Episode 1 of CURLY YAS

1. CURLY YAS
Written by
Patricia C. Dixon
December 12th 2016
180 UPPER FANT ROAD
07958259973
Pdixon1@students.ucreative.ac.uk

2. CURLY YAS
“PILOT”
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. BEAUTY CON - NIGHT1 1
7:41pm. Its a Saturday night. Pink, purple and blue strobe
lights are flashing all around Kensington Olympia. The venue
is packed full of Beauty Con goers. There is a general hubbub
of chit chat throughout the pop-up booths.
Floods of people are surrounding one of the biggest and
youngest blogger stars in the UK - YAS.
Yas, 13, is a confident, ambitious and know-it-all black
teen, with a large afro, dressed in a glittery silver top and
blue jeans, is being interviewed by the host of Beauty Con.
KATY DESI, a white female, in her late 20s proceeds with the
interview.
KATY DESI
Hey everyone! Its Katy Desi here.
So, this year at Beauty Con, we are
joined by one of the youngest
beauty and lifestyle bloggers in
the UK. Curly Yas! Thanks so much
for joining us.
YAS
Aw! I’m so blessed to be here, It’s
such an honour be part such an...
The interview cuts her off. Yas is taken aback.
KATY DESI
Greeeeat! It’s our pleasure. Now
tell us the story of how it all
started for you.
YAS
Well, I’ve always had a love for
beauty, hair, fashion and all of
that good stuff. Then one day I
realised that there aren’t many
black teens from the UK who rock
their natural hair and that made me
wanna be part of a growing trend
which inspires girls with natural
hair to feel confident and embrace
their natural beauty. So with that,
I decided to start a blog and fast
forward to now, here I am.

3. KATY DESI
Wow! Thats such an amazing story.
So, how did it all start for you?
Yas looks baffled.
YAS
Um...I just explained.
KATY DESI
Oh! Yes you did. I’m so sorry about
that. Before you go though, can I
get a selfie?
YAS
Sure, I love selfies.
KATY DESI
Great! Say cheese!
Katy is looking upwards at nothing.
YAS
Cheese. Where am I looking?
KATY DESI
Say cheese!
Yas looks even more confused as to where to look. She looks
upwards, sees nothing there and then turns her head left and
right to spot where she should look.
YAS
But where are we looking?
KATY DESI
Chi! Say Chi! Chi! Chi! Chi!...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BRIXTON HOME - DAY2 2
6:45am. Its a Friday morning.
Sunlight beams onto Yas’ bright pastel coloured bedroom.
Outshining her warm white fairy lights. Suddenly, you hear a
loud call from another room. Yas’ mum DEBORAH, a proud and
strict 49 year old Nigerian woman with strong beliefs, is
calling Yas by her Igbo name, Chidinma but Chi for short.
DEBORAH
Chi! Chi! Oya!!
The word ‘cheese’ that the interviewer used, combines with
Deborah calling Yas’ by her Igbo name ‘Chi’. Getting
frustrated, she starts going towards Yas’ bedroom.
2.

4. DEBORAH (CONT’D)
Ah! CHI!! *kisses her teeth* Dis
girl. Making me come op to get ha.
In the meantime, Yas is still fast asleep, with her satin
bonnet almost sliding off her head.
DEBORAH (CONT’D)
Chi! Chi!
She gradually opens her eyes, lifts her head up, pats her
head to itch it and looks around the room. She tuts.
YAS
Oh my days!! It was a dream!
Yas drops her head back onto her pillow, which then loosens
her satin bonnet which then slips off onto the floor.
Suddenly, Deborah bangs loudly on the door and forces herself
in. Deborah charges towards Yas’ bed.
DEBORAH
CHID-IN-MA?! Did you not hear me?
YAS
Sorry Ma. I just woke up.
DEBORAH
So you just woke op(?) Oya! Get op,
get op, get op!
Yas moans and groans.
DEBORAH (CONT’D)
We need to tok about the move
before you leave for school.
She slowly lifts herself from the bed. She grabs her bonnet
from the floor and ties it back onto her head with a look of
annoyance.
DEBORAH (CONT’D)
Bi de wai, what is dis?
Yas looks up at the jar of extra virgin olive oil in her
mum’s hand. Yas' face changes to an awkward smile. Yas pauses
and eventually tries to answer hesitantly.
YAS
Ummm...
Deborah frowns and cuts her off.
DEBORAH
C-C-can you just tell me why der is
hair all over the jar and WHY. WAS.
IT put back in the COOKING
CUPBOARD?!
3.

