Everybody met at Shawna's apartment for an officers' meeting. They invited Tamara because she was the pledges' activities director, and Keisha needed to plan the fall social. Tamara was in awe when she arrived because she didn't expect Shawna's apartment to be so big.

"This is a loft, not an apartment," Tamara said. "Can you afford this working at the ice cream counter?"

"The job at the ice cream counter is for fun. It keeps me busy, and I can interact with people. I don't need it because have money from my inheritance," Shawna explained.

"Inheritance? I didn't realize..." Tamara started but stopped because she didn't want to make Shawna uncomfortable.

"It's okay. I figured Kennedy would have told you," Shawna said, not meeting Tamara's gaze.

"She didn't tell me anything."

"Good for her. I'll have to thank her later," Shawna said. Then, she added, "I don't like many people knowing I have money. It makes me uncomfortable. Don't tell everyone."

"Your secret is safe with me. Would I be able to have my visit with you today?"

"You can visit with her after our meeting," Keisha said, pointing at the kitchen table. Everybody sat before Keisha continued. "Now, we need to pick a theme for the fall social. Do you guys want a hootenanny, shindig, or jamboree?"

These words greatly amused Tamara, but Barb wasn't as impressed.

"You made those words up!" Barb said.

"No, I didn't. My Grammy used them all the time."

"What's a hootenanny?" Barb asked.

"It's a western theme. We would wear cowboy boots and hats and..."

"Cows?"

"Yes, we could have cows."

When Barb heard this, her eyes lit up. Hailey groaned, but she said, "Okay, Barb. You can have this. Go crazy."

"Yes!" Barb said, throwing her arms in the air.

"Hootenanny it is," Keisha laughed.

"Can we have line dancing?" Barb asked.

"Sure," Keisha replied. "Do you have a date?"

"Right, I forgot about that. I don't know who to ask," Barb said.

"What about your naked friend?" Hailey asked.

"Ben? I don't know."

"He was cute."

"I'll think about it. For now, let's plan."

They spent the next hour ironing out the details for the social and felt pretty satisfied. Once they finished, Shawna agreed to a visit with Tamara, who seemed nervous. Shawna sensed this and smiled.

"Relax, Tam-Tam. I'm off-duty right now. Ask your questions," Shawna said.

"Okay, what's your full name, and how old are you?"

"Shawna Marie Davidson, and I'm nineteen. Are you only going to ask boring questions?"

"I didn't know if you wanted me to start with the personal stuff."

"Why not? I'm mostly an open book. If I think the question is too personal, I'll tell you to piss off," Shawna laughed, earning a worried look from Tamara. "I'm joking—kind of."

"Okay, well, I..." Tamara stammered.

"Go ahead. Ask the obvious one. Everybody does. Yes, I'm gay, and I'm open about it."

"Cool. I admire that. So, you and Sister Felicia..."

"Are just friends," Shawna said as her smile faded. "We've talked about my feelings. Felicia says she is still trying to figure out how she feels, but she's probably just trying to let me down easily. I don't think Felicia is gay. Most likely, what we have is all it will ever be. As much as it sucks, I'd rather have her as a friend than not have her in my life at all."

"I'm sorry, Mistress Shawna. I shouldn't have asked that."

"It's okay. Everyone thinks we're dating, but we're not. I'm in love with her, and she'll probably never feel that strongly for me."

Tamara could tell the conversation made Shawna uncomfortable. She changed the subject for her sake. "How long have you had this look?" Tamara asked, pointing at Shawna's hair and makeup.

"Not as long as you think. Hold on. I want to show you something," Shawna said, getting up to fetch a book. She returned with her high school yearbook and opened it. Shawna pointed to a picture of a girl. Tamara had to look at the name below it to confirm she wasn't seeing things.

"You used to be a blonde?" Tamara asked.

"Believe it or not."

"I barely recognize you."

"Yeah, I've changed. I also used to be a cheerleader. If you ever tell anyone this, I'll kill you."

"Oh, right. I swear I won't tell," Tamara said, looking frightened.

"Relax. I'm fucking with you—maybe."

***

Meanwhile, Felicia arrived at Marla's fashion show. She found a stage and runway set up in a conference room. The place was large enough to accommodate the event, but Felicia felt cramped. She set her equipment on the floor and watched as workers finished building the set. As she observed them, Marla entered the room. Felicia didn't notice her.

"Felicia," Marla said. "Good god! Please stop squeaking!"

"Sorry! You startled me."

Marla breathed deeply and composed herself before saying, "Tell them if you need to adjust the lighting. You know photography better than me."

"Okay," Felicia replied. "Have someone walk down the runway, and I'll see how the lighting hits them."

