CHARACTERS:
SOULEYMANE (JULES) MANGANE
MARIEME MANGANE
PAPIS MANGANE
SOUKEYNA MANGANE
DR. BABACAR FAYE
FANTA
BOUKHABA
MAKEUR
SCHOOL FRIEND
LADY GRIOT

Scene I

Mariene: (Walking in at mid-day) Boy, I'm tired. There's nothing else in this town beside walking in the heat. Gosh! I'm tired. Where is everybody? Soukeyna! Papis! Soukeyna! Where is everybody - it's 45 minutes past one, I hope nothing has happened to my kids.
(Soukeyna and Papis walk in very unhappy).
Marieme: What happened to you? I was worried.
Soukey: Ma! The driver never showed up, we walked in the heat.
Papis: Ma, this driver is a joke. We must tell Dad to fire him. He's busy picking up girls. If he can't pick us up I won't go to school anymore.
Mother: Your father must do something. If you can't rely on him perhaps it's better to take a cab from now on. Don't worry.
Dad:(Walking in) Heh! Heh! Heh! Again! We must tell you what to do everyday? What the hell is going on? Have consideration for our neighbors. What's all this screaming about?
Mother: Jules, it high time we spoke about this. Make up your mind about this driver. I won't let my children walk in the heat everyday.
Jules: The driver is not here to accommodate every soul that comes around. He works for the office. If they're not satisfied let them take a cab. You hear? Have respect for the neighbor. I give them money everyday.
Soukey: Money? Papis spend his money on cigarettes. He even buys for his classmates. Then he borrows from me.
Papis: Dad, I don't smoke. It's not true.
Jules: Sit down. Oh yeah! Sit down I said. What is this? You don't smoke, what is this? This is the way you want to live in my house? Do you see me smoke? I do everything for you, shoes, clothes, pens, notebooks. I try to make you happy everyday and this is what I get in return. I'm building your future but you don't care. Who is going to control this business tomorrow? I'm well respected in this town and I did it all for you. Kids are taking drugs nowadays, the AIDS virus is rapidly spreading. Henh?!
Mother: You know what, talk to him, he's the oldest and doesn't realize that he must set a good example. He doesn't care about the future we've been building for him.
Jules: From now on I'll take control. Nobody goes out----home, school- school, home, is that clear?
Soukey: Dad, could you get me........
Jules: No, I'm not buying anything - Nothing!!!!
Mother: It's alright, go check on lunch.
Jules: Look! see how she's dressed for school?
Mother: There's nothing wrong with her. Your problem is him. Talk to him.
Jules: Son, what could have gone wrong with you. I named you after my father, you know you're my favorite.
Mother: No Jules -- you're spoiling this kid. Why are you trying to please him?
Jules: Oh! Oh! Leave them alone. This is the only family I've got. I'm working hard for them. I don't' want to hear anything like this again Papis, alright? You hear? OK. Give me a smile. (Papis smiles.)
Jules: OK. Go inside and write up the list of what you want from New York, I promise to get it for you. Do me a favor, pick up this pack of cigarettes and put it in the garbage. (to Mother) Give them a break for God Œs sake.
Mother: You're always taking their side, and stop screaming at me in front of them. I just don't want to see them go wrong.
Jules: I'm sorry. I'm sorry - alright?
Mother: Alright. Let me give you a massage, I know you're tired.
Jules: Tired ain't the word, I'm running up and down all day. Ahhhh! Oooof! Ahhhh! Take it easy.
Mother: I didn't touch you yet, why are you screaming? Are you going to stay long in New York?
Jules: One week.
Mother: One week? Give me a break!
Jules: One week is too long?
Mother: You can stay a whole away week from me?
Jules: If a week is long it means that you miss me every time I travel.
Mother: Of course I do. It's too long.
Jules: Alright, how about 2 days?
Mother: Two days I can live with.
Jules: OK, 2 days . You're happy?
Mother: Alright, come and give me a little one here.
Jules: You know what, I will never marry a second wife.
Mother: I know you ain't out of your mind - you haven't been hit by thunder. I hope you won't forget my jewelry set this time.
Jules: You've got it, no problem. So, what's for lunch?
Mother: Chicken yassa (hot chicken stew with rice) as you ordered.
Jules: Oh boy! I'll score big today. I know one thing, I'll never marry a second wife.
Curtain Down

Scene II

(At the Doctor's office. Doctor Faye walks in and makes a phone call right away.)