5. Yas looks off into the distance.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BRIXTON HOME KITCHEN - NIGHT3 3
11:36pm. Its the night before. Yas switches on the kitchen
light. The bright fluorescent yellow tinted light reflects on
the green and orange tilted, square-like kitchen.
Yas goes to the kitchen cupboard, takes the jar of extra
virgin olive oil and proceeds to the mirror. After using it
on her hair, she places it back into the same cupboard.
CUT TO:
INT. YAS’ BRIXTION BEDROOM - DAY4 4
Yas looks to the right and breaks the forth wall. She does
the sign of the cross and turns back to her mum.
DEBORAH
You cannot blame your sista oh!
She’s not even in the country or
your broda.
In the meantime, Yas’ younger brother, SONNY a cheeky and
business minded 11 year old, pokes his head through Yas’
bedroom door and chuckles. She stares at him unpleasantly and
quickly looks back at her mum.
YAS
Err....errrr....I put it back when
I was sleep walking?
Deborah rolls her eyes, sighs and then walks away. As she
walks out, Yas grabs a flip flop from the floor and throws it
at Sonny.
SONNY
Ow! Mum!
Sonny backs away from her door, then she dashes to close it.
DEBORAH
Chi!
Yas leans back on her door, lifts her head up and gives a
cheeky smirk.
END OF
TEASER/INSERT
TITLES
FADE IN:
4.

6. ‘CURLY YAS’ flashes on screen.
FADE OUT/END OF
TITLES.
FADE IN:
MONTAGE
INT. BRIXTON HOME - DAY5 5
7:07am. Yas walks to her white desk and connects her phone to
her baby pink bluetooth speaker and plays her favourite
afrobeat song. She dances off. Meanwhile, Deborah is making
breakfast in the kitchen and listening to praise and worship
on a grey portable stereo.
Meanwhile, in a dark coloured tidy room, filled with money
symbols and entrepreneur posters, Sonny is counting his
money, and also listening to music on his PC.
Simultaneously, Yas gets her uniform out of her wardrobe and
beings dressing up. She then heads over to her bedroom window
and spots her dad who is in front of the house.
Concurrently, Yas’ father KOFI, is a level-headed and devoted
51 year old Ghanian man, is cleaning the family car at the
front. He is listening and dancing to 70s soul music. She
taps on the window, he notices, she waves and he waves back.
Yas then stands in front of a mirror, moisturising her face
with cocoa butter. She then opens her glittery 2-part make up
bag and rummages through it. She adds a bit of powder to her
face. In the kitchen, Deborah is laying out the last few
breakfast things on the dinning table.
Yas unties her satin bonnet and begins undoing her twist
out/bantu knots. After doing so, she plumps up her hair. She
takes a few selfies and uses one to update her profile
picture on FaceBook.
END OF MONTAGE.
FADE IN:
INT. BRIXTON HOME/CLEO’S BEDROOM - DAY6 6
Deborah, Kofi and Sonny are in the kitchen eating around the
Igbo tribe inspired breakfast bar. Deborah out calls for Yas.
DEBORAH
Chi! We are eating. Come quick.
In her bedroom, Yas is packing her metalic and glittery
satchel and then suddenly, her phone vibrates.
5.

7. It’s a notification that her school crush liked her profile
picture on FaceBook. Yas gasps, turns to the right and breaks
the forth wall.
YAS
OH. MY. DAYS!!!! Harry, THE hottest
boy in school just liked my profile
picture. Oh my gosh, I can’t cope!
I need to tell Cleo.
CLEO, 13, Yas’ multiracial best friend, who is half Italian
and half Jamaican, is ditzy and lovable. She proceeds to dial
Cleo’s phone number. Cleo answers.
YAS (CONT’D)
GURL! I have to be really quick as
my mum is calling me. You never
guess who just liked my profile
picture?
CLEO
Who?!
YAS
THE HOTTEST GUY IN SCHOOL.
Cleo gasps.
CLEO
Charlie?
Yas tilts her head side to the side patronisingly, but then
ponders.
YAS
Err...he’s cute but its not him.
CLEO
Is it David?
Yas is taken aback in disgust.
YAS
Ew, no! Its Harry!
CLEO
Oh my days.
YAS
I knowwwww!!!
CLEO
Gurl!! I’m so happy for you.
YAS
Aw thanks girl. Wedding invites
will be out soon.
6.

8. In the meantime, Yas has another call coming through.
YAS (CONT’D)
Ah girl, my mum is calling me. In a
bit.
CLEO
Sure thing girl. See ya.
She ends Cleo’s call. She grabs her bag, her phone, her
jacket behind her bedroom door and then leaves her room.
CUT TO:
INT. BRIXTON HOME - DAY7 7
Yas walks into the kitchen grinning from ear to ear.
YAS
Sorry for the wait guys.
Sonny looks at her in disgust.
SONNY
What are you all happy about?
YAS
None of your business, thank you.
Yas and Sonny both fake smile at each other.
YAS (CONT’D)
So what’s going on?
Deborah and Kofi both turn and look seriously at each other.
KOFI
So as you know we’ll be moving away
from London to North Devon.
YAS
Yeah, you guys are. Right?
KOFI
Right, but you’re coming with us
now.
Yas’ cheerful face turns glum.
YAS
What?! Nah, you guys said I could
stay with Auntie Maureen.
DEBORAH
She’s going back to Nigerian now.
7.