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"Kent! Walk down the runway," Marla ordered, and one of the models standing in the back obeyed her command.

Felicia watched him and glanced at the overhead lights. "Move that one a little to the left," she said, pointing toward the ceiling.

"You heard her!" Marla barked at one of the workers.

The sound made Felicia uncomfortable, but she felt glad Marla didn't direct it at her. She watched as everybody in the room followed Marla's demands. She seemed to have control of the situation. Felicia lifted her camera and snapped a few practice photos of Kent. "That looks good," Felicia said. "But we should turn the lights down a little."

Once again, Marla shouted orders, which the workers followed. As they progressed, a girl approached Marla and said, "Marla, Eve from Malloy Modeling wants to talk to you." She handed Marla a phone, and Marla moved to the back of the room. Felicia could hear most of the conversation despite the distance.

"What do you mean Cole isn't coming? I specifically asked for him," Marla yelled. The sound made Felicia jump, but she didn't squeak. "Fine, send Ben," Marla said before hanging up.

"Is everything okay?" Felicia asked.

"I use Malloy Modeling Agency for my shows, but one of the models couldn't make it," Marla explained. "They're usually good, but Eve is testing my patience," she added. Marla smiled afterward. The expression surprised Felicia because it seemed genuine. "Thank you for doing this."

"Oh, you're welcome."

"I brought in some help. Do you know Brian?" Marla asked, gesturing toward a young blond man who entered the room. He carried an equipment box. It seemed heavy, but Marla didn't tell anyone to help him. Marla watched as he lugged it into the room and set it beside them.

"Yeah, we have classes together," Felicia said. Brian was a fellow photography major. Felicia knew him, but they hadn't interacted often.

"I'm sure the two of you will get along great. Brian, assist Felicia in any way she needs," Marla said a little too sweetly for Felicia's liking. She sensed something was amiss. The feeling only increased when Marla threw her arms around them and pulled them closer together. "Don't be shy, Felicia. This could be a nice opportunity for you. I know you have a fall social coming up," she whispered and winked. Marla walked away to finish the preparations, leaving Felicia and Brian in awkward silence.

"Was that odd, or was it just me?" Brian asked.

"It was odd, but that's Marla. She's acting too nicely. I think I liked it better when she was mean. Then, I at least knew where she was coming from," Felicia said.

"Yeah, I've dealt with her before. I know what she's up to. Don't worry. I won't let her screw with you."

"It's fine. I'm not worried," Felicia said, waving it off. She hoped he believed her because she was worried as hell.

"You don't have to ask me to go to the social. I wouldn't want to come between you and your girlfriend," Brian said.

"My what?" Felicia asked, looking shocked. It took her a second, but she realized what he meant. "Oh, no! Shawna and I are just friends."

"Oh, god! I shouldn't have assumed. That's my bad. I'm sorry," Brian stammered. "I know Shawna is openly gay, so I figured..." he added but trailed off before finishing. "You and her spend so much time together."

"People think that all the time, but we're not dating."

"Again, I'm sorry. Let's set up the equipment and pretend that didn't happen," he laughed, opening the box. They worked silently for a while, but Felicia could see him out of the corner of her eye. She knew he had something on his mind because he acted like he would speak. Felicia watched him open and close his mouth a few times before she said something.

"Go ahead and ask. I can tell you want to," Felicia said.

"Shawna likes you, doesn't she?"

"Yeah, she does."

"How do you feel about her?" Brian asked. When Felicia paused and frowned, Brian felt uneasy. "Shit. I shouldn't have asked that."

"No, it's okay. She means the world to me, but I don't know if I feel like she does. I'm still trying to figure that out. There is a lot I'm trying to figure out," Felicia quietly replied. "Sometimes, I worry I'm going to hurt her, and that's the last thing I want to do."

"It's okay. We're all trying to figure out who we are. You're not alone," Brian said, patting Felicia on the back.

They became engrossed in their conversation, meaning they didn't notice Marla behind them taking pictures on her phone.

***

Elsewhere, Hailey met Kennedy for lunch and a visit. They went to Donovan's Bakery because Hailey liked their sandwiches.

"I always loved how bakeries smelled," Kennedy said as they sat at the table.

"Me too. So, how are things?" Hailey asked.

"Good, but aren't I supposed to ask the questions during a visit?" Kennedy laughed.

"Yeah, but I want to get to know you, too."

"I'm not that interesting," Kennedy said, waving her hand.

"Nonsense," Hailey laughed. "But go ahead and ask your questions. Make them good."

"Okay. What made you decide to get into forensic science?"