Dr. Faye: Hello. Major you know what I want? I need to see you in my office right away. This is a hospital not a mall. People are walking around selling things like a market place. It's your responsibility to make it look like a hospital. Come now!
Fanta: Good morning Doctor.
Dr. Faye: Good morning Madame. Oh, what's this????
Fanta: What?
Dr. Faye: You look too good for this job.
Fanta: Oh, you're such a teaser.
Dr. Faye: (Whistle...) WOW! There are too many patients today Fanta. We haven't much time. Send the first one in. Hurry.
Baymore: Good morning Doctor. (limping)
Dr. Faye: Good morning. Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, have a seat. What's the matter young man?
Baymore: All my body aches. I don't know why.
Dr. Faye: All your body? Where exactly?
Baymore: The whole body.
Dr. Faye: Alright. I'll prescribe something for you. Some vitamin C and in two days you'll be ready to go.
Baymore: No wait my brother. As you know about young folks. You know, two days ago I went to a club and met a chic. We talked for awhile and you know, we agreed... in other words, I took her home and the next day.....
Dr. Faye: You mean you had sex with her.
Baymore: Yes The next day my bladder was burning and I started to urinate some white liquid.
Dr. Faye: Young man do you know you're messing up your life. Everything you've told me so far reflects the symptoms of gonorrhea.
Baymore: What?
Dr. Faye: Don't you know that you're expected to have a wife and kids someday? Are you aware of the AIDS virus? You catch the virus in the same conditions you catch gonorrhea. Eh! Nobody has found the cure for AIDS . Why don't you use condoms?
Baymore: It delays me.
Dr. Faye: It delays you? Better to be delayed than dead. I'll give you a prescription and you wait for me in the lobby. Don't leave. I must take a blood sample from you. Don't leave, OK?
Baymore: Alright. Thanks Doc. (limping).
Dr. Faye: Wait in the lobby. Messing up your life for nothing!
(Fanta enters the Doctor's office with some papers in her hand.)
Fanta: Excuse me Doctor. We've got some blood results back.
Dr. Faye: I was just thinking about that. You know......it seems to me that people aren't aware of the AIDS virus (takes the papers from Fanta).
Fanta: Anyway we have been having too many HIV infected patients lately. What' the matter Doctor?
Dr. Faye: Oh! nothing. You can leave.
Fanta: Someone want to see you - Jules.
Dr. Faye: Jules? Let him in. Oh! my goodness.
Jules: Thank you. It's kind of you. Ah! Babacar how are you?
Doctor Faye: Jules, I'm mad at you.
Jules: Why? Don't be mad at me my friend.
Dr. Faye: Since when do you go to America without letting me know?
Jules: You know how it is with business. Today you're here, tomorrow you're there. My wife told me you called. Actually that's why I came - to invite you to dinner. Rice and fish with that special hot sauce you like.
Dr. Faye: In fact I need about 10 minutes to talk to you.