9. YAS
But...can’t I just stay with Cleo’s
family?
DEBORAH
We don’t wanna split the family up.
Yas is irritated and looks up at the ceiling.
YAS
So, that means I only have a week
left of school in London, right?
Kofi and Deborah both look down in shame and sigh.
KOFI
The house contract start date has
changed to a week earlier. Today
will be your last day in school.
Yas’ eyes widen.
YAS
(whispers) What?
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
I/E. EVELYN GRACE ACADEMY, BRIXTON - DAY8 8
8:45am. A large grey oblique modern school building, which
looks like something out of Star Trek, towers above Yas as
she arrives 15 minutes after registration has started.
Yas walks sombrely into school. She eventually stops at the
‘achievements’ wall by reception. She reaches her hand out
and strokes a wall full of pictures and achievements.
Also on to the wall, is Yas and classmates pictured
completing the Duke Of Edinburgh exhibition. Yas drops her
head into her hands and begins to cry. She looks up again and
breaks the forth wall.
YAS
I can’t believe that today is my
last EVER day here. All my friends
and favourite memories are here.
She kisses her teeth and shakes her head.
YAS (CONT’D)
I’m just waiting for my parents to
walk in and be like ‘Yas! We’ve
changed our minds!’ You can stay in
London.’ (sighs) but that ain’t
gonna happen...
8.

10. MR MASSEY
Yas!
Yas’ head shoots up as she hears her name. Her face lights
up. She turns her head around slowly in anticipation. She
sees MR MASSEY standing there and her face changes to
aversion.
MR MASSEY (CONT’D)
What are you doing out of
registration?
Yas scoffs and whispers under her breath.
YAS
The snake.
Mr Massey, Yas’ Maths teacher, is a ginger haired 31 year old
man. He is known as “The Snake” as he often snitches on the
pupils to different teachers.
MR MASSEY
Snake. Did you just call me a
snake?
Yas widens her eyes and has a calculating look on her face.
YAS
No sir. Er..I err...I didn’t say
snake..I er...
Yas sees a wildlife display behind his head.
YAS (CONT’D)
I mean, I did say snake. I’ve just
seen a snake on the display behind
Sir. I love me some snakes, haha.
She laughs sarcastically. Mr Massey turns, sees the display
and then turns back to Yas, scowling at her. He notices her
bag and jacket in her hands.
MR MASSEY
Did you just turn up?
YAS
Er..Nope?
MR MASSEY
You’re always late...Go! Miss
Jesson will not be pleased.
Mr Massey points towards the end of the hallway. Yas starts
to walk and Mr Massey follows behind her, leading her to MISS
JESSON’s classroom.
CUT TO:
9.

11. INT. MISS JESSON'S CLASSROOM - DAY9 9
The overcast sky vaguely lights the orange english classroom.
Miss Jesson, Yas’ form tutor, is a slim brunette. She is a
kind and sweet type. She is rubbing out the white board to
prep for the next lesson after which will be after
registration. Moments later, Mr Massey knocks on her door.
MISS JESSON
Come in!
She sees them through the vision panel in her door. She looks
confused. Mr Massey opens the door.
MISS JESSON (CONT’D)
Oh Yas!
Mr Massey stares lovingly at Miss Jesson.
MISS JESSON (CONT’D)
Hi Mr Massey. How you doing?
Mr Massey doesn’t respond. Instead he is captivated by Miss
Jesson. Yas looks up at Mr Massey in shock, turns to the
right and then breaks the forth wall.
YAS
Well, someone’s in love.
Yas turns back. Miss Jesson smiles unsure at Mr Massey.
PUPIL NO. 1
Miss, I think you’ve got a crush.
The whole class laugh.
MISS JESSON
Quieten down class...Mr Massey, I
must get back to my form now.
Thanks for bringing Yas.
Mr Massey snaps out of it.
MR MASSEY
Err...It was my pleasure.
He slowly leaves the classroom. Everyone is looking around is
confusion. Miss Jesson looks down at Yas and notices that she
looks glum.
MISS JESSON
Are you okay Yas?
She doesn’t respond. Yas then goes to sit at a single desk at
the back. Miss Jesson notices that Yas’ face is still glum.
Miss Jesson looks up at the clock and sees that its 5 minutes
before she is meant to let her class go.
10.

