Shayla Stuns Anthony: ‘I’m Changing Kai’s Last Name… To Arby’s!

 

Shayla Stuns Anthony: ‘I’m Changing Kai’s Last Name… To Arby’s!

[Scene: Anthony’s apartment — early evening. The atmosphere is tense. Shayla stands by the window, arms folded, while Anthony sits on the edge of the couch, trying to keep calm.]

Anthony:
(raising an eyebrow)
Alright Shayla, you said you needed to talk. What’s going on?

Shayla:
(quiet at first)
This ain’t easy for me, Anthony. I’ve been thinkin’ about it for a while now… And I didn’t come here to argue, I just need to say what’s on my heart.

Anthony:
(sits back, suspicious)
Mmhmm. That’s how you always start when it’s about to be some wild mess. Go ahead, I’m listening.

Shayla:
(sighs deeply)
I want to change Kai’s last name… to Arby’s.

Anthony:
(sits up straight, shocked)
What?! Shayla, don’t play with me. You want to what?

Shayla:
(steady voice)
I’m serious, Anthony. I want to change our son’s last name. It’s been heavy on me. I think it’s the best move for him... for all of us.

Anthony:
(voice rising)
So, you just gon’ take my child — my blood — and put another man’s name on him?! Arby’s?! The man you were just creepin’ around with?

Shayla:
(defensive)
It ain’t like that, and you know it. Arby’s been there. He shows up. He’s consistent. And Kai sees that. You... you been halfway present at best, Anthony.

Anthony:
(angrily)
I’m his father! I don’t have to prove that to nobody — not you, not Arby, not the state, nobody!

Shayla:
You think just being “the father” on paper is enough? Kids don’t remember paperwork, Anthony. They remember who was there when they cried at night, who took ‘em to the doctor, who helped with homework. Who showed up. You out here chasing your image, but Arby? He’s been steady.

Anthony:
(laughs bitterly)
Wow. So that’s where we at? You really gonna let that man step in and erase me?

Shayla:
(sincerely)
Nobody’s erasing you, Ant. But Kai deserves consistency, and right now, Arby’s giving him that. You out here in and out, playing tug-of-war with your ego. That ain’t good for a growing boy.

Anthony:
(gritting his teeth)
You really think putting Arby’s name on my son is gonna make him feel “stable”? That’s a slap in the face, Shayla. To me, to everything we tried to build.

Shayla:
(softly)
We tried, Ant. But what we had ain’t working. I’m not doing this to hurt you. I’m doing it for Kai. He already calls Arby “Coach Arby” half the time. It ain’t far off.

Anthony:
(firm)
He ain’t his daddy. I am.

Shayla:
Then act like it.

Anthony:
(taken aback)
Excuse me?

Shayla:
You heard me. Stop showing up when it’s convenient, or when you wanna flex in front of your homeboys. Stop posting him when it’s Father’s Day like you active. I ain’t trying to tear you down, Anthony. But look in the mirror, for real.

Anthony:
(breathing hard, trying to calm himself)
You really filed the paperwork?

Shayla:
(sighs)
No, not yet. That’s why I’m here. I wanted to talk to you first. Give you a chance to speak your peace. But I also needed to be honest about where I’m at.

Anthony:
(frustrated, running his hands over his face)
This ain’t about a name. It’s about you trying to rewrite the past just ‘cause you mad at me.

Shayla:
It ain’t about anger. It’s about doing what’s right for a child who didn’t ask for none of this mess. He deserves peace, and love, and clarity. Not confusion and court visits.

Anthony:
(quiet for a moment)
What if I change? What if I really start showing up? Every practice. Every school meeting. Would you reconsider?

Shayla:
(pauses)
I’d love that, Anthony. I want you to be that man for him. But I need to see it. Not hear it. We’ve had this talk before, and you always fade after a few weeks.

Anthony:
(hurt, but nodding slowly)
So I just lose my boy?

Shayla:
You never lost him. But you might lose the right to shape who he becomes if you don’t step up now. Arby ain’t trying to steal him — he’s just filling the gap. And he’s doing it well.

Anthony:
(shaking his head)
Man... I never thought I’d hear this from you.

Shayla:
(sincerely)
And I never wanted to say it. But I had to. Kai’s future matters more than your pride. Or mine.

Anthony:
(silent, then nods slowly)
Alright. You got your point across. But don’t expect me to roll over on this. He’s my son. I’m gonna fight.

Shayla:
(softly)
Then fight the right way. Not in court. Not with lawyers. Fight by being the father you know he needs.

Anthony:
(getting up)
I’ll be at his game Friday. Don’t tell him I’m coming. I want him to see me there — not hear about it ahead of time.

Shayla:
(slight smile)
That’s a good start.

Anthony:
(pauses)
But I still ain’t cool with this Arby name mess.

Shayla:
I know. But you’ve got time to change the story before I make that final decision.

[Scene ends as Shayla grabs her purse and walks to the door. Anthony watches her, conflicted but silent. The air is thick with uncertainty — and a sliver of hope.]