A HEARTBREAK AWAY
CHAPTER ‘1’
(Chriswick
Night time
In a large executive hall
About 200 women are seated watching and
listening to Akorfa Cullen 36, give her speech from
behind the glass podium.)
AKORFA
….and we have been programmed to fit into these
social norms. We have been competing for the
same from the day we let out our first cry. From
birth, this socialization process shapes our sense of
identity, and little by little a social mask is formed
and we tend to behave accordingly. Believe me, we
have been masquerading and there are still a large
number of sisters out still masquerading, and
tonight if you are listening to me via any of our
social media platforms, I invite you to join our
movement. Set yourself free. Question your thoughts
and beliefs. It's time you seek to rediscover your
true self and believe me you will achieve authentic
happiness.
(Applause from the crowd.
Akorfa continues, her voice growing higher)
AKORFA
Not everybody was born to be married. I knew from
an early age that marriage wasn't for me. And all
these years I've steered cleared off everything
relating to that, especially men.
(Laughter from the crowd)
AKORFA
…. We are been coerced to be something, take on
the beliefs of others. Listen to me, we don't need
the men or don't need to marry to be complete. If
you are always trying to be normal you will never
know how amazing you can be. Stop wearing that
happy mask. Deep down you know it isn't so. You
may only be functional but not fulfilled, successful
but not satisfied. Why can't you be you?
(Cheers)
AKORFA
So wherever you are , listening or watching, join us.
Let your truest self come out. We are here to
support you. Tonight, we celebrate our one millionth
membership. We are one million ,so what are you
waiting for?
(Loud cheers)
AKORFA
Before I step out of here, I will want to leave you
with this. Sister, believe in yourself, celebrate your
uniqueness. An original is always more than a copy.
A toast to success, ladies. Sisters for Freedom is
here to stay!
(After the speech, Akorfa makes her way towards
the backdrop. Kirstie Aggrey, her assistant walks to
her)
KIRSTIE
A really good speech.
AKORFA
Thanks.
KIRSTIE
I'm sure our pages are going to be flooded
tomorrow.
AKORFA
Hopefully.
KIRSTIE
Anyway, your mother is waiting on the main line.
AKORFA
My mother? For how long has she been waiting?
KIRSTIE
For about 15 minutes. She didn't want to hang up
and call back.
AKORFA
Mum, she can be a real pain at times.
KIRSTIE
Must be something important, there could be many
reason why she doesn't want to hang up.
AKORFA
It's my dad's 70th birthday tomorrow. Nothing else.
KIRSTIE
Oh, congratulations. So is there a party tomorrow?
AKORFA
Yeah, but not gonna be like your kind of party. It's a
party for the oldies. 50 years and above.
(Kirstie laughs. )
KIRSTIE
I see.
(Akorfa walks to take the receiver. She starts to
speak into the phone)
AKORFA
Mum ?
VOICE OF JOANN
Akorfa?
AKORFA
Yeah it's me. What's up? Kirstie said you didn't
want to call me back.
JOANN
No.
AKORFA
Why?
JOANN
Are you gonna get here earliest by 7am tomorrow?
(Akorfa sighs)
AKORFA
You are not even gonna ask me how I am doing?
JOANN
I know that you are very well.
AKORFA
Mum, we haven't spoken all day yesterday and
today.
JOANN
What matters is that you are fine.
AKORFA
At least you knew I will be here. Ask me about the
ceremony or something...
JOANN
I am not interested, honey.
AKORFA
Mum, this is a big night. Look we are one million
now. We are what I envisaged years ago. We are a
movement now and we are here to stay….
JOANN
Cut it. You know I'm not interested
AKORFA
Mum, at least you got to be happy for me.
JOANN
Do you really expect me to have a change of heart?
AKORFA
Mum.., this is the journey I want to embark. I want
to dedicate the rest of my life to help women
discover their truest selves.
JOANN
Leave the sane ones alone, Akorfa. If you don't
believe in marriage, keep that to yourself. Stop
running around spreading such false ridiculous
beliefs.
AKORFA
Mum…
JOANN
Be here by 10am for the family breakfast. I don't
want you skipping . Your siblings are all gonna be
in town tomorrow.