Jules: Oh, Oh! I have a meeting to attend. I just stopped by.
Dr. Faye: Please. I need to speak to you. Please.
Jules: How about 5 minutes?
Dr. Faye: OK. 5 minutes.
Jules: Man, I'm tired. I noticed you've a lot of patients.
Dr. Faye: It's part of the job.
Jules: Tell me, who is the woman I just saw on my way in?
Dr. Faye: Who? A patient?
Jules: No, No my friend, not the patient, the pretty one.
Dr. Faye: Tall?
Jules: Yeah. Light skinned, well shaped, you know what I mean.
Dr. Faye: Tall, she's my secretary.
Jules: Your what? Now I'm upset. A pretty woman like that in your office and you don't let me know man?
Dr. Faye: Jules I thought you stopped after you got married.
Jules: Stopped? I'm still a gigolo.
Dr. Faye: She's just a kid Jules.
Jules: Pigeon meat. It's good for the body.
Dr. Faye: I thought you had changed.
Jules: Man, you sound like you don't know me anymore. Do you know Rigote?
Dr. Faye: Yes I do.
Jules: I've a pretty chic there man. Man oh Man!! can't describe her. Light complexion, pretty smile, let alone the dark shadowed chin. Oh! she greets me so well. I usually see her on Saturday's when the husband is away with the herd.
Dr. Faye: What? Husband? you're with somebody else's wife.
Jules: You said it. Somebody else's wife means somebody else has a part of it.
Dr. Faye: Jules, I thought you changed after you got married. You'll never change.
Jules: Oh no! I'm worse now. My religion allows me one, two, three, four wives.
Dr. Faye: You're right.
Jules: Oh yes!
Dr. Faye: Jules from what you're telling me I presume that you find a woman everywhere you go.
Jules: Babacar, when I left the United States, I stopped in Rome. I've one there. One in Vienna, Marseilles, Paris even in Ghana I have a very pretty one there. You know I'm still a man. Ah!Ah!Ah!
Dr. Faye: If you remember before your trip I took a blood sample from you.
Jules: Ah, Yes, I remember.
Dr. Faye: I have the results in front of me and they're very shocking. Painfully shocking.
Jules: Umm. Umm.
Dr. Faye: Your blood is HIV infected.
Jules: Mr. Faye, are you being funny or are you out of your mind?
Dr. Faye: Jules.
Jules: Jules my foot!!! Look at me from top to bottom, do I look sick to you? Oh, I understand, it's jealousy. We grew up together, went to school together and I became more successful. That's why you want to mix my blood with the virus. I'll call my lawyer and bring charges up against you.
Dr. Faye: Charges?
Jules: You'll see what I can do to you.
Dr. Faye: Jules.
Jules: You'll see!!
Dr. Faye: But Jules....
Jules: You'll see - don't give me that Jules stuff. You'll get what's coming to you.
Dr. Faye: Jules, but Jules -
Jules: You'll see! (walking away)
Dr. Faye: But....what have I done to this guy? Fanta!
Fanta: (Walks in without answering)
Dr. Faye: You! You're here to work or what?
Fanta: I'm working.
Dr. Faye: Keep my office tidy and call the Major. Tell him to take over. I can't let this guy get away with this. He's dangerous.

