
lmey ouhav
ea
pl
an.
Busi
:Honestl
yidon'
thav
eone,wel
lnotatt
he
momentbutiwil
lhav
eonesoon.Ri
ghtnowlet
mejustenj
oymysweathardear
nedmoments.
Joy
:Busi
!
Busi:No!Donotspoilmymood.Letmeenj oy
thi
s."Anythi
ng'
spossi
blei
fy ougotenough
nerve"Joy!Beari
sktaker
,tomorrowhasno
guaranteesomakemostofi twhil
eitst
il
lday
.

(Shesaysaspopsthebottl
eandswitchont he
ster
eo,ishakemyheadbutfindmysel
fjoi
ning
herasshehandsmeagl ass.Andwedance
andsing
Yemi
Alade-Af
ri
casong.
)
(
Inoneuni
son)
why
i
tsanaf
ri
canwor
k,y
ai
beat
sbyemz
o,y
emi
alade,
saut
isol
t
hismyAf
ri
canhandst
hem gonl
ovey
ou
t
hismyAf
ri
canl
i
pst
hem gonki
ssy
ou
myAf
ri
canhi
psgetdownf
ory
ou
myAf
ri
canl
egst
hatwi
l
lrunt
oyou
Whet
hery
oucomeher
etobr
eakdance
Abi
youcomeher
etoshakehands
Youcomeher
etomakepl
ans
Ev
erwe'
l
lbet
her
ichestmot
her
land
Whet
hery
oucomeher
etor
ockwai
stoooh
Abi
nat
ofi
ndf
oodoooh,
ever
yti
ngdeyoooh
Ev
erwe'
l
lbet
her
ichestmot
her
land
Any
wher
eyougo,
London,
USA
nowher
ebel
i
keAf
ri
ca,
nowher
ebel
i
kehome
Any
wher
eyougoNewYor
k,Chi
cago
nowher
ebel
i
keAf
ri
canowher
ebel
i
kehome
bi
kuwer
uyaway
o,way
aka
kar
ibuki
ti
,ut
apewani
niai
yay
aya
wer
uyaway
o,way
aka
kar
ibuki
ti
,ut
apewani
ni(
nini
lel
eio)
t
hismyAf
ri
canhear
twi
l
ldeyl
ovey
ou
t
hismyAf
ri
canar
mst
heywi
l
lsqueezey
ouy
eah
myAf
ri
canear
swi
l
lli
stent
oyou
myKeny
anl
egswi
l
lrunt
oyouy
eahh
nakamaumekujaku-br
eakdance,umekuj
aku-
getdown,
umekujaku-t
akechance
HAKUNAMATATAeeh
kamaumekuj
akul
i
pal
aye,
kupi
gadensi
ooh
hapoul
i
poeeehkat
aki
unoi
ooi
ooi
oo
sol
diercome,
sol
diergo
y
ourhomenay
ourhome
i
rr
epl
aceabl
e
_
___
___
___
___
___
AWEEKLATER
NESSA

Nessa:
Iam notr
eady
.

(
Ilookathim wit
hpleadi
ngeyes.Ihavestarted
t
akingbabysteps,DrGbeli
evesthatiam ready
t
ost epoutofmychairandusecrutches.)

Nessa:
Whati
fif
all
?
Ace:
Stopbei
ngsonegat
ive!Youcandot
his.
Nessa:
No!Ir
efuse.
Ace:(
smil
i
ng)Whydoi havef
eel
i
ngt
haty
our
thi
sonpurposesoi
don'tl
eav
e?
Nessa:
Ifi
am?Youar
eonl
ylef
twi
thaweek.
Ace:
Myot
herpat
ient
sneedme.
Nessa:
Doy
ouki
sst
hosepat
ient
sal
so?
Ace:
Ist
hatj
eal
ousyi
am det
est
ing?
Nessa:
Typicalmotswanaanswer
ingaquest
ion
wit
hanotherquest
ion?
Ace:(
laughi
ng)Tswanabl oodrunsi nmyvei
ns.
Myotherpatient
sdon'thaveattract
ive
at
tri
butesli
kethispat
ient.(
Pinchingme)
Nessa:
(bi
ti
ngmyl
owerl
i
p)At
tract
iveat
tri
but
es
l
ike?
Ace:(heleansf
ort
handrubsournoses
toget
her)Likey
ourmout
hwat er
ingl
ips.
Nessa:
And?

(
Hepul
l
sbackandst
aresatme.Iam abi
t
di
sappoi
ntedasi
hopedt
hathewi
l
lki
ssme.
)

Ace:
Bri
anwi
l
lki
l
lme!
Nessa:
Br i
anisnothere,
hedoesnotneedto
knowwhathi sGoodDoctorfri
endhasbeen
uptowithhisyoungersi
ster
.
Ace:
(smi
l
ing)Youdon'
tgi
veup,
doy
ou?
Nessa:
Ihaveaf
eel
i
ngt
haty
oual
readyknow
t
heanswer.
Ace:
Howa1boutwest
ri
keadeal
?
Nessa:
(r
oll
i
ngmyey
es)Suchamoodki
l
ler
?Al
l
ear
s.
Ace:Getof
fthatchai
r,takethi
scrutchesandi
wil
lshowyou,yourat
tracti
veattr
ibutes.
Nessa:
(ext
endi
ngmyhand)Deal
!
("
Whoar eyouandwhathav
ey oudonewi
th
Vanessa"mymantr
aasks?Ijustr
oll
myeyesat
herasusual.
)
Ace:
(shaki
ngmyhand)Deal
!
Nessa:
Whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?Mycl
utches
pl
ease.
(
Hehandst
hem t
ohi
m,hel
ookssoamused.
).
[
06/
02,
16:
06]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t57
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
___
"Don'tbeafr
aidtoletgo.Ever
ynewadv ent
ure
beginswiththeendingoftheother.
"-The
bett
ermanpr oj
ect
_
___
___
___
___
Amont
hlat
er
Nal
edi
{
Final
l
yever
ythinghasbeenf
inal
i
sed,in3days
t
imeiwil
lbeleavi
ngtoCuba,myvisahasbeen
appr ov edandTheThompson' shav et akencare
ofev er yt
hing,despitethefactt hatBr ianandI
brokeup, theysti
llwentt hroughwi t
hof feri
ng
mesponsor shipandev er
ything.Istilldon't
believet hatwear eov er,alothashappenedi n
thepastweeks, alotthani ant i
cipated.Tears
formi nmyey es,ev erynighti crymy selfto
sleep, everynightidream aboutget tingback
toget her.Mymi nddr ift
sagai ntot he
conv ersationwehadt hatni ghtinthemi ddl
eof
theni ght.}

{
Flashback}
Nal
edi:[
stutt
eri
ng]What
..
.what
..
.d.
.o
yo.
..
o..
o.u.
.umeandead?
Bri
an:Ishoul
dn'
t'
thav
esai
dthat
.For
getIsai
d
anyt
hing.
Nal
edi:
Her
ewegoagai
n.Shut
ti
ngmeoutl
i
ke
al
ways.
Brian:
Iam notshutt
ingyououtNaledi.Youare
theonewhowentanddugoutmypast ?Apast
thatiwoul
dhav etol
dy ouwhenthetimei sr
ight
.
Nal
edi:Youshoul
djusttel
lmewhatisgoi
ngon,
i
nsteadofmakingmef eell
i
keihav
et o
competewit
hanotherwoman.
Brian:Tellmesomet hi ng,Nalediwhendi difeel
l
ikey ouar ecompet i
ngwi thanot herwoman,
aren'tyout heonewhowentonanddug
i
nfor mationaboutAmber ?Ar en'
tyout heone
whowentonaskedaboutt hi
sAmberwi man
andf elti
nsecur eallabouti tony ourown.How
i
smewi t
hhol dinginformat i
onaboutAmber
maki ngyouf eel i
nsecur e?Namej ustone
i
nci dentthati madey oufeellikeiloveAmber
andnoty ou?Onei ncidentwher eyoudi dnot
feel mylovef oryou?
Nal
edi
:Inyourof
fi
ce,
yousai
diti
snotnoneof
mybusi
ness.
Br
ian:
That
'sbecausei
wasnoty
etr
eadyt
o
openupNal
edi
,youwer
efor
cingmyhand.You
can'
tfor
cemetoopenupwheniam norr
eady.
Naledi
:Don'tyout
hinkiti
sfunnyhowyou
expectmenott oj
ustaskquesti
onsaboutyour
l
ifewheny ouareal
lovermylif
einvadi
ngin
everyaspectofmylif
e.
Bri
an:I
sthathowy
ouf
eel
thati
am i
nvadi
ngi
n
yourl
i
fe?
Nal
edi
:Itdoesnotmatt
er,
whatifeel
att
he
moment,j
usttel
lmethetr
uthBr
ian?
Br
ian:
Iwi
shi
coul
dtel
lyouNal
edi
buti
can'
t!
Naledi
:Howdoyouknowt
hatshei
sdead?You
soundedsoconf
ident
?
Bri
an:Justknowt
hatshei
s.Ican'
tgoi
nto
deatai
l
s.
Nal
edi
:Can'
torwon'
t?

[
Myst
atementmeet
sadeadend!Nor
esponse.
]
Naledi
:Iti
scrystalcl
earthaty
oudon'tt
rustme,
whatisarelat
ionshipwit
houttrusr
?Maybewe
shouldj
ustcalli
tquitsnow.
Br
ian:
Ift
hat
'swhaty
ouwantt
henokay
.

[
Ist
areathi
m,myhear
tbr
eaki
ngi
ntopi
eces.
]

Naledi
: Okay
!Iwi shyouall
thebestinli
fe.Il
ov e
youBrianbutitiscleart
hatiam nottheonef or
you.[i
kisshischeekandpul lback.
]Iwillwait
f
oracabt otakemet ot
heThompsonMansi on.

Br
ian:
Noi
wil
ltakey
ou.

[
Idon'thav
eenergytofi
ghthim.Insteadofthe
fr
ontseatitakeabackseatandsitdirect
ly
behi
ndhim, fi
nal
l
ylett
hepent-uptearsgo.
St
arr
ingout
sidet
hewi ndow,idi
einsidewi
thmy
si
l
encecri
es,mybreakingi
ntopieces.]

[
ENDOFFLASHBACK]
_
___
___
___
_
Bul
elwa:
[touchi
ngmycheeks]Nal
edi
!

[
Ilookatherandf
inal
l
yican'
thol
ditany
mor
e,
t
hepainistoomuch.]

Nal
edi
:[cr
yingout
]Ithur
tssobadmom!

[Sheembracesmelikeamot hershould,i
nher
armsicryunti
lif
eelnomor etears.Ifeel
numb
tothepai
n.Heavenl
yfatherwhydi dyounot
warnmet hatf
ir
stheart
breakhurtthisbad!]
Bul
elwa:Naledi
,whati
swr ong?Youar
escar
ing
me.Thisshouldbeyourhappymomentsnot
cr
yingl
ikeachildwholostparent
s.
Naledi
:[sobbing]Ilovehi
m,mom!Ilov
ehim
wit
hev eryt
hingi got,
buthecan'
tbemine.
Bulel
wa:Mypoorbaby,i
fheismaki
ngy
oucry
l
ikethi
sthenheisnotwort
hyit
.Nomanis
worthyourt
ear
sNaledi.
Nal
edi
:Ipushedhi
m ma.May
bei
fil
ett
hingsbe
iwoul
dn'
tbeherenow.
Bulel
wa: Youar estil
lyoungNal edi,youwillf
ind
amanofy ourdreams.Ri ghtnowl etgoof
every
thingandf ocusony ourstudies,youwill
seeev erythi
ngwi l
lfall
intoitsplacewhent he
ti
mei sr i
ght.Youar egoingt oCuba, "
Don'tbe
afr
aidt oletgo.Everynewadv enturebegins
withtheendi ngoftheot her."Goandexpl ore
yournewadv enturemost lymakemepr oud,my
DrMor oka.Comeonnow, shineli
key ourname,
givemommyasmi le.NoSt arissoggyandsad.
[
Ismil
eather.Butif
eel l
i
kethiswomandoes
notr
eal
lyunderst
andjusthowmuchBrian
meanstome.Hei smyev ery
thi
ngorwell
was.]
_
___
___
___
___
BUSI
[Iwal
kint
othehouseandi ti
squi te.Schools
haveopensbutnot
hingexciti
ngi shappening.
Bothinmyli
feandschool,igottheshar esbut
every
thi
nghasbeencold.Atl easti havesome
pret
tybadnewsorrathergoodnewst oJoy.
]

Busi
:[
cal
l
ingout
]Joy
!
Joy
:Iam i
nmybedr
oom.

[
Iwalkt
oherroom andfi
ndheront
hebed
goi
ngovert
hemagazines.
]
Busi
:Guesswhat
?
Joy
:Yougotanot
hercashf
lowi
nfr
om Hi
l
dah?
Busi:
No!Yourf
ri
end,
gotdr
oppedl
i
keasackof
potat
oes.
Joy
:Who?Nal
edi
?
Busi
:Yes!ShegotdumpedbyBr
ian.
Joy
:What
?When?
Busi
:Appar
ent
lyamont
hback.
Joy:
[laughi
ng]Wow!MypoorNal
edi
that
'
swhy
sheissoscarce.
Busi:
Yah!Hidi
ngherfacefrom t
heear
th.Idont
knowwhyshei ssonaive,
imeanwhywoul da
hotshotguyli
keBri
angooutwi t
habimbol i
ke
her.
Joy:
Hemustprobabl
yhav
ewantedtopopthe
cher
ryanddumpherj
ustl
i
kePhenyodi
dforme.
Busi
:Rumour
sal
sohav
eitt
hatshei
sleav
ingt
o
Cubain3day
s.
Joy:Botswanacanuseaf ewy ear
sbreakfrom
missy-
goodyshoes!Wait!Ineedtocallher
,fi
x
ourrel
ationshi
pbef
oreshegoes, soshecan
buymesomegenui neclothesthatsi
de.
Busi
:yesbeJ.LOr
ightnowboo,
lopel
amma!

[
Myphoner
ings]

Busi
:Ineedt
otaket
his.Excuseme.

[
Iwal
koutt
otaket
hecal
l
.]

Busi
:Thi
sisapl
easantsur
pri
se,
MrsThompson.
Hi
ldah:Canwehavedi
nner
?ihav
esomet
hing
t
odiscusswit
hyou.
Busi
:Today
?
Hi
l
da:
Yesi
fthat
'snott
oomuch!
Busi
:No!Gi
vemepl
aceandt
imei
wil
lbet
her
e.
Hil
da:Okayl
etsmeeti
nAv
ani
sui
tenumber67
at9pm.
Busi
:Okayi
wil
lbet
her
e.
Hi
l
da:
Seey
oui
nabi
t.

[Ihanguphoweverican'
thel
pbutwonderwhy
shewant stomeetwit
hme.Couldi
tbeshehas
anothercashr
eadytogiv
eme?Wel li
guess
therei
sonlyonewayoffindi
ngout
.]
[
06/
02,
16:
06]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t58
_
___
___
___
___
_
"Whenshetakesherrevengeev
ent
hedev
ilsi
ts
downtotakenotes."-Unknown
_
___
___
___
___
Nessa
[Thecart i
resscr eechedast hecarhal tedi n
fronti nthehospi talparki ngl ot.Drawi ng
unnecessar yattentionf rom t hecr owdsout si
de
thehospi t
al.Theywat chedcur iously,f eet
touchi ngt hegr ound, f
ir
stbeaut if
ullegs,
wear ingan8i nch, blackpl at f orm heelswi t
h
ankl est raps.Ist eppedoutof ftheMer cedes-
BenzAMG350, mypor cel ainhai rheldi nahi gh
pony tail,Iwor ebl ackt i
ghtj eanswhi chhassl it
s
ont heknees, anudecr opt op, chokeranda
blazeront op.Locki ngt hecar ,itookahuge
breat h,"Wehav ebeenpr act icingthis,si ncehe
l
ef t,wecandot his."mymant raPet ty
encour ages.Checki ngmy sel foncemor eiturn
andwal ktot her eceptionar ea.Wher ei get
i
nf ormat ionwher eicanl ocat emypr ey .Ifi
nd
him seat edbet weenol dwomen, inthewar d,
wi t
hhi swhi tecoaton, hel ooksev enmor e
attractiveespeci all
ywhenhei sbiti
ngt hepen
l
iket hat .Hehashi sbackatmesohecannot
seeme.Ij
ustst
andt
her
eadmi
ri
nghi
m.]

Woman1:
Youknowwhati
thi
nkDr
.G?
Ace:
Nowhati
sitma?
Woman1: It
hinkyouar
ejustmaki
ngthi
sstory
upaboutagi rl
whoisover
seassoidon'
tbother
youany moreaboutmar
ryi
ngmy
granddaughter
.
Ace:(l
aughi
ng)Iam notl
yi
ngthough,my
gir
lf
ri
endisover
seas.Averybeaut
if
ulhumbl
e
younglady.
Woman2: Whywouldyoul
eaveyoubeaut
if
ul
youngladyover
seas,ar
eyounotaf
rai
dof
vul
tur
es?

[
Unabl
etoholdmysel
fif
indmy
sel
fjoi
ningi
n
t
hei
rconver
sati
on.
]
Nessa:
That
swhati
am wonder
ingt
o?

[
Iwat chashej umpst ohisfeetatthesoundof
myv oiceandt urnaroundtofaceme,
bewil
der ed!Icouldgivemil
li
onsjusttoseehi
s
faci
al expressi
onagain.Mylipscurveint
omy
mill
i
ondol l
arsmile.
]

Ace:
Nessa!Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Nessa:(
teasi
nlgl
y)I
sthathowy
ougr
eety
our
gi
rl
fri
end?
Woman1:
Ist
hist
hei
nter
nat
ional
gir
lf
ri
end?
Woman2:Ofcourse,
lookathowamesst
he
boyi
s,hemightj
ustcryanyt
ime.
Ace:
Ladi
esexcuseme!
Woman3:
Go!Doct
orVi
ncewi
l
lat
tendt
ous.

[
Het
akesmyhandandl
eadmeoutoft
hewar
d.
Peoplet
hrowcuriouslooksashel
eadsmeout
ofthehospi
tal
.Onceout si
dehel
ooksatme
andshakeshishead.]

Nessa:
Notbel
i
evi
ngt
hatiam her
e?Youcan
pi
nchmetomakesur
ethati
ndeediti
sme.
Ace:
Whendi
dyougether
e?
Nessa:
Hugmef
ir
standi
wil
ltel
lyou.

[Isayst ubbornl
yasiopenmyhandswi deopen
forhishug.Hel ooksatmeandsmi les,then
hugsme.Ii nhal
ehiscol
ogne,it
hinki havebeen
mi ssingitthemost."
Goodgir
lgonebad! "Pett
y
say s.Acommentwhi chiabsol
utelyignore.]

Nessa:Theansweri ssimple,i
tol
dy outhati
wil
lbecomi ngafteryouassoonasi am back
onmyf eet.Iam nolongeryourpati
entnowso
whichexcusearey ougoingtogivethist
ime
ar
ound?
Ace:
Iam ol
dert
hany
ou.

[
Thr
owi
ngmyheadback,
Ilaughathi
m.]

Nessa:
Youar
esocut
eyouknowt
hat
.
Ace:
Amani
snotcut
eVanessa.
Nessa:Well
youar
e.Soi
am t
hei
nter
nat
ional
gi
rl
fri
end?
Ace:
(scrat
chinghi
shead)Ineededanexcuse
togi
vetheoldwomen, theyar
esetonmarryi
ng
meofftothei
rgranddaughter
s.
Nessa:
Maybei
shoul
dhav
emygrandmot
her
al
sodosomecampai
gnsf
orme.
Ace:
Van.
..
..
.!
Nessa:
Ifyouar
egoingtoref
usemeatl
eastdo
i
tinadecentway.Hav
edinnerwi
thme?
Ace:
Ican'
t.
Nessa:Youofallpeopleshoul
dknowbynow
thati
am afi
ghter,ifi
ghtforwhati
want
.Iam a
Thompsonafterall
.Soshouldwedothi
sthe
hardwayoreasyway ?
Ace:
Lor
d!Hel
pme.When?
Nessa:
Rightnow!
Ace:
(ast
oni
shed)
Nessa: Justjoki
ng!Iam dri
vingtosomevil
lage
calledTamasane, mygir
l needsme.Howev eri
trustthatt
omor rowiwil
lbeback, sol
etssay
tomor rownightat9pm iwillt
extthel
ocat
ion.
Ace:
Okay
!
Nessa:
Good.

(il
eanf
orwar
dandbrushmyli
psoverhi
s
t
aki
nghi
m bycompl
etesur
pri
se.)
Nessa:
Seey
out
omor
rowni
ghtDoct
or.

(Igeti
nmyhir
edcarandhitA1.The
Thompson'
scanwaitr
ightnow,ihav
eone
cryi
ngmunchtosur
pri
se.)
_
___
___
___
___
___
_
Nar
rat
ed

[I
nthesui teHildaawaitforBusi tomakeher
appear ance,Agent00,16andBusi 'sunclear e
hidi
ngi nthebat hr
oom.Shesi psonherbl ack
velvetwhiskeydoubleont herockspl ayi
ngsl ow
j
ams.Nextt oheri sapistolwhichbel ongst ono
otherbutBusi .Shelooksatt hesilencerand
smilest oherselfwhenther eisaknockont he
door .OpeningthedoorBusi walksinside.]

Hi
lda:Comeinsi
dedarl
i
ng.Iam hav
ingsome
whiskyyouwantsome?
Busi:
Soyoucanf
inal
l
ygetr
idofmei
don'
t
thi
nkso.
Hi
lda:
Ifi
wantedyoudeadBusi
iwoul
dhav
e
l
onggotri
dofyou.
Busi:
Buty
oucan'
tbecausei
hol
dyoubyt
he
bal
ls.
Hi
lda:
Yeahabsol
utel
yri
ght
.Nowwoul
dyou
l
ovesomedri
nk.
Busi
:Iguessi
canusesomedr
ink.

[Hil
dastandsupandfixheradri
nkpour
ingi
n
thesl
eepingai
dinsi
de.Shehandsitt
oherand
theBusidownsiti
mmediatel
y.
)

Busi
:Let
sgetdownt
obusi
ness,
whydi
dyou
cal
lmehere?
Hi
l
da:
Sitdown,
beensconced,
idon'
tbi
te.
[
Busisi
tsdownwi t
hinani
nstantsheisout
.
Hi
ldawhist
lesandtheAgent00,Agent16and
t
hescaredoldmanwal ki
ntotheroom.]

Hil
da:Execut
ionofplanA!(
Shet
urnsandfaces
theol
dman)t odayyouaremeet
ingyourmaker,
youchil
dmolester
.May bewewi
llmeetinhel
l
oneday!

[Agent16hol dtheunconsci ousBusi whi l

e
Agent00hol dst heol dman.Hi l
daputt hegun
i
nBusi '
shand, put sitont hetheuncle'shead
andhelpsBpul lthetrigger.Bloodsplasheson
thewhitebeddi ng?Ashi shardbodyf ollows,
fall
i
ngont hebed.Theypl aceBusi nexttohim
withthegunonherhand.Hi l
dat akesherseat
taki
ngof fherleathergl oves,shesipsher
whiskyoncemor e.Tappi ngherheel tot he
rhythm ofthemusi c.
)
Hil
da:Thankyouboys.AskAgent55,
the
cl
eanerandthedetoxi
catort
obeonstandbywe
gotamessyr oom.

[2hourslateradisor
ientedBusi wakesont he
bedfloodi
ngwi t
hblood, herdeaduncle'sbody
nexttoher,
agunonherhand.I nherdistr
aught
stat
eshescr eamsatt hetopofherlungs.]

Hil
da:Don'
twasteyourener
gy,t
her
oom i
s
soundproof
.Plusyoumightdr
awunwant
ed
att
enti
oninyourst
ate.
Busi
:Whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?Whati
sthi
s?What
i
shappeni
ng?
Hi
lda:
Iwill
tell
you,
whatishappeni
ng?Your
ki
l
ledyouruncl
e?Yourr
apist
!

[
Shelaughs!Butt
urni
naser
iousmodet
henext
minut
e.]
Hil
da:Nowi haveyouratt
ention,gr
ababook
andapen.Youar egoingtohav ealesson,
iam
theteacher
,youarethestudent.
..
..
[
06/
02,
16:
06]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t59
_
___
___
___
___
"Whenshe'smad;ev
enthedemonsrunfor
cover
..
..
"-Jor
danSarahWeat
her
head,Naked
Trut
h
_
___
___
___
___
Busi
AVANIHOTELROOM 67

[
Icanfeelmyselfburningup,sweatt
raveling
downmyspineasi stareatmydeaduncl e.I
l
ookattheShe-devil
!Inf r
ontofmeandf orthe
fi
rstt
imei
nmyl ifei r
egretevercr
ossi
ngpat hs
withHil
daThompsonandherhusband.Ir egret
everagreei
ngt ogot othatlunchwit
hCandy .
Thisisnothowi pl
annedmyl if
e,i
haveno
i
ntenti
onofspendingt herestofmylifebehind
bars,i
nanor angej
umpsui t.Whathast he
desir
esofmyhear tledmei nt
o?]

Hil
da:Thereareonl
y3lessonswhi chishal
l
giv
eyou.Lessonswhichshall
gr eatl
yimpact
yourl
i
fefrom nowon!Areyour eady?

[
Inodmyhead.
]

Hil
da:Lesson1:Nooneev erholdsHilda
Thompsonbyt heballs,
inal
lthi
si am the
master,theemper
ior!Thewhist
leblower.I
don'
tgetwhyy outhoughtayounggi r
lli
keyou
canthreatenme.
Busi
:Iwi
l
lrepor
tyou!Formur
der
.
Hilda:(laughing)Gor i
ghtahead,icanevendial
thepol i
cehel pli
neforyou.Howeverjustknow
that,blowingt hewhistl
eonmemeansbl owi
ng
i
tony ou.Af t
erallyouandi ar
enodi ff
erent
bothmur derers,butiam aconnectedand
power fulmur derer,
iwill
onlybeinjai
loneday
andoutt henext.

[
Ilookatherandicanseet
hatshei
snot
bl
uffi
ng.Shereal
l
ymeanswhatshesai
d.]

Hil
da:I
nwarzone, don'
tgettooconf i
dentbut
mostl
ydon' tunder
estimateyouropponent!The
hugemistakey oudidwast hi
nki
ngy ouwon
aft
erigavey oueveryt
hingyouwant edli
ttl
edid
youknowt hatitwasjustaploytolureyou.Did
yougetthat?

[
Inodmyhead.
]
Hil
da:Decl ar ewaronsomeonei nyourown
l
eague, don' tgoanddecl arewaronsomeone
whohasbl azinggunswhenal lyourhavei sa
smallusel esspi st
ol.Besureoft hecont entyou
have,cov ery ourtr
acksalsosowel l,
iknewy ou
hir
edaP. Itodi goutinfor
mat ion.Soi paidhim
extr
amoneyt ogiveyoumi sl
eady ou,ignite
somef i
r e.Ahungr ygir
lli
key ou,iknewi t
wouldn'tbel ongti
llyoudecidedt ouset heli
ttl
e
i
nformat iony ougot.

[
Myey
espopout
!Justwhoi
sthi
swoman?
]

Hilda:Thecor psey ouhaveyesbelongsto

Amberhowev ert hephotosyouhav eareall
fake,
myhusbandandi thatni
ghtwewer eouthaving
dinnerwithMi nisterMogae'
sfami l
y.Youshould
knowbet terthant ocheckforaccuracyif
i
ndeedt het hi
ngsy ouaregi
ventrue.Youshould
alsoknowbet t
er,
noqueenget sherhandsdirt
y
shehast hetopdigsdoingthej
obforher
fort
unatelyf
ormei have40Topdogswai t
ing
formycommand.Last l
yStaywokegirl
,you
don'tr
elaxduri
ngwar .
Busi
:Howaboutl
esson2and3?
Hil
da:I
tsnoty
etthei
rti
met odaywasjust
l
esson1.Iam donef
ortoday!Astr
ikeforyoua
poi
ntforme,y
ouhaveaskel et
onbutno
evi
dence.
Busi
:Sowhathappensar
eyougoi
ngt
ohand
metheaut
hori
ti
es?
Hilda:(wipi
ngoffbloodfrom myf acewithher
thumbs)Youar et oocutefortheorange
j
umpsui t
.Youaremyf avourit
epetr i
ghtnow.
Hildaalwaysprotectherfavouri
tes,igotyou
doll.Fornowletsgetyouabubbl ybat h.

[
Shehel
psmet
omyf
eetandi
wal
ktot
he
shower ,standi
ngundert hehotshoweri wash
everytraceofbl oodof f
.Thinkingaboutmynext
mov e!Ihav ebeenpl ayed!Buti wil
lnotallowto
happeni tagain.Noway !Rightnow!Iam goi ng
tomaket hatwitcht hi
nkshewont hisround.I
am af i
ght erj
ustl i
keher.Steppingoutoft he
showeri putont hegownwal kbacktot heroom
whichi fi
ndspot lessclean.Not raceofblood!
Nothingatal l
.]

Hil
da: Ihav
eacleani
ngt eam t
hattakescareof
themesscr eat
ed.Theyareprofessi
onal
swho
getsthedonejobwithoutleav
inganyevidence
behind.

[
Poi
nti
ngt
otheEdgar
spl
ast
icsont
hebed.]

Hil
da:Somet
hingtowear
.Myhusbandandthe
sharesar
emygifttoy
ou.Keept
hem!Iwil
lbe
watchi
ngyoul
i
keahawk.Lesson2and3wi
l
l
pr
oceedsomeothert
ime.By
e.

[Shewalksout.Iimmedi atel
yli
ftthebedcov er
s,
themat t
resshastobesoakedi nblood,buti
am surpri
sedtofinditwhitenodi r
tyorblood
spots.Ihavetothink,t
hinkreall
yhardican'tbe
tamedbyt hatvi
ciouswoman.Thi nkBusisi
we!
Atleastihaveonef actconfi
rmedaboutHi lda,
shewasnotl yi
ng " Whenshe' smad; ev
ent he
demonsr unforcov er
..
..
"-JordanSarah
Weat her
head]
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
NARRATED
THETHOMPSONPUBLI
SHERS
FLOOR67

Hil
dawal
ksinthebui
l
dingi
nherusualatt
ir
e
andshef
indst
hem al
lwait
ingf
orher.Sheis
exhaustedbutcan'
tgohomeuntilt
hebr
ief
ing.
Shesitsdownfacing,
"TheObser
ver.
"

Hil
da:Fir
stl
ywelldone,Agent16and00ont
he
execut
ionoflesson1.Thejetawai
ttot
akey
ou
onahol i
day.Youareexcused.

[
Theybot
hst
andbowandwal
kout
.]

Hi
l
da:
Agent96,
iwi
l
lhav
ethef
ami
l
yrepor
t.

Agent96:They oungmadam isbackinthe

countr
y,(apict
ureofNessaattheairpor
t
appearsalongwiththepi
ctur
eatthehospi t
ali
f
shewithAce)wentt oseetheDoctorbefore
shedrovet oTamasanetogoseeMsMor oka.
Hi
lda:Somuchf
orr
aisi
ngherup!Okaymov
eon
t
ot henext
.
Agent96:Youngmast
er,
hasbeenbusyatt
he
of
fice,
butwespott
edhim anhourback
Wi
thYoungMast
erLi
am headi
ngt
oCl
ubT.
Hi
l
da:
Mov
eri
ghtal
ong.
Agent96:Masterhasbeenal
soi
ntheof
fi
ce
busywit
hoffi
cewor k.
Hil
da:Youaref
orget
ti
ngsomeone.Myf
avour
it
e
soninlaw.
Agent96:YoungMasterLefa,
isdoingwel
lalso
i
nthestates.Heseemsmor efocused.Ms
Xhebi
leiskeepi
ngherdist
ancelikeyouwar
ned.
Hilda:
Gr eat!Nowmyf avouri
tewi l
lbeleav
ingto
Cubaf orstudiesonfri
day,Derr
ickmakesur e
youassignheranagentt hatwillguardherwit
h
hisownl if
ebutdiscreet
ly.Pi
ckanagentt hat
hasnof ami ly
,mightbegone7y ear
sandmor e.
Der
ri
ck:
Ont
opofi
t.
Hil
da:
NowPet -
Proj
ectBusi
,shewil
lnotback
downinf
actnotmwsheisburningwit
hrage
butmost l
yshei sgoingtobecar ef
ulwhi ch
bri
ngsmet o,executi
onoflesson2.Agent37
updatethatfakeinformati
ononLi am andBr i
an
Dlamini
makesur enoneoft hem arer
el atedt
o
theThompson' s.Wehav enot i
eswhat soever
.
Agent37:
Rightoni
tma'
am!
Hilda:
Agent47,yougoaheadandpur chasethe
housef orLi
am.Hewi l
lmoveintherebefor
ethe
endoft heweek.Thatwil
lbeal
l.Thankyoufor
today.

[
Shest
andsupandwal
kout
.Herni
njassoon
f
oll
owherout
.]
_
___
___
___
___
___
NARRATED
CLUBTHOMPSONFACI
LITY

Li
am:
Youhat
ethi
spl
ace.Whatar
eyouev
en
doi
ngher
e?

[Li
am cont inuest onagBr ianastheypul li
nthe
pri
vat
epar kingofCl ubThompson.A Cl ubwi t
h
abigfaci l
itysurroundedbyal ar
gescr eenwall.
TheClubi sj ustfewki l
omet ersout
sidet hecit
y,
andopenf oronl yitsspecialmember s,whogo
thr
oughscr eeningbef oretheyareenrolledas
member s.Thecl ubi swellknownforbei ng
usedbypower fulmenandwomenoft he
count
ry .Thecl ubi sdiscreetandsome
member schooset owearmaskst ohi dethei
r
i
denti
tiesi nside.]

Br
ian:
Whyar
eyouev
enher
e?
Li
am: Tokeepyoucompany
.Tot
alksome
sensesi
ntoyou.
Bri
an:Ify
ouaregoi
ngtotal
kaboutNal
edi
i
suggestyour
emainbehi
ndorwegoseparat
e
way
s.
Li
am: Ar
eyoui
ntendi
ngonfixi
ngthi
ngs?For
heav
ensakeBr
ianthegi
rli
sleavi
ngonfri
day.
Br
ian:
Shei
sbet
teroffwit
houtme,shewi
l
l
meetamanwhoisnotfu**edupl
i
keme.
Li
am:
Youar
ejustt
hrowi
ngi
nthet
owel
li
ket
hat
?
Bri
an:Yes!Idon'
twantNaledi'
sbloodonmy
handsli
keAmber .Youofallpeopl
eshoul
dget
whereiam comingfrom.
Li
am: Mawontkil
lNaledi
,shel
ovesherl
i
kea
daught
er.Youar
ejustbei
ngacoward.
Bri
an:Sheistooi
nnocentf
oral
loft
his.Our
famil
yisfu*
*edupLiam.

[Theyweart hei
rmaskanduset hefamily
entrance.Astheywal ksi
nsi
de,Brian'
seyesland
onagi rlwhoisont opoftheoldmanr idi
nghim
l
ikenoone' sbusiness.Whil
eLiam'seyesland
onaman, whomi ghtbetheirage,whohasa
gi
rlspr
awledoutonat
abl
eshaggi
ngherf
rom
behi
nd.]

Liam:Iam t
ryi
ngt
ocommitt
omygi
rl
fr
iend,
did
youhavetobri
ngmeher
e?
Br
ian:
Inev
eraskedy
out
ocomewi
thme?
Liam:Youknowwhatbaffl
esmei st
hatevery
ti
mewecomeher e,
youjustsi
tthereandwatch,
younevershaganyoft
hem orallowthem to
touchyou.

[Br
ianignoreshim andwal ktot hebar,the
barmanf i
xeshi m aJackDani elandhesi ts
downwat chi
ngal lt
hesexual act i
vi
ties
happening.ClubThompsoni saexcl usi
v e
expensiveclub,wher ethebigboy sandci ty
rol
ler
sr el
ievetheirsexual f
antasies.Thecl ub
haswor kers,bothwomenandmenwhopl ease
thecli
ents.Noshy i
ngar ound,theydoi tinan
open,t
herearecl
ient
sli
keBr
ian,
whonev
er
engagejustcomeheret
owatch.
Thent herear eclientslikeLi am, whocanthol d
themsel ves,butdi gdeeperi ntotheirpocket s
togetasui tewi thamor ereser vedl adyto
satisf
yt heirhunger .Thent her ear eclientswho
haveundy inghungerbutcan' taffordt hepr i
vate
suitessot heyj ustgr i
ndt heirpartner sinthe
openwi thspect ators.Theot herclients,j
ust
comef orlitt
letease, alapdancenot hingmor e
nothingel se.ClubThompsoni sownedbyt he
Thompson' s,itisev erymenandwomen
fantasybutal sot heirdownf allasmostdon' t
knowt hattherear ehi ddencamer ast hatr ecord
everything.TheThompson' suset hisvideost o
blackmai lthosei npowerandt hat'showt hey
stayont op."TheObser verandCl ubT"ar etheir
deadliestweapons. ]

Li
am:
(hel
ooksatBr
ianandcur
ses)Shi
t!Iknew
t
hiswasabadidea.Youcreepandy
oudon'
t
l
ookbother
edbyallt
his.
Br
ian:
Gofi
ndy ourr
elease.Igi
veyouanhouror
el
seyouwi
llhi
keforar i
deback.
Li
am:
Iwi
l
lbebacki
nabi
t.

(
Hestandsupandwalkstohi
ssui
tewhil
eBri
an
r
emainsbythebarsi
ppi
nghiswhi
skywhil
e
wat
chingt
hefreeshow!
)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Andwegett
oknowaboutCl
ubT!
HappyVal
ent
inesDay
!
[
06/
02,
16:
07]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t60
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
__
"She'
smyper son.I
fimurderedsomeone,she's
thepersonI
'dcallt
ohel
pmet odragthecorpse
acrossthel
ivi
ngroom.She'smyper son.
"-
Grey'
sAnatomy
_
___
___
___
__
Nal
edi
Tamasane'
Mor
okaHome

[
Isi
tont
hebedasi
packmybags.Thi
sismy
fi
nalnighther
e,myfi
nal ni
ghtwit
hmysibli
ngs
andmymom.Il ookatthem andfeel
emoti
onal.
Iwonderhowt heywil
lsurvi
vewit
houtmefora
7years.Heavenl
yfat
her!Pleasel
ookaft
erthem!
]

Bul
elwa:
Arey
ousur
eyout
ookev
ery
thi
ng?
Nal
edi:Yes!Maiam sur
e.Pl
usmostofmy
cl
othesareinGabor
one.
Bul
elwa:
Iam goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ouNal
edi
.
Naledi
:Sowil
li.Dontworrysooniwil
lbebacki
wil
lbui
ldyouthelargestmansiont
heynever
seenandyouwi l
ll
iveaqueen.
Bul
elwa:Thankyoumylove.Don'
tfor
gety
our
moralswhenyougett
hatside.
Nal
edi
:Nev
er!

(
Acarhor
nsout
side,
ist
andt
opeekout
side.A
mer cedes-benziswaitingfort
hecar,my
brotherLesl i
erunsforwardandopenst hegate.
Istandi nfrontofthehouse,icanfeelmyhear t
l
iteral
lybeat i
ng,fi
l
ledwi t
hhopet hati
tmi ghtbe
Brian,thathef i
nal
lycamet ohissensesand
camef orme.Butmyj awsdr optothegr ound,
eyespopoutwheni seewhost epsoutoft he
car.Noway !)

Nessa:
(laughi
ng)Cl
osey
ourmout
h,y
ouwi
l
l
cat
chfl
ies.

[
Irushforwardandj umponher .Ifeel
overwhelmed,nowor dstodescribehowi am
feel
ing,t
earsfal
lfr
om myey es.Wel ookateach
otheragainandhugl aughi
ng.Shewi pesaway
myt ear
sawayasi wipeawayher s.]

Nessa:
Youst
il
lacr
ybaby
.
Nal
edi
: Idon'
tbel
iev
et his,
whydidn'
tyouwarn
meatleast?Whatisthisyouar
ewal ki
ng?How
l
onghav eyoubeenback?
Nessa:
(r
oll
inghereyes)Babe!Calm down.Take
adeepbreath.Ij
ustgother
et odayandicame
st
rai
ghthere.Nowletmegogr eetmom.

[
Iwat chasshewal kstomom andshar e
greeti
ngs.Soontheyaresittedi
ntheliv
ing
room chatti
ngwhileiwrap-uppacki
ng,i am
l
eav i
ngt oPalapy
etonightandproceedingto
Gabor onethenextday.
]

Bulel
wa:
Naledi
!Fi
nishpacki
ngquickl
yyou
knowhowtheroadisful
lofl
ivest
ockatni
ght
.
Nal
edi
:Iam done!
Bul
elwa:
Youshoul
dgetgoi
ngbef
orei
tget
s
dar
k.
Nal
edi
:Whydoi
feel
li
key
ouar
echasi
ngme
away
?
Bul
elwa:
Iwantt
ofi
nisht
hegoodby
esqui
ck.
Naledi
:(i
hugher
)Don'
twor
ryma!Thi
sisnota
goodbyeiwi
ll
beback.

[
Igoontohugmyy
oungerbr
otherLesl
i
eand
Kgosi
.]

Naledi
:Ihaveagiftf
oryouinyourbedr
oom,
underthebed.Openitaf
teril
eave.

[It
ellherasNessadr
ivesout.Wearebot
h
sil
entuntil
shejoi
nst
hemai nroad.
]

Nessa:
( t
ouchingmyhand)Don'
twor
ryMa!Wi
l
l
l
ookafterthem.
Nal
edi:
Ioweyouandy
ourmom,myl
i
fe.Your
f
amilyi
sdoi
ngsomuchforme.
Nessa:Theyareyourfamil
yjustli
keyour
sis
mine.Iknowy ouwanttocryjustwai
tunti
lwe
getcheckinatMajest
ic5hotel t
henyoucancry
onthewaywant ,(
patt
inghershoulder
)icame
hereforthat
.

[
Ilookatherandlaugh.Howevert
wohours
l
ater,
truetoherwords,wear
ewear i
ngthehotel
bathropesandiam cryi
ngonhershoul
der.]

Nessa:
Don'twor
ryaboutmybrotheribr
ought
al
lmyrif
les,
iam goi
ngtotakecareofhi
sugly
ass.
Nal
edi
:Il
ovehi
m Nessa!
Nessa:
Iknowandhel
ovesyoutoo.Heisj
ust
bei
nghim asal
way
shavi
nghismenstr
ual
moods.
Naledi
:Enoughaboutmysoggyst
oryowantt
o
hearal
laboutyou.
Nessa:Gosh!Wheredoievenstar
t?Nowe
needachampagnebottleandsomemusict
hen
iwil
ltel
lyoual
labouti
t.

[Il
ookatherassher eachesf orthephoneand
call
sf orroom serv
ice.Ismile,feeli
ngcheered
upandhappy .Nessa,"She'smyper son.Ifi
mur deredsomeone, she'stheper sonI'
dcallto
helpmet odr agthecorpseacr osst heli
vi
ng
room.She' smyper son."]
_
___
___
___
___
___
__
JOY
Jwaneng
Kagi
so'
shouse

[It
hankthetaximanashepul l
sinfrontofhi
s
house.Isear
chthroughthehandbag,unti
lif
ind
thekeys.Thehouseisamesaj ustl
ikei
expect
ed.Iputthebaginthebedroom and
begincleani
ngt
hehouse.Wheniam donei
reachformyphoneandcall
him.
]

Kagi
so:
Mot
howame!
Joy
:Hey
!Wher
ear
eyou?
Kagiso:
Iam st
il
lcaughtupatwor
k.What
's
wrong?
Joy:Well
iwantedtopr
epar
eameal
fory
oubut
thehouseisempty
.
Kagiso:Shi
t!If
orgottobuyfood.Gotothe
shopsandgetev ery
thingneeded,mycard
shouldbeinoneoft hedrawers.
Joy
:Al
ri
ght
!Behomesoon.
Kagi
so:
Okayl
ove.

[Igetthecar
dandr ushoutf
orget
ti
ngmy
phoneinthekit
chencounter
.Whenigetbacki
t
i
salreadydar
k,eventhehouseisdar
kwhich
meanshei snoty
etback.Iputt
hepl
ast
ics
i
nsidethehouseasiswit
chontheli
ght
sandi
j
umpst art
ledasiseeKagi
sosit
ti
ngint
he
ki
tchengosh.]

Joy
:Gosh!Youscar
edme,
whyar
eyousi
tt
ing
i
nthedark?

[Befor
ei knowwhati
shappeni
ng,
ifeel
ahot
slapacrossmycheek.Myrai
semyhandand
touchmycheek.]

Kagiso:DoyoutakemeforafoolJoy?You
thi
nky oucanpl
aymeliketheci
tygir
ls.
Joy
:Whati
shappeni
ng?
Kagiso:
(thr
owingmyphoneatme)Yourfat
her
cal
led,y
ourfut
urei
nlawswanttopaybogadi
thi
sweekend.
Joy
:Icanexpl
ain!

[Hechargesatme,pushi
ngmeagainstthewall
,
hishandslockedar
oundmyneck.Ist
rugglet
o
evenbreath.
]

Kagi
so:Expl
ain!Youwantt
otel
lmeofyourl
i
es.
Iwanty
ououtofmyhouset hi
sinst
ant
.
Joy:
No!Il
oveyouKagi
so.Don'
tthr
owmeout.
I
tisanar
rangedmar
ri
ageiwasgoingt
otel
lyou.
Kagiso:(
squeezi
ngmyt
hroatt
ight
)Tel
lme
exactl
ywhen?Whenyouhavesuckedmedr
y?
Joy
:Hei
sgay
!Idon'
thav
etomar
ryhi
m.

[Hefi
nal
lyl
etmegoandi
crumbl
etot
hegr
ound
cry
ing.
]

Kagi
so:
Liet
omeagai
nandi
wil
lki
l
lyou.
Joy
:Il
ovey
ouandonl
yyouKagi
so.
Kagiso:Getupf r
om there,y
ouar enothingbuta
l
iar.Pickupthatphoneandcal lyourfathertel
l
himt hatyouwillnotbemarryi
ngt hatsuckerin
factdon'twewilldri
vetoyourhomev il
l
aget his
weekendt otell
himf acetoface.Wipeof fthose
crocodil
etears!

(Hef l
i
ckshi stongueashewal ksoutandicry
evenmor e.Icr
yknowingthatthedecisi
oniam
goingtomakei sgoingtocostmeeitherthe
mani lov
eormyf at
her!)

[
06/
02,
16:
08]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t61
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
___
__
"Icar
enotwhatot
hersthi
nkofwhatIdo,butI
carever
ymuchaboutwhatIthi
nk,
whatIdo:
ThatisChar
act
er.
"-Theodor
eRoosevel
t
_
___
___
___
___
__
Busi
Istoodi nfrontofmyapar tmentwear i
ngmy
shortgown, t
owel wr appedinmyhead, sipping
theblackst rongcof fee.Iwaswat chingtheI .T
guywhowassear chingmyv ehicleforanybugs
andhi ddensecr etcamer asincl
udi ngtrackers.
Twooft hem wher ei nsidemyhousesear ching
everycor nerofthehousei ncludingmyphone.
Afterthatwi tch'
sstunt sIneedt omowbe
carefulwi t
hev ery
thingi di
d.Forsomewi l
d
reasoni believeshehasmyhouse, phoneand
carbugged.That '
st heonl yexplanat i
oni can
comeupwi thast owhysheknowssomuch.
Isi
tout
sideandenjoymycoffee.Whyil
ett
he
mendotheirj
oy.Iff
orasecondHilda
Thompsonthoughtiwasj
ustgoingtocompl
y
wit
hherr ul
esthensheclearl
yhasnoi deawhoi
am.Imightbey oungbuti wi
llbeherwor st
ni
ghtmare.Anhourlatertheyfi
nishedtheirj
ob
andpresented3camer asinfr
ontofme.

I
.TGuy
:Thosearetheonl
ycamerasthatwe
f
oundandofcourset
hebuginyourphone.
Busi
:Ar
eyousur
ethat
'sal
loft
hem?
I
.TGuy
:Yesma'
am i
am sur
e.
Busi:
Thankyou.Iwi
l
lwi
ret
hepay
mentt
oyour
accountj
ustnow.
I
.TGuy
:Thanky
ou.

(Iwat
cht hem leavebefor
eiwalkinsidemy
houseandr eachf ort
heoldmodel phonei
boughtyesterday,andcal
lMul
ler.Mynew
pri
vat
einv est
igator.
)
Busi
:Comebyt
hehouse.

(Isayassoonashepi cksupandhungup.I
decidedtousetheoldphonebecauseunl i
ke
thesenewsmar tphonestheycannotbebugged
ortracedeasi
l
y.Ichangei ntosomethi
ng
comf ort
abl
easi waitforhisarr
ival
.2hour
s
l
aterhei si
nmyl iv
ingroom.)

Busi:(
handingoutthepi ctures)That'
sLiam
Dlaminiandthatonei sBr i
anDl amini
.Ineed
youtoinvesti
gatethem f orme.Fi ndwhothey
are,
whoar etheirparents,grandparentseven
thei
rpet'
snamei fy
oumay .
Mul
l
er:
Basi
cal
l
yev
ery
thi
ngoutt
hem!
Busi:Yesever
ythingleavenostoneunt urned,i
wantt oknowwhot heyt
alktobeforetheygot o
bed,whattheyeatf i
rstt
hingi
nthemor ningand
l
ast.Ineedthatinformati
onasiny est
er day.
Mul
l
er:Yesi
wil
lhav
eyouri
nfor
mat
ionby
t
omorr
ow.
Busi
:Youbet
ternotscr
ewmeov erMull
er,
thi
s
ti
mearoundiwon'tt
akeabet
ray
al sol
i
ghtl
y.
Mul
l
er:
Iam notGodwi
n,i
wil
lnotbet
rayy
ou.
Busi:
Youbett
er.Checki
ftheyhav
eany
connect
iont
otheThompsonf ami
ly.
Mul
l
er:
Okaybos'
lady
.Any
thi
ngel
se.
Busi
:Not
hatwi
l
lbeal
l
.

(Hestandsupandwalktothedoorbuti
stop
him asiremembersomethi
ng.
)

Busi
:Wai
t!Ther
eissomet
hingel
se.
Mul
l
er:
Whati
sit
?
Busi:Whi
leyouareati
t,checki
fAmberMeleko
hadanysibl
ings.Ev
enifthepar
ent
sarest
il
l
al
ive?Anyrel
ativ
es?Fr
iends?
Mul
l
er:
Okayi
wil
lbeont
opofi
t.
Busi
:Gr
eat
.

(Isi
pmywi neandcl osemyey esrelaxi
ng
somet hingihav en'
tdoneinalongt i
me.I fHi
l
da
wasbr ingi
ngherbl azingguns,iwi
llneed
someoneonmycor ner.Arel
ati
vetoAmber
wasagr eatideaallineededwasimpl anta
seedandi won'thavet odoanythi
ng.The
doorbellsnappedmeoutofext rav
agantconceit
,
openingmydoorwast hesamedeliveryguy
fr
om lastt i
me. )

Agent00:
Adel
i
ver
yfr
om H.
T!

(Itookthegi
ftbagandslammedthedooron
hisface.Wal
kingtotheli
vi
ngroom i
rippedthe
gif
tbagandt hecontentf
ell
.Amemor ystuck,
a
musk, amember shi
pcardtowhat
,idon'tknow?
Andanoutf
it
,leat
herj
umpsui
twithbl
ackhi
gh
heel
s.It
ookthecardandr
eadit
.)

"DearMsKenosi

Ihopey ouareinagoodshapeev ersi

nceour
l
astencounter.Ithoughtibegenerousenough
tosharethevideowi t
hyou, avi
deowhichin
coldbloodykil
ledyouruncle.Hopeyouenjoy
everybitofi
tli
kei do.

(Leti
tbear
emi
nderwhoi
scal
l
ingt
heshot
s
now)

Iam sureyoumustbecur i
ousaboutthemask,
member shipcardandt heoutfit
.Wellasmy
husband'soff
icialbootycalli
thoughtimay
shareinhiswildesthabits.Weartheoutf
itf
or
him andthemember shipcarshallgr
antyou
accessinsi
de,amaski sfory ouri
denti
ty
prot
ectionthoughidoubtyouneed.The
securi
tyguardswill
escortyout ohi
ssuitewhen
youarri
v et
here.Thedeli
ver
ymanwi ll
bey our
chauff
eurtoourexclusi
veCl ubT!

Hopeyounotdisappoi
ntbutrat
hersat
isf
yhi
m
l
ikeyouhavebeendoingevenwithl
it
tl
e
spect
ator
s.

Lov
e
TheObser
ver
.
H.
T!"

(Iputt
hecarddownmyheadr ingi
ngwith
questi
ons.Whatthehell
isCl
ubTr i
ghtnow?I
guesstherei
sonlyonewaytofindout
.Isayas
iwalktomyroom, wi
ththeout
fiti
nhand.Fi
rsti
needtotakealongbath.)
_
___
___
___
___
___
__
Nessa

(Myparkmycari nfrontofthehouseanddash
i
nside,i
tishardtomi sstheastoni
shedlooks
onthehelper'
sfaces.Iguesstheynever
thoughtt
heywi l
lseemebackonmyf eetagai
n.
Ismileasiproceedtothedinningroom.)

Hi
lda:
Theprodi
galdaught
erf
inal
l
ydeci
dest
o
makeanappear
ance.
Nessa:
(rol
li
ngmyey es)Iguessthewat
chdogs
haveal
readyrepor
tedmyr et
urn.

(
Iwalktoherandgi
v eherahugfol
lowedbymy
f
atherandLi
am.Brianigiv
ehim asmackon
t
heheadbeforeiembracehim.
)
Li
am:Canadai
slovi
ngony ou.Youar
egl
owi
ng
notf
orget
ti
ngbackonyourfeet
.
Nessa:Iwasnotgoingt
obet
iedt
oa
wheelchai
rfor
ever
.
Ni
ck:
Itsgoodt
ohav
eyoubackhome.
Nessa:
Iam notr
eal
l
yback,
ihav
etogobackt
o
i
naweek.
Br
ian:
Imi
ssedy
ourugl
yfacePeaches.
Nessa:
Wishi
coul
dsayt
hesame.
Hil
da:
Wher
eisNal
edi
ithoughty
ouwentt
oget
her
?
Nessa:
Ist
her
enot
hingy
oudon'
tknowmom?
Hil
da:Theydon'
tcal
lmeTheObser
verf
or
nothi
ng.
Nessa:Sheinst
it
edonspendi
ngherl
astnight
i
nBot swana,i
nahotel
.Soidr
oppedherthere.
Li
am:
Wewi
l
lpi
ckhert
omor
rowt
otheai
rpor
t.
Nessa:
Yes!Wel
lsi
ncemom makesi
ther
busi
nessevery
thi
ngt
henshemustknowt
hati
haveadate.
Ni
ck:
Adat
e?Vanessay
ouar
eengaged!
Nessa:(
standi
ngup)Idon'
tneedsuch
negat
ivi
tyi
nmyl i
fer
ightnow.Iwi
llgogetr
eady
.

(Ist
andupandwal ktomyoldbedr
oom.Ri
ght
nowi am j
ustl
ookingfor
war
dt omydat
ewit
h
theGoodDoctor.Nothi
ngel
se!)
_
___
___
___
___
___
Nal
edi

(Isi
tintherestaur antofAquar i
anHot elwai t
ing
forJoytoarrive.Idi dntt
hinkshewi llagreeto
meetwi t
hmebef orei l
eave.Ismil
eandst and
upasi seehermaki ngherwayt ome.Ihugher
beforeweset t
ledown.Shei sput t
ingonshades
whichifindreall
yawkwar di meani tnight,why
wouldshebewear ingshadesatni ght.)
Nal
edi
:Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.
Joy:Youarewel
come.Soy
ouar
eleav
ing
tomorrow?
Nal
edi
:Yesmyf
li
ghti
sschedul
edf
ormi
dday
.
Joy
:Youwerealwaystheambit
iousone
amongstal
lofus.Iam pr
oudNaledi
.
Nal
edi
:ThankyouJoy
.Nowst
opwi
tht
hose
cr
eepygl
asses.

(
Iseehert
enseupandlookaroundbefor
eshe
t
akesofft
hegl
asses.Ablueeye!Igr
asp)

Joy
:If
ell
andhi
tthecor
neroft
het
abl
e.
Nal
edi:That
stheexcuseever
yabusedwoman
gi
ves.Joypl
easedon'tt
ell
meKagisodi
dthi
s.
Joy:Imadehim St
ar,
ifi
didnotl
i
e,hewoul
d
nothaveputhi
shandsonme.
Nal
edi:(
reachingoutforherhand)No!Not
matt
etwhat ,
nomanhast herighttol
ayhands
onyou.Joyifhei sdoi
ngitnow, i
twil
lonl
yget
wor
seleavet hisguybefor
ehedoessomet hi
ng
wor
se.
Joy
:Youdon'
tunder
standSt
ar,
hei
sal
lihav
e
att
hemoment.
Nal
edi
:Noy
ouhav
emeandy
ourf
ather
.
Joy:Youareleavi
ngandmydadwi lldi
sownme
oncehelearnsthatididanabort
ionandgota
fai
landdisconti
nue.Iam suchafai
lure.
Naledi:Youhaditroughbutt hatdoesn'tmake
youaf ail
ure.Rememberi oncet ol
dy outhatwe
makemi st
akesyolearnfrom them.Yourf ather
wil
lbeangr ybuthewi l
lforgi
vey ou,noparent
everturnshisbackonhischi l
d.Nowpi ck
yoursel
fupandmakehi m proud.
Joy:OhStar
!Howi wi
shi
wasasent
husi
ast
ic
aboutl
if
easy ou.
Naledi
:Iam t
heambiti
ousonebutyoualways
beenthestr
ongestoneamongstus.Nowdon't
l
etonebaddecisioni
ny ouli
femakeyouweak.
Youarestr
ongerthanthisJoy.
Joy
:Thanky
ouf
ory
ourf
ait
hinme.
Naledi
:Pr
omiseme,y
ouwil
ll
eav
ethi
sKagi
so
guybefor
ehekil
l
syouJoy
.
Joy
:Ipr
omi
se.
Nal
edi
:Thanky
ou.Nowcani
hugmyf
ri
end.
Joy
:Ofcour
se.Iam goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ouSt
ar.
Naledi
:Iwil
lmissyoualso,
youaremyf r
iend
Joyandi hopetoneverl
oseyoubecausei l
ove
you.
Joy
:Youwi
l
lnev
erl
oseme.
(Ihugheroncemore.Heavenl
yfat
her
!Mayyou
pleasepr
otectmyfr
iendJoyinmyabsence.
Mayy oubeherguardi
anangel.
)
[
06/
02,
16:
08]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t62
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
__
"
What ev
ergoodf
ory
oursoul
..
..
.dot
hat
.-
Unknown
_
___
___
___
__
Nessa
Iglanceatmywatchoncemore,mypati
ence
reall
yweari
ngt
hin.Ireachf
ormyphoneand
dialhi
snumber
,hepicksupaft
erthethi
rdri
ng.)

Dr
:Peaches!
Nessa:
Don'
ttel
lmei
am bei
ngst
oodupr
ight
now.
Dr:
Ifor
gott
ogi
vey
ouar
ing.Iam on-
cal
l
t
onight
!
Nessa:
Ohr
eal
l
y?Howaboutt
omor
rowni
ght
?
Dr:
Samethi
ngi
nfacti
am on-
cal
lfort
henext
t
woweeks.
Nessa:
Howv
eryunf
ort
unat
e!
Ace:
Iknow!Looki
needt
oat
tendt
oapat
ient
.

(Hehangsup.Ismi letomy self,

"Ver ynice
mov ef rom ourcut edoct or
."Pettysay sasshe
crossesherar ms." Wecannotacceptdef eat
j
usty etPet ,ifhecan' tcomef ordi nnerwe
shoul dbr ingdi nnertohim."Isayasi standup.I
hav emycl awsont hegooddoct orandi am not
givingupwi t
houtaf i
ght.Anhourand30
mi nut esl ateri pulli
nf r
ontoft hehospi tal.
Get ti
ngt hef reshf l
ower sandt hepi cnicbasketi
makemywayi nsi
de.Ther eceptionistlady
smi lesatmer ecogni si
ngme, bef oreshet el
l
s
mei wi l
lfindhi mi nsurgerybutwi l
lbeoutwi n
20mi nut es.Thatgi vesmeenought i
met o
prepar e.Imakemywayt ohisof fi
ceandl ay
blanketdownt hensetourdi nner.Ilightcandl es
andputt
her
osesi
naj
ar.
)

Nessa:
Youcan'
tcomef
ordi
nnersoIbr
ought
di
nnertoy
ou.
.

(Isayastheminutehest
epsi
nhi
soff
ice.He
l
ookst ot
all
yastoni
shedt
oseemeher
e.Ilook
athim smugly)

Ace:
Yousuchani
nter
est
ingy
oungl
ady
.
Nessa:Soihav
ebeentol
d.Socaninowhav
e
mydinnernowwit
hthegooddoct
or.
Ace:
Looksl
i
kei
don'
thav
eachoi
ce.

(Hesay
sashesi t
snextt
omeontheblanket
.I
ser
vehim hi
sfoodbef
oreit
akemypl
ate.)
Ace:
Thanky
ou!
Nessa:
For
?
Ace:
Theni cef
ood,it
sgoodt
ohav
eabr
eak
fr
om thehospi
tal
junk.
Nessa:
Youar
ewel
come.
Ace:
Nes.
..
..
!
Nessa: (
iputmyf i
ngerofhislips.)Iknow!You
donthav etosayi t
.Ithi
nki heardy outhefir
st
ti
me, howev erirefuset oj
ustgi veup.Idon't
knowi fiwillsti
l
l befeeli
nglikethisafteriget
my4y earsinCanadabuti fido, andy ouare
sti
ll
unmar r
iedi wanty outoknowt hatiwil
lbe
comingf ory ouwi t
hev ery
thingi got.
Ace:
(smi
ll
ing)Youar
etr
ulyhi
syoungersi
ster
,
youj
ustl
i
kehim.
Nessa:
Itst
heThompsonblood.Soyoubet
ter
makesureyoumarr
yorelseiam goi
ngtot
ake
youandmakeyoumine.
Ace:
4year
sisal
ongt
ime,
ithi
nky
ouwi
l
lfi
nda
guyi
nCanada.
Nessa:
DontbesosureDoc!Idontj
ustgo
gi
vingmyhear
ttounwort
hypeople.
Ace:
Inot
herwor
dsi
am wor
thyofy
ourhear
t.
Nessa:
Ib.
..

(Inevergott
oanswerhisquesti
on,hi
spager
vibr
atedannounci
ngthatheisneededint
he
emer gencyr
oom.)

Ace:
Hol
dont
othatanswer
!
Nessa:
(ilookathim sadl
y)GoonGooddoct
or,
theworl
dneedsy ou.Looksli
ket
hisi
sour
goodby
e.

(Hestandsupandpul
lsmeupal so.Heputhis
handsaroundmywaistandiputminearound
hisneckaswehug.Icoul
dfeelhiswarm br
eath
i
nt hevicinit
yofmyrightear.Hepul l
edbackbut
toonlycov ermymout hwithhis,butterf
li
es
fl
utteri
nmyst omachandmykneeswobbl e,i
am gladhi shandsareholdi
ngme.Idon' ttrust
myf eet
.Whenhepul l
sawayl ooksatmebef ore
tur
ningandr unni
ngoutoftheoffice.Itouchmy
l
ips,asi closemyeyes."OhPet t
y,ithinkihav e
fal
lenforhi m.")
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Nal
edi
'
sPOV
TheNextDay
Si
rSer
etseKhamaAi
rpor
t

Igl
anceatt hem again.Ihadhopedt hatatl
east
hewouldcomet osaygoodby e.Thi
sis
supposedtobet hehappiestdayofmyl i
febut
myhear ti
sbr eakingi
ntopi eces.

Li
am:
Youl
ookl
i
key
ouar
eat
tendi
ngy
ourown
f
uner
al.
Hil
da:LeaveheraloneLi
am!ComeonNessal
et
ustakepict
ures.
Joy:
IthoughtDrDl
amini
,wasgoi
ngt
ocome
al
sotosayhisgoodby
e.
Nessa:
Don'
tspoilourmoodwitht
hatl
oser
.
St
ardoesnotneedhisgoodby
e.

(Il
ookatherandif
inal
lyletgooft
hetear
si
havebeenholdi
ngi
nside.Hil
dahugsme,unt
ili
fi
nish.)

Nal
edi
:Iam sor
ryi dontknowwhyi
am bei
ng
anemoti
onalwreck.
Hi
lda:
Itsokay.Youar
eal
l
owedt
oyour
momentsalso.
Nal
edi
:Iam goi
ngt
omi
ssy
oual
l
.
Hi
l
da:
Wewi
l
lmi
ssy
oual
so.Gomakeuspr
oud
DrMor
oka!

(
Ihugt
hem oncemor
e.)

Nal
edi
:(huggi
ngJoy
)Don'
tfor
getaboutwhat
wetal
kedabout.
Joy
:Iwon'
t!Thanky
ouf
orl
astni
ght
.
Nal
edi
:Anyt
ime.

(
Imov
eont
oNessa)

Naledi
:Youbetterbeonmyf
aceal
lthet
ime
l
ikeyoupromised.
Nessa:Yes!Iam i
ntendi
ngonkeepi
ngt
hat
pr
omi se.
Naledi
:Pl
easebehappyfrom nowon,
iam t
ir
ed
ofhavi
nganunhappyfr
iend.
Nessa:
Justl
ookwhoi
stal
ki
ng.

(
Webot
hlaugh.Imov
eont
oLi
am!)

Naledi
:Iam def
ini
tel
ygoi
ngt
omi
ssy
ourl
ousy
ass.
Li
am:Iam goingt
omi ssyourhorr
ibl
ecompany
andt
easi
ngy ouatthefamil
ydinner.
Nal
edi
:Pl
easet
akecareofhim,andtel
lhi
m
t
hatnomatt
erwhati
willal
wayslovehi
m.
Li
am:
Hei
ssuchal
uckybast
ard.Don'
tfai
nt.
Nal
edi
:(puzzl
ed)Whatdoy
oumean?
Li
am:
(smi
rks)Not
hing!(
Hewi
nks)

(Heisactingstrange.Ilookov ermyshoul derat

them again,asidisappearthrought heterminal
.
Tearsaref ol
lowingfrom myey esasi boardthe
plane.Theybookedmeaf i
rstcl assseat,The
personnexttomehasanewspapercov eri
ng
hi
s/ herfacesoi j
ustsitdown,andconti
nue
sobbing.Ibuckleup,asinstr
ucted,cl
osemy
eyesasi wai
tforthetakeoff.Oncewetakeoff
iremov ethebelt.
)

Hi
m:(removi
ngthenewspaper
)Youar
esucha
cr
ybabyforsomeonewhowill
beDrDlamini
?
Ar
eyougoingtocrydur
ingt
hewholej
ourner
y?

(
Inaspeedofabol
titur
nandmyey esmeet
wi
ththebi
gambereyes.Hi
spinki
shli
pst
urn
i
ntoasmir
k.Ibl
i
nkafewt i
mes!)

Nal
edi
:Whatar
..
.

(
Idon'tf
ini
shashepul
lsmei nhi
slapandhugs
me,bury
inghi
snoseinthenapeofneck.
)
[
06/
02,
16:
08]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t63
_
___
___
___
___
"He'
smoremy sel
fthanIam.What
everour
soul
saremadeof ,
hisandminearethesame."
-Emil
yBront
e
_
___
___
___
__
Nal
edi

(Ipullbackandstudyhim ster
nly.Blinkingback
myt ears,hesmil
esbuti cantell
t hatitsfake.I
f
ididn'
tknow betteriwouldsayhei sner v
ous.I
reachupandusi ngmyf i
ngeritracehi s
perfectl
yali
gnedaquil
inenose,bef orei pokehis
cheekf ol
lowedbyhisforehead.Ineedsome
kindofassurancethatindeedthisisnota
dream.)
Br
ian:
Youar
enotdr
eami
ng!

(Ii
gnorehim andcont
inuepokinghi
m.He
gentl
ytakesmyhandandki ssesit
.)

Br
ian:
Iti
sreal
l
yme,
youcanst
oppoki
ngme.

(Lazi
lyi
beathi
m onhischest
,fi
staf
terf
ist
,the
pent-
uptear
sfi
nal
lyf
indrel
ease.
)

Naledi:
(cryi
ng)Youjer k!Youar
rogantj
erk,
you
emot i
onlessjerk,
doy ouhaveanyideawhat
youputmet hrough?

(Hegrabsmeandl ocksmebetweenhischest
andarms.It hr
utchmyl i
pst
ogethertoavoi
d
screamingatthetopofmylungslikemyhear t
yearnst
o, sadtosay,asobmanagest oescape.)
Bri
an:(
whi
speri
ngsof
tl
y)Iam sor
ryBabycakes.
Deepl
ysor
ry!

(Heplantsasoftki
ssofmyf orehead.Fora
l
ongt i
mewer emai ncl
ampedt ogether,noone
mov i
ng,nowordsexchanged.Hischest, hi
s
arms,hiscol
ogneinfactevery
thingabouthim
feel
shome.Wheni fi
nall
ygetmysensesback, i
mov emyhead, andatt
empttomov ebackto
myseathowev erhewr apsar
msar oundmy
waist,
locki
ngmei nplace.Hi
sheadr est
sonmy
back)

Nal
edi
:(hoar
sel
y)Letmego.
Bri
an:Thecrybabyisgone, nowherecomes
thedramaqueen.Idon'tthi
nkicanletgonot
aft
ery oumademel ooklikeanabusiv
e
boyfr
iendinpeopl
e'
sey es.
Nal
edi
:LetmegoBr
ianDl
ami
ni.

(Iturntof acehim sohecanseej usthow

seriousi am barmyat t
emptallgoesinvai
n
whenhel ookedatmeamusedbef oresmil
ing,
a
genuinehear twarmingsmile,
thatmakesmy
brainfrenzy .Howi wishhedidnothavean
unameabl eef f
ectonme. )

Bri
an:Youlookli
kesomeonewhohasbeen
cry
ingforalostl
over
,yourf
acei
sfull
ofstr
eaks
becauseofthedri
edtear
sandyoureyesar
e
sunkenwit
hbags.
Nal
edi
:Ar
eyo.
..
..
!
Bri
an:
(int
err
upt
ingmebybr
ushi
nghi
sli
ps
acr
ossmine)Il
oveyou.

(Unexpectedlyahiccupcomesup,stomach
butt
erfl
ies,icanfeelmycheeksheatup.Dar
n
hi
m!)

Nal
edi:
(stummer
ing)wha.
..
.wha.
..whatdi
dyou
j
ustsay?
Br
ian:Youhear
dmet
hefir
stt
imebutbecausei
am i
ngoodmoodiwi
llr
epeat
,il
oveyou.
Nal
edi
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?.
Br
ian:
Iam sendi
ngmygi
rlof
f.
Nal
edi
:(whi
sper
ing)webr
okeup!
Bri
an:Nowedidnot,i
twasabr
eaksowecan
getourheadsr
ight
.
Nal
edi
:Di
dyougety
our
sri
ght
?
Bri
an:Yesidid,andnowi knowlif
ewithoutyou
i
sjustoneabi gfatli
e.Idon'
tknowabouty ou
babycakes,butinevereverwanttospend
anothermonthmi ser
ablewit
houtyou.
Nal
edi
:Il
ovey
ou.Ij
ustwishyoucoul
dopen
upt
omeasmuchasi opentoyou.
Bri
an:Iwi
l
ltel
lyoual
lthatyouwantt
onow.I
can'
tl
etmypastcomebet weenusagai
n.
Naledi
:Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ngaf
terme.Il
ove
you.
Br
ian:
Iknow!Thanky
ouf
orwai
ti
ngf
orme.
Ambe..
..
..
..
.

(
Iputmyf
ingeracr
osshi
sli
ps.
)

Nal
edi
:Let
stal
kwhenwer
eachCuba!
Br
ian:
Whosai
diam goi
ngt
oCuba?
Nal
edi
:Iam notl
ett
ingy
ougo!Notagai
n.
Br
ian:
(amused)Ohr
eal
l
y?
Nal
edi
:Yes!

(
Ithr
owmyhandaroundhi
m andhughi
m.The
l
ookinourey
es,
andthewar
mthofthehug
speaksl oudert
hananywords.If
inal
l
y
understandourconnecti
on,"
he'
smor emysel
f
thanIam.What ev
eroursoul
saremadeof,hi
s
andmi near ethesame."-Emil
yBronte)
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
BUSI

(Myey eskeepdar t
ingtot heout fitont opofmy
arm chair.Welligotcoldf eetlastni ghtabout
goingt owhateverClubTi s.Thel asttimeHi lda,
thewi t
chinvi
tedmet oapl ace,i becamea
mur derer
.Nonethelessi can'thelpbecur ious
aboutwhatCl ubTcoul dbe.Ir eachf ormy
phoneandsendbot hNi ckandLi am messages
l
ettingthem knowt hatiam occupi edt onight.I
weart heoutfi
twhichsui tsmev erywel l.
Lookingmy selfonceagai ninthemi rror,itake
themask, entr
ancecar dandmycarkey s.What
doi havetolose?May bei cangai nsomesor t
ofleverageoverHildaatt hisclubofher s.
Putt
ingonthemaskiwal
kinsi
de,
myjaws
l
it
erall
ydropt
othegr
oundwhenireal
i
sewhati
havewalkedi
n.)

Att
endee:
Madam Tr
ix,
wehav
ebeenexpect
ing
you.

(
Ilookar
oundbef
orel
ooki
ngbackatheragai
n.)

Busi
:Tal
ki
ngt
ome?
At
tendee:
Yes!Pl
easef
oll
owme.

(Ifol
lowherbarmyey esaregl
uedt othe
festi
vit
iesgoingaroundinthi
splace.Justwhat
i
st hisplace?Sheleadsmet oseatsinthe
balconyar ea,
wit
habot tl
eofchardonnayshe
l
eav esmeenj oythefesti
vi
ti
es.istandupand
l
ookdown, myeyeslandontheguywhohas
theladyinboundage, herhandsandl egsar e
cuffedtothesides,l
eav i
ngherv ul
nerable,
exposed,iwatchast heguyspanksherass,
beforeshovinghispistolalli
nsi
deher .Myey es
dartfrom t
hem toanot hereroti
cscene, t
helady
i
swi thtwoguy s,anotheronei sdr
il
li
ngher
ftom behi
ndwhi l
etheot heronehashi spi
stol
onhermout hgaggi
ngher .Myinsi
desswel lup,i
pressmyl egstogether.)

Hi
l
da:
Ani
nter
est
ingpl
acer
ight
?
Busi
:Whati
sthi
spl
ace?
Hi
lda:Wel
comet oClubThompson,
aplace
whereal
lyourer
oti
cdreamscometrue.
Busi
:Whoar
eal
lthesepeopl
e?
Hil
da:Thecli
entel
e,comei wi
llgi
veyouat our.
Thelowergroundasy oucanseeisforallour
cl
ient
s,whocannotaf f
ordsui
tes,t
heyjustshag
downthere.Theyaregivenmaskstoprotect
theiridenti
ty ,aswel lasfakei dentityl
ikey ours
Madam Tr ix.Thenwehav et heclientswho
respectt heirprivacy ,whoar ewi l
li
ngt opayany
amountj ustt ohav esomepr ivacy,thoseones
uset hesui tes.Eachsui t
ei smadeaccor dingto
theneedsanddesi resoft heclients.Weal so
hav ethekar masui tra,wit
hoursexgur usin
theret oteachcoupl eswhowal kinher e,
thear t
ofmaki nglov e.Andt heharem suit,asuitf ul
lof
allkindsoff antasylov er
sy oucanwi shfor .

Busi:Wow!Inev
ert
houghtt
her
ecoul
dbesuch
aplace.
Hi
lda:
Every
thi
ngispossibl
e.Thi
sCl
ubi
soneof
t
hefamil
ydeadli
estweapons.
Busi
:How?
Hil
da:Justknowthati
tisoutdeadl
i
est
possessi
on.Sofeelf
reetoexpl
ore,
please
excuseme.
(Sheturnsandst art
swal kingawayassoonas
sheisoutofsi ght ,igulpdownt hewi neint he
glassandr usht omycarbef orei l
osemysani ty
.
Ipourwat erovermybody ,thisplacei s
dangerousf ormywel l-beingandt hehuman
specieyeti f
eel soat tr
act edt oit
,somet hing
aboutitdrawsy oursoul i
n.Il ookatitusi ngthe
rearmirrorasi driveout .May beitwassucha
badideat ocomeher e, howi am i t
osl eepat
night
,knowi ngthispl aceexi st ,Godknowshow
manyf antasiesi have, nowt hisdanger ous
placeexistforallmyf antasies!)
[
06/
02,
16:
09]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t64
_
___
___
___
__
"
Adamet hatknowst
her
opes,
isn'
tl
ikel
ytoget
t
iedup."-MaeWest
_
___
___
___
__
Joy
'sPOV

Themor eweappr oachedmyf ather '

s
homest eadthemor ei gotappr ehensiveand
anxious,ikeptfi
dgeti
ngwi thmyf ingers,
nervousasacat .Aswef inallypulledinfrontof
thehouse, Igl
ancedatt heot hercar sparked
there,i
tlooksli
ketheThupehav eal r
eady
arri
ved.May beNaledi wasrighti shouldjustlet
Kagisogo.Asi fhesensesmyhesi tancy,he
reachesf ormyhand, ourfi
nger sinterlockand
hegi v
esmel i
ghtsqueeze.

Kagi
so:
Don'
twor
ryi
am r
ightbesi
dey
ou.

(Il
ookathim andsmi l
e.Insi
demethereisa
battl
e,aconfl
i
ctwhi chi knowiwi
l
llosejustl
ike
iknowwhat everdecisi
oni maket
odaywi l
lnot
onlyaff
ectmyf utur
ebutmywhol elif
e.Naledi
sai
di havethepowerinmyhands,i can
confesstomydadandst artover.Iwishthi
ngs
wereassimpleasshet hinks.IholdKagiso'
s
handaswewal kinsi
det hehouse.Myf at
her
walkstomebeami ngwi t
hsmi les,heengulfme
wit
hhi sbi
garms,giv
ingmeat i
ghtsqueezehug.
)

Hendr
ick:
Bena!Gl
ady
oucoul
dmakei
tint
ime.

(Irol
lmyey es,
wearebacktot
heBena
nickname.Inoti
cehi
seyesdar
tfr
om met
o
Kagiso.
)

Hendr
ick:
MrMeleko,
iwasnotawar
ethatwe
meeti
ngtoday
.

Kagi
so:
NoSi
r!Wel
..
..
.
Joy
:Heaccompani
edme.

(Thereisabi
tconf
usi
oni
nfat
her
'sey
esbuthe
hidesitawar
e.)

Hendrick:Wel
lthanky ouforgi
vingmyBenaa
ri
de,Benacomey ourinlawsarewaiti
ngto
meety ou.Maybef i
rstyoushoul
dgot oyour
room andchange.Ma' Mav i
shasalr
eady
prepar
edanout fi
tfory ou.

(Inodmyheadandgot omyr oom, wherei

changei nadr ess,aheadscar fandsandals.
Joiningtheguest sintheli
vi
ngr oom Ichant
greetings.Bef
or eisitdown,i
giv eLeati
l
ea
sternlook,tal
kaboutabi ghypocr i
te.
)
Moemedi:I
tissuchagreatpl
easur
etof
inal
l
y
meetourpr
omi sedbr
ide.

Hendr
ick:
Youar
eal
way
swel
come.

Joy
:Dadcani
saysomet
hing?

Moemedi
:Goaheadmydear
.

Joy
:If
ail
tounder
standwhyi
hav
etomar
rya
manwhogay.

Hendr
ick:
(war
ningl
y)Joy
?

Joy:Nodad!Ineedtoknowwhyyouarekeen
onmarryi
ngmeof ft
oamanwhohaspublicl
y
showedhisint
eresti
nman.Ar
eyoutry
ingto
t
urnmei
ntoal
aughi
ngst
ock?

Fati
ma: Mysonisabi
sexual
gir
l,notgay
!Get
yourfact
sri
ght.

Joy:Wow!Soy
ouknow?Yety
ouar
eher
e
kee.
..
..
.

Hendr
ick:
(angr
il
y)Joy
ous!

Joy
:Fathery
oudonotseem surpr
isedbywhati
j
ustsai
d,inf
actnonei
fyouare.Whichmakes
mewonderifyouknewthatmysuitori
sgay
.

Hendri
ck:Whetherheisgayornot,youwil
lbe
hi
swife,youwil
lprovi
deanheirthatwil
lone
dayascendthechief
tancyseat
.
Leati
le:Seei
ngthaty ouhav
efai
ledatUBand
workinginaresturant,
youcanqui
tthej
ob
becauseoncey oumar ri
edtomey ounever
everhavetowor ryaboutmoney.

Hendri
ck:Wai
t!Di
dyoujustsayshef
ail
ed?Joy
whatishetal
ki
ngabout
?Isawy ourr
esult
s,y
ou
passed.

Joy
: (
myey esdroptotheground)Theresult
s
werefake,
ifai
ledhal
fofmymodul eswhichis
anult
imatefai
landdiscont
inue.

Hendr
ick:
Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?

Joy:
Iguessthi
sisalsot
heti
met oconf
essthat
il
ostmyinnocenceandcommit
tedanabort
ion.
(
Myf
atherl
ooksatmedi
sappoi
nted.
)

Moemedi:Looksli
kewewil
lhav
etogiveyou
someti
met otal
k,wewil
lcomebackonceyour
housei
sinorder.

Joy:
Wai t
!Cutt
ingdownt othechaseand
avoi
dingwasti
ngeveryone'
stimei wi
l
lnotbe
marry
ingyourson,ir
efusetobetieddowntoa
l
ovel
essmar r
iageespecial
l
ytoamanwhoi s
bi
sexual.

Hendr
ick:
Whatdoy
ouknowaboutl
ove?

Joy:Iknowalotf
ather
.Il
oveKagiso,
iaskf
or
yourblessi
ngt
obewi t
hhi
mi nst
eadofLeat
il
e.

Hendr
ick:
Kagi
so,
youmeanMrMel
eko.
(
Inodmyhead.
)

Hendr
ick:
Never
,iwi
l
lnotgi
vey
ouawayt
othat
t
huginasuit
.

Joy:Iam sor
rydaddy
,il
ovehi
mi fyoucan
accepthi
m asmymant heniam goingt
oleav
e
wit
hhi m.

Hendri
ck: JoyousBenaPheko,i
fyouleavewi
th
thatman, i
fyouwalkoutofthathousedon'
t
everbothercomingback.You'
llbedeadtome,
nolongermydaught er
.

Moemedi
:Hend.
..
.

Hendr
ick:
(int
err
upt
inghi
m)No!Ir
efuset
orai
se
aharl
oti
nmyhouse.Adel
i
nquentchi
l
dwho
def
iesmyrul
es.

Kagi
so:
Joyar
eyoudone?

(Tearsstr
eamingdownmyf aceandl
ookathi
m
standingbyt
hedoor.Inodmyhead.)

Joy
:Iam sor
rydaddy
!

(ist
andupandkisshi
scheek.Hehol
dmy
handandil
ookathim.
)

Hendr
ick:
Joy
!Don'
tgo.Ibegy
ou.

Joy
:iam sor
rydaddy
.
(Il
oosenhisgri
ponmyhandandwalkt o
Kagisowhoushersmetothecar
.Mydadst eps
outsi
delooki
ngatmewithasadexpressi
on.A
sadexpressi
onwhichi
onlysawonceinhis
enti
reli
fet
imewhenmom passedaway .
)

Hendr
ick:Bena!Don'tmakemedot hi
smychil
d.
Imeanit,
ifyouleavewiththatguy
,don'tev
er
bot
hercomi ngbacktothishome.

Joy
:(l
ooki
ngatKagi
so)Letusgo!

(Hedrivesoutofthehomest eadwhil
eiwatch
i
nt herearmirr
orasmyf atherdropstothe
groundweeping.Iam sosorrydaddy.Iam sor
ry
Starbutican'
tli
vewithouthim.)
_____
______
______
____
___
NARRATED
[Hil
dawal ksinthebui l
dinginherusual out
fit
,
l
ongboot l
eggedf ormal tr
ousers,blackpol ar
neck, blackplat
for m pumpheel s, alongbl ack
coat,ahatandherf av ouri
teblackl eather
gloves.Shehummedherf avouri
tesong" You
wai t
edbyTr avi
sGr eene", asshewal ked
throught hesecur i
tyoff l
oor16, theyst andup
asshewal kedi
nenor mousexqui site
boardr oom.Taki ngofhergl oves, hatandcoat .
Shesi tsdownandl ooksatt hem.]

Hi
l
da:
Beseat
edgent
lemen.

Agent67:
Thegi
rlf
ell
righti
ntot
het
rapl
i
key
ou
pr
edict
ed.

