MORENA
Episode 19
(Morena enters the house and sees Aunt Maria waiting up for her)
Morena: Good evening Aunty.
Aunt Maria: Welcome home, How was your d@t£?
Morena: It was okay.
Aunt Maria: So the boy you k!$$£d downstairs is your b©yfri£nd, Isn’t he? (smiles mischievously) You better have some explanations to give to your Uncle tomorrow morning!
(Aunt Maria goes into her’s and Uncle Roberto’s room and she wakes him up)
Aunt Maria: (shakes him) Darling! Wake up! I nee-d to tell you something important!!!
(Uncle Roberto wakes up)
Uncle Roberto: What is it?
Aunt Maria: You won’t believe what just happened, I saw Morena k!ss!ngthe boy she went out on a d@t£ with.
Uncle Roberto: They k!$$£d? And so?
Aunt Maria: (suprised) And so?
Uncle Roberto: Firstly, We’re not her parents and we can’t order her about, tell her what to do or restrict her movements and secondly, she’s an adult, She’s old enough to make decisions for herself. I’m very sure she knows exactly what she’s doing.
Aunt Maria: But Darling…
Uncle Roberto: Maria plea-se leave me alone, I nee-d to sleep. (He backs her and covers himself with a blanket)
Aunt Maria: (stares at him furiously)
(Next Morning)
Uncle Roberto: Morena, You’re resuming work today?
Morena: Yes uncle.
Uncle Roberto: (give her $100) Use that for transport.
Morena: (hvgs him) Thank you very much sir, I really appreciate all you’ve been doing for me.
Uncle Roberto: You’re welcome.
(At Chuks restaurant)
Nina: Morena! (She hvgs her) Welcome back!!!
Morena: Thank you.
Nina: We’ve really missed you.
Morena: I missed you more. Seriously you guys are like family to me. Just the little time I spent with you guys and you’re alre-ady ma-king me feel like I’ve been here for ages. I kept thinking about you all, Honestly.
Nina: Awwwnnn….
Morena: Speaking of which, Where are the rest of our colleagues?
Nina: Ohh, They’re not around yet, Except…(she points towards the corner of the kitchen)
Morena: (looks) Isn’t that the new cook?
Nina: Yeah, She’s the one.
Morena: I’m gonna go say “Hi”
Nina: To a mad woman?
Morena: Come on, She’s still our colleague.
(Morena goes to meet Alicia)
Morena: Hey there.
Alicia: Yo! What’s up?
Morena: I’m good, You’re the new cook? Nice to meet you.
Alicia: Same here babe.
(Morena goes back to meet Nina)
Morena: See, It doesn’t hurt to be friendly.
Nina: Until she chases you with a knife.
Morena: (laughs)
Nina: It’s not funny.
Morena: Trust me, it is. (laughs)
Nina: So, How far have you gone with Daniel? I’m sure you guys spent quality time together during your suspension.
Morena: Well, We went on a d@t£ and we k!$$£d.
Nina: Wow, That’s amazing. But I thought you said you were just “friends”?
Morena: (blus-hes) Well It turns out that I like him in a special way.
Nina: Awwnnn… Wait, Does Cecilia know about this?
(Just then, Cecilia enters the kitchen and sees Morena sitting on a chair)
Cecilia: Hey you! That’s my chair, Get up!
Morena: Excuse me?
Cecilia: I said that’s my chair so get up now!
Morena: And who made it “your chair”? Besides, Your name isn’t written on it.
Cecilia: Nina, If you know what’s good for your friend here, You better tell her to get out of my chair now.
Nina: (ignores her)
Cecilia: Ohhh (To Morena) It seems like you want to go on another one week suspension.
Morena: What exactly is your problem? Where else do you expect me to sit down?
Cecilia: I don’t care. You can sit on the buckets, the cabinets, even on the g@s cooker, I don’t give a fv¢k, Just get out of my chair, Now!
Morena: What on earth is wrong with you? What do you enjoy in the hate you’re receiving from people?
Cecilia: I don’t have time for this…
(Cecilia pushes Morena out of the chair)
Morena: Did you just push me? (sighs) You’re lucky there’s a no fighting policy.
Cecilia: Do you think I give a fv¢k?
Nina: Cecilia plea-se calm down, Remember you just got back from your suspension.
Cecilia: Shut up! Who the hell do you think you’re talking to like that? (hisses)
Morena: This girl’s attitude is becoming unbearable.
Nina: plea-se ignore her. I’m going to the dish washing area, Do you want to come with me?
Morena: Yeah.
(Morena and Nina leaves the kitchen)
Morena: I’m suprised Cecilia hasn’t been fired yet because of her caustic ton-gue.
Nina: Sometimes, Silence is the best answer for a fool.
(Just then, Rafael and Andrew enter the restaurant)
Rafael: (suprised) Morena? (He hvgs her) I’m glad you’re back. We’ve really missed you.