AKORFA
Why can't you make it lunch?
JOANN
Why?
AKORFA
I'm not sure I'm gonna make it to this family
daddy's birthday breakfast. It's very early for me.
JOANN
You are only an hour away by car. Your sister and
brother are six hours away by flight, and they are
going to get here before 8am. What is your excuse?
AKORFA
I will see what I can do.
JOANN
Be here before 10am, Akorfa.
(Akorfa hesitates for a while. )
AKORFA
Okay.
JOANN
See you then.
(Cherry Hill
The next morning at the Cullen family home.
Aseye Cullen - Ofori, 32, younger sister of Akorfa
arrives with her two kids Damian 5 and Danielle 3.
An hour later, she joins he mother in the kitchen. )
ASEYE
Need help?
JOANN
No honey. Your eyes look heavy.
(Aseye rubs her eyes with her hand)
JOANN
Do you want to go in and take in quick sleep before
breakfast?
ASEYE
No.
JOANN
We have a long day ahead, honey.
ASEYE
I will take a nap after breakfast.
JOANN
If you can wait till after breakfast.
ASEYE
I will be fine.
(Joann cellphone pings with a text message. She
takes the cellphone, opens message and reads)
JOANN
Your brother will soon pull up. He's almost here.
ASEYE
Awesome. Is he alone?
JOANN
He didn't say he has company.
ASEYE
Was hoping he would bring his fiancée. Their
wedding is only four months away. We need to start
getting together.
(Aseye turns and looks out into the backyard)
ASEYE
Mum,you've transformed the backyard. It doesn't
look like the same backyard we grew up playing in.
JOANN
I told you.
ASEYE
I think it looks a lot better with the pavers than the
grass.
JOANN
I told you.
ASEYE
You were right. I guess these pavers has given dad
some leeways now to work on other things.
JOANN
Of course.
ASEYE
Luckyhim, he doesn't have to mow or water any
large land of grass like he used to. Are you thinking
of adding a pool?
JOANN
I want to.
ASEYE
That won't be a bad idea.
JOANN
But I have to learn to swim first.
(Aseye laughs)
JOANN
Or do you think I'm too old to learn to swim?
ASEYE
I don't think you are. Retirement is a beginning of
new chapter in your life, mum. Live it. Learn to do
new things. You and dad have worked hard enough.
(Joann beams at her daughter)
JOANN
Thank honey. So how was the flight?
ASEYE
Tiring. Most airplanes are not kid friendly these
days. .
JOANN
They've never been. Gosh, when are they gonna
make changes to suit mothers with kids?
ASEYE
I'm not sure that is going to be considered anytime
now. They are even looking to add more seating to
these tiny aircrafts, would you believe that?
JOANN
That is robbery
ASEYE
Somebody got to speak up.
JOANN
Well you can. Why wait for somebody to do it.
ASEYE
I'm not as outspoken like your daughter Akorfa. She
can well handle these kind of cases.
JOANN
Then she isn't using her gift for a good course.
(Aseye laughs)
ASEYE
When is she going to get here, anyway?
JOANN
Ten.
ASEYE
Couldn't get to talk to her yesterday.
(Joann stops and stares out through the window. )
JOANN
I don't know what I am going to do with your sister.
ASEYE
You have to accept it, mum. It's what makes her
happy. She doesn't want to live this way of life with
kids, husband, ….
JOANN
I'm not going to watch her waste her life.
ASEYE
She is not wasting her life. Akorfa is not a baby,
mum. She's your eldest child.
JOANN
She will forever be my baby.
ASEYE
Mum, she's 36. She's not a baby.
JOANN
So be honest with me. What did I do wrong with
her? Did I speed through some mommy daughter
sign?
(Aseye laughs, closing up to her )
ASEYE
Mum.. calm down.
JOANN
Who doesn't want a good husband and beautiful
kids?
ASEYE
Well, unfortunately she's different.
JOANN
What if she's a lesbian, Aseye?
(Aseye shakes her head, her lips quirking up in a
half smile)
JOANN
It's a possibility. What if…?
ASEYE
My sister isn't a lesbian. That I can strongly say
no.