12. MISS JESSON (CONT’D)
Okay class, I know its not 9am yet
but you can leave 5 minutes early.
The class leave. Miss Jesson walks over to Yas and kneels
next to her.
MISS JESSON (CONT’D)
Are you sure you’re okay Yas?
YAS
Mmm hmm.
MISS JESSON
That doesn’t sound very convincing.
You’re usually so bubbly and
excited whenever you come in. Is
everything okay at home?
Yas turns to the right and breaks the forth wall.
YAS
(Tearfully) Here come the water
works.
Yas turns back, rest her head on her hands and begins to sob.
MISS JESSON
Aw Yas! One second hun, let me get
you some tissues.
She hurries to her desk and rummages around. She finds them.
Meanwhile, Cleo walks past the room and sees Yas looking
upset and Miss Jesson comforting her. She knocks on the door.
Miss Jesson gestures her to come in. She quickly opens the
door and rushes in.
CLEO
Yas, are you okay girl?
Yas shakes her head and begins to tell them everything.
FADE OUT.
EXT. EVELYN GRACE ACADEMY, BRIXTON - DAY10 10
3:30pm. Its the end of the day. Yas and Cleo are both walking
towards the school exit, arms linked to each other’s. Miss
Jesson is monitoring the school gates with another member of
staff. She notices Yas.
MISS JESSON
Aw bye Yas. Its been lovely having
you in my class.
She gives her a quick hug.
11.

13. YAS
Thanks Miss. You’re the best
teacher ever.
MISS JESSON
Bless you Yasmin. All the best in
Appledore.
Yas smiles and then walks away with Cleo.
FADE TO:
EXT. BUS STOP - DAY11 11
Yas and Cleo get to the bus stop.
CLEO
That was the last time we’d walk to
the bus stop together.
YAS
Yeah, I know.
Meanwhile, a group of three girls walk towards them.
CHANNELLE A - the leader, CHANNELLE B AND CHANNELLE C.
CHANNELLE A
Is that Cleo and Yas?
CHANNELLE B AND C
Yeah.
CHANNELLE B.
Did you know that its Yas’ last day
at school today? She’s leaving for
Devon on Sunday.
Channelle A’s eyes widen in happiness.
CHANNELLE C.
Well obviously she knew that
Channelle B.
CHANNELLE A.
No, I didn’t actually. Thanks B.
Channelle B grins smugly at Channelle C. Channelle A glances
at Yas and Cleo.
CUT TO:
INT. BRIXTON HOME - DAY (2 DAYS LATER)12 12
Its a Sunday afternoon. Piles of hair and beauty magazines,
online shopping packages and moving boxes surround Yas’
bedroom.
12.

14. Yas is sitting at the desk in her room typing up a blog post
on her laptop about ‘reasons why moving to Appledore is a
TERRIBLE idea’. She turns to the right and breaks the forth
wall.
YAS
I wonder if I just show her I’m
mature enough, she’ll be convinced
that I can live on my own.
CUT TO:
INT. BRIXTON HOME - DAY13 13
Yas starts cleaning around the house. Whilst cleaning Yas
notices that a photograph on the wall isn't straight, so she
goes towards the wall, climbs on the sofa and anything else
she can use to reach it.
She jerks and lurches, which instantly makes her fall to the
ground. Yas starts fake crying. 1 minute later, Yas is still
on the floor crying. Eventually, her mum responds from the
kitchen...
DEBORAH
*KISSES TEETH* Can you jost get op
from de floor. Big girl like you!
There is some much left to do for
our move and you are jost messin
about!
Yas gets up and dusts herself off. Sonny sees her, chuckles,
shakes his head and then leaves the room with a cash float in
his hand.
CUT TO:
EXT. BRIXTON HOME - DAY14 14
Kofi, is outside chatting to one of the neighbors. Yas walks
outside sorrowful and looks of into the distance. Kofi
notices her. Yas starts to reminisce about growing up in her
house. Her first bike ride, playing outside with neighbors
and siblings etc.
She then holds her head in her hands and starts to cry. Kofi
notices her closed body language, politely ends the
conversation and walks over to her.
KOFI
Is this about the move?
Yas sniffles and mumbles.
13.

15. YAS
I just don’t understand why we need
to move. We have everything here.
Family, friends. Our whole life is
in Brixton.
Yas cries. Kofi sighs and puts his arm around her.
KOFI
Hey-hey....I don’t think you know
why your mum moved to the London.
Yas continues to sniffle.
KOFI (CONT’D)
She moved here at first to open up
her own bakery but was convinced by
her family to just stick to
accounting.
Yas lifts her head up and looks at Kofi.
KOFI (CONT’D)
So for 20 years, mum hasn’t been
able to follow her dreams and now
that she has the opportunity to she
wants to take it.
Yas looks at Kofi.
YAS
I didn’t know that.
Kofi laughs a bit.
KOFI
Yeah I know.
Yas wipes her tears.
KOFI (CONT’D)
She’s just been focused on brining
up the family all these years,
she’s had her dreams of hold. Let
me tell you a little secret, she’s
still nervous about the whole move,
so helping her out with packing and
showing that you’re excited to move
will show her support.
Yas pauses.
YAS
Yeah I guess so...Thanks Dad.
Yas and Kofi hug.
14.

