Sorority Sisters (16 page)

“Our situations are totally different, Tiara. How can you understand my situation?” Cajen said, glaring at her. “Plus, he was truly sincere this time, and I do still care about him. Maybe this will change him. Maybe he’ll realize we need to be together—just him and me.”

“Go on and live in your fantasy world, and we’ll be right here when he lets you down,” Stephanie replied. “Because he will let you down. Once a dog, always a dog!”

Cajen looked at Malena and Chancey, who were listening. “Do you think I’m wrong too?” she asked, hoping to find someone to understand and support her position.

“I can’t live your life for you, Cajen. If you think you want to make this work with him, I’ll just advise you to keep your eyes open,” Malena said. “But he would have to prove himself to me over and over, and then over again. You shouldn’t make it easy for him. But when it boils down to it, it’s your call.”

Chancey hoped she wouldn’t be dragged into the conversation, because she honestly didn’t know what she’d do in such a situation. But since everybody’s eyes were on her, she had to answer. “I can’t tell you what to do, because I’m not in your shoes. But when I think of the way he hurt you, it hurts me. And I don’t know how he truly feels about you.” She added, “Tonight was my first time seeing him. But I agree with Malena, you have to make that decision yourself. However, I wouldn’t shortchange myself, no matter what the circumstances.”

Seeing that Chancey was too considerate of Cajen’s feelings to give her any straight answers, Tiara interjected, “Okay, just ask yourself, ‘Is he really worth it?’ Think about the things he does, not says, because a man will say anything to get what he wants—to make you feel like you’re the only one for him. If he’s not worth it, and I know he’s not, leave him alone. Your life will continue without him.”

Cajen listened to her friends’ advice and acknowledged that they had valid points. But deep down she felt she was not strong enough to be without him. She was not yet ready to face her new circumstances alone. Not yet. She needed Jason to rescue her from this mess he had created. Since he said he wanted to make their relationship work, she wasn’t going anywhere.

After they passed out the flyers and said good night to their sisters, Cajen asked Chancey if she and Don used protection. Chancey told her they used condoms faithfully for the first two months they started having sex, but eventually stopped. She said she started the pill once she realized their relationship was serious. Chancey said they discussed the possibility of AIDS, and both tested negative. She added that she trusted Don, and knew she would never have sex with anyone else, so she felt safe and confident they both were monogamous.

“Chancey, do you think you and Donald will get married one day?”

“I hope so. I love him so much, and I couldn’t imagine being with anybody else. Just thinking about it gives me chills,” Chancey responded. “But I hope he proposes to me before he goes pro. It will give me that extra bit of security I’ll need before he becomes part of the fast life of professional athletes.”

“I hear you. . . . You know, I think about my life and the choices I’ve made and the two men I’ve been with, and I wonder why we end up connecting with the men we choose. You know, like why did you find a godsend like Don? Why did I find Jason, of all people? And how do we know which one is the right one?”

“Well, for me it’s that sweet feeling I get inside just knowing Don is a part of my life. Even when I’m not with him I feel a connection between us. I feel like his being in my life is right and meant to be. That’s the only way I can explain how I know he’s the right one.”

“Why is it so difficult to make responsible decisions sometimes?” Cajen asked.

“I don’t know. I guess making mistakes is all a part of growing up,” she responded.

“But why did I have to suffer such a great consequence?” she questioned.

“You know, Cajen, I don’t know. But God has a reason for everything.”

“But why me?” she demanded.

“If not you, then who?” Chancey responded.

Cajen stared at her. “How could you be so cruel?”

Chancey clarified her statement. “I’m serious. We all have tough issues we have to deal with in life. This situation is just one of yours.”

“I guess you’re right,” she responded reluctantly. “I only wish it were something else.”

“Most people do,” Chancey replied.

SIXTEEN

Malena’s heart was racing. She and Stephanie ran around backstage to make last-minute finishes before the show. Stephanie tried to keep Malena calm by assuring her that she would do fine. Tiara was in the auditorium’s tiny dressing room going over last-minute details with the men, who were dressed either in suits and ties, or nice slacks and shirts.

Chancey and Cajen sat at the entrance where they would collect either fifty cents or canned goods as admission from the eager female students, who would try to get a chance to purchase, or at least gawk at, some of the campus’s most eligible bachelors.

The line sisters determined that the money earned from admission, the canned goods, and half of the money made from the actual auction would be donated to a local home for pregnant teens, who were either unwanted by their parents or who had run away from home.

While Chancey and Cajen sat at the table, waiting for the crowd, Cajen reflected on their conversation the previous evening, and decided she was no longer going to be angry and would accept her situation. She felt a sense of peace.

Two of their big sisters were approaching the table. “Why did we get door duty? We’re gonna be greeting all night,” Chancey moaned. Their big sisters approached and stopped in front of them.

“Hello, ladies,” one said.

Chancey and Cajen jumped up and began to recite the greeting. “Greetings, Most Honorable Big Sisters. We are so pleased to be graced by your presence. We work hard, both day and night, striving to become what you already are. May we be privileged to address you, please?” They knew the greeting so well that they got through it quickly and began again before their big sisters could stop them.