JOANN
So then why doesn't she have feelings for a man?
Everybody at a point in their lifetime has to fall in
love with somebody, or with something ….
ASEYE
Then I believe she has found love in staying single
and fighting for women who doesn't wanna be
committed like her.
JOANN
I see she has done a good job getting you on her
side.
ASEYE
Mum…a lot is changing now.
(Elikem Cullen, 29, the youngest of the children
enters the kitchen, closely followed by Shayna, his
fiancée.)
ELIKEM
Your boy is home!!
ASEYE
Elikem! Shayna!
(Chriswick
Same morning in Akorfa’s 3 bedroom house.
She talks with Maren Arthur, 40, an old friend she
had rented a room in her house to, in the living
room, as they are sprawled lazily on the sofa)
AKORFA
We had a good night. Our best night by far.
MAREN
One million members?
AKORFA
You heard me.
MAREN
In less than 3 years? Congratulations.
AKORFA
Thanks.
MAREN
You are growing like some wild fire.
AKORFA
We certainly are but don't rule out the hate too.
MAREN
I know. Can't take that out.
AKORFA
The more we grow, the more the hate grows.
(Maren chuckles)
MAREN
You are stronger than I thought you were.
AKORFA
Now I guess I might be the most hated woman on
this planet
MAREN
I don't think you are the most hated woman. There
are a lot of you championing women rights,
although you have a taken an entirely different route.
AKORFA
The men don't like me.
MAREN
Why should they? You are taking away their women
AKORFA
That includes mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers,
aunts uncles….. the list goes on. They all don't like
me.
MAREN
So what's the future for ‘Sisters for freedom’?
AKORFA
A lot, and we are only beginning. There are so many
women in the closet that we need to set free. They
are not happy married. Some even don't know why
they are in it. They will want to be free but families
won't allow it.
MAREN
So what is the plan for the year? Any outline of
programs….??
AKORFA
We are still drawing a table for the year.
MAREN
I see. You are a full blown movement now.
AKORFA
We are on a journey to set these women free, even
if we have to hire lawyers to get them out of these
bondages.
MAREN
Started receiving dues yet?
AKORFA
No.
MAREN
Then how are you going to fund these law suits and
programs you planning for the year?
AKORFA
Out of pockets for now but we will start raising
funds.
MAREN
Then you got to start raising the funds now. You
need the money
(Akorfa stands up from the couch)
MAREN
Are you gradually winning your mummy over?
AKORFA
That's never going to happen.
MAREN
Oooh? Mummy is still not a fan.
AKORFA
Never will she be? I didn't fulfill her wish.
MAREN
It's what every mother wishes for a daughter. What
about your daddy?
AKORFA
He's cool. He doesn't care.
MAREN
Does this classify you as a feminist now?
AKORFA
Yes I am. I am championing women's rights,
women’s liberation.
MAREN
Good luck
(Akorfa turns and starts to leave for her room.)
AKORFA
And we are still waiting for you to join us.
(Maren laughs out hard)
MAREN
Don't waste your time waiting cos I am not. I love
men.
AKORFA
You are 41, Maren. What do you want to get
married for?
MAREN
41 does not mean life is over.
AKORFA
You don't even have a boyfriend.
MAREN
I'm going to start dating soon. I've registered on
two dating site.
AKORFA
Again?
MAREN
I'm very hopeful this time Mr Right is gonna come
along. And I'm gonna cut down my hours at work,
will be making changes to my closet, will be…
AKORFA
Our doors are always open if you ever change your
mind.
(Maren shakes her head laughing)
MAREN
Never happening. But I will be covering your stories
in my column for free for you.
AKORFA
Thanks. I got to go get ready.
(Akorfa starts walking... )
MAREN
Are you coming back tonight?
AKORFA
I would want to but we will be going for a
thanksgiving at church tomorrow so I have to sleep
over.
(Cherry Hill
Akorfa arrives at her family home later that morning.
At 10:30, the family together with Aseye’s kids and
Elikem’s fiancee were seated at the dining room for
the birthday breakfast. )
AKORFA
Where is Israel? Why isn't he here with us?
(Israel is Aseye’s husband)
ASEYE
He's out of town on assignment. He will be back
tomorrow.