Andrew: Yeah…
Morena: I missed you guys too.
Rafael: I’m very sure clients will start trooping in now that you’ve returned.
Andrew: Yeah. This calls for a celebr@tion!!! I’ll go order some pizza and red wine!!!
Nina: Why do we nee-d to order food when we have the best cook in the world right in here? (tickles Morena)
Morena: (smiles) You guys are flattery.
Rafael: No it is the truth. So what do you say?
Morena: (smiles) Let’s do it!!!
Rafael, Andrew & Nina: (excitedly) YAY!!!
(Later that day)
(Daniel returns to the restaurant)
Daniel: Welcome back babe.
Morena: Thank you.
Daniel: I’ve missed your pres£nce here…
Morena: (blus-hes)
(Daniel attempts to k!ssMorena but she st©ps him)
Morena: Uh uh, We’re still getting to know each other. Let’s not take things too fast.
Daniel: (smiles) Fine by me.
Morena: But then again…
(Morena pe-cks Daniel on the cheek)
Daniel: (smiles) Hmm…
Morena: (laughs) That was pe-ck not a k!ss.
Daniel: Okay then. I’ll be going out for deliveries, We’ll see later.
Morena: Absolutely.
(That evening)
(A fat man enters the restaurant)
Morena: Good day sir, May I take your order?
Fat Man: Yeah, I’d like two large hamburgers and grilled chicken.
Morena: Okay sir….But sir, Can I give an advice?
Fat Man: About what?
Morena: Well, Instead of hamburgers which’ll make you add more weight, I can make you a more healthier meal like vegetable salad.
Fat Man: Shut up! How dare you question my food choices and tell me what to eat?!
Morena: I’m really sorry sir, I meant no harm…
Fat Man: I’ll report you to your manager! Is someone there?! plea-se get me the manager!!!
Morena: plea-se sir, I’m sorry…
(Mr Rodriguez gets alerted by the noise)
Mr Rodriguez: Good evening sir, I’m Rodriguez, the manager. I heard your shouts, what happened?
Fat Man: Your employee here was indirectly insulting me and telling me what to eat. Don’t you know she’s not supposed to question me? The customer is always RIGHT!
Mr Rodriguez: Yes sir, I’m really sorry about that. I’ll go get another cook to take your order.
Fat Man: Better.
(Mr Rodriguez goes to the kitchen and Morena accompanies him)
Mr Rodriguez: (looks around) Where’s everyone?
Alicia: Ain’t nob©dy here. It’s just me.
Mr Rodriguez: There’s a client outside waiting, Go and take down his order.
Alicia: Okay.
(Alicia leaves the kitchen)
Mr Rodriguez: (To Morena) As for you, Remember you just got back from your suspension.
Morena: I’m really sorry sir…
Mr Rodriguez: Try this next time and I’ll fire you!
Morena: I’m sorry…
(He leaves the kitchen)
Morena: (sighs) That was a close shave. I wonder why some people misinterpret things easily…
(Later)
(Alicia cooks the food and Morena watches her )
Alicia: What is it? Why you starrin’ at me?
Morena: Uhhh… I’m just observing.
Alicia: Could you do that somewhere else?
Morena: No. This is where I wanna stay. (thinks) It seems like she doesn’t know she’s doing… (To Alicia) Do you nee-d any help?
Alicia: Nahh, I’ve got this.
Morena: Alright.
(Morena leaves the kitchen and Alicia continues cooking)
(In the dishwashing area)
(Morena washes the dirty dishes)
Morena: This dish washer is obsolete, We nee-d to get a new one…I wonder where Nina and the others are, Maybe I should call them…
(Just then, She smells smoke)
Morena: (coughs) Where’s this smell coming from…. Oh no!
(Morena goes back into the kitchen)
Morena: Alicia! What’s that?!
Alicia: How do you mean?
Morena: The grilled chicken and beef is burnt.
Alicia: I’m confused, Ain’t this how grilled chicken’s supposed to be?
Morena: But….
Alicia: But what? bit-ch, You gotta learn to mind your own business or else you gonna be given more than one week suspension this time!
(Alicia leaves the kitchen and goes to serve the man)
Alicia: Bro, Here’s your order…. Enjoy!!!
(She drops the food on the table and attempts to leave)
Fat Man: Get back here!
(Alicia turns around)
Alicia: Any problem bro?
Fat Man: (suprised) What is this?
Alicia: Your food.
Fat Man: You burnt my food?
Alicia: How bro? Ain’t this how it’s supposed to be?
Fat Man: Shut up! I paid $400 for two large hamburgers and grilled chicken and you’re giving me this burnt oblation to eat?!
Alicia: You haven’t even tasted it yet…
Fat Man: (angrily) Tasted what?! So you want me to choke to death? I’m gonna have you fired, Someone get me the manager!!!!
