I have been at Itumeleng’s house for two hours and she still hasn’t picked out an outfit for Lesego’s lunch party at some place called Angelou’s. She made me change into one of her dresses cos I was dressed too casually.

This is a completely different Itumeleng from the one I hang out with at school. I am surprised that she is so worried about fitting in with Lesego’s group and trying to please them. I thought she didn’t care. The Itumeleng I know is a bookworm who doesn’t have a social life.

She finally chooses an outfit at around 2.30 and we get an Uber to Angelous in Sandton, where we find Lesego and her groupies in full swing. They look very glamorous, making Itumeleng and I seem extremely underdressed, even after all of Itumeleng’s fussing.

I don’t know how Lesego is going to pay for this whole spread. Her friends are ordering the most expensive meals on the menu, which is making me cringe. Lesego seems to notice my discomfort.

“Don’t worry, darl. Order anything. I’ll take care of it,” she assures me. She must be from an extremely wealthy family, I think.

“Listen Asiphe and Itumeleng, there is this party we have been invited to later. I would just love it if you guys could come with us,” she tells us after dessert, flashing her winning smile.

Itumeleng is bouncing in her seat with excitement while I freak out quietly. I am not exactly the party-going type.

“A party? Where? And I need to be home by seven,” I blurt out, thinking of my dad. “How is that going to work?”

“You should probably call your dad and tell him we’re having a slumber party … just us girls,” Nelly says, winking at me.

“You definitely don’t want to miss this party, Asiphe. It is going to be amazing,” Khanyi says, in between gulps of her drink.

I don’t want to lie to my dad about going. He trusts me and I can’t break that trust. What if something bad happens?”

“Please come with us, Asiphe. I am sure you will enjoy it. Plus, I can’t go without you,” Itumeleng pleads with me. I can see in her eyes just how much she wants to be accepted by the popular girls; to be part of their clique.

“I don’t know … I am not the partying type and I don’t feel comfortable lying to my dad.”

“Come on Asiphe! We just want to show you a good time. Please say yes. You won’t regret it.”

There is a forceful tone in Lesego’s voice now that makes me feel it wouldn’t be wise to say no. The rest of the girls look at me expectantly.

What’s the worst that could happen? It’s just a party, I try telling myself. I pull out my phone and send my dad a text. He replies instantly, saying he is fine with me staying the night at Itumeleng’s house. I know he is happy that I have made a friend. A part of me wishes he had said no.

“We are good to go. Let’s party,” I say, with as much enthusiasm as I can muster.

The party is at a huge house in Sandton. When we walk in a group of men cheer and Lesego waves and struts over to them, followed by us, her minions. A lot of guests are milling around but we are ushered into a living room that has been sectioned off with a red rope. There is champagne waiting in an ice bucket, which Lesego pours into champagne flutes for all of us.

A few moments later the group of guys from the foyer saunter in and glance around. I watch as they look us up and down, appraising us. And then it’s like they choose one of us each, and come over.

I am perched on the edge of a couch and one of the guys sits down next to me. Much too close. I feel uneasy.

“Hi baby girl. I am Robert. You are very beautiful,” he says, placing his hand on my thigh.

My breath catches in my throat and I move his hand away immediately. But he pushes it back and then presses up against me. My heart is racing and panic is rising as he tries to kiss me. I manage to push him off and stand up.

“What are you doing?” he says, frowning. He’s standing next to me now, really close. “Don’t act shy, sweetheart. You know you want me. Plus, all of Lesego’s friends know the deal. I’ll definitely make it worth your while. Name your price,” he says, then chuckles.

I can’t believe this. I scan the room and see Itumeleng being poured another drink, by a guy who looks twice her age. She seems to be enjoying the attention. Little does she know. I go over, grab her arm and pull her outside.

“We need to get out of here. I think that man just offered me money for sex.”

“Asiphe you are over-reacting! This is such a cool party. Also, we are in with Lesego and her crew and we can’t mess that up.”

“Itumeleng, I just told you I feel uncomfortable and you want me to suck it up and take it, so the popular girls don’t kick us out of their group? Are you serious?”

“Yes I am. Do you know how long–”

Lesego comes out and sees us, interrupting Itumeleng. “Is there a problem, ladies?” she asks, her long nails tapping on her champagne glass.

“Yeah. I want to go home,” I say, walking up to her.

“Why? I thought you were having such a good time? What happened?”

“Some old man just grabbed me and kissed me, then practically offered me money for sex!”

“If Robert isn’t your type I am sure we can find you another guy.”

Even Itumeleng is shocked to hear Lesego say this. I just stand there, staring at her for a moment, while she waits for my response.

“I’m sorry – what?!”

“Don’t be naïve, Asiphe. These men are how we could afford our extravagant lunch. This isn’t a big deal. Do you think I could pay for all that food and drink? Do you think my parents even know about this? These men cater to our needs and in return we spend the night with them. They aren’t unreasonable you know. You don’t have to sleep with a guy tonight, but you will have to eventually. Tonight, focus on building a profitable relationship. Nothing major.”

“We are not doing that. No way. Come on Itumeleng; we are leaving. This is ridiculous.” I turn to leave but Itumeleng is just standing there. She doesn’t follow me as I head for the gate.

“I think Itumeleng wants to stay, Asiphe,” Lesego calls after me. I watch in horror as she strolls up to Itumeleng and puts her arm around her shoulders. “You are welcome to leave, but don’t force her to go with you.”

“I am supposed to be staying over at your house, Itumeleng. Come on,” I try again to make her leave with me.

“Just stay, Asiphe. It’s not that bad. I am having fun,” Itumeleng pleads.

“Yeah, stay, Asiphe. The party is only just getting good. Stay. I promise you’ll have a good time.”

As I stand there looking at them, I feel my rage rising. I can’t believe they are doing this to me. Itumeleng is ditching me for the popular kids and she isn’t even thinking twice about her decision.

“No thanks. I’ll just get an Uber and go home.”

***

Tell us: Is Asiphe doing the right thing? Or is she a killjoy?