I’ve just walked out of my last lecture of the day. It’s 11am. I head to town instead, using a taxi because truly, it’s rough. 
My mom phoned me and told me that they haven’t been able to pay the rates and lights as well as the levies of the place. That was usually my job. But I’ve been struggling too because Luther has officially ghosted me and no longer sends me money. When I told my sister – Zoe – that Luther has ghosted me, she told me that sex is not a scarce skill and that I’m not special for him to chase me all the way to the kingdom. I haven’t been able to buy groceries or pay my fees for this month. I think Wehweh noticed because yesterday, I came back to our room and our fridge was stocked up. She then told me that everything in the fridge we share is ours. She said I could finish all that food for all she cares, as long as I stay away from her private bar fridge. To say that I’m grateful would be an understatement. But I have to make a plan. I need to pay my fees. Tholoana Kingdom is not like South Africa where we have rights, and we have SRC members fighting for free education therefore the school cannot touch you if you don’t pay fees. Here, if you don’t pay fees, you drop out of school and leave res. 

I found my blesser – in South Africa – on a website. Here in the kingdom, it’s difficult to find a blesser. There is no online platform to help. I’ve been trying, but no success. So, I’m swallowing my pride and heading to town. There’s a classy strip club that I’ve seen there. The girls live in luxury apartments. I had a conversation with one of the girls and she told me that if I go beyond the call of duty, i.e. offer sex, I could make a whole lot more money. I told her to help me get in. I’m desperate. She asked me to meet up with her today and she will introduce me to the necessary men. That’s where I’m headed now. To meet up with her. 

…

“Jessica tells me that you want a job as an after-hours entertainer… off the pole”, some white BIG man says to me. I’m standing in his office inside this strip club. Jessica is next to me.
“Yes sir”, I say. 
“Let me guess… you are a breadwinner and everyone and their aunt depends on the performance of your vagina?” He says.
I’m quiet because ke…
“Do you have experience? I don’t need virgins around here that will have me begging them for nonsense. My clients are high-end and I don’t need them complaining. I’ve done my research on you, and I’ve spoken Luther. I understand things ended because you moved to the kingdom.”
Wait… what?!
“You’ll have more than one entertainer here and your salary comes from me. These men pay me for you. Am I clear?” 
I nod my head. 
“Good. Jess, take her shopping. She’s going to Mariga for her initiation”, he says.
Heh?!
What happens at initiation? How long will it be?
“I have school and –
“Did I not just tell you that my clients come first? Don’t tell me about school here. Do you want this or not?!”
I look at Jess…
Heh! 

–

Two weeks later…

I’m back at res. I’m still drunk or high or… I don’t know. I actually look so worn out. Mariga was horrible. Initiation is basically being repeatedly raped by a whole lot of scary and huge men who also tend to use toys from time to time. When you resist – which I did because of the pain of being raped by four people and some toys at the same time – they drug you up. I was drugged up the whole time. Now, I’m drugged up and I’ve been bleeding from my vagina for an entire day.
“Friend?! And then?!” Thendo finds me first. Thank God. 
“Please help me”, I say. Then I apparently pass out.