AKORFA
Plans for a third baby?
ASEYE
Not right now.
AKORFA
What are you waiting for? Danielle is 3
JOANN
Don't worry your sister. What are you doing with
yourself?
AKORFA
Mum?
JOANN
At least she's married and has two kids. You have
neither a husband nor kids.
AKORFA
Because I don't want to marry, mum. But I haven't
closed my mind to having kids.
JOANN
Oh, how are you going to do that? I thought you
didn't want a man in your life.
AKORFA
There are several modern ways to make babies,
mum.
JOANN
Don't bring a bastard into our home.
(Elikem frowns)
ELIKEM
Mum….don't talk like that.
AKORFA
I think breakfast is over for me.
(Akorfa starts to get up )
JOANN
No, sit down.
AKORFA
I don't want to, mummy.
EUGENE
I thought we agreed this was going to be
judgement free breakfast.
JOANN
I can't keep still, Eugene. Why would you wanna live
your life like this, Akorfa? I raised you well, took
you to the best private schools...
AKORFA
Mum, this has got nothing to do with you. I've never
wanted to get married since I was in high school.
JOANN
Why do you want to be different?
AKORFA
It's the way I want to be.
JOANN
Are you a lesbian?
(Shock run through the faces at the table. Shayna
coughs, then rises from her chair . )
SHAYNA
Sorry I got to use the bathroom.
(Shayna leaves)
AKORFA
I'm not a lesbian, mummy.
JOANN
Why don't you wanna be married and have family
like your sister?Do you just don't want to be married
at all or you simply don't like men? Could it also be
you have a preference that you are not meeting …. I
could help you find the kind you want ….
AKORFA
It's not about preference, mummy. I love being
lonely and managing my own affairs. I'm savoring
this solitude lifestyle and my privacy every blessed
day of my life.
JOANN
And you are happy?
AKORFA
I am very happy. Some day you are going to be
proud of me, for this route that I've taken..
JOANN
I don't believe you.
AKORFA
Okay…I can't stay.
(Akorfa stands up again. )
AKORFA
I will be at the back.
(Later after the breakfast, their father Eugene and
Joann stand aside to talk. )
JOANN
She is not telling the truth, Eugene.
EUGENE
She says she's not what you think she is, so stop it.
JOANN
Any woman that doesn't have an interest in a man
obviously is interested in her own sex.
EUGENE
That's not true.
JOANN
Then she's hiding something.
EUGENE
Why don't you let her be?
JOANN
That's what I can't seem to do. She's not a baby.
EUGENE
You have to leave her alone, Joann.
JOANN
I'm surprised you don't even feel the shame she's
bringing on this family, Eugene.
(Outside in the backyard, Aseye and Akorfa had
leaned against a tree chatting)
ASEYE
So are you planning to quit your job anytime soon?
AKORFA
Not right now.
ASEYE
But you are growing and you ain't gonna have time
for both.
AKORFA
We are only one million now, and we have no
money in our coffers. Might quit the when we reach
3 million, and starts to raise good funds for our
programs.
ASEYE
I see you turning into a millionaire in the very near
future.
AKORFA
I'm not in this for money, Aseye.
ASEYE
Well yeah, but fame sometimes comes with wealth.
You might be lucky. You may get endorsements.
AKORFA
That I don't think I'm ever gonna get some.
(Aseye laughs. )
ASEYE
And about mother, don't worry. You are going to win
her over one day.
AKORFA
I don't see that happening.
ASEYE
She will have a change of heart. Believe me. It's
only gonna get tougher in the beginning.
(They turn to see their dad walking to them)
ASEYE
Dad wants to speak to you.
AKORFA
I think so.
ASEYE
Cheer up, you have the main man behind you. I'm
going to take a quick nap.
(Cherry Hill
Later that evening
Kayleigh Gyan 35, sits at a diner waiting. Minutes
later, Adobea Anderson 27, enters and marches up
to her to her table)
ADOBEA
Hey..
KAYLEIGH
You are here.
(Adobea looks around. )
ADOBEA
I haven't been here in a really long time.
KAYLEIGH
Why haven't you?
