This week was rush week. I knew it wouldn't be anything severely harsh or insanely dangerous, like you see in the movies, but I still didn't know what to expect. Thankfully, Trish was pledging right alongside me, so I felt better knowing that I wouldn't be alone. I was currently on my way to the Dining Hall to meet Trish for lunch. We decided to try the Asian cuisine place today, the Jade Leaf

There were so many students in the Dining Hall, it took me a few minutes to even get over to the Jade Leaf, but as I got closer, I saw Trish standing off to the side.

"Hey Trish!" I greeted her.

"Hey girl, hey!" she replied.

We hugged before getting into line to order our food.

"How was class?" she asked.

"It was alright, boring," I answered. "To be honest I didn't really pay attention. All I can think about is the sorority house meeting later."

Trish nodded, "I know, it has my stomach in knots. I'm surprised I have an appetite."

I gave her a reassuring smile.

"I'm nervous too, but we are going to get a bid. Trust me."

The line moved pretty quickly, and we got to order our food. Our food was passed to us over the counter, we swiped our school cards at the register, and then we found a table to sit at. We ate together quietly for several minutes before Trish spoke again.

"Calinida… What if...what if only one of us gets a bid tonight?"

I hadn't thought of that… I would be really upset if only one of us was invited to pledge, but I also would be happy for Trish if it was her. And I needed her to know that.

"Trish, we're both going to get a bid. I know it!"

"But—"

"But," I interrupted her. "If only one of us were chosen, I would be bummed. And if you were chosen over me, I'd be super happy for you and would still support you in any way that I could."

Trish smiled brightly at me. "Thank you, Cali… And I would feel the same. I would be thrilled for you, but also very sad I couldn't share the experience with you."

Hearing that made me feel good.

"Thanks, Trish."

Trish and I threw away our trash and then left the Dining hall. I had two more classes and then an hour break before it was time to go to the sorority house. I took that hour to go back to my dorm room and try to relax.

The hour flew by, like I expected, and I was headed out the door as my cousin was coming in.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"The Kappa Gamma Nu house meeting."

"Right! Good luck."

"Thanks!"

Naomi shut and locked the door behind me as I made my way down the hall.

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Once we were done with the house meeting, Trish and I walked back to the bus stop. Thankfully it wasn't too long we waited before the bus came, and we headed back to campus. Trish and I lived in different buildings, so we parted ways after reaching campus, and I went to my dorm. Naomi was doing homework, but she stopped when I came in.

"Hey! How did the meeting go?"

"Well, this whole week is 'rush week' for Kappa Gamma Nu. So, I will be focused on doing my best to become a pledge."

"Rush week?"

"Yeah. Basically after the week is over, the higher ranked sorority members decide who they want to invite to join the organization this year," I explained. "Usually during rush week the candidates, like me and Trish, do things for the senior members, and based on how well we do these things, that determines if we are given a bid…"

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"A bid?" my cousin questioned.

"That's the term that's used for the invitation to join. It's called a bid."

"Ew. It sounds like you guys are cattle, or like—a possession!

I laughed, "You would make that connection."

Naomi smiled. I started getting undressed so I could take a shower while my cousin continued to chat with me.

"So what kinds of things do you have to do exactly?"

"I'm not sure yet, it's different for every organization. The president said she would have the secretary send out a text about the next step for us."

"I hope it's nothing crazy...or dangerous!"

I shook my head. "Of course not! That's against school policy. If anyone got caught or if someone told… The sorority would be disbanded."

"Well that's good then…"

Naomi seemed relieved and that made me smile.

"Don't worry Lovebug, whatever they throw at me, I'll be ready."

After taking a much needed hot shower, I got into my pajamas and climbed into bed. The next day, I had just left my morning class when my phone chimed. I looked at the screen and saw that I had gotten a text message from Bree Matts. Bree was the Kappa Gamma Nu secretary.

Hello potential Kappas! It was really nice to meet everyone last night! If you are receiving this text, it means you have been chosen to take the next step! Please look out for another text within the next few days, letting you know when your interview is! P.S: I hope this gives you ladies an incentive to do your best; Alpha Omicron Mu is throwing their first BIG party of the year! And any girl who gets a bid, will be attending...

Xoxo - Bree

I was so thrilled about possibly going to the fraternity party that I was bursting at the seams! I had this intense urge to share my news with Naomi so I rushed back to the dorm right after class.

She wasn't in our room, which meant she was in class, but that gave me time to get ready for my next class. By the time she had gotten back I couldn't sit still. Naomi must have noticed right away because she stared at me as soon as she came into the bedroom.

"Why are you so excited?" Naomi asked as she took her headphone out of her ears.

"How did you know I was excited?"

She smiled. "Your body language… You look like you're ready to jump out of your seat."

"Okay! You're right! I'm over the moon!" I exclaimed. "I found out that I've been picked to advance as a candidate! AND I was also told that anyone who gets a bid for Kappa Gamma Nu, gets to attend a Frat party! It's next weekend… Actually, the fraternity who is hosting the party is Alpha Omicron Mu. The same fraternity Cody Burton is in…"

My cousin's cheeks turned red. She put her school stuff on her desk and started taking off her sneakers.

"Congrats, Cali…"

"What? What is it?! Why aren't you thrilled for me?!"

"I am!" she objected. "You know I am… It's just...I think that's the party Cody invited me to…" Naomi replied.

My jaw dropped open.

"You...you talked with him…?!"

"Yeah… He texted me about it last week."

"Wait, wait, wait… So, Cody Burton invited you to a party...?!"

She nodded.

"Are you gonna go?!"

"Go where?" she asked.

"To the party!"

"You know I'm not good with parties, Cali! There's no point to even entertain the idea of me going!"

After finding out that Cody had invited my cousin to one of the biggest parties of the semester, there was NO way I was going to let her get out of showing up!

"But why?!" I protested. "Don't you think Cody is cute?"

"Well, yeah, but—"

"And, wouldn't it be cool to hang out with him? Especially at one of the biggest social events of the semester."

"I mean, I guess—"

Naomi didn't look convinced, but I wasn't giving up.

"I will be there!"

"You will…?"

"Of course! Are you seriously doubting I'll get into the sorority?! Well, thanks," I said playfully. My comment made her grin. "Besides, don't you think it would hurt Cody's feelings if you weren't there?"

"No! He probably has a million friends," she retorted.

I put my hands on my hips and sucked my teeth. Although she was right, he probably did have a ton of friends, but still!

"So?! He asked you personally! Come on! It will be fun! I will even do your makeup for you—"

"Makeup?! Oh no...no! Cali I can't—I just can't!"

"This debate is over, you're going," I said firmly and crossed my arms in front of my chest.

Naomi blinked a few times, as if she didn't understand what I'd just said. I gave her a firm look, and she scowled.

"Ugh! Fine!" she groaned. "But I'm not wearing a dress!"

"Deal!" I agreed happily. Then I clapped my hands together excitedly. "This is going to be so cool!"