.
MORENA
Episode 20
(Mr Rodriguez rushes to meet the man)
Mr Rodriguez: Sir, What’s the matter this time?
Fat Man: This silly girl burnt my food!
Alicia: (angrily) Who you callin’ “silly”?
Mr Rodriguez: (warningly) Alicia….
Alicia: Sorry.
(She goes back into the kitchen)
Fat Man: Where is she going?!
Mr Rodriguez: I’m really sorry sir, I’m sure it was just an accident. Don’t worry, We’ll make you another meal but you’ll have to hold on because we’re out of beef and chicken and I s£nt some employees to go buy some.
Fat Man: It’s alright, Just tell Morena to make me vegetable salad…I guess I have no other option than to eat that.
Mr Rodriguez: Alright sir.
(Later)
Fat Man: Thank you for the vegetable salad. You were right, It tasted kinda better than the junk foods I usually eat. It’s good to try something new. I guess i’ll take your advice and eat healthier from now on (hands her $200) Take that.
Morena: Thank you very much sir.
(That evening)
Daniel: So Morena, Are you re-ady to go?
Morena: Yeah, My shift is over.
Daniel: Alright, I’ll drive you home.
Morena: (smiles) Thank you.
(That night, Daniel drops Morena off at her house)
Daniel: Goodnight.
Morena: (smiles) Goodnight.
(Next Day)
(At Chuks restaurant)
(At the dish washing area)
Nina: (laughs) I can’t believe this…
Morena: I’m serious, She literally burnt the man’s food and expected him to eat it.
Nina: (sighs) Some people can never acknowledge their mistakes.
Morena: Yeah.
Nina: So after that, What happened?
Morena: Well, The man said he’s going to eat healthy from now on.
Nina: He’s lucky he heeded your advice before it was too late. I mean, There are many health issues that come with being overweight – High blood pressure, diabetes and so on…
Morena: True, But I was suprised that Mr Rodriguez didn’t shout at Alicia or give her any punishment because she broke about three rules.
Nina: Haven’t you heard?
Morena: Heard what?
Nina: Mr Rodriguez and Alicia are d@t!ng.
Morena: How do you know?
Nima: Think about it, Why would he employ a terrible cook like her without even giving her a trial, And he ALWAYS calls her to his office for a “discussion”
Morena: Well that’s hypocritical and unfair. Why would he employ someone who’s inexperienced just because they’re d@t!ng?
Nina: Welcome to our world!
(Meanwhile)
(Mr Rodriguez goes to the kitchen)
Mr Rodriguez: Good morning everyone, How’re you all doing?
Andrew: We’re fine sir.
Mr Rodriguez: That’s good. You all should get back to work.
Cecilia: (se-ductively) Mr Rodriguez….
Mr Rodriguez: Yes Cecilia?
Cecilia: Do you nee-d me to make you a very tasty delicacy?
Mr Rodriguez: Wow, That’s very nice of you, I’d like to eat….
(Just then, Mr Rodriguez and Alicia make eye contact)
Mr Rodriguez: (To Cecilia) Actually, I’m good. I just had breakfast.
Cecilia: Ohhh, Alright. But anytime you nee-d me to cook something for you, You know where to find me. (looks at Daniel and smiles)
Mr Rodriguez: Sure.
(He goes to his office)
Daniel: (To Cecilia) You’re pathetic.
Cecilia: Coming from a deranged, impoverished, financially ruined broke as-s fool like you.
Daniel: (angrily) Who?
Andrew: (To Daniel) Ignore her bro.
(Later that day)
(At the service station)
Morena: (sighs) I wonder what’s happening today, We haven’t had clients yet.
Pascaline: Be patient. Remember today’s a working day.
Morena: I know…I’m just idle.
Pascaline: Hmm…Well in that case, I’ll nee-d you to mas-sage my feet.
Morena: Ewww.
Pascaline: Ewww? I have clean feet.
Morena: That still, I’m not a mas-seuse.
Pascaline: Well you said you were idle so I figured giving me a mas-sage would keep you busy.
(Just then, Mr Rodriguez calls Pascaline)
Mr Rodriguez: Pascaline, I want you to gather all the cooks in the meeting room, I want to speak to them
Pascaline: Okay sir.
(He drops the call)
Morena: What is it?
Pascaline: Mr Rodriguez wants to see us all in the meeting room right away
Morena: Okay…
(In the meeting room)
(Rodriguez speaks to Morena, Daniel, Nina, Pascaline, Rafael, Cecilia, Alicia and Andrew)
Rodriguez: I want to thank you all for ma-king enough money for the restaurant this past week. I also want to commend some of you on how well you obeyed the restaurant’s rules and how well you behaved yourselves e.g Daniel, Nina, Cecilia….