–

I’m waking up in a hospital bed attached to drips upon drips, as well as one machine. As I look around, I realise that I’m at the campus hospital and I’m instantly annoyed. People like Maphodile might see me then spread the news of my issues. Shit shit shit! 
But I’m not in as much pain anymore. It seems that I’m well taken care of.
“Hey girl”, shame Thendo was actually passed out on a couch in here. 
I smile at her. 
“How are you feeling?” She’s now next to me, fussing over me.
“I’m fine, friend.”
“Breezy, you can’t live like this. Where the hell were you and what happened to you?” 
I can’t really tell her what I do for a living. And I think she sees it because she says, “the doctors here want to call the police and your parents. They are talking rape and assault. I’ve managed to hold them off for a bit. But if you don’t tell me anything, I won’t be able to help you. Unless, you want the police involved?”
“T, promise me that you’ll keep this between us. Ngiyakucela.”
“You know I got you.” 
I nod my head. I take a deep breath. Here it goes.
“My mother has always made questionable decisions when it came to men in her life. And she never learns. The man who comes next is always worse than the one who left. And she always finds herself making babies for these men. She has four daughters with four different men. Not one of us have our fathers involved in our lives and each man has left her in a worse state than the previous one.”
She is listening to me attentively.
“The last man she was with left her in so much debt that our house got repossessed and we ended up living in a shack. We were also in danger of being kicked out of school and go attend school at no-fee schools. One day, I overheard a bunch of girls talking about how one of the girls was dating the father of some grade eight at school. They were talking about all the things that he does for her, and her only job was to have sex with him, but make sure his family never finds out. Then these girls were talking about and how to find them on some website. That day during my school break, I went to the computer labs and I did some research on blessers as well as the website that we could apparently find them. I then signed up on that website for a blesser. A week later, I got a hit that a blesser was interested in me. I started engaging, then we met up. He told me that he wanted to be able to do things to me that he couldn’t do to and with his wife. I thought I could handle it, T. I really did. So, I agreed.”
Now I’m sobbing.
She holds my hand.
“The first night was the worst. I went home with a swollen vagina and an extremely painful anus. But I also went home with R30 000. With that money, I helped pay off school fees for my sisters and I. That was one problem solved. I had a million more problems. So, I slept with him a million more times. Eventually, we were able to move out of the shack and into a spacious three-bedroom apartment in an old suburb. My mom knows what I do. But her choices are so poor that she encouraged me to continue to do it as opposed to being motivated to do better so I don’t have to do this. Now she has a new boyfriend, and we are all scared that our lives are about to take another turn for the worst.”
She’s still looking at me, this time, wiping the tears off my face. 
“When I came to the kingdom, my blesser ghosted me. When I told my older sister, she told me that sex wasn’t a scarce skill. And she’s right. He’s probably found someone else who isn’t miles away from his needs. But I need to pay my fees. I need to buy myself food, toiletries and other essentials. My mother phoned me and told me that the rates, taxes and levies were not paid… and that they are in danger of having their electricity turned off. She didn’t really say it in so many words, but she was telling me to find another blesser. The kingdom is not exactly doing this blesser thing openly. So, I took a walk to the CBD and found a strip club where escorts also work there. I met one and asked her to introduce me to her boss. I have bills to pay and a family to look after, you know. So, I went to initiation and this is the state I’m returning in… but I at least got R50 000 to see me through as well as to see my family through.” 
“Friend –
“Thendo, please don’t judge me and please don’t feel sorry for me.”
I look at her and she’s also crying. Why is she crying? Oh, I fricken hate this! 
“Don’t your mother and older sister have jobs?” She asks me.
“They do. But my sister is only prepared to buy groceries in the house. She believes that doing an inch more than that is enabling my mother. And I get it… I completely understand her. I mean, we never see my mom’s salary. She uses her money to support her men. But I also think about my two younger sisters. If I think like my older sister, the two younger ones will suffer the most.” 
“This is so messed up, babe.” 
“My mom keeps saying that if she can give one man a son, she’ll be able to keep him forever and give us a solid father in our lives. She says men never turn on their sons. Not only does that hurt us, her daughters, but it also tells us that she’s not done having kids… not until she has a son. And I don’t know if we can take any more of the circus that comes with her new men and their shit.”
She looks at me… more emotional than I am.
“What about working at the student bureau and doing some admin work? You’ll get a salary.” She says.
“Will it give me the R50 000 I got for just having sex over a weekend? With this money, I’ll be able to settle school fees for my two younger sisters, pay our bond at the apartment, catch up on levies, rates and taxes. Then I pay some of my fees. Then I still need to live. Thendo, I had no food for the past two weeks. Nothing. Wehweh went and bought groceries, filled up our fridge on our room then said ‘everything in the main fridge we share. But we leave what’s in the private fridge alone’. I know that was her way of saying that she bought me all that food because she doesn’t touch it. She just eats her private fridge food. I’m both grateful and embarrassed.”
“It’s nice to know that she’s actually a human being. That was very kind of her.”
“Yeah. But I’m not a charity case. I can’t quit this work. I need the money.” 
“I’m not judging you, babe. I’m not judging you at all. I’m just so sorry that you’ve had to go through all of this. Is there anything that I can do to help you or support you in any way?” 
“Just keep this between us, please.” 
“You know… there’s a safer way to do this job of yours.” She says. 
I look at her with interest. 
“Your roomie… Wehweh.” She says. 
“I can’t use that girl for her money, Hai bo!” 
“That’s not what you’ll be doing. Date her father.” 
I start laughing loud.
“Do you not know who her father is?” She says. 
“Why am I supposed to know who her father is? Why do you know who her father is?”
“Do you not Google questionably rich people?” 
“I don’t really care.”
“Girl, her father is Sam Radebe.” 
“UNAMANGA!” 
“Exactly! She is the daughter of one of THE internationally recognized businessman. He’s also a flame and a half”, Thendo mara. 
We both just laugh. 
“He has an office space here in Taung… ask Wehweh to hook you up with a part-time job there. Once you are in – 
“What do I do about my current job?” 
“Girl, working for Sam Radebe will have you earning a salary for a month. But once you bag him, it’s a salary plus benefits.” 
“What if Wehweh refuses to help me?” 
“I didn’t think of that. And that roomie of yours can be an absolute cow.” 
“But…” a thought comes to my mind.
“Yes?” 
“She’s connected to Zaza and Ruri… Ruri Seete. I can apply for work at Zaza’s hubby’s office – 
“He’s just a doctor. Leave the employees alone.” 
“Or I can ask for work at Maboko Seete’s company.” 
“Girl! You want to go there with Teboho Seete’s husband? Are you trying to get banished from this kingdom?” 
“What if Wehweh’s parents have the same influence?” I ask. If Maboko Seete is a powerful no-go, how is Wehweh’s dad any different?
“You have a point”, she says.
“And Wehweh will hold pompoms for her dad when he not only fires me, but also banishes me.”
“Word. Even if it’s not the dad doing the banishing and firing, it could be the wife. And you know that wives are the most heartless people walking on God’s earth.”
“Hai bo!” Me.
“Wives punish side chicks as if it’s not their husbands that are doing them dirty. A wife can even kill you then live happily ever after with that same unfaithful man. If the wife can help it, the other woman seldom gets the happily ever after.” 
She suddenly sends shivers down my spine.
“Let’s work at one of the offices together. Maybe there are other men who can do for me what I need.” I suggest.
She nods her head. 