ADOBEA
After the chef quit, the food didn't become the
same.
KAYLEIGH
Really?
ADOBEA
Heard it's gotten better but I'm yet to find out.
KAYLEIGH
I was here a few weeks ago with a friend and it
wasn't bad.
ADOBEA
I see. Hoping to get the same results today.
(Waitress comes by, takes their order and leaves)
KAYLEIGH
So why did you decide to meet me today?
ADOBEA
I need a favor
KAYLEIGH
Favor?
ADOBEA
It's actually for my friend. She needs help.
KAYLEIGH
Who is this friend?
ADOBEA
My friend Jenna. You met her at the house the other
time.
KAYLEIGH
Yeah… so what about her?
ADOBEA
She wants to get her boobs done at the clinic.
KAYLEIGH
So what is this favor that she wants?
ADOBEA
The wait time. She was at the clinic last week. She
found out she had to wait for a month. She's willing
to pay if you can help her get an early appointment.
(Kayleigh looks up, sighing)
ADOBEA
I believe you can do something so she doesn't have
to join the queue. You are a respected surgeon at
the clinic, Kayleigh.
(Kayleigh leans back in the chair. She folds her
arms)
KAYLEIGH
I thought you needed a favor for yourself.
(Adobea smirks, shaking her head)
ADOBEA
I don't need a favor. Why do you think I needed a
favor?
KAYLEIGH
I thought you wanted to lose some weight. We
talked about this.
ADOBEA
I'm not going to.
KAYLEIGH
Why?
ADOBEA
At the right time I will do it.
KAYLEIGH
And when is this right time going to be?
ADOBEA
I don't know.
KAYLEIGH
Adobea,..
ADOBEA
Look, I'm not going to lose weight because a man
left me for how much I weigh.
KAYLEIGH
But you loved him. You wanted to keep him.
ADOBEA
Not anymore.
KAYLEIGH
Adobea, if you give me a chance I will transform
you into that woman every man will want to be with.
ADOBEA
I'm happy the way I am.
KAYLEIGH
You may wanna start dating again, and you may
face the same problem.
ADOBEA
Not anymore. It's all done for me.
KAYLEIGH
What are you talking about?
ADOBEA
I'm going to be living a happy single life from now.
KAYLEIGH
What do you mean by that?
ADOBEA
I'm never gonna date again and I'm never gonna get
married.
(Kayleigh laughs)
KAYLEIGH
Are you serious?
ADOBEA
Yes I am.
KAYLEIGH
Because a guy left you for another woman, now you
don't want to get married?
ADOBEA
It's not about a guy leaving me for another woman.
I don't think this whole marriage thing is for me.
And why should I change my body to please a
man?
KAYLEIGH
Now hold on. What did you just say?
ADOBEA
I don't want to be married, Kayleigh.
KAYLEIGH
Adobea…, what has gotten into you?
ADOBEA
Look, I have tried to fall in love, be in a good
relationship, go on trips, it's just not working. And
I'm most happiest when I'm single and free.
KAYLEIGH
Have you discussed this with your mother, father…
cousin ?
ADOBEA
No. Not anytime now.
KAYLEIGH
You are their only daughter. You can't do this to
them, Adobea. You are the ex Governor’s only
daughter.
ADOBEA
It's my life, not theirs. And It doesn't mean I'm not
happy for you. You are lucky. You are getting
married in a few weeks to the most wonderful man
in my family.
KAYLEIGH
Does that mean you can go back on this decision
one day? That is if you meet the right guy?
ADOBEA
I don't think so.
KAYLEIGH
You don't think so?
ADOBEA
I found this support group, that I've registered as a
member. It does feel like a new family to me. And
it turns out there are a million of us who don't want
to be married or tied down to some archaic life
called marriage. .
KAYLEIGH
What is the name of the group?
ADOBEA
Sisters For Freedom.
Cherry Hill
Evening at the Cullen Family home.
The birthday party is underway.
Joann stands outside by the back door chatting
with two friends who had come to the party with
their husbands, Araba Gyimah and Ayerley
Anderson, wife of the ex Governor Aaron Anderson)
AYERLEY
You must be a proud grand mother. These kids are
so cute.