16. KOFI
Okay, we’re gonna be leaving very
soon, so go ahead and see what you
can do to help out.
YAS
Okay dad.
CUT TO:
EXT. APPLEDORE HOME - DAY15 15
Meanwhile, at the new house in Appledore, the real estate
agent - MERLIN, a sophisticated and put together man, arrives
at the house. He looks around and then checks his watch.
FADE TO:
INT. BRIXTON KITCHEN - DAY16 16
In the meantime, Deborah is frantically walking around the
kitchen trying to pack whilst cooking. Yas walks into the
kitchen and says reluctantly...
YAS
Do you need help with anything?
There is a short pause and then Yas gives her mum a hug.
Deborah looks around in confusion but then hugs her back.
CUT TO:
EXT. APPLEDORE HOME - DAY17 17
Concurrently, Merlin calls Kofi. There is no answer, so he
tries a leave voicemail.
MERLIN
Hello Mr Badu. Its Merlin here.
Just wanna know when you’ll be
getting here? I’m waiting outside
at the moment. Call me when you get
this message. Ta.
FADE TO:
INT. BRIXTON HOME - DAY/NIGHT18 18
The family are all packing and clearing the house ready for
the move. Yas is in her room talking to her friend Cleo
through video call whilst also packing.
CLEO
How do you feel about the move?
15.

17. Yas sighs.
YAS
I don’t know. I just want my mum to
be...
Cleo starts hysterically crying. Yas gets startled.
CLEO
I’m just gonna miss ya so much
Yas!!
Yas looks to the right, breaks the forth wall and sighs.
YAS
It was only a matter of time. Cleo
here, is a cryer if you didn’t
know. She cries at everything and I
mean eeeeverything. Her food
falling on the floor, cries,
missing a bus, cries, watching any
type of film, you get where I’m
coming from. I’m surprised she
didn’t cry when I first told her.
Yas turns back to Cleo.
CLEO
It’s not gonna be the same without
ya.
Meanwhile, Yas’ older sister VICTORIA, 20, an overachiever,
is trying to video call her.
YAS
I’ll call you back Cleo. My sister
is trying to speak to me. I’ll call
you back in a few.
Cleo sniffles.
CLEO
I won’t be around in the next
couple hours as I’ll be shopping
with the Channelle’s.
Yas is taken aback.
YAS
Oh..oh, okay. Hopefully another
time then. Speak to ya soon, byeee.
CLEO
Yeah defo! Byeee girl!
Yas hangs up and answers her sister’s call.
16.

18. YAS
Hey sis.
VICTORIA
Hey! Have you guys left yet?
YAS
Nope.
VICTORIA
Wait. Weren’t you guys meant to
leave at like 1pm? Isn’t it like
3:30?
YAS
Yep and yep.
They both sigh.
VICTORIA/YAS
Black people time.
They both chuckle.
FADE TO:
I/E. BRIXTON HOME - DAY19 19
3:45pm. Kofi, PAUL and BARRY CHUCKLE are all outside loading
the last few things into the removal van. Paul Chuckle,69, is
a slightly chubby, tall, dominant, confident yet clueless and
Barry Chuckle,71, is skinny, he is also quite clueless and
inferior. Paul and Barry are both carrying a large lamp.
PAUL/BARRY
To me, to you. To me, to you. To
me, to you.
PAUL
Okay Barry, put the lamp down
gen...
Barry abruptly drops the lamp. Kofi suddenly turns.
KOFI
Woah! Careful.
BARRY
Oh dear, oh dear! Silly me.
PAUL
Silly you.
Barry ignorantly picks it back up and they both place it into
the van. Kofi takes a baffled glare at both of them.
17.

19. KOFI
Erm....so, we’ll be leaving in the
next 30 minutes or so, so we’ll
meet you there.
PAUL
Will there be anyone there already.
KOFI
Yeah, the estate agent Merlin will
be there.
PAUL
Alright, see you.
They both go into the van and they drive away. Meanwhile,
Deborah and Kofi continue to move the last few items into
their own trailer which is attached to the family car. Sonny
is waiting in the car. During this time, Yas is in her room.
YAS
Bye room. Its been real.
Yas slowly walks through the house. She opens the front door,
steps out, then looks back inside one last time. She closes
the front door and then walks towards the car. Meanwhile,
Deborah sympathetically smiles at her.
YAS (CONT’D)
Bye house.
Yas goes into the car and then they drive off.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
I/E. CAR - NIGHT20 20
The Badu’s are driving through central London.
DEBORAH
Chi. Its your turn to choose a
radio station. BBC 1XTRA?
Yas doesn’t respond.
KOFI
What about Afromix FM? I know how
you love afrobeats.
YAS
I’m not in the mood right now.
18.