It is 11pm when I get walk into the res room. Thendo went to fetch me some clothes, so at least I’m fresh. I even showered at the campus hospital and thank God Maphodile wasn’t there. Apparently first years don’t work there. Only third years and above. Thendo is also carrying the bag with my medication. Wehweh is busy with something on her Apple gadgets. 
“Hey. Are you okay?” Wehweh asks me. I guess she sees my state. But I’m a lot better than what I was this morning.
“I’m a lot better thanks.” 
“I ordered some dinner from Reahile. They’ve delivered. I included Thendo as I knew you guys would be together”, she says.
“Really?” Thendo.
“You are pretty much her handbag”, Wehweh.
Eh! 
“Like you and Wandile”, Thendo says, offended.
I’d think Wehweh would be just as offended, but she doesn’t give a shit, she just says, “Nope. You are worse. You are all the way up Breezy’s ass.”
Hai bo! 
And Thendo is hurt. But the weird thing is she sits and eats with us. Who will ever say no to a good and expensive meal with meat you never knew you could eat and drinks that have ingredients you cannot pronounce? Come on now.
“I’m sorry I sat on your couch”, Thendo says as we dig into this food. The couch thing is still unresolved.
“Look at that… it has manners”, Wehweh says.
This must have been a very expensive. 
I think it’s safe to conclude that Thendo and Wehweh do not like each other. 