Curtain Down

Scene III

(MEANWHILE - AT HOME)

Lady Guest: Tell me Marieme, how much money did you spend at your Godson's birth celebration? I want you to know that you were the best over there.
Mother: Oh! Jules gave me a thousand dollars and I spent it all. I don't have a penny left. Not one penny.
Guest: You know what. I want you to be Godmother to my daughter.
Mother: How can you do that?
Guest: Her Godmother doesn't give anything so why keep her. I'll put it together again so that you do the same thing for me. I even thought you were the biological mother. I was praying for you while you were giving out the money. I prayed for you and prayed and prayed while you give money away.
Mother: OK. Let's wait for Jules. He will give you money to catch a cab.
Guest: Well know how Griots are. We're shy, if you didn't say that I would've walked home. God knows I don't have a dime to my name. I'll wait for him.
Mother: I feel beat.
(Jules walks in)
Jules: Excuse me. What's going on here?
Mother: What do you mean what's going on?
Jules: You've nothing to do? Newborn parties, funerals, weddings. That's all you worry about. People are sick and what do you do? Talk and talk!
Mother: Who's sick?
Jules: Lady excuse us, we need to be alone.
Guest: What's this change about? I'm going home.
Jules: Going home is correct. You have no husband, she does. All you do is break people's marriages, looking like...What did I tell you? I don't want people like this in my house. Get out!
Mother: Get out where?
Jules: Out.
Jules: (On the phone) Hello! Yes! Can I speak t Counsel please, Mr. Niang, Mr. Mangane calling. I don't care! What? Heh! (he hangs up the phone).
(Dr. Faye enters.)
Jules: Why are you following me?
Dr. Faye: I need to talk to you Jules.
Jules: Get this once and for all! At the hospital you're the captain of the boat. Here, I'm in my house I and wear the pants. Get out!
Dr. Faye: I'm not going anywhere. It's my job to come to your home. You're a danger. I can't leave you alone.
Jules: Get out!
Dr. Faye: If you don't' calm down, I'll tell your wife.
Jules: Go ahead.
Dr. Faye: Alright.
Jules: Come back. Wait, sit down.
Dr. Faye: No, you sit down. Sit or I'll call Marienm. Jules let's do this - take off your business suit and I'll take off my doctor's uniform. Let's go back to being childhood friends. I simply said that you were O positive, meaning that you're carrying the virus. It's not killing you. You don't have any problems yet. I just want you to follow my recommendations. Some have died from it, others have physically deteriorated. Now, this disease is known in 3 aspects. One through sexual intercourse, 2nd from blood transfusion and 3rd, a baby may be born with it if the mother is infected during pregnancy. Here is my recommendation for you and your family. Isolate all your personal belongings, toothbrush, razor blades and towels. Make sure no one else has access to them.
Jules: Mr. Faye, that means I'm no longer part of the world.
Dr. Faye: Yes you are. Now is the time for the world to help you. Another thing - your wife. Whenever you want to be intimate again, use this.
Jules: It's been 20 years. I never had to use a condom.
Dr. Faye: Jules dear, it's very easy to use. There is no problem when you're ready, open here easily, take it out. Make sure the tip is in this position. Roll it all the way like I'm showing you. When you finish Jules, take it out, tie it and flush it. You hear? And Jules, I also want you to bring your wife for a check-up.
Jules: My wife?
Dr. Faye: Yes. I need to check her blood. As I told you earlier, sexual intercourse is the first means of transmission. You don't know how long you've had it. There is no problem. I will stop by once in a while to check on you. An come to the hospital. Alright?
Jules: Do me a favor. Please don't let anyone know about this.
Dr. Faye: Jules! A doctor's first responsibility is to hold confidentiality for his patient. OK! See you.
Mother: (Walks in) How can you do this to me? This Griots know nothing but bad things about people. How can you do that to me?
Jules: Nothing, nothing. I just don't want to see people like her in my house.
(Kids return home and walk in)
Papis: Hi Ma.
Sonkey: Hi Ma, Hi Dad.
Papis: What's wrong with him?
Mother: He's not feeling well today, come sit down.
Sonkey: Get him some medication.
Mother: Why are you late?
Papis: We're exhausted today.
Sonkey: We had a conference I school about AIDS.
Mother: This virus is scary. I hear it on the radio, TV, everywhere and on one knows what it's about.
Papis: It makes me panic Ma. The virus killed an entire village recently. Mothers, fathers, even unborn ladies were killed. This virus is deadly.
Mother: If there is no cure for it how are we going to control it?
Sonkey: Ma, if you want to be safe make sure you bring your own needles whenever you dye your gums and if you want to cut down your nails, use your own blade and throw it away when you finish. The same for piercing your ears.
Papis: This disease is somehow after heads of families who have no respect for themselves.
Jules: Enough! Shut Up!! Ah!! Get Out!!
Papis: What?
Mother: Come, come this way (pulling Papis). Lord, what is happening? What's the matter Jules? OK. Come with me, sit. What's the matter?
Jules: Nothing.
Mother: Nothing? You have changed. You're mad at the whole world. What's the matter?
Jules: Nothing. They should go to their room if they want to study.
Mother: They were simply having a conversation with me Jules. Heh! I'm going to my room. When you decide to talk to me, you tell me what's wrong.
Jules: My lady, I want to have a talk with you. Between husband and wife. From this day on, make sure that all my personal things are isolated. No one is permitted to touch my things, razor blades, toothbrush and towels. I also want you to use the upstairs bathroom and leave the one downstairs to me only.
Mother: How am I going to do that after 20 years of sharing everything? Now you're telling me don't touch this, don't touch that.....how? How are the children going to take it? Make it easy for me.
Jules: My lady, please do what I ask you. Between husband and wife.
Mother: I seriously can't do that.
Jules: Marieme, please. I'm begging you.
Mother: Alright. You're the head of the family and your word must stand. If that's what you want, you've got it. I'm going to my room.
Jules: (Alone now, he walks out dragging his jacket, holding his head.)