(Ayerley had glanced at Aseye's kids who were
playing on the back doorstep)
JOANN
I am, but I want many more.
ARABA
Two grandchildren is very okay. I have only one,
and I'm very happy with that.
AYERLEY
I have to wait for years to hold mine in my arms.
Adobea is still very single, and it's as if she's totally
lost interest in men. Now I don't know if I have to
set out and search a man for her.
(Laughter)
JOANN
She's still very young and busy. My eldest still
hasn't brought forth a child.
AYERLEY
Akorfa? She's still not married, is she?
JOANN
No she's not, and sadly she's not willing to get
married.
ARABA
Why?
JOANN
You haven't been reading a lot these days, have
you?
ARABA
Why? What is going on?
JOANN
Heard anything about Sisters for freedom?
(They shake their heads)
AYERLEY
What is that about?
JOANN
It's a movement, kind of a support group for
women who wants to remain single their entire life.
AYERLEY
And what has your daughter got to do with it?
JOANN
She's the brain behind it.
AYERLEY
What? Are you serious? Akorfa?
JOANN
You can go ahead and ask her.
ARABA
And what are you doing about it?
JOANN
I don't know what I do.
ARABA
You can't wait around and watch her mess her life.
She's such a pretty girl.
JOANN
I've done everything.
AYERLEY
Could she be a lesbian?
JOANN
I am afraid that thought alone scares me. She says
she's not.
ARABA
Do you believe her?
JOANN
I don't know but I do know that she's hiding
something.
(Joann turns and sees a young man chatting with
Eugene and Aaron Anderson, the ex Governor)
JOANN
Who is that young man? Do you know who might
have invited him?
(Ayerley turns, then smiles brightly)
JOANN
Do you know who that is?
AYERLEY
That's Kyle. Aaron’s nephew.
ARABA
The neurologist?
AYERLEY
Yes. He brought Aaron his meds.
JOANN
I've never met him before.
(Minutes later Kyle walks up to say hello. Ayerley
introduces him.)
KYLE
Pleased to meet you, Mrs Cullen and Mrs Gyimah .
JOANN
You are always welcomed here. Ayerley says you
moved here about seven months ago.
KYLE
Yes I did, and I am not my moving away anytime
now.
JOANN
Good to know. We need more young professionals
in the town.
ARABA
So which hospital do you work for?
(Same time Akorfa enters the paved backyard with
Aseye and their brother's fiancée Shayna from the
house)
AKORFA
If people see me in a bridesmaid gown, what are
they gonna think?
ASEYE
You are not totally against marriage or are you?
They will understand.
SHAYNA
Especially when it's your brother's wedding .
(Akorfa looks around )
AKORFA
Look, we are the only people under 40 years here.
Everybody is over 50 years.
SHAYNA
Well he made that clear his party wasn't for the
young.
AKORFA
It's so boring out here. I really want to go in and hit
the sheets.
ASEYE
You can't do that now. We have to wait till
everybody leaves.
(Akorfa turns and sees Kyle chatting with ladies. )
AKORFA
Who is that with mum? When did he come in.
(Aseye turns. Her eyes shines when her eyes fell on
him)
ASEYE
Oh thats Kyle Anderson.
AKORFA
You know him?
SHAYNA
Who is he?
ASEYE
He is a neurologist. We met at the MS Conference
last year in Hudson.
AKORFA
So why is he here? Did dad invite him?
ASEYE
He's Governor Anderson’s nephew.
AKORFA
I see
(Aseye starts to leave. )
ASEYE
I'm going to say hi. Will be right back.
(Later that night, after the party Joann walks with
Ayerley to their car outside on the front yard)
AYERLEY
I had so much fun
JOANN
I'm happy you did.
AYERLEY
What have you been doing? We should be hanging
out or we will soon be bound to wheel chairs.
(Joann laughs)
JOANN
I will need to speak with Kyle.
AYERLEY
Sure, anytime.
JOANN
I will need his help.
AYERLEY
You're sick?
JOANN
I need to find out if my daughter is a lesbian or not.
AYERLEY
Okay…so?
JOANN
I want to see if Kyle can lure her into falling in love
with him.
story continues later
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