Chapter two

 "Yay!" Brenda threw her arms around her friend in excitement. "So let's get you what to wear." She was already heading to Weruche's clothing bag on the floor. Zipping it open, Brenda searched through it a bit then flung a little white dress at her. "You're wearing this tonight."

   "No way!" Weruche said as soon as she saw what her friend wanted her to wear. "It's too revealing Brenda. I don't even know why I bought that dress in the first place."

   "Well you bought it for a time like this." Brenda insisted. Silencing her with a stern look. "You're wearing this tonight girl."

   Weruche conceeded wordlessly. There was no arguing with Brenda once she got bossy. She touched her hair. "I don't even know what to do with my hair, I didn't get it done and I don't have any wigs." She glanced at Brenda, trying not to fell insecure but her friend had used attachments to braid her hair in two strand twists that fell to her waist, with that hair and her killer outfit, she didn't even need and invitation to get into any party and yet all Weruche had was her natural hair. She must have said a bit of what she was thinking because Brenda was looking at her strangely.

   "You know Weruche, sometimes I can't believe you sell yourself so short. I'll give my right arm to be able to look like you. You're beautiful - lovely in the way men love and you have the most gorgeous natural hair I've ever seen." She went over to where Weruche sat and combed through her hair with her fingers. "C'mon, wear that dress then I'll style your hair for you."

   Five minutes later, Weruche stood in front of her full-length mirror, she couldn't recognize the young woman starring back at her. The dress hugged her form in a compliment, emphasizing her full hips and narrow waist, the creamy white bringing out the unique paleness of her skin. Brenda had packed her hair up in a simple bun, allowing loose tendrils to trail in front. Her already long lashes were darkened with mascara and Brenda had applied a bit of lipstick to her lips. The effect of everything made her look .... Lovely! Weruche had no other words.

   "One more thing." Brenda said from behind her as she locked up the house and kept the key in a place her mother and brothers could find it. "It's a rich people's party, so try to blend in. They wouldn't mind us as long as they think we come from the same social circle with them."

   " But we don't!"

   "Then fake it Weruche. Fake it. Look this is Karis' party, let's not blow our chances at having the best time of our lives."

   Walking through the streets in the west coast was an experience. The buildings looked so elegant that Weruche wondered that people actually lived there. The roads looked so good that she could lie down on the floor. There were beautiful trees planted by the side of even the smallest streets, luxurious cars cruised by, driven by people of different ages and nationalities. Weruche wondered how two very different worlds could exist in a small town like woodville and yet never cross. Even the people walking by looked glamorous, like they had just stepped out of Essence.

   "I think this should be the place." Brenda said, pulling her to a stop as she was about to walk past the street and Weruche turned to look at one of the most magnificent buildings she had ever seen in real life.

   The entire mansion - it ought to be called a castle, was white. Weruche could make out the golden colour at the railings and electric lamps that lit up the entire compound and she wondered if they were plaited. From where they stood, they could see the long drive way up to the house and for once, Weruche understood now how Fraulein Maria of sound of music must have felt standing in front of Captain's gate. She wondered how it would feel to be allowed to wander the rich expanse of the compound.

   The side gates opened up as they came to stand in front of it, ushering them into an enclosed space. They were required to raise their invitation card up to a camera before they were let in.

   Weruche was beginning to feel cold as they stepped in. She should have insisted on wearing something that had sleeves. Hugging herself, she followed in the wake of her friend, trying her best not to be scared. Her jaw fell open as she stepped into what had to be a ball room. The low lights in the room cast a gold shine through the veil of smoke. She stiffled a cough as her eyes watered. There was something stronger than cigarettes, maybe weed, she couldn't really tell but it wasn't the smoking that shocked her. In front of her eyes were people in various states of undress. Two ladies had even gone topless and most of the women were giving lap dances, swaying their hips to low music coming out of speakers hidden somewhere. Weruche stilled her impulse to flee as both she and Brenda found a place to sit. In no time, Brenda had already adapted to the setting and was even flirting with random guys but Weruche was getting more tense with each minute.