The Money is Already There

Peyton and Aletha are laying in bed talking.  The moon is full and the moonlight is pouring into their dimly lit bedroom. Peyton is laying her head on Aletha's shoulder. 

Peyton:  I'm proud of our President.  I feel like he was strong and confident during the State of Union Address.  I know he assured a lot my fears.

Aletha:  Yes, I must say that was an expertly crafted speech.  But, did you see Michelle honey?  She had on a beautiful Rachel Roy dress.  And she was killin' it!

Peyton:  She was, she was.  So, I talked to my boss at the Zoo today.  Guess what? 

Aletha:  I know they did not fire you!  You were in a coma for God's sake!  What kind of bull...

Peyton:  Hold on 'Letha!  Dang!  I was going to say, that he offered me a full time position with benefits.  He said that since I've been gone, my absence has been difficult and they realized that I am a valuable team member.

Aletha:  Really?  How valuable?

Peyton:  35k until I sit for my last exam and then you know it's Dr. Peyton!

Aletha:  Is it going to be enough room in here for your head?

She laughs.  Then as if they were magnets with opposite polarities they rushed toward each other and began to kiss.  They gently caressed each others hair and faces.  Peyton quickly pulls back.

Peyton:  Let's call our friends and have the ceremony this weekend.  Want to?

Alehta:  Are you sure?

Peyton:  100%.  Are you?

Aletha: ...

********************
Gabrielle is at her mother's house having dinner.  She is sitting across from her at the large banquet sized dining table.  They are eating in silence.

Gabrielle:  Mother.

Marla ignores her daughter.  She takes a gulp of her red wine and gently places the glass on the table.  She wipes the corners of her mouth with an elaborately embroidered cloth napkin and returns it to her lap.  She takes a deep breath and responds.

Marla:  Yes Gabrielle.

Gabrielle:  I have something to tell you and I, I don't know quite how to say it.

Marla:  There is no "other" way to say anything.  I've told you that your entire life.  If you are an adult, you grit your teeth and you say what you need to say.

Gabrielle:  I lost the money and now daddy won't give back to me and I don't know why and I'm sorry and...

Marla interrupts Gabrielle.

Marla:  You lost WHAT money?  The money that I entrusted you with to develop YOUR artist?  Is THAT the money to which you are referring?

Gabrielle looks down.

Marla slams her hand on the table and stands up.  The china rattles as pounds the table again.  She slowly walks to where Gabrielle is sitting.  Each step quakes the floor.  She gets with in inches of Gabrielle's face.

Marla:  Now, you listen to me!  You are a pathetic excuse for a woman.  You have no business sense, no prowess, no class, no dignity and no common sense!  I left your father for a reason.  He was a money grubbing, manipulative, hoodlum dressed in an expensive suit that the woman before me bought!  I don't care if you have to strip, wait tables, sell your self or take in laundry but, god damn it you had better get my damned money!  Now get the hell out of my face!

Gabrielle:  Why are you talking to me like this?  I know I made a mistake but, I am still your child and worthy of your respect.  I can't believe you think that you can just treat people like crap and no one will ever stand up to you.  Well...

Marla slaps Gabrielle and yells...

Marla:  I don't care what you think I said get the hell out of my face and that's exactly what I mean.  Now, unless you want to fight me, I suggest you take your behind home!  GET OOOUUUTTT!

Gabrielle kicks over her chair and storms out of the house.  Marla listens for her daughter to slam the door.  She picks up her phone and dials.

Marla:  Hello fool.  Thank you for giving me the money.  I appreciate you doing one thing for your daughter after all these years.

Patrick:  Ah my dear Marla.  If only she were my daughter!  You know I wouldn't be in the mess I'm in now.  So, when should I be receiving my transfer?

Marla:  Hey, I'm an opportunist.  You wanted to marry someone with money and I needed a presentable father for my child.  It worked out.  The money is already there.  Goodbye.

Copyright © 2011 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

I'm not signing!

Kendrick:  You mean to tell me that you're moving in with some nigga and I'm just supposed to accept this shit?  First you tell me you're unhappy.  Okay, maybe I haven't been the best husband I could be to you.  But, you're leaving me to be with some other mutha fucka? 