Hi
l
da:
Shehi
redy
ouAgent5ast
heP.
I?

Agent5:
Yesma'
am.
Hi
lda:
Well
done.Agent37havey
ouprovi
ded
hi
m wit
hal
lthei
nfor
mationonBr
ianandLi
am?

Agent37:Yesaful
lrepor
tisr
eadyf
orAgent5
orshoul
di sayMul
ler.

Hil
da:Welldonegent
lemen.Looksli
keourpet
wantstolearnt
hehardwaysol etgi
veherwhat
shewants."Hangwanaalelel
alegodu,
olemo
neel
e."

Agent40:Ihaveaquest
ion.Howdi
dyouknow
shewil
lfal
lint
othetr
ap?

Hilda:Sheisstil
lalear
ner,i
tisqui
teeasyto
predicthermov es.MaeWestoncesai d,"
A
damet hatknowstheropes,i
sn'tl
i
kel
ytoget
t
iedup."shei
sst
il
lyett
olear
nther
opesf
ir
st.

Agent5:
Ohifor
got
,shewant
sinf
ormat
ionon
Amber'
sfami
l
ymember s.

Hilda:Giveheral
l shewant ,
ifiam cor
rectshe
want ssomeonei nt hefamil
ytobackherup.
SheandKagi sowillmakeper f
ectt
eam since
theybotheagert obr i
ngmedown.Connect
them, i
twillbebettertokil
ltwobir
dswithjust
onest one.

Agent67:
Arey
ousur
ethat
'sawi
semov
e
Ma'am?

Hi
lda:Don'
tworr
y,igott
his.Now96tel
lme
whereBri
anis?IhopeheisnotatCl
ubTagai
n.
Agent96:
They
oungmast
eri
bel
i
evei
swi
thMs
Naledi
.

Hi
lda:
Whatareyout
alki
ngabout
?Nal
edi
lef
t
t
hisaf
ter
noon.

Agent96:
Yest
heyar
efl
yi
ngt
oget
heri
bel
i
eve
so.

Hi
lda:(smi
l
li
ng)Heisget
ti
ngbett
eratt
his.
Fi
nall
yprovi
ngtobeaThompson.

Nessa:Sot
hisi
sit
?Fl
oor16?(
nodi
ngherhead)
notbadMa.

(Theyl
if
tthei
reyestolookatherasshestands
bythedoordressedl
ikehermotherhowever
sheisputt
ingonabikersj
acket,
anklepl
atfor
m
boatsandti
ghtj
eans.Shestepsi
nsi
de
scanni
ngthesur
roundings.)

Hi
lda:(
calmly)Leav
ethehat
,gl
assesand
gl
ovesthere.

(
Shedoesasinst
ruct
edandwalksinther
oom,
t
hemenintheroom st
andupagain.
)

Hi
l
da:
Howdi
dyougeti
nher
e?

Li
am:
Gui
l
tyaschar
ged.

(Hesay sashewalksinside,i
nasimil
arl
youtfi
t,
bikers,
jacket
,bl
ackjeans,pol
arneckand
Chelseashoes.Hetakesof ft
hehat,j
acketand
glasses.)
Nessa:It
hreat
enedhi
m sohehadnochoi
ce
buttobri
ngme.Sowhereismychai
rMa,ican
seethatt
herei
sachairf
orLi
am,DadandBrian.
Whereismine?

Hi
l
da:
Youar
enoty
etofaget
ohav
easeat
.

(
Nessasit
sonherf
ather
'schai
r,putherl
egson
t
hetabl
ecrossi
ngt
hem over
.)

Hil
da:
Gent
lement
hanky
ou!Pl
easel
eav
eus
now.

Li
am:
Wast
her
eameeet
ing?

Hi
l
da:
Yes!Anewmi
ssi
on.
Nessa:
Fancyroom,
ilov
ethebi
gmoni
tor
.What
doyouuseforit
?

Hil
da:
Observergi
v emeupdat
eonall
Vanessa
Thompsonacti
vit
iesfort
hel
astni
ght
.

(I
ttakesasecondbefor
ethephot
osofherand
DrAcestartf
lashi
ng.
)

Nessa:
Whoa!Mom!Youar
elet
hal
.Fancy
!

Hi
l
da:
Nowy
ouhav
eseeni
tspur
pose.

Nessa:
Cani
try
?

Hi
l
da:
Goahead
Nessa:
Observ
eri
wouldl
i
ketoseeLef
akae
Moengact
ivi
ti
esf
ort
hepastmont
h.

(Sheconcentr
atesont hescreenbef or
eher,
as
i
tshowsherhi srecentacti
vi
ties.Sheis
disappoi
ntedtoseethatthereisnot hi
ng
i
nt er
esti
nggoingon,hebasicallybreat
hsand
l
ivesschool.
)

Nessa:Nigga!hasev
enl
ostwei
ght
.May ou
shouldl
etthepoorguyl
i
vehi
sli
fel
ikei
am
l
eavingmine.

Hi
l
da:
Asy
ouwi
sh!Iwi
l
lsendt
hewor
d.

Liam:Iam cur
iousAunty,
sowhowillbet
aki
ng
theropesf
rom you!Br
ian,MeorNessa!
Hi
l
da:
All
ofy
ou.

Nessa:Thanky
ouMa!Butithi
nki wi
ll
pass.I
don'
tneedcompli
cat
ionsi
nmyl i
fe.

Hil
da:
Youdonthaveachoi
ce.Thi
sisThe
Thompsonl
egacy.

Nessa:
Ithi
nkBr
ianandLi
am wi
l
lmanagequi
te
well
.

Liam: No!Iwil
lbethefaceofthecompanyl i
ke
Uncleis,whil
eBrianthi
swhol eship.I
tis
workingforyouanduncl equit
ewel l
,heisthe
facewhi l
eyouarethemast eroftheship.

Domini
ck:
Whywasi
noti
nvi
tedt
othi
sli
tt
le
par
ty?
(
Hil
dal
ooksupandsmi
l
esatherhusband.
)

Hi
lda:
Thereisnopar
tyl
ove.Letusgo,
today
weareeat
ingout.

(
Theyputont
hei
rjacket
sandhat
s.)

Dominick:(
hol
dingherhand)Whatar
ewe
cel
ebrati
ng?

Hil
da:
Nal
ediandBri
an'
slov
e.Hef
inal
l
ygott
he
gut
sandwentaft
erher
.

Nessa:Iknewhewasuptosomet
hing,
(beat
ing
Li
am li
ghtl
y)Ibety
ouknew.
Li
am:
(amusi
ngl
y)Iam i
nnocent
.Iknewnot
hing.

Hi
l
da:
(doubt
ful
l
y)Yeahr
ight
!

(Theirfreecarel
aught erfil
lsthelobbyofthe
companygr abbi
ngev eryone'sat t
ent
ion.Thei
r
str
idet otheawaiti
ngcarspeaksv ol
umebut
most l
yitspeakspower .Theydonothav eto
forceitforpeopl
et osee, itstandsoutinit
s
own.Thei remployeesl ookedatt hem on
admi rat
ion,i
ntheireyest heyar eaperfect
humbl edownt oear t
hf ami l
ywi t
hnof l
aws.)
[
06/
02,
16:
09]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t65
_
___
___
___
__
"Shewalkedi
ntr
uth.Unashamedofi
tsst
orm.
"
J.M St
orm
_
___
___
___
_
Busi

(Iglanceatmywat chagai n,growi ngabi t

i
mpat ient ,
heissupposedt obeher ebynow.I
hav eadat ewithLi am lateroni needt her eport
befor et hedate.Ineedt oknowi fhei s
someonei cantrustinmywor ldorhei saf oe.I
woul dn' twantmydownf alltobecausedbya
l
ov er.Idon' tanylooseendst histimear ound.
Myf utur eisonthel i
ne.Ibl i
nkasi lookatt he
l
apt opwher et
heav ideoofmyuncl e'
smur der
i
spl ay ing.Idon'tunder standhowt hatwi tch
couldhav edonei ttomakesur eev ery
t hing
point st ome.Not hi
ngshowsherpr esence
alongwi t
hhergoons.Ev erythingi mplicat eme
ast hegr uesomeki ll
er.)

Busi
:Youar
elat
e.
(
Ibar
kathi
m ashewal
ksi
nther
oom.
)

Mul
l
er:
Iam sor
ry,
ihadt
ocov
ermyt
racks.

Busi
:Tel
lmey
ouhav
esomet
hingf
orme.

Muller:Yesi do,Li
am andBr ianDlamini
ar e
cousins.Br i
an'
smot herisali
v e,
sheisaretir
ed
l
ectur erandLiam wel lhelosthisparent
swas
practical
lyrai
sedupbyt heaunt .Themot heri
s
mar r
iedandcur rentlyresideswithherhusband
i
nPhakal ane,t
heirlastbor nsheisstudyi
ng
outsidethecount ry
.

Busi
:Tel
lmesomet
hingi
don'
tknow.

Mul
l
er:For
tunatel
y,t
heyhav
enoconnecti
onsto
t
heThompson's.(
Givi
ngmeapict
ure)That'
s
thefamil
yport
rait
,thet
opleftthewomanis
LoratoDlami
ni,
besideheri
st hehusbandChr
is
Dlamini
,youal
readyknowBrianandLi am,
the
gir
lthat
'sNomsaPeachesDlami ni
.

(Itakeahugebr eath,finall
yrelaxing.Ihave
beensi tt
ingont hev ergeoft heseatev ersince
hest art
edt hereport.Somehowi am gladt hat
Liam isnotatal lconnect edtot hatvil
efami l
y,
foroncei am happyt hatthereis1posi t
ive
thinginmyl i
fe,ihaveoneper sonwhoi snoton
Hilda'spay r
oll
.)

Mul
ler
:Ev
ery
thi
ngy
ouwi
l
lneedi
sint
het
he
r
eport
.

(
Hesay
sashepl
acesdownont
hecof
feet
abl
e.)

Busi
:Anyl
eadont
raci
ngAmber
'sr
elat
ives?
Muller
:Yes!Ihav
elocatedherbr
other,
thoughI
str
onglyadvi
cethatyoustayawayfrom t
his
guy.Heissokeenont aki
nghisrev
engeont he
Thompsonf amil
y.

Busi
:(smil
i
ng)Hesoundsl
iket
heper
soniam
l
ooki
ngf or
.Anyenemyoft
heThompson'
sis
myall
y .

Mull
er :
Youdon' tunder st
and, t
hisguyi sathug
i
nasui t,heisahoodgangst er
.Unli
keThe
Thompsonf amily
, hehashi swholeempi rebui
lt
i
nblood, responsiblefortheatm bomi ngsthat
havebeenhappeni ng,carhij
ackings.Hehas
thePolicebreathi
ngdownhi sneck, one
mistaketheywi l
lhav ehim nail
ed.

Busi
:Howi
shedi
ff
erentf
rom TheThompson'
s,
t
heyar
eal
sot
hugsi
nsui
ts.

Muller
:Everythingt heThompson' sfami l
ydoi ng
i
scleanandst r
ai ghtforward, t
heirri
chesarenot
madet hr
oughpeopl e'sblood.Yest heyare
hir
edtokillpeopl ebywor ldleaders,yesthey
havethefil
thycl ub, t
hatt heyuset ogainmor e
powerandadv ancedt echnologybutt heynev er
real
lyki
ll
innocentpeopl eformoney .Thi
nkof
them asabl ackgov ernmentsecr etoperation.

Busi:(l
aughing)Youdon'tknowwhatyouare
tal
ki
ngabout ?Theyki
ll
edAmber ,t
hei
rdrug
cart
els,theassisi
nat
ionbusinesswhatdoyou
havetosayaboutt hat?

Mull
er:Amberwasusi
ngthei
rsontofi
shout
i
nformati
on.Shewasasni
tch,
sni
tchesar
e
ki
l
led.
Busi
:Youseem t
oknowmor
eaboutt
hisv
il
e
fami
ly.

Muller:Idi
dmyr esear
ch.Ithi
nktheyareagood
family
,ifyoustayoutofthei
rbusinessnoharm
comest oyou.Bythewaywhydoy ouwantto
takethem down?

(
Hisquest
ionsomehowfreezesme?Whyam i
r
eal
lykeenonbri
ngi
ngthem down?)

Busi
:Idon'
twantt obr
ingt
hem downiwantt o
beli
kethem,inordert
odothat,i
needthewi f
e
gone,t
herecannotbetwoqueensinapalace.

Mul
l
er:
Okay
!Wel
lit
hinkmyj
obi
sdoneher
e.
Busi
: Iwi
l
lwir
eyourpay
mentt
oyouraccount
.I
wil
ltakei
tfr
om her
e.

Mull
er:Thankyou.Ifi
wereyoui
wouldst
op
r
ightbefor
ethingsgetugl
y,y
ouaret
oopret
ty
f
orthisnotfor
getti
ngyoung.

(Hewal ksoutandi sitbymycouchl etti

ng
everythinghesai dsi nkin." Beingpr et t
ywillnot
givemydeepdesi res, i
twi ll
notmakemef il
thy
ri
ch."Isnapoutofmyr ev eri
e,i t
aket herepor t
onKagi soMel ekoandr eadi tslowl y,absorbi ng
everythingin.Oncei am done, ismi l
et omy self,
fi
nall
yt hereisl i
ghtatt heendoft het unnel
,i am
goingt omakeKagi sothinki am onhi sside,
havehi m andHi l
daki l
leachot her .Hav ethe
monst erski lleachot her,andi claim ev er
ything.
Ismilet omy sel
fwonder ingwhyi didnott hink
ofthisbef ore.J.M Storm wasdef i
nitely
ref
erri
ngt ome, "
Shewal kedi nt r
ut h.
Unashamedofi
tsst
orm.
")
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
NALEDI

(Thebrightnesscr eepingint her oom through

thewindowwakesmeup, asi myopensey es,
thefi
rstthingi noticesishi m bymysi de.Our
l
egsar eintertwinedt ogether ,hishandar e
aroundmehol dingmei npl ace, thereisaf rown
onhisface, ismi l
est omy sel f,unablet oresist,
I
reachoutandcar esshi ssof tcheeks, whati s
supposedt obeapeckonhi sl i
pst urnsintoa
ful
lyawakenpassi onat ekiss.Asmi l
ecov ers
hissmileasheopenshi sey esandmeetmy
angeli
cey es.)

Br
ian:Youshouldwakemeupl i
ket
hisev
ery
day
.
Workswaybetterandfast
ert
hancal
li
ngme.
Nal
edi
:Ishoul
d,i
agr
ee.

(hepul
l
smecl
oserandsqueezesmynaked
ass.
)

Bri
an:il
ikehav
ingy
oubymysidemor
e
especi
all
ywhenyouar
enaked.

(Il
ookathim,idon'
tmi
ndlosi
ngmy selfi
nhis
eyes.Hegiv
esmeami schi
evoussmilethati
knowv er
ywell
.)

Naledi
:Iknowthatl
ookverywell.No!Wehave
notmov edfr
om thi
sbedeversincewearri
ved
l
astweek.Comeonbi gbear,i
ttimetogetoff
thebed.

Br
ian:
Ah!Real
l
y!(
Hesay
sashecar
essmy
al
readyar
ousedni
ppl
es.)IthoughtIcouldj
ust
havemyyummybreakfastbef
oreanythi
ngelse.

(Ibi
temyl owerl i
p,tr
yingbyallmeanstonot
fal
li t
histrap.Atrapthatalwaysmakesmenot
l
eav ethebedat r
apthathasbeenwor ki
ngf or
thepastday s.theapartmenttheygotme,
explori
ngCubabef or
ev arsi
tyopenshasbeen
myl eastpriori
tywheni hadaThompsont ycoon
withaki l
l
erbodyt oexplore.
)

Nal
edi
:Youar
esoi
nsat
iabl
eDrDl
ami
ni.

Bri
an:Whatcani
say
,ican'
tgetenoughofy
ou
DrDlami
ni.

Naledi
:Iam goi
ngtohaveashower
.Isuggest
youdothesame, wearegoi
ngtodosomething
product
ivet
oday.
(Fi
nall
yaf tersomanyday swest epoutoft he
house, t
her eisacof
feeshopj ustbyt hecorner
ofmyapar tmentsowest rollther e,hehashi s
aroundmeaswewal kinside.It akeouror der
whileheat tendtohi
sphone, whi chhasbeen
offeversincewear ri
ved.Hei sawf ul
l
yquite
whenher ejoi
nsmeatt het able.Wehav eour
breakfastinabsolut
esilenceunt il hebreaksthe
sil
ence.)

Bri
an:Ourlit
tl
ehoney
moonper
iodi
sov
erbaby
cakes.Ineedtor
etur
n.

(
Icanthel
pbutfeeldisappoi
nted,
ireal
l
y
t
houghthewi
llstaylonger.
)

Nal
edi
:when?
Br
ian:
Fri
day
.

Naledi
:(sadl
y)Thatgi
vesme2mor et
woday
s
wit
hy ou.Ibet
termakemostofi
t.

Br
ian:
(hol
dingmyhand)Hey
!Don'
tl
ooksad,
wewil
lmaket hi
swor
k.Nomatt
erwhat
,i
pr
omise.

Nal
edi:Iwi
shy
oucoul
dst
ayher
ewi
thme
f
orever
.

Bri
an:
Sodoi buttheyneedmebackhomel ove.
Letmecleart
heair,i
don'twantany
compl
icati
onsinourrel
ati
onshi
pfrom nowon.

Nal
edi
:Iti
sti
mef
ort
hatt
alk?
Br
ian:
Yeswecan'
tav
oidi
tfor
evermyl
ove.

Nal
edi
:Okayi
am al
lear
s.

Bri
an:Thisisthefi
rstandlasttimeiwil
ltal
k
aboutanotherwomanwi thy ou.Notbecausei
dontwantt obutbecauseirespectyouandthi
s
rel
ati
onship.

(
Inodmyhead)

Bri
an: Amberwasmyf irstgir
lf
riend,
ilov
edher
andpl annedaf uturewi thher.Shewasf rom a
poorbackgr ound, aorphanonl yhadherbrot
her
toleanon, whowasi nvolvedindodgydeali
ngs.
Iwasherescapeasmuchasshewasmy
escapef rom real
ity.Iintroducedhertomy
familyafter
,ay earofdat i
ng,theywelcomed
andlov edher.Ev erythingcamecr umbli
ng
downwhenmom r eali
sedwehadasni tchin
thehousesomeonei nthehousewasr atingus
out.Ourf amilywasj ustst
art
ingtogainits
ri
ches, ourf i
nancialbreakt
hrough,Hil
daand
Nickwer ealsoi nv
olvedintheirowndodgy
dealingswi thpower fulanddangerouspeople,
whent heyreal i
sedAmberwast herat,
the
sharehol derswer enothappy,theydidnotwant
anyl ooseends, sotheytookcareofther at
.I
tri
ed, didallthebesti coul
dtosav eherbutin
theendshedi sappearedonthef aceofthe
earth.

Naledi:Doyouthinkyourparentshad
somet hi
ngtodowi thherdisappearance?I
sthi
s
whyy ouwerereluctantt
ojointhefami l
y
business?

Br
ian:Idon'
tthi
nkso,iknowso.Yesforthe
l
ongestti
meofmyl if
eIcarri
edtheguil
t.
Haunt
edbyni
ghtmarest
hatil
ett
hewomani
l
ovedown.If
ail
edtosaveher
.

Naledi:
Youcan'tsavesomeonewhodoesnot
wanttobesav edBri
an.Ambergother sel
fin
thatmess,i
twasnoty ourfaultthatshedecided
tobeasnitch,youneverhel
dagunt oherhead
andforcedhertodoit,shediditonherown
accord.

Bri
an:Exactl
ywhoar ey ouNaledi
?Ijusttol
d
youthatmypar ent
shadsomet hi
ngtodo
Amber'sdisappear
ance, buty
ouareher etr
ying
toeasemyconsci ousinsteadoffr
eakingout .

Naledi
:Wedonotchoosef amilyBr
ian.Youar e
neit
heryourmothernorfat
her
.Plusiti
sal li
n
thepast,
whenyoul ovesomeoneli
kei lov
ey ou,
youlookpastt
heirmisperf
ect
ions,
theirpast
andmistakes.Youembracethem wi
thall
thei
r
baggage,Il
oveyouBri
an,thatwhyiam st
il
l
si
ttedhereevenaft
erwhatyoutol
dme.

(Hestandsup, set
tl
ingthebil
lhehelpsmeof f
myseatandl it
eral
lydragsmeoutoft hecof
fee
shop.Inthedarkall
eybyt hecor
ner,hepushes
beagainstthewallandkissesunti
lilosemy
senses.)

Brian:Idon'
twhati
havedonetodeser
veagir
l
l
ikey oubutiwantt
oyoutoknowIloveyouDr
Dlami ni
.

(Ifeelmycheekshi
tup,ican'
thelpbutblush.
Put t
ingmyhandsaroundhisneck,igazeint
o
hisey es.
)

Nal
edi
:Andi
you,
DrDl
ami
ni.
(Hehugsme, wrappi
nghisstr
onghandsar ound
me, cl
osingmyey es,il
i
stentothemusichis
heatplaysforme."Hemakesmegr aceful
,
that
shi sski
ll
.Hemakesmesexybecauset hats
whathei s.Hemakesmef eell
ovedbecausei n
spit
eofhi sfi
ft
yshades,hehasaweal t
hylov e
togive.
"-E.LJames, Fi
ft
yShadesFreed.)
.
..
..
.
[
06/
02,
16:
10]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t66
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
_
"
Don'tl
etyest
erdayt
aket
oomuchoft
oday
."-
Wil
lRoger
s
_
___
___
___
_
NARRATED
[Hesati nthedar khouse,l
ikeanyot hernight,
themonst ersbackathuntinghim, hethought
thatbykeepi nghimselfbusywi thschool dayin
anddayoutwi l
lhel
pkeept hem atbay ,buttime
andagai nt heyhaveprovent obemor e
power ful
.Hekeptasmi l
eonhi sfaceforthe
sakeoft hosear oundhim whi l
eont heinside,i
t
wasj ustshal l
owandempt y .Whent herewasno
onear ound, hewouldstareintothedar kness,
asheget sconsumedandsunkmor einto
depression.

Todaywasnodi f
ferent
,onlythathehada
l
ongi ngtoendallthepainonceandal l.Hi
sey es
dartedfrom thepi
llstotheropeandf i
nall
ythe
gunwonder ingwhichoft hem wil
lhaveaquick
reactionandnotcauseanyexcr uciati
ngpain.
Her eachedouttot hegunloadedt hebull
etand
putitonhismout h.
Hisphonedecidedi twasaper f
ectmomentt o
ri
ng,heignor
edi tforawhilebutthecal
lerwas
persi
stant
,putt
ingt hegunasidehereachedfor
i
tandanswer edt hevideocal
l.
)

Lef
a:Hel
l
o

(Herfl
awl
essphoneappear
edonthescreen,
he
tookadeepbr
eathandstar
edatherbi
gamber
eyes.Howmuchhelongstohol
dherinhis
arms.)

Nessa:
Hey
!Whyar
eyousi
tt
ingi
nthedar
k.

Lef
a:Iwasj
ustaboutt
ogoandgetsomesl
eep.

(Heli
edt
hroughhi
steet
hashest
oodupy
o
swit
chontheli
ght
s.)
Nessa:
Nowt
hat
'sbet
ter
.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?

Lef
a:Iam goodNessa.Andy
ou?

Nessa:Don'
tli
etome, youlookfarf
rom bei
ng
okay,
youreyesarest
ainedr ed,y
ouhavedark
ci
rcl
esaroundyoureyes.Basical
lyy
oulookli
ke
awalki
ngzombi e.

(Hebithi
slowerl
i
pashewant edtoavoi
ding
breaki
ngdowninfrontofhi
sex-
lov
er.
)

Nessa: Youshouldnotrest
rai
ntyour
self
Lefakae.Don'tneedtoactupli
keatough
cookieinfrontofmei knowyoumay bemor
e
thanyouknowy oursel
f.
Lefa:Imissy
ouVanessa,iwishinevergot
temptedandscrewedup.Lif
ehasnotbeent he
sameev ersi
nceyoulef
t.Iam l
onel
yhere,i
don'tknowanyone,
iti
shardtomakef ri
ends.

Nessa: Lefa,"don'
tletyesterdaytaketoomuch
oftoday ."youmadeami stakejustli
keanyone
else,butthatdoesnotmeany ouhav etoli
ve
therestofy ourlif
einregretandmi ser
y.You
madeami stake,youlearntfrom itnowpick
yourselfupandmakemostoft odaywhi l
eyou
stil
lhavet heopportuni
ty.

Lef
a:Whendi
dyoubecomeDrPhi
l
?

Nessa:(
smiles)Alothaschangedwit
ht i
me,i
am apsychologi
sti
nthemaki ngdon'
tfor
get
that
.
Lef
a:OkayMs.Psy
chol
ogi
st.

Nessa:Iact
uall
ycall
edtol
etyouknowthati
havetol
dmymot hert
obackoffandl
etyoube,
youarenowf r
eetodowhateveryouwantand
bewithwhoeveryouwant.

Lef
a:Ar
eyousur
e,Mr
s.Thompsonsai
diam .
..

Nessa:
Iknowbutthi
ngshavechanged,
iti
s
motfai
ronyouthaty
oushouldstopyourl
if
e
whil
eiam movi
ngonwithmine.

Lef
a:Soanynewguy
?

Nessa:
Notyet,
butihav
emyeyesonsomeone.
Onl
yamatterofti
mebefor
eihavehi
m.
Lef
a:Luckydude.

Nessa:
Ishoul
dgonow.

Lef
a:Thanky
ou!

Nessa:
Mypl
easur
e.By
e.

(Shehungupandhet ookahugebr eat

hf eeli
ng
muchbet ter,shecalledjustattherighttimet o
stophimf rom maki ngthebiggestmi stakeof
hisl
ife.Het houghtofhersmi le,howbeaut i
ful
shehast urnedi nt
oandswor etohimsel fthat
hewillmakesur etohav eherbacki nhislif
eno
matterwhati ttook.Reachingoutf orhisphone,
hecalledHi l
da.)

Hi
l
da:
Lef
akaeMoeng.
Lef
a:Mr
sT.

Hi
l
da:
What
'swr
ong?Ar
eyouokay
?

Lef
a:Wel
l
,not
hingbuti
needy
ourhel
pma'
am.

Hi
l
da:
Iam al
lear
s.

Lef
a:Iwantherback,
iwantVanessabacki
n
mylif
e.Ineedyoutohel
pmewi nherback.

Hil
da:Fi
nal
lygett
ingyoursensesback.Nessa
hasaloosescrewinherheadthisdays,shewil
l
notcomerunni
ngbackt oyourhandslike
befor
emoreespecial
lynow,shehasherey es
onsomeone.
Lef
a:Iam sur
eIcanwi
nherov
er.

Hil
da:Idon'
tknow,ihadtheguycheckedout
andheisagoodf el
l
owf rom agoodfamily.He
al
readyhasanupperhandbecausehei sthe
onewhogotNessaof fthewheelchai
r.I
tisa
sti
ffcompeti
ti
onbutifweplayourcardsri
ght,
wecanwi n.

Lef
a:We?Doest
hatmeani
hav
eyoursuppor
t?

Hil
da:Myf ul
lsuppor
t,i
am alway
sroot
ingf
or
yourr
elat
ionshipwit
hVanessa.

Lefa:
Thanky
ou.Meansal
ott
ohav
eyour
support
.
Hi
l
da:
Iwi
l
lbei
ntouch.

(
Shehangsup.Helooksathi
sphoneandsmi
l
e,
f
inal
l
yfi
ndi
ngar easont
owanttoli
ve.
)
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
JOY

[Ifi
nishpr epari
ngt hebreakf
astanddeci deto
preparecof fee.Armshugmef rom behindand
hepl acesaki ssonmyneckwhi cher upts
butterfl
iesinmyst omach.Itur
naround
standingonmyt oesiplaceakissonhisl i
ps.
]

Joy
:Mor
ningmyl
ove.

Kagi
so:
Mor
ningbeaut
if
ul.Ineedy
ourhel
p.
[
Hepoi
ntst
ohi
sti
e.]

Joy
:Bendal
i
ttl
etoi
canf
ixi
tfory
ou.

[
Inst
eadofbendi
nghescoopesmeandpl
aces
meonthekit
chencount
er,
ifi
xhist
ie.
]

Joy
:Al
ldoneMrMel
eko.

Kagi
so:
Thanky
ouMr
sMel
eko.

Joy
:Comei
hav
efi
xedusbr
eakf
ast
.

(Wesitnexttoeachotheranddev
ourt
he
breakf
astihaveprepar
ed.)

Kagi
so:
Joy
!
Joy
:Yesmyl
ove.

Kagiso:Iwanty
out
oqui
twor
kingatt
he
rest
aurant.

Joy
:Anddowhat
?Ineedt
hemyf
ormyt
uit
ion.

(Heturnsandl
ooksatme,
hishandscar
essmy
cheeks.)

Kagiso:
Youdon'tneedtogotoschool,i
can
takecareofy
ou.Iam yourman,iwi
llnotfai
lto
takecareofy
ou.

Joy:
Ican'
trel
yonyouKagiso.Whati
fwebr
eak
up?Plusi
needacareerofmyown.
(Iseehi
sjawst
enseup,
hest
andsupandl
etgo
ofhim)

Kagiso:I
sthatwhaty ouarehopingf
or?That
webr eakup?Iam herethinki
ngaboutour
fut
ureandy ouar
epl ott
ingabreakup?

Joy: No!That'snoti
t.Youknowwhatifi
tmakes
youhappyt heniwil
lquitwor
kingatt
he
restaurant.Butiwil
lneedsomethi
ngyodo,
or
elsei wil
ll
osemysenses.

Kagiso:Thanky ou!Wellthetr
uthi
swomeni n
ourfamilydon'twor kt
heyjustsi
thomeandl et
thei
rmenpampert hem.Don'tworr
yabouta
thi
ngi wil
ltakecareofy ou,y
oujustfocuson
taki
ngcar eofmeandourhouse.
(Inodmyhead,t
houghidon'
tknowifthei
dea
ofstay
inghomedoingabsol
utel
ynot
hingt
hri
l
ls
me.)

Kagi
so:
(ki
ssi
ngme)Il
ovey
ou.

Joy
:Il
ovey
oumor
e.

(Ihel
phi
minhi
sjacketandwal
kwi
thhi
mtot
he
car.)

Kagiso:Youwill
contacttherest
aurantandt
ell
them youareter
minatingtheemployment
contractr
ight
?

Joy
:Yesi
wil
ldot
hat
.
Kagiso:
Ihav
ebookedf oryoutogetdr
ivi
ng
l
essons.Iwi
llpi
cky ouupatl
unchti
me,wewil
l
gooutandhav elunchthenowil
ldr
opyou
ther
e.

Joy
:(huggi
nghi
m)Ohmy
!Thanky
ou.

Kagi
so:
(smi
l
ing)Seey
oul
aterBenana!

Joy
:No!Pl
easenott
hatname.

Kagiso:
Itsy
ourof
fi
cialname,
ilovei
t.
(Spanki
ngmyass)LatermyBenana.

(Iwav
eathim ashedr
ivesout
.Bef
orei
tur
n
backandwal
kbacktothehouse.
)
.
.
.
.
.
[
06/
02,
16:
10]Rn:
DEEPDesi
res
I
nser
t67
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
"
She'sdi
ehar
dromant
icwhol
i
kesnast
ysex
."-
Unknown
_
___
___
___
Nal
edi
(Yesterdaywasanot herwonderf
ulday,spent
withBr i
antour
ingHav ana.Thetourguidewas
amazi ngandshowedusal lt
ouri
statt
racti
ond
ofHav ana,whatilovedmostwast heChr i
stof
Hav ana,abigstat
ueofChr i
stofNazareth.
Bri
ani ssoundlyasleepsoi wakeuptakemy
phonemakemy sel
facupofcof
feeasi
ringJoy
up.Ihav
enotcall
edhersi
nceil
eft
.)

Joy
:(pi
cki
ngup)Joy
ousPheko!

Nal
edi
:HeyJoy
,St
arher
e.

Joy:Gosh!St
arihav
ebeenworr
iedaboutyou
wheni di
dnothearf
rom y
ou.Di
dyouarri
ve
saf
ely?

Naledi
:Iam sor
ryi
havebeencaughtupi
not
her
t
hings.Iar
ri
vedsaf
elymylove.

Joy
:Gr
eatnewsl
ove?Sohowi
sCuba?

Nal
edi
:Sof
arsol
ovel
y,i
am st
ayi
ngi
nthe
Capi
talci
tyHavana,Uni
versi
tyofHavanais
goi
ngopeningnextweek.Howabouty ou?I
hopeyoudecidedtousetheadvicei
gavey ou.

(
Theendoft
her
ecei
veri
squi
tef
orsomet
ime.)

Joy
:Iam sor
ryStar
,butican'
tletKagi
sogo.
Thi
sismyonlychanceatlove.

Naledi:
Whatar
ey outalki
ngaboutJoy?Youar
e
sti
l
l y
oung,
whymusty ouset
tl
eforless,
when
youcanhaveabsolut
elythebest
.

Joy:Heist
hebestforme, i
toldmyf atherand
hedidnotl
ikei
t.IchoseKagisoandi will
stand
fi
rm bymydeci
sion,don'
ttr
yt ochangemy
mind.
Nal
edi:Okay,ij
usthopey ouknowwhatyouare
l
ett
ingyoursel
fin.Atleastt
ellmeyouwentt
o
DTEFfortherei
nstatementissue.

Joy:
Kagisodoesnotwantmebackatschool
,
orworki
ng.Hewantsmetostayhome.

Nal
edi:(
appall
ed)What?Joyarey ouinsane?
Hastheguybrainwashedyou?Pleasedon'tt
ell
meyouar el
ist
eningtohisnonsense.

Joy:I
t'
snotsobad,i
meanheisgoi
ngt
otake
car
eofhim andal
lmyneeds.

Nal
edi:Untilwhen?Don'tfor
getthi
sguyhasnot
marri
edy ou,whathappensifhedecidesthathe
i
stir
edofy ouandwant sanothergir
l.Joy
pl
easedon' tr
uinyourf
ut ur
ealli
nthenameof
l
ove.ThisKagisoclear
lydoesnotcar eabout
y
ou,
hewant
stocont
rol
you.

Joy:Yousoundl i
keyouarejeal
ous.Weall
knowt hatyourr
elat
ionshi
pwithBri
anfai
l
ed
befor
ei tbegannowy ouwantmet obe
miserableli
keyou.

Naledi:(
dumpst uck)What?Wow!Youar emuch
naivethani thought.Whywoul dibejeal
ousof
youJoy ,thest at
ey ouarein,
noonewi ll
ev en
envyy ouunlesst heyarehopelessli
keyou.For
therecordBr ianandi ar
ev er
ystil
lmuch
together,heisher einHavanawi t
hme.Just
fri
endlyadviceJoy ,don'
tlett
hisguycontrolyou,
got oschool behindhisbackifyouhavet o,but
don'tquitschool .

(Ihangupandslam myphoneoft
hecount
er.I
can'tbel
i
eveshethi
nkst
hatiam j
eal
ousof
wheni am t
ryi
ngtohel
phersor
rya*s.Iregr
et
evencall
edher.War
m handswraparoundme,
hekissmyneck?Ishif
tmyheadtogivehim
moreroom.)

Br
ian:
Whathasy
ousoagi
tat
edsoear
ly?

Nal
edi
:Joy
.

Brian:Whenyoumindyourownbusinessyou
l
ifebecomeslesscompli
cated.Youareal
ways
tangledupint
hisgi
rl
'
smess.

Naledi
:Sheisafri
end,ican'
tj
ustwatchherrui
n
herfut
ure.Nott
hatiexpectyoutounder
stand.

(
Helet
sgoofmeandmov
etot
hecof
fee
machi
ne.
)
Br
ian:
Whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?

Nal
edi
:Youar
eal
oner
.Youhav
enof
ri
ends.

Br
ian:
That
snott
rue,
ihav
efr
iends.

Nal
edi
:(isi
tdownandl
ookathi
m amused)
Namethem.Excl
udeLi
am.

Br
ian:
Ace,
VinceandThi
err
y.

Nal
edi
:Thi
err
y?

Br
ian:
Myabnormalfr
iend.Hei
sov
erseas,
you
wi
llmeethi
m whenheretur
ns.
Nal
edi:
Alr
ight
,backatt
heissueathand,Joyis
onaroadtodi
sasterBr
ian,
weneedt ohelpher.

Bri
an:Bywe?Youmeanwhoexact
ly,
oam not
get
tingi
nvol
vedi
nal
lthi
s.

Naledi:
Iwasthi
nkingthatmaybeyoucanuse
yourfamil
yconnecti
onstogethetsponsor
shi
p
back.

Br
ian:
Wedonotr
unachar
it
ycaseNal
edi
.

(Il
ookathi
m andbit
emylowerl
ip.Heav
enl
y
fat
herwhydi
dihavetof
all
fort
hecoldone
amongstt
hem al
l
.)

Nal
edi
:Pl
ease,
iam beggi
ngy
ouNt
ateDl
ami
ni.
Br
ian:
Ntat
eDl
ami
ni?Whatt
hef
u*ki
sthat
?

Nal
edi
:Youar
ecol
dandgr
umpyasanol
dman.

Br
ian:
Isn'
ti
tthaty
ouar
einl
ovewi
tht
hiscol
d,
gr
umpyperson.

(Headv ancestowar
dsmebuti am al
readyon
myf eetrunni
ngtowardsthebedr
oom wherei
closethedoorandlockit
.)

Br
ian:
(knocki
ng)Nal
edi
opent
hisdoor
.

Nal
edi
:No!Notopeni
ngunt
ily
oupr
omi
set
o
hel
pmyfri
end.

Br
ian:
Whatt
il
ligetmyhandsony
ou.
Nal
edi
:Ist
hatay
esmyl
ove.

Brian:
Yes,
iwi
l
lseewhatt
odowi
thy
ourst
upi
d
fr
iend.

(Iopenthedoorsmil
ingeart
oearbutthesmil
e
di
sappearswheni l
ookuponhisf
ace,hepull
s
meinhisarmsbeforehespunsar
oundandi
am tr
apped,bet
weenthewall
.)

Nal
edi
:Letusgoandba.
..
..
.

(
Heputhi
sfi
ngeronmyl
i
ps.)

Br
ian:
Youwi l
lneedthatbat
honcei am done
wi
thyou,r
ightnowi haveot
herthi
ngs,other
wi
ckedthi
ngsi wanttodotoyou.
(Ourli
psmeet ,andallfor
cesaroundusst and
sti
ll
.Ourthi
rstforeachotherisinsati
abl
e.I
don'tt
hinkicanev ergetenoughofhim,the
mostbeautiful
t hi
ngthatthethi
rstismutual.)
_
___
___
___
___
___
_
BUSI

(Iparkinfrontoft hebuilding,ican'tbelievemy
l
ittl
edrivehasl edmeher e.Ialwaysknewi
wouldbebackher ebutididnotexpecti ttobe
thi
ssoon.I nsteadofdr i
vingbackt omy
apartmenti reachf ormymask, ti
et helongcoat
aroundmeandwal ki
nCLUBT.Ist i
llcan't
beli
evet hereissuchaCl ubandi nev erknew
aboutit.Wi t
hagl assofBr andyinmyhand, i
tourthegr oundoft heClub.Mysel fr estrai
nti
s
wear i
ngout .Isitdownandcr ossmyl egs
together,myi nsidesarel i
terall
ydrippingwet .
Myey esl
andofthefi
neguy.Wearingnothing
butl
eatherbr
ief
s,iwonderwhati
twoul dfeel
l
iket
ohav emet i
edupandlethim hav
ehi sway
ofhi
m.Hel ooksli
kehecanmake, agreat
dominant.
)

Wai
tr
ess:
Woul
dyoul
i
keasui
te,
wit
hhi
m,my
l
ady
?

Busi
:Iam notsure,
ifi
canaf
for
dasui
tebuti
sur
ewantapi eceofhi
m.

Waitr
ess:
Youareanel
i
temember,whodoes
nothavet
opay.Whi
chsui
tewoul
dliket
ohave?

Busi
:Doyouhaveasui
tewi
thr
est
rai
ntsand
ki
nkysextoy
s?
Wait
ress:Yes!Sui
te38woul
dmeety
our
pr
eference.

(Thewai t
ressgiv
esmet woaccesscar d.Iwalk
totheguyandsl i
pthecardonhi shand.Il ook
overmyshoul deronemor et
imebef orei
disappeartosuit
e38.Idropmycoat , t
ot he
ground,remaini
ngonlyinmylingeri
eandl ook
atthewhi ppi
ngrods,t
hehandcuf f
s, andi get
prett
yexcited.
)

Jake:
Any
thi
ngy
ouwoul
dli
ket
otr
youtmyl
ady
?

Busi
:Yesaf
ewoft
hem i
nfact
.

Jake:Theni
ghti
sst
il
lyoung.Iam aty
our
servi
ce.
Busi
:Yes!Iwantt
otr
ythatonef
ir
st.

(Hetakesmyhand, andleadstothetwocuffs
hangingfr
om theroofandy ouother
saparton
thegroundinthemiddleoftheroom.Istand
nakedinfrontofhi
m, ashelocksthem onmy
wrist
.Andlegsrestr
aini
ngme. )

Busi
:(br
eat
hless)F*
ckmesensel
essl
y.

(Her emoveshisbrief
s,r
eleasinghisharder
ect
,
bigcr ot
ch.Thesighti
spleasing,hewalks
behindmeandspanksmesohar d.Ibi
temy
l
owerl i
pashepul l
smet ohim andthrusti
nme
withoutanypriorwarni
ng.)

Jakes:
Ist
hiswhaty
ouwant
?
Busi
:YesMast
er.

(Hest ar
tsmov ing, assault i
ngmybody ,
somehowt hememor iest hati managedt o
suppr essf oral ongt imer esur face,myuncle
doingexact lyt
hesamet hingt omewheni was
14y earsold.Theonl ydi fferencei sthathedid
nothav emyconsentunl ike,t hisper f
ect
stranger .Beingar apev ictim hasmademet o
crav enast ysexmost l
ynev ergetting
psy chologicalhel pmademet obecomeasex
addi ct,t
heonet hingt hathast ookmypower
year sbacki st
heonet hatgi vesmepowerr ight
now.Ar ev elat
ion!)
.
..
..
..
.
.
.
.
.
Yest
erday
'si
nser
t
[
06/
02,
16:
10]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t68
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
___
__
"
Lif
eishar
d;i
t'
shar
deri
fyou'
rest
upi
d."-John
Wayne
_
___
___
___
___
__
AYEARLATER
BUSI

[Isatoutsi
dethedoct
or'
splacenervous,i
fmy
suspici
onsgetconfi
rmedidon'tev
enknow
whati am goi
ngtodo.Whatstepwoul dit
ake
fir
st.Every
thi
ngisamessri
ghtnow, ifeell
ikei
am nol
ongeri
ncont
rol
.]

Nur
se:
MsKenosi
!

(
Ili
ftmyf
aceandl
ookather
.)

Nur
se:
Thedoct
ori
sreadyt
oseey
ou.

(Ist
andtomyf
eetandwal
kint
oDrKr
udge'
s
offi
ce.)

DrK:
Iam gl
ady
oucoul
djoi
nme.

Busi:
Letscutt
hef
ormal
i
ties,
giv
emet
he
resul
ts.

DrK:
Okay
,wer
anaf
ewt
est
s,t
hegoodnews
f
ir
stort
hebadnews?

Busi
:(i
takeahugebr
eat
h)Gi
vemet
hebad
news.

DrK:Asisaidwer ant
estsl
ooki
ngforal
lki
nds
ofdi
seases,youcamecleanonal
lother
di
seasesexceptone.

Busi
:(bar
elyaudi
ble)Whi
chone?

DrK:HIV,
your
esul
tscameoutposi
ti
ve,
Ms
Kenosi
.

(
Ilookathi
m andlaugh.Il
aught
il
lmyl
aught
er
t
urnsint
osobs.)
Busi:Ican'tbe,
iref
usetobel
i
evet
hati
hav
e
thatdiseases.I
tcan'
tbe.

DrK:Wecandoar
etest
,ifi
twi
l
lgi
vey
ou
cl
osur
e.

Busi
:Yesi
demandar
etest
.

DrK:
Giv
emeami
nut
e.

(
Iwatchashepr eparestheequipmentbefore
methenexplai
nhowt hewholethi
ngwor ks.We
wai
tafewmi nutesafterhedrawsmybl ood,for
t
heresul
tstoshow. )

DrK:
Rememberwhati
sai
d?Aboutt
her
esul
ts?
Busi
:Oneli
nemeansi am negat
iveandt
wo
l
inesmeansiam posi
ti
ve.

DrK:
Arey
our
eadyt
oseey
ourr
esul
ts?

(Inodmyhead.Fort hefirsttimeinmyl i
fei
takeashor tpray er,
"Godpl easeletitbe
negat i
vei promi sei wi
ll
agoodgi r
lfrom now
onwar ds."Ilookati tandt herearetwol i
nes.I
trul
ydohav eHI V, howcoul dt hi
shav e
happened?Al ltheguy si sleptwithareclean
well exceptfortheguyi sleptwithamont hor
soback, astrangeri nabari donotknowhi s
status.)

DrK:Hav i
ngHI Visnottheendofthewor l
d,you
i
mmedi atel
yenrolintheARVtreatmentand
star
ttaki
ngy ourmeds.Wi t
hgoodlivi
ng,youget
toli
velonger
, i
tnotasdeadlyasintheolden
da.
..
.

Busi
:(i
nter
rupt
ingt
hem)Yousai
dther
ear
e
goodnews?

DrK:Congr
atul
ati
onsMsKenosi
,youar
ewi
tha
baby
.

Busi
:(st
art
led)Par
don?

DrK:
Youar
eexpect
ing.Pr
egnant
.

Busi
:Howmanymont hs?Howcoul
dthi
sbe,
i
am oncont
racept
ives.

DrK:Theyevensomet
imesf
ail
.Theresul
ts
showthatyouar
e2monthspregnant
.
Busi
:Whatar
emyopt
ions?

DrK:I
fyouaret odoanaborti
on,y
ourchances
ofhav
ingchil
dreninthefut
urear
ev er
ysli
m.
Thebackst
reetabort
ionshadanimpactonyou.

Busi:
Inotherwordst
hismightbemyl
ast
chanceatbeingamother
.

DrK:
Yes.

Busi
:Whathappenst
othechi
l
dnowt
hati
am
posi
ti
ve?

DrK:
Weenroll
y oui
nPMTCT,yougetgi
vebi
rt
h
t
oaheal
thychi
ld,whoi
snegat
ive.
Busi
:Idontevenknowi
fiwantt
obeamot
her
,
i
fiam readyt
obeone.

DrK:Itisalsowiset
hatyouenrol
v erysoonfor
PMTCTf orprot
ectt
hechil
d,t
hatisifyouare
choosingtokeepthechi
ld.

Busi
:Cani
hav
eadayt
othi
nkabouti
t?

DrK:Okay,
(handi
ngmepamphl
ets)Goand
readmoreonthi
s.

Busi
:Thanky
ou.

(Ist
andt
omyfeetandwalktot
hedoor.My
kneesgi
vesmeawaybutstr
onghandscat
ch
me.)
DrK:Ar
eyouokay
?May
bey
oushoul
dli
edown
abit
.

Busi
:Noi
am okay
.

(Iwalkoutandt r yKagi
so'sphonebutmycal ls
don'tgot hrough.Idecidet osendLiam a
messageaski nghimt ocomeandt akeme
home.Isi tout sidethehospitall
ostinthoughts,
ifeeldefeat ed,iam only20y earsold,i
stil
lhave
mywhol el i
feaheadofme, istil
lhavetohelp
Kagisobr ingdownShe- devil
.Howam i goi
ngt o
doal lt
hatwi t
hababyandadeadl ydisease
breathi
ngdownmyneck.)

Li
am:
Babe!
(Il
if
tmyey esandstar
ei nhishandsomef ace,
hedoesnotdeserveallthi
s.Tearsfal
lfr
om my
eyes!Withi
naninst
antIam inhisarms,
sobbing.Hehol
dsmet ightl
y.)

Li
am:Hey
!Tel
lme,
whyar
eyoucr
ying?Ar
eyou
hur
t?

(
Ishakemyhead)

Li
am: Don'
tcry
,iam sur
ewhatev
eri
tis,
wewi
l
l
gett
hroughitt
oget
herli
keal
ways.

(
Idon'
tknowLi
am,thi
soneismuchbi
ggerthan
y
ouandme.Idon'
tevenknowifi
canhandl
eit.
)
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
JOY
[Ipr esshi sshi r
t,ihopet hisist heonet hathe
wast alkingabout ,idonotwi sht ohav ehim
agit atedagai n.Oncei am donei walktot he
bat hroom andst areatt hemi rror,icanbar el
y
recogni set hehumanst arri
ngatme.Myf ace
hasgot tenslimmer ,br okenl ip,abl ueey e,my
bodyaches.Thi sist hel i
fei hav esignedupf or
,
tobeapunchi ngbag, ev eryt
hi ngwasgoi ngwel l
i
nt hef i
rstmont hsbutt henhest art
edchangi ng,
hist ruecol orsshowi ng.St artedwi t
haf ew
claps, t
of i
stsandki cks.Nowaday shej ust
forceshi msel fonme.Of tent imeshol dsagun
tomyheadpr omi singt oblowmybr ai
nsout ,i
canseet heendappr oachi ng, iknowonedayhe
wi l
l tr
ulypul l
abul lett hroughmyhead.Ev ery
at t
emptt oescapehasgonei nv ain,becausei
alway sgetcaughtandt hepuni shment s
becomet oomucht ohandl e.Ther eisat ime
wher ei evenendedupi nahospi tal wi
thbr oken
rips.
Accor dingt oB.FSki nner,"aper sonwhohas
beenpuni shedi snott herebysimpl yless
i
nclinedt obehav ei nagi venway ;
atbest ,
he
l
earnshowt oav oidpuni shment .
"Hencewhyi
havel earnedt odoal lthet hi
ngst hatpl eases
himt oav oi
dpuni shment ,thatincludecut ti
ng
communi cati
onwi thNal edi,hebelievesNal edi
wasbr ainwashi ngme.Busi ishisnewest
partneral wayst oget her,nopoi ntinturningt o
her.Basi call
yi am st ucki nthishellhole
rel
ationshi pwithnoonet oturnto.Ir egretever
l
eav i
ngmyf ather '
shomest eadandnotl i
stening
toNal edi whenshewar nedme.)

Kagi
so:
(cal
l
ingout
)Bena.

(ifl
ushthet
oil
etandwalkouttot
heliv
ing
room.If
indhi
m standi
ngbythewindowlooki
ng
outsi
de.
)
Joy
:Youcal
l
edf
orme?

Kagiso:
Sinceyouarefai
li
ngtogi
vemeanhei
r,i
havedecidedt
omar rysomeonewhowi
l
l.You
wil
lremainmymi st
ress.

(
Anabor t
ionididhasdamagedmywomb.I
t
herefor
ecannev erhavechildrenofmyown.It
i
soneoft hethi
ngs,thathast urnedt
hesweet
r
elat
ionshi
pintoabitterone.)

Joy
:Okay
!

(
Idonthaveasayi
nal
lthi
s!I
fitryt
ovoiceout
,
i
twil
lonl
yleav
emewithmore,scar
s.)

Kagiso:
That
'smygi
rl
.Youbeensogoodlatel
y,
it
hinkyoudeser
vet
obespoil
edali
tt
le.Take
t
hecarandcar
d,gogetyourhai
rdone,
buy
y
oursel
fsomet
hingni
ce.

Joy
:Okayt
hanky
ou.

Kagiso:
Youcoul
datleastlookabitexci
ted,i
dontknowwhyieventryputti
nganeffor
tinthis
rel
ati
onshi
pwhenyoudon'tappreci
ateal
l of
them.

Joy:Iam sor
r y
,i j
ustbeendi
str
act
ed.(i
wal
kup
tohi
m andki sshim)Iam exci
tedmylov
e.
Thankyoui willhavefun.

Kagiso:
Don'ttr
yany
thi
ngf
unnywhi
l
eyouar
e
ther
e.Ilov
ey ou.

Joy
:Iwon'
t.Il
ovey
oumor
e.
[
Ahourl at
eridri
veintoGamecitypar
king.If
eel
abitli
ghtheadedasi wal
kbutikeepup.Going
fr
om shopt oshop,idon'
tknowwhathappens
nextbutwheni wakeup,iam i
nacouch, ahand
i
sov ermyhead.Itryyohandupbuthepi nsme
down.)

Br
ian:
Stayst
il
l.

(Irai
semyey esandi l
ookathi m, hei
sbitt
ing
hislowerlip,afrownonhi sface, hehasgot t
en
evenmor ehandsomesi ncethel astti
mei saw
him.Hei sina3pi ecesuit,r
emi ndsmeoft he
fi
rsttimei sawhi m withNaledi,wewer e
attendinghislecture.Hisbigamberey esmeet
mine.)

Joy
:Whathappened?
Br
ian:
Youf
aint
edinthemiddl
eoft
hemal l
.
Whenwast
helastt
ime,youhadadecentmeal
.

Joy
:Uhm!It
hinky
est
erdaydur
ingl
uncht
ime.

(Amanwalksinther
oom car
ryi
ngf
ood.Andhe
placest
hem ont
hetabl
e.)

Br
ian:
Situpandeat
.

Joy
:Iam notr
eal
l
yhun.
..
..
.

Bri
an:Isai
deatori
wil
lmakey
oueatt
hem
unwil
l
ingly
.

(
Igl
anceathi
m andhel
ooksdeadser
ious.Isi
t
upandreachfort
hefood.Ist
arteati
ng,hegoes
tothedeskandst
artl
ookingatthepapersi
n
fr
ontofhim.It
akeitt
hatiam i
m hisoffi
ce.
)

Joy
:Howdi
digether
e?

Bri
an:
Ibroughtyouher
e.Iwasgett
ing
somethi
ngatthemallwhenyoufai
nted.

Joy
:Thanky
ou.

Bri
an:
Fini
sheat
ing,
someonewi
l
ltakey
ou
homeonceyouaredone.

(Halfanhourlat
eri
am doneeat
ing.Ihaven'
t
eatenthatmuchinawhil
e.Amani salr
eadyin
theroom totakemehome.)
Joy
:Thanky
ouonceagai
n.

Bri
an:Iwasdoi ngthisforNaledi,shehasbeen
worri
edsickabouty ou.Idon'tl
ikesticki
ngmy
noseintootherpeople'sbusi
nessesbuty ou
l
ooklikeanoldwoman, whohasbeen
di
agnosedwi thatermi naldi
seases.Ifyou
conti
nuetoletthatguyabusey ou,youwill
age
befor
ey ourti
meorev enworsedi e.Gethel
p
Joy.

(
Ilookathim onceagai nbef
orewal
kingout
.
Hiswordssinkin.IguessheandNalediar
estil
l
verymuchtogether.Iwonderwhati
tmustbe
l
iketohavealov i
ngcar i
ngnanli
keDrDlamini
.
Naledi
issuchal uckylady.
)
[
06/
02,
16:
11]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t69
_
___
___
___
___
"I
tsal
lfunandgamesunt
ilsomeoneget
shur
t.
"
-Unknown
_
___
___
___
___
Nessa

Iwalki ntothehouse, headsetsonmyears,iam

l
isteningt oLit
tl
eMi x-Yourlove.I'
mfrom my
eveningj og.Ihavebeent ry
ingtogetinashape
abit,plusawayt okil
l t
ime.Thehousegetsto
belonel yandboringdur i
ngt heni
ght,
mymai d
onlycomesi nduringthedayt ocl
eanuponce
ortwicei naweek.

Nessa:
(si
nging)Youl
ovemakef
eel
li
ke,
Your
l
ovemel i
ke.
..
..
.

Ace:
Makey
ouf
eel
li
kewhat
?
(
Ijumpatthesoundofhi
svoicedroppingmy
waterbot
tl
eandphoneint
hepr ocess.Myey
es
wi
denedandmymout hagape.)

Ace:
youst
il
lhav
enotanswer
edme.

Nessa:Howdidyougeti
nhere?Whatar
eyou
evendoingher
e?Whendidyouge.
..
.

Ace:(
put
shi
sfi
ngeracr
ossmyl
i
ps.
)Shh!Take
adeepbr
eat
h.

Nessa:(
closi
ngmyey es)Pi
nchmesoi
can
knowthatiam notdr
eaming.

(
Inst
eadhepul
l
smet
ohi
m andhugsme.
)
Ace:
Imi
ssedmyf
avour
it
epat
ient
.

Nessa:
(inhal
i
nghi
smanlycologne)Imissed
youmore.Whatar
eyouevendoingher
e?

Ace:
Imi
ssedmyf
avour
it
epat
ient
.

Nessa:Youf
lewall
thewayf
rom Bot
swanat
o
Canadafort
hatpat
ient
?

Ace:
Whatcani
say
.Shehasl
eftahuge
i
mpressi
on.

(Il
ookathim andsmi
l
ewholeheart
edl
y.Iam
feel
ingji
tt
ery
.Itur
nmyheadandlookatt
he
ground.)
Ace:(t
easi
ngly
)Don'tt
ellmethegir
l,who
fol
lowedmehomeandt hr
eatenedt
oharassmy
fut
uregir
lf
ri
endisnowshy .

Nessa:
Don'
tteasemeAceGomol
emo.

Ace:(
hepull
smeonceagai
ninhisarms.)The
doct
orver
ymuchcrav
eshispat
ient
'ski
sses.

Nessa:
I'm sur
ethepat
ientcanhel
pthegood
doct
orthere.

(Iputmyhandar
oundhisneckandpul
lsmeto
him asourl
i
psmeet,f
orasult
ryhot
headedki
ss
thatleav
esmewanti
ngmore.)

Myal
arm clockgoesoff
,butiwanttost
ayi
n
bedt
oletthegooddream cont
inue.Adr
eam
that'
swhati
tis,
i r
ealiseasi si
tupi nthebed.A
dream l
i
ketheothersi havebeenhav ingabout
ourgooddoctor
.Igr oanintomypi ll
owr eal
i
sing
thati
fidon'
tgetupf rom thisiam goingtobe
l
ateformyfir
stlectureoft heday.

Nessa:
(murmur
ing)DarnyouAceGomolemo.
Doyouevenhav
et ohauntmeinmydreams?
_
___
___
___
___
__
Nar
rat
ed

(Shewalkedi
nt hef loor16,thefi
rstthi
ngshe
noti
cedwasthatt hef amilymedicalfaci
li
tywas
open.Shewalkedi ntotheboar dr
oom and
every
onestooduphowev ertheyallavoi
ded
l
ookingather.Theaur ai
nt heroom wasdark,
asifsomeonehasj ustpassedawayor
somethingsi
nisterhappened. )
(
Shesmi
l
edandcr
ackedaj
oke.)

Hi
l
da:
Whodi
edi
nher
e?

(Noonel aughedatt
hejokel
i
ketheyal
waysdi
d.
Theywer erigi
dandhadsadexpr
essi
onson
thei
rfaces.)

Hi
lda:Okayyouarefreaki
ngmeout ?Whatis
wrong?Shoul
dn'twebecelebrat
ingri
ghtnow?
Ourplansar
efinal
lycomingtogether
.

Agent00:
Bosl
adyi
suggesty
ouhav
easeat
.

(
Shestar
eshi
m athi
m wari
l
ybutsi
nksonher
war
m comfor
tabl
eseat
.)
Hi
lda:DrKr
udge?Ther
epor
t,i
bel
i
evet
hist
ime
i
tisgoodnews.

DrKr
iudge:
Shei
spr
egnant
,2mont
hspr
egnant
.

Hi
lda:
Final
l
y !Somethi
ngwor
kingout
.Butwhy
ar
ewesadi sntitt
hatwegotwhatwewanted?

DrK:Shehasbeencompromised,ibel
iev
ethe
fami
l
ymayal sobeencompromi sed.

Hi
l
da:
Compr
omi
sedhow?

DrK:Wehadaful
lmedi
calcheckuponher,
she
i
scleani
nal
lot
herdi
seasesexceptone.

Hi
l
da:
Dontmakemeaskwhi
chone?
DrK:
Shei
sHI
Vposi
ti
ve.

(Bl
oodr ushedfrom f
ace,shest
aredatthe
doctor,
shecoul dseehewasspeakingbut
coul
dnotev enhearwhathewassay i
ng.She
wasi nshock,herworl
dhascomet ostandsti
ll
.
Sheclosedherey es,
astheimpactofhiswords
sunkin.)

Hi
l
da:
Arey
ousur
e?

DrK:Yesverysur
e.Ineedt or
unthetests
amongstal
l whohav esexualencount
erswit
h
Busii
ncl
udingyourselfma'am.Yourhusband
maybecompr omisedt hatput
syoualsoatri
sk.

Hi
l
da:
weal
lknowt
hatJake,
Liam andNi
ckar
e
cl
ean.Sowheredidshegett
hevi
rus?Whodid
shescrew?It
houghtwehadheronthel
eash
nowwithJakeint
hepict
ure.

Agent16:Wethi
nkshegotcompr
omisedon
Februar
y,shewasseenwit
haguyatClub
Miguel.

Hi
lda:
Findthebast
ard,
idon'
tcar
ehowy
oudo
i
tbutiwanthim.

Agent16:
Rightoni
t.

(shereachedforherphoneandsentat exttoall
ofthem, l
ett
ingt hem knowt heymustrepor tt
o
Floor16in30mi nutes.Shedismissedallthe
otheragentsremai ningonlywithDrKrudgeand
theothermedical personnelwhower e
prepari
ngthet estkits.Herheadwasachi ng,for
thefi
rsttimeinherl i
fe,sheacknowl edged
somet hi
ngshenev erthoughshecoul d
acknowledge, FEAR!Shewasaf rai
df orhersel
f,
herhusbandbutmost l
yLiam'sli
fe.Hewast he
i
nnocentonei nall
this.Sheregretev erpl
aying
withherfami l
ywher eBusi i
sinvolved,she
shouldhav ecomecl ean.Shecoul dnev er
forgi
veher sel
fifLi
am wasi nfected.She
promisedhersi st
erwhenshewasonherdeat h
bedtopr otecthersonandl ovehi mlikeher
own.)

(Theyall
walkedintogether
,wearingthei
rfl
oor
16atti
re,t
heylookedatherwor r
yingl
y.They
haveneverseenherdisori
ented.
)

Hi
lda:(
shebarkedatt
hem)Isai
dtobeher
ein
30minutes.
Bri
an:
Wecan'tj
ustdr
opever
ythi
ngwewer
e
doi
ngever
yti
mey ousay
.

Hi
l
da:
I'
m noti
nthemood,
Kgot
laesel
e.

Li
am:
Aunt
y,ar
eyouokay
?Youl
ookwor
ri
ed.

(
Shel
ookedathi
m andf
eltl
i
kecr
ying.
)

Hil
da:Si
tdown!Thefami
lyhasbeen
compromised.Weneedt
ohaveamedical
check-
up.

DrK:Youwi l
lgetresul
tsaft
er3daysfort
he
other
s.ButforHIV,yougetther
esult
shereand
now?Idon'tknowhowy ouwanttogoabouti
t,
doiti
ndivi
duall
yforpri
vacy.
Nick:Toget
her
,wedon'
tkeepsecr
etsf
rom one
another.

Hi
l
da:
Car
ryon.

(
Theyallsi
tar
ound,asthenursescarr
youtt he
t
estoncedone?they(
nurses)alll
efttheroom
l
eavi
ngtheThompsonswi t
hDrKr udge.)

DrK: Rememberwhati saidwheny ouliftt

hose
l
ids, i
fyouoneli
neknowt hatyouarenegat i
ve
howev eri
fit
'st
wol inesyouar eposit
ive.For
thosewhoar enegat i
ve,t
hereisawi ndow
periodof3mont hs.Youwi ll
needtot estagai
n
after3months.

(
Theyal
lnodthei
rheadsal
ley
esf
ocusedon
t
heli
dsi
nf r
ontofthem.
)
DrKr
udge:
Goahead,
checkouty
ourr
esul
ts.

(Theyal l
lif
tt heirl
i
ds.Ther oom isqui t
esil
ent,
Hildastaresathert wol ines,shet akesahuge
breathall t
hesuddent heoxy geni ntheroom
notenoughf orher.Domi ni
cl ooksathisresul
ts
andhest aresathiswi fe,feelingdefeat
ed,he
hasf ai
ledher .Li
am br eakst hesilenceby
standingandl aughing.)

Liam:Hey
!Thatwascl
ose,
ampor
ekei
thot
ela
kana.

Br
ian:(
chuckl
es)Idon'
tevenknowwhyi
hadt
o
dothi
ss*i
t!Im ascl
eanasicome.

Li
am:
Ifeel
li
kepr
int
ingi
tinmyf
orehead,
thati
am HIVnegat
ivesoal
lthemot
her
fu*
*rscan
see.

(Theyl
aughbutkeepqui tewhent heynot
ice
theyaretheonlyonesrejoi
cing.Hil
daandNick
areawfull
yquite.Tur
ningtheiratt
enti
ont
o
them,Liam st
artwalki
ngt oHilda.
)

Li
am:
Aunt
y

(Hil
dafinall
ylet
st hetearsgo, t
heyflowfr om
hereyesdownhercheek, forheritstearsofj oy
thatatleastoneofherpr ayersgotanswer ed,
Liam i
snegat i
ve.Inall t
hismess, herchildren
attheendar eallthatmat ters.Shefinal
ly
understoodtheset swanapr ov er
b,"
mmangwanaot shwar athipakaf abogal eng."
It
'salessonshei sgoi ngtocar rytoherdeat h
bed,toalwayspr otectherchi l
drennomat ter
what
.)
[
06/
02,
16:
11]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t70
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
___
_
"Bl
oodi
sthi
ckert
hanwat
er."-Unknown
_
___
___
___
___
_
NARRATED

(Bri
anstaredathi smot her '
stear
s, itisnot
everydayheseeshersheddi ngtear s.Reali
ty
sunkin,thesmi l
ef rom hisfacegotr epl
aced
withafrownbef orehi sjawst i
ghtenatsame
ti
meashef oldedaf i
st.Beforeany onecoul d
seewhathappenedherf lewov erthet able
chargi
ngathi sfather.Wi thi
nani nstanthehas
him bythecollarashecr ushedhisf istagai
nst
Nick'
snose, breakinghisnose.Hepushedhi m
agai
nstt
hegl
assanddel
i
ver
edy
etanot
her
bl
ow.)

Bri
an:(
furi
ousl
y)Howmanyt i
mesdi
diwar
n
youaboutyourpr
omiscuousway
s.

Ni
ck:
Bri
an!Sony
ou.
..

Bri
an:Don'
tyoudar
ecal
lmeson!Youi
nfect
ed
herri
ght
.

(Li
am tr
iedtoholdhim buthepushedLi am
awaycrushi
nghi m againstthetable.Brian
pushedhertothegr eatwindowwhi chi
sbeing
usedforemergencyexi toffloor16,hepushed
him ov
er,t
il
lhehadnochoi cebutt ostandon
theedge,j
ustonemor emov eNi ckwouldfall
down,totheverybot t
om.)
Bri
an:(heroar
edathi
m)Givemeoner
eason,
onereasonwhyishoul
dnotdr
opyout
oy our
deathri
ghtnow?

Ni
ck:
Iam sor
ry.

Br
ian:
Ithoughtwewerepastthi
snonsense.
Wasn'
tLebogangalessonenoughf
oryou?

(Hi ldaknewbet t
erthatt
ointer
fer
ewithatthis
stage, theyallhaveatonestageexperi
enced
Brian'sr age.That'
swhyhe( Bri
an)wanted
not hingt odowiththefamil
ybusinessbecause
i
tt urnedhi mi nt
oamonst erhedidnotwantto
be.)

Hi
l
da:
(sof
tl
y)Kgot
laesel
e..
..
(
Shetookt
inyhesi
tantst
epstohim,unti
lshe
r
eachedhi
m,placi
ngherhandonhishand,she
t
ouchedhi
sfacetomakehiml ookather
.)

Hil
da:Youdonthavetodothi
s,iam okay,iam
posit
ivebutiti
snott
heendofthewor l
d.Let
yourfathergo,
wearefami
ly,
famil
ynev erf
ight
oneanot her
.

Bri
an:Youaregoi
ngtodefendhimlikeal
ways.
(Hetur
nedandlookedatNick)Fr
om nowon
youaredeadtome.Idon'
tev enwantyounear
me.

(
Heturnedandwalkedoutoft
her oom.Ni
ck
t
ri
edtogoafterhi
m butHil
dastoppedhi
m.)
Hil
da:Unl
essy ouhaveadeat
hwi
sh,
isuggest
youlethi
m cooldown.

Ni
ck:
Hi.
..
.!

Hil
da:Sav ei
t!Iwi
lldealwithyoulat
erri
ghtnow
ihaveaf amil
ytogetinorderandpr ot
ect
,
peopletoteachli
felessonsandcockroachesto
squash.Oncei am donei wil
lbegetbacktoyou.

(
Shewal
kedt
othet
abl
eandf
acedLi
am.
)

Hil
da:Youareonhousearr
est,youwillmove
backtothemainmansionunti
lihav
ecl ear
ed
you.Tomorr
ownightiwanttomeety our
gir
lf
ri
end,di
nneri
sat7pm.

Li
am:
ButAun.
..
..
.
Hil
da:Iwasn'
taski
ng,
iwast
ell
i
ngy
ou.Nowget
youruncl
ehome.

Li
am:
Arey
ounotcomi
ng?

Hi
l
da:
Noi
hav
elooseendst
ofi
nish.

(Theywalkoutoftheroom andHi l
dagotasi p
ofwat er
,asshewait
edf orheragentstoenter
theroom.Shemadeami st
akeoncebutshe
wasnotaboutt or
epeatittwice.Oncetheyhave
sett
led,shest
oodupandf acedthem.)

Hil
da:Nomor est
all
i
ng,wearegoingallin.I
f
anyofyoufeelsl
i
ketheyarenotfort
henext
phaceisuggestt
heyexcuseusthisminute.
(Theyl
ookedamongstoneanot
herbutnoone
st
ooduptoleav
ebutinst
eadBri
anjoi
nedthem.
)

Hi
l
da:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Bri
an:
Iam resumi
ngmyposi
ti
onef
fectf
rom
thi
sminut
e.

Hi
l
da:
Kgot
laes.
..
..
.

Bri
an: No!Nomor estal
li
ng.Iam notl
ett
ingy
ou
carr
yadi seaseandourbaggageony our
shouldersalone.Youcanl eanonmema!Iwi l
l
carr
yt hebaggagef oryou.

Hi
l
da:
Okay
,hav
easeatt
hen.
Br
ian:
Youhav
easeat
,iwi
l
ldot
het
alki
ng.

Hi
l
da:
Buty
oudon'
tknowany
thi
ng.

Bri
an:Youarenottheonlyonewhohasey es
andears,i
am donemi ndi
ngot herpeopl
e'
s
busi
nessesfr
om nowoni am allupin
ever
yone'
sbusiness.

(Hesai
dashepul
l
edthechai
rforHi
l
dat
osi
t
downandhest
oodup.)

Bri
an:Missi
onGetr i
dofObstacl
es!Obser
ver
gi
veusKagisoMel eko'
sfi
nancesandhis
fi
nanci
alsources.

(
Thecomput errunsal
lhi
sest
ate,
moneyand
f
inanci
alsources.
)
Bri
an:Fi
r stst
eptoremov i
ngobstacl
es:We
cl
eanouthi saccount.Getr
idofhisf
inanci
al
sponsors.Thismighttakeawhil
eay earor2
butthat
'sthefir
ststep.

Hi
l
da:
Ayear
?That
'st
ool
ongBr
ian.

Bri
an:Hast
ydecisi
onsl
eadtodi
saster,
you
don'
twanttogetri
dofhimtemporar
y,youwant
hi
m permanent
lygoner
ightmother
?

Hi
l
da:
Yesbut
?

Bri
an:NoButsthen,
letmet eachyouthel
atest
waysofget
tingri
dofobst acl
esyouhavebeen
outofpr
act
ice.Observerconnectt
oThier
ry
Moreno.
(Amanappear
sont
hescr
een.
)

Br
ian:
Thef
orti
syour
smyman.

Thierry:Okay,Agent55y outakehisSwedish
account ,youaregoingtotakeeachdayP100
fr
om i t.Unti
ligi
veyouor ders.Agent19,y
ou
hacki ntohisBotswanaaccount s.Heisa
dodgyguysooneshoul dbenamedaf t
erhis
gi
rlfr
iendJoyPheko, Iam goingtoneed..
.

Bri
an:No!Shehasbeenthr
oughenough,wear
e
notgett
inghert
angledupi
nthis,
ipromi
sed
Naledi
andi am keepi
ngmypromise.

Thi
erry
:Youseewhyiwasagai
nsty
ouhav
inga
gi
rl
fr
iend.Youhav
egr
ownsoft.
(Theyconti
nuet opl
ottheirway .I
ntheear l
y
hoursofmorni ng,Br
iancarri
eshi sasleep
mot hert
ohiscaranddr iveshert ohi
shouse
i
nsteadoftheThompsonmansi on.I
nt hat
momenthev owst ogethisv engeanceonal l
thosewhofor sakenhismot her.
)
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Nal
edi

(Il
ayawakeont opofmybedgoi ngt hroughthe
papers,andmycour sematerial
s.Noonehad
everwar nedmet hattheroadt obei ngadoct or
wastough, i
hav et ur
nedintoani nsomni ac,
whil
eot herpeopl esleepfull8hour si getonly5
hoursorl essofsl eep.Myphonev ibrates
underneat hthebookandi smi l
etomy self.I
tis
ti
mef ormybr eak.Ilaydownnextt omybooks
asitakehi scall.
)
Nal
edi
:Nt
ateDl
ami
ni.

Br
ian:
Doy
ouwantmet
ohangup?

Nal
edi:
Grumpyasal
way
sisi
tthatt
imeoft
he
mouth?

Bri
an:Yousuddenl
yhav
eav
erysmar
tmout
h
thi
sdaysDrDlamini
.

Nal
edi
:Ihav
ethebestt
eacher
.

(
Hei
ssi
l
entf
orabi
t.)

Br
ian:
Nal
edi
Dlami
ni.
(Mytoest wi
rlup,
idon'tevenknowhowhehas
thi
seffectonme, it
houghtmay beafterayearit
wouldbebetterbutinsteadi
tjustkeepsgetti
ng
worse.Thesoundofhi sdeepmascul i
nevoice
sti
l
lgivesmebut t
erfl
ies.)

Nal
edi
:Rr
a!

Bri
an: Ineedy ouNaledi,ineedyour i
ghthere
nexttome.If eell
i
kei am losi
ngmysani t
y,i
needy out otellmethatev er
ythi
ngi sgoingto
bealright.Ineedthepeacey our adiate,your
soothingv oi
ce.Ineedt ostareiny oureyesand
fi
ndt hegoodi nmeagai nbecauser ightnow
darknessi sconsumingmysoul .Ifeell
ikeiam
l
osingmy selfonceagain.

(
Heisnotamanofmanywor ds,butr
ightnowi
f
eel
li
keheiscr
yingoutf
orhelp.Fort
hefirst
ti
mei r
egr
etev eragr
eei
ngtocomi ngher
e.He
needsmerightnowandi am oceansaway.
)

Nal
edi
:Whati
swr
ongmyl
ove?Tal
ktome.

Bri
an:Every
thi
ngi
sfall
ingapartBabycakes,
i
needtostepupandtakecontr
ol yett
aki
ng
contr
olwouldmeanlosingapartofme
somehow.Tellmewhatshouldi do?

Nal
edi:Fol
lowyourheartmyl ove.Li
stentoyou
i
nnermany ourconscioushewillgui
dey outo
makingtheri
ghtchoice.Icancomedownt o
Bot
swanai fy
ouneedme.

Bri
an:
No!Youar
enotleav
ingy
ourschool
to
comenur
seaful
lygr
ownassman.
Nal
edi
:Andhei
sback.

Br
ian:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Nal
edi
:St
udy
ing?

Bri
an:Ikeepforgett
ingthatiam i
nlovewitha
ner
d.Andt hatguywhathi snameagain,
Marij
uana,youtoldhimt hatiwi
l
lcuthisball
sif
hetri
esanythingfunny.

(Ir
oll
myeyes,iknowv er
ywel l
thathemeans
andknowsit
sMar celj
ustthattheegot
ist
cman
i
nhim won'
tall
owhi mtosayit.)

Nal
edi:I
tMarcel
,Dl
amini
,Mar
cel
.Hegoty
our
messageloudandcl
ear.
Bri
an:Whateverhi
sfu*
*ingnameis.Isti
l
ldon'
t
getwhyy ouhavet
obef ri
endswi
thaguy ,
weren'
tthei
rfemal
esyoucouldbefr
iend.

Nal
edi
:Ar
ewebei
ngj
eal
ousr
ightnow?

Bri
an:Iam alwaysjeal
ouswherey
ouar e
i
nvolv
edNal edi
.Howi wishyouwerehere,
right
nowthethi
ngsi wishtodotodo?

Nal
edi
:Thi
ngsl
i
ke?

Brian:
(hewhispersslowly)Iwanttofeel you,
touchy oumostlytasteyou.Iwanttoeaseal l
theplacesyouachet obet ouchedespeci al
ly
theplacebetweeny ourl
egswher ey ouar e
dri
ppingwet.Iwantt ostareinyourey esasi
settl
emy sel
fbetweeny ourlegsandt hrustmy
hardenedcrotchinyou,iwantt ofeelyou
squi
rm andfeelyouwallstightenaroundmeas
youwelcomey ourorgasm.Most l
yi wantto
hearyoumoanmynamebr eat
hlessasi take
youovertheedge,slowly
,wi t
hev erythr
ust
promi
singandr emindi
ngy ouofmyl oveforyou.

Nal
edi
:(br
eat
hlessl
y)Br
ian!

Bri
an:
Youbet
ternott
ouchy
our
sel
fNal
edi
,iwi
l
l
knowify
oudi
d.

(Myhandfreezesontopofshor
tpyj
amas
wheresupposedtoskimpdownther
e.Ial
most
scr
eam inthephone.
)

Nal
edi
:Youdon'
tfi
ghtf
air
.

Br
ian:
Itsnev
erf
airi
nthenameofl
ove.Ihav
ea
l
umpbet
weenmyl
egst
hatl
umpmeansi
lov
e
y
ou.

(Hehangsup.Andigroani
rri
tabi
l
ity
,iam hot,
wetbutmostl
yneedy.Amessagecomei nmy
phoneiopenit
.Hehassentmet helump
betweenhi
slegsandthecapti
onis"thelump
i
nmypant smeansiloveyou.
"-E.BSt uar
t.
Ilaughasi standupandwalkt othebathroom i
am goingi needacol dbat
h.Itsgoingtobey et
anothercold, l
ongandlonel
ynight.Heavenly
fat
her,Ilovehi m,il
oveBri
an,"I
flovinghim ki
ll
s
met onight,theniwasreadyfordeat ht
he
momenti saidhell
o."-R.
M Drake.
.
.
.
.
.
I
twi
l
lgetedi
tedi
nthemor
ning
Goodni
ght
!
[
06/
02,
16:
12]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t71
_
___
___
___
__
"Shewhowalksthefl
oorsofHel
l
,fi
ndsthekey
s
toherHeav
enbur i
edther
eli
keaseed.
"-
Segovi
aAmil,Under
world
-
--
--
--
--
--
-
Joy

(Hepullsoutandget soffthebed.Tear sf
all
from myey esasi turnaroundt ofacetheother
way .Howdi dievengether e, i
fthi
siswhata
tast
eoff reedom feelsli
ket hentakeitaway.I
nolongercr avef
orf r
eedom.Oncei hearthe
showerr unningigetupandr eachformyphone.
Icallmyf at
herbutt hereisnoanswerunt i
l i
t
sl
i
psintovoi
cemai
l
.Ideci
det
oleav
ehi
ma
message.)

Joy:(cheerf
ul l
y)HeyDaddy !I
tsmeJoy ,iam al
l
goodandev erythingisgoingwel l,
well
everyt
hingexceptt hatimissy ou, i
mi sshome.
Daddycani pleasecomehome?Iwantt ocome
homet oy ourlov i
ngandpr otecti
v earms.
(Cryi
ng)Pleasedaddyi can'ttakeany mor eofit
,
all
owmet or eturnhome.Ipr omi setonol onger
beaheadache, andadelinquentchi l
d,ifyou
j
ustallowmet oreturnhome.

(Ihangup.Wipingawaymytearswheni f
eel
theshowerstop.Igr
abmygownandwal kto
thekit
chentofixmysel
facupofcoffee.Ther
e
i
sanur gentknockonthedoor,
iopenandBusi
burstt
hroughthedoorli
kesheownst hepl
ace.)
Joy
:(cl
osi
ngt
hedoor
)Okay
!Hel
l
otoy
out
oo.

Busi
:Wher
eisKagi
so?

Joy:
Hei
sthebedr
oom.Shoul
dical
lhi
mfor
you?

Busi
:Yeswhil
eyouar
eit
,pl
easebr
ingmea
gl
assofwater
.

(Thisi
swhatmyli
fehasturnedi
t,bei
ngor
der
ed
aroundbymyagemates.)

Kagi
so:
Ihear
dvoi
ces.
..
..

(Hetr
ailsoffwhenheseesBusiandhiseyes
spar
kles,samesparkl
ethatoncereser
vedfor
me.Iwoul
dn'
tbesur
pri
sedi
fhel
ust
saf
terher
.)

Kagiso:
Thebeauti
ful
MsKenosi
,howcani
be
offassi
stancet
oyoutoday
?

Busi
:Ev
ery
thi
ngi
samessKagi
so.

(shebr
eaksdowni nt
earsandij
ustwat
chas
Kagi
sogatherheri
nhisarmsandgiv
eher
sol
ace.
)

Kagi
so:
Whati
swr
ong?

Busi
:Igott
her
esul
tsback.

Kagi
so:
And?
(Sheisabouttospeakbutl ooksatme.Iknow
that'
smycuet oleave.Idi
sappearfrom t
heir
sightbutstandinthepassageasi eav
esdropin
theirconv
ersati
on.)

Busi:Myresult
sar
eout,Iam HIVposi
ti
veand
pregnant
.Theworstt
hingisthatNi
ckisthe
father
,Li
am isgoi
ngt
ol eav
emewhenhef i
nds
out.

Kagi
so:Howsurearey
outhatthefat
heri
sNi
ck?
Andthevi
ruswher
edidyougetit
?

Busi:
Liam alwaysusepr ot
ecti
on.Count
ing
back,Nicki
st heonei sl
eptwithtwomonths,
it
wasinamomentt hing,aquicki
e,wefor
gotto
useprotect
ion.

Kagi
so:
Thev
irus?
Busi
: Iwasi nabadspacei nOct
ober,
afteryou
convincedmet ostopgoingtoClubT,Ineeded
toblowof fsomesteam, soIwenttoClub
Miguel ihadrandom fu*
kwi t
hsomeguyt here,
prot
ect i
onwast helastt
hingonmymi nd.

Kagi
so:Youcanbesoi r
responsi
bleatti
mes.
Wewill
figur
ethisout,oryoucouldalways
marr
yme, iwil
ltakecareofyouandt hechi
ld.

Busi
:Ar
eyouinsane?WhataboutJoy
?Plusi
don'
tev
enhavefeeli
ngstowar
dsyou,youar
e
j
ustabusi
nesspart
ner.

Kagi
so:
Iknowbuty
oucan'
tdenyt
hisat
tr.
..
.

(
Ihear
denough,
iwal
kawayt
othebedr
oom.So
Kagisowant stomar r
ymyf r
iend,iwil
lbe
darnedifi l
etBusibethewife.Iam goingto
beatthi
st woattheirowngame.Iam def ini
tel
y
goingtoleavethatguy&i j
usthaveani deahow.
Beingagoodgi rlgotmenowher eit'
st i
mei be
abadgi r
l,nomor esparr
inganyone'sfeel
ings.
JoyPhekoi sbouncingbackandnoonei s
standi
ngonmyway .)
-
--
--
--
--
--
--
-
BUSI

(Thenextdayi wal koutoft hehospi talwit

hmy
headheldhigh, ihav evdecidedt hati am goi
ng
tokeepmychi l
dnotbecausei wantt obut
becauseitt
heonl yweaponi hav eagainstHil
da,
herhusband'sbast ar d.Iputmyhandonmy
stomachprot ecti
vely ,t
hisbabywi l
l bemykey
tofi
nall
yenter i
ngt heThompsonbl oodli
ne.I
don'
tknowbutmay bet hi
sHI Vwasabl essi
ng
i
ndisguise,
i smi l
et omy self
,atl eastiam not
dyingalone, Ni
ckisinthesinkingboatwi t
hme.
Ishaggedhi slit
tl
edickl
etnotsol ongago, ican
betallmymoneyt hathehascaughti t
.Iti
sonly
amat t
eriftimebeforehepassesi ttoHi l
da.I
burstoutlaughing,asIreali
sedjusthowbad
thatwillbe.TheShe-devilwit
hani ncurable
disease,may beshewoul dstopact i
nglikeshe
ownst hegr oundwewal kin.)

