MY DAUGHTER EMMA by ULASI JOSHUA IKECHUKWU (classic literature books .txt) 📕
Excerpt from the book:
MY DAUGHTER EMMA
By Ulasi Joshua Ikechukwu
Emma
-a nine year old girl.
Steve
-her twin brother.
Mr. King
-a man who later adopted Emma.
Nina
-a nurse at the local hospital.
Dr. Kate
-a medical doctor at the local hospital.
Anita
-a biologist who later became a head teacher at Santha Elementary School.
The story takes place in a small village in England. Dr. Kate, Anita, and Mr. King worked for Caregivers International-a humanitarian organization that helped people in developing countries. The three were sent on a mission to a Western African Country that practiced the killing of twins.
In Africa, Anita and a local nurse both became pregnant and gave birth to twins. She entrusted her babies to the local nurse’s care and headed to South Africa to get a white woman who could help her bring back her babies. She taught that if the villagers saw two white women carrying two babies, they would never suspect that twin babies have been born in their land. The other women in her team were quite uncooperative because they were jealous of her; they could not have babies because of the polluted water they drank in Africa. While Anita was in South Africa, Dr. Kate who could not have babies, thanks to the polluted water she drank seized the opportunity to adopt one of Anita’s twin babies (Steve) in the midst of crises in the village. Mr. King adopted the other baby (not knowing that she was Anita’s daughter) and named her Emma. Nine years later, Mr. King died in the hospital after revealing part of what happened to Nina, a nurse in the local hospital. However, the whole truth was hidden from the rest of the members of the team, except Dr. Kate who watched the events as they unfolded. What followed were Dr. Kate’s efforts to keep the truth away from everyone else. However, she did not get so far, as her greed and cruelty gave her up. In the end, Anita was very glad to be reunited with her children.
By Ulasi Joshua Ikechukwu
Emma
-a nine year old girl.
Steve
-her twin brother.
Mr. King
-a man who later adopted Emma.
Nina
-a nurse at the local hospital.
Dr. Kate
-a medical doctor at the local hospital.
Anita
-a biologist who later became a head teacher at Santha Elementary School.
The story takes place in a small village in England. Dr. Kate, Anita, and Mr. King worked for Caregivers International-a humanitarian organization that helped people in developing countries. The three were sent on a mission to a Western African Country that practiced the killing of twins.
In Africa, Anita and a local nurse both became pregnant and gave birth to twins. She entrusted her babies to the local nurse’s care and headed to South Africa to get a white woman who could help her bring back her babies. She taught that if the villagers saw two white women carrying two babies, they would never suspect that twin babies have been born in their land. The other women in her team were quite uncooperative because they were jealous of her; they could not have babies because of the polluted water they drank in Africa. While Anita was in South Africa, Dr. Kate who could not have babies, thanks to the polluted water she drank seized the opportunity to adopt one of Anita’s twin babies (Steve) in the midst of crises in the village. Mr. King adopted the other baby (not knowing that she was Anita’s daughter) and named her Emma. Nine years later, Mr. King died in the hospital after revealing part of what happened to Nina, a nurse in the local hospital. However, the whole truth was hidden from the rest of the members of the team, except Dr. Kate who watched the events as they unfolded. What followed were Dr. Kate’s efforts to keep the truth away from everyone else. However, she did not get so far, as her greed and cruelty gave her up. In the end, Anita was very glad to be reunited with her children.
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trusted this woman more than every other person in the team.
DR. KATE: That’s correct. In fact we were surprised how they could both have babies, because the polluted water should have prevented them from having babies. They became so close, and when the biologist went to South Africa to find someone who could help her carry her save her babies, she trusted the local woman to look after them.
NINA: Did she really look after them?
DR. KATE: Yes, but she couldn’t save the babies from the hands of the angry villagers who insisted that the babies must die.
NINA: So the villagers killed the twins.