Lavelle:  First of all, you will respect me and not talk to me like I'm some heffa off the streets.  I am trying to be truthful and forthright with you Kendrick.  You walk around here like I'm the help.  Only addressing me when you want something out of me or when you want to put something inside of me.  I am more than that.  Now, I have found someone that loves me for me and actually SEES me!  How can you be mad at that?

Kendrick:  You're my wife!  That's why I can be mad.  You didn't say let's go to counseling or let's talk this out.  You just jumped into the arms of the first dude that showed you some attention.  That's real desperate.  And what's with this new house shit?  I hope you don't think that I'm letting you get away with a new fucking house and saddle me with the mortgage here!

Lavelle:  First of all, let's get some things straight, what I do with my money, is my business.  You don't know who that house was purchased by!  Second of all, I'm not living with him.  After your ass, I need a break from having a man living in my midst.  Third of all, you don't have to worry about letting me do anything because you don't own or control me.  And if you even so much as think about taking any of this out on our children, you have better sleep with one eye open because I don't play that!

Kendrick:  Why don't you just move out now? 

Lavelle:  No, I'm not doing that.  When the kids start their first semesters at Braiding Branch and Willow Woods, I'll go.  You need to get off your self-righteous high horse long enough for us to devise a way to tell them we're divorcing.

Kendrick:  Oh, no.  We're not divorcing.  I'm not signing a damn thing!  I'm the last husband you'll ever have.  So, go ahead and chill wit cha little boyfriend.  But, then, bring that ass back home!

Kendrick walks into his study and slams the door.

********************

Valencia:  Girl, I cannot believe that you and Marlon are going to have a baby!

Ashlyn:  I know.  I'm still in shock myself.

Valencia:  Is he excited?

Ashlyn:  Too excited!  He calls me every other hour to check on us.  At first it was cute.  Now, it's just getting on my last nerve!  Good God Almighty!

Valencia:  Well that's good.  You're going to need him to be as supportive as he can be.  Having a baby is no joke!

Ashlyn:  So, how are you and Drexel getting along after your reconciliation?

Valencia:  It's been great.  He and Isis look just alike!  He helps with her and we love each other very deeply.  Can you believe that when I supposedly married "Patrick" that he had his friend draft fake marriage documents and now, they have his criminal ass in jail!

Ashlyn:  Shut up girl!  Jail?

Valencia:  And I'm so glad!  I sure do miss the shop.

Ashlyn:  Hell, we miss you too.  Maxanne and everyone are all well.  It would be great if you could come back.

Valencia:  I'll talk it over with Drexel and get back to you.  I hope he goes for the daycare option.  Mama needs some grown-folks stimulation during the day!  Hel-lo!

Ashlyn:  So, do you think that I should tell Marlon about Patrick?

Valencia:  Well, um let me see, should someone tell Randy Jackson that no one wants to wear his eye glasses?  Hell yeah!

Copyright © 2010 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

Mini Episode: Love, Exciting and New

Avalon and Jessie are shopping at the mall.

Jessie:  I can't believe how good these sales are!  I wish I had gotten in on these after Christmas sales years ago!

Avalon:  Yeah, there are some good deals out here.

Jessie:  What's up girl?  You've been acting all quiet today.

Avalon:  Nothing.  Just thinking.

Jessie:  Oh, man...here we go.

Avalon:  Here we go?  What are you talking about?

Jessie:  Ever since I told you about my STD...you've been acting strange.

Avalon:  What should I be acting like Jessie?  When that medicine bottle fell out of your pocket, you tried to front and cover it up!  If I would have let it go, you would have lied and kept up the charade.  I told you I love you and that's why I'm still here.  But, I'm concerned.

Jessie:  And I told you I loved you and that's why I kept it real with you.  If you forgive me then, let it go.  If you don't trust me and you ain't feelin' this no more then, let's just go our separate ways.  I don't want to feel bad every time I see you.  I'm healthy now.  You've seen the paperwork.  It's up to you.

Avalon:  You know what wasn't up to me?  Whether or not I fell in love with someone who knowingly had an STD and lied about it!