Curtain Down

Scene IV
Boukhaba: (Walks in) Looking for a joint all day long in this town! Man!! It's hard living in this town. I wonder what happened to my buddies. Man, today I gotta rock the town tonight. Mom and Dad are gone. I'm young and alone in the house. Good! I'll get my boys and we'll hit the city. Yeah!!
Makeur: (Walks in) The best!! Hi my boy!!
Boukhaba: Yo! How the hell are you? You know I didn't like what you did to me last night.
Makeur: Oh c'mon. The chic came to me man. It was like a soccer ball coming my way man. Y'know how it is.
Boukhaba: I had the ball first man.
Makeur: Alright, don't let that spoil a good day. In the meantime, pass me that joint.
Boukhaba: No, you light this one.
Makeur: So, what's up? Your house is empty man.
Boukhaba: Guess what! I've the place to myself today. Mom's away, Dad's away.
Makeur: OK.....look.
Boukhaba: We gonna rock tonight.
Makeur: Look, I'll get some chics.
Boukhaba: Where should we go tonight man? Which night club?
Makeur: Booof! Leave me in charge of that.
Boukhaba: You're the boss. No problem.
Makeur: Yo bro!!! I brought you a big surprise today.
Boukhaba: Oh yeah, hurry up and tell me.
Makeur: (Cough, cough)
Boukhaba: Take it easy young man. This pot is from Gambia.
Papis: Hi guys! (Papis walks in)
Boukhaba: Eh, wait a minute, don't sit.
Papis: What's up?
Boukhaba: What do you mean what's up? You! Walking in without knocking, what do you think?
Makeur: Heh! Check this out. If he stays, I leave.
Boukhaba: Yo! Leave, c'mon.
Papis: I need help man. I've got some problems.
Boukhaba: Go somewhere else with your problems.
Papis: Alright. I just want some smoke. That's why I came here.
Boukhaba: Heh! Yo! Please talk to this dude.
Makeur: Yo! Kid! What's up?
Papis: Just help me out man. My Dad's going crazy. He's screaming at my mom, kicks the dog. He is completely out of his mind. I want to stand up to him. We're friends man, give me some smoke. Please.
Boukhaba: (Laughs) Bro, talk to this boy.
Makeur: Is that all you want?
Papis: That's all.
Makeur: No problem, take a seat.
Boukhaba: You can't do that. This kind of kid should be left out of our business.
Makeur: Hang on to this for now my boy.
Papis: Thanks a lot Mack. You're cool.
Makeur: When you go home today this is what you're going to do to your father. The minute he opens his mouth, pull him closer to you ad give him a head butt. Boom! That will do it. Trust me, I'll fix you.
Papis: Alright.
Makeur: Yo! Boukh! The thing I was telling you about - the surprise, here it is.
Boukhaba: What?
Makeur: Look, I brought you the best of drugs.
Boukhaba: Shhh! Where did you get this?
Makeur: Big guy Dave traveled to the US and brought it for me man.
Boukhaba: Stick me man - stick me.
Makeur: It's alright. Let me give it to the kid. He'll check it out.
Papis: No thanks. I just wanted to smoke. I'm OK.
Boukhaba: Are you kidding me? This is the only herb, take the real stuff. It will get into your bones.
Makeur: Oh, oh!! It's alright. I'm in charge. You'll be alright.
Papis: Don't get me into trouble.
Makeur &
Boukhaba:		(together) Stretch your arm, you'll be fine.
Papis: Shhiiitt.
Friend: (Walks in) Heh!! Do you want to kill yourself?
Makeur: Let go my arm.
Friend: You're about to kill yourself!
Makeur: What are you talking about?
Friend: What are you doing? You're using a needle. The AIDS virus is all over town, on the radio, TV, newspapers.
Boukhaba: You go and catch AIDS and leave us alone?
Friend: Did you get anything from the school conference?
Boukhaba: Yes, just this.
Makeur: Why do you let kids like him into your house?
Boukhaba: Let him talk. That's what he does best.
Friend: But Mack......Makeur, once you use this needle, then Papis uses it and then Boukhaba - if one carries the virus you will all get it.
Boukhaba: Man, you're blowing too much hot wind.
Makeru: Yo! Listen! We're feeling very well, we don't have AIDS or anything like that. What's the matter with you?
Friend: Papis, you shouldn't be part of this. These guys are going to destroy you, let's go.
Boukhaba: Don't listen to him.
Friend: Let's go or else I'll tell your Dad.
Boukhaba: Go and don't come back.
Makeur: It's your fault man.
Boukhaba: Forget the kid. Give him the needle so that we can go about our business.
Makeur: See, this messes up my business.
Papis: Wait a minute!! Let go of me - be real! What this guy said to you is true.
Maker: What's true?
Papis: I won't let you kill me with this needle. Look, I want to live another 90 years.
Makeur: Coward!
Papis: Fine, if I catch AIDS none of you can help me. And the cure to AIDS is to be cautious.
Makeur: Just go man!
Papis: Look at him (pointing at Boukhaba), he's been coughing and spitting ever since I walked in. You know what? I think he is infected. I'm out of here. (He runs off)
Makeur: Wait!
Boukhaba: C'mon, sit down. I told you about kids like this.
Makeur: Hold it, hold it. This is all your fault.
Boukhaba: My fault?
Makeur: You think kids like this would be allowed in my crib?
Boukhaba: I wanted him out. You said you would fix him.
Makeur: Wait till I run into him again. He's all mine.
Boukhaba: Look, stick me man. Stick me!
Makeur: No. Heh!
Boukhaba: C'mon, stick me man!
Makeur: No bro. You know what? Let's forget about the stick me business. You know, stay cool - let's go dancing or something.
Boukhaba: What do you mean? We need to get high first dude!
Makeur: No man, Now...when we come back we'll do it. Let's go dancing.
Boukhaba: Because of this kid man. I told you not to let him in here.
Makeur: It's not a problem. Don't worry.
Curtain Down