20. SONNY
If she doesn’t pick, can we stay in
silence, i’m trying to count my
earnings.
Kofi and Deborah both smile and look surprised. Yas breaks
the fourth wall and looks to the right.
YAS
Mum just looks so excited about the
move. I can’t exactly bring out my
list of ‘Reasons why moving to
Appledore is such a TERRIBLE
IDEA’..ooooh..just thought of
another one. Reason 100 - I’m going
to be complete and utterly
friendless!
She looks pleased with her new “reason” but then suddenly
frowns again. Yas looks back to the front.
CUT TO:
EXT. APPLEDORE HOME - NIGHT21 21
6:45pm. Meanwhile, Merlin is slouched outside. Suddenly, the
removal van pulls up into the driveway. Merlins face lights,
he jumps up and dusts himself off. Paul parks the van inches
away from a tree and they both step out.
PAUL
Hi-de-hi! Ah, so you must be the
agent?
MERLIN
Yes I am. You must be the uhh...
Merlin sees their appearance, stares for a few seconds.
PAUL
What, cat got your tongue(?)
They both cackle.
BARRY
Chuckle-removals at your service.
Merlin nervously laughs.
MERLIN
Anyways, have you spoken to The
Badu’s recently? They were meant to
be here a couple hours ago.
PAUL
We last spoke to them when we left
their place in Brixton.
(MORE)
19.

21. They said they’ll be 30 minutes
behind us, so they should be here
in no time.
Merlin’s face lights up.
MERLIN
Ah great! In that case, I guess you
can start moving their stuff in to
save time.
The removal men both look at each other.
BARRY
Sounds like a plan.
FADE TO:
I/E. CAR/PETROL STATION - NIGHT22 22
Kofi has left to fill up the car and pay for the petrol.
SONNY
£100, 101, 102, 103...
Deborah slightly turns her body towards Yas who is sitting at
the back of the car.
DEBORAH
It’ll all be worth it Chi. Trust
me.
YAS
Hopefully...oh yeah, mum? Can you
show me a picture of what the house
looks like?
SONNY
Shhh! I’m counting!
DEBORAH
I told you, its a surprise.
Yas looks frustrated. Sonny tuts. Yas then smiles cheerfully
and looks over at Sonny.
SONNY
177, 178, 179, 180
Yas starts calling out random numbers at the same time and
pace as Sonny.
YAS
320, 37, 196, 85
SONNY
Urgh! Now I have to start again.
PAUL (CONT'D)
20.

22. Yas smirks. Kofi gets back, sits down and addresses the
family.
KOFI
Okay guys, so I hope you’re sitting
tightly.
Yas looks at Sonny in confusion, then Deborah looks at Kofi
in confusion also.
DEBORAH
Why you ask?
KOFI
So, we’re kinda behind schedule. We
were meant to be there, like now,
but if anyone asks, we’re stuck in
traffic. Okay?
All three of them nod hesitantly and then Kofi drives off.
CUT TO:
I/E. CAR - NIGHT23 23
3 hours later. Yas breaks the forth wall.
YAS
I know that mum knows best, but I
can just imagine what living in
Appledore will be like. No heating,
no electricity. No electricity?!?!
That means no internet and no
internet means NO MORE BLOG.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. DREAM HOUSE - DAY24 24
She starts dreaming about what the house will look like in
her opinion.
FADE TO.
I/E. APPLEDORE HOME/CAR - NIGHT25 25
9:58pm. The three of them are going back and forth loading
things into the house. Merlin steps away to catch his breath
and check the time. He then calls Kofi’s phone.
DEBORAH
Hello Mr Merlin.
21.

23. MERLIN
Finally! I’ve been trying to get
through to you for the past 5
hours.
The phone abruptly disconnects.
DEBORAH
Hellooo? I think its bad signal.
MERLIN
Hello?!
Merlins takes the phone from his ear and looks at his phone.
He sighs and then puts it back in his pocket. He begins to
walk away but as he does, he hears a car pulling up in the
driveway, followed by a horn. He smirks.
CUT TO:
I/E. CAR - NIGHT26 26
Yas wakes up in tears and then looks outside the window. They
arrived at the new house. Yas still looks upset and anxious.
KOFI
Wake up Yas. We’ve arrived.
Yas reluctantly steps out of the car and whispers.
YAS
I’m not going to like it here.
I/E. APPLEDORE HOME - NIGHT27 27
The Badu’s open their doors. Merlin has a smug look on his
face.
MERLIN
What happened guys?
THE BADU’S
Traffic.
They all look at each other and smirk.
MERLIN
Well, at least you’re here. So
whilst we were waiting, we started
unloading.
Merlin begins to lead them through the front door and
upstairs.
22.