Jessie starts walking away.

********************
Lavelle and Newsome have been sending texts all day.

Lavelle texts:  When are you coming back into town?

Newsome texts:  The meetings are over tonight.  I'll be on a plane and back in Cravencrest tomorrow morning.

Lavelle texts:  Good.  I miss you.

Newsome texts:  You miss me or you miss all these clients I've been throwing your way.

Lavelle texts:  Well, the clients haven't gone anywhere...you have.

Kendrick and the twins walk into the kitchen.  The kids throw their backpacks on the floor and walk to the refrigerator.  Kendrick walks past Lavelle and into his study.

Newsome texts:  Did you tell him yet?

Lavelle texts:  No.  I'm telling them all tonight.

Newsome texts:  Did you pick-up the keys?

Lavelle texts:  Yes and I'm so excited!  My very own house!  I can't wait to have you over to help me warm-up the place!

Newsome texts:  The kids excited about going to their new schools?

Lavelle texts:  Yeah, they are.  I think it's going to be a good experience for them.  I'm just scared having my babies so far away from me.

Newsome texts:  They'll be fine.  Well, I've got to ttyl.  Miss you madly...see you soon.

Something I Said

Wesley is sitting in the lobby at Silver Records.  He is there to discuss the art on the cover of his album.  He walks down the hall toward the restrooms and passes Gabrielle in one of the conference rooms.  She is pacing back and forth with a worried expression on her face.  She is shouting at the phone on the conference room table.

Wesley thinks:  Good!  Someone else is stressing her out for a change.

Wesley walks out of the restroom and accidentally hits Gabrielle with the door.  She is visibly shaken and her face is running with mascara stains.

Wesley:  Wow...you look like shit Gabrielle. 

Gabrielle:  On my worst day, I look better than any other woman you know.  I don't need any shit from you!  Just leave me alone.

Wesley:  Leave you alone?  Ha!  That's funny.  You see, I seem to recall that every time I asked you to leave me alone, you persisted; and with a vengeance at that.  I really don't care what's going on with you.  You have destroyed so many others.  I hope you get back everything that you've been putting out there and more.  Have a nice day...bitch.

********************
Patrick:  Gabrielle, I can't give you that money back.

Gabrielle:  Surely you're kidding me.  You've got to be kidding me!  You're going to ruin my relationship with my mother and my career.  You have to get that money!

Patrick:  Listen, you knew we'd be taking some risks when we were moving all that money around and now...it's gone. 

Gabrielle:  Well, borrow it against your firm.

Patrick:  I wouldn't dream of doing that.  Plus, I've got my own concerns.

Gabrielle:  Like what?  First you're gay because you thought that Marlon had money.  Then, you were straight because I told you about Ashlyn.  Then, you married Valencia because she was pregnant and the baby was the key Granna's inheritance money.  You caused all this mess dad!  Now, you're screwing me over!

Patrick:  First of all, I did do all that.  But, I have the common sense to know that there is no honor among thieves.  Just because I'm your dad doesn't mean that you should have trusted me with all that money Gabrielle.  I'm not giving it back to you because I need it.  There is nothing you can do about it unless you tell the truth and I don't think you want to do that.  So, suck it up and tell your mama...or figure it out yourself.

Gabrielle:  Oh my God!  I'm your daughter for God's sake!

Patrick:  Yes, you are my daughter and I love you.  But, I don't owe you anything. 

Gabrielle:  I hate you!

Gabrielle throws the phone into the wall and runs to the bathroom.

********************
 Ashlyn is in Coiffed styling a client's hair.  She has just finished and the client is admiring herself in the mirror.

Client:  Girl, I look just like Gabrielle Union with this do!

Ashlyn:  You sure do girl!  Just make sure you keep coming back to me or you'll end up looking like Whoopi! Okaaay!

They high five.

Client:  So, when are you due?

Ashlyn:  Huh?

Client:  You heard me.  When are you due?  Your face is just glowing and that little tummy is a big tummy now!

Maxanne:  What?  Ash you preggers?

Ashlyn:  Keep your voice down Maxanne!  What is wrong with you yelling all up in here?

Maxanne:  We knew something was up with you!  Congratulations!