“That’s enough, one and two,” the big sister said, calling them by their line numbers. “You’d better be glad we’re in a public place, or y’all would be greetin’ me until the sun decided to show up tomorrow morning. And by the way, this show better be good, ’cause if it’s not, you’ll never wear my letters.” She and her soror broke out in laughter.

The big sister who spoke was the meanest of all their big sisters. Her line name was Attitude Adjuster. She always seemed to be the one with the attitude, and the pledges felt that she was the one who needed the adjustment. Every time they encountered her, she never said anything positive. She never showed a friendlier, softer side, no matter what the line sisters did. They often wondered if they would be able to consider her a true sister after they crossed. Most of their big sisters seemed bored by pledging them after a few weeks. But other than Dean Big Sister Nina, Attitude Adjuster was the only other one who still got a thrill from intimidating them.

“We hope you two will enjoy the show,” Chancey managed.

“We’d better,” Big Sister Attitude Adjuster responded. Their other big sister laughed and said, “We’ll see you tonight after the auction.” The two then walked into the auditorium, bragging about how the pledges were not going to get any sleep tonight.

“I can’t find anything about her that I like,” Cajen said.

“Yeah, but I don’t think she’s as mean as she comes off,” said Chancey. “I think she’s just fronting to keep us as edgy as she was when she was on line.”

“Well, it’s working.”

“You’re right. It is definitely working.”

Their big sister Kim walked up. They loved Big Sister Kim because she wasn’t into the hazing aspect of pledging as much as she was into teaching. She loved to talk and would often get off track from the topic of discussion. It did, however, work to their advantage when she would discipline them, because she would never complete a lecture.

“Don’t even greet me. I don’t feel like hearing it. I only want to be entertained. Please tell me I’m gonna get some entertainment. I’ve had a bad day,” she said.

They knew they were in for a story.

She continued, “My car stopped, I had to take it to be repaired, and I took the bus back to campus. I know I could have called one of you, but I didn’t have time—I had things to do. I hope there are some fine men behind those doors because I need to see something to cheer me up.”

“Oh, Big Sister Kim, by the time the auction is over, you’re gonna forget about everything bad that happened to you today,” said Chancey.

“I hope you’re right. I brought some cash with me, and I might just buy myself a servant to pamper me for a day. Now, that would really ease my mind, if you know what I mean.” She winked. “I’ll see you ladies later tonight. I think the crowd’s coming.”

Women came pouring in, and the two girls became busy with canned goods and donations.

The lights went down, the curtains opened, and Donald and Ray carried Malena onto the stage. They put her down in the center of the stage in front of the mike. She had chains around her arms and was wearing a long white dress that was ripped at the hemline. Her hair was pinned up and wrapped in a white headwrap. After a moment, she flung her arms in the air and threw her head back. Then she slowly brought her arms down and lowered her head. The deejay put on tribal music with a heavy drumbeat that blared out over the speaker system. The music was lowered and Malena began to speak:

“One hundred years ago, I was owned, possessed by another human being. I was considered property. I didn’t have options . . . choices . . . freedom.
I was a slave!
I could not make decisions for myself or for my family. I was shackled and abused. I was torn from my beautiful homeland and my family was split apart! With my severed family, my stolen heritage, and my lost identity went my pride and my security. I was a slave—mind, body, and soul, until I realized one important fact: My masters could own my body, but they could never possess my spirit. It belonged to me. There were no limitations placed on my imagination, my dreams, and my hopes for you—my future. I hoped that you too would one day be free. But not just in spirit—completely free. Freer than I was ever able to be. My hope for your tomorrows gave me the courage to be strong, to withstand; the courage to demand change. You were my hope, the essence of my dreams. So don’t ever forget me and my plight. Reach forward and grow upward. Move ahead. Today, let us pay homage to the progress of our race. Let us remind ourselves that we control our destiny. Let us replace the pain and suffering felt at the auction block with hope and courage. Today’s auction is a celebration of our ancestors. So please join me in celebrating freedom! Freedom of choice, freedom to do, and freedom to be.”

Malena bowed, and the audience cheered as the curtains closed. As she walked off the stage all of the guys told her how great she was. Then the deejay played a mellow jazz tune, and the curtains opened. Tiara stood at the microphone.

“Good evening,” she said, “and thank you so much for attending our fund-raiser.”

She was surprised by the number of people in the audience, and she had to take a moment to compose herself. She took a deep breath before continuing. “Wasn’t the opening monologue inspiring?” she asked. The audience cheered.

“It’s always good to remember from whence you came,” she said, and there was more applause and nods of agreement from the audience.

“Now it’s time to let loose and have a good time. And ladies, don’t hold back. If you are pleased with our selection, don’t hesitate to make your bids.” Tiara’s confidence grew. “We made sure to choose the cream of the crop,” she exclaimed. The ladies cheered.

“Again, have a good time and dig deep into those designer purses. And remember, proceeds will be donated to Hope for Tomorrow, a local home for pregnant teens.”