Scene V
SOUKEYNA: (Putting on makeup)
Mother: (Walking in) Soukey, you're up?
Sonkey: Yes Mama. I'm up.
Mother: Where's Pape, sleeping?
Sonkey: I woke him up. I don't know what he's doing.
Mother: What are you doing? Getting ready for school?
Sonkey: Yes, I'm............
Mother: Dressed like this? Heh!! Short skirt, heh! Makeup. You call that going to school?
Soukey: I'm going to school. And it's too early. You and Dad do nothing but argue. I'm going to stay with my aunt until you calm down.
Mother: Heh! You think you're grown now. Since you can fit in my clothes, you think you're a big shot. I'll show you that I'm not old yet. We'll see. I won't let you put me down. Over my dead body!! Jules, Jules!!!
Jules: Yes.
Mother: Are you coming to have breakfast? I gotta go food shopping.
Jules: Alright, I'm shaving.
Mother: Oh, I'm late today. Jules!
Jules: I heard you! I'm coming.
Mother: The coffee is getting cold and I'm late. Jules!
Jules: Oh, Oh! I heard you, but I'm shaving.
Mother: It's getting cold.
Jules: Yes, but I can't mix hair with coffee.
Mother: Do you want any toast.
Jules: No. Just coffee.
Mother: We really need to talk.
Jules: You called me for my coffee or debate?
Mother: We can talk while you have your coffee.
Jules: I'm listening.
Mother: Could you drop me off o your way to work?
Jules: No, I can't. I've have to stop someplace.
Mother: It's on your way.
Jules: I can't do it. I have to make a stop! Voila!
Mother: Jules, I'm really worried. After 20 years you suddenly changed. I know nothing about you anymore. You sneak in very late and leave the house before I wake up. Heh?
Jules: Oh, Oh. It's nothing. I'm just stressed out, that's all.
Mother: If you have a problem at work let me know. We've assets we can liquidate to avoid shame. I can sell my jewels and clothes so that we can have peace again.
Jules: Listen to me. Stay out of my work!! Take care of your house and don't do me any favors. Clear?
Mother: Now Jules, I know what it is. You want to marry a second wife. I don't have a problem with that. Bring her to the house and I will help you. Whatever you want I'll do it. I'll treat her the same way I treat Soukeyna.
Jules: OH! OH! Give me a break!! Do I need your permission to get a second wife? I can marry one, two, three to four. Listen, take care of your household and leave me alone. I'm tired of this.!!
Mother: AH! Jules, this is it. Now get this!! You may not care for me any longer, but I gave you 2 children. You've no idea what goes on in this house. Papis is drinking his life away and gets carried inside the house. Soukeyna is another story.....she wears short dresses and makeup. She's on the street night and day. And you don't care?
Jules: Enough! What the hell is this? What are you here for?
Mother: What?
Jules: What are you here for? To do you nails, buy new clothes, attend celebrations and funerals? You'll be last among your peers. Now get this! If Papis is a drunk and Soukeyna a prostitute, they're still your children. I can care less.
Mother: They're not only my children.! They belong to you as well. But that's how men are. If your children don't do well you blame the mother. I'm proud of myself. Let me put it this way, you'll have to treat me right otherwise I'll got and stay with my mother!!
Jules: Go. Go ahead! Leave! I'm not kidding you! Voila! Leave, that's what I want!
Mother: Is that what you want?
Jules: Yes, Leave!
Mother: I'm not going anywhere.
Jules: Ahh! You changed your mind!