Ashlyn breaks down crying and walks to her office.

Maxanne:  Well damn!  Was it something I said?

Sugar

It's getting late and the crowd at KAMA is thinning out.  Tabitha and her new "friend" are still chatting at their table.  Lavelle and Newsome are still talking and...

Newsome:  Ha, ha, ha!  Girl you are hilarious!  You've got me on the jokes.  I don't want to cross you, you know how to rag on a fool!

Lavelle:  Hey, I wasn't brought up in a easy part of Cravencrest!  We used to have raggin' contest!  Full of yo' mama jokes and all that!  Either you were jokin' or fightin'!

Newsome:  An around the way girl huh?

Lavelle:  Something like that.  Well, it's been nice hanging with you Newsome.  I think I need to signal my girl and head out.

Newsome:  Curfew already?

Lavelle:  No Mr. Smartass!  We are actually having a girl's weekend.  So, we're headed back to our suite at the "W".

Newsome gets up from his seat and walks behind Lavelle.  He picks up her jacket from the back of her chair.  He holds it out for her to put on.  Lavelle sits there for a moment feeling flattered and surprised.

Lavelle:  Thank you Newsome.  Good luck with everything.

Newsome:  No, thank you Lavelle.  You're a class act.

********************

Tasha is sitting in the waiting room at her mother's doctor's office waiting for her mom to come out of her appointment.  She is checking her FB page on her cell phone and reading all of her wall posts.

Tasha thinks:  I really wish Wesley would stop sending me these messages!  He made his choice!

Rose:  I swear if that phone is more attached to your hand than your fingers are!  Have mercy lord!

Tasha:  Hey mama.  How did it go?

Rose:  Well, I've got diabetes and my pressure is low.

Tasha:  See mama!  That's why I told you that going to those old country doctors wasn't a good idea!  It took us coming up here for them to properly diagnose you.

Rose:  Hush child.  I been known I had sugar.  I didn't know about my pressure though.  And anyway, Dr. Brooks is a good doctor.  They did the MRIs and everything.

Tasha:  First of all mama, they probably did those MRIs to get the extra insurance money. Second of all, what do you mean you knew you had sugar?  Why didn't you tell Arronette, Lavinia me or Corrine?

Rose:  'Cause y'all worry too much and Jesus said by his stripes I am healed!  I'm not trying to sit around and have y'all watching what I eat and what I do!  Now, the doctor done gave me these prescriptions and told me to come back in a week.  So, calm down and let's go get some food.

Tasha:  Oh, mama!  You're a trip!  But, I love you.

Rose:  Love you too baby.  Now, c'mon.

********************

Lavelle and Tabitha are sitting in their hotel suite eating fruit and drinking wine.

Tabitha:  His name is Hunter.

Lavelle:  Hunter?  Girl, he looked light skinned but, is he White?

Tabitha:  Yes he was!  Girl I'm gonna be getting my swirl on!  Haaaaaay!

They high five.

Lavelle:  Well you definitely looked like you enjoyed yourself.

Tabitha:  So did you!

Lavelle:  You know what?  I can't lie, I did!  His name is Newsome and he is eloquent and centered and divorced.

Lavelle's phone rings.

Kendrick:  Hey when you comin' home?

Lavelle:  Monday.

Kendrick:  Monday!  My mama just dropped off the twins and I thought you were coming home.  What are we going to eat Velle?

Lavelle:  Go out or order take out.  I need a break Kendrick.  I told you I was leaving for the weekend, you didn't listen.  They're your children too...do what you can and I'll see you Monday.

Kendrick:  Whatever, just be back Monday morning because I've got a board meeting at 10:30am and I need to prepare.

Lavelle:  I'll be there when I get there.

Lavelle hangs up the phone and there is a knock at the door.  Tabitha answers the door and there is a book of jokes with a note on top of it sitting on a platter.

Tabitha reads the note out loud:  "Guess I should have told you that I manage this hotel.  Anyway, have a joke or two on me.  Goodnight, Newsome"

Copyright © 2010 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

There is Nothing Cookie Cutter About You...

