They arrived the venue around 9:30 p.m that evening. Glancing through, Humaira's eyes caught a dozen girls in their teenage, dressed almost naked. There were people talking and gisting about one thing or another . The place was filled up as the atmosphere was also busy as well. Star led humaira in to the venue as her eyes scrolled through the place, she noticed that all the men present were either in their late 50's or early 60's. They looked wealthy enough and good-looking, you won't even know they were elderly men. Most of which are politicians, ministers and men holding important positions within the country.

Some girls were swimming in the blue pool planted at the middle of the well fenced compound.

'These are probably students.' Humaira thought as she passed by.

The girls looked so excited as they spitter-spatter water on a couple of elderly men that were playing and shivering to the splash and their  touch. It's clear that they were all married men but they've decided to choose this path. This way of life...

'How senseless and immature?... But they too were catching fun.' she thought and walked pass, looking where she was going even though she was already feeling disgusted. Humaira just stared at the ground and followed Star.

Looking at the sky, the moon provided a natural magic light to beautiful well decorated venue. The event looked glorious with neon lights, sparkling from everywhere and disco balls hanged up at each corner of the hall.

There and then, gifts were presented to the celebrant whom was an elderly looking man dressed in white  Dansiki
and a shiny, black cap and shoes to match the exquisite outfit.

"How old is he?" Humaira muttered behind Star.

"It's his 60th birthday today." She replied and held her hand towards the celebrant. "C'mon, let me introduce you to Alhaji Tanko."

The atmosphere was filled with laughter as the sound of old school hip-hop hit the air. The D.J who looked pretty old kept on changing it from one old school music to another but who cares? He also want to get paid anyways.

"Good evening Alhaji Tanko." Star greeted with a hug and then a handshake.

"Oh my God! You're Star girl right?" He asked, and left a peck at the top of her fingers. "I've heard a lot about you." A flash of excitement played through his full, chapped lips.

"Yes sir." She nodded. "And this is my friend, Humaira."

"Wow.... She's really looking beautiful and gorgeous." He commented, wanting to shake hands with Humaira, she slightly pulled away.

A little disappointed, Alhaji Tanko faced Star to continue his discussion. "So... I've heard a lot about you already. It's good we finally met. I mean... There's a lot we need to talk about. For example, how you'll help me arrange a girl."

"A girl?"

"Yes. Ummmm... A girl as sweet as you, but not just any kind of girl you see. I need someone that is still very young and innocent. Someone that would take care of me and make me feel young again. You seeing I'm not getting any younger..." He joked.

Meanwhile, Humaira was already shaking to the cold and misty night breeze that was gently taking over her body like an infection. She wasn't used to wearing such skinny and transparent clothes even at home let alone outside. It was as if her legs were slowly melting down while standing on the 5 feet highheels star had given her to wear. She was already feeling uncomfortable and impatiently backed out.

Humaira suddenly drifted through the busy crowd and went to a corner to seat. Star was lost in talk with the Alhaji that she didn't even notice when Humaira left their sight.

"Okay, Alhaji." She muttered.
Turning around, she noticed Humaira wasn't there.
"Where's she?" She asked twirling to the other side.

"Who?"

"The girl that came with me." 

"Errrr...." Alhaji Tanko looked around in the same confused manner. "But she was here just now, right?"

"Excuse me sir. I'd be right back." Star went around looking for her.

Humaira sat idle, in the dark corner. Even though a couple of elderly men winked at her as they passed by but she rolled her eyes at them at hissed at their nonchalant attitude.

"Hmmm... Olden days songs are actually sensible." She muttered to herself, listening and feeling the changes in the music and the stories it told.

Shivering Humaira gently cuddle let knees to herself, feeling a little bit warm. Just then, she caught Star looking thro and fro in a perplexed state.

Even though Humaira knew that star was looking for her, she didn't utter a word until the Alhaji left to meet other guests tht were awaiting him.

"Pssst!"  Humaira twittered, making confused Star turn to where she was sitting. Finally, their eyes met.

"What's it Humaira? What are you doing here all alone?!"

"Let's go home... I'm not comfortable staying here at all and these cloth is kind of tight." Humaira complained.

"Come on Humaira, we just got here and you already want to leave? The Alhaji I wanted to introduce to you is waiting for us. C'mon! Let's go and meet him." Star grabbed Humaira's hand but she flinched.

"I'm not going anywhere!"

"What?"

"I'm going home, Star. I'm tired of this place already. This sight is too sinful, I can't spend another minute here."

"But you came here for connection right? Or have you forgotten?"

"I'm going, Star. I thought I could do this but I'm so sorry... I can't."

"You can't leave like this. You shouldn't, please." Star begged, trying to convince Humaira but she just wouldn't listen.

"Bye. We'll meet at home."

As the music came to a brief pause, she walked out if the place.

"You're unbelievable, come back here!" Star exclaimed unexpectedly.
She couldn't believe Humaira could actually walk out on her hand most of all, let this golden opportunity slip through the tips of her fingers just like that.

Confounded, Star laughed curtly as she arched her eyebrows in amazement.

She just couldn't fathom why her friend would leave at the middle of their meeting. The party haven't even started yet and Humaira had gone home already.

Star was left dumfounded, thinking of whether go to home or to stay till the end of the party.

***

"Why did you leave like that?!" Star stormed into Humaira's room immediately she got in. Hadee was sleeping so Humaira went downstairs not to wake or disturb his sleep.

"What is it star? I said I'm not interested. I just can't sleep with an elderly man just like that. It's not right, I mean... It's improper. I'm just 20 years old and that man is 40 years older than me. How do you even expect me to-"

"I thought you've come to a conclusion, Humaira. I thought you had finalize this issue within you. Come on, you're no longer a baby. You're a mother now. How would you treat your son when you yourself haven't even eaten properly? Ehen...?"

"Whatever! I'm not interested!!"

"Ehen..."

"Yes, star. You heard me right."

'Piin Piiinnn'

Just then, they heard an horn by the gate. Who's that Star thought. Just then, a call entered on her phone. It was Alhaji Tanko saying he's already awaiting her by the gate.

"It's Alhaji Tanko." Star told Humaira. "It's a good thing... I think he came for you." She jerked to the thought of it.

"What? Why would he have to come here?"

"I donno. I think he likes you already. Go inside and change a bit. At least, change this your cloth and wear that golden sequins gown I bought for you." She pushed her upstairs.
"And don't forget to rub small powder on that your oily face o!" Star quickly rushed outside to open the gate for their guest.

She welcomed him in as he entered, sitting on the sofa in their large executive living room. Star served him a cold wine as she served it with a transparent glass cup.

"What about your friend, where's she?" He brought up with a gentle smile across his face.

"Ummm... She's in her room."

"Really?" Excitement laced in his eyes. "Call her for me. I'll love to discuss with her."

"Okay Alhaji. Just a minute." Star smiled at his seductively as she walked upstairs into Humaira's room.

***

Words and Translations

-Dansiki:- A traditional type of wear looking like a big grown for men. It is also called agbada.