We’ll include a bit of this piece each month until we showcase the entire play.
The Success Story
by playwright Chimezie Ihekuna
Chimezie Ihekuna
Greg has just finished writing his last examination to mark the end of second semester of his first year at the University of Perth. Having excelled in his first semester with an average grade point of 4.4, he looks forward to a better academic session. At school, Greg is the cynosure of all eyes. He is the point of academic reference by his lecturers and priceless by his colleagues at the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He is the overall best student all through the first-year level at the College of Engineering.
There is a two-month break period to be spent before the next academic session begins. Greg is revered by his parents, Mr and Mrs Smith. They are the happiest parents on earth! His academic excellence is an inspiration to his younger siblings, Jane and Andrew, both seeking admission, hopefully into the same university.
Despite his success and popularity, however, Greg feels really concerned about his future…
At Home…Greg’s Residence
Greg is intending to spendthe holiday with his family; to be with his two younger siblings, whom he hasn’t seen for over a month, and his parents…Greg arrives home after a 6-hour journey from school. He is being welcomed by Jane who can’t help but to express her happiness seeing her big brother return home in good health.
Jane (seventeen-year-old High school graduate, fair-complexioned, slim-looking and outspoken, hugs Greg): Welcome back home! You’re looking very good!
Greg (looks stressed but expresses his happiness.): Thanks Jane. You’re looking prettier! As they say, ‘The Young shall grow’
Jane (Smiles): It’s in the blood…Wise man indeed!
Greg realizes Jane is the only person that got to the door of the apartment to receive him after pressing the Door’s Bell.
Greg (Feels concerned): Are you the only one in the house? Where are the rest?
Jane (chuckles): Relax, big bro. You’ll know. You just coming back from school…
Greg moves in the Living Room, with his bag resting on his right shoulder. Jane takes it off him to his room and briefly arranges it properly. Sited on the largest sofa of the Living Room, his eyes are glued to the changed orientation. The changed louvers, paintings, Center Table with an aesthetic Monumental Cup on it, new pictures of her mom, dad, and his siblings, electronic gadgets, especially the 32-inch TV and the latest digital decoder, among many other things, are looking like wonders to him.
Greg (talks to himself gently as his pair of eyes gazes at what is making him wonder and Jane is about tidying up his room): Wow! It’s been a while! I remember before leaving for school, the louvers everything used, maybe the change of painting…from blue to white, have all been obsolete. Look at the pictures, except for mine, Jane, Andrew, Mom and Dad, all have their pictures all changed. I will do the same! Happy to be home at this time!
Greg takes a look at his wrist watch and notices that Jane is yet to show up. So, he calls her attention
Greg (shouts her name): Jane!!!
Jane (replies audibly): I will be with you in a jiffy!
Jane rushes down to the sitting room to sit very near her brother. She has to run to meet up because of how somewhat distant Greg’s room is from the Sitting Room
Greg (calls her attention to his question again): Jane, you haven’t answered me. Where are they?
Jane: Relax big brother. They’re all good where they are. First, how has YOUR UNIVERSITY treated you in the past few months?
Greg (answers loosely): Well, it’s been the good, the bad and the ugly. School is…you, know, what you make of it!
Jane: I’m sure you wooed those campus girls, right? Don’t tell me you didn’t
Greg (laughs): You funny, little sister! What makes you think so? I concentrated more on my studies. Remember, I have to come out with good results
Jane: The genius of the house!!! I am proud of you. So…
Greg (cuts in): Where is Andrew? Where are mom and dad? You’ve not answered those questions. I did answer yours. Please answer mine!
Jane stares at him in the face with a mild contempt. She suddenly assume a smiling facial look within a split second!
Jane: Andrew should be at his friend’s place. That should be the next house. Mom and dad went for an occasion. They told us they’ll be back in the next two hours. You didn’t inform me, neither did you inform Andrew of your coming. It’s more likely you didn’t inform mom and dad
Greg (apologizes): I’m sorry I wasn’t able to inform you before time. Reason being that I’d earlier planned to spend the holiday with Harp, a close friend of mine and colleague at school. He had told his parents about me and they really wanted to know who the genius their son has as a friend. But I chose to come spend it here! Nothing like family! But I will sure pay him a visit during the holiday
Jane (inspired): What a remarkable statement. You’ve really made my day… First things first family, then other things come secondary.
Greg stresses the need to see Andrew. Jane is about turning on the TV but Greg calls her attention…
Greg: Can you call Andrew for me?
Jane drops the remote control for switching on the TV to get her phone on the center table. Greg looks on
Jane: Sure. Let me call his number 1234900
The phone rings…Jane places the call on her phone’s Loudspeaker for Greg to hear. It rigs five times before the call is being returned. There are voices at the background of the call as the recipient replies…
Recipient: Hello, who is this?
Jane: It’s me Jane, Andrew’s sister. Is Andrew around?
Recipient: Yes. Hang on there. Let me take the phone to him
The background voices of young guys communicating with each other. Greg and Jane both hear the recipient yell at Andrew’s name, telling him his sister is on the call and wants to speak with him
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