THE PRICE OF HONESTY

THE PRICE OF HONESTY

ACT ONE(Scene 1)

(In Papa Ayei's house, the door is left jar and the occupants are not at home. The items in the house reflect the abject poverty of the inhabitants. There is a bench as the only household furniture. A local mat spread on the floor which probably serves as the bed for the family. Ayei enters through the back door sighing and shaking his head in disbelief. There are indications that all is not well.)

AYEI: This life is a struggle. It is not a bed of roses.

He who rests rust. I'll continue to work hard. This is my final year yet no realistic plans have been put in place by my parents to ameliorate my plight. Do I give up this academic pursuit and scout for any white collar job? But then, how educated am I? No, I won't give up because I know the benefits of acquiring education. (He begins to enumerate by counting with his fingers). Education brings light where there is darkness. It is the only panacea to human ignorance. Education is the most effective means of eradicating poverty. Our principal had warned that half education is dangerous. No, I won't give up. (While he is still lamenting, his classmates rushes in).

LINUS: Eh! What is the matter Ayei? You are sounding philosophical, uncertain and verbose. (He looks at him). You look forlorn, furious and dejected. I have never seen you in this glum and gloomy mood. Why must you kill yourself simply because your parents are unable you for this year's senior school certificate Examination? You never can tell. Help could come from anywhere. It is true that registration closes next week, but please, trust God and be faithful.

(The discussion is interrupted by another classmate who runs in rather cheerfully).

OYO: Is anybody in this house? (Smiling)

Oh! Linus you are already here.

LINUS: Yes, I left the school in order to find out how our friend Ayei was battling to get his registration fees.

OYO: (He laughs mischievously) There is nothing to worry about, Ayei. If your parents are unable to register you for the examination, there are many other ways you can get the money.

AYEI: Which other way do you think I can get the money for my registration?

OYO: Our people believes that nobody slaughters an animal at the entrance of the trap.

If you are interested, then consult me tonight.

(He takes a cursory look at his watch, then stands up). I'm going...

LINUS: Why? You have not offered any meaningful solution to the impecunious situation if Ayei. Your suggestion is rather intangible. I don't understand you at all.

OYO: What do you mean? You want to crucify me for offering a solution to a friend who is in need?

LINUS: That is not the right way to offer a solution to an intimate friend who is in a pensive mood. We all know that his father's poor income from his farm produce is nothing to write home about.

Nevertheless, his predicament does not give us the temerity to treat him with disdain.

OYO: Ayei, I am completely disenchanted and embarrassed. I came here to see you not a pretentious....

AYEI: Oh! why must my present state of penury disunite us? What I'm passing through now is temporary. I'm optimistic that God will change my situation. I believe in. the maxim that when one door closes, another one opens.

OYO: My friend Linus should remember that there is an adage which says "if you meet people fighting, and perhaps you are physically incapacitated, to make peace, you could throw a handful of sand to signify your contribution" In this circumference, there is no fight, but your inputs may assist him get out of his predicament.

LINUS: Oh! is that the correct way to separate two people fighting? Your actions are rather devious. I do not agree with you because you are not explicit, you have a hidden agenda. You came in only to jumble up issues. (Getting up from his seat) Please, be careful of your statements. If you provoke me more, I'll show you that I'm not your match. (Ayei, disappointed by the behavior of his friends stands in between them with his hands pushing against their arms).

AYEI: Listen to me, my dear friends, fighting and quarreling at this period will not solve my problem. (He uses his handkerchief to mop his face). What I require now is money to complete my registration which the principal of the school says closes next week. (As Ayei ends his speech, Oyo leaves the house without saying anything, dragging his feet on the floor).

LINUS: Your friend is angry with me.

AYEI: Why?

LINUS: He has left the house unannounced.

AYEI: Well, I shall endeavor to see him tonight to find out why he acted the way he did.

LINUS: That's alright, I wish you a fruitful discussion with him. Goodnight (Linus leaves the room).

AYEI: Goodnight, my friend. Have a good night rest. (They depart. Light fades).

ACT ONE (SCENE 2)

(It is early in the morning, Oyo is seated on a stool reading a letter from his parents. There is a knock at the door. He ignores the knocking, folds the letter quickly and puts it into an exercise book on the table. Then, he contemplates the next line of action. He stands up facing the audience, and speaks).

OYO: I know it must be my friend, Ayei. Yes, I am going to convince him beyond reasonable doubt that the only way to get money for his registration is to visit the money doubter at the market square. (He laughs). Here, I could make my gain too. (The knocking continues. He startled and it becomes more intense).

Who are you please?

AYEI: I am your friend, Ayei.

OYO: Oh! My dear friend, Ayei, you are welcome to my house. Please, sit down (He ushers him to a seat).

AYEI: Thank you.

OYO: Yes, I think it is time for business. I did not want to say everything before Linus because he is a doubting Thomas.