Busi:
Oh!Hildahowi wisht oseey ourface,
wheny oureal i
sethatgoodf ornot hi
ngdickl
et
hasbroughty ounothingbutdi seases.Youwi l
l
crumbledownandi wi l
lbereadyt ostepin,
ari
seundery ourdownf all
.Iwillki
l
l Kagi
so,
becauseheisbecomi nganui sance.

(Iwal
kintomyapar t
mentandt hef
irstt
hingi
seeisthebeaut
if
uldress,
shoesandf l
owerson
thecouch.It
akethecardandreadthe
message.)
_
___
__
Lov
eofmyl
i
fe

Dr
essupprett
yforme.Iwi
ll
beher
eat6pm t
o
pi
ckyouup.Taki
ngyousomewher
e(asur
pri
se)

Your
sLi
am
_
___
_

(Ismiletomy self,hedoesnotdeser v
eal lt
his,i
havet otel
l himt het r
uthaboutmyst atus
beforeiinfecthim.Hehasbeennot hingbut
sweetandl ovingtowar dsme.Ther estofthe
dayi spendi trestless,anxi
etyhavi
ngi tway
withme.At6pm i am al r
eadyreadyandpaci ng
aroundt her oom.Iwal koutoft hehouse,asi
hearhim par kout side.
)
Li
am:
(laughi
ng)Someonei
spr
ett
yexci
ted.

Busi:
Justputmeoutofmymi
ser
yal
readyand
tel
lme.

Li
am:No!(Plant
ingaki
ssonmyl
i
ps)Youl
ook
pr
ett
y,beaut
iful
mylove.

Busi
:Thanky
ou,
notbady
our
sel
f.

Li
am:
ihav
etoputt
hisony
ou.

(Hesay
sasheputabli
ndf
oldonmyey
esand
gui
demetothecar
.)

Busi
:Li
am,
thi
sisget
ti
ngcr
eepy
.
Li
am:
Doy
out
rustme?

Busi
:Yesi
do!

Li
am:
Theny
ouhav
enot
hingt
owor
ryabout
.

Busi
:Youar
enotpl
anni
ngonpr
oposi
ngr
ight
?

Li
am: (
laughing)Notsobad!Notbad!Butnoi
am notproposingwell
atleastnoty
et.

(Wef al
lsil
entonceagai n.Iam onthevergeof
dyi
ngwi t
hcuriosi
ty.Afterawhilethecarparks
andhehelpsmeof f .Het akesl
eadsmyhand
andleadsmewher ev erhei sl
eadi
ngme.)
Li
am:
Guy
swear
eher
e.

Br
ian:
Dinni
ngr
oom.

(Ir
ecogni
seBri
an'
svoi
ce.If
eel
himi
nfr
ontof
hi
m, heki
ssesme.
)

Liam:Don'tf
aintonmewheni removethi
s
(t
ouchingthebli
ndfol
d).Iam notproposi
ngbut
ihavebeendy i
ngtoint
roducey outomyf ami
ly
eversincewestart
eddating.Todayyouare
meetingthem.

(Her emovesthebli
ndf
old,ikeepmyeyes
closed,somehowi am ner
vousallt
hesudden,
whati ft
heydon'tl
i
keme?)

Li
am:
(amusi
ngl
y)Youcanopeny
ourey
esmy
l
ove,
Isweart
heydon'
tbi
te.

(Iopenmyey es,
myeyesmeetBri
an'
scoldey
es,
nexttohimisOhNo!Myjawsli
ter
all
ydr
opto
theground.
)

Ni
ck:
Aret
heyher
eyet
?

(i r
ecogni set hatvoicei nainstantiturnslowly
toconf ir
m mysuspi ci on.Iam suddenl yfeel
ing
hotandcol datt hesamet i
me.Iwetonmysel f
al i
tt
leasi f
aceNi ck, iseehor r
idlookonhi s
faceandwat chthegl asshewashol dingf all
from hishand, hi
sey eswi denandmout hagape.
Myey esdar tfrom Ni cktoHi l
da,sher aisesher
glasst ome,smi l
i
ngf rom eartoear.Ihav e
steppedi nanexpl osivelandmi ne.Godno!Not
today!)
[
06/
02,
16:
12]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t72
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
_
"
Heavenhasnoragel
i
kelov
etohatr
edturned,
NORHellafur
yli
keawomanscor
ned."-
Wil
l
iam Congr
eve
_
___
___
___
_
BUSI

Whati nthi
sworldist
his?Whatkindofapr ank
i
st hi
swor ldpl
ayi
ngonmer i
ghtnow!Idon't
evenknowwher eigetthestrengt
htobest i
ll
standingwhenmywor ldisabouttoendjust
beforeitbegan.

Li
am:
Uncl
ear
eyouokay
?

Hi
l
da:
Don'
twor
ryabouty
ouruncl
e,whydont
weal
lsitdi
wnsoyoucani
ntr
oduceusf
ormal
l
y
t
oourlovel
yguest
.

(Shesmi r
ks,l
ooki
ngatme.Ni ckisst
il
lon
shockbutitsnothardtomi ssthedaggershe
throwsatme.Nev erinmywhol ehaveifound
my sel
finsuchastickysit
uati
on,somehowi
wishthewor l
dcouldjustopenupandswal low
me. )

Busi
:Cani
uset
hel
adi
esr
oom pl
ease?

Hi
lda:Yesbemyguest
.5escor
tourguestt
o
t
heladies.

(Ihaven'
tnoti
cedt he5menst andingoutside.
Themancal led5st epsforwar
d,ialmostfall
downwheni recognisehim,Mull
er!Mypr i
vate
i
nv est
igat
or.Soi havebeenplayedagain.Iwalk
tothebathroom, i
fi hadat ail
i wouldsaywi th
myt ai
lbetweenmyl egs.Isi tinthebat hr
oom, i
l
ookt oseei ft
herei sar eall
yawi ndowi can
squeezethrough,i needt oescapet hingsr eall
y
don'tl
ookgoodonmysi de.Att hispoi ntiam
readytothrowint het owel,itiscrystal cl
ear
thatiam nomat chf orHi l
daThompson, sheis
alwaysonest epaheadofme.Wheni finall
y
stepoutoft heroom, iwalkbackandsi tdown
nexttoLiam whohol dsmyhand. )

Liam:Babe, meetmypar
ent
s,t
hatauntyHil
da,
uncleLiam andmycousi
nBri
an.Ever
yonemeet
theloveofmyl i
fe,
Mari
ly
nBusi
siweDomi ni
que.

(Nick,
coughsandHil
dacan'
thelpi
tbutcr
ack
up.Shelaughssohar
dthatyear
sfal
lfr
om her
eyes.)
Li
am:Somet
hingi
sdef
ini
tel
ygoi
ngonher
e.I
demandt
oknow.

Hi
lda:
Nickshoul
didot
hehonor
sory
ouwi
l
ldo
i
t?

(
Hisf
acedr
opst
othegr
ound.
)

Bri
an:whatar
etheyevendoi
ngher
e?(
Poi
nti
ng
totheAgent
sonstandby.
)

Hi
lda:Lawandorder
!(Shecl
earshert
hroat
)
Li
am iam sor
rymylove,i
nevermeantfori
tto
gothi
sf ar
.

Li
am:
Aunt
y..
..
!
Hi
lda:
Famil
ymeetBusi
siweKenosi
,your
f
ather
'smi
str
ess.

Li
am:
Par
don?

Hil
da:Theobserverhasallyouranswers.
Maril
ynDomi ni
ckisjustanamey ourfather
gaveher.Shehasbeensl eepingwit
hbot hy
ou
andNickamongwi thJakefrom t
heCluband
manyothernamel essmen.

Br
ian:
Don'tt
ellmesheistheonewhohasbeen
br
oughtt
hev i
rusi
ntoourhome.

Ni
ck:Youhavebeensleepi
ngar
ounddespi
te
t
hecontr
act.Youdat
ingmynephew?

(
Hest
andst
ohi
sfeetchar
gingt
owar
dsme.
Br
ianalsocomechargi
ngt owardshi
m andme.
Hi
ldablowsawhist
leandt hemenholdsthem
i
nplace,t
wohugeli
onsr eadytokil
lme.)

Liam:(whi
speri
ng)t
ell
mealloft
hisi
sli
es.
(Shouti
ng)Tel
lmetheyar
ely
ingnoneofthi
sis
true.

Busi
:Iam sor
ry.
..
.

(
Hebeat
sthesot
abl
esohar
dandi
jumpup.
)

Liam:Aunt
ygetthi
swhorefrom mysi
debef
ore
idosomethingi
willr
egr
et.

Hi
l
da:
00pl
easeescor
tourguesthome.
(IlookatLi am t
rytotouchhim buthispushes
myhandawayasi fitssomeki ndofbugt hathe
mi ghtcatch.Tearsfall
from myeyesasi r
eali
se
ther esult
sofmyact ions.Ihavetr
ulylosthim.I
trytor eachouttohim againbutheraisesa
handal moststr
iki
ngmebutHi l
dacatcheshi s
hand. )

Hil
da:No!Idi
dn'tt
eachyout
ostr
ikeawoman
especi
all
yapregnantwoman.

Li
am:
Youar
epr
egnant
?

(Heturnsandwalksout.Bri
anwal ksandstops
i
nf r
ontofmei canseehisey esareascoldas
everbutbehi
ndthem burnsrage.)

Br
ian:
Youbet
tersl
eepwi
thoneey
eopeny
oung
l
ady.
(Het urnsf oll
owshi scousin.Amanst andsi n
fr
ontofmeandgui desmet otheawai tingcar.
Ther idebackt omyf l
atislonely,partofme
can'tbel iev
ewhatwentdown.Ihav ebecome
numb, oncei nmyapar tmenti changei nt o
somet hingmor ecomf ort
ableandsi tint hedark
starri
ngi nt
ot hespace.Lightsswitchonand
Hildawal ksin.Sheputsthepi zzaboxand
drinksdownbef or
eset t
li
ngnextt ome.Imov e
abi tallowinghert obemor ecomf ort
abl e.)
_
___
___
___
___
NARRATED

(Hil
dasatnexttoBusi,noonehassai daword,
somehowt hisyoungwomanr emindedherof
hersel
finherage,shewasl ostasherand
pregnantwit
hBr i
an.Sheusedt obelostand
brokenli
keher,sel
li
ngherbodyt oputfoodon
thetabl
eforherfamily.Ni
ckwashercust omer
whogotmesmer izedwi t
hherinnocence, he
wasj ustapr i
vateassistanttoaweal t
hyguy .
Suddenl yshehadar easont ol
ookt owar dst he
future,throughsweatanddedi cationshebui lt
anempi re,tookamanwhowor kedf oranot her
manandmadehi mthef aceofherempi re.
Howev erthatwasnev erenoughf orher
husband, hehadonl yoneweaknessal way s
l
ust i
ngov erli
ttl
egirl
slikeBusi.Unlikethe
otherswhof l
eedwhenshewar nedt hem, she
stuckar ound, shefought .Shehasal i
tt
lefir
e
i
gni t
edi nsideher .Afi
ret hatHi
ldaf oundso
fascinating.)

Busi
:Whatar
edoi
ngher
e?Ar
eyouher
etogl
oat
?

Hil
da:No!Iam her
etooff
ermyprot
ect
ion.Iwi
ll
gl
oattomorrowtodayi
am her
etoprot
ectyou
fr
om TheThompsonwr at
h.
Busi
:whatwr
ath?

Hil
da:Liam andNickt
heywi
l
lbeher
einnot
ime.
Actual
lyin3,2,1!

(t
her
eisaknockont
hedoor
)

Hi
lda:Iwil
lbeinyourr
oom.That
'
sLi
am,
he
won'thar
my ou.

(Shetakesherhandbagandwal
kst
othe
bedroom.Liam wal
kinandii
mmediat
elyst
and
up.)

(hebrusheshi
shandoverhi
smessyhai
rand
pull
sagunoutpoint
sittoher
.)
Liam:Giv
emear easonwhyi
shouldnotpul
l
thist
ri
ggerri
ghtnowandendy ourl
i
ttl
ewhori
ng
pathet
icl
ife.

(Mykneesbecomewobble.Ican'
trecognise
themanstar
ringatme.Ican'
thel
pbutf eel
guil
tyi
haveturnedhi
mintothi
s.)

Busi
:Li
am?

Liam:Nodon't
!Ist
hishowyourepaymyli
vef
or
you?Yousleepwit
hmyuncleri
ghtundermy
nose,gi
vehim avi
rust
hathepassesaunt
.

Busi
:Idi
dnotknow.
..
.

Liam:Youdi
dnotknow, t
hat
'
syourpat
het
ic
excuse,y
oudidnotknow?
Busi
:Li
am l
etmeex.
..
.

Li
am:(tear
sfal
lfr
om hi
sey
es)i
sitmi
ne?The
chi
ldy
ouar ewi
th?

(
Ishakemyhead)

Liam:Atleasti
dodgedabul l
et,nothi
ngt
iesme
toyou.Icameheretoendyourlifeandmine
butyouarenotevenworthitBusisi
weKenpsi.
Hopey ouhavealovel
yli
fe.

(Hewalksoutshutti
ngthedoorbehi
ndhim.
Beforeievenhaveti
met obr
eath,Ni
ckwalkin
l
ookingreadytokil
lme.Heshov est
hecontr
act
onmef ace.)
Nick:Iwanty ououtofmyhouse, leav
emycar
andev ery
thingyoueverpurchasedduringour
agreementper i
od.Youwill
hearf r
om myl awyer
i
nday s,Iam suingyouforbreachofcontract
.
Youbr okethetermsofouragr eement.

(Hei
staki
ngev
ery
thi
ngheev
erbr
oughtf
orme.
)

Busi
:Ni
ck

(
Heputhishandar
oundmyneckandpushes
meagai
nstthewal
lhashi
shandmywindpipe.)

Nick:
Coul
dn'
tyoujustst
ickt
other
ulesonce.
Thebabyi
sitmine?

(
Busi
nodmyhead,
findi
ngi
treal
l
ydi
ff
icul
tto
getoxy
geni
nherl
ungs.
)

Ni
ck:
Getr
idofi
t,i
wil
lnotf
atherabast
ard.

Hi
lda:
That
swhyy ouwil
lmar r
yher.Youwil
l
t
akeBusi
siweKenosi
asy oursecondwif
e.

(Theyt
urntol
ookather,bot
hsurpr
isedbyt
he
bombshell
shejustdr
oppedonthem.)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Thoughti
putev
ery
oneoutoft
hei
rmi
ser
y.

[
06/
02,
16:
12]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t73

Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
__
"
Igotl
ostint
heeyesofastr
anger
.Itwast
her
e
t
hatIf
inal
l
yfoundmysel
f.
"-L.Weyanel
t
_
___
___
___
__
Busi

(It
urnandlookather
?Ist
hiswomanbei
ng
seri
ousri
ghtnow?Whosaidiwantt
oget
marri
edtoNick?)
Ni
ck:
Hil
da,
whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?

Hil
da:Youknowt hefamilyr
ules,wedonohav e
bast
ardinourbloodl
ine.Sothemost
honourabl
ethi
ngy oucoulddot othati
nnocent
chi
ldismarryt
hemot her.

Ni
ck:
Orshecangetr
idofi
t.

Hi
lda:No!Thi
sisherl
astchanceatbei
ng
mother.

Busi
:St
optal
ki
ngaboutmeasifi
am nother
e,i
don'
twantt
omarr
ytomarryDomini
ck.

Hi
lda:
Atthispoi
nty
ouhavenosayi
nthi
s,
di
sadvant
ageofbei
ngaThompsonsomeof
yourri
ghtgett
akenawaywit
houty
ourconsent
.
Youlongwantedtobeoneofussowelcometo
theThompson.

Ni
ck:No!Ir
efuset
his,
iref
usetot akeasecond
wi
feespeci
all
yawifewhois36y earsyounger
t
hanme.Mydaughter'
sagemat e.

Hil
da:Yousuchahy pocri
te,youslepther
knowingver
ywellthatshei sVanessa'
sage
mate.Ageneverst
oppedy oufrom cl
imbi
ngon
topofher
.Sodon'tuseitnowasanexcuse.

Nick:(
furi
ousl
y)iam nothav i
ngt hi
s
conversat
ionwit
hy ou.Andi am notmar ry
ing
thist
hotendofstory.(Heturnsandl ooksatme
)Iwanty ououtofthishouse, l
eavebehindt he
carkeysandcreditcards,
includi
ngev ery
thing
elseyouboughtwithmymoney .
(Hewalksoutandbangi
ngt
hedooronhi
sway
out.)

Busi
:Iam notmar
ryi
nghi
m.

(
Shetakesasteptowardsme, gonei
sthe
womanwhowassmi l
ingawhi l
eback.She
l
ooksangryanddangerous.)

Hil
da:Letmet el
lyouthi
soneandf orthelast
ti
me.Forasl ongasi am ali
vetherewil
lnever
beabast ar
dint heThompsonbl oodl
ine.You
aregoingtomar ryDominickThompson
whetheryoulikeitornot
.

Busi
:Nev
...
.!
(Idontfi
nishmysentence,asherhandsgo
aroundmyneck, shepushesmehar dagainst
thewallandlif
tmeupbyt heneck,squeezing
theairout.Hereyesar
efullofr
age,iputmy
handont hearmf i
ghti
ngformylif
e.)

Hil
da:Doy ouknowt hesacri
fi
cesi hadtodot o
getthatfamil
ythatmanwer ehei snow?Doy ou
thi
nki wil
lsi
tbyandl etasmallcockroachl
ike
youruinallt
hat,
youbet t
erthi
nkagainBusisiwe
Kenosi.Nowi am t
ell
ingyouandnotaski ngyou,
youwi l
lmarryDominickyounglady.

(Shel
etsmegoandi cr
umbletot
hegr
ound.I
don'
thaveanyst
rengt
hlef
t.)

Hilda:Lesson2!Iownthegame,ever
ymov ei
s
premedi t
atedbyme,Imadey oumeetupwith
Kagiso,nowy ougotel
lhi
mt hati
saidthewar
hasstar
ted,
hebett
ermakesurehewinsorel
se
iwil
lmakesurehewishhenev
ercrossedpat
hs
wit
hme.

(
Shel
ooksatmepi
ti
ful
l
y)

Hi
lda:
Makesur ey oucher i
shev er
ythingyougot,
nomatterhowlittl
eitcouldbey ounev erknow
whenyoumi ghtloseit.Ipl
annedt omakey ou
l
oseeveryt
hingincludi
ngLi am andy oudid.

(
Sheput
sonherl
eat
hergl
oves.
)

Hil
da:Dontt r
ustanyone,idontknowi fyouar e
afoolorwhat ?Youkeeptrusti
ngpeopl etodo
yourj
obf oryou.I
fyouwantsomet hinggety our
ownhandsdi rtymoreespeciall
yify oudon' t
haveresourcesli
keyourselfBusi.Stophi ri
ng
Pri
vat
eI nvesti
gat
ors,ihaveabiggerpay rol
lfor
them unlessofcourseyouwanttokeepl
osi
ng
tome.Whi chi
squitebori
ngit
houghtyouwi
ll
beabet teropponentbutyouj
ustkeep
disappoint
ingbecauseyoufal
li
nev er
ytr
apiset
upf oryou.

(
Shehel
psmeupandputmeont
hecouch.
)

Hil
da:Everymov eyourmakecoul dgiv
ey our
opponentleverageov eryou.NowClubThas
gi
venmey etanot herl
everageoveryou,inow
hol
dy oursext apes.Onewr ongmov eican
havethem leakedout .

Busi
:Youar
ely
ing!Thi
sisj
ustabl
ufft
oscar
e
meaway.

Hil
da:
Youshouldknowbynow,t
hatbl
uff
ingis
notmyst
yle.It
oldyout
hatCl
ubTisoneofthe
fami l
ydeadl iestweaponds.Justl i
kei t
oldyou
i
nlesson1t hatiam theEmper or,Ideclar
e
whent hegamei sover.Eachlessonget s
dif
ficultwitheachst ep.Congr atul
at i
onson
maki ngi tt
hisf ar
,onelastlessont ogo.But
beforet hatimustgi veyoucr edit,
y outaught
mesomet hi
ngal soinlesson2.

Busi
:Andt
hati
s?

Hil
da:Nev ertogambl eandplayaroundwher e
myf amil
yi sinvol
ved.Youalmostinfectedallof
usincl
udingLi am socongratsyougav eHi l
da
Thompsonal ongwiththehusbandthev irus.
Nowf oryoursuccessi will
rewardyou, youare
homelessr i
ghtnow, ipai
dahot elf
ory ou,
CheckinatCr est
aforthewholeofthisweekt i
ll
youdecidey ournextstep.Bye.
(Shewalksoutandiam l
eftper
plexed.Just
whoi st
hiswoman!Ever
ytimeshel eavesme
moreandmor edumbfoundedabouther
charact
er.)
_
___
___
___
___
___
_
JOY

(Idri
veoutoft hecompoundbef oreanyoft hem
couldseeme.SoBusi i
spr egnantwi t
hNi ck's
father.Thechildwillbeahal fsistertoVanessa
andBr ian.Butwhathasmei ntri
guedi sthef act
thattheydonotal l
owi ll
egiti
macyi stheirfamily.
Ismi l
et omy sel
f,fi
nall
yi f
oundmy
breakthrough.Iam goi ngt odef eatKagisoat
hisowngame, whil
emaki ngsur et hatialsowi n
evenifi tmeansbet rayingSt ar
.Ihav etodo
whati havetodot osur vi
ve.Rightnowmaki ng
Brianmi neisthef i
rstpr i
ori
tyi have.Istopby
thephar macyandbuyRohy pnol.Iam goi ngt o
needi t.WithKagisooutoft heTown, idecidet o
goouttoCi
garLoungeinPhakal
ane.Icoul
d
usesomegoodtime.)

Iwalkinsi
deandor dermyselfacockt
ailwhi
lei
sitdownandenjoyt hegoodmusic.Asi l
ook
aroundmyey esl
andonBr i
anseatedbythebar,
helooksamess, istandupfixi
ngmydr ess
pushingmycleavageupandwal ktohim where
isli
deinthechai
rnexttohim.)

Joy
:Badday
?

(Heli
fthiseyesandl
ookatme, t
henhedowns
hiswhiskyandputst
heglassdown.)

Br
ian:
Youcoul
dsayt
hat
.

Joy
:Wantt
otal
kabouti
t?
Br
ian:
No!Notr
eal
l
y.

(helooksatmecleav
aget
henathebar
man
aski
ngforaref
il
l)

Br
ian:
Sowher
eisy
ourbul
l
dozer
?

Joy
:Bul
l
dozer
?

Br
ian:
Yourj
erkofaguy
.

Joy
:OutofTownonbusi
ness.

(
Hisey esonceagai
ntr
avel
downmybody,
l
i
ngeringlongert
omyexposedcl
eav
ageand
t
highs)
Br
ian:Icantel
ltodayyoul
ookmor
eofy
ourage
i
nsteadoftheoldgrandma.

Joy
:Ar
eyoual
way
sthi
sbl
unt?

Bri
an:Ani
nsensi
ti
vepri
ckismoresui
ted.
Excusemeineedtousethemen'
sroom.

(Hest andsupandi watchhim ashewalksout.

Godt ookhistimebui l
dinghim,broadshoul
ders
andjustcorrectsize,every
thi
nghewear ssui
ts
him quitefi
ne.Ineverlaidmyey esonsucha
handsomeman. )

Bar
man:
Youar
est
arr
ing.

Joy
:Icanthel
pit
.Iwantapi
eceofhi
m.
Barman:Icanhelpyou,
drughim sohecan
spendthenightwit
hyouforasli
ttl
easfi
ve
hundr
ed.

Joy
:Ar
eyouser
ious?

(Henodshi shead.Andipasshimt hemoney .

WhenBr iancomesback,hefixeshimt hedr
ink
andwecont inuedri
nki
ng.Asi am abouttosl
ip
offthebar,if
eelhi
shandsaroundmywai st
,his
harderecti
ononmybut t,
hiswarm breathon
thenapeofmyneck. )

Brian:Wher
edoy outhinkyouaregoing?(He
teasesmyearl
obebef orewhisper
ing)Ineed
yousomuchNal edi,
ineedy ouinmybed
tonight
.
Joy:(
itur
naroundandputmyhandsaroundhi
s
neckandkisshi
m.Heisdrunk)Let
sgetoutof
hi
m.

Br
ian:
Leadt
hewaybabycakes.

(Itakehi shandandleadhi m outsi

deint
othe
coldni ght.Theni
ghtlookingsopr omi
singashe
drivest hecarhi
sotherhandbet weenmyt hi
ghs,
under neathmypant i
es,explori
ngmyf ol
ds.
Steponei ntomyplanscamesoeasi l
ythati
thought .Ismil
etomysel fintri
umphashe
picksmeupandwal kstohisenor mous
bedr oom. )
[
06/
02,
16:
12]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t74
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
__
"Iam morethanwhatIhavesurvi
ved.Ihol
dthe
spi
ri
tthatkeptmeal
ive.
"-Staci
e
_
___
___
_
JOY

(Thesunlightr ayscomeintother oom, andi

openmyey es.Mybodyf eel
sdi ff
erent,iclose
myey esoncemor easirecallhowhi shands
fel
taroundmybody .Howhet ookhi stimet o
makemef eelwomanenough.Ihadnev erever
metwhometamanwhohasanacesexgame
l
ikeBrian.Isitupandmyhear tskipwheni
noti
cehim seat edonthechairfacingthebed.
Helooksr eadyt oj
umponmeandki llmeany
ti
me.Ihav et ogetmyactr ight.)

Joy
:(sur
pri
sed)Br
ian?Whati
sthi
s?Wher
eam i
?
Whatam idoi
nghere?
Bri
an:That'
swhatiwoul
dli
ket
oknow?What
thehel
lareyoudoi
nginmyhouse,
inmybed?

Joy:Howshouldiknow?Youar etheonewho
shouldt
ellaf
teral
lIam i
nyourhouse.Please
donttel
lmethatweactuall
yslepttoget
her?I
canneverbetr
ayNaledil
i
kethat,yougotme
drunksoyoucantakeadvantageofme.

Bri
an:Arey oul
ist
eni
ngtoyour
sel
f?Doi l
ook
l
ikearapisttoyou?Pl
usyouaret
helastgir
li
wil
lev
ersl eepwit
h.

Joy
:Thenexpl
aint
omewhatiam doi
ngher
e?
Heiswil
lki
llme.Whathav
eaidone?

(idr
opmyheadandlett
hecrocodi
l
etear
sfal
l
.
Icanhi
m si
ght
hencomet obed.
)
Brian:LookJoy,iam sorr
y,clear
lywebot hhad
enought odri
nklastnight
.Iam sorryfor
accusingyou.Lookhav eabat hwhil
ei cal
la
taxitotakeyouhome.Goandpacky ourstuf
f,i
willbookyouinahotel whil
ey oufi
gureout
whaty ouwanttodo.

Joy
:Wow!Soy
ouar
enowgoi
ngt
obuymeof
f.

Bri
an:Iam notbuyi
ngyouof f
,Ipromi
sedNaledi
torakecar
eofy ou.Youareclear
lyaf
rai
dtogo
backhomet hat
'swhyi am of
feri
ngahotel
.

Joy:Not hankyou.Butiam noty

ourchari
ty
case,igotmy sel
fint
othismesssoiwill
get
my sel
fout.
Bri
an:Sui
tyour
sel
fout.Ihopewhat
ever
happenedher
ewil
lnotreachNal
edi
'sear
s.

Joy:Ihav
enoi ntenti
onofl osi
ngaf
riendl
i
ke
Naledi
.Nowi fyouwillexcuseme,i
needtoget
readyandleavethispl
ace.

Br
ian:
Thebat
hroom i
sont
her
e.

(Hepoi ntsoutashewal ksoutandi smi l

eto
my sel
f.Myact ingskil
lssure,haspai dup.Now
ti
met omov eont ostep2!St ep2doneand
dusted.Ilookmy sel
finthemi rr
orandl ookat
thehickeyonmyneck.Youwi l
lbemi neand
mineal one,iswearonmymot her'
sgr ave.Iwil
l
makey oumi ne.Ifeelal
i
v e,
mor ealivet hani
haveev erdidinthepastmont hs.Ireal i
sethat"I
am mor et hanwhatIhav esur vi
ved.Ihol dthe
spiri
tthatkeptmeal i
ve.
")
_
___
___
_
Busi

Kagi
so:
(st
ummer
ing)Whatdi
dyouj
ustsayBusi
?

(il
ookatthefuri
ousKagisoinfrontofme.I
j
ustbrokethenewstohimt hatihavebeen
pl
ayedoncemor eandthatHildaknowsthatwe
ar
eteamingtogether
.)

Busi
:It
hinky
ouhear
dme.

Kagiso:Iknewi twasabadi deatopart

nerwi
th
you.Howcoul di besostupid?Imeanamer e
l
itt
legirl
li
key ou,howstupidam itothi
nkyou
canbringHildadown?

Busi
:Youdon'
tmeant
hat
?
Kagiso:Youdon'
tseei
tdoy ou,i
tisoverforus?
Iwil
l hav
etoli
elowabit.Ican'
tbel
iev
et hatwe
havebeencompr omi
sed.

Busi
:Shewant
smet
omar
ryherhusband.

Kagi
so:
What
?

Busi
:Thechi
l
dIam wit
hisherhusbandsoshe
want
smet omarr
yhim.

Kagiso:Busi
li
stentomei fy
ouagreetot
his
ri
dicul
ousmar r
iage.Youwil
lbesi
gni
ngyourli
fe
away .

Busi
:Whatmorecani
do?Ihav
enochoi
cebut
togi
veupnow.
Joy
:It
hinki
am y
ouronl
ysol
uti
onr
ightnow.

(
Weturntol
ookather
.Sheseemshappy
,
l
ooki
ngli
ket
heoldJoyiknow.
)

Kagi
so:
Iwil
ldeal
wit
hy oul
aterr
ightnowi
am
i
nthemiddl
eofsomethi
ngseri
ous.

Busi
:Let
shearherout
.

Kagi
so:
Tal
k?

Joy:Youfail
edwi t
hgoingheadonwi t
hHi l
da
buthaveyouev ertr
iedusi
ngherchil
dren.Bri
an,
forexample,iam sorr
yKagisobuti
sleptwith
himlastni
ght.
Kagi
so:
What
?Ist
hissomesi
ckj
oke?

Joy:
Isawanoppor
tuni
tyofhel
pingy
ououtand
it
ookit
.

Kagi
so:
Howi
ssl
eepi
ngwi
thmyr
ival
ryhel
ping
meout?

Joy:Well
,iam y
oukeyint
otheThonpson
househol
d,wedidnotusepr
otect
ion,
make
Bri
anheimpregnat
edmeandi gi
veyouall
i
nsideinf
ormati
on.

Kagi
so:Noi
twon'
twor
k.Ar
eyouf
orget
ti
ngt
hat
youar
ebarr
en?

Joy
:No!Butwi
thgooddoct
or,
ever
ythi
ngcan
bef
aked,
makesurehemarri
esmeaf
tera
mont
horsoihav
eami scar
ri
age.

Kagi
so:
Andwhatguar
ant
eesy
out
hathewi
l
l
marr
yyou.

Joy:
TheThompson'scan'
thavebast
ardsi
nthe
bl
oodli
ne.Hewil
lhav
enochoicebuttomarry
me,ri
ghtBusi
.

Busi:Sheisr
ight
,onceshedecl
aressheis
pregnant,
iti
sautomati
cal
lymarr
iagethat
fol
lows.

Joy
:Sowhatdoy
ousay
?

Kagi
so:I
tisr
isky
,ican'
tl
osey
oul
i
kei
lost
Amber.
Joy
:Youwon'
tl
oseme.Comeont
hiswi
l
lwor
k
out
.

Kagi
so:
Iwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.

Busi
:Excuseme,
ithi
nkmyt
axi
isher
e.Ihav
e
togohome.

(Istandupandwal ktooutside.Ihav edecided

tomov ebackhome.Iwoul dratherbehome
thant obei ndebt
edtoHi l
daThompson.Att his
pointi don'
tknowwhi chwayi am going, iwant
toli
el owgetmyheadr i
ghtbuti knowt hati
don'twantanypar tinJoy-Kagiso'splans.Brian
l
ooksmor edangerousthanthemot her.Ican't
havehi m onmybackal so.)
_
___
___
___
___
__
NARRATED

TheThompsonResi
dence

(Hil
dawalksi
ntothedi
ningroom t
ofindall
of
them seat
edandalr
eadystart
edontheirmeal
.
Shesitsdownandhaveherglassofwine.
)

Hi
l
da:
Liam?

Li
am:
YesAunt
y.

Hil
da:
Iam sor
rymyboyiknowi
shoul
dhav
e
sai
dsomethi
ngsooner
.

Li
am:It
sokay.Iwouldli
ketohaveahol
i
day
,
maybevi
sitVanessaforawhi
le.
Hil
da:I
'
m sureshewi l
lappreci
ateyourvi
sit
moreoveri
twil
lbegoodf oryou.Especi
all
ywit
h
Busimarry
ingyouruncle?

Br
ian:
What
?Youcan'
tbeser
iousMa!

Li
am: I
tsf
ort
hebest
,thechi
l
dneedst
ohav
e
ourname.

Hi
l
da:
Iknewy
ouwoul
dunder
stand.

Br
ian:No!Overmydeadbody,Ni
cki
snot
marry
ingthatgol
ddi
gginghoe.

Hi
l
da:
Kgot
laesel
e!
Br
ian:
No!Iam agai
nstt
hismar
ri
age,
youar
e
al
l
owingt
hatleachi
ntoourf
amil
y.

Hi
l
da:
Ihav
ethi
sinor
der
,whyar
eyouwor
ri
ed.

Bri
an:Youaregoi
ngt
oagr
eewi
tht
his
ri
dicul
ousi
dea?

Nick:Yourmot
herhasal
readymadet
he
decisi
on.

Dari
ma:Whowearst
hepant
sinthi
smarri
age?
Domini
ckIknewi
twasabadideat
oeverl
et
t
hiscont
rol
li
ngwomani
nourli
ves.

Ni
ck:
Ma!Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
(Hil
dafol
dsherhandi nfi
standthr
owsdaggers
towardshermotherinlaw.Wonderi
ngwhatt
he
hellshei
sdoinghere.
)

Dar
ima:
Youhav
eev
enl
ostwei
ghtmydear
est
boy
?

Hi
l
da:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

(
Shesay
sasshepi
ckshergl
assandhav
easi
p.)

Li
am:
Aunt
ythat
'sr
ude?

Dari
ma:Lastt
imei
checkedt
hiswasmyson'
s
house.

(
Shesay
sasshesi
tsdownf
aci
ngHi
l
da.They
thr
owdagger sateachother
.Thewhol
etabl
eis
ontension.Thetwowomeni nNi
ck'
sli
fehav
e
neverseeney et
oeye.)

Darima: Iwanttomeett hewomancar ry

ingmy
grandchild.Shealr
eadyhasmybl essi
ngt obe
fi
rstwifeoft heThompsonf ami
l
y.Gi v
eusan
heirthatsomeonef ai
ledto.

Hi
lda:Anheirt
owhat,
whendi
dpoorpeople
st
artneedi
ngheir
s.Ar
eyouf
orget
ti
ngthatt
his
i
sallmine?

Nick:
(bangi
nghishandont het
abl
e)Enough!
Canwenotdot hi
srightnow?
.
.
.
.
1/OneMont
hLat
er
One/
1Mont
hLat
er
[
06/
02,
16:
12]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t75
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
_
"Tosucceed,
jumpasqui
ckl
yatoppor
tuniti
es
asyoudoatconcl
usi
ons.
"-Benj
aminFrankl
in
-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-
OneMont
hLaTer

Nessa

Iwal
kint
ot hekit
chenrubbi
ngmyey es.Ismil
e
asif
eelherpinchmycheeks.Iopenthem and
hugherf
rom behindasipeekinthepots.
)
Nessa:Iswearbyt
het
imey
ouret
urnt
o
Botswanaiam goi
ngt
obef
at.

Hi
l
da:Mor
ningAngel
.Washy
ouhandsandhel
p
meout
.

Nessa:
Whyareyoupr
epari
ngsomuch?Ther
e
i
sonly3ofusher
e?Me,youandLi
am.

Hi
l
da:Youar
esoi
nqui
sit
ivey
oungl
adyj
usthel
p
meout.

(
Liam al
sowal
ksi
nandhesi
tsont
hechai
r)

Li
am:
Somuchf
oodwhat
'
stheoccasi
on?
(Hereachesforacupcakebutmom sl
apshi
s
handaway .)

Hi
l
da:
Makey
our
sel
fandsett
het
abl
e!

Li
am:Aunt
yshoul
dn'
twebegoingbackhome?
Maybet
heyneedusbackt
her
e.

Hi
lda:Iam notr
eadytoseet
hatoldwit
ch.Don'
t
worr
yBr i
anhasevery
thi
ngundercont
rol
.

Li
am:
Hav
eyoucont
act
edanyoft
hem?

Hilda:
Thereasonwecomeher ewastogeta
breakfrom ev
erythi
ng.Ij
ustwantmypeace
ri
ghtnow, iwi
llseeevery
thi
ngonceiam back.
Liam:Idontknowwhybuti hav
ethi
sfeel
i
ng
thatt
hingsarenotr
ightathome.

Hil
da:IfthatwasthecaseKgot l
aeselewould
havecalledhehasmyemer gencynumber.Stop
worry
ingandhav efun,f
orgetev er
ythi
ngback
homeandf ocusonthepresent.Idontwantyou
todi
eal oneandlonelyl
i
keme.

Li
am:
Alr
ighti
guessy
ouar
eri
ght
.

Nessa:
Canwesi
tandeat?Iam st
arv
ing.

(Wesi taroundthetableandhavethelovel
y
breakfastmom preparedsomehowi am happy
thattheyarehere,t
hisplaceisn'
tsolonely
anymor e.Half
waythroughthebreakfast
,there
i
saknockont hedoor.Mom standsuptogo
andgeti t.
)
Nessa:
Bri
ngsomeor
angej
uicepl
easeoy
our
wayback.

(Someonecl earshisthr
oatandi l
i
ftmyeyest
o
fi
ndmy selfstarr
ingatLefakae."Whati
she
doinghere"myr everi
easks, i
t'
snothardt
o
missthatshei sasf l
abbergastedasme.)

Nessa:
(ast
oni
shed)Lef
a?Whatar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e?

Hil
da:Vanessa!Yourmanner
s.Ii
nvit
edhim,
var
sit
yisclosedforamonthsoithoughtwhy
noti
nvit
ehimt ojoi
nusforamonth.

Nessa:
(st
upef
ied)y
oudi
dwhat
?
(Il
ookatherasshesi t
sonherchai rand
conti
nuewi thherbreakfastli
keeveryt
hingis
j
ustokay .Pett
yfoldsherar msshakingher
head."Wedonotneedr ightnow."Shesay sand
inodmyheadi nagreementwer eal
kydodonot
needthisatall
.)
_
___
___
___
___
NARRATED

Thedar kcir
clesar oundhi sey esar eevidence
thathei snotget t
ingenoughr est
.His
shoul dersarest if
fwit htension, t
hestressof
runningev erythingiswear inghim out.He
thoughthewi l
l survi
v eov erseeingeverything
afterhismot hersuggest edshet akesabr eak
andl eavethecount ryf orsomet i
me.Hei snot
i
nhi sbestst atebi thecantpi ckthephoneand
callhismot herbecausehef eelsheoweshi s
mot hert hi
s.Thegui ltyconsci enceaboutwhat
happenedwi thJoyal sopl ayspar ti
nhismi sery
.
Cli
entsar eal
sobreat hi
ngdownhi sneckmost
angryespecial
lysincenewsbr okethat
Domi ni
ckwi l
lbetakingasecondwi fenot
forgett
ingDari
mawhomakesi tknownt ohi
m
everydaythatshedoesnotl i
kehim alongwi
th
hismot her.
Hesighsashel
ooksathi
sphone,
ani
ncomi
ng
cal
lfr
om Nal
edi
.)

Br
ian:
(pi
cki
ngup)Ma'
Dlami
ni!

Nal
edi
:Kgot
laesel
e.

Br
ian:
Mma!

(Hetakesherphotof r
om thet
abl
eandstares
atit
.Herinnocentlook,i
swhatat
tract
edhert
o
himinthefir
stplace.)
Naledi
:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lmewhati
seat
ing
youup?

Br
ian:
Itol
dyout
hati
am okay
.

Naledi
:Bri
ani
knowyouli
kethebackofmy
hand.Iknowy
ouarenotf
ine.Pl
easet
alkt
ome,
myl ov
e.

(
Hecl
oseshi
sey
esandt
akesadeepbr
eat
h.)

Br
ian:
Ilov
eyouNal
edi
.

Naledi
:IknowandiloveyouBrian.When
peoplelov
eeachother
,theyshareeachot her'
s
misery,
sowecanbet hereforeachot her
.Ican
evencomehomei fyouneedmet ojustdon't
shutmeoutpl
easeBr
ian.Ibegy
ou.

Bri
an: Iam comingt
oHavanathi
smont hend.
Cany oubepat i
entwi
thmeuntil
then,ineedt
o
tel
lyousomet hi
ngandican'
tdoitoverthe
phone.

Nal
edi
:Whati
sit
?Youar
escar
ingme.

Bri
an:Don'
twor
ryabouti
t.I
nf actdon'
tworryat
all
babycakesj
ustf
ocusony ourstudi
es.Dont
for
getwhyyouaremil
esawayf rom meright
now?

Naledi
:Iwon'tf
orgetbuti
can'thel
pbutwor
ry
aboutyou.Areyoueati
ngright
?Areyouget
ti
ng
enoughrestBri
an?
(
Hesmi
l
est
ohi
msel
f.
)

Bri
an:Yesma'am i
am eat
ingenough.Iam
get
tingenoughr
est,st
opworr
yin.
..
..

(
Hisof
fi
cedooropensupandJoywalksi
n,she
i
sinabadst
ate,abrokenl
i
pandablueeye.
)

Bri
an:
Babyiwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
.Letmeat
tendt
o
somethi
ng.

(
Hehangsupandl
ooksatJoy
.)
_
___
___
___
___
__
JOY

(ThelookonBr
ian'
sfacet
ell
smethatmyli
tt
le
stuntwit
hKagi
soworkedit
smagi
c.Ihad
Kagisoroughmeupal it
tl
ebef orecomi nghere
somyst or ycanbebel i
evable.Ifthingsgor i
ght
thi
swillbei t
,iwil
lbef r
eeofKagi soofcour se
hedoesnotknowt hatiam planni ngon
betr
ayinghi mthemi nuteigetwhati want,
heis
j
usthelpingmet oreachmygoal .Br i
anwalksto
meandi letthecrocodil
etearsf all.
)

Br
ian:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?

Joy
:Ineedy
ourhel
p?

Bri
an:It
houghtyousaidyouarenotsome
char
it
ycase,youcantakecareofyour
sel
f.

Joy:Thatwasbef
orei
knewt
hati
am wi
tha
chi
l
d.
Br
ian:
Comei
nandhav
easi
t.

(Isi
tdownwhil
eheaskshi
sp.atoprepar
eme
somecoffeeandagl
assofwater
.)

Br
ian:
Didhedot
hist
oyou?

(
Inodmyheadr
ubbi
ngmyt
ear
saway
.)

Brian:Whatki
ndofaj
erkdoesthi
stoa
pregnantwoman?Doeshewishtoki
ll
hisown
child?

Joy
:That'
sthethi
ng,
thebabyi
snothi
s!That
'
s
whyheisangry
.

Br
ian:
Idon'
tunder
stand,
doy
ouhav
eadeat
h
wish,
y ouknowhowabusiveyourmani sand
youcheatonhim?Whoi sthefather
,inthi
s
caseitbet
teryouf
indr
efugeathim?

Joy
:That
swhyi
am her
e.Youar
ethef
ather
.

(Theglasshewasholdi
ngf
all
sdownand
breaksint
opieces.Hei
sgobsmacked.
)

Bri
an:(
laughing)Ni
cej
oke!Real
l
yfunny
.Good
oneinfactJoy.

(
Ikeepast
rai
ghtf
aceandl
ookathi
m st
ernl
y.
)

Bri
an:
No!y
oumustbemi
staken.Icantbet
he
fat
her
.
Joy:
Wel
lKagi
soi
sinf
ert
il
esot
hatl
eav
esonl
y
you.

Br
ian:
No!Youmustbemistaken.Idemanda
DNAbefor
eany
thi
ngelse.

Joy:No!Doy ouknowhowdanger ousitistodo

aDNAonaf oet
us?Jmeani t
snotevens
foet
usyet.Iam notr i
ski
ngmychildBri
an.For
heavensakei am notaskingyout
omar ryme
j
usttoprovidear oofovermyheadwhilei
deci
dewhat 'sbestformeandmyunbor nchil
d.

(
Ilookathi
m andhei
sjustsi
l
entst
arr
ingat
me.)

Joy:Youcanalwaysgav
ethatDNAoncet he
chi
ldisborn.Youknowwhatforgetevery
thi
ng,
cl
earlycomingher
ewasami stake.Ihopeyou
l
eav etor
egretthi
sdecisi
onBr i
an, y
ouareone
ofthosemenwhot ur
ntheirbackont hei
rown
chi
ld.Iwi
llr
aisethi
schildalone,youbett
ernot
thi
nki wi
l
lall
owy outoseehi m onceheisborn.
Iwontall
owy ouevenar adi
usnearhi m.

(Igr
abmybackandwalkt
othedoor
.Asi
am
aboutt
oopeni
thestopsme.)

Br
ian:
Wai
t

(Ismi
letomysel
f.St
ep2f
ini
sh!It
urnar
ound
andfacehi
m.)
[
06/
02,
16:
13]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t76
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
___
__
"
Wechooseourj
oysandsor
rowsl
ongbef
ore
weexper
iencet
hem.
"-Khal
i
lGi
bran
_
___
___
___
___
__
Busi

(
Iam int
helivi
ngroom si
tt
ingonthemat ,
wit
h
mymothernexttome.Myf at
heri
sseatedon
t
hecouchnexttohimismyt wouncl
es.Ihave
myheaddroppedinshame.Ican'
tevenrai
se
myheadtofacethem.)

Moagi:Asi wassay
ingTheThompsonwer e
hereearl
ier
.Looksl
ikeourdaught
erBusihas
beensleepi
ngwithMrsThompson'shusband.

Uncle1:What?Goodgr
iefBusi
siwedontt
ell
me
thatthi
sist
rue?

Moagi
:Iti
sver
ytr
ue,
inf
actommel
engBusi
,
pr
egnantwi
thMrThompson'
schi
l
d.

Uncle2:
(heputhishandov
erhi
smout
h)Lor
d
havemer cyonus.

Moagi:TheThompsonhav
ethei
rcondi
ti
ons.
Theydonotwi sht
odragt
hei
rfamil
ynames
thr
oughthemudbyexposi
ngthei
rbusi
nesst
o
thetabl
oids.

Uncl
e1:
Whatar
ethecondi
ti
ons?

Moagi:
Theyareav eryt
radi
ti
onaly
etv
ery
power
fulf
ami l
ythathol
dsstrongf
ami
lyval
ues.
Theywantthechil
dtobebornasaThompson.

Bontl
e:I
ftheyhadstr
ongfamil
yvalues,
the
husbandwouldnothavesl
eptwit
hmychi l
d.
Moagi:Youseet hereasonwhyBusi tur
nedout
thi
swayi sbecauseofhermot her.Al
ways
supportingthi
ngst hegirl
does.If
ailt
o
understandwhatki ndofmot hert
hrowher
daughterinapi tful
lofthorns.

Uncl
e2:
Whatdot
heywant
?

Moagi:Theywanttotr
adit
ional
l
ymakeBusit
he
secondwifei
fwedisagreethewif
eisgoi
ngt
o
sueformarri
agewrecki
ng,shesai
dsheus
goingt
odemandbet weenP250000.00and
P500000.00fordamages.

Uncle1:Weall
knowt hatwedonothavet
hat
kindofmoney.Lettheyoungwomantake
responsi
bil
i
tyforheract
ions.
Bont
le:
Whymustmydaughterbet
heone
payi
ngwhent
heyhadanaf
fairt
oget
her
?

Uncle2:St opbeingdumpBont l
e,thelaw
favoursthewi fe,t
hehusbandi sthewoman' s
property
, yourdaughtershouldknowbet ter
thantosleepwi t
hmar r
iedmen.Thel awin
Botswanaal l
owsMr sThompsont osueBusi for
homewr eckingandthatchildshei scarr
yingi
s
allt
heev idenceMr sThompsonneedst owi n
thi
scase.

Moagi:Idonthav ethatki
ndofmoneyorev en
moneyt ohireatt
orneystodefendBusiagai
nst
apower f
ul f
amilyli
ketheThompsonssoi t
bet
terwej ustagreetothei
rcondit
ions.

Busi
:Daddypleasedon'
tl
etmemarr
yhim,ibeg
youiwi
lldoanythi
ngyouwant
.Pl
easecal
lmy
br
other
,cal
lTr
avi
shewi
l
lhel
pmeout
.

Moagi
:Ialr
eadycal
ledhi
m andhesai
dthi
sti
me
youwi
llhavet
ocleanupyourownmess.

(
Icrawlt
omyfatherandkneelbeforehi
m,tear
s
r
unningdownmyface,ican'
tl
etthispeopl
e
makememar r
yNi ck.)

Busi:
Daddypl
easei
begyou,
don'
tdoit,
i
promiset
obeagoodgi
rl
.Don'
tdothi
s.

Moagi:Iguessi wil
lcontactyousowecan
meetandpr epareforthetradi
tional
prepar
ati
ons.Mr sThompsonpr omisedtoget
backtomewi t
ht hedatesforthelobol
a
negoti
ati
ons.
Uncl
e2:
Okay
.Wel
lthatwi
l
lbeourcue.

(Theyst
anduptowalkoutandihol
dmyuncl
e
byhistr
ouser
,myeyespleadi
ngwit
hhi
m.)

Busi
:Pleaseuncl
e,i
begyou,i
haver
eal
l
ylear
nt
mylesson.Pl
easedon'
tdothi
s.

Uncl
e2:
Youmadey
ourbednowl
i
eoni
t.

Moagi:It
alkedt oyousomanyt i
mesbuty ou
r
efusedtolistentome.Nowy ouwi l
lremember
mywor dsfort her
estofyourl
if
e,"ngwanaosa
r
eetsengmol aowabat sadi
,outwawa
manong."

(
Theyleavemekneel
i
nginthemiddl
eoft
he
r
oom astheywal
kout.I
tdownsonmethatat
thismomenti r
eal
lydon'
thaveachoi ceiam
reall
ygoingtomarryNi
ck,iam stuckwit
h
dickletf
orther
estofmylif
eont opofthati
hav etosharei
twit
hanotherwoman.)
_
___
___
___
__
AWEEKLATER

Joy

(Ist
areatt hemar ri
agecont r
actalongwi ththe
marriagecer tifi
cat
e.Isti
llcan'
tbeliev
e
everythinghappenedsof astinsuchashor t
spanoft i
me.Ihav eeverythingiwantedbuti
sti
llf
eel empt y
.Idontknowi fitbecauseatt hi
s
momenti reali
sethatiam stuckinal oveless
fakemar ri
age.Mysupposedhusbandsl eeps
upstairswhi leioccupythespar ebedroom
downst airs.Hehasmadei tcleartomet hathi
s
heartonl ybelongstoonewomanandt hat
NalediMoroka.Atthi
spointiam ev
enthinking
ofkil
li
ngheronceandf oral
lsoicaneli
mi nate
competit
ion.Icl
osemyey esasirecal
lthe
eventsoflastweek.)

"
Flashback

Idon'tknowhowhedi di tbuthemanagedt o
getthemagistrat
etomar r
yus.Adayaf teri
rev
eledmysupposedpr egnancytohim,he
camehomewi thhisothertwolawyersandwe
satont hedi
ningtabl
edi scussi
ngthe
conditi
onsofourmar r
iage.

Bri
an:Fi
rst
lyiwouldlikeyoutoknowthatt
his
marri
ageisonlyafacade, amarr
iageof
conveni
ence.Iam yourhusbandinnameonly
sothatmychildcanhav emyname.Youare
fr
eetohaveloversasl ongasyouaredi
scr
ete.
Myhear
tonl
ybelongst
owomanandi
can
nev
erbewit
hyou.

Joy:Iunderst
andhoweveri
haveaquesti
on?
Doy outhi
nky oust
il
lhav
eachancewit
hNaledi
aft
erthis.

Bri
an:Noiam awar et
hatshewi
llneverf
orgi
ve
meaftert
his.Ihaveaccept
edmyf at
e,Nal
edi
deser
vesbetterandipl
anonlet
ti
nghergo.You
cangoonRay mond.

Ray:Mycl ienthasdr awnacont r

act,
it
sti
pulatesthaty ouwi l
lstayinthi
smar ri
age
unti
lthechi ldisbornandofr ightagethatis10
yearsold.Af terthatyoushallhaveyour
marriagedi ssolvedandshar esolecustodyof
thechild.Dur i
ngt hedurati
onoft hemarri
age,
youwi l
l l
iv
ewi t
hDrDl aminiashusbandand
wifeonlyi nthef aceoft hepubl i
cincludinghis
familymember s.Bothpar t
iesaref r
eet ot ake
onlov er
sasl ongast heyar ediscreet.Oncet he
mar r
iagei sov er,youwillbepr ovi
dedwi t
ha
houseandy ouwal kawaywi t
hat rustf undof2
mill
ionpl usev erythi
ngy ouwoul dhav e
accumul ateddur ingthemar r
iage.Thechi ld
remainsaDl ami nievenaf t
erthedi vorceand
youdeci detor emar ry.Thisisbasicallyit,
anythingy ouwoul dli
ket oaddonMr sJoy ?

Joy
:Nonot
hing,
wher
edoi
sign?

(Wesi gnedt hecontr

actani i
mmedi at
elywe
wentt ot hemagistr
atewherewesi gnedt he
mar r
iagecer ti
fi
cat
eandt ooksomephot osto
provet hatindeedwearemar ri
ed.Thatev eni
ng
Brianlockedhi msel
finhisstudyandi hadmy
fi
rstnightasaMr sDlaminial
oneinal onelybed.
)
"
EndofFl
ashback"
.
Agl assfal
li
ngintheki
tchenwakesmeup, itur
n
andl ookatmyclock,i
tindi
cat
esthati
tisonly5
am.Ir eachformygownandwal ktothekit
chen,
iam surpri
sedtofindBri
anful
lydr
essing
cleaninghi
smess.

Joy
:(y
awni
ng)Whati
shappeni
ng?

Br
ian:
Iam sor
ry,
didi
wakey
ouup?

(
Inot
icet
hebag)

Joy
:No!Ar
eyougoi
ngsomewher
e?
Bri
an:Yes,t
hefamil
yjeti
sstandbyiam f
lyi
ng
toCuba.It
stimeit
oldBabycakesthetr
uth?

Joy:Couldn'
tyoudoi toverthephone?Imean
youareleavi
ngt hebusinessalonetogoto
Cubaforsomet hingyoucanj ustdoovert
he
phone?

Bri
an:No!Itrustmyteam theycandowellon
myown.Ir espectNaledi
,ican'
ttel
lhert
hiski
nd
ofnewsovert hephone.

Joy:
Don'
tyouthi
nki
tsbet
teri
fiaccompany
yousowebreakt
henewstoget
hertoher
.

Bri
an:
No!Igott
his?Ineedt
odot
hisonmy
own.
(
Hehandmeapaper
.)

Bri
an:Thatmyemergencynumberi
ncase
anyt
hinghappensi
nmyabsencedon'thesi
tat
e
tocontactme.

Joy
:Okay
,becar
eful
outt
her
e.

Br
ian:
Iwi
l
l,t
akecar
eofmychi
l
dforme.

Joy
:Hei
singoodhands.

Br
ian:
Okayby
e.

(Hegrabshi
sbagsandwalksout
.Ibit
ter
lyl
ook
atthedoor
.DannyouNal
ediMoroka!You
shouldj
ustdi
ealr
eady
?Isaytomy sel
fasiwal
k
backtothebedr
oom.Beforei st
epinther
eisa
knockonthedoor,
excit
edlyigotothedoor,
hopingi
tBri
anbutigetsurpr
isedwheni f
ind
Kagiso,
hepusheshimselfi
nside.
)

Joy
:Whatareyoudoinghere?Ar
eyoui
nsane?
Doyouwanttogetcaught
?

Kagiso:Rel
axi
sawhiml
eav
e?Fancyapar
tment
,
fancyri
ngmyphone.

(
Hetri
est
oki
ssmebuti
mov
emyheadandhe
mov
esmycheek.
)

Joy:Youshoul
dleav
eKagi
sobef
orey
oubl
ow
thi
swholecover
.

Kagi
so:
Bri
ani
sgoi
ngt
oCubasoi
hav
eyoual
l
t
omy sel
f.Butfi
rstf
ixmesomebr
eakf
ast
.I
missedyouf oodmor e.

(Hesay sashedropsont hecouchwithus

sti
nkingshoes.Iwal
kt otheki
tchen.Iser
iousl
y
needt ogetri
dofhim buthowheknowsal l
my
secretsifi
tel
lhimiam screwed.)
[
06/
02,
16:
13]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t77
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
__
"Iam i
nlove.Neverdidiimagineittrul
yexist
ed,
thebeauti
fulstr
etchi
ngandanchor ingofone
heartt
oanot her
."-Chri
stopherPoindexter
_
___
___
__
Nar
rat
ed

Oncemor
ehest
aresatt
hepr
egnancyr
esul
ts
andt heli
ttl
est i
ckhecamewi t
h.Hi smemor y
takeshisbackt ot hel astThursdaymor ninghe
accompani edherJoyt othedoct ortoconf i
rm
onceagai nifindeedshei swithachi ld.Hest i
ll
cannotbel ievethatonecar el
essni ghtwhenhe
decidedtol ethisguar ddownj ustonehasl ed
tothis.Thenewci rcumst ancesthatsur rounded
hisli
felefthim defeatedbutmost l
ythey
chall
engedhi mtodor ightbuthischildand
Naledi.Hedi dnotwantt ot ur
noutt obel ikehis
goodf ornot hi
ngf ather.Hesati nthedar k
apartmenthi smi ndal loverandhadaf lashback
aboutThur sdaymor ning.

"
FLASHBACK

(Joysatont hest
oolhavi
ngherbr
eakf
astwhi
ch
hehadpr eparedf
orher.
)
Bri
an:Ihavebookedusanappoint
mentwit
h
thefamil
ydoctorsofi
nishupandgetr
eady
,we
aremeetinghi
m atthetopoft
hehour.

Joy:Ohokaybuty oushouldhav etoldmef i

rst.I
alr
eadyhavemyowndoct or,iknowy ouhav e
yourdoubtsaboutthisbutidontf eel much
openwi t
hotherdoctorsasidowi thmydoct or.
Soinsteadofthefamilydoctorcani sti
ckto
him unti
lif
eelreadytochangedoct ors.You
cancomewi t
hmet oseeDrAl y ssaify ouneed
questi
on.Wecanev endoar etestifitputyour
mindatease.

Brian:
Ohokay
!Cal
lhert
henandl
etherknow
thatwear
ecomingi
ntoday
.

Joy:I
tsokayial
readyhadanappoint
mentwi
th
her
.Infactshecal
ledmeintoday
.
Br
ian:
Okayi
wil
laccompanyy
ou.

(Anhourl
ater.Wewereseatedi
nthedoctor'
s
off
ice.Wedidaret
estthatcameoutposi
tiv
e.)

DrAl
yssa:Act
ual
l
yical
l
edy
ouher
ebecauseof
somet
hing.

Joy
:Whati
sit
?Ist
hebabyokay
?

DrA:Nothebabyiswell.Howeveridon'
twant
t
olietoyou,y
ourpregnancyisari
skyone,you
wil
lneedtobemorecar ef
ul.

Br
ian:
Car
eful
howdoct
or?
DrA:Anystressonthemot hermi
ghtcauseher
tomiscarr
y.Sheisgoingtohavetobemore
caref
ulandshewi l
lneedallt
hesuppor
tshe
needs.

Bri
an:
Ohokay .Iwil
lper
sonall
ymakesur
eshe
hasal
lthesupportsheneeds.

DrA:
Thanky
out
hat
'sal
lourbabyneeds.

*
*ENDOfFl
ashback*
*

Hesnapsoutastheli
ght
sint
heroom tur
non
andNaledij
umpsstar
tl
edassheseeshim
si
tt
ingi
nt hedar
k.

Naledi
:
OhmyGod!Brianyouscar
edme!(She
bl
inksafewt
imes)wait
!Whatist
his,
am i
dr
eami
ngr
ightnow?

(Fort
hefir
stti
meinweekshel
aughs,
agenuine
reall
aughashewalkst
ohisl
over
.Hepinches
heronthecheek.
)

Nal
edi
:Ouchwhatt
hatf
or?

Br
ian:
Iam pr
ovi
ngt
oyout
haty
ouar
enot
dr
eaming.

(Naledi j
umpsonhi m, andhugshi m.Brianhugs
herbacksqueezi ngherabi tasheinhal
eher
soot hingcologne.Shecapt ur
esherfaceand
standsonhert oesr ewardinghermanwi t
h
kissesal l
ov erhi
sf acebef oreki
ssinghim aful
l
passi onatekiss,
somet hi
ngshel ongwishedto
dosi nceshel astsawhi m.Herhands, f
indhi
s
shirtandst artworkingont hebuttons.Bri
an
r
eachesf
orherhandandst
opsher
.)

Br
ian:
Nal
edi
wai
twe.
..
..

Naledi:(
sheput sherfi
ngeracrosshi
slips)iam
donewai ti
ng,idon'
twantt owaitany
mor e,i
wanty ouBrianDlaminieveryi
nchofyou.
(Unbuckli
nghisbelt)youar ei
nmyt err
itor
yand
iam inchargerightnow.

(Shet akeshishandandl eadhi mt oher

bedroom.Herey esshinewi thpassion.Br i
an
l
ooksatherasher ealisest hatheisnotsur eif
hecangoaheadwi thhi sintendedpl ans.This
feelslikehome,shef eelslikehome, inthat
momentherr eali
sest hat,"Hei sinlove.Nev er
didhei magi
neittr
ulyexi sted,thebeaut i
ful
stretchingandanchor i
ngofonehear tto
another ."
-Chri
stopherPoi ndext er
)
-
--
--
--
--
--
--
-
Nal
edi

(Iwakeupi nthemi ddleoft heni ghtandmov e

toBr ian'schestsoi canputmyheadonhi s
chestandl i
stent ot hesoundhi shear t.It
soot hesme.Wespentt hewhol eofy est erdayin
bed.Wel lwebasi callywer ecat chinguponl ost
ti
me, exploringt hesur facesoft heki tchen,
l
ivingr oom, bathroom andf inallymadei ttobed.
Nott hati mi nd,i mi ssedhi m pluswear ebot h
i
nsat iablewheni tcomest oeachot her.Iputon
hisshi rtandwal kt ot hel ivi
ngr oom wher eifind
him si t
tingint hedar k,hei ssni ffi
ng.Iswi tchon
thest udyt ablelightandwal ktohi m.Ikneel
befor ehi m andhughi m, icanf eel histear swet
theshi rtiam wear i
ng.Ri ghtnowi tdoesnot
mat terifi am inauncomf ortableposi tionornot
allthatmat tersist hebi gbeari nf rontofme.
Oncehei sdonei sitint hecof feet ableandl ook
athi
m.)

Nal
edi:(
sadl
y)Tal
ktome?Whyi
smybi
gbear
cr
ying?

Bri
an:(
caressi
ngmycheeks)Idon'tdeser
ve
youNalediMoroka.Iscrewedupandidon'
t
evenknowhowt of i
xit.

Naledi
:Startatthebeginning,
iwon' tj
udgeyou.
Loveisholdsnogr udge,lovei
ski nd,l
oveis
for
givi
ngmost l
ylovei
shonest y.Tellmesoi
canbetheref oryou.

Bri
an:Iam bastardchi
ld!Myfatheri
sachi ef
,he
hadanaf f
airwi
thmyf athergotherpregnant
anddeniedthepregnancy.Herefusedto
acknowledgeme.Soi grewupknownast he
bastar
dchildofthechiefi
nourv i
ll
age.Mom
hadtot ur
ntoprosti
tut
iontoputthef
oodonthe
tabl
ef orme.Thevil
l
agepeoplebackthenwe'
re
notniceespeci
all
ywheni tcametoil
l
egit
imat
e
chil
drenli
kemesoweendeduphav i
ngtomove
awayt oaplacewheretheydontknowus.

Naledi
:Youpoort
hingiam sor
rythaty
ouhad
suchabadchil
dhoodexperi
ence.

Brian: Iam nott ell

ingyouf orpi t
yNaledi .Iam
tel
lingy ousoy ouunder standwhatl edt omy
deci si
on.Any wayMom l atermetNi ckandour
breakt hroughcame, theyhadAl exandNessa,
whenAl exdi edt heThompson' sdidnott akei
t
easyespeci all
yDar ima,mygr andma.Mom
madei taf ami l
yt r
adit
iont hatnobast ar d
childrenwi llbeal l
owedi nthef amil
ysoast o
protectt hechi l
drenf r
om whati wentt hrough.
Thismeantt hatifanyofusev eri
mpr egnat ea
gir
l weexpect edwi t
houtf ai
ltomar ryt hem so
thatthechildcanbebor nintolegi
ti
mateunion.
Ialsomadei tapersonalpromisetonevert
urn
mybackonmychi ldli
kemyf at
herdid,i
promi sedmy sel
fthatiwouldnotfoll
owmy
biologicalf
ather
'sfootst
eps.Iwi l
lnotbea
sper m donor.

Nal
edi:
Okayigeti
t,butmylov
eist
il
ldon'
tget
whyyoutel
l
ingmeal l
thi
s..
.

Bri
an:(
touchingmyhand)Iam t
ell
i
ngy
oubaby
cakesbecauseiam a.
..
..
..
..
.

(
Hisphoneri
ngsi
nter
rupt
inghim.Hel
ooksat
t
hescreenandt
enseabitfol
l
owedbyworry
.)

Br
ian:
Excusemei
needt
otaket
his.
Nal
edi
:Goaheadi
wil
lfi
xuscof
fee.

(
Iwalkt
ot heki
tchentofi
xussomecof
fee
whi
l
ehet akeshiscal
l
.)
[
06/
02,
16:
13]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t78
_
___
___
_
"Toagr
eatmi
nd,
not
hingi
sli
tt
le.
"-Sher
lock
Hol
mes
_
___
___
Nar
rat
ed

HelooksatNal
edi
oncemor
eandpi
cksupt
he
cal
l
.

Br
ian:
Yes!
Joy
:Br
ian!

Br
ian:
Issomet
hingwr
ong?I
sthebabyokay
?

Joy:Iam admit
tedinthehospi
tal
,Kagi
cameby
thehouse,hetr
ashedtheplaceup.Hewasnot
happythatiam marri
edtoyou.

Br
ian:
Didhet
ouchy
ou?I
sthechi
l
dokay
?

Joy:Theyar
esti
ll
runni
ngtests.Iam scar
ed
Bri
anwhatifil
osethebaby?

Br
ian:
Look,
don'
twor
ryi
wil
lbet
her
ever
ysoon.

(Hehungsupandwalksbackinsi
det
hehouse.
Shovi
ngthephonei
nhispocket.)
Bri
an:Babycakesiam sor
ryiam goi
nghav
eto
dothi
sanotherti
me.Ihavetoret
urnhomeri
ght
now.

Nal
edi
:What
?Why
?

Brian:
Iwil
lexplai
neverythinginduet i
mei
promisebutireal
lyneedt oleaverightnow.I
promisetogetbacktoy ou.Iwillanswerallt
he
questi
onsyohhav e.

(Herushesinthebedroom putonhiscl
othes
andgrabshistrav
elbag.Ki
ssingmeont he
for
eheadi st
andbythedoorandwat chashis
hir
eddisappearsi
ntothenight.Whati
sgoing
on?)
_
___
___
___
___
___
1Mont
hlat
er
Nessa

(Iwalki
ntothehousefrom school.Latelyihave
beenspendingalotoftimeinschool justt
o
avoi
dcomi nghome, i
tdoesnotf eell
ikehome
anymorewithLefathere.Pett
yroll
sherey es.I
don'
tevenknowwhymot herdeci
dedt oinvit
e
him her
e.)

Lef
a:Youar
eback?

(
Irol
lmyey
esasi
lookathi
m andnodmyhead.
)

Hil
da:
Wewerejustwai
ti
ngf
ory
ou,
let
ssi
t
downandhav
esupper.

Nessa:
Okay
!Whenar
eyoul
eav
ing?
Hi
l
da:
Tir
edofusal
ready
?

Nessa:
Inf
acty
es.

(
Liam walksinther
oom l
ookingli
kehej
ustsaw
aghost.Ilookathi
m wor
ryi
ngly.)

Nessa:
Liam ar
eyouokay
?

Li
am: (
stut
ter
ing)Icoul
dn'
tresi
sttheurgeto
cal
lbackathomeany more.Aunt
yi t
hinkit
s
ti
mewewentback.

Hi
l
da:
Whati
swr
ong?Di
dsomet
hinghappen?

Li
am:
(scr
atchi
nghi
shead)wel
lthet
hingsi
s,
wellaccordi
ngtowhatMull
ert
oldme,
Bri
an,
(
clearshisthr
oat)Br
ian.

Hi
lda:
Don'tmakemesqueezeitoutofyou,
Br
iandidwhatLi
am?Idonthav
eal l
night.

Li
am:(snappi
ng)Hegothi
mselfmarri
edtoJoy
.
Appar
entl
ysheispr
egnantwi
thhischil
d.

Hi
l
da:
(ast
ounded)Comeagai
n?Hedi
dwhat
?

Nessa:
Joy
,youmeanNal
edi
'
sfr
iend?

Hi
lda:
(standi
ngup)Iknewi twasabadideato
l
eavehim al
lal
onewithoutanysuper
visi
on.

Lef
a:Iam sur
ether
emustbeal
ogi
c
expl
anat
iont
othi
s.

Hil
da:God!Pleasedonothist
oryrepeatit
self
.I
am tel
l
ingyout hi
sJoypersonisnotpregnant.
Sheisjustanotherpat
het
icbi*
chwhowant sto
usemyson.

Nessa:
Ma!Youcan'
tbesur
e.

Hil
da:Myt heori
esareneverwrongVanessa.
Andifthereisasupposedbabyinvol
v ed,
iam
notsurpri
sedthatBr
ianalreadymarr
iedher,
chi
ldr
enar ehisweakness.

Li
am:Aunt
yiam sur
esheispregnant
,Br
ian
woul
dntmarr
yherwit
houtbei
ngsure.

Hi
l
da:
(laughi
ng)Youdef
ini
tel
ydon'
tknowmy
sonlikeIknowhi m.Didn'ty ouj usthearwhati
said,Babiesar ehisweakness, heloseshi s
senseswher eachi l
disinv olved.Br ian'
s
chil
dhoodexper ienceturnst ocl oudhi s
j
udgementandchar acter.Hemar riedthatgirl
becauseoft hechi l
d,especi allyifthegi r
lused
theemot i
onalblackmai lcar donhi m usingt he
chil
d,hedi d.Danni t
!Igoaway2mont hsand
everythingchanges.Iwi l
l t
elly ouonet hi
ng
aboutt hisJoyouschar act er,ify ousayshei s
Naledi'sfri
endt henshei spoi sonous.Asnake
i
nadi sguiseandi am goingt ot eachhert hatno
onei meannoonepl aysnearmyl ovedones.

(
Shegrabsherphoneandcal
l
scent
ral
room 16,
t
heboardr
oom)

Agent00:
Bossl
ady
?
Hil
da: Iam hopingont hef
ami l
yjetrightnow
comi ngthere.Thatgivesy ouandt het eam 12
hourst ogetmeal l
theneededi nfi
rmat ionon
ourlatestfamilymemberJoy ousDl ami ni
.I
wantt oknowev eryt
hing,l
eav enost one
unturned,iwantt oknowwhoshei s,wher e
doesshecomef rom, whodi dshescr ew, where
di
dshemeetmyson, whenl astdidshesmi le,
got othetoil
et,whatdi dshehav efordi nnerlast
ni
ght ?Youhearmeev eryt
hing.

Agent00:
Rightoni
tboss.

Hil
da:YoutellDrKr
udge,iwantmedi
cal
repor
ts
orel
sei wi
l
l havehi
sbloodonmyhands.

Agent00:
Iwi
l
lrel
ayt
hemessage.

Hi
l
da:
Gett
owor
k.Onet
hingdon'
ttel
lBr
ian
anyt
hing,don'
tev
ent
ell
himt
hati
am comi
ng
backokay?

(
Shehangsupandt
urnst
oLi
am.
)

Hil
da:Whatar
eyoust
il
lwai
ti
ngar
oundf
or?We
haveapl
anetocat
ch.

Nessa:
Iam comi
ngal
ong.

Hi
lda:Getallt
haty
ouneed.Ineedt
obeont
hat
j
etin10mi nut
es.

(
Weallr
uninalldi
rect
iontogetwhatwecani
n
f
ivemi
nutesshehasgivenus.)
_
___
___
___
Nal
edi
(Homel and,ismi l
et omy selfast hetaxi
drives
throught hestreet
sofGabor one.Somehowi
missedt hisplace,thoughi am nother eforonly
aweekbuti t'
ssomet hing.Omi ssBr i
an,imiss
Joy ,
imi ssMom andmybr others.Iopenthe
windowandst ickmyf aceout si
de,breathi
ngin
thehomel yai
r.Andexci t
edl ygiggleasiimagine
thelookonBr i
an'sfacewhenheseesme.If i
x
my selfandplasterasmi leonmyf aceasring
hisdoorbel l
.Butt hesmi ledi sappearswhen
Joyopenst hedoor .
)

Joy
:(st
art
led)Nal
edi
!Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Naledi
:Ishoul
dbeaski
ngyout
hat
.What
happenedtohugs?Comeongi
vemethathug.

(
Iembr
aceheri
nmyar
ms.Andl
ookathee
not
ici
nghersmal
lbabyt
ummy
)

Nal
edi
:Ist
hiswhati
thi
nki
tis?

(
Shener
vousl
ynodsherhead)

Naledi
:Ohmy !Congrat
ulati
onsgir
l.Nowwhere
i
smymanandwhatar ey oudoi
nginourhouse?
(Joki
ngl
y )Iknowi sai
dhemustl ookaft
eryou
butineversaidyoumustmov eint
omyhouse.

(
Ilookatherandbur
stoutl
aughi
ng)

Naledi
:Relaxi
am j
ustjoking.Iknowi
cant
rust
youmyl i
fe,mymanincluded.

(
Igeti
ntot
hehouseandgi
ggl
e.Ir
eal
l
ycant
cont
ainmyhappi
ness.
)

Nal
edi
:Wow!Hehasfi
nal
l
ytur
nedi
tint
o
somet
hinghomel
y.

(isayasiexpl
oret
hel
i
vingr
oom.Looki
ngat
thepai
nti
ngs)

Br
ian:
Ihear
dsomev
oices,
whoi
si.
..
..
.

Nal
edi
:(l
aughi
ng)Sur
pri
se!

Br
ian:
Babycakes.

Nal
edi
:Inf
lesh.

Br
ian:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Nal
edi
:Whydoesever
yonekeepaski
ngmethat
?
I
sthi
showyouwelcomeyouwomanback?

(Hewalkst
omeandbr
ushhi
sli
psov
ermi
ne
andhugsme.)

Nal
edi
:Il
ovet
henewdecor,
iti
smor
eli
vel
y.
Youev
enhavesomepi
ctur
es.

(Isayasi
wal
ktot
hephot
ofr
ameont
het
v
stand)

Br
ian:
Nal
edi
wai
t?

(Ir
eachforthepictureandmyeyespopoutof
thesocketandthef r
amesli
psoutofmyhold,
shatt
eri
ngintopieces.)
Nal
edi
:(ner
vousl
y)Whati
sthi
s?

(Theybothlookatmegui lt
ystr
icken.Myey es
darttothei
rweddingpictur
etoBr i
anandt he
ri
ngonhi sfi
ngertoJoy,hersmal lbabybump
andherweddi ngband.Isuddenlyfeelsi
ckasa
pangofshock, betr
ayal
,devast
ationand
breaki
nghearthitsme.)

Naledi
;(whi
speri
ng)Pleasetel
lmet hi
sisal
la
dream.Noneofitistr
ue.PleaseibegyouBri
an.
Tellmethatiam dr
eami ngnoneofthi
sis
tr
ue..
..
.
[
06/
02,
16:
14]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t79
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
_
"
Therear
epoisonsthatbl
indyou,andpoisons
t
hatopenyoureyes.
"-AugustStr
indber
g
_
___
___
___
___
Nal
edi

(Istareathim,hopinghewi l
l gi
vemeananswer
abet teranswer.Something,anythingthatwil
l
easemyconsci oussomet hi
ngt hatwillgi
v eme
falsehopeandf ait
hinhi m.Somet hingthatwil
l
notmaket hepainnumb.Icanr eal l
yfeelmy
hear tbeati
ngcrazyagainstmyr ibcage.Ilookat
Joy ,Idon'
tbeli
evesheist heonewhocan
bet r
aymel iket
his.)

Nal
edi
:Whydi
dyoudothis?I
sthi
showy
ou
r
epaymeformyki
ndness?

Joy
:Nal
edi
iam v
erysor
ry.
Naledi:
Whichonearey ousorr
yfor,sleepi
ng
wit
hmyman, marryi
nghim ornevertell
ingme
t
haty ouhaveyoureyesandclawsonhi m?

Joy
:Icanexp.
..
..
..

Nal
edi
:Don'
tsayany thi
ng.Iam notint
erested
i
nanyoftheexcusey ouhavetogive.This
ki
ndaofbet
rayaliexpectedfr
om Businoty ou.

(Il
ookatheroncemor e!Howdoi recov erf
rom
thi
sone?Twooft hepeopl eitr
ustedwi thmy
l
ifedidthi
stome.Igr abmybagf rom wher eit
i
sl y
inginthefl
oor,i
refusetogivet hem the
sati
sfacti
onandshedt earsi
nfrontoft he.Even
thoughmyhear ti
sbreakingint
opi eces.)
Nal
edi
:Youwill
nevermeetagenui
nef
ri
endl
i
ke
meJoyous.Godbl
essyou.

(Ist
epoutsi
deint
otheharshrai
nfal
lthat
's
pouri
ngdown.Ineedtogetawayfrom here.)

Bri
an:Nalediwai
t?(Het
ri
estot
ouchmyhand
butipushhishandsaway.
)

Naledi
:Don't
,don'
tyouevendar
etr
ytot
ouch
me, gobackinsi
deyourwif
eiswai
ti
ngi
nsi
de.
Justgobackt oher
.

Bri
an:Icanexpl
ain,
Nal
edi
pleasedon'
tl
eav
e
l
ikethi
s.Letust
alk.

Naledi
:Youhadampl
eofopport
uni
tyt
odothat
Br
ian.Total
ktometoletmeknowaboutal
lof
thi
sandnev eroncedi dyou.Youhavebeen
watchi
ngmepr obablylaughi
ngatme,withyour
wifeabouthowf ool
ishi am.Lentsel
entshega
dit
sebe.

Bri
an:That
'snott
rue.Comeinsideandl
etus
tal
k,bef
oreyoucatchsomecold?

Naledi:Catchingcold,t
hat'
swhaty ouare
worriedaboutr i
ghtnow.Inev ert
houghticoul
d
saythisbuti hateyourightnow.Ihatet
hedayi
setmyey esony ou.Ineverwanttoseeyou
again.

(Iwhir
laroundi nthepouringrainiwalkaway
withmyhear tbreakingintopieces,wit
htears
cloudi
ngmyr oadi walkawayf rom myfirst
boyfri
end,myf i
rstkisser,
myf i
rstl
over,
myf ir
st
sexpartnerbasicall
ymyf irstevery
thi
ng.Wi t
h
everystepi takei f
eeltheur geturnbackand
runbackt ohimt olethim knowt hatt hisi
s
nothingbey ondus, wecangetov eritli
keallt
he
otherbuti can't
,hisbetrayal i
sbiggert hanme.I
don'tseeanycomebackaf terthat.Iam
grateful
f orthetaxithatstopr i
ghtinf rontofme.
Igetinsideitandl ookoutside.)

Nal
edi
:Takemet
otheai
rpor
tpl
ease.

(Ilookbackandseehi m standingont her ai

n
l
ooki ngast hetaxiiam i
ndr i
v eaway .Loveisnt
supposedt ohurtl
ikethi
sheav enl
yfather.Why
didn'tyouev erwarnmet hatitwoul dcostme
myhear t
?Ihav etwowor dst odescribethis
situati
on,"Lovesti
nks."-J.Gei l
sBaid.)
_
___
___
___
__
NARRATED
(Ithasbeen3hour ssinceBrianwentaf terhi
s
l
ov er.Joyget supf r
om thebedt akingoffher
arti
ficialbabybumpandputi tontrashcan.
Ther eisnoneedt oconti
nuewi t
ht hisbaby
facade.Hermi ssi
onhasbeenaccompl i
shed
andmov i
ngont ohernextsteptomakeBr i
an
forgetNal ediandfalli
nlovewithher .Sheputs
onherj acketasthehiredambulancepul lsupin
thef rontgate.Iti
stimeforthemi scarri
age.
Anhourlatersheisint hehospitalbedweeping
l
ikeamot herwhoj ustlostherpreciouschil
d.
Bri
anpull
si nfrontofthehospitalandr unst
o
herroom.Hest opsonhi strai
lashef acesthe
weepingJoy .
)

Bri
an:Whyhappened?Whyar
eyoucr
ying?I
s
thebabyokay
?

Joy
:Iam sosor
ryBr
ian,
ishoul
dhav
ebeen
morecar
eful
.
Bri
an:Youarenotmaki
ngsensewhat
happened?

Joy:
Igotabi
tstressedafterNaledi
left
,idi
d
notr
eal
lywatchwherei wasgoing,missedthe
l
asttwost
air
sandf ell
down.Thebabydi dnot
makeit
.

Br
ian:No!That
scantbet
rue.Youhav
etobe
ki
ddingme.

Joy
:Iam sor
ryi
wishi
was.Iam sosor
ry.

(
Hedropshi
sheadi
ndef
eatandt
urnar
oundt
o
wal
kout.
)

Joy
:Br
ian,
pleasedontl
eav
emeal
oneher
ei
beg.Ineedy
oumor
ethanev
err
ightnow.

Br
ian:
Iam sor
ryf
ory
ourl
oss.

(Het ur
nsandwal ksout,abiglumbonhi s
throat,
hecouldntbeli
ev ei
njustoneday,helost
twopeoplethathav ecomet omeant heworl
d
tohim.Hegoti nt
ohi scarwithoutasecond
glancebackdrovest r
aightt
oCl ubT.
)
-
--
--
--
--
--
--
Atthe3am i nthemor ni
ngHi l
dawal kedinthe
buil
dingi nherusual atti
re,alongsi deLiam and
Vanessa.Achauf ferhast akenLef atohis
parentsleav i
ngtheThompson' st osortoutthei
r
problems.Theboar droom f ellsi
lentasshe
walkedi n,all
hersoldiersst oodt oattenti
on
honor i
ngt hei
rleader,theirheroine.Shet ooka
si
twhi legetti
ngr i
dof fofherl eathergloves.
Herey eswer efullofrage, withoututteri
nga
wordsheturnedt
olookatAgent00whost
ood
upupri
ghtreadyt
ogivehi
supdate.

Agent00:Joyist
heonlychi
l
dnosibl
ings,
lost
hermotherwhenshewas10anddisownedby
herfat
heraft
ershechoseaguyov
erherown
fat
her.

(Herf
ather'
sphotoappear
swi
thhi
saddr
ess
andcontactdet
ail
s.)

Agent16:Sheisfr
iendswit
hMrsBusiKenosi
andaclosefr
iendtotheyoungsenor
it
aNaledi
Moroka.

(
Thei
rphot
osal
soappearnextt
oeachot
her
.)

Agent5:
Rel
ati
onshi
pst
atus:
Shel
osther
vi
rgi
nit
ytoPhenyohecur r
entboyf
ri
end'
scousin.
Hasbeeninaratherabusi
verel
ati
onshi
pwith
ourr
ival
ryKagi
soMel ekoforov
erayearnow.

Hi
l
da:
(cur
sing)Sl
eazy
,rot
tenbi
tch.

DrKr udge:Wemanagedt ohackint

oDr
Alyssa'scl
ini
candgothol dofhermedical
records.Herr esul
tsshowthatshehadsome
i
llegalabor
t i
onandwombgotdamagedi nt
he
process.Shecannothav echi
ldr
enofherown
unlessofcour sesheusesasurrogate.

Hilda:Bi
rdsofthesamefeat
hersf
locktogether
.
Ifsheisassoci
atedwit
hBusiandKagiso.Ican'
t
sayi am sur
pri
sed.