Valencia: Go ahead and do it! I know all about how you were trying to extort money from Marlon and Ashlyn and how you and Gabrielle Silver have some sort of backdoor dealings with that record label. I will put your ass on display for the entire world to see!


Patrick is shocked that mild mannered Valencia has asserted herself in this way. He takes a deep breath and walks up within inches of her face.

Patrick: I do have feelings for you, you know.

Valencia: Patrick, you don’t feel. You hurt, you take, you use and repeat. I should have NEVER allowed you to use me as a pawn. So, go ahead and do what you have to do…and I’ll do the same.

Patrick: There was a spark between us at one time and I thought that you loved me.  You hurt, took, used and betrayed me! 

Valencia:  Patrick, the only reason I'm here is because Drexel received that letter from you.  You sent that letter because you wanted the inheritance from your grandmother.  You knew that I was pregnant and that we had been intimate.  You preyed on me and I foolishly allowed it! 

Valencia grabs her purse and walks away.  Patrick suddenly realizes that he has been more open with Valencia than anyone in his life.  He thinks that for the first time that he can be hurt by someone.

Patrick screams...

Patrick:  If you tell any of my business I swear I'll kill you!

********************
The door opens and Justice walks in.

Justice: Oh my God bae…my momma told me you were…

Aletha:  Are you serious?  What are you doing here?

Justice gives Aletha an ice cold stare and turns toward Peyton.

Justice:  I'm here to check on Peyton and show her that I care.  Peyton, I just got back from Tunisia and my mom told me about your accident.  I rushed right over as soon as I heard...I'm so sorry.

Peyton:  Thank you Justice...that's very sweet.  I feel like the accident was just yesterday.  I don't feel like I've been in a coma for two weeks.  I'm doing good though.  How was Africa?

Aletha grows impatient and interrupts their conversation.

Aletha:  Peyton baby, I'm going to get something from Starbucks and return a few e-mails.  When I come back, i trust that you'll be gone Armistice.

Justice: That's Justice, Arnetha.

Petyon:  C'mon y'all!  I'm too tired for this mess!  I'll see you later baby, I was just getting ready to tell Justice that my last name is changing.

Feeling validated, Aletha smiles at Peyton and walks out of the room.

********************
Lavelle and Tabitha are at KAMA for Sushi and Sake Saturdays.

Tabitha:  Girl!  I can't believe I got you out the house!  Lawd Jesus in the mornin'!

Lavelle:  You are a hot mess!  I'm glad I came.  I needed this.

Tabitha:  I see what I need standing over at the bar!  Damn!  Where did he get all that fine from?

Lavelle:  "He get it from his momma!"

Tabitha:  See uh, uh, what you're not going to do is be gettin' drunk and quoting rap songs!

Lavelle:  Drunk?  Me?  No.  I just know how to have a great time!  I'll prove it.

Lavelle gets up from the table and walks toward the bar.  Tabitha is whispering "come back"!

Lavell:  Excuse me sir, my companion and I couldn't help but, to notice how handsome you are.  How are you this evening?

Newsome:  I'm well and you?

Lavelle:  I'm fine.  I just had to come over and introduce myself.  I'm Lavelle.

Newsome:  I'm Newsome.  Have a seat, let me buy you a drink.

Lavelle:  Well, I left my girl over there...

Newsome:  Looks like she's got company.

Lavelle looks back at Tabitha.  She is sitting talking to a guy.

Lavelle:  Well, looks like you're right.  I'll have a pineapple and vodka thanks.

Newsome:  So, let me guess, stressed out wife and mom comes out with her girl for some fun on the town...right?

Lavelle:  Damn!  You're good!

She looks down and smiles swirling the ice in her drink.

Newsome:  You're  wearing your wedding ring.

Lavelle:  So I am.  Yes, I am a mother of twins, I operate a home based business and I'm a wife.  So, yeah, I needed a little air tonight.  What about you?

Newsome:  I'm here celebrating my divorce.

He lets out a long sigh.

Newsome:  Sixteen long years...done.

Lavelle:  Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

Newsome:  Don't be.  She neglected me and our marriage fell apart.  We tried to repair it but, it was too far gone.  We're both happier now, I guess.