DR. KATE: (Hesitates for a while and answers) E-mm-mm, yes. The biologist received the message that her babies have been killed, so she was very upset and bothered not to return.
NINA: What about the local woman?
DR. KATE: She tried to protect the twins, so the villagers also killed her.
NINA: What about her babies-the twins?
DR. KATE: (Was very upset) Well that part of the story is not really necessary. I don’t think the biologist needs it to release the money. Besides she doesn’t know what became of the children. I think you have to find the woman at once. Every second counts.
NINA: You can count on me Doc.
DR. KATE: I’ll expect to hear from you as soon as possible Nina.
NINA: Goodbye Doc.
SFX: a car approaching, just as the two women get ready to part company.
DR. KATE: (As she welcomes the kids) Oh dear! I should have been there early, but I have something so important to discuss with Nurse Nina. We had an emergency in the hospital today, and Nina has come to brief me on the events that followed. Welcome home. That’s so kind of you Ms. Anita, please take a seat. Nina, please meet Ms. Anita, the head teacher at Santha Elementary school. Anita, this is Nina, a nurse in our hospital.
NINA: Good afternoon madam.
ANITA: Good afternoon Nina. I’ll be on my way though. I’ve got lesson notes to prepare this evening.
DR. KATE: Good bye madam.
EMMA: Goodbye Ms. Anita.
STEVE: Goodbye Ms. Anita.
NINA: Bye Doc.
SCENE 6: INT. AT DR. KATE’S HOUSE.
They begin to talk while she serves the kids orange juice.
DR. KATE: Did the head teacher talk to you while she drove you in car?
STEVE: Yes, we talked till we got home.
DR. KATE: What and what did you talk about honey?
STEVE: We discussed history and culture.
DR. KATE: These are the subjects she teaches at school. Aren’t they?
EMMA: She also teaches science.
STEVE: Our head teacher was once a scientist, working for large organizations in Europe.
DR. KATE: That’s fantastic. These days, it’s rare to find a teacher who studied both arts and sciences. Did she tell you the companies she worked for in Europe?
EMMA: Yes she did. But they were so many. I couldn’t just remember any of them. But there were other countries too where she worked.
STEVE: She’s been to Africa and the Caribbean.
DR. KATE: That’s interesting; I’ve been to those countries too.
STEVE: The head teacher told us a story about ‘The Depression.’
Dr. KATE: The Great Depression?
EMMA: Of the 1930’s.
DR. KATE: That story is told in every history class.
STEVE: So many people lost their money
DR. KATE: And investments too.
EMMA: People begged in the streets.
STEVE: It must have been very difficult for them to survive.
DR. KATE: It was very difficult my dear.
ACT THREE
SCENE 1: EXT. OUTSIDE ANITA’S HOUSE. EVENING
SFX: The sound of humming birds
ANITA: You were so smart at the doctor’s house yesterday Nina.
NINA: What else would you expect? I feared the doctor may have recognized you, then all our efforts would be for nothing.
ANITA: I don’t think Dr. Kate will ever recognize me. These wigs disguise women a lot.
NINA: You have to have them on whenever she’s around.
ANITA: I’ve always remembered to cover the scar with my wigs, except in one occasion, in the hospital.
NINA: In the hospital, how couldn’t she recognize you?
ANITA: I walked away before she arrived. That was on the day Mr. King died. I knew his condition had worsened so much. His doctor told him he had just a few days to live, and Dr. Kate knew that as well. As Mr. King had no relatives, his assets would belong to Emma. So whoever adopted Emma would have the old man’s fortune. I knew that Dr. Kate would be on her way as soon as she knew Mr. King was about to die. That was why I kept her from coming.
NINA: Kept her from coming?
ANITA: Yes, if you could remember when Emma gave you a phone that was locked with a password; I had locked the phone on purpose so as to keep you from calling Dr. Kate. I knew Mr. King would start talking to you if he waited too long for a doctor.
