TRUE BEAUTY: EPISODE SIX

 Summayah’s p.o.v

“Mummy, please… let’s go. Please stop crying.”

My uncle kept pleading with her, his voice soft but firm, trying to pull her back from the storm she was drowning in. It took a while… a long while… before she finally gave in and stepped into the car.

As the car pulled away, I couldn’t look away. I kept staring at our house… our home… holding onto it with my eyes as if looking hard enough would bring it back. Slowly… painfully… it disappeared.

I turned to Mum.

Her face was soaked. Not just tears… pain. The kind that drains the life out of you. She looked weak. Like something inside her had finally given up.

Summayah: Mum… (holds her hand gently) please… stop crying.

Adewunmi: (snatches her hand away sharply) Get your filthy hands off me! All this… all this is happening because of you! I don’t even know why you came into our lives. Your dad was right… ever since you were born, nothing has been the same. Look at me… look at what my life has become. After twenty-two years of marriage… (her voice breaks) If you touch me again, I swear you will receive a slap you won’t forget. So tell me… are you happy now?

(She breaks down completely, her body shaking with sobs.)

Summayah: (frozen… her lips tremble. She slowly withdraws her hand, as if it burns. Tears begin to fall, quietly… helplessly.)

Uncle: Iya Suliyah! Why would you say such things to this child? Why? She is innocent. This is not her fault. (his voice softens as he looks at Summayah) My dear… don’t mind her. I’m proud of you. If you hadn’t called me… who knows what would have happened? Look at what that man has reduced my sister to… I’m proud of you. (he glances through the mirror, sees her tears) Please… don’t cry. She didn’t mean it.

Adewunmi: (her face tightens. Guilt flickers in her eyes, but her pain is louder. She turns away, choosing silence.)

Summayah: (turns to the window, her reflection staring back at her through blurred tears. She cries… silently… like someone used to hiding pain.)

(Curtain)

The next day

Adewunmi’s p.o.v

Sleep refused to come.

Every time I closed my eyes, the memories came rushing back… his voice, his anger, the way he looked at me like I was nothing.

How could Bolaji do this to me?

After all my begging… all my pleading…

How?

And Suliyah… she didn’t even react. She stood there… unmoved. Does that mean she was happy? Happy watching her father destroy me?

That child…

Ya Allah… why me?

After twenty-two years… why this ending?

(A knock interrupts her thoughts.)

It must be Summayah.

Come in.

(I quickly wipe my tears, forcing myself to sit properly.)

Oh… it’s my brother’s wife.

How do I even look at her like this?

Wife: Iya Okomi, good morning ma. How are you feeling?

Adewunmi: (forces a weak smile) Good morning… Alhamdulillah, I’m better.

Wife: (gently places the food down) Please eat, ma.

Adewunmi: (shakes her head) I’m sorry… I can’t. Take it away.

Wife: Ah… please don’t do this. For Allah’s sake, try. You haven’t eaten since yesterday. Or… are you upset with me?

Adewunmi: No… no, it’s not that. Please don’t misunderstand me. I just… I’m not hungry. I don’t want the food to waste.

Wife: Even if you’re not hungry… at least pity your body. I won’t take it away. Maybe later. (she turns slightly to leave)

Adewunmi: (quickly) Okay… give it to Summayah.

Wife: She refused too.

Adewunmi: (her heart skips) She… refused?

Where is she?

Wife: She’s lying on the couch.

Adewunmi: Please… call her for me.

Wife: Okay, ma. (she leaves, calling her name)

(Silence returns.)

She must still be hurting because of what I said…

Ya Allah… what have I done?

A child who is already carrying so much pain… and I added mine to it.

Wife: Ma… she didn’t answer. She’s just lying there… quiet.

Adewunmi: (voice drops) Okay… thank you.

Summayah’s p.o.v

The words wouldn’t leave my head.

“All this is happening because of you…”

They kept echoing… over and over again.

Maybe she’s right.

Maybe if I wasn’t born…

Maybe none of this would have happened.

Maybe her life would have been better.

Maybe… she would have been happy.

I didn’t even notice when she stood in front of me.

Adewunmi: Ajoke…

Summayah: (tightens her face, trying not to break again)

Adewunmi: (sits beside her slowly) Come with me.

Summayah: Why? I’m the reason your life is like this, right?

Adewunmi: (voice soft, almost breaking) That’s not what I meant… please. Just come. Is this where you slept? Come, let’s go somewhere quiet.

(Summayah hesitates… then stands and follows.)

Adewunmi: (sits, then looks at her deeply) Okomi… I’m sorry. About yesterday… I was angry… I was broken. I didn’t mean those words. You… you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Summayah: (lets out a dry laugh) And you expect me to believe that?

Mommy… just leave it. I’ve accepted it.

Adewunmi: (hurt) Then why didn’t you eat?

Summayah: I’m not hungry.