Mother: I won't let someone else take my place. I put this house together. I'm not leaving. I'll stand still just like furniture. Toady's men!! They use you up and drop you like a hot ball. I'll show you what I'm made of.
Jules: Listen, I'm sick and tired of your loud mouth. I'm your husband, you need to shut up!
Mother: Go to work.
Jules: I want quiet.
Mother: Be quiet, I will be quiet.
Jules: And........get your things together. We're moving out today!
Mother: Eh! Come! Comeback. Stand here. Now you're talking. You're broke! You're selling the house! I will not move into the slums unless it is a better house for me and my kids. Nothing less.
Jules: Listen to you! I found you I the sticks with your Mother among the rats and roaches left and right. I provided a dream house for you and fed you well everyday. Thank you for being so grateful.
Mother: That didn't bother you did it? You fell in love with me!
Jules: I don't disagree with that! Agreed! But just ask me why we're moving out/
Mother: Why?
Jules: Unh! Unh! Voila! It's filthy around here. Look at the streets, the mosquitoes, the garbage, it's not healthy. Another thing you must know is that you are the same as my chin; you stand still until I move my head.
Mother: Why didn't you say that?
Jules: Alright, that's it. Now you know.
Mother: Mark my words, I would only move to a better neighborhood! One of class, nothing less. That's how you are - you use women! I'm going to sit here and cut my nails as long as I want. Pack my stuff and wait for you! Your foot next to mine. I won't turn you loose for one inch. Pain in the neck (to herself).
Jules: (Running back into the house)
Mother: What the hell is going on? See! You should stop mistreating me.
Jules: What happened to the razor blade I left here? Answer me!!!
Mother: For 3 cents you go crazy! (still cutting her nails)
Jules: Ahh, yee , hah!! (grabbing her hand)
Mother: Don't hurt me.
Jules: Give me this! I will show you.
Mother: I don't care what you say! You have no pride!!
Jules: Didn't I tell you? (as he strikes her)
Mother: (Falls down)
Jules: You want to mess with me? You'll see, you'll see. Wait till I come back!! You will see. Spoiled brat. Just wait!
Mother: (Crying) I'm going to my Mom's, this is hell!
Curtain Down

Scene VI
Jules: (Alone) Marieme!
Mother: Yes.
Jules: Get the luggage ready. The movers will be here any moment.
Mother: I will be right there.
Jules: (Alone, talking to himself) Here I am. I must go! I can't stay here and be part of society because of this virus. This virus doesn't spare the young, the old, including unborn babies. Ah! They talk about it oh the radio TV, newspapers and everywhere.
Mother: (Stands silently, unseen, behind Jules)
Jules: Me Souleymane Mangane, Me and my status in town. I caught the virus! Ah! What can I do? Suicide so that they forget all about me. (Walks away and comes back) Oh no! No! I will have to face my God. That's not a good idea. What am I going to do with this disease? Ah! I'll disappear and leave a note behind, that's a good way. (Walks away again and comes back) No, No! My children won't have a father. No one would help them and they will suffer. What can I do with this disease? Allah!! Allah!! What did I do to deserve this? I pray and fast Allah, what did I do wrong? Allah, why did you give me the AIDS virus?
Mother: (Hears Jules) Ahhhhh!! Oh Jules! You got AIDS? I'm sorry Jules, forgive me. (she continues to sob and weep)

END