NINA: So Dr. Kate got so close to the old man so as inherit his wealth. I still do not understand why Emma’s complexion should be different from that of her mom.
ANITA: That puzzles me too. But I left Africa before Emma’s mother was killed, and she was the only woman who was expecting.
NINA: You said she also had twins.
ANITA: Yes, I was told she had twins, but they were missing.
NINA: Dr. Kate was reluctant to tell me how the twins got missing. I’m sure she knew why, but she said the story is not necessary. She was focused on the two million rather.
ANITA: I believe Dr. Kate knew what happened to Emma’s mother.
NINA: I believe the woman is still alive, and would be glad to find Emma and her brother.
ANITA: Did you say brother?
NINA: I have a strong feeling that the other twin baby was a boy.
ANITA: We really have to help Emma find her mother. You have to go back to Dr. Kate.
NINA: What will I tell her?
ANITA: Tell her that the woman with a scar on her head confirmed that the story was true, but that she needed more proof before the money can be released. Tell her the woman asked you questions about Emma’s mother and her babies.
NINA: I know Dr. Kate. She would never talk about something that will dispossess her of the old man’s wealth. She’s always a step ahead.
ANITA: I have a plan, Nina.
NINA: What’s the plan?
ANITA: I think we need to tell Emma that her mom may be alive and may be trying to find her.
NINA: What difference does it make?
ANITA: I believe there are a few things Emma knew about her parents. There were more than twenty of us in Africa. Someone may have recognized the girl, and told her a little about her past.
NINA: But Dr. Kate will not let us speak to Emma.
ANITA: (In a soft and low tone, smiling) But she sure can’t prevent us from writing to her.
NINA: (Flicks her finger) That’s it.
ANITA: We shall write to Emma.
SCENE 2: INT. DR. KATES OFFICE. MORNING
Nina walks in.
NINA: Morning Doc.
DR. KATE: Good morning Nina. Did the woman show up again?
NINA: I met her at the subway this morning. She’ll go for shopping and then make her way to the movies. But he introduced me to a man with whom she kept the money.
DR. KATE: (Murmurs, but audible enough) I hope she’s not spending all that money. (Then speaks in her usual tone) Did you talk to her at the subway?
NINA: Yes Doc. She seemed quite uncooperative, and she wasn’t satisfied by my story.
DR. KATE: Are you sure you told her the story exactly as I narrated it?
NINA: Yes doc, but she needed to hear more about the black woman who gave birth to the twins. That’ll prove to her that I was really sent by Mr. King.
Dr. Kate Breathes out deeply and becomes restless.
NINA: Is there any problem Doc?
DR. KATE: No, it’s just that I can’t tell you what happened to the woman right now. I’m somewhat busy. Could we see this evening?
NINA: The woman with a scar on her head told me she would travel to France tomorrow morning, and would never return to this country. But she said she would send a man who knew where the two million was kept. I think we really need to convince her before she travels. I’m not sure the man would release the money.
Dr. Kate sits down, pulls her drawer, and brings out a pen.
DR. KATE: When is the man due to arrive?
NINA: In two hours time Doc.
DR. KATE: Come back in fifty minutes Nina; I want to write a letter.
Nina’s cell phone rings as she leaves Dr. Kate’s office. Dr. Kate begins to write.
SCENE 3: INT. IN THE WARD. MORNING.
Nina answers the phone. It was Anita on the phone. Her voice was heard by the audience.
NINA: Hello.
ANITA: Hello, Nina. The letter is ready. I tried to deliver it to Emma in the school this morning, but the chief Medical director over with a letter from Dr. Kate and picked up the kids. She said they caught flu, and needed urgent medical attention. I couldn’t do anything to stop her, so I sent the letter by express mail to your hospital. You should receive it in less than an hour. But how do you send it to Emma?
NINA: I think Dr. Kate suspects something. We’d rather be on our guard. I don’t know what she will do next. I’ll send the letter through the boy.
ANITA: Which one of the boys?