Agent67:
Wel ookedint
otheYoungMaster
act
ivi
ti
esoverthepast2months.Hewentt
o
ClubMi guel.Thebar
tenderhasbeenf
ired,for
druggingcli
entsther
e.Acasehasbeenopened
againsthim.Webel i
eveJoymusthavest r
iked
adeal withhim,shewasseent al
ki
ngtohimt he
ni
ght ,
y oungmastersleptwi
thhim.

Hil
da:Hopey ouhavehim onyourwat
ch.Now
tel
lmewhydi dn'
tyoudoal lt
hist
heminut
ethi
s
Joycharact
erappearedintomyson'
sli
fe.

Agent00: Youngmast
ert
oldal
loft
obeon
hol
idayalsoweweresupposedt
obeback
wheny oucomeback.

(
Shest
andsupandl
ooksatt
hem)

Hi
lda:Unl
essisayso,
thisshi
pisalway
s
r
unningwhetheri
am ther
eornot.Am icl
ear
?
(
Theyal
lnoddedt
hei
rhead)

Hil
da:
Observerov
erwri
teBr
ianand
Li
amDlamini
,Domini
ckandVanessaThompson
fr
om yoursy
stem.Fr
om nowoni r
unthi
sshi
p.

Nessa:
Butma.
..
.

Hil
da:(i
nter
rupt
ingher)Iam donetrust
ingany
ofyouwiththi
sfamil
y.Clear
lytheshoesaretoo
bi
gf oral
lofyoutofi
ll
.

(
Ther
oom goessi
l
ent)

Hi
l
da:
Obser
vergi
vemeNal
edi
Mor
oka'
supdat
e.
(Thebigframecomput
errunspi
ctur
esof
Naledi
,fr
om twoday
sback.)

Hil
da:Shelef
thim.Agent00pl
easet
ell
agent
11thathi
sjobister
minatedf
ornow,
hecan
ret
urnhome.

Nessa:
Ma!Whatdoest hatmean?Youar
eno
l
ongerprot
ecti
ngher?Youarenotgoi
ngt
ohel
p
Br
iangetherback?

Hil
da:Rightnowt hatyoungladywi l
lwant
nothi
ngt odowithus.Iam pul l
ingoff,t
ogiv e
heraspaceshedeser v
est hatmuchaf terwhat
mysondi d.Ift
heyar emeantt obet heywil
l f
ind
awayt oeachot herbutri
ghtshei sfreetoleave
herli
fewithoutmewat chingherev erymov e.

Li
am:
ButAunt
..
..
Hil
da:
NoLi am!Asmuchast hi
sishardforme
butmydecisi
onisfi
nal
.LetNal
edi be,
shehas
beent
hroughalot.Nowtotheissueathand.

(
Shel
ooksatheragent
s.)

Hilda:16buyme4expensi v ecof f
ins.67Ineed
thewar ehouseupandoper ationalagain.Agent
5i need4gr avestober eady, atourgr aveyard.
Agent00, i
needthef ami l
yjetr eady,destinat
ion
i
st heAmer i
ca,MorenoResi dence, t
alkto
Thierr
ywel lint
imet ell
himi am sendi nghi ma
package.Agent14, gett hebi ggestbouquetof
rosesr eadyLiam andVanessa.

(
Shet
urnsandl
ooksatLi
am andNessa)
Hil
da:Canit
rustyoutwotogof et
chmy
daught
erinl
awatt hehospit
alandbr
inghert
o
TheThompsonslaughterhouse.

Li
am:
(st
andi
ngup)Youhear
dthel
adyNessa.

Nessa:
(sal
uti
ng)Asy
ouwi
shma'
am.

Hi
lda:DrKr
udge,getyourf
amousbat
hreadyat
t
heslaught
erhouse.

DrK:
Yesmyl
ady
.

Hil
da:Agent100and37br ingmeDrAl y
ssa
al
ongwi ththebart
ender
.Agent14getmet he
bastar
dwhoi nfect
edBusi.Todayi am
squashingallt
heenemyinonepl ace.
(
Shel
ooksatherwat
ch)

Hilda:Inthemeant i
mei am goingtodeal wi
th
Kgot l
aesele.Thet i
mei sexact l
y5am l et
smeet
attheThompsonsl aughterhouseat10am f or
thepar t
y,comewear ingoutfav ouri
teatt
ir
e,al
l
black.Nouni nvitedguestsallowednoi nfacti
wantt heoldwi tchDar i
maandBusi al
ongwith
Nickthere, agent87,youar etheirchauff
eur.

(cl
appi
ngherhands)

Hi
lda:Whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?Let
sgett
o
work.

(Theyal
lst
andupandr uninal
ldi
rect
iont
odo
accordi
ngt
othei
rinst
ructi
on.)
[
06/
02,
16:
14]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t80
_
___
___
___
"YouareourBrai
n,wi
thoutyouweceaseto
exi
st,wi
thouty
outher
eisnoempiretorun."-
AuthorSMods,DeepDesir
es
_
___
___
__
Nar
rat
ed

(Hestaresathismot herdumbf ounded.The

alcoholhehadinhissy stem al
lfl
ashedout .I
n
hissoberstateherwor dssinkinandev er
ythi
ng
makessense.Hesquasheshi shandbreaking
theglassintheprocess.)

Br
ian:Iguesst
hatmakesmet hebi
ggestf
ooli
n
al
lhist
oryofmen.Igotpl
ayedbya20yearsol
d
gi
rl
.
Hil
da:Mysoni snofool.Youl
etyourguard
down,snakesli
keJoyar eal
wayswaiti
ng
hoveri
ngaround,f
orcrackssotheycantaket
he
chance.

Brian:Il
ostmysenseswhenshet hr
eat
enedto
goawaywi ththechild,
evenrantest
stoprove
thatsheisindeedpregnantbuti
guessshe
cov er
edeveryt
hingsowel l
.If
eell
ikeafoolma.

Hil
da:Youhaveaweaknesswheni
tcomest
o
babi
esBrian.

Bri
an:Theonl ythi
ngi thoughtishoulddois
keepherclosebyaf akemar ri
age,it
hought
abouttel
li
ngNal edialmostdidinfactbuttheni
fi
guredthisisfakemar ri
ageoncet hechi
ldis
borniwill
wi ncustodyandconf essevery
thing
buteveryt
hingblewonmyf ace.
Hi
l
da:
Themar
ri
agei
sfake?

Bri
an:ThelawofBotswanaal l
owsmar
ri
ageat
21Ma!Ofcour sei
tisfake,i
paidt
hemagist
rat
e
tofakeever
ythi
ng.Iam afoolma.

Hi
lda:St
opsay i
ngt hat
,youarehumanboundt o
makemi st
akes.Youalway sbeentheonewith
gr
eatsenseamongstal lofus,thi
sisyourf
ir
st
mishapdonotletitgettoyouthatmuch.

(
Hel
ooksatheranddr
opshi
sheadi
ndef
eat
.)

Hi
lda:(
rai
singhischi
n)Heylookatme?Who
wasthebrainbehi
ndfloor16?Whocameup
wi
ththeideaoftheobserver
?
Br
ian:
Me.

Hi
lda:Nowremindmeagain,
whocameupwi
th
t
heideaofClubThompson?Whost
art
edt
he
wholethi
ng?

Br
ian:
Idi
dwi
thThi
err
y'
shel
p.

Hi
lda:Gr
eat
?Nowt ell
mewhocameupwi tht
he
i
deaofourl
atestbaby,ThompsonSl
aught
er
House?

Br
ian:
(smi
l
ing)Br
ianandLi
am Dl
ami
ni.

Hi
lda:Nowtel
lme,t
hatdaywhenweal
most
wentbankr
uptwhosavedusal
l?
Br
ian:
Idi
d.

Hilda:Therear esomanyot hergreatthingst hat

youdi dbutwhati am try
ingt oshowy ouist hat
youar enof oolboy .Youar eourBr ain,without
youweceaset oexist,wit
houty outhereisno
empi retor un.TheObser ver,ClubThompson
andTheSl aught erHouset heyar eallyour
creati
ons, yourbabi es.Itookt hem t oanot her
l
ev elyesbuty ouar ethecr eator.Sonowst op
cryingov ersplitmi l
kKgot l
aesel e,ineedy ou
back, ineedy ourbr ainsher e.

Br
ian:
Whendoi
leav
e?

Hil
da:
(smi
l
li
ng)Howdi
dyouknowt
haty
ouar
e
goi
ngaway?

Br
ian:
Youknowmel
i
ket
hebackofy
ourhand
andi al
soknowyoul i
kethebackofmyhand.
Naledii
snolongerinthepi
ctur
etokeept
he
beastatbay,soyouaresendi
ngmeawareto
avoidmassdestr
uction.

Hil
da:Youleav
e, t
onight
,Thi
erryi
sexpect
ing
you.Butf
ir
stbeforeyourdepart
ure,
youhavea
r
ulingtomakey ourworshi
p,youneedtosett
he
r
ecordstr
aight
.

Br
ian:
Whatt
ime?

Hi
l
da:
10am,
don'
tbel
ate.

Br
ian:
Iwasn'
tpl
anni
ngonbr
ingl
atemot
her
.

(Hewinksashest
andsupandwal
ksoutoft
he
ClubT.)
_
___
___
___
_
JOY

(Istil
lcan'tbeli
evehewal kedoutonmewi th
not hi
ngbut" Iam sorr
yf oryourloss".It
hought
thismi scarri
agewi l
lsomehowbr i
ngusabi t
closerbuti tseemedt ofai l
.Somehowi wonder
howSt arwonhi sheart,becausewi nninghi
m
ov erseemst obehar dthati expect
ed.

Li
am:
Pennyf
ort
hought
s?

(Irai
semyheadandf i
ndLiam al
lsmi
l
es,next
tohimi sVanessawhogi
vesmeacoldchil
l
stare.
)

Nessa:
Noibetsheiswonder
inghowshecan
winmybrot
herover
.Letmetell
youasecr
et
Joy,Brianisnoor dinaryman, "Hei snot
i
mpr essedeasily.Youcan' tjusttalkyourway
i
ntohi sheartwit
hy ourbody , youcan'tjust
whispersweetpr omi sesandhopehebel iev
es.
There'
smor edeptht ohimt hant heshallow
exter
iorofsomecheepsur facet hatcanbe
bought .Heneedsasoul thatrunsatt hesame
paceashi sandahear tcapabl eofcatchingall
thepiecesthatfalltoturnthem int odreams."
StephanieBennet -Henry

Liam:Andinthi
sworldthereisonl
yoneper
son
capabl
eofthatunfor
tunatel
ythati
snotyou
(sar
casti
cal
ly
)sist
erinlaw.

Nessa:Wehear daboutyourmisfor
tune
ther
eforesawitbefi
tti
ngtocomehomeand
expressourdeepestcondol
ences.
Joy:
Thankyoubutyoudi
dn'
thaveto.Thank
youfort
hef
lowerst
heyarebeaut
if
ul.

Liam:(smi
lli
ng)Wear ef
ami l
ynow.Motherhas
actual
l
ysentust ocomeandt akeyouhome.
Shespecif
icall
ywantstotakecareofy
ouuntil
youareofgoodhealth.

Joy
:Oh!Howsweet
!

(Atl
eastt
her
ei ssomeonei
nthef
ami
l
ycar
es
aboutmywellbei
ng.)

Nessa:Wewi
l
ljustwai
tout
sidewhi
l
eyou
change.

(
Shepl
acestheshoppi
ngbackontheand
wal
ksout
side.I
nsi
dether
eisabl
ackpenci
l
ski
r t
,blackbodysui t,
abl ackblazerandabl ack
ti
ptoepumpheel s.Imustgi veittoher ,shehas
agr eatfashionsenseMr sThompson.Ichange
i
ntot heclothesandt omysur pri
set heyfitme
sowel l.Iwalkoutsideandi mmedi atelyLiam
andVanessaescor tmeout si
de.Icant el
lthat
Vanessahat esmygut s,Liam isjustasal ways
beingasweet heart.Out
si dealimousi neis
parkedi nfr
ontoft hehospi t
al.
)

Nessa:
Looksl
i
key
ourr
idehasar
ri
ved.

Joy
:TheLi
mo?

Li
am: Yesl
ove,cour
tesyofbei
ngaThompson.
Getusedtoit
.

(
Heopenst
hedoorf
ormeandi
geti
nsi
de.
)
Nessa:Wehavet
obuysomethi
ngsthedr
iver
wil
ltakey
ouandthegooddoct
ort
othehouse.

Joy
:Okay
.

(Theyclosethedoorant hecarstar
tsmov i
ng,
that'
swheni noticeDrAl
y ssawhoisenj
oy i
nga
glassofchampagne.Shei swear
ingablack
pencildress,
blackwedgesnexttoherisa
blackcoatandabl ackpurse.)

Joy
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

DrAlyssa:Igotaninvi
tat
ionf
rom Mr
s
Thompsonappar entl
yshewantstot
hankme
fort
akingcareofyou.Imustadmitt
hispeopl
e
gottaste.
Joy:Wearenotswimmi ngwit
hthebigshar
ks
i
nt hei
ndust
ryAlyssa.Weshouldusethi
s
opport
uni
tytogetridofKagi
soandsidewit
h
theThompsons.

DrA: Notabadi dea,t

hissi
delookspromisi
ng.
Letsdiscusstheideamoreov eri
npriv
ateinmy
off
ice,onMonday .Fornow,letsenj
oythe
courtesyoftheThompsons.

Joy
:(r
aisi
ngmygl
ass)Her
etous,
toagoodl
i
fe.

DrA:
Tot
hegoodl
i
fe.
_
___
___
___
___
_
BUSI

(
Isi
tint
hel
i
mousi
newi
thNi
ckwhoi
sabl
ack
tuxedo, Dari
mai nacl assytwopiecesuitwit
ha
hatandsungl asses.Iam inablackbodycon
dresst hatshowsmyt i
nybabybump, ablack
cardiganov erandbl ackplat
for
m heels.Weare
outsideGabor one,passingthefarmsof
Mmamashi a.)

Dari
ma:Wher eexact
lyar
ey outaki
ngus
Domini
ck?Idon'tgetwhyyouletthi
swoman
cont
rol
youlikeherli
tt
lepuppydog.

Ni
ck:
Wear
eal
mostt
her
emot
her
.

Dari
ma: Whatarewedoingint
husbi
gbush?
Whatifsheplansonkil
l
ingus,
Hil
dai
sadevil
capabl
eofany t
hing.

Nick:I
fHi
ldawant
edy oudeadMa,
youwoul
d
belongdead.Wearehere.
(Ir
aisemyey esandl ookupfront
,ther
eisabig
screenwalli
nf r
onttherear
etwoar medguards
i
nbl acksui
ts.Theystopthecarandaskusto
getoff.Iam i
nthedar kwonderi
ngwhatis
happening,t
hebigblackgateopensup.)

Guard1:Secur
it
ycheck,noel
ect
roni
cdevices
al
lowedincl
udi
ngcell
phonesandcameras,no
weaponsall
owed.

Dar
ima:
Whatt
hehel
li
sthi
s,someCSIf
aci
l
ity
.

Guard2:Youcansayt hatma'am.Pl easel

eave
al
lthatwasment i
onedthere,youwillgett
he
onceyouar edone.Thenstandinfrontofthat
machineplaceyourhandinthereifyouare
i
nvit
editwillal
l
owy ouinsi
debutifnotwe
ki
ndlyaskyout otur
nbackandl eave.
(Nickl
eadsbyexampl e,heist
hefi
rstgoi
nsi
de,
Darimaofcoursebeingthedramaqueenshei
s
t
riestocheatt
hesy stem.)

Guard1:Ma'am pl
easet
hecell
phoney
ouar
e
hi
dingunderyourarmpi
tshast
oalsor
emai
n
behind.

(i deci det ofollowt hepr ocedureandt omy

sur prisei passt hr ough.Mymout hlit
erally
dropst ot hegr oundasi walkthrought hegat e.
Inf rontofmest andabi genor mousbui ldi
ng,
pai ntedi ndarkgr eyoni tsside,thef r
ontofi tis
agl ass.Ther ightsi deplacehast rees,biglong
trees,pav ementr unsfrom theent rancet othe
bigbui l
ding.Thel ef
tsidelookst obegr aveyard.
Inf rontofi tther ear eabout10BMW' scar s
par ked, onebr andandal lbl
ackincol or.My
ey esdar tatt het optothehel l
ipad.Whati sthis
pl
acenow?
)

Dar
ima:Ni
ckwhatonear
thi
sthis?Whydoy ou
l
etHil
dawast
emoneywitht
hisusel
essthi
ngs.

Ni
ck:(
helooksathi
smotherandsmil
es)Thi
s
i
sournewestbaby,
wel
comet oTheExecut
or.

(West artwal ki
ngt ot hefront,i
taut omat i
call
y
opens, andwewal ki ntothebuilding.I nside,t
he
wal l
sar ecol orsindeepmer r
on, abi gbl ack
cur t
ainst andsi nthemi ddleofthebui ldi
ng
dividingitinto2hal f.Ther ightlooksl i
kesome
cour troom, expectt hatt hi
scour troom l ooks
mor eexqui sitewithi tsexpensiv eleat herseats,
facingt he6bi gchairs,thatitakebel ongst othe
j
udges.Howev erti
ltedabi ttoal sof acet hbig
blackcur t
ain.Peopl ewhoi don'tknowar e
alreadyseat edenj oy i
ngt hebev eragesbei ng
gi
venbytheushers.Thefrontseatsareal
l
unoccupi
ed,Nickescor
tsustot hem andseat
s
betweenus.Iam sti
l
lpuzzl
edaboutt hi
swhole
pl
ace.)

Busi
:Whatar
ewedoi
ngher
eagai
n?

Ni
ck:
Shh!Youar
eaboutt
ofi
ndout
.

(
Theroom f
all
ssi
l
entandabi
gvoi
ceechoes
t
heroom)

Voice:Wel
cometoTheThompsonSl
aught
er
house.Let
'sal
lst
andupt
owelcomehonor
ary
l
eaders.

(
Slaught
erhouse?Whatthehel
lar
ethispeopl
e
t
ryi
ngtosay?Howeveristandt
omyf eet
,tomy
surpri
se, Hi
lda,
Liam andVanessawal kinsi
de,
wearinglongropes/gownst hatlawyerswearat
thecourtroom,blackleathergl
ovesandblack
hats.Theyoccupythebi gchair
s,sit
ti
ngont he
side,l
eavingonl
yonebi gchairinthemiddle
unoccupied.)

Voi
ce:
Thanky
ou,let
sremai
nst
andi
ngt
o
wel
comeTheExecut
or.

(
Theyal sost
andwi t
hus,andBrianwalksi
n,he
i
swear i
ngadeepmer oongown,hisbi
gamber
l
ookingdangerous.Hetakesthebigchai
rint
he
middle.
)

Voice:
Thanky ou,
beseated!Atthi
smomenti
wouldliketotaketheopport
unit
ytowel
come
ourculpri
tsfortheday!
(Thebigcurt
ainmovestotheside,
reveali
ng,4
peopleinacageli
keanimals.OhmyGod!Joy ,i
recogni
seheramongstthepeopleinthecage,
andoh!Lord!Thatguy
, t
heguywhoi sleptwi
th,
theguywhogav emet hevi
rus.)

Hi
lda:Ladi
esandGentlemen,t
hankyouf
or
j
oini
ngustoday,ourf
ir
stexecuti
ont
hisy
ear
.
Maytheproceedi
ngsonbegin.

(
Thewhol ecur
tai
nmovesnow,exposi
ng,
ohmy
word!Joy
!Whatonear
thdidyougetyour
sel
f
i
nto?)
.
.
.
Unedi
ted!
[06/02,
16:19]Rn:(
Thi
sinser
tcont
ainsv
iolent
scenes.Readersdi
scr
eti
onishi
ghl
yadvised
V)

DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t81
_
___
___
___
_
"Ihaveadesi r
etoli
vel
onger,butmydeep
desireshav el
andedmestr
aightingkdeep
trouble."-Aut
horSMods,DeepDesi r
es
_
___
___
___
_

NARRATED

(Thebigcurt
ainspul
lbackr eveal
i
ngt he,4
coff
insonthestands,behindthem therei
sDr
Krudgewithhisfamousbubbl ebath,chemical
s
fi
ll
edinabathusedt odissolv
eahumanbody ,
l
eav i
ngnot race.Nexttohimi sAgent00wi th
hisfamoust ruthser
um andel ectr
icchairf
ora
elect
rocuti
on.Behindt hem isAgent16,wit
hhi s
favouri
tetoolboxandt oy
s;knif
es,dri
ll
i
ng
machine,hammeret c.BesidehimitisAgent67
whoi ssit
ti
ngnextt othebur ni
nggoldinabi g
pot.)

Hil
da: Withoutwast i
nganyt i
me, i wouldli
ket o
callt
hef ir
st,culpri
tPaulTsotlhe.Weputt hi
s
manbef oreyou, heisr
esponsi bl
ef orputti
ng
thewhol e,TheThompsonbl oodlinei nri
sk.(She
tur
nsandl ooksatBusi,whoswal lowsahuge
l
umbofsal iva.)Hegavet hefami l
yt heHIVv i
rus.
Sourcessayt hismanhasmadei tal i
femission
toinfecteverywoman.Tel l
medoweneedt ype
ofmenhar bour i
nginourstreets?

(Mostoft
hepeopl
eint
her
oom shaket
hei
r
heads.
)
Hil
da:Execut
or!Whatdoy
out
hinki
sthebest
puni
shmentforthi
sman?

Brian:Ibeli
ev etheworl
dwoul dbeabetter
placewi t
houtt hevir
us.Themanhat esthevir
us,
sol ett
aket hev i
rusout.Agent00heisally
ours.
(Het urnsandl ooksatthepoorguywhoi s
shaking.Hegi v
eshim hiswickedsmil
e)Hope
yousur vi
vei tall
.

Dar
ima:Whatki
ndoffu*
**ryi
sal
lthi
s?
Domini
ck,
whatist
hisci
rcus?

Ni
ck:
Ma!Bequi
te!

(
Theyputclot
hoverhismouth,andputhi
mi n
t
heelect
ri
cchair
,thecur
renti
sswitchon,and
t
heyal
lwat
chast
hepoorguy
,becomecr
isp)

Dari
ma: (
prayi
ng)God!Theyarel
ost,t
heydon'
t
knowwhatt heyar
edoing,pl
easeshowthem
ther
ightroadAmen.

(HildasitsdownandVanessai sthenextt o
standup.Herst ri
desar efi
erce,t
helionessi n
hersocour ageousasshewal kstothecage
andsi ngleouthercul pri
t.Shepresenttot hem,
thebar tender.Thi
si ssomet hi
ngshehas
alway sdr eamtoft hismomentsi ncei was
younggi r
l,t
ohav ehermot herandot herl
ookat
herwi thsuchadmi r
ation.Sheavoidlookingat
Brianbecause, sheknowst hisi
snott helifehe
want sforher .)

Nessa:
Kneel
,headont
hecar
pet
.
(Shebar
ksattheDrugothebart
ender,who
doesasshesays.Sheputsherheelontopof
headasshefacesthej
ury.
)

Nessa: Beneat
hme, ihaveDr ugo.Ibetyouall
arecuriousabouthi scri
me, wellthi
sonehei s
ourdrugmen.Hei smoneyhungr y ,
dangerous
toourci t
y,hereceivesmoneyi nexchanget o
druggingpeople.Idon'tthi
nkourdearbr others
andsistersaresaf ewithhistypeinthestr
eets.
Justthinkaboutt heinnocentgirl
sandboy she
hasdruggedsot hatpeoplecant akeadvantage
ofthe.

(Shel
ooksatJoy,whoi
sshi
ver
ingi
nthecage.
Shekeepspr
ayingtoGodt
osaveher
.)

Nessa:
Executor
,pl
easegi
vehi
m apuni
shment
moresuit
ing.
Bri
an:Thegoldpotsui
tshim more,heislov
es
money,soturnhimint
oaGol dstatueandgive
tohi
mt ofather
'smist
ress.Theyhavethesame
cal
li
ng.

(
Hecol dl
ylooksatBusi
.Whol
ooksl
i
keshe
mightpassoutanyti
menow.)

Br
ian:
Agent67t
hemani
sal
lyour
s.

(Thebigbuffagentpi
ckshim upasi fheisjust
aleafandthrowhimi nthepotbeforeturni
ng
awaysmi l
ingandclappi
nghi shands.Drugo
empt yscr
eamsf il
l
sthewhol ewarehouse,ashe
tri
estoswimi nthehotgoldpot.Hisdeathis
shortyett
hemostpai nf
ul.)
Busi
:It
hinki
am goi
ngt
obesi
ck.

Nick:Theshowjustbegan,bestrong.This
mi ghtbeyounextti
me.Ifi
wer eyou, iwil
ltell
thatchil
dtonevercomeout,iti
st heonlything
standingbet
weeny ouandthat.

(Li
am standsup,hisfaceisf
ullofsmi
lesl
ike
always.Li
keagent l
emenhei s,
hewalkstothe
cageandhelpthedoct orout
.Picki
ngheruphe
walksinthemiddleoftheroom.)

Li
am:(t
easi
ngl
y)Auntycanikeepthi
sone.She
i
ssocute.(
Wipi
nghertearsaway)Howdida
cut
ethi
ngli
keyougettangl
edinthi
smess.

(
Kissi
nghercheek)
Liam: Sheiscut e!Idontknowhowi am
supposedt ogivemyi nquestnow.Thi scut e
doll,ascut easshei s,shei sdangerous.Let hal,
abadper sontrappedi nagooddoct or .Greedy,
i
tmakesmewonderhowmanyl i
vesshehas
ruinedj ustforagoodpay .Imean, shei sthe
typeofdoct ory oupayt of akeabraint umour
resultsf oryou.Wi thherki ndinthehospi taldo
yout hinkourl ivesaresaf e?Suchapr ettything,
l
acki nget hics.Executor,shownomer cy,i
despi seherki ndal ot.(Winkingather )Sor r
y
dollface, wewi llmeeti nhell.

(
Het
urnsandwal
ksbackt
ohi
sseat
.)

Bri
an:Agooddoctormeetabaddoctor
.Let
s
tr
eatherwi
ththesamemedicineshegi
vesto
peopl
e.DrKsheisall
yours.
(DrKwal
kst
oheri
nhiswhi
tecoat
.Pi
cki
ngher
uphewal
kstot
hebubbl
ybat
htub.
)

DrK:Don'
tbescar
edokay
,itwi
l
lbeov
erbef
ore
i
tevenbegan.

(Heput saclot hi nhermout h,

asherey esbeg
former cy.Tear sf al
lfr
om hereyes,asher
bladderfindsr eleasealso.Herfeetmelti
nto
l
iqui dastheyr eacht hesurf
aceoft hebubbl
y
bat h,t
hedoct orl owershercompletel
yinand
wat chasshedi ssolves,t
hebathtubbecomes
taintedwithred.Onhi shandonlyremainsher
dreadlocks.)

Dr:
(shr
ugginghi
sshoul
ders)i
wantt
ohav
e
t
hem pl
antedinmyhead.
_
___
___
___
___
__
JOY
(Iwat chast heyt akeoutt heyoldwomanwho
hascol l
apsedandHi ldast andsuponceagai n
andi knowmyt urnhascome.Att hispointal li
wishi neverleftmyf ather '
shousehol dcomi ng
tov arsity
.At20, iam notr eadyt odie,thi
si snot
howi plannedmydeat h.Ihav eadesi retol i
v e
l
onger ,butmydeepdesi reshav elandedme
straightintodeept rouble.It hinkofmyf ather
ast earsf al
lfrom myey esIshoul dhave
l
istenedt oyouf ather.Nal edi'sfacef l
ashbef ore
myey esandi r
ealiset hati havecommi tteda
grav esinagai nstsomeonewhoal wayshadmy
backwhenev eryonet urnedt heirbackonme.I
l
ookatBusi ,
andl ooksl ikeherowndemonsar e
busyeat i
ngup.Hi lda'sv oicesnapsmeoutof
myext ravagantconcei t.
)

Hi
lda:Thedemoni nthecage,
isasnake,
a
sl
eazyjackal
thatdeserv
esevery
thi
ngcoming
herway .Shei sthet ypethatdest r
oyslives,
dreamsandt hef uture.Amassdest ructi
onto
everyonearoundher .Thet y
peofhumanbei ng
that'
snotaf rai
dt ouseot herpeopl e'
sbaggage,
vulnerabi
li
ti
esandweaknessesagai nstthem.
Shei sthetypet hat'
snotaf raidtosellherfri
end
forjustmerer iches.Shei sthet y
pet oeatand
l
aughwi t
hy ouwhi leshehol dsagunt oy our
head.Ademont hatmani fests.Shedeser ves
nothingbutpai n,endlesspai n.Andi hopetoday,
sheget swhatshei slongov erdue.

(
Shesitsdown.Andit
akeadeepbr
eat
hasi
wai
tformydeathsent
ence.
)

Brian:Thanky ou!Theenemyoffr
iendship.I
t
clearthatshedeservesdeat
hbuti am not
givingherdeath,igiv
eherendl
esssuf f
eri
ng.
Whyam i doingthi
sbecauseir
efuset oend,a
yout hf
ull
ife.Sameageasmysi st
er ,
iknowt hat
nomatterwhatmysi
sterdoesi
cannev
erev
er
wishf
orherli
fet
obetaken.

(
Hel
ooksatme.
)

Brian:Iwanthert oli
vesothatthedeat hofall
thosepeopl ewhodi edbecauseofhercan
hauntherf orever
.Iwanthert oli
vesoshecan
l
ivet owitnessthefri
endshesoughtt odest r
oy
shine.Iblackli
stherwithoutfamoust att
oo,she
shallshallneverfi
ndf ormalemploy menti nthi
s
count r
y,sheshallnothaveany t
hingt oher
name.Fr om nowonshei sjustJoy ousPheko
andshewi ll
dieasJoy ousPheko, nohusband,
nochi l
dren,nojob,nomoneyj ustJoy .

(Hestandsupandtakesoffhi
sgownand
j
acketremaini
ngonlyi
nhiswhiteshi
rt
,whi
ch
hefol
dsup.)
Bri
an:Butfi
rst
,therearethi
ngsofmi nei need
toremovefrom her,onceiam done,ishallput
herinhercoff
inandhav eherdeli
veredtoher
fat
her'
shome.Agent67t i
eherupf orand
borrowmey ourtool.

(Widespreadoutonthet
able,
hehoversover
me, hi
scoldambereyespromisenot
hing
exceptpain.Het
akesasaw.)

Br
ian:
Iputther
ingi
nyourf
ingersoi
tsonl
yfai
r
ir
emov ei
t.

(Hestart
scutti
ngmyr ingfinger,
iscream att
he
topofmyl ungs,t
earsfall
from myey esasthe
excruci
ati
ngpainhitseverypainspotinmyboy .
Heshowsmemyr ingfi
ngerwi t
ht hediamond
thi
ngoni t
.Bloodgushesofatt hespotmy
f
ingeroncewas.Nexthehol
dahotbrandi
ng
i
rontomewr i
tt
en"Betray
er(T.
H)"
.)

Br
ian:
Mayy oucarr
ytheshameofy
ouract
ions,
al
ldaysofy
ourli
fe.

(
Onceagainiscream asthehoti
rontouches
mycheeks,heisbrandi
ngme.Ifeelnumb,asi
t
akeadeepbr eat
h,myf i
nalbr
eat
h.)
_
___
___
___
__

Bri
an:Stopthebleedi
ng,
sedat
eherandputher
onthecoffi
nmakesur ei
tgetdel
i
veredt
oher
fat
her'
sdoorstep.

(Hetakesherfi
ngerandputitasamplepaper
thenputitonhi
spocket.Hewal kt
ohismother
andkissheronthecheek,f
ollowedbyNessa.
HehugsHiscousi
nLi
am.Beforet
urni
ngt
oface
Ni
ck,hehugshi
m.HelooksatBusi
.)

Brian:Youaresafef ornow.Takecareofmy
brotherforhi
m, call
him Quinton.Iwi
l
lseeyou
after7years.Dad,keepy oursecondwif
eand
mot heronthelearsh,iwil
lhatetocutmy
recuperati
ngtimeshor t
.

(
Het
urnsandl
ooksathi
smot
her
)

Bri
an: Theshoesar eyourtof i
llnowLiam.The
Executorposi tionisal
lyours.Vanessa, t
hisis
yourfirstandl astti
meint hisshadybusiness,
getyourdegr eeandhav eaboy fri
end.Hav ea
dif
ferentlif
ef rom thi
smessedupone.Ma!I
tr
ustev erythi
ngi singoodhands, i
don'tneed
anyonemoni tor i
ngme,iwi l
lcontactyouwheni
am ready .Leav eNaledialone,callof
fallyour
agent
sonhi
sback.Letherl
i
veherl
i
fe.

(Hest andsi
nthemi ddl
eofther oom andput
hishandacrosshischestandtheyalm dothe
sameandt ogetheri
noneaccor dtheysaythe
famil
yDNA. )

Toget
her:Wef al
landweri
se,wear eone.We
howll
ikewol
v esandroarl
ikeli
ons.Weshine
aft
erever
ystorm,wearethelastraceof
ThompsonFami l
y.

(Theyl
ookoutashet
akeshi
scoatandwal
ks
outoft
heroom.)

Li
am:
Seey
ouaf
ter7y
ear
sbi
tch.

(
Bri
anwav
eshi
shandashewal
ksoutoft
he
bui
l
ding.
)
.
.

.
Unedi
ted
[
06/
02,
16:
22]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t82
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
__
"
Thet r
uthisrar
elypur
eandnev
ersi
mpl
e."-
OscarWilde
_
___
___
___
___

(I
nt heearl
yhoursofmor ning,
theol
dmangot
upfr om hi
sbed,hewishedt ocl
eanhi
syard
befor et
hetemperat
uresrisewitht
heminut
e
theblazingsuni sup.Hewal kedtothefront
doorandopenedi tst r
etchi
nghi mself
,andonly
tofreezei nplace,handsupi ntheair
,eyes
poppingout ,
ashenot icedthecasketi nhis
doorst ep.Af ewv i
llagershav ealr
eadygathered
aroundt hemy st
eriouscof f
in,whil
esome
peekingt hroughthewi ndowsandst andingby
thei
ry ardfencesal lcurioustoknowwhati s
happeni ng.Wi t
hast eadypace,hemadehi s
wayt ot hegate.)

Hendr
ick:
MmaDi
neo!Whatonear
thi
sthi
s?

MmaD:
Wet
houghtmay
bey
oucoul
dtel
lus.

Vi
ll
ager1:
Iam t
ell
ingyou,
thi
siswitchcr
aft
?
Yourhomeisunderat
tackRraBena.

Vi
l
lager
2:Youl
i
kewi
tchcr
aftsomuch?Whati
f
i
twast
hiev
es?

(Theoldmanwal kedtothecoffi
n,withshaki
ng
hands,heopenedt hecof f
in,
hisheartst
opped
forami nisecondashecamef acetofacewith
hisdaughter'
sf ace.Het ookastepback,
anotherback,andf el
lonhisbuttbuthecrawled
backwar dsusinghi shandsassuppor t
.)

MmaD: Modi
mowaZacher
iah!Koor
emoke
bol
oij
waeng?

Vi
l
lager
1:Youseewhati
meant
?Thi
sis
wi
tchcr
aft
.

Vi
l
lager
2:(
peeki
ngi
ntocof
fi
n)I
sshedead?

(
Theyhel
pedHendr
ickupandhewal
kedback
tohisdaught er
'scoffi
n.Tearsf all
i
ngdownf r
om
hisface,hetouchedherpal ef ace,thecheek
wher etheybrandedher ,
touchi ngthebur nhe
wonder edwhatsor tofpainhisdaught erhadto
endure.Het ouchedherbal dhead, hishear t
breakingint
opi eces.Regrett
ingev ertelli
ngher
nottost epfootinhiscompoundagai n.He
checkedherpul seandwasgr eatlyreli
v edto
feeleventhoughi twasv eryweek. )

Hendr
ick:
Sheisal
iv
e.Hosiabri
ngmycar
ar
ound,weneedtorushhert
othehospi
tal
.

(Theyoungmanr ushedtobecar,whil
eother
vil
l
agersstoodther
ehandsont heface.
Shockedtothecore,somebusytakingpi
ctures
andvideosofwholeinci
dentt
opostonsoci al
mediaplatf
orms.)
_
___
___
___
___
Joy

(
Iopenedmyey estaki
ngi nmysurroundi
ngs.
Myey esmetwi t
hmyf athers.Mymi ndwasa
l
itt
lebitdi
sor
ientedandi keptwonderi
ngwhere
iam andhowi evengother e.)

Hendr
ick:
Benana!

Joy
:Daddy
!

(Hel
ooksatmeandhi
stear
sfel
lfr
om myey
es
asheembracedmei
nhisar
ms.)

Hendri
ck:Iam sosorr
ymyl ove.Sogreat
ly
sorr
yforally
ouhadt oendure.If
ail
edto
prot
ectyou.Iam sodeepl
ysor r
y.
(Mymi ndtookmet otheev ent
sthatl
edme
here.Il
ookedatmyhandt oseeifi
ndeedit
real
lyhappenedandthebandageonmyhand
confir
medev ery
thi
ngi suspect
ed.Ineededt
o
seemyf ace.)

Joy
:Howl
onghav
eibeenher
e?

Hendri
ck:
Twodays!Youlostagr
eatdealof
bl
ood.Youar
ejustl
uckythatt
hecoff
inyou
werehadoxy
gensupply
.

Joy
:Iwasi
nacof
fi
n?

Hendri
ck:YesBenana,t
hePol i
ceareher eto
askyouquesti
ons.Youneedt otell
them what
happenedsotheycaninvest
igateandcat chthe
cul
pri
tswhodidthistoyou.I
si tKagiso?
(Ilookedatmyfather
,hehadstr
essli
nes
amongsthisfaceanddarkci
rcl
esaroundhi
s
eyes.)

Joy:Idon'
trememberany t
hing.Idon'
twantt
o
rememberany t
hing.Lett
hisgo.

Hendr
ick:
butJoy
..
..
.

Joy:
(interr
upt
inghi
m)Nodad!Iwantt
oputthi
s
wholethingbehi
ndme.Justl
eti
tgopl
ease.

Hendr
ick:
Okay
,ift
hat
'swhaty
ouwant
,you
needt
oseeacounsel
lor
.

Joy:
Idon'
twantt
oseeany
onedad.Justl
etme
be.
(
Itur
nedandf
acet
hewi
ndow.)

Hendri
ck:Okay,iam goinghometogety ou
someclothes.Yourphoneisunderthepil
low
thoughisuggestyoustayswayfrom i
tfor
somet i
me.

(Ididntsayany thi
nguntilIheardthedoorclose.
Theni r
eachedf ormyphoneandl oggedinto
facebook, myphonegotf loodedwi th
notifi
cations.Iopenedt hem andal mostphone
felloutofmyhandasi watchedthev i
deo.Iwas
trendingof acebook,"Thegi r
lwhor etur
ned
homei ncasketaf terl
eavinghomef orvarsi
ty.
"I
readt hrought hecomment sinYout hof
Bot swanapageandt heywer esayingreal
ly
meanandhur tingaboutme.Iswi tchedof fmy
phoneandwal kedt othebathroom.Iwant edto
seet hebr andonmyf acet heytal
kedabout .I
stoodinfrontoft hemi rr
orgetti
ngr i
difthe
bandagesoi canseei t.Thegirlthatstared
backatmei couldn'trecogniseher .Shehad
scarsnotjustphy sicalscaresbutemot i
onal
scarsthatrandeepi nmysoul .Thegi rli
nt he
mirrorhasnor easont olivenow, shei sjusta
hall
owandempt y .HowdoIgoaboutf r
om here?
Iam asgoodasdead.May betheyshoul dhave
j
ustkill
edmei nsteadbecausei don'teven
knowhowt opi ckmy selfupafterthis.

Igetont hecol dfloorandliedown, astearsfal

l
from myey es.Allieverwantedwasat ast
eof
freedom, butintheend, thefreedom paidback
wor se,mysoul i
scagedandl ockedinadar k
hole, i
fail
tounder standwher etoev enbegin
fi
ndi ngthekey sort heli
ghttobreakf r
eefrom
thedar kcoldcage. )
_
___
___
___
_
Nessa
(Wearesit
ti
ngont heTerrance,Dadreadinga
newspaperwithhiscoff
eebyhi sside,Li
am i
s
havi
nghisbreakf
ast,whi
lei am onfacebook
fol
l
owingthepostsaroundJoy .)

Nessa:Li
am, hav
ey ouseenthi
sposts,
idon't
t
hinkthatpoorgi
rlwil
leverr
ecoverf
rom t
his.

Li
am:
Thatwast
hei
ntent
ioni
nthef
ir
stpl
ace.

Nessa:Don'
tyout
hinkt
hepuni
shmentwasa
l
it
tl
ebittoomuch.

Li
am:(sippi
nghi
scoff
ee)No!Shedeser
ved
ev
ery
thing.Doyouwanttoaccompanymeto
Cl
ubT.Ineedtoblowoffsomesteam.
(Wal
ki
ngintother
oam wear
inghorser
idi
ng
out
fi
t,t
akingofft
hewhit
egloves.
)

Hil
da:No!Bri
ansaidshei
soffthef
ami
ly
busi
ness.(
Shekissesdadonthemout
h)
Morni
ng.

Nessa:
Youwentr
idi
ng?Whydi
dn'
tyouwake
me?

Hil
da:Ineededt
obeal
onePeaches.Whenar
e
yougoingback?

Nessa:
Endift
hisweek.Iwantt
oseeagood
f
ri
endofminebefor
ei l
eave.

Hi
l
da:
Alr
ight
!(Looki
ngatdad)Ar
eyour
eady
?
Li
am:
Readyf
orwhat
?

Hil
da:WearemeethingTheKenosi
fami
l
yto
paylobol
aforBusi
.

Nessa:
Idon'
tgethowthisi
sgoi
ngtowork?
Pol
ygamyisnotal
lowed?Pl
ussheusunderage.

Hil
da:Underciv
ill
awbutcustomar
ylawworks
i
nouradv ant
age.Wepaybogadiandsheisour
bri
de,nomarri
agecel
ebrati
onunti
lshei
s21of
coursei
fshemakesitthatfar
.

Li
am: Ihopeshefal
lst
hroughthecracksican'
t
waittogiveagoaheadforherexecut
ion.(
He
chuckles)

Ni
ck:
(si
ppi
nghi
scof
feewi
thoutt
aki
nghi
s
handsofft
hepaper
.)Iwi
l
lgl
adl
ydel
i
verher
i
nquest.

Hi
l
da:
Stopi
tyout
wo.

Nessa:
Sowher
eisshegoi
ngt
ost
ay?Gether
ownhouse?

Hi
l
da:
No!Shei
smov
ingi
nher
ewi
thus.

Ni
ck:
Keepheroutofmyway
.

Li
am:
War
nhert
osl
eepwi
thoneey
eopen.

(Iam aboutt
osaysomethi
ngwhenthenoisein
thehall
waystopsme.Weturnt
ofacethedoor
asgrandmawal ksi
nwit
htwoPastor
s."Here
comest roubl e.
"Pettysaysasshef oldsher
arms.Isweart hisoldwomandoesn' tgetti
red
ofdrama, l
astnightshebr oughtpoli
ceoffi
cer
s
todayitispriest."Il
i
keher ,sheisquit
e
enter
taining."Pettyconfessesandi j
ustrol
lmy
eyes.
)

Hi
l
da:
(rol
l
ingherey
es)Her
ecomest
roubl
e.

Li
am:
(amused)Wai
tfori
t,wai
tfori
t.

Dari
ma: TheretheyareFat her
,theyneed
del
iver
ancePast or,(point
ingtomom)make
sur
ey oustartwithher,herdemonsar ebigger
andstronger
, sheneedsy ourhandsnohol y
wateroroil
,mokedi ny anamogoene.

(
Icr
ackupasi
lookatgr
andma.)
Li
am: (t
easi
ngl
y)Pr
eachwomanofGod.Go
deeperMama.

Dari
ma:Thiswhol
ehouse,itneedsdel
i
ver
ance.
Layhandsonthem Past
or.

Hi
lda:
(mur
mur i
ng)i
betnex
tti
meshei
sgoi
ng
t
obr i
ngasangoma.

_
___
___
___
Nal
edi

(Il
ookathim,andtracemyfi
ngerti
poverhis
l
ongey el
ashes,hi
samberey esopenupandhe
l
ooksatme, giv
ingmehisgenuinesmil
ethat
createsaacheint
heplacebetweenmylegs.
Lift
ingmyhandhelooksadmi r
ingaatmg
weddi
ngbandandki
ssesi
t.)

Br
ian:
Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
evey
ouar
efi
nal
l
ymi
ne.

Naledi
:(iputmyheadonhischestandhi s
handscomepr ot
ecti
velyovermybigbaby
tummy .
)Wel l
youbett
erbeli
eve,i
tbigbearyou
aremineandi am y
ours.DrNalediBr
ian
Dlamini
.

(Hefli
psmeoverandi
li
eonmybackashe
star
esatmeadmiri
ngl
y)

Br
ian:
Sayt
hatagai
n?

Nal
edi
:(Idar
tmyt
ongueov
ermyl
i
ps)whatDr
Dl
amini
?
Br
ian:
Sayt
haty
ouar
emi
neMr
sDl
ami
ni.

Naledi:Iam y
oursDrDlamini,
wholehear
tedl
y
yours,physi
call
yandbodil
yyoursand
emot i
onall
yandf i
nanci
all
yyours.

Br
ian:
(amusi
ngl
y)Mi
nei
nev
eryaspecthuh?

Nal
edi
:Yesmybi
gbear
,your
sinev
eryaspect
.

(Hebr i
ngshi sli
psov ermineandi moanhis
name.Thehushwi ndcomi ngtheinroom
causingthewi ndowt oshuttercl
osewakesme
upf r
om mydr eam.Andi t
ouchmyl i
ps,i
tfeels
ashej ustkissedme.Hi scologneli
ngersinthe
atmospher e,thi
siswhatmyl i
fehascomet o,
dreamingaboutBr ianev er
ynighthasbecome
aroutine.Igetupf rom bedandclosethe
window.Wheni t
urnbacki noti
cethebig
envel
opeont hetable.Reachingf
oriti
noti
ce
hishandwrit
ing,"
Babycakes".Soi wasnot
dreaminghewasr ealkyheretoni
ghtwit
hout
secondthoughtsirunoutside.)

Nal
edi
:(cal
l
ingout
)Br
ian.Br
ianpl
easecome
out
.Br
ian.

(Myv oi
ceechoest hrought hedarknessoft he
night
.Istandforabout10mi nuteshopingand
wistf
ull
ythinki
nghewoul dshowup.Il ov ehim,
dearHeav enl
yfatherisolov ehim, i
lovehim so
mucht hatithur
ts.Idefeated,tearsfal
li
ngdown
iwalktothebedroom andhugt heenvelopeto
mychest .
Icl
osemyey esassaymydai lypr
ayer
," Hav
e
mercydearni
ght.Don'tbri
ngi
ntoexi
stencet
he
l
ongingswehide."-AkifKi
chl
oo)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I
'
m goi
ngt
ochur
chwehav
eani
nvent@ 6pm.
Hav
eal
ovel
yday
[
06/
02,
16:
22]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t83
Unedi
ted
-
--
--
--
--
--
"
Thesoulbecomesdyedwitht
hecol
orof
t
hought
s."-MarcusAur
eli
us
-
--
--
--
7YEARSLATER
Nessa

(Iopenmyey esandst areathi m sl eeping.He

l
ookssopeacef ulaftersleepi ng.Af terreturni
ng
ay earbacki thoughti woul dfindhi m mar r
ied
butitwasj ustl i
kehehasbeenwai t i
ngf orme.
Wet riedbyal l meanst ocont rolt heat t
raction
betweenusbutonl yt ofalldeep, slipinto
i
ntimancywenev errecov er edf r
om.Justone
touchi gnit
edaspar kt hatnev erf aded, despit
e
againstal loddsus, west illbeli
ev ei nus.
Despitenothav i
nggi venwhat ev ert hi
si sa
name, despiteagr eeingt okeepemot i
onsand
feeli
ngsf rom i tbuti canf eel mysel fbreaking
everyr ul
eweset .Iam f all
ingf orhi m mor eand
mor e.Hegr oansbef or epul li
ngmei ntohis
armsandsqueezi ngmeabi t
,heki ssesmy
forehead.)
Ace:
Mor
ningPeaches.

Nessa:
Mor
ning!

(
Ileanf
ort
handbr
ushmyl
i
psov
erhi
s.)

Ace:Icoul
dgetusedt
othi
s,waki
ngupnextt
o
youeverymorni
ng.

Nessa:Isti
l
lcan'
tbel
i
eveyoumademespend
t
henight.Iam goi
ngtobei
ntr
oubl
e.

Ace:Yourmot
herhastounder
stanft
haty
ou
aregrownwoman,26yearsol
d.Shecan'
tkeep
youinherwat
chall
yourl
if
e.
Nessa:Don'
tfor
getthatshei
stryi
ngyomarry
meof ft
oLefa.Bri
anmightarr
iveany
timenow,
heisgoingt
okill
isifheknows.

Ace:(ki
ssi
ngmycheeks)Wewi l
ldealwiththat
whenwegett here.Wepr
omi sedourselvesthat
wewi l
lnotl
etthecir
cumstancessurrounding
ustearusapart.

(
Myphoner i
ngsandi gr
oanbef oreir
eachfori
t,
i
knowt hismeanst hatmyl i
tt
lebubbl
emoment
i
sover.Iglanceatthescreenanditfl
ashes
"
Apri
l"Li
am' sgir
lf
ri
end.)

Nessa:
Apr
il
!

Apri
l:
Wherear
eyou?Yourmotheri
sreadyt
o
sendasear
chpar
tyfory
ou.
..
(
Acedeci dest
oplaydi
rty,
ialmostjumpupasi
f
eelhistongueonmyflesh.Ibi
temyl owerl
i
p
t
osuppr essamoanthatisabouttoescape
mouth.)

Apr
il
:Vanessaar
eyout
her
e?

Nessa:
Yes!Tel
lheri
wil
lbet
her
eatt
het
opof
t
hehour.

(Ihangupmyphoneput ti
ngi taway ,andopen
myl egsalitt
lebitwidertoallowthesexyt hing
todowhathewant swithme.Anhoutl aterwe
standoutsidehishouse, heiswear ingnot hing
ont opexposinghiswel l
builttor
so, hei sthe
onlydoctorthatiknowt hatlooksliket his,most
ofthedoctorsar eshortwithbelli
es, some
skinnybutAcel ooksmor elikeagy mi nst r
uctor
thanadoct or.Heismyownv ersionofCharles
Mi chaelDavi
sorshouldi sayMar celfr
om the
Or i
ginal
s.Het r
apsmebet weent hecar ,
hisbare
chestonmi ne,hebit
eshisl owerlipandi
clenchmyl egstoget
her,tight
enthem t oease
theachebet weenmyl egs.Hei sdoingiton
pur poseheknowshowmucht hisaffectme.)

Ace:
Arey
ousur
eIcan'
tpur
suey
oust
ayl
onger
?

Nessa:
Youcanbuti
begy
ounott
o.Ineedt
o
l
eave.

Ace:
Whenwi
l
liseey
ouagai
n?

Nessa:
Canwegoawayt
hisweekend?

Ace:
Okay
,justt
het
woofus?
Nessa:
Yepj
ustmeandy
ou.

Ace:
Okay
.Seey
ouonFr
idayPeaches.

(Hisli
pscr ushonme,ali
tyl
erough,hei
sbeing
possessive.Ipul
lawayandgetinmycar,he
standsther ewat
chi
ngmeasi dr
iveaway
.)
_
___
___
___
___
7YEARSLATER
Busi

Il
ookatmyson, heisnow7y ears,
sucha
l
ovelyyoungboywhoi havegrowntolove
wholehear t
edlybei
ngamot herhastaughtme
awhol elotl
ikehavi
ngtosacrif
icemgown
happinessforhim.Hil
dahasmadesur eiknow
myplacei nthi
shousesinceIgotmar r
ied.I
hav ebecomeal onel y27y earsol dwoman, Nick
hasnotspentev enoneni ghtwi thmesi ncewe
gotmar ri
ed7y earsback, heisi nlov ewi th
Hilda, i
tsnothar dy omi sshowhi sey esl i
ghtup
whenshei sinther oom.Ont opoft hati havet o
wat chont hesi delinest heonl ymani everlov ed
Liam, l
oveanot herwomani nf rontofme.Ov er
they earshehasgr owni ntosuchahandsome
yetpower fulman.Ni ckhasst eppeddown
maki nghi mt hey oungestCEOi nt hecount r
y ,
ev ersincehet ookov erhehast akent he
companyt oanot herl evel.Hei sHi ldasecond
handman, verysoon.Hemi ghtev ent akeov er
from her .Hel i
vesont hemansi onwi thhis
girlfr
iend,ithoughthewi llnev erset t
ledownbut
hef inall
ydi dandi tisev identt hathel ovesher
ver ymuch.Theaf fectiont hatoncebel ongst o
menowbel ongst oApr i
l.

Qui
nton:
Aunty,mommysai
dyouar
etaki
ngme
t
oschooltoday
.
(Aboveeveryt
hingelsethisiswhathurt
smost
myownsoncal lsmeAunt y,whi
lehecall
sHi
lda
mommy .Ihavetoliv
eev ery
day,watchi
ngmy
ownf l
eshaddressingmeasaunt y.Iwipemy
tear
sawayandl ookathim.)

Busi
:Okaybi
gboy
.Wher
edi
diputt
hosekey
s?

(Igl
anceatt hemirror
,theonlyattr
activet
hingi
havelefti
smybi gmar bleeyes,myf acehas
l
ostitsspark,l
ookingthin,t
hecheekbones
showing,ihavelostmyoncebeaut i
fulbody,t
he
curv
esar egone,ihavelistweightfr
om asize
34toa28!)

Qui
nton:
Aunt
y,y
oumeant
hiskey
s?
(
Hesay
sashewav
est
hecarkey
satme.
)

Busi
:Yesmyboy
,thosekey
s.Nowshoul
dwe
getgoi
ng?

Qui
nton:
Yes.

(Ismil
eathi m, asitakehisl itt
lehandandst ar
t
goingtothef rontdoor.Ther easonwhyi am
sti
llst
uckint hishouse,int hismar r
iage,i
sall
becauseofhi m.Ifitrywal kingouti am notsure
i
fi wil
lev
erseehi m again.Myt hi
rdlessonfrom
Hilda:
Mot her'
sLov e.)

Quint
on:Mommy
,Aunt
yBusi
ist
aki
ngmet
o
school
.

(
Hsay
sashet
hrowshi
shandsar
oundher
)
Hil
da:(
kissi
nghi
scheek)Mybi
gboyi
sgoi
ngt
o
school
.

Dari
ma:Goodriddance,didyouhav
eto
br
ainwashali
tt
leboyal so.Whendoesy
our
evi
l
nesseverst
opHi lda.

(
Handi
ngQui
ntont
ome)

Hil
da:Takehimt oschool
.Idon'
thav
eti
meto
l
istent
ot hi
s.Babygowi t
hmommyBusi t
o
schoolokay.

(Idr
ivetohisschool,wesingingal
onginthecar
j
ustthisli
tt
lemoment swithhim makeme
absolut
elycontent.Idon'
tknow howmany
ti
mesi wishedi couldrunawaywithhi
m butI
knowtheywil
lgotothelengthsofeart
htof i
nd
me.Igetofft
hecarandwal khimtohisclass,i
ki
sshisfor
eheadasi watchhimrunintohis
cl
ass.
)

Voi
ce:
Hei
sal
ovel
yyoungboy
.

(Itur
nar oundandifi
ndmyselfst
arri
nginthe
mostcapt ivat
ingbr
owney
esi haveeverseen.
Hesmi lesatmeandmyhear thaspalpi
tat
ions
remindingmewhatwhatitfeelsl
iketohavea
crush.)

Busi
:Yeshei
s.

(
Isayasiturntowalkaway .Icannotall
ow
mysel
ftofeelsuchthings.Iam final
lygett
ing
myli
feinordericannotmesst hi
ngsupagai n.I
l
ookatmywat chanddeci det oheadt othemall
beforeigotoseemypsychol
ogi
st.If
inal
l
y
decidedtodealwi
thmyi
ssues,t
odeal wi
tht
he
rapeissueandmyaddi
cti
on.Get
ti
ngmypower
back!)

Man:
Wai
t!

Busi:
(ir
aisemyhandshowi
nghi
m myweddi
ng
band)Iam mar
ri
ed.

Man:
(smi
l
ing)Iam At
ang.

(
Hisr
esponset
akesmebysur
pri
seandi
smi
l
e.)

At
ang:
Atl
eastMar
ri
edcansmi
l
e.

Busi
:(r
oll
i
ngmyey
es)I
twasni
cemeet
ingy
ou
At
ang.

(It
urnandr ushtomycarbefor
ehecansay
anything.Bef
oreicandoany
thingst
upi
d,i
dri
ve
away .)
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
7YEARSLATER
JOY/Hai
l
ey

Istandinmyar tr oom, myescaper oom,

pouringmyemot ionsonceagai ni nt heart
piecebeforeme.Af tercount l
esssui ci
de
attempts,if
oundsomet hi
ngthatst ealsaway
thefeeli
ngstempor ary.Thef i
rsttwoy earsafter
theinci
dentwher ewor se, i
sunki ntodepr essi
on,
tri
edsomanyt imest akemyl if
e, drinkingpil
ls
andcut t
ingwrists.Idon' tknowi fi gotluckyor
not,buteveryt
imemyf athermanagedt osave
myl i
fe.Igotadmi ttedi ntoament alinsti
tut
ion
foray earandwheni gotout ,
myf atherbuta
screenwal laroundourhomeandi neverlef
t
homeagai n.Ibeganwi thgrowingflowersin
thehouseandl at ermyar ti
sti
cinsti
nctstook
overandIbegandr awing.Nowi haveanar t
gall
eryandahi redagentwhor unsitforme.
Theonl yti
mei canr oam thest r
eetsisatnight
,
whent hereisnoonet ojudgemeorl ookwaril
y
atthe" bet
rayer"br andonmycheek.Mydad
passedawayay earagoandi movedt othecit
y
tobecl osetomygal lery,peoplewhobuymy
wor kknowmeasHai ley
.Inamei createdto
avoidTheThompsonf ami l
y.

Apr
il
:Hai
l
ey!

(
Itur
nandsmil
eatmyagent.Shehasbeen
t
hereformei
never
ythi
ng.
)
Joy
:Whati
sitApr
il
?

Apri
l:Thebuyerhasmadeanotherpur
chase.
Hissecret
arysaysthathewant
stomeety ou.

(Eversi
nceIst
art
edt
hegall
ery,
therei
sone
buyerwhohasbeenbuy
ingmywor k.Hehas
askedtomeetmesomanyt i
mes.)

Joy
:Lethim knowt
hatIam outoft
hecount
ry
i
nbusiness.

Apr
il
:But
..
..

Joy
:(int
err
upti
ngher)NoApr
il
!Youknowv
ery
wel
lthatican'
tmeethim.
Apri
l:Idon'
tgetwhyy ouwanttostay
anonymous.Peopl eareinlovewit
hy ourwork
Hail
eyev enmyf utureinl
awshav eyourworkin
yourhome.Theyal way sprai
seitt
hatattimesi
wishi canj
usttell
t hem t
hatiknowy ou.

Joy:(
shout
ing)NoApri
l!Don'
tevertel
lany
one
youknowme.Youhearme?Pr omi semeApri
l
thaty
ouwil
l nev
err
evealmyidenti
ty.

Apr
il
:Ipr
omi
se.

Joy:Iam sorr
y,myli
fei
scompli
cat
edApr i
l
.I
havemyr easonswhyiwantt
ostayunknown.
Pleaser
espectthem.

Apr
il
:Okay
!Iwon'
t.
Joy
:Thanky
ou.

Apr
il
:Nicepai
nti
ng,
whoi
sshe?Shel
ooks
i
nnocent.

Joy
:Someonefr
om mypast
,whohaveahear
t
sopur
e.Someonei
misssodear
ly.

Apri
l
:Soy ouaremakingapor
trai
tofhersoy
ou
canpresenti
ttoher
.

Joy:
No!Iam t
hel
astper
sonshewanttotosee.
Iam maki
ngi
ttomysel
f,soi
cantal
ktoit
.

Apr
il
:Huh?

Joy
:Nev
ermi
nd.
Apr
il
:Ibr
oughtt
heaccountbooks.

Joy:Leavethem onmyt
abl
eiwi
l
lseet
hem
oncei am done.

Apr
il
:Okaybossl
ady
..

(
Iconcentrat
emyener gyont hewor kinfrontof
me.Ishutthewor ldoutandwheni f
inall
ydrop
t
hepenciltothegr ound,Istar
eatt hepictureas
t
earsrundownmyf ace.IhavedrawnNal edi
,
myolffri
end,thetruestfri
endi ev
erhad.Imi ss
youNalediMor oka.Ihopey ouareokay .)
_
___
___
___
___
___
_

7YEARSLATER
NALEDI
(
Nar
rat
ed)

(Hernaturalhai
rtiedback,astethoscope
aroundherneck, shewor eherwhi t
ecoatont op
ofherdeepmer oon,emper et
iebackscr ubtop
andtrousers.Shepushedt hestr
et cherfor
ward
runni
ngwi thtowardsthedoorwi thtwonursed
tomeett heambul ancethatwascomi ng.Once
i
tarriv
rdtheyattendedtot hepatient.
)

Nal
edi
:tel
lthem t
ogett
hepr
epar
edf
orsur
ger
y.

(Shepushedt hestr
etcherfor
thwhil
ethetwo
nursespushedt heotheronesfol
l
owingher.
Thehospitalemergencyroom wasthebusiest
atnight
.)

Nal
edi
:(l
ookingatt
hepati
ent)t
hisi
sgoingt
o
hur
tbutineedyoutobest
rongforme,canyou
dot
hatf
orme?

(
Theyoungmannoddedhi shead,f
earev
ident
i
nhiseyes.Sheheldhist
wistedankl
eand
l
ookedathimfier
cely.
)

Naledi
:Okayi
am goi
ngtocountt
o5t
hent
wist
okay?Herewego1,2,3.

(Shet
wist
edat3maki
ngt
hepat
ientscr
eam i
n
agony
.)

Nal
edi
:(t
alki
ngt
othenur
se)Takehi
mtot
hex-
r
ay.

(
Anot
hernur
secal
l
edher
)
Nurse:
DrMor
oka!Comewear
elosi
ngt
he
pat
ient
.

(Sheturnedandruntot heot
herpat i
ent,
pull
ing
curtai
nsforpri
vacyassheper f
ormedaCPRon
him.Oncehegai nedhi
sconsci ousnessheran
withwithhimtothesurgeryroom, wherethe
team wasalreadywait
ingforher.)
_
___
___
___
__
Nal
edi

(OHheav enlyfather
!Whydi dntyoueverwar n
met hatbeingadoct orwasast ressf
uljob!I
sighedasIsati nmycarasi st
artedmycar .It
hasbeen2y earssincei ret
urnedhome, t
wo
yearsofspendi ngalmostmyMondayt o
Sundayi nahospi t
al.Iglanceatmywat chand
sigh!Ihopei am notlatetonight
.Ismi l
easi
pulli
nf r
ontofmyhouset oseet heli
ghtsstil
l
on.Iwal
kinandhesmi l
esatmeashewal
kst
o
met oki
ssmyforehead.
)

Tr
avi
s:Heyl
ove!

Nal
edi
:Hey
!

Tr
avi
s:Longday
?

Nal
edi
:Youhav
enoi
dea.Thanky
ouf
ort
oday
.

Trav
is:
Iti
smypleasur
e.Ineedtogoi
hav
e
beenwait
ingf
oryoutoret
urn.

Nal
edi
:Iguessi
tist
imei
gotast
ayi
nmai
d.

Tr
avi
s:Youcanal
way
shi
reme.
Naledi
:From bei
ngabi
gaccount
antt
oamai
d.I
t
hinkthatwil
lbeadownfal
l
.

(
Hecomestomeandwrapshishandsaround
mywai
st,
asheki
ssesmebeforehuggi
ngme) .

Trav
is:Yout
akeabat
handr
elax
.Iwi
l
lseey
ou
tomorr
owmydoctor.

Nal
edi
:Tomor
rowl
ove.

(Iwalkhimtot hedoorlockingitbehi
ndhim.We
havebeendat ingforayearnow.Hei sagood
guyjustthatmyj obisputti
ngast rai
nonour
rel
ati
onship.Iam barel
yev eraround.Iki
ckof
f
myshoesandwal ktot
heki tchen,
towarm up
myf ood.Isitdownandst artdevouri
ngin.
)
Kai
l
yn:
Mommy
!

(Ist
opandl ookatmybundl
eofjoy.Shei
s
wearingherpyj
amasandgownont op,dr
aggi
ng
herdoll
.Iwalktoherandpi
ckherup.)

Nal
edi
:Babybear
!Whatar
eyoust
il
ldoi
ngup
t
hist
ime?

Kai
ly
n: Imissedy
ou.Mommycani
sleepwi
th
youtonight
.

Nal
edi
:OfcoursemyAnay
acansl
eepwi
th
mommyany t
imeshewantto.

(
Iki
sshersof
tbabycheeks.
)
.
[
06/
02,
16:
22]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t84
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
_
"EachdayIhavetomakeanewpr omi
seto
my sel
ftobebravethanmypast,t
obest r
onger
thanast r
uggl
e.Soi mayfi
ndabigger
adventur
eregardl
essofther
isk.
"-Chr
issi
e
Pinney
_
___
___
___
__
Nal
edi

(
Flashback
7y
ear
sback
(Ithasbeenamont hsi ncei brokeupwi thBr i
an.
Amont hsincehecamei ntomyapar tmenti n
themi ddleoft heni ghtt oleav emeabi gbrown
env elopeandst eal aki ss.Amont hsi ncei l
ast
hear df rom anyoft heThompsonsi ncluding
Vanessanott hati bl ameher .Itol
dheri wanted
not hingt odowi thheraf t
ermybr eakupwi th
Br i
an.Iwaswr ongt opul lherintoourmessbut
iwashur ti
ngatt hemoment .Amont hi nwhichi
coul dn'tkeepany thingi nmyst omach.Atf i
rsti
thoughti twasj ustst agesofbr eak-upand
bei nghear tbrokenbutt hedoct orconf ir
med
ev erythingwhenMar celcouldn'tkeepupnow,
endedupdr aggi ngmet othehospi tal.)

Dr
:Whenl
astdi
dyouhav
eyourmenst
ruat
ion?

Naledi
:Iam notsur
eihav
ebeenunderal
otof
st
resslatel
y.
Dr:Yourtestresult
sareback,justl
ikeI
suspected.YouarepregnantNaledi
.

(Acoldshi verranacrossmeasi star

edatthe
doctor.Waki ngbackhome, mymi nd
ovethinking.Myhandsi nstantl
ywenttotouch
theneckl aceBrianlef
tformei nthebig
envelope.Andhi slastwor ds"Youdeserve
bett
er ,iam notthemanf oryouNaledi
.Be
happy !
".Hedi dnotonlyleavemehear tbr
oken
butwi thachi l
d.)

(
Endoff
lashback)

Kai
ly
n:Mommy !Thenwhathappened?Di
dthe
bi
gbearev
ercomeback?

(
Ilookatherandsmil
e.Idon'
tknowhowmany
t
imesihavenarrat
edthi
sstor
ytoher.Ourown
bedt
imest
ory
.)

Nal
edi:
Nobigbearnev
ercamebackbuthel
eft
mommybearwithababybear
,whohadhisbi
g
ambereyes.

Kai
l
yn:
Iwi
shbigbearcoul
dcomebackt
o
mommyandbabybear.

Nal
edi
:Ti
met
osl
eepy
oungl
ady
.

(Shekissesmycheekandcur l
supi nmybed.I
pullablanketoverherandlieonbedthinki
ng.
Wheni can'tgetanysleepiwakeupandopen
mydr awer,taki
ngoutthenecklace.Myhands
touchit,i
titouchwhereithasbeenencoded"
BehappySt ar
.LoveBKD."Iwonderwher ehei
s
now, i
shemar r
ied,
ishehappywher eheis?
Afterl
earningthetr
uth,ispentdayswishi
ngi
coul
d'ver
eact
edear l
y.AnayaKail
ynDl
amini!I
gaveherherf
ather'
ssurname,iowedherand
hi
mt hatmuch.Mypr eci
ousbaby,myl
ovechild.
Igeti
nbedandki ssherFor
ehead)

Nal
edi
:Il
ovey
ou,
babybear
.

(
Reachi
ngf
ormyphonei
cal
lmymot
her
.)
.

Bul
elwa:
(sl
eepy
)Ledi
.

Nal
edi
:Ma!Di
diwakey
ouup?

Bul
elwa:
Nowhati
sit
?IsAnay
asi
ck?

Nal
edi
:No!Ij
ustmissedy
ou.Canwecome
homethi
sweekend?
Bulel
wa:
Pleasedo!Yousoundsad,
arey
ou
okay?

Nal
edi
:Iam,Tr
avi
swant
stoi
ntr
oducemet
o
hi
sfamil
y.

Bul
elwa:
Andy
ou?Howdoy
ouf
eel
aboutt
hat
?

Naledi
:Idon'
tknow,i
lovehi
m ma!Butnotthe
samewayasAnny 'sf
ather
.Idon'
tknowifi
am
readyf
orabigcommi t
ment.

Bulel
wa:Youcan'tkeept or
mentingyoursel
fli
ke
thi
s,youbei
ngunf ai
ronbot hyoursel
fand
Travi
s.Youcan'
twai tyourwholeli
feforaman
youarenotevensureifhei smarri
ed.Ithas
been7y ear
sNalediletgo.
Nal
edi:
Iam overhim Mabuti
justdon'
twantt
o
r
ushintoany
thing.

Bul
elwa:Thent
ell
him,
behonestabouthow
youfeel
.

(Il
ookatmyscr
eenani
ncomi
ngcal
lfr
om
Travi
s.)

Naledi:
Wewi l
ltal
kwheni
gett
her
e,l
etmet
ake
anothercal
l
.

(
Ihangupandpi
ckhi
scal
l
.)

Nal
edi
:Myl
ove?
Tr
avi
s:Youar
enotsl
eepi
ngy
et?

Nal
edi
:No!Iwasst
il
lcat
chi
ngupwi
thmyt
wo
gi
rl
s.

Tr
avi
s:Howi
smygi
rldoi
ng?

Nal
edi
:Sleepi
ng,
shetol
dmey out
ookhert
o
t
heparkandfedheri
cecream.

Trav
is:Daddy
'spr
incess,
shedeser
vest
obe
spoi
lt
.

Nal
edi
:Thanky
ou.

Tr
avi
s:For
?
Nal
edi
:Ev
ery
thi
ng,
Ilov
eyou.

Tr
avi
s:Il
ovey
oumor
e.

Nal
edi:
Letsgoouttommorr
ow,justy
ouand
me.Iwil
lgetbaby
sitt
erf
orKai
l
yn.

Tr
avi
s:Looki
ngf
orwar
dtoi
t.Goodni
ghtSt
ar.

Nal
edi
:Snuggl
eti
ght
.

(Ihangupandputmyheadont hepil
l
owasi
recal
lthedayi metTr
avi
sagai
n.Theguyf
rom
ClubMi guel
.)

(
Flashback
Ist
areatAnayaandl
augheventhoughidon'
t
meantointhi
ssit
uati
on.Mycarhasabreak
downandtherai
npromisi
ngtodropanyminute.
Babybeari
sbusyhiki
ng.

Nal
edi
:Wher
edi
dyoul
ear
ntodot
hat
?

Kai
l
yn:
isawGr
andmadoi
ngi
t.

(
Ilookatherandlaugh.Acarpul
l
soveranda
manstepsoutsi
de.Irecogni
sehi
m buti
forgot
whereimusthaveseenhim.)

Tr
avi
s:Inevert
houghti
woul
dseey
ouagai
n,
Nal
edir
ight
?

(
Inodmyheadwat
chi
nghi
m war
il
y.
)
Trav
is:Tr
aviswemeett
hroughLi
am.Year
s
backatClubMiguel
.

(
Inst
ant
lyir
emembertheincidentatt
heclub,
t
heguywhowaswi l
l
ingtofightBigbe.
..noi
meanBri
anforme.)

Nal
edi
:Hi
!

Trav
is:
looksl
i
key ouari
de.Comeiwil
ltake
youhomewhilesomeonecomestotowt hecar
.

Nal
edi
:Wedon'
twantt
oimpose.

Tr
avis:Youar
enot(picki
ngupKai l
yn)Plusi
wanttomeettheyoungladyhere.Shelooksa
l
otli
ketheguyfr
om theclub.I
ssheher s?
Nal
edi
:Yepshei
s.

Trav
is:Hegaveyouabeaut
if
uldaught
er.She
hasyouri
nnocentl
ooksandhisbi
gamberey es.

(
Hesaysasheopenst
hecardoorf
ormet
oget
i
nsi
de.)

*
Endoff
lashback*

Andt hat'showi tallbeganwi thTravi

s,hebegan
breakingdownt helitt
lewallsibuil
taroundme
andmydaught er.AfterihadAnay a,ideci
dedto
gi
v euponl ovesot hati wouldn'
tconfusemy
daught erwithdiffer
entmeni nmyl i
fe.For
al
most6y earsmyl iferevol
vedaroundher .Iput
myar msar oundherasi snuggleclosetoher,
myl ovechi l
d,babybear .
_
___
___
___
___
___
__
Nessa

IglanceacrossthetableandLefasmi l
esatme.
"Wipethesmi l
eofhi sf
acewi t
hthatwine."
Pettysays.HowIwi shPetty
,howi wish.Il
ook
atmom andshegi vesawarningeye.Wear e
havingafami l
ydinner,
Lefaisourguestfor
tonight
.

Ni
ck:
Howi
sbusi
nessgoi
ngson?

("
Theyar
enotont hefather
-sonbasis?"my
i
nnerwomansay sasshecl apsherhands.I
al
mostburstoutl
aughing.)

Lef
a:I
tisqui
tegoi
ngwel
l
.Wearepart
neri
ng
wit
hTheMokoenaCompanyv
erysoon.
Hi
l
da:
Suchar
eput
abl
ecompany
.

Busi
:Iwaswonderi
ngi
ficoul
dgohomet
his
weekendwi
thQuint
on?

Hil
da:
Noproblem mydear
,iam sur
eyour
par
entsmustbemissi
nghim.

Dar
ima: Idon'
tgetwhyyouhavetoseek
per
mi ssi
on.Youtakey
ourchi
ldandgo
whereveryouwant.

Li
am:Excuseme,ineedt
orush
somewhere.
(Ki
ssi
ngApri
l
'scheek)i
wil
lseey
ou
onabitl
ove.

Nessa:
Iam al
sogoi
ngawayt
hisupcomi
ng
weekend.

Hi
l
da:
Noy
ouar
enot
?

Nessa:Ma!It
oldyousomanytimeshoul
di
wri
teitonmyforeheadsoyougeti
t,i
am not
i
nter
estedi
nmar ryi
nghim.

Hi
l
da:
(angr
il
y)VanessaThompson.

(
Ist
anduppushi
ngt
hechai
r.)

Nessa:No!Iam notall
owingyoutochoosemy
fut
ureforme.Ifyouwanttomar r
yint
othe
Moengf amil
ythengoaheadandmar ryLefa.I
t
shoul
dn'tbeaproblem si
ncedadhasalready
marri
edmyagemat e.
Dari
ma: (put
ti
ngahandov erhermouth)Good
ri
ddance!Thisi
swhathappenswheny ou
disr
espectyourhusbandi
nf r
ontofyour
chil
dren.Nowtheyaregiv
ingyouatasteofyour
medicine.

(Masqueezest
hegl
assunt
ili
tbr
eaksi
nher
hand.
)

Hi
l
da:
Keepqui
te!

Dari
ma:No!Kooreoikgonent
sennahel
ale
Busiopalel
wakengwanawagago.Dealwit
h
yourbul
l
.

Voice:Hereiwasthinki
ngimightsur
pri
se
everyone.Doesthedramainthi
shouseever
st
op?Ev enaf
ter7yearsthi
sthesame.
(Weal l
tur
ntot heent ranceoft hedoor ,t
her e
standsmyhandsomebr other
,allsmilesnex tto
himi samani don'tknow, hehast hemost
piercingbl
ueey es,blackt ousledhairanda
perfectupri
ghtnose.Hel ooksbuf fandabi t
tall
er,inot
iceBr i
anhasal sogot t
enabi tbigger
sincei sawhim.Inot icet hatt
heyar ewear ing
similaroutf
it
s.)

Bri
an:Wi
llwegetthewelcomebackhomei
deser
veorshoul
dwej ustgoback?

(Hi
sli
pstur
nandhesmil
es.Hi
sbeauti
ful
genui
nesmil
e.Hel
ookshappy
,genui
nely
happy
.)
[
06/
02,
16:
23]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t85
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
___
"Whent
hei
rgl ancesmet,theyunderstoodone
anot
her
.Thepowert hatlaywithi
nbot hthei
r
soul
smet,and,asitwereclaspedhands."-
EmmuskaOr czy,TheScar l
etPimpernel
_
___
___
___
___
Nessa

(Imovetofrom myseatandbasi
cal
l
ythrowmy
handsaroundhim.Hechuckl
esashehugsme
andspinsmear oundl
aughi
ngsocaref
ree.)

Br
ian:
(pi
nchi
ngmycheeks)Peaches!

Nessa:
Whoareyouandwhathav
eyoudone
wit
hmybrot
her?

Br
ian:
Man!I
tissogr
eatt
ogr
eatt
obeback.
(
Hesay
sashegoest
omymom andhugsher
.)

Br
ian:
Queenofmyhear
t.

Hi
l
da:
OhGod!Imi
ssedy
ouKgot
laesel
e.

Br
ian:
Imi
ssedy
oumor
eMaKgot
laesel
e.

(
Hemov
esal
ongt
odad.Andhugshi
m al
so)

Br
ian:
Pops!Howhaveyoubeenol
dman?You
ev
enhaveabell
y,wasi
gonethatl
ong?

Ni
ck:
Goodt
ohav
eyouback.
Br
ian:YoumustbeApr
il
.Iam Br
ian,
thef
ami
l
y
vi
l
lai
n.

(
Heki
ssesherhand.
)

Apr
il
:Hear
dsomuchabouty
ou.

Br
ian:
Goodt
hingsi
hope.

(
Sheshakesherhandashemov
esont
oBusi
)

Br
ian:Ao!Mother
sisitmyey
esory
ouhav
elost
weight
?Comeongi vemeahugipr
omi
seidont
bi
tewellnoty
etactual
ly
.

(
Busi
standsupandhugshi
m.)
Dari
ma:Anotherl
it
tl
edevi
li
sbackasift
his
househasnotenoughdev
il
sal
ready
.

Bri
an:Gr
andmaD, i
am surpr
isedy ouarest
il
l
her
e.Imustsayyouhaveoverst
ay edyourv
isi
t,
7yearswowbutnever
thel
essi missedyouloud
smartmouth.

(
Hebendsandki
sseshercheeks.Li
am wal
ks
i
ntot
heroom.
)

Li
am:
Whati
sthewhol
ecommot
ionabout
?

Br
ian:
B**
ich!Iam back.

(Theybumpt
hei
rheadst
oget
herandhugeach
other
.)
Br
ian:(
looki
ngatBusi
)Wher
eismyson
mother
s?

Busi
:Hei
ssl
eepi
ng.

Brian:Nowthat
'sabummer,l
ookedf
orwar
dto
seeinghim.Okayever
yonemeetmy(hecl
ear
s
histhroat
)meetmyhusband.

(
Dar
imadr
opshergl
assofj
uice.
)

Hi
l
da:
(ast
ounded)What
?

Ni
ck:
Yourwhat
?

Nessa:
Myear
smustbepul
l
ingpr
anksonme.
(
Heandhisfr
iendcrackupandbur
stout
l
aughi
ng,
ever
yl ooksatt
hem)

Bri
an:Itol
dyouthattheywil
lhaveheartat
tack
ofwepul l
thi
sstunt
.Iam justj
oking,
wewor e
matchingout
fit
stomakey outhinkihave
becomegay .

Li
am:Iknewyoulov
edp*
**yt
oomucht
obe
chowi
nga**esnow.

Brian:Youknowmesowel l
.Youallhaveheard
hisnamebutnev ermethim,iti
smypl easur
eto
i
ntroducemybestf ri
endtoyouall
,Thierr
y
Mor eno.Thi
err
ythisi
st hei
nsanefami l
yihave
tel
lingyouabout.

(
Hegoesaroundgreeti
ngall
ofusbefor
e
j
oini
ngusf
ordinner.Thet
ensionont
heroom
get
srepl
acedbyl
aught
erandcat
chi
ngup.
)
_
___
___
___
___
_
Busi

Aft
erl astni ghtdi nneri decidetotreatmy self
outtoadayatSpa.Br iancamebackal it
tlebit
changed, nol ongerr i
gi dl i
keinthepast.Hewas
socar efreel astni ght.Il ockthedoorandst art
walkingt ot heent ranceoft heHot el.Asi walkI
al
mostt ur nbackandwal koutasmygl ances
meetwi t
ht heAt angguy .Whyi sfatepl
ay i
ng
wit
hmyf utur eli
ket his?Hest artswalkingt ome,
myf eetcan' tmov e, i
r emai nfrozeninonepl ace
unti
lher eaches.

At
ang:
Mar
ri
ed!Whatabi
gconci
dence.

(
Irol
lmyey
esandl
ookathi
m agai
n.)
Busi
:At
angr
ight
?

Atang:
Webothknowthaty
oudidnotf
orgetmy
namesodon'
tpret
endyoudid.

Busi
:Busi
siwe!

At
ang:
Huh?

Busi
:That'
smyname,
andst
opcal
l
ingme
marr
ied.

At
ang:
Alov
elynamef
oral
ovel
ylady
.

Busi
:Nowifyouwi
llexcusemei
hav
ean
appoi
ntmentt
ohonor.
At
ang:
Youar
eal
way
srushi
ngsomewher
e.

Busi
:Ti
mei
sessence.

At
ang:
Arey
ouher
etomeety
ourhusband?

Busi:
Whywoul dimeetwi
thmyhusbandi
na
hotel?Iam her
efort
heSpa.

At
ang:
Cani
asky
ououtf
orl
unch?

Busi:
Arey
oubl
i
nd?Can'
tyouseet
hisweddi
ng
band?

At
ang:Iam notaski
ngy
out
osl
eepwi
thmej
ust
l
unch.
Busi:
Theanswerisno.Unl
essy
ouhav
eadeath
wish,iwi
l
lsuggesty
oustar
eawayf
rom me.

(Itur
nandwal koutoftherestaurantmymood
total
lyrui
ned,wit
houtwatchingwher ei
am
goingIbumpi ntosomeone, causi
ngmy
handbagt ofal
ltotheground.Shebendstopi
ck
i
tup, andhandsittome.Igetashockofa
l
ifeti
measshest r
aight
entogi v
ememy
handbag.)

Candy
:Iam sor
..
..
..Busi
!

Busi
:Candi
ce!

(Il
ookatherbabybump,shei
sgl
owi
ng,her
ski
nsoflawlessl
iket
hosemodel
swhoalways
appearonvoguemagazi
ne.I
tishar
dnotto
missthebi
gsparkl
i
ngdiamondonherfi
nger.
)

Candy:
Wow!Inev
ert
houghti
woul
dseey
ou
agai
n.

Busi
:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.

Candy
:Thanky
ou!Youhav
elostwei
ght
?

(Amancomescar r
yingababygi
rlandhol
d
Candybyherhand.
)

Cal
vi
n:Myl
ovear
eyoudone?

Candy:
Yes!Munchmeetmyformercl
assmat
e
Busi
.Busi
meetmyfiancêCal
vi
nandourbaby
Legae.

Busi
:Ni
cemeet
ingy
ou.

Cal
:Samewi
se.

Candy:
Actual
lyiam get
ti
ngmar
ri
ednext
monthiwouldlovei
tify
oucanmakeit
.

Busi
:Youwill
sendt heinv
itat
iontothe
Thompsonresidence.I
twasni ceseei
ngy
ou
butineedt
ogo.

(
Istartwalki
ngtomycar .Imov easfastasmy
f
eetcant akeme, t
hereisabiglumpi nmy
t
hroat.Ifumblewithmykey sasitrytounlock
t
hecar ,t
earsarestreamingdownmyf ace
makingitdif
fi
cultf
ormet oseeproperl
y.
Someonetouchesmyshoulderandturnsme
aroundi
getembr acedi
ntoabighugthat
makesmecr yevenmore.)

At
ang:
Shh!I
tsokaypr
incess.I
tisokay
.

(Hesaysashesoot
hesmeont
heback.Igeta
hiccup.
)
_
___
___
___
___
__
Nar
rat
ed

Naledi
:CanwepassbyWoolwor
thsi
nSebel
e.I
needtobuythemadam af
ewthi
ngs.