Adewunmi: You didn’t eat last night either…

Summayah: (turns fully to her, eyes filled with pain) Mommy… please. Be happy. You deserve it. Please forget about Dad.

Adewunmi: (lets out a bitter smile) You think it’s that easy? Where do I start from? He has taken everything… even separated me from my children. I can’t stay here forever. I need to go back… I need to beg him.

Summayah: (shakes her head) For what? He doesn’t deserve you. He doesn’t know your worth… but I do. You are the reason I’m still alive. Please… be happy. (she wipes her tears)

Adewunmi: (looks at her for a long moment) I can only be happy on one condition.

Summayah: What?

Adewunmi: You eat.

Summayah: (quietly) And you?

Adewunmi: I’m fine… I don’t have an appetite.

Summayah: (manages a faint smile through pain) Iya Summayah… no one has ever called you that before. From today… that’s your name. But please… eat, even if it’s small.

(A knock interrupts them.)

Uncle: Aburo mi… can I come in?

Adewunmi: Yes, sir.

Uncle: Good morning. How was your night?

Summayah: (quickly kneels) Good morning, sir.

Uncle: Well done, my dear. How are you?

Summayah: Fine, sir.

Adewunmi: Good morning, egbon.

Uncle: Morning. So… how are you feeling now? My wife said neither of you ate since yesterday. Why?

Adewunmi: (tired) How do you expect me to eat like this?

Uncle: So you want to destroy yourself because of that useless man? If I had known… I would never have allowed that marriage. I warned you, Adewunmi. I warned you. But you said you loved him. Now see…

Adewunmi: (tears fall again) So now it’s my fault?

Uncle: I’m not blaming you. I’m saying we move forward. You can’t stay here forever. I will get an apartment for you and Summayah.

Adewunmi: (quickly) So you won’t call him? You won’t try to settle this?

Uncle: Settle what? After everything he did? I didn’t even know he beats you. Your daughter told me. If I see him again… I won’t keep calm. Look at you… you are not yourself anymore.

Adewunmi: (crying harder) So I should become a single mother now? At this age?

Summayah: Uncle, I support you. Don’t mind my mum… she wants him to destroy her completely.

Uncle: (nods) You see? Even your daughter understands. You will be fine. With or without him, life goes on. I have to go now. Please eat. I don’t want to come back and meet you like this.

Summayah: Bye, sir. (she leaves quietly)

Adewunmi: (voice cracks, barely above a whisper) Me… a single mother… at this age…

(She breaks down again.)

(Curtain)

Alia’s p.o.v

I’ve missed my best friend so much… there’s so much I want to tell her. Maybe after cooking, I’ll go see her. I even need to take my bath.

I was about to step into the bathroom when I heard Brother Ayo calling my name.

At first, I thought he would stop.

But he didn’t.

The more he called, the closer his voice became… deeper… louder.

My heart skipped.

He was coming closer.

Before I could even grab my hijab… before I could cover myself properly… he was already at the door.

I thought he would knock.

He didn’t.

The door opened.

And there I was… standing with just a towel wrapped around my chest.

For a second… everything froze.

Then fear took over.

I screamed.

Ayo: (closes his eyes) Why are you screaming? I’ve been calling your name, but you didn’t respond. That’s why I came looking for you.

Alia: (stops screaming and quickly puts on her hijab) Is that why you had to barge into my room?

Ayo: (confused) What do you mean? First of all, are you covered? I can’t keep covering my eyes because of you.

Alia: Yes.

Ayo: (removes his hand) Why on earth didn’t you respond when I called you?

Alia: I… I was in the bathroom.

Ayo: And did I hear you say I barged into your room? Look at where I’m standing, outside your room. You opened your door yourself. If my parents come back and hear you screaming, they’ll think I’m trying to harm you. Ah! Why are women so good at pretending? You’re the one tempting me now. And why can’t you lock your door? If I found it locked, would I break it and enter? You better be careful. You know what? When my mum comes back, I’ll report you before you land me in trouble. It’s better you leave this house than ruin my life. You devil. (He angrily slams the door and leaves.)

Alia: I… I’m sorry, sir. (She runs after him.)

Ayo: If you touch me with that filthy hand, I will hit you. Better stay away.

Alia: (stops following him) I’m sorry… (to herself) Why did you scream, Alia? Ah… I’m in trouble. What if his mum sends me out? Ah, I’m finished. Where will I go?

(Curtain)

Few days later.

Summayah’s p.o.v

Since my mum left my dad’s house, life has been quieter, almost peaceful. But my poor mum… she has been withdrawn, lost in her thoughts most of the time. My uncle’s children… some are kind, some still laugh at my looks as usual. It’s nothing new. I just keep to myself.

She told me this morning that she was going somewhere. I’ve been waiting for her ever since. Where could she have gone? After hours of waiting, I finally hear her voice. I rush out immediately.

Summayah: Maami! Where have you been? Welcome, ma.

Adewunmi: (low, tired) Thank you, my dear.

Summayah: What’s wrong? Where did you go?