NINA: Steve. They’re here already. I can see them coming into the hospital. Bye.
ANITA: Bye.
SCENE 4: INT. IN DR. KATE’S OFFICE. MORNING
Emma and Steve enter Dr. Kate’s office; Nina follows behind.
DR. KATE: This is the story, Nina. I’ve written it down here for the man to read for himself. It is complete and surely would gain his approval. I’d love if you’ll hand it to him as soon as he arrives.
NINA: Okay doc.
SCENE 5: INT. THE HOSPITAL WARDS. MORNING
Nina returns to the wards and finds a letter on her desk. Dr. Kate comes in with Emma and Steve.
DR. KATE: I hope you understand that the letter has to be delivered without being opened. I had sealed it and signed across the seal. Once it is opened by anyone else apart from the man sent by the woman with a scar on her head, then the two million will be lost.
NINA: I understand Doc.
DR. KATE: I’ll take Emma to the Chief medical Director’s office. Afterwards, I’ll come back to take her and Steve for lunch.
NINA: Okay Doc.
Dr. Kate leaves with Emma.
NINA: It seems Emma is not alright, Steve. Mom is taking her for check up.
STEVE: No, I think mom is the one who’s not alright. She’s behaving so strangely today.
NINA: Can I ask you something, Steve?
STEVE: What?
NINA: Is Emma your sister?
STEVE: No, she was adopted.
NINA: Does she know she was adopted?
STEVE: Sure. Her dad died in this hospital, so mom adopted her just like she adopted me.
NINA: So you too were adopted?
STEVE: Someone told me in school. He heard her mom tell someone else that mom adopted me. Since then he’s been asking me questions about my father.
NINA: Your father? Did you know him?
STEVE: No.
NINA: Would you want to know
DR. KATE: That’s correct. In fact we were surprised how they could both have babies, because the polluted water should have prevented them from having babies. They became so close, and when the biologist went to South Africa to find someone who could help her carry her save her babies, she trusted the local woman to look after them.
NINA: Did she really look after them?
DR. KATE: Yes, but she couldn’t save the babies from the hands of the angry villagers who insisted that the babies must die.
NINA: So the villagers killed the twins.
DR. KATE: (Hesitates for a while and answers) E-mm-mm, yes. The biologist received the message that her babies have been killed, so she was very upset and bothered not to return.
NINA: What about the local woman?
DR. KATE: She tried to protect the twins, so the villagers also killed her.
NINA: What about her babies-the twins?
DR. KATE: (Was very upset) Well that part of the story is not really necessary. I don’t think the biologist needs it to release the money. Besides she doesn’t know what became of the children. I think you have to find the woman at once. Every second counts.
NINA: You can count on me Doc.
DR. KATE: I’ll expect to hear from you as soon as possible Nina.
NINA: Goodbye Doc.
SFX: a car approaching, just as the two women get ready to part company.
DR. KATE: (As she welcomes the kids) Oh dear! I should have been there early, but I have something so important to discuss with Nurse Nina. We had an emergency in the hospital today, and Nina has come to brief me on the events that followed. Welcome home. That’s so kind of you Ms. Anita, please take a seat. Nina, please meet Ms. Anita, the head teacher at Santha Elementary school. Anita, this is Nina, a nurse in our hospital.
NINA: Good afternoon madam.
ANITA: Good afternoon Nina. I’ll be on my way though. I’ve got lesson notes to prepare this evening.
DR. KATE: Good bye madam.
EMMA: Goodbye Ms. Anita.
STEVE: Goodbye Ms. Anita.
NINA: Bye Doc.
SCENE 6: INT. AT DR. KATE’S HOUSE.
They begin to talk while she serves the kids orange juice.
DR. KATE: Did the head teacher talk to you while she drove you in car?
STEVE: Yes, we talked till we got home.
DR. KATE: What and what did you talk about honey?
STEVE: We discussed history and culture.
DR. KATE: These are the subjects she teaches at school. Aren’t they?
