At school the next day, Kelly finds Amanda walking out of the library. Amanda and Kelly haven’t spoken since their fight yesterday. Kelly spends most of her time searching the net for make-over tips so she can look pretty to impress Thabo. She avoided Kelly and took the bus to school and didn’t go with Kelly and her mom.

KELLY: Hey, I missed you this morning.

AMANDA: Yeah, I had some homework I needed to do first thing.

KELLY: What did you do last night that you didn’t do your homework?

AMANDA: Oh nothing, I was just sitting up watching movies with my little sister.

KELLY: On a school night?

AMANDA: Yeah, I guess you’re finally rubbing off on me. What do you care what I do with my evening anyway?

KELLY: I don’t.

AMANDA: Or were you lonely without me? Nobody else to chat to?

KELLY: You know better than anyone how popular I am. I don’t get lonely; my social media keeps me very busy.

AMANDA: I wonder why because all you ever do is talk about hockey or what colour lip gloss goes with your new earrings.

KELLY: Funny, this comes from someone who knows nothing about style. No wonder I’m your only friend.

Silence.

AMANDA: I see your zit hasn’t gone away.

KELLY: Oh no, it’s gone; I just like the look – it’s very exotic, like Cindy Crawford or Marilyn Monroe.

AMANDA: Great, you’re most welcome.

KELLY: For what?

AMANDA: For making you look exotic. It was my idea, remember?

KELLY: So what? I’m the one who has to wear it, and I make it look good.

AMANDA: I’ll see you later. I have a study session with Thabo during our free period.

KELLY: You know he’s just being polite, keeping up with these lessons. His school marks are great, even better than yours.

AMANDA: Oh really? Suddenly my marks aren’t good enough? Don’t forget that it’s my marks that help you get you all your grades. Let’s see how you do without me.

KELLY: Are you saying I’m stupid?

AMANDA: No, I’m saying you’re lazy and care only for your sport and your looks, and then do everything at the last minute. Just remember that without me you would fail horribly and getting that sports scholarship would be impossible.

Thabo comes over to Kelly and Amanda.

THABO: Hi, ladies. What’s up?

AMANDA: Nothing … You’re just in time for our lesson.

KELLY: But, Thabo, you really don’t need those lessons – you’re an A student.

THABO: And I need to keep it that way if I want to play sport … My parents are pretty strict.

AMANDA: I know, my mother’s the same.

THABO: Listen, I’m throwing a party tomorrow. You guys should come, and we can get to know each other better.

KELLY: I would love to. Here’s my number – you can send me all the details.

THABO: Great. And you, Mandy? Please tell me you’re coming.

KELLY: But Amanda doesn’t like to socialise. She doesn’t understand that a social life is important for a young person.

AMANDA: That’s not true. I just don’t like the same party scene all the time; it’s like nobody has any creativity in this town.

THABO: Does that mean you won’t come to my party? You’ll break my heart if you say you won’t come.

Thabo pouts.

KELLY: I’m sure Amanda has another book to read and review.

AMANDA: Actually, I don’t. And I’d love to come to your party. Let’s see how you Joburgers party.

THABO: Great, I’ll WhatsApp you the address and time. You ready to start with the lesson, Miss May?

AMANDA: Yes, Mr Bhana.

THABO: Kelly, we’ll catch up with you later then.

Thabo takes Amanda by the arm and they walk off together not noticing how sad Kelly looks.

Tell us: what is happening to Amanda and Kelly’s friendship? What advice would you give them?