Lavelle:  You guess? 

Newsome:  No, actually I'm sure.  She's a good woman and mother.  She's just not the one for me.  I need a woman that will allow me to take care of her and be willing to reciprocate.  Here I am getting all heavy.  Let's lighten the mood.  Let's talk about you.  Tell me everything.

Lavelle:  Well, I own an event planning business called Save the Wait and I'm a stay a home mom that juggles everything that comes along with that.  My husband and I have been married for 12 years and we have both lived here all our lives.  Guess I'm a cookie cutter, all American girl.

Newsome:  If you don't mind me saying, there is nothing cookie cutter about you.

Lavelle blushes.

Copyright © 2010 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

Trying Times...

Tabitha gives Lavelle a call...

Lavelle: Hey girl what’s going on?

Tabitha: Nothing, on my way to the grocery store. Just thought I’d call to see what you were up to.

Lavelle: I’m sitting here watching Love Jones and folding these clothes.

Tabitha: You want to meet me at KAMA for sushi and sake later?

Lavelle: As much as I’d love to, Kendrick is out with his boys and I’m here with Camden and Cadence. By the time he gets back home, I won’t have the energy to do anything.

Tabitha: How are my god-babies? When are y’all coming to see me? They’re never going to know what their G-Mommy’s house looks like!

Lavelle: They’re fine! Camden had soccer practice this morning and Cadence had her piano lesson. They’re both in their rooms doing whatever it is that 10 year olds do.

Tabitha: So, Velle?

Lavelle: What?

Tabitha: When are you going to start living YOUR life? I hear you taking the twins here, coordinating parties there, taking care of Kendrick’s dry cleaning and redecorating for the holidays…but, I don’t hear anything about you do something for Lavelle!

Lavelle: You’re right and trust me it’s been heavy on my mind lately. I’m just in a rut and I don’t know how to get out.

Tabitha: You can start by calling the twins’ grandmamma and coming out with me tonight.

Lavelle: You know what? You’re right. Let me get things together and I’ll call you back.

Tabitha: Don’t stand me up!

Lavelle: I won’t…let me call you back.

********************
Marlon and Ashlyn are in the car...

Marlon: I’ll fix it but…

Ashlyn: But, what Marlon?

Marlon: I don’t want this to be a shadow on our marriage. I don’t want to talk about it all the time or ever for that matter. Can you just trust that I will do the right thing and rectify this situation?

Ashlyn: I trust you and I know that you love me and you won’t do anything to hurt me. Please handle this Marlon. It’s really too much on me.

Ashlyn turns her head towards the window. She begins to sniffle as tears stream down her face.

Marlon: Are you crying? What’s wrong baby? I said I would take care of it. You’ve got to believe that I want to rid us of any drama or confusion. We have a peaceful relationship and I plan to keep it that way. Ash baby, Ash!

Ashlyn: I’m pregnant Marlon!

********************

Avalon just found Jessie's antibiotics...
Jessie: I’m okay, uh, I just had an infection from when I cut my finger at the bakery.

Avalon: Doxycycline? I’ve never heard of this.

Jessie: Oh, you’ve heard of every antibiotic there is?

Avalon: Uh, no smartass! But, there are certain antibiotics that are common like penicillin and amoxicillin. Wait “Do not have sexual intercourse until all doses have been taken.” Jessie what the hell is this about? Do you have a STD?

Jessie: Naw girl! Come on now.

Avalon: Don’t try to play me for a fool! I know there would not be a warning on a bottle like this unless some sexually transmitted disease was involved. Tell me the truth now!

********************

Valencia: Patrick I hope that you understand that I made a mistake. I appreciate you being so kind to Isis and me but, she’s not your child.

Patrick: If you try to leave, I will call child protective services and tell them that you are unfit.

Valencia: Why would you do that? Why are you trying to hurt me?

Patrick: You know I need to have a child in order to secure the money from my grandmother! Why are YOU trying to hurt me?

Valencia:  Go ahead and do it!  I know all about how you were trying to extort money from Marlon and Ashlyn and how you and Gabrielle Silver have some sort of backdoor dealings with that record label.  I will put your ass on display for the entire world to see!