by Shawn James
old lady some respect.
MAMA
Dex, we don’t want no trouble-
A smooth Dex lets John’s mama know-
DEX
Ain’t gonna be no trouble Mrs. Williams. We just want to enjoy the festivities.
Mama backs down. The room goes silent as-
Dex and his crew stroll through the apartment. Dex is enjoying the groove of the music until he-
Spots Marcia dancing with John. They’re getting a grind on as-
Dex rushes over and-
Violently yanks Marcia away from John.
DEX
Yo, what is this shit?
MarciA
We just dancing Dex-
DEX
I’m out here bustin’ my ass on the street and you grinding up on niggers! What the fuck you think you doing Marcia?
MARCIA
I just wanted to welcome John back from Iraq-
DEX
I don’t care what you wanted to do, you don’t disrespect me. Now git yo ass upstairs.
Dex shoves Marcia across the room. He gives Marcia a cold look out of the corner of his eye. She scurries out of the apartment as-
Dex gets up in John’s grille.
DEX
First you get soda all over my gear. Now you steppin’ to my woman. What? You got a death wish soldier boy?
John
I ain’t know she was your woman-
DEX
Well now you know. I own that. Just like I own everything else around here-
JOHN
I don’t see your name on anything around here. Maybe you ought to put a mark on it-
Dex reaches into his waistband and takes out a-
9mm pistol
And points it John’s head. On seeing the gun-
DEX
I’ma put my mark on you-
John isn’t fazed. A tense stand-off builds as-
Partygoers scramble out the door screaming.
PARTYGOER#1
OH NO! THEY SHOOTIN! THEY SHOOTIN!