24. YAS
There’s way too many stairs. What
if I have a heart attack and fall
down all these stairs and break my
nec...
DEBORAH
Shh...stop toking. It’s late.
Merlin opens the pinewood front door and switches on the
light.
MERLIN
Welcome to your new home Chi.
The family walk in. White walls and blue ceiling boarders
surround each corner. Pinewood doors and window ledges
accenting the room. Everything has been laid out. Yas and
Sonny look amazed at the new house, but Yas doesn’t want to
show it.
SONNY
Cool!
YAS
It ite.
Yas breaks the forth wall.
YAS (CONT’D)
This place is AMAZING!
MERLIN
So you like it?
Yas shrugs her shoulders. Merlins laughs.
DEBORAH
She isn’t keen on the country yet.
MERLIN
Ah I see. You’ll get used to it.
The removal men walk towards the family from another room.
PAUL
Righty-o, its all done for you now.
KOFI
Thank you so much and so sorry for
being late.
BARRY
Don’t stress yourself for us. Its
him who was a bit...
Barry does the “crazy” gesture. Merlin rolls his eyes.
23.

25. MERLIN
Anyway, I think its time we leave
you. Here are your keys. As its
really late, I’ll have to email you
the info.
KOFI
Okay that fine.
MERLIN
Great, enjoy your new home and
welcome to Appledore.
PAUL/BARRY
Goodbye now.
Merlin and the two removal men leave the house. Deborah turns
to Yas and Sonny.
DEBORAH
Oya, you heard what he said, it’s
very late and you need to go to
bed, you have school in the
morning.
YAS
Yay. School (!)
FADE TO:
INT. APPLEDORE HOME/KITCHEN - DAY28 28
Deborah, Kofi and Sonny are sitting at the table, eating
breakfast. Yas sombrely walks towards them.
KOFI
Looking forward to school.
Yas angrily grabs toast and slaps butter onto it.
SONNY
I’m feeling real excited.
YAS
Well, thats because you’re gonna
start selling your “goods” in a new
school.
Sonny kicks Yas underneath the breakfast table and Yas
shrieks.
DEBORAH
Mm mm mm! If I catch you selling
dat rubbish again I will send you
back to Nigeria.
Yas tilts her head and stares at Sonny with a smug look.
24.

26. YAS
Well, I’m gonna have no friends.
SONNY
Well I wonder why(?)
DEBORAH
Ahhh! Both of you stop quarreling.
You are meant to be brother and
sister. When I grew up in Nigeria,
my...
Yas and Sonny mime the rest of Deborah’s sentence.
DEBORAH/YAS/SONNY
...brothers and sisters never used
to quarrel.
Yas and Sonny both smile at each other.
DEBORAH
Chi, you’ll find friends. These
things take time.
Yas slouches on the table and eats the toast.
FADE TO:
EXT. APPLEDORE HOME - DAY29 29
Kofi and Deborah are both outside chatting to their new
neighbor, TOM. Tom,65, is a kind and generous, yet forgetful
blonde haired man.
TOM
I’m guessing you’re brand new. I’m
Tom. What are your names?
KOFI
This is my wife Deborah and I’m
Kofi. Inside is our son, Sonny and
daughter, Yas.
TOM
Great! Where have you lot moved
from?
Deborah changes her accent to a posh Londoner, however her
Nigerian accent still comes through.
DEBORAH
Brixton, South London.
TOM
Oooh wonderful. London. I’m from
London too, but I moved here with
my wife to get away from city life.
25.

27. KOFI
Ah you’re married. How long for?
Tom chuckles.
TOM
Married. Why would you ask that.
I’ve never been married before.
Deborah and Kofi sharply turn to look at each other in
complete confusion.
DEBORAH
Oh, you just said you have a wife?
TOM
Oh did I? Sorry I don’t have the
best short term memory.
Deborah and Kofi both sympathetically smile at Tom and then
at each other.
TOM (CONT’D)
So why have you all moved down to
quiet Appledore?
DEBORAH
Well I’m opening a bakery nearby
and its always been my dream to
live somewhere like this.
TOM
That’s lovely.
Yas and Sonny step out of the house. Tom notices them.
TOM (CONT’D)
Ah, that must be Sonny and Cher.
Deborah looks at Tom in confusion. She exaggerates the
pronunciation of Yas’ name for Tom to understand.
DEBORAH
Sonny and YAASS come over and say
‘hi’ to our new neighbor Tom.
Yas and Sonny both look at each other, then Yas breaks the
forth wall and turns to the right.
YAS
Okay, so we were brought up knowing
that with anyone who is older than
you, you have to call them auntie
or uncle, but mum has just said to
say hi to Tom. Like, help us out
here. Do we need to say uncle?
26.