Tr
avi
s:Okaymyl
ove.

(
Wear
ecomi
ngbackf
rom ourout
ingat
PhakalaneGol
fresor
t.Hehol
dsmyhandashe
dr
ives.)

Nal
edi
:Ihav
ebeent
hinki
ng.

Tr
avi
s:About
?

Naledi
:Ithi
nkiam r
eadytotaket
his
r
elati
onshiptoanot
herl
evel
.

Tr
avi
s:Nal
edi
!

Naledi:
Iwil
lavai
lmysel
fthi
sweekendt
omi
ss
yourfamil
ythi
sweekend.

Tr
avi
s:Ar
eyousur
e?
Nal
edi
:Noi
am Nal
edi
!

(
Hechuckl
esashel
etgoofmyhandt
opar
k.)

Tr
avi
s:Gor
ighti
n,i
wil
lfi
ndy
oui
nsi
de.

(Igetof fandwal kitoWool Wor ths,if

ixmy
whi tetrousers,andhal fcapasi grabthe
shoppi ngbasket .Goi ngtot hef oodsect i
on,a
cologne, acol ognei knowsowel lhitmy
nost ri
lsandi immedi at el
yliftmyey eslooking
around.Ourgl ancesmeet ,ifeel myselfgett
ing
j
itteryashebi teshislowerl ip,hisamberey es
roami ngov erme.Thef erocityonhisey es
mademesqui rm, t
her eisahi tchinmy
breat hi
ngandmyhear tbeatescal at
ingasmy
bodyhumswi thti
nglingsensat i
on.Hel ooks
differentbutdi ff
erentinagoodway ,whatam i
evensay i
ng.)
Trav
is:
Thereyouar
eihav
ebeenl
ooki
ngf
or
youmylove.

(Hesaysashewr apshishandsar
oundmy
waistandresthi
schinonmyshoulder
.Tal
k
aboutcock-bl
ocki
ng.Il
ookovermyshoul
der
oncemor eandheisgone.)

Nal
edi
:(gi
vi
nghim myf
akesmil
e)Letusget
t
hethi
ngs.Iwantt
ogoseeAnaya.

Tr
avi
s:Youmi
ssher
.

Nal
edi
:Yesal
ot!

(Webuywhatweneedandgototell
ertopay
off
.Myli
tt
leencount
erwi
thbi
ggerbearhas
shakenmeabi t
.Asi wai twithTr avi
si nthecue
topay,icanf eelhiseyesatmyback, howi sit
thathesti
llhast hisbigef f
ectonme.Igl ance
oncemor eov ermyshoul dersandhei stwo
peopleawayf r
om wher ei stand, wit
haguywho
hasthemostpi ercingblueey esov er.Theyar e
l
ookingatme.Il ookathi m andonceagai nour
eyesmeet ,andhol dthet hest are.The
connecti
oni sasst rongasev er,asifthereisa
tel
epathybetweenourhear t
s.Whendi dheget
here?Wher ehashebeen?Hebi teshislowerlip,
theacheinmyhear tmagni f
ies, thi
smani sa
dangertomyexi stence.Godcr eatedhi mt o
makemesi nful.Ilookathi m agai nbef ore
breaki
ngthebond, "somanydr eamsi nhisey es,
myonl ywishi sthatonedayIcanbeone. "-
Stephani
eBennet t'Henry
[
06/
02,
16:
23]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t86
Unedi
ted
-
--
--
--
-
"Wheneveryou'
reatalowpoi
nti
nyourli
fe,
alwaysrememberthatahi
ghpoi
ntaroundthe
corner
."-Unknown
_
___
___
___
Nar
rat
ed

(Bri
anl ookedatt hem especi all
yherasshe
walkedoutoft heshophol dinghandswi t
h
Travis.Hesmi r
kedofal lpeopl ehenev er
thoughtTr aviswillbetheonet or eplacehim.
Liam'spar tyfri
end.Hisey esr oamedov erher
body, shehasgot tenabi twi deratt hebot tom,
hera* sandhi psabi tbigger ,helookedathow
thewhi teslacksshewaswear i
ngshowedher
glori
ouscur ves.Thepi nkgol ft-shirtwasabi t
ti
ghtonher ,t
uckedi nthesl acks.Shet urneda
bitandl ookedathi m beforewal ki
ngoutoft he
shop.Hest aredathercont empl ati
ngwhet her
togoaf t
erherorwhat ?Wi thinani nstanthe
dr
oppedt
hemonkeyt
othegr
ound.
)

Br
ian:
(tur
ningt
owal
ktot
hedoor
)Fu*
kthi
s.

(
Thi
err
yhol
dshi
shandst
oppi
nghi
m)

Thi
err
y:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?Leav
eher
.

Br
ian:
Iam goi
ngt
osayHi
.

Thi
err
y:Youmi
ghtcauseascene.

Bri
an:(
amusingl
y)Si
ncewhendoesa"
Hi"
causeascene.

Thi
err
y:Iknowt
hatl
ookDl
ami
ni.
Bri
an:(
smir
king)Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouar
e
tal
ki
ngabout?

(Hestalksoutoftheshopandrunstowar
ds
them.Her eachesforherasshei
saboutto
openthecardoor ,andshutt
hedoorasshe
trapsherinbetweenthecar.
)

Br
ian:
Babycakes!

(Nal
edil
ooksup, heri
nnocenteyesmeethis
andhelooseshimselfinthem.Hishear
tbeat
soloudl
yagainsthisbuff
ychest.
)

Tr
av i
s:Sataneomal
amantsho!Themi
ght
y
Dl
ami nii
sbackint
heci
ty.Moveawayf
rom my
gi
rlpl
ease.
(Hesaysashepusheshi
m away.Bri
angi
ves
him,hi
swickedsmil
eashecrosseshi
sar
ms
overhi
schest.
)

Bri
an:(camly)Iseeyouhavegrownsomebal
ls
boy.Iam notheretofi
ghti
justwant
edtosayhi
tobabycakes.

Tr
avi
s:Keepy
ourhi
toy
our
sel
f.

Thi
err
y:Whynotl
ett
hepret
tyl
adyspeakfor
her
sel
f?Imeanshehasamouthaft
eral
l.

Tr
avi
s:Andwhoar
eyou?

(
Nal
edi
hol
dshi
shand)
Nal
edi:
Itsokay
.Hehassai
dhi
s"hi
".Socanwe
l
eave?

(
Briansmir
ksandnodshi
shead.Tr
avi
sisabout
t
owal kt
othedri
ver
sseatwhenThi
err
ystepsi
n
f
rontofhi
m.)

Thier
ry:Ithi
nkyouar
efor
get
ti
ng(
touchi
nghi
s
cheek)prett
yboy.

Tr
avi
s:(
shov
inghi
shandaway
)What
?

(Heindicateswithhi
sheadtowher eBr
iani
s
openingt hecardoorf
orNalediandbowsaft
er
closi
ngt hedooroncesheisinsi
de.)

Thi
err
y:Chi
val
rypr
ett
yboy
!Youopent
hecar
doorforal
adyespecial
lyaprett
yladyi
t
someonemightjustbeatyoutoit,
anot
her
gent
leman.(
Heshr ugshisshoul
dersamused.
)

(
Bri
anwat
chast
heydr
ivet
ojoi
nthemai
nroad)

Br
ian:
Iwantmygi
rlback.

Thierr
y:Isawthatonecoming.Onest
epata
ti
memyguy ,nowy ouhav
eameet i
ngwit
hthe
univer
sit
yinanhour .

Br
ian:
Shi
t!If
orgotaboutt
hat
.

Thi
err
y:Areyousur
eyouwantt
ogobackt
o
bei
ngalectur
er?
Bri
an:Yesiam.Iwanttwothingsactuall
ynow
i
tsthreethi
ngs,
bei
ngal ect
ureragai
n,taking
overClubTandlat
estaddit
ionBabycakes.

(
Thi
err
ylooksathi
m andshakeshi
shead)
-
--
--
--
-'
I
nTr
avi
s'
sCar

(Travi
shol
dthesteeri
ngwheel keepi
nghis
eyesonther
oadwhi l
eont heinsi
deheisn'
t
boil
ingwi
thr
age.Nalediputherhandoverhis
hand.)

Nal
edi
:Don'
tl
ett
hem gett
oyou.

Trav
is:Justwhodotheyt
hinkt
heyare?Whydid
youevengetinwhenheopenedthecardoorf
or
you?
Nal
edi:(
chuckl
es)Jealousymakesy
oubitt
er
mylove.Whatwasi supposedt
odojustst
and
t
here?

Trav
is:
Whati
sheev
endoingback?It
hought
yousai
dhewasi
nAmeri
ca.

Naledi:Welll
ooksli
kehei
sback,i
nhisl
ett
erhe
didnotstipul
atewhenhewil
lbebackpl
usyou
can'thaveexpect
edhimtostayawayhi
swhole
l
ife.

Tr
avi
s:Youseem exci
ted,happyt
hatyourol
d
l
ovei
sback,canfi
nall
yplayhappyfamil
y.

Nal
edi
:Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ouj
ustsay
ingt
hat
.
(Hepul
l
soffonthesideoftheroadandl
ookat
her
.Hetur
nsherfaceandlooksint
ohereyes.
)

Trav
is:Iam sorr
yushoul dn'
thav
esaidthat,i
t
j
ustthatidon'twanttoloseyouNal
edi.Il
ove
you,Godknowsi loveyouwithal
lmyhear t
.

Naledi:
Youwon' tl
osemeTr av
is,
ilov
eyout oo
andi am wi
thy oubecausei
wanttonot
becauseBrianhasbeenoutofthecount
ry.Iam
notgoingtoleaveyouforhi
m.Especi
all
yhim
okay.

Tr
avis:
Areyousur
e?Doesthi
smeanwear e
st
il
lgoi
ngtomeetmyfamil
ythisweekend?

Naledi:Yes,i
wasseriousabouttaki
ngthi
s
rel
ationshi
ptothenextlevel
.NoBr i
anf
ormed
againstshal
lprosper
.Ilov
ey ou.
Tr
avi
s:Il
ovey
oumor
eLedi
.

(Hehugsherandki ssesherbeforejoi
ningthe
mainroadagai n.Hest ol
eglancesathertime
andagain, hi
shear tbeatingrapi
dlyagai
nsthis
chestaftertheirencounterwithBrianhewas
real
lyscaredf orhisrelat
ionshi
p.)
_
___
___
___
___
___
Busi

(Ipar koutsidet hemansionanddeci detost ay

i
nt hecarasi st
areathiscell
phonei nmycar .I
t
hasbeensol ongsincesomeonenot i
cedme,
noticedt hetearsinmyey es.Ithasbeenl ong
sincesomeonecar ed.I
thasbeensol ongsince
ifeltgoosebumpsi nmyski nandl i
tt
le
butterfl
i
esonmyski n.Solongsi nceifel
tmy
oldhear tbeatingagainstmyr i
bcage.Someone
knocksonthewindowandHi
l
daget
sinshesi
ts
onthepassengerseat
.)

Hi
l
da:
Youl
ookl
i
vel
ytoday
.

Busi
:Thanky
ou,
mustbet
hespa.

Hi
lda:Youknowy ouremindmesomuchi fmy
ol
dself,iseemysel
finyoumaybethat
'swhy
af
terall
thisyear
sican'
tdoanyt
hingtoyou.

Busi
:(puzzl
ed)ohokay
!

Hilda: Iknowy ouaregoingtot hi

nkthatthi
sis
oneofmypr anksony oubutitsnot.Ihave
stolensomuchi fyouryout
h,todayi sawmy
childrenhappy ,Bri
ancamebackl ookingbubbl
y,
ihav en'tseenhiml i
kethatinages.Aswesatat
thedinnert
ablelastni
ghtevery
onewashappy
excepttheyoungladywhosatacrossme.You
madebadchoi cesbutyoushouldn'
tl
iveyour
wholelif
einregr
et.Inolongerwantt
ofeel
guil
tyaboutyoursadness.

Busi
:Whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?

Hil
da:Iam yettodiscusswi t
hNickbuti wantto
openat al
kshowf oryou.Youhav eshar
esina
mediahouset i
mey ououti ttogooduse.Hel p
peopl
eoutt here,
youngpeopl eli
key ou,who
mightbebat t
li
ngwithaddicti
ons, wrong
choi
cesandcr owds.Bet herevoiceandr ol
e
model.

(
Ilookathersur
pri
sed.
)

Hi
l
da:
Iknowi
tisqui
teashockbi
tit
s
somethi
ng,gett
ingy ourpowerback.Youcan't
besadally
ourlifegirl
,rememberWhenev er
you'
reatalowpoi ntinyourli
fe,al
ways
rememberthatahi ghpointaroundthecor
ner.
Youthi
nkaboutwhati said.

(Shestepsoutoft hecarclosi
ngthedoor
behindherandi star
eatherasshewal ks
towardsthegarden.Shealway sl
eavesme
astoni
shed.Iti
sr eall
yhardtounderst
andher
andhowhermi ndwor ks.
)
_
___
___
___
___
___
__
NARRATED

(Hestandslookingatt hear
tisti
cpi eceonhis
penthouse.Somethingabouti tcapt i
vat
edhim,
drewhisattent
iontoi t.Hehadt hear ti
st'
swork
i
nhishomeandof f
ice.Overthey earshehas
madeacol lect
ionoft heart
istwor k.His
greatestwi shwastomeethersohecan
personal l
ythankherf
ortheamazingwork.He
pi
ckedt hephoneanddial
edhispersonal
assistant.)

P.
A:Si
r!

Lef
a:Hav
eyouf
oundwhoHai
l
eyRober
tsi
s?

P.A:Nosi
r.Theagentsai
dMsRober
tsi
sputof
thecount
ry.

Lef
a:I
ssheal
way
soutoft
hecount
ry.

P.
A:Mostar
ti
stswanttostayunknowni
thi
nk
MsRober
tsi
soneoft hem
Lefa:Whywouldshewantt ohidehersel
fwhen
herworkissocapti
vati
ng.Outifthi
sworld.
Pleasekeeponpushingireal
l
ywantt omeet
her.

P.
A:Iwi
l
lgi
vei
tmyf
ir
stpr
ior
it
ysi
r.

(Hehangsupandsi
ghsashepour
shi
msel
f
somewhisky.)

Lef
a:Whoar
eyouHai
l
eyRober
ts?

[
06/
02,
16:
23]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t87
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
__
"Thi
slookoft
hinewil
lhurlmysoulfr
om
heaven.
"-Wil
l
iam Shakespear
e,Ot
hell
o
_
___
___
___
__
Hai
l
ey/
Joy

Fort hefir
stt i
mei nawhi l
eistepout sidemy
apartment ,thesunshi nesonmyf acei wish
canpul loffmyov ersizehoodieandj ustsoak
myski ni nthewar mt hitprovi
des.Ipul li
tov er
myf acemor easi walktomyar tgal l
ery,i
ti s
cl
osedf oradaysoi canwor kther eon
arrangingmynewpai ntingsfordi splay.Wi nter
i
sf astappr oaching,thewi ndisabi tcolder,i
willhavet ov i
sitmyf ather'
sgrav ev erysoonf or
hisdeat hanni v
ersary.
Iwalki nsideandpullof
fthehoodi
eremaining
onlyinl ongsleevest
shir
tandmywor ki
ng
overal
ls.Ar ti
sti
cworkcomesonaturall
yforme,
thatilosemy sel
fsometi
mesdoingitli
ketoday
therambl i
ngofmyst omachbri
ngsmebackt o
reali
ty.Ihav
esomucht odosoi nst
eadofgoing
homei deci
detoorderpizzaanddrink.Justl
i
ke
allotherdaysiputthemoneybyt hecounteras
ihidebehindit
.Thewi ndchimesbyt hedoor
ti
nkleannouncingthatthepizzaguyishere.

Hail
ey:
Leaveitontopofthecount
er,t
he
moneyisther
e,youcankeepthechange,
thank
you.

(Isayhidingbehindthecounter.Thedoor
opensandcl osesagai
n.Hemustbegone, i
takeadeepbr eathandstandtomyf eetbut
onlytogett heshockoflif
eti
measi f
indmy sel
f
starr
ingintoast r
anger'
sface.Iimmediatel
y
turngivi
nghi m myback.)

Hai
l
ey:
Wear
ecl
osedf
ort
heday
.
Hi
m:Iam awar
e?Whyar
eyouhi
ding?

Hai
l
ey:Pl
easel
eav
e,t
hegal
l
erywi
l
lbeopened
t
omorr
ow.

Hi
m:Andi
fidon'
tdoasy
ousay
?

(Hi
svoi
cesoundsdeepandsoundsso
aut
hori
tat
ive.)

Hi
m:Hai
l
eyRober
tsr
ight
?

(Mybodyt
ensesatt
hement
ionofmyadopt
ed
name.
)

Hai
l
ey:
MsRober
tsi
soutoft
ownMr
..
..
(i
trai
lofasi
real
i
set
hati
don'
tknowhi
sname.
)
Him:(chuckl
es)Li
es!Thepi
zzamansai
dthe
del
iv
er ywasforMsH.Roberts.

Hai
l
ey:
Pleasel
eav
e.

Him: Iam abigfanofy

ouworkHail
ey.So
pleasedon'tsendmeaway,
canijustmeetthe
arti
stwhohasgi venmesomuchhopei nt
he
futur
e.

Hai
l
ey:
Iam sor
rybuti
can'
t.

Hi
m:Iam notl
eav
ingunt
ily
out
urnt
ofaceme.

(Istandfaci
ngthewallfort
helongestt
ime,i
canf eelhi
m behindmewatchingme.Slowl
yi
turnarounduntil
i f
acehim,heissogoodat
hidi
nghi sr
eact ionsbecausehisfacedoesnot
revealanyt
hi ng.Mostpeoplehav eshoweda
widerangeofr eacti
onwhent heyfi
nall
yseemy
face.Hisstar esathimthenwal kst
ome
extendinghishandasasmi lecomeacr osshi
s
handsomef ace.)

Hi
m:Lef
akaeMoeng,
iam y
ournumberonef
an.

Hai
l
ey:
Hai
l
eyRober
ts.

(
Ishakehi
shandasourhandscl
aspi
geta
t
ingl
i
ngeff
ect
,herai
sesmyhandupandki
sses
i
t.
)

Lef
a:I
tisni
cef
inal
l
ymeet
ingy
ouMsRober
ts.
_
___
___
___
___
_
Nal
edi
(Iwakeupt oanempt ybed, Travnolongerin
bednextt ome.Il istentothenoi secomi ng
from outsidet her oom.Soundsl i
kethekingand
princessar eawake.Igetof fandpul lon
Trav i
s'
st-shirtasi f
oll
owt hesour ceofthe
voice.Ifi
ndt hem i nthekitchen,Anay aisonthe
kitchencount erwhi leTravisisnexttoher ,
thei
r
facesarecov eredi nfl
our.Pr i
cel
essmoment s,i
takeapi ctureoft hem befor eimaket hem
awar eofmypr esence)

Nal
edi
:(cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat)Sowhatdowehav
e
her
e?Whatarewemaking?

Anay
a:Mommy
,wear
emaki
ngmuf
fi
n.

(Iwalkt
oherandki
ssherchubbycheeks.Then
standonmytoesandki
ssTravonthecheek
al
so.
)

Nal
edi
:Goodmor
ning!

Tr
av:
Mor
ningst
handwasame.

Anay
a:Mor
ningmommy
!

Nal
edi
:Howi
smyf
avour
it
egi
rldoi
ngt
his
morni
ng?

Tr
av:Shewasupbeforeme.Thoughty
ou
woul
dsleepabi
tlonger
.

Nal
edi:YouandKai
lynhadthewhol
ehouseon
noi
se.Howdoy ouexpectmetosl
eep?
Tr
avis:
Wear
edone,
nowcanmyfavour
it
egi
rl
s
si
tdownsoi
canser
vet
hem t
hei
rfood.

(Wehav ebr eakfastthenspendthewhol ei

n
doorsicleant hehouseandpr eparelunchwhi
le
theypl
ayv ideogamesandwi t
hdolls.I
nanhour
wewi l
lbeleav ingtohishouseholdtomeethis
famil
y.Iam abi tskepti
cal
andnervousabout
thewholet hing.)

Naledi:Babedoyouthinkthedr
essi
sshowing
t
oomuch?Shoul dichange?Doyout
hinkt
hey
wil
lfinditi
nappr
oapri
ate?

(Hewalkstomeandtakesmyhandmakesme
sitdownnextt
ohi
m onthebed.
)

Trav:Nowlet
stakebreat
hingexer
cises,
close
youreyesandbreat
hinandoutslowly.
(
Icl
osemyey
esanddoashei
nst
ruct
sme.
)

Trav:Nowst opwor r
yingy our
self.Mypar ent
s
will
lov eyou.Youknowwhybecausey ouare
mostbeaut i
fuly
ethumbl epersoni evermet.
Eveni ftheydon'tapproveofy ou,thatchanges
nothingbecauseIl ovey ouandt hat'
sal l
that
mat t
er s.

Nal
edi
:(Il
ookathi
m andsmi
l
e)Il
ovey
oumor
e.

Trav
:Nowwr
api
tupsoIcanf
inal
l
ygoshow
youoff
.

(Il
aughasist
anduptoputonmyshoes.
Befor
eweheadoutiki
ssbabybearont
he
for
ehead.
)
Naledi
:Thegirl
shoul
dbetuggedat8pm i
fiam
notyetback.Nostay
inguppastbedt
ime.

Anay
a:Yesmommy
.

Nal
edi:Nol
ly
,don'
tlett
hegi
rlt
ell
youot
her
wise.
Don'
tfeedhersweets.

Tr
avi
s:It
hinkmypr
incessdeser
vessomei
ce
cr
eam.

Nal
edi
:Noi
cecr
eam whatsoev
er.Letusgo.

(
Wewal
koutoft
hehouse.
)
_
___
___
___
___
__
BUSI
(Istandbythewindowpeekingoutsi
det i
me
andagain.Apparentl
ymybr ot
heri
sbringinghi
s
girl
fri
endover
,forthefi
rstt
imeinhisl
ife.)

Bont
le:
Justcomeandhel
pmeout
,st
op
l
ooki
ngoutsi
de.

Busi
:I
m cur
iousma.Youcan'
tbl
ame.

Bont
le:
Comeandhel
pmemma.

Qui
nton:
(exci
tedl
y)Aunt
y,uncl
eTr
avi
sisher
e.

Bont
le:
Greatt
heyar
eher
e.

Busi
:Youseei
am nott
heonl
yonewhoi
s
exci
ted.

Bontl
e:Gosetthetabl
e.(
call
i
ngout )Aonet
ell
yourf
athert
hatdinnerwil
lbereadyin5
minut
es.

(Tr
avisopensthedoorfol
l
owedbyt he
mysteri
ouslady.Isett
hetabl
equi
cklysoi
can
goandmeether .)

Bontl
e:Fi
nal
l
yhebri
ngssomeonehome.
Welcomemydaught
er.

Naledi
:Thankyou.
(handi
ngherf
lower
sand
chocol
ates)Thi
sareforyou.

Bont
le:
Thanky
out
heyar
ever
ylov
ely
.
Tr
avi
s:MameetNal
edi,mygi
rl
fr
iend.Nal
edi
meetmymot
herBontl
e.

Nal
edi
:Iti
sapl
easur
emeet
ingy
ouMr
sKenosi
.

Bont
le:
Pleasecal
lmeBont
le.

Busi
:Hel
l
o!

(
Theyt
urntof
acemeandi gett
heshockofa
l
i
fet
ime.Myeyespopoutoft
hesocket
s.)

Nal
edi
:(aust
ounded)Busi
!

Busi
:(sur
pri
sed)Nal
edi
,whatar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e?
Bont
le:
Kengwet
siy
ame.

Busi
:Wow!Whatat
wist
.

Travi
s:Babemeetmylit
tl
esi
sterBusi
,herbaby
boyQuintonandthet
all
guyt
herethat
'smy
l
it
tlebrot
herAone.

Nal
edi:
Welli
tisni
cemeet
ingy
oual
l
.Busi
we
meetagai
n.

Moagi
:Ihear
dvoi
cesar
etheyher
eyet
?

Bont
le:
Yep.

(
Weallt
urnt
ofacemyfatherwhoisjoi
ningus
i
nthel
i
vingr
oom.TheminutehefacesNaledi
,
hi
sf aci
alexpr
essi
onchangesf
rom al
lsmi
l
est
o
shock!)

Moagi
:Nal
edi
!

(
Shelooksjol
ted,
herf
acepal
eashest
aresat
myfather
.)

Nal
edi
:Daddy
!

(
Whoa!Di
dshej
ustsayDaddy
?)
[
06/
02,
16:
23]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t88
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
___
_
"Thewor
stbat
tl
eyouhavetofi
ghtwhaty
ou
knowandwhatyouf
eel
."-Unknown
_
___
___
___
___
_
Nal
edi

*
***
Flashback*
***

Iexcit
edlyr
anintotheyardwhenisawthecar
parkedinfr
ontofthehouse.Thewhit
ecorr
oll
a
whichbelongstomyf at
her,
itmeansheis
home.Ipassedthecarandr ant
othehouse.

Nal
edi
:(exci
tedl
y)Daddy
!

(Mymom satont heplast

icchai
r,shehel
dface
mylit
tl
ebrotherAust
inwhowascr ying
hyst
eri
cal
l
y .
)

Nal
edi
:Ma!Wher
eisdaddy
?Hi
scari
sout
side.
(Shepoint
edtotheirbedr
oom,iexci
tedly
rushedfor
wardopeningthedooroftheir
bedroom.Lesl
ieissit
ti
ngonthebedl ooki
ngat
dadwhoi sbusyputti
nghiscl
othesont hebag.
)

Nal
edi
:(exci
tedl
y)Daddy
!

(Helooksatmebeami
ngwit
hsmi
lesbefor
e
picki
ngmeupandshower
ingmewit
hkisses.
)

Moagi
:Daddy
'sl
i
ttl
epr
incess.

Nal
edi
:Ar
eyoubackf
orgooddaddy
?

Moagi
:Nomybaby,
Daddyisgoi
ngawayf
or
someti
mebuti
promisei
will
beback.
Nal
edi
:Butdaddyy
ouj
ustgother
e?

Moagi:Iknowbuthav en'
ti ev
erful
fi
ll
edall
the
promisesievermade?Ipr omiseiwil
lbeback,
youjustbedaddy '
sbiggi
rlnowandl ookaft
er
mommyandy ourbrot
hers.

Nal
edi
:Butdad.
..
.

Moagi:
Promisemetokeepyourpr
omisey
ou
andiwil
lkeepmi
ne.Iwi
llcomeback.

Nal
edi
:Pi
nkypr
omi
se.

(Ist
oodbythegatewav i
ngathim ashedr
ove
outoftheyar
d,nexttohim wasawomanthati
didnotpaymuchattenti
onto.)
*
***
EndofFl
ashback*
**
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
__

*
***
PresentDay
***
**

(Thatwast hel asttimei eversawmyf ather

Dav idPhet o, the10y ear
sol dli
tt
legi rlgr
ewup
l
ooki ngatt her oadwi thhopeknowi ngher
fatherwi l
lreturn.Shekeptherpr omi seand
want edt olethim knowt hatshehaskepther
promi seallthisy ear s,shehast akencar eof
hermot her,herbr otherLesl i
ewhowas5nowi s
21, babyAust inwhowas2y earsnowhei s18
year sol d.The10y ear soldNaledi hasgrown
andbecamet hef irstdoct orinherhomev il
l
age.
Idon' tknowhowmanyt imesi hav eimagi ned
thi
smoment ,
meet inghim againaf terallthis
year s, i
alway swonder edifiwoul dev ergetthe
chancetomeethim agai
n.Mymot hergrew
ti
redofhavi
ngtoexplai
nt ousabouthi m,her
heartgr
ewtoresenthim somucht hatshe
bannedusfrom ev
enment ioni
nghimi nher
house.Shebecamebothaf atherandamot her
tous.Myeyesbecomet earyandmyf ace
becomescoldasi l
ookupathi m.)

Nal
edi
:(sof
tl
y)Daddy
!

(
Ifeel
over
whel
med.
)

Busi
:Whoa!Dadi
sgoi
ngon?

(Bontl
esinksdownlooki
ngdefeat
ed.Trav
is
l
ookshockedtothecore.Il
ookatBusiand
wonderwhatkindofsi
ckgamei smyHeav enl
y
fat
herplay
ingat,
doesthi
smean?Ohno! )
Tr
avi
s:Nal
edi
,whati
sgoingon?Whatki
ndof
si
ckgameist
his?Whatdoyoumeandaddy
?

(
Ilookathim agai
n,hehasnotmov
edani
nch,
r
emainsfrozenbythecouch.
)

Naledi
:Heismyfather
,themanit
oldyouabout
theonewhoabandonesuswheni was10year
s
old.Heismyfat
herDavidPhet
o.

Busi:
Youmustbemi st
aken,hei
smyfat
her
,
Moagi Kenosinott
heDavidPhet
oyouar
e
tal
ki
ngabout .

Tr
avi
s:Dadwhati
sgoi
ngon?

Moagi
:Nal
edi
ist
ell
i
ngt
het
rut
hiam herf
ather
.
(If
eel f
aint
,if
eel l
ikev omiti
ng.Whati sthis?So
ihavesleptwit
hmyownbr other?Igrabmybag
andcarkey swithoutlookingbacki rushout si
de
ineedtogetoutofher e.Ihearhi m cal
lafter
him butican'
tbei nthere,ican'tbenearhi m
ri
ghtnow.Get t
ingi nthecari dri
veof ft
ears
str
eami ngdownmyf ace.Iparkbyt hesideof
theroadandgetof f,
tovomi t!)

Tr
avi
s:Nal
edi
!

(Hesaysashehol
dsmybr ai
dsandhandsmea
bott
leofwat
er.Wheni l
if
tmyheadinoti
cethat
hehasusedtheothercartof
oll
owme.)

Trav
is:
Iknowthi
scomesasashocktoall
ofus
butl
etusgobacktot
alki
namoreciv
il
ized
manner.
Naledi
:Don'
tyousee,thereisnot
hingci
vi
li
sed
aboutthi
ssit
uati
onTravis.Thi
sdiscov
ery
changesever
ythi
ng.

Travi
s:No!I
tdoesnotchangeat
hing.Wedi
d
notknowanythi
ng.

Nal
edi:
Nowweknow, Ifeelsi
ckknowingthati
havesl
eptwit
hmyownbr other
.TellmeTravi
s
howam isupposedtosleepatnightknowi
ng
ver
ywellt
hatisleptwi
thmybr other
.

Trav
is:
Stopbeat i
ngyoursel
fup,Iam not
Moagi'
srealson,iam hisst
epson.Busiand
Aonearehistruechi
ldren.

Nal
edi
:Thatdoesnotchangeany
thi
ng.
(Hepul
lsmeintohi
sarmsandhugsmethen
kissmyfor
eheadwipi
ngmytear
saway
.)

Travi
s:Il
ovey
ouNaledi
.Wecanworkaround
thi
s.Wecangett
hroughthi
stoget
her
.

Nal
edi:Iam sorr
yTravis,
ilov
eyoubutthi
sisa
har
dpilltoswall
ow.Ineedsometime.Time
al
one.Iwillcont
actyou.

(Igeti
nthecaranddri
veawayl
eav
inghi
m
standi
ngbytheroad.)
_
___
___
___
___
_
Busi

Thehouseremainsabsol
utelyquit
eaft
erNal
edi
andTravi
sstor
m out.Isi
nkintothenear
est
couchnottrusti
ngmyl egsforsupport
.Naledi
i
smysi ster
,wow!Justhowt wist
edisthi
s
world.Myfatherwalksbackintheroom holding
aplasti
csamet imeasTr avstormsbackint he
houseshutti
ngt hedoorbehindhim.

Trav
is:Expl
aintous,expl
aint
oushowt
hehel
l
youareNaledi'
sfat
her.

Moagi
:Si
tdowni
wil
lansweral
lyourquest
ions.

(Hepourst
hecontentsoftheplast
ichei
s
hol
dingonthet
able.Thereareabout5
passpor
tsand5identi
tycards.
)

Moagi:Befor
ei sayanyt
hing,ineedy outo
underst
andthattheinf
ormationi am aboutt
o
tel
lyouisconfi
denti
al,
ifyourevealityouwil
l
notli
vetoseethenextday .
(
Weal
lnodourheads)

Moagi:
Thetr
uthisthati
am notanaccount
ant,
t
hewholeaccount
antthi
ngi
saf acadetohol
d
t
hetrut
h.

Busi
:Soi
fyouar
enotanaccount
antt
henwhat
ar
eyou?

(
Hel
ooksner
vous.
)

Moagi
:Hav
eyoueverhear
dofagr
oupcal
l
ed
"
TheMaskMast
ers.
"

Trav
is:Yah,
apparentl
yiti
sagr
oupmenhi
red
bygovernmentt
oel i
minat
eanythr
eat
.
Moagi:Well
iam partofthatgroup.Iam an
assassi
nat
or.Iuseddif
ferentnamesand
Ident
it
ydocumentstimeandagai ndepending
onmyassignment .

(Hepassesthedocument sandistareatthem,
themaninallpictur
esi
smyownf ather,some
phot
oshei swear i
nggl
asses,somehehas
bear
dandhai rsoonandf ort
h.Moagi Kenosi,
Davi
dPheto,Her ber
tEri
ckson,Mompat iMoloi
,
andMogorosi Dir
eng.)

Moagi :
5mont hsaf teryouwer ebornBusi,iwas
givenanassi gnmenti nPal apye,
ihadt onail
big
drugdealerther e.Imetawomant herenamed
Bulel
wa, Naledi'
smot her.Shedi dnotknow
aboutmymar i
talstatusbecauseIwasusi ng
theDav i
dPhet oi denti
ty,i hadanaf f
air,
Naledi
wast heresultoft hataff air.I
nst
eadofqui t
ti
bg
ibeganleav
ingadoublel
if
eMoagi Kenosiyour
fat
her,andDavi
dPheto.Nal
edi
'sfat
her ,
her
motherbecometheotherwomanwi thouteven
knowing,wehadLesl
ieaft
erNaledi
thenAust i
n
aft
erLes.

Busi:Wowsonotonl
ydoi hav
easi
sterout
ther
ebutal
sotwobrother
s.

Trav
is:
Arether
emor echi
l
drenthatweshoul
d
knowabout?Chi
ldr
enofMogorosi,Heber
tor
Mompat i
?

Moagi
:No!Ther
ear
enoot
herchi
l
drenoutt
her
e.

Tr
avi
s:Whydi
dyouleav
eher
?Whyl
eav
eher
wi
thsomanychi
l
dren?
Moagi:Thei
rli
fewasi
ndanger
,theassi
gnment
gotr
iskysoineededt
olayl
owal it
tl
e.

Busi
:thatsnoexcusetol
eaveyourchi
l
dren.
Aft
erthatwhydidn'
tyougoback?

Moagi:Iknowitssel
fi
shbuti
thoughtt
heywer
e
bet
terofwithoutme.

Busi:
Af t
erallthisyearsi
hadtoendurebeing
theblackshipoft hefamil
ybutnowi cansee
whoi tookafter.Iam col
d,manipul
ati
ngand
decei
v i
ngjustlikeyoudad.

(Igetupandwal ktomyol dbedroom.Hehas

stol
ensomuchf rom meandNal edi.Havei
knownt hatsheismysistericould'v
ebeen
mor eni
cer.Hadi knownthatshei smysist
er,i
wouldn'
thav ebeenspit
efult
owar dsher.How
dowebuildthatsi
ster
hoodbondwhenwe
al
readyhaveburnedbri
dges?)
[
06/
02,
16:
24]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t89
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
__
"
Sinner
sjudgi
ngsi
nner
sforsi
nni
ngdi
ff
erent
ly.
"-
Unknown
_
___
___
___
___
Hai
l
ey

(Il
ookacr ossmeandhei sseat eddown, hi
s
l
ongl egsstret
chedbeforehim.Hi sjacketand
ti
earegone.Wear ebothti
red,hest i
cked
aroundandhel pedmewi t
hr ear
r angi
ngt he
gall
ery.Betweenusisaboxofpi zzaandt wo
l
itt
ersifcoke.)
Lef
a:Sohowdi
dyoucomet
obeanar
ti
st.

(
Immedi
atel
ythesmi
l
eonmyf
acedi
sappear
s.)

Lefa:
Iam sor
ryidi
dn'
tmeantomakeyou
uncomfor
tabl
e.Youdon'
thav
etoanswer
.

Hai
ley:Noit
sokay.Idi
dn'
tknowihaditi
nme
unt
ili
gotlockedupinamentali
nst
it
uti
on.

Lef
a:Iam sor
ryt
oheart
hat
.

Hail
ey:IguessIneededthatt
ogetint
ouchwith
real
i
ty.Ihavedonesomanybadt hi
ngsinthe
past,
sobadt hatidon'
tthi
nkifi
evert
ell
you,
youwilll
ookatmet hesameway .
Lefa:Noonei
sasaintint
hisworl
d,sowhoam
itojudgeasi
nnerl
i
kemef orsi
nni
ngdif
fer
ent
ly.
Weal lhav
eapastHai
ley.

Joy:
Apastt
hatmakeyouevenchangeyour
ownnamesoyourol
dghost
scan'thauntyou
any
more.

Lef
a:Apastthati
am notproudof
,apastt
hat
hasnotonl
ycostmefutur
ebutmyhappiness
al
so.

Joy:(
rai
singmygl
ass)Her
eist
othepastt
hat
rui
nedus.

Lefa:Nowedon'
thavetodwell
inthepast
anymore.Her
eist
onewbeginnings,
new
fr
iendshi
pandnewassoci
ati
ons.
Joy
:(i
lookathi
m andsmi
l
e)Tot
hef
utur
e.

(Ourgl
assestouchandwedr i
nkourcoke.Hi
s
eyesholdmine,promisi
ngsomuchyetiam
afr
aidtolookbeyond.)

Joy:Youshoul
dgetgoi
ng.Iam sur
eMr
s
Lef
akaeMoengmustbewai ti
ng.

Lef
a: (
hel ooksatmeandchuckl
es)Isthi
syour
wayoft ell
ingmethatMrHai
leyRobert
sis
wai
tingf oryou.

Joy:Iwish.Buti
doneedt
ogetbackt
omyl
i
ttl
e
sanctuary
.

Lef
a:Iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
fthen.
Joy
:It
sact
ual
l
yawal
ki
ngdi
stancef
rom her
e.

Lef
a:Theni
shal
lyouwal
kyouhome.

(ilockupandwewal kt
omyapar t
ment.Bot
h
ofussilent
,losti
nthoughts.Ist
opinf
rontof
thegatetomyapar tment.
)

Joy
:Wel
lwear
eher
e.

Lef
a:Thanky
ouf
ort
odayi
real
l
yenj
oyed
mysel
f.

Joy:
Nothankyou.Idon'
tknowwhati
woul
d
hav
edonewithoutyou.
Lef
a:Iwi
l
lseey
ousoonHai
l
ey.

Joy
:Iwoul
dn'
tcountoni
t.Ti
l
lwemeetagai
n.

Lefa:
Ohwatshamekawena,
iknowwher
eyou
stayl
ady
.Iwi
llhunty
oudownlady
.

(Il
ookathi
m andlaugh.Agenui
nelaugh
somethi
ngihaven'
tdoneisawhil
e.)

Joy
:Cani
askf
oraf
avor
?

Lef
a:Ri
ghtaway
.

Joy
:CanIhav
eyourSat
urdayaf
ter
noon.

Lef
a:Enj
oyedmycompanyt
hatmuch?
Joy:
Oh!Pl
easedon'
tgettoobigf
oryourboot
s.
Iwantt
odrawyou,mythanky
ouforhel
pingme.

Lef
a:Can'tbl
ameaguyfortr
ying.Iwil
lmake
sur
ei cl
earmyschedul
e.I
nfactiwill
cleart
he
wholedayforyou.

Joy
:Okay
!Seey
ouonSat
urday
.

Lef
a:Nowgoinsi
de,yourguar
dianangel
can't
l
eaveyouwi
thoutbei
ngsurethatsaf
elyt
ucked
i
nsi
de.

Joy
:Yessi
r

(ismil
easi sal
ute.Wal
ki
nginmyhouse,
ilear
n
agai
nstthedoorandsmilet
omysel
f.
She'
ssmi l
ingagai
n,myinsi
defeel
sli
keits
aboutt
oexpl odewit
hhappi
ness.Haven'
tfel
t
l
ikethi
sinal ongt
imethatif
orgot
tenwhatit
feel
sli
kes.)
_
___
___
___
___
___
_
Vanessa

(Welayfaci
ngeachotheri
nt hehi
scar
.Iti
s
par
kedaf ewhousesawayf r
om ourhome.I
hav
en'tseenhi
m sinceBri
angotback.
)

Nessa:
Ihav
easol
uti
ont
oourl
i
ttl
esi
tuat
ion.

Ace:Youi
deasareal
wayssobizar
re.Let
shear
whatyoubrai
nhascookedt
histi
me.

Nessa:
Impr
egnat
eme.
(hel
ookt
hunder
stuck.
)

Ace:
What?Ar
ey ouinsane?Doyouwantmy
bl
oodiny
ourbrother
'shands?

(Il
eanf
orwar
dandkisshi
m.Theonl
ywayi
knowhowtoshuthi
m up.
)

Nessa:
Nowwoul
dyouli
sten,
I'
mtel
l
ingy
oumy
l
ovethi
spl
anwi
ll
work.

Ace:
Exact
lyhow?IswearPeachesy
ouwant
medead.

Nessa:Myfamil
yistotal
lyagai
nstchi
l
drenbirn
outofwedl
ock.Soifyouwer etoi
mpregnate
mebeli
evemet heywil
l f
orceyoumarryyou.
Ace:
No!Iam notusi
ngt
hat
,asourl
astr
esor
t.

Nessa:Comeonbabe, pl
usitwil
lbeabonus.
Havi
ngachi ldwit
hme.Comeondon' tt
ell
me
youdon'tt
hinkthi
sisagreati
dea.

Ace:
Iti
stempt
ingbutdef
ini
tel
ynotagr
eati
dea.

Nessa:
Goandsl
eeponit
.Ithinkthi
sisthelast
shotwegott
omaki
ngthi
srelati
onshipwork.

(Hispagergoesof
fandi
leanf
orwar
dandki
ss
him.)

Nessa:
Goon,l
ooksl
i
ket
hewor
ldst
il
lneeds
mygooddoct
or.
Ace:Iwi
l
lseeyoutomorr
owmay beiwil
l
managetotal
kyououtofthi
ssui
cidepl
any
ou
have.

Nessa:Comeonlet
sgoorimi
ghtjustchange
mymi ndabouty
ougoi
ngtoat
tendthat
emergency.

(
Helooksatmeandsmirks.Asiwalki
ntot
he
l
i
vingr
oom ever
yonet
urnstolookatme.)

Nessa:
What
?

Hil
da:Wet
houghtmay
bey
ouhav
esneakedout
agai
n.

Nessa:
Ijustwentoutt
ogetsomeai
r.
Li
am:Ihav
eor
der
edpi
zza.Toni
ghti
tisgame
ni
ght
.

Bri
an:Yougot
tencheekyev
engotgameni
ght
s
thi
sdays?

Dari
ma:Ibetyoupr
eferify
ouwer
epl
ayi
ng
Godsandkil
li
ngpeople.

Br
ian:
Iti
sgr
uesomebutwor
thi
t.

Ni
ck:
Scr
ambl
eormonopol
y?

Thi
err
y:Monopol
y.

Hi
l
da:
IsecondThi
err
yont
hatone.
(
Thedoorbel
lri
ngs.
)

Li
am:Thatmustbethepi
zzaandoursnacks.
Gi
nahmayy ougett
hedoorpl
ease.

(
Maset
sof
fthegamef
orus.)

Gi
nah:
Excuseme!They
oungsenor
it
aisher
e?

(Thewhol
eroom goesqui
teandwest
areat
her.
)

Hi
l
da:
(per
plexed)Nal
edi
isher
e?

Gi
nah:
Yesmadam.Shoul
dishowheri
n?

Hi
l
da:
ofcour
sewhatar
est
il
lwai
ti
ngf
or?
Nal
edi
isal
way
swel
comeher
e?

(Thi
err
y,r
elaxesbackonhi
schai
rashi
stakesa
sipofhi
swhi sky
.)

Thier
ry:
Thi
sshoul
dbemuchent
ert
aini
ngt
han
themonopol
y.

Br
ian:
Shecamesoonert
hani
expect
ed.

(Ir
ollmyey esandt urntol ookatthedoor ,
i am
abitner v
ous, myf ri
endisaboutt owal kinher e
andi don'tknowhowi am t oreact.Shewal ks
i
nsidewear i
ngapai rofbl ackjeans, bl
ackand
whiteJor dan's,awhitevestandbl azeront op.
Hernat uralhairisheldinahel dwi thawhi te
ri
bbon.Shel ooksbeaut i
ful.Nexttoheri sal it
tl
e
babygirl,whol ooksexact lyli
keherbuthas
amberey es.Mybr other'
sbi gamberey es.The
r
oom i
sabsol
utel
yqui
te.
)

Nal
edi:
Iam sorr
yforshowingupunannounced.
Andiapol
ogiseal
soinadvancefortaki
ngso
l
ong.

(Shecrouchesdownandwhisper
sinthel
it
tl
e
gir
l'
searwhosmi l
es.ShehasNal
edi'
sbeaut
if
ul
smiles.)

Hi
l
da:
Andwhoi
sbeaut
if
ulpr
incess.

(AnayalooksatNal
edi whonodsherhead.The
l
itt
legir
lsmovesinfrontofmymot herand
str
etchesherhandforahandshake.Agestur
e
whichhasmesmi li
nglikearet
ardant.
)

Anay
a:Hel
l
o,mynamei
sAnay
aKai
l
ynDl
ami
ni.
Iam 6y
ear
sol
d.

("
Saywhat?
"Pett
yasksast
oni
shedj
ustl
i
keme?
Didshej
ustsayDl
amini
?)
[
06/
02,
16:
24]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t90
_
___
___
__
"Twosoulsdon'tf
indeachotherbysi
mpl
e
acci
dent
."-JorgeLuisBorges
_
___
___
__
Nal
edi

(Ishouldhavedonet hi
searl
i
eri know,may be
i
nt r
oducedhert othem t
heminut ewest epped
i
nBot swanasoulbutwhatdonei sdone.Al lthat
mat tersnowisthatidon'
twantmyownf lesht o
got hroughthesamet ur
moiliam goingt hrough,
idon'twanthertodespisemel i
kei despisemy
f
ather
.
Ilif
tmyey esandl ookatHilda, whohasnowon
herknees, shelooksemot i
onal ,anymi nutenow
shemi ghtbur stoutandcr y.Il ookatVanessa
andsheseemsl ikeshemi ghtj ustpassout .
Liam looksshockedanel ementofexci tement
visi
blei nhisey es.Theguyf r om t heshop, with
thebl ue,hel ookshappyandamused.Ther eis
onlyoneper soni nthisroom whoi am af r
aidto
l
ookat .Takingupcour agei finallyl
ookathi m,
hisey esareonhi m scruti
nizingme, t
heyar e
burningwi thr age,hisjawstight ent ogether,
thev einsinhi sheadl ooksliket heymi ghtjust
pop.Myey esalmostbeghi mt oatl east
under stand.Het urnsawayl ooki ngathi s
daught ershut ti
ngmeout .)

Li
am:
Thatwoul
dmakeuncl
eDl
ami
ni.

(
Hil
dast
ret
chesherhandf
ort
h)
Hi
lda:
Hi!Iam Hi
l
daThompson,y
our
gr
andmother
.Canigetahug?

(Anayanodsherhead.Hil
dahugsherandf rom
thecorner
sofhereyestearsescape.Once
separat
edAnayawithherti
nyhandswi pes
them away.
)

Anaya:
Don'tcr
ygr
andma!Mamasai
dbi
ggi
rl
s
don'
tcry.

(
Hil
dal
ooksupatmeandsmi
l
es.
)

Hil
da:
Grandmaisnotcr
yingbaby
,shehas
somethi
nginherey
e.

Anay
a:Mommysai
diam comi
ngt
omeetBi
g
Bear
.

(Shesay sasshel ooksacrosst

her oom andher
eyesl andsonBrian.Iknewshewoul d
recognisehim af
terallshehashisphotobyher
bed.Hewal kstoherandpi cksherupthenhugs
herlikehisli
fedependsoni t
.Hekissher
forehead.)

Br
ian:
Iguessi
mustbey
ourbi
gbear
.

Anay
a:Daddy
!

(
Bri
anl
ooksl
i
kehei
saboutt
obr
eakdown.
)

Bri
an:Yesbaby ,
iam yourdaddy
.(Sett
ingher
down)LookslikeAuntNessaiscuri
oustomeet
you.Iam goi
ngt ot
hetoil
etiwil
lbeback.
(Hewal ksoutoftheroom, tearsevidentofhi s
eyes.Myhear tbr
eaksintopi ecesi havestolen
somuchf r
om them.Hildalooksathi m and
i
ndicateswithherheadt hati mustgoaf t
erhim.
WithsteadystepsIwalkt ohimr oom andst ep
i
nside.Nothinghaschangedi nit
.Itlookst he
samewayasi talwaysbeen.Hei ssi tt
ingont he
bed,hi
sheadonhi shand.)

Nal
edi
:Br
ian!

Br
ian:(hegr
oansandt
urnsaway)Goaway
Naledi
.

Nal
edi
:Iam sor
ry.

Br
ian:
Justexact
lywhatar
eyousor
ryf
or,(
he
standsupandst
alkst
owardsme.Hi seyeswit
h
tearsbutt
hebur
ningr
agei
st her
e.)sorr
ythati
l
ost6y ear
sofmychil
d'
sli
fe?

Naledi
:Idontknowwhati
am sor
ryf
orbutj
ust
knowi am sor
ry.

Br
ian:
Getout
!

Nal
edi
:Youar
ebei
ngunr
easonabl
e?

Bri
an:Unreasonable?Arey oulisteni
ngto
your
self?Ij
ustfoundoutt hati haveadaughter
,
afu**ki
ng6y earsolddaught erandy out
ell
i
ng
mei am beingunreasonable.

Nal
edi:Youseem t
oforgett
hatint
hebigbr
own
env
elopeinthel
ett
eryoulef
t,y
outoldmeto
mov
eon,
tobehappywi
thmyl
i
fe.

Brian:Andyouareforget
ti
ngt hatinthat
env el
opeididexpl
ainever
ythingev enpr
ovi
ded
evidence.Nowtell
medoy out hi
nkIcouldhav
e
turnedmybackony ouknowingy ouare
pregnantwithmychi l
d?

Nal
edi:
All
thi
sisnotfai
r,i
foundoutaf
tery
ou
l
eft
,youdi
sappearedi
nthefaceoft
heeart
h.
Whatwasisupposedtodo?

Brian:Ifyoureall
ywantedmet omeetmy
daught eryouwoul dhavedonesomet hing.My
familyusher etheydudnotdisappear,you
couldhav ereachedthem orwaltzedinher eli
ke
youdi dtodaywi t
hher.Ma!Woul dhav ereached
outt omesheknewhowt oreachme.You
robbedme6y earsofmydaughter s'
li
feNal edi
Mor
okaandi
wil
lmakesur
eyoupay
.

Naledi:Oh!Pleasegetoffyourhighhorse,
may beifyoukepty ourel
ephantdickinyour
pantsandnotf u* *
edmyf ri
end.Iwouldn'
thave
hadt osteal6y ear
sifchi
ld'
sli
fe.

Brian:Whatdidyouj
ustsay?(
Hesay
sashe
takesanotherst
eptowardsmehi
seyes
challengi
ngme.)

Nal
edi:Youhear
dy ou,yourarrogantj
erk!Just
begrat
efult
hatatleastIbroughtherheretoday,
andgaveheryourname, forpi
tsake.

Br
ian:Yougotasmar
tmoutht
hisday
s.Ket
a
gorut
abathokanaNal
edi
.Ont
waetswakeeng?
Naledi:Lookidon'thaveti
mef oryournonsense.
Iam goingawayf oraf ewdays,ihavebeen
taki
ngcar eofyourdaughterf
ort hepast6
years.Itr
ustyoucant akecar
eofherf orjusta
fewday stil
ligetback.

Br
ian:
Goanddon'
tbot
herev
ercomi
ngback.

(Iwalkoutandbangt hedoorbehindme.Hei s
reall
ygetti
ngonmyl astnerve,get
ti
ngundermy
skin.Iwalkbacktotheli
vingroom andexpl
ain
toHi l
dathatiam l
eavingAnayawiththem.I
explainherdai
lyr
outinetothem onceIam done
Italktomydaughter.)

Nal
edi:Babybear
,mommyi svi
sit
inguncl
e
Marcel
f oraf
ewdays.Youwil
lremainher
ewi
th
gr
andmaanddaddyokay ?
Anay
a:Al
ri
ghtmommy
.

Nal
edi
:Thatmygi
rl
.Youbeagoodgi
rlt
o
gr
andma.

(
Iki
ssherf
orehead)

Naledi
:Cani
leav
emycarher
e,i
wil
lgeti
twhen
icomeback.

Br
ian:
No!
(
Hesay
sashewal
ksbacki
ntot
her
oom.)

Hi
lda:Yesmylov
e,ourdr
iverwi
l
ltakey
ou
whereyouar
egoing.

Nal
edi
:Thanky
ou,
Ma!
(
Iki
ssAnay
aonel
astt
imeandwal
kout
.)
_
___
___
___
___
___
Busi

(Igl
anceatmymenu, deci
dingonwhatt oor
der
l
ookstobeal i
tt
lebi
tofachallenge.Ineeda
breakfrom t
hehousewi t
hallthetensi
ongoing
onthere.)

At
ang:
Ther
est
eaki
smor
eni
cer
!

(
Ilookovermyshoul
derandhei
sbehi
ndme.
Hesmiles)

Busi
:Ar
eyoust
alki
ngme?
At
ang:
Iwi
sh.Cani
?

(Hesay
sashet
ouchest
heempt
yseatr
ight
acr
ossme.)

Busi
:Bemyguest.Idon'
tthi
nki
tscoi
nci
dence
howikeepmeet
ingy ou.

Atang:
Theni
fit
snotcoi
nci
dencei
tmustbe
fat
e.

(Hesmi
lesatme,
andi
findmy
sel
fsmi
l
ingback
athi
m.)

Atang:
Oh!If
orgottobr
ingmyshir
t,t
heoneyou
rui
nedwit
hyourtear
s,mucusandmake-
uplast
ti
me.
Busi
:Asi
fiaskedtopl
ayt
hekni
ghti
nthe
shi
nni
ngarmour.

At
ang:
Youwer
eadamsel
indi
str
ess.

Busi
:Noi
wasnt
.

At
ang:
Keepl
yi
ngt
oyour
sel
f.

(
Weor
derandst
arteat
ingourf
ood.
)

At
ang:
Soy
ououtal
oneagai
n?

Busi
:Yepneededt
ocl
earmyhead.

Atang:
Busi,i
knowyouar
emarri
edandallbuti
can'
thelpi
tbutwantt
oknowy
oumor e.Iwant
toknowwhyther
eissadnessi
ny oureyes,i
wanttoknowhowtomakey oufeelhappy.I
wanttoknowwhoisBusiandwhatliesbeneat
h
her.

Busi:Iam mar
ri
edAt
angi
can'
tbeent
ert
aini
ng
otherman.

Atang:Iam notaskingyouto,iam noteven

askingyoutocheatonhi m ordivor
cehim.Just
toknowy ou,maybewecoul dbegreatfri
ends.I
don'tt
hinkfatebroughtustogetherforno
apparentreason.

(Il
ookathim andsmi l
e.Hei
ssopersuasi
v e.
Butithi
nkheisright,
"Twosoul
sdon'tf
indeach
otherbysi
mpleaccident.
"Andwhatharm can
fri
endshi
pwithhim bri
ng?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Yest
erday
'si
nser
t
If
ell
asl
eep
[
06/
02,
16:
24]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t91
-
--
--
--
--
--
"
Youhav ewit
chcraf
tiny
ourl
i
ps."-Henr
yH,
Wil
l
iam Shakespear
e
_
___
___
___
_
NARRATED
TheThompsonMansi
on

(Brianisseat edonhi sbed, Anay a'

sheadi son
hislap.Hekeepspushi ngbackhercur l
ynat ural
hair.ShegotVanessa' ssof tbrownishcur lyhai r
,
hisbi gamberey es, Nal edi 'caramel skincol or
andhert inymout h.Itisst i
llsoforeigny etso
excitingf orhimt obecal l
eddaddy .Hecoul dn' t
helpi tbesadwhenhet hinksaboutwhatNal edi
hadt ogot hroughdur ingt hewhol epr egnancy
alonei naf oreigncount ry.Heknowst hat
fi
nanci allytheywer eokaybecauseHi ldapour ed
thousandsi nheraccountev erymont h,buthe
wonder edhowshef el temot ionall
y.Hewi shed
hehadbeent herewhenshewaspr egnant , he
alway sf antasiedaboutpr egnancyandgoi ng
throughi twit
hherwomanbyhersi de.He
wishedhehadbeent her ewhenhi sdaught er
whenshewasbor n,hewant edtobet heonet o
cutt heumbl i
cal cord, tookherf ir
ststep, her
fi
rstwor ds,start
edcr awl ing.)
Anaya:
Daddy
,goont
henwhathappenedt
obi
g
bear
.

(Helooksdownatherandsmile,suchan
i
nquisi
tiv
elit
tl
egi
rl
.Hecouldbeli
ev et
hatNal
edi
creat
edat al
eoft
heirl
ovewhichshemadea
bedti
mest or
ytot
heirdaught
er.
)

Anaya:
Iswearmommytel
l
sthebedt
imest
ory
bet
tert
hanyoudaddy
.

Bri
an:
Iwasnotawar
ethati
tissomesor
tof
competi
ti
on.

Anaya:Iti
snotbutwhotell
sitbet
terr
eser
vesa
special
placei
nmyhear t
.(Shesaysasshe
touchesherti
nychest
)
(
Bri
ancr
acksup)

Brian:
Bigbearcouldn'tbringhi
mselftolookin
thehurti
ngey esofbabycakes, hefel
tsadthat
hewast hereasonbehi ndherhurti
ng.He
thoughtshedeservedbet ter
,shedeserv
eda
pri
ncewhowi ll
neverhurtherormakehercr y,
sohel ethergososhecanbehappywhi lehe
wentawayt omendhi sbl eedi
ngheart.

Anay
a:Di
dbi
gbearev
ermi
ssbabycakes?

Bri
an:Ever
ysinglesecondoft hedayandnight.
Hebecameawal kingzombiebecausehe
missedhersomuch.Hewi shedhecouldhav e
donethi
ngsdifferent
lyandregret
tednotever
fi
ghti
ngforher.(Lookingathi
swat ch)I
tti
met o
sl
eepbabybear ,youbeagoodgi rlandiwil
ltel
l
y
oumor
etomor
row.

(Sheisopenshermout htoprot
estbutonlya
yawncomesout .Br
ianr ai
seshi
sey ebr
owsas
hemov esswif
tlymakingsurehisangeli
slyi
ng
nexttohim,pl
aceshishandonhercheeks
caressi
ngthem.)

Anay
a:Cani
tel
lyouasecr
etdaddy
?

Br
ian:
Isol
ovesecr
ets.

Anaya:Il
i
keTravi
s,mommy '
sgir
lf
ri
end,buti
l
ov ebi
gbearmore.Can'
tyouki
ckhim outand
repl
acehim.Iwantyouandmommyt ogether
.

(Helooksatherandsmi
l
es,
shei
sreal
l
yhi
s
daughter
.)
Bri
an:Whateverthepri
ncesswantsthe
pri
ncessshal
l get.(
Whisper
ing)Thi
swil
lbeour
secret
,don'
ttellmommyokay ?

(
Shenodsherhead.
)

Bri
an:Wearegoingtoshowt hatTravi
sguy
dust,
wewi l
lmakeitourmission.Oncehei
s
down,thent
hebigbearfamilywill
betoget
her
.

Anay
a:Yeay
!

Br
ian:
Nowsl
eepy
oungl
ady
.

(Shecloseshereyes.Bri
anwait
sunti
lsheis
asleepbefor
eget t
ingthebabymoni
torand
j
oininghisfr
iendsinthegameroom.)
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
Thierryi
sdri
nkingwhiskyhi
slongglor
iouslegs
crossed,watchi
ngwithpart
icul
ari
nter
estat
Li
am andAcewhoar eplayi
ngpool.Br
ianwalks
i
ntot heroom fi
xeshi
mselfaglassofwhisky
andjoinsThierr
yonthecouch.)

Thi
err
y:IswearCl
ubTi
sbet
tert
hant
his.

Bri
an:Wellsucki
tupbuddy,
pri
ncessneedsmy
ful
lat
tent
iontoni
ght
.Speaki
ngofwhichdidy
ou
know?

Thi
erry:
Yeah!Icoul
dhearthem t
alkf
rom the
out
side,andt
heirst
eps.Shehasyourscent.

Br
ian:
Thenwhydi
dn'
tyouwar
nme?
Thi
erry
:(smirks)Andtakethefunoutofi
tno
ways.Plusiwantedyouregoti
sti
caldi
ckweed
tobecrushed.

Bri
an:Hereiwast
hinki
ngyouaremyf r
iend.I
f
youconti
nueli
ket
hisyouwil
lneverf
indyour
mate.

Li
am:(gri
ns)Mate?Youmakei tsoundl
i
kehei
s
anani
mal.Anywaydon'tt
hinkyouwereabi
t
unr
easonabl
eearli
eronwithNaledi
.

Br
ian:
Iwasfur
iousbuti
hadapoi
nt.Nal
edi
st
ole6year
sofmylif
e.

Ace:Ithi
nkthebot
hofy ouareatfaulther
e,
remembery out
heonewhot urnedyourbackon
heraft
eryoubetr
ayedher.Tol
dhert omov eon
andlooksli
keshedidbutshealsocouldhave
madeanef f
orttomakesurethatyouknow
earl
i
eraboutyourchi
l
d.Igetthatshewashur
t
butyoucan'
ttel
lmeshespentt hewhole7
year
smendingherbrokenheart.

Li
am:Youbothst
ubbor
nandatfaul
t.Ithi
nk
bot
hofyoushoul
downuptoyourmi st
akes
andmovefor
ward.

Thier
ry:Orbet
terj
ustf**
kal
ready,
theyboth
sexual
lyfr
ustr
atedaft
eragoodfu*kther
ewill
benof i
ghti
ng.

(
Bri
anlaughsandcl
apshi
shandsoncebef
ore
r
est
inghischi
nononeofthem.
)

Ace:
Whati
sit
?
Bri
an:(l
aughsagai
n)Mosarwaogot
weng
Naledi
kanawant wael
a,y
ouwon'
tbeli
evewhat
shesaid.

Li
am:
Whatdi
dshesay
?

Br
ian:
(i
mitatinghervoi
ce)ifyoukeptmy
el
ephantdickinyourpant
s,iwouldn'
thad
st
olen6y earsofyourchi
ld'
slif
e.Bafet
hu
el
ephantdick!

(
Theyal
lcr
ackupl
aughi
ng.
)

Thi
err
y:Showus,
iwantt
oseet
heel
ephantdi
ck!

Br
ian:
Don'
tev
enstar
t!Shei
nsul
tedmeandmy
manhoodi
am goi
ngtomakeherpay.
Thier
ry:
Int
hemiddleofanargument
,thena
womanment i
onsyourcor
kitonlymeanone
thi
ng.

Li
am:
Shei
sBr
ian-
dickmat
ized.

Ace:
Andhi
nti
ngoutt
hatshemi
ssesi
t.

Thier
ry:
Soyoushoul
dhavejustshuthermout
h
upwithapassi
onat
ekissandgivenitt
oher
roughri
ghtt
her
e.

Li
am: Iam cur
ioust
her
e,howwi
l
lyoumakeher
pay.

Bri
an:
(st
andingup)Theonl
ywayi can,she
st
ole6year
sofAnay a,
soiam goi
ngt of**
kher
sobadshewon'tl
eavebedfort
hewhol eday,
in
theprocessknockingherup.Thistimeiwon't
missany t
hinginmychi l
d'
slif
e.Pregnancyand
ever
ythingiwil
lbet her
e.Shebetternotsl
ipup
orel
seshewi l
lfi
ndherselfi
nthelion'
sden.

Thi
erry
:That
'smyboy!Cometomef orl
essons.
Iam pr
ett
ygoodatt
hepreyhunt
inggameand
l
ayi
ngat r
apfort
heprey
.

(Bri
anwal kouttogoandr elievehimself.Then
Thierryst andsupandwal kst owardsthegood
doctor ,hisbluepierci
ngey esalmost
chall
engi nghim.Acelooksathi m, t
hereis
somet hingabouthimt hatsodar kandsinist
er.
Her adi atesoffpowerashewal ksandhisey es,
hisey esar eoutoft hi
swor ld.Het akesthepool
sti
ckf rom Li am andmakesashot .Ace
prepar est otakehisshotjustashei saboutto
takeashot ,
Thierr
ydropst hebombshel l
maki nghi mlosefocusandl oseout.)
Thier
ry:Soshoul
ditel
lhi
m oryouwil
lthatyou
arescrewi
nghisli
tt
lesi
sterormay
beLi am wi
l
l.

(Theybothturnandl
ookathi
m wi
thj
olt
ed
expressi
ons.)

Thi
err
y:(
smirksandhisnost
ri
lst
wit
ch)Ican
smell
herscental
lov
eryou.

Li
am:
Smel
l
?

Thierr
y:Don'
tworryaboutthatone.Iwon'ttell
him soicanjustwatchthedramaasi tunfolds.
(Hecracksup)Botswanaismuchf un.Your
otherfri
endi
shere.

(
Hewal
ksbackt
ohi
sseatamused)
Thi
err
y:Rel
axgent
leman.Her
ehecomes1,
2,3.

(Vi
ncewal
ksinwithBri
an.Aceturnstol
ookat
Thi
err
ywhoraiseshi
sglasstohim amused.
)

Br
ian:
Lookwhathel
ldr
aggedi
n.

_
___
___
___
___
___
___
TheThompsonPubl
i
sher
s

(Ithasbeenalmostayearsi
nceshewal ked
throughint
othisbui
ldi
ngli
kethi
s.Herheels
anchoringthr
oughtheemptyhall
wayoff l
oor16.
Insidet
heboar dr
oom t
heyallst
andt ot
heirf
eet
asshewal ksinandshesmilesatthem.)
Hi
l
da:
Wel
comebackgent
leman.

(
Theyal
lbowandshesmi
l
esatt
hem.
)

Hilda:(smil
ing)Agent00y ouevenhav ea
stomach, hopet hefamil
yiswell.Agent16i can
seey ouhav eev engrownabeard.Iam happyt o
seet hateveryoneisbackinonepi ece.Fi
rston
theagendai sourl at
estproj
ect
,Agent5t he
mer gerbetweenusandt hegovernmentisst i
ll
i
nt act.

Agent5:Al
liswel
lmadam,wear
est
il
l
render
ingt
heserv
icest
oit
.

Hilda:Gr
eat!Agent67wearegetti
ngbackto
operati
onmakesur etheobser
verisupand
runningbef
oretheendoftheday.
Agent67:
Alr
ight
.

Hi
lda:Asy ouall
awarethatKagisowenti nt
o
hi
ding5y ear
sbackaf t
erhegotbr oke,ibeli
eve
weareaboutt ohearhi
m soon.Hisr et
aliati
on
wi
llbebiggersoweneedt obepr eparedf orit
moreespecial
lywithnewtarget
si nthefami l
y.

Agent00:
Newt
arget
?

Hilda:BabyQui ntonisaneasyt argettheycan

pickon.Pr otecthim!Youngsenor it
áDrNal edi
Mor okai sback,thereforeiam assigningher
backAgent57, lookaf terher.Shedidnotcome
backal one,ihaveagr anddaughter,t
heheiress
toallthis,Iwil
lshowherphot osonceObser ver
i
sr unning.Toheri assignmybestagent s16
and00, theyoungestsenor it
ài syours.Iwant
herguar
dedful
lti
me,i
fshesneezesiwantt
o
know,astr
andofhai
rishur
tinherheadiwant
toknow.

Agent00:
Wewi
l
lguar
dherwi
thourownl
i
ves.

Hilda:Thanky ou.Agent89, ineedyout oescor

t
myl awy erheretommor ow, wewill
amendi ng
mywi llstatementanddr awingupadi vorce
settl
ement .That'sal
lfortoday,weoffici
all
y
resumebusi nessthedayaf t
ertomorrow.

[
06/
02,
16:
26]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t92
-
--
--
--
--
--
"
Ify
oucan'
tfl
y,t
henrun.Ify
oucan'tr
un,t
hen
wal
k.I
fyoucan'
twal
k,thencrawl
,butal
lmeans,
keepmov
ing.
"-Mar
ti
nLut
herKi
ngJr
.
_
___
___
___
_
NALEDI

(Iwal kthrought heairpor t

,isqueezet hrough
thecr owds.It houghtt heairpor twoul dn'tbeso
busyt histimeoft hey earbuti guessi was
wr ong,Capet owni sal waysbusy .Iwal kout si
de
andi l
ookar oundf orhi m.Inot i
cehi m standing
l
eani ngagai nsthiscar ,inblueshor tkneel ength
trousers,exposinghi sy ell
owhai rylegs,whi te
chucks, whitet -
shirtandbl ueshor tsleeves
shi r
tont op.Hei swear i
nghi ssungl asses.The
wi ndisblowi nghisbl ondehai rmessi ngitup.
Hisf acelightsupasheseesmeandasmi le
crosseshi slipswal kt ohim.)

Mar
cel
:Myki
tt
en,
comet
odaddy
.
(Heopenshi
sarmswi
deopenandir
uni
ntohi
s
hands.Hepi
cksmeupandt
urnswi
ngsme
around,
igi
ggl
e.)

Marcel
:(ki
ssi
ngmyf
orehead)Dar
n!Imi
ssed
t
hisfor
ehead.

Nal
edi
:Don'
tev
enst
art
.

(Het hrowsmybagatt hebackifhisThe

Mercedes- BenzSL63AMG, thenopensthe
doorf orme.Mar celAugust i
neisthetypi
calrich
boy,whoj ustwentt omedschool tosati
sfyto
spit
et hepar entbutf el
l i
nlovewit
ht he
profession.Nowhei saUNdoct orwhov isi
ts
count r
ieslikeSouthSudanwher epeoplear e
suff
er i
ngf ormedi cal r
eli
eve.)

Mar
cel
:Her
ear
eyougl
asses.
(It
aket hesungl
assesandputthem onashe
dri
vesof ft
heair
port.Thesunroofoft
hecaris
downsoi enj
oythewar m sunl
i
ghtandwindon
myf ace.)

Mar
cel
:Wher
edi
dyoul
eav
emychi
l
d?

Nal
edi
:Herf
ather
.

Mar cel:Iam herr

eal
father,
arey oufor
getti
ng
thati wastheonewhowast herewheny ohhad
cravingsinthemiddl
eoft henight.Whenthe
pregnancysexhor moneskickedin,whodidy oh
runt o?

Nal
edi
:Mar
cel
!
Mar
cel
:Iam j
ustr
emi
ndi
ngy ou.Nextt
imeyou
l
eav
eKail
ynnbehi
ndi
am sendingyouback.

Nal
edi
:Yessi
r!

(Anhourl
ateriam inhi sapart
ment,weare
sit
ti
ngint
hel i
vingont hematwi thabott
leof
str
awberr
ylipsandl et
tinghim knowaboutwhat
hasbeentranspir
inginmyl if
e.)

Marcel
:(amusi
ngl
y)Soy
ouscr
ewedy
ourown
br
other
.

Naledi
:St
epbr
other
.(Ismackhi
mli
ght
lyont
he
head)

Marcel
:Nodi
ff
erence!Sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
o
do?
Naledi:
Honest
lyidon'
tknow,ij
ustneedti
me
outalonet
othi
nkt hi
ngsthr
ough.Idon'
twantt
o
makehastydecisi
ons.

Marcel
:okayigety oubutyoudor eal
i
seKi
tten,
butyoucan'
tcontinuethatrel
ati
onshi
pwit
h
Trav
is,y
ouarerelated.

Naledi
:Basi
cal
lywearenot,i
don'
thav
ea
fat
hersonothi
ngisst
andingonmyourwayof
bei
ngtogether
.

Mar
cel
:Ki
t.
..
..
.

Naledi
:(i
nter
rupti
nghim)NoAugustine,
icame
her
et orel
iev
emyst ressgetawayfr
om Tr avi
s,
Bri
anandev ery
one.Actual
lyiknowacertain
wayt
haty
oucanhel
pmef
orgetal
lthi
s.

(
Isayasi
bitmyl
owerl
i
p.)

Mar
cel
:Theansweri
sno!

Nal
edi:
Ohcomeon,
itsnotl
i
kewedi
dnotdoi
t
bef
ore.

Marcel
:That
swasdiff
erenti
washel
pingouta
pr
egnantneedyf
ri
end.

Nal
edi
:Nowy
ouar
ehel
pingahur
t,needyf
ri
end.

Marcel
:Idon'
twantt
otakeadv
ant
agey
ouar
e
hur
ti
..
..
.
(Icr
ushmyl i
psoverhi
s,dari
nghi
mtoturnme
down.Hepullsawayandstandsupwal
ki
ngto
thekit
chen.
)

Marcel:
Ithi
nkishoul
dfixy
ouacupofcof
fee.
Cl
earlyyouaredr
unk,t
hisi
snoty
ou.

(
Ipull
thedressoffandtossitonthecouch
r
emainingonl
yinmyl acythongandbrathen
f
oll
owhi mtothekit
chen.)

Nal
edi
:Iam notdr
unk.Lookatme.
..
.

(Heturnsandlooksatmebewil
derment,t
he
desi
rev i
sibl
einhi
seyes.It
akebabysteps
towardshim unt
ili
putmyhandsaroundhis
neck.
)
Nal
edi
:(whi
sper
ing)Mar
cel
!

Marcel
:Ki
tt
en!Whoareyouandwhathav
eyou
donewit
hmyuptightf
ri
end.

Naledi
:Maybeiam t
ir
edofbeingupti
ght,
may bei
tti
mei l
etl
oose.Takemer i
ghtnow,
r
ighthere,
onthi
skit
chencounterhel
pme
f
orgetallt
hati
shappeni
ng.

Mar
cel
:(sof
tl
y)Ki
t.
.

(
Iputmyf
ingeronhi
smout
hshushi
nghi
m)

Nal
edi
:Don'
ttal
k,don'
tthi
nkj
ustdoi
t.

(
Hepi
cksmeandput
smeont
heki
tchen
count erbefor
eherget sinbet
weenmyey es.
Histonguesl i
ppedi nsidemymout hexpl
oring
everycr ookandcr evice.Mybodyhumswi t
h
ti
nglingsensation.Idontknowwhatt omorrow
holdsandwhati mi ghtwantbutri
ghtnowal l
i
wanti st hi
sman, allofhim.Andii
ntendof
havinghi m,everypieceofhim.)
_
___
___
___
___
Hai
l
ey

Ireachf
ormyphonet ocallhim butt
oonlyput
i
tdownwheni r
eali
sethatidon'
tknowhi s
number.Igr
oanoutinfrustr
ati
on.Mydoorbel l
goesoffandiwalkther
et oopen.Thinki
ngit
mustbeAprilbuttoonl
yfindLefawitha
bouquetoff
lowers.

Lef
a:Hi
!
Joy:Youcameatt
her i
ghtti
me.Iwasaboutt
o
cal
lwheni r
eal
i
sedthatidontev
enhaveyour
number.

Lef
a: My6t
hsenset
oldmethatyouwil
lbe
l
ookingf
orme.Thef
lower
sareforyou.

Joy
:Oht
hanky
ou!Theyar
ebeaut
if
ul.Comei
n

(Ist
epawayf r
om t
hedoort
olethi
minmyl
i
ttl
e
sanctuar
y.)

Lefa:Nicepl
ace,def
ini
tel
yhady
ourar
ti
sti
c
touch.Andthebagsareyougoi
ngsomewher
e?

Joy:Act
uall
ythat
'swhyiwantedt
ocallyou.I
tot
all
yfor
gotthatihav
etogohomet oday.
Tomorrowismyf at
her'
sdeat
hanniv
ersarysoi
v
isi
thi
sgr
aveev
eryy
eardur
ingi
t.

Lef
a:Oh!Iam sosor
ry.

Joy
:Noi tokay
.Iguesswewi l
lhav
etodot
he
por
trai
twheni am backi
ntown.

Lef
a:Notr
eal
l
y,i
am comi
ngwi
thy
ou.

Joy
:What
?

Lefa:Wearefr
iendssof
ri
endssuppor
tone
anotheri
nter
msofneed.

Joy
:Idontwantt
oimpose.

Lef
a:Wel
lyouar
enoti
mposi
ngi
fiam t
heone
whomadet
hesuggest
ion.

Joy:
Alri
ghtt
hen.Letmedosomet
hingt
henwe
cangetgoi
ng.

(Iwal
ktomybathroom t
henjustl
ikeanyday
whenihavet
ostepoutinpubli
c.Icovermy
brandwi
thasti
ckybandage.)

Joy
:Okayi
am r
eadynow.Wecangetgoi
ng.

(Lef
alooksatmebutinsteadofwalki
ngouthe
walkstomeandplaceshishandont he
bandageaboutt
opeelitoff.Ipl
acemyhandon
hisst
oppinghi
m)

Lefa:
Youar
ebeaut
if
ulthewayyouare,
idon'
t
knowhowyougott
hisbuti
tispar
tofyounow,
y
oudon'
tneedt
ohi
dei
t.Youar
ebeaut
if
ul.

(
Hepeel
sitof
fandki
ssesmycheek,
mybr
and,
myt
att
oo.)

Lef
a:Beaut
yist
heeyesofthebeholder
,inmi
ne
youar
ethemostbeaut
if
ulcourageouswoman
i
nthewholewor
ld.

Joy
:Thanky
ou.

Lef
a:Pl
easur
e,shal
lwe?

(Inodmyheadandhel eadsmeoffthe
apartmenttohi
scar
.Idoseoffasweleavethe
cit
y,andwakeupashepul l
sinafi
l
li
ngstati
on
i
nPal apye.
)
Lef
a:i
am t
oppi
ngf
uel
.

Joy
:Okayl
etmeuset
her
estr
oom.

(Igetofftousetherestr
ooms.Whenicome
backhei soutsi
dethecartal
ki
ngt
othepetr
ol
attendant
.)

Joy
:Ar
eyoudone?

Lef
a: Yeah!Wascat
chi
ngupwi
thmyni
gga,
haven'tseenhi
minawhil
e.

(Hemov esandif
indmyselfst
arr
ingat
someonei nev
ert
houghtiwouldseeagai
n.I
getcol
dshiver
sasi l
ookathim.)
Pheny
o:Joy
!

(
Doest
hishav
etohappennow,
today
?)
[
06/
02,
16:
27]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t93
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
_
"Happinessi
s..
..
..
.meeti
nganoldfr
iendaf
tera
l
ongtimeandf eel
ingt
hatnot
hinghadchanged.
"-
Unknown
_
___
___
___
_
Hai
l
ey

Iguessnomat t
erhowmuchwechangeour
appearance,nomatterhowmuchwecan
changethename.Wecannev erescapeour
past,
theonlysensi
bleandcourageousthi
ngs
wecandoi sfacei
t.Nomorerunningaway,a
stepintofacingmydemonsbegi nswi t
hhi m.
Wher eital
l began,whereallmi st
akesi made
rootedupf rom.Ilookathi m,thedev i
lthattook
myi nnocence, TheformerMi nist
erofSt udent
affai
rsatUni versi
tyofBotswana, thel
adi esguy,
thecheeseboy ,
neverimagined himt obea
petrolatt
endantofal lcar
eers.Ithoughthewi ll
beoneoft hethoseCBDf uckboys.

Joy:Phenyo,
thi
sisanr
atheranunpl
easant
sur
prise.

Pheny
o:Soy
ounowr
unni
ngwi
tht
hebi
gdogs.

(
Icanf
eel
Lef
a'sey
esonme.
)

Lefa:
Okaytimeoutabi
t!Howdoy
out
woknow
eachother
?
Joy
:Iwasaboutt
oasky
out
hesamequest
ion.

Pheny o:
Oh!Cutt hepretence,Lefa,thefi
rst
year,whoi sleptwiththenclaimedshewas
pregnant.Thatf r
eshersballwhenOmphi le
druggedt heuptightgir
lbutnev erhitit
.Joydont
tel
lmey ouf orgotLefa,hewaswi th,ahhifor
get
hername, y
ourcol or
edgi r
lfr
iend.

Lefa:Exgir
lfri
end,Vanessa.Wait
?(Heturnsto
mel ooki
ngt otal
l
ystunned)YouareJoy!I
rememberi ntr
oducedy outoNessathatnight
.I
thoughtyourfacelookedfamil
iarwhenifir
st
mety ou.

(Il
ookedathi m,myfacepal
esas remini
sce
thatnight
.Ifeel
fai
ntheadedasil
ookathim,
Lefa,VanessaThompson'sboy
fri
end.Imethi
m
onlyoncet hatni ghtandi wasdr unkt oev en
remembert heirfacesandt heirnames.Igeta
shiver,
fearst andi ngoutmost ,I
fhewas
associatedwi ththeThompsonst heni want ed
nothingtodowi t
hhi m.Oncebi t
tent wiceshy !I
crossedmypat hswi ththem andt heyleftmor e
thatscarest heyl eftadeadsoul, demons, a
l
ivingghost .Theyt ooksomeofmysoul with
them iwasn' tstrongt omeetwi tht hem again.
Onebadcr osswi ththem wasenought ol asta
l
ifeti
me.)

Joy
:Clearl
ythiswasamist
ake.Wewi
ll
par
t
wayshere,Iwil
lcat
char
idetomyhomevi
l
lage
whi
leyoudr i
veback.

(Lef
alooksatmeey eswidegobsmacked!
confusi
onevi
dent.I
tisobvi
ousthathedidnot
expectmymet osaythat.
)
Pheny
o:Inevert
houghty
ouwi
l
lbet
ypet
ohav
e
mylef
tover
sLefa.

(Ibi
tbackagroan.Iguessl
if
ehasnothumbl ed
him muchevenasapet r
olat
tendanthest
il
lhad
hisadamantpri
de.)

Phenyo: Imeanshei saloosepanty

,af
terihad
mywayi t
ossedhertomycousi ns(
hechuckles
)whoi haddidalotofnumber sonher.Butf
eel
fr
eet ohav eyourt
aste,y
oucant osstothe
otherpersononcey oudone.

(Beforeiknowwhatwashappening,Lef
athrew
hisfistPheny
o'sf
ace,sendi
nghim afewsteps
backandmaki ngbloodtogushoutofhis
brokennose.)

Pheny
o:Youdi
dnotj
ustdot
hat
?
Lefa:Whatareyougoingt
odo?Iam notsureI
am thelastper
sonyouwanttopissoffPheny
o.
Wat chyourmouthoryoumightj
ustfi
nd
yoursel
foutofjobandint
hecoldstr
eets.

(Iopent hecarandgetmyhandbagandbl
ack
scarf.Idon'
twanttobeher
et owit
nesst
hem
bawl ateachother)

Joy:Pleaseleavethebagsbackatar
tgall
ery
andi wouldappreciat
eifwedidnotmeeteach
otheraftert
his.

(Iwalkaway ,
buthecall
saftermeaboutt o
foll
owmebutt hecarhornsbehindhi
scar
stopshim.Ihearhi
mt hrowaf ewprofanit
ies
whichleftsomeoftheaudienceshockedashe
walkedbackt ohi
scar.Ididgetawayt hatfar
,
j
ustasi wasabouttocrosst
heroadhepul l
ed
upinfrontofmeblocki
ngmebutal socausi
ng
other
scarstohalt,makingt
heir
ri
tateddri
vers
toyel
landcursehim.Thewindowrolleddown!)

Lefa:Idi
dnotdri
veall
thewayfr
om Gaborone
soi canbedumpedinPalapy
ewithoutany
explanat
ionwhatsoever
.

(Hisputonhisgenui
nesmi
l
ewhi
chi
found
ver
yhardtoresi
st.
)

Lef
a:Comeonatl
east
,lett
heguydownni
cel
y.

(
Ifoundmy
sel
frol
l
ingmyey
es.
)

Lefa:Shoul
digetof
fthecarandl
i
teral
l
ybeg
becausei f
eel
li
keiam aboutt
odothatany
mi
nut
efr
om nowon.

(Oneofthedr
iver
spokedhi
sheadoutoft
he
carandshout
edatus)

Dri
ver
:Doyoumindt
aki
ngitt
oyourbedr
oom
someofusarei
nahurr
y.

(
Mycheeksf
lushup.)

Lef
a:Pl
ease,t
hepeopl
ebehi
ndusmightj
ust
ki
ll
me.Doy ouwantmybl
oodonyourhands.

(Isi
ghasigetbackinthecarandhesmilesat
measst ar
tsdri
vi
ng.Hepullsuponther
esting
areabesi
detheroadandturnstol
ookatme. )
Lef
a:Iam sor
ryaboutwhathesai
d,hewasout
ofl
ine.