She then introduced the first guy, her personal favorite, Ben. He walked out onto the stage wearing cream slacks and a cream rayon shirt, which was unbuttoned and flowed as he walked. The ladies went wild.

“This tall, slender dream’s name is Ben Jackson. He’s six-foot-two and weighs in at two hundred twenty-five pounds. Ladies, he’s an economics major and enjoys playing all sports. Now, Ben is a true gentleman, and says if you’re lucky enough to land him that tomorrow you’ll enjoy a day of his complete servitude. He’ll carry your books, carry your lunch, and if your feet get tired from walking, he’ll carry you.”

“Wooooo!” the audience cheered.

“Can we start the bidding at ten dollars?”

“Ten dollars,” some girl yelled.

“We’ve got ten dollars already. Can we get eleven?” asked Tiara.

“Eleven,” another said.

The bidding for Ben continued until the young lady who began won with a bid of fifty-three dollars.

After she paid her money to Chancey, who was now at a table in front of the stage, Tiara introduced the next guy.

We raised six hundred forty-two dollars and fifty cents in cash and fifty-two canned goods,” announced Chancey. The line sisters sat in a circle on the stage, finalizing the business part of the fund-raiser.

Stephanie suggested that they take the money by her apartment on their way to Dean Big Sister Nina’s. Tiara lay on her back, gazing at the ceiling. Her mind was on her new love interest, Ben—how he had walked on stage, how handsome he had looked. She thought about their conversation right before the auction. He gave her his telephone number and asked for hers, and told her that after she crossed he’d like to take her out.

She blushed, which was unusual for her, and gave him her number. She didn’t tell her line sisters because she wanted to hold on to her little secret for a little while longer. Tiara didn’t notice her line sisters celebrating.

“Our days as pledges are limited,” Malena said. She got up and began dancing around the stage.

“I know. Talk of having white dresses and black dresses. I smell induction ceremonies soon!” Chancey commented.

“I am so looking forward to being free!” Cajen said with a smile.

“It’s good to see you smiling,” Stephanie commented.

“Wait a minute. Something’s wrong with this picture,” Chancey said. “Tiara hasn’t said a word.”

“Get out of my business,” Tiara joked.

“I think Miss Tiara’s got herself a little crush,” Stephanie said.

“I got more than a crush. I got his phone number.”

“You go, girl,” Stephanie said, and reached over to give her a high five.

Tiara told them about the conversation she and Ben had had before the auction, and shared that he was the first man with whom she ever felt like she could have a relationship.

Uneasy discussing her hopes for Ben and herself, Tiara changed the subject. “Can y’all believe how much money they were spending on those men?”

“Ooh, and did you see the attitude Allen’s new girlfriend had when his ex-girlfriend outbid her?” Malena said.

“Ooh, she was pissed,” Stephanie said.

“Which one was Allen?” Chancey asked.

“The second one out on the stage. You know, he’s got the cute little dreadlocks,” Tiara said.

“I missed that. But can you believe our big sisters got together and paid a hundred and thirty-five dollars for Derrick? Who did they buy him for?” Cajen asked.

“Didn’t he pledge with Jason?” Stephanie asked.

“Yeah. He’s fine too. I was talking to Big Sister Caren, and she told me that Derrick’s interested in Dean Big Sister Nina. Y’all know she’s single, right? So I bet they bought him for her,” Tiara said.

“Would y’all ever do something like that for me?” Stephanie asked her line sisters.

“In a heartbeat,” Tiara responded.

“Who was the girl who bought Jason?” Cajen asked. “I don’t know her.”

“Aw, you’re talking about Shanika. We used to stay in the same dorm during my freshman year. As a matter of fact, she used to have a thing for Donald, but he never gave her the time of day, not in public anyway. But I guess she’s digging on Jason now,” Malena said. She was not very fond of Shanika, or the way she exploited her body by wearing clothes that always seemed at least two sizes too small.

“Donald?” Chancey was surprised. “That girl lives in our dormitory now, Cajen. But I couldn’t see Don liking somebody like her.”

Malena continued. “She’s the kind of girl who is extremely persistent and goes out of her way to let a guy know that she’s interested. And from what I hear, she doesn’t have a problem pursuing brothers who are in committed relationships.”

“How much did she pay?” Cajen asked.

“Let me see,” Chancey said, looking over her books again. “Sixty-one dollars.”

“She spares no expense, huh?” Cajen commented. “But I’m not gonna worry about it.”

Nobody responded, because they knew how sensitive the whole Cajen-Jason ordeal was, and didn’t want to experience another dramatic scene like the night before.

“We only have thirty minutes to get to Nina’s,” Stephanie said.

“What did you call her?” Chancey asked.

“Oh excuse me, Dean Big Sister Nina.”

“Somebody is getting way ’laxed, but I ain’t saying no names,” Tiara commented.

“It’s almost over,” Malena said.

The girls finished cleaning the stage, grabbed their things, and closed up the auditorium. They were all mentally prepared for yet another long pledge session with their big sisters.