"I always loved puzzles and mysteries. Solving things was something I enjoyed doing."

"Don't you get grossed out by blood and stuff like that?"

"Not at all. Blood never fazed me. I always used to nurse Barb's wounds. And Barb had a lot. She was pretty clumsy when we were kids," Hailey laughed. "Barb was super competitive when she wanted to be. One time, this girl challenged Barb to a bike race. Barb wiped out and badly skinned her leg, but I bandaged her."

As they talked, their food arrived. Hailey laughed at the overstuffed hoagie Kennedy ordered. Kennedy explained that she liked plenty of meat on her sandwiches. She told the waitress to load the thing, and they obliged. While they ate, Hailey asked Kennedy a few questions.

"Tell me more about your story. It fascinates me. What led to you coming back to college?" Hailey asked.

"I wanted to go earlier, but I got married. My husband wanted to start a family, but that created the problems. Once he learned I couldn't have kids, it's like I lost all value to him," Kennedy replied with a disgusted look. "I thought I married my best friend, but it turns out I married a bastard who only saw me as the potential mother to his children. But the joke was on him. He slept around and got two women pregnant. Now, he has to pay child support while I'm here enjoying the college life."

"He was your best friend?" Hailey asked, looking contemplative and a little worried.

"I thought so. We knew each other for years beforehand," Kennedy said. She continued eating but noticed Hailey hadn't touched her food since she heard her answer. "Are you okay?" Kennedy asked.

"Uh-huh," Hailey replied while staring blankly.

"Sister Hailey, are you sure?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it. I was just thinking," Hailey replied, snapping out of it.

Kennedy didn't push the issue but thought she knew what was bothering Hailey.

***

Back at the school, Claudia and Barb were having their visit. They met in the bowling alley in the basement of the campus center. Once the game started, Barb's competitive spirit came out. Claudia spoke with Barb while Barb focused on getting a strike.

"Try moving two steps to your right, Sister Barb," Claudia said.

"Nice try, but I know what I'm doing," Barb replied, but she bowled a seven-ten split and grumbled. She moved two steps to her right on her next throw as subtly as possible. Claudia noticed but kept quiet.

"We should start a team for intramural bowling," Claudia said.

"If you do, I'll join."

"I don't know. The way you're bowling today..."

"Hey! Watch it!" Barb laughed.

"So, what made you decide to become Pledge Mom?" Claudia asked.

"I didn't. Hailey made me do it, but I'm glad she did."

"How do you think we're doing so far?"

"Not bad, but don't get complacent. You've still got a ways to go. Plus, you gotta get through the second vote."

"Second vote?" Claudia asked.

"We voted to give you guys bids, and we have to vote to let you into the club," Barb explained. When Claudia didn't respond, Barb turned to see her looking concerned. "Don't worry. You'll be fine."

"Yeah, no pressure," Claudia said. "Out of curiosity, is Mistress Shawna still pissed at me for getting us kicked out of flag football?"

"I'd try to stay on her good side if I were you," Barb said, trying to hide her grin. She almost started laughing when Claudia threw a gutter ball on her next turn.

***

Everybody except Felicia worked at the haunted house that night, but Barb noticed Shawna seemed distracted. Shawna kept looking at her phone every few minutes, frowning with worry. After she caught Shawna doing this the third time, Barb put an arm around Shawna's shoulders.

"She's fine," Barb said. "Felicia would have texted or called if anything was wrong."

"I know, but I don't like this."

"Here, come with me," Barb said. She had one of the HRT guys take over her room while she led Shawna to the loft to talk privately.

They sat on a step, and Shawna placed her head in her hands. When she looked up again, a tear ran down her cheek. "I know I shouldn't worry, but I can't help it."

"I understand."

"Barb, I need to thank you."

"For what?"

"Those first few weeks of the semester when Felicia avoided me were pure hell. The day you brought her to the ice cream shop made me so happy."

"I could tell. That look on your face said everything."

"You will forever have my loyalty for bringing her back into my life," Shawna said, smiling warmly at Barb. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Barb replied, hugging Shawna tightly.

A sound interrupted the hug. Barb heard Shawna's phone beep. When Shawna looked at it, she seemed confused. "What the hell? Who sent this to me?" Shawna asked.

"What is it?" Barb asked.

Shawna turned the phone to show Barb a text with a picture. The photo showed Felicia and some blond boy sitting close to each other. The boy had a hand on Felicia's back. A text below the picture said, "I thought you might want to see this."

"Who do you think sent it? I'll give you three guesses," Barb groaned.

"Oh, that bitch! Marla isn't trying to mess with Felicia. She's screwing with ME!" Shawna said.