28. Yas looks back at the front. Sonny and Yas continue to walk
to their parents and Tom.
YAS (CONT’D)
(whispers) mum, should we say just
‘Tom’ or ‘Uncle tom’?
DEBORAH
(mouths) Uncle Tom.
Yas raises her head in acceptance.
YAS/SONNY
Hello Uncle Tom.
Tom is taken aback.
TOM
Oh, I never expected that.
DEBORAH
Its our culture. Anyone who is
older than you, out of respect you
refer to them as ‘uncle’ or
‘auntie’.
TOM
Ah. I could definitely get used to
that...I’m Tom, what’s your name?
Yas and Sonny look at her parents in confusion. Deborah
awkwardly smiles at them.
KOFI
Its been lovely speaking with you
Tom. We have to take these lot to
school now. Hope you have a lovely
day.
TOM
Likewise. Take my number if you
need anything. I’ve recently gotten
this new phone, so if I don’t
answer right away it’s not because
I’m ignoring you, I’m just a bit
forgetful.
Tom laughs and the Badu’s laugh with him. Yas breaks the
forth wall.
YAS
Nah you don’t say.(!)
FADE TO:
27.

29. I/E. KINGSLEY SCHOOL - DAY30 30
9:45am. A cotton white square shaped school building, which
looks like something out of Downton Abbey, is at the end of a
road. Yas and family arrive at Kingsley School. They start to
walk along the corridor to the principal’s office.
INT. PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE - DAY31 31
The principal MR FEARNLEY MBE, 60, a wacky and eccentric
type, dressed in a lime green fitted suit is standing up and
admiring his cabinet full of trophies and himself in the
reflection.
MR FEARNLEY MBE
Ah yes! Don’t you look gorgeous!
Ah why thank you, you’re far too
kind...You are a confident and
courageous man...I mean, Principal,
I mean...Principal with a MBE.
Meanwhile, Yas, Sonny, Deborah and Kofi have already entered
into his office but he hasn’t noticed. Kofi clears his throat
and says
KOFI
Err..hello..Mr Fearnley
Mr Fearnley sharply turns around.
MR FEARNLEY MBE
MBE.
KOFI
Pardon?
MR FEARNLEY MBE
Mr Fearnley MBE.
He gestures that he should repeat what he just said.
KOFI
Mr Fearnley MBE?
MR FEARNLEY MBE
Perfect. We were expecting you at
9am, but not to worry. The Badu’s -
Kofi, Deborah and our newest
editions, Yas and Sonny.
Welcome to Kingsley High School.
They look at each other in confusion.
FADE TO:
28.

30. INT. KINGSLEY CORRIDOR - DAY32 32
The Badu’s and Mr Fearnley are walking down the corridor.
MR FEARNLEY MBE
I think we can take it from here,
Mr and Mrs Badu.
KOFI
Sure, okay bye guys. Enjoy your
first day. Love you.
DEBORAH
Have a blessed day.
Deborah reaches into her handbag and takes out her anointing
oil and anoints Yas and Sonny on their foreheads.
DEBORAH (CONT’D)
You are anointed, go and be
blessed.
Yas and Sonny roll their eyes and chuckle to each other. Kofi
and Deborah hug them and walk off.
MR FEARNLEY MBE
So - Sonny you’ll be in 7C with
Miss Morris and Yas, you’ll be in
form 9H with Mr Bennett.
YAS/SONNY
Okay.
Mr Fearnley chuckles.
MR FEARNLEY MBE
Don’t be afraid guys, you’ll
absolutely love it here.
Mr Fearley’s deputy - MISS HUDSON, a white female, in her 30s
and 7 months pregnant, flounders towards them.
Sonny, if you follow my deputy Miss
Hudson, she’ll show you to your
form and Yas i’ll take you to
yours.
Mr Fearnley knocks on the door.
INT. MR BENNETT’S CLASSROOM - DAY33 33
Meanwhile, MR BENNETT is talking with his class. Mr Bennett a
lanky 27 year old Caucasian man dressed in an oversized light
grey suit and a stick thin black tie, is addressing his form.
29.

31. MR BENNETT
Great. Thanks for tha...Come in!
Yas and Mr Fearnley enter. The class stand in respect of Mr
Fearnley.
MR FEARNLEY MBE
You may all sit now, thank you. Now
9H, I’d like you all to welcome
your new classmate Yasmin. She’s
moved from South London, so lets
all come up and give her a warm
Kingsley welcome.
The whole class stare at her. The only black face staring at
a sea of white faces. This makes her feel reserved and shy .
Everyone is looking around awkwardly.
MR FEARNLEY MBE (CONT’D)
Well guys, don’t just sit there,
get up and give her a friendly
welcome.
The class start to gradually walk towards Yas. The first few
students don’t say anything but just proceed to stare at her
hair.
YAS
Hi, I’m Yas. Nice to me you guys.
Most of them smile awkwardly. Then one student compliments
her hair.
STUDENT
Your hair is cool.
Yas smirks.
YAS
Thanks.
The student starts touching her hair, then another student
goes up and touches it also. Eventually, most of the class
are all playing with her hair. Yas breaks the forth wall.
YAS (CONT’D)
Well, this is awkward.
FADE TO BLACK.
30.