An excitement is hanging over the school. It is February, and inevitably, V-Ball is only two weeks away. All the girls gather in the halls, in the cafeteria and in the toilets discussing their dresses and the one dress sounds more exaggerated than the next.
I start to feel anxious because although I am sure my mom and dad would be able to afford to buy me a new dress, it would most certainly not be an extravagant designer dress. My father would exclaim, 'But it's only a Valentine's Ball' - and I can already hear him in the back of my mind.
The first time they started talking about V-Ball, I was perplexed and asked Anne one morning, "What is V-Ball?"
At first, she looked at me confused as if she could not understand how I could not know, and then she explained, "V-Ball is our Valentine's Ball."
" Okay," I smiled, feeling silly because in hindsight it was obvious.
She continued, "In May we have the Annual Charity Ball," and then excitedly she added, "This year it is a masked ball, and then of course there is the Matric Farewell Dance at the end of the year."
Many dresses to worry about.
Anne continues, "I suppose you won't have a date for V-Ball, being new?"
I smile, as friendly as I can, "No, I'll have to come on my own. And you?" I do not mention I am hoping above all hope that Johnathan will ask me.
" We always come as a group, even those in a relationship, because then those of us without dates don't feel so awkward."
This is a great relief, "That's great. Do we all just meet at school, or do we arrive together?"
" We meet here. It is a tradition already in our year, so I would not worry about that if I was you."
" Have you already bought your dress?" I ask carefully.
She gushes - literally, "Yes, my dad topped up my card last week, thankfully because I was seriously maxed out. I bought the most gorgeous green dress. And you?"
My throat constricts slightly, "Not yet. I will probably go this weekend."
" You must go to this little shop just off Main Street. They have the most brilliant designer dresses. They are pricey, but worth it if you don't want to be caught wearing the same as someone else."
The bell chimes - thankfully - and Anne starts walking toward our next class.
Thankfully now all I have to worry about is what I will be wearing, and not stressing about being the only one walking into the hall without a date.