Hail
ey:I
tisokay
.Iguessi
am usedt
oitpl
usi
ts
notl
ikehewaslying.

Lef
a:Dontsayt
hat
..
.

Hail
ey:(i
nterr
uptinghim)No!Lefayoudon'
t
knowhal fofthethi
ngsi di
dsodon'tt
rytomake
mef eetanybetterbecauseitonl
ymakesme
feel
shitt
er.Youneedt ogoback.

Lef
a:(
hegr
oans)Why
?

Hai
l
ey:
Becausei
nol
ongerwantt
hisf
ri
endshi
p.
(
Hel
ooksatme)

Lef
a:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
omakemeaskagai
nwhy
?

Hai
ley
:(it
akeadeepbreathtocal
m mysel
f
down)Idon'
twantanyl
inktotheThompsons.

Lef
a:(
dazzl
ed)Wher
edot
heyf
iti
nal
lthi
s?

Hailey:(Isnap)Don'ty ouseei t
?theyfi
t
everywhere,youar eVanessa' sboyf
ri
end.Last
ti
mei cameacr ossaThompsoni gotburned
Lefa,igotabr andacr ossmycheek( pointi
ngto
mycheek) ,ilostaf i
nger,(
iflashmyhandat
hi
m )most l
yi lostmyself,
ilostmysoul.
Any onewithlinkt ot
hatfami l
yisnotall
owed
withinradi
usnearme.
(Awhimperescapesmyl i
ps.Ifeell
ikei am
backinthatpl acef rom y earsback, aplacewi th
noli
ght,wher eonl ydar knessconsumesmy
soulandsteal ssomuchj oyfrom myl i
fe.Idont
evenreal
iset hati am cr yinguntilif
ellhim pull
meov erhislapandl ett
ingmesoakhi sshirt.
Wheni li
ftmyey est heymeeti sandt heyhol d
l
ikestal
emat e, her eadsmysoul ,i
tisbar e,
right
nowi am nakedbef orehim showi nghim al l
my
vi
ncibi
li
ty,t
hedar knesst hatli
esbehi ndme
almostdaringhi mt otakeal eapoff aith,al
most
dari
nghimt ost ay .
)
-
--
--
--
--
--
--
-
Nessa

(Iy
awnasi pullmycarinfrontoft heapartment
.
Ihopei gottheaddressri
ght.Ilookedatt hat
whipbymy sel
fandsmi l
estomy self
.Iwas
goingtogiveheragoodwhi p.Thet ypeshe
deserv
edf orputti
ngmet hroughsomuch
miseryt hepasty ear s.Formi ssi
nghersomuch
thepasty ears.Igotof fthecarbef oreichanged
mymi ndorcower edawayl i
keialway sdi
d,the
past6y earswhenev erithoughtaboutr eaching
out.Iletoutasl owbr eathasi rangt hedoor
bell
.Icouldher egi gglesi nsi
de.Abl ondeguy
wearingonlyhi spy jamasopensupf orme.I
l
ookedupathi m. )

Mar
cel
:Hi
!

Nessa:
Hel
l
o!

Mar
cel
:Howmayi
hel
pyou?

(Nal
ediappearedbehi
ndhi
m wear
inghi
s
over
sizeshi
rt.
)
Nal
edi
:Whoi
si.
..
..

(Shetr
ail
edoffasshesayme.Icouldseeshe
wasdumpf ounded,
iam thel
astper
sonshe
expect
edtoseehere.Il
ookedather,shewas
glowi
ngthehickeyonhernecksol
dherout.)

Nal
edi
:Nessa!

Nessa:
Hist
ranger
!

Mar
cel
:Wel
lcomei
n.Thi
sisqui
teawkwar
d.

Nessa:
Youwi l
lfor
giv
emef orwhatiam about
todobutineedtodothi
s.Isuggesty
oustay
outofi
t,t
hisi
sbetweenmeandher .
(icouldseethathewasconfusedbutthe
confusi
onwasgonet heminuteipul
ledoutt
he
whipandstepsinsi
dedel
iver
ingmyf ir
stl
ashon
herexposedlegs.
)

Nal
edi:(
shewhi
mperedinpainassheranback
i
ntotheapar
tment
)Nessalooklet
stal
k.

Nessa:Wewill
t al
kafteriam donewithyou.
Thatwasfordraggingmei nt
oy oubusiness
wit
hmybr ot
herwheni knewnothing.

(Ichasedaft
erher
,andgaveherasecondl
ash
acrossherbackmakingherscr
eam)

Nessa:Thatwasfortheyear
sispentmi
ssi
ng
youras*andneveroncedidyour
eachout
.
(
Iaimedforherbackagai
nanddel
i
ver
edmy
t
hir
dlash.
)

Nessa:Thatsforkeepi
ngmynieceasecretfor
6y ear
snowandgoi ngthr
oughthepregnancy
al
onewheni coul
dhavebeenther
eforyou
everystepoftheway.

(
Ichasedherdowntheapar
tmentasMar cel
wat
chedasamused.Sheturnedandrun
t
owardsme, iwentf
orherl
egsagain.
)

Nessa:
Forl
eavi
ngmealonewi
thnoonet
o
shar
emylif
esecret
swi
th.

(Shecrushedi
ntomyhands,huggingmeandi
dropthewhipandhugherback,weboth
overwhelmed,
iletthet
ear
sflowsodoesshe.
Wehol deachotheraswecryoverthey
ear
swe
havelost, aswer egr
ett hedeci
sionswehav e
madei nt helast.Wecr yasnewst ronger
connectioncur sethroughusbindingusmor e.
Wepul lbackandr uboffeachother '
stear
s.)

Nal
edi
:Iam sor
ry.

Nessa:
Noi
am sor
ry.

Nal
edi
:Imi
ssedy
ou.

Nessa:
Notasmuchasi
missedy
ouSt
ar.

(Welookateachot herandcrackup.Laught er
fi
ll
stheroom, theguylooksatjustwaril
ylike
wearecr azy
, r
oll
shiseyesandhet ur
nstowal k
away.Ilookatherigetfil
ledwithhappiness.I
tr
ulyreal
isethat,
"Happinessi
s...
..
..meeti
ngan
ol
dfriendaf
teral
ongti
meandf
eel
i
ngt
hat
not
hinghadchanged."
[
06/
02,
16:
27]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t94
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
__
"
Thebestapol
ogyi
schangedbehav
iour
."
_
___
___
___
_
Busi

Istepoutsi
deTheThompsonPubl i
shersand
takeahugebr eath.Thisisit,
iam goi
ngtotell
herwhathasbeenhappeni nginmylif
e.Over
theyear
sIhav elearntthatkeepi
ngasecret
from Hi
ldawasnev erthewayt ogobecause
shealwayshasf i
ndingout .It
akeanother
breat
hasi knowout sideheroffi
ceroom.
Hi
l
da:
Comei
n.

(i
walki
nandshel
i
ftherey
esandsmi
l
esat
me.)

Hi
l
da:
Thi
sisapl
easantsur
pri
se.

Busi
:Iknowi
hav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou.

Hi
l
da: Okay,wel
lsi
tovert
her
e,i
wil
lbether
ein
aminute.(
Shepoint
souttot
hecouch.
)

(Isi
tdownandclosemyeyestry
ingtocal
m my
nerves.If
eel
hersit
ti
ngnextt
ome. )

Hil
da:
Youlooknervous,
whati
sit
?Is
somethi
ngwrong?
Busi
:Wel l
no!Thethingis(
ipause)afewday s
agoifoundoutthatNaledi
ismyhalfsist
er.We
shar
et hesamefather.

(Shenodsherheadcal
mly
,nosur
pri
seoran
emotiont
hatshowsthi
scomesasashockto
her.
)

Busi
:Youknew?

Hilda:5y earsago, wewer egi

v enacont ractby
thegov ernment ,t
heyhadbeenr unningthe
projectbutl at
elynotdoingsowel l.Itook,i
alway sdobackgr oundchecksonpeopl eihir
e
orshoul di saypeoplewhowor kforme.Your
fatherwasoneoft hepeoplethatcamewi ththe
cont r
act,Ihadt oinvest
igatehim,that'swheni
l
ear nedthet rut
h.
Busi:Whydi
dn'
tyousayany
thi
ng,
tel
lme?Tel
l
Naledi
.

Hi
lda:Thetr
uthwasn'
tminet
otel
l.Hehadto
doitoryougi
rl
shadtofi
ndoutonyourown.

Busi:Okay.Ir
ecentl
ymetaguy ,hewant
stobe
fr
iends.Imustadmitthatili
kehi
m,ihav
en'
tfel
t
l
ikethateversince.
..
..
..
.(t
rai
loff
)

Hi
l
da:
Itsokayy
oucansayi
t,ev
ersi
nceLi
am.

Busi
:Yeseversi
nceLiam butiam af
rai
dof
l
ett
ingmyguarddown, i
am mar ri
ednowand
mostl
yihaveQuintontothinkabout
.Iam no
l
ongeral
one.
(Hil
dalooksatmeandsmi l
es.Forasecondshe
proud.Shestandsupandopensherdr awer
pull
ingoutablindf
olderandtossesi
ttome.)

Hi
l
da:
Putt
hatone.

(Idoasshesay sthenshehel psmeupandwe

startwalking.Icanf eel aswegeti ntothe
elevatorwhichi stoptry ingtof i
gur eoutwhere
i
ti sgoing.Onceweof fi canf eelthatwearein
adi f
ferentfl
oorbecausei tisquite.Iam gui
ded
toaseatbef oretheblindf olderisremov edandi
fi
ndmy selflookingatt hebi ggestcomput eri
hav eeverseen.Wear esi t
ti
ngar oundal ong
tablewi t
hmenwear i
ngbl acksuitsi don'
tknow
anyoft hem expectMul ler.)

Hil
da:
WelcometotheObserv
er.Thisi
showi
keepi
ntouchwi
thever
ythi
ngthat'
shappeni
ng
ar
ound.Thecomput
erandt
hismenar
emy
ey
eseverywher
e.

(
Shet
urnsandl
ookatt
hecomput
er.
)

Hi
lda:Obser
ver,
givemeMrsThompsonJnr
r
ecentacti
vi
ti
esfrom y
est
erday
.

(
Ilooki
nhorr
if
icasthecomputerrunsthe
i
mageofall
myact i
vit
iesf
rom yest
erday.
)

Hilda:
Great,nowObservercany
ourunaface
recognit
ionont heguywi
thMrsThompsonJnr
attherestaurant.

(I
trunsupf
orabout5minutest
hantheresul
ts
showup,al
ongwithhi
spict
ureAtangMoseki
.)
Hi
l
da:
Great
,Agent00gi
veherhi
sbackgr
ound.

(Amanwit
hascaracr
osshi
scheekbonest
urns
andl
ooksatme.
)

Agent00:Agr aduateatKansasUni versit

y ,both
par
entsdead, hehasanol derol
dersisterwho
i
smar r
ied.MrMoseki i
syoungbusiness
ent
repreneur
,cur r
entlypartner
edupKev i
n
Mogae, i
nHot elbusiness.Heownsacl eaning
companywhi chisdoi ngexceedingl
ywel l.Heis
30yearsoldBachel orwithan8y ear
sol dgi rl
.

Hi
l
da:
(shel
ooksatme)Aquest
ions?

Busi
:I
sthechi
l
d'smot
heri
nthepi
ctur
e?

Agent00:
No!Themot
heri
sasuper
model
in
t
heSt
ates.

Hi
l
da:
Agent5,
yourt
urn.

(
Mul
l
ert
urnsandl
ooksatme)

Agent5: Hehas2f ri
ends,Cal
vi
nMogaeand
MphoTemo.Hel i
kestospendhisfreeti
me
pl
ayinggolf.MrMoseki hasnei
therinvol
vement
i
nshadydeal i
ngs noranyconnecti
onst oThe
Thompsonf amil
y.Ther
ecanconcludet osayhe
i
sascl eanasheseemswi thnohidden
agendas.

Hi
lda:
Hei
syourguy
.DrKgi
vehert
hemedi
cal
r
eport
.

DrK:
Nodi
seasesnoment
ali
l
lnesses.Hei
s
cl
ean.

Hil
da:
Ithi
nkyouhaveal
lyouranswer
snow.
Youarefr
eet
oexplor
ewiththi
sguy.

Busi
:Whatdoest
hatmean?

Hilda:Itmeansi am t
akingofftheleashonyour
necknow, iam set
ti
ngyouf r
ee.Thebest
apologyi gotit
.Changedbehav i
our.Thepet
projectmissionisabort
edguy s,t
hepethas
beenmoul dedandmost lyt
amed.

(Theylookatmeandst andupclappingthei
r
hands.IlookatHil
daandsheshr ugsher
shouldersthensmil
es.Uptot
hisday ,ist
il
lcan'
t
gethowt hiswoman'sheadworks.)
_
___
___
___
___
__
Nal
edi

(
Ilayont
hecouchasNessaappl
i
esoi
ntment
t
oherwhipsonmyback.
)

Nessa:
(gi
ggles)Iguessi
gotcar
ri
edaway
.Iam
sor
rybabycakes.

Nal
edi
:Thi
sisf
arf
rom ov
er.Youoweme.

Nessa:
Yesyourhi
ghness.Sowhoisthe
yummyguy?Brot
her'
sreplacement
.

Nal
edi
:Iwi
sh,
hei
saf
ri
end,
metatmedschool
i
nCuba.
Nessa:Sothi
sday
swecal
ltheguy
swescr
ew
j
ustfri
ends.

Naledi
:Ineededtoblowoffsteam hewast
he
bestcandi
date.Heistheall
ergi
cto
commi t
mentandf eel
ings,
ineededsomesort
ofdist
ract
ionandhewast hebestfori
t.

Nessa:Whyneedadi
str
act
ion?Whati
s
happeni
ng?

(
Isi
tupandf
aceNessa.
)

Nal
edi
:Ever
ythi
ngi
samess,
atot
almess.Busi
i
smyhalfsi
ster
.

Nessa:
Saywhat
?
Nal
edi:Iknow,
tur
nsoutmysper
m donori
sher
f
ather
.

Nessa:
Howdi
dyouf
indout
?

Nal
edi:
Turnsoutt
hatiwasdat
ingherst
ep
br
other
.Orshoul
disaymystepbrot
her.

Nessa:
No!Whatt
hehel
l
?Whatar
eyougoi
ng
t
odonow?

Naledi:Ihonestl
ydon' tknow,youknowt he
funnythingis,(i
laughbutonl yfori
ttoturnint
o
awhi mper.)West art
eddat ingayearago,ihad
thi
sbi gdefensewal laroundmebecause
somehowi washopi ngt hatBri
anmightreturn
oneday .Themi nutei deci
dedtoletthewall
downandal l
owmy selftolovehimthishappens
andy ourbrothershowsup.
Nessa:
Iam sosor
rymyl
ove.

Naledi
: Bri
anismyf ir
stlove,i
wil
lakwayshave
thatdeepconnect i
onwi t
hhim butihadalr
eady
soldmyhear touttoTr av,
iwasreadytoletgo
ofmypasti ncludi
ngy ourbrot
hertoembrace
thefuturewit
hTr av.

Nessa:Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay ,
because
honest
lythi
sisamessysi
tuat
ion.

(Sheleansforwardandhugsme.Ir eleasethe
tears,mysi
lentcri
eswit
hher,somet hingabout
hermakesmemi ssmot heri
longtobeonher
armsandt oherwhatshewoul dsayinal lt
his.I
standupandgol ookforMarcel.If
indhi min
hisroom l
yi
ngont hebed.Igetinsi
deandj ump
ont hebedputti
ngmyheadonhi schest,hi
s
ar
mscomesar
oundme.)

Naledi
:Li
kei sai
di nthemorning,i
am st
ill
goingtosayit,i
am notregrett
ingwhat
happenedlastnightanditchangesnot
hing
betweenus.

Marcel
:(ki
ssi
ngmyf or
ehead)St
opgivi
nga
speechl
ikeapresi
dent
.Iknowihaveanace
di
ckgamet hat
'swhyyoucamehere.

(
Irol
lmyey
esandl
augh)

Nal
edi
:Oh!Don'
tgetwayov
ery
ourhead.

Marcel
: Imusthavebeengiveni
ttoni
ceduri
ng
yourpregnancy,
foryout
of l
yall
thewayfr
om
Botswanat oCapetownfori
t.
Nal
edi
:Justst
opi
tdi
ckweed.Il
ovey
ouMar
cel
.

Mar
cel
:Iknowandwelov
eyou,i
meanmeand
mydi
ck.Welov
eyou,wegoty
ougir
l.

Nal
edi
:Iwantt
ogobackandf
acemydemons.

Mar
cel
:Yes!That
'smygi
rl
.

Naledi
:It
hinkyoushoul
dcomewi
thme,
mom
hasbeendy i
ngtomeetyou.

Mar
cel
:Youwantt
hatj
erk,
Bri
ckst
ogoandki
l
l
me.

Nal
edi
:(i
rol
lmyey
es)Br
ian!Hewon'
tki
l
lyou.
Comeonpluswearegoingst
rai
ghtt
omyhome
vi
ll
agewhenwegetther
e.

Marcel
:Okayfi
neiguessi
coul
duseal
i
ttl
e
br
eakfrom t
hishouse.

Naledi:
(that
'smyboy)Iwi
ll
leavey
out
o
packingwhil
eigohaveabath.

Mar
cel
:Al
ri
ghtKi
tt
en.
[
06/
02,
16:
27]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t95
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
___
_
"Iwishyoucouldhearmythought
sandt
heway
theywhi
speryourname.Ineedyousomuch
ri
ghtnow."-Stephani
eBennett
-Henr
y
_
___
___
___
___
_
BUSI

(
Ilookather
,ist
il
ldon'
tbel
i
evei
t?)

Busi
:Whatar
eyour
eal
l
ysay
ing?

(
Sher
oll
sherey
esl
ookatherni
njaboy
s.)

Hi
l
da:
Agent00cal
lmyat
tor
neyout
side.

(Hewalksoutoftheboar
droom andcomes
backwithamanhol di
ngabriefcasewhoseat
s
nextt
omeopeni nghisbr
iefcase.)

Hil
da:IhadRay
monddr awupyourdi
vor
ce
set
tl
ement!Ray,gi
vei
ttoher
.
Raymond:Mycl i
ent
,gi
vesyouahouseofyour
choi
ce,yourBMW X6,andajobasthehostof
thenewtalkshowthecompanytheyar
e
hosti
ng.

Busi
:Reasonable,
butyoufor
getti
ngsomeone
myson,ifiam walki
ngoutofthi
smarri
age,
he
i
scomingwi t
hme.

Raymond: Youshallsharecustodywitht
he
fat
her.Hewi l
lli
vewithyoubutf rom t
imeto
ti
mev isi
thisfat
her.Atrustfundsetupforhim,
towar
dshi sstudy.Amont hl
yallowanceofP35
000forhisbasicneeds.

Busi
:Andi
sthecl
ausei
ntheagr
eement
?
Hilda:Ify
ougobackt oyourhabit
sandcome
aftermyf amil
y,y
ourfat
herwill
bet heoneto
takey ouout.I
fhefai
l
sthenAgent00wi llwipe
outy ourenti
rebl
oodli
neincl
udingQuinton.Got
that00?

Agent00:
Yesi
goti
t.

(Il
ookather
,andicantel
lthatshei
snotj
oki
ng,
shemeanseverywordshesay s.
)

Hilda:
Thisisyourchancetost
artf
resh,ona
cleanslat
e,beyoursel
fandhaveastabl
efamil
y.
Ifyoustayoutofmyway ,t
heniwil
lstayoutof
yourway .

(
Ilookatherandnodmyhead)
Busi:
Bef oreit
iemy sel
ftoanyt
hingcanit
ake
thedocument shomet ooverandreadov
er
befor
ei signanyt
hing.

Hil
da:Yestakeyourti
mewheny ouaredonet
ell
us.Agent5pleaseescor
thert
ot hecar
.

(Istandupandgett
hepaper
sfr
om t
he
attorney
.)

Hil
da: Busi
siwedon'tf
orgetigoteyes
everywhereireal
lyhopeforyoursakethaty
ou
don'tscrewt hi
sup.Hopey oulear
ntfr
om your
fr
iendHai l
ey.

Busi
:Hai
l
ey?

Hi
l
da:
Imeantt
osayJoy
!Iwi
l
lhat
etor
akey
ou
t
otheexecut
or.

(Istandupandwal kout
.Idon'tknowi fishoul
d
beexci t
edorsadthatsheisf i
nall
ylettingme
go.Somehowi havegott
enusedt othis,wit
hit
s
sorrowsandall,somucht hatthethoughtof
steppingint
otheworldwithouttheThompsons
somehowmescar eme.Whati figot omyol d
habbits?Theysayoldhabitsdon'tdi
e.....
_
___
___
___
___
___

Nal
edi

(Wewal ki
ntotheThompsonMansi on,me,
NessaandMar cel.Theguyf rom theshop,
wit
h
blueeyesisint
hel i
vingroom goingwatchi
ng
somethinginhi
st ab.Liam i
splayinglov
ey
doveywithagirl
ont hecouch.)
Li
am:
Backsosoon?

Nessa:
Can'
tkeepusawayf
orev
er.

(
Hestandsupandwal
kst
ome.Hepul l
sme
i
ntohi
sarmsandhugsme.Ihughi
m back.
)

Liam:Youdi dn'
tevengi v
emeachancet o
welcomey oubacklastti
mel
etal
onet hanky
ou
formyl ovelyni
ece.It
sgoodt
ohavey ouback
DrMor oka, imi
ssedy ou.

Nal
edi
:Thanky
ouLi
am.Imi
ssedy
out
oo.

(Nexttome, standstheguywithblueeyes.Hi
s
eyesar esocaptivat
ing,
makesmewonderi f
that
st herealcolororheisweari
ngey e
contacts.)
Thi
erry
: (
str
etchi
nghishandsfort
h)Idon'
tthi
nk
wehav ebeenint
roducedy
et,Iam Thi
erry
Moreno-Dlamini
,Bri
an'
shusband.

(Myeyepopasist
areathi
mfl
abbergast
ed.No
way!Soheisnowgay?Whyar
eallt
hecuteand
handsomeonegay
s?)

Thi
erry
:(smugsmirk)Justki
ddi
ng,
Iam Thi
err
y
Moreno,Br
ian'
sfr
iend.

Nal
edi
:Yout
heabnor
mal
fri
end?

(
Hehol
dmyhandandl
aughs.
)

Thi
err
y:Theny
oumustt
heNal
edi
,thel
oveof
hi
sli
fe.
(
Mycheekshi
tupwhenhi
say
sthat
.)

Thier
ry:Icanseewhyhei ssmitt
en,youare
beauti
fulDrMor .
..
..(hetr
ail
soffduebecause
hehasdi f
ficul
tywithpronunci
ati
on.Hekisses
myhand.Tal kaboutagent l
emen.)

Nal
edi
:Thanky
ou.

(
Mar
cel
clear
shert
hroatandi
lookathi
m)

Naledi
:That
'smyfri
endMarcel
.Mar
celthatsi
s
Li
am, Bri
an'
scousi
nandthi
sisThi
err
y,his
fr
iend.

Thi
err
y:(t
easi
ngl
y)Ar
eyout heowneroft
he
hi
ckey?Iwasn'
tawar
efr
iendscanscrew?
Marcel
:Not
hingwr
ongwi
thf
ri
endshel
ping
eachot
herout.

Thi
erry
:Thenyouwouldn'
thaveapr
obl
em wi
th
hel
pingoutt
hen,r
ightMrHelper
?

Nessa:
Thi
err
y!

Thier
ry:(chuckl
est henpatsMar celonthe
shoulder)Iam justkiddi
ng,idon'tdocuteboys.
Theymi ghtjustgetmei ntroubl
e.Thebear sare
i
nt hebedroom.

(
Hewi nksatme,asheturnswhi
stl
ingashe
walksoutoftheroom.Ili
kehim,hehasan
i
nteresti
ngpersonal
i
ty.
)
Nal
edi
:Mar
cel
wai
tformeher
e,i
wil
lbeback.

(Iturnandwal kupstair
s,witheverystepi t
akei
feelmyhear tbeatingsohar dagainstmyr i
p
cage.Ifeel nervousasi openhi sdoor.Lynnli
es
ont hebedbutt hereisnosignofhi mi nthe
room.Isighoutl oudly,
asil ookaround.He
hasal r
eadyt akenapi ctureofKailynnand
framedi t
.Iwal ktot hedressingtableandtake
theirpi
cturei stareatit
,asmyf i
ngertipstr
ace
hisfeatures.)

Br
ian:
Backal
ready
?

(It
urntolookathi m aswalksoutoft he
bathr
oom, allwet?At owelaroundhiswaist
,
exposi
nghi sincr
edibletor
so, i
star
eathehis
handsareonhi shead, hol
dingthetowelashe
dri
edhishair.Mysensesf lyri
ghtoutofthe
windowandi f
indmysel
fit
chi
ngtowalkacr
oss
theroom andputmyhandsal
lov
erhisbody.I
bit
emyl owerl
ipashewalkst
ome.)

Br
ian:
(smi
rks)Li
kewhaty
ouseebabycakes?

(Isnapmyey esathi sfaceaf t

eri havebeen
caughtogl i
ng.Myey esdar kt othewher ethe
towelliesaroundhi swai st, hehasgr own
muscl eovert heyears.Hest opsi nfrontofme
andi takeast epbackonl yt ocr ushont he
dressingtablebehindme.Iam t rapped
betweenhi m andt hetabl e.Hi sintenseey esat
mebef or
et heylookatmyexposedneck, isee
hisjawst i
ghtenbef orehel eansf orth,ourface
closerifiam t omov eani nch, ourli
pswi l
ltouch.
Iclosemyey es,asi waitt of eelhiscol dli
ps
againstmi ne.Buttheynev ercome, ineverfeel
them.)
Bri
an:(Amused)Whyar
eyourey
escl
osedbaby
cakes?

(Myeyessnapopentofindhi
m st
arr
ingatme
ashol
dingabodylot
ion.)

Naledi
:Uhm!(Scr
atchi
ngmyhead)It
hinki
shouldgetgoi
ng.

(Hetakesanotherst
ept owardsmest oppi
ngin
fr
ontofme.Theconnect i
onbetweenusi s
undeniabl
e.Mybreathhitchashecar essmy
cheeks,ifi
ghtwit
hmy selffr
om l
eaningf or
th
andgivingin)

Br
ian:
Thanky
ou!

Nal
edi
:(myv
oicebar
elyaudi
ble)Forwhat
?
Bri
an:
Givingmesuchalov
elydaught
er,
taki
ng
car
eofherinmyabsenceandtel
li
ngherabout
me.Givi
nghermyname.

(
Ilookupi
nhi
sey
es.
)

Br
ian:
(sof
tl
y)Mor
oka!

Nal
edi
:(i
nawhi
sper
)Dl
ami
ni.

(Heourforeheadstouchaswest ar
eintoeach
other
'seyes.Hemov eshi
shandst ocupmy
faceandmyst omachi safl
utterwithbutter
fl
ies.
Therehit
chinmybr eathi
ngandmyhear tbeat
escal
ates.Hissmellhisasi
ntoxicati
ngasev er.
Hebringshisli
pstomi nesl
owl y
,andi cl
osemy
eyes,iwanttotr
easurethi
smomentbecausei
wai
tedf
ori
tfor7y
ear
s.)

Anay
a:(
sleepyv
oice)Daddy
!

(Myey essnapopenandBr ianl

etgoofmy
cheeks,webot hturntolookatthebedwher e
ourdaughterissitti
nguprubbingherey es.He
l
ooksatmeoncemor ebeforehewal kstoher.
OhBr i
an,isighindefeat"Iwishyoucoul dhear
myt houghtsandt hewayt heywhisperyour
name.Ineedy ousomuchr i
ghtnow.")

.
.
.

.
.
.
It
hinki
wil
lpostagai
nbef
oresl
eepi
ng.
PSdontfor
gett
oli
keandcommentaf
ter
readi
ng.
[
06/
02,
16:
27]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t96
_
___
___
___
"
Thet r
uthisthet
ruth,
evenifnoonebel
iev
esi
t.
Ali
eisalie,evenifev
eryonebel
iev
esit
."-
Unknown
_
___
___
__
Nessa
(Iwat
chast heyal
ljoi
nusi ntheliv
ingroom,
Anayabetweenthem holdi
ngt hei
rhands.They
makesuchacut efamily
, i
fonlythi
ngscould
havetur
nedoutwell f
orthem.)

Anay
a:Uncl
eMar
cel
!
(Shesaysasshelet
sgot hei
rhandsandruns
forwar
dintoMarcel
'
shands.Whoki ssesher
cheeks.Suchanadorabl
ecutethi
ng.)

Bri
an:
(roll
shi
seyesandhi
ssesi
nal
owv
oice)
YoubroughtMar
ij
uanaal
ong?

Nal
edi
:(murmuri
ng)I
tsMar
celandy
esi
br
oughthi
m al
ong?Doyouhav
eaprobl
em?

Bri
an:Ishetheoner
esponsi
blef
ort
hatdi
rton
yourneck?

Nal
edi
:It
snoneofy
ourbusi
ness.

(Ideci
detoi
nter
ject,
theylookt
heymightj
ust
kil
leachot
her
."Ratherri
peachother
'scl
othes
of
f.
"MsP,
addson.
)

Nessa:SoMar
cel
,hav
eyoumetmybr
other
,
Br
ian.

Marcel
:Noi havenoty
ethadt
hepl
easur
eto
meethim of
fici
all
y.

Nessa:Well
(putt
inghandsonBrian'
sshoul
der)
Thi
sismyst i
ffupti
ghtbr
otherBr
ian.Br
ianthi
s
i
sNaledi'
sfr
iendfrom MedschoolMarcel
.

Mar
cel:(
ext
endi
nghi
shandf
orahandshake)I
t
i
sgreatt
ofi
nall
ymeety
ouBr
ian.

(Hecrosseshi
shandoverhischest,hi
sli
ps
pressedonahardl
ineandlooki
ngathi mfrom
toetoheadwit
hsmoulderi
ngey es.
)
Br
ian:(speaksi
nacolddist
anttoneexpressi
ng
hi
sirr
itat
ionanddi
sli
ke)Ican'
tsaythesame,
Mari
juana.

(Ist
eponhi stoebuthedoesnotevenbur
ge.
AsMs.Pr oll
sherey esbef
oresay
ing"men,
egoti
sti
calcreat
ures.")

Li
am:
Okay
!Br
ianl
etusgoandhav
eadr
ink.

Br
ian:
(nott
aki
nghi
sey
esof
fMar
cel
)No!

(Myinnerwomancrossesherarmsandsmi l
es,
"t
hisismuchmorefunthanbori
ngsoapiesso
muchdr amaunderoneroof.
"It
otal
lyagr
eei
haveneverseenmybrothersoworkedup.
)
Thierr
y:Nal
edi
i t
hinki
tsbet
tery
out
aket
he
prett
yboyandleave.

(
Ilookathi
m whendi
dhecomeback?
)

Naledi:Okay
,(r
eachi
ngoutf
orAnay
a)Baby
bearletusgo.

Br
ian:
Mychi
l
dremai
nsbehi
nd.

(
Nal
edi
tur
nst
olookatBr
ian.
)

Br
ian:Nochi
ldofmi
netravel
satni
ght.I
fyou
wanther
,comebackandtakeheri
nthe
morni
ng,al
one.

(
Heemphasi
zest
heal
onemor
e.)
Nessa:
ButBr
i.
..
..
.

Br
ian:
Stayoutofi
tVanessa.

Naledi:
Wear etravel
l
ingtoTamasaneinthe
mor ni
ng.Ineedhertowithmesoint he
mor ni
ngidon'tdri
vebackandfor
thjusthi
t
st
raightawayhome.

Bri
an:
Theniwil
lbr
ingheri
nthemorni
ng,
just
tel
lmewhatt
imeyouareleav
ing.

Marcel
:NoKit
ten,whymustyouleav
eher
behi
nd,imeanit
snotli
keyouaredri
nki
ngandi
t
i
snotevenlat
e.

Br
ian:
Zipi
tupwhot
oldy
out
osaysomet
hing.
Marcel:
Lastt
imei checkedt hi
swasmymout h,
icantal
kwheneveriwant .Idon'
tneedanyone
especi
all
ynotyourpermissiontospeak.

Thi
err
y:Star
,pl
easego.Leav
eLynnbehi
ndi
wil
l
per
sonal
lybri
ngheri
nthemor ni
ng.

(Naledil
ooksatThierr
yandhiseyespleadwi
th
hers.Shesighsthentakeheehandbagand
kissesAnaya'sf
orehead.)

Naledi
:Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
rowmor
ningokay
baby?

Anay
a:Okaymommy
!Hav
eal
ovel
yni
ght
.

(
Theywal
koutandAnay
a'snannyt
akeher
upstai
rs.Briangulpsdownwhi skythen
squashest heglassbreakingitint
opi eces.
Someof ftheglasscuthi m, andbloodcomes
out.Hedriveshisfisti
ntot hewall.Ihavenever
seenhiml osecont r
ol.
)

Thi
err
y:Pl
easel
eav
eus.

Nessa:
But
..
..
.

Li
am:
NoNessa,
letusgo.

(Hegui
desmeof ft
heroom wi
thApri
l who
l
ooksstar
tl
ed.Igl
anceovermyshouldertosee
Thi
err
ywhisper
ingsomethi
ngi
nBrian'sear.
)
_
___
___
___
___
___
_
Hai
l
ey
Hail
ey:
That'si
t,iam thegir
lwhobetrayedher
tr
uebestfr
iendforabet t
erli
fe.Iwasenvi
ous
andwantedeverythi
ngshehad.

(Il
ookov eratLefawhohasbeenl i
steni
ngto
meal l
t hi
stimenar r
atemylif
etohim.Wear e
sit
ti
ngout si
deint hegar
denunderthebeauti
ful
star
s.Ev ent
soft hedayhavecausedmet oend
uptell
inghimt hewholetrut
hbeforesomeone
beatmet oi
t.)

Lef
a:Soyouar
ethegi
rlwhocamebet
ween
Bri
anandNal
edi?

(i
nodmyhead)

Lef
a:Andt
heyl
ety
oul
i
ve?
Joy:Yep,Bri
ansaidideser
vedtoliv
esoi can
watchNaledi pr
osperandl
etmycr i
meshaunt
me.Iguesst heywereri
ghtbecausethesepast
7yearsthat'
swhatithasbeenallabout.My
cri
meseat i
ngmeup.

Lefa:
Iam notsay
ingwhatyoudi disri
ghtbut
youaregoi
nghavetoforgi
vey oursel
fJoyfor
whatyouhavedonethat
'stheonlywayy our
mindcanhavethepeaceitdeserves.

Hailey:
Noi don'
tdeserveanyf
or gi
veness(i
standupandgi v
ehi m mybackhuggi ngmysel
f)
Idon'tneedanyofit,i
needtokeep
remember i
ngwhatav i
l
eandwi ckedpersoni
am.Ineedi tt
oi canbethepersoni am t
oday.

Lef
a:(het
urnsmesoicanlookathi
m)
For
giv
ingyour
sel
fdoesnotmeanyoufor
get
.
Forgi
vingyoursel
fmeansy ousettingyour
self
fr
eefrom allt
heguil
tythat'
seat
ingy ouinsi
de,it
meansy ouaccepttheconsequencesofy our
acti
onsbutalsoremindy our
sel
ft hatyouare
humanandboundt omakemi stakes.Youdon't
haveyof or
getsothati
tcanber emi ndyouwho
youwer eoncebutwhoy ouarerightnow.

Hail
ey:Thenwhathappensafterf
orgi
vi
ng
myself
?Forgi
vi
ngmy selfdoesnotmeanNal
edi
wil
lfor
giveme.

Lefa:Thencomesst ep2askingf orforgiveness,

askingforforgiv
enessdoesnotnecessar i
ly
meany ouar egoingtobef orgivenoraccept ed
back.Noy ouar edoingitforyoursel
f,gettingri
d
offallt
hegui l
tyconscious.Sett
ingyour selffr
ee,
evenifBri
anandNal edidonotf orgi
vey ou,
whatmat tersisthatyoudidit.Youtookt he
couragetodoi t.
Hail
ey:Idon'tt
hinki
am t
hatcour
ageousLef
a.I
dontthi
nki candoit
.

Lefa:
Ther
eisnorush,
wetakei
tonest
epata
ti
me.Babyst
epsunti
lwegoti
tal
l.

Hai
l
ey:
We?

Lef
a: I
tsti
mey oureal
iset
hatyouarenotal
one
i
nthis.Iam yourf
ri
endsoi am goi
ngtohel
p
youthroughthi
sall
.Butfi
rsti
needtodo
something,somet
hingimport
ant.

Hai
l
ey:
Whati
sthat
?

Lef
a: No!Iwil
ltel
lyouonceiam done.Any
wayI
am veryproudofyouHailey
.Youpicked
your
selfupaf
tert
hat
,notev
eryonecandot
hat
.
Beproud.

Hai
l
ey:
Thanky
ou.

Lef
a:Ahug?

(Ismi
leandnodmyhead.Hestandsupandhis
handsaroundme.Ir
estmyheadonhischest
andclosemyeyes."
Thestor
misnevertheend.
Godmayusei tt
ogetyouexact
lywher
ehe
wantsyoutobe.
"-SteveEar
p)
[
06/
02,
16:
27]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t97
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
_
"I
'
lldancewi
thmydemonsandlett
hem l
ead
andassoonastheyt
hinkt
hey
'r
einchar
ge.I
'l
l
maket
hem bl
eed.
"-Jor
danSar
ahWeat
her
head
_
___
___
___
Busi

(Iwalkint
ot hehousemymotheri
swithAonein
theliv
ingroom watchi
ngsomemov i
e.Qui
nton
i
snowher einsightmeani
nghemustbe
sleepi
ng.)

Busi
:Wher
eishe?

Bont
le:
Whathappenedt
omanner
sint
hehouse?
Di
dwespendthedaytoget
her
?

Busi
: Hell
omot her
,Aone.Wher
eist
hemani
cal
lfatherbutnotevensur
eheiswort
hyof
bei
ngcal l
eddaddy?
Moagi
:Whati
sgoi
ngon?

Busi
:Tell
me?Whati
syourr
eal
name?Dav
idor
Moagi?

Moagi
:Moagi
ismyr
eal
name.

Busi:Thentel
lmeMoagi,
ifyoueverr
ecei
vedan
ordertotakemeoutdadwil
lyoudoit
?

(Il
ookathi
m,heopenshismout
htosay
somethi
ngbutshut
sit
.)

Busi:
Orshouldir
ephrasemyquest
ion,
ifever
yourbossHil
daThompsonaskedyoutotake
meout ,
wil
lyoudoitdad?
Moagi
:(sof
tl
y)Busi
,i
tisn.
..
.

Busi
:YesorNo.

Moagi:Yes!Itwil
lbebet
tert
olosej
ustone
deli
nquentchil
dthanhavemywholefamil
y
wipedout.

Busi:
Wow!Somuchforafat
her,i
sn'
taf
ather
supposedt
obeashi
eld,
aprotect
or?

Moagi
:Youwi
l
lnev
erunder
standBusi
.

Busi
:That'
syouexcuse?Youar
eanexcusef
or
afat
her.

(
Igr
abmybagandwal
kout
.Idon'
tknowhow
toev enf eel!Whethertobehur tthatmyown
fatherjustt oldmet hathewi l
lnothesitateto
takemeoutort ocrybecauseitsobv i
oust he
mani thoughti knewal lt
hisyearst ur
nsoutbe
av il
eev ilperson.Igetinmycaranddr i
veto
wher ei dontknow?Butsomewher ef arfrom
thi
st oxicpl ace.If
indmy selfatHot elGl
amoûr .I
getmyhandbagandwal ktotheirrecepti
onist
.)

Busi
:Hi
e!I
sMrAt
angMoseki
in?

Recept
ioni
st:
(smi
l
es)Ev
eni
ng,
yeshei
sin.

Busi
:Canyouri
nghim upandlethi
m knowt
hat
MrsBusiThompsonwouldli
ketomeethim.

(Iwat chasshetakest
hephoneandmakesa
call.Aftershei
sdoneshecal
l
supthehotel
valet.)
Recepti
onist
:Pleaseescor
tMr
sThompsont
o
thepenthouse.

(Hebowsatmet henescortsmeashei s
i
nstructed.Heringsthebellbefor
et urni
ngto
l
eaveme.At angopenst hedoor,hi
sshi r
trol
l
ed
up,untuckedandt helasttwobuttonsundone.
Wear i
ngblackformal pantsandbarefooted.
Suddenlyi f
eeloverwhelmed,li
kecry i
ng.)

Busi
:Idi
dn'
tknowwher
eel
set
ogo.

At
ang:
(openi
nghi
sar
mswi
debi
g)Comeher
e.

(It
akeastepintohi
sembracewherei f
ind
sol
itar
y.Il
etoutal
lthet
ear
sthatburned
beneathmyeyesandhejustsoot
hesme
whisperi
ngsweetwor
dsinmyear.Oncethe
tearsar
egone.Hegui
desmeinsi
det oachai
r
beforehandi
ngmeaglassofwat
er.)

Busi:
(taki
ngasi
p)Iam sorryf
orshowi
ngupon
yourdoorst
epunannounced.

Atang:(
shrugs)Iam gladthatyoucamehere.
(Smil
ing)itshowsthatourf
riendshi
pisgr
owing.
Wantt otalkabouti
t?

(Ishakemyhead, i
don'twantt
obur
denhi
m
andi honest
lydon'
tknowwhereiwoul
dhavet
o
evenbegin.)

Atang:Okayi
justknowhowt
ohel
pyouf
eel
bett
er.
(Hestandupanddisappeartooneoft her
ooms
toonlycomebackwithami c.Poppingabottl
e
ofchampagnehepour si
ntotwoglassesand
handsmeone.Thenswi tchesthel
ightsonthe
room todi
scol
ight
s.)

Busi
:Whati
sgoi
ngon?

Atang:
Wear egoingtosingoutt
hosesor
rows.
Ourownkaraokenight.(
Winki
ng)don'
tworr
yi
wil
lbethef
irstt
ogo.

(
Ibursroutlaughingathet
ri
est
osi
ngWhi
tney
HoustonIlookt oyou.
)
_
___
___
___
___
___
NARRATED

(
Thi
err
y,Li
am andBr
ianar
eint
hest
udyhav
ing
t
hei
rwhi
skyandci
garmoment
s.)

Thier
ry:
Imeanthisni
ggawasreadyt
otearof
f
thatguy'
sheadi
fhehadstay
edanylonger
.

Br
ian:
Noi
wasnot
.

Li
am:Youwere,andy
ouevenr
efusedt
oshake
hi
shand.Jeal
ousymakesy
ounastyBr
ian.

Bri
an:Honest
yiam notj
eal
ouse,
ijustdon'
tl
ike
theguy.

Thierr
y:Nomyguy,
youarej
ealouse,al
litt
ook
wasf oryout
oseet
hathi
ckeyandt heguyto
explode.
Br
ian:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveshei
sscr
ewi
ngt
hef
ri
end.

Thier
ry:Andyouscrewedmysi st
er,thenthat
gir
lwhoy oubonkedinthecar.Notforget
ing
yourcallupgi
rlf
rom t
hecity
.Ohal mostforgot
thegir
latthekarmasutral
essons.

Br
ian:
Okayf
ine,
whatpoi
ntar
eyoudr
ivi
ngt
o?

Thi
err
y:Youbeenscrewi
nggi
rl
slef
tandr
ight
soyoushoul
dletheral
sobl
owsomesteam.

Br
ian:
Idi
dn'
tcat
chanyf
eel
i
ngs.

Li
am: Andwhatmakesyout
hinkt
hatshehas
caughtsomefeel
i
ngs.
Br
ian:
Kant
eonwhosesi
dear
eyoui
n?

Thier
ry:Iam onthewi
nningside,whi
chiswhyi
thi
nkyouneedt oupyourgame, nomoreacti
ng
onpersonalfeel
i
ngsandemot ions.I
fweare
goi
ngt owinthesexydoctor
..
...

(
Bri
angr
owl
sathi
m)

Thier
ry:Youseewhatiam t
alki
ngabout,
keep
thati
ntactboyasiwassayi
ng,ifwearet
owi n
thesexydoctor(
winksatBr
ian)wearegoingto
doitfai
randsmar t
.

Li
am:
Thi
sshoul
dbei
nter
est
ing.

Thi
err
y:Excusemeami
nut
e.
(Hewalkoutandcomebackdr essedli
keBrian,
withabri
efcaseandeyeglasses.Hesetsthe
bri
efcaseonthetabl
ethenonwhi teboar
dwi th
"DrDl
amini"wi
thcapi
tall
ett
ers.)

Thier
ry:
(imi t
atingBr ian'
sv oi
ce)Wel comet o
"howtolureapr eyint othetr
ap"lecture, Iam Dr
Dlamini
,Rule1: Nol atecomingt omycl ass,if
byanychancey oumayf indoutsi
det hatdoorat
10pm onmonday s,wednesday sandf riday s
dontbothercomi ngi n.Rule2:Allmycl asses
arecompul soryf ail
uretodosowi ll
resul tin
fai
li
ngtolur ethepr eycompl etely
.Rul e3: No
useofcellphonesandemot i
onsinmycl ass.

(
Liam l
ooksathi
m andcr
acksup.Whi
l
eBr
iani
s
l
ooki
ngathim di
sappr
ovi
ng.
)

Li
am:
Youar
esuchanupt
ightLect
urerDr
Dl
ami
ni.

Thier
ry:Iknowri
ght,andtheseguy'
slect
ures
arethemostboring,hedoesnotevencracka
j
oke.Iregrett
edwastingmyhourlastweek
wheni accompaniedhim.

Br
ian:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
ocar
ryonorshoul
di
l
eave?

Thierr
y:(gi
vi
nghi
m asmugsmi rk)Soyouar
e
i
nterestedi
nmylessonsabouthunti
ngdown
yourprey.

Li
am:Ofcoursehei
scan'ty
ouseewit
hev
en
howhisearsar
estandi
ngoutt
oli
sten
att
ent
ivel
y.
Thi
erry
:ther
eareonlyfi
vesteps,
todaywewil
l
covert
hefir
stbasi
cstep,st
epone:"Beki
ndand
car
ing.
"

Br
ian:
Youmustbej
oki
ng?

Thierry:Firstyoupausei di
dnotsaygetr i
dof
butpausewi t
hy ourarrogance.Youaregoingto
got heret omor r
owwheny ougetther
ey ou
apologisef ortoday'sbehav i
our,apol
ogiseto
Mar ij
uana.Thenbeaki nddaddy ,nodrama.Ask
herwhenshei sgettingbackandaskf ordinner
,
j
usty ou, herandKai lynnsoy oucanspendt i
me
togetherasaf ami l
y.Yougetme?

Bri
an:Youwantmetoactl
iket
hosepat
heti
c
guyswhoaskfort
hisandt
hat,
suff
eri
nsil
ence.

Thi
err
y:Yesexact
lyi
fyouwantt
owi
nNal
edi
youwil
lbecomethatpat
heti
cguy
.No
demanding,
nodominance.

(
Liam cr
acksup)

Li
am:
Thi
sshoul
dbei
nter
est
ing.

Bri
an:It
hinkTr
avi
sisokaypl
ayi
ngt
hatr
olehe
doesnotneedahel
per.

Thi
err
y:Iwi
l
lbet
hej
udgeoft
hat
.

(Bri
anlooksatThier
rywonderi
ngifhehaslost
hismindorsomet hi
ng,hi
m pl
ayingthecool
kindguy,heshakeshishead.
)
[
06/
02,
16:
28]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t98
Unedi
ted
_
___
___
___
"idon'
tusual l
yletmyguar ddownt hatway ,
the
fearofunnecessar ywounds, butyether
ewe
areinthismoment ,abitdist
ract
ed,smil
ing
absentnindleyalit
tl
el ongert
hanmay bewe
shouldandi am sitt
ingheretell
i
ngmy selfnot
tooverthinkthi
s,justletital
lhappennat ur
all
y,
acceptev er
ynewmomentasi tcomes."-
AustinThomas.
_
___
___
___
___
_
Hai
l
ey

(Istandbefor
ehist ombstonetouchingi
twit
h
myf rai
lfi
ngers.I
tfeelsl
ikeyester
daywheni
stoodhereont hesamespotashi scoff
inwas
roll
eddown.Mostpeopl ewhi sper
edamongst
t
hemselvesasmyemptycriesfi
l
ledtheplaced,
mostl
ookedatmepit
if
ull
y.I
nthei
reyesiwas
t
hepit
if
ul or
phan,
whohadnooneelseinthis
wor
se.)

Hail
ey:Daddy!Ihasbeensolong.Somucht o
t
ellyouidon'tevenknowwher etost
art
.Iguess
i
tbetteri
fiintr
oducet hey
oungmanbymy side.
Daddy,meetmyf r
iendLef
a.Iguessiam nota
l
oneranymor e.

(
Lef
abows)

Lefa:Iwishicouldhavemetyouwheny ouwer
e
sti
l
l al
iv
eSi r
.Youhav esuchalov
ely
courageouslady.It
hanky ouf
orherl
if
e.

(Ismi
leathi
m asikneel
downandputf
lower
s
onhistombst
one.)
Hailey
: Sothear tgall
ery
,theonei t
oldyou
aboutlastt i
me.Itisbreakinggr ounddad.I
neverthoughtmywor kwil
l captivat
esomany
i
nterest,thankyouf orencour agingmet o
pursuemyar ti
sti
ccalli
ngdad.I tisreal
l
ya
breakthroughforme.

(
Itakeahugebr
eat
hasi
pause.)

Hai l
ey :
If i
nall
ydecidedt hatIam goingtost ar
t
l
ivingdad.Nomor ehidi ngaway ,nomor e
feeli
ngsor ryandguilt
y .Iwantagoodpl astic
surgeonwheni getbackt oGabor one.Iam
gettingr idofthebrandandl i
vi
ngmyl i
feas
Hai l
eyRober t
s.Imissy oudaddy ,iknowi
disappoi ntedyousomanyt i
mes.Iwi shi coul
d
hav etur nedouttobeabet terdaughtertomake
youandmom pr oud.(Iwi pemyt ears)Although
i
tabi tlatebutipromiset omakey ouvery
proud.Iwantyoubeamingwithsmilesin
heavenalongsidemom ofthewomani have
become.Thanky ouforevery
thi
ng,forbeli
evi
ng
i
nmewheni di
dnotbelievei
nmy self
.Ilove
youalways.Andi wi
l
lvi
sitagai
nsoon.

(Lef
aext endshishandandhelpstomyfeet.
Thenwewal koutofthecemeteryt
othecar.He
openst hepassengerseatandgetabot
tl
eof
water.Beforehehandsithegivesmeahug.
Theni sitdownandtakeasi pf
rom mywater.
)

Lef
a:Backhome?

Joy:
Let
sdr
ivet
oPal
apy
e.It
odi
str
actmy
sel
fa
bi
t.

Lef
a:Al
ri
ght
..
..
(
Hedrivest
oPalapy
e,hol
dingmyhandwi
thhi
s
f
reehand.Webothsi
lent
,absor
bedi
nour
t
houghts)

Lef
a:Wher
etof
ir
st?

Joy:Letusgetsomet
hingt
oeat
.Wi
mpyor
steer
s?

Lef
a:It
hinkWi
mpywi
l
ldoi
t.

(Igathermyscarfashepul l
sovertocov ermy
face.Lefaopensthedoorformeandhel psme
off.Hemakesnoat t
empttomov eilookathi m
andhet ouchesmyscar f
,taki
ngitoffslowly
.He
touchesmycheek, mybrandedcheekt hen
bendsov erandplantsaki
ss.Igetat i
ngly
ef
fectofmyt
oes.)

Lefa:(
whisper
ingi
nmyear )Embracey our
scars,
theyarepar
tofy ounow.Don'thidewit
h
bandagesandscarfs.Don'
tcower,l
ifty
ourhead
upandwal kli
keaqueeny ouaremeanttbe.

(Hekissesmyf oreheadandi getbutterf

li
esi n
myst omachaswehav eourey elocking
moment ." idon' tusual l
yletmyguar ddown
thatway, thef earofunnecessar ywounds, but
yetherewear ei nthismoment ,abitdist
racted,
smili
ngabsent nindleyal i
ttl
elongerthanmay be
weshoul dandi am si t
ti
ngher etel
li
ngmy self
nottoov erthinkt his,justletital
lhappen
natur
all
y, acceptev erynewmomentasi t
comes."-Aust inThomas.)

*
***
***
***
***
***
*
Nal
edi

(Iwalkf
rom t
heki
tchent
oat
tendt
heknockat
thedoor
.)

Nal
edi
:(cal
l
ingout
)Fi
nishup!Wehav
etohi
t
t
heroadsoon.

Marcel
:Letushopet
hat
'sy
ourbul
l
yBr
icks
br
ingi
ngAnaya.

(Ismil
etomysel
fasi openthedoor
.Bri
anis
standi
ngherhol
dingAnaya.Andherbag.
)

Br
ian:
Hi!

Anay
a:(
exci
tedl
y)Mommy
!
Nal
edi
:(ki
ssi
nghercheek)Heybabe.(
Noddi
ng
myhead)Bri
an!

(HeputsAnay
adownwhor
ushesi
ntot
he
house.
)

Nal
edi
:Thanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
ngheri
nti
me.

Bri
an:Look..
..!(
Hepauses)Iam sor r
y,formy
l
itt
leoutbur
sty est
erdaythatwaschil
dishofme.
Ihavenor i
ghttogetangr yabouthowy ou
choosetoliveyourli
fe.

(Il
ookathi m abi
tshocked,
Bri
anisreal
l
y
apologi
sing?Noihavetobedreaming.)

Br
ian:
Wher
eyourboy
fri
end,
Mar
i.
..
..
.(i
rai
semy
ey
ebrows,iknewitwastoogoodtobetr
ue.
)
NO!Imeanttosaywhereusyourboyf
ri
end
Marcel
,iwouldl
iketoapol
ogi
setohi
m.

Nal
edi
:Hei
snotmyboy
fri
end.Tr
avi
sismyor
wasmyboy
fri
end.

Bri
an:Butyouhadahickeyri
ghtaf
tercoming
fr
om him.Iassumedhemi ghtbet
heboy..
.

(
Idon'
tknowwhyi
feel
li
kei
shoul
dexpl
ain
mysel
ftome.
)

Nal
edi
:Hei
sjustmyf
ri
end,
thoughhei
s..
..

Bri
an:(
interr
upt
ingme)No!Babycakesnoneed
toexpl
ain.Li
keisaidihavenori
ghttoknow
whatyoudoi nyourli
fethati
ncl
udewhoy ou
choosetosl
eepwi
thornot
.Itnoneofmy
busi
ness.

(Igetabi
thurtbyhi
sstatement
.SomehowI
didn'
tcov
erthathi
ckeyi
npurposebecausei
hopedhewillt
hrowafit
.)

Br
ian:
Soi
sheher
esoIcanapol
ogi
seandbe
onmyway.

(
Inodmyheadandst epasidet
oall
owhi
m
i
nside.Helookssogl
oriousandbi
gmaki
ngmy
l
i
vingr oom l
ooksoti
ny.
)

Naledi
:Mar
cel
,Br
ianhassomet
hingt
osayt
o
you.

(
Hest
andsupandwal
kst
oBr
ianwi
thAnay
a
t
rai
l
ingbehi
ndhi
m.)

Mar
cel
:Iam al
lear
s.

Br
ian:
Iwouldl
i
ketoapol
ogiseformybehav
iour
l
astni
ghti
twastot
all
youtofl
ine.

Marcel
:(cr
ossi
nghi
shandsov
erhi
schest
)
Thengoahead.

Br
ian:
Huh?

Marcel
:Yousai
dyouwoul
dli
ket
oapol
ogi
se,
so
apol
ogi
se.

(
Inoti
ceBri
an'sj
awsti
ghtenandhandr
oll
ina
f
istwi
thknuckl
espoppi
ngoutbefor
ehe
r
elax
esandgi
vi
nghi
m hi
sfakesmi
l
e)

Bri
an:Iam sorr
yf orlastni
ght.Ishoul
dhav e
behavedbetter
.(Extendinghishandfora
handshake)Howaboutaf reshstart
,Iam
Anaya'
sfather,
Kgot l
aeseleBrianDlamini
.

Marcel
:(shaki
nghi
shand)Iam Anay
a'sGod
f
ather,
Mar cel
August
ine.

Br
ian:
Iti
sapl
easur
emeet
ingy
ou.

Marcel
:(mocki
ngl
y)Thepl
easur
eisal
lmi
ne,
Br
icks.

(
Bri
anlooksathim war
il
y,t
henpi
cksAnay
aand
whi
sperssomethi
nginherearwhi
chmakesher
t
olaugh.
)
Anay
a:Mommy
,candaddycomeal
ong?

Nal
edi
:Uhm!.
..
..
.

Bri
an:Nobabybear
,daddyhast oremain
behi
ndandprepar
eyouthatTreehouse.Yougo
wit
hmommyandbeagoodgi rl.Iwil
lseeyou
whenyougetback.

Anaya:
(whi
nni
ng)Buti
wantdaddyt
ocome
al
ong.

Bri
an:
Iknowmyl ove,t
elly
ouwhatify
oubea
goodgir
l.Iwi
llkeepthatpromi
seimade.Our
l
it
tl
esecretyouremember ?

(
Shenodsherhead.
)
Bri
an:(
Kissi
nghercheeks)That
smygi
rl
.We
haveadealthen.

(
Heputherdown,butAnay
aext
endsherhand
f
orahandshake.
)

Anaya:
Grandmasai
dadeal
isadeal
ifseal
ed
wit
hahandshakeMrD.

(If
indmy sel
fsmil
ingt
omy sel
fatthei
rli
tt
le
i
nteract
ionthoughiam muchcur
iousaboutthi
s
deal.
)

Br
ian:(
shaki
ngherhand)I
thasbeenagr
eat
pl
easuredoi
ngbusi
nesswithy
ou,MsD!

*
***
***
***
***
***
(
Iwal
kBr
iant
ohi
scarout
side.)

Bri
an:
(cl
ear
inghi
sthr
oar
)Ihav
en'
tthankedy
ou
yet
.

Nal
edi
:(puzzl
ed)Huh?

Bri
an:Forgivi
ngmesuchabubbl yhappychil
d.
Themanner syouhavetaughtherBabycakes
areoutofthi
sworld.Thanky ouformaki
ngme
aproudfather
.

Naledi
:No!Thanky ouforgi
vi
ngmey our
beauti
fulgenes.Ihav
eabeautif
uldaught
er
thankstoyou.

Bri
an:(chuckl
es)Soi
not
her
swor
dsi
am
handsome?
Naledi
:Doyouev
enhav et
oask?(
Iclapmy
handovermymouth.Ihav
esuchaloudvoi
ce.
)

(
Hel ooksatmeandcracksup.Histonguedark
l
icki
nghisli
psbef
orebit
eshislowerli
p,making
meweakonmyknees.)

Br
ian:
Cani
pleasegetahugbef
orei
leav
e.

(Inodmyheadbecausei don'
ttr
ustmyv oi
ce.
Hedr awsmei nhi
sarmsandengul f
smewi th
hisstrongar
mssqueezingali
tt
le.Irestme
headonhi sshoul
der,cl
osi
ngmyey esandi
i
ntoxicatemysel
fwit
hhissmell
.)

Br
ian:
Iwi
sh.
..
..
.(het
rai
l
sof
f)
(
Itakeast
epbackandl
ooki
ntohi
samberey
es)

Nal
edi
:Youwi
shwhat
?

Bri
an:Nev
ermind,t
akecar
eofy
our
sel
fandmy
daught
erforme.

(Hekissmyhandbef oretur
ningandgett
ing
i
ntohiscar .Iremainfr
ozeninoneplaceasi
watcht hecardriveaway.Thehearwantswhat
i
twant s.Myhear tdesi
resareafl
ashingred
hazar
dt oi
t.)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Thanky
ouf
ory
ourpat
ience
PS:
Dontf
orgert
oli
keandcomment
[
06/
02,
16:
28]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t99
Unedi
ted
*
***
***
***
***
***
"Justbecauseyou'
renotget
ti
ngany,doesnot
meany oucanr ai
nonourparade.
"-ZeroWi
ne
Thirst
y,TheBit
e-Book1
*
***
***
***
***
**
BUSI

Thecarpar
kafewhousesawayf
rom t
he
enor
moushouseoft
heThompsons.)
At
ang:Ist
il
ldon'
tbel
i
eveyouar
ethey
oungest
wi
feofNickThompson.

Busi:
Idon'
tevenknowwhyyouarebr
ingi
ng
thi
supagain.It
houghtwear
epastt
his.

At
ang:(
laughi
ng)No!Busi,
itdoesnotev
en
makesense.Howdiditcomeabout?

Busi
:I
tal
ongst
ory
.

Atang:(
laughi
ng)Okaytel
lmebet
weenmeand
you,whatattr
act
edyoutohim,
wasitt
hedi
ck
gameandt hemoney .

Busi
:(r
oll
i
ngmyey
es)At
ang!
At
ang:
Myguttel
l
smei tisthemoney,boNi
ck
l
ooksl
iket
het
ypethatgotzerodi
ckgame.

(
Ibur
stoutl
aughi
ng.
)

Atang:Youarebr
ave,noosebetengwanawa
batho.Formoneyyou,j
ustt
ieyour
sel
ftoazer
o
game.

Busi
:Iam l
eav
ing.

At
ang:(t
easi
ngl
y)Youandt
hosegi
rl
sbadi
bl
esser
asamewhatsappgr
oup.

Busi:
(laughi
ng)Youar
ebei
ngsav
agenow,
iam
di
ffer
ent.
At
ang:
How?Expl
ain?

Busi
:Idonthav
etoexpl
ainmy
sel
ftoy
ou.

Atang:(
heburstoutl
aughing)Becauseyou
knowimt el
l
ingthetr
uth.Shem!Poorthi
ngim
sureyoumustbesexuallyst
arv
ing.

Busi
:Justst
opt
easi
ngmepl
usi
am get
ti
nga
di
vor
ce.

Atang:Makesureyouwalkawaywi
thabi
gger
package,
compensationf
orall
they
ear
syou
havebeenstar
ving.

(
Ibur
stoutl
aughi
ngandl
ookathi
m shaki
ng
myhead.
)
Busi:Iam l
eavingautwa.Thanky
ouf
orbei
ng
ther
ewheni neededcheeri
ngup.

At
ang:
Youowemyy
oungl
ady
.

Busi
:What
ever
!

(i
getofft
hecarandstar
twal
ki
ngtot
he
mansi
on.Hedri
vesfol
l
owingme.
)

Atang:Thebacki
sasfl
atasthepl
ank,sodon't
bothertr
yingt
oshaket
heass,dol
olonot
hing,
ni
cks!

(
Hel aughsandtakesoff
.Ist
ickmymi ddl
e
f
ingerathim.Gosh!Wheredi
di ev
enf i
ndhim
l
etalonehowdidi agr
eetobehisfri
end.Heis
j
ustt
oocr
azy
.)
*
***
***
***
***
***
(Iwalkint
heli
vi
ngroom andev
ery
onei
s
gatheredi
stheli
vi
ngroom.)

Hi
l
da:
Busi
joi
nusher
efort
womi
nut
es.

(Inodmyheadandt akeasi
tnextt
oVanessa
ont hecouch.Br
iansoonfol
l
owsafterme.)

Br
ian:
Okaywhodi
ed?Wear
eal
lqui
tei
nher
e?

Dari
ma:Akill
erwil
lal
wayst
hinkaboutdeat
h.
Probabl
ybecauseyouar
eafr
aidyourdayis
comingsoon.

Br
ian:
No!Gr
ansi
am notscar
edofdeat
hbut
youontheothersi
de,y
oushouldbeImeanold
womenl i
keyouhaveatendencyofdyi
ngin
thei
rsl
eeporofsuddenheartat
tacks,
str
oke
andall
theli
kes.

Li
am: It
hinksheshoul dgoback,t
hevi
ll
age
wit
chesmustbemi ssingyoualot
.Youhave
beenheref orover7yearsnow.Wenolonger
cal
litvi
sit
ing,iti
scal
li
ngmov ingi
n.

Dari
ma:Iam notgoi
nganyway,
ifsomeonehas
haditwi
thme.Theyarefr
eetoleave.

Hi
lda:Okaycuti
tout
.Ididnotcall
y ouher
eto
st
artbi
ckeri
ngatoneanot
her.Therehasbeena
sl
i
ghtchangetofamil
ystr
uctur
e.

Ni
ck:
Whatsl
i
ghtchange?
Hi
lda:Tur
nsoutt
hatNal
edi
andBusi
are
si
bli
ngs.

Br
ian:
What
?

(
Het
urnsandl
ooksatme.
)

Busi:
Weshar
ethesamef
ather
,shei
smyhal
f
si
ster.

Li
am: (
clappinghishandsonce)wondersoft he
worl
dnev erend.ThatmakesBusi anauntalso
agrandmot her
.Gog'Busi
siwe!(Helaughs)

Nessa:
Liam!
Li
am:Astickysit
uati
on,
Gog'
B,al
sohappenst
o
beBr
ian'
ssisteri
nlawandst
epmother.

(
Hecr
acksup.
)

Nessa:
(smi
l
ing)St
opi
tman!

Hi
lda:Bri
anwhati
syouri
ntent
iont
owar
ds
Naledi
andAnaya?

Bri
an:Youdon'
tevenhav
etoaskmot
her
,iam
get
tingmygir
lsback.

Hi
lda:
Great,
ithi
nkiti
sti
mei
letBusi
got
o
l
eaveherownlif
e.

Ni
ck:
Whatdoest
hatmean?
Hi
l
da:
Youar
edi
vor
cingherNi
ck!

Dar
ima:Whydon'
tyoudi
vorcemyson?And
l
eaveusal
onewit
houryoungbri
de?

(Il
ookatDar
ima.Isweart
hisol
dwomanmust
besmokingweed.
)

Hil
da:
Thatcanbear
rangedi
fthat
'
swhaty
our
sonwishesf
or.

Ni
ck:No!It
hinki
tsbet
tert
hanway
!Whatabout
myson?

Hi
lda:Qui
ntonremainsaThompson.Buthe
st
ayswithBusi
.Wewi l
lhavehi
m any
timewe
want.Moneysetapartforhi
sEducat
ion.
Ni
ck:
Soundsr
easonabl
e.

Br
ian:
Andwhatdoesshewal
kawaywi
th?

Hi
l
da:
Ajob,
ahouseandasum ofP250000.

Bri
an:Ihopeshestaysawayfrom us.Because
i
fshetriesagai
nthi
stimearoundshewi l
lnot
scot
-f
ree.

(
Ilookathim andhehashi
seyesonme.No
f
li
nch!Iknowhemeansev er
ywordhesays.
)

Hil
da: Greatnownextontheagenda.Fami
l
y
business,Dari
ma,Apri
landBusicanyoupl
ease
excuseus?
Dar
ima:Iam par
toft
hef
ami
l
y,whatdoy
ou
mean?

Hilda:
Weallknowhowy ouf
eelaboutourways
ofdoingt
hings.Wehav
eheardenoughoft he
prayer
sandpastor
syoucall
inhereforus.So
spareusokay.

(Shestandsupandfl
ickshert
ongueasshe
walksout.Ideci
det
ogot omyr oom andst
art
packi
ng.)
*
***
***
***
***
**
Nessa

Nessa:Mayialsobeexcused,i
havenodesi
re
i
njoini
ngthefamil
ybusinessma!
Hi
l
da:
Okay
,nopr
obl
em.

(Istandupandwal
ktothedoor
.Iam act
ual
l
y
dyingtogoandmeetAce.
)

Hil
da:
Vannessa,onel
astt
hing,
Obser
veri
s
backi
noperat
ion.

(
Igetacol
dshi
verbecausei
knowwhatt
hat
means.
)

Nessa:
Okay
,goodt
oknow.

Hi
l
da:
Sur
ebabe!

(
Shewinksatme.Igeti
ntomycarasithinkof
abet
terpl
antogetmotherof
fmyback.Ifonly
Acecouldagr
eet
omypl an.Isi
ghasi packint
o
hi
sgarageandwalkint
ot hehouse.Heislyi
ng
onthecouchwat
chinghighli
ghtsoffootbal
l
.)

Nessa:
(bendi
ngov
eri
kisshi
m)Hey
!

Ace:
Myl
ove!Youl
ookexhaust
ed.

Nessa:
Notr
eal
l
y!

(Isayasit
akeoffmyshoesanddr
opmy sel
f
nextt
ohim put
ti
ngmyheadonhischest
.)

Ace:
Andhowdi
ditgowi
thNal
edi
?

Nessa:(
smil
ing)Yourpl
anwor
kedli
kemagi
c
baba.Af
terafewwhipsandt
hegir
lwasal
lover
me.

Ace:
Thi
siswher
eigetmyt
hanky
ouki
ss.

Nessa:
Wit
hpl
easur
emyl
ove.

(It
urnmyheadandki
sshi
m sl
owl
y.Ther
eisa
knockatt
hedoor.
)

Nessa:
Iam goi
ngtochangei
ntosomethi
ng
comfor
tabl
eyougetr
idofwhoeveri
sknocki
ng.

Ace:
Yesy
ourhi
ghness.

(Ismil
etomy sel
fasichangei
ntohi
soversi
ze
shir
tandsocks.Iwal
kbacktotheli
vi
ngroom.)
Nessa:
Ihopey
ougotr
idoft
heper
so.
..
..
..
..
.

(
Itrai
loffasinoti
ceBri
an,Li
am andThi
erryi
n
t
hemi ddleofthel
ivi
ngroom wit
hacooler
."I
t
hinkwear eindeepshi
rtNessa!
"Myinner
womansay s.)

Bri
an:(j
olt
ed)Vanessa,whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
(Helooksathim caut
iousl
y)Whyar
eyou
wearin.
..
..
.?

(Het
urnstolookatAcewhoi sstandi
ngbyt he
door
."Wellyouonthisal
oneNessa.Iwill
come
outl
ater
."Oh!thankPett
y,j
ustwhatineed.)

Brian:Tel
lmeAceGomolemo,whyismylit
tl
e
sisteri
nyourapar
tment
?Hal
fnaked,put
ti
ngon
yourf i
l
thyshi
rt
?
Nessa:
Bri
anwai
ti.
.

Bri
an:(rai
seshi
shand,i
nter
rupt
ingme)Nota
wordfrom youyoungl
ady!Aceiaskedy
oua
quest
ion?

Ace:
Wel
lthet
rut
his.LookBr
ian!

Thier
ry:(
amusingl
y)Bri
anthi
si stheloseryou
havebeenlooki
ngfor,y
ouknowt heloserwho
i
sscrewingyourli
tt
lesi
ster
,theoney ouhav e
beensearchi
nghighandlowf or,
turnsouttobe
yourfr
iend.

Br
ian:
What
!

Thei
rr
y:Tast
eofy
ourownmedi
cine.Pay
back
bi
t**
!

(
Hecr
acksupl
aughi
ng)
[
06/
02,
16:
28]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t100
Unedi
ted
*
***
***
***
***
"
Thewor stbat
tl
eyouhav
etof
ightisbetween
whatyouknowandwhatyouf
eel.
"-Fb/His
t
houghts
*
***
***
***
***
Nessa

Wit
hinani
nstantBr
ianisoverAceat
tacki
ng
hi
m wit
hapunchont hejawsmakinghim
st
umbleback.
Nessa:Brian!Dontdot
his.Thei
rr
ypl
easedo
something.

(Thi
err
yopenst
hecoolert
akesoutHei
neken
andjumpsonthecouchtaki
ngasip.
)

Thei
rr
y:Nah!Lett
hem be.

(Acechar
gesbackandsendshisf
isti
nto
Bri
an'
sstomachmakinghim gr
owlback.
)

Nessa:
(it
urnt
oLi
am)Pl
easedosomet
hing.

(
HejoinsThi
err
yonthecouchwit
hbeerand
r
eachesfort
heremotecont
rol
.
)

Li
am:
Bat
olebant
shanebonkane.Don'
tst
op
f
ighti
ngunt
ilsomeonesur
render
s.Weneeda
winnert
her
e.

Thi
err
y:Iwil
lbet
heemperor,
Acemakesur
e
youai
mf orhi
sgoldenf
ace.

(Theytur
ntolookatthetel
ev i
sionnottotal
l
y
bother
edbywhatist r
anspir
ingbet weenBri
an
andAce.Theyarenowr oll
i
ngont hecoldti
l
e.
Bri
anont opofAce,gi
vinghim afewbl ows.)

Nessa:
Bri
an!St
opi
t,y
ouwi
l
lki
l
lhi
m.

Thier
ry:Mylov
ejustl
ett
hem be.St
opwast
ing
yourenergy
.

(Acetumbl
esBri
andownandgetont opofhi
m
deli
veri
ngafewpunchesal
so.Ir
eachformy
phoneandcal
lmymom.
)

Hi
l
la:
Babygi
rl
!

Nessa:
(cr
ying)Ma!Youneedt
ocomet
heyar
e
ki
ll
i
ngeachot her
.

Hi
l
da:
Who?

Nessa:
Bri
anandAce.

Hil
da:Youmeanyourbrot
herandyour
boyfr
iend,
whohappenstobehisf
ri
end.

Nessa:
Yesma!Imeant
hem.

Hi
l
da:
Lett
hem bei
ftheywantt
oactl
i
kea
bunchofchi
l
drent
her
eisnot
hingwecan.

Nessa:
ButMa!

Hil
da:No!NessaIhavebett
erthi
ngstodot
han
babysi
tyourbr
otherandyourboyf
ri
end.

(Shehangsupandi l
ookatThierryandLi
am
whoar ebusywat chingthefootball
matchasi f
nothingishappening."Thi
nkofsomet hi
ng,and
betterbefastbeforetheykil
loneanother
."
Pettysays.Butwhatshoul dido?"Think,how
abouty ouscream thenfai
nt.
"Irollmyeyes.)

Nessa:
Bri
an!St
opi
t,Acepl
easest
opal
ready
.

(
Itouchmyheadandl
etmybodyf
all
heav
il
yto
t
heground.
)
Br
ian:
Vanessa!

(
Hel
eav
esAceandr
ushest
ome.)

Ace:
Peaches!

(
Hekneel
sbymysi
de.Checki
ngmypul
se)

Thier
ry:(
sippi
nghisbear)Ify
ouaredone
thr
owingbawl sateachother
.Canwewatcht
he
gamei npeace?

Ace:
Youcanactual
l
ybl
ameBr
ianhei
stheone
whostar
ti
ngi
t.

Br
ian:
Don'
tsayany
thi
ng,
didn'
tit
ell
younott
o
scr
ewmyscr
ew.

Their
ry:If
ail
tounderst
andhowy oucanscrew
otherpeopl
e'ssi
ster
sandnotexpectpeopl
eto
screwyours.

Br
ian:
Hei
smyf
ri
endpl
ushei
sol
d.

Thi
err
y:Iam y
ourbest
fri
endbuty
oust
il
l
scr
ewedmysi st
er.

Br
ian:
Youcan'
tcompar
eGi
sel
l
etoNessa.

Liam:NoBrianisahypocr
ite,
youhavenori
ght
tojudgeorgetangr
y.YoudatedNaledi
even
boreachil
dwi t
hher,buty
ouol dt
hanher.
Ace:
Yah!Heshoul
dpr
act
icewhatheact
s.

Bri
an:Idon'
thavet
imefort
hisnonsense.
Vanessagetupwearegoi
nghome.

(
Iopenmyey
eandl
ookathi
m)

Br
ian:
(angr
il
y)Don'
tmakemer
epeatmy
sel
f.

(Ij
umpt omyf
eetandgoi
nther
oom t
ogetmy
handbag.)

Bri
an:Idon'twantaradi
usnearmysist
er,
ify
ou
seeherwal ki
ngyourway,t
urnar
oundandwalk
away.Ifyouhappentowalksamedir
ecti
on
changedirect
ion.
(Heopenst hedoorf
ormet hencrosstohis
side.Thi
err
yandLiam walkoutwitht
heircool
er,
whileAcestandsbythedoor,myheartbreaks
i
npi ecesasiwatchhim.Il
ovehim whycan't
theyseethatandunderst
andthat
.)

Thier
ry:
(scr
abbli
nghisbl
ackcurl
yhair)Boss,
whataboutus?Aren'
tyouwai
tingforustoput
thecool
erinthecarboot
?

Bri
an:I
nwhichcar
?Defi
nit
elynotmi
ne.Youwi
l
l
seehowyougetbackhome.

(Hedriv
esoffleavi
ngLiam andThi err
yinthe
parki
nglot
.Fro.Therearmirr
ori seeThier
r y
l
aughashet akesabeerandsi tont hecooler
dri
nki
ng.)
*
***
***
***
***
**
NALEDI
Il
etMarceldri
ve.Ir
emai
nquiteduri
ngthe
whol
ejourneymakingsmallt
alkher
eandthere.
Iam i
naconfli
ctwithmyfeel
ingsandemoti
ons.

Mar
cel
:Youl
ovehi
m?

Nal
edi
:Huh?

Marcel
:Oh!Ki
tt
endon'tactdumbwi
thme,
you
knowwhoi am t
alki
ngabout.

Nal
edi
:Isi
tthatobv
ious?

Mar
cel
:yesev
enabl
i
ndper
soncanseei
t.

Nal
edi
:Iam conf
used,
whatmusti
do?
Marcel
:Whati
shol
dingy
oubackf
rom bei
ng
wi
thhim?

Naledi
:Iam afr
aidifget
tinghurtagain.Idon'
t
knowifmyhear tcantakeanypain.Pl usthi
s
ti
mear ounditi
snotonlyme, (i
turnandl ookat
Anayawhoi ssleepi
ng)therei
shert ot hi
nk
about.

Marcel
:Youshoul dn'
tf earKi
tten.I
fyouwant
hi
m, gofori
t,r
athert hannottakingachance
andregr
etti
ngitlaterinfutur
e.

Naledi
:Idon'
tknowMarcel
.WhataboutTr
avi
s,i
dontwanttohurthi
m?

Mar
cel
:Doy
oul
ovehi
m?
(
Inodmyhead)

Marcel:
(sighs)Cani tellyouhowi seeit,you
don'
tlovehim, youlovet heideaofhi m,hel oves
youandy ouknowwi t
hhi my oucannev erget
hurt
.Youar eseekingaBr i
ani nhi
m.Whi chis
notri
ghtStar,youarel eadingont heseguyon,
makinghim believ
ey oul ovehim.Rat herhur t
him wi
thtruththancomf orti
nghim wi t
hlies.

(
Ikeepqui
teashi
swor
dshi
tthecor
e.)

Marcel
:Pl
usthi
sguyisyourstepbr
other
,it
coul
dnevergoanyf
urther
.Ithi
nkyoushould
gi
veBri
anasecondchance.

Nal
edi
:It
houghty
ouar
eant
i-
Bri
an.
Marcel
:Wel
lhei
sanar
rogantj
erkbuti
thi
nk
youbel
ongt
oget
herwi
thhim.

Nal
edi
:Okay
.

Mar
cel
:Ihav
efav
ourt
hough?

Nal
edi
:Whati
sit
?

Marcel
:Don'
tfor
giv
ehi
myet
.Gi
vehi
m ahar
d
t
ime.

Nal
edi:How?Ican'
tevencont
rol
mysel
fwhen
weareinthesameroom.Hehasimmall
eabl
e
af
fectonme.
Marcel
:Justf
ight
,fi
ghtwithever
ythi
ngy
ou
hav
et i
l
lyouseeheissincere.

Naledi:Okay
!Andyoushoul
dst
opmocki
nghi
m
idon'tknowwhathemightdot
oyou.

Marcel
:Dontwor
ryi
am notaf
rai
difBr
ian.He
doesnotscar
eme.

Anay
a:Good,
daddyi
sal
sonotaf
rai
dofy
ou.

(Webotht
urntol
ookatthey
oungl
adywhoi
s
si
tt
ingup,
wideawake.
)

Marcel
:(chuckl
es)Goodt
oknow.Onwhi
sesi
de
ar
ey ouonagain?
Anaya:
Grandma,
sai
dmyloy
altyshoul
dbe
pl
edgedtothewi
nni
ngt
eam.Isidewit
hdaddy
.

(Ishakemyhead,t
hisy
oungl
adyi
sget
ti
ngt
oo
cleverf
ormyli
ki
ng.)

Nal
edi
:Whi
chGr
andmaar
ewet
alki
ngabout
?

Anaya:Gr andmawi t
habigcomputeri
nabig
buil
dingthathasmeni nbl
acksui
ts.Thecool
grandmaHi l
da.Shesai
donedayiwill
ownabig
comput erli
ketheonesheshowedme.

Nal
edi
:Andwhendi
dyouseet
hisbi
gcomput
er?

Anay
a:Lastni
ghtwesneakedoutaf
terdaddy
sl
ept
.
Nal
edi
:Andwher
eist
hisbi
gcomput
er?

Anay
a:Nomommy !That
'sat
opsecr
etbet
ween
myandgrandma.

(Igr
inandlookatMar
celshr
uggi
ngmy
shoulder
s.Hil
dai
sbusymakingsecr
etswi
th
mydaught er
.)

Nal
edi
:Letsst
opi
nPal
apy
eineedt
obuymama
somet
hing.
*
***
***
***
*
Hai
l
ey

(Weparkbythemal
ltobuyaf
ewt
hingst
hatwe
needhome.)
Lefa:
Ifai
ltounder
standhowBotswanacanbe
thi
sbigcountr
ybutGaboronebetheonl
yci
ty
wit
hcinemas.

Hai
ley
:Ithi
nktheyshoul
dopenonei
n
Fr
anci
stown.

Lefa:NohereinPal
apye,Pal
apy
eisgrowing
mor ethanGhett
o.Maybeiti
sti
meitbecame
thesecondcapit
alci
ty.

Hai
l
ey:
No!Pal
apy
eisgr
owi
ngi
nter
msofmal
l
s.

Lefa:Justwat
chout
,Pal
apy
eisv
erypr
omi
sing
itel
lyou.

Hai
l
ey:
Letusagr
eet
odi
sagr
ee.
(Hepushest het rol
leywhi l
eipickthespeci al
paperandbrowset hrough.Anhourl at eripush
thetrol
l
eyout sidet ot hecar,Lefaisbehi ndme
stil
lpay
ingforsomet hing.Absentmi nded,i
almostrunov ert hebabywhoi spl ay
ingbyt he
blueJeepRubi conpar kednextt oLefa'scar.
Theparentsar ebusyl oadingtheirgroceriesin
thecarboot.Ist opt henr unforwardt ohelpt he
chil
dup.)

Hai
l
ey:
Gosh!Iam sosor
ry!Ar
eyouokay
?

(
Ihel
pherst
andup.Andshegi
ggl
esl
ooki
ngat
me)

Thebaby
:Iam okay
,thanky
ou.

Mother
:Baby
,Comeher
e.Iam sor
rydi
dshe
st
andinyouway?
Hai
ley
:(Ist
andupandsmi
l
e)I
tisokay
.You
hav
esu...
..
..

(
Itr
ailof
fasmyey
esmeetwi
thher
s.OhGod!
No!)

[
06/
04,
19:
22]Rn:
DeepDesi
res 
I
nser
t101 
Unedi
ted 
*
***
***
***
***
"Thought
sofyouwhichbr
oughtsmi
leonmy
facenoebri
ngsonl
ytear
sinmyeyes."-
Kishor
e 
*
***
***
***
***
NALEDI

(Ilookather ,myangerf lareupasi myr oam

overher .Shel ookshappybutt herei sglintof
sadnessi nherey esasshel ooksstmy
daught erandbackatme.I ntheol denday sthat
sadnesswoul dhav eaffectedmybutr i
ghtnow
i
tmakesmeangr y.ThisissomeoneInev er
wishedt ocr osspat hswi th.Iloathher ,Il oathe
herexi stence.Ononeofhercheeksi tiswr i
tten
"Betrayer"i don'tknowhowshegoti tbutshe
deser vesitandmanymor ebadt hings,
somehowi wishi wast heonewhocoul dhav e
brandedher .Bi l
er i
seupasi l
ookather .Thi s
evilwomanher edoesnotdeser vet obel ivi
ng
ri
ghtnow, shest olemyf utur
e, sher uinedmy
l
ife.Icoul dbemar ri
edr i
ghtnowt othel ov eof
myl ifeifitwasnotf orherv i
leact i
ons.)

Nal
edi
:Babybear
,letusgo.
Anay
a:Mommy
,ar
eyounotgoi
ngt
ogr
eether
?

Naledi:Idon'
tgoar
oundgr
eet
ingst
ranger
sI
don'tknow.

Anay
a:Butmommyy
out
aughtm.
..
.

Naledi
:(i
nter
rupt
ingher)AnayaKail
ynnDlami
ni,
getyourpret
tyassinthatcarr
ightnow.

(Shelooksatmebefor
egoi
ngt
oMar
cel
whoi
s
standi
ngwatchi
ng)

Joy
:(sof
tl
y)Nal
edi
!