Adewunmi: Let’s go inside first.

Summayah: Okay. (They enter the guest room and lock the door.) Mum, where are you coming from? Please don’t tell me you went to beg that crazy man.

Adewunmi: Are you okay? Is that your father you’re calling crazy? Be careful, don’t make me transfer my anger to you.

Summayah: At least tell me where you went.

Adewunmi: I went to my shop… but to my greatest surprise, it was empty. Not a single piece of leather left. I screamed. I asked the neighbours, and they said your dad came with his car and packed everything.

Summayah: What? He packed everything? For what? Was he the one who built the business for you?

Adewunmi: I am the one. I am the one. (She breaks down in tears.) I don’t know why this man finds joy in my pain. Why? What did I do to deserve this? After all my sweat, the only thing I had to take care of us… he destroyed it. Ah… Bolaji Muhammad, Allah will judge you for me. (She continues crying.)

Summayah: Mum, please stop crying because of that wicked man. Find your own joy. Please don’t make me cry too, I’m tired of crying because of him. He doesn’t deserve your tears. We will find a way. Even if I have to become a house girl to take care of you, I will do it.

Adewunmi: (shocked) You… you would do that for me? Ah, Summayah… I didn’t raise you to suffer. Never. I can never allow that. You are the only reason I still find happiness. Even your brother doesn’t know what’s going on. I just pray this doesn’t affect his education. I will do anything to take care of both of you. Don’t worry, my dear. We will find a solution.

Summayah: Okay, Mum. (She rests her head on her shoulder.)

(Curtain)

During the night.

Suliyah’s p.o.v

Ever since my dad sent my mum out of the house, life has been easy for me. He treats me like a princess. Still… I feel bad for Mum. Maybe she could have been more patient with him.

I don’t even cook. My dad buys food from restaurants. All I do is wash my clothes and clean the house. Right now, I’m preparing for my upcoming JAMB. It’s in two weeks. I need to make Dad proud.

I’m deep in a maths question when I hear the door open. I rush out to check, and it’s my elder brother. I jump up and hug him.

Zhulaykoh: Egbon! Welcome.

Abdullah: (smiling) Aburo, how far? See you, looking fresh.

Zhulaykoh: Welcome. Let me carry your bag… you look so skinny. What’s wrong? (She takes his bag to his room.)

Abdullah: (follows her with the rest) Na school wahala. Why is the house so quiet? Where is everyone? Where are Mum and Dad?

Zhulaykoh: (scratches her neck) Well… Dad went out to get something we’ll eat.

Abdullah: What about Mum?

Zhulaykoh: (silent)

Abdullah: I’m talking to you. Where is my mum and Summayah?

Zhulaykoh: You look tired. Why not take your shower first?

Abdullah: I’m serious. Do I look like I’m joking? Where is my mum? (He raises his voice.)

Zhulaykoh: Okay, okay, you don’t have to shout.

Abdullah: Then tell me.

Zhulaykoh: Dad sent… he sent Mum… and—

Abdullah: And who? To where?

Zhulaykoh: Please stop shouting at me.

Abdullah: (takes a deep breath, trembling) Okay… I’m sorry. Where is my mum and Summayah, please?

Zhulaykoh: Dad sent her and Summayah out of the house five days ago.

Abdullah: What did you just say? (shocked, voice shaking) D… Dad did what?

Zhulaykoh: Yes, you heard me. He humiliated her outside the gate. Although I felt bad… what she did was also wrong.

Abdullah: (his body shakes violently, and he collapses to the floor)

Zhulaykoh: Egbon! What’s wrong? Why are you sweating and shaking? Are you okay?

(As she attends to him, Bolaji walks in with a woman.)

Bolaji: Ekule o. Ah, my son, you’re back.

Abdullah: (raises his head slowly, eyes burning with anger)

Zhulaykoh: Dad… who is that woman?

Bolaji: Say hello to your new mum.

New Lady: Good evening, children. How have you been? I’ve heard so much about you.

Abdullah: (rises angrily) So you are the reason my dad turned against my mum? Dad… you sent her out because of this woman? And you… you find joy in another woman’s pain? You are heartless.

Bolaji: Son, watch your mouth. Your mother failed as a wife and a mother. That’s why I replaced her. Whether you like it or not, this is your mother now. Show her some respect.

Abdullah: (shakes his head slowly) I never knew you could be this heartless… this shameless. After everything she did for you, when you had nothing… this is how you repay her?

Bolaji: Watch your mouth, or you will join her outside.

Abdullah: That’s exactly what I’m about to do. You don’t need to tell me. What shocks me most is seeing Suliyah still in this house. I’m done. (He picks up his bag and pushes past the woman.)

Zhulaykoh: Brother Abdul! (She tries to follow him.)

Bolaji: Leave him. He will come back on his knees when hunger deals with him. You are the only child I have now.

Zhulaykoh: (crying) But I don’t want my brother to go… I love him.