“Move over,” said Nikita, giving Kamvi a gentle push, while at the same time fitting herself onto the bed next to her.

“What do you want Nikita?” Kamvi asked with a smile. The two girls lay side by side and looked up at the ceiling in silence. Then Nikita spoke.

“It’s about the Matric Farewell …”

“That’s months away,” said Kamvi, frowning slightly.

“I know,” continued Nikita slowly. “But I like to plan long in advance.” Nikita fell silent again.

“Well?” asked Kamvi, after a minute or two.

“I don’t suppose you will be going with Sipho?” said Nikita, turning towards Kamvi as she propped herself up on her elbow.

Kamvi frowned again.

“It’s just that that would be cruel,” continued Nikita, “cos it would get his hopes up. The silly fool will probably still ask you.”

“No,” said Kamvi. “I won’t go with Sipho.”

“Great,” said Nikita then, “and Captain America is definitely not a possibility–”

Kamvi picked up a cushion and hit Nikita with it.

“Ouch!” said Nikita, giggling and wrestling the cushion from Kamvi, and hitting her back. After a moment Nikita stopped and lay back on the cushions.

“Well then,” she said, as the bell for the end of break rang, “that leaves me. Will you come to the Matric Farewell with me?”

Kamvi sat up. “What?” she said.

“Lots of girls do it now Kamvi. And guys too.”

Kamvi pushed Nikita to make her move. Both girls stood up, straightened their uniforms and left Kamvi’s room. Kamvi locked her door.

“But … I’m not your partner, your girlfriend, lover … whatever, Nikita. I’m not even gay.”

“No,” said Nikita with a shrug. “But you are my friend … aren’t you?”

“I guess so.” said Kamvi softly. “But what would your aunt say? She would want you to go with a guy.”

“Well, that’s the point,” said Nikita happily, taking the stairs two at a time. “I have to find some way to tell her who I really am.”

Kamvi shook her head. She realized that she didn’t care, and her parents would probably not even remember that such a thing as a Matric Farewell existed.

She paused outside her English class. Steve was waiting for her.

“Late again Kamvi?” he said with a smile. “Never mind. Come on in.”

***

Tell us: At your school is it okay for same-sex couples to attend the Matric Farewell, or even for pairs of same sex friends to go?