Nal
edi
:(It
urnt
owal
kaway
)Idon'
tknow
any
onebyt
hatname.

(Ifeel
herhandsonmybackwhi
chmakesmy
bloodboi
l.
)

Joy
:Nal
edi
pl.
..
.

(
Igr
abherhandandsqueezeai
t.
)

Naledi:
Don'teverputyourf
il
thyhandsonme.I
tol
dy ouidon'tknowthepersonyoutal
ki
ng
about.

Lef
a:Hai
l
ey,
whati
sgoi
ngonNal
edi
?

Nal
edi
:(ast
oni
shed)Lef
akae?Whatar
eyou
doi
nghere?
Lef
a:(
hol
dingJoy
'shand)Iam wi
thher
.

Naledi:
(looki
ngather)Youal
way sbeenafter
otherpeople'
smenst ar
ti
ngwithPhenyo.(Il
ook
atLefa)Keepy ourdi
gontheleashnextti
me
shetouchesmei wil
lmakesureisquashher
bones.

Lef
a:Nalediinevert
houghty
ouarethi
svi
l
e
per
son.Bitt
ernessmakesyounast
y.

Naledi
:It
snotbi
tt
erness,
Hat
e,myhat
redf
or
hermakesmenasty.

(Itur
nandgeti nt
othecar
.Mar
cel
looksatmea
bitshocked.)
Nal
edi
:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
odriv
eorshoul
dij
ump
t
hatsi
deandt
aket
hewheel
?

Mar
cel
:(sof
tl
y)Nal
ed.
..
..
.

Naledi
:(cutt
inghi
m off)Don'tiam noti nthe
moodr i
ghtnowf oryourDrPhil t
alks.Not hing
youhavet osaywil
lchangemymi nd.Ther eare
twopeopleIhatewholeheartedlyinthiswor l
d
that
sJoyandmysper m donor.Ifhav e
somethingtosayaboutit,keepittoy ourself.

(Ihearhim sighthenkeepqui teashejoinsthe

mainr oadagain.Aswel eav ePalapy
et herai
n
startpouri
ngdown, il
ookoutoft hewindow
andl ett
het ear
sf al
l.Shej usthadtoruinmy
perfectday.For7y earsi haveblockedout
thoughtsofherf rom mymi nd.
"
Thought
sofy
ouJoy
,whi
chbr
oughtsmi
l
eon
myfacenowbr
ingsonl
ytear
sinmyeyes.
"They
makemewanttopukeandagit
ateme.
) 
*
***
***
***
***
***
**
BUSI

Il
ookatAt angwhoi ssmil
i
ngatme,
encour
agingmewi thhiseyest
osi
gnmyname
onthedottedli
nes.Iputt
hependownandt
ake
adeepbreath.)

At
ang:Oh!My,imeany
ouev
enhesi
tat
ingt
o
si
gnthepaper
s.

Busi
:Iam notsur
eifi
am maki
ngt
her
ight
deci
si
on.

(Istandupandwal
kst
andbyt
hel
ooki
ng
outside.
)
At
ang:Whatareyouaf
rai
dof
?Losi
ngouton
mi
ll
ionsorhi
sli
tt
ledi
ckgame.

Busi
:Noneoft
hement
ioned.Goi
ngbackt
omy
ol
dways.

At
ang:
Idon'
tthi
nki
fol
l
ow.

Busi:Youdon'
tknowmystoryAtang,
somehow
thismarri
agesavedmebecauseiwasonasel
f
distr
acti
onmissi
on.

At
ang:
Sav
eyouhow?

Busi:
MrsThompsontheseni
orwife,
sheused
thi
smarri
agetogeti
nmylinetodealwi
thmy
i
ssuesandconfr
ontt
hem.Iam afr
aidofsi
gni
ng
thosepapersbecauseoft
hefr
eedom t
hey
comewi th,
itwasthesamefr
eedom t
hatgot
mei ntr
oublebefor
e.

Atang:Ify
ouhav ebeenbur
nednotonebut
twice,
idon'tseewhyyouwouldr
etur
nthei
r.

Busi
:Butst
il
l.
..
.

Atang:Nyaamma!Busi st
opstal
l
ingandsi
gn
thepapers.Someofuswanttomakemov es
beforet
heysnatchyou.

(
Ilookathi
m andsmi
l
e)

Busi
:Whosai
diwi
l
lav
ail
abl
eint
hemar
ket
?
Atang:Noone,becausenoonewi
lll
ookaty
our
fl
atasstwi
ce.Iwillbej
ustdoi
ngy
ousome
favour
.

(Ir
eachforthecushi
onandt
hrowi
tathi
m but
heducks.)

Atang:Kanammet ruthbetold,t
hatli
tt
ler
ingin
yourfi
ngeristheonet hat
'sstoppingmefrom
makingadvancesoncei tsgone,iam gett
inga
promotionFrom Fri
endshiplevelt
oRelati
onshi
p
l
ev el
.Nothi
ngwillstandinmyway .

(Il
ookathi m andgi vehim myf akesmile.He
doesnotknowy etaboutmyst atus,t
hats
anotherobstacle,may bethereal r
easonwhyi
am fri
end-zoninghim.Hei stoocl eanforadir
ty
damagedgi rll
ikeme. ) 
*
***
***
***
**
Nar
rat
ed

Hest epsoutoft heair

portaft
er4y earswithout
anappear ance.Hesmi l
estohimsel fashe
noti
cest heli
mousi nealr
eadywaiti
ngf orhim.
Oncei nsi
det hecar,hepopsabot t
leof
champagneanddr inkssmili
ngtohimsel f
.The
cartakeshimt ohiscondoout si
det hethecity
.
Wher ehispar t
neri
swai t
ingforhi
m.

Cox:
Bosswel
comeback!

Hi
m:Thankyou!Letusnotwast
eanyt
ime,
giv
e
meal
lthei
nformati
onyouhavegat
her
ed.

(Coxescor
tshi
mtotheroom wher
eamapof
pict
ureoft
heThompsonhasbeenlai
dbef
ore
hi
m)

Cox: Shei
ssti
llatthetop.Briangotbackal so
withamy st
eri
ousguy .Vanessai sdat i
ngthe
doctorwhoisBr i
an'sf
riend.Final
lytheyare
setti
ngBusifr
ee,sheusget ti
ngadi v or
ce.The
greatnewsisthatNalediisbacknotj ustalone
butwi t
hachil
d,aThompsonhei r
ess.

Him:Isee!Wearenol
ongergoi
ngfort
he
mother,wehur
therwher
eithur
tsmost,her
pups.

Cox:
Whoar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
?Thehei
ress?

Him:No!Thatonewi l
lbeheavil
yguarded.Don'
t
worryi wi
llt
elly
ouwhowear eaimingat.An
opportunit
ywillpr
esenti
tselfandwheni tdoes
west r
ike.Hil
daThompsonwon' tknowwhathi t
hi
m.

Cox:
Itsgoodt
ohav
eyoubackKg.

Him:Feelsgoodtobeback,st
rongerthan
befor
e.Tellt
hecit
ythatKagi
soMel ekoisback
forbl
ood.Andbloodwill
bespil
ledonewayor
theother
.
[
06/
04,
19:
22]Rn:
DeepDesi
res 
I
nser
t104
Unedi
ted
*
***
***
***
**
"Ti
met omakeupforall
thoseyearsIbl
edi
n
sil
enceandpai
ntmylif
ered."-A.Shea
*
***
***
***
*
Nar
rat
ed
Bri
an:"Don'
ttel
lmey
oumeantwhaty
ousai
d
yest
erday?"

(
Hesaysstandi
ngbythedoorl
ooki
ngathi
s
mot
herexpecti
nganswer
s.)

Hi
l
da:
"Ev
erywor
d."

Bri
an:"YoudorealisethatAceismyfr
iendand
iwouldneversi
t,watchont hesi
del
i
nesanddo
not
hingofhisli
feisthreat
ened."

Hil
da:"
Hereithoughyouwer
eonmyside.I
f
yourf
ri
endvalueshi
slif
ehewil
lst
ayawayf
rom
mydaughter
."

Br
ian:"Ma!Thisi
snottheti
metobeadict
ator
,
i
twill
onlypushPeachesawaywecanthav
e
thatmor
eespecial
l
ywhenwedontknowwher
e
Kagisoi
sandhisnextmov
e"

Hil
da:
"WhatdoyousuggestIdot
hen?We
needt
hatur
ani
um?"

Brian:"Youalwaysputourneedsfi
rstbi
tthi
s
ti
mey oudi
sappointme,youarewil
li
ngto
sacrifi
cePeaches'
shappinessforj
ustmere
uranium."

Hil
da:"
Iam amotherBri
an,Iknowbet
ter
.And
whyareyoueveadvocat
ingforher
,whenyou
beatupthi
scake.
"

Bri
an:"
Wow!I twasf orcontr
ol,Thier
ryhadmy
j
awsbr okenandgav emeabl ueey ethatl
asted
aweekf orsl
eepingwithhissister
.Ineededto
beatupAcetot eachhim alessonaboutgoing
formysister.That'
swhatbi
gbrother
sdof or
thei
rli
tt
lesister
s,actov
erpr
otect
ive,
 
unt i
lhe
provestomehei swort
hyofher,
i wi
llcontinue
togivehim ahardtime.
"

Hil
da:"Soyouarenotagai
nstt
heirr
elati
onshi
p
youjustwanthi
mtoshowhi si
ntent
ions?"

Br
ian:
"Yep.
"

Hil
da:"Youandyourf r
iendar
einfora
di
sappointmentbecauseaslongasi am al
i
ve
Vanessawouldmar ryLefanooneelse.
"

Brian:"Iguesswewillseeaboutthat
,ify
ou
touchmyf ri
endnotonlywil
lyouhaveNessa
againsty oumabutme.Makey ournextstep
careful
lydonotsteponourt oesbecausewe
willret
aliat
eandyouwon' tl
i
keit.
"
Hi
l
da:
"Ar
eyout
hreat
eni
ngmeKgot
laesel
e?"

Brian:"(
kissinghercheek)Iam put
ti
ngitout
therejustsoy ouknow.Givenachancewecan
bebadasy ou,af
teral
lwehav eyourbl
ood
runninginourv ei
ns.

(Hegrabsanappleandtakeahugebitewhirl
s
aroundandwalkstothedoorwhist
li
ng,whil
e
tossi
ngthet
heappleintheairandcatchi
ngit
withhi
sonehand.)

Br
ian:
"(t
hrowi
ngi
tathi
smot
her
)Cat
ch!
"

(
Hil
dat
ri
escat
chi
ngbutmi
ssesi
t.
)

Br
ian:
"(shaki
nghi
shead)Tsk!Tsk!Youar
e
get
ti
ngol
dmot
her
,soi
syourgamepl
an.

(HewalksoutandHi
ldafrust
rat
edthr
owshe
phoneagai
nstthewall
breaki
ngiti
ntopi
eces.
) 
*
***
***
***
***
***
* 
Nessa

(Ibangont hedoor sfrust

atedly.Theyhadt he
audacityt
ol ockmei nsidemyr oom wheni
wentt obedl astni
ght.Thewi ndowi soutof
optionbecausei twil
lbeasui ci
demi ssion.)

Nessa:"
Youcan'
tkeepmel
ockedupi
nher
e
f
orever
."

(Ipacebackandf
ort
hintheroom t
ryi
ngt
o
comeupwi thapl
anthatwi
ll
getmeoutof
here.
)
Thi
err
y:"Youl
ookqui
tecut
e,al
lwor
kedup.
"

(Ij
umpupstar
tl
ed,iturnonl
ytof
indhi
m si
tt
ing
bymywindowallr
elaxed.
)

Nessa:
"Howdi
dyougett
her
e?"

Thier
ry:
"(winks)Ihav
emyway
s.Howi
shouse
arr
estgoingsof ar
?"

Nessa:
"Ineedt
ogetout
."

Thi
erry:
"Icanseet
hat
.Youknowjustbecause
Bri
anfoughtwit
hAcedoesn'
tmeanhecar e
l
ess."
Nessa:"
Whycan'thetakeachi
l
lpi
l
l,i
don'
t
needhim orany
onetel
li
ngmehowtoleav
emy
l
ife."

Thierry:"
Hewoul dn'
tfitt
hecat egoryofa
protecti
vebi gbr otherifj
ustletyougetaway
withaf ewt hings.Ibr okehisjawsandgav ehim
ablueey ef orsleepingwi thmysi ster,not
becausemysi sterneedspr otecti
on
(sarcasti
cally) 
shei sabadass.Butj ustfor
controlandt hatheknowst hatformyl it
tle
sist
er,iam wi ll
ingt oburnthef ri
endshipbr i
dges
andpr otecther .
"

Nessa:
"Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
?"

Thi
err
y:"
Simpl
e,Bri
anwantsAcetopr
ovet
hat
hei
sworthyofyou.Comeonlet
sgo."
Nessa:
"(puzzl
ed)Huh"

Thi
err
y:"It
houghty
ousai
dyouwantt
ogetout
ofher
e."

(
Het
urnsandgi
vesmehi
sback)

Nessa:
"Ido!"

Thi
err
y:"Thenwhatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
orj
ump
on?
"

Nessa:
"Iwi
l
lbr
eakmyneck,
itst
oohi
gh.
"

Thier
ry:
"Gi
rli
don'
thav
eal
lday
,imeantonmy
back.
"
Nessa:
"Oh!
"

(
Igetonhi
sback,wrappi
ngmylegsaroundhis
wai
standhandsar
oundtheneck.Hegrabsthe
r
opeandgli
dedown.Sett
ingmetomyf eet
.)

Thi
err
y:"
(smi
l
ing)Thi
sshoul
dbef
un.
"

Nessa:
"Huh?
"

Thi
err
y:"
Fol
l
owme,
iam cl
ear
ingourexi
t.
"

(Atthecorneroft hehouse,t
woofmom' s
agentscomechar gingatusandThierr
ygi ggl
es,
beforehehej umpsandki ckthem i
ntheirballs,
grabstheirheadsandbumpst hem oneach
otherhardbef or
egr abbi
ngoneoftheagent 's
ti
eandt yi
ngi ttoanother'
sheadmakingt hem
beclosetooneanother
.Hepushesthem t
othe
sideandwecarr
yonwi thourwal
k.Heopens
thecardoorwhi
leonecomeschargi
ngbehind
him.)

Nessa:
"Lookou.
..
..
."

(idontf
inishof
fmyst atementasThi er
ryducks
makingtheagentmi ss, heholdshim bythe
headandbumpsi tont hecar,makingthepoor
guy,scr
eam inagony .Holdinghishand,he
breakshisarm.Iclosemyey esasi hearhi
s
bonescrack.)

Thi
erry:
"(l
ookingattheother5agentswhol ook
athi
m withfear)Now, ar
ey ougoi
ngtol etme
gooutinpeaceorshoul dwedot hist
hehar d
way,chooseisyours,eit
herway,iam good.
(Hestret
cheshisbackandneckyawni
ng.Whil
e
theagentretr
eat."
Heisabadass"myinner
womanf inal
lycomeout,andif
indmyself
agreei
ngwi t
hwhatsheissayi
ng.)

Thi
err
y:"
(chuckl
es)Thoughtsot
oo.
"

(Hegetinthecarandwedri
veof
ftheyar
d,he
sti
cksouthismiddl
efi
ngert
otheagent
sashe
dri
vesoff.
) 
*
***
***
***
***
(
Par
kingi
nfr
ontofAce'
shouse.
)

Thi
err
y:"Iwil
lpi
cky
ouupat5pm y
our
hi
ghness."

Nesa:
"Al
ri
ght
,thanky
ou.
"
Thierry
:"Donttr
yanyfunnybusi
nessli
ke
runningawaywi t
hlov
erboy,becauseiwi
llhunt
youdownanddoaser iousdamagetohim
wor sethantheoneBri
andid.

("
Hedoesn'
tlookliket
het
ypetobluf
fNessa.
Youbet
terl
i
st en.
"Pett
ywarnsme.)

Nessa:
"Icanassur
eyou,aft
erwhati
saw,
ther
e
wil
lbenofunnybusi
ness.
"

Thi
err
y::
That
'sal
liwant
edt
ohear
.

(Igetof
fandwalktoknockonthefr
ontdoor
.
Aceopensup,thefi
stt
hinginot
icei
shis
bustedl
ipsandthebl
ueeye.)

Nessa:
Hey
!
Ace:
Myper
sonal
per
son.

(
Hesay
sashest
epsasi
det
oal
l
owmei
nsi
de.
) 
*
***
***
***
***
*
Nal
edi

(Il
ayonmybedl ookingatthecei
li
ng.Idont
havetheener gytogetup.Anayaissi
tt
ingon
thecarpetplayi
ngwithherdoll
s.Myphone
ri
ngsandi rollmyeyes.Ihopeit
snotTravis
again.Ihavebeenignori
nghiscall
seversince
l
astnight.)

(Myhear
tdoesf
li
pov
erswheni
not
icet
he
cal
l
er.
)

Nal
edi
:"DrDl
ami
ni."
Br
ian:
"DrMor
oka!
"

Nal
edi
:"Howcani
hel
pyou?
"

Bri
an:"Ar
eyouwi
thmygi
rl
,iwantt
otal
kto
her
."

Nal
edi
:"Babybear,daddyi
sont
hephone,
he
want
stotalkt
oy ou."

(ihandherthephoneassheexci
tedl
ysitdown
cr
ossingherli
tt
lel
egs.Ihav
ealit
tl
edivahere.
)

Anay
a:"
MrD!"

Br
ian:
"Mr
sD,
howar
eyou?
"
Anay
a:"
Iam good,
thanky
ou.Howabouty
ou?
"

Br
ian:
"Notsogood,
imi
ssmyl
i
ttl
epr
incess.
"

Anay
a:"
Imissyoutoo,
mommysai
dwear
e
comi
ngbacksoon.
"

Bri
an:"
Thatwouldbel
ovel
y,weneedt
ost
art
execut
ingourpl
an.
"

Anaya:
"Yes!Ihear
dmommytell
i
nguncl
e
Marcelt
hatshelovesy
ou,
onl
ywantt
o..
.."

(
iputmyhandov
erhermout
h.)

Nal
edi
:"(
blushi
ng)Anay
a!"
Anay
a:"
Oh!Sor
ryy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lmei
tsasecr
et."

Nal
edi
:"Br
ingmyphoney
oungl
adybef
orey
ou
spi
l
lmoresecr
ets.
"

Anaya:"
MrD,byeby
e,wewi
l
lhav
eat
alkwheni
getbackri
ght
?"

Br
ian:
"(chuckl
es)Asy
ouwi
shy
ourhi
ghness.I
l
oveyoubaby .
"

Anay
a:"
Ilov
eyout
oo.
"

(
Itaket
hephone)

Nal
edi
:"Now!Got
ogr
andma,
shei
scal
l
ing
y
ou.
"

(
Shest
andsupandwal
ksout
.)

Br
ian:
"Babycakes!
"

Nal
edi
:"(
blushi
ng)Bi
gbear
!"

(
Ilaydowncomf
ort
abl
yont
hebed.
)

Br
ian:
"Howi
smyf
avour
it
egi
rldoi
ng?
"

Nal
edi
:"Shei
sokay
,it
hinkshei
sal
i
ttl
edi
va.
"

Bri
an:
"Iwasn'
taski
ngaboutAnaya,sheismy
numberonegi
rlandyouar
emyf avouri
tegi
rl
."
Nal
edi
:"Oh!Iam goodDl
ami
ni.Howabouty
ou?
"

Br
ian:
"Iam gr
eatbabycakes.
"

Nal
edi:
"Sotellme,
whyar
eyoui
nter
fer
ingi
n
Nessa'
sli
..
..
..
"

Bri
an:"
(i
nterr
upti
ngme)i di
dnotcallt
otal
k
aboutmysister
,ifyouwantustot
alkabouther
,
youcancallmeaf t
erthi
scal
l.
"

Nal
edi
:"Whatdoy
ouwantt
otal
kaboutt
hen?
"

Br
ian:
"Us"
Nal
edi
:"Iwasn'
tawar
ether
eisanus"

Br
ian:
"Ist
hishowy
ouwantt
opl
ayi
tNal
edi
?"

Nal
edi
:"Agai
niwasn'
tawar
ewear
epl
ayi
ng.
"

Bri
an:"
Okayfine,
shal
lwet
alkaboutwhat
Anayaj
us..
..
"

Nal
edi
:"(
int
err
upt
inghi
m)Yourdaught
eri
sli
ar.
"

Br
ian:
"Idoubti
t.Let
shav
edi
nnert
oget
her
,you,
meandAnay a.
"

Nal
edi
:"Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
oaskni
cel
yinf
act
."

Br
ian:
"(si
ghs)Nal
edi
!"
Nal
edi
:"Rr
a?"

Bri
an:"
Cani pl
easetakeyououtt
odinner
,when
yougetback,j
ustyou,meandourdaught
er?
"

Nal
edi
:"Thatwasn'
tsobadwasi
t?

Bri
an:"Thi
siswher
eyouar
esupposedy
ogi
ve
theanswer.
"

Nal
edi:"
Iwoul dl
oveto.Wear
ecomingback
t
ommor ow, sogoaheadandmake
r
eserv
ations."

Br
ian:
"Thanky
ou.
"
Nal
edi
:"Ihav
etogo."

Br
ian:
"Onel
astt
hing.
"

Nal
edi
:"Yes!
"

Bri
an:"
Ilov
ey ouNal
edi
Mor
oka,
nev
erst
opped
andneverwil
l
.

(Hehangsupandi t
akeahugebreath,tr
y i
ngto
cal
mt oerr
aticheart
.Mystomachget sflooded
wit
hbutter
fl
iesandmyski ngetsgoosebumps.
Whydoeshehast ohavesomuchef fectonme,
whydoesmyhear thavetolongforhimlikethi
s?
)

.
.
.
[
06/
04,
19:
22]Rn:
DeepDesi
res 
I
nser
t102
*
***
***
***
***
"
Bit
ternessi
sdrinkingpoisonandexpect
ingi
t
t
okill
anotherperson."-PsRayMcCauley 
*
***
***
***
***
Nal
edi

(
IlookoveratMar
celandsmi
l
etomy
sel
fas
Marcell
ooksatme.)

Mar
cel
:Youact
ual
l
ydi
d.

(
Inodmyheadsmi
l
ing)

Nal
edi
:Yes!It
oldy
oui
twast
hef
ir
stt
hingt
hati
am goi
ngt
odooncei
star
twor
king.

(Iam giv
inghim atouraroundourhome.Af ter
gett
ingbackandst artworki
ngt hefi
rstthi
ngi
didwasbui l
dmymot herabighousei always
promisedme, asingl
est or
ymansi on.I
demolishedouroldhouseandwher eitusedto
beiputahouse, acot t
ageforguestslike
Marcel.Andthescreenwal lshealwayswanted.
Verysooni shal
lhaveaswi mmi ngpool
i
nstall
ed.)

Mar
cel
:Youdi
dqui
tegr
eatKi
tt
eni
am pr
oud
myl
ove.

Naledi
:Ioweitt
oher
.Sheonl
ydeser
vesf
ine
t
hingsinli
fe.

Mar
cel
:Shei
sver
ypr
oudofy
ou.Shehas
r
eapedherhar
dear
nedsowi
ng.

Naledi
:Speaki
ngofher
,ineedt
ohav
eachat
wit
hher.Excuseme!

Mar
cel
:"Gor
ightaheadki
tt
en.
"

(Iexcusemyselfandwalkt
oherr
oom.Shei
sin
bedr eadi
ngherbibl
e.)

Nal
edi
:"Ma!Ar
eyoubusy
?"

Bul
elwa:
"Notr
eal
l
y.Doy
ouwantt
ochat
?"

(
Inodmyheadasiwalki
ntot
her
oom cl
osi
ng
t
hedoorbehi
ndme.)
Bulel
wa:"Ihadagreatchatwit
hAnay aear
li
er,
shetoldmeshemetherf atherand
grandmotherwhoapparentl
yissupercoolt
han
me."

Nal
edi
:"Shehasnosecr
ett
hatgi
rl
."

Bulel
wa:"Iwon'
tli
etoy ou,Br
iani
smyleast
fav
ourit
epersonbuti am gl
adyoudeci
dedto
l
ethim meethischil
d."

Naledi:
"Mamabatho,
doyouthi
nky
oucoul
d
everforgi
vemonnawame,f
orhi
spast
."

Bul
elwa:
"longdi
dbutt
hatdoesn'
tmeanhehas
tobeinmygoodbooks.
"

Nal
edi
:"I
fit
oldhi
miam pl
anonget
ti
ngback
wi
thhi
m,wi
l
lyougi
vemey
ourbl
essi
ngs?
"

Bulelwa:"Icannev erstandi nyourwayof

happinessNal edi,
ifhemakesy ouhappyi wil
l
notst andinyourway .Butj ustcuriouswhat
happenedt oTr avi
s,lasttimewet alkedlooked
l
ikey oumadey ourmi ndaboutmeet i
nghim.I
thoughty ouwillbri
nginghi mt omeethi m not
Mar cell
oort otal
kaboutt hatBoraene, whodid
nothingbr i
ngyouahear tache."

(Ir
ollmyeyesasisi
tont
hecor
neroft
hebed
andlookather
.)

Nal
edi
:"I
tiscompl
i
cat
edwi
thTr
avi
sma!
"

Bul
elwa: "
Uncompli
cateitNaledi.Youshoul
d
notjustdumpthatpoorboyj ustbecause
Boraeneisback,
don'tforgethewast her
ewhen
t
hisBor
aenewasnowher
etobef
ound.
"

Naledi:
"Hei
smyst
epbr
otherma!Wear
e
r
elated."

Bul
elwa:
"What
?Howdoy
ouknow?
"

Naledi
:"If
oundDav
idma, oursper
m donor
,the
manwhoabandonedus, Ifoundhi
m ma.Turns
outtobeTravi
s'
sstepf
ather."

(Shelooksatmedumbf
ounded,
hermout
h
agape.)

Bul
elwa:
"(shaki
ng)Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?"

Nal
edi
:"If
oundhi
m ma!Hei
sli
vi
ngl
argei
nthe
ci
tywi
thhi
sot
herf
ami
l
y."

Bulel
wa:"Doesheknow,doesheknowyou.
..
..
(shetr
ail
soffastear
sfal
lofherey
es)
"

Nal
edi
:"(
noddingmyhead)Yeshewasther
e,
whenTr
avistookmetogoandintr
oducemeto
hi
sfami
lythatwheni
lear
nedthetr
uthma."

Bul
elwa:
"Whatdi
dhesay
."

Naledi:"
Ididnotwaitt
ohearhisusel
ess
excusema.Iwantnot hi
ngtodowi t
hhim.Ihate
him wit
hpassion,ihat
ehim sover
ymuchal ong
withthattr
ait
orJoy."

Bulelwa:
"Nal
edi
,don'
tl
etbit
ter
nesseatupyour
soul.Att
heendofthedayheissti
l
lyourf
ather
.
Youcar
ryhi
sbl
oodony
ou.
..
.."

Nal
edi
:"(i
nter
rupt
ingher)Don't
!Preachtome,
myfat
herisdead,ogatil
weket er
ena, i
dont
hav
eaf at
her.Neverhad,neverwill
."

Bul
elwa:"
Bitt
ernessi
sdri
nki
ngpoisonNal
edi
andexpect
ingittoki
l
lanot
herper
son."

Naledi:"
Ify
ouarereadytoforgi
vehi
mf oral
l
yearshehasbeenmi ssi
nginourli
ves.I
fyou
wantt ofor
giv
ehim andplayhappyfami
lyma,
doit,goaheadbemyguestbutdon'texpectme
todot hesame.Iwantnothi
ngtodowi t
hhim."

(
Iwalkoutbangingthedoorbehindmeasi
wal
ktomyr oom andcur
lupinmybed.The
memoriesreplayi
nmyhead, hi
slastwor
dst
o
mesti
llhauntme.)
*
**Fl
ashback*
***
Moagi:"Iknowbuthav en'
tieverf
ulf
il
ledal
lthe
promisesi ev
ermade?Ipr omiseiwil
lbeback,
youjustbedaddy '
sbiggir
lnowandl ookaf
ter
mommyandy ourbrot
hers."

Nal
edi
:"Butdad.
..
.:

Moagi:
"Promisemet okeepyourpr
omisey
ou
andiwil
lkeepmine.Iwil
lcomeback."

Nal
edi
:"Pi
nkypr
omi
se.
"
*
***
*Endoff
lashback*
***
***

(Ihat
ehowmucht hatpromisemouldedthe
womani am t
oday
, Ihat
ehowmucht he
promiseimadewi
thmei st
hereasoniam her
e
today.Ihatethatmyf ut
ure,mysuccessi s
associatedhi
m.Ihat ethathehadahuge
i
mpacti nmyl ife.Ihatehim andev er
ything
abouthim, i
ncludingthepr omise.Icurlup
huggingmysel fasf reshtearsfallf
rom my
eyes.
) 
*
***
***
***
***
***
*
Vanessa

Nessa:
"ican'
tbel
i
evey
ouembar
rassedmel
i
ke
t
hat.
"

(Ishoutathi
mtheminut
eiwal
kint
othehouse.
Ihavebeenawful
lysi
l
entonmyway0fr
om
Ace'shouse.
)

Bri
an:"
Ican'
tbel
i
eveyouar
escr
ewi
ngmyf
ri
end
ofal
lpeopl
eVanessa.
"
Nessa:"Ohplease,Bri
andon'tplayv
ict
im her
e,
youscrewedmyf r
iend,di
diplayRamboand
beatNaledi
up? "

Br
ian:
"Thi
sisdi
ff
erent
."

Nessa:
"Exact
lyhow?
"

Br
ian:
"Wel
lthet
hingi
s..
.um!"

Nessa:"
Um what
?Tonguet
iedal
lthesudden,
youareahy
pocri
te.
"

Bri
an:"Mama,
lamout
waNessawant
hoga
aker
e?"
Nessa:"
Runni
ngofftoreportt
oma!Youknowi
am t
ell
i
ngthetrut
h,nneteyababaBr
ian!
"

Br
ian:"
Don'
tfor
gett
hatiam oldert
hanyou
Nessa,
togakegob.
..
..
"(Hetrail
soff
.)

Nessa:
"What
!Goal
lRamboonmel
i
key
oudi
d
wit
hAce."

Hi
l
da:
"(angr
il
y)Enough!
"

(
Itur
naroundtol
ookatma,whoi
sst
andi
ngby
t
hedoorlooki
ngatmeandBri
an.
)

Hi
lda:
"Whyar
eyout
wobehav
ingl
i
kef
ivey
ear
s
ol
ds?"
Nessa:"
Blamehi
m,hei
stheonewhobeatmy
boyf
ri
endup."

Br
ian:
"Becausehedeser
vedi
t.
"

Nessa:
"Tel
lmeKgot
laesel
ewhobeatsy ouup
whenyouscr
ewot
herpeople'
ssi
ster
s."

Hil
da: "Vanessa,isai
denough.Youshoul
dnt
evenbewi ththatguy,youar
eengagedto
Lefakae."

Nessa:"
Youmustbedreami ngmother
.iam not
engagedtoany
one.Iam notmarr
yingLefa.
"

Hi
l
da:
"Yeay
ouar
e."
Nessa:"
Ov ermydeadbody.Iam notsome
ani
mal t
hatgetssacr
ifi
cedforf
ami l
yriches,i
f
youwanttheMoengf amil
yurani
um, youwi l
l
havetofi
ndothermeansthatdon'ti
ncludeme.
Iam movingout.
"

Hil
da:"
Likedarny
ouare!Youar
enotgoi
ng
anywher
ey oungl
adyandyouwil
lmar
ry
Lef
akae."

Nessa:"
Watchme.Iam notmarr
yinganyone.
Tohell
withar
rangedmarri
agesit
hiserr
or.
"

Hi
l
da: "
ify
ouwantyourli
tt
leboyfr
iendal
i
vey
ou
wi
llt
hinkhar
daboutthatmarr
iage."

Nessa:
"Youwoul
dn'
t'
tdar
e."
Hil
da:"
(gi
vi
ngmeami schievoussmil
e)Cl
earl
y
youfor
gotwhoIam Vanessa,idarey
ou.Tr
y
meandy ouwi
ll
weepallyourlif
e."

(
Shetur
nsandwalksaway.I
tisof
ficial
ihat
e
mymotherandmybrot
herwithev
er yfi
brei
n
mybody.
)
[
06/
04,
19:
22]Rn:
DeepDesi
res 
I
nser
t103 
Unedi
ted
*
***
***
***
**
"Wheneveryt
hingseemstobegoingagai
nst
you,r
emembert hatt
heair
planet
akesoff
agai
nstthewindnotwit
hit.
"-HenryFor
d,Lul
u'
s
secr
etdesir
es. 
*
***
***
***
*
Busi
si
we 
(
Ilookatt
hepaper
sov
eragai
n.Thi
sisi
tBusi
,
nowornev er
.Ipi
ckupt hebedandsignthem.
Aft
erputt
ingthem i
nmybag, ior
dermyselfa
cockt
ail
,ioweittomy sel
f.Icl
osemyeyesasi
enj
oymymar gar
it
a.)

Candy
:"It
houghty
oul
eftt
hisl
i
febehi
nd.
"

(Ir
ollmyeyes,can'
tijustenj
oymydri
nkin
peace.Iputonmypr etensesmi
leasil
ookup
ather.
)

Busi:
"Soiti
sacri
mef orawomant
ohav
ea
dri
nkinthi
scount
ry.
"

Candy
:"Mi
ndi
fisi
tdown?
"

Busi:
"Act
uall
yido,
iwoul
dli
kegoenj
oymy
dri
nkinpeace.
"
Candy
:"Noneedtoberude,t
her
ewasapoi
nti
n
l
if
ewhenwewer egreatf
ri
ends.
"

Busi
:"Andt
her
ewasapointinli
fewhenyou
want
edusemysecr
etst
obl ackmail
me."

Candy
:"Andapoi
nti
nli
fewher
eyouhel
dagun
tomyhead."

Busi
:"Morereasonwhyweshoul dstayaway
fr
om oneanother.Letj
ustcutdownthechase
Candi
ce,whatdowant ?Shouldn'
tyoubewit
h
youhusbandtobebondi ng.
"

Candy:"Iwantustoburythehat
chet,
andmov
e
on.Forgetchi
ldhoodt
hingsandtryt
obe
fr
iends.
"
Busi:
"Remindmeagai
nwhyi
woul
dwantt
obe
yourfr
iend.
"

Candy
:"Becauseyoulookjustasl
onel
yasme.I
needatr
uef r
iendi
nmyl i
fe.Someonetoshar
e
myexcit
ementwi t
h."

Busi:
" Iam surethepeopl
eyougavebeenwi
th
thepasty earsar
ewi l
li
ngtoshar
ethe
happinesswi thy
ou."

Candy :"
Doy outhi
nkiwouldbehere,
begging
forfri
endshipbackifi
hadthosepeopl
einmy
l
ife.Iam justamonthawaybutidon'
teven
haveamai dofhonour
.(Tear
swellupinher
eyes)Imi ssyou.
"
Busi
:"(
smil
ing)I
fyouwantmetobeyourmaid
ofhonourj
ustaskri
ghtawayi
nst
eadofseeki
ng
pi
tyfr
om me."

Candy
:"(
laughi
ng)Imi
ssedy
ou.
"

(
Ist
andupt
ohugher
.)

Busi
:"Idi
dn'
tmov
etopl
anetMar
syouknow?
"

Candy:"
Iam wel
lawar
e,MrsThompsonJnr
.I
st
il
lcantbel
i
eveyougotmarr
iedt
ohim."

Busi:"Mywor l
dgott
wistedgir
l.Butri
ghtnowit
i
st i
mey outell
meallaboutyoursel
f.Whathav
e
ibeenmi ssi
ngout
?"
(Sheor dersorangejuicewhi leihavemy
mar garit
a.Catchingupont heyearswehadl ost
awayf rom oneanot her.Laterthatev eni
ng, igo
coll
ectQui nt
onatmypar ents'
shouse.Toni ght
i
spr obablythelasttimewespendi tinthe
Thompsonmansi on.Ilookathi m sleepi
ng
calmlyandr eali
sedi woul ddoany thingjust
anythingtoprotecthi m.Ilookatmyweddi ng
andt akeahugebr eathasi remov emyweddi ng
band.I ti
stimet oletgoandembr acechange.
Newbegi nni
ngs,af reshstartasasi ngleHI V
positi
vemot her.)

*
***
***
***
*
Hai
l
ey

(Ipackmycl othesint
hebagitisti
met ohead
backtot hecit
y.Meeti
ngwithNaledisomehow
shakenmeup.I ti
snoliet
hatshehatesand
shemi ghtnevereverf
orgi
veme.Itisobvi
ous
thei nnocentsweetNal ediionceknewi sno
mor e.Ican'thelpwonderi fshedidachi eveher
dreamsi ssheadoct or,i
sshemar ried,t
hechil
d
calledhermommyandt hemani sheher
husband!Butt hechildsomehowr esembl es
Brian?Di dtheyev ergetbacktoget her?She
l
ookedf l
awl essandshehasgai nedwei ght,
l
ooksl i
keofal lofus,sheturnedoutwel l.)

Lef
a:"
Arey
oudone?"

(
Itur
nandl
ookathi
m st
andi
ngbyt
hedoor
l
ooki
ngatme.
)

Hai
l
ey:
"Yepi
am done.
"

(
Hewalksi
ntheroom,takesmyhandand
makesmeseatonthebedfaci
nghi
m.)
Lef
a:"
Arey
oust
il
lthi
nki
ngaboutwhatNal
edi
sai
d?"

Hai
l
ey:
"No!
"

Lef
a:"
Youdon'
thav
etol
i
etome.
"

Hail
ey:"
Ican'
thelpi
tbutfeelguil
tyLef
akae,
somehowi am r
esponsi
bleforhowNal edi
tur
nedout.Ipl
ayedarol
ei nturni
ngawar m,
cari
ngandlovi
ngNaledii
ntot hewomansheis
now."

Lefa:
"Butyoudidnotholdaguntoherhead
andforcehertochange,yesmaybet
he
ci
rcumstancesfor
cedhert obuty
oucan'
t
spendtherestofyourl
if
ewi t
haguil
ty
consci
ous.I
tist
imet
oaskf
orf
orgi
venessand
l
etgo."

Hai
ley:"
Yousawherr
eact
ion,
shewi
l
lnev
er
f
orgiv
eme."

Lefa:"
That'
stotal
l
yupt oher ,i
fshedecidesto
holdontoangerandbi tt
ernessthenthat'
sher
ownpr obl
em.Youdoy ourpart,
apologi
seand
setyoursel
ffrom yourguil
tyconsci
ous."

Hai
l
ey:
"But
..
..
..
."

Lefa:"(
putsaf i
ngerovermylips)Noi am t
ir
ed
ofyoubl amingandliv
inginguil
tyforthet
hings
thathappenedov er8yearsago.Youmadea
mistake,every
onedoes, y
ouar egivi
ngthi
s
peopletoomuchcont roloveryourli
fe.
"
(
Isi
gh)

Lefa:"
Oncewegetbacky ouwil
llookforNaledi
andapologise.Youwil
lshowremor sefory
our
acti
onsafterthatnomor ef
eel
ingguil
ty.Wear e
l
etti
nggo.Comeher e,
letmegiveyouahugf or
encouragement."

(Imov eclosertohim asheembr aceme,

kissi
ngmyf orehead,ii
nhal
ei nhisintoxi
cati
ng
scent,andmyhear tbeater
ratical
lyagainstmy
ri
bcage.Imov eandi st
areathi m ashegazes
atme, hiseyesl ookatmylips.Hishandscup
mycheeksandhecar essashemov esabit
closer
.Ourf oreheadstouchandher ubshis
noseagai nstmi ne.
)

Lef
a:"
(mur
mur
s)Hai
l
ey!
"
Hai
l
ey:
"(sof
tl
y)Weshoul
dn'
tdot
his?
"

Lef
a:"
Iagr
eebuti
tfeel
ssor
ight
."

(
Iclosemyeyesasi expectt
ofeelhi
sli
psov
er
minebutsomeone,somedev i
l'
ssondeci
det
o
r
uinourmoment.)

Kagi
so:
"(cl
appi
nghands)Br
avo!Justbr
avo.
"

(Ii
nstantl
ytenseupandmyhandr oll
supi na
fi
st.Iknowt hisvoi
ce.Itisoneofthosev oi
ces
thaticannev ereverforgetnomat terwhat.I
openmyey esandl ookatoneper sonwhoi
thoughtiwoul dneverev erseei
nmyl i
fe.)

Kagi
so:
Yougoty
our
sel
fal
overboy
.Her
ei
t
houghti
wasget
ti
ngmygi
rlback.

Hai
l
ey:
"(st
ummer
ing)Howdi
dyougeti
nher
e?
"

Kagi
so:"
Wel
lididknockacoupleofti
mesbut
nobodyl
etmein,soiletmy
selfin.
"

Hai
l
ey:
"Getout
."

Kagi
so:
"Nott
hewel
comei
ant
ici
pat
ed.
"

Hail
ey:
"Sor
ryt
odisappoi
ntKagi
sobuty
ouar
e
notwel
comehere.
"

Kagi
so:
"Boy ,
excuseus,meandt
hel
adyhav
e
someunfi
nishedbusi
ness.
"
Lef
a:"
Ithinkt
heladyaskedyout
oleav
e.Pl
ease
l
eavebeforet
hingsgetugl
y.
"

Kagiso: "
(l
aughi
ng)Andwhatcouldyoupossibl
y
do?( t
akingoffhi
sglasses)hav
eyoulooked
yourselfint
hemirror
?Youdon'tst
andachance.
(Lookingatme)Youcoul ddobett
eryouknow?"

(
Hebur
stoutl
aughi
ng)

Kagiso:"
HaileyRobert
siwillbeback.Nextti
me
makesur eyouhaveapr operbodyguard.Boy
stayoutofthingst
hatdon'tconcer
ny ouunless
youwantt ogetburned.
"

(
Helaughsevi
lashewalksout
.Hi
sevil
l
aught
ersendschi
ll
sdownmyspine.)
[
06/
04,
19:
22]Rn:
DeepDesi
res 
I
nser
t105 
Unedi
ted 
*
***
***
***
**
"I
t'
sbackt
osquareone.Idon'
tthi
nkthe
si
tuat
ioni
sget
ti
ngbetter
."-Chandr
aMuzaf
far
*
***
***
***
**
Hai
l
ey

Hai
l
ey:
OhIsee.Thanky
ou.

(Ihungupandsighloudly.Iam backintheci t
y
andcurrent
lyl
ookingforahouset orent,Kagiso
knowswher eil
iv
esoi tsbetterimovetot he
nexthousesomewher esafewi thbet
tersecurit
y.
Talki
ngaboutsecuri
tyihangupandwal kt o
mansi t
ti
nginmyl i
vi
ngr oom. )
Hai
l
ey:
MrFr
eemanr
ight
?

(
Ist
ret
chmyhandf
orwar
dforahandshake.
)

Fr
eeman:
MsRober
ts?

Hai
ley:Thankyouforcomingundersuchshor
t
not
ice.Canigetyouanythi
ng?

Fr
eeman:
No!Iam f
inef
ornow.

Hail
ey:Okay
,shal
lwegett
obusiness.Li
kei
sai
dwhenIcalledt
hismor
ning.Ineedsome
secur
it
y.

Fr
eeman:
Yes,
butwhatt
ypeofsecur
it
y?
Hai
ley
:Ineed4eff
ici
entbodyguards,
twof
or
mysel
fandtwoformygaller
y.Ineeda24hour
s
sur
vei
ll
ancecameraonmypr emises.

Freeman:
Thebody
guar
dsdot
heyhav
eat
ime
fr
ame?

Hai
ley
:Ineedthem tobewit
hmeev erysecond
oft
heday,evenift
heyhavetowatchmewheni
sl
eepIwouldn'
tmind.Moneyisnotanprobl
em.

Fr
eeman:
Okayhowsoondoy
ouneedt
hem?

Hail
ey:Ineedthem asi nyest
erday.Youcould
drawacont r
act,alongwithhowmuchy our
serv
icescostandemai l t
hem tomebef oreend
ofbusinesshourssoi lookatthem.Thenhav e
them star
ti
ngtheirdutytomorrow.
Fr
eeman:Okay,
thatshoul
dn'
tbeaprobl
em.I
wi
llseet
oitt
hatispeedupthepr
ocess.

Hai
l
ey:
Thanky
ou.Iappr
eci
atei
t.

(Iwal
khim outanddecidetovi
sitmygal
ler
y.
Justt
oseehowbusi nessisdoi
ngandhowi t
hasbeendoinginmyabsence.Iwalkinand
smil
etoFay et
hesales-
girl
.
)

Hai
l
ey:
Aft
ernoon!Howi
sev
ery
thi
nggoi
ng?

Faye:
Great!I
nfactmostoft
hewor
kputupf
or
sal
earealmostsoldout
.

Hail
ey:Looksl
i
kei
wil
lhav
etogoi
nthatst
udi
o
soon.
Faye:Yesma'am.Youhav eaguest
,(shepoint
s
thotheladyi
nall
black,st
arr
ingatt
hepainti
ng)
Itr
iedtell
i
nghert
haty oudon'
tmeetwithyour
buyersbutshei
nsist
ed.

Hail
ey:(
igetji
tteryasilookather)Thankyou,
Faye.It
hinkit
st i
mei comeoft heshadows,
guessiwill
startwithher.

(Iwalkt
oherandst andnexttoher,
sheis
l
ookingatonemyf i
rstwor
k,"TheThompson
Slaught
erHouse."Onlyapersonwhohasbeen
therewi
llunder
stand.)

Hi
lda:
Youhav edonewell
,ithoughty
ouwi
l
lhi
t
t
hebottom af
teryoul
eftt
hishouse.
(It
urnt
olookather
.HildaThompsoninfl
esh.
Mypalmsgetsweaty,
asIstareather
.Fear
cri
ppl
esme.)

Hil
da:I
tisapl
easuretomeetyouHai
l
ey
Robert
saft
ert
hislong,i
am abigf
anofy
our
marvel
ouswork.

Hai
l
ey:
(whi
sper
ing)Mr
sThompson.

Hi
lda:Youdon'
thavet
obescaredofme,
idon'
t
bi
teunlessy
ousteponmytoes.

Hai
ley
:Ihav
est ay
edawayf r
om yourfami
ly
,
nev
erhaveioncelookedatanyofthem.

(
Shet
ouchsmyscar
e,herf
inger
str
ail
overi
t.)
Hi
l
da:
Iknow!Iam sor
ry.

Joy
:(shocked)Par
don?

Hilda:
Iam sor r
y,foryourlossandthatyou
stayedintheshadowsal lthisyear
s.Iwoul
dli
ke
topayf oryourplast
icsurgery.

Joy
:Ar
eyouokayMr
sThompson?

Hil
da:YesIam ver
ymuchokay .Iwanttopay
foryoursur
ger
yallt
heexpensesIwill
takecar
e
ofthem.

Joy
:Why
?Whati
sthecat
ch?

Hi
l
da:
Iwantdoi
t,soi
canr
e-br
andanewonei
f
youcont
inuewhat
every
ouar
edoi
ngwi
th
Lef
akaeMoeng?

(
Igetacol
dshi
verandl
ookather
.)

Hilda:
Ineedhimtomarrymydaught er
,li
ves
areatstakeher
eincl
udi
ngy oursi
fyoustandin
thereway.Doyouunder
stan..
..
.

Lef
a:No!Iam nolongermar
ryi
ngNessa,
the
weddi
ngisover.

(It
urntofi
ndhi
m st
andi
ngbesi
deme.Looki
ng
atHil
da.)

Hi
lda:
Youaredreami
ngboy
.Ar
eyouf
orget
ti
ng
whocall
stheshot
sher
e?
Lef
a:Notany
more,youwantur
ani
um Iwi
l
lgi
ve
i
tto.Butt
hemar
riageisof
f.

Hil
da:Idon'
tgetwhyy oukeepthinki
ngthatthi
s
i
sallaboutt
heur ani
um, i
twaybey ondt
hat,way
beyondme.Hailey,t
hinkcar
eful
lyaboutwhati
sai
d.

(Shesai
dandwal ksout .Ifeel
coldasher
wordshandint heair.Itfeelsl
ikeitake1st
eps
backtoonlytake2st epsback.I t'
sbackto
squareone.Idon'tthinkthesituat
ionisget
ti
ng
bett
er.
)

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Busi

(
Iputt
hechi
ckeni
ntheov
enandhav
eagl
ass
ofwineasi
waittoever
ythi
ngtobeready
.
Todayimovedintomyhouse.Justt
woofus,
meandmyQui nton.
)

Qui
nton:
Mommy
!

Busi
:Yesmyhandsomeboy
!

Qui
nton:Cani
wat
chcar
toonswhi
l
ewai
ti
ngf
or
di
nner.

Busi
:Al
ri
ghtboy
,justdon'
tfal
lasl
eep.

Qui
nton:
Iwon'
t.

(
Her
unst
othel
i
vingr
oom.
)
Busi
:Qui
nton!Nor
unni
ngi
nthehouse.

Qui
nton:
YesMa'
am.

(Ismiletomy selfandreachformyphonet o
textAtanginvit
inghim overfordi
nner.Il
ookat
Naledi'
scontact,contemplati
ngifishoul
dreal
ly
callher.Whatdoi havetolose?Icallher
,and
sheanswer sont heforthri
ngasi am aboutt
o
hangup. )

Nal
edi
:Mor
oka!

Busi
:(ner
vousl
y)Hi
!

Nal
edi
:Whoi
sthi
s?
Busi
:I
t'
sBusi
siwe!

Nal
edi
:Busi
siwe?
?

Busi
:Ahem!Busi
.

Nal
edi
:Howcani
hel
pyou?

Busi:
Wellt
het
hingis,
Iwant
edustomeetand
tal
k.May
begiv
et hi
snewl
yfoundsi
st.
..
.

Naledi:(i
nter
rupti
ngme)Thanky oufort he
gesturebuti dontwanttopl ayhappyf ami ly
.I
onlyhav e2sibli
ngs,myt woy oungerbr others.I
knowi tnotallyourf
aultbuti can'tl
ookov erthe
factthatallt
hisyear
swhi lewewer esuf feri
ng,
yougr ewupwi thourfather.Whenwecr aved
forhislove,youhaditallforyourself
.May be
onedayiwil
lbeabl
etolookoveral
lthi
sand
for
getbutf
ornow.Iam sor
ryIcan'
tdoit.

(Shehangsup.Andi putthephonedownand
sigh!Wellididtry.Forthefir
stti
meIwonder
aboutJoy, imissmyol df ri
ends.Isshest
il
l
ali
v e?Di
dsheev erovercomewhathappened
thatday?Myl ifehasbecomel onely
.Thehouse
i
tt oobigformeandQui nt
on.) 
*
***
***
***
***
***
 
(Iopenthedoorf orhi
m andhewal
ksi
nholding
abottl
eofchar donnay,myfav
our
it
echocol
ates
andliv
er oses.
)

At
ang:Wellt
hehousedoesneedf
lower
stogi
ve
i
tasparkl
e.

(
Hesay
sst
eppi
ngi
nsi
de.
)
Busi
:Inev
ersai
dcomei
n

At
ang:AsifIneedani
nvi
tat
ioni
nsi
de.Sucha
l
ovel
yhouse.Canimoveinl
ove?

Busi
:No!Youcan'
t
.

At
ang:Whynotthi
shousei
sbi
genought
ofi
ta
whol
elotofpeopl
e.

(Ishakemyheadasi walki
nsidewi thhi
m
foll
owingme.Wehav eaquit
ej ust3ofus.Once
donehev olunteerstotugQuintoni nbedwhil
ei
clearthedishes.Oncedonehej oinsme,he
hugsmef r
om behi ndandresthi schi
nonmy
shoulder.
)
At
ang:Thanky
ou,i
thasbeenl
ongsi
ncei
had
ni
cehomecookedmeal.

Busi
:Youarewel
come.Whenam i
meet
ingt
he
l
it
tl
epri
ncess?

Atang:
Sheisonat r
ip.Youwi
l
lmeetheras
soonassheisback.

Busi
:Al
ri
ght
.Ni
ght
cap?

Atang:Iwil
lnotsayno.Butf
ir
stcanido
somethingthatihav
ebeenwi shi
ngt
odoev
er
si
nceimeety ou.

(i
turntol
ookathi
m dr
yingmyhandwi
tha
ki
tchencl
oth)
Busi
:What
?

(
Hepull
smei
nhi
shandsandst
areatmy
mout
h.)

At
ang:
Thi
s!

(Hesaysashislipscovermi ne.Histongue
sli
psinsi
demymout hexploresev er
ycrookand
crevi
ce.Theclot
hdr opstothegr oundasi put
myhandsar oundhisneck.Theknockont he
doormakesuspul lapart
.)

Busi
:Ibet
tergett
hat
!

(Hefol
lowsmeasi pullt
hedoorwit
hasmil
e
fori
ttoonl
ydisappearwheninot
icewhost
and
onmydoor st
ep.Heisweari
ngasuitandal
ong
coatontopwit
habucketoff
rui
ts,
and
champagne.
)

Kagiso:
(smi
l
ing)Gl
adi
didnotgett
headdr
ess
wrong.

Busi
:Whatar
edoi
ngher
e?Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Kagiso:That
'snotawayt
ogr
eetanol
d
acquaint
ance.

Busi
:Youar
enotwel
comeher
e.

(It
ryt
ocloset
hedoorbuthepushesf
orwar
d
andwalksi
nsi
de.)

Kagi
so:
Iguesspeopl
ear
enott
hri
l
ledt
oseeme
back.Well
ithoughtwecoul
dcel
ebr
atey
our
di
vorce.

At
ang:
Ithi
nkt
hel
adysai
dyouar
enotwel
come.

Kagiso:Pr
ettyboyst
ayoutofit.Ibr
oughtyou
fr
uit
s, y
ouhav el
ostweight,
youneedthem to
boostyourimmunesy stem.Weneedtokeep
HIVatbay?

(
Igetcol
dshi
ver
sandmyf
acepal
esup.
)

Kagiso:(l
aughing)Oh!Mybad!Sl
ipofthe
tongue.Ididn'
tmeant ospi
l
lthesecr
et.

Busi
:(angr
il
y)Getout
!
Kagi
so:Okay
,tel
lyourwif
esist
ert
hati
am i
n
Townandreadytospil
lbl
ood.

(Helaughsashewalksout
.Heissoful
lof
confi
dencebuthi
seyesspeaksvol
umeofevi
l.I
tur
nt ol
ookAtang,
thisi
snothowiwantedhi
m
tofi
ndout.)
 
*
***
***
***
***
***
**
Nar
rat
ed

Hi
l
da:
Tel
lmewhaty
oudi
dyout
omyagent
s?

(
ShesaidassoonasThi
err
ysi
tsdownwi
th
Nessaonhi
stail
.)

Thi
err
y:(
smi
l
ing)Gav
ethem af
ewki
ckassi
ng
l
essons.
Hi
l
da:
Youcal
lthatf
ew?

Dari
ma:Whyareyouev
ensmi l
i
ngforbeat
ing
someone?Youar
epossessesj
ustl
ikeal
lof
them.

Lefa:(amused)Gran'
Dcanyoueatbefor
eyou
startpreachi
ngandcast
ingoutdemons?

Nessa:Godknowsweneedal
ltheener
gywe
cangetfort
hatsessi
on.

Thier
ry:
Ihadagr
eatti
meher ebutiti
sti
mei
conti
nuedwit
hmytour.Iam l
eavi
ngonfri
day
.

Br
ian:
Final
ly
!YouandDar i
masamewhat sapp
gr
oup,haveatendencyofover
-st
ayi
ng.
Liam:Thisisasi
gnal
Gran'
D.I
tist
imef
ory
ou
toalsoretur
nhome.

Dar
ima:
Iam sel
l
ingmyhomebackhome,
movi
ngper
manentl
yher
e.

Ni
ck:
Saywhat
?

Hil
da:Ithi
nkthatsagoodthing,ineedherclose
tokeephersafe.Kagi
soisback,hehasal r
eady
vi
sit
edHaileyandjustr
ightnoehewal kedout
ofBusi'
shouse.Heisbackf orbl
ood.

Br
ian:
What
?It
houghtwet
ookcar
eofhi
m.

Hi
l
da:
Her
etal
i
ated,
hehasCoxasapar
tner
.
Li
am:
Gosh!Nowt
hisi
sbad!

Hi
lda:Notj
ustCox,
butanotherenemyoft
he
f
amilysomeoneaspowerfulasus.

Li
am:
Who?

Bri
an:Andr
ewGor
don.Ishoul
dhav
eseent
his
coming.

Hilda:Weneedt
heMoengcompanyi nour
cornerort
hismi
ghtbethelaststr
awtothe
Thompsonname.Thisgoesbey ondt
he
uranium,l
i
vesar
eatstakehere?

Nessa:Whyareyouadamantont
hismarri
age?
Whatisthesecr
etbehi
ndthi
smarr
iage?
Hil
da:
Icanttelly
oubabe,noneofyouforyour
ownprotect
ion.I
tisasecr
etiam wil
l
ingtotake
tomygrave.

Thi
err
y:Icanst
ickar
oundi
fyouneedme.

Hi
lda:ThankyouThier
rybutyouhavesomuch
onyourplat
e.Wewi l
lseethi
sthr
ough.I
fthey
wantbloodtheni
tisbloodwewil
lgivet
hem.

[
06/
04,
19:
50]Rn:
DeepDesi
res 
I
nser
t106
Unedi
ted 
*
***
***
***
***
"Tosay'
Il
oveyouonemustknowf i
rsthowt
o
sayI.
"-AynRand,
TheFount
ainhead
*
***
***
***
***
Nar
rat
ed

Thi
err
y:At
leastmehav
eoneoft
hem bef
orei
l
eave?

(
Hesaysashewalksi
ntot
heboar
droom.They
t
urnt
olookathi
m.)

Li
am:
Whodoy
ouwant
?

Hi
l
da:
Andr
ewi
smi
ne,
noonet
oucheshi
m.

Thier
ry:Iam okaywi
thanyofthem.Ijustwant
one.Idon'tgetwhyi
am notinvi
ted,
icanbe
ver
yef f
ici
ent.
Br
ian:Weknowbutwedon'
twantt
oomuch
at
tent
ion.

Thi
err
y:Okaywhati
sthei
rcur
rentst
atusand
posi
ti
on?

Li
am: It
hinkitbet
terwest ri
kewhenthei
ronis
sti
l
l hot,r
ightnowt heirdef
encesar
edown.
Theyar enotexpect i
ngus.Soletst
akechar
ge
beforetheyprepare.

Hi
lda:
00,whati
sthecurrentst
atusf
ort
he3
mostwant
edenermies?

Agent00: Andrewhasnotyetsteppedfootinto
thecountry,hewil
lbearr
ivi
ngthisevening.Cox
ibel
ievehei sinawarhouseoutsidetown.
Kagisojustpull
edinfr
ontofMsRober ts's
house.
Thierr
y:Theonewhoi satt
hewar
ehouse?How
farisi
t?Isi
tinthebush?

(
Bri
anl
ooksathi
m andsmi
l
es.
)

Hi
l
da:
Agent5,
answert
heman?

Agent5:
Itis15ki
l
ometer
sawayfrom t
heci
ty
andyestherei
sasmal
lbushsur
roundi
ngi
t.

Thier
ry:Great
,now,
ist
her
eawat
ersour
ce
supplynearby?

Agent5:
Wat
ersuppl
y?

Thi
err
y:(
smacki
nghi
m att
hebackoft
hehead)
Yesl
i
kear
iver
,dam,
wat
ert
ank?

Hi
l
da:
No,
whydoy
ouneedwat
er?

Thi
err
y:Br
ian!

Br
ian:
Wewi
l
lmeetatmyapar
tment
?

Thi
err
y:(
smi
l
ing)Ol
dornew?

Bri
an:Areyouinsane?Youknowt
henewonei
s
outofbounds.Theoldone.

Thier
ry:
Justwant
edt
omakesur
e.Okaywhat
shouldibr
ingy
ou?

Br
ian:
Api
eceofhi
shai
randofcour
set
her
ing
f
inger
.Woul
dli
ket
oaddt
omycol
l
ect
ion.

Thi
err
y:Consi
deri
tdone?

Br
ian:
Bri
ngt
heheadf
orma!

Thi
err
y:Al
ri
ght
.

(
Het
urnsandwal
ksout
.)

Hil
da:
Wai
t!Won'
tyouneedanybackupand
hel
p?

Thi
err
y:Noi
gott
hiscov
ered!

(
Hewhi
stl
esashewal
ksout
)
Hi
l
da:
Bri
an!

Bri
an:Don'
taskanythi
ngconcerni
ngThier
ry,
i
don'
thavetheanswers.Li
am iguesst
hat
l
eavesuswi t
hKagiso.

Li
am:
Whoi
sMsRober
ts?

Hi
l
da:
Obser
ver
,showt
hem MsRober
ts?

(
Pict
uresofJoypopsupont
hescr
een)

Li
am: Whoa!Howisshesti
ll
ali
ve?It
houghtshe
wi
llcommitsui
cideaf
terwhatshewentt
hrough.

Hi
l
da:
Agent00gi
vet
hem anupdat
e?
Agent00: JoyPhekonowknownasHai l
ey
Roberts,hasbeenlivi
ngintheshadowsthe
past7y ears,
gotadmi t
tedinanmentalhospi
tal
,
aft
erwardsshest ar
tedgetti
nginvol
vedin
art
ist
icwor k,pai
nti
ng.Lostherfat
her2years
backandnowhav eanar tgal
ler
y.Shemakes
for
tunef r
om it.

Br
ian:
Thebr
andi
sitst
il
lther
e?

Hil
da:Yepbutsheisget
ti
ngr
idofi
tsoon.She
hasLefakaeonhersi
de.

Li
am:
Lef
aasi
nNessa'
sLef
a?

Hi
l
da:
Yep!
(Br
ianl
ooksatthescr
eenandshakeshi
shead
ashestandsup.)

Br
ian:Wel
lexcuseme,
mygirl
sarebackint
he
ci
ty,
havet
ogoseehowt heyar
edoing.

Hi
l
da:
Bri
ngmypr
incessf
orasl
eepov
er.

Br
ian:
Alr
ight
!

(
Hewal
kout
.)
 
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
* 
Hai
l
ey

(
Itakeoutt
hesconesfr
om theovanandplace
t
hem ontopasiswit
chupthekettl
etomake
t
ea.Lefawi
llbeher
eanyminute.Speaki
ngof
t
hedev
il
,ther
eisaknockatt
hef
rontdoor
.)

Hai
l
ey:
Comer
ighti
n,t
hedoori
sopen.

(
Iheart
hedooropenandhi
sfoot
steps.
)

Hail
ey:
Iam i
ntheki
tchenprepar
ingsome
chamomil
eteawoul
dy oul
ikesome.

(Isayasi
tur
nar
oundt
ogr
abcupsf
rom t
he
unit)

Kagiso:Youknowt
eahasalway
sbeenmyl
east
fav
our i
te,
iam amanofbeer
.

(Thecupfal
lsfrom myholdasit
urnar
oundt
o
seeKagisostandi
nginthemiddl
eofmyti
ny
ki
tchen.
)

Hai
l
ey:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Kagi
so:
Wemeetagai
n!Howhav
eyoubeenmy
l
ove?

(
Ifr
eezei
nplaceashi
shandst
ouchmyf
ace.I
t
akeadeepbreat
h.)

Hai
l
ey:
Pleasel
eav
e.

Kagi
so:
Iwanty
oubacki
nmyl
i
feJoy
.

Hai
l
ey:
Hai
l
ey!

Kagi
so:
Huh?
Hai
l
ey:
Mynamei
sHai
l
eynotJoy
.

Kagi
so:IwantmyJoyback.Ineedy
oubacki
n
myli
fe.

Hail
ey:
Youhav ecometothewrongplace,ther
e
i
snoJoyher e,
thegir
lyouaret
alki
ngabout,
l
ongdied!Nowr ei
gnsHai
ley
,andidon'tneed
youinmylif
e.

Kagi
so:Youdon'
tmeanthat
,noonecoul
dever
l
oveyouthewayido.Il
oveyouJoyandyou
knowit
.

Hail
ey:
Tosay'Ilov
ey ouonemustknowf i
rst
howtosayI.Thati
ssomet hi
ngyoudon'
tknow,
youonl
ylov
eoneper sonandthat'
syour
self.
Youarenotcapabl
eoflovi
ng,
yourlovei
stoxi
c.
I
tisthet
ypeoflovethati
don'
twantanyway
nearme,notnearmyheart
.Sotakeyourf
il
thy
l
oveandgetout.

(
Hegr
absmebymyj
awsandpr
esseshar
d.)

Kagi
so:Looksli
keyouaref
orget
ti
ngwhoy
ou
ar
etalki
ngto,shoul
dir
emindyou?

Hail
ey:
Iam notaf
rai
donyouKagi
so.Iwi
l
lnot
cowerawaythi
sti
mearound.

(
Isl
owl
yreachf
ort
hepepperspr
aybehi
ndme.
)

Kagi
so: Youhav egrownsomeball
s,(
smirks)
youaref ei
sty
.(Hisphoneri
ngsandhereaches
fori
t,f
rownsl ooki
ngstthescr
een)Cox!
Cox:
Hel
pmeKg.Hur
ry,
idon'
thav
eenough
ti
me!

Kagi
so:
Whati
shappeni
ng?

Cox:Idon'
thav
eti
met
oexpl
ain,
pleasei
beg
youhel.
..
..

(
Thephonecut
sof
f)

Kagi
so:Hel
l
o!Cox,ar
ey out
here?Shi
t!Ihav
eto
go,t
hisi
snotov
er.Iwil
lbebackHail
ey.

(Iwatchashet ur
nsandr unsoutsi
de.Itakea
hugebr eat
h,t
hankfult
hatlit
tl
eencounterdid
notturninsomethingbad.Lefawalkincall
ing
me.)
Hai
l
ey:
Iam i
ntheki
tchen!

(
Hewal
kinl
ooki
ngwor
ri
ed)

Lef
a:Il
ett
hatguydownst
air
s!Ar
eyouokay
?

Hai
l
ey:
Yah!Iam okay
.

Lef
a:Comeher
e?

(
Iwal
ktohi
m andhehugsme.
)

Lef
a:(ki
ssi
ngmyf
orehead)Iwasgr
avel
y
worr
ied!
Hai
l
ey:
Sh!Iam okay
.

Lef
a:Movei
nwi
thmet
hatwayi
knowi
can
watchov
ery
ou.

Hail
ey:
No!Iam okay
.Idon'
twantt
omov
ein
wit
haman.

Lef
a:Okay,
atleastletmesl
eepov ert
oni
ght
j
usttomakesurey ouarepr
otect
edwhenhe
comesover.

Hail
ey:YouaretoosweetLef
a,iam booki
ng
i
ntoahot el
til
ligetanewhouseandthe
secur
it
ycomes.

Lef
a:Al
ri
ght
.Let
sgot
hen.
Hai
l
ey:
Letmepackaf
ewt
hings.

Lef
a:Al
ri
ght
.

(Iwal
ktomyroom andt
hrowaf
ewt
hingsi
wil
l
needinmyov
erni
ghtbag.
) 
*
***
***
***
***
***
*
Nessa

(
Ireachf
ort
hej
uiceandpourmy
sel
fsome.
)

Anay
a:Aunt
y!Cany
oupl
easepourmesome.

Nessa:
sur
ebaby
!

Dar
ima:I
fiwereNal
edi
,iwoul
dhav
ekeptmy
chi
l
dfaraway.
Hil
da:Iguessi
tisagoodt
hingy
ouar
eDar
ima
notNaledi
.

Nick:Ma!Youwi
l
lbemov
ingt
oyournewhouse
verysoon.

Dar
ima:
What
?

Nick:
Youmadei tnosecrett
hatyouareagai
nst
howwedot hi
ngsinhere,soithi
nkiti
sonlyf
air
Igetyouawayfr
om allofus.

Dari
ma: Boy
!Youmustbesmokingsomeweed,
il
ikethi
shouseandev
eryonei
nit.

Ni
ck:
(rai
singhi
sey
ebr
ows)Real
l
y?
Dari
ma:Yes!Meandmydaughteri
nlawweget
al
ongjustper
fect
lywel
lri
ghtHi
l
da?

Hi
l
da:
Act
ual
l
yIt
hinki
tisagoodi
d..
..
..ouch!

(Dar
imast eponHi
l
da'
stoewi
thherbi
gfarheel
andpressesdown.
)

Dari
ma: Ithi
nkshewassay i
ngitsagoodi dea
tokeepmecl ose,especial
l
ywi thallt
hosemen
outthere.Ri
ght(car
essingHilda'scheek)
daughterinl
aw?

Hi
l
da:
Yesmot
heri
nlaw!

Dar
ima:
Great
!Iguesst
hat
'
sset
tl
edt
hen.
(
Themai
dwor
ksi
n.)

May
a:Ma'am t
her
eisay
oungmanwhoi
sher
e
t
oseeyou.

Hi
l
da:
Who?

May
a:Hesai
dhi
snamei
sAceGomol
emo.

(
Ichokeonmyf
ood,
andcoughasBr
iangi
ves
mewater.
)

Hil
da:(looki
ngatAnay a)Baby,
gowithaunty
Maya, sheisgoi
ngt ogiveyousomeicecream.
Iwil
lthereinami nut
eandwewi l
lwat
cha
moviet oget
her.
Anay
a:Okay
.

(MayawalksoutwithAnayaandAcewal ksin.I
l
ookathim quest
ioninghi
m, buthei gnoresme.
Hestandsinthemiddleofther oom andl ooks
atmother
.Myhear thaspal
pitationsasi
wonderwhatonear t
hishegoi ngt osay.) 
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
NARRATED

(Coxwal ksintot
hewarehouse.Whistl
i
ng,ashe
switchesont hel
ight
s,hi
seyesmeet sThierr
y
whoi ssitt
ingonthecouch,r
elaxed,
drinki
nghis
whisky.)

Thi
err
y:Mymy
,hef
inal
l
ydeci
dedt
owakeup.
Cox:Whothef*ckar
eyou?(
Her
eachesf
orhi
s
gunbutdoesnotfi
ndit
)

Thi
err
y:(
toy
ingwi
thi
t)l
ooki
ngf
ort
his?

Cox:
Howdi
dyougett
hat
?

Thier
ry:
Ihav emyway
s.Don'
tbot
herl
ooki
ngf
or
other
s,itookcar
eoft
hem.

Cox:
(cr
acki
nghi
shands)Ihav
eot
hermeans.

Thi
err
y:Myf
avour
it
e,l
etsdot
his.

(
Hest
andsupandt
akesasi
pfr
om hi
swhi
sky
)

Thi
err
y:Whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
orboy
,comef
or
me.

(
CoxchargesThi
err
ywhosmi l
esathi
m and
l
etshi
m swinghi
sfi
rstst
ri
ke.Hi
tt
inghi
m onthe
f
ace.)

Thi
err
y:(
laughi
ngy
ou)Youhitl
i
keagi
rl
.I'
m
sur
eyoucandobetterboy
.

(Coxchargesathim agai
nandThierrypunches
him onthestomachmakinghim groanand
touchhisstomach.Hehitshi
m onhisbackand
hedr opst
ot hegr
ound.)

Thi
err
y:Getupandf
ightl
i
keamanboy
.

(Holdshi
m byhi
sneck,
andpuncheshim ont
he
stomach,t
henputhi
sstr
onghandsaroundhi
s
throatandsquuzes, bl
ockingouttheair,
Cox
kicksintheair.Thi
errydropshimtot heground
andki ckshim.Beforepulli
nghimtowher ehe
wasseat ing.Hesitsdown, put
ti
nghisshoeon
Cox'shead, whoisspr awl
edoutont hemat .)

Thier
ry:
(si
ppinghi
swhiskey
)Ili
ketoplayfai
r.
Sohere,si
nceiam nomatchforyou,
cally
our
fr
iendaskforhel
p.

(Thi
err
yhandshi
mthephone.AndCoxcal
l
s
Kagi
so.)

Kagi
so:
Cox

Cox:
Hel
pmeKg.Hur
ry,
idon'
thav
eenough
ti
me!
Kagi
so:
Whati
shappeni
ng?

Cox:Idon'
thav
eti
met
oexpl
ain,
pleasei
beg
youhel.
..
..
.

(
Thi
err
ygr
abst
hephoneandhangsup.)

Thier
ry:Yourt
imeisup.Letsgi
vehim 10
minutes.I
fheisnother
e,in10minutesidon'
t
knowwhatwi l
lhappentoyoupret
tyboy.

(
Hewhist
lesasheenj
oyshi
swhi
skyt
opass
t
ime.
)

Thierr
y:Yourti
mei sup.Iwi
llgivey
ouanother
anothersecondchance.Usey ourl
egsandrun
foryourli
fe.Usethebackdoor ,
makesurei
don'tcat
chy ou.I
fido,i
twil
lbenastyandno
mor
echances.

(
Hehel
pst
hescar
edCoxup.
)

Thi
err
y:Gomyboy
,run.Yourt
imest
art
snow.

(
Coxr
unst
othebackdoorandl
ooksback.
)

Thi
erry:
(amused)Run,
boydon'
tl
ookback,
run
asfarasyourf
eetcantakey
ou.

(Helaughsashesi tsdownandenj oyshis

whiskey.Aft
er10mi nuteshestandst ohisfeet
andtakesof fhi
ssweat erashetakesof f.Cox
runs,t
oapoi ntwher ehisfeetfeelsnumb.He
canfeelhim behindhim, heisclosinginhim,
hisheartbeatescalates,somethingknockshi m
offandhecr awlshet urnsoverandsi tsdown,
raisi
nghishead,
hest
aresi
ntot
hedar
kshi
ny-
blueeyes.)

Cox:
Oh!MyGod.

(
Hisscr
eamscanbehear
dfr
om af
arashe
meet
shismaker
.)
[
06/
04,
19:
53]Rn:
DeepDesi
res 
I
nser
t107 
Unedi
ted 
*
***
***
***
**
"
Oursoul
matei
stheonewhomakesl
i
fecome
t
oli
fe.
"-Ri
char
dBach
*
***
***
***
**
Busi

(
Ist
areathi
m.Bef
orei
wal
ktot
heki
tchen.I
canfeelhim onmyt ai
l
.Hesitsdownonbuthis
eyesneverleavemine.Fol
l
owingever
ymov ei
make.Ifixacupofcof f
eeformysel
fandhim.I
placei
tinfrontofhi
m andsitdownopposi
te
him.)

Busi
:Thoughty
oumi
ghtneedone.

Atang:It
hinkIwi
l
lneedsomet
hingst
ronger
thanthi
s.

Busi
:Doy
ouwantt
otal
kabouti
t?

At
ang:
Howaboutsomet
rut
h?

Busi
:Youdoknowt
hati
tsnoneofy
our
busi
ness?
At
ang:
Ahem!

Busi
:Andi am notev
enobligedtot
ell
youmy
st
atusbecausewear enotdati
ngmeandyou.

At
ang:
Bus.
..
.

Busi
:(i
nter
rupti
nghi
m)Butt oputyouatease,
whathesaidisthet
ruth.Iam HI
Vposit
ive,
have
beenl
ivi
ngtheposit
iveli
fefor7year
snow.

At
ang:
(ast
oni
shed)How?

Busi:Iam nosaintAtang.Ihaveapast,adeep
darkpast.Iusedtobepr omiscuous,iwas
addictedtosex.F**
kedast rangeronceatthe
cl
ubandt hat'
showi gottheHIV.
At
ang:
Wow!

Busi:IwasNick'
smi st
ress,
undercont
ract
,
sl
eptwi t
hhisnephewLi am,whohappenedto
bemyboy f
ri
end.Therearenott
heonlylov
ersI
had,oncehardathreesome,fu*
*edrandom
str
angers.

At
ang:
Whyar
eyout
ell
i
ngmeal
lthi
s?

Busi:
Youwantedtoknowthet
rut
hsoi
am
gi
vingitt
oyou.Howiti
s?

At
ang:Whywer
eyouaddi
cted?Ther
ehast
obe
ar
eason.

Busi
:Wasr apedasachil
dandneverdeal
twi
th
i
tbutthat
'snoexcuseformyact
ions.
At
ang:
Wow!Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
?

Busi:Youdon'
thav
etosayany
thi
ng.Idon'
t
expectyouto.

Atang:Thi
sisabigbombshel
l,
may bebi
gger
thaniexpect
ed!Ineedt
imetoabsorbal
lthi
s.

Busi
:Okay
,nopr
obl
em

At
ang:
Ishoul
dgo.

(Hetakeshi
scarkey sandphoneonthetabl
e
andwalktothefrontdoor.Iwal
kbehi
ndhim.I
openthedoor,normall
yhewi l
lki
ssmy
for
eheadbefor
ehewal ksawaybutt
odayhe
j
ustwalksri
ghtoutside.)
Busi
:Youwi
l
lbei
ntouchr
ight
?

At
ang:
Yah.

(Iwatchashi scarsdri
veoutofmyy ar
di cl
ose
thedoorbehi ndmeandt akeadeepbreath.I
knewt hiswouldhappent heminut
ehelearnt
thetr
ut h.Ij
ustneverexpectedi
ttohur
tthisbad.
Iwalktot hekit
chen.)

Busi
:Noi can'
tl
ethi
m gol
i
ket
his.Ineedt
odo
somethi
ng.

(Igl
anceatthest
air
s.Quint
onisasleepsoiam
sureIwil
lbebackbeforehewakesup.Igrab
mycarkey sandl
ockthedoorbehindmeasI
getint
omycaranddr iv
etohishot
el!) 
*
***
***
***
***
**
NARRATED

(Thi
err
ywalksoutoft
hebat
hroom.Andf
inds
Bri
anlayi
ngonhisbedst
arr
ingatt
hecei
l
ing.
)

Bri
an:Youdi
dn'
tl
eav
eany
thi
ngi
ncr
imi
nat
ing
behi
nd?

Thier
ry:
Whendi
dievergetf
loppy?Infacti
rememberf
ewinst
anceswheni hadtoclea.
.

Bri
an:(
cut
ti
nghi
m of
f)Ya-
day
ada!wher
eismy
fi
nger
?

Thier
ry:
Doyouhav
eanext
raf
ingeri
shoul
d
knowabout
?
Bri
an:
Comeondon'
tpl
aydumpwi
thmer
ight
now.

Thi
erry
:Showmewher
eyoust
oremeandi
wil
l
gi
veittoyou.

Br
ian:
Fol
l
owme?

(Hetakeshi mtohisoldst udy,oncei

nsidehe
movesoneoft hebooksandt heshelv
esopen
movingtot hesides.Exposingar oom l
ooki
ng
l
ikeami ni-
sciencestoreroom.Wi thallt
he
chemicals,beakersandthespeci mensin
chemicalsputinsealedbot tl
es.)

Br
ian:
Welcomet
otheDl
ami
niSci
enf
it
ic
St
orer
oom.
Thi
err
y:Youar
ecr
eepy
.

(Hewal
ksinandpl acest
hefingerandhair
str
andonthetabl
eashewal ksinside.Looki
ng,
i
nspect
ingthespecimens.)

Thi
err
y:(
pointi
ngt
othebot
tl
ewi taneyeand
ear
)Don'
ttell
methisi
sfr
om thatguyatthat
cl
ub.

Br
ian:
Yep,
theonewhot
ri
edt
orapeGi
sel
l
e.

Thi
err
y:Thef
ingerwi
tht
her
ing?

Br
ian:
Myf
akewi
fe.
Thi
err
y:Thehand?

Br
ian:
Someguywhost
olef
rom me?

Thi
err
y:Thegodst
atue?

Bri
an:That
sapr esentf
orBusi
,nowthatshe
gotherownhouse, iwi
l
lseetoi
tthatigeti
t
del
iver
ed.Awelcomehomegi ft
.Nowi need
oneofyoucani
nesi nhere.

Thierr
y:Youmustbecr
azy.Youshouldhav
e
gottencani
nesf
rom mygoodfornothi
ng
brother
.

Br
ian:
Who?JannemanorRi
kkar
d?
Thierr
y:Ri
kkar
disactual
lygreat
,justt
hathei
s
ajerk-
ass.Iam t
alki
ngaboutJanneman.

Br
ian:
No!Iwanty
our
s.

Thi
err
y:Youmustbesmokingdagga.Comelet
usgo,iwantt
odel
ivermygif
ttoyourmother
.

Br
ian:
Aft
ery
ou.

(
Theywal
kout
.)
 
*
***
***
***
***
*
Nal
edi

Iwal
kintotherestaur
antandspothi
m
i
mmedi at
ely.Hehaslostali
tt
lebi
tofweight
si
nceisawhi m.Ismileathi
m ashestandupto
hugmeandpul
lachai
rforme.
)

Naledi
:Iam sor
ryiam l
ate,
ihadt
owai
tfor
Anaya'
sdadt opi
ckherup.

Tr
avi
s:Br
ian?

(
Inodmyhead.
)

Tr
avi
s:Youi
ntr
oducedher
?

Nal
:Ican'
thav
ehi
stor
yrepeat
ingi
tsel
f.

Tr
avi
s:Okay
,howhav
eyoubeen?

Nal
:Good,
taki
ngeachdayasi
tcomes.You?
Travi
s: Bad,i
mi ssyouNaledi
,imissus.Pl
ease
(hereachesformyhandbuti mov emyhand.)
Tell
met hatwest i
l
lhaveachance.Thatwecan
getthroughthistoget
her.

Nal:Iam sor
ryTr
avbutican'
tdoi
tany
more.
Thef actt
hatwearer
elat
edsomehowhas
tur
nedmeof f
.

Tr
avi
s:Pl
easedon'
tsaythat
,hei
snotmyf
ather
.
Wecanbetoget
herNaledi
.

Nal
:Iam tr
ulysor
ryTravi
s,butican'
tdot
his.
Whetherwedenyitornot,
factsti
llr
emai
nsis
t
hatyouaremyst epbrot
her.

Tr
avi
s:Howcani
changey
ourmi
nd?
Nal
: Youcan'
tchangemymind.Iguesswe
bet
terstar
tseei
ngeachot
herassibli
ngs
i
nsteadoflover
s.

(
Ist
andt
omyf
eetandki
sshi
scheek)

Nal
:
Takecar
eTr
av.

(
Itur
ntowal
kawaybuthehol
dsmyhand.I
l
ookathi
m,hi
seyesbeggi
ngme.
)

Tr
avi
s:Don'
tl
eav
epl
ease.

Nal
:Iam sor
ry.

(
Iputmyhandov
erhi
sforami
nut
e.Wi
tht
ear
s
onmyey esi geti
ntothecaranddri
vestr
aight
totheThompsonMansi on.Walki
nginBri
an's
room.Inoti
ceAnay ainhi
sbed,asl
eep.Iki
ck
offmyshoesandsl eepnexttoher
.Iki
ssheras
tear
strai
loffmyface.Iwishshewasawaket o
cheermeup.)

Br
ian:
Babycakes?

(
IraisemeheadandInot
icehi
m st
andi
ngnext
t
ot hebed.
)

Nal
edi
:
(sobbi
ng)Bi
gbear
.

Brian:(
hesi
tsont
hebedandwipesawaymy
tears)Whyar
ecry
ing?Hey
,whodidthi
stoy
ou?

(
Hepul
l
smei
ntohi
slapandr
ocksmel
i
kea
baby
.Ki
ssi
ngmyf
orehead.)

Br
ian:
Itsokaybabycake.Iam her
enow.

(Iputmyheadonhi schestandclosemyey es.

Itfeelshome,bei
nginhi
sarmsl i
kethis,bei
ng
thisneartohim.Nomatterhowmuchi f
ightit
andconv inci
ngmysel
fthatiam notoverhim,
i
t sjustali
e.Heismysoulmate,
"Oursoul mate
i
st heonewhomakesl if
ecomet ol
if
e."-
RichardBach)
[
06/
04,
19:
57]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t108
Unedi
ted
*
***
***
***
*
"Fort
hefi
rstt
imeifeelthethudofmyheart
,my
deadoldbeat
enheart,
itisali
veagai
n,t
hethud
i
smusi ct
omyears, t
heol dhear
terr
ati
conce
agai
n."-Aut
horSMods
*
***
***
***
*
Hai
l
ey

(Il
ookaroundt heroom inspect
ingthe
surr
oundings.Ther oom i
sokayj ustwhatineed
forafewday stil
ligetthehousei need.)

Hai
l
ey:
Thi
sisokay
,justwhati
need.

Lefa:Ist
il
ldon'
tgetwhyyouarerel
uct
antt
o
mov einwithmeafteral
li
tisonl
yontemporar
y
basis.

Hail
ey:
Wehav
ebeenov
ert
his.Thi
sisf
ort
he
best
.
Lef
a:Whati
fhef
oll
owsy
ouher
e?

Hai
l
ey:Hewon'
tevenifhedoesican'
tl
iv
eon
t
herunonmyli
fe.I
tisti
mei f
acedmydemons.

Lefa:Okay,sot
her
eisnot
hingi
candot
o
changey ourmi
nd.

Hai
l
ey:
Absol
utel
ynot
hingMr
.