EMMA: She also teaches science.
STEVE: Our head teacher was once a scientist, working for large organizations in Europe.
DR. KATE: That’s fantastic. These days, it’s rare to find a teacher who studied both arts and sciences. Did she tell you the companies she worked for in Europe?
EMMA: Yes she did. But they were so many. I couldn’t just remember any of them. But there were other countries too where she worked.
STEVE: She’s been to Africa and the Caribbean.
DR. KATE: That’s interesting; I’ve been to those countries too.
STEVE: The head teacher told us a story about ‘The Depression.’
Dr. KATE: The Great Depression?
EMMA: Of the 1930’s.
DR. KATE: That story is told in every history class.
STEVE: So many people lost their money
DR. KATE: And investments too.
EMMA: People begged in the streets.
STEVE: It must have been very difficult for them to survive.
DR. KATE: It was very difficult my dear.
ACT THREE
SCENE 1: EXT. OUTSIDE ANITA’S HOUSE. EVENING
SFX: The sound of humming birds
ANITA: You were so smart at the doctor’s house yesterday Nina.
NINA: What else would you expect? I feared the doctor may have recognized you, then all our efforts would be for nothing.
ANITA: I don’t think Dr. Kate will ever recognize me. These wigs disguise women a lot.
NINA: You have to have them on whenever she’s around.
ANITA: I’ve always remembered to cover the scar with my wigs, except in one occasion, in the hospital.
NINA: In the hospital, how couldn’t she recognize you?
ANITA: I walked away before she arrived. That was on the day Mr. King died. I knew his condition had worsened so much. His doctor told him he had just a few days to live, and Dr. Kate knew that as well. As Mr. King had no relatives, his assets would belong to Emma. So whoever adopted Emma would have the old man’s fortune. I knew that Dr. Kate would be on her way as soon as she knew Mr. King was about to die. That was why I kept her from coming.
NINA: Kept her from coming?
ANITA: Yes, if you could remember when Emma gave you a phone that was locked with a password; I had locked the phone on purpose so as to keep you from calling Dr. Kate. I knew Mr. King would start talking to you if he waited too long for a doctor.
NINA: So Dr. Kate got so close to the old man so as inherit his wealth. I still do not understand why Emma’s complexion should be different from that of her mom.
ANITA: That puzzles me too. But I left Africa before Emma’s mother was killed, and she was the only woman who was expecting.
NINA: You said she also had twins.
ANITA: Yes, I was told she had twins, but they were missing.
NINA: Dr. Kate was reluctant to tell me how the twins got missing. I’m sure she knew why, but she said the story is not necessary. She was focused on the two million rather.
ANITA: I believe Dr. Kate knew what happened to Emma’s mother.
NINA: I believe the woman is still alive, and would be glad to find Emma and her brother.
ANITA: Did you say brother?
NINA: I have a strong feeling that the other twin baby was a boy.
ANITA: We really have to help Emma find her mother. You have to go back to Dr. Kate.
NINA: What will I tell her?
ANITA: Tell her that the woman with a scar on her head confirmed that the story was true, but that she needed more proof before the money can be released. Tell her the woman asked you questions about Emma’s mother and her babies.
NINA: I know Dr. Kate. She would never talk about something that will dispossess her of the old man’s wealth. She’s always a step ahead.
ANITA: I have a plan, Nina.
NINA: What’s the plan?
ANITA: I think we need to tell Emma that her mom may be alive and may be trying to find her.
NINA: What difference does it make?
ANITA: I believe there are a few things Emma knew about her parents. There were more than twenty of us in Africa. Someone may have recognized the girl, and told her a little about her past.
NINA: But Dr. Kate will not let us speak to Emma.
ANITA: (In a soft and low tone, smiling) But she sure can’t prevent us from writing to her.
NINA: (Flicks her finger) That’s it.
ANITA: We shall write to Emma.
SCENE 2: INT. DR. KATES OFFICE. MORNING
Nina walks in.
