Coincidence

ONE (SCENE SEVEN)

ACT ONE

SCENE SEVEN

(Petrus and his friend Jude were seated in his car about to embark on the journey to Anita's house. On getting to her house, she welcomed them happily. A few minutes later, after some little with the Prince, she took them in to see her parents)

(Petrus and his friend- Jude were chatting inside the palace courtyard)

PETRUS

Please, come with me to my bride's house.

JUDE

What are we going there to do?

PETRUS

I want to go and meet her parents and know what they have to say.

JUDE

Why are you talking like this? You are the prince and no parents with their right senses will refuse you.

PETRUS

Anyway, when I proposed to her, the impression on her face tells me that she loves me, but the problem is that I have not heard from her since then. So that is why I am a little bit uncomfortable. That is the reason why I want you to accompany me so that if they refuse my offer I can overcome the shame but I pray that they will not because I had informed my parents about it. (Jude later obliged his request and they both went to her house. When they arrived, Anita was sweeping the compound. But on seeing his car, she stopped and looked carefully to be sure of what was seeing. Out of excitement, she shouted and with happiness, she gave him a warm embrace and a nice kiss).

JUDE

Chai!!! Is this how love is? At least, "you both should go inside". (A few minutes later, after the exchange of greetings, Anita frowned her face)

PETRUS

My dear, why are you wearing a long face or are you not happy that I came? If you are not happy just tell me right away so that I can go back.

ANITA

Nooo, my prince. I am the happiest girl on earth now, but it is just that I am not worthy to have you because we are not in the same class and the house is still untidy, it might stain your expensive garment.

PETRUS

I think that should be my worry and not yours. You know what? Can we go inside? (They went inside and sat down while Anita went to inform her parents. Soon, everybody was seated). Good morning Sir and Ma.

MR. OKECHUKWU

You are welcome, my son. I hope everything is alright or have we committed an unknown crime that made you come this early?

PETRUS

Noooo, sir, everything is alright, the only crime is that your daughter stole my heart. (They all laughed. He later continued after a brief silence). I and my friend came in peace.

MR. OKECHUKWU

Ok, if you say so. So what brought you to my house this early morning?

PETRUS

First of all, I want to apologize for coming this early without your permission. Please, forgive my inappropriate manners.

MR. OKECHUKWU

You have done nothing wrong to ask for our forgiveness. We should be the ones asking for your forgiveness for not being prepared.

PETRUS

(Laughs) Thank you, sir.

MR. OKECHUKWU

My son, you can come anytime with or without permission. After all, you are the Prince of this Great Kingdom and the heir to the throne, so you are always welcome to my house.

PETRUS

Sir, as you already know, I am Petrus and with me here is my friend Jude.

MR. OKECHUKWU

You are both welcome to my house. (He called out for his daughter to offer them cola)

PETRUS

There is an adage that says that. "A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing it is either something is pursing it or it is pursuing something". Sir, please if am not mistaken, there is a ripe mango that I saw in your house so I decided to come and see the owner of the mango and possibly take permission before I come with some weapon to pluck it.

MR. OKECHUKWU

My son as you can see I don't have any mango trees in my house so please make me understand (They all laughed)

PETRUS

Without wasting much of your time, I came with my friend to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage. We came this early in order not to be late, because, from the look of things, you are preparing for the farm.

MR. OKECHUKWU

It is a good thing that you have done my son. You took the right decision by coming to see us.

PETRUS

Thank you, sir. We came alone to get your opinion before coming with my people.

MR. OKECHUKWU

Anyway, I have only one daughter and she is inside. But as you know, am not the one getting married neither is it her mother, so am going to call her out now so that she can speak for herself.

MRS. OKECHUKWU

Anita.... (She called out for Anita)

ANITA

YESSS... Yes, daddy! (She answered from inside the kitchen)

MRS. OKECHUKWU

Please, come. (She came out and greeted the visitors)

MR. OKECHUKWU

My daughter, please sit down. (When she sat down, the father asked) "Do you know this man?"

ANITA

Yes, daddy. (She replied immediately with smiles on her face).

MR. OKECHUKWU

Ok, this man here came to ask for your hand in marriage so I called you out to say your mind concerning that. Are we to tell them to go or.....

ANITA

(She couldn't wait for her father to finish before answering him in a hurry as if something was about to be taken away from her) No, daddy. I love him and I will like to marry him. (They all laughed and clapped their hands)

MR. OKECHUKWU

Well since both of you have found yourselves suitable for each other, I do not have any other thing to say, rather than to pray for you. But, my Prince, you have to go and come back with your people. (On hearing this, Anita jumped up from her seat, knelt in front of her father and thanked him, and also did the same for her mum. She also thanked the prince's friend Jude for accompanying him and then gave the Prince a warm embrace with joy and happiness written all over her face and light fades)