(Heputshishandsar
oundmywai standhi
s
chi
nrestonmyshoulder.Abackhug,if
eelhi
s
warm breat
honmyneck, maki
ngmybody
becomeal i
vewit
hti
ngles.
)

Lefa:
(whi
speri
ng)Areyousur
ether
eisnot
hing
icandotochangeyourmind?
Hai
l
ey:
Whatdoy
ouhav
einmi
nd?

Lef
a:Af
ewt
hings.

Hai
l
ey:
Like?

(Hespunsmear oundandi f
acehi m.Mybr eat
h
hit
chesashel ooksatme, sosincere,wit
hso
muchador ation.Het akesmyhandandpl aces
i
tov erhisheartandhol dsi
tthere.Whilehis
other,handtouchesmycheek, caressi
ng,iam
fi
ghtingeveryfibreinmubodynott oleanover
.)

Lefa:
(ki
ssi
ngmycheek-br
and)Idon'
twant
nobodybutyou,
kissi
ngonmytatt
oos.

Hai
l
ey:
AugustAl
sina.
Lef
a:(si
ngi
ng)Idon'
twantnobodybuty
ou,
ki
ssi
ngonmyt att
oos,
 
Idon'
twantnobodybutme 
Tal
ki
ngt
oyouunt
il
lyouf
all
asl
eep 
Bef
orewemessar
oundandsomeoneget
s
hur
t 
Idon'
twantnobodybuty
ou,
kissi
ngonmy
tat
toos.Nobodybuty
ou.

(Hepul lsmei nhi sarmsandhi shandscupsmy

face, andhislipscrushov ermine.Heki ssesme
fi
gor ously,
pour i
ngoutal ltheemotionshei s
feel
ingoni t,hissmel l i
sintoxi
cati
ng.My
stomachget sf i
l
ledwi thbut t
erf
li
es.Anew
energycour sest hroughmeawakeni ngallthe
deadpar t
s,maki ngthem becomeal iveand
radiatethenextener gy.Forthefir
stt i
mei feel
thet hudofmyhear t
, mydeadol dbeat enheart,
i
tisal iveagain,thethudi smusi ctomyear s,
theol
dhearterr
ati
conceagain.Hepul
l
saway
andkissawaythetearsawaythati
wasnot
evenawarearetr
ail
ingdown.)

Lefa:
Idon'
tknowwhatt hi
sis,butiam sure
abouthomethi
ng,ihaveneverfel
tthi
sbef ore,
i
thi
nkiam i
nloveHail
ey.It
hinkiam fal
lingfor
you.(
Kissi
ngmyforehead)Goodnight!

(Ist
andf rozeni nonepl acewat chingashe
walksoutandcl oset hedoorf orme.Myhear t
,
mymi nd, t
heybot htr yingtomakesenseof
whatj usttranspiredher e.Isitinbedandst are
atthedoor .It r
yt olaydownbutt hesonghe
j
ustsangf ormeKi ssi ngonmyt attoosby
AugustAl sinapl aysr epeat edlyinmyhead.I
don'tevent hinkt wice, Ireachf ormyshoes
sli
ppingt hem on, irunout side,ijusthopethat
heisst i
llwithinthehot el premises.Itakemy
eyesof fther oadal ongt hecor r
idortolookat
t
hebackonlytobumpt
oonsomeone.
Droppi
ngherkey
sandphonet
othegr
ound.
)

Hai
ley:(
bendi
ngt
oret
ri
evet
hephone)Iam so
sor
..
..

(
Ourheadsbumponeachot
herasi
bendov
er.
)

Hai
l
ey:
(touchi
ngmyhead)Ouch!Iam sosor
ry.

(Ir
aisemyhead,
toapologi
setothisl
adywhoi
havesomuchmisfort
unewithbutigetashock
ofalif
eti
mewhenireal
isewhoitis.
)

Hai
l
ey:
(ast
ounded)Busi
!

Busi
:(dumbf
ounded)Joy
! 
*
***
***
***
***
*
Nessa

Nessa:
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
our
eal
l
ydi
dthat
.

(Isayasiwalkoutofthebathr
oom dr
yingmy
hairwit
htowel.Ibat
hroom r
opeti
edaroundmy
waist.
)

Ace:
Itwast
ime,
longov
erdue.

Nessa:
Idi
dnothav
eyouhav
einy
oul
ove.

Ace:
Don'
tj
udget
hebookbyi
tscov
er.

(
Ilookathi
m andsmileasmymi nddoesa
f
lashbackt
oaf ewhoursago.
) 
*
***
*Fl
ashback*
**

(MayawalksoutwithAnayaandAcewal ksin.I
l
ookathim quest
ioninghi
m, buthei gnoresme.
Hestandsinthemiddleofther oom andl ooks
atmother
.Myhear thaspal
pitationsasi
wonderwhatonear t
hishegoi ngt osay.)

Hi
l
da:
Yeshowcani
hel
pyouy
oungman?

Ace:Wi
thoutwasti
nganyt
ime,
iam goi
ngt
obe
fr
ankwi
thy ouandever
yonei
nthi
sroom.

Li
am: (
ref
il
li
nghi
swi
ne)Thi
sshoul
dbe
i
nter
esti
ng.

Hi
lda:
Whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or,
goahead?Be
f
rankwit
hout
.
Ace: Iam notev engoi ngtobeatar oundt he
bush, Il
ovey ourdaught er,alotactuall
y.(He
l
ooksatBr i
an)Ihav etri
edt ofi
ghtmyf eeli
ngs
forherbuti tprovedt obei mpossible.Andt he
truthisthatihav ebeenscr ewingher ,
ev ersince
shegotbackf rom Canada, shehasbeen
sleepingalmostev erynightinmybedandi twil
l
cont i
nuetobet hatwayunl essyouputabul l
et
throughmyheadorher s.

Nick:Looksl
ikeyoumadey
ourmi
ndsowhyar
e
youtell
ingusall
thi
s?

Ace:Outofrespect
,Iwantper mi ssi
ontodate
yourdaughterandhopef ul
lyendupmar rying
her.Becausenomat terwhathowmuchy outry
toseparateusitwi
llneverwor k.Nowifyouar e
keenonmar ryi
ngherof fthenitsbett
eryou
knowf r
om thestar
tthatshewi l
lbespending
everynightonmybedl eavi
nghermar r
iagecold.
Orbet t
erwewi l
lrunawayandy ouwi l
lnev er
seeusagai n.Itisnotonl yyourfami l
ythathas
connect i
ons.Orbet t
eri mightjustt akeherof fer
andknockherupandmar r
yherseei nghow
muchy oudetestill
egit
imat echildren, i
bety ou'l
l
for
cemet omar ryher.Nowi am ki ndlyaski ng
yout oletmelov eyourdaught eri npeace
withoutanyinterfer
encemor eov eri asky ounot
toforcemyhand.

Hil
da:Letsgetonethongstr
aightf
rom the
begi
nning,ar
ey out
hreat
ningmeorgivingme
anult
imatum?

Ace:
Noiam si
mpl
elay
ingoutt
hepossi
bil
i
ties
outf
ory
ou.

Hi
l
da:
Youdoknowi
coul
dal
way
stakey
ouout
?
Andel
i
minat
eal
lmypr
obl
ems.

Ace:That'
swhereyouarewrong,Iam notsur
e
youwillwantmyblood,
sonofthemost
powerfulmaninthi
scount
rytai
ntedinyour
hands?

Hi
l
da:
Whatdoy
oumean?

Ace:MynameisHar
oldAceGomol
emo-
Benedi
ct,
Iam t
hePr
esident
'
sil
l
egi
ti
mat
echi
l
d.

(
Saywhay
?Pet
tyday
sast
oni
shed.)

(Everyonearoundt hetabl
elooksshockedby
hisrevelat
ion,exceptonepersonmydear
brother,Br
ian.
)
Ace:Pl
easethi
nkaboutwhati
sai
dcar
eful
l
y.
Thankyou.

(Hebowsandleav
esuswi t
hsomany
unanswer
edquest
ions.)

Endoff
lashback
*
***
***
***
***
***
*
Nessa:
Youst
il
lowemeanexpl
anat
ion.

Ace:
Iknow,wheniam readyiwil
ltel
lyou,
right
now,ij
ustwantapeaceful
nightwi
thmygi r
l.

Nessa:
(rai
singmyey
ebr
ows)
Peacef
ulni
ght
?

Ace:
Okayaner
oti
cni
ghtwi
thmygi
rl
.
Nessa:
Iam v
eryposi
ti
vet
hatcanbear
ranged.

(
Isayasi
dropt
hegownt
omyf
eet
.)
 
*
***
***
***
***
Nal
edi

(Iwakeupf rom thebed, untanglemy selffr

om
Brian'
sarmsaswearhi sgownasi walkt othe
kit
chen.Ineedsomei cecr eam tosootht he
sorenessinmyhear t
.Iwal kint
ot hekitchen
andmaneuv erint hedarknesst othef r
idge.I
opent hedeepfreezertor emov eitbutget
startl
edbythevoi cebehindme)

Thei
rr
y:Iguessiam nott
heonl
yonewhoi
s
sl
eepl
esstonight
.

(
Ijumpatt
hesoundofhi
svoi
cebef
orewhi
rl
ing
ar
oundt
ofacehi
m)

Naledi
:Whyar
eyousi
tt
ingi
nthedar
kyou
scaredme?

Thi
err
y:Iam sor
rymyl
ady
.

(Imov etoswi t
chont heli
ghtsandhei ssi
t t
ing
ont hekitchencount
er ,
infunnelpyjamas,
anda
ti
ghtt-shirtt
hathugshisbigbodymuscl es.His
captivat
ingblueeyes,dartaroundtheroom.He
i
sr eall
ybi g,
overl
ybig,andhel ooksabitl
ike
ChrisHemswor t
horshoul disayThorfrom
Avengers.)

Thi
err
y:Wel
ll
ooksl
i
key
ouwer
elooki
ngf
ort
his
Muñeca?
(
Hesayspointi
ngt
otheicecr
eam cont
ainerhe
i
shol
ding.Inodmyhead.
)

Thi
err
y:(
giv
ingmeaspoon)Wel
lhopupand
hel
pmuñeca.

(IdontevenknowwhatMuñecameansbuthe
makesi tsoundsosexy.Hehel
psmeupand
givemet hespoon.Si
lent
lyweenj
oyt
hecol
d
deli
ciousicecr
eam.)

Thier
ry:Whati
sitmuñeca?Youcanask,I
promiseidon'
tbi
te,
wellwhenIam notangr
y.

Nal
edi
:(cl
ear
ingmyt hr
oat)Ahem!Br
ianonce
say
syouarehisabnormalf
ri
endwhatdidhe
meanbythat
?
Thi
erry
:Thatdickweed,iknewhi sbl
abbi
ng
mouth,wi
llr
antputmysecr ets.Therei
s
not
hingabnormal aboutmemi muñeca.

Nal
edi
:Okayhowdi
dyoumeethi
m?

Thi
err
y:Hesav
edmyl
i
fenotoncebutt
wice.

Nal
edi
:How?

Thi
err
y:Can'
tgoint
odet
ail
sbutj
ustknowt
hati
owethatdi
ckweedmyli
feasmuchasheowes
mehisli
fe.

Nal
edi
:Youguy
sar
esosecr
eti
ve.

Thi
err
y:Notr
eal
l
y!Onedayy
ouwi
l
lknow.For
nowj ustdon'tbecuriousaboutany t
hing,j
ust
knowt hatyouandAnay aarelikemyownf amily
.
Youhav emypr otect
ionforasl ongasy ouar e
breathi
ng.(Heki ssesmyf orehead.)Don'tfini
sh
offthaticecream andgot obed, bef
oreyou
catchacol d.Goodnightmuñeca.

(
Iwat
chashest
andsupandwal
ksout
.)
[
06/
04,
19:
57]Rn:
DeepDesi
res 
I
nser
t109 
Unedi
ted 
*
***
***
***
**
"Fol
l
owy ourhear
t,butt
akey
ourbr
ainwi
thy
ou.
"
-Unknown
*
***
***
***
*
BUSI

Iwal
kthr
ought
hecor
ri
dormaki
ngmywayt
o
hisroom.Idon' tevenknowwhati am goi ngto
saytohi m, i
justneedtoseehimt hat'
sall.My
phonebeeps, amessagealert
,andi takemy
eyesof ft
her oadt ochecki
tout.Withinasplit
second, ibumpi ntosomeone,mycarkey sand
phonef al
l t
ot hegroundasibendt oretr
ieve
them thest r
angeralsobends,ourheadsendup
coll
i
dingt ogether.Ist
rai
ght
enupt oletherpick
them up.

Hai
l
ey:
(touchi
ngherhead)Ouch!Iam sosor
ry.

(Iwatchassheraisesherhead,pr
obabl
yto
apologi
setothi
sme.i am shockedoutofmy
bootswheni r
eali
sewhoi ti
s.)

Hai
l
ey:
(ast
ounded)Busi
!

Busi
:(dumbf
ounded)Joy
!
(Wow!Shei ssti
ll
alive.Iquickl
yscanthr
ough
herfrom headtotoe.Shel ookshappymore
al
ive.Iam evenmor esurprisedwheniseethe
brandonhercheek.)

Busi
:Imustadmity
outhel
astper
soni
thought
iwoul
deverseeagai
n.

Hail
ey:
Sodidi
,bytheway,iam nol
onger
knownasJoyPhekobutr
atherHail
eyRober
ts?

Busi
:Ohokay!Wai
tHai
leyRobert
sthear
tist
whohasbeentaki
ngBotswanabythest
orm
wit
hherpai
nti
ngs.

Hai
l
ey:
Theoneandonl
y.
(Il
ookatherandf eelj
eal
ous,f
rom all
the4of
uslooksl i
keintheonlyone,whoneverdidso
well.Naledii
sadoct or
,Nessaishasa
psychologydegreeandnowJoyi sprobablythe
worldfamousar ti
standIhaveabsolutel
y
nothingtoattesttowhatihavebeendoingfor
thepast7y ears.)

Hai
ley
:Itwasgr
eatseei
ngy
ouagai
n.Ihav
eto
go.

Busi
:Wait
!CanIhaveyournumbermay
bewe
canhangoutsomet
ime?

Hai
ley:Iam sorr
yBusi
siwe,butInolongerwant
t
okeepi ncontactwi
thanyonefrom mypast
t
hatincludesyou.

Busi
:Ohokay
,nopr
essur
ethenhav
eal
ovel
y
ni
ght
.

(Shet
urnst
owalkawaybutst
opst
wof
eet
awayfr
om me.
)

Hail
ey:Idon'
tknowifyouareawarebutKagiso
i
sbacki ntownandhelooksevenmor ecrazi
er
anddangerousthanthel
astti
me.Heseemst o
knowwher eist
aysopleasebecareful
.You
knowhowobsessedhei swiththeThompson
famil
y.

(Shewal ksawayandherwor dsseekinsl

owly.
Sheisabsol ut
elyr
ight,
afewday sago,he
walt
zedi ntomyapar t
mentl
ikeheownsi t.My
apart
mentt hatinowleftmysonaloneinitto
goafteraman.Igr abmycarkey sandrunto
theel
ev ator
.)
Busi
:"DearGodpl
easel
ethi
m besaf
e."

(Ipr ayasijointhemai nroad,overtakingcar s

asIdr i
vetowar dsmyhouse.Ipar kthecari n
frontoft hehouse, notbot her
ingt olockup.I
runi ntothehouset owar dsQui nton' sroom.
Swi tchingont heli
ght s,i
am st artl
edt ofind
HildaThompsonsi tt
ingont hesi dechai r,atthe
farcor nerholdingagl assofwhi sky .Iglanceat
Qui ntonandhei speacef ul
lysleeping.Iglance
wasmor eatHi l
daasshest andsupgi vesmea
hardst ernlookandwal ksoutwi thoutsay inga
wor d.)
*
***
***
***
***
***
Nal
edi

(Iam f
eedi
ngAnay
asowecanl eav
esoonwhen
Thier
rywal
ksi
nwithBr
ianhol
dingasui
tcase.)
Nal
edi
:Mor
ning!

(
Bri
anki
ssesAnay
a'scheeks)

Br
ian:
Mor
ningMsD,
Babycakes.

(Thi
erryki
ssesmyf
oreheadandt
ouchesmy
cheek.)

Thi
err
y:Sl
eptwel
lmi
muñeca?

Nal
edi
:Li
keababy
,your
sel
f?

Thierr
y:Good.(
Picki
ngAnay
aup)Comet
o
unclebabybear.

Nal
edi
:What
'swi
tht
hesui
tcase?Someone
l
eav
ing?

Thier
ry:
Unfor
tunat
elyIhaveanemergency
backathomesoi '
m cut
ti
ngmyv acat
ionshor
t.

Nal
edi
:Nowthat'
sabummer,
i waslooking
f
orwar
dtoourlat
eni
ghti
cecream chats.

Thier
ry:
Wearestil
lgoi
ngtohavesomanyof
them.Rememberwhatisai
dlastni
ght
,Iam
onlyaphonecal
laway.

Nal
edi
:Thanky
ou,
T.

(Hehugsmet
henki
ssesAnay
abef
orehandi
ng
herbackt
ome.
)
Bri
an:Iam t
aki
nghi
mtot
heai
rpor
tiwi
l
lbe
back.

Nal
edi
:Okay
,nopr
obl
em.

Br
ian:
MsDwantt
ocomeal
ongwi
thme?

Anaya:NoMrD!Iam goi
ngwi
thGr
andmaand
Quint
ontothezoo.

Br
ian:
Alr
ight
.

(Iwatchastheywal
kout.Lat
erHi
ldaleav
es
withAnaya.It
akeashowerasiwalkoutoft
he
bathr
oom myphoner i
ngs.
)

Nal
edi
:(pi
cki
ngup)Myl
ove.
Nessa:
Ithi
nkthi
sist
heper
fectt
imef
ort
hat
gi
rl
sdayout.

Nal
edi
:Spat
henni
ghtgi
rl
soutj
ustt
het
woof
us.

Nessa:
Soundsl
i
keabr
il
li
anti
dea.Iwi
l
lpi
ck
youupat10am.

Naledi
:Actual
l
yiam aty
ourhouse,
soi
wil
lask
yourbrot
hertodr
opmeof f
.

Nessa:
Ist
her
esomet
hingi
shoul
dknowabout
?

Nal
edi:Let
ssaylat
er,wewil
lhavethi
stalkl
ater
.
Pl
uslooksli
keyoualsohav
eal ott
otellme.
Nessa:
Alot
,ket
let
seebi
l
ekeat
shol
oga.

Nal
edi
:(l
aughi
ng)Eet
ataot
shol
ogel
amogo
nnamytsal
a.

Nessa:
Wit
hpl
easur
e.

Nal
edi
:Bonammar
akeapar
e.

(
Ihungup.Wheni t
urnar
oundi f
indBr
ian
l
eaningagai
nstt
hedoorstar
ri
ngatme
i
ntensel
y.
)

Nal
edi
:Howl
onghav
eyoubeenst
andi
ngt
her
e?

Br
ian:
Longenough?
Nal
edi
:Youar
est
arr
ingandi
tsr
ude.

Br
ian:
Iam admi
ri
ng.

(Hisvoicei
slowandsexygivi
ngmy
goosebumps.Iwat chashewalksi
ntother
oom,
closesthedoor,l
ocksitandt
hrowsthekeys
outthroughthewindow.)

Nal
edi
:(j
olt
ed)Whatdoy
out
hinky
ouar
edoi
ng?

Bri
an:(
hestalkst
owar
dsme)Whatdoesi
tlook
l
ikeiam doi
ng?

Nal
edi
:Don'
tcomeanycloser
.Ishouldn'
thav
e
comeher
elastni
ght
.Itwasamistake.
(Iputmyhandoutt
oblockhim buthegr
absmy
handpull
smetohishardrockchest,
andhol
ds
myhandatmyback.)

Bri
an:
Whyshouldn'
ticomecl
oser
?Whatar
e
youaf
rai
dofbabycakes?

(Ist
areathist
hroat
,ashespeaksandigetan
acheinbetweenmylegs.Iusemytongueto
moistur
esuddendryli
ps.)

Nal
edi
:(br
eat
hless)Br
ian!

Br
ian:
MaDl
ami
ni.

Nal
edi
:Letmego,
weshoul
dn'
tbedoi
ngt
his?
Br
ian:
Say
swho?

(Hebends,hi
sbighandscupmyf aceil
ookup
i
ntohiseyes,l
osingmy selfi
ntot
hem.Hiswarm
breat
hfeel
ssoheav enl
y.Icl
osemyeyesashis
l
ipsbrushovermi ne.Mybodyhumswith
ti
ngli
ngsensati
onashel ightl
ybi
tesmylower
l
ip)

Br
ian:
Theconnect
ioni
sundeni
abl
eNal
edi
,
al
waysbeenal
wayswil
lbe.

(Theachebetweenmyl egsbloomesso
poweful
lythatit
ightenedmyt hi
ghstoeaset he
ache.Hi
smout hisont opofmi neonceagain,
demanding,chal
lenging.Histonguesli
psinside
mymout hexplori
ngev erycrookandcrevi
ce.As
hepull
saway ,if
eelcold.Iwat chashesteps
awayopenst
hedr
awerandt
akesoutasetof
key
s.)

Bri
an:(i
naraspyvoice)Thi
skeysopent
hat
door,i
am giv
ingyouachancet owal
koutof
herewhil
eyousti
l
l can.Onceihav
emywayi
won'tl
etyougo.

(Ist
epfor
wardtakethekey
sandt
hrowt
hem
outoft
hewindow.)

Nal
edi
:Letusset
tl
ethi
sonceandf
oral
l
.

(
Theferoci
tyonhi
seyesmakesmesquirm,
t
her
eishi t
chinmybr
eathi
ngashetakesast
ep
t
owardsme.Myheart
beatescal
ati
ng.
)
[
06/
04,
19:
58]Rn:
DeepDesi
res 
I
nser
t110
Unedi
ted
*
***
***
***
** 
"Shewantedwhatmostwomenwant ,
butshe
wantedi
tmuchmor efi
ercel
yandpassi
onatel
y.
"
-F.Scot
tFit
zger
ald 
*
***
***
***
**
Nal
edi

Nal
edi
:Letusset
tl
ethi
sonceandf
oral
l
.

(
Theferoci
tyonhi
seyesmakesmesquirm,
t
her
eishi t
chinmybr
eathi
ngashetakesast
ep
t
owardsme.Myheart
beatescal
ati
ng.
)

Bri
an:(
cupsmyfacemaki
ngmef
acehi
m)Ar
e
yousur
eNaledi
?
(iputmyhandaroundhisneckandstandonmy
toestokisshi
m.Icanfeelhi
scrot
chagainst
my
bell
y,heishar
dandready.Myfi
ngerstrai
lov
er
thebulgeonhispant
s.)

Nal
edi
:(sl
owl
y)Iwannaf
eel
you,
tast
eyouand
t
ouchyou.

(
Ihel
phi mt akeoffhist-shi
rtandtossitaway .
Myhandsexpl orehismagni fi
centbody.Ikiss
mywaydownonhi m.Iunbunckl ehi
sbel tand
f
reehisflyfrom t
heboxer s.Iwatch,myey es
f
ocusedont hegl
orioussight,iswal
lowa
mouthfulandi bi
temyl owerlipashest epsoff
t
hepant sandbr i
efs.
)

Br
ian:
(teasi
ngl
y)Li
kewhaty
ouseedoc?

(
Hisey
esbur
nwi
thl
ust
,looki
ngatme.It
akea
steptowardshim.Ineedtotast
ehim,
totouch
me.Onceagai niatt
ackhim,myhandsar
ound
hisel
ephantdick,hehasgotevenmor
ebigger
.
Ikneelbef
orehim.)

Br
ian:
Nal
edi
..
!

Nal
edi
:Sh!Bi
gbear
,it
sti
mef
ormommybeart
o
t
akeyouboy.

(It
easehi
m wi
thmymout
h,bef
orei
takehi
sbi
g
cockinmymouth.
)

Br
ian:
(moani
ng)Ohh!Nal
edi
!Shi
t!

(Il
ickhisbigblackcockbef
oreistar
thumpi
ng
oni twit
hmymout h.Hehol
dsmyheadand
dir
ectingit
,gaggingmeupasi tf
il
lsmymouth
downt
omyt
hroat
.)

Br
ian:
Hol
yshi
t!Babycakes.

(Hi
smoansmakesmyf lesht
ogetsexci
tedand
twi
tchwi
thant
ici
pat
ion.Hepull
sawayandstep
away.
)

Bri
an:That
'senough,i
intendt
ocomeinside
younotyourmouth.Standupandt
urnaround
forme.

(Iobl
igeandt urnar
ound.Ifeelhishands
l
ooseni ngmyr ope,
whichfall
sof fmyshoul
der
s
exposingleavi
ngmebar einf r
ontofme.He
holdsmyhai rinahighponytailabov
emyhead.)

Br
ian:
(ki
ssi
ngmyneck)Yousmel
ll
ike
st
rawber
ri
esbabycakes,
soaddi
cti
ve.

(Hishandtrail
sdownmynav el,pasti
ttomy
fl
esh.Hesof tl
ytouchesmytwol i
ps,thenpul
ls
thesmallhairthat
'sgrowi
ngthere,pr
oducing
painyetpl
easur e)

Nal
edi
:(j
umpi
ngal
i
ttl
e)Ahh!

(Heturnsmyheadsoi facehim sohekisses

me.Hi sli
psarel
ikewineandi wantt oget
drunkfrom t
hem.Hisfingerfol
lowedbyanot her
sli
psinsideme.Makingmemoani nwardl
y.
)

Br
ian:
Ahh!Readyasev
erMr
sDl
ami
ni.

(
Hisotherhandtouchesmyotherer
ectni
ppl
es
t
easi
ngt hem pi
nchi
ngthem.Mywallscl
oseup,
theint
ensitybuil
dingupashisf
ingertaponmy
sensit
ivespot.Justasiam ont
hev ergeoft
he
i
ntenseclimaxhepul l
southisf
ingersmakeme
cryoutwithirr
it
ati
on.)

Nal
edi
:Br
ian!

(
Hiseyeshav
egrowndar
k.Heputt
het
wo
f
ingeronmymouth.)

Br
ian:
Tast
ehowsweety
ouar
ebabycakes.

(
Isuckhi
sfi
nger
scl
ean,
tast
ingmy
sel
fonhi
m.)

Nal
edi
:Ineedy
ouBr
ian,
please.

Br
ian:
Getdownandl
i
eony
ourf
ront
.
(Idoashesays.Hefol
l
owsmedownandget
betweenmylegs.Maki
ngmykneel
,whil
ethe
restofmyupperbodyi
ncl
udi
ngheadremains
ont hegr
ound.Myassi
speeki
ngout.
)

Br
ian:
(touchi
ngmyfl
esh,
ashest
aresi
tand
sl
apsit)Holymouw!

(
Idon'
tthi
nkicanwai
tanyl
onger
.Ineedhi
m
i
nsi
demet hi
sinst
ant
.)

Nal
edi
:Dl
ami
nipl
ease.

(Hewhipsmewi t
hhiscrot
chacrossmy
butt
ocksbefor
ehespanksmehar dandgr abs
myassadmi ri
ng,
herubshiscr
otchagainstmy
l
abia.Wit
houtanywarni
ng,het
hrustsi
nside,
f
il
li
ngmeup,
str
etchi
ngmebey
ond.
)

Nal
edi
:(bi
ti
ngmyl
owerl
i
p)Shi
t!

Bri
an:(sl
owlygetsoft
heplacehi
scockbythe
ent
rance)Nowt el
lmeNaledi,
whatel
ephant
di
ckwer etal
ki
ngabout?

(Heslowl
ygetsin.Icl
osemyeyesashef
il
lsup
myf l
esh,
suddenlyitf
eel
sli
ket
herei
snot
enoughairi
ntheroom.Mynail
sdigi
ntot
he
fl
uff
ywhitecarpet
.)

Br
ian:
Answerme,babycakes,(spankingme)
Whodidyousayhav
eanel ephantdick?

Nal
edi
:Iam sor
ry.
(Il
osemywi ll
powerashebeginst
ohump,wi
th
everyt
hrusthedel
iver
sifeel
li
keiam l
osi
ngmy
sani
tytoourpassi
onatei
nterl
ude.
Suddenlyigetwhyi
tneverf
eltpower
ful
withal
l
theothers,
simpl
ybecauset
heyarenothim.
Theydonotknowmybodyl ikehedoes.
)

Bri
an:Idi
dn'
theary
oubabycakeswhatdi
dyou
say?

Nal
edi
:(br
eat
hless)Iam sor
rybi
gbear
.

(Myor
gasm i
snear
,asi
fhesensesit
.Hepul
l
s
out
.Maki
ngmepantinf
rust
rat
ion.
)

Br
ian:
Now,t
ellmebabycakes,
whoi
syourman.
Whoownsal
lthi
s?
(
Hesli
dessl
owlyinandsl
owl
yti
me.Depr
ivi
ng
meofawholeorgasm.
)

Nal
edi
:you!

Br
ian:
Mewho?

Naledi
:Bri
anDl
amini.I
tsal
lyours,
mymi nd
body,soul
ever
ythi
ngisall
yoursbigbear
.

(Hegruntsandconti
nuewithhi
stor
tur
e.Icant
cont
ainitanymore,
ital
ltoomuchandhe
knowsit.
)

Nal
edi
:(cr
ying)Bri
anpleasel
etmecome,
its
t
oomuch, i
can'thandl
eit.Pl
ease.
Brian:Iknowbabycakesi know.Iam doingit
fornex tt
ime, nextt
imeyoucal
l mycrotch
elephantdick,nextti
meyouletotherguygets
what '
smi ne,nextti
meyoucomewi t
hhickey
s
ony ourneckt hatidi
dnotputthere,r
emember
whatisi nstoreforyouMaDlami ni
.

Nal
edi
:Yesi
goti
tDl
ami
ni.Iwon'
tdoi
tagai
n.

(
Heslidesout
sideandi tr
yt ocrawlaway.Icant
t
akeitanymore.Iam sexuall
yfrust
rat
edf rom
l
ackoforgasmsandmyf leshissore,t
witchi
ng
f
orhi
m. )

Bri
an:(Hegrabsmeandslidesdeepinsi
de.
)
Wheredoy outhi
nkyouaregoing,wearenot
done.Thescoreneedst
obeset tl
edareyou
for
gett
ing.
(Icl
osemyey esashedr i
l
lsmef rom behind.
Thisti
mear oundhef i
nall
ytakesmet ofi
nal
desti
nati
on.Icoll
apseont hecarpetscreaming
hisnameandhef ol
lowssooncol lapsi
ngont op
ofme.Hehasbeensi nful
lymadef orme,no
doubtaboutit.
)

*
***
***
***
** 
Nar
rat
ed

(Hi
ldaleavesAnay
aandQuint
onpl ayi
ngi
n
outsi
dewithAgent40asshestepsint
othe
observerr
oom.)

Hi
lda:
00t
ell
mey
ouhav
esomet
hingv
iabl
efor
me?

Agent00:
16cal
l
edt
heyhav
eoutguy
?
Hi
l
da:
Whi
chone?

Agent5:
Gor
don.

Hil
da:
Wherei
she?Iwantt
otakecar
eofhi
m
per
sonal
l
y.

Agent00:
Locat
ioncan'
tber
eveal
edbutwecan
takeyout
her
e.

Hi
lda:
Whatarewewaiti
ngfort
hen?Iwantt
o
t
akecareofhi
m per
sonal
ly
?

(Theygooutwhi leHil
dainstr
uctsA.40tokeep
hergrandchil
dreninfl
oor16unt i
lshecomes
back.Getti
ngintotheti
ntedblackSUV.She
l
oadshergunandputasi lencerastheydr
ivet
o
thepl
acewheretheyar
eholdinghernumber1
enemy.Onceshegetsther
e,shewalksi
nand
theol
dmanwi thawhit
ebeardlaughswhenhe
seesher
.Heisbeatenupandt i
ght
enedtoa
chai
r.
)

Andrew:
(laughi
ng)Ishoul
dhav
eknownt
hati
ts
you.

Hi
l
da:
Wemeetagai
n.

(
Shel
ooksatheragent
s.)

Hi
l
da:
Wai
tout
side.

(
Theydoassheasksl
eav
ingherwi
thherpast
l
over
.)
Andr
ew:Youhavebecomesof
ine,
iasur
pri
sed
youl
eftmyboysbehi
nd.

Hi
l
da:
Iseey
ouar
est
il
lsmoki
ngweed.

Andrew:Iwantmychil
dbackHi
l
da.Myboy
s
thatyoust
oleinahospi
tal
.

Hil
da:Iwillt
ellyouwhat,y
ouar einsane.Nowi
wil
ltel
lyouhowt hi
sisgoi
ngt owor k,bef
orei
putabulletthr
oughy ourt
hickskull
, y
ouare
goi
ngt otell
met hepl
ansyouhav e.

Andr
ew:
(spi
tssal
ivaonherf
ace)Iwoul
drat
her
di
e,y
ouoldwi
tch.

Hi
l
da:
Okayasy
ouwi
sh.
Andrew:Youaregoi
ngdownthi
stimearound
Hil
da.Iwil
lev
enturninmygr
aveifihav
etojust
todragyoudown.

Hil
da:That'
stheproblem withyouGordon,you
werealwaysatalkernotadoer.That'
swhyi
rai
sedyourchil
drenupfory ouandMaggi e.You
weregoingtoteachthem tojustbar
kwi t
hout
bit
ing.

Andr
ew:
Theywi
l
lknowt
het
rut
hHi
l
da.

Hi
l
da:
Notwhi
l
sti
am st
il
lbr
eat
hing.

Andrew:
Thisisjustthebeginni
ngHil
da.
Checkmate!Il
osemyl ifebutyoul
ose
somethi
ngalsov al
uable.
(Hi
ldar
aiseshergunandbl
owshi
sheadout
.
Thenwalksout.
)

Hi
lda:Cleanthemessout.00pl
easegeta
r
outinecheckonallmyfamil
ymembers.

[
06/
04,
19:
59]Rn:
DeepDesi
res 
I
nser
t111
Unedi
ted 
*
***
***
***
***
"Thedevi
ldoesn'tcomet oyouwi t
hhisredface
andhorns,hecomest oyoudisgui
sedas
every
thi
ngy ou'
veev erwanted"***
***
***
* *
**
Nessa

Il
ookatmywat
choncemor
eit
sal
most2o'
clockandNaledi
hasn'tshowedup.Herphone
andBr i
an'
sphonejustri
ngsandgoesstrai
ght
tov oi
cemai
l.

Ace:
Iam l
eavi
ngl
ove,
ihav
ekepty
oucompany
l
ongenoughnow.

Nessa:
Ican'
tbel
i
evei
am bei
ngst
oodupr
ight
now.

Ace:LetNal
edi
havehert
imewithBr
ian.Iam
sur
et heyar
emaki
ngupforal
lthel
ostti
me.

Nessa:
Baby
,can'
tyoust
ayal i
tt
lel
onger
,
maybewecangetthemassagetoget
her
.

Ace:Nomyl ov
e,myshi
ftst
art
sinanhour
.I
havetogetgoi
ng.
(Imakepuppyey
esandabeggi
ngf
aceasi
look
athi
m.)

Ace:
Defi
nit
elynotgoi
ngt
owor
kthi
sti
me
ar
oundpeaches.

(
Hestandsupandwal
kstoherhelpi
ngherup.
Hebuthi
shandsar
oundherwaist
)

Ace:
Iam l
eav
ingnow.Youbeagoodgi
rlf
or
menow.

Nessa:
Doy
our
eal
l
yhav
etol
eav
e?

Ace:Yespeaches.Ihav
etobabe,
keagoi
rel
a
banabaronaphaleche.
(
Pet
tyr
oll
sherey
es.
)

Nessa:
Okay
,Iguessi
wil
lseey
out
omor
row.

Ace:
No!Iwi
l
lpi
cky
ouupwheni
knockof
flat
er.

Nessa:
Okay,Iwi
l
lbewai
ti
ngmyl
ovenowcani
getmykiss?

Ace:
That
'
spubl
i
cindecency
.Anof
fence.

Nessa:Ther
eisnoof
fencewher
eIam
concer
ned.

(
Iputmyhandsar
oundhi
sneckandkisshi
m.
Whenhepul
lsawayheki
ssesmyfor
ehead,
grabshi
scarkeysandwalksaway.Isighasi
si
nkbackintomyseat.Oncemoreitrypickmy
phoneandtryt
ocallNal
edi.Il
eav
emyt ent
h
messageforher
.)

Nessa:"
Gir
lyoubet
tergetyouassher
einthe
next10minut
esorelseiwil
ldi
sownyou.You
can'
tdothi
stomedon' ty
outhi
nkihaveadick
tori
detoo.
"

(Ihungupandwai tf oranother30minutes.
"Yousuretakecr editforbeingthemostpat i
ent
girl
iknowNessa. "Pett ysaysasshecomesout
ofherhidi
ngpl ace.Iam i nnomoodf orher
sarcast
iccomment srightnow.Ideci
dedsincei
am hereimightaswel lhavetheful
lbody
massageal lbymy self
.)

*
***
***
***
Theclot
hesgonei st
epi
ntotheroom andhave
asipofthebubbl
ychampagnebeforeiset
tl
e
onthebedandlieonmyfront.

Nessa:
Iam r
eady
.

(Icl
osemyeyesasthemagical
handsst
art
doingt
hemagnif
icentwor
k.)

Nessa:
(moani
ng)Ahht
hat
'ssoni
ce.

(Iclosemyey esonceagainenjoyingthe
magi calsensation.Mytoescurlup."Starus
suremi ssingout "Pet
ty,
whoisinherbi ki
ni,
buskingundert hesuncomment s.Itotall
y
agreewi thher.Somet hi
ngpokes,piercing
throughmyski nmeonmyneckandi jumpup
buti feell
ightheaded,somethi
ngi stakingov er
mybody ,itr
ybyal lmeanstokeepmyey es
openbuttheyf
eelfuzzy
.Thel
astt
hingi
rememberiscal
li
ngmymom' snameas
darknesst
ookoff
.)

(Wheni openmyey esagain,i am inast r

ange
room, t
otall
ynaked, mymyhandsar ecuffedto
thechainstot hathangingdownf rom ther oof
.
Myl egspulledpartt oandcuf fedtot hegr ound.
Itr
ybyal lmeansnott opani cast akeinmy
surroundi
ng.Wher eam i andhowdi di evenget
her.Thedoori nfrontofmeopensandaman
walksin,hisshirttuckedupandunbut toned.I
l
ookathi m mor ebef orei r
ealisehei sKagi so
Meleko.Thoughi hav eneverper sonall
ymet
him butihav eseenhi spicture.Pet t
ywear ein
deepshi t
.)

Kagi
so:(
confi
dent
ly)Pr
incesshowniceofyou
towakeup.Nowwecanhav eourf
unbefor
e
mommycomes.
(
Hel
ooksatmeandgr
inswi
ckedl
y.
)

*
***
***
***
***
Hai
l
ey

Lefareachesformyhandandsqueezesl ightl
y.
Heist r
yingtocalm medownbuti tisreall
ynot
working,mymi ndi sover
thinki
ng,wondering
whyHi l
da,wouldl i
ketomeetus.Al thoughshe
choseapubl i
cpl ace,i
can'thelpbutfeelscared.
Hil
daThompsoni sawomanwhocant akey ou
outinpublicwithoutevenblinki
ng.

Lef
a:(
whi
sper
ing)Shei
sher
e.

(
Irai
semyeyesandl
ookatherasshewalks
i
ntother
oom wi
tht
women, t
rai
li
ngbehi
ndher.
Onepull
aseatforherasshesi
tsdownwhi
l
e
anot
hertakesaseatnextt
oher
.)

Hi
l
da:
Iam sor
ryiam l
ate,ihadtotakecar
eof
af
ewthi
ngsbefor
ecomi nghere.

Lef
a:Nopr
obl
em,
wedi
dn'
tmi
ndwai
ti
ngr
ight
Hai
ley
?

Hai
l
ey:
Notatal
l
.

Hil
da:Thanky ou.Iwouldl
iketoapologi
sef
or
l
astti
me, ishouldn'
thavethr
eatenedyouHai
ley
.
Iam sorr
yLefakaef ort
ryi
ngtodictat
ehowyou
shoul
dl i
veyourlif
e,whoyoushoulddateand
notdate.

Lef
a:Okaywhoar
eyouandwhathav
eyoudone
t
oHi
l
da?

Hi
lda:Therei
sast orm coming,idon'
tthinki
mightmakeitthi
st i
me.Iam tryi
ngtocor r
ect
mywr ongsbefor
eitslate.Ipl
ayedGodf artoo
l
ong,it
stimeistopped.

Hail
ey:
Doesthatmeani
candat
eLef
awi
thout
anyworri
es?

Hilda: No!Notf r
om mysideinf act(
shelooksat
themenwhoopenst hebagandpul lsoutan
env elope.)Thisenv
elopecontainstwofir
st
classt icketst
oUSA, NewYor k.Ihavebooked
thebestpl ast
icsur
geonthere,hewillbewait
ing
fory ou, t
ogetr i
doftheThompsonmar k.

Hai
l
ey:
Whatdoy
ouwanti
nret
urn?
Hil
da: Iknowt hi
scomesasashockbuti want
nothing,absolut
elynot
hingir
etur
n.Lef
a,ihope
youcanf i
nal
lybehappyandnotscrewthi
sone
uplikey ouscrewedupwi t
hmydaughter.

Lef
a:Nott
hist
imear
ound.

(
Shest
andsup)

Hil
da:Theplaneleavestommorow,yourv
isas,
tr
aveldocuments,accommodati
onandall
expenseshavebeenal r
eadyt
akencareof.I
wishyouallt
hebestkids.

(
Shebowsandwalksoutl
eav
ingbot
hofus
t
otal
l
ygobsmacked.
)
Hai
l
ey:
Okaywhatt
hehel
lj
usthappened?

Lef
a:I
'
mjustshockedasy
ouar
e.

Hai
ley:
Itfeel
sli
keadream,i
nev
ert
houghtI
wouldl
ivetoseetheday.

Lef
a:Doyout
hinkshehasat
ermi
nal
l
yil
l
di
sease?

Hail
ey:Maybeshehasbeendiagnosedwi
th
cancerandit
satthel
astst
age.

Lef
a:Thatwoul
dbebad,asbadsheis,
icant
i
maginetheThompson'
swit
houtHi
lda.

Hai
l
ey:
Iknowr
ight
,doy
out
hinki
shoul
dtake
herdeal
.Iam af
rai
d,t
heni
ceHi
l
daI
'
m notso
muchusedto.

Lefa:
Ithi
nkyou'
l
lbeafoolt
orefuse.Iknowshe
hasashadypastbutmylov
e,i
tssounds
genui
ne.

Hai
l
ey:
Iguessi
bet
tergost
artpacki
ngt
hen.

Lef
a:Youmeanwebet
tergost
artpacki
ng.

Hai
l
ey:
Youar
ecomi
ngwi
thme?

Lefa:
Idon'ti
ntendonsendi
ngyouacr
osst
he
conti
nentonawi l
dgooseal
one.

Hai
l
ey:
Youdon'
thav
eto.
Lefa:Iknowbutiwantt
o.Letmedot hi
sone
thi
ngf oryoupl
usiknowtheSt
ates,
ispent4
yearsthere,
you'
l
lneedme.

(
Inodmyheadandhesmi
l
esatmeashehel
ps
meup.
)

*
***
***
***
***
***
Busi

Busi
:Youcameunexpectedl
y,ifiknewi
woul
d
havepr
eparedsomet
hingbetter.

(Iam rumbli
ngnonestopiknow,Iam ner
vous
afterHil
daThompsonshowedonmydoor st
ep
announcingsheishav
ingdinnerwi
thme.Iam
nervous,l
astti
mesheleftwit
houtsay
inga
wordsafteril
eftQui
ntonal
onetogoaft
er
Atang.Somehowi keepthi
nki
ngshei
sheret
o
deli
verherpuni
shment.)

Hil
da:(
putti
ngahandov ermi
ne)Stoprumbli
ng
youngl
adyandsitdown.Iam notapresi
denti
don'
texpectasevencoursemeal
.

(Ismil
easisi
tdownandwatchassheeat
s.
Shelooksabi
tsad,
ormaybeI'
mjusti
magini
ng
i
t.)

Hil
da:(
sighs)Todayifacedoneofmypast
demons.Theonet hatithoughtihaveburi
ed
behi
ndme, looksli
kethemor eit
r ytocov
erup
formysecretsthemoret heyspi
l
l out.

Busi:
Youtaughtmenot
hingev
erst
aysasecr
et
for
ever.
Hilda: Beforei metNick,Iwasmar ri
edt osome
men, Ifail
edt ogiv
ehi m chil
dren, sohisf amily
i
nfluencedhi mt otakeanot herwi fe,myown
l
itt
lesi ster.Hegotherpr egnant ,ont hedayshe
gav ebi r
th,itookthechildrenandr unawaywi th
them.Nev erlookedback, metanol dwoman
calledGwenDl amini
,andshet ookmei n, r
aised
meupasherownal ongwi ththechi ldren.
Peopl enev erknewt hati l
eftmyownf ami l
y
behi nd,theyalway sthoughti wasbor na
Dlami ni.Notev enDomi nickknowst his.

Busi
:Whyar
eyout
ell
i
ngmeal
lthi
s?

Hilda:(l
aughsbutherlaughtur nsintoasob)Its
funnyhowy oushoul
dbemysokeenemyy et
yout heonlypersonexcept00andt heobserver
whoIcant r
ustwithmysecr ets.Ifanyt
hing
shouldhappent omeBusi ,ineedy outoliv
eto
t
ell
myt
ale.

Busi
:Youar
escar
ri
ngme.

Hilda:(l
aughsev i
ll
y)Afterigotpower ful
,
cli
mbedmyt ot hetop,iwentbackandi
screwedmyhusbandov ermadehisown
childr
endest royhim piecebypi ecetil
lhehad
nodi met ohisname.Andmyownsi steralong
withhisbl oodli
ne,iwipedt hem outalloft hem,
them buriedt hem ri
ghtundert heplacewher ei
builtTheThompsonmansi on.Sothatev eni n
theirgravestheyknowi ownt hegroundt heylay
peacefull
yi n.

(
Ilookatherst
unned.
)

Hi
lda:
Ineedyout
owri
temybibl
iography,Agent
00wil
lpr
ovi
deyouwi
thal
lthei
nformationyou
need.Probablywonderi
ngwhyi trusthi
m,
becausewhi l
eyouwerebusywi thmy
husband'sdickl
etiwasbusywithar ealaf
ri
can
di
ck.00'sdick.Youshouldtr
yitoutifanyt
hing
happenst ome.Orwecoul dshareafteral
lwe
oncedidit.

Busi
:Hi
l
daar
eyouokay
?

Hilda:I
'm perf
ectlyfine.Don'tf
orgetwhati
taughtyouBusi ,especiall
ywheni tcomest o
yourownchi ldren,mmangwanaot shwarathipa
kaf abogaleng.Iwi l
lli
ketoseeQui ntontheni
willseemy selfout.Thanky ouforthelov
ely
meal .

(
Iwatchasshestandsupandwalksto
Qui
nton'
sroom.Iam t
oodumbfoundedtoeven
moveabit.I
tsal
ltoomuchtot
akein,aft
erso
manyy earswantingdi
rtonhershej
usthanded
i
ttomeonasi lverpl
att
erandican'
tev
enuseit
agai
nstherbecausesheownsme.Am ahuge
fanofhers,shemouldedmet obethewomani
am toni
ght,wit
houthertoughl
oveiwouldbe
deadbynow. )
[06/04,20:00]Rn: SVN( pleasenot
ethat
thisinser
tcontainsmateri
alwhichmaybe
harmf ult
osomer eader
s.Readersdi
scr
eti
onis
adv i
ced)

DeepDesi
res 
I
nser
t112
Unedi
ted
*
***
***
***
**
"
Lov
eteachesyouwhoyouwant
.Pai
nteaches
y
ouwhoy ouwantt
obe."-CWPOET
*
***
***
***
***
Nar
rat
ed

Hil
dawalksint
othebuildi
ngandgoesstrai
ght
tofl
oor16.Asshewalksintot
heboardroom.
Theyall
standupwiththei
rheadsfaci
ngdown
i
ndefeat.Shesi
tsdownandsi ghs.

Hi
l
da:
"Iwi
l
lhav
ethegoodnewf
ir
st.
"

A5:"
Yourhusbandhadameet
ingupt
own,
he
j
ustret
urnedhome.
"

A16:
"AnayaandQuint
onar
eal
sosaf
e.Just
dr
oppedthem of
fathome.
"

A67:"
Bri
anandNal
ediareal
sosafeatThe
Thompsonmansi
on.Iunder
standt
heyhave
beenl
ockedi
ntot
heirr
oom thewhol
eday.
"
A11:
"Liam i
ssaf
elybackatt
hehousef
rom hi
s
meeti
ng."

(Theagentthat
'ssupposedt
ogi
vear
epor
ton
Vanessalooksdown.)

Hi
lda:"
Iam st
il
ll
ist
eni
ng.45wher
eisAceand
Nessa?"

A45:"
Aceisst
il
latt
hehospi
tal
.Hehadamaj
or
sur
geryt
operf
orm."

(
Hepauses,
hishandsar
eli
ter
all
yshaki
ng.
)

Hi
l
da:
"Goonandmydaught
er?
"
A45:
"(sof
tl
y)Il
ostherma'
am.
"

Hi
l
da:
"Youdi
dwhat
?"

A45:"Wewentt othespa, Iwaitedoutsidet he

doorwhileshegoti nside.Therewasal readya
womani nsideat t
endingtoherbuti gotal armed
15mi nut
esl at
er,whent herealpersonwhowas
supposedtoat tendtoherwal kedinandasked
wheretheclientis.Rushingintotheroom, she
wasgone, not r
acet hatshewasev ert here?"

Hi
l
da:
"Tel
lmey
ouar
ejoki
ng?
"

A45:
"Iwi
shi
was.Iam sosor
rybosl
ady
."

Hi
lda:
"Obser
ver
 gi
vemeVanessaThompson
movementfort
oday?
"
(
Theobser v
ershowsoi ctur
esofherandAce
f
rom ear
li
er,unt
ilshegoesi nt
othemassage
r
oom.Not hi
ngafterthat.)

A00:"Webeli
evetheyhav
ecutoffher
connect
ion,
that
'swhytheobser
vercan'
ttr
ack
hermovement."

Hil
da:"
Whatabouthert
racker
?Hav
eyout
ri
ed
f
indi
ngherusi
ngit?
"

A45:"Hert
rackerwasf
ound,
int
hedumpst
er
out
sidethehotel
."

Hi
lda:
"Observergi
vemeKagi
soMel
eko'
s
movementfortheday
?"
(
Not
hingcomesupont
hescr
een.
)

A00:"
Looksl
i
kehehasal
socutourconnect
ion
wit
hhim."

Hil
da:"
How?( Shet
urnsandl
ooksatheragent
s)
Canyouexcuseusforaminut
e,5,
67,16&00
pl
easeremainbehi
nd."

(
Theagent
sst
andupandwal
kout
.)

A00:
Bossl
ady
?

Hil
da:"Iwantthi
sroom checkedforal
lbugs?
Wehav easnitchinthebui
ldi
ng,Observerhav
e
therestf
looronlockdown,nooneleavesunti
li
getthesnit
ch."
A67:
"Whowoul
ddar
ebet
rayy
oubosl
ady
?

Hil
da:"
That'
swhatiwanttoknow,t
hissimply
meansthatKagi
sohasalwaysbeenonestep
ahead,
andweplayedri
ghtint
ohishands."

A16:"
Shouldn'
tweoutbetherel
ooki
ngf
or
Nessainst
eadofthesni
tch,i
am sur
ewecan
al
waysdeal wi
thhi
ml at
er.
"

Hil
da:"
Thesni t
chwi l
ltakeusexact l
ywher e
Nessais.DrKrudge,i
tistimet ouset hetrut
h
ser
um, makesur eyougett hetruthorelseiwil
l
burnt
hisfloorwit
hallofy ouinside.
"

DrK:
"Yesbossl
ady
.Iwi
l
lgett
oit
."

(
Hil
dast
andsupwear
shercoatandwal
ks
out
.)
 
*
***
***
***
***
***
*
Nal
edi

Iopenmyey esandl ookslowlyaroundthe

room t
ryi
ngtof igurewherei am.Thesor eness
betweenmyl egsr emindsmewher eexactlyi
am andwhathappened.Il ookt omysi deandi
fi
ndhim,heisf astasleepbuthishandar e
aroundme.Islowl yuntanglemy sel
ffr
om hi s
holdandmov emynumbl egs.Beforeicanev en
mov ehi
shandspul lmebacki nbed.

Br
ian:
"Wher
edoy
out
hinky
ouar
egoi
ngMa
Dl
amini.
"

Nal
edi
:"Ineedt
ouset
hebat
hroom.
"
(Heputhisheadinmychestandir
unmyhand
onhishead.Aft
erafewminutesi
shakehi
ma
bit
.)

Nal
edi
:"Dl
ami
ni!
"

Br
ian:
"(sl
eepy
)Mma!
"

Nal
edi
:"Mov
e,i
needt
ouset
hebat
hroom.
"

Br
ian:
"Fi
vemi
nut
esmyl
ove.
"

(Ismackhim ont
heheadandherai
sesitand
l
ooksatme, hesmil
es,hi
ssmil
eissoheavenl
y,
sopossessi
ngmyst omachget
satt
ackedwith
butt
erf
li
es.
)
Br
ian:
"Di
dIt
ell
youhowImi
ssedy
ou?
"

(It
hrowmylegstothebat
hroom andst
alk
nakedtot
hebathr
oom.)

Nal
edi
:"Don'
tbecatchi
ngfeel
i
ngsDl
ami
ni,
that
wasagoodfuckthatsal
li
twas."

(
Hewal ksi
ntot
hebat
hroom asi
sitont
he
t
oil
et.
)

Br
ian:
"Keeply
ingtoyour
sel
f,i
fitmakesy
ou
sl
eepbett
eratni
ght.
"

(If
li
nchali
ttl
east hehoturinemakescont act
wit
hmyf l
esh.Br i
anroll
soutt heti
ssueforme
andhandsittome.Icar ef
ullywipemy sel
fand
l
ookatthetissue,not
ici
ngsomebl oodstai
ns.)
Naledi
:"(
showinghi
mtheusedt
issue)Lookat
t
his,ompolai
leopolo.
"

Br
ian:
"(smi
li
ng)Wasi mol
olaaker
eNal
edi
,you
ar
ecryi
ngforitonceagai
n."

Nal
edi:"
Mxm!Canwetakeabat
h,i
wil
lneedt
o
si
tinsomewarmlookwat
er.
"

Br
ian:
"It
hinkt
hereisanel
ephanti
nther
oom
weneedtoaddress.
"

(Myeyestrai
ltohiscrot
chwhichi
sal
ready
standi
ngtoattent
ion.Hesmacksmyassasi
passhim goi
ngbacki nt
other
oom.)

Br
ian:
"(amused)WaswabaNal
edi
."
Naledi
:"(
laughi
ng)Whyy
ouget
ti
ngdef
ensi
ve,
kapowai pel
ael
amonnawamodimo.
"

Bri
an:"
Youhaveadi
rt
ymi nd.Iwasn'
tev
en
tal
ki
ngaboutt
heel
ephantyouarethi
nki
ng
about
."

Nal
edi
:"I
sthiswherey
ouagr
eet
haty
ouhav
e
anel
ephantdick?
"

Bri
an:
" (
laughi
ng)KanaNal
edi
togabool
ela
gompienohelayaana."

Naledi
:"Letmekeepquite,
backt
othei
ssueat
hand,whatelephantwer
eyoutal
ki
ngabout
?"

Br
ian:
"Howar
eweget
ti
ngoutoft
her
oom?The
key
sar
eal
lout
side.
"

Nal
edi
:"Si
mpl
ewecal
lsomeonet
oopenupf
or
us.
"

(
Isayasi r
eachformyphone,andf
indsomany
missedcal
lsfr
om Nessa.Il
ookatt
heti
meand
i
tsalmost7pm. )

Nal
edi
:"Sh*
t!"

Br
ian:
"Whati
sit
?:

Naledi
:"It
otal
l
yfor
gotthati
hadtomeetup
wit
hPeaches.Sheisgoingt
oki
ll
me."

(
IhandBr
iant
hephoneasi
gobacki
nthe
bat
hroom.
)

Nal
edi
:"Cal
lsomeonet
oopent
hedoor
,ineed
t
ogetfr
eshenup."

(Igetint hebathroom anddoaqui ckhygiene

process.Oncei am done,iwalkbackintothe
room t ofindt
hedoorunl ockedbutnosi gnof
Brian.Imaket hebedandgetmyhandbag.Iam
surprisedt of
indev er
yoneintheli
vingroom
i
ncl udingAce.)

Br
ian:
"(sadl
y)Babycakes,
comeandsi
tdown.
"

Naledi:
"Ican'
tiam al
readyr
unni
nglat
eformy
appointmentwit
hPeaches.Sheusgoi
ngtoki
l
l
me."
Br
ian:
"Pl
easeNal
edi
.
"

(Il
ookathim andhisey
esaresosi
ncer
e.Il
ook
atLiam andAce,t
heyal
llookt
oosad.)

Nal
edi
:"Bi
gbearwhati
sgoi
ngon?

Br
ian:
"It
'
sNessa.
"

Naledi
:"Whatabouther
?Hassomet
hing
happenedtoher?"

Darima:"Yeswhil
eyouwer ebusyfucki
ngher
brotheri
nsteadofmeetingupwithherl
ikeyou
agreed,shewaskidnapped.
"

Hi
l
da:
"(war
ningl
y)Dar
ima?
"
Nal
edi
:"(
aust
oni
shed)What
?"

Br
ian:"Nessahasdisappear
ed,
wet
hinkshe
mighthavebeenkidnapped.
"

(Myworl
dstandssti
l
l,asit
akei
ntheirwords.
That
'ssoi
mpossibl
e.Whocouldpossibl
y
ki
dnapadarl
ingl
ikeNessa?)
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
Nessa

(Il
ookatmescar ed,idontknowwhathei s
thi
nkingbutwhateveriti
s,i
tlookssi
nist
er.My
heartbeat
serrat
ical
lyandloudlyashetakes
hugestepstowardsme. )

Kagi
so:
"Youar
esuchapr
ett
yyoungt
hingwi
th
bodyofagoddess.
"

Nessa:"
Pleasel
etmego,
iwi
l
lgi
vey
ou
whatev
ery ouwant
."

Kagiso:
"(t
easi
ngl
y)Any
thi
ngar
eyousur
eabout
that
?"

Nessa:"
Yesmoneyany
thi
ngj
ustnamey
our
pr
ice?"

Kagi
so:
"Ify
ouf
ail
todel
i
very
ouendoft
he
deal
.
"

Nessa:
"Pl
easel
etmego.
"

Kagi
so:
"Si
ncey
ouwantt
opl
ayGodl
i
key
our
mother
,howaboutli
fe?Howabouty
oubr
ing
backmydeadsist
erthenil
ety
ougo."

(Iopenmymout htosaysomet hi
ngbutwor
ds
fai
lme.Becausetherei
snothingican
absolut
elydot
obr i
ngherback.)

Kagiso:"
Ithoughtsotoo.Soi am goi
ngtohave
myf unwithyou.Somuchf unt hateveny
our
dearestmotherwouldn'
trecogniseyouaft
eri
am done."

(Hewalksbehindme.Iam scar
ed,
ver
yscar
ed
thati
am li
ter
allyshaki
ng,
mywholebody
shaki
ngwithfear.)

Nessa:
"(cr
ying)Pl
ease,
Ibegy
ou,
don'
tdot
his.
"
(If
eelalashacr
ossmyback,soheavyso
painf
ul,i
cryout
.Anot
herl
ashis,
exactl
ywhere
thefi
rstonewas,i
scr
eam oncemoreinagony.
)

Kagiso:
"(l
aughi
ng)Howisitpr
ett
ygi
rl
?Iwant
youtocountupto8.Thatwasthewar
m up,
we
star
tnow."

(Hedel
i
ver
stheanot
herlashacr
ossmyback
andicr
youtoncemore.
)

Nessa:
"(sobbi
ng)One!
"

Kagi
so:
"That
'smygi
rl
."

(Hedel i
versanotherone,andanotherone
continuouslyunti
lisayfi
ve,ifeel
myski n
crackingup, andbl
oodspl i
tt
ingoutofthe
damagedski n.Ican'
tfeelmyback, i
tisnumb,
thepainisunbearable.Idon'thavethestrengt
h
toscream anymor e,
tearsjustflowfrom my
face.Hewalkst omyf rontanddr opstheblack
whiphewasbeat i
ngmewi thinf r
ontofmeas
heunbuckleshisbeltanddr opst hepantsand
boxerstotheground.)

Nessa:"
(bar
elyaudi
ble)Pl
ease,
Ibegy
ou,
don'
t
dothi
s."

Kagiso:"Areyousayingsomethi
ngsweet
hear
t?
Ican'thearyouproperl
y.Whatisi
t?"

(
Hetouchesmycheeks,
taki
ngmyhai
rofmy
f
ace,
hisbighandwi
pesawaymytear
s.)

Kagi
so:"
Don'tworr
ysweett
hing,
daddyi
sgoi
ng
tomakeital
lbet
ternow.
"
(Hesaysashet ouchesmywomanhood, and
mov escl
oser ,wit
houtanywar ni
nghisbig
crot
ch,fi
ll
smydr yflesh,iwishicouldfi
ghthi m,
pushhim awaybuti can'tbecausemyhands
areheldinrestri
cti
onsabov emyhead.Soi
havenochoi cebutt olethim havehiswaywi th
me.Iclosemyey esandhav emysilentcryas
hekeepst hrusti
nginandout ."
Pett
y"ican'tfeel
her,
sheisgone, t
hisisalltoomuchf orher.)

Kagi
so:
"Ohy eah!Suchabeauti
fuly
oungthi
ng.
Don'
tworr
y,iam sure,
thenextonewil
lbe
muchni
certhanme. "

(Ili
ftmyey esandl ookatthet womenwhowal k
i
nt otheroom naked.Ifeelmy selfsl
ippi
ngaway,
mybodyi spresentbutmymi ndisfar,i
na
placedark, i
can'tseewhereIam.Icanf eel
him
pulloutafterheget shi
srelease.Semendr i
ps
downmyt
highsast
heski
nnyst
epsf
orwar
d.)

Ski
nnyGuy:"Don'
tworrysweett
hing,
iwil
lbe
gentl
e,iam moreofanassguy,Patyougett
he
pussy,i
will
gettheass."

(Thetallbuffyguystepsf ort
hsmi l
i
ngatmeas
theskinnyguyunhookedmyl egsandget
behindmewhi lehetallguystandsinfr
ontof
me.Ace, Liam, Mom andBr i
an,howiwishyou
couldhearmyt houghtsrightnow,mysoul
whispersy ournames, mysoul cri
esoutofyou.
Ineedall ofyousomuchr i
ghtnow.)
[
06/
04,
20:
00]Rn:
DEEPDESI
RES 
I
NSERT113
Unedi
ted
*
***
***
***
***
"
Att
achi
ngemot
ionshasal
way
sbeenar
eci
pe
f
ordi
sast
er.
"-Aut
hor
sSMods,
DeepDesi
res.
 
*
***
***
***
***
**
Nal
edi

Wear einabi gboardroom wi ththehugest

comput erieverseenandmeni nblacksuit
s.I
l
ookar oundt heroom wonder ingwhatisgoi ng
on?Whatt hehel li
sthisplace?Whyhav ethey
askedust owher eallblackbef or
ecomi ngin?
Whydoweneedaccesscar dsinhere?Andwhy
thehellaretheresomanysecur i
tymeasures?
Bri
anslipshishandi ntomi neandhol dsit
.

Hi
lda:"
DrKr
udge,
hopey
ouhav
esomet
hing
vi
ablef
orme."

DrKrudge:
"Yes,
theyal
lpassedt
het
estexcept
for
..
"
(
Hesl
owl
ytur
nsatt
hemansitt
ingnextt
oHi
l
da,
whoi
bel
i
evei
sherr
ightman.
)

Hi
l
da:
"Agent00?
"

DrK:
"No!Agent67i
sthey
ourman?
"

(Theyal
ltur
natt
heblondeguysi
tt
ingdown
wholookstobeshaki
ngwit
hfear
.Liam pul
l
s
outagun)

Li
am: "
Givemear
easonnott
obl
owy
ourbr
ains
outr
ightnow?

Nal
edi
:"(
gobsmacked)Li
am!
"
Li
am: "
Welcomet
othefamil
ybabycakes,
iam
sorr
ythisi
showyougett
obewelcomedback
butthi
swhoweare?"

Hil
da:
"Li
am,wewill
dealwit
hhi
mlat
err
ight
nowVanessai
sthepri
ori
ty.
"

Br
ian:
"Ace'
sdadi
scal
l
ing.
"

Ace:
"Excuseme"

(
Hest
andsupandwal
ksout
side.
)

Nal
edi
:"Cansomeonet el
lmewhat bi
sgoingon?
Whati
sthisplace?Whoarethispeopl
e.Ist
his
t
heroom thatAnayawastal
kingabout?
"
Hil
da:"
Yes, iam sorryi
can'
tgiv
ey ouall
the
answersri
ghtnow.Butaf t
erwef i
ndNessa,you
cancomei ntothisroom,(
point
ingtothe
computer)itwillgi
veyouall
theanswersyou
need.
"

Nal
edi
:"Acomput
er?
"

Hilda:
"Wecalli
ttheObserver,
andall
thi
smen,
theyareourAgents.Theyarethef
amil
y
securi
ty,
eyesandev ery
thi
ngyouwantthem t
o
be."

(
Acewal
ksbacki
ntot
her
oom)

Ace:"
Theyhavefoundher.Sheishel
dcapt
ive
i
ntheaplacei
nt hecit
y.Dadissendi
ngthe
coor
dinat
esofthei
rlocat
ionthi
sinst
ant
?
Hi
lda:
"Obser
verr
unt
hecoor
dinat
esj
ustsent
i
n?"

(Thecomputerswi
tchesonandshowsamap
ofatheroadandthebuil
ding.
)

Li
am:
"Whatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
or?
"

Hilda:"
Weneedt oplanthi
scaref
ull
yLiam,we
cantjustbudgein.Weneedtheassassinat
ion
team inposi
tion,
aretheyr
eady?"

A00:
"Dav
e,y
oucancomei
n?"

(Fi
vemenwal ki
ngin,weari
ngallbl
ackand
bal
aclavas,
li
kethosemeni al
way sseeon
tel
evi
sionfr
om BlackOps.Theystandin
st
rai
ghtli
neandt
akeof
fthei
rmask.Igetshock
ofal
ifet
ime?)

Nal
edi
:"Dad!
"

(Helooksatmef orasecondthenbackatHi
lda.
Myheadi sri
ngi
ng, achi
ngwit
hal otof
unansweredquesti
ons.Thi
sfeelsli
kesome
mov i
e.)

Nal
edi
:"(
laughi
ng)Okay
,wherearet
hesecr
ets
camer
as,thi
shastobeaprank.Ri
ghtDl
amini
?
"

(Heturnsandlooksaway .Il
ookatLiam hopi
ng
hewi l
lgi
vemesomeki ndofassurancethathe
wil
llaughli
kealways.Buthisfacetel
lsmethat
thi
sisasrealasitgets.Bri
anstandsupand
walkstothemap.)
Bri
an:"
Observer
,gi
vemea3Dpict
ureoft
he
bui
ldi
ngthatNessai
shel
datandt
henearest
bui
ldi
ngtoit.
"

(
Thecomput
erdoesasi
tisi
nst
ruct
ed)

Bri
an:"Ther
eare5buil
dingcl
osewhichyoucan
usethatwil
lgi
veyouagoodshot.Youshoul
d
toki
ll
,nosurvi
vor
s."

(Hepausesandlooksatme.Idon'
tevenknow
howi am f
eel
ingatthemoment.Thi
sfami l
y,
thi
speopleit
houghtiknew,
turnsoutiknow
nothi
ngaboutthem.)

Bri
an:"
(poi
nti
ngout
)Richyouwi
ll
takethi
s
bui
ldi
ng.Bobthi
sone,
JetandSet
hy ougett
his
one.Last
lyDav
e,youar
egoodt
hananyoft
hem
yougetthi
sone."

Dav
e:"
Igoti
t.
"

Hi
lda:
"Thechopperi
sreadyforyouwaitf
orour
si
gnal
,noshooti
ngunti
lthei
ssignali
sout.
"

Dav
e:"
Goti
t.
"

(
Theywal
kout
.)

Liam:"Comeonguy
sletusgogett
hecar
s
ready
."

(
Theyst
andupandwal
kout
.)
Br
ian:
"Ami
nut
ewewi
l
lbet
her
e."

(
Theywal
koutl
eav
ingmeal
onewi
thBr
ian.
)

Bri
an:
"Babycakes,it
hinki
tsbetteryougo
home,thi
ngsareabouttogetnasty.
"

Nal
edi
:"Iam notl
eav
ingy
oual
one.
"

Br
ian:
"Nal
edi
,pl
easel
i
...
..
"

Naledi
:"(
Cutt
inghim of
f)No!Ify
oufi
nd
Vanessa,maybeshewillneedmedi
calhel
p.I
havetobethere.
"

Br
ian:"
(t
ouchi
ngmycheeks)Thi
sisnothowi
pl
annedontel
li
ngy
ou.
..
..
"
Nal
edi
:"Shi
h!Ri
ghtnownot
hingi
smor eon
i
mport
antthanf
indi
ngourl
i
ttl
esi
ster
."

Br
ian:
"Il
ovey
ouNal
edi
.
"

Nal
edi
:"AndIy
ouDl
ami
ni.
"

(Het
akesmyhandandl
eadsmeout
sidet
othe
awai
ti
ngSUV.
) 
*
***
***
***
***
***
**
Nessa'skneesaretouchingthegroundwhil
e
herarmsstil
lhelpl
esslyhel
dabov eherhead.
Sheisunconscious,ar
oundherisapul lof
blood.Kagi
soissitt
ingatthefarcornerpl
ayi
ng
chesswithPat.

Pat
:"Boss,
shest
il
lhasn'
tgai
ned
consci
ousness."

KG:
"Justl
eav
eher
."

Pat
:"Whati
fshedi
es?
"

Kg:
"Doi
lookl
i
keIcar
e?"

Pat
:"But
..
?"

Kg:"Nobuts,shewasjustmyscapegoat
.She
hasservedherpurposei
tsnowtimemov eon
tothenextpl
an."

Pat
:"Youst
il
lhav
en'
ttol
dmewhaty
ounext
moveis?"
KG:
"Thel
essy
ouknow,
thebet
ter
."

Pat:
"Iam cur
iousthough,
whyar
eyouaf
tert
his
famil
ysomuch? "

KG:"Theyalwaysbeenr evi
als,manyy ear
sago,
ther
ewasat enderonthetablereall
yneededto
winit
.Ineededsomet hingtodiscret
et he
Thompsonsomysi sterwassentaspyont hem.
Theyfoundoutandki l
ledher."

Pat
:"Howdi
dshedoi
t?"

KG:"madet
heirsonfal
lforheronordert
ohav
e
accesst
oal
ltheinsi
deinformati
on.
"

Pat
:"Buti
tsoundslikeyoursi
steri
stheone
whothrewhersel
finthepit
."
KG:
"Shedi
dnotdeser
vet
odi
e."

Pat
: "
Bozzabutthat
'showi
twor
ks,
Fat
eofa
sni
tchisdeat
h."

KG:
"Shutup!Checkmat
e.Theyar
eher
e."

(
Thedoorbur
stopenandSki
nnycomesr
unni
ng
i
n.)

Skinny :
" Ther
eissomecrazyshi
tgoi
ngonout
there.Someguy sdr
essedli
kespeci
alopsar
e
outt here."

Kg:
"Showt
ime.
"
(
Hesmi
l
esandr
eachf
orhi
svest
.)
 
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
Nal
edi

(Il
ookar
oundpuzzl
ed.Theplacei
squi
te,
no
armedmen.Nogunshots.)

Agent00:"
Checkedthepl
aceout
.Theyar
ejust
3,nobackup.Nothi
ng.
"

Ni
ck:
"Ihav
eabadf
eel
i
ngaboutt
his?
"

Hi
l
da: "
Sodoibutiam notl
eav
ingt
hispl
ace
wi
thoutmydaught
er.
"

Li
am:
"Let
sgoi
nsi
de?
"
Bri
an:"Agent00,sur
roundthearea.Tel
lDav
e
hehast hegoaheadt oki
l
lanyonewhocomes
anyradiousnearthi
shouse."

A00:
"Goti
t,whataboutt
hemeni
nsi
de?
"

Ace:
" Wecanhandl
ethem.Nal
edi
gett
he
medical
kit
."

(Igrabthefirstaidkitbagandr unaftert
hem.
Wegeti ntothebui l
dingandamanopenst he
doorforus.Weal llookateachot herandshrug
shoulders.Hildatakesleadsandwal ksin.We
foll
owheri nside.Myey escomeswi thNessa
whoi slayi
ngont hefloorl
if
eless.
)

Kagi
so:"
Wow!Suchapl easure,
thewhol
e
fami
lyi
shere.Sorr
yabouttheothermember
,
shehaditr
ough."
(Acetr
iest
ochargetowar
dshi
m butKagi
so
holdsupahandstoppi
nghim.
)

Kagi
so:
"Iwoul
dn'
tev
ent
ryi
fiwer
eyou.
"

(Il
ookatmyf ri
endont hef l
oor.Ifonlyi
honouredt i
meVanessa, youwouldn'tbehere
ri
ghtnow.Iam sosor r
ymyf ri
end.Ilookat
Kagisoandbackather .Idon'tcari
ft heyshoot
menow, sheneedsmeandi am goingt obe
theref
orher .Ichargeandr untowardsher .I
crouchnextt oher.Kagisopullsouthi sgunand
shootsthet womenhewaswi t
hstraightonthe
head.)

Nal
edi
:"Br
ian,
sheneedstogot
oahospi
tal
.
Shel
ostsomuchblood.
"
Kagiso:"
Thatssofunny,
becausenoonei
s
walkingoutoft
hisroom al
i
ve.
"

Li
am:
"Youmustbesmoki
ngweed.
"

Kagi
so:"Iam t
aki
ngy
oual
lofy
out
omygr
ave.
Lookbehindyou.
"

(Behi
ndjustbyt
hedoorther
eisaboom t
hati
s
count
ing,i
tisal
readyon10minut
es.
)

KG: "
Takingallofyoutohellwithme.Don't
botheryourselv
esitcannotbedeacti
vatedonce
acti
vatedorifanyofyouattacksmeitgoesof f
.
Thisistheendoft heThompsonandMel eko
bloodl
ine.Goaheady oucanhav eseats,shoul
d
igetyoudrinks,coff
ee,beer?"
[
06/
04,
20:
15]Rn:
DeepDesi
res
I
nser
t114 
Unedi
ted
*
***
***
***
***
***
"
It
'sf
unny,i
sn'tit
?Howt heli
tt
lemoment
swe
t
akeforgr
antedof t
enturnsoutt
othebi
ggest
,
i
ntheend.
"-Ni col
eLyons 
*
***
***
***
***
***
Nal
edi

Deathhasnev erbeensomet hi
ngi imaginedlet
al
oneent ert
ained.All
myl ifemydr eamswer e
centeredar oundonet hinguntil
i metBr i
an.
Howev erthi
sisnothowi maginedi woulddie.
ThisisnothowIwantmyl if
etoend.Ij ustgot
backt ogetherwithBrian,west i
llhavealotof
makeupsexandmakeal otofbabybear s.
Anay a!OhmydearAnay a,isti
llneededto
watchhergr owup.Sheneedsbot hofher
parentswi thher,shejustbeenr eunit
edwi t
hher
fathert hiscan' thappen.Il ookatAcewho
doesn' tatal l
seem bot herbyt heticki
ngbomb.
Hei sbusyat tendingt oNessa, hi
shandsar e
shaki ngt remendousl y,andhekeepsbl i
nking
backhi st ears.Obv iouslysaddenedt oseehi s
l
ov eint hi sstat e.IlookatHi lda, whoi sshowing
noemot ions, it
sl i
keshehasf rozeni nthatspot.
Herf acei sgr im andpal e.Nextt oherisher
husband, Nick, helooksscar edandshaki ng.I
mov et oLi am, hisbacki satme, buthei s
starri
ngi ntensel yatt hebomb.Weonl yhav e7
mi nutesl ef tthent hiswhol epl aceblowsup.I
l
ookatBr i
an, whohashi seyesf i
xedonme.I
canseet hathei sr egretti
ngbr ingi
ngmeal ong.
Butt her eisnol if
ewi thoutBrian.

Cal
lmeSt ubborn,nai v
e,st
upidanyt
hingbut
unt
ilyoumeett hatoneper sonwhomakesy our
worl
dcomeal ive,thatonepersonwhomakes
youfeelal
i
ve,thatoneper sonwhoy ouare
wil
li
ngtogiveev eny ourownlif
eto,
thenyou
havenori
ghtandaudaci tytostandthereand
j
udgrmef orbeliev
ingint ruelove,f
orlovinga
manaswi ckedashi m.I fthi
sisoutf at
e,our
desti
nyt
heni am v erygladtobef acingtheend
ofmyexistencewit hhim.Ijusthopeourchi l
d
l
ivestot
ellourlovet al
e.

Kagiso:"(
dri
nki
nghisbeer )Youknow, i
fIwere
youall,i
wouldgetmy selfcomfort
able.Imean
all
yourplansfail
ed.Thereisnonetwor k
coverageinthi
sroom, soy oumightaswell
acceptthathel
lisyournexthome. "

Hil
da:"Letthem go,i
tsmeyouwant
,theyhav
e
nothi
ngt odowiththis."

Kagiso:
"Youarever
ycorrect
,whenipl
anned
thi
s,idi
dn'
tthi
nkyou'l
lbr
ingthewhol
efamil
y.
Butthat
'sokayiam goi
ngtokil
lmanybi
rds
wi
thonest
onet
oday
."

(Hesay sasheputshislegsonthetabl
eand
turnsawayfrom us.Acegrabsasyri
ngeand
wal ksbehi
ndhi
m.Hedr ivesthewholet
hingi
n
hisar m.
)

Kagi
so:(
Touchi
nghi
shand)Whatt
hehel
ldi
d
youj
ustdo?

Ace:
"Boughtusmor
eti
mewi
thouty
ourbi
tt
er
mouth.
"

(Kagi
sotr
iest
ost
andupbutf
all
sbacki
ntot
he
chair
.)

Ace:"
Themedici
neisinst
ant,i
tisusedt
o
i
nducedeat
h.Fir
sti
tisparal
ysi
s,wholebody
paral
ysiswhi chhasalreadystart
ed,thenyour
i
nsidewi l
lstartburni
ngupasi ft
heyhav ebeen
setonfirethenev ent
uallyyourorgansfail
.So
si
tthere,andt akethepainlikeaman. "

(
Kagi
soopenshi smout
htosaysomet
hingbut
j
ustf
reezes.Hi
smouthremai
nsopen.
)

Ace:"
Heisout,nowi
sther
eany
waywecanuse
yogetoutofher.
"

(
Itur
nandl
ookatt
her
edcl
ock,
wehav
eexact
ly
4minut
esl
eft
.)

Br
ian:
"Ther
eisawayout
."

Li
am:
"Wher
e?"
Ace:
"How?
"

Bri
an:
"ihavebeenst
udy
ingt
hecables,t
he
bombwon'tgooffi
fweopenthedoor.
"

Nick:
"Thewhatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
or?Let
sgetout
ofhere?
"

Bri
an:"Thedoorhandl
e,someonewil
lneedsto
remai
nbehindtoholdthehandle,
whi
leother
s
exi
t,t
hehandleisthet
rigger
."

Li
am: "
Isther
enotawaywecanal lgetout
wit
houtsacri
fi
cingsomeone?Can'
twe
deact
ivat
eit?

Bri
an:"
Hewasr i
ght,
thebombcan'
tbe
deact
ivat
edonceacti
vat
ed.Iwi
l
lhol
dthe
handl
ewhi
l
eal
lofy
ouexi
tthebui
l
ding.
"

Nal
edi
:"(
sadl
y)Br
ian!
"

Bri
an:"
Iwoul
dr at
herdi
ethanhav
eal
lofusdi
e.
Ihavet
odothis."

Nal
edi:"
Iam notleavi
ngyoubehind.I
fyouare
hol
dingthathandl
e.Iam hol
dingitwi
thyou.
"

Li
am: "
Noi
willhol
dthedoorwhil
eyouguy
sexi
t.
Ihav
enochil
d,nodog!I
tsbet
teri
fiti
sme."

Nal
edi
:"Whenthedooropens,
doest
hebomb
st
opcount
ing?
"

Br
ian:
"No,
itcont
inuest
hecountdown.
"
Ace:
"Iwi
l
lhol
dthehandl
e.Youguy
scango.
"

Hil
da:"
(shout
s)Shutupal
lofy
ou.Iwi
l
lhol
dthe
handl
e."

(
Wet
urnandl
ookatherassheopenst
hedoor
.)

Br
ian:
"Ma!
"

Hil
da:"Thi
sisnotimetobeemoti
onal
Kgotl
aesel
e,ir
aisedyoubet
ter
.Getyoursi
ster
andgetoutofhere."

(
Ilookatt
hewat
chandwear
eat1mi
nut
e.)

Hi
l
da:
"Li
am,
snapoutofi
t,i
needy
ouguust
o
keepthef
amilyl
egacyr
unni
ng.Gett
hispeopl
e
outofher
e."

Li
am:
"Aunt
y,y
oudonthav
etodot
his?
"

Hilda:"
(smi
les)Everydoghasi t
sday .Todayis
myday ,idi
ehappilyknowingthatisacrifi
ced
my sel
fformychil
dr en.All
ofyouhav ebeent he
reasonIhavebeenf ight
ingall
thi
sy ears.NowI
don'thavet
of i
ghtany more.Goandmakeme
proud."

Br
ian:
"(cr
ying)Ma!
"

Hilda:"
Naledi,pleasegethi m outofhere.Ace
pleasetakecar eofNessa, il
eaveyouony our
capablehands.Li am lookaf t
erthem,you
al
way sbeent her ati
onal one.Andiam sor ryf
or
al
l.Butidon'tregrettakingcar eofyouall.My
bi
ggestr
egreti
sli
vi
ngal
i
eallthi
syear
s.Tel
l
A00whentheti
mecomes,heshoul
ddishi
t
out
."

(Il
ookatthewatchandwearelef
twi
th59
seconds.Acepi
cksupNessaandwalkoutfi
rst.
NickwalkstoHi
ldaandputhi
shandoverhears.
)

Ni
ck:"
Iam notleavingyouher
e,i
fyouar
e
st
ayi
ngiam staying."

Hi
l
da:
"Dom.
..
."

Nick:
"(cut
ti
ngheroff
)No!Ical
ltheshotsnow,
youdiditf
oral
lthi
syear
s.Iam doingi
tnow.
Youaremywi f
e,ti
l
ldeat
hdueusapar t.
"

Li
am:
Bri
anl
etusgo.
(
Igr
abhi
shandandLi
am hi
sot
herandpul
lhi
m.)

Bri
an:"
(cr
ying)Ma!Ican'
tdot
hiswi
thouty
ou.I
can'
tl
eavey oubehi
nd."

Hil
da:"Yesyoucan,youarethebrai
nofthat
famil
ynotme, wi
thoutyou,i
tceasestoexi
st.
GoBrian,ibel
i
eveinyou."

Br
ian:
"(ki
ssi
nghercheek)Ti
l
lwemeetagai
n."

Hil
da:"
Wef al
landwer i
se,wear eone.Wehowl
l
ikewolvesandroarl
ikeli
ons.Weshineaft
er
ever
ystorm,wearethelastraceofThompson
Famil
y.
"

(
Wer
unf
orourl
i
ve,
wer
unl
eav
ingt
woofus
behind.AGr eatsacrif
icet hati don' tknowi fi
am capabl eof .Onceout sidewer unf orcov er.
Thei sal oudbangast hegr oundsshakes, the
windowsr attl
eandbur stouti nf l
ames.The
whol ebui l
dingbur nsupwi ththel argestf l
ames
ieverseen.Thi sisit
,herl ifeshededi catedt o
herchi l
drenandshej ustgav eupherownl if
et o
savet hem.Ther ewillnev erbeacour ageous
womanl ikeHi ldaThompson!Myhear tbreaks
i
npi ercesasi watchthebui ldi
ngbur nt othe
ground.Wi thtearsonhi sey es, Bri
anst andsup,
Liam alsost andsup, sodoest her estoft he
agent s,istandnex ttohi m, Acehol di
ngNessa
whoi sst i
lldisori
ented, onehandacr osst he
chest, f
acingt heburningbui l
dingandsay :

OneAccord:
Wef all
andwer ise,weareone.We
howll
ikewolvesandroarl
ikeli
ons.Weshine
aft
erever
ystorm,wearethelastraceof
ThompsonFami l
y.
*
***
***
***
**THE 
END*
***
***
***
**