16. INT CHIEF UWAH’S LIVING ROOM SAME NIGHT
THEY HAVE ALL FINISHED EATING AND THE AIR IS FILLED WITH SATISFACTION. CHIEF UWAH SPEAKS…
CHIEF UWAH
Well, darling, that was one of the most delicious meals you have ever dished out on this table. Thank you.
CATHERINE
Thanks, dear. I don’t know if Stephen here enjoyed the meal as much as you did.
ALL EYES TURN TO FACE STEPHEN WHO IS WIPING HIS MOUTH WITH A SIGH OF SATISFACTION…
STEPHEN
Can I be honest and straight forward with you, ma?
CATHERINE
Go on, please.
STEPHEN
Your cooking is the most delicious and tasty meal I have ever eaten in my life. If you had presented this meal to one of the old time kings who ruled this world, I am sure they would have given you half of their kingdoms!
CATHERINE
(Laughs) Really?
STEPHEN
Yes, ma. But there is a slight problem.
CATHERINE
(Stops smiling) Really? What is that?
STEPHEN
The only problem with this meal is that I have tasted something better from someone else.
CHIEF UWAH
(Confused expression) Someone else? Who could that be?
STEPHEN
Sir, meet the best cook in the world as far as I am concerned.
HE EXTENDS A HAND AND TOUCHES PRECIOUS’ HAND WITH EYES DRIPPING WITH LOVE…
STEPHEN
Everything about her is just special and different in a good way, sir. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
THERE IS A MOMENT OF SILENCE AS CHIEF UWAH AND CATHERINE STARES AT PRECIOUS AND STEPHEN AS STEPHEN TAKES HER HAND IN HIS AND PLANTS A LOVING KISS ON HER HAND. PRECIOUS IS COMPLETELY TAKEN IN BY HIS SHOW OF AFFECTION. THEN CATEHRINE NODS AT CHIEF UWAH AND HE COUGHS TO ATTRACT THE ATTENTION OF THE LOVEBIRDS…
CHIEF UWAH
(Coughs) Eh, Precious, dear, can we have a small chat outside for a minute, please? Stephen could use that time to relax inside the room for a while.
PRECIOUS
Yes, dad.
STEPHEN
And I will like to do the dishes right away, please.
CATHERINE
Don’t worry about that. Our house workers have all gone away for the weekend. But I shall do the dishes later and…
STEPHEN
(Cuts in) Why don’t we do the dishes together, ma? Please…
CATHERINE
(Smiles) Okay, dear. Let’s do it then.
STEPHEN
Thank you, ma. (Bows before Chief Uwah). May I be excused, sir?
CHIEF UWAH
Sure. Go ahead.
STEPHEN AND CATHERINE CARRY SOME OF THE DISHES OUT OF THE ROOM AND WALK INTO THE KITCHEN. CHIEF UWAH GRABS PRECIOUS BY THE HAND AND THEY WALK OUTSIDE…
CUT