“So Wehweh, your father is Sam Radebe”, Thendo just goes there. And we are still eating. I don’t want Wehweh getting so upset that she takes the food away from us. This is good food.
“So, you stalking my family now…” Wehweh says without even looking at Thendo.
“Well, you have a famous father. And he’s famous for being in the top 50 richest men in Africa.” 
“Even so, I’d imagine it’s not unreasonable to expect people to mind their own business”, Wehweh neh. 
“I was wondering if he could give me a job at his Taung offices. Any admin or assistant job. I need the money.” 
“I’m not HR. Neither is he. If you want a job, you need to follow process like everyone else”, Wehweh. 
“Hawu Wehweh, sicela usikhulumele nje and help us”, I say. 
“Do the two of you think I’m an idiot?” And then?! What’s with Wehweh now?! 
Thendo and I stare at her.
“You think I don’t know that wena Bridgette, you are a prostitute and a professional blessee? You want my father to bless you now?!” 
I’m in UTTER SHOCK! Thendo and I even hold hands because one, how does she know? And two, how can she just blurt it out like that?
“I’ll help my stepmother slice your nipples with a butter knife if you go anywhere near my father. And he won’t protect you because shame he wouldn’t even look at you.” She says.
“Waze waba-sure bo”, Thendo.
“I am. You are nowhere near being his type. You are not even half of what he looks for in a good time – let alone one he’s prepared to pay for.” 
I don’t know why that does a number on my self-esteem, but it it does. Even Thendo is hurt and offended. 
And yaz, Wehweh just eats her food. 

There’s a knock on our door. 
No one moves.
Thendo and I look at her.
“I’m not expecting anyone”, Wehweh says.
“Neither are we”, I say.
She rolls her eyes then gets the door.

A HUNK of a higher degree is there. Ngithi wena tall. Ngithi wena perfect shade of brown plus smooth skin. Ngithi wena handsome. He’s in gym gear and has a gym bag with him. Now I wish I opened that door. 
“Hi”, Wehweh says. She’s just as mesmerized as we are. Ubani ke lo? And why does Wehweh always get the luck?!
“Nomawethu right?” The guy.
“Uhm… yeah.” Wehweh is confused but taken. Thendo and I are just watching this.
“Pat sent me. Apparently, you and I will be his city guides when he lands tomorrow. I thought I’d come introduce myself.” 
Ubani uPat?!
“You know Pat?” Wehweh.
“We were in boarding school together. Then we attended university together, UCT. I got a job here hence I moved here.” 
“Ngiyabona.” 
“I’m Mnqobi, by the way. Mnqobi Khuzwayo.” 
They shake hands.
“Pat didn’t do your beauty justice. Ushilo ukuthi umuhle, kodwa sisi, ubuhle bakho bukhanya buze buchithe ilanga”, he says. 
This is so unfair.
“Ngiyabonga”, Wehweh.
“Izobonana ekuseni… we can maybe drive together to fetch them from the airport.” 
“Okay”, Wehweh.
“Goodnight”, he says. Then just like that, he’s gone.
Wehweh shuts the door, turns around and closes her eyes. She’s in so much disbelief. 
“Ubani uPat?” I ask.
“My stepfather’s son”, she says as she dives to her bed and finds her cellphone. 
This girl’s blended family!
“Patrick! What the hell?!” She says on her phone then leaves the room. 
“Your roomie needs to take us on more dates with her. How does she know all the rich good-looking bachelors?” Thendo.
I laugh.
I’m interrupted by a text coming through my phone.
“Come to the club now. You have three clients. R45 000 immediate take home.” 
“Girl, please excuse me. I need to head to the club.” I say.