NINA: Morning Doc.
DR. KATE: Good morning Nina. Did the woman show up again?
NINA: I met her at the subway this morning. She’ll go for shopping and then make her way to the movies. But he introduced me to a man with whom she kept the money.
DR. KATE: (Murmurs, but audible enough) I hope she’s not spending all that money. (Then speaks in her usual tone) Did you talk to her at the subway?
NINA: Yes Doc. She seemed quite uncooperative, and she wasn’t satisfied by my story.
DR. KATE: Are you sure you told her the story exactly as I narrated it?
NINA: Yes doc, but she needed to hear more about the black woman who gave birth to the twins. That’ll prove to her that I was really sent by Mr. King.
Dr. Kate Breathes out deeply and becomes restless.
NINA: Is there any problem Doc?
DR. KATE: No, it’s just that I can’t tell you what happened to the woman right now. I’m somewhat busy. Could we see this evening?
NINA: The woman with a scar on her head told me she would travel to France tomorrow morning, and would never return to this country. But she said she would send a man who knew where the two million was kept. I think we really need to convince her before she travels. I’m not sure the man would release the money.
Dr. Kate sits down, pulls her drawer, and brings out a pen.
DR. KATE: When is the man due to arrive?
NINA: In two hours time Doc.
DR. KATE: Come back in fifty minutes Nina; I want to write a letter.
Nina’s cell phone rings as she leaves Dr. Kate’s office. Dr. Kate begins to write.
SCENE 3: INT. IN THE WARD. MORNING.
Nina answers the phone. It was Anita on the phone. Her voice was heard by the audience.
NINA: Hello.
ANITA: Hello, Nina. The letter is ready. I tried to deliver it to Emma in the school this morning, but the chief Medical director over with a letter from Dr. Kate and picked up the kids. She said they caught flu, and needed urgent medical attention. I couldn’t do anything to stop her, so I sent the letter by express mail to your hospital. You should receive it in less than an hour. But how do you send it to Emma?
NINA: I think Dr. Kate suspects something. We’d rather be on our guard. I don’t know what she will do next. I’ll send the letter through the boy.
ANITA: Which one of the boys?
NINA: Steve. They’re here already. I can see them coming into the hospital. Bye.
ANITA: Bye.
SCENE 4: INT. IN DR. KATE’S OFFICE. MORNING
Emma and Steve enter Dr. Kate’s office; Nina follows behind.
DR. KATE: This is the story, Nina. I’ve written it down here for the man to read for himself. It is complete and surely would gain his approval. I’d love if you’ll hand it to him as soon as he arrives.
NINA: Okay doc.
SCENE 5: INT. THE HOSPITAL WARDS. MORNING
Nina returns to the wards and finds a letter on her desk. Dr. Kate comes in with Emma and Steve.
DR. KATE: I hope you understand that the letter has to be delivered without being opened. I had sealed it and signed across the seal. Once it is opened by anyone else apart from the man sent by the woman with a scar on her head, then the two million will be lost.
NINA: I understand Doc.
DR. KATE: I’ll take Emma to the Chief medical Director’s office. Afterwards, I’ll come back to take her and Steve for lunch.
NINA: Okay Doc.
Dr. Kate leaves with Emma.
NINA: It seems Emma is not alright, Steve. Mom is taking her for check up.
STEVE: No, I think mom is the one who’s not alright. She’s behaving so strangely today.
NINA: Can I ask you something, Steve?
STEVE: What?
NINA: Is Emma your sister?
STEVE: No, she was adopted.
NINA: Does she know she was adopted?
STEVE: Sure. Her dad died in this hospital, so mom adopted her just like she adopted me.
NINA: So you too were adopted?
STEVE: Someone told me in school. He heard her mom tell someone else that mom adopted me. Since then he’s been asking me questions about my father.
NINA: Your father? Did you know him?
STEVE: No.
NINA: Would you want to know
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