(Everyone stares at Rodriguez in shock)
Rodriguez: Why the stares? Hasn’t Cecilia been of good conduct?
Rafael: But sir, Wasn’t she the one who just got suspended for fighting?
Rodriguez: She wasn’t fighting. She was just defending herself.
(Cecilia smiles in satisfaction)
Rodriguez: Anyways, I want you all to work ha-rd . Morena, Daniel, Nina and co, I want you all to buckle up, work ha-rd , and make enough money for the restaurant.
Morena: But we do work ha-rd .
Rodriguez: I want you to work ha-rder!
Morena: Yes sir.
Rodriguez: Next, I want you all to obey the restaurant rules. No tardiness, No wasting of food items, No fighting, No form of ruckus and noise ma-king or using of phones on duty, If you all can obey these rules, I can as-sure you that this week will be a blissful week….Dismissed!
(Everyone disperse)
(Later that day)
Daniel: Hey Morena, I got you something.
Morena: Hmm, What’s that?
(Daniel takes out a box and gives it to her)
Daniel: I got you Chocolate turtles. Your favorites.
Morena: (hvgs him) Awwnn, Thank you so much… How did you know?
Daniel: I do my research…
Morena: You’re full of surprises. Anyway, Thanks. I really appreciate.
(Cecilia looks at both of them with raged-filled eyes)
Cecilia: (To Daniel) Moron.
(Cecilia attempts to leave the kitchen but Daniel drags her back)
Daniel: Hold up.
Cecilia: (she sl@ps his hand from her wrist) How dare you t©uçh me!
Daniel: Do you think I didn’t hear what you said, You just called me a moron, Because I refused to worsh!pyou?
Cecilia: And was I lying? Aren’t you a moron? Only a moron will behave the way you do.
Daniel: You just reek of jealousy.
Cecilia: What would I possibly be jealous of? (looks at Morena) You and this low clas-s wench?
Morena: Who’re you calling a wench?
Cecilia: You of course. (To Daniel) Get this straight, I can never be jealous of a broke as-s fool like you. Maybe you’re not aware of how useless and worthless you are to me, You’ve got nothing to offer, Idler.
Morena: You called him an idler? Aren’t you the one always using your mobile phone during work hours?
Cecilia: And who caused it? You’re the one who stole all of my clients?! If you never c@m£ to this place, Nothing as such would’ve ever happened…. This is why I’ll always hate you!
Daniel: Hate her or not. She’s better than you in every way.
Cecilia: (hisses) Get out!
(Pascaline enters the kitchen just then)
Pascaline: Cecilia, Mr Rodriguez wants to see you in his office right away
Cecilia: Tell him I’m coming.
(Cecilia hisses at Daniel and Morena as she leaves the kitchen, Meanwhile, Alicia looks at her suspiciously)
Daniel: Sometimes I wish I can turn back the hands of time so I can erase some of my mistakes.
Morena: Mistakes will always happen, But they do happen for a reason – For us to learn from them.
(In Rodriguez office)
Cecilia: Mr Rodriguez, You s£nt for me?
Mr Rodriguez: Yes Cecilia, I did…Have a seat.
(Cecilia sits down)
Mr Rodriguez: I wanted to talk to you concerning the money issue, I alre-ady s£nt you $3,000.
Cecilia: (angrily) Just $3,000? But sir, Didn’t I tell you I nee-ded $5,000? What am I supposed to do with $3,000?
Mr Rodriguez: Calm down. Look, I know that but I can’t be squandering the restaurant’s funds abruptly.
Cecilia: I thought you cared about me!
Mr Rodriguez: I do but…
(Someone knocks on the door)
Mr Rodriguez: Come in.
(The person turns out to be Alicia, She enters his office)
Alicia: Sir, I’d like to talk to you in pri-vate.
Mr Rodriguez: In pri-vate? About what?
Alicia: (angrily) About a client!
Mr Rodriguez: Ohh, Umm…Cecilia plea-se excuse us, I’ll get back to you.
Cecilia: Ok sir.
(Alicia stares at Cecilia angrily as she exits the office)
Mr Rodriguez: She’s gone. What was it you wanted to talk about?
Alicia: (furiously) Shut the fv¢k up! What the hell were you talkin’ ’bout with that bit-ch, Huh?! What the hell were you talkin’ ’bout with that bit-ch that you couldn’t tell her in the pres£nce of the other cooks? I’ve noticed how you usually look at her and talk to her but I’mma make somethin’ clear to you right now, I ain’t gonna share you with no damn cook in this goddamn restaurant! I’m marking my territory bro, Anyday I catch you doin’ somethin’ unusual with that bit-ch, I’mma rip your head off! And I don’t give a fv¢k ’bout goin’ back to jail, You got me?!!!
Mr Rodriguez: (quietly) Yeah..
To be CONTINUED