A drink and a dance

Recently, Khalayi had withdrawn into a shell that no one could break through. It was as if she had turned into Nasike, only that she was more of unconcerned. She waded through daily tasks dismissively yet efficiently. The atmosphere around her was similar to a porcupine's, inhibitive and destructive to anyone who bypassed her barrier. She was quiet and withdrawn and the only person who could get to her was Nasike. It felt as if roles had changed. Her routine consisted of occasional revenge slaps and may be a kick.

'To a person am punishing, you are no fun', Nasike quipped after kicking her leg, leaving a slightly blue bruise that would scar. Her leg was riddled with dark scars of previous bruises that were now healed or on the verge of healing.

'You want to have fun', Khalayi winked.

A feeling of foreboding coursed through Nasike's spine and settled into her heart like an unwanted guest. She could have opened pandora's box. Her arm and back pack were grabbed unceremoniously as she was led to an unknown destination. Before she could ask a lot of questions she found herself outside the school gate and into a taxi cab. The cab driver was given Nasike's home address. Less bewildered, she decided to watch her recently reclusive roommate. At the gate, the gateman was handed Nasike's and Khalayi's luggage to keep and the cab driver was given a separate set of instructions.

'Isn't it too early to be going to a club, especially a strip club? And last time I checked, you are a minor', Nasike inquired.

'Last time I checked you were psyched up for some fun', Khalayi replied.

'And that...',

'That is my idea of fun, either shut up or jump out', Khalayi cut her off impatiently before reclining back in her seat and closing her eyes.

Her idea of fun contrasted the calm and reverent countenance that she gave off. It was as if she had shut herself up into an indiscernible part of the world. Her ringing phone failed to pierce through the barrier she created until she was prodded by Nasike to pick it up. It was Uncle Vinny. A cheery smile was plastered on her face as she picked up the phone. It was a mixture of of delight and playfulness. Nasike's lips scrunched in displeasure at the turn around.

'Hey Uncle Vinny, did you wait for too long?'

'Not really, am not there yet', the person at the other end of the phone answered.

'Thankfully you didnt. Dont pick me up, I will be with Nasike till tomorrow then i will make my way home', she said.

'Am a big girl, I really will find my way tomorrow,' she added smiling.

After a few hmmms in agreement and light comments assuring Uncle Vinny that she will be okay, the phone was hang up and the unapproachable exterior resumed.

This change was too much for Nasike to bear. She looked at her and muttered a contemptible 'hypocrite'.

'No, considerate', Khalayi coldly spat out.

'Oh really'.

'Not everything should be solved before adults'.

'...'

That comment seemed unbelievable coming from a person who had almost destroyed her parents' career in the name of pranks.

'I did your parents a favor', Khalayi's voice echoed through her mind.

Damn, she can read thoughts now. Nasike thought as her reverie was interrupted. Somehow, she agreed with her. As much as the situation at their work places was salvaged, they had lost trust in their employer and colleagues who had taken that opportunity to pull the down. Both of them resigned and registered their own consultancy firm. With a background in tech, impeccable business acumen and firm networks built through the years, the two partners were unbeatable. The going was good so far and they were hoping to expand in the coming 6 months. Their employers not only lost an admirable asset but also faced unmatched competition.

Alighting at their destination, Khalayi led Nasike into the club through a secret passage. Every person they passed greeted Khalayi cheerfully. Their friendly but respectful demeanor baffled Nasike but she didnt ask a lot of questions.

'New girl? Isnt she too young? You never allow anyone younger than you around' a beautiful yet self assured lady quipped. She was slender and dressed in blue jeans shorts with rough edges that flattered her curves. The shorts stopped a few inches just below her bum but before her thighs teasingly. Just enough to awaken imagination. The top fit her snuggly, perking up her resplendent boobs and flowed into a tuck to her shorts. A minimalistic black belt complementing her look. Her short and kinky hair was allowed to rest on her head uninhibited by accessories making a bundle of it fall on her forehead exquisitely. Her feet that adorned white rubber shoes floated around like a fairy's hence sustaining her flirtatious image.

'A drink and a dance...' Khalayi ordered as Nasike stared at her, bewildered.