Denied - The legend of Patricia

Act 1 Scene 2

This scene begins at Royalty International school. In the classroom, Silvia notices Patricia's abscence. At the close of the school day, Silvia checks up on her friend at home and informs her about the scholarship.

Silvia: Tonia, it's 7:30 already and Patricia is not in school?

Tonia: Silvia, I have not seen her. Besides, she has a serious problem that girl.

Silvia: What do you mean?

Tonia: Silvia, must I tell you? Patricia is an introvert. She talks to no one. She views herself rather too highly.

Silvia: No, she's not like that. It's just that she goes through a lot sometimes you know?

(Bell rings)

Tonia: Please let me attend the assembly. Fatai! Remember you're on cleaning duty. Make sure the class is tidy before the prefects come to inspect.

Silvia: (sighs), Fatai have you eaten already?

Fatai: Yes now, you know I don't waste time.

(Both of them chuckle as they head for the assembly. Upon arrival, Mr. Tony leads the assembly, and gives some important information).

Mr. tony: Okay students, Good morning, you are all welcome to day 46 of your schooling session. Especially my SS2 students, because apart from the very fact, that this is the third term, and your tests are about to begin, there is a scholarship available for all senior students. The principal has agreed that the Arcade Cymbal scholarship program, is available this year.

Tonia: Sorry sir, is there any detailed sum of money required for entry?

Mr. Tony: You dislike paying, all of you. Although to your advantage, there's no money required for entry. The school is going to be paying for three students this year and they will represent us in the Scholarship program.

(Students murmur)

Mr Tony: Silence! The principal has highlighted that this time around, the students with the highest results in the test week will represent the school. Now, the top three will be chosen according to how they rank in the test results. I questioned his choices, but he stood firm on it acknowledging he wouldn't change his decisions. So, all said, you know what to do. Read hard and prepare for your test. Any questions?

Fatai: Only the seniors you said sir, right?

Mr. Tony: Yes Fatai, any other questions? Supposing there's none, let's get to our classes and carry on today's activities.

(At the end of school, Silvia visits Patricia to inform her about the scholarship).

Silvia: (Knocks on Patricia's door)

Daniella: Hey, Silvia good to see you, how are you doing?

Silvia: Very fine, ma. I came to see Patricia

Daniella: Oh sure, come on in. Patricia should be in her room. She should.

Silvia: Have you seen her today?

Daniella: She had an ugly night and ever since, she's been in her room. She only came down to confirm she wouldn't be going to school today since her dad left for work.

Silvia: (Heads to Patricia's room) Patricia! Patricia!

Patricia: (sobs) Yes, who's there?

Silvia: Hey, Girl why are you all alone? Your mum said you had a rough night. We missed you today.

Patricia: Nothing.

Simon: Silvia my wife, you're here.

Silvia: who is your wife?

Pete: Hmm, don't deny him now.

Silvia: You can't even greet. Look at the two of you. What happened to Patricia?

Pete: Daddy pounded her like crayfish early this morning. Look at her face!

Simon: When we told her to continue reading, she wanted to show herself. Daddy did not even beat you well.

Pete: Look at her.

Silvia: Will you get out of this place!

Patricia: You see what I go through every day?

Silvia: Hey, it's okay. I'm here now.

Patricia: I'm tired. Just look at it.

Silvia: (Cuddles her) Don't worry you have me. I got you something too. (Opens her bag and brings out a plate of fried rice). Here, from that joint at the junction.

Patricia: Are you serious? (immediately digs in to munch the food) you bought two meat!

Silvia: Take it easy. Haven't you had anything to eat today?

Patricia: hmm. Me? Today? I haven't eaten o.

Silvia: Why is that? This is almost 4pm.

Patricia: it doesn't matter, I'm eating now

Silvia: Okay if you say so, but something happened in school today.

Patricia: and?

Silvia: So today, Mr. tony and the principal have confirmed that there will be a set of students that will represent the school this year in the Arcade symbol scholarship program.

Patricia: Hmm. (still munching the food)

Silvia: So, the school has successfully said that this year's representatives will be decided from the test results. The top three amongst the seniors this year automatically fills the entry forms.

Patricia: Hmm.

Silvia: Are you even listening to me? (collects the plate)

Patricia: What?

Silvia: You didn't hear anything I said, did you?

Patricia: I did.

Silvia: Did your dad do this to you? (Sees her bruises)

Patricia: He's not my dad. Yes, he did.

Silvia: You know this has to stop Patricia. This is not right.

Patricia: Please I don't want to talk about it, (drags food and continues eating)

Silvia: (Sighs) Anyways, there was this new guy that I saw just yesterday. He moved in two weeks ago.

Patricia: You know how I feel about boys and these kinds of things.

Silvia: Okay. Are you coming to school tomorrow?

Patricia: I'll try to come.

Silvia: i have to go. My mum wants me to get something for her.

Daniella: Are you going home already?

Silvia: Yes I have to. Please put something on that wound, take, here are some bandages.

Daniella: Oh, okay then, make sure you take care of yourself girl.

Silvia: Yes ma, I will. See you tomorrow Patricia.

(Silvia leaves Patricia's house and returns home)

Daniella: Make sure you go to school, I don't want Mr. Tony calling me tomorrow, or even worse the principal. Do you get me?

Patricia: Yes, mother.

Daniella: Your father might return anytime soon. Go into the kitchen and warm that leftover stew.

Patricia: Okay ma.